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REYNOLDS MISTORICAL JENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC DIETARY 3 1833 01716 9316
978. M69 d 1899 20 ~*
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013
http://archive.org/details/directoryofmitch00unse
97 MI6 18 20
DIRECTORY
MITCHELL COUNTY
KANSAS
1899
THE WESTERN CALL
BELOITA KANK
Gc 97 MI6 18
20
Rua mars 6-1979
H. C. AN NAN'S BIG DEPARTMENT STORE, BELOIT, KAN.
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2034382
97 MI6 18
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H-SOCHY
MANHATTAN, KANSAS 00.02
J. D. VAN HOOK, Livery ."" Feed Barn.
Prompt service at any time of the day or night. Good teams and competent drivers. The patronage of the public is re- spectfully solicited.
Barn opposite Brunswick Hotel, Telephone No. 12. BELOIT, KAN.
G. B. DUNCAN,
Veterinary Surgeon and Dentist.
GRADUATE OF THE
Ontario Veterinary College.
2
L. O. COLEMAN, BELOIT, KANSAS,
LEADING BRANDS
M. M. B. Key West. Leader. Cuba Libre.
Dealers' Brands a Specialty.
MANUFACTURER OF
FINE HAVANA AND DOMESTIC FILLED CIGARS.
SMITS -
R.X J
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GLEN
SOLOMON
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Glen Elder
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CATRAL Macondar CE:
LARANCH
SolomonS
Springs
into
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Solomon Rap's
BELOIT
Stam 0.
Danville
$18
*
WALNUT
KTURKEY
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AGREEK
CREEKS
CREER
BELOFTE
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$3 B
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.
BAKERY'
Beloit Scene in June 1879
The above scene on the north side of Main street in 1879 will probably not be recognized as such by the younger of our readers but will bring back many memories to the older res idents. The first building to the west, a corner of which is just visible was at that time Dr. Miley's drug store The next building in order is the old Avenue stable at that time managed by W. W. Orr. These buildings then stood where the fine New York Store block now stands, occupied by the New York Store and Kiniry & Son. The bakery shown
was that of Mrs. O'Donnell, while Dobler & Dawson conducted the pho- tograph gallery overhead. This is the building now occupied by J. M. Ward and the Shipley gallery.
The building to the right of the pic- ture was at that time occupied by T. N. Culver with a grocery store. In the foreground will be seen our own Charley Burt, seated on the wagon be now drives, but at that time a brand new vehicle used by Mr. Burt in de- livering goods for the Pacific Express Co.
,
3
F. M. APPLEGATE, ( Ex-Register of Deeds,,
REAL ESTATE AND LOANS.
Farms and City Properties for Sale in all parts of North-Central Kansas.
PRIVATE AND EASTERN MONEY TO LOAN.
TAXES PAID AND LANDS LEASED FOR NON-RESIDENTS.
Office, No. 104 North Mill Street, Beloit, Kan.
4
ED. SHAW,
DEALER IN
STOVES AND RANGES.
ALSO
Granite Ware, Bicycles, Cutlery, Glass, Paints and Oils, Windmills, Pumps, Pipe, and Plumbing Goods.
MY MOTTO: "First-class goods at reasonable prices." 1
5
W. F. JENSEN.
THE JENSEN CREAMERY CO. MAIN OFFICE, BELOIT, KAN.
FACTORIES:
Beloit.
Glen Elder.
Scottsville.
Sunflower.
Downs.
Victor.
Portis.
Norway. Asherville.
Blue Hill.
Speed.
Green Mound.
Denmark.
Osborne.
Saltville,
Mayview.
Stockton.
G
U. G. MERCER,
PROPRIETOR OF THE
Beloit Steam Laundry.
Best Equipped Steam Laundry and Dye Works in Northwest Kansas. e c & Special Attention given to Short -Order Work. & & & The Patron- age of the Public is Solicited. eeeeeeee
Location, 114 East Court Street.
