USA > Kansas > Woodson County > History of Allen and Woodson counties, Kansas > Part 9
USA > Kansas > Allen County > History of Allen and Woodson counties, Kansas > Part 9
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The effort to build up a town cost its promoters many thousand dollars. Allen County accepted the one hundred lots which were sold and the money was used to pay for a building for use as a court house.
The public square was originally intended for the court house but the county being slow about using it for that purpose a plan was started to cut it up into lots and sell them to pay the King Bridge Company bonds. In 1872 an act was passed by the legislature authorizing the sale. The board of county commissioners met and relinquished all the county's rights; the city council did the same in behalf of the city. The owners of property facing the square agreed to quit claim any interest they might have, and finally the Iola Town Company authorized its president to deed the prop- erty to John Francis, Daniel Horville and Geo. A. Bowlus, trustees, to sell the same and pay off the bonds. By this time, however, the Bridge Com- pany began to move and it was decided to contest the validity of the bonds in the courts rather than pay them, and so the whole plan was abandoned and the property returned to where it was before.
"The Schemes That Failed" would be an appropriate title for a chap- ter which should attempt to give in detail the industrial history of Iola from 1887,-or indeed from the beginning for the matter of that,-to 1896. Ambitious and energetic, the business men of the town, from the very day of its founding, were always casting about for the establishment of some enterprise that might furnish employment to labor and thereby bring Iola a greater support than that afforded by the country trade. Some of the more notable of these, -the prospecting for coal, the location of the Bridge Company, the establishment of a Carriage Factory,-have already been noted. Innumerable smaller enterprises were undertaken from time to time, pushed with all possible zeal as long as there was any thing to push, only to be abandoned at last. . To set out in detail all these undertakings, if not an impossible task, would still be a tedious and profitless one Let it suffice to say that at the end of thirty-five years of almost incessant effort Iola remained what it had been from the beginning, a country village, a fairly good trading point but nothing more. The census of 1895 showed a population of 1565, and the most sanguine among all her citizens would not have dared to predict that he would live to see that number doubled.
But with the discovery of natural gas,-the story of which is told in detail in another chapter,-all that was changed. Almost immediately the attention of men with large capital was attracted by the splendid opportunity which this discovery opened for investment in manufacturing enterprises,
77
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
and from that day to this the growth of Iola has been rapid and continuous, until it now stands well up toward the head of the list of Kansas cities in wealth and population.
The first of the great industries to enter the field was the Robert Lanyon's Sons' Spelter Company. Robert and William Lanyon, brothers, constituted this firm, and in 1896 they completed the first zinc smelter ever erected in Allen County. They were followed a year later by W. & J. Lanyon, who also built a zinc smelter. ( Both these firms afterwards sold all their interests to the Lanyon Zinc Company which has since operated and largely extended their properties. ) Following them, in rapid succes- sion, came the Iola Brick Company, the Iola manufacturing Company (now The Iola Works of the Pittsburg Foundry and Machine Company, and the Iola Planing Mill Company), the Geo. E. Nicholson smelter, the Star Brick Company and the Iola Portland Cement Company. As this chapter is written The Standard Acid Company ( William Lanyon) is erecting a large Sulphuric Acid plant, and the Lanyon Zinc Company is preparing to build a Sulphuric Acid plant and Zinc Rolling Mills. What the establish- ment of these industries has meant to Iela may be seen by reference to the statistics of wealth and population appended to this chapter. It has meant in brief that Iola is no longer a country village but a flourishing city, des- tined to be, if not already, the manufacturing metropolis of Kansas.
Responding to the needs of the increased population, in 1900 the city voted $80,000 in bonds for the erection of water-works and an electric light plant. These were completed April 1, 1901, and are now in successful operation.
The educational interests of Iola have been from the beginning gener- ously advanced and good schools have always been maintained. The present High School has for years carried a course of study that prepares its students for the Freshman class at the State University. It is well supported by three splendid ward schools, the four buildings having been erected at a cost of $80,000. Thirty-one teachers are employed and the enrollment for the current year reached the total of 1705 pupils. In addi- tion to the public schools, the Iola Business College, established in 1899 by the Fesler Brothers, is in successful operation.
