USA > Kansas > Leavenworth County > History of Leavenworth County Kansas > Part 26
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Mr. Snyder, in connection with Senator Vinton Stillings, built the Terminal Bridge across the Missouri River in 1893, costing $1,200,000.00, which allowed the Burlington, Rock Island and Chicago & Great Western railroads to come into Leavenworth, and made a highway to connect with Platte County, Missouri Mr. Snyder was president of the company and the moving spirit in its accomplishment.
Mr. Snyder also takes an interest in local affairs and served as presi- dent of the city council. He is also president of the Home Riverside Coal Mines Company of Leavenworth and has taken an active interest in the development of coal interests here.
Mr. Snyder made the race at one time for state senate against Will- iam A. Harris, Mr. Harris winning by 117 votes. These two men were close personal friends and the election of either was a pleasure to the other. Mr. Harris was afterward made United States Senator.
In 1877, Mr. Snyder was married to Fannie M. Benson, of Gardner, Illinois. Mrs. Snyder died in 1916 and is buried in Leavenworth, Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder had the following children: Charles E., now state senator from this district; Ira B., of Leavenworth, a traveling salesman.
In January, 1918, Mr. Snyder was married to Mrs. Bonnie A. Bourke, of Dallas, Texas, and they reside at 409 North Esplanade.
Mr. Snyder is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has a very large acquaintance in banking circles throughout the state, and also many friends in Leaven- worth and community.
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Senator Charles E. Snyder, of the Third Senatorial District of Kansas, and vice-president of the Manufacturers' National Bank, is a well-known and successful banker, and has been engaged in the banking business for several years. He was born in Gardner, Illinois, August 25, 1878, and, when six weeks old, came with his parents to Clifton, Kansas, where they - located, later moving to Leavenworth.
Senator Snyder attended the public schools of Leavenworth, Marma- duke Military Academy at Sweet Springs, Missouri, and Philips Academy at Andover, Massachusetts. He entered the Manufacturers' National Bank in 1897 and has filled every position in the bank since then, except president.
Beginning in 1907, Senator Snyder served in the house of representa- tives for two terms. He was a member of the board of education of the city of Leavenworth in 1916 and 1917, and in 1916 was elected to the state senate, and re-elected in 1920. He has always been conservative in his ideas and has many warm friends. He assisted Governor Allen materially in the construction of the industrial court bill.
Senator Snyder is a member of the Woodmen of the World, Brother- hood of American Yeomen, Fraternal Aid Union, Court of Honor, Knights & Ladies of Security, Modern Woodmen of America, Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Homesteaders, Knights of Pythias, Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Senator Sny- der is a representative business man of Leavenworth, public spirited and progressive, and has made a success in his chosen field of endeavor. His services for his district in the house of representatives and the senate were performed conscientiously and are appreciated by the people whom he represents.
Senator Snyder was married to Beulah Newell of St. Joseph, Mis- souri, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. J. J. Newell. She was born and educated in St. Joseph. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have three sons: E. W., Jr., James N. and Charles E., Jr. The family reside at 400 South Esplanade, Leaven- worth, Kansas, and are among the city's best citizens.
Edward T. Dicks, proprietor of the Dicks Cigar Company at 402 Delaware street, is one of the progressive and enterprising young busi- ness men of Leavenworth, Kansas. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of George and Mary (Brennan) Dicks. The former was a native
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of St. Louis and died at the age of forty-five years in Leavenworth and is buried at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. His wife was also a native of St. Louis and now lives in Leavenworth.
George Dicks came to Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1883 and the family followed in 1884. He was employed as superintendent of the F. A. Rolf's cracker factory, the pioneer cracker factory of the city, located at Third and Shawnee streets (southwest corner). He was with them as superin tendent until his death. Mr. and Mrs. George Dicks were the parents the following children: Edward T., the subject of this sketch ; John Leavenworth; George, with the Dicks Cigar Companies, and Ca+' who is proprietress of a florist shop at 217 South Fifth street. wult, Less,
Edward T. Dicks is a wide awake business man of the prog type and has built up an extensive business. Previous to enteri that cigar business, he was on the road, traveling for the Leavenworth Company for five years. In February, 1903, Mr. Dicks and Herman started the cigar store at its present location. Mr. Levy retired in 1: ahr Mr. Dicks carries a full line of cigars and tobacco, and does both a whole- sale and retail business.
Edward Dicks was educated in the Cathedral parochial schools of Leavenworth, and spent two years in the Morris public schools. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, United Commercial Travelers and Loyal Order of Moose.
