70th Anniversary Edition
SUPPLEMENT TO
The Washington County Register
Friday, Sept. 16, 1938
Part 3 of 3
Haddam -- Palmer -- Mahaska -- Clifton -- Linn -- Morrowville -- Washington
Haddam Founded In 1869
About twelve miles west of Washington lies Haddam. The town was founded in the fall of 1869 when J. W. Taylor built and stocked a small store upon land donated by George Canfil. It was named by him after the town of Haddam, Connecticut.
Near this same time A. Whitney opened a store on his claim a short distance west and started a rival town which he also called Haddam. When Mr. Canfil resigned as postmaster, Mr. Whitney was appointed postmaster and the post office was moved to West Haddam. Neither town prospered or grew for the first five years. A change came in 1874, however, when Mr. Whitney sold his stock of goods to H. H. Cheney who moved it to the present Haddam and Mr. Cheney became postmaster. Soon a hotel was built by W. H. Taylor followed by other enterprises -- several stores, a lumber yard, two blacksmith shops and a wagon shop.
School district No.5 was organized in 1865. A log school house was built at the time, Miss Julia Blake being the first teacher. In 1869 this old log school house was moved to Haddam and remodeled and was used until 1876 when bonds for $1000 were issued and a new one built. William Lancaster taught the first term in this building.
In 1882 Haddam had made a marked growth. It had two hotels, three general stores, one drug store, one boot and shoe store, one real estate office, one lumber yard, two blacksmith shops and one wagon shop. At that time Reuben Vincent was postmaster.
Of the merchants of that time J. J. Muth is still active, having continuously operated the lumber yard throughout the past 58 years.HaddamToday
C. A. Rhine is the Mayor of Haddam which according to the 1938 census, has a population of 390. Members of the City Council are J. H. Fencl, Russell Hoffman, C. H. Meckenstock and W. T. Rooney.
Mrs. Fern Fencl, editor of the Haddam Clipper-Leader is City Clerk, F. J. Multer is City Treasurer.Parrett's Cafe
Mr. Glen Parrett came to Haddam three years ago from Leavenworth County and took over the management of the cafe now known as Parrett’s Cafe one year ago. Soft drinks, sandwiches, tobacco and short orders are handled.
Mr. Parrett is a member of the Woodman and Odd Fellow lodges. He and Mrs. Parrett, their three children, all live in Haddam. Their children are Olive Mae, Dorothy Marie and Frank Clinton.S. R. Folkner Market and Cafe (Mabel & Dolph's)
Mr. and Mrs. S. R. Folkner, owner and manager of the S. R. Folkner Market and Cafe in Haddam, located on the north side of main street, just east of the drug store.
Mr. Folkner was born in Richardson County, Nebr., spent some time in Los Angeles, Calif., and has lived in Washington county for 35 years. He built the Motor Inn filling station and garage in Haddam and operated it until 1924 when he sold it to L. M. Bobbitt. He was then employed at the Rooney Motor company for 12 years. After being employed at Rooney’s he again operated the Motor Inn filling station for five years. In February, 1938 he purchased the cafe.
Mrs. Folkner was born in Washington County and was associated in a meat and grocery business in Haddam with her former husband, E. W. Kenney, for 25 years. Mrs. Folkner has one son, Clell W. McKenney of Los Angeles, Calif., and Mr. Folkner has one daughter, Mrs. Roy Dart of Haddam.
Besides serving meals, lunches and cold drinks, the Folkners also sell fresh and cured meats.IGA Store
Mr. Joseph H. Fencl is the manager and owner of the IGA grocery store in Haddam. This store deals in groceries, general merchandise, meats, and farm produce.
Mr. and Mrs. Fencl, the former Miss Lula Smith came to Washington county 28 years ago, moved to Haddam in 1922 when they organized the IGA store. They have one daughter, Miss Leota Fencl, who is a student at Kansas State College at Manhattan. Mr. Fencl’s parents were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Fencl.
The fact that Mr. Fencl is very interested in civic affairs is shown by the different positions he has held in Haddam. He has been on the city council for fifteen years. He is now clerk of the rural high school board. He has served on the township board. He is a member of the Odd Fellow lodge and the Commercial Club of Haddam.King Produce
The Haddam branch of the King Produce is under the capable management of Mr. Fred King. This firm was organized in Haddam five years ago.
Mr. King has lived in Washington county for 58 years and in Haddam for 30 years. He is a member of the Odd Fellow lodge and has served on the school board. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. King is Mrs. Ella Novak who lives west of Haddam. Their son, Mr. Howard King, lives in New York.
King’s complete line of produce is found in Haddam. Seeds, feeds, cream, poultry, flour, eggs, and other products for farmers are bought and sold by this concern.Blackbird Store
The Blackbird Store, one of the largest grocery stores in Haddam, is owned and managed by R. W. McKenzie. They handle a complete line of groceries and meats.
Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie have lived in Washington county for the past 25 years except for a four year period from 1928 to 1932 when they lived in Fairbury, Nebr. In 1932 they moved back to Haddam and organized the Blackbird Store.
They have one son and one daughter, Miss Maxine McKenzie and Mr. Robert McKenzie, both of whom help in the store. Mr. McKenzie’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. William McKenzie of Narka, Ks. They formerly lived in Haddam where at different times they operated a restaurant, a hotel and farmed.
Mr. R. W. McKenzie is a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellow, Eastern Star, and Rebekah lodges.Hoffman & Sons
R. C. Hoffman, manager of the A. R. Hoffman & Sons Furniture and Hardware store in Haddam is unmarried and has lived in Haddam all his life. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the commercial club, and is on the city council at the present time. He is also a licensed embalmer.
His father, A. R. Hoffman, and mother, a daughter of Charley Carlson, came here as pioneers about 1876. After farming for several years Mr. Hoffman went into partnership with Frank Pierce and together they organized the Hoffman & Pierce store in 1901.
A. R. Hoffman has been prominent in civic affairs, having served as mayor, councilman, and as a member of the school board.
In 1926, the firm’s name was changed to A. R. Hoffman & Sons and during these past twelve years has served the surrounding community with its several different branches of business -- hardware, implements, paint, furniture, and undertaking. Among other well-known brands of merchandise, they handle Minneapolis-Moline implements and Speed-Queen washers.W. E. Potter Grocery
The W. E. Potter Grocery in Haddam is owned and managed by W. E. Potter. Mrs. Potter assists him in their grocery which is home-owned.
He was formerly manager of the Potter Bros. Mercantile Company. Mr. and Mrs. Potter have lived in Haddam 33 years. Mr. Potter was born in Palmer over 60 years ago and has always lived in Washington county. He is a member of the Odd Fellow and Masonic lodges. Mrs. Potter was formerly Miss Christine Whittet. They have one son, Newell Potter, who is in the Geodetic Survey in New York.
Chas. D. Potter, deceased, father of W. E. Potter, came to Washington county in 1869. He fought in the Civil War and was in Sherman’s March to the Sea. For many years he was a merchant and then in the grain business in Palmer.Haddam Lumber Company
One of the best known men in Haddam is J. J . Muth who has lived in Haddam since 1880 and in Washington county since 1879. He is manager of the Haddam Lumber Company which is owned by the Midwest Lumber Company in Manhattan. This company sells lumber, cement and all kinds of building materials.
Mr. Muth came to Washington county from Jonestown, Pa. Since living in Haddam he has served on the scllool board, the township board and the city council. He is a member of the Masonic lodge.
He is a widower and the father of five children: Will Muth of Belleville, O. T. Muth of Washington, and Mrs. Flora M. Brick, Miss Mabel R. Muth and Mrs. Lottie A. Peabody, all of Haddam.Rhine Garage
C. A. Rhine, the Mayor of Haddam, is owner of the Rhine Service Station and Garage in Haddam. The firm was organized in 1911.
Mr. Rhine has lived in Haddam for 30 years and in Washington county 47 years. He is a member of the Masonic lodge. He is married and has four children.
Since Mr. Rhine has been Mayor of Haddam several improvement have been brought about. An elaborate water works system has been built and the Haddam cemetery has been made into one of the most beautiful in the country.Harry Multer Station
One of the large filling stations in Haddam is the Harry Multer Station owned and managed by Harry Multer. It is located on the south side of the street near the west end of town on US36.
Mr. Multer has lived in Haddam 27 years and in Washington county all of his life. His wife is the former Miss Lois F. Skipton and they have two sons, Richard and Ray.
Mr. Multer’s father, Carl Multer, sr., has always lived in Washington county. His grandfather, Mr. Forrest Multer is one of the pioneers of the county.
Besides selling Standard products, Polarine and Iso-Vis "D" motor oil, and Goodrich tires, the station also handles International farm machinery and auto parts.Cross Lunch Room
The lunch room across from the bank in Haddam has been owned for the last six years by L. N. Cross. Mr. and Mrs. Cross came to Haddam from Marysville in 1932.
Mr. Cross is a member of the Odd Fellow Lodge. With his son, Fred, he manages the Cross Lunch Room. Lunches, soft drinks, cigarettes, tobacco and candy are sold here.The Citizens State Bank
On the 31st day of August 1889 a meeting was held in Haddam City, Kansas, for the purpose of organizing a state bank, and to be known as "Citizens State Bank, of Haddam City, Kansas" and the following named persons were present at that meeting: D. M. Steele, John M. Steele, E. Janeway, O. Canfil, F. N. Vedder, G. E. Ellinger and Wm. L. Wilson.
John M. Steele was chosen president and W. L. Wilson as secretary of the meeting.
The following named persons subscribed for the capital stock of the new bank: D. M. Steele, S. A. Walker, G. W. Clawson, C. H. Darby, W. ‘D. B. Motter, L. J. Dunn, M. M. Riggs, E. McNeil, Winslow Judson, F. C. Wornall, John M. Steele, I. Bonham, Ernest Davis, W. L. Wilson, E. Janeway and A. G. Mitchum.
From the above named stock holders the following were elected as Directors: D. M. Steele, Ernest Davis, W. L. Wilson, I. Bonham, John M. Steele and E. Janeway.
From the Board of Directors the following Qfficers were named: John M. Steele, President; I. Bonham, Vice-President; Will. L. Wilson, Cashier.
The bank continued under the management of Will. L. Wilson until April 1, 1898, when the capital stock of the bank was sold and transferred to the £ollowng named persons: Levi Lower; J . B. Lower; Mrs. L. A. Potter; F. G. Lower; and W. S. Lower, and each of the above stock holders were named as Directors of the bank.
The following officers were elected: Levi Lower, President; J. B. Lower, Cashier; W. S. Lower, Secretary and Ass’t Cashier.
Levi Lower served as President of the bank until his death in 1914, and was succeeded in that office by J. B. Lower, who remains as President of the bank at this time.
The following are the present officers and directors of the bank: J. B. Lower, President; C. L. Potter, Vice-President; J. A. Welch, Cashier; Edw. Kulp, Assistant Cashier; O. T. Muth.Rooney Motor Company
W. T. Rooney owns the Rooney Motor Company of Haddam and has the Ford agency. The firm was organized by Mr. Rooney in 1898 and is the only garage in Haddam.
Mr. Rooney was born at Leavenworth, Kansas, moved with his parents when three years old to a farm near Fidelity. He attended the country school there and high school at Sabetha and finished his education at St. Benedict’s College. After college Mr. Rooney moved to a farm near Beattie where he lived for 9 years. He moved to Haddam in 1898. For the last ten years he has been on the City Council and on the School Board for the past 15 years. He is a member of the Commercial Club and the I. O. O. F. and M. W. A. lodges.
Mr. and Mrs. Rooney have nine children, all grown. Mrs. C. W. Crow lives in Chicago. Mrs. James J. Cahill lives in New York City, Miss Mae Rooney in Asbury Park, N. J.; Miss Helen Rooney in Dobbs Ferry, N. Y.; W. T. Rooney, jr., in Deerfield, Kansas; George Rooney, Harry Rooney and Miss Geraldine Rooney in Haddam. The other son, Paul C. Rooney is in the U. S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.Dart Barber Shop
One of the best known barbers in the county is John Dart of Haddam. He has barbered in Haddam for many years and also formerly barbered in Washington city with Jim Owens and Willis Arnold. He has practiced his trade all over this section of the United States and on the Pacific coast and down by the Gulf of Mexico.
