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.ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01103 1470
WRITER AND ENGRAVER'S
PICTURE
OF
GRAHAM COUNTY'S PROGRESS
SINCE ITS ORGANIZATION.
UNLESS INDK ATED. EACH ARTICLE IS ILLUSTRXtED.
Frank Lee, Photographer.
F. M. Steves & Sons, Printers, Topeka.
MicHAELis Engraving Co., Kansas City, Mo.
1906.
To the readers of the Reveille Souvenir edition :
This Souvenir has been produced under many difficulties and with
much greater expense than we contemplated. It was begun with the
hope of giving a conservative and true history of Graham county, the
growth, development, and present condition in a permanent form for
preservation and of issuing it on the Reveille's twenty-third birthday, but
we were somewhat delayed by the magnitude of the work. We have en-
deavored to make this work worthy of the subject. In years to come it
will be of priceless value to every citizen. The faces of the men and
women who made and are making the material history of Graham county
are fast passing from our view and this seems a most fitting time for the
undertaking. We take the opportunity to express to our friends our sin-
cere thanks for their great interest, and their kindly assistance. While we
have been in Graham county since 1879, we find much early history which
we had entirely forgotten. Miss Chance has done the interview work,
compiled and written the matter, and the work bears the impress of her
studious care. Mr. Lee, of whose artistic talent the country is justly
proud, has taken all the views, from which the engravings were made.
We sincerely hope the Souvenir will give satisfaction and prove to
our estimable patrons all they had expected it to be.
Respectfullv,
REVEILLE PUBLISHING CO.
(3)
GRAHAM COUNTY. Xl-43i45
There are degrees of perfection, amono: the best afforded by this
earth, there is that which is most desirable. Kansas is and has reason to
be proud of each and every one of her 105 counties, but Graham, she is
distinctly the most desirable among the best.
She is the Haven for the ambitious homeless of the over crowded
East; the Eutopia for the man of small capital who desires an independ-
ent business life; the Mecca for the man of energy and intelligence.
Graham county was organized under the administration of John P.
St. John in the year 1880 with about twenty-five hundred inhabitants,
and was given the name of Graham in honor of Capt. John Graham a
valiant Kansas soldier who was killed at Chickamauga in 1863.
The first commissioners of the County were John Inlow, O. G
Nevins and A. E. Moses. The present commissioners are J. E. King, A.
W. McVey and John Stanfil.
This favored spot is 30 miles square, containing 900 square miles or
3G00 quarter sections, and is the fourth county east from the Colorado
line and the second county south from the Nebraska line. The 100th
meridian passes nearly through its center. Located as it is in the foot
hills of the Rockies, the altitude is conducsive to robust development, be-
ing on an average 2700 feet above sea level.
The little band of "Pilgrim Fathers" who pioneered the county has
grown to 7200 of which number 1500 are householders. In spite of the
many hardships and disadvantages to be overcome, the success of the
pioneers has been marked and Graham county can point with pride to her
7200 thrifty prosperous happy people, with scarcely a pauper among the
number ; these few of infirm mind.
Graham is especially favored as a western county, by being well wat-
(3)
ered. The South Fork of the Solomon river with 20 tributaries traverses
the county centrally, v^hile the North Fork of the same river almost
touches the north line. Bow Creek furnishes water to the north part of
the county and the Saline river crosses the southwest corner of the county
with twelve tributaries, v/atering the southern part. Many of these
streams are fed by springs that are accessible throughout the year to the
immense herds that feed on the prairie.
There are few counties where the well water is more uniform in taste
and purity than in Graham. The vast sheet of water which underlies
this section of Western Kansas is fed from the Rockies and can be found
at a depth of from 30 to 1.75 feet, at an average of 60 feet.
The soil is a rich loam of a prevailing depth of 1 to 3 feet, under
cultivation, produces immense crops of cereals and grains and Graham
county's hay and alfalfa out put rivals that of any of her sister counties.
It would be unfair to Graham county to fail to mention her abund-
ance of buffalo grass, which feeds her vast herds the year round.
An inexhaustible supply of building stone, lime stone and brick clay
can be found throughout the county.
The outlet from this vast agricultural and stock region is through the
Union Pacific R. R., which crosses the central part of the county from
east to west, the Missouri Pacific, which is accessible to the north part of
the county and the main line of the Union Pacific to the southern part.
Though Graham county boasts of no large towns she is especially
favored with a goodly number of trading points, and there i« scarcely a
place in the county that is not within five miles of some Post Office and
general store, where all the necessaries of life can be obtained.
Hill City, the County Seat, a lively town of 1000 people, is in the
central part of the county and is on the Union Pacific R. R., as are Pen-
okee, Morland and Bogue.
Other trading points are Nicodemus, Leland, Happy, Hoganville,
Gradan, Scio, Togo, St. Peters, St. John, Roosevelt and Blackburn, with
vStudley on the west and Damar on the east county line. Within a few
miles of the county are Wakeeney, Edmond, Lenora, Densmore and
Logan, each a railroad point.
This happy land of peace and plenty needs no encomium of ours and
we do not say this in a boastful way.
To the pioneers who braved the elements and sought the prairies in
schooners, this is but the well known and praiseworthy record of their
strenuous careers.
But, to the man of thrift and energy and intelligence, with little or
no means — the man who desires a good opening in a country full of
possibilities where he can build a permanent home and lay by some sav-
ings each year — to him this is a message of opportunity and promise.
The 2200 quarter sections of land in our county that are unoccuupied
are offered for sale at from 10 to 25 dollars an acre and the possibilities
of each acre are unlirpited.
Come west — this message is to you, young, middle-aged and old, and
build yourself into our great future.
(4)
HILL CITY.
Hill City, like Kansas, was builded by great effort and hard strug-
gles and the future for her is full of promise. Her history reads like
fiction — it is a living poem, the best illustration of the motto of our great
state that can be found within her borders. A great heroic stormy epic
of more than Homeric granduer is the story of her growth. She has
come up through many difficulties, — drouths, hot winds, cyclones, county
seat fights, prairie fires, but she has ever kept her face towards the Sun
of Progress, and these difficulties are as " a tale that is told." Today the
air is full of prosperity. The rumble of the locomotives, the shrieks of
the whistles, the whirl of the wheels of industry are born to the ear of
the prosperous happy citizen. The strike of the carpenter's hammers is
incessant and homes, for which there is a constant demand, are growing
rapidly under the hands of the mechanics.
Hill City is not a one-man's-town — it was builded by the people. She
has the confidence of the entire county as is demonstrated by the hundreds
of her farmer friends who crowd her streets on Saturday. To these
friends she is indebted for her marvelous growth and phenomenal busi-
ness prosperity. Hill City, unlike most western towns, has grown rich
with the producers and not off of them. Competition is close, — merchants
buy and sell to one advantage, but prices are reasonable and the country
folk do not feel that out of the exorbitant prices paid to them the town
is afforded luxuries and advantages of which they are deprived. We have
borne the trials of adversity, and shared the joys of prosperity together.
Hill City, the peerless gem of the prairies, lies in the central part of the
county, on the Solomon River. It was surveyed in 1880 and incorporated
in 1882. The surveying for the railroad precipitated one of the fierciest
county seat contests that was ever waged with five towns contesting. In
1888, the year that the railroad was completed, Hill City was made the
County Seat. It bears the name of it's founder and first mavor, W. R.
Hill.
During this County Seat contest several newspapers were launched ;
among them the Reveille. That same energy, ambition, and determin-
ation that characterized the people in the contest of the eighties, is now
turned into business channels and marks each business man of Hill City
today — he cannot be excelled in enterprise and knowledge of shrewd busi-
ness methods. Some sixty business houses are supplying the demands
of the people with mutual satisfaction and advantage to the patron and the
proprietor. The homes and business houses are connected with a well
equipped telephone system and county lines are numerous. Mail is car-
ried daily over three rural routes running out of Hill City. Hill City
is the center of county business owing to her well stocked business houses
also to her two grain elevators and the fine new flour mill recently estab-
lished. The town boasts of many neat well kept residences and there is
scarcely a business man that does not own his home free of mortgage.
This is not a landlord and tenant town. The many eastern land buyers
and commercial men who crowd Hill City, proclaim with one accord that
she is the best hotel town between Salina and Denver. Five good hotels
flourish, two of which are two-dollar-a-day houses and maintain trans-
portation service to and from every train.
Owing to Hill City's two large and well equipped opera houses her
people are favored with many theatrical attractions during the season.
(5)
Just north of the City is Creighton Athletic Park where all summer sports
are carried on. Hill City has two base ball teams, two tennis clubs, three
basket ball teams and an enthuiastic riding club. We are not unmind-
ful of advantages for learning. An imposing stone structure of eight
well equipped rooms has recently been built where a corps of efficient
teachers presides over the 220 school children for nine months out of the
year. Social and religious opportunities are many. Hearty hospitality,
born of the remembrance of the time when they too were strangers, marks
the residents of the entire county. Coming west does not mean isolation,
or the giving up of any part of social or religious life. Many are the op-
portunities for advancement in culture and refinement. And Hill City
knows no "400", there is an open free easy enjoyment peculiar to the
west. Religion is a strong element in the life of the people. Numerous
church organizations are represented and nearly every person can find a
home of his faith. There are five churches in Hill City. The Presbyter-
ian church has a neat edifice worth about $2000.00 and' is free from debt.
The church has recently been renovated and presents a very attractive
appearance. Rev. Keeler is the present pastor. The parsonage is a stone
structure valued at $2000.00. Rev. Holt is the pastor of the First Baptist
church, and the building is which he holds regular services is valued at
$2200.00. The christian organization is erecting a $3000.00 stone build-
ing. Rev. Hibbs is the pastor. The Methodist Episcopal church was or-
ganized in May, 1889, by Rev. M. J. Bailey. Their property, church and
parsonage is worth $3700.00. The present pastor is Rev. Shuler. Two
African churches are maintained, the A. M. E. having just purchased a
$2000.00 building.
Numerous fraternal organizations and lodges are supported by the
people. The Mason's lodge was chartered in '85 and has always main-
tained an active organization. The present membership is 90, with prop-
erty valued at $1200.00. A. C. Inlow is the present Worthy Master. The
Odd Fellows organized a year before the Masons with Synder Horton
as N. G. Today the lodge numbers 95, with W. W. Justus as N. G.
Their property is valued at $2400.00. In 1893 the Woodmen began oper-
ations with 2T members and F. D. Turck as presiding officer. They have
increased this membership to 78 with Grant Morris as Venerable Counsel.
Each of these orders has a flourishing Woman's Auxiliary. Eight
years ago was established the fraternal insurance order known as the
Triple Tie. It carries today a membership of 80, each carrying insurance.
It's president is George Ambrosier. The Workman are well represented
with 40 members with policy holders. The M. W. is C. E. Dazey.
About a hundred members of the G. A. R. are located in Graham conuty,
a small number of them being residents of Hill City. This number or-
ganized in 1880 and still hold regular monthly meetings. The officers are:
Captain Justus, Post Commander; George Harrison, Vice Commander;
C. Fountain, Junior Vice Commander; Mr. Byerts, Adjutant; G. H. Mar-
tin, Quartermaster ; Wm. McDowell, Sergeant ; James Gordon, Chap-
lain ; D. M. Smith, Guardian ; N. Crank, Guardian ; Wm. McClure, Quar-
termaster Sergeant.
Hill City boasts of a strong and active W. C. T. U. Literary and
social clubs are found throughout the city. In short Hill City furnishes
ideal opportuunities for activity in business and social life. It is a good
place to live ; a good place to own a home ; a good place in which to be-
(6)
come prosperous; a g-ood place to rear a family. We think we have a
future of unlimited possibilities. We aspire to be the grain and stock
market of the west. The Chicago of the prairies.
DIRECTORY.
Banks.
American State.
Farmer's and Merchants.
Graham County State.
Grain Companies.
Graham County Grain & Coal Co.
Graham County Mill and Elevator Co.
Hoffman Elevator.
Morris Grain Co.
Hotels and Restaurants.
Funkhousers Restaurants.
Hotel De Shoup.
Gill's Restaurant.
Star Restaurant.
Scherer House.
Kibber's Restaurant.
Pomeroy Hotel.
Simpson's Restaurant.
Wheeler Restaurant.
Farmer's Hotel.
Merchants.
Alliance Store.
Byerts Book Store.
Brooks Harness Shop.
Brown Drug Store.
Beardwell's Meat Market.
Broyles Grocery Store.
Boston Department Store.
Balleau Pool Room.
Coner's Barber Shop.
Creighton's Creamery.
Farmer's Lumber & Coal Co.
Foster Bros. Feed Store.
Gore Music Store.
Grecian Drug Store.
Hill City Mercantile Co.
Hub Clothing Store.
Kerns Lumber Co.
Kackley Department Store.
Lee Photograph Gallery.
McManis Meat Market.
McManimie Flour & Feed Store
Palmer Shoe Store.
Peoples Supply Co.
Rollow Photograph Gallery.
Smith Dry Goods Co.
Thompson Furniture Co.
Wetzel's Hardware Co.
William's Dry Goods Store.
Keleher Barber Shop.
Alley's Billiard Hall.
Wallace and Eric's Store.
Mrs. Alfred's Millinery Co.
Lawless Lumber Co.
Doctors.
Dr. Lottie Findley.
Dr. L Parker.
Dr. A. H. VanDuyn.
Dr. John Arthur Bundy.
Dentists.
M. A. Gup ton.
Dr. Howe.
Ministers.
Rev. Holt.
Rev. Shuler.
Rev. Hibbs.
Rev. Keeler.
(Colored 2).
Real Estate.
Kansas Title Land and Loan Co.
D. J. Hanna.
W. H. Hill.
F. J. Howland.
T. H. McGill.
A. J. Rice.
MECHANICS.
Painter and Paper Hanging.
C. P. Alexander.
W. W. Goff.
Contractor.
Wade Justus.
Mr. Nevins.
Dave Diehl.
Well Driller.
A. B. Pipes.
T. S.» White.
Blacksmith.
Mr. McCord.
Geo. Foltz.
Stone Mason and Plasterer.
Chas. Hutchison.
Draymen.
T. F. Goff.
Mr. Brown.
Mr. Maulsby.
Bert Bruce.
G. M. C. Montgomery.
Attorneys.
H. J. Harwi.
G. W. Jones.
F. D. Turck.
R. V. Wilcox.
John Dawson.
W. M. Roberts.
W. L. Sayers.
Livery.
A. J. Lovelady.
A. R. Mort.
Newspapers.
Hill City Republican.
New Era.
Reveille.
(7)
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF GRAHAM COUNTY.
Educational conditions in Graham county, are on a par with any of
her neighboring counties and superior to some.
As soon as any section of the county has been opened up for settle-
ment one of the first signs of the community's permanency has been the
school house. No one under the present policy has been compelled to
move out of any community in order to avail themselves of school priv-
ileges, and it is hoped that soon High Schol privileges will be in the reach
of all.'
In the county there are 84 school districts where school is maintained
for an average period of 6 months each year.
There are 91 teachers employed at an average wage of 45, to teach
the 2647 children of school age, for which Graham county drew from the
state fund in 1905, $3136.41.
The property valuation of the county, for school purposes is $1,727,-
735.00.
A tax of one mill on this valuation would assure Graham county
$1727 for the maintenance of a county high school.
The Hill City High School, though young in years, needs no apology,
it is one of the very best in this section of the state. It is well organized
and the students are earnest and intelligent ; they are enthusiastic about
their school and dcA^oted to their class rooms. The teachers are capable
and strong and know thoroughly the subjects they teach.
Hill City feels proud of her well conducted and efficient High School,
and gives it her heartiest support. We hope that it will be made a county
High School soon, as more funds will be available and no tuition would
be charged to pupils of the county.
(8)
Superintendent Frank Blackburn.
The subject of this sketch, Superintendent Frank Blackburn, was
born in Pennsylvania in 1870, and in 1885 came to Graham county with
his parents who homsteaded in Hill City township. He received his edu-
cation in the schools of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. In 1887, when
he was but 17 years of age, Mr. Blackburn received a teacher's certificate
and began what proved to be his life work.
No man has been so closely in touch with the educational life of
Graham county for the past 18 years as has Mr. Blackburn. IG years
of that time he taught with marked success in the country schools during
the winter months, and attended to the duties of the farm, the remain-
ing months of the year. The winter of 1904 and 1905, he was the super-
intendent of the Hill City schools and was the same year elected to the
County Superintendency.
His term in the Hill City schools was decidedly successful, but the
office of County Superintendent needed him and he was chosen by the
people to fill that place.
Our people recognized that Graham county is a county of homes,
and they realized the importance of their educational institutions in fos-
tering the growth of these homes.
The schools of the county have done and are doing more to promote
the healthy growth and desirable citizenship than all other agencies com-
bined.
The success of these important institutions depend much upon the
Superintendent and in selecting Mr. Blackburn for the place the people
chose wisely and well.
He is thoroughly alive to the interests of each and every one of the
schools, and his practical knowledge has been of unestimable value to the
teachers of the county.
Mr. Blackburn has a strong personality and genial manner, and
would have risen in any vocation or profession. His sterling quality of
head and heart have won for him a high standing among Graham county
people.
In 1893 Mr. Blackburn was married to Miss Essie Worcester and
to them have been born 3 bright boys. Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn live in
their neat 5 roomed cottage in Hill City, but still own their fine 480 acre
farm which was formerlv their home.
D. J. Hanna.
Thirty-seven years ago, when the locomotive, the fore-runner of civ-
ilization, had traversed Kansas only as far as Junction City, and the spirit
of emigration was abroad in the eastern and central states, Planna came
with his fathers family from Randolph county, Illinois, to Clay county,
Kansas. Mr, Hanna homestead in that county the farm on which he still
lives. It was here that the subject of this sketch, D. J. Hanna grew to
manhood.
In 1888 Mr. Hanna came west to Graham county, assumed the care
and began the cultivation of his father's 800 acre farm near Bogue. He
was a great success as a farmer and was the first man in the county to
raise wheat on a large scale, planting one year 1600 acres to that grain.
(9)
One September day in 1892 Mr. Mudge who had charge of the B.
& M. lands in western Kansas, drove out to Mr. Hanna's farm and found
him riding a drill in one of his fields.
Arrangements were then and there completed, by which Mr. Hanna
took charge of the Graham county lands. It being necessary to transact
business in the county seat, Mr. Hanna hired a man to take his place in
the field, and drove to Hill City with Mr. Mudge that afternoon. He im-
mediately opened an office and became engaged in the real estate business,
in which he is still engaged.
Because he was instrumental in bringing Mr. Hanna to Hill City,
Mr. Mudge did a three-fold service. The land company has demonstrat-
ed its approval of his business methods by retaining him as it's agent
through these 14: years. Hill City's history without the name of D. J.
Hanna would be like the play ''Hamlet" with the part of Hamlet left out.
He has been one of the most prominent factors in the upbuilding of his
home town. And Mr. Hanna's present prosperity demonstrates well that
this move was not wholly unfortunate for him.
Today Mr. Hanna owns 4800 acres of Graham county land which "he
holds as a safe investment and not a speculation. Practically all of his
land is improved, the greater part of it being planted in wheat.
His town propertv consists of a large, well furnished, modern hotel
valued at $14,000.00, the Hanna block worth $5,000.00 the home property,
which is the finest in Hill City, in addition to a number of town lots.
Mr. Hanna has always been a firm Republican and has done the
party service in the local organization. His energetic work for the ad-
vancement of the section in which he resides has been appreciated and
recognized by his fellow citizens.
In 1896 and 1897 he represented Graham county in the Legislature
(10)
and for six years he was a member of the Repubhcan State Central Com-
mittee.
In 1900 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention,
that nominated McKinley for the Presidency, and has served the State of
Kansas four years as Lieutenant Governor and President of the Senate.
Never in his political career has D. J. Hanna been a disappointment
to the people who have put their trust in him, and Graham county has
reason to be pround of his ofificial record.
And Mr. Hanna is proud of his home town and county. The reports
of the great metropolitan dailies which have chronicled his arrival in their
city have received their information from the hotel registers which always
read : D. J. Hanna. Hill City.
Mr. Hanna is a young man, and for him as for his county the future
looks exceedingly bright. David J. Hanna was married, January 1st 1905
to Miss May Keleherof Hill City.
Thompson Furniture Company.
The Thompson furniture stores, located on Pomeroy Avenue and on
Main street, stand in the front rank of the leading commercial enter-
prises of the city, and are in every sense of the word metropolitan cen-
cerns.
These two stores are filled with a line of furniture, as elegant and
up-to-date as any to be found in western Kansas. The firm makes a spe-
ciality of high grade stock, and always have on the floor the very latest
designs at reasonable prices. A well stocked undertaking department is
a feature of the Main street store. Few houses are better equipped for
embalming and conducting funerals. They have also a fine rubber tired
hearse.
Mr. Anson Thompson, who has charge of this department, is a li-
censed embalmer by the State Board of Health.
Mr. Thompson bought the business three years ago and in that time
has doubled the stock until, at present, it is valued at $10,000.00. He
owns the Pomeroy avenue store room worth $3,000.00. The basement
under this room, which is 25 by 96 is being finished for a store room and
work shop. This will make additional room on the first floor which will
be filled with a full line of pianos.
