USA > Kansas > Cowley County > History of Cowley County, Kansas > Part 12
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HON. W. P HACKNEY
HON. W. P. HACKNEY William Patrick Hackney was born in Jefferson county, Iowa. Dec. 24. 1842. Emigrated with his parents to Logan county, Ill .. in 1850, where he worked on a farm until July 22, 1861, when he entered the United States army as a private in Co. H. 7th Illinois Volunteer Infan- try, in which company he served until July 18th, 1865, when as captain of that company he and his men were mustered out. He was in a great many of the battles of the war of the west. and was wounded twice in the battle of Altoona Pass, Georgia. October 5th. 1864. He left the farm and entered a law office in 1866, and was admitted to the bar in 1867. In 1870 he moved to Cowley county, Kansas and thereafter remained in Cowley and Sumner counties until 1894 when on account of sickness he removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where he resided until 1900. He was a member of the Lower House of the Kansas State Legislature from Sumner county in 1873- 75, from Cow- ley county in 1876, and a member of the senate in 1881- 83, later he was mayor of Winfield. after which he quit office holding. In the material development of Winfield Mr. Hackney has been an important factor. The Hackney Block. one of the most commodious and beautiful buildings in the state was erected by him. When mayor of the city he urged and secured the widening of the sidewalks on Main street from twelve to sixteen feet, au improvement of immense ad- vantage to the appearance of that street. He built the hand- somest and most substantial residence in the city. Alto- gether he built in Winfield upwards of a dozen buildings. He was prominent in all movements of a public nature for over twenty years and the town bears the impress of his strong personality in its social life as well as its community spirit.
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He believed in largeness in doing things for the future as well as for the present. Ilis policies were broad, liberal and unselfish. His strong individuality made him enemies, but it also brought him friends who were staunch and true. Probably no man has been so generally missed from any community as was Mr. Hackney when he removed to Cleveland, Ohio.
The splendid building which he constructed was partially destroyed by fire last year, but it is now being reconstructed and will stand as a lasting monnment of his enterprise. Ilis multitude of Cowley county friends still hope that he may return to make his home in Winfield and spend the closing days of his life among the people with whom his best years were spent.
JOS. T. LAFFERTY
The bar has been justly described as JOS. T. LAFFERTY "the science in which the greatest powers of undertaking are applied to the greatest number of facts." Can we wonder then that the profession attraets to its ranks men of such ability that they have distinguished themselves in all the courts of the land. Where the greatest honor is to be gained at the cost of unceas- ing toil and study, there yon will find our most able citizens, and it is thus that the profession of law has attracted to its ranks men of more than average intelligence. The bar of Cowley county has numbered among its members many men whose careers have been a eredit to the profession, and among them do we find the subject of our sketch, Mr. Jos. T. Lafferty. He is a native of Ohio, having been born in Belmont county in 1870. He received his early education in his home schools and then attended Franklin College, Ohio, and later graduated from Allegheny College, Meadville. Penn. He was admitted to the bar in 1891, and after two years success- ful practice in Winfield went to Oklahoma where he built up a large elientage, and in 1894- 95 was prosecuting attorney of Noble county. He remained in Oklahoma until 1897, when he
returned to Winfield and became a partner of Indge J. C. Pol- lock, his brother-in-law. until January, 1901, when the Judge was appointed as one of the justices of the supreme court. Mr. Lafferty is exceedingly modest in speech and demeanor, he claims to have performed no great heroie deeds but has lived the life of the common. He is a man of wide experience a elose student of both law and human nature: with great philosophie breadth and a close reasoner. lle is of an emo- tional temperament and possesses an abundance of wit. Fre- quently his witticism in his speeches before a jury brings irrepressible smiles not only to the faces of the jury but to the countenance of the stern and frowning judge as well. While his eloquence and pathos when pleading for the life or liberty of some unfortunate is sure to have its effeet upon judge and jury. Mr. Lafferty is also an entertaining and pleasing conversationalist. His practice is upright and honor- able, in fact he is one of the most generous, approachable and democratie of lawyers. Not only is he a valuable member of the bar but he is equally as valuable a citizen. He affiliates with the Masons, being a member of Winfield lodge No. 58 and Wichita Consistory No. 31.