Mr. Dicks was married January 3, 1917, to Gertrude Wallace, a daugh- ter of J. P. and Anna (Goltwaite) Wallace, the latter of whom is deceased, and the former lives in Leavenworth. Mr. and Mrs. Dicks have two daugh- ters, Mary Ann and Gertrude Louise.
John C. Walker, the efficient cashier of the Manufacturers' National Bank of Leavenworth, was born in England. He is the son of Robert and Martha (Jowett) Walker, natives of Darbyshire, England, but who came to the United States and located in Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1888. Robert Walker was a florist and opened a florist shop, also conducted a green- house in South, and later in North Leavenworth. He died in St. Joseph, Missouri, and was buried there. His wife lives with her son John C. Walker. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Walker were the parents of the following children: Sidney R., deceased; Hugh, foreman for Leavenworth Bag Com- pany of Leavenworth; Joseph S., deceased; Elizabeth, wife of Charles H. Davis of Little Rock, Arkansas, and John C., the subject of this sketch.
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John C. Walker received his education in the Leavenworth public schools and began work as bookkeeper for the Manufacturers' National Bank in 1900. In 1904 he was made receiving teller, assistant cashier in 1914 and has been the efficient cashier since January 1, 1920, and has capably filled that position to the present time. Mr. Walker has had varied experiences in the banking business and is well qualified for the responsible position which he holds.
John C. Walker was married in June, 1911, to Harriet Kiser of Leav- orth, Kansas, a daughter of S. H. and Mary (Dunham) Kiser.
Mr. and Mrs. Walker reside at 501 Arch street. Mr. Walker is a of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and takes a commendable st in church and civic affairs.
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charles T. Cox is well-known proprietor of the Cox Printing Company, je of the leading job printing offices in Leavenworth, Kansas. He was worn in Leavenworth, January 27, 1860, the son of Benjamin F. and Rebecca (Rouse) Cox. Mrs. Rebecca Cox was a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Rouse. Benjamin F. Cox came to Kansas in 1858 and located in Leavenworth. He died about 1906, and is buried at Mt. Muncie Cemetery. He was a member of the home guards during the Civil War. The Cox children are: Charles T., the subject of this sketch ; Elizabeth, the wife of Thomas Brady of Leavenworth, Kansas; Rachel, who is married and lived in Kansas City, Missouri; Cusby Ann and Maude, who live at home; and George and Frank, of Leavenworth.
Charles T. Cox received his education in the public schools of Leaven- worth and at the age of seventeen years learned the printer's trade with C. J. Smith & Company and was with them for eleven years. He was appointed receiver for the C. J. Smith Company and ran the plant for one and one-half years. He then leased the business and went to work for himself with Henry Yeager as partner, which partnership continued for two years. Then Mr. Cox and Frank Harmon bought the plant and later Mr. Cox sold out to Harmon. Mr. Cox started the present business in 1906 and is located opposite the post office.
This firm does all kinds of job printing, and because of Mr. Cox's ability and progressiveness, he has made a thorough success.
Mr. Cox also takes an interest in the city, and in 1911 was elected city commissioner of parks and public property and re-elected in 1913, 1915 and 1917, serving the city eight years, and he did much to improve
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the parks of the city. He established Kemp Park in South Leavenworth. The city has been greatly benefited by the faithful service of Mr. Cox as city commissioner.
In 1881, Mr. Cox was married to Margaret Elberson of Leavenworth, a daughter of George and Christina Elberson, both deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Cox have one child, Harriet, the wife of Floyd Kurtz, of Leavenworth.
Mr. Cox is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and is a Shriner, Woodmen of the World, Knights of the Maccabees and Court of Honor.
Mr. and Mrs. Cox reside at 325 Fifth avenue.
Charles L. Cherrie, the popular and widely known agent for the Santa Fe Railway Company at Lansing, Kansas, was born at Bellepoint, Dela- ware County, Ohio, January 24, 1856, the son of Isaac and Susanna (Frankenfield) Cherrie, who moved to Union County shortly after the birth of Charles L. Cherrie. Isaac Cherrie died in the Libby Prison in 1864. At the beginning of the Civil War he volunteered, and was cap- tured at Chattanooga, Tennessee. His wife died in Delaware County, Ohio at Ostrander. They were the parents of the following children: Mary, the wife of Thomas Haggard, who lives at Kenton, Ohio, and whose husband was a volunteer in the Civil War; Charles L., the subject of this sketch; Philone, the wife of Wesley Shover, of Marysville, Ohio; Estella, the wife of William Fetter, of Canada.
