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 41
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In 1885, there was more money expended in buikling than any previous year in the history of Clyde, and added much to the general appearance of the city. In this year, James Turner bought a small wooden structure which he displaced and erected a large, handsome brick building, filling it with fur- niture. Phillip Longton and A. G. Dersey put up a fine brick building. 24
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These men exhibited a truly commendable public spirit for the upper story was converted into a capacious hall, 44 by 80 feet, which has served Clyde well as an opera house, being fitted with all modern improvements and many good troupes have been attracted there in consequence.
Mr. A. Manna erected on the cast of this, another substantial brick structure which filled up the last vacancy in that block. G. W. Knapp proved his strong and abiding faith in the future of Clyde by adding a large brick addition to his livery stable. The same year, Dr. Ransopher erected a splendid brick building for a drug store: 1885 was the prosperous year and saw many improvements in Clyde.
CLYDE'S CITY WATERWORKS.
Clyde's standpipe system furnishes an abundance of pure water and an adequate supply for protection against fire. It was established in the winter of 1886. through the issuing of $2,600 bonds, voted by the city of Clyde There are about four miles of pipe, ranging from ten inch down to two inch pipe, and thirty-five hydrants. The standpipe is one hundred and nine- teen feet high from the surface at the base, or one hundred and sixty-five icet above the level of Washington street. The pipe when full, carries seventy-one pounds water pressure, has a capacity of one hundred and seventy thousand gallons, and is twelve feet in diameter.
The waterworks are equipped with two Dean pumps and two boilers, one compound duplex boiler, with a capacity for fourteen million gallons per day; one duplex fire pump, capable of producing five hundred thousand gallons per day; one Springfield heater and one duplex boiler feed pump. The water is furnished from an open well thirty-five feet deep and twelve feet in diameter. In connection with it is a six inch pipe put down through the center of the well. to the second stratum of water, which is at a depth of one hundred and twenty-cight fect, giving a very strong, inexhaustable flow, one which never varies. The appliances of the power house are modern through- ont, and the other perquisite, a skilled engineer, is supplied in the person of J. L. Doster. The power house is an imposing one-story brick structure, 40 by 60 icet in dimensions, beautifully located just over the Elk Creek bridge at the foot of Washington street. It is surrounded by a fine lawn and forest trees.
CLYDE POST OFFICE.
The present mail facilities of Clyde, as contrasted by those of the days of "Uncle Heller." Clyde's first postmaster, illustrate the progress of the little city of Clyde. Since "Uncle Heller's" reign there have been in turn the following postmasters: W. F. Beatty, E. T. Peck. Arthur Cornforth, E. R. Debray. G. W. Knapp. J. J. McFarland and the present postmaster, Sid- ney H. Knapp. None of the above number were more proficient and oblig-
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ing, or more systematic in the handling of the mails, than the present in- cumbent. These qualifications doubtless secured his re-appointment in 1902.
Postoffice Inspector Rush D. Simmons, during his recent examination, pronounced the Clyde postoffice one of the best managed in the state. How- ever, Mr. Knapp must not claim all the honor, for no inconsiderable amount is due Mrs. Knapp, his capable wife, who has charge of the detail work. and his gentlemanly and accommodating clerk. Ross Queen. The cash re- ceipts for sale of stamps, box rent, etc. for the year 1901, amounted to $3,820.24, which gives the postmaster a salary of $1.500 for the next year- the salary of his predecessor for the last year, 1897, being only $1,100. This growth in postal revenue evidences the fact that the commercial interests of the city have increased.
Of the eight rural free-delivery routes in Cloud county. S. H. Knapp secured three, which were established in 1901. They are as follows: Route No I. running north to Brantford and return, covering a distance of 27 miles, R. F .. Stimpson, carrier. This route collected 536 pieces of mail matter and delivered 5,262 pieces, a total of 5.798 during the month of January. Route No. 2, crossing the river and going south to St. Joseph and Como, is 271/2 miles in length, Carrier, Anson Woodruff. This route collected during the month of January, 663 pieces and delivered 4,068, a total of 4.731. Route No. 3. running west to Lawrenceburg and return. covers a distance of 28 miles, C. M. Parker is carrier. He collected during the month of January, 529 pieces, delivered 5,319, a total of 5.848, making a total of 16.377 pieces handled in the one month on the three routes. All of the above carriers are veterans of the Civil war and old residents of Elk township. Route No. I is strung with rural telephone lines and the farmers wonder how they ever got along without the rural route and telephone systems. According to their own statements they would pay double the existing price rather than go without either. In addition to the general work of the Clyde postoffice, the St. Joseph mail has been cared for since the abandonment of that office by Postmaster Boudreau.