Mr. Anson Thompson, the head of the firm is a young man of ex-
ceptional business ability and marked integrity and has the confidence of
the entire county.
He came with his parents to Graham county 20 years ago and set-
tled on a farm on Bow Creek, 11 miles north of Hill City. He still owns
the farm which is valued at $25,000.00, but devotes his entire time to his
Hill City business.
Since the death of his father, 12 years ago, he with his mother has
managed the estate for the four younger children.
The Master hand with which he has handled these business affairs,
marks him as one of the reliable business pillars of Hill City for years to
come.
(11)
Kackley's Department Store.
In every city there are examples of those whose special business pur-
suits, whose prominence in matters of public enterprise, and whose re-
cords of integrity, energy, untiring industry and grit make them objects
of note. This was never more fully exemplified than in the business
career of O. B. Kackley.
Twenty years ago he came to north Graham county with some $10,-
000.00. By his speculation in lands in boom times, which later depreciat-
ed in value ; by his going security on notes for friends with full amounts
to pay ; by his energetic and enthusiastic part in the county seat fight for
Hill City which cost him some $1,000.00, he reduced his means to zero
and began business anew eight years ago.
Mr. and Mrs. Kackley started with a $20.00 stock of notions, and
by their perseverance and genial manner have increased their business
until today the Kackley Department Store owns a $15,000.00 stock of
goods and the $6,000.00 building in which its business is carried on.
Four well stocked departments are maintained with six clerks to care
for the wants of the many patrons.
Mr. and Mrs. Kackley feel assured of Graham cotmty's growing
prosperity and on the strength of this confidence have, this year, increased
their stock $3,000.00. Their sales of the first four months of 1906 exceed
those of 1905, $3,100.00, showing that their confidence was well placed.
A deal is being closed bv which their two large store rooms will be ex-
tended 25 feet.
In writing of the prosperity and success of the Kackley Department
Store, the article would not be complete without mentioning, particularly,
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an energetic partner in the business, Mrs. N. S. Kackley who enjoys the
fullest confidence and esteem of this community and has worked untir-
ingly in the interest of the store.
Olive M. Kackley.
In no century previous to the one just past have women made such
rapid progress, and in no county, but ours, have the uncrowned queens
wielded the scepter with such discriminating ability. Woman's field of
labor is no longer limited to household duties but she is found in all lines
of business artd in all professions, and Hill City has her full quota of these
modern business women, among whom is Olive M. Kackley, the present
Register of deeds.
She was born in Blue Springs, Nebraska, July 11, 1881, moved to
Requblic county, with her parents and later to Densmore, where in 1886
Tier mother died.
In 1889 Mr. Kackley remarried and brought his wife and two chil-
dren Olive and Kenneth to Hill City.
Miss Kackley was always fond of dramatic work, and has engaged in
numerous contests, the first being the Demorest contest when she was 12
years of age. She won in this and many other contests, and through all
of her busy life, she has given much time and attention to elocution.
Miss Kackley is an elocutionists, a musician, holds a first grade teach-
ers certificate, has acted as postoffice clerk and saleslady, has given recitals
and taught music and oratory, and was at the time of her election Graham
county's youngest official, being but 21 years of age.
She has served two terms as Register of Deeds being elected the
second time by the largest majority received by any candidate in the
county, showing that she gave perfect satisfaction while in office.
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The office is kept in most perfect order. Deeds are always filed upon
presentation and immediately recorded and nothing lays in the offices.
Miss Kackley has always made her own way and depends entirely
upon her own resources.
She is a good business manager and owns three quarter sections of
land all improved and valued at $5,800.00.
In addition to her savings invested in lands, she has made several
trips to points of interest in the United States.
But her life work is dramatic work and she is ambitious to perfect
herself in this art. anticipating, at present, a years trip through Europe,
visiting dramatic centers, and making a study of the work, and later re-
turning to take a course in some of the leading American schools of ora-
tory.
As an elocutionist, Miss Kackley has done considerable work among
the people and is quite a favorite. She has helped all church and charita-
ble institutions in the county, and has furnished several school houses
with organs, libraries and book cases by her entertainments.
These are some of her press notices : "Miss Kackley is a master in
impersonation and her declaiming was cheered to an echo each time she
appeared."
''Miss Kackley of Hill City gave several readings and impersonations
which not only delighted all, but impressed her hearers with her ability
as an elocutionist."
A. E. Kern's Lumber Company.
In every city there are examples of those whose special business per-
suits, whose prominence in all matters of public enterprise and whose
records of integrity, energy and untiring industry make them objects of
(14)
note, not alone in their special fields of labor, but where ever exalted com-
mercial reputation is recognized and respected.
A more striking example of the reward which always follows honest
efforts, close application to correct business methods and untiring energy
was never more fully exemplified than in the business career of A. E.
Kerns.
Albert E. Kerns was born in Wyoming, Illinois, and came with his
parents to Plainville, Kansas in 1885, when he was but 16 years of age.
The family pioneered until the death of the father when the step-mother,
two sisters and one brother moved to Topeka where they now rside.
x-\t the age of 21 years, Mr. Kerns entered the emyloy of the Baker-
Greenleaf Stock and Grain Co., of Atchison, Kansas, trading in grain and
stock throughout western Kansas.
During the drouth and crop failure of 1893 and 189-1 he took a bunch
of cattle to Nebraska to feed. It was at Nebraska City, that he met and
married Mrs. Kerns.
In 1896 and 1897 he bought for Mr. Baker the 10,000 acres of Gra-
ham county land, since known as the Baker Ranch. For 5 years Mr.
Kerns was manager and overseer of the ranch and it was during that
time that most of the improvements were made.
When the ranch was first operated Mr. Kerns worked under many
disadvantages, either sleeping in a tent or driving six miles to Edmond for
the night. ■
But the improvements came, and he soon had a ranch home with all
the comforts and many of the luxuries.
In 1902, Mr. Kerns moved to Hill City and engaged in the lumber
business. As an evidence of his explicit confidence in Mr. Kerns' busi-
ness judgment, and great regard for him personally, Mr. Baker, in whose
(15)
emplcy Mr. Kerns had been for 12 years offered to assist him in a fin-
ancial way and become a half owner in the Kerns' Lumber Company.
Their stock today is valued at $10,000.00, evidencing a rapid growth in
the business which promises to be even greater in the future.
Aside from his business Mr. Kerns owns 720 acres of the well wat-
ered pasture land, 9 miles southwest of Hill City.
He has never lost interest in live stock and today owns 475 head of
cattle worth $12,000.00, which he intends to fatten for the market. In
addition to this business building, he owns a fine $4,000.00 residence in
Hill City. It is one of the most modern and best kept homes in our city.
The intention bears every evidence of the elegancy of taste and knowl-
edge of the art of homemaking which characterizes Mrs. Kerns.
Two beautiful and promising little daughters make glad this pleasant
home.
Mr. Kerns wishes nothing better than Graham county for a place
to live and a place to thrive. He considers limitless, the possibilities of
Graham county. To quote from him, "Land purchased today at $15.00
an acre is a better investment than the same land at $3.00 to $5.00 an acre,
fifteen years ago."
John S. Dawson, L. L, B.
We here present a half tone of a
Graharn county lawyer who at pres-
ent is "making good' as Assistant
Attorney General of Kansas.
John S. Dawson was born at Gran-
town, Scotland, in 1869. He was
educated at Knockands High School
and Robert Gordon's College, Aber-
deen. He emigrated to Illinois, and
later to Kansas, settling in this coun-
ty in 1888. He took a homstead in
Gettysburg township and taught a
district school for several years. In
1894, he was elected Principal of the
Hill City school ; and, in 1897, was
chosen Principal of the WaKeeney
High School. In 1898, Mr. Dawson
was admitted to the bar, having been
tutored therefore by Henry J. Harwi,
Esquire, the leader of the bar in this
part of Kansas for a quarter of a century.
Returning to the principalship of the Hill City Schools in the autumn
of 1898, Mr. Dawson resigned at Christmas that year to accept a Clerk-
ship in the State Treasury at Topeka, for the purpose of further qualify-
ing himself for the profession of law. He attended evening law lectures
for -three years, conducted under the auspices of the Topeka Young Men's
Christian Association. Later he attended lectures at Washburn College
Law School and received the degree of Bachelor of Laws from that in-
stitution.
(16)
Jn 1903, Mr. Dawson was appointed Chief Clerk in the ofifice of the
Attorney General ; later he served as Second Assistant ; and, in June,
1905, was appointed Special Assistant Attorney General, which position
he still occupies. Mr. Dawson is recognized as a thoroughly competent
and conscientious official. He gives the state the same loyalty and zeal
that a true lawyer gives to his private clients. Perhaps his best work
has been accomplished in the last year when he successfully carried
through a series of suits involving over one hundred thousand dollars
belonging to the Kansas School Fund being invested in a multitude of
small amounts in municipal bonds of the counties and school districts of
southwest Kansas and Oklahoma during the boom, and which the people
of Kansas have for many years considered practically worthless. By
sagacity, tact and tireless industry, both in litigation and by judicious
compromises, the great sum has been rescued and adjusted where its
safety is assured.
Aside from his official duties, Mr. Dawson has a very satisfactory
private law practice. He is also an author and public lecturer of more
than local note, and his services are continually in demand at lyceums
and at high school and college commencements. He has recently deliv-
ered a course of lectures on Roman Law at Washburn College. His
lectures, "Aaron Burr," "Court and Camp of Napoleon," and "Under the
Dome,"— the last a political lecture, — have both added to his reputation
and put money in his purse.
Smith Dry Goods Company.
People in this section of the state frequently feel that because of
their distance from the great markets, and the necessarily small trade the
local stores must carry a small and inferior line of goods. Owing to this
(17)
misconception, the mail order business of Graham county is some 100 per
cent greater than it should be.
The error in such an opinion is readily seen when you visit the Smith
Dry Goods Co.'s Store. People from the east who enter this establish-
ment are surprised when they observe the complete and excellent line of
goods in each of the departments.
Traveling men frequently remark about the new, up-to-date and well
selected line of goods which they handle.
The one idea in the conducting of this house seems to be to furnish
a reliable trading place for the people where they can buy everything at
a uniformally small per cent over the cost in large quantities.
Purchasers are studying economy and not only demand reliable, tasty
goods from which to make their selections, but also keep a watchful eye
on prices. Under these conditions the Smith Dry Goods Store is growing
rapidly.
The establishment maintains four well-stocked departments in their
three big store rooms, two of which are 25 by 80 feet and the third 50 by
30 feet, with finished basement. The dry goods department is replete
with everything that pertains to that branch — new and pleasing patterns
in dress materials, plaift and fancy hoisery, newest designs, in handker-
chiefs, laces and ribbons, and a most satisfactory line of linens and do-
mestics. This department makes a specialty of ready made clothing, the
Waterloo wrapper, the Heatherbloom skirt, and also of the F. P. and
College Girl corsets.
Their last season's cloak sales are deserving of special mention. They
sold over 300 cloaks during the season, 90 of them being disposed of in
two days.
Manufacturers of foot wear are turning out great varieties of styles,
colors, and qualities and a visit to the department will reveal to you shoes
(18)
in patent, black and tan leather and canvass, and shoes for heavy service
and dress occasions. Their leader is the famous Sunflower Shoe. All
sizes of mens, womens, and children's shoes are carried.
In the clothing department on the second floor are to be found suits
for men and boy's, that look well, fit well and wear well. The stock of
hats and caps are equal in quantity, quality and style to those in many
large eastern houses. Here also can be procured a handsome receptacle
for your clothing, everything from a small grip to a mammoth saratogo.
Though merely carpets samples are carried now they are anticipat-
ing putting in a complete department in the near future. The grocery
department carries a great stock of staple and fancy groceries and noth-
ing the most fastidious housekeeper could desire that cannot be found
here. In connection with this department is to be found a good line of
queensware and shelf hardware.
One can scarcely conceive that this store has been organized but
fourteen months. April 1st, 1905, they began business with a $15,000.00
stock, which now invoices at $25,000.00 Mr. Frank Smith the manager
came to Kansas eleven years ago from Beatrice Nebraska, and bought a
farm near Roscoe. Three and one-half years later both Mr. and Mrs.
Smith accepted positions in the Mellott General Merchandise store in Hill
City. When a year later this store was destroyed by fire, Mr. and Mrs.
Smith established a general merchandise store at Bogue and conducted
the business for three years when they came to Hill City and opened the
present Smith Dry Goods Store.
The Farmers and Merchant's Bank.
The Farmer's and Merchant's Bank of Hill City has the distinction
of being the oldest bank in Graham county, having been founded by J. C.
Sturtevant in Millbrook in 188G, but was 'moved to Hill City in 1888.
(19^.
This bank has had a long and successful career, passing through var-
ious panics, boom periods and seasons of depression and has been unaf-
fected by any of them.
At one time in its early history Graham county had seven banks ; all
of them closed their doors and suspended payments except the Farmer's
and Merchant's bank, which had the distinction of being the only bank in
the county for five years.
This bank paid all demands and extended such accommodations to
its customers that their business was in no way crippled during the dark-
ened days of the panic and the dullest months of depression.
The Farmer's and Merchant's bank owns its own building valued at
$7,000.00, one of the best corners in town, a two story stone building with
a large fire proof vault.
Its funds are guarded by an electric burglar alarm system and its aim
is to aflford its depositors and stockholders every possible security against
loss.
The officers of the bank are J. C. Sturtevant, President ; W. H. Hill,
Vice President ; E. E. Mullaney, Cashier ; R. B. Garnett, Assistant Cash-
ier. The directors are, J. C. Sturtevant, W. H. Hill, R. Garnett, E. E.
Mullaney, C. E. Webster, Alvin Law, James Walsh, A. J. Rice and L.
Meyer, Jr.
The $10,000.00 of capital stock with which the bank was organized
has been increased to $25,000.00 with a surplus of $15,000.00.
This bank is rated as one of the substantial institutions of the county.
While its growth has not been rapid it has been sure and the confidence its
patrons have in its management warrants a steady growth in the future.
The F. and M. Bank is a time tried institution, a panic proof bank
of more than local importance and is regarded as a safe and sound reposi-
tory for funds.
The following is an official report of the condition of the Farmer's
and Merchant's Bank at the close of business on the sixth day of April,
1906:
RESOURCES.
Loans and discounts $102,446.11
Overdrafts 1,267.50
Bank Building 4,541.21
Furniture and fixtures 1,866.96
Expense account 861.33
Bonds and warrants 10,000.00
Cash and sight exchange 36,488.44
$157,471.55
LL\BILITIES.
Capital Stock $ 25,000.00
Surplus 1,500.00
Undivided Profits 9,606.30
Interest and exchange 2,463.64
Deposits 118,901.61
$157,471.55
Mr. E. E. Mullaney, the cashier of this bank is well known through-
out this portion of the state and universally recognized for his public
spirit and business ability.
His history is closely connected with that of Graham county, having
(20)
been in the county since 1882. He came from a farm in Illinois and set-
tled on a ranch south of Bogue, but later became engaged in the mercan-
tile and grain business.
On January 4th, 1896, Mr. Mullaney, came to Hill City, bought
stock in the Farmer's and Merchant's Bank and became its cashier.
He owns eight quarter sections of land, valued at $15.00 an acre and
is a stockholder in the Smith Dry Goods Store. He also owns a $3,000.00
home which is one of the most modern and comfortable homes in Hill
City, The grounds show the exercise of much care and good taste, in
their fine trees and many flowering shrubs.
Mr. MuUaney's family consists of a wife and one daughter, an at-
tractive and promising girl of 16 years. His aged mother is also a mem-
ber of the household.
R. B. Garnett.
Sometime over a quarter of a century ago, when this flourishing
commonwealth of Kansas was in its infancy, and shortly after the first
settlers had come to Graham county, Mr. Garnett of Page county, Iowa,
came to seek his fortune in the unsettled west. He was poorly endowed
with this world's goods but possessed a large amount of intellect, pluck,
energy and confidence in himself and the country of his adoption. Mr.
Garnett took for his homestead a part of what is now Hill City.
Robert B. Garnett the subject of this sketch, was but 10 years of age
in 1879, when he came with his parents to Graham county.
He received his education entirely in Kansas, graduating in the first
class from the Graham county public schools, and attending the Stockton
Academy and the Salina Normal.
During his early manhood he clerked in several stores, among them
(21)
the Boston Cash Store and Mellotte's Mercantile Store. But in the aut-
umn of 189 T he was elected to the office of County Clerk on the Populist
ticket and two years later was reelected. This position Mr. Garnett held
with honor to himself and credit to his party. The duties of office are
exacting-, and it is a position that calls for men of intelligence and clerical
ability. He established the fact that he was methodical, competent and
industrious.
In the last term of his official service Mr. Garnett formed a partner-
ship with P. A. Moyer in the mercantile business. On his retirement
from office he bought Mr. Moyer's interest in the store and became sole
proprietor.
In 1903 a partnership was formed with A. G. Morris, W. Sayers, and
P. A. Moyer, the stock was increased and the store began business under
the name of the Kill City Mercantile Co. This partnership was dissolved
in January of 1906 when Mr. Garnett sold his interest in the store.
In 1904 Mr. Garnett bought stock in the Farmer's and Merchant's
Bank and became its assistant cashier. He has a reputation for being
honest, courteous and accomodating to all customers and is a valuable
acquisition to the bank force.
Mr. Garnett was married to Miss Ola Clark in 1904, while she was
County Superintendent of Graham county.
He owns two quarter sections of land in Millbrook township, eighty
acres north of Hill City and a number of town lots in addition to his neat,
well kept cottage of six rooms.
J. P. Pomeroy.
The subject of this sketch was born in Cincinnati in 1837 and moved
to Boston in early manhood. His father was a fiancier and was associat-
ed with J. Gould in railroad enterprises.
(22)
J. p. Pomeroy's wife and daughter are hurried in Boston while his eld-
est daughter and sole heir is married and, with her husband lives in that
place.
Mr. Pomeroy has been a tourist in many lands, and there are but few
countries on the globe with which he is not familiar.
His varied experiences and many years of contact with men have
m.ade him an interesting personality, and the story of his life is like a
most interesting book.
Mr. Pomeroy inherited not only his father's wealth but also his keen
commercial insight and good financial judgment, and today has many
and varied business interests, which make him one of the greatest develop-
ers, improvers and promoters of the Great West. And not the least im-
portant to him, and by far the most important to us among his many busi-
ness interests, is his interest in Graham county and subsequently in Hill
City.
Few small western towns are so fortunate as is Hill City in having
so altruistic a friend. For twenty years he has never lost faith in the
possibilities of this county and has given evidence of his confidence in a
most substantial manner.
Mr. Pomeroy is a heavy owner of western Kansas lands, and bought
most of his 60,000 acres in this vicinity in 1885, with a total investment in
western Kansas of something over $500,000.00. Since that time Mr.
Pomeroy has never witheld his personal interest or check where the ad-
vancement or growth of Hill City's best interests were concerned. Among
his chief investments in and around Hill City are, the Boston Store, which
building he still owns and values at $10,000.00 ; the Pomeroy Hotel a
well furnished, modern commercial house, worth $9,000.00 ; some forty
residences, built in 1890 of which he still owns five ; a number of good
business buildings and twenty stone cottages which are now being erected
and sold as soon as completed.
Mr. Pomeroy built and gave to Graham county, the Court House
which cost him $20,000.00. He is the heaviest taxpayer in the county,
having paid an average of $5,000.00 annually into its treasury for some
20 years.
Perhaps his greatest gift to Graham county, even to the Great West
is the promotion of the Campbell system of soil culture. Prof. Campbell
had been unable to interest capital in his theory and, not having sufficient
means to develop it, had been unable to make it practical. Mr. Pomeroy
gave evidence of his interest in the agricultural interests of Graham
county, when he established and maintained the Model Farm of 480 acres,
for the trial of this proposed method of farming. Every production of
this soil has been tested under this system on the Model Farm, and the
yield has, in almost every instance, been three times that of the average.
Mr. Pomeroy's interest in the benefits of this system has caused him to
establish such farms throughout the semi-arid districts of the west, in
Texas, Wyoming, Colorado and Arizona, and many thousand acres of
arid land have been reclaimed for agricultural purposes through his ef-
forts. Recently our Model Farm was sold to H. H. Barbee.
Mr. Pomeroy has put on the market all of his Graham County lands,
and his instructions to his agents have been to sell as far as possible in
small tracts, and without exception to honest, reputable citizens, thereby
making the sale of each section, a gain of a good citizen to Graham county.
(23)
Among the many interests which are claiming his attention are his
offices as President of the Farm Land Development Company, President
and Treasurer of the Pomeroy Investment Company, and heavy stock-
holder in various mining concerns. All of his business interests are man-
aged at his headquarters in Colorado Springs, which place Mr. Pomeroy
considers his home.
He has been in Hill City for the past month and is enjoying unusual
good health. One would scarcely think, when talking with Mr. Pomeroy,
that he has spent some 70 years in so strenuous a manner as his vast busi-
ness interests would indicate, and, lightly indeed, has he borne the bur-
dens of an active life of three score years and ten.