Charles L. Cherrie received his education at Watkin, Ohio, and prior to coming to Kansas in 1878 he followed farming. In 1880 he began working for the Santa Fe railroad at Gardner, Kansas, then moved to Burlington, Kansas, and came to Lansing November 10, 1887, where he has been employed since. He learned the telegraphic business at Valen- tine Brothers School at Jonesville, Wisconsin. Mr. Cherrie has had many years' experience in railroad work and has a good record to his credit. He also takes an interest in civic affairs and has held a place on the school board of Lansing for six years.
Mr. Cherrie was married first in Ohio to Frances May Guy, who died in February, 1891. They had three children: Charles, who is a conductor on the Southern Pacific railroad and lives in California; William B., who died at the age of thirty-eight years, in June, 1919, and who was connected
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with the auditor's office of the Santa Fe Railroad Company at Topeka, Kansas at the time of his death; and Estella, formerly a trained nurse, and now the wife of Jacob R. Wilson, of St. Joseph, Missouri.
July 8, 1892, Mr. Cherrie was married to Laura A. Weeks, of Grenola, Kansas, and they have three children: Lafie, the wife of Clarence Miller, of Lansing, Kansas; Earl W., who is third trick operator and clerk with the Santa Fe railroad at Iola, Kansas; and Bernice, who is stenographer for the Kansas City Southern Railway Company at Kansas City, Missouri.
Mr. Cherrie is a member of the following lodges: Independent Order of Odd Fellows for thirty-eight years; Ancient Order of United Workmen for thirty-two years, and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons No. 49 for eight years.
George A. Stevenson has been the very capable assistant chief of the fire department, Station No. 2, since June 1, 1920, and, prior to that time, was foreman for four years. He was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, July 9, 1865, and is the son of Andrew and Ann (Stephenson) Stevenson, who came to Leavenworth in 1877, where he engaged in the livery busi- ness at Seventh and Olive streets for twenty-five years. He died in 1907 and his wife in 1914, both being buried at Mt. Muncie. They were the parents of nine children, of whom George A., the subject of this sketch, was the oldest.
George A. Stephenson was educated in the public schools of Massa- chusetts, and also attended the Third avenue, East Oak School of Leaven- worth. After finishing school he assisted his father in the livery business until he joined the fire department in July, 1895. He performed the duties of driver until the present modern equipment was installed.
Mr. Stevenson was married October 30, 1894, to Emma Nitzsche, who died in 1901. To this union were born two sons, namely: George, who died at the age of fourteen years, and Frank who was born in April, 1898. Frank served in the World War, having enlisted with Company E, 139th Infantry, and was with the Thirty-fifth Division in France for one year. He was in the battles of Meuse and Argonne, and for his services in the war has received a medal.
Mr. Stevenson was married the second time to Mrs. Ida Keitner, July 1, 1905. Mrs. Keitner was formerly Miss Goldthwaite, and by her first marriage she had three children: Edna, Clara and Wilma. By her marriage to Mr. Stevenson, she has one daughter, Lillian.
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Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson are substantial, well-respected citizens of Leavenworth and reside at 231 Fourth avenue. Mr. Stevenson is a mem- ber of the Masonic lodge.
W. J. Bransfield, the well-known assistant cashier of the State Sav- ings Bank, was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, January 24, 1898. He is the son of William F. and Catherine E. (Rossiter) Bransfield, who resides at 408 North Sixth street, Leavenworth. The latter was a native of Dublin, Ireland, coming with her parents to Leavenworth when three years of age. Both of her parents died in Leavenworth. William Bransfield was born in Leavenworth in 1862, the son of Michael Bransfield, an early pioneer of Leavenworth, and a captain in the Union Army. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. William Bransfield: John, at home; W. J., the subject of this sketch ; Howard, of Troy, Kansas; and Walter and Charles, both at home.
W. J. Bransfield received his education in parochial schools and St. Mary's College, St. Mary's, Kansas, leaving the latter in his freshman year. He began work in the State Savings Bank, September 15, 1917, and has been assistant cashier since September 15, 1917.
He is a member of the Knights of Columbus of Leavenworth. Mr. Bransfield is a young man with a bright and prosperous future, for he is energetic and capable, qualities which insure his success. He has a wide acquaintance and is well qualified for the responsible position which he holds.