His residence has been in Haddam since 1889 although he has been absent a few months at a time. His wife died when their daughter, Hazel Dart, was very young, and he has put her through school. She is now teaching in the Haddam school system.
Mr. Dart came to Washington county from Rice county. He is a member of the Odd Fellow lodge. The Dart Barber Shop was organized 30 years ago. It is located just west of the Haddam bank.Sinclair Station
The Sinclair Station in Haddam is managed by Frank Fencl, jr., and is known as the Fencl Sinclair Station.
The station was organized in 1933 and has been under its present ownership for five months. Sinclair gas, Opaline and Pennsylvania motor oil are sold.
Mr. Fencl has lived in Haddam for 20 years and graduated from the Haddam high school in 1934. He has one brother, William Fencl, who farms near Haddam and one sister, Miss Mabel Fencl, who works in Haddam. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Fencl, sr., live north of Haddam on a farm and have lived in the county for nearly 30 years.Bobbitt Oil Co.
M. Bobbitt and his son, David Bobbitt, own and manage the Bobbitt Oil Company in the east part of Haddam. The station was built in 1917 and was purchased by Mr. Bobbitt in 1924.
Mrs. L. M. Bobbitt was formerly Miss Bess Merritt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Merritt. They have three children, David Bobbitt, Jack Bobbitt, and Clyde Bobbitt. The Bobbitts have lived in Haddam 38 years and in Washington county for 50 years.
D. F. Bobbitt, father of L. M. Bobbitt, was one of the pioneers of the county and formerly carried mail from Marysville to Salt Marsh.
Mobilgas and Mobiloil are sold by the Bobbitt Oil Company. They also stock a complete line of tires.
Pete’s Creek Was First Name of Palmer
The town of Palmer is a pleasantly situated town in the northwest portion of Sherman Township, thirteen miles south and five miles west of Washington on the Missouri Pacific railway.
The first settlement in this part of Washington county, as near as can be learned, was in about 1866. T. C. Morril, Mr. Drake, J. Maland, J. Dibly and John R. Cooney were among the first settlers. In 1870 most of the homesteads were taken. H. C. Meyer, C. R. Lee, Joseph McQuillen, George Beswick, Thomas Rowland and John P. Serles are among those who homesteaded in this section.
The early settlers endured many hardships coincident to pioneer life. The Iron Horse had not penetrated this section of Kansas, and the provisions were therefore for a time hauled mostly from Brownville, Nebr.
In the spring of 1870 E. Wilson of Sherman Township met C. D. Potter near Clifton and persuaded him, as he was then looking for a desirable place to locate, to start a store on Pete’s Creek, about two miles south of the present town of Palmer. Mr. Potter returned East and brought his family and a large stock of goods, and started the first store in Pete’s Creek Village.
Dr. Randall came in soon after and built a store, and was appointed post master. G. F. Cober, R. W. Bowl and O. W. Cook started stores in 1871, and the town was in a flourishing condition, but when the Central Branch Union Pacific railroad, now the Missouri Pacific, reached a point two miles north, and showed no disposition to come nearer or assist Pete’s Creek any more than to build a depot for their accommodation, the town decided to move to the railroad which was done in the spring of 1879, E. A. Thomas laying out the town and naming it in honor of J. Palmer, one of the first Superintendents of Public Instruction in Washington County. G. F. Cober, C. D. Potter, W. R. Bowl and O. W. Cook moved their stores from Pete’s Creek as soon as the town was surveyed. Frank Nadeau built a store and was appointed the first postmaster.
A school house was built in the summer of 1879, the first one built in the district. Miss Cora Nadeau taught the first term in the winter of 1879.
W. J. Cook started the first hotel in 1879 and called it the Central House.
In 1882 the following enterprises were represented in Palmer: five general stores, one lumber yard and hardware store, one drug store, one furniture store, two butcher shops, one photograph gallery, two hotels, one harness shop, three blacksmith shops, one wagon shop, one grain buyer, one livery stable, one millinery store, three physicians, one dentist, one carpenter, and a large elevator.Dageford Is Palmer’s Mayor
Mr. John Dageford is the Mayor of Palmer, a city of 168 persons according to the 1938 census. Members of the city council are Herman Reith, Henry Palmer, Henry C. Ohlde, Andrew Happ, and John Dammann. E. H. Hornbostel is the city clerk.Herman T. Reith
Herman T. Reith became the owner of the Palmer Cafe this year, although he has lived in Palmer since 1926. Meals, short orders, tobacco, and soft drinks are served.
Before starting the cafe Mr. Reith had been a barber and ran a grocery store in Palmer. He has lived in and near Palmer for 34 years and was formerly a farmer. He is a membe of the Lutheran church and the Booster Club of Palmer. Mrs. Reith was formerly Miss Fredia Naegle, and they have one son.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Reith are the parents of Herman T. Reith and have lived in and near Palmer all of their lives.Walter H. Ohlde
Walter H. Ohlde is the owner of the Palmer Meat Market which he bought in 1936. Groceries and meats are sold.
Mr. Ohlde is a member of the Booster Club in Palmer. He married Miss Emma Rabe. Herman Ohlde of Palmer is his father and has lived in Washington county for 50 years.
Mr. Ohlde went to St. Johns Lutheran College at Winfield, Kansas, majoring in a commercial course. He comes to Palmer as a modern business man, able to follow and direct the trends of the day in commercial trade.
He was born in Palmer and has lived in and near Palmer all of his life.Martin H. Meyer
Martin H. Meyer is manager of the Herman Meyer Lumber Company in Palmer. It is owned by his mother, Mrs. Anna Meyer who has lived in Palmer for 30 years.
Mr. Meyer has lived in Palmer since 1918. He is a member of the Lutheran church.
Building materials, paints, coal, and a complete line of lumber for all uses are to be found in the Herman Meyer Lumber Company.Louis H. Reith
Hardware, harness and tinware store was organized in 1900. Mr. Reith has owned it since March 1, 1937. He has lived in the county all of his life, was born 7 miles north of Palmer and has lived in Palmer since June 1, 1928. He is a member of the Lutheran church.
Herman Reith, his father, lives 1-3/4 miles north of Palmer and 4 miles west. Has lived in Washington county since 1900 and is a farmer.
Louis Reith is married to the former Meta Conrad of Junction City. He belongs to the Hardware Association.Miss Marguerite Thompson
Miss Marguerite Thompson is owner and manager of Marguerite’s Place, a restaurant and recreation parlor in Palmer.
She has lived in Palmer since 1915 and has owned the restaurant since 1934. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and her parents are Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Thompson of Palmer.Mrs. E. H. Damman
The Palmer Produce Company is managed by Mrs. E. H. Damman. She buys poultry, cream and eggs and sells feeds.
Mrs. Damman is a member of the Lutheran church. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Boerger of Linn who have lived in this county all of their lives. Mrs. Damman is a widow and has two daughters, Viola and Shirley Ann.Marion Slipsager
Mr. Marion Slipsager is the owner and manager of the Slipsager Service Station in Palmer.
Mr. Slipsager is a member of the Methodist church and the Odd Fellow and Woodman lodges. He married Miss Jennie C. Van Winkle and they have two children. His mother is Mrs. Pateria Slipsager of Clifton.
The Sliplsager Service Station sells Conoco gasoline, oil, tires and accessories.A. H. Tegeler
The Palmer Mercantile Company is managed by Mr. A. H. Tegeler. General merchandise and the Red & White brand of groceries are sold.
Mr. Tegeler has lived in Palmer for 53 years.
He is a member of the Lutheran church and of the Palmer Booster club. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Tegeler who have lived in Palmer for 53 years also. Mr. Tegeler’s mother passed away on July 17, 1938.The Bank of Palmer
The Bank of Palmer was organized in 1887 and now has capital stock of $15,000, surplus of $7,500 and undivided profits of $5,500.
Officers of the bank are as follows: president, Mr. H. E. Ohlde; vice-president, Mr. Walter W. Meyer; cashier, Mr. Herman G. Meyer; directors, Mr. Henry Palmer and R. M. McIntosh.
Mr. Herman G. Meyer has been in the bank for the most of the last 10 years and his brother, Mr. Walter W. Meyer, vice-president, has been with the bank for the most of the last 12 years.
They both attended the St. John’s College at Winfield, Kansas.Melvin Hornbostel
The Hornbostel Service Station has served the Palmer community for six years. Melvin Hornbostel was born in Palmer and has lived in Palmer continuously since that time. He married the former Cherlotta Lohmeyer of Linn. They have one child, a boy 2 years old, Jerry Kent.
Melvin attended high school in Palmer, graduating in 1931. He is a member of St. John’s Lutheran church.
He sells Phillips 66 gasoline and oil, commercial feeds and Firestone tires.Ed Chase
Ed Chase is manager of the White Eagle Station and the Farmers Supply Store in Palmer. White Eagle gasoline, Mobiloil oil and greases, repairs, and International Harvester implements are sold.
Mr. Chase has lived in Washington county for 52 years and moved to Palmer from Linn this year when he became manager of the station. He is a member of the Methodist church. His wife was Miss Cora Baer. They have five children.Harold Hornbostel
The Palmer Garage has been owned by Harold Hornbostel for seven years. Besides doing general repair work, he also handles a complete line of Case farm implements.
Mr. Hornbostel has lived in Palmer for 10 years and in Washington county for 33 years. Before buying the garage he was a farmer near Palmer. He is a member of the Lutheran church and the Palmer Booster Club.
Mr. Harold Hornbostel’s father is William Hornbostel of Linn who has lived in Washington county since 1873.
Mr. Harold Hornbostel is married and has two children, Evelyn 6 and Marvin 3.E. H. Hornbostel
E. H. Hornbostel is manager of the Palmer Rural Telephone Company. The telephone company has been organized for 33 years and under the present ownership since 1930.
The officers and directors are: H. C. Ohlde, president; W. H. Rose, vice-president; Herman G. Meyer, secretary and treasurer; and directors, W. H. Rose, Ernest Rodehorst, Walter Hammel and Herman Hiesterman.
E. H. Hornbostel has lived in Palmer for 35 years and in Washington county for 57 years. His wife was Miss Alwina Meyer and they have one daughter, Miss Dora Hornbostel who works in the telephone office. Mr. Hornbostel is a member of the St. John’s Lutheran church.KANSAS
"The vision bright of the pioneer
Conceived the state of Kansas
The hopes and fears he planted here,
Are in the breath of Kansas
The sturdy strength of manhood's might
The faith that pierced the deepest night
The courage to uphold the right
Are in the soul of Kansas."
--Selected
Mahaska, Then and Now
The City of Mahaska, located in Union township in the northwest part of the county, has a population of 220 according to the 1938 census. Mr. Harry Livingstone is Mayor. The council includes Dr. V. J. Wall, Charles Dragoo, Charles Rose, W. G. Hackbarth, and V. W. Coonrod. The City Clerk is L. E. Buckheister, W. G. Arnold is City Treasurer and A. E. Finch is Police Judge.
Following is a history of Mahaska written by C. W. Miller, president of the Mahaska State Bank.The town and the post office were first named Bonham after I. Bonham on whose land it was located. However the post office department refused the name because there was another Bonham in the state at that time. Lanham of similar name was in the same county. The post office department asked that another name be stibmitted. Several men including Mr. Cook, Mr. Woodman and Mr. Bonham met in Mr. Speers store to agree upon a new name for the much wished for post office. Mr. Woodman’s eye fell upon the stock of "Mahaska" coffee on the shelves of Mr. Speer’s store and he said, "Why not call our post office Mahaska? We had a Mahaska county in Iowa where I came from." It was soon decided and the new name of Mahaska was accepted by the post office department. So the village of Mahaska, Kansas as well as Mahaska county, Iowa was named after Chief Mahaska of the Iowa Indians. He was remembered as a good chief and was loved by his people. His picture appears on all checks used by our Mahaska State Bank. The word Mahaska in the language of the Iowa’s means "White Swan."
For a time the post office was named Mahaska while the town was still Bonham. The name of the town was later officially changed to Mahaska to avoid confusion.
In spite of many fires the village made some growth during its first few years. Enormous crops of corn were grown in 1889 and 1891. During those years three grain elevators were built on the railroad siding and another grain buyer or two were operating by loading from the wagons directly into the cars.