TELEPHONE 82.
i
7
Mall
A. J. COWMAN, Practical Engineer, 214 North Mill Street, Beloit, Kan.
Tested, Boller Work Done, Cylinder Bord, Valyda Hun Agent for REEVES & CO.'S Double-Cylinder Purines, Crops Compound Ing. Compound Separator, Sawmills, and Clover Hullers
OLD ENGINES BOUGH
204
S. H. FULLERTON, President and General Manager.
ROBERT FULLERTON, C. 1. MILLARD, FRANK COLPLL, ... ..........
Vice-President.
CHICAGO LUMBER AND COAL COMPANY.
LUMBER, LATH, SHINGLES, SASH, DOORS, MOI DING, POSTS, LIMI, CEMINI, PLASTER, BRICK, SIWER PIPE, ETC., ETC.
All Kinds of COAL, Hard & Soft.
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F. W. MICHEL, Local Manager, AT BELOIT, KAN.
1
9
Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, of Milwaukee, Wis.
Insurance in force January 1, 1599,
$457,712,738.
ASSETS January 1, 1899,
$115.416,613
SURPLUS January 1, 1899, 25.367,602
Che Dividends
of the Northwestern to the policy-holders are unequaled, and hence this company furnishes cheaper insurance than other companies.
For particulars, address
R. M. POINDEXTER, Special Agent Northwest Kansas,
Beloit, Kansas.
10
J. C. GRAHAM, Proprietor
PORT ! CLOTHING COMPANY.
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1 1
The Low-Price
Furniture Store.
J. A. BULL, Prop.
Always offers best values at Lowest Prices. Everything new and up-to-date.
The Best Picture Framing in the city.
W. II. HOUGHTON, The Grocer.
121, 123 and 125
North Mill Street, BELOIT, KAN.
We aim to keep THE BEST.
W. I. MAYNARD,
Harness, Saddles,
Whips, etc.
121 North Mill Street.
A full stock of everything in the harness line kept constantly on hand,
and at prices easily within the reach of everybody.
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. . The Beloit . . Hardware Company-
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALERS.
Shelf and Heavy Hardware.
Stoves and Tinware.
Windmills, Pumps, and Tanks.
Belting and Thrashing- machine Repairs.
Glass, Paints, Oils, and Varnishes.
Bicycles, Sewing-machines.
We have a Finely Equipped Workshop,
Where all kinds of Plumbing, Tin Work and Bicycle Repairing are done.
1
13.
V
B. F. BRACKEN.
Above we present a correct likeness of B. F. BRACKEN, PROPRIETOR OF THI.
Largest Furniture and Carpet Business In Northern Kansas, OPERATING STORES AT BELOIT AND SALINA.
14
W. F. WRAY,
Lunch and Confectionery.
MEALS AT ALL HOURS.
The patronage of the public solicited. Drop in and make yourself at home.
You are always welcome at Wray's.
J. M. GROTZ,
DEALER IN
Poultry and Eggs.
Highest market price always paid.
BELOIT, KAN.
H. C. OWEN,
BELOIT, KAN.
Oldest Cand
man in mitchell County.
Correspondence solicited.
15
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-
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A. B. COTTON, Mayor of the City of Beloit.
16
HON. ANSON S. COOKE.
17
B
HON. T. C. RODGERS.
18
.
Beloit Milling Company.
A FIRST=CLASS INSTITU= TION. + UP-TO-DATE IN ALL ITS APPOINTMENTS.
It's a pleasure to show you through the plant.
19
ESTABLISHED 1872
THE OLDEST AND LARGEST
HARNESS AND SADDLE SHOP IN NORTHWEST KANSAS.
W. C. HOFFMEISTER,
MANUFACTURER OF AND DEALER IN
HARNESS, SADDLES, COLLARS, WHIPS, FLY - NETS, HORSE BLANKETS, LAP-ROBES, ETC., AND EVERYTHING KEPT IN A FIRST- CLASS HARNESS SHOP.