Ist BAPTIST CHURCH The first church to be regularly organized in Iola was the First Baptist church which was organized in the summer of 1860 at the residence of Joseph Culbertson by Rev. Harris and Rev. Sands. Rev. H. K. Stimson, State Missionary supplied the pulpit at intervals for some time but the members finally disbanded and the rec- ords were lost. In November 1869 Rev. A. Hitchcock of Humboldt and Rev. L. D. Walker of Fort Scott reorganized the church with a membership of thirteen. Rev. A. Hitchcock was called to the pastorate and filled the place for three months after which the church was without a pastor until July 1871 when Rev. M. D. Gage of Junction city came here and reorganized the church under a state charter with twenty members. He remained with the church as pastor until April 1873. During the year 1872 the church built
78
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
and dedicated the edifice now occupied by the church, at a cost of $7,000. Since that time the pulpit has been occupied by the following pastors, Rev. I. N. Clark from April 1873 to October 1873, Rev. T. C. Floyd. from Jan- mary 1874 to April 1876, Rev. David Fielding of Ottawa filled the pulpit during the summer of 1876 as often as his health would permit. Rev. J. W. Aiton, from July 1877 to May 1878, Rev. J. N. Wiman, from January 1879 to August 1879, Rev. T. C. Coffey, from December 1880 to April 1883, Rev W. S. Webb from July 1883 to May 1886, Rev. C. N. H. Moore from November 1886 to March 1891, Rev J. F Huckleberry from February 1892 to September 1892, Rev. M. F. King from October 1892 to April 1897, Rev. H. G. Fraser from August 1897 to February 1899, Rev H. A. Doughty from September 1899 to September 1900. Rev. G. W. Shadwick the present pas- tor was called in November 1900. The membership of the church at present is about two hundred,
PRESBYTERIAN The First Presbyterian church in Iola was organized CHURCH June 24th 1864 in a grove on Deer creek, three and one-half miles north of Iola, by Rev. E. K. Lynn, Rev. Austin Warner and Elder J. M. Evans, of the Carlyle church. About twenty persons were enrolled as members, of whom Mrs. Susan Post is the only one who yet survives and who has maintained continuous membership. The first ser- vices of the church were held in the small house on the corner of West and State streets and later in the court house then on the north-west corner of the square. The first church building, a brick structure, was completed in the spring of 1868 and was rebuilt on the same site in 1891. In 1899 the church bought a new site on east Madison avenue where it is expected that a large and handsome edifice will soon be erected. The first pastor was Rev. E. K. Lynn, who served the church from its organization until 1869. Others succeeded him as follows: Rev H. M. Stratton from October 1870 to January 1873. Rev. J. W. Pinkerton from March 1873 until his death in February, 1875. Rev. S. G. Clark from July 1875 to April 1878. Rev E. S. Miller from February 1879 to May 1886. Rev. W. H. Hyatt from May 1887 to October 1891. Rev. Johnston McGanghney for most of the year following. Rev. Squier from February 1893 to May 1898. Rev. J. M. Leonard from June 1898 to the present. The church now has over two hundred meinbers.
UNITED BRETHREN The United Brethren Church was organized in the
CHURCH spring of 1892. The present church building was dedicated in 1898. The church has been served by the following pastors: Revs. J. I. Robinson, L. W. Stone, L. D. Wimmer, E. A. and C. V. King (husband and wife), N. L. Vezie and F. M. Gillett, the present incumbent.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL The records of the Methodist Episcopal church ·CHURCH are not complete and the exact date of the first organization is not known. It is remembered, however, that Methodist services were held in the home of Mr J. F. Colborn in September 1859 and it seems probable the church was organized, at least as a mission, then or
79
WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
soon afterwards. Of the original membership, only Mr. I. B. Lawyer yet survives. Services were held for a time in the building on the corner of West and State streets, the first public building erected in Iola and used as a school house as well as a place for religious meetings. Afterwards class meetings were held in a stone building which formerly occupied the present site of H. Klaumann's business house. The first quarterly meeting in Iola of which any record remains was held in this building May 1, 1860. The present building was erected in 1870. As this chapter is written a new and handsome structure is under erection. It will cost $10,000 and will be the first large and modern church edifice to be erected in Iola. The present membership of the church is 375. The pastors have been as follows: Revs. N. P. Bukey, 1860; Thos. Willett, 1861; W. T. Travis, 1862: W. Kimberlan, 1863; C. Meadows, 1864; A. B. Walker, 1865-66; C. K. Tobias, 1867; G. L. Williams, 1868: E. A. Graham, 1869-70; W. W. Welsh, 1871; L. M. Hancock, 1872; Thos. B. Palmer, 1873; H. K. Muth, 1874-76 J. S. Kline, 1877-80; D. T. Summerville, 1880-81, S. S. Weatherby, 1882- 83; R. M. Scott, 1884-86; N. B. Johnson, 1887-88; J. B. Ford, 1889, A. S. Freed, 1890- 92; Isaac Hill, 1893; James Hunter, 1894-95; I. B. Pulliam. 1896-97; A. B. Bruner, 1898-99; John Maclean, 1900, the present incumbent.