Most of the now vacant space south of the railroad from one side of town to the other was then occupied by cribs filled with corn. At no time since then has there been so much corn stored in Mahaska. Wheat was not grown so extensively then as now.
The first alfalfa was introduced here in 1890. The Presbyterian church was built in 1892.
Rev. Rose was the first pastor. This church was organized March 13, 1897. The building was remodeled in 1930.
The Methodist church was built in 1894 and remodeled in 1924. Rev. Adams was the first to fill the pulpit.
Mr. E. A. Woodman experimented with private telephone wire from his home in town to the house on his farm in 1898.
The Mahaska Mutual Telephone Association was organized in 1904. A switchboard was installed, lines built and service begun soon thereafter.
The Mahaska State Bank was organized by Len Goodrich, L. Bonham, O. W, Miller, E. A. woodman and A. Upton in February, 1902, and the bank was opened for business in the old "Goose," C. H. Coonrod’s north storehouse, March 10, 1902. The safe was blown and robbed December 10, 1904, but business was resumed next morning.
The Mahaska Leader was first published September 1905 and continued about ten years.
The first rural free delivery mail route was inaugurated August 1, 1904 with Geo. C. Piper in charge.
Roy Ashford assumed his duties on the route No. 2, February 1, 1907 and retired January 1, 1933, when the two routes were united and Robert Henderson took charge.
O. W. Miller entered the mercantile business in Mahaska in 1891 and continued until his death in 1934. From January 1,1911 he served as cashier of the Mahaska State Bank.
E. A. Woodman organized the lumber and coal business in Mahaska in 1887 and also operated the West Grain Elevator for 16 years. In 1905 he sold the lumber business to F. G. Upton and H. G. L. Peake. In the spring of 1924 it was transferred by W. A. Livingstone and O. W. Miller to the Howell Lumber Co. Mr. Woodman continued his farming interests until his death.
C. H. Coonrod has given the longest continuous service on Main Street, of the Mahaska business men. He opened his hardware store on the corner he now occupies on March 6,1893.
W. G. Arnold established his drug business in 1900 and has stood continuously at his post for 36 years. He has also served as post master since 1919.
M. A. Hatch purchased his stock of merchandise of O. W. Miller January 1, 1905. He and Mrs. Hatch have continued their service to the public since that time. Mrs. Hatch spent several years teaching in the Mahaska schools before her marriage.
A. M. Alldredge was identified with the mercantile business in Mahaska from 1894 until his death in November 1932.
Chas. Knauff has served on the street since 1913.
Frank McAtee opened his blacksmith shop and began work in 1906 on the corner now occupied by his restaurant building and continued until1924. He spent a number of years in the restaurant business since.
W. W. Love joined E. A. Woodman in the lumber and grain business in 1887 and entered the mercantile business in 1897, retiring from the store in 1922.
Dr. V. J. Wall bought the medical practice of Dr. L. A. Carter June 1, 1912 and he has faithfully cared for the ailing and made himself most useful to the community in many ways since his coming.
George C. Cook, I. Bonham, A. C. Wheeler and George C. Bonham were among the most able and successful business men whose lives were spent in service to the Mahaska community.
The City of Mahaska was incorporated July 8, 1909. The first election was held July 21, 1909 resulting in the election of John Deegan as the first mayor, P. F. Christison, Police Judge and F. C. Upton, C. H. Coonrod, M. A. Hatch, A. M. Alldredge and W. G. Arnold as councilmen.
The first sidewalks and street crossings were laid in the spring of 1910 and the young city was completely equipped to enforce both law and ordinance upon completion of the city jail in 1913.
A fire engine and hose were purchased and two cisterns for a water supply were completed on Main street in 1914. A fire company was organized and drilled to use the new equipment, but none of it was ever used to fight a fire.
The City Park was purchased in 1917 and the trees planted in 1919-20 and ‘22.
A contract was made with the Electric Development Company of Omaha for electric service July 27, 1922.
The street lamps were installed in 1925. This year also saw the city well drilled on Main Street the town’s present best water supply.
The Rural High School bonds were voted in April, 1926 and the new building was completed in January, 1927. The high school was immediately moved into its new home.
The first two years of high school work were introduced into the Mahaska Schools in 1908 and 1909, the third and fourth year’s work 1916 and 1917.
The first eighth grade commencement was held in the Presbyterian church in the spring of 1897. Six students were graduated, Wilbur D. Vincent was principal of the schools at that time.
The Sinclair oil pipe line was built near Mahaska in 1924 running from Casper, Wyoming to Freeman, Missouri.
Gas pipe lines were built through Washington county from the Kansas and Oklahoma fields in 1930 and 1931.
In the fall of 1931 the Kansas Pipe Line and Gas Company leased and rebuilt the then idle Sinclair line equipping it for the transportation of natural gas. They installed a distributing system in Mahaska, connected it with this main line and turned in the gas to serve Mahaska consumers, October 26,1931.
This company’s lease expired in the fall of 19355 and a new feeder line was laid to the main pipe line near Munden through Narka and the transfer made without interruption of service. The Standolind Company expects to resume the transportation of oil through the Sinclair pipe line.
The Mahaska cemetery was organized November 27, 1894. The first burial was that of Orestas Sampson. The Mahaska Cemetery was reorganized and financed by taxation of a cemetery district in 1934. New fence and pillars were built during the summer of 1935.
The highway through Mahaska was graveled to K15 9-1/2 miles east of the city in the spring of 1934, giving Mahaska its first all weather outlet to the Kansas highway system. The standard grade was built between Mahaska and highway No. 36 the same year.Mahaska State Bank
On February 13, 1902, the Mahaska State Bank, Mahaska, Kansas, was organized with the following directors: I. Bonham; E. A. Woodman; E. E. Goodrich; and A. Upton. A. Upton was the first cashier and he served until 1904.
F. C. Upton succeeded A. Upton as cashier in 1904 and served until 1911 at which time O. W. Miller was elected and served until his death in 1934.
Clyde W. Miller, who is president of the board at present has served on the board of directors since 1909 and has been president of the board since 1911. Nellie P. Wall, who is vice-president, has served on the board since 1911.
At present the Mahaska State Bank has a capital of $10,000, surplus of $8,000, and undivided profits amounting to $2,500. V. W. Coonrod is cashier and H. W. Emrick is the assistant cashier.
The present board of directors consists of Clyde W. Miller, Nellie P. Wall, George H. Miller, Mabel G. Miller, and V. W. Coonrod.Arnold Pharmacy
The postmaster of Mahaska is also the druggist, W. G. Arnold. He started the Arnold Pharmacy in 1900 and became postmaster in 1919. The post office is fourth class.
Before coming to Mahaska Mr. Arnold lived at Haddam and at Narka where his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Arnold, formerly operated drug stores. Since coming to Mahaska W. G. Arnold has been mayor of the city, on the city council and clerk of the township but since he became postmaster, laws of the post office department would not allow him to serve the city in any official capacity. He is a member of the A. F. -- A. M. and M. W. A. lodges.
Mr. Arnold has two sons, both of whom are dentists. Dr. Paul Arnold practices in Mahaska and Dr. Von Arnold practices in Sterling, Nebr.
The Arnold Pharmacy has a complete general drug line and has built up a reputation for dependability during the 38 years it has been a part of Mahaska.Howell Lumber Co.
L. E. Buckheister is manager of the Howell Lumber Co. in Mahaska. He has lived in Mahaska for 11 years and has been manager of the lumber yard during all of that time. For the past 6 years he has been City Clerk of Mahaska which shows his interest in civic affairs.
Mr. Buckheister is married and has two children, Max and Joe. He is affiliated with the Presbyterian church and a member of the A. F. & A. M. lodge. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. H. Buckheister of Plainville, Kansas, where L. E. lived before coming to Mahaska in 1927.
The Howell Lumber Company is one of the oldest businesses in Mahaska and was organized in 1898. It was under a different name, however, until 1924 when the Howell Lumber Company of Fairbury, Nebr., purchased the business. The firm handles lumber, coal, building materials, and hardware.Livingstone Garage
The garage in Mahaska is owned by Harry Livingstone. He has owned this garage for 11 years.
Mr. Livingstone came to Mahaska 11 years ago but he has lived in Washington county for 37 years. He is a member of the Methodist church, is married and has four children. He has been township trustee for several terms.
His parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Livingstone, live five miles southeast of Mahaska. They homesteaded near Mahaska many years ago and have lived in that neighborhood ever since.
Mrs. Harry Livingstone was Miss Mable Foth before their marriage. Their children are Dona Mae, Lorna Lee, Arleta Jean, and Joan Lonee.Lindahl Elevator
The firm Lindahl & Son has an elevator in Mahaska as one of its chain of four in this section of the state. The other three are at Agenda, Wayne and Talmo with the largest one at Agenda. Clair G. Lindahl is head of the firm and lives in Agenda. The Mahaska elevator was purchased in November, 1935.
L. A. Lindahl is manager of the Mahaska elevator. He has lived in Mahaska and Washington county for one year but the rest of his life was spent in Republic county juyst one mile from the Washington county line and he is well known in this county. He is married and has a one-year-old son, Conrad Ruell.
Besides the regular elevator service of storing grain, buying and selling grain and grinding, the Mahaska elevator also sells feed and coal. They use "Just-Right" chick mash formulas, and the Mahaska branch mixed and sold 35 tons of this mash this year.Slough's Barber Shop
Mr. Roy Slough has been the barber in Mahaska for the past year although he has lived in Washington county all of his life. Before becoming a barber he farmed.
Mr. and Mrs. Slough have three children, Leila, Jean and Don, all of whom live at home. The parents of Mr. Slough are Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Slough who live on a farm near Haddam.
The barber shop was located one door north of its present location on the west side of main street in Mahaska. It was moved so that there would be room for a pool hall which he has added to the barber shop.Dragoo Produce
Charles Dragoo is the owner and manager of the Dragoo Produce located on the west side of the main street in Mahaska. He has lived in Mahaska for 14 years and in Washington county for 25 years. Before that time he lived in Jefferson County, Nebr.
Mr. Dragoo is now a member of the Mahaska City council and was a member of the school board at the time the Rural High School building was built. He is married and they have five children: Wilda Dragoo; Mrs, Leora Hubka, Crete, Nebr.; Edwin Dragoo, Dayle Dragoo, and Gayle Dragoo.
The Dragoo Produce buys cream, poultry, eggs, and other farmers’ produce, and sells feed, seeds, etc. Mr. Dragoo also buys hogs for market.Mahaska Telephone Association
The Mahaska Telephone Association, a corporation with local Mahaska townspeople as stockholders was organized in 1904. Besides handling local calls they are connected with the United Telephone which enables them to handle long distance calls.
The board of directors of the Telephone Association is made up of civic leaders in Mahaska. Chas. Knauff, proprietor of Knauff’s Grocery, is president of the Association. The vice-president is L. E. Buckheister, manager of the Howell Lumber Co. and city clerk. Clyde Miller, president of the bank is treasurer, V. W. Coonrod, cashier of the bank is secretary and George Piper is manager.
Two telephone operators handle the calls in Mahaska. Mrs. Alice Hackbarth has lived in Mahaska since 1925 and in the county for about 50 years. She has one daughter, Mrs. Virgil Morey of Dewitt. The other operator is Miss Nellie McAtee, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy McAtee. She has been an operator for three years. Harry Coonrod is the lineman.Lott's Grocery
William Lott is the owner and manager of Lott’s Grocery, a large grocery store in Mahaska. He came to Mahaska in 1923 from a farm in Nebraska. He is married and they have three children, Billie Rae, Sally Ann and Gene R.
In 1932 the Lott Grocery was started and has been built up during the past six years into a substantial business. Groceries, meats, and feeds are sold.
Mr. Lott has always been interested in the civic affairs of Mahaska and has served on the City council.Ideal Service Station
The Ideal Service Station in Mahaska is owned and operated by O. R. Coonrod. Mr. Coonrod came to Mahaska from Nebraska in 1923, and married the former Miss Nellie Eversole in 1928.
Mr. Coonrod attended school in Mahaska for several years and farmed for two years northeast of Mahaska. He has also been a member of the Mahaska City council. Mr. Coonrod's parents are Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Coonrod of Mahaska. The O. R. Coonrods have three children, Dick, Dale and Peggy Ann.