BUGGY TRIMMING
A SPECIALTY
No, 117 SOUTH MILL STREET. 1
20
Preface.
SOME time ngo the idea suggested itself to us that a direet. ory which should contain the name of every voter in Mitchell county would meet a popular demand, and would prove a great convenience to every business man in the county. Visits to the business men of Beloit convinced us that such a book would be welcome, and therefore arrangements were at once made with a view to an early publication of volume I of a " Directory of the City of Beloit and Michell County."
In presenting the book to the public, it may not be out of place to state that every effort possible has been made to seeme accuracy in every detail. In the first place, the lists of voters and residents, as returned by the assessors of the several townships and municipalities, were carefully copied and com- pared, and then such lists were sent to old residents of the several townships for correction. Many corrections and addi- tions were made to each list, and when these lists were returned comparisons were carefully made with original lists, and every- thing possible done to insure not only a complete list of the voters, but also that names might be orthographically correct.
As will be observed, the names are arranged alphabetically under township and post-office headings, and any resident of the county may be easily located.
In the directory of the city of Beloit will be found not only the names of all voters, but in addition the names of women who are owners of real estate or who are employed in stores and offices, or engaged in business on their own account : also, street address of every person whose name appears is also inserted.
In addition to the directory proper will be found much other information of a valuable nature, such as a street directory of the city of Beloit; directory of the city and county officers ; public and parochial schools; church directory; information relative to location of lodge halls and times of meeting of the numerous secret societies, associations, clubs, and musical or- ganizations, and other data of similar character.
THE PUBLISHERS.
BELÇIT, KAN., September, 1899.
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22
History of Mitchell County.
Mitchell County.
MANY comparatively young men now living in Mitchell county, who in their school boy days studied Monteith's or MeNally's geographies, will call to mind the maps in those books. All the country from the Missouri river to the Rocky mountains was shown on one muy, and what was formed "The Great American Desert" was represented as covering an area extending from Texas to South Dakota, and from Fort Riley to Pike's Peak. By a perusal of the test in those geographies it was learned that all this vast region was a country almost min- less - in fact, a typical desert of sand and simooms. It was also stated that, at certain seasons, tribes of fierce savages roamed over these plains for the purpose of hunting the buffalo and other game which abounded along the few streams which we're represented as at certain seasons flowing through the des- ert. Pessimistic, indeed, were the predictions regarding this vast empire. Not only did the geographies depiet it as a region barren and worthless, but travelers also, who had ventured far beyond the Mississippi and traversed the country from Westport Landing to Santa Fe, made anything but complimentary reports. For instance, one writer who made the trip from some point on the Missouri river to Denver, and who probably passed through what is now Mitchell county, wrote an account of his journey and adventures in which he said : " From a point not exceeding 100 miles west of the Missouri to the very base of the Rocky mountains is a vast plain, arid and but little better than a des- ort. It is not now and never can be a fit habitation for man."
The above was written less than half a century ago, and for some time thereafter but little change occurred in the popular estimate of the country. Finally, however, the skirmish line of civilization advanced westward. Occasionally it was repulsed, but never defeated, and each year found the outposts a little further up the incline. A hundred miles or so to the eastward of this skirmish line was the main army which was destined in a few decades to conquer this vast territory, and in fact to make the desert "bloom and blossom as the rose." Truly, it may be said that "peace hath her victories no less than war," and the
£
23
History of Mitchell County.
