USA > Kansas > Cloud County > Biographical history of Cloud County, Kansas: biographies of representative citizens. Illustrated with portraits of prominent people, cuts of homes, stock, etc > Part 20
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A few blocks removed from the business houses are handsome resi- dences and artistic cottages, whose beauty are greatly enhanced by a luxuri- ant growth of magnificent shade trees. These are found in all parts of the city, making it exceedingly pleasant in summer. The public buiklings are stately edifices of modern architecture. The streets are not paved, a much needed factor which is being agitated by the city fathers, but the walks are admirably kept and in extent foot up a total of many miles. Few cities of the size of Concordia can boast of an electric light system giving more satis- factory service.
Concordia being a radiating center, many commercial travelers have joined its residents in citizenship. something like seventy-five of them resid- ing there. Many have families and own their comfortable homes. No more enterprising citizens can be found, or who more gen- erously subscribe to enter- prises promoted for the gen- cral welfare, or for the growth of their adopted town.
They are a jolly lot ; extended travel and bump- ing up against the world, as it were, gives them an in- sight into human nature, broadens their views and renders them exceedingly companionable fellows, who COURT HOUSE. draw to themselves a crowd in the corridors of the hotel or wherever they may have convened to distribute their stores of well chosen "yarns." They are almost invariably genial. full of humor and wit, their narratives ever appropriate and entertaining, never minus bright points. Several of them have holding's in various business interests in Concordia, some of whom have renounced the road entirely and become permanent dwellers in the city.
Scores of these "commercial tourists" leave Concordia every Monday morning to visit the trade they have established. covering a territory of many miles north, south, east and west, and on the return trip again "Sun- day" in Concordia, the center of gravitation.
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
All the secret, social and benevolent orders are represented in Con- cordia. St. John's Lodge No. 113, A. F. & A. M., was organized in 1872. There is a Blue Lodge and Chapter of Masons. The Concordia Com- mandery is in the lead in conferring the Order of the Temple. In the two last reports of the grand reporter they were placed at the head of the list and won laurels over all in the state. An encampment of Odd Fellows was instituted in 1873, and is known as Concordia Lodge No. 92. The United Commercial Travelers have a strong organization here. Many of the societies have elegant quarters. Especially is this true of the Benevolent Order of Elks. They maintain handsomely equipped, commodious and well ventilated rooms, where for the time being the man of affairs can enjoy an evening of recreation and business cares are forgotten.
THE RIVER BEFORE CHANGING ITS COURSE.
During the high water of July. 1902, the Republican river changed its channel. Leaving the city, it turned its course about one mile further to the northward, joining the old course about one and a half miles to the north- east. Its waywardness was the practical ruin of several fine farms; also
THE RIVER BEFORE CHANGING ITS COURSE.
leaving the Concordia electric light plant and the Concordia mills without the water power by which they were largely operated. This was a serious damage to the city, while it is a heavy expense to the county as well, neces- sitating the building of a new bridge. Various projects are being con-
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sidered, among them the cutting of a new channel through the neck of land where the river makes the farthest point south.
The city of Concordia is located on rolling ground and has fine natural drainage. The town extends from the river well into the hills north and eastward. "Zion Hill." which lies directly west of the city, derives its origin from the numerous divines who at one time resided in that part of the city. "Nobs llill" lies west and south of the Washington school build- ing and was appropriately given its suggestive name be- cause of the aristocracy of that locality. "Jail Hill" lies to the southeast of the city. Here is located the county jail: hence the name. The "CHAMPION " DAY IN CONCORDIA. building is a substantial structure. located on the summit of the hill, and to the prisoner who is so unfortunate as to need be incarcerated there is no escape, until given his freedom at the hands of the official who holds the keys that will move from their fast- enings the ponderous doors.
Concordia is not a boom town, but en- joys a steady and substantial growth. There are no empty buildings, residences or otherwise. and the citizens are all alive to the best interests of their beautiful city. The moral and social atmosphere compares favorably with any town of its THE WASHINGTON SCHOOL. size. While the religious side is looked to, social pleasures are also encour- aged, and many functions are held, which are elaborate in detail and dis- tinguished for their modern appointments.