CHRIST REFORMED CHURCH Was organized by Rev. D. B. Shuey, superintendent of Missions, on July 29th 1883. The following named . pastors have served this congregation. Rev. S. A. Alt June 15 1884 to October 1, 1889. Rev. J. R. Skinner October 1, 1889 to April 1, 1890. Rev. W. E. Shaley August 27, 1890 to December 1, 1892. Rev. L. S. Faust July 1, 1893 to September 1, 1898. Rev. D. B. Shuey September 1, 1898 and is the present pastor.
The present church and parsonage lot was purchased on May 17, 1884. Present church building 30x50 erected in 1888
ST. TIMOTHY'S This parish has held services with greater or
EPISCOPAL. less regularity since about 1878, at which time it was organized under the direction of Bishop Vail. Rev. Holden was the first minister, and held services monthly for
several years. The membership of the church was very small, and there were considerable periods during which no regular ser- vices were held. With the growth of Iola, however, the church was materially strengthened, and in 1901 a small, but handsome church was erected, in which regular services were held by Rev. George Davidson, the pastor in charge
CATHOLIC The first Catholic services ever held in Iola where held CHURCH March 10, 1897, by Father Weikman, in charge of the Hum- boldt church. He conducted services regularly each month thereafter until October, 1900, when he went to Europe and was succeeded by Father Donohue, who is now in charge and who holds religious services every two weeks. The church has bought the old Methodist church and parsonage and will be given possession as soon at the new M. E. church is
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HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
ready for occupancy. Some seventy-five or eighty families in Iola acknow- ledge allegiance to the Catholic church.
SECOND BAPTIST The Second Baptist Church (colored) was organized CHURCH November 18, 1876, with Rev. Samuel Clark as pastor. Considering its small membership it has done much good work, having early secured a church building which. served it until 1899 when a new and more commodious one was erected. The member- ship at present is 38.
AFRICAN METHODIST This church has been organized for several years CHURCH. and has done much good among the colored people. It owns a church building of sufficient size to ac- commodate its congregations, and holds regular services.
The first news paper established in Iola was the Neosho Valley Regis- ter, which was founded in 1866 by W. H. Johnson, now publisher of the Salina, Kansas, Sun. After running it for about two years, Mr. Johnson sold the paper to H. W. Talcott and Nelson F. Acers. Mr. Acers soon sold his interest to his partner and Mr. Talcott conducted the paper for some months, selling it then to M. M. Lewis and H. E Mitchell, who changed the name to the State Register. Lewis & Mitchell had evidently bought the paper "on time" and were unable to meet the deferred payments, for after about six months under their management it returned to the owner- ship of Judge Talcott, who restored the old name, Neosho Valley Register. In 1871 Judge Talcott again sold the paper, this time for good, to G. M. Overstreet and W. G. Allison. They conducted it for about a year and sold it to Lewis Walker. The next owners wers G. D. Ingersoll and H. A. Perkins who changed the name of the paper to the Iola Register. They were succeeded by Allison & Perkins, and they by Perkins & Rohrer. In 1882 Mr. Perkins bought the interest of his partner, Mr. S. Rohrer, and a few weeks later sold the entire plant to A. C. and Chas. F. Scott and Edward Rohrer, the name of the new firm being Scott Bros., & Rohrer. In September, 1884, Chas. F. Scott bought the interest of his brother, and about a year later he purchased that of Mr. Rohrer, since which time he has been the sole proprietor. The Register remained a weekly until October 25, 1897, when the growth of Iola warranted the establishment of a daily edi- tion which has since been continued. The Register has been Republican in politics since its foundation and for the greater part of that time has been the official paper of Allen county and of Iola City.
The second paper of permanent importance to be started in Iola was the Allen County Conrant, which was founded in 1883 by H. A. Perkins. After running it for about a year Mr. Perkins sold it to W. G. Allison and G. D. Ingersoll. Mr. Allison later sold his interest to Mr. John Gordon. The paper was then sold to Hamin Brothers, who consolidated it with the Allen County Democrat, a paper which had been started in 1886 by Mr. J. J. Rambo. In 1889 the consolidated Courant and Democrat were sold to Chas. F. Scott and consolidated with the Register. The Courant was
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WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
started as a Republican paper but became Democratic upon its purchase by Hamm Bros. The Democrat was Democratic from the beginning.