John C. Seitz, of the Leavenworth Dairy and Creamery Company, one of the important and successful industries of that city, was born in Albany, Minnesota, August 23, 1877. He is the son of Andrew and Anna Seitz, the former having died at the age of fifty-nine years in 1899, and is buried at Leavenworth, and the latter is now living in Leavenworth. Mr. Seitz came to Kansas from Minnesota in 1882 and was engaged in farming until his death.
John C. Seitz was educated in the public schools of Leavenworth, and was employed by the present firm eighteen years prior to becoming a member. This is the pioneer creamery of Leavenworth. They manu- facture butter and ice cream on an extensive scale, and deal in all kinds
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of dairy products. It is located at 507 Shawnee street. Mr. Seitz is a practical creamery man, and, with his wide experience in the business.
Mr. Seitz takes an active interest in local affairs. In 1917, he was elected commissioner of finance and revenue, and filled that position for two years, after which he succeeded Mayor Davis and filled the unexpired term as mayor.
John C. Seitz was married to Florence M. Erschelle of Leavenworth, and they have five children: John, Richard, Edward, Frances and Helen. The family reside at 216 North Broadway and stand high in the com- munity.
C. M. Fenning, the enterprising proprietor of the Big 4 Laundry, one of the most important industrial institutions of Leavenworth. He was born on the site of the present Federal prison, May 4, 1863, and is the son of John and Catherine Fenning. John Fenning died in 1890 and his wife died in 1916. He was a native of Ireland and came to America in 1855 and settled in Leavenworth, where he engaged in contracting and building. During the Civil War he served with the Kansas troops.
C. M. Fenning was educated in the parochial schools of Leavenworth, and, since he was seventeen years of age, has been identified with the city in a business way. For seven years he was mail carrier and for a number of years was with the Western Baseball League, and served as umpire. He served the city four years as councilman. Mr. Fenning became familiar with the laundry business when he was formerly agent for Woolf Brothers, of Kansas City, Missouri, and started the Big 4 Laundry in January, 1903, at their present location, 410-412-414 Choctaw street, with office at 313 Fifth street. This is one of the prominent in- dustries of Leavenworth. The laundry building is 72x100 feet in dimension and is equipped with the latest improved machinery. They make a specialty of family work as well as doing the finest fabrics. Their work is not confined alone to the city of Leavenworth, as they have agencies in many nearby towns. They now employ twenty-seven people.
Mr. Fenning was married January 29, 1903 to Miss Frances E. Mur- phy of Leavenworth, and they reside at 605 Osage street.
Mr. Fenning is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He has always been a booster for his city and was president of the Advertising Club of Leavenworth for four years, and in various ways gave the city the benefit of his initiative ability.
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John Lozensky and son Marian Lozensky, are proprietors of two of the popular stores in Leavenworth; the Central shoe stores are located at 512 Delaware and Fifth and Walnut streets.
John Lozensky came to Leavenworth in 1894 from St. Joseph, Mis- souri, where he had followed the shoe business for several years. Both he and his son were born in Warsaw, Poland. John Lozensky opened up his first shop in Leavenworth in 1894 at Fifth and Walnut streets. Harry Lozensky, a son, operates the store at 512 Delaware street.
The two stores handle both dress and every day shoes and they also do all kinds of repair work. They were the first in the city to put in electrical repairing machinery. The stores do a good business because of their fair dealing and reasonable prices, and the proprietors are reliable and substantial business men.
John Lozensky was married in Warsaw, and he has seven children as follows: Marian, a member of the firm; John, a grocer on Fourth street, Leavenworth; Harry, also a member of the firm, married Minnie Roden- burg; Joseph, a fresco painter employed Mahlquist Decorating Com- pany; Frank, a partner of John in the grocery business; Florence, wife of Lieut. Charles Tyler, of Camp Dix, N. J., and Elizabeth, who lives at home.
The Lozenskys are members of the Polish lodges of the city and con- nected with the Polish church St. Casimer. They are all among the best citizens of Leavenworth and all are engaged in business in the city.
Earl Douglas, the progressive and enterprising proprietor of the Douglas Garage at Leavenworth, Kansas. He was born at Guthrie Park, Colorado, March 18, 1883, the son of Charles and Mary Douglas.