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
In noting the various enterprises which follow, the author has no spe- cial interest, further than to give credit where it is merited, and they are published solely in the interests of the subscribers to the History of Cloud County.
THE CONCORDIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
One of America's many. many institutions is her mag- nificent public school system and nowhere on the continent is this exemplified to a great- er degree than in the fair state of Kansas. It is one of the principal elements of her greatness. and nowhere, per- haps, in the state are the edu- cational facilities of the pub- lic schools of Concordia sur- passed. From the modest King little school house erected THE LINCOLN SCHOOL. soon after the birth of Con- cordia, in 1870, modern structures valued at seventy-five thousand dollars have been erected.
The Washington school was built in 1883; the first of the four build- ings that comprise the city's present schools. It is a fine brick building The Lincoln is a four- with eight rooms. a library and recitation rooms. room brick, erected in 1886. The same year the Garfield school, a two-roomed build- ing .. was located in the north part of the city. The High school, which is situated on the corner of Washington and Seventh streets, was erected in 1900. This is a handsome building of sub- stantial architecture, and is the pride of Concordia. It is constructed with an audi- torium that has a seating capacity of two hundred and seventy-five, four large reci- THE GARFIELD SCHOOL. tation rooms, principal's room and superintendent's office. A well equipped gymnasium and a fine laboratory have been introduced.
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
The school library consists of one thousand six hundred volumes, rich in historical and biographical works, besides a splendid reference library. Opportunity is afforded the student to exercise his mind to the utmost dur- ing the four years high school course, and those whose scholastic career ends there, are fitted for mental growth and development in after life. A total of seventeen teachers are employed, three of that number in the High school. Miss Ida R. Wilcox, one of the best known educators in the county, and a daughter of Rosetta Honey Wilcox, who taught the first school in the county, is principal and has filled that position for seven years, her work in the meantime being of a high character.
THE HIGH SCHOOL.
.1. B. Carney has been associated with the Concordia schools for ten successive years. The discipline with which he conducted the first two years of his work is demonstrated by his promotion to a position of greater respon- sibility, which he has ably discharged and won recognized honor in the eight years his services have been retained as superintendent. Of the eight hundred and seventy pupils enrolled, one hundred of them are High school students. The average daily attendance is upwards of seven hundred. The citizens of Concordia have shown an appreciation of the progress made in the public schools and have reason to feel especially proud. For years the school board has been selected from the most progressive citizens of the city, who have lightened the burden very materially by vieing with their predecessors in
HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
thoroughly equipping the buildings with necessary apparatus and employ- ing the most efficient instructors at good salaries. The average in grades is forty-five dollars per month. The High school principal receives seven- ty-five dollars per month, and the superintendent twelve hundred dollars per year. Each succeeding year the Concordia public schools have pro- gressed and the development has been rapid. and the year that has just closed has been no exception to the preceding ones.
THE GREAT WESTERN BUSINESS AND NORMAL COLLEGE.
In September, 1889, L. H. Hansam organized a business training in- stitution in the city of Concordia, Kansas, known as the Great Western Business College. Mr. Hausam, the founder and president of the college, was a man of experience in educational work, having been connected with commercial and normal school interests for a period of fifteen years, when entering upon the field at Concordia. He has the reputation of being one of the best known and experienced penmen in the entire country, and is the founder of the Kansas State Penman Association, the only one of its kind in the United States, and is the author of The New Educator of Penman- ship, the highest endorsed work of its kind ever published. Several of his pupils became very proficient in this art, being the only students who passed the examination provided by the Kansas State Penmanship Asso- ciation.
E. N. Hall, a well qualified college bred man, having earned the degree of master of accounts from the Gem City Business College of Quincy, Illinois, was principal of the commercial department.