The organization of the Farmer's Alliance resulted in the establish- ment in 1890 of the Iola. Farmer's Friend. The paper was owned by a stock company and A. H. Harris was the editor and publisher of the paper. During the next three years there were numerous changes in the name at the head of the paper, A. H. Harris being succeeded by Harris & Wixson, they by Wixson Brothers, they by Bartlett & Weber, they by Welker & Weber. In 1893 the paper passed into the hands of C. S. Ritter who has since remained editor and proprietor. It has always adhered to the Populist party.
The Allen County Herald was established in 1890 by S A. D Cox. This paper was but a side issue of the Humboldt Herald and the proprietor gave it but little personal attention, leasing it to first one and then another. It therefore led a precarious existence and in 1893 was consolidated with the Farmer's Friend. During its life time the Herald was of the Demo- cratic faith.
The Western Sentinel was established as a Democratic paper in. 1896 by J. B. Goshorn. In 1899 the paper was sold to Mr. L. I. Purcell, who changed its name to the Allen County Democrat. Later Mr. M. Miller was associated with Mr. Purcell in the publication of the paper. In 1900 Mr. Miller retired and Mr. Purcell associated with him Mr. W. W. French and Mr. H. D. McConnaughey and began the publication of the Daily Democrat. This venture not proving successful, was abandoned after three months and the firm was dissolved, Mr. French retaining the Weekly Democrat which he still publishes.
The Iola Daily News was started in 1896 by Mr. Ed. S. Davis. After being published about a year it was bought by and consolidated with the Daily Register.
The Iola Daily Record was established in 1898 by Mrs. Jennie Burns. After having been published for a little more than a year the paper got into financial straights and Mrs. Burns retired from its management, being succeeded by A. P. Harris, as editor, W. C. Teats as business manager, and R. W. MeDowell as circulator, who are at present in charge of the paper.
Statistical Cable
Showing Growth in population and Wealth of Allen County and Tola City
(Both the County and the City records are incomplete, the following figures being all that are now to be obtained -EDITORS )
ALLEN COUNTY
YEAR
POPULATION
VALUATION
YEAR
POPULATION
VALUATION
1872
3 2312829
1887
14648
$ 2751455
1873
1812829
1888
13818
2964348
1874
1315975
1889
13347
3/ 20745
1875
2010391
1890
12713
3541764
1876
2010621
1891
12960
3466570
1877
1934256
1892
12679
3275425
1878
- 8954
1916445
1893
12372
3350110
1×79
10116
1895314
1894
12770
2377390
1830
10417
1990566
1895
13726
3376800
82
HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
YEAR
POPULATION
VALUATION
YEAR
POPULATION
VALUATION
1881
10436
2005285
1895
14153
3376160
1882
11098
2331576
1897
14441
3362315
1883
12382
2377455
1898
15905
3818710
1884
14173
2556160
1899
17483
4069337
1885 ..
14540
2646085
1960
199 23
5630323
1886
15708
2699020
IOLA CITY
1×79
966
1890
1508
256125
1880
1001
1891
1513
260445
188!
814
1892
1621
249945
1882
1070
185480
1893
1433
245085
1883
1480
195320
1894
1565
256970
1834
1560
220083
1895
1557
249355
185
1616
244952
1896
1800
248570
1883.
1451
241579
1897
2145
259210
1887
1712
246648
1898
3531
507360
1888
1.83
249120
189֏
4112
549930
1889.
1687
226767
19J0.
6153
980430
Moran.
BY MRS. H. L. BASSETT
In the summer of 1881, the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company built the long desired railroad through Allen County. The citizens of Marma- ton township, eager for improved facilities, at a mass-meeting in the Wal- nut Grove school-house, had voted the necessary bonds. This company agreed to locate a depot within a mile of the middle of the township, but it was uncertain for a time what site they would choose. At first all trains stopped on the corner of N. G. Brown's section. Those living two miles west at Fair Lawn, were eager to have the station there, but largely through the influence of the late Dr. Henry M. Strong, the company decid- ed on the present location, midway between the two places. Where Moran now stands corn and oats were growing luxuriantly. James Meade and Wm. Finley owned most of the land north of the track. These gen- tlemen, aided by Dr. Strong, P. J. McGlashan, C. P. Keith and others, advocated that site, but John A. Epling, Ezra Rhodes, James Armstrong and George Mclaughlin, hoped to see the business part of the town south of the half section line followed by the railroad. The latter secured the services of G. DeWitt, and had their location surveyed and recorded as Moran, while the railroad company had their men do the surveying north of the track, and it was recorded Moran City. The blocks on the north side are smaller than those on the south, so the streets fail to connect. In
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WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.