future historian will record as one of the great achievements of any people this victory by which a vast empire was converted from a desert, inhabited by buffaloes, savage beasts, and hardly less ravage men, into one of the garden spots of the world, with millions of contented, happy and prosperous men and women
In the late '60's this skirmish line reached what is now Mitchell county, and in 1870 a sufficient force of the main army had arrived, so that it was possible to organize a county govern- mint The possession then taken by this army of creation has never been surrendered, but year by year the position was strengthened and fortified at one point and then another, until it was finally made impregnable and proof against the assaults of nature. Less than the decades have passed since a county government was organized, and yet in that short period results have been accomplished which command the admiration and wonder of all. While it is true our people do not count among their number as many possessors of great wealth as may be found in the older communities of the last, neither do they have the extremely poor; and in this connection it should also be borne in mind that the wealth of the inhabitants of Mitchell county has been acquired, and not inherited: it is the result of the toil and efforts of the possessors, and not of their ancestors. In less than thirty years the people of Mitchell county, so far as ma- torial comforts and the conveniences of civilization are coll- corned. have attained the level reached by their Eastern brethren resulting from the continued toil and economy of several sue- cessive generations.
Some there may be who will consider these statements as too optimistic, and who imagine that elsewhere nature is more prodigal of her gifts, and that in other climes the inhabitants enjoy as a whole more of the luxuries of life than here. They forget the crop failures with which they were afflicted " down East," by reason of which many lost their little homes and were forced to accept the wholesome advice of that wise sage of ('haj)- paqua, Horace Greeley, and "go West." They forget that no- where else than in Kansas is it a common occurrence for a man, from the proceeds of a single crop, to obtain sufficient to pur- chase the land on which the crop was grown.
It is not the purpose of the writer to dwell npon tables of dry statistics, for while it is true that "figures don't lie," as a rule they cannot be made to constitute very entertaining reading;
21
History of Mitchell County.
but as an example of the class of statistical matter that might be offered in connection with the account of the resources of Mitchell county, it may be stated that the wheat harvested in 198 amounted to 2,000,000 bushels, this one erop alone bring. ing the farmers of the county at least $1,000,000 above what was reserved for seed. Think of it! One million dollars from a single crop; and in addition to this the corn, the cats, the fruit, the alfalfa, the hogs, the cows, and last but not least the "help- ful hens," ever working to supply the families of their owners with the necessities and luxuries of life.
"The stranger within our gates" may think the above an ne- count of the result of a phenomenally prosperous your, but that is not the case, for the value of the wheat crop harvested the present year nearly equals, if it does not in fact exceed, that of Isus, and us this volume goes to press the corn crop is "assured" beyond all doubt to be the largest ever known in the history of the county.
There was a time some years ago when the farmers of central Kansas anxiously watched the skies from early June until Sep- tember, always fearful that the rains would not come when most needed, and that the "hot winds" would blight the fields of corn: but diversified farming, and the "mixing of brains with cow feed" have robbed the hot winds of their terror, and as a rule the farmers of northern central Kansas, and especially of Mitch- ell county, are as prosperous a people as can be found anywhere.
The towns and villages located in an agricultural country are always evidence of the degree of prosperity enjoyed by the cul- tivators of the soil. In a country where the land is poor the towns are also poor, and give every indication of the condition of the territory on which they largely rely for support. On the other hand, in a section where the land is fertile and the farm- ers prosperous the towns prove a true barometer; the buildings are kept in repair; new ones are built euch year, and many con- veniences such as sidewalks, lighted streets and sewerage systems are added from time to time.
Aside from Beloit, to which more particular reference will be mado later, Mitchell county supports a number of prosperous towns and villages. Second in population and importance is Cawker City, containing about 1200 inhabitants, and located on the Missouri Pacific railway, in the northwest corner of the county. It is a well-built little city, having a number of sub-
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History of Mitchell County. 25
stantial business blocks, several handsome churches, and many benutiful residences. Its business men are up to date in every respect, and no town of the same size west of Atchison has the volume of trade enjoyed by Cawker City.