His interest in Hill City is growing and, with his practical and pro-
phetic eye he reads for her a prosperous future. He is making final ar-
rangements for three new store buildings, and for several blocks of ce-
ment side-walk which will mark the streets lined by his buildings, besides
the 20 new residences. (See illustration at the head of this article.)
Mr. Pomeroy contemplates giving to Hill City a beautiful park and
has in view other benefits which will be of great value to our flourishing
town.
Great, indeed, are Hill City's prospects so long as Mr. Pomeroy's in-
terest is so evident.
American State Bank.
The history of the American State Bank has been an unbroken record
of progress since its inception. It has been conducted upon the soundest
and most conservative business principles, and its management is char-
acterized by sagacity, energy and ability, coupled with liberality and
honorable methods, closely identifying itself with the many movements
(24)
that have helped in the growth of the city and contributing liberally to its
prosperity. Not only does it aid in the upbuilding of the town, but fos-
ters many business undertakings by affording financial aid.
The American State Bank was opened for business in January, 1905,
with J. F. Rowe as president, Sol Hutton, vice president, E. V. Cumber-
ford, cashier and I. R. Mort assistant cashier.
They do a general banking business, extending courtesies when con-
sistent with the sound rules of banking which have characterized the in-
stitution since its beginning. It has made itself a bank of the people and
has acquired a general and deserved popularity.
Though a young institution it ranks third in the county, in the
amount of deposits.
The following is an official report of the condition of the American
State Bank at the close of business on the sixth day of April, 1906 :
RESOURCES.
Loans and discounts $ 54,391.91
Loans on real estate 500.00
Overdrafts 5,223.71:
Expense account 573.91
Cash items other than reserve items 506.45
Cash and sight exchange, legal reserve 19,702.49
Total $80,898.50
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock paid in $20,000.00
Interest 1,153.31
Undivided profits 643.07
Exchange 287.79
Individual deposits 54,765.58
Certificates of deposits 4,048.75
Total $80,898.50
State of Kansas, County of Graham, ss.
I, E. V. Cumberford, cashier of said bank, do solemnly swear that
the above statement is true ; that said bank has no liabilities, and is not
indorser on any note or obligation, other than shown on the above state-
ment, to the best of my knowledge and belief. So help me God.
E. V. Cumberford, Cashier.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 13th day of April, 1906.
F. T. Stephens, Notary Public.
Commission expires on the 8th day of Nov., 1909.
Correct — Attest: D. C. Greenwood, David Findley, J. F. Rowe,
C. A. Garrison, M. J. Creighton, Directors.
The funds of the patrons of this bank are guarded by a burglar
and fire proof vault with Burton and Harris locks and a Yale double
time lock attachment. The cash, notes, safe and vault of the bank are
insured, that the depositors and stock holders may suffer no unnecessary
loss.
Mr. E. V. Cumberford, who discharges the duties of cashier is a
young man imbued with a spirit of progress, whose name is of paramount
prominence in the American State Bank.
He is a native of Missouri, born in Platte county in 1876, was edu-
cated and grew to manhood there and began his business life as assist-
(25)
ant cashier of the State Bank at Edgerton, Missouri. Later he became its
cashier.
In 1898 Mr. Cumberford went to Colorado Springs where he was
employed by the Bond and Banking House of Colorado Springs, having
full charge of branch offices at Buffalo and Montreal. He continued in
this business until January 1905, when he came to Hill City to become
cashier of the American State Bank.
Mr. Cumberford was married in March, 1900, in Cameron, Missouri
to Miss Mabel Sturgis. To this union three interesting boys have been
born.
Mr. Cumberford owns 18 lots on Capital Hill on which he is erect-
ing a modern $3,000.00 residence. In addition to his home property he
owns a half interest in the Model Farm.
Though comparatively a new-comer in Hill City, Mr. Cumberford
is deservedlv popular. His conscientious devotion to every interest en-
trusted to his care together with his genial and courteous manner, has
won for him the highest regard of his fellow citizens.
Kansas Title Land and Loan Company.
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THE SECRETARY S RESIDENCE.
There is no line of business in which the public is more vitally inter-
ested than in that of real estate, loan and insurance. Such a business re-
quires men of integrity, honesty and uprightness. They must be prompt,
fair and accomodating in all their dealings.
The progress made in this, as well as in other branches of business
demands that it shall be followed only by men who are reliable and who
understand every detail of the work.
The real estate man who locates in a town simply because it is hav-
(26)
ing a boom cannot compete with a man who has spent years in the com-
munity.
Investors insist on knowing who they are dealing with, and sellers
must feel sure that they have their property in responsible hands.
In these times of many real estate transactions in Graham county, it
is fitting to direct attention to the above named firm. They have a splen-
did knowledge of the lands, of their values, and a general stock of in-
formation concerning the growth and development of this portion of the
country that is at once interesting and beneficial to those seeking homes
or investment in western Kansas.
The Kansas Title Land and Loan Company has on its books 60,000
acres of farm land besides some good town properties. They are exclu-
sive agents for the Pomeroy interests in western Kansas, which, aside
from many city properties, include more than 30,000 acres of farm land.
They do a heavy insurance business, representing 7 large, eastern fire,
lightning and tornado companies.
Abstracts of title and all legal blanks are prepared in their offices
with promptness and accuracy.
Any investment in Graham county real estate should be based first
of all, on an abstract of title furnished by the Kansas Title Land and
Loan Company, if the purchaser desires assurance of such a title as will
enable him to know that his money is safely invested.
The officers of this company are, H. H. Barbee, president; E. V.
Cumberford, vice president and treasurer ; and C. A. Garrison, secretary.
Mr. Garrison, a courteous and genial gentleman with his two assistants
has charge of the offices.
The company, though youno- has made itself a prominent factor in
the growth and upbuilding of our town and country, being always ready
and ever anxious to promote any civic improvements.
Model Farm.
The best friend to humanity is the genius, who by presistent effort
and devotion to an idea, is enabled to give to the world a means by which
man may better utilize the natural conditions which surround him.
Such a friend was Professor Campbell, who gave to the semi-arid
plains of the west, the secret of "dry farming," whereby fine crops may
be raised with little rainfall. This is Mr. Campbell's theory explained:
"The result is accomplished, by storing the rainfall in the soil, and by
keeping the surface of the ground always loose, which stops evaporation.
Thus you can make 14 inches of rain go as far as 25 or 30 inches. This
is done by stirring up the soil with revolving disc and then going over it
and filling up the furrows, repeating this process again and again until
the last of June, after every rain stirring up the soil either with a disc
or an Acme Harrow.
In preparing for the planting of wheat, the soil is plowed 7 inches
deep, and followed with a sub-surface packer, giving a compact, solid
bottom, 4 inches from the surface under the loose soil.
It is then gone over with the Acme harrow keeping the top soil loose
and pulverized. This is called summer tilling and after working the soil
for a. year in this way, the wheat is planted in the fall or spring as usual.
After one year of summer tilling, 3 crops can be grown in succession
without renewing the cultivation."
(27)
Mr. Campbell says, "Certain scientific phenomena must be observed
also. After a certain amount of rain has fallen and penetrated a certain
1906 WHEAT CROP.
distance into the soil, each particle of earth absorbs its share of water
until the entire rain fall has been absorbed.
SIX-YEAR-OLD ORCHARD.
(28)
If we hold this water in the soil during the summer season, a chem-
ical action will follow which produces nitrates and generates bacteria or
nitrogen in the soil. The theory is that the bacteria are latent in the soil
and can only be developed by moisture and cultivation'. I am not opposed
to irrigation, but it is unnecessary wherever there is a rainfall of not less
than ]4 inches."
It was through the financial interest made manifest by J. P. Pomeroy
of Colorado, that Mr.- Campbell's theory was put into actual practice.
Just outside the limits of Hill City, Mr. Pomeroy bought 240 acres of
land where Mr. Campbell laid out the first of his 100 model farms on
his system of soil culture.
This was six years ago and each season's crops have forcibly demon-
SIX-YEAR-OLD APPLE, PEACH AND HEDGE,
strated the practicability of the Campbell theory, for the yield of wheat,
oats, corn, potatoes and everything else that grows, is three to five times
as great as is harvested on the other side of the fences.
"And there is no more beautiful farm in the country. The orchard
six years old, is equal to any that can be found ; the hedges that divide the
fields and surround the garden are 12 to 14 feet high ; the vegetable gar-
den, the berry bushes, the flowers and the foliage are equal to any upon
"the best irrigated farm in California; while the wheat, corn and potatoes
are simply perfect."
This original Model Farm was bought from Mr. Pomeroy by E. V.
Cumberford and H. H. Barbee last March for a consideration of $15,-
000.00. They have put down a well of 360 feet and are expecting to erect
a stone residence in addition to making other minor improvements.
(29)
Boston Department Store.
The Boston Department Store was organized under the name of the
Boston Cash Store in 1886 by J. P. Pomeroy of Colorado Springs. Mr.
Pomeroy, who has large interests in Graham county, maintained the store
for the benefit of the people and to keep up the business interests of Hill
City.
In August 1904 the stock was sold to D. Weyand of Colorado
Springs who conducts the business with the assistance of his two sons
and ten clerks.
The world advances and times change. The new century looks back
to the old and is pleased with the improvement, but the future offers still
greater changes. There are many business men who watch the progress
of the world, and by offering the best to their customers, are enabled to
do their portion for public improvement. Such men find it a pleasure and
an easy matter to keep at the front of the great march of progress. The
public recognize in D. Weyand as proprietor of the Boston Department
Store, a man of broad and progressive ideas whose aim is to make his
customers feel that he is guarding their interests while promoting his
own. No defective goods are permitted to be sold over his counters and
in adjusting his selling prices he is satisfied with a small per cent of profit.
Mr. Weyand's clerks are polite, attentive and accommodating. The
success of the store, therefore, is not such a great surprise.
The Boston Store ranks among the foremost of the business institu-
tions of the county, ever ready to promote the general welfare of its com-
munity and herald abroad its claim to special consideration.
The store is modern throughout, and has five well-stocked depart-
ments, which meet the catalogue prices of any Mail Order House of the
east, furnishing a more desirable line of goods. People should under-
(30)
stand that if their community goes backward they go backward ; if the
growth and prosperity of its business houses is retarded, the interests of
each individual is retarded. Home institutions should be patronized. It
is safe to say that the Boston Department Store has no superior in this
part of the state in the volume and variety of the high class merchandise
it carries.
The time honored principle of quick sales and small profits is strict-
ly adhered to and accounts for the fact that no old goods accumulates, but
always the newest and up-to-date merchandise meets the eye of the pros-
pective purchaser.
The people realize this a good place to trade which accounts for the
rapid growth of the Boston Department Store.
In two years its stock has been increased from $20,000 to $35,000,
and its sales this year are double those of last.
Pomeroy Hotel.
Owned by J. P. Pomeroy.
In outlining the mercantile and industrial interests of Hill City, and
in detailing its financial interests in general, special mention must be made
of the facilities enjoyed by the patrons of its leading hotel. The Pomeroy.
This is a first class modern hotel with accomodation for 75 guests,
neat, clean and newly furnished. The office is attractive and a daily resort
for the city's business men. The parlors are large light airy and conven-
ient of access. The dining room seats 50 people and is well lighted and
ventilated. The table is a special feature and is always laden with the
choicest food that the market afifords, properly cooked and served in
good style.
(31)
The transient trade, of which the Pomeroy receives a large share,
pronounces it the best $2.00 a day house in this section of the state.
Mine host, "Uncle Billy," Keleher is a pleasant courteous gentleman.
He has been in the hotel business in Hill City for nearly a quarter of a
century, and his guests with one voice agree that he is particularly adapt-
ed to this business. He is a genial landlord and spares no pains to please
or entertain or make comfortable his guests.
Mr. Keleher is a native of Ireland and came to California when but
six years old. Here he met Mrs. Keleher who was a native of Lowell,
Massachusetts. Twenty-seven years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Keleher came to
Kansas and went into the hotel business at Millbrook. Since that time
they have always been proprietors of a hotel either in Millbrook or in
Hill City.
Of the seven Keleher children, one girl and three boys are married
and gone, and one girl and two boys are still at home.
H. J. Harwi.
26 YEARS AGO.
The practice of law requires more talent and more extensive knowl-
edge of detail than any other business or profession, and he who would
win fame in it's ranks must have specific training, and
make up his mind to continuous, steady and unceas-
ing toil. The profession of law has attracted men
of more than average energy^ and intelligence. H. J.
Harwi has displayed those attributes and qualifica-
tions which mean a continually growing clientage and
a successful practice. He was born in Pennsylvania
in 1858 and was educated in that state. He read law
in the offices of S. V. B. Kachline in Easton, Pennsyl-
vania, and was admitted to the bar. In 1878 a colony
Pennsylvania farmers numbering 80, emigrated to
Stockton, Kansas, and Mr. Harwi and his father were
in the party. From Stockton they went to the south-
ern part of Rooks county where they homesteaded.
Mr. Harwi preempted, and it was on his place that
the first house was built. He arrived in the county only two years prior
to the organization of Graham county, and at once became active in her
political life. Graham county, before it's organization in 1880, was at-
tached to the judiciary of Rooks county. H. J. Harwi was the first lawyer
admitted to the Graham county bar. He was appointed the first sheriff
of the county by Board of County Commissioners. At the first election he
was selected Register of Deeds and was Government Census taker south
of the Solomon river in Graham county. Throughout this time he was
actively engaged in the profession of law. On the first docket ever made
up in Graham county which consisted of 21 cases, he was on either one
side or the other of each case. Judge Nellis of Topeka was the acting
Judge. The lawyers before the court were. Judge Reeder and Smith, at-
torneys Collier, Osborne, Rathbone and Harwi. In 1882 Mr. Harwi
bought and edited the 'Graham County Republican,' and in partnership
with Mr. Terril, of Millbrook, organized a newspaper trust, buying all the
newspapers in the county save the Millbrooks Times. His paper was de-
clared the official paper of the county. Mr. Harwi was appointed and
(32)
elected County Clerk at the same time associated with Judge Gordan in
the real estate business. He was for four years engaged in the Hardware
and Implement business until 1888, when he received the appointment as
Treasury Agent of the Seal Islands, but was never commissioned owing
to change in Treasury department. Mr. Harwi was later appointed cor-
respondent and special agent of animal industry. He controlled the fed-
»":
eral patronage under Senators Plumb, Ingalls and Baker, and has been
closely associated in a political way with many of the leading republican
politicians for the last .20 years. Mr. Harwi practiced law in all the State
and Federal courts and gained a reputation that resulted in his election
to the office of County Attorney, and has capably discharged the duties
of that position. He is one of the stalwart republicans of Graham county
and has done his part in the work of the campaigns. Mr. Harwi was
married May 30, 1884 to Ida Tillotson of Millbrook and to this union have
been born two children, Henry, Jr., and Barbara. He owns 1800 acres of
good land in Graham county, a number of Hill City lots and a $3,500.00
cottage home which is one of the most improved places in Hill City. He
has served as member of Hill City Public School Board for twelve suc-
cessive vears.
John Bird.
The career of John Bird has been closely indentified with the history
of Graham county. He has been a valuable resident here for more than
27 years. The career of a farmer as that of a business enterprise, is the
standard by which the public tests his general worth to the community.
Mr. Bird has been a successful farmer, and everyone has been glad of his
success, for with his kindly disposition and honest business methods he
has made everyone his friend.
(33)
Mr. Bird was born in Ohio in 1836 and came to Missouri in his early-
boyhood. Here he was married 47 years ago and IT years later moved
to Graham county and homesteaded a few miles northeast of Hill City.
Mr. and Mrs. Bird drove from Missouri leaving there the 14th of Feb-
ruary and arriving here the 8th of March. Their first home was a 16x16
structure, built of native stone, and sod quarried and cut on their own
farm.
Here they lived until 1893 when they sold the place and moved ta
Sheridan county.
For 10 years they owned and lived on one of the best farms in Sher-
idan county, and sold it in 1904 for $7,500.00, when they returned to Gra-
ham county and located in Hill City.
Mr. and Mrs. Bird have retired from active life and have built a neat
seven roomed house valued at $1,200.00, which they intend to make their
permanent home.
They are proud of their six sons and daughters who are married and
living in homes of their own, and all, save one, in Hill City or vicinity.
The entire Bird family are active members of the Christian church.
Mr. Bird is a kind, genial agreeable gentleman, who has never bur-
dened the world with his trials, but who has lightened the sorrows of
others by sympathy and material aid.
H.
H. H. Niehaus.
H. Niehaus of Indiana township, is a young man, 27 years old.
who purchased 320 acres of land, three years ago, for $3,000.00, mostly
on time, and this year's crop will put him out of debt with money to spare.
Recently he refused $7,000.00 for this half section of land.
(34)
His crops raised during 1904 and 1905, were, 2,000 bushels of wheat,
500 bushels of oats, 3000 bushels of corn.
He now owns 10 head of good horses and 17 head of cattle. He be-
gan farming with only one team of horses. Notwithstanding his good
returns from the farm, he had four head of horses and ten head of cattle
die during that time.
E. J. Byerts. 1143145
The accompanying pictures are of the farm home of E. J. Byerts,
three miles west of Hill City.
Mr. Byerts and his family are among the early settlers of Graham
county, having come to this county in 18?8, and they have been contin-
uous residents here since that time. Their first home was on Rock Creek
in Gettysburg township, where they farmed and raised cattle with vary-
ing success until 1884 when proof was made on the homestead and title
was obtained. The family then settled on school section sixteen at the
junction of Sand creek and Solomon river.
At this time there was not a shrub on the land larger than one's
finger, and whatever timber there is on the farm now has been grown
there since.
Mr. Byerts is among the few who always had implicit confidence in
the final development of this part of western Kansas.
He has always farmed on a large scale having for many years planted
and tilled 250 acres of corn and when the seasons were good had large
crops.
Mr. Byerts, like many others, made the error of mortgaging his farm
to buy more land and twice since he came here, had all his property been
sold it would not have paid his debt.
(35)
But by his perseverance he has each time been able to pay every dol-
lar against him and today owes no man a farthing.
His old homestead and timber claims belong to others, but the farm
on the Solomon, which consists now of seven hundred acres, all bottom
land, is to be planted to alfalfa in the hope that in a few years it will be
a thing of beauty and profit.
(3G)
Mr. Byerts has taken an active part in local politics having- always
had a friend or a measure that he desired to help along. But he was
never a candidate for office outside of his own township until 1901, when
he was appointed Postmaster of Hill City in which capacity he is now
serving.
What greater marks of esteem and confidence can citizens of a com-
munity show to one of their fellowmen than to indorse him for the posi-
tion requiring a man of undoubted integrity and more than average
ability.
Mr. Byerts never sought office prior to IDOl, having always been con-
tent with his life on the farm.
In the Post Office building which he owns he conducts a notion and
book business carrying a stock of about $800.00.
Mr. Byerts was born in Pennsylvania and during the Civil war was
a soldier in Company E, lO-lth Infantry, Pennsylvania volunteers.
At the close of the war he came to Sedalia, Missouri where he was
married and 28 years ago moved to Graham county.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Byerts, two girls and
two boys, only one of which is now at home.
Landscape picture covers one and half miles of valley and timber on
this farm.
John Ashcroft.
What greater mark of esteem and confidence can the citizens of a
community show to one of their fellow men then to elect him to a county
office.
The office of sheriff requires a man of undoubted integrity and more
than average courage.
(37)
Mr. Ashcroft never sought an office prior to the campaign of 1904,
but was a prosperous and contented Graham county farmer. He has
made an enviable record as one of the most efficient officers Graham coun-
ty has ever had ; one who could not be bluffed out of doing his duty.
Mr. Ashcroft owns a fine farm of 320 acres 18 miles southwest of
Hill City. This farm is conveniently arranged and fitted for a first-class
stock farm and is also well adopted to general farming and grain raising.
It is all fenced and cross fenced and has an abundance of good
water. For five years Mr. Ashcroft has had one-hundred acres in wheat
averaging a yield of twenty bushels to the acre. He says with the excep-
tion of one year he has raised for the last ten years enough corn to fatten
twenty-five to thirty-five head of hogs for market besides a goodly num-
ber for home use.
Mr. Ashcroft is a great admirer of good horses and purchased for
the Hill City Horse Co., a fine English Coach Stallion, Glen S., which
took second prize at the St. Louis fair. He is now managing a breeding
stable.
Mr. Ashcroft homesteaded in Graham county in the autumn of 1884.
It took several years of hard and constant work to get money to improve
his farm. He was married in 1893 and has a family of 5 children.
During his term of office Mr. Ashcroft lives with his family in their
ten roomed house, in the south part of town, but intends to return to his
farm at the expiration of his term.
Grecian Drug Store.
Grecian Drug Store, telephone number one. Drug Store number one.
The proprietor and owner of this store, Mr. Frank Grecian, was born in
(38)
Towa and moved to Osborne county, Kansas, in 1878. He attended school
at Manhattan and has been in the drug business 15 years.
Four years ago Mr. Grecian moved to Hill City from Natoma,
bought the drug store then being closed out by Mr. King, beside con-
siderable new stock, and opened the Grecian Drug Store with about $1300
stock. Today it would invoice close to $7000.
One of the chief features of this drug store is the prescription depart-
ment, presided over by Mr. Grecian, an expert and licensed pharmacist.