Skelly gasoline and products are sold in the Ideal Service Station, as are U. S. tires, Independent oil and Willard batteries. The station was built in 1929 and Mr. Coonrod purchased it in 1933.Coonrod & Son Hardware
One of the oldest businesses in Mahaska and in Washington county is the C. H. Coonrod and Son Hardware in Mahaska. C. H. Coonrod started the hardware shop in 1893, coming from Illinois with a $500 stock of goods. In 1910 his son, H. H. Coonrod joined him in the hardware business.
C. H. Coonrod was a member of the City Council when Mahaska was incorporated and has also served on the school board. He is the father of four children, V. W. Coonrod, cashier of the Mahaska bank, Harley Coonrod in the store, Mrs. G. L. Summers and Mrs. Chester Loew, all living in Mahaska.
H. H. Coonrod, his son, has been mayor of Mahaska two different terms and for the last fifteen years has been light and water commissioner for the city and on the city countil for about ten years. He has also served as clerk of the township board.
McCormick-Deering implements, Crosley radios, Horton washers, Farmall tractors and a complete line of hardware are stocked by the Coonrod & Son Hardware Company.Sprague's Cafe
Sprague’s Cafe is located in the south end of the main street in Mahaska on the east side. F . E. Sprague, owner and manager has been proprietor of this cafe for the past three years.
Mr. and Mrs. Sprague are well known around Haddam, also, as Mrs. Sprague kept house several years for her father, J. W. Andrews, who passed away last spring. Mrs. Clyde Williams is a daughter of Mr. Sprague.
The Sprague Cafe sells ice cream, candy, cigars, tobacco, meals, short orders, and soft drinks. Mr. and Mrs. Sprague both work in the cafe.Jack's Cafe
Jack’s Cafe in Mahaska is owned and operated by J. A. McAtee and his wife Claire J. McAtee. Food, pop, ice cream, tobacco and short orders are sold in this restaurant which was started in 1932. The present owners have been in the restaurant for one year.
Mr. McAtee was born and raised in Mahaska which Mrs. McAtee has lived in Mahaska for 10 years and in Washington county for 18 years. They have two children, Vaughn and Bonnie, both of whom live at home.
The Cafe is located on the corner on the west side of the main street in Mahaska.Knauff's Grocery
Mr. Charles Knauff is the proprietor of Knauff’s Grocery, one of the large grocery stores of Mahaska. Mr. and Mrs. Knauff moved to Mahaska 25 years ago and they have managed the store since 1927.
Mr. Knauff came to Washington county in 1894. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, and has served on the Mahaska city council and the school board. Mr. and Mrs. Knauff have one son, Harry Knauff, who will be a junior in the School of Medicine of the University of Nebraska this fall.
Besides selling a complete line of groceries, Knauff’s Grocery also sells milk, meat, shoes, dry goods, feed, flour and gasoline.
CLIFTON
Early Clifton Had Many Locations
In the year 1859, a company from Manhattan and St. George laid out a town on the northwest quarter of Section 1, Town 6, Range 1, in Clay County, just over the Washington County line. The name of the surveyor was Clifton, and with a view of perpetuating his name, he so named the town. This company built one log cabin, and then left the town in care of James Fox, who, in 1860, abandoned the town site and started a town just across the line, in Washington County, on the east side of Parson’s Creek. He started a store and a blacksmith shop. Soon after, quite a number of log houses were erected by the people in the surrounding country, who retired to their shelter during the Indian troubles.
George Seabury taught a small school, supported by subscription, in one of these cabins in 1861-62. A post office was established at this point in 1860, Fox being post master, carrying the mail himself from Irving.
Some time in 1863, Fox sold his interest in the town to J. Haines, who moved it back across the line into Clay County on the west side of Parson’s Creek, its former location being on school land. Mr. Haines continued the post office and kept a small stock of groceries and dry goods. E. M. Howard built a store and sold goods a short time and moved away.
In 1869 William Funnell purchased the town of Mr. Haines, and moved it back into Washington County, and located it on the spot where it is now known as Old Clifton. George Green built the old Clifton House at this time. The name is all that is left and it was perpetuated through the post office which had passed into the hands of William Funnell.
The present town of Clifton was laid out, in 1870, by Rufus Berry, in anticipation of making a town on the Central Branch Union Pacific Railroad. Mr. Funnell moved his store on the new town site in 1871, and continued the post office. A. Green built a hotel. George Miller and Tom Dolan built on the north side and opened out a general stock. The town did not flourish to any remarkable extent until the arrival of the railroad, which was completed to this point December 17, 1877.
Hoenan & Barlow started the first hardware store in 1878; C. Bruenger, the first drug store the same year; C. C. Funnell started a lumber yard in 1878; Mr. Miller built a hotel in the fall of 1878; Clifton school house, in Joint District No.2, was built in 1878, at a cost of $4,000.Clifton Today Has 433 People
In 1938 the assessor’s reports show that Clifton has a population of 433, an increase of 17 over 1937. W. E. Voiles is mayor. The council includes C. E. Wyman, Wm. Van Scoyoe, Frank Mowry, E. J. McQuillen, jr., L. H. Grote. D. A. Bray is City Clerk.
Clifton is so situated that it is in 2 precincts, 2 townships, 2 counties, 2 state representative districts, 2 state senator districts, 2 Judicial districts and 2 Congressional districts.The Clifton News
J. M. Foster is editor of the Clifton News, the only newspaper in Clifton. The plant is located on the north side of the main street in Washington County.
The News was started in 1874. Former editors include L. A. Palmer, A. Q. Miller, P. M. Hartman, Best and Murdock, John Best, Mrs. E. J. Rossman, and J. M. Crane.
Foster was editor from 1914 to 1926 and purchased the paper again in 1938.Clifton Pharmacy
C. C. Malcolm, who graduated from the University of Kansas in 1900 and became a registered pharmacist in 1902, is the owner of the Clifton Pharmacy.
Mr. Malcolm came to Clifton in 1929 from Seldon, Kansas. He is a member of the Masonic lodge. He has three sons, all of whom are college graduates. Mr. Bernard Malcolm lives in Omaha. Dr. D. C. Malcolm lives in Indianapolis, Ind., and Mr. Norman Malcolm is now attending college in Cambridge, England on a scholarship received from Harvard University.First National Bank of Clifton
The First National Bank of Clifton was founded on March 1, 1904. L. Pfister is president and W. B. McCall is cashier.
Mr. Pfister has lived in Clifton for 45 years. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and the Masonic lodge. He is married and has two children.
When he was 19 years of age Mr. Pfister came to America from Switzerland. He started to work for C. W. Snyder, former president of the bank, as assistant cashier. Later he became cashier and then president of the bank.
Frank Pfister is the assistant cashier. He married the former Marian Smith of Emporia. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, also of the Masonic lodge, attended school at Emporia taking three years of business administration. Chalmers Pfister, his brother, is bookkeeper.W. E. Jenkins
W. E. Jenkins of Clifton, active in the ministry in the county throughout these many years, expresses his love of Kansas:"Begotten in Kansas, born in Ohio, reared in Kansas, I love Kansas and Kansas history. I hope to go to heaven from Kansas. If I am permitted a grave, my wish is that it may be covered by a sod of the good old bluestem grass which I found covering the prairie of Kansas when I first saw them."
Knox Cafe
Agnes Knox is the owner and H. E. Knox is the manager of the Knox Cafe in Clifton. Meals, lunches and soft drinks are served.
Mr. Knox came to Washington County 40 years ago from Iowa and has lived in Clifton since 1921. In 1925 they built the cafe which they still own. They are both members of the Methodist church and Mr. Knox is a member of the Clifton Commercial Club. Their two sons are Phalas and Clinton and their daughters are Mrs. Fern Laird and Mrs. Tressa Bowmaker. All live in or near Clifton.The Osborn Hardware
The Osborn Hardware, one of the oldest businesses in Clifton is owned and managed by J. M. Osborn. Besides a complete line of hardware he sells Quick Meal and Round Oak stoves.
Mr. Osborn came to Clifton from Mitchell, Kan., in 1886. He ran a harness shop in Clifton until 1908 when he started the Osborn Hardware.Riggs Produce
The Riggs Produce has been in Linn for 20 years. Mr. Guy Riggs is the manager.
Mr. Riggs was born in Linn. He married Mandy Kappelman and they have three sons, Elmer and Walter of Salina and Edward of Pampa, Texas. His father, W. H. Riggs, was a carpenter and came to Washington county in 1875.Mayer Service Station
Lee Mayer is the owner of the Mayer Service Station in Clifton. Barnsdall gas and oil, tires, tubes and batteries are sold.
Mr. Mayer was born in Clifton. He started working in the station in 1929 and purchased it in 1937. He is a member of the Catholic church. Mrs. Lee Mayer was Miss Mae Morrissette before her marriage. They have four children, Lea Mae, Helene, Lyle and Wilma.Clifton Recreation Parlor
Hobart Short is the proprietor of the Clifton Recreation Parlor. He has tables for pool, snooker, and billiards and also serves soft drinks.
Mr. Short is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Short who have lived near Clifton for many years. He was born in Clifton and spent his boyhood there. Except for a time when he worked in Topeka and Belleville he has always lived in Clifton. The Recreation Parlor was purchased by him in 1937.Knoettgen Grocery
J. H. Knoettgen owns the grocery store in Clifton, Washington county. Both groceries and meats are sold. He has owned this store for two years and has lived in Clifton for 25 years. He and Mrs. Knoettgen came to Clifton from Clay County.Roche Produce
The Roche Produce in Clifton is owned and managed by Mr. David Roche. He buys cream, poultry and eggs for the Farmers Union and sells the Hogan line of feeds.
Mr. Roche was born near Linn, the son of Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Roche who now live near Greenleaf and who have lived in Washington county 65 years. From 1923 to 1933 he worked in the Linn creamery and then moved to Clifton where he was butter maker in the Clifton Creamery for three years. In April, 1938, he purchased the Roche Produce. He is a member of the Methodist church. Mrs. Roche was formerly Miss Marie Voss.White Eagle Station
John Morgan is the lessee of the White Eagle Super Service Station in Clifton. He sells White Eagle and Socony-Vacuum products, Goodrich tires and makes a specialty of lubrication jobs.
In 1908 Mr. Morgan moved to Clifton from Greenleaf and has lived there since except for three years that he traveled in Colorado.
Mrs. John Morgan, sr., Mr. Morgan’s mother, is a resident of Clifton. She and her husband were long-time residents of Washington County, formerly living near Greenleaf.Red & White Lunch
R. K. Bachtell owns the Red and White Lunch in Clifton. He purchased it in July, 1938, and has installed a dance hall in the back which is quite a drawing card.
Mr. Bachtell has lived in Clifton all of his life except for two years which he spent in California. He is a member of the Methodist church and of the Masonic lodge. His wife was Miss Beulah Willis before their marriage, and they have two children, Sanders and Michael. Mr. Bachtell’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bachtell who are long-time residents of Clifton. Mr. Bachtell owns a garage there.
LINN
Linn Was Formerly Called Summit
Linn is located on the Missouri Pacific railroad, about seven miles southwest of Greenleaf. It received its name from Linn Post Office, which was established in 1877, but, when the railroad reached this point, it was found to be the highest point west of Atchison and was called Summit. Wm. Cummings built a store there in January, 1881. Mahone Brothers started a lumber yard soon after in connection with a hardware store. The name of the town was later changed back to Linn.
In September of 1870, the Rev. Jacob LeVan his wife and four children came to Washington from Guthrie Center, Iowa, having been sent to Kansas by the Home Methodist Church. The family came in a covered wagon, drawn by a team, and they, like many other pioneers, brought with them their family milk cow. The first winter the Rev. LeVan and his family spent in Washington. In the spring of ‘71 a homestead was staked six miles directly west of where Linn is located. On this homestead a one-room house was built of native-sawed lumber, which had to be hauled from Washington. The team which brought them to Kansas was traded for a team of oxen and a pony which the Rev. LeVan rode from meeting place to meeting place.
The newspaper of Linn, the Linn-Palmer Record is owned by A. Higgins and edited by A. E. Strang.Dr. F. E. Rogers Is Mayor of Linn
Dr. Fred E. Rogers is mayor of the City of Linn at the present time. The population of Linn is 385. F. W. Hayes, Del Leiszler, Otto Peters, J. J. Erhard and W. A. Buch are members of the City Council. The City Clerk is R. B. Scott.The Washington County Co-operative Creamery,
the largest creamery in this section of the state, was organized in 1921. George Wilkens is president of the corporation, C. G. Steele is vice-president and B. W. Roepke is secretary-treasurer and general manager.
