USA > Kansas > Cowley County > History of Cowley County, Kansas > Part 15
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21
87
THE WINFIELD COURIER
wide veranda extending along the south and east sides adds to its beauty and convenience. The building covers an area of 24,500 square feet. It contains fifty sleeping rooms, besides parlors, bath rooms, dining room, kitchen, sample rooms, etc., making in all seventy-five rooms. Each apartment will be appropriately and elegantly furnished, containing electric bells and other modern improvements. The entire building will be lighted and heated by electricity, gas and steam and is thoroughly ventilated. A magnificent billiard parlor in the basement of the hotel will be one of the finest in the state. The office and lobby are large, airy and will be conveniently arranged and finely furnished;the sample room which furnishes a great convenience to traveling men for the display of their samples is a spacious apartment. The parlors will be unequalled in furnishings and adornments, while great care and taste is being displayed in arranging them for the comfort of guests. The dining room will be a model of beauty with its snow-white linen, silverware and elegant table service. The sleeping apartments all contain stationary washstands, hot and cold water, etc. This hotel when opened will be the Mecca of the commercial public and sustain the reputation which it has always borne in the past. It is convenient to the commercial part of the city. is on the street car line. and about equal distance from the four depots.
CALVIN FERGUSON
Photo by Dresser
FERGUSON BUILDING
Photo by Dresser
Calvin Ferguson was born in Butler CALVIN FERGUSON county, Penn. At the age of twelve years he moved with his parents to Lawrenceburg, Ind , making the journey by steamboat on the Ohio river, thence from Lawrenceburg he moved to Gallitan county, Kentucky, where his mother still resides. While in Pennsylvania his father was a railroad contractor, he having built the first railroad through the county in which he lived. When a boy of 17, Calvin enlisted in the 54th Indiana Regiment for a service of ninety days. This service was rendered in the states of Kentucky and Tennessee, when the regiment was mustered out. Mr. Ferguson then went on a steamboat to carry government stores to Ft. Leavenworth; later he followed
steamboating on the Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri rivers, as an occupation, until 1871, when he came to Baxter Springs, Kan., where he was married to Miss Ellen Chittenden. He soon removed to Winfield and engaged in the livery and stage business Since his residence here he has taken an active interest in building up the town, and many enterprises which are a credit to the city, stand as monuments to his memory, among which is the Union Street Railway and the fine two- story stone building known as the Ferguson Block, on East Ninth avenue. This building is one of the finest in town, the first floor being fitted up in elegant style for store rooms, while the second floor comprises the most modern and magnificent office rooms. Besides the business carried on by him in this
THE WINFIELD COURIER
city. he has for twenty-five years been United States mail con- tractor in Kansas, Indian Territory, Colorado and New Mex- ico, stocking many of the routes with horses and stages to carry mail and passengers, but all the time making his head- quarters in Winfield. During the early days in Oklahoma and Indian Territory.he had some of the wildest and most exciting experiences on his different routes. his stages often being held up by robbers and outlaws who made that country their hiding place Few men have had more exciting times in this line and few have proven themselves to be better fitted for such occasions. Mr. Ferguson's family consists of his wife and two children. His daughter. Miss Juanita Lee. is a student in St. John's college, taking the musical course, and his son Harry is attending the public school Mr. Ferguson and his family are highly esteemed and are recognized as being among the worthiest and most influential people in the city.
JAMES MCDERMOTT Photo by Dresser
The professional career of l'apt. JAMES MCDERMOTT James MeDermott is closely identi- fied with the history of Winfield and Cowley county. lle has been a continuous resident of this county for more than thirty years. He is originally from New York, having been born in New York City. June 6. 1841. At the age of twelve years "he moved with his parents to the "Blue Grass State" and was reared and educated there. When twenty years of age he enlisted in Co. 1. 4th Kentucky Infan- try as private. this was Ang. 3. 1861. Shortly after his en- listment he was made First Sergeant. then Second Lieutenant. and lastly First Lieutenant. Ile participated in about twenty engagements. the first being at Mills Springs. Among the others were Chickamaugua. Missionary Ridge. Franklin and Nashville. He was severely wounded at Chickamangua. After three and one half years faithful duty. he was mustered out of the service and returned to Kentucky where he took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar in 1867. He practiced in that state three years and also filled the office of county Assessor four years, then in 1870 he came to Kansas and locat- ed at Dexter. It is to Mr. McDermott that the credit is due for having started the now thrifty little town of Dexter. He was the builder of the first house on that town sight. His residence in that town was limited to seven years, he then removed to Winfield where he has since resided and followed his chosen profession. He was admitted to practice at the first term of court ever held in Cowley county, and is now the only attorney living in this county who was present at that
term. Aside from being a successful attorney, Mr. McDermott is an enthusiastic politician, participating in all political cam- paigns. He has always been a staunch republican and in 1872 was elected by that party as representative in the legislature. after which he was elected to the office of county attorney for the years of 1877-78.