Mr. Grecian, pharmacist number 2683, has been in the business since 1887.
Hill City people place great confidence in Mr. Grecian's prescrip-
tion and compounding department.
In addition to drugs, the store carries all kinds of paints and oils,
drug sundries, leather goods, toilet articles, delicate perfumes, soaps, sta-
tionery and patent medicines.
About two years ago Mr. Grecian put in a large stock of jewelry and
engaged a competent jeweler. This department is now in charge of Mr.
James T. Little. Mr. Little was for three years an apprentice to A. C.
Erdice, a Swiss watch-maker. Later he worked for the H. E. Wurth
Watch Manufacturing Company of Kansas City, Mo. Although Mr.
Little has been in Hill City only since the first of March, he has estab-
lished for himself an enviable reputation as a watch repairer.
One of the many features of this progressive, up-to-date store, is a
fine $1000 soda fountain which was bought three years ago. Last year,
to complete this department, Mr. Grecian added an ice-cream plant and
is supplying many of the neighboring towns with ice cream. The success
of this undertaking among our own people is told by the many customers
which crowd the tables and counters on summer afternoons and evenings.
A fine $500 cash register, the best and most complete machine in this
part of the state, speaks of the prosperity of the store.
(39)
Mr. Grecian when speaking of the future of our county says he con-
siders it most promising.
His sales, including all departments, are at least a third heavier than
they were last year and are sufficient to warrant him in contemplating
several material improvements in the business in the coming year. He
has added to his assistants, until now four regular clerks are employed
with an additional two on the busiest days.
Mr. Grecian married Miss Nellie Joy of Emporia, and to this union
was born one child, a bright and attractive boy.
Georg-e McCord.
"I'm sorry I didn't come here sooner," said Mr. George McCord, a
recent but most valuable addition to our Hill City Mechanics. Mr. McCord
came to Hill City a little over a year ago, and bought the repair and black-
smith shop belonging to S. Nevins.
It is said that competition is the life of trade, and when a new firm
enters upon a business career in a place like Hill City and holds not only
the trade of his predecessor but adds to it so materially as has McCord
in a few months time, it substantiates the theory that success is obtained
through the force of energy, industry and honorable dealings, and in
keeping pace with the times. People will go where they get the best ser-
vice for their money and they have found Mr. McCord's shop such a place.
In a year he has put in improvements amounting to $700 and today
values his" shop at $2000.
Three skilled workmen are kept busy and McCord says they have
not had an idle day in the fourteen months they have been in Hill City.
The shop is v/ell equipped with all kinds of Modern machinery for
blacksmithing and repairing, having three forges, a disc grinder," trip
hammer and power drill with gasoline engine.
(40)
Mr. McCord intends to put in necessary machinery for a machine
shop, also a drill press and band saw.
We may attribute this man's success in a degree at least to his marked
enthusiasm and in love for his chosen trade.
Mr. McCord moved to Hill City in April, 1905, from Lyon county.
He lives one mile east of the city limits with his family consisting of five
sons and two daughters.
Newton Wetzel,
One of the most reliable and progressive business houses in Hill City
today, is the hardware and implement house belonging to Newton Wetzel.
Reliable and progressive are excellent watchwords and denote many
things — ambition, desire to please and energy. This establishment is
built upon such a foundation and is bound to prosper. One thing certain,
there is no mercantile house in Hill City of more direct importance from
a commercial point of view to the farmer. It has been the policy of this
house to handle good articles and to avoid selling inferior goods.
This store is one of the largest in town, having three store rooms,
and a fifty by twenty storage shed for implements.
Mr. Wetzel bought this stock from Mr. Rowe two years ago in Feb-
ruarv, for a consideration of $10,000. The store may be divided into four
departments, implements, wagon and buggies, harness and hardware. A
tin shop is maintained in connection with the store. Four men are em-
ployed regularly, with extra help during the implement season.
This store is enjoying increasing trade which goes to show what a
man of energy nerve and industry is capable of doing.
Newton Wetzel is a native of Pennsylvania, it was in that state that
he received his education grew to manhood and was married. Some six-
teen years ago Mrs. Wetzel died, leaving Mr. Wetzel with four children,
the voungest a bov onlv a few^ months old.
(41)
In 1896 Mr. Wetzel brought his family to Graham county and for
eight years lived on his farm near Bogue.
In February, 1904 when he bought the hardware store he moved
with his family to Hill City where they have since resided. The youngest
son, a boy of fifteen met a tragic death last November, leaving but three
children, two at home and the other married and living on a farm near
Bogue.
Graham County State Bank.
tf-^i^
Mm
That which best tells of the commercial life of a town is the condi-
tion of its banks.
The Graham County State Bank has had a successful career of seven
years. Neither boom periods nor seasons of depression have affected it.
It has extended such accommodations to its customers as to help them tide
their business over in the dullest months. From time of organization to
the present, the officers claim this bank has lessened cost of banking to
the people. The policy of the bank is also to build up a surplus and un-
divided profits which is now equivalent to $20,000, making a total capital
of $30,000. It is one of the few banks in the state which is on the roll
of honor published by State Bank Commissioner.
This is distinctly a bank for the people and has by its own meritor-
ious career earned the confidence of entire Graham county.
This bank was opened for business on January 3, 1899 with a capital
stock of $10,000. The deposits in 1900 were $15,305.22 and this year they
amount to $80,987.69, showing an extraordinary growth.
The present officers are. President, Dr. I. B. Parker, Vice President,
J. W. Jenkins, Cashier, L. Messick, Assistant Cashier, S. G. Wilson. The
directors are M. G. Findley, Minnie Craig, F. B. Jordon, in addition to the
above named officers.
(42)
Graham County State Bank at Hill City, State of Kansas, at the
close of business on the 6th day of April, 1906.
RESOURCES.
Loans and discounts $ 80,645.04
Loans on real estate 500.00
Overdrafts 1,741.50
Expense account 699.09
Cash, sight exchange, legal reserve 26,391.99
Total $109,977.63
LL^BILITIES.
Capital stock paid in $ 10,000.00
Surplus fund 10,000.00
Undivided profits 5,945.91
Interest 1,489.10
Dividends declared but not paid 1,000.00
Exchange 158.56
Individual deposits 61,322.81
Certificates of deposit 15,847.09
Collections not reimtted 114.15
Total $109,977.62
L. Messick, cashier and manager came to Kansas in 1886 from Illi-
nois where he graduated from the Illinois State Normal University in
1884 and taught the two intervening years.
In '86 he attended the State Teachers Association at Topeka, from
which place he came west to Trego county, to visit his sister, and accept-
ed the position as superintendent of the schools at Hays City.
In 1889 he was married in Carlyle, Illionois, to Miss Jessie L. Cook,
and came to Hill City where he established himself in the school furniture
business.
Mr. Messick, by his conscientious business principles and genial man-
ner has made himself an important factor in the business life of Hill City.
When the Graham County State Bank was organized in 1899, he be-
came its cashier, which place he has filled successfully for seven years.
He also organized the Citizens State Bank of Morland in which he is a
Director.
His family consists of a wife and two daughters, Lodema and Jessie
Lea.
Dr. Ivan B. Parker.
Hill City has its full quota of intelligent, enterprising and energetic
business men who see the possibilities which this county presents for the
creation of homes and the location of industries. They are willing to de-
vote both time and money to community advancement.
Such men are termed "builders of cities" and they are rightly
named. Among their number none have demonstrated their value to the
best interest of the city more effectually than has Dr. Ivan B. Parker.
Dr. Parker was born in Delaware county, Iowa, in 1871, and moved
to Graham county 21 years ago with his mother who homesteaded south
of Millbrook. He received his early education in Millbrook and later at-
tended the State Agricultural College at Manhattan where he took the
B. A. degree in 1891.
(43)
For a vear he traveled on the Pacific coast and after returning, was
married to Miss Mary L. Findley of Millbrook, in September, 1892. To
this union 6 children were born, 4 of whom are living.
In 1894 Dr. Parker took his M. D. degree from the Kansas City
Medical College and began to practice medicine in Morland. But times
were hard and he taught school a part of two years to help meet expenses.
In 1898 Dr. Parker came with his family to Hill City where he built
up a splendid practice, but in 1903 sold his practice to Dr. Lottie Findley
and went to Oregon where he engaged in the lumber business. On ac-
count of his health he left Oregon and traveled extensively in the west,
returning to Hill City this year and resuming his practice.
Dr. Parker has natural skill and adaptability to his profession and has
been exceptionally successful both as a physician and surgeon. He has
a good practice.
Dr. Parker is President of the Graham County State Bank, also,
director of the Citizens State Bank of Morland.
Pie is erecting a modern two story residence which will cost some
$2,500. He owns some valuable Graham county lands and a number of
town lots in Hill City.
Graham County Mill and Elevator Company.
Hill City's infant industry, operated by the Graham County Mill and
Elevator Company and established four months ago with a capital stock
of $20,000 of home capital has been a source of profit to the investors and
a great convenience to the public. The first three months a business of
over $15,000 was done.
We were introduced to the mill and its machinery by the genial mill-
er, W. M. Beeghley, and found the newest and best machinery through-
(44)
out. On the first floor we found six double stands of 9x18 A. P. Allis
rolls and the flour and bran packers ; on the sec-
ond floor, 3 Whitmore purifiers, 2 wheat scour-
ers and 1 Perfection dust collector and on the
third floor a Barnard and Lee Plan Sifter, 3
Barnard and Lee's round reels, 1 double Perfec-
tion dust collector, the bolting machine and 1
corn cleaner.
The power house, a stone structure, is sup-
plied by a 12x36 Sioux City Corliss Engine with
a boiler measuring 60 inches by 16 feet. From
this power house the main building is supplied
with steam heat and electric lights. The mill
has a capacity of 130 barrels per day or 3900
barrels per month and the running expenses per
month average $300.
The greater part of the wheat used is the
Red Russian or Turkey wheat which sells at
present for 68 cts. a bushel grown and marketed
by the farmers of Graham county. Three grades of flour are made ; the
first patent, the straight grade and the third grade. The first patent is
the best, selling for $2.50 per hundred, while the straight sells for $2.30
per hundred.
Tn connection with the mill is an elevator with a capacity of 13,000
bushels. The elevator is supplied with a Barnard & Lee's receiving sep-
arator and a Barnard & Lee's milling separator.
The officers are, W. G. Saunders, Manager, O. P. King, President;
W. M. Beeghley, Secretary.
A. L. CRIST, PROMOTER
OF THIS MILL.
(45)
Jerome Shoup.
In all the towns of Graham county nearly all the business men are
farmers. If they do not own farms out in the country, as many of them
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 and scientific farmers
we have, and among this class is our well known citizen Jerome Shoup.
Air. Shoup is a native of Illinois and was married there. He came
to Graham county in 1879 and homesteaded in Pioneer township. In ad-
dition to his homestead he took a timber claim of 80 acres.
For ten years he resided on this farm and was one of Graham coun-
ty's most prosperous and successful stock raisers and farmers. In 1891
he was chosen as sheriff and bought a half section of land joining Hill
City, where he built a home and moved his family.
Mr. Shoup served two terms as sheriff and was a creditable and
satisfactory officer. He is a very pleasant gentleman generous in con-
ceding to all men the right to think and speak for themselves. He is a
staunch reformer and for a number of years was conspicuous before the
people of Graham county as a politician. In 1899 Mr. Shoup represented
his county in the State Legislature. He was conscientious and pains-tak-
ing in looking after the interest of his agricultural friends and honest and
fearlessly represented his constituency.
Mr. Shoup owns 16 quarter sections of Graham county land with
five hundred acres under cultivation. But he still resides on his quarter
section adjoining Hill City which is exceptionally good land, fifty acres
of this quarter section is in alfalfa and the first cutting this year yielded
two tons to the acre.
Mr. Shoup values his alfalfa lands at $60 an acre.
His place gives evidence of comfort and thrift with a grove of trees
(46)
surrounding his neat 7 roomed home and his new well built out buildings.
Mr. Shoup owns 150 head of high grade white face cattle and 15
head of horses. Though he was at one time a heavy property owner in
Hill City he has disposed of it with the exception of one stone store build-
ing on Main street.
Mr. Shoup has always been an active member of the Christian
church. He built the Hotel De Shoup in Hill City but sold it to D. J.
Hanna.
A. J. Rice.
ALFALFA FIELD.
A J. Rice of the Rice Land Company of Hill City, owns some one
hundred quarter sections of Graham and Rooks county land, which he
holds for speculation.
It is pleasant to do business with a throughly reliable man, one in
whose judgment you can place absolute confidence, and as such we cheer-
fully recommend A. J. Rice.
He is an excellent judge of human nature and to this is due to a
large measure of his success, for in carrying on the business, he has had
to depend on the industry, integrity and ability of those about him.
The greater part of his 16,000 acres are under cultivation ; most of
it being planted in wheat, and on the land which he does not lease or
have operated on shares, he himself superintends the planting and har-
vesting of the grain.
Mr. Rice is best known as the wheat king of Kansas and although
his home is not in Graham county, she claims much of his time and inter-
est.
A. J. Rice came from York State to Atchison county, Kansas in 187o,
(47)
and speculated extensively in land there where his largest interests still
are. He claims as his home Effingham in Atchison county. Twelve
years ago he became interested in Graham county lands beginning opera-
tions here twenty quarters and has increased those possession until last
year his taxes on farm land amounted to $1500. This season he has 2500
acres of his land in alfalfa and 10,000 acres in wheat.
Mr. Rice is familiar with the value of lands in all parts of Kansas,
and considers those of Graham county a better investment than the older
and higher priced lands of the eastern portion of the State.
Ben S. Smith.
Ben S. Smith, of Scotch-English descent was born in Ontario, Cana-
da in 1870 ; came to Graham county with his parents seventeen years ago
and settled on a farm south of Lenora. Eight years of his life was spent
in teaching, one year of it as principal of the Hill City schools.
In 1895 he was elected to the office of Register of Deeds and proved
a most efficient officer.
For the last four years he has been in the employ of the Kerns Lum-
ber Company of this city.
There is probably not a man in business here who enjoys a larger
circle of acquaintances or greater confidence of his friends than does Ben
Smith.
Every cloud is said to have a silver lining and Ben always wears his
cloud inside out so he can see the lining.
His first six years in Graham county are noted in his memory for
containing more downs than ups. But since 1895, business has taken a
more prosperous turn and today he has a corner lot on East Street.
Four years ago Mr. Smith bought 480 acres of well-improved land
(48)
one mile west of Hill City, one hundred acres of this farm is under culti-
vation, one acre of it in orchard. A number of living springs feed the
creek which runs through his place, furnishing water to the stock the year
around. While a goodly number of acres are used for grain raising, the
farm is distinctly a stock farm, and is valued at $6000.
Tn addition to this Mr. Smith owns five quarters of land which he
liolds for speculation ; five hundred acres of this are devoted to the grow-
ing of wheat ; the remainder of it is open prairie suitable for pasture land.
This tract is about ten miles from the Union Pacific railroad and would
have access to the Hill City rural route and telephone.
Mr. Smith is an ardent admirer of Graham county and an enthusias-
tic worker in her interests.
In retrospection he speaks of the hot winds and drouths which visited
Graham county in the early times and for scientific and practical reasons
prophecies a future for her free from any such calamities.
E. E. Brandt.
From among the tillers of the soil have come the most satisfactory
officers of our country. Men, strong in body, vigorous of mind, and im-
bued with honesty of purpose, in accepting the duties of office bring to
their work the essential qualifications which give satisfaction to the people.
In E. E. Brandt, our County Treasurer is exemplified, and instance
of this kind and his acts in office have received no criticism from any party.
His life should be an inspiration to every young man. He is rigidly
and conscientiously just. He never did an act or spoke a word for policys
sake. He is true to every obligation and devotedly loyal to his friends.
Such men are the salt of the earth.
Mr. Brandt settled in Graham county. Allodium township, in 1885.
He built a sod house and bached for five years, working at $18 per month.
In 1891 he was married to Miss Stella Earnheart of Blue Springs, Neb-
21 YEARS AGO.
(49)
raska, who was for three years a teacher in Sheridan and in Graham coun-
ties. Three children were born to them.
He kept a store and was postmaster at Lucerne, Kansas.
During the hard time of the latter SO's he credited out most of his
goods and could not meet his bills. Each day when he opened his store
for business he looked for the sheriff to step in and take possession.
Thinking to reestablish himself, Mr. Brandt began farming in 1891,
but owing to hot winds and drouths and consequent failure of crops he
was forced to sell much of his stock at a very low price. But with cour-
age and perseverance he continued until in 1893, when an investment in
hogs brought him a handsome margin. From that time on Mr. Brandt's
prosperity has far exceeded his adversity.
Mr. Brandt says he owes his good fortune to corn, land and hogs.
He now owns 1400 acres of land the most of which he values at $30 an
acre and an 800 acre farm is exceptionally well improved. The residence,
a commodious house of 12 rooms is worthy of special mention.
In addition to this Mr. Brandt owns a comfortable home in Hill City.
In 1895 Mr. Brandt opened a store and the post office, Gradan, on
his farm, and conducted the same until 1902 when he was elected County
Treasurer of Graham county.
To quote from Mr. Brandt, 'T have cleared $1000 a year over all
expenses since I was married in 1891. I owe my success to my persever-
ance and good health. I am anxious to return to the old home place and
stay there the remainder of my days. Graham county is good enough
for me."
Harry G. Hanselman.
In one of the most picturesque spots in Kansas, sixteen miles northr
west of Hill City, is the well improved farm of Harry G. Hanselman.
known as \ allev \'iew Farm.
(50)
Some twenty years ago Mr. Hanselman's father homesteaded in that
part of Graham county, and the young man learned early to appreciate
the possibilities of the county. When a boy he stood on the rise of ground
on which he intends soon to build his new home, and saw the rolling coun-
try for twenty-five miles in every direction without a single house or im-
provement. A few days ago we stood with Mr. Hanselman on that same
ground, of which he is justly proud, and marked with pleasure, the many
fine houses and green fields of waving wheat and alfalfa that make the
country a picture of thrift and prosperity.
Six years ago Mr. Hanselman bought his first quarter of land for
$300 and three vears later added to it a second quarter for which he paid
$800.
Of his 320 acres he has put 280 under cultivation, and his full wheat
bins and bursting corn-cribs give evidence of the rich soil and good farm-
ing.
Mr. Hanselman is rightly proud of his fine orchard of 700 young
bearing fruit trees. A goodly number of his cherry trees are the Early
Richmond, which are but three years old, and bearing luxurantly.
Mr. Hanselman has a nice lot of Early -Golden Apricots, (see illus-
tration) four years old, averaging about twelve feet high.
The Bella George and Sneeds peach trees are worthy of special note,
because of the size and big yield of fruit. We saw one five year old Bella
George tree whose foliage measured twenty feet in dianieter.
Mr. Hanselman does not confine his interests entirely to farming,
but gives equal attention to the thoroughbred Poland China hogs which he
owns. He can well be called the pioneer hog raiser of Graham county,
having begun ten years ago to buy thoroughbred stock. Of the fifty
Poland Chinas which he now owns, seven are registered and all are elig-
ible.
(51)
Though Mr. Hanselman's farm is a goodly distance from any town
he does not feel out of communication with people, for a Lenora rural
route passes his door and his telephone is connected with both the Hill
Cilv and the Lenora exchange.
He has recently been ofifered $7,000 for his half section, but will not
sell for any price, and intends within a year or two, to build a fine cement
home on the spot on his farm which we believe to furnish the most splen-
did view in all Graham county.
Mr. Hanselman is a man known throughout the county as one of
her products which she is proud to claim.
He was married in 1894 to Miss Scott, a resident of Iowa, but at
the time of their marriage, a guest of her sister, Mrs. White of Graham
county. To them were born two children a boy and a girl.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Hanselman were successful school teachers for
a number of years and have been even more successful in succeeding un-
dertakings.
For a year and a half they have rented their farm, and lived in Hill
City, where Mr. Hanselman's office as stockholder and manager of the
Mutual Telephone Company has brought him.
But the charms of Graham county farm life for Mr. and Mrs.
Hanselman are greater than any that can be offered elsewhere, and they
are contemplating moving to the farm in the early fall.
Dr. Lottie R. Findley.
While Hill City is certainly as healthy as any community, like all
others she needs doctors occasionally, and if there is one thing in the
world that you want the best of. it is the best "doctoring."
Hill City has several physicians, competent in every way and deserv-
(52)
ing of all praise, but there is one to whom we wish to call your special at-
tention. That one is Dr. Lottie R. Findley.
She was born in Osage county, Kansas in 1880 and moved with her
parents to Graham county when she was but G years of age. Her father
homesteaded three miles east of Morland, and four years later her mother
died.
Dr. Findley is one of eleven children, nine of which die si\\\ hvmg,
and four are at present interested in medicine, a boy and a girl as doctors,
and a boy and a girl as pharmacists.
When she had finished the schools here she went to Topeka where
she entered the medical college, and two years later became a student in
the Woman's Medical College of Kansas City, from which she took her
Doctor's degree in 1902, when she was 22 years of age.