BUILDING OF WAGON BRIDGE OVER TIIE REPUBLICAN RIVER AT CLYDE.
For several years the citizens of Elk and Shirley townships agitated the question of building a wagon bridge over the Republican river west of Clyde. From time to time the great advantages of this enterprise to Clyde and the outlying districts had been pointed out to the people and the ferry boat institutions discouraged. The citizens were ready to acknowledge and sanction the benefit to be derived from a bridge being built, but demurred the tax it would impose upon them. The citizens of Elk and Shirley town- ships were requested to meet at the office of Judge McCrea, in the city of Clyde to discuss plans for securing the bridge. December 30. 1873. an election was held in Clyde to determine whether a bridge should be built
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
across the Republican with the following results: For the bridge and bonds, twenty-nine; against the bridge and bonds, eighty-four; majority against, thirty-nine.
The election for bridge bonds was again held in Clyde, October 13. 1877. the result being forty-five majority in favor. The people of Clyde rejoiced in the accomplishment of this victory. They considered it necessary and important to the growth of their little city that the Republican river should be bridged and as time rolled on the opposition rejoiced in the consummation of what had seemed to them an extravagant proposition. An effort was made to get Shirley's assistance in the building of the bridge, but they could not be induced to see it in that light, so it was done withont their help. The new wagon bridge over the Republican river at Clyde was completed in June, 1001, at a cost of $7.300. The old piers being used: the iron from the old bridge was soll and netted the county $500. making the net cost of the pres- ent bridge $6.800.
BRIDGE OVER ELK CREEK.
March 6. 1875. the legal voters of Elk township were called to the polls to vote bonds for the building of a bridge across Elk creek at the foot of Washington street, in Clyde. The bonds carried by a handsome ma- jority of seventy-four to forty against.
CLYDE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
An account of the first school house built in Clyde is given in the history of the Elk creek settlement. In the little cabin of that period and the pres- ent imposing structure, where so many bright boys and girls are daily gain- ing knowledge, there is a huge contrast. The original building of today was erected in 1879 and contained six rooms, which was more than the needed capacity at that time, but the management counted upon the future growth and prosperity of their town. a provision deemed unwise by many. School opened in the new building in February. 1880, with the following corps of teachers: F. E. Burke, principal, with Clara Hay (Mrs. Miller of Clifton. ) Carrie Borton (Mrs. Canon of Clyde) and Mary E. Turner (deceased) of Clyde, as assistants. The term was five months; the en- rollment two hundred and twenty. In 1885 the number had increased to four hundred and seventy, the city having doubled its population, as the wise sages predicted, within five years. An addition of two rooms was built in 1884, making a total of eight large rooms, with spacious halls. The building as it now stands cost twenty thousand dollars. The ground upon which the structure stands was purchased from Mrs. Edward Gardner, for the nominal sum of one hundred dollars. The material used was red brick and the architecture is modern. The building graces the center of wide grounds, shaded by a fine growth of forest trees. The school comprises
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
four divisions : the primary, intermediate, grammar and high school. There has been a graduating class with the attendant exercises every year since 1890, with the exception of one-1899, the high school course being changed at that time from three years to four. The course of study is based upon the uniform arrangement prepared and outlined for the schools of the state. The building is modern in all its appointments and contains a well selected library.
The board of education selected by the Clyde citizens have been par- ticularly efficient. For years during the earlier building up of the schools, David Turner, Sr .. was an indefatigable worker for their best interests. Later he was succeeded by James Turner, who followed in his fa- ther's footsteps and maintained the same prudent management. W. S. Roach, F. A. Griffin and J. F. Randolph have been capable officers. Since F. A. Griffin's removal from the city his place on the board has been filled by G. G. Goodwin, who will undoubtedly continue the successful co-operation of board. teacher and student that has charac- terized the past.
CLYDE'S HANDSOME PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING.