When Judge Pollock received his appointment to the supreme bench it became necessary for him to dispose of his law interests in the firm of Pollock & Lafferty which he did by selling same to his partner. Mr. Lafferty. Since then Mr Lafferty has formed a co-partnership with Mr. Wm. P. Hack- ney. formerly of this city but late of Cleveland, Ohio, which will take effect Feb 1. 1901. The style of this firm will be Hackney & Lafferty. The combination is certainly good and success is assured from the beginning. We know of no firm that will comprise a greater amount of legal talent, energy and foree than these gentlemen, both are fully capable. while socially there are no more popular men in Southern Kansas.
INTERIOR VIEW OF FARNSWORTH & SON'S CIGAR STORE
Phito by Dresser One of the recently established businesses FARNSWORTH & SON in Winfield is that of Farnsworth & Son. For seventeen years they have lived in Winfield and been in business. They formerly occupied the news stand now owned by Capt. S. G. Gary, but sold out a little over a year ago and after spending several month's traveling in Colorado and other west ern states, returned to Winfield and established themselves in the wholesale and retail eigar business. locating on East Ninth avenue in a neat and attractive room 21x55 feet in dimensions. They handle all the leading brands of chewing and smoking to- baecos and cigars, while their stock is alway fresh and new.
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The: are the only lalugar jobbers in the city, handling all the popular bogdes jah fots, which has proven to them a success as well as & Youventeope to retail dealers. They are local dis- tributors for Theobold and Oppenheimers William Penn,a Seed and Havana cigar. which goes to the trade at $60 and $70. Among their popular five cent cigars are Portuondo, Tailor Made. Henry George, Firelight. Czarina and Pearl Crown. They report a phenominal sale on their own private brands, Fire- light and Tailor Made. As a news stand, this establishment is complete. All the leading newspapers published in the United States are kept for sale. both dailies and weeklies. They also carry all the leading magazines and periodicals, and paper covered books, including the latest novels. etc. Also a choice selection of pipes, canes, fine candies and nuts are kept in stock. Farnsworth & Son are well known by every citizen in Winfield and vicinity.for their correct and honest plan of doing business Their social and genial disposition have made their business house the rendezvous for business men and for several months past it has been the headquarters for republican poli- ticians. Both Mr. Farnsworth & Son are loyal citizens, thoroughly imbued with the spirit of progress, which means a great deal in the developing of a city.
STORE FRONT OF F. K. ROBINSON. Photo by Dresser
Among the business firms of Winfield F. K. ROBINSON should be mentioned Mr. F. K. Robinson, who is engaged in the negotiation of farm loans secured by productive properties in Southern Kau- sas and Eastern Oklahoma. Mr. Robinson has been engaged in the loan business for the past ten years, during which time he has negotiated many hundred thousand dollars of loansand has not completed a single foreclosure or taken an acre of land on any loan he has made. On account of his conservatism and hi- gloss personal inspection of every piece of land upon which he negotiates a loan, his loans are much sought after by east- ern investors and to the borrower he is able to make the low- est possible rate of interest. Mr. Robinson,in addition to the
negotiation of farm loans, handles properties in Eastern Kan- sas for non-residents and makes more or less short time loans, possessing ample capital and controlling thousands of acres of land throughout the state belonging to himself and his clients, Mr. Robinson has built up a very profitable business. Mr. Robinson is agent for the entire state of Kansas, handling both the loans and real estate of several of the largest savings banks in New England as well as numerons individual investors. Mr Robinson possesses the necessary qualifications of a thoroughly reliable and energetic business man and commands the highest regard of his customers and the confidence of the community in which he lives. lle has lived in Winfield for the past twenty-five years and his long acquaintance in the locality in which his loans are made has proven of benefit to him in the selection of securities. Mr. Robinson's father, Mr. M. L. Robinson. was one of the early settlers in Winfield and conducted up to the time of his death the largest financial institution in this part of the state, so Mr. Robinson has, as it were, grown up in the loan business. Any information in regard to investments or real estate in Southern Kansas or eastern Oklahoma will be cheerfully furnished and any matters pertaining to the investments of non-residents will have careful attention. Mr. Robinson is a native of Kansas, born in 1865 and has lived in the state practically all his life. He a member of the A. F. & A. M. Adelphia No. 110. His place of business is 105 East 9th avenue, in the First National Bank block a ent of which building appears in this issue.