Dr. Findley's first year of actual practice was in Centropolis, Fanklin
county. Three years ago she came to Hill City and bought the office and
practice of Dr. Parker. Since that time she has not only enlarged her
practice but has won for herself the esteem and appreciation of the peo-
ple of Graham county and adjoining counties.
Dr. Lottie, as people love to call her, endears herself to the sick and
their friends by her strong, sympathetic nature and deep interest in and
devotion to them.
The explicit confidence which people have in her is due largely to her
thorough and up-to-date knowledge of medicines. She spares no efTort
or expense to keep acquainted wath the latest discoveries and inventions
in the medical world, and has one of the best equipped offices in western
Kansas. In her operating room is a Static electrical battery with X-Ray
attachment. This battery is recommended by the best of medical fra-
ternities for the treatment of rheumatism, nervous troubles and neuralgia.
For the location of fractures, dislocations, broken bones, etc., and for the
(53)
treatment of cancers and all other skin diseases, the X-Ray machine is
without an equal, and Doctor Findley finds it of unestimable value in her
practice. She has a well filled case of modern and well selected surgical
instruments and is well equipped for all minor surgical work.
She has given particular attention to the eye and its diseases, has in
her office a Trial Case for testing eyes and has had marked success in fit-
ting glasses and treating eyes.
Dr. Findley fills and compounds all her prescriptions from her own
drug stock which invoices close to $800.
Her large practice makes it necessary for her to keep 2 teams, and
many days in addition to taking care of 15 or 20 patients in the office, she
drives nearly a hundred miles to see her country patients. She considers
it necessary that a successful practitioner have all the latest scientific
treatise on diseases and remedies and has a well selected medical library.
Dr. Findley is as fond of Graham county as Graham county is of
her and as an evidence of her confidence in our county and regard for her
people, she has bought a nine roomed cottage, where she makes an ideal
home for her aged father.
The Hawland Real Estate and Abstract Company.
The Rowland Real Estate and Ab-
stract Company was organized in Feb-
ruary, 190G. Their well equipped offices
are opposite the Court House on Pome-
roy avenue, where an extensive land
business is carried on.
]\Ir. Howland is more than pleased
with his extraordinary success in secur-
ing on his sale list some of the best lands
in the county, and in interesting land
buyers in the east.
The company though but four months
old. has over 30,000 acres of Graham
county land on their books in addition
to some twelve residence properties in
Hill City.
They have for sale 5 mercantile stocks
in Graham county, one hardware, one
furniture, one drug and three general
merchandise. This company owns the
only complete set of abstracts in the county which is a valuable acquisition
to a real estate office.
Mr. Howland represents several grain and life insurance companies.
This is a reliable up-to-date rustling business house as is evidenced
by its already large patronage and list of Graham county properties. They
appreciate the value of printer's ink and are extensive advertisers.
This firm is prominent among Hill City business enterprises and is
thoroughly public spirited and in any enterprise pertaining to the city's
good, they are always found at the front willing to give all the assistance
possible.
Mr. F. A. Howland is a native of Kansas born in Geneva, Allen
(54)
county, in December, 1S68. His parents lived on a farm near that place
for 47 years, but are now making their home in lola.
Mr. Howland is an architect, cabinet maker, and carpenter by trade
having studied with the well known firm of Sheppard and Farr of Kan-
sas City. . In 1900 he came to Hill City and worked at his trade until
January, 1906, when he began the organization of his real estate company.
Mrs. Ellen F. Howland was born in New York of full French par-
ents. Her parents moved to Graham county in 1878, homesteaded in Mill-
brook township and engaged in stock raising and farming. Her father,
C. Fountain, was the first elected Register of Deed, and served from 1880
to 1887. Mrs. Howland was his assistant, working out of school hours.
During this time she learned to be an expert type-setter.
In 1896 she was elected Register of Deeds on the Republican ticket,
and in 1898 was renominated, no campaign was necessary as the other
two parties indorsed her.
in 1897, Mrs. Howland bought the C. O. Wonder abstract books,
which is the only complete set in Graham county. She has since that time,
kept them complete, and aside from her abstract work, she is deputy clerk
of the district court.
Mr. and Mrs. Howland own their home, a neat $3,000 cottage in the
exact center of the town site. They also own a town property which they
rent and 400 acres of good pasture land under fence, well watered, with
four living springs.
Mr. and Mrs. Howland have three children, 2 daughters and 1 son.
G. B. Brown Drug Store.
Here's Medico's head quarters exploiting all that's made in pharm-
acv. No harm I see in thus inviting trade, and here on exhibition, from
(55)
all the famous marts ; are these mystic aids, which pretty maids, employ
in toilet arts.
G. B. Brown's drug and jewelry store is one of the best equipped and
neatest stores in Hill City. One of the most important features of this
house is the prescription department in care of Miss Maude Long, an ex-
pert registered pharmacist and a graduate of the pharmacy department of
Kansas University. Physicians prescriptions are filled here from new
and pure drugs and with promptness and care.
Mr. Brown carries an extensive line of Jewelry having increased his
$1400 stock of jewelry to $3000 in less than two years.
He makes a specialty in watches of the Hamilton, Wathams, Elgin
and South Bend movements and the Boss, Crescent and Crown cases, and
carries the Seth Thomas clock.
At first Mr. Brown sold the 7 jewel watch, but is now selling the 15
jewel and his jewelry customers are growing rapidly.
A complete line of books, magazines and stationery is displayed at
the store, also all stringed instruments and the Edison Phonograph.
Of toilet articles there is no end, including everything from a pow-
der box to the finest of stag toilet sets. The display of decorated china,
silverware and cut glass makes the store especially attractive to the fem-
inine eye. Mr. Brown makes a specialty of sporting goods and carries
a good line of Reach and Spaulding ball supplies. Any patent medicine
one would wish can be found at this store together with the Uncle Sam,
Pratts, International and Hess, stock foods, besides paints, oils and glass.
An interesting feature of the drug store, especially in the summer
months is a fine $800 soda fountain which adorns its north wall. There
is also an ice cream plant equipped with a gasoline engine which is kept
busy during the hot season supplying the many warm and thirsty cus-
tomers. Mr. Brown came to Hill City from Natoma, Kansas 5 years ago
and had a line of jewelry in Grecian's Drug Store. In October 1904 he
bought the $1500 stock of drugs belonging to Mr. Ebnother and increased
it to $3000, until now his entire stock is valued at $6000, and his trade is
growmg rapidly. ^Mr. Brown owns an interest in the drug store at Mor-
land, besides a $2000 grain farm in Graham county which shows he has
confidence in Graham countv's future.
The Hill City Bottling "Works and Star Bakery.
Scarcely an industry in Hill City can boast of so rapid development
as can the Hill City Bottling Works. Their straightforward business
methods coupled with a knowledge of their business has made a demand
for their goods that is indeed gratifying.
This factory began business tw^o months ago and is now selling 25
cases of pop per day, which speaks for the quality of the goods. They
make all flavors, having a capacity of 100 cases a day and supplying the
trade of neighboring towns. We predict that this business will continue
to grow rapidly as a natural result of the high grade of goods that they
are producing.
In connection with this pop factory is the Star Bakery and confec-
tionery. Large quatities of palatable bread, pies and cakes are baked here
and the finest line of candies in the city are found in their cases.
As the demand was great, a kmch counter was put in, which depart-
ment the proprietors intend to enlarge soon.
(56)
The middle of June an ice-cream parlor will be added to the estab-
lishment. Here are found the most select and popular brands of cig^ars,
smoking and chewing tobacco. Davis & Downs, the' proprietors deserve
great credit for establishing a business of this high order in Hill City, and
is deserving of the support and encouragement of the populace.
Mr. Davis is a native of Missouri where he was married, but lived
in Colorado Springs, twelve years prior to his coming to Hill City last
April. Though comparatively new here, he has by his genial and court-
eous manner won for himself a lot of friends.
B. F. Poston.
Benjamin Franklin Poston was born in Kentucky in 1836 and moved
at an early age with his parents to Missouri. Though he was in Kansas
for a short time in the early fifties he did not locate permanently in the
state until 1875, when he moved to Concordia. Here he bought a "240
acre, well improved stock farm adjoining Concordia on the east, and en-
gaged extensively in stock raising. He invested somewhat in other prop-
erties, owning half interest in drug store in addition to a fine residence.
In 1887 Mr. Poston sold his interests in Concordia and came to Hill City,
where he bought the General Merchandise Store belonging to Minnier, in
the Wheeler market building. He also bought a large farm lying two
miles south of Hill City. In 1892 he sold his stock of merchandise to the
Wonder brothers and invested his money in cattle. In the winter of 1893,
while enroute to the Kansas City market with four car loads of cattle he
was in the long-to-be-remembered Linwood wreck. In the car which
Mr. Poston occupied were eighteen men, nine of whom were killed out-
right. Mr. Poston was seriously injured, having two fingers, four ribs,
his nose and his glottis broken, besides being seriously cut and bruised.
He was taken to hospital "Margarette" in Kansas City, Kansas, where
(57)
he was compelled to remain two months. When he was able to return
home he began proceedings in a damage suit against the Union Pacific
railroad company. After two years of litigation the supreme court ren-
dered a decision allowing Mr. Poston $8000 in addition to interest for two
years, amounting to $10,000. He continued in the cattle business until
1898, when he sold his stock and invested in Graham county lands until
now he owns some 2000 acres of well improved wheat lands. He rents
all but 600 acres which is planted in wheat and which he himself farms.
Mr. Poston's home property, built two years in July, is the most ele-
gant in Hill City. It has twelve rooms with all modern improvements
and cost $5000. Mr. Poston has served the township as Justice of the
Peace for three years and his official acts have been most satisfactory.
There is no man in Hill City more highly respected than is Mr. Poston.
He has taken great interest in the upbuilding of the town and is in every
respect a genial and obliging gentleman. Mr. and Mrs. Poston were
married twenty-eight years ago next July. Of his family of one daugh-
ter and two sons the youngest son Perle, is at home. Ben, the other son,
is mail clerk out of Kansas City, and the daughter is married and lives
in Missouri.
McManis Meat Market.
A first class butcher shop kept according to modern ideas and con-
ducted with personal skill and intelligence is a great boon to any commun-
ity. In this respect Hill City is amply provided for, by Mr. McManis,
who has a most complete establishment of this kind.
He bought the closed Wheeler market last September and has been
doing a good business since. His fixtures, counters, racks, blocks and
tools are all of high class and not only is he properly equipped for the
(58)
business but he is an expert butcher and has been engaged in the business
fifteen years.
He keeps constantly in stock the choicest of beeves, veal, and pork,
as well as a very high grade of home-cured hams and breakfast bacon.
He renders his own lard, makes his own sausage. All the fresh fruits
and vegetables in season are to be found at this market.
To supply his trade, he buys from eastern markets or directly from
HOTEL DE SHOUP, OWNED BY D. J. HANNA.
the farmers, always making careful selections. The McManis shop is
always neat and clean. In addition to his market Mr. McManis carries
a $500 stock of groceries and has two well stocked ice houses from which
he supplies summer ice customers.
He owns his own slaughter house and feed yards, the latter accom-
modating one hundred head of cattle and one hundred head of hogs.
Mr. McManis is very courteous and accommodating and is always
ready and willing to please his patrons. He keeps two men constantly in
his employ and runs a delivery wagon for both his own and his customer's
convenience.
Mr. McManis is a native of Iowa and moved with his parents to
Phillips county, Kansas, when he was fifteen years old. Since coming to
manhood he has been continuously engaged in the market business having
owned shops in Stockton, Phillips county, Colorado and Hill City.
Mr. McManis' family consists of a wife and one small daughter.
Doctor J. A. Bundy.
J. A. Bundy M. D., of this city, is a physcian and surgeon of the
regular school and has a natural skill and adaptability for his chosen pro-
(59)
fession. We were much impressed with the profundity of his knowledge
and the extent of his observation in his professional life.
Dr. Bundy is a man who inspires the
confidence of his patients. Although
young in his profession he has reached
that welcome confidence and aflfection
that all doctors know is the key note to
the success of the family physician. The
doctor is recognized by all as a profes-
sional man of great promise. With his
kindly disposition, he easily wins his way
into the hearts of the people. His sym-
pathies are easily awakened by the ap-
peals of distress. He is a man who
stands high in his community both pro-
fessionally and socially.
Four four years Dr. Bundy has been
a student in the University Medical Col-
lege of Allopathy, taking his degree in
May, 1906.
For a year and a half he did hos-
pital work in one of the largest hos-
pitals in Kansas City, working with such surgeons as Perkins, James, Hill,
Foster and Cordier. The last year of his hospital work he had the dis-
tinction of being chief of the house stafif at the University Hospital.
He had charge of 700 patients, almost half of them being cases of
surgery, and the others of severe and advanced diseases of all kinds ex-
cept contagious.
In his hospital experience and training he has met with the newest
and most advanced discoveries in medical science and has put to practical
use these methods and remedies.
Dr. Bundy is located in Hill City and lives in his new and modern
home on Capitol Hill. For a time he wall have his office in connection
with his home and can be reached by telephone 155.
Dr. Bundy was born in Grant county, Illinois in 1878 and moved to
Kansas in 1886 with his parents who still reside on the old homestead
six miles southeast of Hill City.
After finishing the common schools of the county, Dr. Bundy taught
five years and began his professional studies in 1902. He was married
in Kansas City, in June, 1906.
Mrs. Bundy has had special training in the hospital as a trained nurse.
John Stanfil.
"Progress" is an excellent watchword. It denotes so many things
ambition, energy and thrift. A business built upon such a foundation is
sure to grow and thrive.
Mr. John L. Stanfil an extensive farmer living twenty miles north-
west of Hill City is typical of the word "progress."
In 18T9 when ]\Ir. Stanfil was but seven years old he came with his
parents to Graham county from Kentucky. He grew up amid the hard-
ships and privations which came with making a home in Graham county
(60)
in the early 80's, and when in 1896 he left the home place and began work
for himself he was amply able to cope with all difficulties.
At the time of his marriage ten years ago. he had but 80 acres of
school land. Later he bought a half section for $1000 and a quarter sec-
tion for $2000 and has recently closed a deal which adds another half
section to his place. Today Mr. Stanfil's 640 acres are worth $30 an acre
mmmA
^'l^-»>-4[ I
(Gl)
450 acres of the farm are under cultivation with the greater part of it
devoted to the growing of wheat and the average yearly output for the
last 3 years has been 10,000 bushels.
Without a question Mr. Stanfil's farm is one of the best improved
places in the county. Two years ago he built a fine eleven room home
which cost him some $2000. To the west of the main residence has re-
cently been built a house for his tenant who farms IGO acres of the place.
The largest and finest barn that we have seen throughout our trip over
the country is on I\Ir. Stanfil's place. It is a mammoth structure that can
be seen for miles around, and the inside is as remarkable as the outside,
with its immense hay mow above and many roomy stalls below.
Although Mr. Stanfil is more distinctly a farmer than a stock man he
has twenty-five head of fine cattle and sixteen head of good horses. In
making his many improvements he has not forgotten the trees which add
beauty and usefulness to a place and has set out 200 thrifty fruit trees.
Though ]Mr. Stanfil is but 34 years of age he owns one of the best
farms in the county and his career shows what honesty and industry and
thrift will do. He and his wife are thoroughly satisfied with Graham
county and think it is a good place to rear their two bright and attractive
sons.
And Graham county appreciates ]\Ir. Stanfil's worth as fully as he
appreciates its worth as is shown by his recent appointment as county
commissioner to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Porter. So great is the
satisfaction that there is no doubt of Mr. Stanfil's election to the same
office in 1906.
Alvin Law.
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"It ain't the funniest thing a man can do —
Existing in a country when its new.
Nature — who moved in first — A good long while —
Has things already somewhat her own style.
She carries in her pockets bags of seeds,
As general agent of the thriftiest weeds ;
She sends her black birds, in the early morn,
To superintend her fields of planted corn;
She gives him rain past any duck's desire —
Then may be several weeks of quiet fire ;
She finds time, 'mongst her other family cares,
To keep in stock good wild-cats, wolves and bears ;
She spurns his offered hand, with silent gibes,
And compromises with the Indian tribes.
In short, her toil is every day increased.
To scare him out, and hustle him back East ;
Till fin'lly it appears to her some day.
That he has made arrangements for to stay:
Then she turns 'round, as sweet as anything.
And takes her new-made friend into the ring."
This tells well the story of Alvin Law, one of the earliest settlers of
Graham county. For eight years nature tried to "hustle him back East,"
but when she realized "that he had made arrangements for to stay," she
"turned 'round, as sweet as anything, and took her new made friend into
the ring.
Mr. Law has resided since 1878 on his Prairie Home Stock Farm, a
2400 acre ranch in the south part of Graham county. He has 80 acres of
upland and 300 acres of bottom land planted in alfalfa, 100 acres in cane,
100 in corn and 200 in small grain. The place is well watered and has on
it 20 miles of three wire fence. The commodious residence of eight rooms
is surrounded by fine trees, with many large evergreens and flowring
shrubs of all kinds.
On the ranch are six acres of Native forest trees and six acres which
Mr. Law has planted, in addition to one of the finest orchards in the south
part of the county, having 500 bearing fruit trees and a splendid grape
arbor.
The out buildings on the ranch are complete and well built. There
is a large barn, 40x60, in addition to two cow barns, two spacious gran-
aries and a two story machine house.
Mr. Law raises much fine stock, having at present some 315 head of
cattle and 24 horses besides a large number of hogs.
He is known far and wide not only for his work and thrift, but for
his royal hospitality, — the latch string of his outer door is always out and
the friend and stranger are always greeted with a warm welcome.
Mr. Law represented Graham county for two terms in the legislature
with credit to himself and satisfaction to his friends.
In 1878 Mr. Law married Miss Hilda Johnson, of Osceolo, Iowa.
They have eight children.
The Clayton Farm.
These two views are from the orchard on the Clayton Farm, in the
northern part of Graham county, on the famous "Bow Creek Divide."
(63)
The orchard consists of about 500 trees, and is now yielding apples,
cherries, plums, pears, peaches and apricots. It was set out in 1899 and
1900. The ground was raw prairie only a few years ago. Modern meth-
ods were used is setting out and cultivating the trees. Good, reliable nurs-
ery stock was used. The weeds have been kept from growing, some
mulching was used ; but the "dry farming system" was thoroughly prac-
(64)
ticed by keeping the surface of the ground loose to a shallow depth dur-
ing the summer. The ground was never allowed to lose its moisture by
evaporation, when possible to prevent it.
Mr. Clayton has recently moved to Hill City and is now editor of the'
Hill City New Era. He asks $15,000 for his three quarter sections of
fine, level upland and second bottom, with Bow Creek touching its south-
ern border. Mr. Clayton spent ten years on the farm and demonstrated,
the same as many others have also done, that the raw prairie can be turned
into a comfortable home with pleasant surroundings, and pay handsomely
for the labor of subduing the soil and farming it with due regard for
western conditions.
A. C. Brandt.
A. C. Brandt, a brother of our present County Treasurer, who lives
twenty-two miles northwest of Hill City, came to Washington county,
Kansas from Ohio in 1886. Two years later he came to Graham county
and homesteaded on the farm which is still his home. It was here he
brought his young wife, formerly Miss Flora Earnhart of Blue Springs,
Nebraska. Together they builded them a sod house and began the strug-
gle with fortune, who has treated them kindly. Mr. and Mrs. Brandt have
an interesting family of four girls and one boy.
Farming like all other occupations, has its ups and downs. Mr.
Brandt had his downs in 1903 and '04. Crops failed and he lost practi-
cally all he possessed.
But with 1895 came prosperity which has continued to the present
time. Each succeeding year better than the last.
Mr. Brandt has done general farming but has been especially suc-
cessful in the raising of corn, not having had a failure for eleven years.
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Today, as an evidence of his industry and good management, he owns
480 acres of good farm land valued at $25 an acre ; a roomy comfortable
dwelling house and other buildings amounting to $2500. His farm is
well stocked with 40 head of cattle, 20 hogs and 7 horses.
One of the most desirable features of Mr. Brandt's place is an eight
acre choice grove of forest trees planted in 1890. In addition to this he
has 100 bearing apple trees and 30 cherry. This fine farm with its many
improvements has been made in eleven years and his remarkable success
and prosperity Mr. Brandt owes to his own conscientious work and good
judgment.
William Wells.
One of the most prosperous farmers of Graham county who owns
1960 acres of the county's best land is William Wells, who lives ten miles
northeast of Hill City.
Mr. Wells came to Graham county from Atchison six years ago with
a capital of some $10,000 and invested it in raw prairie land, when it was
selling for much less than now. The same land today is on the market
for $30 an acre.
The ranch consists of 900 acres under plow, 50 acres in alfalfa and
the remainder in wild prairie grass, used for pasture and meadow ; 400
acres of it is fine bottom land especially adapted to growing of alfalfa, and
produces four crops a season, each crop averaging one and on-half tons
to the acre. Last season there was a yield from this farm of 8000 bushels
of wheat, 400 tons of hay and kafiir corn, and some oats and barley.
The place is peculiarly adapted to stock raising, having one and three-
fourth miles of spring fed creek which never freezes or dries up.
This year ]\Ir. Wells fattened for the market 180 head of steers and
150 head of hogs.