Some excellent records have been made in the Clyde schools. Miss Gertrude Wade, who lives at Ames, three miles distant, drove or walked the four years daily that completed her high school course in 1902, and was seldom absent or tardy. Miss Ailsie Morley shows a record of two hun- dred gained for attendance and punctuality through the entire high school course. Five years prior to 1902. when he graduated. Vernon Morley en- tered room five. passed through grades seven and eight and into the high school the first year. This young student has not only a retentive memory but wonderful reasoning powers. He studied philosophy as early as 1898, a mere child. and when asked what he wanted to do with it replied, "I want to fix things better in my mind." The class of 1902. not only took what they absolutely needed but adopted zoology and German. Miss Ailsie Morley carried away first honors, and John Van DeMark, second. Of the latter it may be said he gives promise of becoming known in the professional world, being a fine student of superior talents. Milo Ransopher, the little grandson of the late Dr. Ransopher, is a lad of much promise. He shows a par- ticular inclination and talent for mechanical devices and possesses an indi- viduality seldom seen in a boy fifteen years of age. He is never so happy as when "rigged up" in a pair of overalls that reach to the neck, covering his well groomed attire, and studying the intricaces of machinery in the mill or the waterworks. He stands at the head of his class in practical engi- neering and can manipulate an engine better than many so-called engi- neers.
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When the day arrived for determining whether or not Clyde should have a high school, several young men and boys were largely instrumental in car- rying it to a successful conclusion. John Van DeMark, Everard Kinch, Llewellyn Reid. Martin Van DeMark, Raymond Gregg, Charles Montgom- ery and Cornelius Murphy worked diligently throughout the day, bringing citizens out in carriages to vote on the high school question. They brought out every available voter and kept tally that none should fail to cast a ballot.
As to deportment, general progress and good morals the Clyde schools stand second to none in Cloud county. An article on the Clyde schools would not be complete without mention of "Janitor Ince," who was a beloved and familiar character for about fifteen years. He was an English- man by birth and having heard he could secure a homestead in the west, came to Kansas. People took a kindly interest in Mr. Ince, who was an aged musician, and when he was gathered to his "eternal home." where his wife had preceded him several years, his familiar face was missed, as he had be- come a part of the school building.
FIRST WOMAN'S CHRIST MIN TEMPERANCE UNION CONVENTION.
June 10, 1885. Clyde witnessed the first delegated body of women ever assembled in Cloud county. It was the occasion of the convention of the Woman's Christain Temperance Union for the purpose of establishing a county organization. Mrs. G. W. Allen enjoyed the honor of being the first president of this convention and impressed every one with her rare executive ability. Mrs. Dr. Dabney performed the duties assigned her as secretary in an able manner.
FATAL, FIRE IN CLYDE.
January 19, 1888, one of the most horrible accidents that ever occurred in Clyde took place. The livery stable of Mr. Brownlee, on Green street, was that night discovered to be on fire. The citizens, with the fire company, were soon on the spot to combat the flames. It was announced that a man was in the burning barn, which statement the crowd was loath to believe, but when corroborated by J. E. Toot, and others, who declared they saw him pass from a stall on the north, across the gangway to the south side, and later on his hands and knees wrapped in flames, all doubt was removed. After the flames were extinguished a ghastly spectacle was presented. In the second stall to the south were found the completely disfigured remains of the unfortunate man. The sad affair was directly chargeable to whiskey, as Mr. Brownlee and some associates were in a state of intoxication, and to their condition is the origin of the fire accredited. Mr. Brownlee entered the burning building, ostensibly for the purpose of saving some of his stock. Had he been sober, in all probability he would have been more cautious and his life spared. Twenty horses and two cows were burned with the stable.
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
CLYDE'S WATERMELON CARNIVALS.
In the summer of 1899, Clyde held its first watermelon carnival, and there was said to be upwards of fifteen thousand people in attendance. This annual fete is a brilliant success and is a part of the modern history of the city of Clyde. Although the town is full to overflowing with visitors from various towns, they are all cared for, nearly every family entertaining from four to a dozen guests. It is a jolly, good natured crowd. True, there are
ONE OF CLYDE'S CARNIVAL MELONS.
some "toughs" who take advantage of such a time, and imbibe too much of "the joyful" and become hilarious, but apon the whole, pleasure and in- nocent sports reign supreme. The portals of the city are thrown wide open and everybody having left cares and grievances at home, enters into the spirit of the occasion. The gayety of the crowd is infectious and every one becomes oblivious to everything but the laughing, merry-making crew.