J W. OLIVER Photo by Dresser
Among the business fraternity of Winfield, J. W. OLIVER none are more highly respected than onr worthy townsman whose name heads this article Few have taken a greater interest in the building up of the city. none so much to beautify it. A painter and paper hanger by trade. he has. not only by the artistic touch of his brushes blended one color into another on the interior of a majority of the best residences, but again has shown his ar- tistie taste in his selection of colors for the exterior. He did not stop here. but he made the lawn and garden fences to corre- spond Therefore we say that he has done more to beautify our city than any other individual in it. Mr Oliver has had thirty-three years experience in this line.sixteen of them in Win- field. He is still in line for all work offered him guaranteeing satisfaction at the lowest prices. Artistic sign painting, house painting and paper hanging are all in his line: so when in need of work of this order don't forget Mr. Oliver at 202 East Ninth avenue. Only the best paints, latest styles and designs in paper used. Mr. Oliver was born in Jefferson county, Ohio. June 18, 1831. also receiving his education in that state He was married to Miss Isabella Jones, of Ohio, in January, 1875. This marriage has been blessed by four children, two sons and two daughters. Mr. Oliver isa member of A. F. & A. M . Winfield No. 58. Wichita Consistory No. 2. M. W. A. F. A. & R. M. Tohee Tribe No 8.
One of the most gratifying evidences JOHN F. HERNDON of the spread of artistic tastes is the great attention now being given to the production of beautiful designs in stone and granite which grace the public and private buildings of the country. Within the past two years or more, Winfield has had many new build- ings, and as most of them are stone structures, there has neces- sarily been a heavy demand for stone cutters. Prominent among them is John F. Herndon, who for twenty-five years has been in business in this city. The handiwork of this man is shown on many of the handsomest structures that add to
89
THE WINFIELD COURIER
the beauty of Winfield and which stands out boldly as a reccom- mendation of the masters of architecture, and of which our people are so proud. In all of his work no complaint has been made. but to the contrary many compliments have been passed upon the skill and taste of this gentleman and his natural ability for the work. Mr Hern- don was one of the first white men in Cowley county. having been here since 1869. He has killed turkey and deer where the city of Winfield now stands He is an expert trapper and hunter as well as stone cutter, and is considered the "crack shot" of this part of the country. He has proven that Buffalo Bill. Wild Bill or any of the other expert shotsmen cannot excel him. He was born in Nichols county. Kentucky, March 27. 1855. and came to Kansas with the Hon W. F. Bowen. and was married on December 23d. 1883. to Miss Mollie E. Johnson of Floral. JOHN HERNDON Kan .. but has for several years been a widower. He is the father of three girls. two of them having died in infancy and one Miss Della Bess aged 14 years, lives with her father. Mr. Herndon is highly respected by all who know him and is regarded as a hard working, hon- est, upright, courteous and painstaking workman and business man. He is a member of the R. M. lodge and lives at 213 East Tenth avenue. Mr. Herndon for fifteen years was one of the best known auctioneers of Kansas and Missouri.
WILL W. STIFF Photo by Dresser
In all the towns of Cowley county nearly WILL W. STIFF all the business men are farmers. If they do not own farms out in the country as many do. they are town farmers. not the kind that loaf about town and let the women and children do the farming. but they live on farms adjoining the town. Some of these are the most successful. scientific farmers that we have. and among this class is Mr. Will W. Stiff of New Salem.