Located three miles cust, and about eighty rods from Wa- condu station, on the Missouri Pacific railway, is the famous Great Spirit or Waconda spring. The curative properties of the waters of the spring have been known since the settlement of the country, and had it not been for an unfortunate combi. nation of circumstances there can be no doubt but that long ore this the place would have become famous as a health resort. Nearly twenty years ago a company was formed, composed largely of Eastern capitalists, for the purpose of creating a hotel and marketing the waters. A commodious stone building was partially completed, when, by reason of the death of one of the principal officers, work was suspended, and soon thereafter the property was involved in litigation, which continued almost without interruption until a short time ago, although, in an in- torvid of a few months in 1893 and 1891 the hotel building was completed, and has since been furnished in a very comfortable manner, and under the management of the present lessee, Lieut. b. C. Smith, is fast becoming a very popular resort for those who wish a quiet, comfortable and home like place at which to spend a vacation. Many improvements are contempl ed in the near future, which, when made, will render Waconda one of the most desirable summer resorts in the West.
(ilen Elder is located eleven miles west of Beloit, on the Mis- souri Pacific road, and it can safely be said that there is no town in the state of equal size that transacts a business of all equal amount. It is one of the important stock-shipping sta- tions in northern Kansas; its merchants are progressive and ever on the alert to advance the interests of their town.
Scottsville, located twelve miles northeast of Beloit, on the Missouri Pacific road, is a trading point of considerable impor- tance, and the volume of business transacted by its merchants in the course of a year is very large. It is surrounded by a beau- tiful upland prairie, and is in the center of a very productive wheat belt, although the farmers by no means confine them- selves to the cultivation of this one cereal. Stock-raising, and especially "cow culture," is receiving more attention each your.
On the Union Pacific road eleven miles southeast of Beloit,
1
G( 9 M€ 1 2:
26
History of Mitchell (.
und on the Mitchell county side of the line dividing this county from Cloud, is located the little town of Simpson, its railroad name being Brittsville. There is no better farming land in the world than that surrounding this village, and such a thing as a total crop failure is unknown.
Three miles northwest of Simpson is the little village of Asherville, which is an important shipping point, and in the course of a year transacts a business of no mean importance.
The remaining railroad stations in the county are Gilbert and Solomon Rapids, both being located on the Missouri l'a- cific line, the former about four miles east of Beloit and the latter five miles west. The principal business of these stations consists in the shipping of grain and stock.
The little village of Tipton, fourteen miles south of Cawker; is an important trading point and if it had railroad facilities would doubtless become a place of considerable importante.
Victor, twenty-four miles southwest of Beloit, is an impor- tant trading point, and its business has been very maderinlly increased within the last two or three years since there was es- tablished a separating station for the Jensen Creamery Company.
County Officers.
Chas. E. Ewing, County Clerk, 101 North Mill street. A. P. McMillan, County Treasurer, 101 North Mill street. W. S. Hadley, Register of Deeds, 125 East Court street Chas. Lambertz, Sheriff, 415 North Campbell avenue. M. IT. Dooley, Clerk of District Court, 121 North Hersey avenue. N. L. Wilson, County Surveyor, 1055 East Court street. Levi Cooper, County Attorney, 110 East Main street. George D. Carney, Supt. of Pub. Inst., 123 East Court street. Dr. E. E. Brewer, County Physician, 108 East Main street. J. S. Allen, Probate Judge, 121 East Court street. Dr. L. P. Kaull, County Health Officer, 115 East Main street. Dr. E. E. Brewer, Coroner, 10S East Main street.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
HI. H. Hamilton, first district, Plum Creek township. Slater White, second district, Turkey Creek township. E. M. Dial, third district, Cawker township.
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KEYS CLOTHING COMPANY.
We sell good goods, reliably made, at bed-rock prices. We have no shop- worn goods to offer.
UP-TO-DATE CLOTHIERS.
Satisfaction with every purchase, or your money gladly refunded.
KEYS CLOTHING COMPANY. 1
0 2YFIX
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The Dairy Industry.
