1890 Business Directory
Kansas Historial and Descriptive Review
Clay County lies about one hundred miles west of the Missouri River and in the second tier of counties south of the Nebraska State line. It has an area of six hundred and sixty
square miles, or comprises four hundred and twenty-two thousand four hundred acres of
excellent land suitable for a diversified agriculture. About twelve per cent of the area
is bottom land; the remainder upland. Nearly the entire area can be cultivated � there
not being more than five per cent of waste land. The bottoms are level, without being
marshy; the uplands are beautiful stretches of undulating prairie, rich in soil, yielding bountiful crops. There are no hills nor steep ascents, and the whole presents a scene
that pleases and fascinates the eye as it wanders over the gentle-like swells dotted with farm houses and beautiful groves. At any season of the year the roads are good, and, perhaps, with as little effort on the part of the people to make them so as anywhere else
in the world, and it is seldom that the heaviest loads cannot be easily drawn to market.
It is well watered by the Republican and its numerous tributaries. Timber sufficient to supply the agriculturist with all that he needs for posts, poles, etc. Good water is
obtained at a depth of twenty or twenty-five feet on the bottoms, and on the uplands forty to seventy-five feet. Magnesia limestone, excellent for building purposes, can
be had cheap. The productiveness of the soil cannot be excelled elsewhere. The magnitude of the crops of many seasons, if told, would seem the fabrications of one who had but little regard for the truth. Yet the corn crop of 1889 amounted to 6,100,000 bushels, or an average of sixty bushels per acre; the wheat 170,000 bushels, or an average of twenty-two bushels per acre; the oat crop 1,600,000 bushels, or an average of forty-five bushels per acre. Fruits of all kinds are successfully grown. Schools and church facilities are excellent in the rural districts. Good farms, convenient to market, with fair improvements, can be bought at prices ranging from fifteen to twenty-five dollars per acre.
Clay Center, the county seat, is located on the east bank of the Republican River, partly
in the valley and partly on the gentler slope that rises as you leave the valley. Naturally
the drainage is good, securing to the residents a pure and wholesome atmosphere. It is a
wide-awake, thriving city of four thousand inhabitants. Has three hotel buildings, one of
them the most handsome and costly in Northern Kansas, completed and furnished at a cost of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars; the Holly system of water works; three as fine school buildings in point of architecture and equipments as grace any city of its size, costing its people sixty thousand dollars; two opera houses; a street railway line, and is illuminated with electric lights. Has several costly church edifices, and the congregations of thirteen churches assemble in their own buildings. Two well-equipped flouring mills that ship annually great quantities of their products to other markets. Several elevators of large capacity; three newspapers; two national and one State bank, capital of each, fifty thousand dollars. The secret societies of the I. O. O. F., the K. of P., the A. O. U. W. and the several lodges of the Masonic order have many members, and are in a flourishing condition.
Six passenger trains daily arrive and depart over the Kansas Central, Junction City & Ft.
Kearny and Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroads. No better location for manufacturing, as there is a water power that is only partly utilized ready to put in motion machinery of all kinds; and many manufactured articles can be as cheaply produced here as anywhere, with the advantage of turning them out at the immediate point of consumption, saving to the consumer the cost of long transportation, and enabling the manufacturer to undersell those who must ship long distances. Besides, rents and food are cheap, and there are no saloons to demoralize workmen, and all that is conducive to good health and morals exists.
The water power propels the machinery of a large flouring mill, an elevator, and is the motive power of the electric light plant. It is sufficient to operate any number of manufacturing enterprises, to which our people would give substantial assistance.
A. F. Dexter, Proprietor Water Power Mills.�Among the industries of Clay Center which deserve a prominent notice are the Water Power Mills, which have been established over twenty years, and of which Mr. A, F. Dexter is the proprietor. These mills have always maintained a very high reputation, so much so that they have hardly any competition in this section. The building is two stories high and fitted up with the most improved machinery. They are eligibly located on the Republican River, and are alongside of the railroad tracks, thus having ample facilities for shipping. Mr. Dexter deals in flour, feed and grain, the choicest family and extra family flour being manufactured here. The capacity is seventy-five barrels of flour every twenty-four hours. Six hands are employed. Mr. Dexter is a native of Vermont. He has been city councilman for three years. He conducts the electric light plant in this building. He fully commands the high position accorded him, and his influence has always been put forth to secure the success and enhance the resources of this city.
