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 21
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Collectively speaking the officers and owners of the Concordia Tele- phone Company combine the features essential to success, and as a combina- tion have attained a place among the solid financial institutions of the country.
HISTORY OF THE CLOUD COUNTY BANK.
The Cloud County Bank, of Concordia, opened for business December 17, 1878, with an organized capital of $50.000. The directors were F. B. Smith, of Brandon, Vermont: H. C. Harrison, of the same place; R. J.
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Harper, of Manhattan, Kansas; E. Linney and W. C. McDonald, of Con- cordia. F. B. Smith was the principal founder and organizer. They occu- pied a small frame building on the same lot where the present structure stands until 1887, when they erected a substantial. two-story bank building.
The bank's first president was H. C. Harrison; R. J. Harper, vice- president ; C. W. McDonald, cashier, and Fred T. Atwood, assistant cashier. September 15, 1880, C. W. McDonald resigned his position as cashier and was succeeded by F. J. AAtwood, and J. F. Rogers was elected assistant cashier. October 15, 1883, F. J. Atwood resigned the position of cashier and V. H. Branch was elected to fill the vacancy. January 5, 1881. F. B. Smith was elected president, and E. L. Warren, vice-president. October 25, 1883. Dr. W. H. Wright was elected vice-president to fill a vacancy caused by the death of E. L. Warren. October 15, 1883. W. T. Branch was elected assistant cashier, and October 13, 1884, was succeeded by Walter E. Moore. January 5, 1886, William M. Peck was elected assistant cashier, and August I of the same year assumed the duties of cashier in place of V. H. Branch, resigned, and D. B. Harrison was elected assistant cashier. October I, IS9I. E. B. Warren was elected assistant cashier to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of 1). B. Harrison. Mr. Warren resigned October 8, 1894. and H. W. Barber, the present incumbent, was elected.
There were no further changes of office until the death of the bank's lamented president, F. B. Smith, which occurred at his home in Brandon, Vermont, January 13, 1900.
April 4, 1900. Dr. W. H. Wright was elected president, and George H. Young, vice-president, both of Brandon, Vermont, and sons-in-law of the late F. B. Smith.
October 10, 1882, the bank increased its capital stock to $100,000. Since the election of William M. Peck to the office of cashier. in 1886, he has had practically the entire charge of the bank. Under his personal super- vision they have constantly increased their volume of business. It has been said the stability and character of a community and its industries may be best judged by the standing of its banks. If this be true the people of Con- cordia have every cause for congratulation, for there is no bank in north- west Kansas that is held in more universal confidence by its patrons than the Cloud County Bank, of Concordia.
For twenty-four years it has been recognized as one of the financial powers of Cloud county. There has never been a time during that period when its policy has not been in accord with the upbuilding of the country and the fostering of its industries and enterprises.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK, OF CONCORDI.A.
The history of the First National Bank demonstrates what an enter- prise that has at its head men of business sagacity and enterprise can attain. Under these wise and conservative managers this bank is transacting an
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extensive and safe business and has gained a place among the most solid financial institutions of the state.
It was established October 26, 1883, under the national banking sys- tem, with a capital stock of $50,000. The officials were: H. M. Spalding, president : George W. Marshall, vice-president : F. J. Atwood, cashier; W. W. Bowman, assistant cashier. The directors were: H. M. Spakling, George W. Marshall, J. C. Gafford, James 1. Wyer, D. L. Brown, John Tate. Theodore Laing. C. A. Betournay and William Conner.
These officers were elected to fill the fraction of the year, but were re-elected for the ensuing year, with the exception of F. E. Cobb to succeed D. L. Brown. The corporation purchased the commodious quarters of the N. B. Brown banking house, but not the business of that firm. Mr. Spald- ing resigned the presidency of the bank May 7. 1884, and by virtue of office was succeeded by George W. Marshall. On September 10, 1884. Glenn E. Lathrop was elected bookkeeper and general assistant. December 10 of the same year resolutions were passed reducing the number of directors from nine to seven.