two or three years the business houses were all on the north side. When application for a postoffice was made it was named Morantown, and not until 1900 was that changed to Moran. L. M. West was the first post- master. Notwithstanding its variety of names, the new town had a healthy growth. David Mitchell opened a lumber yard, which in 1882 he sold to S. C. Varner, who still carries on that business. The Farmers' Restaurant, erected by West & Davis, was the first business building. Robert Dawson was the first merchant. His store was on part of what is now known as "the burnt district." E. F. DeHart & Son had a stock of general mer- chandise on the south side, and later enlarged their building and kept a ho- tel, known as the "Commercial House." The first hotel and livery on the north side belonged to Riley Daniels. They, too, were on the burnt dis- trict. N. S. Smith built a livery barn, where that business is still contin- ned. It has changed hands several times, but is now owned by George Moore. L. H. Gorrell & H. B. Smith were the first blacksmiths. The site of their shop is still occupied by Mr. Smith, who now deals in wagons and farm implements. L. B. Kinne, in the fall of 1881, opened a grocery and drug store. He has been and still is, one of the most public-spirited and successful business men in the place. J. E. Hobby opened a grocery about the same time, and is one of Moran's substantial business men. Old Mr. Southard built a store where the Moran Bank now stands, and dealt in general merchandise. In the low attic of that building his daughter, Miss Abbie Southard, taught the first private school in Moran. W. J. Steele was the first hardware merchant to locate here. H. B. Adams and Chas. Mendell purchased his stock and building in 1889. I11 1895 Mr. Men- dell bought out Mr. Adams, and the business is still continued at the old stand, but in far more commodious quarters, for Mr. Mendell in 1,00 put up a new building on the old site, which is well adapted to his needs. The second floor is a public hall, and supplies a much-needed convenience.
Mitchell and Housted were the south side hardware merchants. Af- ter changing hands two or three times, this stock of goods was purchased by S. C. Varner, who had already opened up a store of that kind, and who still continues that business. He also for years has engaged in other branches of mercantile business, and has done considerable building in dif- ferent parts of town. The first meat market was located in a small build- ing on the south side of the square. Its owner, Mr. Devons, soon became discouraged and quit. A little later, W. C. Carter and Win. Finley opened a meat market, which after changing hands once or twice, was bought, in 1885, by Joshua Rumbel. He or one of his sons continued in the business until 1900, when W. J. Rumbel sold out to E. D. Rapp. The elevator was built by Mr. Rosch, who soon sold it to A. W. Beck. It has had several proprietors, and is now under the management of Bailey Palmer. Jas. Fulwider was the first barber. His shop was in his residence, which still stands. The Misses Fairman were the first milliners, but they were not long left without rivals, as Miss Minnie Ross and Mrs. Seldomridge, each soon claimed her share of patronage.
Union religious services were first held in the depot. After the erec-
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HISTORY OF ALLEN AND
tion of the school house it was used till the Presbyterian church was com- pleted, when it was no longer needed for such purposes.
December 10, 1892, the Presbyterian church was organized with nine- teen members, who were cared for by Rev. E. S. Miller, of Iola. In 1883 they built a church which was dedicated July 20, 1884 The union S. S. had its home there until each of the denominations represented withdrew and established its own service. In 1895 a parsonage was built north of the church. The ministers who have served this church are Reys. Ruther- ford, King, Wilson, Millard, Hawkins, Evans, Cantrall and Barr. Rev. F. W. Mitchell, a graduate of Princeton seminary is now the pastor. His people are united in him, and the church is prospering. It has eighty- five members.
Iu 1884 the Methodist Protestant church was organized, with about twenty members. Their first pastor was Mr. Wayland, and largely through his persistent efforts, their church was the second one erected in Moran. Their parsonage, the second one in town, was built just south of the church. They liave since sold it, and built one more commodious, on the east side. There are fifty names on their church roll. They have had as pastor Revs. Wayland, Young, Brown, McAdams, Daley, Lane, Buck- ner. Chamlin, Slater, Hinshaw and Mellors. Rev. R. H. N. McAdams who now has charge of the church has been here two years. He is earnest and faithful, and his work has been blessed.
The Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1882, and with thirty-five members. In the fall of 1884 they built a church which was dedicated free of debt, ill 1889. They provided a parsonage in 1883 which has made a good home for some excellent ministers. Those who have been shepherds of this flock are Revs. Anderson, Stradforth, York, Swartz Means, Bruuer, Emerson, Siess, Holtz, Howard, Riess, Moore and McNabb. The present pastor is Rev. G. B. Mehl, who has proved a zeal- ous, untiring worker. His labors have been blessed. The church now has one hundred and thirty-five inembers.
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