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Mr. Wells, by his good judg-ment and industry has improved his,
place in the last six years, so that it is an ideal place to live, an excellent
place to make money and surpasses many older farms in its vicinity.
The residence home, a new, well-built house of seven rooms is sur-
rounded by many thrifty trees, a garden of roses and lilacs and all kinds
of flowering shrubs add beauty and comfort to the home.
Mr. Wells has not been unmindful of the practical value of trees.
He has 150 peach trees, 20 apple trees, 35 cherry trees, all bearing, and
small fruit and berries in abundance.
This large farm is often termed Wellsville as the three tenant houses
on the place are occupied by his employees, giving the farm a population
of from 20 to 30 people.
The rural route brings mail daily and telephone connections are had
with town and county exchanges.
In addition to the four homes on the place are corn cribs, granaries,
cattle sheds, hog house, hen house, smoke house, implement shed, ice house,
where the farm's supply of ice is stored during the season, and a recently
built mill house which is equipped with a gasoline engine and grinder
where the grain for the stock is prepared.
Eighteen miles of fence has been built and 40 acres of farm is en-
closed in hog tight fence.
The constant work and close application of Mr. Wells to his busi-
ness interests has made him financially independent and a desire for a
life less confining has caused him to put his excellent farm on the market.
Mrs. Wells who enjoys this prosperity with her husband has done
her full share in making it a reality and they with the youngest boy,
Elmer, who is at home will locate in town as soon as a sale or trade for
the ranch is completed. Anyone wishing to negotiate for this ranch, will
address, Wm. Wells, at Hill City, Kansas.
The Gudgell Ranch.
Though Graham county points with pride to her many large enter-
prises, she is particularly proud of one institution which is not only the
greatest of its kind in the state of Kansas, but in the United States as
well. We say particularly proud because no institution could mean more
to a stock raising and farming country than this the largest thoroughbred
Hereford cattle ranch in the world, feeding at present on its 10,000 acres,
900 registered Herefords.
This immense stock-farm, known as the Gudgell Ranch, was bought
9 years ago, for F. M. Baker, of the Greenleaf-Baker Grain Co., of Atch-
ison by A. E. Kerns, and Mr. Wells of Hill City. Mr. Kerns and Mr.
Wm. Wells bought the 10.000 acres at an average of $5 an acre, and dur-
ing the five years in which Mr. Kerns was manager and overseer of the
ranch made improvements worth $25,000.
Mr. Baker, who took particular pride in this ranch, held it until his
death, when the Baker estate sold it to Charles Gudgell of the Gudgell-
Simpson Stock Co., who is the largest breeders of thoroughbred cattle in
the world. This is Mr. Gudgell's third and largest cattle ranch, the other
two being in Anderson county, Kansas, and Independence, Missouri, and
on the latter Mr. Gudgell makes his home. The Graham county ranch
be used for breeding and feeding, the Independence ranch for exhibition
and sale. Mr. Gudgell's manager and overseer is Wm. Hendry who has
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been in his employ for seventeen years, coming here direct from the And-
erson county ranch. ]\Ir. Hendry, because of his keen business insight,
good judgment and long experience, is a valuable man in this position.
To the visitor, the Gudgell ranch is a marvel in expanse, beauty and
utility. These 10,000 acres form an immense triangle, 4 miles in width
by six miles in length, the beauty of which beggars description. The gen-
tle undulating lands of waving wheat and alfalfa and rich pasture are
broken only by well-wooded Bow creek which with many graceful curves
transverses the ranch from east to west, giving it some six miles of heavy
timber.
1,700 acres of the ranch are under cultivation, 1000 of it being de-
voted to the raising of alfalfa, which yields three crops a season and aver-
ages three tons to the acre, making an average yield of 3000 tons yearly.
Throughout the alfalfa season, 30 men are required to cut and care for it.
The corn which is fed to the stock during the feeding season is grown
on the 400 acres of the ranch devoted to its cultivation. 200 acres are
sown in wheat.
Five houses are required to shelter the fifty employees of this ranch ;
the main building is a twelve room house, which the manager occupies,
and in which about thirty of the men are fed. Of the other buildings
there are barns, granaries, implement sheds, mill house, chicken houses,
carpenter, harness and blacksmith shops, and the old log house which
was the first building erected on the ranch. The upland pastures and feed
lots are supplied with water by eight wells, each with a windmill and tank.
Fifty-five miles of fence are already built on the place and two car-
loads of hedge posts have been ordered to be used for fencing purposes.
It would be impossible to find a farm better supplied with new and
improved implements than the. Gudgell ranch. Among the countless raa-
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chines and mechanical devices are the double row rollers, an invention of
Mr. Gudgell's. These are used after listing the corn and weigh 3500
pounds each.
The work of the ranch is carried on chiefly by twelve teams of fine
mules, which cost Mr. Gudgell $500 a team, and twelve teams of heavy
horses worth $350 a team.
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An interesting feature of the place is several braces of fine stag-
hounds which protect the stock from wolves and other enemies of the
herd.
This season the ranch wintered and fattened 6,000 sheep besides the
vast herd of 900 thoroughbred Herefords.
While this ranch is marvelous in every respect, the feature which
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predominates is that for which the ranch is maintained — the breeding of
thoroughbred white-face cattle. The Hereford is an ideal grazer. The
range is appropriating the Hereford because he suits the conditions and
climate. He is naturally a grazer, with courage and perseverance, a fine
traveler, and in many respects more indifferent to climate than any other
beef breed.
The progress of the Hereford has been forward — surely but not
slowly. They have made wonderful strides as beefers in the last ten
years, until now they rank with the best. The white-face have met the
requirements of the beef-packers, and their onward march cannot be stop-
ped. The dressed beef men take these cattle in preference to all others
of the range.
Mr. Gudgell, knowing the advantage of the range to the Hereford,
has made this his breeding ranch.
Of the 900 registered white-faces, several are prize winners. One of
them being Dandy Rex, the prize Hereford bull of the world, and the
holder of the Armour Cup. His register number is 71689 and his weight
is 2,000 pounds. Other prize animals on the ranch are. Beau Dandy,
Beau Modest and Beau Donorus, all sons of Beau Brummel, register
number 51,817.
Mr. Gudgell talks enthusiastically of the future of the ranch and is
planning many improvements within the year, among them a commodious
residence for the manager, several fine new barns and some material
changes in the boarding hall for the men.
J. E. Cook.
On an 80 acre tract ten miles north of Hill City, J. E. Cook keeps
his well known "Banner Herd" of registered Poland China hogs. Of his
twenty thoroughbreds, he has registered seven, some in the Standard and
some in the American association.
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Those registered with the Standard are: Money Musk No, 40357
Beauty No. 92559 and with the American are: Sis Hadley, No. 241332
Maude Wilkes No. 248530, Miss Perfection No. 2G1632, Daisy L No. i
261630 and Number Sixty No. 259101. i
One of the best Poland Chinas in the county, Big Diana, belonging 1
to Mr. Cook was burned recently. She was taken out of the lot for ex-
ercise and sought shelter in the tall grass of the prairie where she was
burned in a clearing fire. i
Mr. Cook considers Sis Hadley the banner hog of the "Banner Herd" I
and her picture appears in this edition. [
Not only is Mr. Cook interested in his thoroughbred herd, but he di- ;
vides interest with his fine Plymouth Rock chickens and Bronze turkeys.
Mr. Cook's brother and his wife make their home on the ranch.
J. R. Nicholson.
Mr. J. R. Nicholson's career surely exemplifies the well known Kan-
sas motto, "Ad Astra per Aspera," — To the stars through difficulties.
It seemed for years that Fate held only ills in store for him, sending
poverty, sickness, death and disappointment against which he made a
courageous and continuous fight and came out conqueror in the end.
j\Ir. Nicholson in early boyhood moved from Monroe county, Iowa to
Republic county, Kansas and on March 24th, 1895 he journeyed on to
the sunny prairies of Graham county. His first home he built of the sod
and the county assessed him on one span of horses, two cows, two year-
ling heifers and two wagons. To obtain money to improve his own place
he broke prairie for his neighbor. In '86 and ''87 the continuous and se-
vere sickness of his wife and daughter resulted in the death of the wife,
May 4th, 1887. He was aroused from his bereavement by the consequent
duties and responsibilities which were forced upon him. Four children, j
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mere babies, the oldest being six years of age, were left solely to his care,
and together with the $900 of debt incurred by these misfortunes it seem-
ed almost more than human love or strength could endure. He undertook
the care of his children alone, cooking, sewing, ironing, washing and
churning in addition to the regular farming. Six years later, in 1-892,
he remarried. Mr. Nicholson today owns 3()0 acres of good land, all of
it under fence, and a good herd of cattle, 100 hogs and 10 horses. He
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owns a two-thirds interest in a 16 horse power steam thrasher, and has
builded him a modern eight room frame house in addition to many good
outbuildings.
In 1905 Mr. Nicholson's corn crop amounted to 2500 bushels, and in
the same year he marketed $1200 worth of hogs. His prospects for 1906
are most flattering. He has $1500 worth of hogs which he will market
by fall and his crops are in a flourishing condition and promise an abun-
dant harvest. There are 60 acres in wheat, 100 acres in corn and 26 acres
in alfalfa. A splendid orchard of 200 trees adds beauty to the place, 70
peach, 6 pear, 6 apricot and 20 apple.
Mr. Nicholson has recently assisted his son in the purchase of 160
acres of good farm land.
A. W. McVey.
Farm house of one of the most prosperous farmers of Graham coun-
ty. He has large land holdings and live stock interests, and his wealth
was made in Graham county.
He is at present a County Commissioner.
Dr. N. Crank.
While hundreds who came west during the early eighties became dis-
gusted and returned to the east and their friends, there were those who
possessed the will and loyalty to purpose to withstand the hot winds and
the drouths and privations of the unsettled west and remain at their post
of duty, believing they could win in spite of adversity.
A notable illustration of the latter class is Dr. N. Crank who fought
the natural enemies of the west with the same fortitude and perseverance
that he fought the enemy in his four years service in the Civil War. ,Dr.
Crank was born in Ohio, on December 12th, 1837, and twenty-one years
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later emigrated to Missouri where he engaged in farming, until in the
autumn of 1861 where he enlisted in the Missouri Home Guards. In
October, 1863 he became a member of the Fourth Missouri Cavalry, M.
S. M., and served until the regiment was mustered out at Benton Bar-
racks, St. Louis, in July, 1865, where he returned to his farm. In the
autumn of 1878, Dr. Crank with his family homesteaded in the south part
of Graham county and they have been continuous residents since that
time.
Dr. Crank sold his original homestead and moved to a farm three
miles southwest of his present home, but two years later moved to his
farm eight miles southwest of Hill City where he has resided for the past
nineteen years. He was at one time an extensive sheep raiser, having
some 1500 head, but luck seemed to turn against him when a fatal epi-
demic prevailed among his flock and left but 200 sheep uninjured. This,
with a debt of $1400 on the land involved him in a debt some $3500 and
for a number of years he paid 10 per cent interest on that amount. But
Dr. Crank was not discouraged and in 1890 his persistence was rewarded.
That year he marketed 1100 bushels of onions, 32000 heads of cabbage,
1100 bushels of potatoes 800 bushels of tomatoes and after all expenses
were paid had $1800. In 1895 he sold $500 worth of peaches grown on
his place. Mr. Crank's orchard and grove are foremost among the many
delights of the farm. He has 1500 fruit trees consisting of plum, pear,
cherry, peach, apricot and apple trees, besides a fine grape vineyard of 500
vines. There are ten acres of large forest trees following for a mile a
spring fed creek on the place.
Of Dr. Crank's 320 acres 80 are especially adapted to alfalfa growing
from which large crops are realized each year. In his prosperity Dr.
Crank has not forgotten the joys of real living, and has built a large two
story stone residence of twelve rooms with large cellar, closets, bath and
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wash rooms and has furnished it elegantly throughout. Aside from the
$4500 residence, $5000 has been spent in other improvements such as
stable, cowbarns, fences and ice house. In the season of 1905 Dr. Crank's
farm produced splendid crops, of which he still has 1500 bushels of wheat
and 100 bushels of oats. He now has 65 head of grade cattle, 51 head of
hogs and "9 head of horses. Xot only is Dr. Crank a successful farmer but
he is a doctor of no little note. He is the patentee of a medicated steam
bath machine which was exhibited at the Paris Exposition and took the
first diploma and gold medal over all the like machines exhibited there.
Besides successfully treating people with his steam bath machine Dr.
Crank is the originator and manufacturer of a cattle virus which for
thirty-seven years successfully prevented and cured black-leg in cattle.
Dr. and Mrs. Crank went to the Portland Exposition, sojourning in
five western states, but returned to Graham county satisfied that this is
the Mecca for the poor man.
B. S. Sherman.
For fifteen years Mr. B. S. Sherman was a renter in Illinois and
Eastern Kansas, but tiring of the unequal struggle imposed on him by
the landlords there, he came to Graham county five years ago, and rented
a section of land from Illinois parties. Being raw land, a house and barn
had to be built, fences made, and sod turned ; b^t in all this Air. Sherman
managed well and the first season he turned 100 acres of sod. He now
has under cultivation, on this tract of land, 215 acres, and the writer at
once noticed the neatness displayed on his farm. The grass surrounding
the dwelling is preserved, the yard is free from wagon tracks, and trash,
and the building is kept in good repair. At the barns each article has its
place, the harness is neatly hung on pegs, the stable stalls are clean, the
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wagon and buggy are under shed, and the implements in proper order.
The cultivated lands are free from weeds and the growing crops are
doing nicely. Particularly is this true of a large field of wheat which is
much better looking than the average fields we have seen on our trips
over the county. Mr. Sherman says from a "rental" stand point, he has
more property to show for his five years labor here, than for the fifteen
vears he labored for the Eastern landlord.
He married Miss Nellie Peck, in Henry county, Illinois, February
24th, 1882, and to this union were born two girls. A visit to the Sher-
man residence, impresses one with the fact that home life there is of real
enjoyment.
Martin Larson.
' Among the number of foreign born people who have made homes in
Graham county, is Martin Larson, a prosperous stock man living on his
ranch twenty-two miles northwest of Hill City.
Mr. Larson is a native of Denmark and came with his parents to
Brown county, Kansas, when he was but one year of age. Mrs. Larson,
who was born in Sweden, came in 1888 to Brown county where she and
Mr. Larson were married. To them were born two bright children, a girl
and a boy. Five years ago the family moved to Graham county and have
prospered as only Graham county farmers can prosper.
From a $2500 investment made five years ago, Mr. Larson has clear-
ed $7000 and his land, together with the $3000 in improvements, is valued
at $9000.
Of the 560 acres in his ranch, 125 are under cultivation, the remain-
ing 435 being used to pasture his fine herd of Hereford cattle.
Mr. Larson takes particular pride in his white-face cattle and of the
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p^
large herd which he now has, a goodly number are thoroughbreds. He
frequently ships a car load of fattened steers to the Kansas City market.
No less worthy of mention are his Duroc Jersey hogs, 25 of which are
registered.
One need not wonder at the fine condition in which Mr. Larson's
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stock is always found. He spares no time or expense in making his barns
and yards such as any farmer might be proud to claim.
Mr. and Mrs. Larson are much pleased with Graham county and all
that she offers, and intend to make this their permanent home— a place
to live and a place to prosper.
I. L. Olmstead.
The farm of I. L. Olmstead, one of the successful farmers of Gra-
ham county, who has made a comfortable fortune on the place. He is
engaged in the mercantile business on his farm, and is building a large
store room. He will stock it with everything the farmer needs and will
buy everything the farmer has for sale. He is postmaster at Togo which
is thirteen miles south of Hill City.
James Holmes.
Twenty-eight years ago, James Holmes of Wisconsin married in
Iowa, and brought his bride to Graham county, which was then a part of
the great American desert, but what is today the garden of our great
commonwealth.
Mr. Holmes said, "In those days I was the poorest man in all Gra-
ham county. I didn't have a cent I could call my own." He tells an in-
teresting story of his introduction to the west. In June of 1879, the
spring freshets were unusually heavy, and he narrowly escaped losing his
life, while crossing the north fork bf the Solomon river in a wagon box.
in an attempt to reach the land office at Kirwin where he filed on his 160
acre homstead, which lies sixteen miles northeast of Hill City and which
is today the 880 acre farm home of Mr. Holmes and family, the land be-
ing valued at $25 an acre.
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For twenty years the family lived in a sod house, but eight years
ago they moved into their commodious seven room dwelling where they
now live.
To Mr. and Mrs. Holmes were born four children, three daughters
and the youngest a son. This winter within two months, the three daugh-
ters were married. Two of them are now residing on farms within a few
miles of the home place and the oldest with her husband in Gove county
on a claim. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes are enjoying the rewards of a quarter
of a century of application and industry.
Of the 880 acres comprising their farm 400 are under cultivation,
producing corn, wheat, oats, and alfalfa. There is a good orchard of
peach, pear, cherry, and apple trees, which supply the family with fruit
and to spare.
But the noticeable features of this farm and the one in which Mr.
Holmes takes particular pride is his herd of fine thoroughbred Poland
China hogs, the herd being headed by Guy Hadley Xo. 39039 second reg-
ister and Standard Poland China record. Nine of the herd are registered in
volumns 20, 21 and 22 of the Standard Poland China Record and 40 head
additional are eligible to registration. He raises registered hogs for sale,
and invite' correspondence. In addition to the thoroughbreds, Mr.
Holmes fattens many hogs for market, and at present writing has 100
head.
He also keeps high-grade Durham cattle, having 70 head at present.
With 18 head of horses and mules on the farm, lots of out-buildings
and machinery, Mr. Holmes is making big money and is satisfied to make
easy money in Graham county. His post office address is Densmore, Nor-
ton county, Kansas.
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T. H. Smith.
In spite of the drudgery of work-a-day farm life, there is an inde-
pendence and satisfaction which surpasses that of all other walks of life.
In the spring, the waving fields of green,— in the autumn, the abund-
ant golden harvest — and always the evidence of one's own handiwork.
One of the best illustrations of the comforts and satisfaction of farm
life is found in the home of T. H. Smith, who lives 23 miles northwest
of Hill Citv.
Mr. Smith came to Graham county twenty-two years ago last March,
from Republic county, having previously been a resident of Iowa. It was
in Iowa that he married Miss Emily Glover on October 21st, 18 < 8 and to
them were born four boys and three girls. When he came to Graham
county in 1885 he preempted the home place, paid out on 80 acres and
later bought 720 acres.
Not only has Mr. Smith added acres to his farm but also those im-
provements which make farm life more desirable. For planting, tending
and harvesting of the crops, he has $4:, 000 worth of new and improved
machinery.
He has erected a comfortable house of eight rooms and a barn ;]0xG0
feet, with a capacity of 40 tons of hay. In connection with the barn are
good scales.
Of the 800 acres in the farm 5G0 are fenced and something over 200
are under cultivation.
In 1D05 Mr. Smith raised 4000 bushels of corn, 3200 bushels of wheat
and 1900 bushels of oats. The average worth of the grain marketed in
the last ten years was $1500 a year.
The livestock is an interesting feature of the farm, 14 head of fine
horses, 35 hogs, and 42 head of thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle, 14 of
which are registered.
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The Shorthorn has made wondurful progress in Kansas. He is the
premier tribe of the beef cattle on the range. Take him all around in the
stall and at the pail, on the range and at the block he fills the bill for gen-
eral purposes better than anything else in the bovine world.
Mr. Smith has ambitions to make his place a Shorthorn cattle ranch.
Last but not least of the many delights of the place is a splendid or-
chard of several thousand trees. In addition to the 500 forest trees, there
are 250 peach trees. 50 apple trees, 125 cherry trees, 10 apricot trees and
1,000 plum trees all bearing.
An abundance of small fruit is produced annually, among them goose
berries, raspberries, blackberries, currants, strawberries and grapes.
Mr. Smith's evergreen's in the front yard, for age, will rival eastern
grown ones.
A. "Van Norman.
Thirty-two years ago, Jewell county Kansas, gained from Iowa an
industrious, thrifty farmer and a good citizen in the person of A. Ysm
Norman. In 1899 with $1G00 he moved to Graham county and located on
a quarter section, eight miles northwest of Hill City.
Within the last four years he has spent $T00 for improvements on his
place and in that time has made above expenses, some $1200.
Bv his industry and thrift ^Iv. \an Xorman has increased the value
of his 'farm from $100 to $3000 in four years.
In his desire for financial gain he has not forgotten the beautiful, and
in addition to 40 fruit trees has set out and tended 1400 forest trees in
which he takes particular pride. 50 acres of the farm is under cultivation.
the remainder being good pasture land.
Mr. \'an Xorman's home has been made desolate by the death of his
wife and the marriage of his two children, and but for the two bright
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granddaughters who spend most of their time with him, and are his espe-
cial pride and comfort, his Hfe would be somewhat lonely.
Mr. Van Norman likes all Graham county and especially the part in
which his farm is. He has made himself independent here and wishes
no other home than the one he now owns.
Last winter Mr. Van Norman sold most of his live stock and invested
the proceeds in bank and telephone stock.
W. C. Brown.
Mr. W. C. Brown is a native of Iowa, was married in 1881 to Miss
Ada Gates of Tabor, Freemont county, Iowa, and came to Kansas in 1887.