January 14. 1885. George W. Marshall was re-elected president, suc- ceeding himself: Charles E. Sweet was elected vice-president, and F. J. Atwood was made director. August 24, 1885. Glenn E. Lathrop resigned and C. R. Piper, of Ludlow, Vermont, assumed the duties of bookkeeper. Mr. Piper withdrew in June, 1886, and was succeeded by Don II. Atwood, now of the Elk State Bank, of Clyde. Thomas Wrong was made director by the death of John Tate. In September, 1886, a meeting was called to consider the feasibility of increasing the capital stock to $100,000; there was not a dissenting vote. hence the proposition carried and was put into effect.
On March 3, 1887. Glenn E. Lathrop, who had formerly been book- keeper, was tendered and accepted the position of cashier, succeeding F. J. Atwood, who became second vice-president and manager, each assuming the duties of their respective offices beginning with June, 1887. January IT, 1888, F. J. Atwood was elected president of this prosperous enterprise and during the sixteen years that have elapsed he has been the presiding genius and in reality the chief manager since its organization. At this meet- ing the office of second vice-president was abolished. D. H. Atwood resigned his position as bookkeeper in July, 1888, to assume the duties of cashier in the bank he promoted in Aurora.
After Mr. Atwood's resignation Mrs. Jessie H. Atwood filled that position very efficiently. May 6, 1889, W. W. Bowman succeeded Glenn E. Lathrop, resigned, and has served in the position of cashier continuously ever since. At the same time James 1. Wyer, Jr., was elected assistant cash- jer. In August, 1895, James I. Wyer withdrew for the purpose of entering upon a librarian course in the State University of Minnesota. He subse- quently completed his studies in Albany, New York, and received the
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appointment of librarian in the State University of Nebraska. Mrs. Wyer is a sister of Mrs. Atwood.
In March, 1896, the number of directors were reduced from seven to five. the minimum number. January 5, 1898, the Citizens National Bank went into liquidation- and George 11. Palmer, who had been the cashier of that firm, was elected assistant cashier of the First National Bank. Mr. Pal- mer was deceased about one year later. Il. C. Wones became teller in July, 1898, and on February 6 of the following year he was elected assistant cashier, still acting in that capacity and is a valued and efficient employe. On or about the same time Carl W. Allendoerfer became bookkeeper and general assistant. In September, 1901, Mr. Allendoerfer resigned and accepted a trustworthy position with the American National Bank, of Kan- sas City, Missouri, where he still holds forth. Walter B. Hedlund, the pres- ent competent bookkeeper assumed the responsibilities of that position in June. 1902. In May, 1902, W. E. Carnahan, the talented son of the late A. A. Carnahan, was elected teller. Since May, 1889. there has been no changes in the offices of president, vice-president and cashier from the time of their promotion to the present date ( Movember, 1902.)
The bank building was enlarged in 1900 and is one of the handsomest and most substantial structures in the city of Concordia, and a lasting mon- tinent to the prosperity and popularity of this institution. The building is of stone, two stories in height, extends back to the alley and represents some of the best architecture and masonry in this part of the state. Before 2 stone had been placed the prospective extension was leased by the govern- ment for postoffice quarters. The building is well furnished and admirably equipped for postal facilities. The second floor is arranged in office suites.
The deposits of the First National Bank runs from $225,000 to $300,- 000 ; more than this amount is from the farmer and stockman and this average has been maintained from the beginning. The total dividends paid to the stockholders have been $168,000. The total surplus is $75.000. The buikling contains improved fire-proof and burglar-proof vaults, which afford perfect security to the contents.
This firm has never been in a more sound or safer condition since enter- ing upon their prosperous career than they are today. Every bill is worth one hundred cents on the dollar. They have never experienced the anxiety of a "run" or the resemblance of one: even during the panic when many banks were failing all around them. The deposits were decreased owing to the stringency of the money markets, but were at all times abundantly able to pay any demands made upon them.
THE CONCORDIA LIBRARY.
The Concordia Library is another institution that Concordia is justly proud of. To Mrs. Caroline J. Dudley. Mrs. Josephine Truesdell Marshall, Mrs. Augusta Harrison Wilfong and the late Mrs. Ruth Pulsifer (mother
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of Park B. Pulsifer ) the city owes the founding of this enterprise ; they were not only the promoters of this worthy project but the prime movers in push- ing it to success.