Mr. Roepke came to Linn three years ago from Riley county and took over the management of the creamery. He has five children, Ross, Arlyss, Keith, Evelyn and Joyce, who live on his farm in Riley County.
The creamery is governed by a group of directors chosen from different parts of the county by the stockholders, each stockholder having one vote. The directors in turn choose the officers. At present the directors are: J. F. Dague, J. W. Uffman, Howard Yoder, A. J. Bollinger, Albert Tiemeyer, W. E. Kin, George Wilkens, Arnold Hoffman, W. W. Hayward, Walter Nelson, Wm. Woerman, Chas. Oeschlager, Siegfried Anderson, L. C. Dahm, C. G. Steele, John Hogan, Arthur Wohler and Henry Hatesohl.Linn Rural Telephone Company,
was organized in 1903. Linn townspeople and farmers living near Linn own the stock.
F. C. Conklin is president of the telephone company and C. A. Johnson is manager. The directors are Henry Flomer, Arnold Prothe, Archie Van Petten, F. C. Conklin and C. A. Johnson. Misses Juanita Seon and Helen Erickson are the operators and Emil Schwerdtfeger is lineman.Ed Poersch Auto Parts Store
Ed Poersch owns the Ed Poersch Auto Parts store in Linn. There is a lunch room in connection with the store and groceries are sold.
Mr. Poersch was born in Washington county and moved to Linn in 1921 when he started the store. He is a member of the Evangelical church. His wife was Ruth Grove and they have one daughter Ann.Hoerman Packing Company
The largest packing company in Washington County is the Hoerman Packing Company in Linn. It was started in 1906 by H. C. Hoerman, who organized direct trucking from farm to the plant. In 1929 the ownership was changed from private to a corporation.
The present manager is F. C. Conklin, son of Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Conklin who lived near Washington. Before going to Linn in 1923 Mr. Conklin worked in several offices in the Court House. He attends the Christian church and is a member of the Masonic lodge. He married Mrs. Freda Mahoney and they have one daughter, Margaret.Pronski Oil Company
Paul Pronske is owner of the Pronske Oil Company in Linn. He sells Dixie gas and oil, tires and batteries. The station was started in 1924.
Mr. Pronske came to Linn from Waterville in 1917. He is a member of the Lutheran church. He has two children, Nadine and Jornell. Mr. Pronske has served on the City Council, he is treasurer of the school board and is fire chief. His father, A. G. Pronske, lives in Linn.Collins Hardware
E. C. Collins organized the Collins Hardware in Linn in 1896. He handles a complete line of hardware, stoves, paints and also has a tin shop. Before starting the hardware store he lived on a farm near Linn.
Mr. Collins was the first Mayor of Linn and has served on the City Council for nearly twenty years. He has one daughter, Mrs. Sherman Lull of Washington.City Barber Shop
A. L. Foster is proprietor of the City Barber Shop in Linn. He also manages a cleaning shop in connection with the barber shop.
He came to Linn in 1923 from Frankfort and started the shop. He is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. and Mrs. Foster have two daughters, Thelma and Virginia.Rice-Johntz Company
The Rice-Johntz Company, which is one of a group of lumber yards owned by the Hardman Lumber Company with headquarters in Downs, Kansas, is managed by F. W. Hayes, and a complete line of building materials are sold. The firm was organized in 1914. Mr. Hayes came to Linn in 1920 from Bostwick, Nebr. He is affiliated with the Methodist church and is a member of the Woodmen, Odd Fellow, Masonic and Elk lodges. During the World War he was in the 57th Company stationed at Camp Funston. He married Mary Ethel Atwood and they have three children. Harriet is attending Washburn college, John jr. is in the Williams Embalming Institute in Kansas City, and Lewis A. is at home. Mr. Hayes is a member of the City Council.Lohmeyer's Market,
in Linn is owned and managed by Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Lohmeyer. They sell meats, groceries and fresh fruits and vegetables. The firm was organized in 1931.
Mr. Lohmeyer was born in Washington county and moved to Linn 8 years ago. He is a member of the Lutheran Evangelical church. His wife was Viola Waterman before her marriage, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Waterman who have been here for 60 years and now live east of Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Lohmeyer have three children, Raymond, Forrest and Dale. Mr. Lohmeyer’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Lohmeyer, have lived in the county for 50 years. Mrs. Lohmeyer now lives in Linn.The City Cafe,
in Linn is owned by J. J. Erhard. He serves meals and short orders and sells ice cream, soft drinks, cigars and candy.
Mr. Erhard has lived in Linn for 51 years and started the cafe in 1919. Before starting the cafe he was a butcher in Linn, Palmer and Barnes. His mother is Mrs. Minnie Erhard who lives in Linn.
He married Louise Hay and they have seven children. They are Arthur, Minnie, Ruth, Viola who lives in Concordia, Kenneth of Salt Lake City and Mae and Jacqueline of Linn.Peters General Store
Otto Peters is the manager of Peters General Store in Linn. Meats, groceries, dry goods and general merchandise are sold.
Mr. Peters has lived in Washington county for 46 years and moved to Linn 9 years ago when he bought the store. His wife was formerly Miss Margaret Wiemers and they have one daughter, Myrma, who is 3-1/2 years old. He is a member of the Zion Lutheran church and is on the City Council. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nick Peters came to Linn about 70 years ago. Mrs. Nick Peters lives in Linn today.Singular Funeral Home and Furniture Store
Charles M. Singular owns the Singular Funeral Home and Furniture Store in Linn. He is a licensed embalmer, having graduated from Williams Institute of Kansas City, Kansas.
Mr. Singular, son of Thomas Singular of Clifton, was born in Clifton and attended the Clifton high school graduating in 1923. He moved to Linn in 1927 and bought the furniture store in 1933. His mother, Mrs. Sylvia Welch, also lives in Clifton.Linn Pharmacy
Clarence A. Johnson is owner of the Linn Pharmacy. He sells drugs, school supplies, and handles Gold Nugget ice cream.
Mr. Johnson’s father, Frank Johnson, came to Washington county in 1884. He and Mrs. Johnson now live in Linn and Frank Johnson helps his son in the drug store. C. A. Johnson married Olive Hustead and they have two children, Evelyn who lives in Wichita and Lowell at home. Mr. Johnson attended the Creighton School of Pharmacy in Omaha, graduating in 1909.Linn Co-op Exchange,
stock of which is held by farmers in and around Linn, owns the elevator in Linn. Seeds, feeds, livestock and hay are bought and sold. Ed Fahsoltz is president, C. A. Johnson is secretary-treasurer and the directors are H. Flomer, Ernest Helms, Car1 Pauli and John Newton.
Fred Slipsager, the manager came to Linn in 1910 from Bloomington, Kansas. He formerly owned the elevator and sold it to the Co-Op Exchange in 1931. He has four children, Mona, Lucille, Norman and Noel.Casper Implement Company
in Linn is owned by J. A. Casper of Clifton and managed by George Hall. Casper also has an implement business in Clifton and has been in business in this territory for 25 years. He sells McCormick-Deering implements, parts, hardware repair and service. The Linn branch has been organized 10 years.
Mr. Hall came to Linn nine months ago from Solomon, Dickinson County, Kansas. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and of the Masonic lodge. He has one son, James. Mr. Hall is the son-in-law of J. A. Casper.Linn State Bank
The only new bank organized in the State of Kansas in 1934 was the Linn State Bank which was started July 29, 1934. It has a capital of $25,000.00 with a surplus and undivided profits of $7,500.00. C. A. Johnson is president, Ernest Helms is vice president, R. D. Oltjen cashier, Chas. F. Austin assistant cashier, and the other directors are F. C. Conklin and F. R. Lobaugh.
R. D. Oltjen, the cashier, came to Linn 4 years ago from Brown county. He is a member of the Lutheran church and of the Linn Booster Club. He has one daughter, Patricia Rae.H. L. Ferris is Postmaster
in Linn. He was appointed June 6 of this year. The office is a third class office.
Mr. Ferris came to Washington county 40 years ago from Jewell county. He now lives six miles from Linn. He is a mason and at the present time is master of the Linn lodge. He is married, has one son John of Clay Center and one caughter, Mrs. Ed Doupnik. Mr. Ferris is well known over the county as he cried sales for a time.
MORROWVILLE
Morrowville Was Formerly Called Morrow
In 1870 Emerson White, nephew of Mrs. Rufus Darby, homesteaded the land where the town of Morrowville now stands. It later was purchased by Cal Morrow and "Pap" Simpson who, with the prospects of the Burlington Railroad in the early eighties, conceived the idea of a town. This town was named Morrow for its promoter. As time passed, difficulties were encountered with the mails, there being a Kansas town of similar name (Morrill), so the post office was changed to Morrowville and gradually the town accepted the new name.
Hugh Garret was the proprietor of the first general store. Dr. French had the first drug store, William A. Nye the first hardware store, Alex McLaren a second general merchandise store and a short time later William Shaw built and became proprietor of the hotel.Morrowville City Has Acting Mayor
Vern Lindsley was selected from the council as acting mayor of Morrowville, taking the place of George Gehring, deceased. Jay Hatter is City Clerk. The City Council includes Lloyd Bonar, Tom McWilliams, Ed Brant, and H. H. Diller. The population of Morrowville is 245.Stanton Hardware
In 1906 O. A. Stanton & Sons bought out Johnson & Flansburg Hardware and in 1906 it was turned over to R. J. Stanton and renamed the R. J. Stanton Hardware & Drug. This building is a brick building 50 by 70 feet and was built in 1925. J. T. Lewis is the pharmacist and has been a registered pharmacist since 1895.
Mr. Stanton has lived in Washington county all of his life and moved to Morrowville in 1906. He is a member of the Methodist church and the Masonic lodge. He has served on the school board and is one of the directors of the Morrowville State Bank. He has four children: Mr. Harold Stanton, who assists in the store; Verlin and Max Stanton who own a garage in Colorado Spring; and Miss Velma Stanton who is in Lincoln Nebr.
Hardware, harnes, paints, sundries and drugs are handled by the R. J. Stanton Hardware & Drug Store.
Many personalities have entered into the success of the Stanton store in the past 32 years, to whom the present management feels indebted. Among those are such names are E. C. Stanton, Ed Erps, J. C. Urban, J. B. Schwab, F. E. Day, H. H. Diller and present employees J. T. Lewis, Harold S. and Mrs. Flora Meyers. Each one has been employed five years or more with the exception of Mrs. Meyers.Morrowville State Bank
H. H. Diller has been cashier of the Morrowville State Bank for 28 years and in this position has done a great deal to guide the business activities of the city of Morrowville and the farmers living near Morrowville.
Mr. Diller has lived in Morrowville for 54 years and is a member of the Methodist church and the Masonic and Woodman lodges. Before becoming cashier he taught school for 11 years in Washington county. Mr. and Mrs. Diller have six children, all of whom are married. They are Mrs. Vera Jones of Washington, Mrs. Wilma Bastow of Blue Island, Ill., Mrs. Helen Schnieberger, Madison, Wisc., Mrs. Dorotha Jensen of Wichita, Mrs. Marjorie Myers of Colorado Springs and Mr. Duane Diller of Wichita.
The Morrowvi!le State Bank was organized in 1904. It now has a capital stock of $20,000 with surplus and undivided profits of $7,000. L. H. Wilsey is president; C. H. Smith, vice president; H. H. Di!ler, cashier; Anna Mallery, assistant cashier. The directors are R. J. Stanton, J. K. Synovec, Earl Sawyer, L. H. Bonar, and the officers.Prall's Cafe
H. C. Prall owns Prall’s Cafe in Morrowvi!le. He has owned the Cafe for one year and before this it was known as the Rose Cafe.
H. C. Prall lived 5-1/2 miles northwest of Hanover for 59 years until he moved to Morrowvi!le one year ago. While living there he was on the school board of District No.88 for ten years. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Prall of Hollenberg who came to Washington county in 1861.