Charles Douglas was born at Rockport, Missouri, and in the early days, was a pilot on the Missouri River. About 1879 he crossed the plains with an ox team and located in Colorado, where he owns a large tract of land and raises alfalfa and potatoes. He was well acquainted with Col. William H. Cody, better known as "Buffalo Bill". Charles Douglas had three brothers in the Federal army during the Civil War: John, Daniel and Levi. Another brother, Albert, lives at Rockport, Missouri. He is a retired farmer.
Earl Douglas received his education in the public schools of Colorado and came to Leavenworth in 1896 and began work for W. G. Hesse and
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Son, and was with them for twenty-four years, leaving their employ in March, 1920. He then established the Douglas Garage at 320 and 323 Cherokee street. They have a building of 48 x 120 feet in dimension and furnish storage as well as doing all kinds of repair work on autos. Mr. Douglas has three employees. He has a good business which is constantly growing. By his courteous and accommodating manner and sound busi- ness principles, he has been very successful.
On June 15, 1907, Mr. Douglas was married to Clara Dusay, of Leavenworth, a daughter of John and Marie Dusay. They are of French descent, but have lived in Leavenworth many years. Mrs. Dusay lives with her daughter.
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas have three children: Harold, John Kenneth, Eilene.
Mr. Douglas is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the Court of Honor.
Geraughty and Textor, the leading dealers in monuments in Leaven- worth, are located at 316-318 Cherokee Street.
The business was established in 1866 by Patrick Geraughty and about 1870, Thomas Quinlan was taken into partnership and, upon his death, in 1879, the firm became Geraughty and Textor, William Textor, Sr., becom- ing a member of the firm. The present members of the firm are William L., Julius H., and Edward E. Textor.
William Textor was a native of Cologne, Germany, but came to America in 1848, when twenty years of age. He first stopped at Sandusky Island, near Sandusky, Ohio, and, while there, learned stone cutting and from this drifted into carving monuments. He was an artist of exception- ally fine ability. From Ohio, he went to St. Louis and was foreman of the Wilson Monument Company, a firm employing 150 men. William Textor came from St. Louis to Leavenworth in 1879. He died September 28, 1902 and is buried at Mt. Muncie. His wife was Pauline Kratsch, also a native of Germany. She passed away in 1901.
The Geraughty & Textor Monument Company occupies a frontage of fifty feet by one hundred twenty feet deep at 316-318 Cherokee street. The first plant was located at 419 Seneca street, and was later moved to 324 Cherokee street, and in 1883 moved to the present location.
The firm handles nothing but the best grade of stone, marble and granite, and the business extends for a radius of one hundred miles. Most
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HISTORY OF LEAVENWORTH COUNTY
of the best work of the community has been erected by them. They have a force of thirty salesmen in the field. Most of the granite used for the monuments is bought direct from quarries in carload shipments. This plant is the most modern of any in the West and all the latest appliances are used to make the best work. This is also the oldest firm in this line of business west of St. Louis, Missouri. The output of the plant has been more than doubled in the last twenty years. While the firm is one of the most progressive in the city, it is also conservative.
The three brothers, William L., Julius H. and Edward E. Textor were all born in St. Louis and educated in the public schools of Leavenworth. William L. Textor is the designer and sculptor and is also superintendent of the plant and has been with the firm since 1890, serving apprenticeship of four years under his father. Edward Textor, the youngest of the three, is assistant to William Textor and also served an apprenticeship with the firm and has been with them for thirteen years. Prior to that he served six years in the U. S. Army, in the Philippines, with the rank of first sergeant with Company D, Fifteenth Infantry. He married Myrtle Lahiff of Leavenworth.
The office and sales department is managed by Julius H. Textor. Prior to accepting this position in 1900, he was accountant for the Kansas City Southern Railway Company and was stationed at Kansas City, Mis- souri. Julius Textor is identified with the National and State Monument Dealers Association and for the past three years has been secretary- treasurer of the Retail Kansas Monument Dealers Association. He mar- ried Marie A. Burke, of Leavenworth, and they have one son, William M. J. Textor, aged ten years.
The Textor men are all hustlers and have a thorough knowledge of the monument business in its numerous phases, which has resulted in their success and extensive business.
William H. Courtney, of the Courtney Motor Company, of Leaven- worth, Kansas, is one of the most widely known men of the county. He was born in Alexandria Township, Leavenworth County, Kansas, February 4, 1859, the son of R. E. and Narcissus (Agee) Courtney. The former was a native of Harrison County, Kentucky. He died in Leavenworth about 1915 at the age of eighty-eight years. His wife lives in Leavenworth and is now eighty-nine years of age. R. E. Courtney came to Buchanan
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