Much credit is due to Clyde's leading citizens who arrange many special and unique features for these carnivals. Each year they have varied. In 1900 a chorus of voices, under the training of Mrs. C. W. Van DeMark, de- lighted the visitors. The second year (and the present one) was made in- teresting by a beautiful flower parade which was loudly cheered and appre- ciated by the throng. During this same carnival, an illuminated parade was one of the most engaging features. The floats were suggested and designed
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by Albert T. Reid. the talented cartoonist of Topeka, formerly of Clyde. Then there is always vaudeville, dancing, racing, baloon ascensions and Clyde's Military band boys who add greatly to the pleasure of the carnival. Melons on all occasions-but the one of the present year-have been free as the waters that flow. Great, luscious melons, as only can be grown in the vicinity of Clyde. Every train is full to overflowing. The watermelon carnival is such a pronounced success it will undoubtedly be a permanent feature in Clyde as the Mardi Gras of New Orleans, the Veiled Prophet of St. Louis or the Priest of Pallas of Kansas City. The whole city is decorated. At the park are long tables, fairly groaning with the weight of huge melons which keep several men continuously carv- ing and placing on the tables where every one may eat without price.
A DISPLAY OF "MANILA" IN FRONT IF JAMES TURNER'S DURING THE CARNIVAL OF 1901.
The carnival of 1902 was not so pre- eminently a success as on previous years, owing to the almost total failure of the watermelon crop. However, there were thousands of visitors present and Clyde did royally in entertaining them. The keys of the city were handed over to the merry throng of people that poured off from every incoming
train. There were pleasing attractions ; among the most engaging perhaps was the battle of Manila, a spectacu- lar illustration of that event which entertained thousands of carnivalites. There were three games of base ball be- tween the Fort Rileys and Topeka Business College, the latter carrying off the hon- ors of the field. One of the special features of the oc- casion was the flower parade. ning While not many carriages were included. in point of ar- CARNIVALITES EATING LUSCIOUS MELONS. tistic merit they were ex- ceptionally well executed. This procession was marshaled by J. E. Toot and Dr. C. P. Gillespie, whose military bearing as they cantered here and there mounted on their caparisoned steeds was the envy of all the small boys of soldierly aspirations. The march was preceded by the Military Band.
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
The honor of Queen of the Carnival was worthily bestowed upon Miss Flossie Lowers. Her carriage, beautifully decorated, was drawn by a tan- dem team and attended by a company of militia. Mrs. E. Peck, whose car- riage justly won the first prize, occupied an open vehicle, literally covered with large white roses, a creation of art. She drove a great black, high- stepping steed whose arched neck and proud bearing seemed to invite special attention from the lookers to his pretty bonnet of white and gold; his cream white harness, bedecked with white roses, and last but not least his gilded hoofs, a finishing touch that harmonized with his well groomed and shining coat. The carriage of the Misses Farnsworth and Wickwerth won the second prize. This turnout was particularly hand- some and won much commendation. The carriages were all de- signed in a manner to call forth praise and admiration. Mrs. B. Arten's chariot, drawn by three white horses, merited and received much credit- able comment. There were many pretty CONCORDIA MILITIA IN CAMP AT CLYDE DURING THE CARNIVAL. and artistic window decorations, among these, the postoffice book store windows of Sidney Il. Knapp, the handiwork of Eugene B. Frankforther, were awarded first prize. They were bedecked with vari-colored crepe paper and all the wares incident to their stock of goods, eliciting much deserved admira- tion. Sohlinger Brothers' windows were unique; in one was a huge horn suspended midway from the ceiling and the inscription, "Come in and blow yourself." The front of Miss Hay's feed store was among the best, con- sidering her stock in trade and her material for decorating. She was entitled to a prize.
CLYDE AND VICINITY.