The first library quarters were in a room in the Young Men's Chris- tian Association building, tendered gratuitously by that organization. The first financial fund was earned in a very unique manner, by Mrs. Dudley and Mrs. Wilfong as "Scissor Grinders." These ladies plied their vocation in a way that would have done credit to the "professionals" in our great cities. Trade was brisk and not only scissors were ground, but carving knives, jack knives, etc., until they had netted a considerable fund. They carried a grind- stone-their stock in trade; and while Mrs. Dudley turned the crank. Mrs. Wilfong held the instrument to be sharpened.
This was during the Columbian Club movement, and after giving the required sum of one dollar each to that society the surplus was utilized in purchasing paint and a padlock for the library room and a felt for the table - the first money expended in the cause. The library was opened on November 18. 1892. with the following officers installed. Mrs. Josephine T. Marshall, president ; Mrs. Caroline 1. Dudley, librarian; Mrs. Augusta Harrison Wilfong, ways and means committee; Mrs. Emma D. Cobb, sec- retary.
AAfter the plans were instituted, other ladies were active in their assist- ance and very materially aided in the building up of the library to its present standard. The original members, aside from those already mentioned. were : Mesdames A. P. Foster. Mattie M. Spalding. N. B. Brown, G. .. Beauchamp, Grace Ellis, Jenette Achilles. W. L. Day. W. L. McCarty. A. F. Colson, Dr. Anna Grigsby, Maggie M. Allendorfer, C. A. Betournay and Miss Hattie L. Smith. The above mentioned members have all been active workers in the interests of the library. Other later members and also zeal- ous workers are: Mesdames Rose Darlington, Jennette Miller. R. V. Hill, C. L. Browning. Estelle Neilson, Katherine MeCue, Mabel Eastman, Kath- erine Craig and Miss Celia Stetson. Mrs. Marshall, Mrs. Wilfong and Mrs. Dudley each served as president of the association two years. Mrs. Darlington was elected in 1902.
Mrs. Dudley served as librarian four years and when she was honored by the presidency was succeeded by Mrs. Wiltong, who acted in that capac- ity six years. Mrs. Allendorfer was then elected librarian, Mrs. Wilfong having resigned, and entered upon the duties of that office November 4, 1002. Mrs. Emma D. Cobb. the first treasurer, was succeeded one year later by Mrs. Spalding, who has served the association faithfully and still con- tintes in that office.
The following members have in turn acted as secretary for a period of one year each: Miss Anna Schaffer, Mrs. M. P. Foster, Miss Hattie Smith and Mrs. Grace Ellis. Mrs. Katherine Craig served four years and Mrs. Maggie Allendorfer two years. The present secretary, Mrs. Rose Hill. assumed the duties of that office November 4. 1902.
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The first library room was carpeted by Mrs. Cobb and a settee contrib- uted by the late Mrs. Homer Kennett. Through a subscription circulated, fifty-six books were obtained as a starter and other volumes have been donated from time to time, and in a few instances money has been given. Park B. Pulsifer has contributed annually a Christmas present of ten dollars in memory of his late mother's appreciative interest in the library. George Alexander also gives ten dollars as a memorial to Mrs. Pulsifer. Mrs. Rose Darlington donated five dollars and Colonel N. B. Brown tenders one dollar at each annual reception.
In 1894 the present rooms occupied by the Concordia Library were handsomely fitted up and on June 5 of the same year the association held its first meeting in their new rooms. Through the magnanimity of Colonel N. B. Brown these rooms have been given rent free. This generosity and public spirit upon the part of Colonel Brown is commendable and deserving of recognition. Mrs. Brown has also wielded her influence in a manner that calls forth praise and commendation.
The inscription, "The Concordia Library," is affixed to all books and documents pertaining to the association.
A charter was granted and the following rule instituted: All persons paying their dues of one dollar annually and signing the constitution shall be entitled to the privileges of the association.
The promoters and active members of the library have labored hard for its success. To speak of thiem individually would require far too much space, but to the promoters who have worked with much zeal in the worthy cause that has given infinite delight to an extensive coterie of readers and regular patrons must especially be mentioned the names of Mrs. Dudley, Mrs. Marshall, Mrs. Wilfong and Mrs. Ruth Pulsifer. Mrs. Marshall con- tributed much by throwing open to the association her pleasant home as a meeting place for the various entertainments held as beneficiaries to the library. The editors of the city papers have been generous in printing lists of books contained on the shelves of the library and in advertising the enter- tainments given each season, and the public expressed an interest by giving their patronage to the bazaars held from time to time.