W. J. Williams, a graduate from the Omaha Commercial College, was principal of the typewriting department. He was capable and enthusiastic, and produced some good results. Mr. O. F. Bearnes, principal of the short- hand department, was not only an experienced and competent instructor. but a cultured man of much value to the students in various ways. Each of the departments was well equipped, and every practical means used to make the Great Western Business College a successful institution, and while the enrollment never reached its present proportion, good results were obtained, and the college became favorably known.
In June, 1902, Professor W. T. Larimore, one of the most enthusiastic and zealous educational workers in the west. assumed ownership, and became president of the Great Western Business & Normal College. Under his management the school has made wonderfully rapid strides, and is destined to become one of the foremost colleges in the state. Its reputa- tion for thoroughness is being widely established and the college quarters are crowded to their utmost capacity with bright young men and women from various parts of the country, who, as soon as they are competent, are placed in positions that command a lucrative salary, proportionate with the ability of the aspirant. This college offers advantages to the student who is desirous of qualifying for a position of trust and responsibility, or
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
to the young man or woman who expect to manage their own affairs, as a thorough business training is valuable to all classes of people.
Professor Larimore is not only one of the most energetic and tireless workers, but one of the most competent instructors in the state, being master of three different systems in shorthand, presenting them all in a clear. attractive and comprehensive manner
Each student entering for the shorthand or business course receives instructions in the following subjects: Plain penmanship, pronunciation, business forms, lecturing. business practice, commercial law, spelling, letter writing. bookkeeping, debating, office training, arithmetic, civil government, constitution and grammar. These classes are all conducted under the most modern and approved methods, and the courses of study complete.
The typewriting department has all the latest improvements and cach desk is furnished with a machine, the key of which is given to the student, that he may use the typewriter whenever he desires. The elegant desks con- taining the machines are regular eight drawer, roller top office desks. The equipment of the Great Western Business college is one of the finest in the entire country. Solid oak individual desks, solid oak spring and screw office chairs. for students in the commercial department, solid oak typewriter desks in typewriting department. The chairs of all the departments are of oak, with solid oak table chairs for the lecture room. There are carpets on the aisles and halls throughout the building. Many feet of fine blackboard is provided ; also a beautiful bank counter that students may be given the prac- tical experience so essential before entering upon office duty. The two office rooms are admirably fitted with library chairs and tables, Davenport couch, roller-top office desks and the floor is covered with Brussels carpet. The building is steam heated, lighted by electricity, and. although crowded with students, is well ventilated. clean and healthful.
The normal department, intended for those who wish to teach school. or pursue a thorough course in the English branches, is so arranged that the le-t possible results are attained within the period of attendance. The elocution department is of a high character, and the advantages offered in this school are unsurpassed in the state. The instructor in the telegraphy department, Professor J. P. Tyler, has had years of practical experience.
The Great Western Business and Normal College has made every effort to secure the best talent in the music department, and are prepared to offer the best advantages to the students interested in music. They make a specialty of piano, string and band instruments of all kinds, and of voice culture. A college orchestra and a college band are among the leading and pleasing features of the school.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF W. T. LARIMORE, THE PRESIDENT OF THE GREAT WESTERN BUSINESS AND NORMAL COLLEGE.
A farm near Jacksonville, Illinois, is the birthplace of W. T. Larimore, and here he first saw the light of day in August, 1863. Two years subse-
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
quently, his parents removed to Fairfield, Iowa, where he assisted in the duties of the farm, and when time and circumstances permitted. attended school. At the age of thirteen years he returned to his native state and when seventeen years of age graduated from the Jacksonville high school, and later entered upon a three-years' course in Parsons College, Fairfield, Iowa, where he made the most of his opportunities, and at the age of twenty entere.l the Illinois Normal College, at Dixon, Illinois, where he completed the normal, business and shorthand courses. Here was where he received his first inspiration to excel as a teacher, and when he entered this field it was with a determination of leading in his profession and he has not failed in this worthy ambition.