New Salem is a thrifty little village ten miles northeast
of this city on the Southern Kansas railroad. It is surrounded by a good farming country, contains two churches, schools and several business and dwelling houses.
Mr. Stiff is a man of many callings, therefore he is very busy. In connection with his farming he has a large general store where every article in demand by the farmer or house wife is kept. His dry goods department consists of a com- plete line of standard goods discreetly selected for the trade of this section. In the grocery line he handles all the staple groceries, flour and feed, while his clothing department which comprises gents furnishings, hats, caps, boots and shoes is complete He also has a good assortment of hardware, stoves etc Another department which is a much needed one in a community, is the line of drugs carried. including proprietary medicines, quinine. etc. Mr. Stiff also deals extensively in coal, having in stock all the grades and varieties of hard and soft coal. In his different departments he has five clerks em- ployed. Sixteen years ago Mr. Stiff began business in New Salem and the history of his store shows naught but steadily increasing business and deserves success His policy has al- ways been to anticipate the demand of the trade with proper goods. sell them on their merit. and to avoid misrepresenta- tions so that purchasers feel assured that they are receiving full value for their money. Aside from his mercantile busi- ness. Mr. Stiff is a grain dealer, he buys and ships grain to a large extent. He is also one of Cowley county's most pros- perous farmers as well as merchants, he owns a fine farm on which he resides. He was appointed postmaster in 1886 under Cleveland. which position he has filled up to the present time. Mr. Stiff was born in Perry county, Ohio. May 10. 1549. He came to Illinois with his parents in early youth where he re- ceived his education, and in October, 1875 was married to Miss Jane MeWilliams of Olney, Ill. They are the parents of four girls and two boys. Mr. Stiff came to Kansas eighteen years ago and located at New Salem where he now resides. He is a very pleasant gentleman. generous in conceding to all men the right to think and speak for themselves. He is a staunch republican and for a number of years has been conspicious before the people of Cowley county as a politician. He is a member of the M. E. church. A. F. & A. M., A. O. U. W .. F. A. A .. I. O. O. F .. G. A. R. and R. M. lodges. and his friends are urging his candidacy for sheriff at the coming election. Judg- ing from the prominent place that he fills as a citizen there is no doubt about his nomination and election to this office and his manly bearing. honest countenance and in fact his general demeanor impresses one with the idea that he will make an honest and fearless officer. At the age of fourteen years he went into the army and has as fine a record as a soldier as any man could desire.
A great artery of commerce that THE FRISCO RAILWAY has been instrumental in the upbuilding of Winfield and Cowley county for nearly a score of years is the Frisco rail- road which threads its course diagonally through the county from northeast to southwest. Its managers are always alert for business and readily discerning the rich and fertile lands of Cowley county and the bounteous traffic their prolific products would afford. put forth every effort to merit the public patron- age and secure a goodly share of the great transportation to and from the thriving section of Southern Kansas. But few people realize what care must be exercised. with what a far seeing eye the management of a railroad must view the situa- tion to keep the traffic from clogging the great wheels of commerce that bear away to the markets of the world the vast stream of the products of the soil. Yet far more important is the nicety with which the connections of trains bearing the great throng of humanity is managed. but the Frisco. people seem to be born railroad men and conduct this as they_ do all
90
THE WINFIELD COURIER
FRISCO DEPOT
Photo by Dress e
other features of their road, with a master hand. as is evidenc- ed by the general appreciation the public expresses for the Frisco system and their preference to travel over it
St. Louis is the headquarters of the Frisco railroad. This gives it a great starting point in the west- From there one branch runs through southern Missouri and along the south- ern border of Kansas, touching the rich mineral and agricul- tural regions in that part of the country. Another important branch extends from Pierce City. Missouri, west to Oklahoma City, the division from Sapulpa. I. l'. to Oklahoma City, being constructed the past two years. Another important step that means a great deal for this locality. is the line constructed within the past two years from Springfield, Missouri to Kansas City which practically gives Winfield another railroad to the great commercial center of Kansas City. By a directing at- tention to the south and west of Winfield it will be seen that the Frisco has within the past two years extended the road from Arkansas City to Blackwell in Oklahoma aud is reaching on to Enid in the western part of the Territory, over the line now being built by the Oklahoma Construction Company, which will give this city and county an outlet to the new country now rapidly coming to the front with many commer- cial wants to be supplied. This is a feature to be hailed with de- light by the business and agricultural people of Cowley county because it brings them into closer relationship with a vast sec- tion of country that must necessarily draw upon them for sup- plies, and affords greater opportunities to people in traffic and commerce. In Cowley county the Frisco road had struggles in its infancy, as all Kansas experienced, but with better times came brighter days in the commercial arena and the Friseo, with re- newed energy, forged ahead. extending its lines. improving its rolling stock. roadbed and service, until it now gives the public an'unexcelled railway service. Thus the Frisco management has been keeping pace with the progress of the country, open- ing up new arteries to respond to the throbbing of commerce from the virgin, wealth-given soil of the great Sunflower state and the new country to the south and west lu Cowley county alone this road pays an annual tax of $10,000. It is the best
paying lines in this part of the country having declared a large er monthly dividend to its stockholders for the month of Octo ber. 1900. than ever hefore. In fact the rapid strides'of the road in the past few years gives evidence of its prosperous con- dition.