The association has in its treasury a fund of six hundred and twenty- five dollars and they expect to erect a suitable building in the near future. Many of the library's active workers have removed from Concordia, but the aid they lent towards an ideal mission is chronicled in the fruits of their efforts.
There are now nineteen hundred volumes in the collection of books and the lover of literature needs no greater incentive than contact with attractive works of history or fiction such as surround him on all sides of this well equipped library, as it contains the best books and current literature.
The founding of the Concordia Library has been a power for good and will be a lasting monument for all time to come. The association was organ- ized with the idea of awakening the city to the strenuous needs of a public
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library, and as soon as the citizens of Concordia can be brought to realize its value it will be instituted a public library.
CHURCHIES OF CONCORDIA.
Referring to the churches of Concordia collectively it must be said, seldom in a city of its inhabitants is the religious and moral atmosphere more apparent. Nearly every denomination and sect are represented and their places of worship are dignified and graceful edifices. The ministers who labor in the interests of divine teaching are men of learning and char- acter eminently worthy to occupy any pulpit. They are eloquent in expound- ing the teaching of the gospel, zealous and exemplary in their lives.
Concordia is the residence of the Catholic bishop of the see of Con- cordia. They have under course of completion a magnificent cathedral, also a convent which is one of the largest and most elaborate within the state of Kansas. There is a commendable feature worthy of notice regarding the people of Concordia: although all sects are represented within its bounda- ries. they have no religious disputes, but recognize each other as Christians.
If the Catholics need assistance they call upon the general public for aid, and the other denominations do likewise. To a very great extent this condition has been brought about by the conservatism of those who have administered to the congregations, but more particularly to the great ability and broad humanitarianism of Rev. Joseph Perrier. the vicar general. Another reverend gentleman who has done much for the upbuilding of Cloud county, in a broad sense, is Father Mollier, of St. Joseph, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Generally speaking, the various congregations throughout the city are composed of the reputable of all classes and more moral or better citizens do not exist in any community.
THE SWEDISH BAPTIST CHURCH OF CONCORDIA.
In the years of 1860-70 there emigrated to this part of Kansas from Sweden a colony of Swedish people, mostly from the Isle of Gottland, who settled on the Republican river in the vicinity of Concordia, took homesteads which they improved and by their industry and thrift have built comfortable homes and many of them have acquired wealth. This settlement was called Gottland, in honor of their native country. Here they built a school house and established a church organization, holding services in the school build- ing. where they continue to hold services occasionally and prayer meetings regularly. Some of these pioneers were Baptists when they came. but most of them were poor and did no missionary work until the Rev. August John- son, of Chicago, came of his own accord and began the work among them in 1877. That year he organized a church of nine members and was elected' moderator or pastor.
Reverend Johnson has given most of his time in doing general mis-
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sionary work; has been and is now connected more or less with Swedish Baptist churches throughout the state. For many years he made his home in Concordia, but now resides with his daughter, Mrs. Martin, of Peabody, Kansas. He is an influential man, a born leader and widely known.
In 1878 the congregation of the Swedish Baptist church erected a house of worship in Concordia, which was purchased in 1900 by the denomination of Christians. In 1900 they built a church, a stone edifice which. in point of architecture, is one of the most substantial buildings of its kind in the city. The grounds include a parsonage and nine twenty-two foot lots. The church is fifty by twenty-two feet. The capacity of the audience room is about two hundred people. Under the building is a basement for the accom- medation of societies, suppers, etc. The baptistry is just back of the pulpit and is accessible by the upward sliding of a large arch-shaped door. This property cost eight thousand dollars, all of which has been paid for. a dis- tinction which they very much enjoy.