W. S. Beatty, City Ticket and Passenger Agent, Rock Island Route.�The enterprising Rock Island Railroad is represented in Clay Center by one of our oldest and most trusted citizens, W. S. Beatty. Mr. Beatty is a native of Pennsylvania, has been West twenty-two years and in Clay County since 1872. He was eleven years in real estate and did much to help settle this county with a good class of farmers. As passenger and ticket agent he has sustained the C. K. & N's popularity, and at his neatly appointed office furnishes callers with all the information they desire and can accommodate them with low rates of passage to any Western point. He is known for his good temper and politeness; he is a member of the Masons, K. of P., and universally esteemed as a progressive and influential citizen. Buy your tickets via the Chicago, Kansas & Nebraska Railway, the only through car line to Kansas City. Tickets by the most popular routes to all parts of the world. Steamship tickets to and from all European ports.
Berths in sleeping-cars secured by telegram without expense to holders of tickets. Office open at all hours during the day. Call for maps, time-tables, etc.
J P Stewart, Physician and Surgeon.-Dr. Stewart, one of the energetic, young physicians in Kansas, is a son of Dr. C. W. Stewart, of Ralls Co., Missouri, under whom he early acquired a love for the profession of medicine. He first attended a complete course of lectures in Chicago during '82 and '83, and then went to the LaSalle University from which from which he received his M.D. in 1884. Since settling in Clay County, in '70, he has built up a large practice among a people who are quick to recognize brain and ability The doctor is very successful with his cases and in surgery has made some difficult operations. He stands well with the fraternity, and is an influential social factor, being a Mason and Odd Fellow. He also belongs to the Kansas State Medical. Society. He has his office located over Jennings drug, where he has a large library and all the proper instruments and appliances.
Central Loan and Debenture Co., J W. Hood, Manager.�This company, whose head quarters are in Kansas City, Mo., exerts a wide influence in attracting capital and people in Kansas. It does business all over Kansas, and established this office in Clay Center six years ago. The large business built up in this section is due to the admirable qualities of Mr. Hood, who been manager here since the company started. This gentleman is a native of Michigan, and has a varied experience. He was at one time clerk in the Chicago custom house; later, a "knight of the grip" for an Eastern house; then a farmer, and for two years a trader in the Indian Territory. He was a soldier in the late war, is a member of the G. A. R., Masons and K. of P.
J. W. Ham, Fine Groceries, Queensware and Crockery.�A well-known house is that of Mr. J. W. Ham, which was founded in 1887, and has since been conducted by him with annually increasing prosperity and success. The premises occupied consist of a commodious two-story stone building, 23x90 feet, where he keeps a complete and well-assorted stock of fine groceries and provisions, at the lowest cash prices; also a fine line of queensware, glassware and crockery. Mr. Ham was born in Illinois, and in addition to his experience as a retail dealer was for fourteen years in the grocery line on the road. He is a gentleman much respected for his enterprise and upright conduct, and dealings with him can only result in transactions satisfactory to all concerned. He is an I. O. O. F. and a member of the K. of P.
William Docking & Co., Abstracters; Office, Hotel Bonham.�An abstract office is an indispensable necessity in a country where real estate so often changes hands. A firm which is diligent and competent is that of Docking & Co., with Fred W. Parrot as manager. The firm was established in 1888, as successors to Bonham & Parrott, who were established six years ago, and is the oldest abstract office in the city. They have a complete set of abstract books and all work is guaranteed by bond filed with the county clerk. In addition to running an abstract office they also do a loan business, representing several first-class Eastern loan companies, and are authorized to place loans in any sums at very low rates, either on farm or city property. Mr. Fred W. Parrott, the manager of the abstract department, is a native of London, England, and has been in the business four years, during which time he has made a specialty of abstracting. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen.
D. P. Cook, M. D , Homeopathist; Office Hours, 1 to 5 p. m.�A few years ago the homeopathic school of medicine was regarded by the majority of people as a school made up of professional quacks; but such has been the revolution in medical science that that school has "wrought that now it is regarded by many as the true and natural method of dealing with diseases. Dr. Cook is a graduate in medicine of Ann Arbor, and has been practicing in this city six years. He also read with Dr. Robert King, formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and his education has been practical and thorough in every respect. The Doctor is a member of the State Society of Homeopathists, of Kansas, and of the Hahnemann Medical Society, of Ann Arbor University.