H. C. Prall has six children. They are Mr. Forrest Prall of Bremen; Mr. Harry Prall, Hill City; Mrs. Goldie Vell of Council Grove; Miss Evelyn Prall of Hanover and Misses Ruth and Marjorie of the home.
Regular meals, cold drinks and short orders are served by this Café. Tobacco, pop and ice cream are also sold.Howell Lumber Company
Mr. John Jandera is the manager of the Howell Lumber Company in Morrowville which is owned by the Howell Lumber Company of Fairbury, Neb.
Although he has lived in Washington county for 34 years Mr. Jandera has lived in Morrowville since 1926. Before that he was with the Howell Lumber Company at Washington and then at Mahaska. He is a member of the Masonic lodge.
Miss Nelda, Miss Velma and John Eldon Jandera are the children of Mr. and Mrs. Jandera and all live at home. Mrs. Jandera was formerly Miss Alta Robbins.
Lumber, wallpaper, Ideal cement, and a complete line of building materials are sold by the Howell Lumber Company which has been in Morrowville for 12 years.Barnes Cash Store
Mr. Otho Barnes, who owns the Barnes Cash Store in Morrowville, has lived in and near Morrowville for the past thirty years. Before that he lived in Washington for five years.
Mr. Barnes is a member of the Methodist church and the Masonic lodge. He is married and has two girls, June who is 10 years old and Joan who is 3. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. G. T. Barnes of Morrowville who have lived in Washington county for 50 years.
The store was started by D. T. Moloney and bought by L. C. Wurtz in 1919. In 1929 Harry Pepple bought the store and in 1936 Mr. Barnes took charge. All kinds of groceries, meats and dry goods are handled.Throop Hotel
Mrs. C. O. Throop and her son Hardy Throop have been the managers and owners of the Throop Hotel in Morrowville since the firm was organized in 1928, except for four years just following 1923.
The hotel is a modern brick building which was built two years after the old Blocker Hotel, a frame building, burned, leaving Morrowville without a hotel for two years. The Throop Hotel serves regular meals, and has fountain service, candy and tobacco in connection. Good beds are their specialty. For ten years the croquet court behind the hotel has been one of the town’s most popular amusement spots. The court has concrete sides and some real croquet is played there.
The Throop family were all born neal Morrowville and have lived around Morrowville most of their lives. Mr. Throop is not living.Post Office
P. S. Kozel, who lives 1-1/2 miles west and 1-1/2 miles north of Morrowville, has been postmaster since June 1, 1933 of the city of Morrowville.
Mr. Kozel has lived near Morrowville all of his life and served in the United States army during the World War. He has been treasurer of the Morrowville Rural High School for six years and was elected this year for another term of three years. On June 1, 1933, Mr. Kozel was appointed as Acting Postmaster to replace Mr. John Schwab who had become deputy county treasurer. He was reappointed as Postmaster on May 25, 1938.
The postoffice has been located on the west side of Main Street with the exception of one year since it was established until December 1, 1938. At this time it was moved to the west side of the street into the Kozel & Patterson building.Pepple's Store
Mr. Harry A. Pepple is the owner of Pepple’s General Store & Barber Shop in Morrowville. O. A. Barnes manages the general store and Mr. Pepple runs the barber shop.
Mr. Pepple came to Morrowville in 1888 from Henry County, Iowa. He has barbered the greater part of his life except for two terms, from 1927 to 1931 as county sheriff and eight years that he traveled for a Kansas City grain firm. He is a member of the Masonic and Woodman lodges and of the Methodist church.
His wife was Miss Lizzie Mengers, daughter of A. R. and Christina Mengers who live in Hanover. They have one daughter, Mrs. Vera Barnes of Morrowville. Mrs. John Pepple who lives in Washington is H. A. Pepple’s mother.Lewis Blacksmith
One of the oldest residents of the county is J. D. Lewis who came to Washington county in 1879. Since 1921 he has been the owner of the Lewis Blacksmith and Machine Shop in Morrowville.
Mr. Lewis attended school in Washington when he first came to the county in the old stone school house. He then moved to a farm where he lived until 1921 when moved to Morrowville and began his Machine Shop. Welding, machine work, blacksmithing, and repairs of all kinds can be secured at the Lewis Shop. He is a member of the M. W. A. lodge and was elected police judge of Morrowville but refused the office.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis (formerly Miss Mary Stolzer) have two sons, Mr. David A. Lewis of Belleville and Mr. Walter Lewis of northeast of Morrowville. Their daughter is Mrs. Edith Cozine of Belleville.Morrowville Grain & Coal Co.
The west elevator in Morrowville known as the Morrowville Grain & Coal Company is a cooperative organization managed by J. T. Jandera.
Mr. Jandera was born in Washington county 58 years ago and has lived in the county all of his life. He has farmed neal Morrowville and near Hanover. For ten years he managed a grain business until June when he was secured to manage the Grain & Coal Company.Brant Motor Co.
One of the large garages in Morrowville is the Brant Motor Company owned and managed by Edward T. Brant.
Mr. Brant has been in Morrowville for 40 years and has owned this garage since 1928. He has served on the City Council and is a member of the Methodist church. He and Mrs. Brant (Miss Delta Beitzel) have two children, Donna Ruth and Mary Lou. Mr. Brant’s mother, Mrs. Sophia Brant lives in Morrowville and has lived in Washington county for 50 years.
Dodge and Plymouth automobiles and trucks are sold by the Brant Motor Company which was organized in 1915 and bought by Edward Brant in 1928. They do general repair work and sell Corduroy tires and Grant batteries.Swift & Co.
Mr. Fred Mathy is the manager of the Swift & Company produce company in Morrowville. He buys cream, poultry, eggs, feed and hides. He also has charge of the country route service for Swift & Company. The station is owned by O. A. Barnes.
Mr. Mathy has lived in Morrowville for four years and in Washington county since 1924. He is a member of the Catholic church. Mrs. Mathy was Miss Velma Barnes.
Mr. Mathy’s father is Joe Mathy of Morrowville.Lesher Variety
Miss Bertha Lesher is one of the business women of Morrowville. She owns and manages the Lesher Variety Store.
She has lived in Washington county since 1885. For a while the Leshers lived near Haddam and then on a farm near Morrowville until 1927 when they moved to Morrowville. She is a member of the Methodist church and Royal Neighbors lodge. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. D. S. Lesher. Mr. Lesher died in 1927 and Mrs. Lesher in 1932.
The large number and variety of flowers in the store and in her home attract many people. The Variety store was established in 1925.Lindsley's Store
Lindsley's Store has been managed by the Lindsley family since it was started in 1917. It was organized by J. C. Lindsley when it first started, then by his son R. H. Lindsley and in 1931 Vern Lindsley became the manager.
Mr. Vern Lindsley has lived in Morrowville for 22 years and in Washington county for 31 years. He takes an active interest in church work and in civic affairs. He is a member of the Christian church. For the last four years he has served on the city council and last year was acting mayor. He has also served three years on the district school board. He is married and has one daughter, Marilyn, aged 6.
Vern’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Lindsley have lived in Washington county for over 50 years and in Morrowville since 1916.
Groceries, fresh fruits and vegetables and cured meats are sold by Lindsley’s Store.Gassert & Bonar
One of the largest Implement Business in Morrowville is the Gassert & Bonar business owned and managed by F. H. Gassert and Bert Bonar.
Mr. Gassert has lived in Morrowville since 1919 and in the county for 38 years. He came to Morrowville from Johnson county, Mo. and attends the Christian church. He has two children, Mrs. Eugene Boston of Morrowville and Miss Irene Gassert of the home. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gassert who lived on a farm near Washington.
Mr. Bonar, who has lived in the county all his life, has one son, Lloyd Bonar, and a daughter, Betty. International Harvester farm implements and repairs are handled by Gassert & BonarCoop Oil Co.
Mr. Melvin R. Gaston is manager of the Morrowville Independent Cooperative Oil Company. The firm was organized in 1931.
Mr. Gaston has lived in Morrowville for eight years and in Washington county for eighteen years. He is married and has four children.
The company is owned by a number of farmers around the vicinity of Morrowville and Haddam. Dividends of ten per cent are issued each year. The number of stockholders is increasing yearly. Cooperative and Skelly gas are handled.J. L. Hatter Produce
J. L. Hatter, owner and manager of the J. L. Hatter Produce firm at Morrowville has successfully operated this business for 12 years, handling feeds and seeds and buying produce.
Mr. Hatter has lived in Washington county all his life, being born one mile east of the Scruby school just north of Washington. His grandparents were some of the first settlers in the county, coming here about 1859 and homesteading on the Little Blue near Hollenberg before the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Hatter, the grandparents, were hardy pioneers and were Prominent builders of our county.
Mr. Hatter is married and has two daughters, Ellen, 18 and Lorene 10. He is now City Clerk of the City of Morrowville, having held that office for four years. He has also served three years on the school board and four years as treasurer of Farmington township. He is a member of the Odd Fellow lodge. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hatter.
The Fairmont Creamery is the oldest creamery in Morrowville, being started in 1898 by Milo Osterhout, as a skimming plant. Mr. Osterhout is now manager of the Fairmont Creamery at Crete, Nebr.Texaco -- Morrowville
Francis Koch has owned and managed the Texaco Service Station in Morrowville for the last two years.
He came to Washington county 20 years ago from Nebraska. He is a member of the Catholic church. Mr. Koch’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Frank K. Koch of Gladstone, Nebr. They lived in Washington county for 35 years. Mr. and Mrs. Francis Koch have one child.
The Texaco Service Station features prompt, dependable service and sells Texaco gasoline, oil, grease and tires.The Commercial House
one of the oldest hotels in Washington, originally stood on the southwest corner of the square where the First National Bank now stands. In the summer of 1872 J. B. Snider erected this commodious building which was 52 feet by 40 feet and two stories high, accommodating 60 guests. It was ready for business in September of that year, and became a popular resort for travelers. George W. Sharp, who came to Washington in 1868 became the proprietor when Ed and Tom were mere boys. It was to this hotel that the early mail was taken. The building was eventually sold to William Nims, who moved it to the location shown here which is 1-1/2 blocks north of where it formerly stood. The present Hotel Washington is the outgrowth.
To the left of the hotel in the picture is the Spiere Clothing Store. Down the street can be seen the Darby store, the old-time First National Bank, the Collins building and in the distance at the left of the picture is the steeple of the old Methodist church.The Central House
located on the north side of the square just east of the alley, where the Anderson Implement now stands was a first class hotel—the $2 a day house where the commercial men were won’t to congregate. R. E. Foote who came from Wisconsin in 1876 was the proprietor, which occasioned the hotel being oftentimes spoken of as the Foote Hotel. The frame building herein shown was the original hotel. It was purchased from George Wilks and continued to be an annex after the brick building was constructed. The Central Hotel proper had thirty rooms and this brick building was 40 feet by 70 feet in diameter.
THE FAMILY CLOCK
The old clock sits in solemn state
Does he think of the secrets he could relate
If only he could chatter and talk
Instead of saying "Tic-toc, tic-toc."Amazing things the clock must see
Would he tell something good of you, of me?
Or is it lucky for us, his lips are locked
And all he can say, is "Tic-toc, Tic-toc."In musical rhythm, early and late
He ticks off the minutes of life, of fate
When we are gone will he weep or mock?"A little of both," says that steady Tic-Toc.
For a wise old judge is the family clock,
And that is his sentence if he could talk
Instead of saying "Tic-toc."
--Addie C. Jones.
WASHINGTON
Town Company Organized County Seat In 1859
Washington, the county seat of Washington County, is situated in the valley of Mill Creek, one mile north of the geographical center. Three different towns were rivals for the county seat. The first was at the center, the second was on Mill Creek, close to James McNulty’s, and the third the present site. An election was held in April, 1860, the result being in favor of the present location. The town was organized September, 1859. The incorporators were Geo. G. Pierce, H. Lott, James W. Darby, R. C. Darby and David E. Ballard. In September 1869 Colonel Bowen acquired an interest by the assignment of R. C. Darby. D. E. Ballard played a prominent part in the history, development and progress of the county and city. He was the only commissioned officer who went out of Washington county during the war. His past efforts in our interests, as well as his last in aid of our railroad enterprises, should always be remembered in a spirit of just appreciation. The first house was built by Mr. Ballard and George Pierce. It was also the first school house, and second hotel. The second house built and occupied was by Thomas Bowen, at Mr. Melvin’s blacksmith shop, a log cabin 12 by 14 feet. Later it was the headquarters of McClimate, one of the New York colony that was driven back by the Indians from White Rock in 1870. In this cabin was also the first store; goods were sold out of a big box when needed, shelves being superfluous. Mr. Woolbert, sr., built the first hotel. It was made of logs, put up endwise, stockade fashion, and six inches thick. It was afterwards sold to the county for a temporary court house. Burning down in the spring of 1869, it was rebuilt by the county in 1871, burning again, December 15, 1872, rebuilt again by the Insurance Company July 1, 1873.