The following pastors have been in charge: Reverend August John- son, Reverend J. P. Dolquist, Reverend N. F. Person, Reverend .1. B. Anderson, Reverend A. J. Benson, Reverend John Peterson, Reverend John Johnson, Reverend John Bjork, Reverend C. A. Roberg, Reverend J. . 1. Huggerth. The latter is the present pastor and has occupied the pulpit for the last three years. The total membership of all the years is one hundred and seventy-three. Many have removed from the city and state and some have passed into the unknown. The present congregation consists of fifty- two members. principally living in the country districts adjacent to Con- cordia. A partial record of the total amount of money raised for church and missionary work show an expenditure of twenty-two hundred dollars.
The members of this congregation are a unit and dwell in peaceful harmony.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CONCORDIA.
On the first Sabbath of December, 1870, Reverend M. P. Jones, then a member of the Pennsylvania Central presbytery, preached in the land office at Concordia. Mr. Jones was laboring at that time in Clyde. but the brighter prospects opening before Concordia led him, like many others, to select this as his place of residence.
Soon after preaching his first sermon he moved to Concordia, where he continued his labors until December, 1874.
Public religious services were held at various places for a time with no very great certainty of long continuance. The land office. May & Burns' office, the "new" hotel and Wetherell's shoe shop were all occupied for a time.
On the 4th of June, 1871, the Presbyterian church was organized in the old court house, with eighteen members; but one of these remain, Mrs. Anna Bethel. Albert Strain, a son of Judge Strain. their first ruling elder,
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was a mere boy when uniting with the church, and is now a missionary of Ecuador, South America. All of the others have either removed to other places or passed into the great unknown.
Soon after the organization the congregation hired a hall which stood where the First National Bank now stands. From this locality they moved to Sturges' hall, which was then located a little further east. In December, 1872. both of these buildings were burned and the congregation moved to Carnahan's hall on Sixth and Broadway.
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The present church building on Seventh street, west of Washington, was erected in 1874-5. being only church edifice which the congregation has used. Reverend Benjamin F. Haviland supplied the church from June, 1876, to June, 1878, a period of two years. Reverend Samuel F. barmer was the next minister and continued his labors from the autumn of 1878 until April, 1881. During both of these pastorates a considerable num- ber was added to the church.
January 11, 1882, Reverend 11. Busi- nell, Jr., was installed as pastor of the church by a committee of Solomon presbytery. Judge Strain served in the capacity of ruling elder from its organization until his death, THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. January 25. 1880. Messrs. James Wood- ward. H. E. Smith and J. F. Rogers, all of whom have removed to other places, also filled the office for longer or shorter periods of time.
The session, as now constituted, consists of the pastor, Reverend Bush- nell, with the following elders, viz: Thomas A. Sawhill, John A. Tyner, W. Walter Bowman, Dr. William F. Sawhill. John H. Morrison, James Clithero, Oscar Park and George A. McEckron. The church building is a handsome stone edifice, well located in a part of the city devoted mainly to residences, and is not only an ornament to the city but admirably adapted to the purpose for which it was built.
The church has a seating capacity of two hundred and fifty and a membership of one hundred and seventy-three. In 1883 the debt of four thousand dollars was paid by a hard struggle. The tower was completed, a bell placed at a cost of four hundred and ten dollars, and various other repairs and improvements were made at a cost of eleven hundred and sixty- six dollars in 1893. The church is practically out of debt. During 1899 the seating was changed and electric lights put in at a cost of five hundred and ten dollars. A subscription of four hundred dollars was taken up and every dollar was paid at the close of the year. not a subscriber failing nor one scaled the price.
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The church has contributed annually about four hundred dollars for benevolences, not for themselves, but for work elsewhere. They have a Sab- bath school of one hundred and fifty members and regular attendants. W. Walter Bowman is the efficient superintendent. A young people's society of Christian Endeavor meets every Sunday night, with about forty mem- bers: F. J. AAtwood is president. Societies all meet in the basement. The pastor's study is also located there.
THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH IN CHRIST.
There has been no complete record kept of this church, but after careful research the following has been obtained .
For several years prior to 1886 the denomination known as the "United Brethren" had a number of classes in the western part of the county, which constituted the Cloud county circuit, and within the Northwest Kansas con- ference. Reverend O. Beistle served the country charge several years and during the latter part of his services there was an opportunity to begin a church work in Concordia, whereupon he organized a class of fourteen members on May 9. 1886. T. E. Thachery was elected first leader and J. H. Bogue, steward.
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