. WBSD'O
LUMTHING
ITIN 6HK
REED & SEIMEARS' STORE
Photo by Dresser
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That the bicycle has come to stay is JOSEPH SEIMEARS now an assured fact, and that it is destined to be a popular means of exercise for years to come, has been demonstrated beyond a doubt. In this respect Winfield is not behind the rest of the world, for there are at least 1,000 .wheels owned in the city. With enterprise and foresight, Mr. Seimears, five years ago located a bicycle shop on Ninth avenue. Here he carries a large line of the finest and and best wheels on the market, his specialties being the Rambler, National and Andræ. Ile has wheels ranging in price from $25 to $75. Riders of. wheels seem to be one grand brotherhood, among whom there is an affinity, and where the merits of a wheel are freely commented upon. Hence the reason why poorly made wheels are con- demned and become a glut on the market. On the other hand those wheels that have merit in them soon become recognized and win a reputation for the salesmen. It is here that Mr. Seimears wins out. Do not think of buying elsewhere until you call and look over his stock and see wheels that have been selected for their many good points by keen judges. Mr. Seimears has a special department where one can rent a wheel to take a spin. That this is appreciated is evidenced by the fact the majority of them are out on every pleasant day. A good ride in the morning before business is one of the best tonics a man can take, for it chases the cobwebs from his brain and makes him feel refreshed all day. Mr. Seimears has also a place fitted up with machinery for repairing wheels, and in addition does all kinds of light machine work. The size of the building is 25x90 feet or 2,250 square feet. Mr. Seimears was boru in Elk county, Kansas, February 8, 1872, and was educated in Kansas. He belongs to the Macabees, I. O. R. M. and A. F. & A. M., Adelphia 110. He is also a member of the Fire Department.
FRANK W. REED The history of the civilization of man has been marked by the improvement of his habitation. The evolution of the raw-hide tepee of the aboriginee to the modern skyscraper, is ample evidence of this fact. No department of the building arts has progressed with more rapid strides than that of plumbing and architectural iron and tin work, and no worker in these lines has kept closer pace with this improvement than the subject of this sketch, Frank W Reed. Mr. Reed was born at Lewisburg, Penn., in 1871, and came to Kansas in his early youth. At the age of fourteen he entered his apprentice- ship under the supervision of his father who had spent many years following these trades. After spending a number of years in the best shops of Kansas and Oklahoma, Vr. Frank Reed moved to St. Louis, Mo., where he engaged in heating and furnace work exclusively, for some time, after which he returned to Winfield and opened the shop he now controls: He does sanitary plumbing, sheet metal, tin and cornice work. He has conducted this business continuously for about ten years with the exception of nine months of service in the Spanish-American war, and today he can point with pride to his work in this city, knowing that it will bear the closest scrutiny as to mechanical perfection. His surplus capital during this time has been invested in the latest improved machinery and best material the market affords, and now his shop which is located at 209 East Ninth avenue not only bears the distinction of being the only exclusive plumbing, cornice and tin shop in Southern Kansas but is the best equipped for first class work. Mr. Reed makes and furnishes his own plans and specifications, thereby showing a customer exactly what his work will be when completed, also guarding against sub- stitution of inferior work or material. He holds a card in the Sheet Metal Workers Union, and in consistency with this voluntarily established a nine hours work day, his shop being the only one in the city having this distinction. His em- ployees are impressed with the fact that the reputation of the
institution depends upon the quality of their work and no slighting is tolerated however small the job. Through his advice most of his employees, six in number, are taking mechanical courses in the Seranton Correspondence School, thus giving his patrons the benefit of the latest and best in formation in their several lines. During the past year he has done most of the tin roofing and cornice work done in this city and in no ease has he left a dissatisfied customer, while in the plumbing business he has shown the difference between sanitary plumbing and mere pipe work. Winfield must soon have sewerage and with that must come sanitary plumbing, therefore one can readily see how much cheaper is good work first than work that must be replaced later. Mr. Reed's slogan. "we do no cheap work," means good work at a fair price. It will pay you to see him before letting any contraets go in this line.
On May 4, 1898, Mr. Reed enlisted in Co. F. 21st Kansas as private. In a short time he was made First Sergeant and then was promoted to Second Lieut. He was mustered out of the service December 10, 1898.