The first land broken on the site was on block twenty-nine, previous to proving up on the land. There were living on the townsite, at that time, Elgin Richards, who proved up on the east 1/2 of the northwest 14 of Section 1, and the north 1/2 of the northeast 1/4 of Section 2, also Christian Strohm who entered the east half of the northeast 1/4 of Section 11, and the south half of the northeast 1/4 of section 2, each one proving up separately, and then deeding their land to the above named company. The 80 acres of land lying south of East Washington was then part of the town site. D. E. Ballard afterward bought up the lots and sold them to S. F. Snider, who sold them to Mr. Sprengle.
James McNulty and D. E. Ballard built and kept the first regular dry goods stores. At that time they had mail once a week from Marysville. It was kept in a candle box with two partitions in it. As late as 1859, deer, elk and antelope were to be seen close to the city limits. When the war broke out Geo. G. Pierce and Thos. Bowen went into the U.S. Army, leaving the town in charge of D. E. Ballard, under the laws of the State governing the same. A partial drawing of lots was made on August 22, 1860, and others set aside to give away to them that would build. Other lots were given to the county in consideration of the county seat being located here.
The war arrested for a time the growth of the town, but in 1866 immigration commenced pouring in. Geo. W. Shriner and Dr. Chas. Williamson of Atchison county, Kansas, located in Washington in the summer of 1866, and two years later James F. Tallman and Charles Smith arrived. The stone school house was built in 1869, being the first school district in the county that voted bonds. In 1867 was started the first pioneer drug store by Mrs. S. A. Williamson. The streets were then lined with white topped immigrant wagons. We had but one main street, and Saturday was gala day. The Mill creek boys ran foot and horse races, and the rest, all being on an equality -- poor alike -- sat.around, braced up each other’s courage, talked politics, and felt better over the glorious future of the town and county.
The advent of Mark J. Kelley and his Observer a little 7 by 9 newspaper, was a turning point in our history that should be properly appreciated. It was full of locals week after week, and advertising the county in glowing colors. It found its way to the home of Chris Albright in Wisconsin and J. W. Barley in Ohio. The pen jottings of irrepressible Mark J. Kelley went everywhere into Eastern homes, and immigration poured in as a sequel. And no wonder; in the editor’s sanctum might be found the lawyer, the doctor, legislator and future judge, for Andrew S. Wilson had just moved in from Springfield, Ill. They wrote copy, corrected proof, distributed ink, forded papers, and as printers call it, played the "devil" generally.
The city in 1876 contained 600 inhabitants. It had three hotels -- the Washington House, by C. Albright, the Central House, by George H. Wilkes, and the American House, by Mrs. Stevens; five stores of general merchandise, kept by Barley & Young, Dr. Walden, Smith, Holcomb & Co., James S. Vedder & Co., and E. D. & A. W. Moore & Co.; one bank, loan and real estate agency, by Shriner Brothers; one furniture store, by J. C. McCew; two groceries, by Penwell & Tucker and John Bilsc; one restaurant for the sale of fancy groceries and confectionery, by John Crider; two billiard halls, by Peter Erb and Miller & Allen; two blacksmith shops, by W. F. Hackney and John Draper; two harness shops, by John R. Pruden and G. E. Ross; two drug stores, by John A. Brown and William Frank; two jewelers and watchmakers, William Frank and W. Road; two Boot and Shoe shops, by John W. Ayres and G. A. Caswell; two millinery establishments, by Miss E. F. Collins and Mrs. John A. Brown; three sewing machine agencies, by James H. Brown, A. J. Palmer and William Clark; one butcher shop; one barber shop; one stationery store and post office, by E. N. Emmons; two livery stables by Samuel Musser and Henry Stevens; one wagon shop, by Jacob Etter; three boarding houses; three physicians, E. H. Walden, Chas. Williamson and E. G. Whetstine; one photograph galery, by E. M. Lewis; one school house; one hall occupied by the Good Templars, and one by the Masons and Odd Fellows; one grain elevator and store; two paint shops by S. H. Maunder and Daniel Lashell; one Presbyterian church; a Methodist Episcopal parsonage. There were two flouring mills within a half mile of the city, on Mill creek.Bus Schedule of 1875
Kansas and Nebraska Stage, going West arrives at 6 p. m. departs at 6 a. m., going East arrives at 6 p. m.; departs at 5 a.m.
Northwestern Stage between Waterville and this place arrives at 12 m. departs at 1 p. m.
Jenkins Mill via Joy Creek, departs Saturday morning arrives Saturday evening each week.
Mails for the east via Hanover close at 7:15 p. m.; for the south via Waterville at 12:15 p. m.; for the west at 8 p. m.
Office hours from 7 a. m. to 8 p. m. On Sunday all mails close at 12 m.Washington, Today
A. N. Holloway was elected Mayor of Washington in 1933 and re-elected in ‘35 and ‘37. L. T. Asche is City Clerk. Miss Della Hoerman is City Treasurer. Members of the council are E. A. Ward, A. G. Nims, C. D. Rosenkranz, John P. Barley, and Martin Kiger. The population is 1575.Band In Washington For Fifty-Five Years
The Washington Band was organized in 1883 by George Hillabrant who directed for the next 20 years. Since that time, fifty-five years ago, Washington has never been without a band. Today the band has over sixty pieces and is uniformed in red and black military style uniforms.
One of the greatest honors the Washington band ever had was in 1904 when it led the Kansas Day parade at the World’s Fair in St. Louis, Mo. G. Glen Hillabrant, who is treasurer of the band at the present time, was a member of the band then. Walter G. Darby was the director.
Jim Hillabrant, the grandson, and G. Glen Hillabrant, the son, of George Hillabrant, the first director play in the band, as do Don Darby and Jean Darby, grandchildren and H. H. Darby, the son, of W. G. Darby another early director.
Others who have directed the band are H. H. Darby, Fred King, Leland Gobel, J. P. Kelley, E. Paul Fisher, William Edmonds, Bill Wells, Pearl Wells, and Martin Wohlner.
At present George Berentz is the director. He came to Washington in 1936 after graduating from Emporia Teachers College and is the director of the city band as well as the school bands.
There are now three bands in Washington, the city band, the high school band, and the grade school band. Each of the school organizations has nearly forty members. The high school band enters the state contest every year. The city band plays a concert every week during the summer at the City Park and also plays exchange concerts with nearby bands.
The pictures of the first band of 1883 and the band of 1938 are found on this page.Granger's
E. L. Granger owns the largest women’s ready-to-wear store in Washington county. He came to Washington in 1924 from Marshall County and purchased the store which is the third door north of the First National Bank.
Mr. and Mrs. Granger have two children, Kenneth, who is attending the University of Kansas, and Miss Jean who is a senior in high school this year. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, the Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Legion, and the Masonic lodge. This year he is master of the Washington Chapter of the lodge.
Mr. Granger has been in the store business since finishing school. Mrs. Granger is associated in the business here and assists in the store.The Washington National Bank
One of the oldest financial institutions in Washington county as well as one of the soundest, is the Washington National Bank. Organized on March 29, 1881, as the Washington State Bank, it was headed by Edwin Knowles as president, Thomas Haak, vice-president and E. C. Knowles secretary and cashier. On April 24, 1884, the bank was reorganized and chartered as a national bank under the name of the Washington National Bank of Washington. The first directors under the new organization were Thomas Haak, president, J. S. Alsbaugh, vice president; Thomas Groody, cashier and secretary; E. C. Knowles, Alfred Knowles, A. W. Moore and John W. Cullimore.
In 1898, August Soller first purchased a few shares of stock and in 1900 he became a director. In October, 1909, August Soller purchased control with his associates J. A. Brown, George H. Thiele, E. A. Ward and E. H. Bordner and at that time was made president of the bank. In 1910 Albert W. Soller became associated with the bank.
In September 1914 A. J. Freeborn became attorney and counsel for the bank, becoming one of the directors in January 1917.
W. A. Soller became associated with the bank in 1919, L. E. Soller in 1921, Adoplh Hanni in 1913 and Don Snyder in 1923.
The present officers and directors are: A. W. Soller, president; W. A. Soller, vice president; L. E. Soller, cashier; Adolph Hanni and Don Snyder, assistant cashiers; and E. A. Ward, A. J. Freeborn and Ida Soller, directors.Hadachek Produce Co.
Lewis Hadachek started the Hadachek Produce Company in Washington 20 years ago and moved it to its present location in 1921. He buys cream, eggs and poultry and sells feeds and flour.
Mr. and Mrs. Hadachek came to Washington from Concordia in 1917. Mr. Hadachek's father, Joseph Hadachek, came to Republic county 66 years ago from Wisconsin. He lives in Washington now.The Washington County Farm Bureau
Was organized between the dates of December 11, 1916 and January 13, 1917 with 260 charter members.
First officers were: D. A. Kramer, president; F. C. McNitt, vice president; Roy Gwin, secretary-treasurer.
The township vice-presidents were: Cal Morrow, Union; F. E. Ertel, Lowe; N. L. Newcomb, Highland; Victor Diller, Franklin; Chas. F. Dusch, Independence; Chas. Stamm, Logan; D. L. Ostlund, Brantford; A. M. McCulley, Strawberry; E. C. Dustin, Little Blue; H. J. Meierkord, Linn; R. E. Fenton, Haddam township; Robert Frazier, Mill Creek; A. M. Dull, Farmington; Fay Branscome, Charleston; H. D. Schroeder, Hanover township; W. T. Bobbitt, Grant; R. D. Cozine, Coleman; H. D. Duston, Washington township; W. H. Webster, Greenleaf township, C. G. Steele, Barnes township; G. F. Pauli, Clifton township; M. T. Funnell, Sheriden township, Henry Palmer, Sherman; Ed Roberts, Kimeo, B. D. Sperry, Lincoln.
Raymond W. Schafer, the first County Agent was employed and started work February 12, 1917 resigned -- December 29, 1920. John V. Hepler, second County Agent served from January 3, 1921 until March 1930.
Leonard F. Neff, present County Agent, began work April 1, 1930. Willard Kershaw, present 4-H Club Agent, began work January 1, 1936. Vira Brown, present home demonstration agent began work January 15, 1936.Knedlik Barber Shop
W. R. Knedlik organized the Knedlik Barber Shop in Washington in 1927. He offers complete barber shop service. He is a member of the chamber of Commerce.
He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Knedlik who came to Washington county about 50 years ago from Bohemia. He is married and has one son, Donald, who is five years old.J. A. Maxwell, Abstracter
J. A. Maxwell, bonded abstracter, is the successor to the long established abstract firm of Geo. H. Thiele and Mary E. Thiele. This firm was organized January 1, 1880. Mr. Maxwell, who became the successor about one year ago, is an abstracter of titles, notary public and conveyancer.
Mr. Maxwell was born in Washington County and his resided here all of his life except for 15 years he was absent in Wichita, doing government work. He is a member of long standing in the Presbyterian church and the Odd Fellows lodge, and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Some years ago he served on the City Council two years, as County Clerk four years and was County Treasurer four years. Now he is collector for the City of Washington.
The Maxwells have a family of six children, James, Blanche, Paul, Margaret, Mary and Jean. Paul is the only one at home, he being associated with his father in business.
Mr. Maxwell's parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Maxwell, were pioneers in the county, homesteading in Kimeo township in 1870. They retired from the farm to Washington in 1901.McLeod's Standard Service
A. C. McLeod is the owner and manager of McLeod's Standard Service station located on Highway 36, one-half block west of Main Street, and built in 1937.
Alva has lived in Washington county all of his life and was graduated from the Washington high school
"Mac" as he is known has always been interested in civic and political affairs. He was sheriff of Washington county for four years, from 1933 to 1936 inclusive. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion. Mrs. McLeod is the former Miss Bess Cartwright.