President Larimore has won laurels as an instructor, and is now on his seventeenth year of unparal- leled success. In 1885 he became as- sociated with the Western Normal College of Shenandoah, Iowa, where, through his great zeal and energy. one of the most successful shorthand schools in the west was built up. O December 2, 1891, this popular insti- tution was totally destroyed by fire. Although everything was disorder and confusion, Professor Larimore gathered his students together, or- ganized classes and continued the col- lege work in a building secured for that purpose during the ensuing three months. In the meantime he con- PROFESSOR W. T. LARIMORE. tracted with Professor F. F. Roose, business manager of the Lincoln Normal University, Lincoln, Nebraska, to take charge of the Lincoln College of Shorthand. On March I, 1802, Professor Larimore moved his school to Lincoln. The University building was completed on September 6, when he moved his students into the elegant new quarters, where he met with the best of success. In May, 1893. the university was sold to Saylor & Givens. Professor Givens hav- ing been a shorthand teacher, negotiations soon began for the purchase of that department. The deal was consummated and the college turned over to the above named firin on the Ist of June.
But Professor Larimore was not one to remain idle for a great lengthli of time; his record was too bright a one to admit of rest. as the hundreds of pupils who have graduated under his tutorage and are holding important positions throughout the country was a record that did not admit of his being retired more than a brief period. He accepted a position as principal of the shorthand department of the Sioux City Commercial College, of
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
Sioux City, Iowa, but resigned at the expiration of the first year. His health having become impaired, he journeyed south to recuperate his lost vitality and while there filled the position as principal in the shorthand department of the Massey Business College, located in Jacksonville, Florida. During this time the Lincoln Normal University had become financially embarrassed and at the earnest request of the manager Professor Larimore took charge of the shorthand department and succeeded in converting it into one of the best departments of the university. It was unfortunate for all when the building was totally destroyed by fire in November. 1898. Immediately after this event Professor Larimore was secured for the short- hand and typewriting departments of the Grand Island Business College, where he labored with zeal and enthusiasm, attaining brilliant success, and making an extraordinary record as an instructor. After closing a period of three and one-half years of work in that widely-known college he accepted the presidency of the Great Western Business and Normal College of Con- cordia. With the gratifying success that has crowned his efforts are noticeable instances of the many obstacles he has found in his way, chief of which is a building commodious enough to accommodate the growing needs of this progressive enterprise.
In conclusion it is but a fitting tribute to say of Professor Larimore, the patience and kind interest he manifests in the present and future welfare of his students draws them very closely around him in bonds of sympathy and appreciation. He is ever ready to contribute to their advancement and busi- ness interests. Under his judicious administration the college has been wonderfully advanced, and Concordia feels a just pride in this growing insti- tution so well calculated to promote the welfare of the rising generation; it does and should receive the fostering aid of the surrounding country. Pro- fessor Larimore has demonstrated since coming to Concordia what an energetic, live man can accomplish. By extensive advertising and his unlim- ited capacity for "rustling" he has attracted students from all over the state and even beyond the confines of Kansas.
THE CONCORDIA ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY.
Several years prior to the organization of the Concordia Electric Light Company an effort was made to light the city and a plant was established with an arc system for lighting the streets, which was fairly successful. but owing to crude workmanship and cheap labor it proved a failure; the plant was closed down and kerosene again resorted to, but the prosperous city of Concordia was not accustomed to being outdone in the race for improve- ments and it made a new and permanent start on a firm basis, with ample means and men of ability to forge the project to the front, who spared no expense in the outlay for competent labor, machinery and fixtures.
The Concordia electric light and power plant stands pre-eminently to the front of Concordia's enterprises and compares favorably with the lighting
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
systems of many larger cities in this and older states. The plant was estab- lished by the firm of H. M. Spalding & Company in 1886, and incorporated two years later. The business was inaugurated by placing one thirty-light Western electric low-tension dynamo, which was speedily followed by two more dynamoes of the same capacity and style.
The machinery was first run by water power alone, but in 1888 a Cor- liss engine was added. In 1898 a large general electric incandescent dynamo, or generator, was installed, with the alternating system. It has been a source of much satisfaction to the company to say it has never solic- ited a customer since they placed this last machine. They have wired and in operation over thirty-five hundred lights. all of which have been installed by the unsolicited request of their patrons. The lighting of the streets, busi- ness blocks, residences and public buildings are a source of pride to the res- idents of the city and the public at large.