J. B. HARDEN Photo by Dresser
One of the most thrifty enterprises JOHN B. HARDEN just opened in our city, is the real estate and insurance firm of Lee & Har- den. Mr. Ilarden, the junior member, has been a resident of this city for the past eight years. He was born in Indianapolis, Ind .. May 11, 1836, and was married to Miss Mary F. Miller of Lueas county, Iowa, in 1859. They are the parents of four children. two girls and two boys. The oldest daughter, Viola Iledriek, died at the age of thirty-five years and the youngest son died in infaney. The youngest daughter, Aldora, is the wife of Henry Rowland of Burden, Kan. The oldest son, S. F. Ilarden is married and lives at Cremlin, O. T., where he is engaged in the mercantile business. Mr. J. B. Harden is a notary public and in his new enterprise, does a real estate, loan and insurance business. Loans are safely and promptly made on farm and city property in the state of Kansas; prompt attention is given to all collections and taxes are paid for non-residents. At the age of twenty-one Mr. Harden commeneed business for him- self as a farmer and continued as such for three years when he enlisted in Company II 13th Indiana regiment, as private. He was afterwards made corporal and was mustered out of the army as such. He then went back to his old occupation as a farmer, and after a year or so he bought a saw mill, which he operated for a number of years. In 1870 he came to Kansas and located in Coffey county, where he remained for one year, then to Cowley county where he engaged in the mercantile business. This he conducted for six years with success. He again went to farming and stock raising, in which he is still engaged in connection with the above men- tioned business. His office is over J. S. Mann's Clothing store and he resides at No. 420 West Eleventh avenue.
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S. E. COMPTON.
Several years ago the Winfield transfer WINFIELD TRANSFER LINE line was established by S. E. Compton on a very small scale, but with each passing year he continued to add to his business until today he has transfer wagons, drays. ete. No man in any business has climbed the ladder of success under greater difficulties than Mr Compton. But after all it is not
purposes. Mr. Compton has by his pluck. energy and untiring efforts not only succeeded in the transfer busi- ness but owns the street railway line of this city and is also chief of the fire department. His efforts are always along that line which tends to upbuild the city and it is with a feeling of pride that the citizens of Winfield look on him.
In a work of this kind it is necessary UNION STREET RAILWAY for the general good of the city and community to point out the enter- prises and institutions which are sound financially and of the greatest benefit to the city. It is these enterprises that induce visitors, seekers of business loca- tions and homes to locate. Therefore we do not consider it ont of place to make special mention of certain enterprises that have done so much to develop the various industries of Winfield. And as such, we believe that the Union Street Rail- way has done as much to impress the visitor with the thrift and up-to-date ideas of our city and industries as any other one enterprise in the city. The Union Street Railway Co .. was organized June 4. 1886, and charter granted. June 7, 1886. with a capital stock of $25.000. The officers of the company were, William Mathewson, president; W J. Kennedy. secretary: (. Ferguson. gener. 1 manager. Mr. William Mathewson of Wichita. Kan., owned the controlling interest. The road was operated under this management until 1893, when it was leased to Compton and Lawrence, who controlled it for one year when Lawrence withdrew and Compton continued to operate it on the original lease until 1897. when he bought the three-fourths interest of Thos. J. Eaton. S H. Myton and
WINFIELD STREET CAR BARN
Photo by Dresser
strange that he has been successful when you understand that it is due to his courage, enterprise and determination to com- plete that which he begins. His policy has always been that of "honesty" and his watch-word "progress" and today he can look back over the past with a feeling of content that he has made honest progress. His business is strictly that of transfer and draying. He has large drays wide and low ex- pressly for moving furniture and household goods and smaller ones of a different structure for regular drayage
William Mathewson. Mr. J. C. Fuller of Moline, Ill., owns the other fourth interest. Since the day that the road went into the hands of the present owners it has proved a success financially and a source of great convenience as well as pleasure to the people of Winfield and community. Since Mr. Compton took charge of the property, he has expended a large amount of money in the way of road ballast, trackage and repairs generally, and is now making arrangements for the remodeling and repainting of all the cars of the line, at a cost
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of several hundred dollars. All debts have have been paid.