He brought with him barely enough stock to start farming, and about
$1000 in cash, but paid $450 of this amount for a relinquishment of his
land. By his industry and thrift he has added acres to acres and dollars
to dollars until today he owns a splendid farm of 1050 acres, three-fourth
of which are under fence.
Two years ago Mr. Brown builded a $'^500 house of 12 rooms, with
a good cellar, and a stone basement, barn measuring 30x40 feet which
cost him $1000. Other improvements on the place are valued at $1000.
For eleven years he was successfully engaged in the cheese business.
Fortune smiled on him, and each year marked a material advance in his
financial gains. In 1903 his wheat crop averaged 35 bushels to the acre,
yielding an entire crop of 5000 bushels. In 1904 he marketed 5000 bush-
els of corn and $1000 worth of hogs and cattle were sold from the place.
In 1905, the yield of corn was 2500 bushels and this year he sold $1740
worth of cattle.
The entire care of the farm is more than Mr. Brown cares to under-
take and he has rented a number of acres to the tenant on the place.
Everyone appreciates a fine grove and especially is this true of peo-
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pie in a prairie country. For years it was thought to be impossible to
grow trees here, but one has only to visit IMr. Brown's home to be thor-
oughly convinced of his mistake. He has a large and dense grove of for-
est trees in addition to a good orchard.
A quarter of a century of hard work and close application have en-
abled Mr. Brown to reach the success which waits at labor's gate. He is
surelv entitled to be placed among the foremost in the ranks of successful
farmers of Graham countv.
J. E. King.
In the beautiful valley of Coon creek, nestling amidst green fields
and beautiful trees is the home of J. E. King, our county commissioner.
Xo pains have been spared in making this home an enviable one. Mr.
King located here in the spring of 1888, but did not engage in farming for
himself until 1893, having been employed feeding cattle for B. F. Poston
for five years. In 1893 he purchased the land on which he is now living.
Mr. King says he was as near minus "this world's goods" as one can
be whose only possession was a will to dare and do, and right well did
he succeed as is evidenced in his comfortable home and well managed
farm. He now owns 480 acres of land, valued at $25 an acre, has a beau-
tiful and commodious frame dwelling, 40 head of cattle, 10 head of horses
and many head of hogs. In 1905, he raised 1,000 bushels of corn from
25 acres, and 1.000 bushels of oats and barley, from 18 acres. This year
he has good growing crops on ITO acres of ground. His alfalfa crop is
immense, and he has considerable land suitable to the successful growing
of this valuable crop. He is making easy money each year from hogs,
corn and alfalfa. x^Ir. King's home is connected by telephone lines, with
his neighbors and nearby town, a rural mail route passes his door. Mr.
King s family of three boys and one girl, with his estimable wife, are en-
joving well earned prosperitv.
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Carl Kobler.
"Verdant wheat fields stretching southward,
Fruitful orchards east and west ;
Not a spot in all the prairie
That the springtime has not blessed ;
Every field a smiling promise,
Every home an Eden fair.
And the angels — Peace and Plenty —
Strewing blessings everywhere."
This sketch from Eugene Ware comes to mind when one visits the
farm of Carl Kobler. It seems indeed, that the angels, Peace and Plenty
have strewn their blessings everywhere. But when Mr. Kobler tells his
story, one would realize that these blessings have not come unsought.
He came with his parents to Graham county from Muscatine, Iowa,
in 1879. Here he attended the public schools, and grew to manhood and
was married. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kobler were teachers, and taught five
years after their marriage.
Mr. Kobler began farming in 1894, but bought his first land, 160
acres, in 1899. Bv hard work and careful management he was enabled
to add 320 acres in 1903, 160 in 1904, and 400 in 1905.
Of the 1040 acres, 480 acres are in the Solomon valley and suitable
to the growing of alfalfa, 800 acres are fenced, 12 acres under hog tight
fence.
In the last three years Mr. Kobler has had 210 acres in wheat and
has harvested 3370 bushels of that grain. He has gradually increased
his wheat acreage, in 1904 having but 45 acres and in 190;!, 95 acres. He
also has 180 acres of corn this year, and has begun the cultivation of 100
acres of raw land.
(85)
Mr. Kobler has dealt somewhat in live stock, marketing in 1905, $500
worth of hogs and 1906, $800 worth. Has now 60 head.
In 1901, Mr. Kobler had but 12 head of cattle, has sold since then
$800 worth, and has now 40 head. He owns 10 head of good horses.
The improvements on this farm are valued at $2000.
Steve Searls.
The subject of this sketch was born in Illinois, and moved with his
parents in boyhood to Austin. Texas, where he was educated and learned
the trade of a stone mason. He came to Graham county in 1882 and his
first contract was the Pomeroy Hotel. Then followed the F. and M. Bank,
the Scherer Hotel and the Presbyterian church and manse.
Though Mr. Searl found all the work he could do at his trade, he
decided to become a farmer and homesteaded • two and one-half miles
southwest of Morland, in 1886. He made no mistake in the change and
has been exceedingly prosperous.
Mr. Searl owns 640 acres of land and has one and one-half section
under lease. His entire farm is fenced.
The dwelling is a story and a half stone structure surrounded by a
beautiful fifteen acre grove of native trees. These trees are remarkable
for their size, many of them, being forty inches in circumference. Mr.
Searl has one of the best watered farms in the country. It is traversed by
Sand creek and has some twenty-five springs.
The valley along the mile and a half of Sand creek is fine alfalfa land.
The water used in the house and stables is piped from the excellent
springs. Mr. Searl has a large young orchard of 150 bearing trees.
In 1905, 4000 bushels of corn were raised on this farm, which has not
failed to produce a good crop of this grain since 1894.
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Mr. Searls has growing fifteen acres of red top grass, five acres of
timothy and GO acres of alfalfa. The farm is well adapted to stock raising
with pasture and grain sufficient to fatten 150 head of cattle and 150 head
of hogs, each year.
In 1905, a car load of fat cattle and hogs was shipped from the place.
The improvements on the farm are worth some $4, out), and the land is
valued at $20 an acre.
Mr. Searls was married December 25, 1883 to Miss Hannah Hocker-
smith, and to this union four children were born.
H. I. Scott.
]f credit is due to any man who goes into a country when it is new,
and fights the pioneer battles, withstanding hot winds, drouths and grass-
hoppers, then it is surely due to H. I. Scott who homesteaded in 18T8 in
Graham county, two years before its organization. Mr. Scott proved up
on his homestead in 1884 but prior to that time worked for other farmers
to support his family.
Pie now owns 480 acres of good land with 2G0 acres under cultiva-
tion, 90 acres of this splendid farm has been planted in corn for the past
five years, with an average yield of twenty-five bushels to the acre. The
wheat has harvested on an average of twenty bushels to the acre for the
same number of years.
In 1906, Mr. Scott marketed seventy-three head of hogs and has now
on the place fifty head of hogs, a good bunch of cattle and 10 horses and
mules.
This valuable farm is well improved, has a large story and a half
frame house and a 30x32 barn.
The trees are worthy of special note, 400 good fruit trees and many
fine trees leading to and surrounding the residence.
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Mr. Scott stands well in his community having held the responsible
position as trustee of his home township for a longer period of time than
any other man in the county.
He can well be called a good home builder as is evidenced by his
large family of children who remain at home contented with Graham
county farm life as provided by their father.
Dice Seltzer.
On the head waters of Hay creek eighteen miles from Hill City is the
valley farm home of Dice Seltzer. This is a farm of 320 acres on which
there are many living springs, one of them a splendid sulphur spring.
75 of the 200 acres under cultivation is excellent alfalfa land. This is one
of the largest truck farms in the county, producing large quantities of
vegetables each year.
Truck farming here is a lucrative business, as the demands of the
local markets are great and there is easy access to Kansas City and Denver
markets. Mr. Seltzer ships in car load lots to the city markets, onions,
potatoes and cabbage.
He raises some live stock, and for ten years has averaged marketing
fifty head of cattle and the same number of hogs each year. At present
he has sixty head of cattle forty-five head of hogs and 13 head of horses.
This valley farm is well improved. The residence is a story and a half
structure of 8 rooms, with a good cellar and a 12x16 milk house. There
are ten acres of fine forest trees on the place.
Mr. Seltzer moved to Graham county from Missouri and homestead-
ed near Lenora in 1885. Two years later he was married to Miss Delia
M. Brooks of this county. In 1895 Mr. and Mrs. Seltzer moved to their
present home. ^Ir. Seltzer is one of Graham county's most reliable and
energetic farmers who has made the most of her possibilities of beauty
(88)
and wealth. His farm is not only remarkable for its utility hut for its
beautv as well.
George Albertson's — Spring Grove Stock Farm.
George x\lbertson a native of Denmark, came to America, emigrated
in 1872, and located in Harlan, Iowa. In 1881 he was married to Miss
Sarali Hanson of that place and in 1885, Mr. and Mrs. Albertson came to
Graham county and homesteaded. They brought with them some money
with which they improved and stocked their farm, but in 1886 suffered
a severe loss in the decline in the price of cattle. Mr. Albertson did not
let failure discourage him, but began at once to win back what he had
lost. He prospered and was able to add acres to his acres, adding a quar-
ter section in 1890, another in 1898 and another in 1901.
420 acres of this land is pasture under fence. It is supplied with
water from several creeks fed by 12 living springs.
Mr. Albertson has 200 acres of his splendid farm under cultivation,
the greater part of it being planted in corn. In 1905 he raised 1,000
bushels of corn 1,000 bushels of small grain ; there are 300 bearing fruit
trees and three acres of forest trees on the place, which add much to the
beauty and value. Seventy-five head of cattle and six head of horses are
feeding on the pasture. This year Mr. Albertson has marketed twenty-
six head of fat cattle and forty-one head of hogs.
The ranch is well improved having a comfortable stone residence and
other improvements amounting to $2,000. Mr. Albertson values his ranch
at $20 an acre but does not consider selling. He is satisfied to hold the
place and make money to rear his five promising children.
Mr. Albertson by his energy and thrift and honesty has made him-
self a valuable citizen which any county would be proud to claim.
J. L. Howard.
The subject of this sketch came to Graham county eight }ears ago
and settled on a farm twenty miles northwest of Hill City. An inven-
tory of his stock at that time showed that he possessed a full stock of good
judgment, practical sense, untiring energy, and vigorous strength in ad-
dition to twenty cents and a span of mules.
(90)
Twelve years ago Mr. Howard was married to Miss Mattie Heskett,
of Jewell county. One eleven year old son is the pride and hope of this
home.
Five of the eight years which Mr. and Mrs. Howard have spent in
Graham county, they were engaged in the cheese business in which they
made marked success. From nine cows in three months they sold $224.80
worth of cheese to Mr. Lull, of Lucerne. Kansas.
Mr. Howard is now engaged in the cultivation of his well improved
farm of 3G0 acres, which he values at $25 an acre. His substantial home
and good barn and granaries he values at $3500.
Aside from his interest in the tilling of the soil he takes much pride
in his livestock, owning 100 head of hogs, 32 head of cattle and 5 head of
horses.
Mr. Howard has taken advantage of time and labor saving devices
and owns all kinds of new and modern machinery. But he has not been
unmindful of the luxuries and beauty of his home and has a fine young
orchard which bears abundantly.
He has been an unusually successful farmer and considers that he
has cleared $800 each of the eight years he has lived here. Last year he
marketed $1000 worth of hogs, and raised 2000 bushels of corn.
One cannot help but realize the truth of the old adage, "Labor pays
best dividends," when they visit Mr. Howard in his comfortable home.
He owes his phenomenal success to his great perseverance, untiring en-
ergy and excellent judgment.
Frank Born.
This is distinctly a country for the young men. No matter how limit-
ed their experience or means, the west offers great possibilities to the
young and energetic. When Greeley said, "Go west, yovmg man, go west."
iHii#t.Ai
(91)
he must have had in mind some place so full of opportuunity as is our
county. One who has realized and grasped these opportunities is Mr.
Frank Born, a young and prosperous farmer of Graham county. The
realization and appreciation of the great opportunities offered him, cou-
pled with energy, perseverance and good judgment, has placed Mr.
Born in the front rank of the county's successful farmers.
Mr. Born came to Graham county from Nebraska in 1885, bought
a relinquishment to a piece of land and began farming with one team and
one cow. He now owns 720 acres of good land, fenced and cross fenced.
In 1891 Mr. Born raised a crop of corn that averaged 50 bushels to
the acre. In 1903, 1904 and 1905 he raised 12,400 bushels of corn from
«an average of 125 acres. In seven years he has harvested 13,000 bushels
of wheat and in the past three years from an average acreage of 140 has
harvested 9,000 bushels.
Mr. Born has sold $400 worth of hogs each year for the last
three years, and keeps on the average of 45 head of cattle each year.
These splendid crops are not only indicative of Graham county's pro-
ductive soil, but great credit is due Mr. Born's unceasing toil and untir-
ing effort.
The improvements he has made on the place consist of a six roomed
residence, and a large barn with accomodation for his 19 head of horses.
The house is set in a large grove of native forest trees with a well
kept lawn. There is also a large orchard of bearing fruit trees.
Mr. Born was married to Miss Josie Stanfil, January 29th, 1888.
Mr. and Mrs. Born have made an ideal home and are enjoying re-
markable prosperity.
W. S. Rowley.
Even as a stream cannot rise above its fountain head, so a town can-
not progress faster than the industrial community which supports it, and
(92)
the prosperity of our town depends largely upon the individual farmers
of our county. W. S. Rowley is distinctly one of the well to do farmers
who helps to make our town and county what they are.
Mr. Rowley came from Republic county to Graham county in 1901,
and bought 160 acres of land of which only 40 acres were improved. In
1902 he built a five room house with the money netted from his first
year's crop. He has a fine barn 24x44, with a storage for ,'50 tons of hay
and 700 bushels of grain, and stall room for 12 head of horses. There are
other granaries which will hold 800 bushels of grain.
Mr. Rowley has 75 acres under cultivation, 10 acres in alfalfa, 50
acres in corn and the remainder in small grain. The trees on the place
are an interesting feature, four acres of good forest trees and eighty bear-
ing fruit trees.
Mr. Rowley has kept careful figures of crops raised and grain and
stock sold and says for four years his corn has averaged 27 bushels to the
acre. He has marketed $700 worth of cattle and $300 worth of hogs for
the last three years. At present he is feeding 32 head of cattle, 35 head
of hogs and seven head of horses.
Mr. Rowley's farm is five and one-half miles north of Hill City with
the district school house but a half mile distant. He is on mail route No
2 of Hill City and is connected with the Hill City telephone exchange.
The farm is a'U under fence and has several living springs.
Mr. Rowley is a carpenter by trade,, but prefers farm life in Graham
■countv to anv other.
A. N. Young.
On rural route No. 1, Bogue. Kansas, is the home of A. X. Young,
a thrifty prosperous farmer.
Mr. Young's career demonstrates what a man with health energ>- and
(93) •
perseverance, but with little wealth is able to do for himself. In the aut-
umn of 1892, Mr. Young and his family, with six horses a few cattle and
some little household goods, settled on his homestead in the extreme south
east corner of Pioneer township. Since that time he has bought four
quarters of land, two in Pioneer township and two in Alcona township.
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just across the line of Rooks county. He has these 800 acres fenced and
crossed fenced. Mr. Young has a fine field of alfalfa and is sowing 33
acres more this spring.
The farm is well stocked with cattle, horses and hogs.
In addition to his comfortable seven roomed house and various other
buildings on the home place he has a three roomed house on his Rooks
county land, which his oldest son occupies. In addition to doing her full
share as a help mate in making this farm home, Mrs. Young has sold
(94)
$3,000 worth of chickens, eggs and butter in their thirteen years residence
in Graham county. Mr. Young deserves more than ordinary credit for
the remarkable success he has achieved. Aside from owning one of the
best farms in the southeast part of the county, he has a substantial bank
account and a credit of which any one might be proud.
Nathan Williams.
Nathan WilHams was born in Massachusetts of sturdy Puritan stock.
He grew to manhood and was married in that state, but being a victim
to acute asthma, came west in search of a milder and drier climate and
settled in Graham county. Mr. Williams has experienced a complete re-
covery and is strong in his praise of our wonderful climate, for he is
healthy and hearty at the age of 77 years. His wife, seven years his jun-
ior and a sister aged 82 who comprise his household, are enjoying excell-
ent health.
.Though Mr. Williams has found Graham county farm life ideal, he
is scarcely able at his age to discharge the duties attendant upon that life
and has placed his IGO acre farm on the market at $20 an acre. The place
is well located being five miles from Bogue, and is one of the most pro-
ductive spots in Graham county. The land is particularly adapted to gar-
dening, fruit and alfalfa growing. 80 acres are under cultivation and 80
in pasture land. It is especially well watered, with many living springs.
The ten acres surrounding the house are sub-irrigated by numerous
springs near the surface.
A large orchard of 400 bearing fruit trees is Mr. Williams particular
pride. Last year he sold 150 bushels of peaches from this orchard in ad-
dition to smaller amounts of cherries, apples and other fruits. This is
something of a dairy farm. A small herd of Red Pole cows furnish the
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milk for cheese making, which business Mr. WilHams has successfully
carried on for a number of years.
There is no reason why Kansas farmers should raise corn and ship
it to New York farmers, to feed to their cows and ship cheese back to
Kansas. If the New' York farmers can find it profitable to import Kan-
sas feed and make cheese for Kansas, surely Kansas farmers by raising
the feed ought to find it still more profitable. This has been Mr. Williams
experience. He has two cheese presses and a 150 gallon vat which are
for sale with the place. The buildings on the farm are a residence, a barn
and a cow barn 75 feet long, which accomodates 31 cows with shed room
for 21 more.
Mrs. Williams has been very successful in raising chickens, having
sold since the first of the year $5(5 worth of eggs.
A'Ir. and Mrs. Williams have made a beautiful home here, and the
purchaser will find it a pleasant place to live and an easy place to make
money.
MORLAND.
Morland is the second city of importance in the county. It was al-
ways noted for the intelligence and energy and the enterprise of it's in-
habitants. Some time before 1886 an attempt had been made to build a
town on the present site of Morland, but was finally abandoned. In the
Spring of 188G the land was reentered and a town was started under the
Government townsite act. Among the promoters were Snyder Horton,
Mr. Garvey, Grovcr Walker and D. C. Kay who began at once to erect
buildings. Mr. Horton built the store room now belonging to G. W.
Collins ; Mr. Garvey built the store room which later he sold to G. W.
Stober; Mr. Walker established a bank, and Mr. Kay built a hotel. In
1S90 they were able to make proof on the land having the requisite $20,-
(9G)
000 in improvements and 100 people. There was no little trouble con-
cerning the name of the newly organized town. The first name given it
was Fremont. But the Union Pacific railroad company objected to this
because freight and express were often exchanged with that of Fremont
of Nebraska. For a time the station was called Kalula, the town Fre-
mont and the post office Morland, but after some time the name Mt)rland
was accepted. But the troubles were only begun. In August of 1886
a disastrous cyclone struck Morland and destroyed or injured every build-
ing in the town save the hotel. One of the most interesting hard luck
incidents of the cyclone was that of G. W. Stober and Mr. Garvey. An
hour before the storm Mr. Stober had traded Mr. Garvey a team and
wagon for his store. The cyclone completely destroyed the store which
fell on the team, killing both horses. But the founders were not to be
discouraged and began immediately to rebuild. .In the next four or five
years the growth was slow owing to extreme drouth, and having little
money. Following that period, however, Morland's growth has been
steady and sure and she now has a population of some 250. Almost every
line of business is represented, and stores are exceptionally well stocked
and up to date for a small western town. There are five general stores,
one drug store, barber shop, two hotels, two livery barns, three elevators,
one mill, one lumberyard, two blacksmith shops, three real estate offices.
one minister and two doctors. A good telephone system, both local and
long distance is in operation, and the post office has three star and one
rural routes. There are two churches in Morland, but only one, the Meth-
odist, in which regular services are now held. The exact date of the M.
E. society is not known, but the first Methodist preacher was "Father Jack
Langley" who came to Morland some 27 years ago. The history as a
charge begins properly in 1900. The present membership is 160 and the
church owns a neat parsonage and modern church, built and furnished at
(97)
a cost of $1800. The pastor is Rev. W. S. Harper. The fraternal or-
ganizations represented in Morland are Woodmen, Odd Fellows, Triple
Tie and Workmen. The 22 club a Morland organization of 22 members,
deserves special mention. Two disastrous fires have occurred, one in
1902. the other in 1904. but the destroyed buildings were immediately re-
built. Morland and vicinity have grown rapidly in the last year, 50 fam-
ilies having moved within trading distance and 20 new houses have been
built in town. A movement is on foot to incorporate the town, and every
citizen is anxious for it's success. A nine foot cement sidewalk has been
laid in front of many of the stores and the spirit of boom and enterprise
seems to have taken hold of all the merchants. The first of July a second
bank will be opened for business in the new building which is being erect-
ed for that purpose. Xot only is Morland enterprising in a business way
but she gives some little thought to recreation in her leisure hours. She
boasts of a 24 piece brass band which is thoroughly organized and holds
regular practice on Monday nights, and the Morland base ball nine chal-
lenges any nine up and down the branch roads. ^Morland is especially
well located for a trading and shipping point, being fifteen miles from
any other town and lying as she does between the wheat belt on the south
and Bow creek valley on the north. They have one mill and three eleva-
tors in continuous operation and have shipped this year 380,000 bushels
of wheat in addition to much flour. Morland is facing a very promising
future. The growth which has begun steady from the first is increasing
rapidly, and there is no reason why she should not soon be a leading town
in the west.