E. A. Wentworth, one of the best electricians in the country and a man of long and varied experience throughout the state, wired the city of Con- cordia, where he spent four years, and much credit is due to his skill and artistic taste. H. M. Spalding, the prime mover in this enterprise, is pres- ident of the company, and T. J. McCue, one of Concordia's prominent busi- ness men, is treasurer.
WEATIIER BUREAU,
The weather bureau office, which was established in Concordia May I. 1885, is and has been since it was first located, on the second floor of the B. S. Williams building, No. 204 West Sixth street.
The office was opened by P. H. Cahill, who remained in charge until June. 1886, when he was succeeded by E. A. Ravenscroft, of St. Louis; Mr. Ravenscroft was relieved by L. M. Tarr in January. 1887. and Mr. Tarr by J. W. Byram in September, 1896. Mr. Byram, who is a gentle- manly and obliging official, is still on duty as official in charge.
Warnings of storms, frosts and cold waves for the northern half of Kansas are sent out from this office. A daily bulletin, showing the weather conditions over the section of country between the Mississippi river and the Rocky mountains, is issued each morning, and mailed to one hundred and sixty-five persons and places. Records of all weather conditions are kept and from them is found the annual rainfall of Cloud county to be seven and ninety-eight one hundredths inches and the mean temperature fifty-three degrees.
THE CONCORDIA TELEPHONE COMPANY.
One of the most complete organizations in all its details in Cloud county is the Concordia Telephone Company. From a very diminutive affair it has assumed extended proportions until a complete system has been consummated, far reaching in its service. The company was instituted in the autumn of 1897. with eighty-three subscribers on the list. The Honor-
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
able G. W. Marshall was its first president: F. J. AAtwood, treasurer, and F. W. Daugherty, secretary. A few months thereafter Mr. Marshall and Mr. Atwood sold their interests in the enterprise and J. W. Cline was elected president. Mr. Cline disposing of his portion, E. 11. Fullerton was chosen to succeed him as president.
In July, 1901, G. G. Hill and William Lutt purchased Mr. Fullerton's interest in the stock, at which time the following officers were chosen: F. W. Daugherty, president ; William Lntt, vice-president, and G. G. Hill, sec- retary and treasurer. These last named officers are the exclusive owners and remain the officials of the company.
Mr Daugherty has been with the organization from its beginning and has witnessed the growth of the enterprise from its eighty-three original subscribers to over five hundred patrons, including seventy-five of the lead- ing farmers of Cloud and Republic counties. Through its own and sur- rounding connections every town of any importance in the state of Kansas and many in Nebraska are reached. They are also connected with Kansas City and all eastern points through the Union Telephone and Telegraph Company, in which Messrs. Daugherty, Lutt and Hill are largely interested.
William Lutt, vice-president of the company, is a veteran ex-traveling man. whose territory called him to Concordia regularly for many years. Mr. Lutt's energy and enterprising nature make him well qualified for the relative place he occupies. He is permanently established in Concordia and possesses qualities that render him a useful citizen. George G. Hill, sec- retary and treasurer of the company, has been reared in Kansas, having come to the state in his boyhood days. In 1874. while en route to Jewell City to join his brother. the late Robert W. IHill. he passed through Clyde and Concordia and remembers them as villages composed of a few "shacks." This was before the advent of railroads and Mr. Hill walked from Clyde to Jewell City and, as if to add spice and something novel to his experience. he unwillingly parted from the trail and wandered promiscuously over the wild region of the salt marsh for several hours ere the bewildered lad found his way. He, like Mr. Lutt, is an old-time commercial traveler, having fol- lowed that life for fifteen years, beginning with D. M. Steele & Company, of St. Joseph, Missouri. Mr. Hill is a native of Carrollton, Illinois. He is of southern origin, his father and mother having been natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively.
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