D. F. Butler, Photographer, Fifth Street, south of First National Bank.�Mr. Butler has been in photography and allied work all his life, in some of the best galleries in Illinois (his native) and other States; he has been ten years established for himself, and came here in January, 1888. He occupies five separate rooms, specially furnished for each branch of operation. He makes photos of all kinds, from locket to life-size; he makes a specialty of photo copying; he makes enlargements in oil or water; he can take crayons direct from life, or from other pictures. He treats his patrons in a polite and proper manner. His reception room, with its variety of pictures, is the picture gallery of the city.
John Loader, Clerk District Court.�One of the prominent men of Clay County is the present district clerk. Mr. Loader is now serving his third term in this office, and in the high estimation in which he is held, is likely to serve many more. He is a native of Ohio, was raised on a farm, and in the war served in the 123d Ohio Vol. Inf.; he is a member of the G. A, K. He has been many years also a salesman. In his office punctuality and order are the order of the day. He is also a Freemason and an I. O. 0. F., and a pleasant and efficient official.
"The Times."�Has been running since 1875, and has ever had the public welfare at heart. It has a staff of eight printers, editors and reporters, and a circulation of 1,800. Its proprietors are J. P. Campbell and D. A. Valentine. Mr. C. is a Kentuckian by birth, and has been in the newspaper line all his life. He was one of the founders of the First National Bank, of which he is vice president. Mr. V. is a native of Iowa, has been nine years in newspapers, and five years in the Supreme Court department at Topeka.
Dexter & Co., Implements, Etc.� In a region of country which is so actively devoted to agricultural pursuits as that which immediately surrounds Clay Center, the trade in farm implements, wind-mills, etc., naturally becomes an important interest. The representative house in this line in the city is Messrs. Dexter & Co., which was founded in 1886. The building occupied is a brick, 30x80 feet, fitted up specially for this business. They carry an immense stock, embracing all kinds of implements, pumps, wind-mills, buggies, etc. The trade covers a wide territory. Mr. Dexter was born in Vermont, and prior to his present enterprise was engaged in farming. He is one of Clay Center's oldest citizens. With his brother he located this town site in 1862.
Hoopes & Morrison, The People's Printers,� A house that has justly earned an established reputation for producing the best class of work connected with the typographical art is that of the above firm. It was established over three years ago by these gentlemen, and now gives employment to four hands. Mr. Hoopes, the senior member of the firm, is a Pennsylvanian by birth, and has been in the printing business all his life, having served his apprenticeship in one of the largest book and job offices in the City of Philadelphia. He is a K. of P. and a Modern Woodman. Mr. Morrison is also a native of Pennsylvania and a K. of P., and before engaging in the printing business, eight years ago, was a cigar maker. They have founded a reputation as prompt business men,
and as doing the finest commercial and job printing in the city.
C. Downing, Butcher and Live Stock Shipper.�An extensive business is that carried on by Mr. C. Downing. He is a native of England and has been in the meat business here fifteen years. His market, on South Filth Street, is one of the best equipped in Kansas. He has the best stockyards in Kansas. In his establishments are all the modern improvements. He has steam kettles for rendering lard and three steam tanks in the slaughter house. Mr. Downing is thoroughly deserving of the gratifying success he has achieved from the start.
Pioneer Drug Store, Mrs. 0. Holzgang, Proprietress.�One of the most attractive establishments in Clay Center is that of Mrs. C. Holzgang, occupying a handsome two-story brick store 321x80 feet. She carries a carefully selected stock of drugs and chemicals, all popular patent medicines, surgical instruments, toilet and fancy articles, perfumeries, druggists' sundries. This business was originally established by Mr. C. Holzgang, in 1868, who has gone to Florida on account of ill health, leaving his wife, in charge of all his business affairs. Mrs. Holzgang was born in Switzerland and came to the United States in 1S70. She is also a cul�tured lady and one who has the esteem of all who know her.
Miss A. C. Vanway, Millinery, Notions, Etc. -This establishment is fitted up with special reference to a proper display of the stock. It was established four years ago, and has always done a large business. The premises occupied consist of a two-story brick building, 15x100 feet. There is constantly to be found on hand the latest novelties in millinery, notions and fancy goods. A specialty is made of dressmaking, which is done in the most stylish manner. Miss Vanway employs three hands all the time. She is a native of Huron County, Michigan, and has been in the business six years. She is a lady of superior taste, and shows fine skill in the management of her business.