Alva's parents, Mr. and Mrs. D. W. McLeod, came to Washington county in 1868. Dan McLeod also was sheriff of Washington county, holding that position for eight years. He passed away last April.
Alva has been a salesman for the Standard Oil Company for eight years. He has operated McLeod's Standard Service since last fall where he sells Red Crown gasoline, Iso-Vis Quaker State and Polarine oils, and Atlas tires and batteries.Hotel Washington
The Hotel Washington, which is managed by Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Hess, J. F. Adams being the owner, is a first class modern 30-room hotel. The coffee shop in connection is a most popular cafe and banquet hall.
Hotel Washington’s history runs back some 60 years at which time Tom Sharp’s parents operated the Commercial House, which was moved from the location where Diedrich’s store now is to the present hotel site. At that time the name was changed to the St. James Hotel. Just 50 years ago Wm. E. Nims remodeled the structure and called it the Washington House.
Mr. and Mrs. Hess (coming here from Colorado) have successfully operated the hotel for four years. They are members of the Episcopal church. Mr. Hess is active in civic affairs, being on the board of directors of the Lions Club, vice president of the Chamber of Commerce in 1937 and was recently elected Democratic precinct committeeman. From 1906 to 1909 he was in the Cuban Army of Cuban Pacification, at Havana.Beasley Repair Shop
Earl Thomas Beasley, one of the best mechanics in this part of the state, has owned a repair shop in Washington since 1932. He has been a mechanic for 25 years and came to Washington in 1923 from Blue Rapids.
Mr. and Mrs. Beasley have two sons, Verto who works at the Texaco Filling Station, and Bob who works in the Register office, and one daughter, Miss Caroline who works in the Court House.J. R. Anderson Hardware
J. R. Anderson moved to Washington from Clifton in 1928 and started the Anderson Hardware. He moved to Clifton in 1918 from Axtell where his parents were pioneers. Mr. Anderson served on the school board at Axtell for 11 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have one son, Walton, who is a student at the University of Nebraska. Mr. Anderson is a member of the Presbyterian church and of the Chamber of Commerce, having served as treasurer of that organization for one year. He sells hardware, household appliances, farm supplies, fencing, windmills, pumps and tanks.Meyer's Sinclair Service
The newest filling station in Washington is Meyer’s Sinclair Station located at the intersection of US36 highway and Main Street, opened just this summer. Elmer E. Meyer is the manager. Mr. Meyer is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jake Meyer who homesteaded southwest of Washington in 1868. He is a member of the Episcopal church, the Masonic lodge and is past-commander of the local American Legion post. He and Mrs. Meyer live in Washington.Snappy Service Lunch
Harry Bronson is owner and manager of the Snappy Service Lunch, which is located across the street from the Register Office in Washington. Meals, short orders, candy, cigars, tobacco, gum and ice cream are sold.
Mr. and Mrs. Bronson came to Washington six years ago from Pawnee City, Nebraska. He managed the Falls City Creamery station in Washington for five years and then purchased the Snappy Service from Francis Caw. Mr. Bronson has had 18 years previous experience as a restaurant manager.
Mr. Bronson is a member of the Baptist church and the Masonic and I.O.O.F. lodges. He has three sons, Harry, Jr., who is attending school at the University of Kansas, Royal, 11, and Franklin, 6.Allis-Chalmers Company
C. W. Durham is manager of the Allis-Chalmers Implement Company in Washington. He sells all kinds of power farm machinery.
Mr. Durham was born near Greenleaf, lived in Kansas City for 13 years, and came to Washington a year and a half ago. He is married and is a member of the Methodist church. He has three children, Jack 12, Donna 8, and Charlene 4.
His mother, Mrs. A. M. Durham, is still living in Greenleaf. His father died in 1933.Washington Monument Company
The Root Marble Works (as it was then called) was started by Mr. Lisander Root in the year 1876 in this same location, but only about one fourth of this plant was included in the first monument yard.
Mr. Root with his two sons, James and Ralph, conducted the business continuously until the elder Root’s death in 1902. Charles Root, another son, then came into the business as owner and conducted it for a short time, when it was sold to W. E. Wilson. The late James G. Groody had been acting-foreman under Charles Root’s ownership and was placed in full charge of the business as manager when Mr. Wilson acquired it.
Mr. Groody commenced at once buying an interest in the monument business, first a ninth interest and later a third -- and in 1906 bought the remaining interests, conducting successfully an extensive business until his death, which occurred in 1927.
The Washington Monument Company is now owned and operated by Mrs. J. G. Groody, assisted by an experienced group of employees, who have been connected with the firm since its organization.Boyd Lumber Co.
Carl L. Tubbs is manager of the Boyd Lumber Company in Washington. He has a complete line of building materials, paint and coal. The firm was organized in 1917.
Mr. and Mrs. Tubbs came to Washington from Kay County, Okla., 25 years ago. They have two daughters, Miss Marcele who teaches in the Barnes schools, and Miss Helen who attends Emporia Teachers College.
Mr. Tubbs is a member of the Masonic lodge and of the Lions Club. He has been on the school board for several terms. He is president of the school board and of the Washington County Fair Board.L. T. Asche, Abstractor
L. T. Asche, bonded abstractor, became an abstractor on April 8, 1925. He was born in Indiana and came to Washington county in 1886. He is a member of the Methodist church, and the Masonic, Woodmen, and the A.O.U.W. of Kansas lodges. From 1921 to 1925 Mr. Asche was County Clerk of Washington county. Before that he taught in Washington school for 12 years. In 1919 he became City Clerk and has been City Clerk continuously since that time. Mrs. Asche was Miss Lena Barley before their marriage and they have one daughter, Virginia May who is 6 years old.Sinclair Refining Co.
J. E. Gillett has been the local agent for the Sinclair Refining Company since he erected a bulk plant here in 1925. From this plant he services three stations in Washington, two in Barnes, one each in Greenleaf, Linn, Morrowville, Haddam, Mahaska, Hollenberg, and the 7-mile corner station south of Washington.
Mr. Gillett was born in Washington and has lived here all his life. He served in the World War, belongs to the Methodist church, is a member of the Masonic lodge, and was on the city council for two years. He is married and has a three-year-old daughter, Shirley Marie. Mr. Gillett’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. V. Gillett came to Washington in the early seventies.Modern Market
W. R. Roberts is owner and manager of the Modern Market in Washington. He sells a complete line of groceries, meats, fruits and vegetables. Mr. Roberts moved to Washington in January of this year and purchased the market. Previous to that he had lived near Washington.
He is a member of the Presbyterian church and of the Chamber of Commerce. The Roberts have two children, Donald 8 and Norma Joyce 5.Washington Motor Co.
A. A. Welch is the manager of the Washington Motor Co., which was organized in 1935. The garage does general automobile repairing and refinishing, and specializes in the used car business.
Mr. Welch came to Washington as district manager of the Kansas Power Co. in 1918 from Portis, Kansas. Previously he had worked in the electrical business at Downs, and in Iowa. He is a member of the Masonic lodge and the Chamber of Commerce, and County Director of the Kansas Automobile Dealers Association. Mr. and Mrs. Welch have a daughter, Nadine who is 16.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Welch, A. A. Welch’s parents, came from Iowa in 1888 to Harlan, Kans., and lived in Washington from 1922 until their death.The A. C. Houston Lbr. Co.
Edw. W. Hall is the manager of the Houston Lbr. Co. in Washington. The company is 55 years old and was organized here fifteen years ago. He handles a complete line of building materials, paint and coal.
Mr. and Mrs. Hall have three children, Dwight, Madelyn and Gordon. They belong to the Grace Episcopal church.
Mr. Hall is a member of the Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce.Root's Cafe
Mrs. Winnie Root is owner of Root’s Cafe which was started about 1920 by Ralph Root. Mrs. Root is the daughter of H. C. Hill and was born south of Barnes. She has one son, Harold, who is one of the city mail carriers.Mueller Produce Company
E. A. Mueller is owner of Mueller Produce Company in Washington which he and Henry Kirchoff started in 1905. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Mueller who came to Hanover in 1871. Produce is bought and groceries, hardware and ice cream are sold at the store which is now located on the west side of Main Street.
Mr. and Mrs. Mueller attend the Presbyterian church. Mr. Mueller is a Mason and Woodman and has served on the City Council. They have two daughters, Mrs. Harry George and Miss Elizabeth who teaches in the local grade school.United Telephone Company
The United Telephone Company which serves Washington people has connections with all parts of the world. The manager for this area which includes Marysville, Hollenberg and Washington is R. L. Heinsohn. The City Telephone Company was purchased by The United Telephone Company several years ago. Shortly after this purchase the United Telephone Company built a new building and installed a new switchboard, which now gives Washington a more modern telephone service than any city of similar size.
Mrs. Dorothy Houdek is chief operator and cashier. The switchboard operators are Misses Louise Nims, Gertrude Hein, and Miss Bessie Holden. Relief operators are Mrs. Mary Carver and Miss Beulah Coffin. Milton E. Hummell is combination man and Ralph Peters is plant department foreman.
In 1932 the local office received the Theodore N. Vail Medal for noteworthy human service during an emergency, the cyclone. The office received a bronze plaque and individual medals were given to Mary Thomas, Chief Operator, J. E. Perkins, Manager, and Miss Merle Meitler and Miss Frances Smith, operators.Texaco Service Station
The Texaco Service Station, local agency for Texas Company products and specializing in automobile washing and greasing, was organized several years ago and is now under the management of R. C. Letourneau. Mr. Letourneau has been a Washington resident for the past two years -- coming here from Concordia. He has had seven years experience in service station work. Mr. Letourneau is married and is a member of the local chamber of Commerce.Chidester Cleaners & Hatters
Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Chidester came to Washington from Casper, Wyoming, in 1922 and started a cleaning establishment. They do dry cleaning, hat work, and general alterations.
Mr. and Mrs. Chidester’s nephew, Wayne Smith, and niece, Miss Audrey Smith, live with them and both are attending college this fall. Mr. Chidester is a member of the Masonic lodge, the Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion.Higganbotham Garage
The local agency for Chrysler and Plymouth automobiles is Higganbotham’s Garage, owned and supervised by George Higganbotham of this city. This is the oldest automobile firm in Washington, offers complete repair service for all motor cars, specializing in body, fender, and rafinishing work. The garage has been under the present management since 1930. Mr. Higganbotham came to Washington from Blue Rapids in 1923 as a mechanic for Van Valkenburgh. Later he worked for Imes Dague which shortly preceded his purchasing of the garage. Mr. Higganbotham has been in the garage business for nineteen years. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, the Woodman lodge, the Lions Club, and the Washington Chamber of Commerce. He is married and has one daughter, Shirley, 15.Rateuke's Skelly Service Station
Rateuke’s Skelly Service Station has ben under the management of John Rateuke for nearly three years. It handles a full line of Skelly gasolines and lubricants, U. S. tires and Skelco batteries. This station was built many years ago, it being the oldest station in Washington.
Mr. Rateuke was born south of Hollenberg and has resided in Washington six years. He belongs to the Lutheran church and is a member of the Washington Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Rateuke is married and has an eight-year-old daughter, Florence. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Theo. Rateuke came to this county about fifty-four years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Steffens, his mother’s parents, were old settlers who lived eight miles northeast of Hanover.Nims Beaute Service
In October, 1936, Miss Esther Nims organized the Nims Beaute Service in Washington. She was graduated from the Stewart Beauty Academy in Topeka. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Nims.
Miss Nims was born in Washington county and moved to Washington 16 years ago with her parents. She is a member of the Methodist church. Her grandfather, J. A. Nims was an early day resident of Washington county, coming here in 1871.Dr. R. L. Morgan, Dentist
Dr. R. L. Morgan studied dental work at Kansas City Western Dental College and in July 1922 opened his office here in Washington. Born south of town, he attended the Linn high school. Mr. Morgan is married and is affiliated with the Methodist church, the Masonic lodge, the Woodman lodge, Lions Club, American Legion, Chamber of Commerce, the American Dental Assoc., and the State Dental Association. Mr. Morgan was a former president of the local Lions Club, and is at the present time finance officer of the American Legion.Missouri Pacific Railroad Co.
R. R. Hansen is agent for the Missou