The office is located at No. 701 North Main street. The stables are at the extreme end of Main street. or what is more generally known as Island Park, a little less than a mile north of the office. Main street is the main line. it passes the Frisco, Missouri Pacific and Southern Kansas depots, opera house and on through the central part of town to Riverside avenue when it turns west to the Santa Fe station. At Main street and Ninth avenue, lines diverge to the east and west: the line east passing to Arlington Hotel, Court Honse, City Hall, Hospital, Asylum. Lutheran and Methodist colleges; a distance of two miles: while the line west terminates at the Fair Grounds; a distance of one mile. In all, over seven miles of track, twenty-five men. twenty-one mules and six large cars do the business.
Mr. Samuel E. Compton was born in Ontario eounty. Canada, in 1855, came to "the state" in 1882, locating in Little Rock, where he engaged in the hay shipping and transfer business. then to Winfield in '85, and engaged in teaming and transfer business which he has since continued in connection with his other enterprises. In 1881, he was married to Miss Harriet N. Hackshaw, of Lone Oak, Ark. Of this union there are three sons. Mr Compton is a member of the A. F. & A. M . Winfield No 58, I O. O, F .. K. of P .. R. M. and president A. H. T. A. He is also chief of the fire department in this city. He has proven himself to be an exemplary citi- zen, strictly honest, a man who does not fear or hesitate to do what he believes to be right, kind and generous hearted, and looks well to the comfort of men under him. As a business man he is liberal, publie spirited and successful, through eternal vigilence. honesty and industry. These commendable traits of character permit him to count his friends by the legion.
BOWDEN & WIKOFF Scarcely an industry in Winfield can boast of so rapid develop- ment as that of the mannfacture of
high grade cigars by Messrs Bowden & Wikoff, whose factory three years ago started with but one workman and who now have twelve to fifteen people employed constantly. Their straightforward business methods, coupled with the thorough knowledge of leaf tobacco of which only the best is used in their factory, has built up a demand for their goods that is both gratifying to themselves and the retail trade. It is the largest factory in the district. They confine their efforts to high grade five cent cigars and have practically no competi- tion in this section for that class of goods. Local dealers and jobbers now place their orders with this firm in 5,000 to 10,000 lots and the the capacity of the factory is at all times pressed to the limit. Messrs-Bowden & Wikoff use the Blue Label on all their goods, consequently employ all union workmen which in itself is a guarantee of good workmanship. Whenever a Winfield smoker asks for a Millionaire, Grand Prize or Nicko he knows he is getting the very best obtainable and will not brook substitution. Each succeeding year will find Messrs. Bowden & Wikoff's factory growing larger as the natural result of their past record and standing with the business and smoking public and the quality of the goods they produce.
JOHN W. SKINNER One of Winfield's most popular citi- zens is Mr. John W. Skinner, who was born in Galesburg. 111 .. , March 4, 1859, and came to Kansas in 1869, where he has since lived. Mr. Skinner. is a most democratie man and is considered a kind and pleasant gentleman. When you talk with him you are at once impressed with the strong personality of the man and his pronounced sentiments. He has resided in Winfield for fifteen years and served two terms as sheriff of Cowley
county. from 1893 37. during which time he made an enviable record, and was recognized as one of the most efficient officers that Cowley county has ever had; one who could not be bluff- ed out doing his duty. Mr. Skinner is at present and has been for a-numbor of years engaged in stock raising. lle has a fine farm of 800 acres two miles south of Burden, in this county. This farm is conveniently arranged and fitted up for a first elass stock farm. He was, just after his term expired, engaged in the livery business in this city. he having built the fine stone barn known as the Palace Stables, on East Ninth avenue. While in the business, he owned some of the finest horses and turn-outs in Southern Kansas, among which was the beautiful span of milk whites and the elegant trap. lle was very sue- cessful as a liveryman, but sold out in order to devote his en- tire attention to his stoek farm. In lodge cireles Mr. Skinner is a 32 degree Mason, A. F. & A. M . Winfield No. 58; I O. O. F .: Winfield Chapter 31, R. A. M .; Commandery 15, K. T. and M. W. A. Ele was married to Miss Elizabeth Campbell of Neosho county, Kansas, in 1884. They are the parents of four girls and one boy, the latter having died in infancy. They live at the corner of Eighth avenue and Loomis street, in one of the most elegant residenees in Winfield.
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