Ellis and Cunningham.
Among the finest and best kept general stores catering for public
favor is the establishment of Ellis and Cunningham. There is a neat and
^
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(98)
attractive appearance about the interior of the store that proves an induce-
ment to a prospective buyer.
Although they carry a good Hne of boots, shoes and dry goods, they
give special attention to the grocery department and the market. The
groceries handled are as fresh and pure as money can buy, and the large
room permits of the display of the immense variety of canned and pre-
served goods. A stock of this kind is not only a necessity but a positive
benefaction to a town of the size of Morland, and the enterprise of the
firm is to be commended. They have a well equipped meat market in con-
nection with the business and carry all kinds of fresh and cured meats in
addition to fresh fruits and vegetables in season. Some people Say that
Ellis and Cunningham have the best market in the county.
Their soda fountain, the only one in Morland, has an extensive pat-
ronage. The soft drinks and confectionery department was the nucleus
around which this $7000 store was built.
It had its origin eight years ago in a $25 confectionery stock man-
aged by Mr. Ellis's sister, Mrs. W. R. Cunningham and was bought two
years ago by Ellis and Cunningham. A year ago they suffered a heavy
loss by fire which was partially covered by insurance.
The extensive trade is divided between the country and the city
patrons, many of whom have been regular customers since the store began
business.
Their trade has increased 25 per cent in the last year and this increase
warrants them in making some extensive improvements within the year.
They expect to build a second story on their building and add a complete
clothing department. At present they take orders for tailor made clothing.
Mr. H. Ellis is a native of Kansas, has been in Morland three years
and owns his home in addition to a half section of Graham county land.
Mr. H. W. Cunningham has been in Kansas 22 years and in Morland
six years. He owns a half section of land in addition to his home where
he resides with his wife and one child.
Morland Milling and Grain Company.
Since Morland is the center of a wheat belt and ships several hun-
dreds of thousands of bushels of wheat annually, it is easily understood
why this large and complete milling concern was located there.
It is acknowledge that a large flouring mill is itself a great help to
the development of the county, paying annually large sums for grain and
furnishing a home market. This mill, a large three story frame building
costing $12,300, has an output capacity of 100 barrels a day and a grain
storage capacity of 5,000 bushels. A complete milling btisiness is carried
on. the output consisting of flour, corn meal, graham and chop feed.
There are four grades of flour, the high grade called "The Winner," the
second grade called "The Faultless" and the two low grades.
The mill is run by a 40 horse power Fairbanks gasoline engine and
the machinery is. almost exclusively, the Barnard and Lea's. It has the
Barnard and Lea's rolls, plan sifters, purifiers, cleaners, scourers, dust-
ers and reels. The mill was established less than a year ago and has a
large local trade up and down the branch.
Air. Nichols the proprietor of this large milling .concern, came to
Morland last fall from Russell county, where he was engaged in the mill-
ing business since 1873. He was born in Wisconsin, but spent the greater
(99)
part of his life in Minnesota.
Mr. Nichols has a war record of five years in the 4th Minnesota regi-
ment and did excellent service during the entire time.
He brought with him to Morland his wife and two children, a girl
of 18 and a boy of 11 years. There is no part of the milling business which
Mr. Nichols does not thoroughly understand and fully appreciate. He
has worked in a mill, practically all his life having begun at the age of
14, in his father's mill.
Mr. Nichols, because of his business ability and pleasing personality,
will surely become an important and valuable addition to the business
life of Morland and Graham countv.
G. W. Collins.
The history of G. W. Collins has been closely identified with that of
^Morland and Graham county, for more than 21 years. He was a native
of New York, but in early boyhood moved with his parents to Illinois and
was reared and educated there. He enlisted in the 105th regiment, Illi-
nois volunteers and was with Sherman in his march to the sea. After
three and one-half years of faithful service on the firing line he was mus-
tered out and returned to Illinois.
In 1885 he came with his family to Graham county where he has
since continuously resided. 15 years ago he came to Morland from his
280 acre stock farm on Rock creek which he still owns.
Mr. Collins engaged in the general mercantile business in Morland,
with a stock of $250. Since then he has increased it to $10,000.
He carries a fine stock of fancy groceries, and a splendid line of shelf
goods, also a complete line -of staple dry goods, h^ expects soon to enlarge
it in kind and quality. Mr. Collins is making extensive improvements in
his store. He is adding 50 feet back and putting in a side entrance. In
(100)
this addition he expects to conduct a new and up-to-date grocery store.
The ceiHng of the old room is to be raised two feet, and an entire
new front with two large plate glass windows will add materially to the
appearance of the store.
The $1400 in improvements will make this building worth $3000,
and having as it does a desirable corner location will be one of the best
store rooms in town.
Mr. Collins owns his home, a neat well improved residence of seven
rooms, this he values at $3000.
Of the three Collins children, only one is in the home town. Mr. and
Mrs. Collins, in spite of their pioneer life and advanced age, are among
the active and enthusiastic citizens of Morland. Mr. Collins has always
been a staunch Republican and has actively participated in all political
and public movements. For six years he has been Postmaster of Mor-
land, which though a third class office, has three star routes and one rural
route. Mr. Collins is also President of the Morland State Bank.
Representative G. W. Stober.
One of Graham county's most unostentatious and kindly business
men distinctly independent and straightforward, one who has helped much
the growth and development of Morland and Graham county, one who is
loved and respected by rich and poor, one whose covmsel is sought on all
questions of 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 fellow-citizen G. W. Stober.
Mr. Stober is a man of well balanced mind, of great business ability,
who is never found lagging behind, but is always in the front rank of
workers for the advancement of education, moral worth or material de-
velopment. In short he is the sort of man who by his sterling qualities
(101)
of mind and heart, builds himself into the life of a community and men
on every way and by-way in Graham county will tell you of his intrinsic
worth and great kindness of heart.
Mr. Stober is a native of Iowa, where he was educated and grew to
manhood. In the sunmier of 1887 he came to Graham county and bought
a small business building in Morland. But a few days following the pur-
chase, the well remembered tornado of August fourth 1887, swept that
section, completly destroying Morland and with it Mr, Stober's new and
only possession. That misfortune left him in a bad condition, financially,
but with the determination which has always characterized him, he im-
mediately rebuilt the store room and put in a $250 stock of goods with
borrowed capital on which he paid two and one-half per cent, per month,
bank interest. The difficulties to be met with in those early days can fully
be appreciated only by those who had the actual experience.
There were no railroads in the county and the merchandise was
freighted across the county. Years of drouth and consequent poverty of
the farmers ensued, and there was no money to be paid for goods. But
Mr. Stober's faith in his county's possibilities never faltered and when
Graham finally became the prosperous and thriving county that she is,
she rewarded her loyal friend G. W .Stober, in no mean way. Beginning
with a small stock of general merchandise his interests grew until his busi-
enterprise consisted of nearly every sort that is necessary to a trading
point in an agricultural district. The farmers took their grain to the
Stober elevator. Mr. Stober bought their hogs and cattle. The women
went to the Stober stores to sell their produce and buy their groceries,
hardware, and lumber ; if there was money left it was deposited in the
Stober bank. Today G. W. Stober owns 4,000 acres of fine Graham coun-
ty land, and is worth between $75,000 and $100,000.
His prosperity, he owes to his energy and perseverance and to Gra-
ham county's wonderful growth. While men would take undue advant-
(102)
age of the people who must trade with him. Mr. Stober took care not to
do this, and no man could have more completely the confidence and trust
and regard of his acquaintance than has Mr. Stober.
This fully demonstrated when in 1905 he was elected by a large ma-
jority as representative of the 105 legislative district on the Populist
ticket. Mr. Stober's good sense and business experience make him one
of the capable men in the county for the position. Having been a resi-
dent of Graham county for twenty years he is fully identified with her
interests. He knows well our needs and has the ability to present them to
our legislative body and to maintain the credit and good name of our be-
loved county. It has been his aim to do his duty, as he saw it. regardless
of consequences and while he admits that there are honest difference of
opinion, he believes each should stand by the dictates of his conscience.
While he is a stalwart populist and was elected on that ticket, he has
the confidence and support of the entire county, regardless of creed or
party bias.
■ Mr. and Mrs. Stober live in their beautiful home in Morland, a home
which shows the natural refinement and culture of its owners and which
is always open alike to the friend and to the stranger.
S. P. Langley.
A man who would win fame in the ranks of farmers and stock raisers
must have specific training and make up his mind to continuous study and
unceasing toil. To the man who possesses the grit to steadily work his
way ahead surmounting the obstacles which always precede success much
credit should be given. Such a man is Sidney P. Langley who owns a
1500 acre farm, lying one mile west of Morland in the Solomon valley.
For a combination of acreage, beauty and utility this farm has not an
equal in Graham county.
Mr. Langlev was born in Nebraska and when but two vears old came
(1();5)
with his father, Rev. Jack Langley to Kansas. In 1887 the family came
to Morland and 3 years later bought the farm on which they now reside.
at that time containing 160 acres. xA.t his father's death, six years ago,
"Sid" assumed the responsibility of the home and in the absence of the
younger brother Frank, who is in Xew Mexico, lives with his mother on
the farm.
Of the 1500 acres in the farm 500 are under cultivation, 100 in alfal-
fa, 300 in corn and the remainder in small grain. Alfalfa though com-
paratively new in this country has long been known to Egypt, Greece and
Italy as "Lucerne". The most desirable soil for this plant is that of fer-
tile creek or river bottom land, well drained and not subject to inundation.
Mr. Langley's alfalfa lands are typical of this laying as they do in
the well drained bottoms of the Solomon river and he raises a fine crop
each year. There are four crops a season each a^ raging one and one-
half tons to the acre. This hay is handled by a McCormick Stacker with
a capacity of 40 tons per day.
Mr. Langley's farm is exceptionally well improved and one of the
features which demonstrates his thrift is the provision he has made for
the care of his stock and implements. A fine machine and work shop
shelters $2000 worth of implements. The spacious well built barn, one
of the finest in Graham county, will accommodate 200 head of stock and
has a storage capacity of 100 tons of hay and 4.000 bushels of grain. The
barn, together with the scales is valued at $3,000.
There are three houses on the farm, two of which are occupied by
tenants employed on the place all connected wnth telephones owned by
Langley.
Besides extensive farming. Mr. Langley is ambitious to do pure bred
stock raising and is fast realizing this ambition. He is equally interested
in horses, cattle and hogs, and breeds only Percheron horses, Aberdeen
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Angus cattle and Berkshire hogs. The head of each herd is a pure bred
registered animal. The Percheron horses originally came from France
and were imported into the United States where they are bred and reared
extensively. They no doubt stand among the first of the draft breeds of
the world. The Percheron has excellent conformation attractive style,
activity and endurance, amazing strength for the weight, docile disposi-
tion, considerable speed united with power and seems to favorably, recom-
mend himself to western farmers and stockmen. Pickadore, the black
Percheron beauty of the Langley Farm, weighs 1800 lbs., and is valued
at $2000. He stands at the head of a herd of 35 of his kind.
The Aberdeen-Angus is fast coming to be an important beef breed in
the bovine world. He is fast breaking into the breeding districts of the
west, perhaps because rapid changes of climate do not affect him and too,
he can be kept in better condition on the same amount of feed than any
other breed. It has been truly said the black on the block are the ideal
of the butcher. Mr. Langley's registered Aberdeen-Angus, is Archie of
Highland, weighing 1750 pounds at three years old, value $250. In the
herd there are 75 cows and heifers and 50 calves, a good representation
of high grade cattle 170 head yearling, two and three year old steers.
The Berkshore hog as a meat producer is well nigh invincible. She
belongs to a quick growing easy fattening type that attains heavy weight
on Kansas corn and alfalfa and too, she is the best hog under cattle, and
is very prolific.
Mr. Langley's Shanghai, the head of the farm's 250 Berkshires, is
but eight months old, weight 300 pounds and is worth $50. Mr. Lang-
ley's thrift and excellent judgment is evidenced in every particular of his
farm-ranch, and it would seem that his possibilities are limitless.
W. R. Cunningham.
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Old methods and old things are passing away. Customs so popular
in early days succumb to the fads of the moment. Modern ideas have dis-
placed ancient ; old men are relegated to oblivion by younger men of more
progressive ideas. And it is he whose name heads this article that is one
of the foremost of the latter class.
Mr. W. R. Cunningham has for seven years had charge of one of
Morland's elevators, four years in the employ of the Poor Elevator Co.,
and three years in the employ of the Hoffman Elevator Co.
He has held this position with honor to himself and with satisfaction
to his employers and has established the fact that he is methodical, compe-
tent, and industrious. Mr. Cunningham is imbued with most progressive
ideas possessing rare executive ability enterprise and energy. By studious
and close attention to business he has kept himself in the front rank of
the young business men of the county. Three years prior to his employ in
the elevator he was in the grocery business. He sold his stock to Ellis
and Cunningham but still owns the building in which the business is con-
ducted. Mr. Cunningham is a director in the Morland State Bank and
owns seven dwelling houses which he leases besides his new and modern
home which is just being completed. He owns three quarters of land
valued at $9000. He handle much of the grain shipped from Morland.
In 1903, 195,000 bushels passed through his elevator and this year 130.000.
This is a large storage elevator with a capacity of 10,000 bushels and
equipped with a seven horse power gasoline engine. The elevator ex-
pects to handle the Hoft'man tlour for sale or exchange for wheat.
Mr. Cunningham is known to all as one of our rising young men
whose grit and enterprise is bound to carry him to success.
Morland State Bank.
As a rule the important part played by banks is not fully appreciated
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by the public. A majority look upon them as simply a place of safe keep-
ing for money and have no adequate conception of the fact that they con-
stitute a most important factor in the success of all legitimate enterprises.
The feeling afforded to a business community by the possession of a re-
sponsible banking institution whose methods, and principles are founded
upon ripe judgment and broad experience and whose financial status is
beyond question, can not be over estimated. Of such a character is the
Morland State Bank, organized in Februarv. 1904 by G. W. Collins, G.
W. Stober, D. J. Hanna, E. E. Mullaney, W. H. Hill, B. Hill, D. C. Kay
and others.
D. C. KAY S RESIDENCE.
The officers are : G. W. Collins, President ; W. C. Brown, \'ice Presi-
dent ; and D. C. Kay, Cashier.
The capital stock is $10,000 and aside from the 10 per cent, cash divi-
dends paid since the organization of the bank, there is a surplus of $3000.
The bank building, owned by the bank is located on the main street.
It is neatly furnished with modern fixtures. The heavy vault and time-
lock safe are fire proof and are equipped with an electric burglar alarm
The bank has 200 fire proof private boxes for the use of its depositors.
Such a bank does credit to the financial stability of any town and its policy
and management are worthy of emulation.
The people show their appreciation of, and confidence in this manage-
ment by their deposits which are now $50,000. The loans of the bank
which are principally on chattels and cattle, amount to $30,000.
The following is the last statement of the bank at the close of busi-
ness on the sixth dav of April. 190G.
RESOURCES.
Loan and discounts $38,273.35
Overdrafts 1,218.G5
(107)
Bank building. 715.32
Furniture and Fixtures 625.71
Expense account 509.92
Cash items other than reserve items 85.93
Cash and sight exchange, legal reserve 19,998.30
Total $61,427.18
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock paid in $10,000.00
Surplus fund 400.00
Undivided profits 1,247.59
Interest 1,366.58
Exchange 241.05
Individual Deposits 39,466.21
Certificates of Deposit 8,705.75
Overdrafts on other banks
Total $61,427.18
In addition to the general banking business the bank does a land and
insurance business, last year selling 28 quarter sections of land. The
principal stock holder and cashier of the Morland State Bank is D. C.
Kay, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1863 and came to America
in 1875.
After eleven years in Philadelphia, New York and Kansas City he
went to Chicago where 3 years later he was married. Mr. and Mrs. Kay
left Chicago at once on the Missouri Pacific and came to Stockton, the end
of the line. There they bought a buggy and team and drove west, hunt-
ing a desirable location to start in life. When some 15 miles west of Hill
City the road seemed to fade from the trackless prairie, and here it was
they decided to build their home on the present site of Morland. A few
days later Mr. Kay succeeded in interesting six men from neighboring
places in his plan for a town there. Since that time his success and Mor-
land's success have been one and the same.
One of the first buildings on the townsite was Mr. Kay's hotel and
the first child born in the village was his son, Freemont Kay.
Mr. Kay's hard and conscientious work for a score of years has told
in a material way. Aside from being the heaviest stock holder in the
Morland State Bank, he owns a $2500 home, a new residence which he
rents and a number of lots in town, also three quarters of pasture and
three quarters of wheat land.
Mr. Kay has the elements that constitute a strong and striking char-
acter. His unfaltering and never swerving purpose, never to complain
or deviate, shows that he inherited much of the primeval sturdity and un-
yielding courage of his Scotch forefathers. With these traits of character
coupled with energy and wonderful powers of tact and preception, he has
made himself a vital part of Morland.
Stober and Son.
In this enterprising age, the conditions under which a thriving busi-
ness must be conducted differ materially from those which prevailed ten
or even five years ago. Purchasers have ceased to trade with merchants
from personal friendship, or because their fathers did. Goods and prices
now draw patrons as they never did before. Purchasers are studying
economy and not only demand reliable goods, but reasonable prices. They
(108)
have no trouble in finding these at Stober & Son's General Merchandise
Store at Morland. This store has four well stocked departments and car-
ries an $8000 stock.
The grocery department carries a full line of high grade staple and
fancy groceries. The advertised leader of the shoe department is the re-
liable Sunflower Shoe, and they carry all sizes of ladies and children's
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shoes. The clothing and dry goods department carry a large and com-
plete stock of their respective kinds.
One of the new and attractive features of this house is the five and
ten cent counter, where bargains galore await the purchaser. Four genial
and accommodating clerks are employed all of the time with an addition
of several on extra busy days.
This store is keeping pace with the rapid growth and development
of Mcrland, having a trade almost double that of last year. An eight foot
cement side walk has been laid in front of the store and the building has
been repainted, within the last few months.
Mr. Stober Sr., was born in Ohio reared in Iowa and moved to Gra-
ham county, Kansas in 1894. For four years he lived six miles south of
Morland on a stock farm. In 1899 he moved to Studley and engaged in
the Mercantile business, where he remained until 1904, when he moved to
Morland and bought the General Merchandise stock belonging to his
brother, G. W. Stober.
Mr. Stober has four children, the eldest son being associated in the
business with his father. The family lives in Morland in their neat $2000
home.
F. T. Naylor.
Among the progressive business men of Morland must be mentioned
Mr. F. T. Naylor who is engaged in the Land Loan and Insurance busi-
ness. Mr. Naylor 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.
He carries on an extensive real estate business having on his lists
some 30,000 acres of Graham county land in addition to other western
Kansas and eastern Colorado lands. Much of this land is well watered
and is adapted to alfalfa growing, farming or grazing. Mr. Naylor meets
the demands of buyers in prices as well as in lands almost any one wish-
ing to buy can be suited in terms.
Among the many land bargains which he has listed, is an 800 acre
farm, six miles south of Penokee on Jackson creek. This is exception-
ably good land, well watered and worth $12 an acre. And it can be
bought on long time and easy payments. Any information in regard to
investments or real estate in western Kansas or eastern Colorado will be
cheerfully furnished, and any matter pertaining to the investments of
non-residents will have careful attention.
On account of his conservatism and his close personal inspection of
everv piece of land upon which he negotiates a loan, his loans are much
sought after by investors and to the borrower he is able to make the low-
est possible rate of interest.
Mr. Naylor represents a number of eastern insurance companies in
addition to the McPherson Hail Insurance Co., one of the oldest of its
kind now in operation in the county. As a result of his activity and en-
terprise there are 60 people that come to Morland and vicinity in the last
eighteen months from Lucas, his former home. He can be found in his
office in the Morland Advance building or by telephone No. 32.
Mr. Naylor is a native of Texas, but moved to Russell, Kansas in
his infancy. For seven years he owned and conducted a newspaper in
Lucas, then came to Graham county four years ago and began the real
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estate business. His family consists of a wife and two daughters. They
live one i-yile north of Morland on their fine well improved farm of 80
acres which is valued at $oOOO.
STORE AT GRADAN, E. M. BRANDT, PROPRIETOR.
BOGUE DEPOT AND ELEVATORS, 12 MILES EAST OF HILL CITY.
(Ill)
mmm^m^'r-^^SJMi^M:;.
The beautiful $3,500 farm residence of James Baird, Allodium town-
ship. Is on easy street and all made in Graham county.
Twenty-four disc, steam plow, owned by Wm. Morris. Graham county.
(4: rigs in county.) Cuts 4-inch sod. 10 feet to swath, turns 40 acres per
day, and consumes l^-^ tons of coal.
(112)
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