The flourishing city of Clyde is situated on the north bank of the Repub- lican river and on the east bank of Elk creek, which empties into the river at this point. The present population of Clyde is about fourteen hundred people. There are five elmirches, a magnificent brick school building and
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about five miles of paved walks. Clyde is "the home of the luscious water- melon." Three lines of railroads pass through the city, the Rock Island, Missouri Pacific and the Union Pacific, rendering it a fine shipping point for stock and grain. As to citizens, a more enterprising, industrious, generous and intelligent class of people (who all pull together for the best interests of their town) does not exist in the state. The substantial business
A CLYDE STREET SCENE.
structures, and handsome residences all witness the prosperity of this beau- tiful little city.
Clyde is situated in one of the finest grain-growing districts on the con- tinent. It is conceded that good crops of corn are grown in the Republican Valley when that industry fails in most other localities. The valley has many natural attractions, is in a high state of cultivation, and unsurpassed for its beauty and richness of soil. Potter's clay is found in abundance in the vicin- ity of Clyde and in the early days was utilized in the manufacture of pot- tery. The ware was said to be of excellent quality and the industry was well supported for years. supplying a trade covering many miles with their earthenware. The Clyde Pottery was owned and operated by the Sohlinger Brothers, both of whom are still residents of the county. All the social orders are represented in Clyde. The people are made cognizant with the doings in their town and the outside world by the three papers published in their midst. The Herald, edited by John B. Rupe, who for more than a quarter of a century has had Clyde's best interests very near his heart. The Voice. by Joseph J. Henley, who is also an old timer and devoted to the town of his choice. The Republican, edited by W. A. Huff, is a live paper that is gaining rapidly in popularity. The Clyde Exchange Bank, and the Elk State Bank are solid financial institutions. Clyde's Military Band is the pride of her citizens, and justly so, for it stands at the head of all organiza-
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tions of its kind in the county. Every line of business is represented and many of them are metropolitan in their appointments.
THE ELK STATE BANK OF CLYDE.
The Elk State Bank, one of the solid institutions of Clyde, was estab- lished under the present management in 1897. with a capital stock of ten thousand dollars. The officers were N. D. Sprague, of New York, presi- dent ; Charles E. Clark, of Buffalo, vice-president ; W. H. Howard. cashier. Directors, N. D. Sprague. Charles E. Clark, W. H. Howard, C. F. Arın- strong, R. H. Gill, W. L. Brandon and C. H. Brosseau; the last four named are citizens of Clyde. In March, 1899. D. J1. AAtwood was elected cashier and the bank is practically under his management. In December, 1901, the capi- tal stock was increased to fifteen thousand dollars. The present officials are C. F. Armstrong. president ; R. H. Gill, vice-president : D. H. Atwood, cashier. Directors. C. F. Armstrong, R. H. Gill, R. B. Miller, F. H. Butler, W. L. Brandon. G. L. Gregg and F. J. Atwood. The present organization are all local men. The building occupied by the Elk State Bank was built by the Van DeMark brothers in 18So.
The Elk State Bank was incorporated under the name of State Bank of Clyde, in 1880, by the Van DeMark brothers, with M. V. B. Van DeMark, president and Charles W. Van DeMark, cashier. This bank was sold in June, 1886, and the name changed to the Elk State Bank of Clyde. In 1882, W. P. Rice came to Clyde for the purpose of starting a bank. . \ friend offered to furnish fifty thousand dollars with the proviso that a son, who was a wayward fellow, be taken in and taught the banking business. The son grew tired very shortly afterward and returned to his home in the east, but the capital was forthcoming and the Clyde State Bank was estab- lished. Then, money was two per cent and notes ten and fifteen per cent per month. A few years later the institution was changed and put under the supervision of the First National Bank of Clyde, with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars. A few years later the Republican Valley Bank was organized as a State bank, with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars, with N. B. Nutt, president, who bought the stock. After an existence of two years. this bank went under during the panic. A few years prior the Clyde Banking Company did business in the same building with S. F. Robinson in charge. It closed up its affairs about the same time the Republican Valley Bank failed. F. H. Butler was appointed receiver and wound up the business.
W. P. Rice was an interesting character and made considerable history. He was superintendent of the United States Prison prior to coming to Clyde. He organized banks at Ames, Cuba. Washington and Greenleaf and lielped to boom these towns. He was a man of resourceful energy and about this tinie went to the State of Vermont, where he raised one million two hundred . and fifty thousand dollars, establishing a National Bank and left Clyde to assume the management. Within the next few months he interested himn-
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