Comstock House, Mrs. A. Whittlesy, Proprietress.�This house was taken in 1889 by Mrs. A. Whittlesy, and has under her management gained the name of being one of the best in the country. Mrs. W. is experienced in this business. She is a native of England, and well suited as hostess of this old-time popular hostelry. The house consists of a substantial three-story brick building and basement. There are large sample-rooms, bath-rooms, a basement and upper laundry, and three drying-rooms; also electric lights, barber shop, and a billiard-room. The dining-room will seat 300, and four polite hands are employed.
M. Montel, Bakery.-No people in the world excel the Germans in making bread, except, of course, their American descendants. Mr. Montel was born in Germany, and has been in the bakery and restaurant business all his life, and is Clay Center's favorite caterer. He established himself in business here ten years ago, and now occupies a well-lighted building, one and. a half stories high, and 1500 feet square, where, with the aid of four sprightly assistants, he does a thriving business. Mr. Montel is a prominent I. O. O. F, and is thoroughly loyal to the country of his adoption, as he long ago demonstrated by valiant service in the Mexican war.
Geo. W. McCormick, Staple and Fancy Groceries.�Mr. Geo. W. McCormick is one of Clay Center's successful young men. A native of Kansas, (Riley County,) he formerly engaged in farming. Three years ago he came to Clay Center and commenced business. His store is 16x60 feet, located beside Vincent Bros. hardware store, and contains coffees, sugars, flours, syrups, canned goods, fish and fruit, butter, cheese, vegetables, etc. He is assisted by polite clerks, procures his goods from first-rate sources, sells cheap and guarantees the quality of everything.
Mr. Hausermann, Meat Market-Nothing is more conducive to the comfort of a community than a well-kept meat market. He started his establishment two years ago, and is now considered one of the substantial points of the city. He carries a large supply all kinds of fresh and salt meats, fish and game, at lowest prices. His building is a two-story frame, 20x30 feet. Mr. H. is a native of Germany, and been nearly all his life in. the butchering business, and always tries to make it pleasant for his customers.
Hotel Bonham.�Was opened to the public September 1, 1887. The house is a handsome specimen of architecture�brick, five stories, fitted with modern improvements; heated by steam, and electricity in every room. There are 100 sleeping apartments, bath-room on each floor. Fifteen hands are employed. The dining-room will seat 75, the tables being laden with the substantiate and delicacies of the season. The halls and entrances are wide and spacious, and a beautiful view is afforded from all its windows. H. B. Lewis, the proprietor, was born in New York, and has been in hotel business 17 years. He was deputy sheriff and sheriff of Oakland County, Mich., eight years. He maintains the high reputation of the house constantly on the up grade.
John Ebinger, Fresh and Salt Meats; Game in Season.� The name of John Ebinger is synonymous in Clay Center with fine game and meat. Established but two years, he occupies a neat stone building, 30x60 feet. His ice chest enables him to keep game and meat always in good condition. He has a telephone, 76, in his store, which is a convenience few retail stores here have. Mr. Ebinger is a native of Germany, was formerly in the grocery business, and belongs to the order of the K. of P.
Mrs. Selts, Millinery and Fancy Goods.� Situated on Eighteenth Street, in Clay Center, is to be found one of the most complete stocks of millinery and fancy goods. Mrs. Selts is a native of New York, and learned her business in Chicago. Previous to starting this establishment, in 1880, she conducted the Selts House, the first hotel in Clay Center. With her fine stock and courteous treatment, she commands a prosperous patronage.
W. H. Fletcher, Post Master.�Was born in Claremont, New Hampshire, and lias lived in Kansas twenty-two years; first, farming, and for the last ten years in loaning money, and has not failed to lay aside a snug competency. He was appointed post master October 10, 1889. He is a Mason, 6. A. R., having fought in Berdan's United States sharp-shooters. He is regarded as a stand-by of Clay County's prosperity.
Ed. Newell, Livery and Feed Stable.� At this establishment everything in the way of carriages for pleasure and business can be obtained. It was founded four years ago, employs two hands, owns ten head of horses and has room for twenty-eight. The building is 40x140. Mr. Newell is a native of New York and an old soldier, being at present a member of the G. A. R.
H. W. Selts, Jeweler and Watchmaker.� Mr. Selts occupies a building 30x60 feet, in which will be found a variety of bracelets, earrings, pins, charms, and watches and clocks of all kinds; great judgment being shown in their selection. Mr. Selts was born in New Orleans. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is a practical watchmaker and jeweler of many years' experience.