The officers of the Frisco company are: B. F. Yoakum, Pres. and General Manager: F. H. Hamilton, General Secretary and Treasurer; A Douglas, Vice-President and Auditor; A. J. David- son. General Superintendent: C. R. Gray, Superintendent of Transportation; Bryan Snyder, General Passenger Agent; F. D. Russell. General Freight agent. All the above officers are lo- cated at St Louis Missouri, and to them is due the credit for the excellent management of the road. This road is represent- ed at this point by M. T. Ausherman as local agent. Mr Aush- erman is recognized as a gentleman of sterling business and social qualities, though young in vears, he is old in railroad ex- perience. He is one of the railroad agents who gets business and retains it, he is ever on the alert and is never known to miss a chance to sell a ticket or to secure a pound of freight.
The time on passenger trains between Winfield and St. Louis, is seventeen hours, while freight is carried through in thirty-six hours,
Since the above was written Mr. Ausherman has been as- signed to an agency in the Indian territory and Mr. C. J. Turpin has assumed charge of the Winfield office.
ORAIG'S BOOK STORE
Photo by Dresser
The career of a business enterprise is THE OLD CORNER the rule and standard by which the BOOK STORE public tests its capacity and general worth. When the progress of a house has been uniformly and steadily increasing under able management. going on to further prosperity with time, it necessarily imparts confidence and attracts patrons from far and near. This is the case of the above business which came into the hands of the present proprietor Mr. Chas. C. Craig. only last November. The enterprise is located on the north- west corner of Main street and Ninth avenue and the room occupied is 25x80 feet in dimensions. This building has been occupied as a book store for more than twenty years and has always done a prosperous business, and we venture to say that it will lose none of its patronage under its present ownership. Mr. Craig carries a complete line of books including works by all the standard authors, bibles, school books, magazines etc. Also stationery, both business and fancy, a full line of the new seals and dainty colors in waxes, school supplies, and a choice selection of fancy articles. The arrangement of the store is worthy of special mention, the goods being displayed so as to present a neat and most attractive appearance. Mr. Craig is sole agent for the Eastman Kodak company and the
91
THE WINFIELD COURIER
Vive Camera company. He is also a jobber for photographers and office supplies, and his store is the state school book de- pository. This is the most complete book store to be found in Southern Kansas, and under the able management of Mr. Craig assisted by his accomplished wife; it has not only re- tained its former list of patrons but is daily adding new ones. Mr Craig is well known all over Cowley county, having
C. C. CRAIG Photo by Dresser
served four years as clerk of the district court, during which time he proved his efficiency as an official and gained a deserv- ed popularity. Since he assumed the duties of this office the confidence of the people in him has been justified. He was for a number of years, preceding his election to office, a resi- dent of Arkansas City. He was born in Washington, lowa. May 25, 1867. He was educated in that state being a graduate of Penn College. Oskaloosa. lowa. On August 3, 1897 he was married to Miss Ruth Gantt of Arkansas City They live at 1426 Sonth Fuller street Mr Craig is a member of the Uni- tarian church and of the A. F. & A. M. Winfield No 58. K P. and R A. M. lodges.