In Mitchell county there are 9.693 cows and 21.325 otlu rent- the, distributed equally over the entire county, with probably the largest portion along Salt creek and the immediate vicinity north and south.
This large number of cows would indicate that considerable dairy business has its home in the county. During the last five years the dairy industry has increased wonderfully, and is to-day on a firm and solid footing, and steadily gaining a fost hold, as the farmers learn and understand the benefits derived from a steady and never-failing income. In many instances, the inhabitants of this county have no knowledge of even the simplest principles underlying the practice of profitable dairying. We have a great awakening, however. Farmers' institutes and agricultural papers are becoming more and more in demand.
The dairy industry in Mitchell county can be grouped into three different systems, namely: The creamery, the cheese far- tory, and the private dairy. In the cities, and in different places in the county, considerable private dairying is practiced, a very reasonable price being obtained for the butter, cheese and milk products marketed.
'The creamery business is in the hands of the Canker ('ity Creamery Company, owning factories at Cawker City and Tip- ton, and the Jensen Creamery Company, owning factories within the county at Beloit, Glen Elder, Scottsville, Asherville, Salt- ville, Sunflower, Victor, and Blue Hill. We have these facto- ries very judiciously placed; no creamery patron in the county needs to haul his milk a greater distance than from one to right miles.
The prices paid for butter-fat at the creameries average up as high as the price paid at the creameries throughout lowa, Min- nesota, or the central states.
At the present, but one cheese factory is operating, the same being located at Beloit and operated by the Jensen Creamery Company.
The approximate income to farmers in Mitchell county from
1
29)
Mitchell County Dairy Industry.
these sources for the year ending June 30, 1999, we estimate is follows :
Paid out by creameries $135,000
laid out by cheese factories ..
Value of product from private dairying 70,000)
$211,000
Adding to this the value of by-products, such as skim-milk, buttermilk, and calves, estimating the skim-milk at ten cents per hundred, we have 30,000.000 pounds, worth $0,000 ; 5.000 valves, worth $8 when four weeks old, worth $64,000; grand total. $358,000; being the yearly income from the dairy industry in Mitchell county, furnishing employment to a number of men and women the whole year around. and from past experience it has proven itself to be a reliable and profitable source of income.
A DO-ALL PURPOSE COW. COURTESY OF MN F. U CUN.NO, SANCHARY JAR MUSH OF OUR STORE
£
£
30
History of Beloit City.
City of Beloit.
The city of Beloit, unlike so many other Western towns, never enjoyed ( ?) a boom, and when, during the period of inflation, from 1885 to 1887, many of its neighbors were erecting extensive busi- ness blocks and elegant residences, Beloit calmly watched and waited, expending money for buildings only when there was seen to be a permanent demand for them. As a result of this policy, when the boom collapsed, its effect on Beloit was hardly noticeable. Store buildings and residences continued to beor- cupied as before, and in a your or so the demand for more room was so pressing that several substantial structures were created, thus furnishing employment to the artisans and mechanics re- siding here, and preventing that marked decrease in population which was the rule in other towns. The policy so consistently followed by the city has resulted only in good, and its citizens now enjoy modern conveniences of every kind to almost the same extent as can be found in any of the larger cities, the only thing lacking being electric cars. To enter into details to some little extent, reference will be first made to the water-works.
This plant was originally constructed by the city and operated by it for several years, but arrangements were finally made about ten years ago by which the plant was sold to the Beloit Water Company. Subsequently the works were loused to an- other corporation, the Beloit Light and Water Company, which has continued to operate it to the present time. For all ordi- nary uses water is procured from a number of wells located on both sides of the Solomon river, and in enses of emergency con- nection can be had with the river, and thus an ineshaustible supply secured. The pumping station has a capacity of one million gallons per day. There are six miles of mains and seventy-two fire hydrants, from which it will be seen that the city is well protected againt fire.
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