T. A. MORRISON
Dos't like the pulse of music? That store across the way Is brimming o'er with music lore For those who sing or play. And instruments the choicest Are sold on terms so free That every home can afford to own An aid to rhaspody.
Of the many wide awake and enterprising establishments of Winfield, there are none more deserving of praise than that of Mr. T. A. Morrison, who ten years ago opened and stocked a music store in Winfield, and since that time has given his entire attention to that one interest; yearly increasing his stock by adding to its immensity every new and improved musical instrument, every new piece of music that he could find on the market until he has as large and as good an assort- ment of the kind in Cowley county. He carries all the lead- ing brands'of pianos and organs, In Mr. Morrison's store can be found the A. B. Chase, Needham, Story & Clark, Newman Bros., and D. H. Baldwin pianos and the Kimball, Newman Bros., and Bourdette organs. There can also be found the highest grade of violins, guitars, zithers and banjos, in fact everything from a month organ up. Mr. Morrison carries a full line of sewing . machines, including the New Home, Wheeler & Wilson and other grades that are cheaper, also
sewing machine supplies, oils etc. Both in this and the musical line, he does an immense business. He will order any machine or instrument that you wish. if he hasn't it on hand. He offers the lowest prices and easiest terms possible. Mr Morrison has other interests aside from his grand music house. He owns a splendid farm. well improved. five miles from Win-
Photo by Dresse
T. A. MORRISON
field. He was born in Sennacaville, Ohio, November 8. 1841. and in April is71, he was married to Miss Catharine N. Cozad of Victoria. Ilinois. They are the parents of one girl and two boys, one of the boys having died at the age of five years. Mr Morrison is a member of the A. F & A. M. Winfield No 58, I 0. 0 F .. K & L. of S. and G A. R. In 1861 he enlisted in Company. B. Ist Ohio Cavalary. He was three years in the regimental service and six months a scout under Gen. O. O. Howard At the battle of Chicamauga he was captured and for six months was a prisoner of war.
In 1873 he came to Kansas, located at Homer and there he became a member of the G. A. R., then in '91 he moved to Winfield and became a member of siverd Post. In '97 he was elected Junior Vice Commander of the G. A. R. department of Kansas. Mr. Morrison's place of business is at 903 Main street and his residence is at 311 East seventh avenue.
One of the most unostentatious and kindly business men of the city, an in- A PIONEER, A GENTLEMAN AND A SOLDIER dependent aud straightforward business man. who has helped the growth and development of Winfield, one who is loved and respected by rich and poor. one whose counsel is sought on all questions of vital importance, and whose assistance to the needy and deserving has often been along channels of which the public knew but little. is our worthy and honored towns- man. Col llenry C. Loomis. His integrity of character and straightforward manner. has made him friends, who are not moved by spirit of creed or party bias . An index of his charac- ter may be had by recalling some expressions made to a group of friends not long ago .within the hearing of the writer, when he gave the guiding principles of his life by saying that he had tried, in all of his career, to be independent, and that he hoped when his earthly career was ended he would have some friend kind enough to include in his epitaph a statement that he had been independent: that it had been his aim to do his duty as he saw it, regardless of consequences. While he admits that there are honest differences of opinions, he thinks each should stick and stand by the dictates of his conscience. It is doubtless this rule of his heart that has made him a host
92
THE WINFIELD COURIER
of friends, and a long list of business associates, who accept his statement without question. and has added greatly to the upbuilding of Winfield and Cowley county. Twice mayor of Winfield and during his two terms it is the general verdiet of the people that no mayor ever did more for the general im- provement and the upbuilding of the city than did Col. H. C. Loomis. In fact, his record was so good that there seems to be no doubt of his re-election at the coming spring eleetion. He was the first eounty clerk of Cowley county. He has been one of the leading promoters of our railroads. He has served several terms and is now vice-president of the Chantauqua Assembly and on all publie occasions he is one of the leading spirits. Besides being one of the leading Masons of the state, he is also a member of B. P. O. of Elks and R. M. But grand- est of all, he is a member of the Military Order of the Loyal
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.