Harper County History
"Kansas Historical and Descriptive Review"
John Lethem Co., Topeka, 1890
HARPER Harper is the oldest city in the county of
the same name, which lies adjoining the Indian
Territory and midway between the eastern
and western boundary of the State of Kansas. It
is situated at the crossing of the Atchison,
Topeka and Santa Fe and the Hutchinson and
Southern Railroad, nine miles north of
Anthony, the county seat, and by means of these,
communication is obtained with all
points north, south, east and west. It is surrounded by an
agricultural country chiefly of rolling prairie, sloping toward east
and south, with a dark, sandy loam
capable Of producing good crops of wheat, oats
and corn. Hogs, cattle and horses are also
raised, feeding upon the buffalo and blue
stemed grasses of the district. Deposits of
rock salt at a depth of a thousand feet and beds
of red sandstone suitable for building purposes
are to be found all around.
The town was located on April 15, 1877, and
two days afterwards the first building was
commenced, and during the same year a
grocer, a blacksmith, a lawyer and a physician
put in an appearance. The following year saw
a great many additional settlers, and the first
school, a subscription one, was opened in a
room above a store.
Harper was organized as a city of the third
class September 7, 1880, and during this year
the first bank was established. The population
which was then about 700 has more than
doubled, and the city now ranks as second
class, the only other one of the same grade in
the county being Anthony, the county seat.
The first newspaper appeared in 1878, a folio
weekly, Republican in politics, under the title
of the Harper County Times, and this was followed four years later by the Harper Sentinel,
also a Republican weekly.
The various Christian denominations have
now their several places of worship. The first
organization was effected in 1877 by the Presbyterians, who erected a church in 1882. The
Methodists followed, organizing in 1878, and
building a church in 1882. In 1881 the Baptists
formed a religious community, having occasional but no regular services.
The educational requirements of the city
now necessitate the employment of ten teachers in the public schools, and a higher grade of
education can be obtained at the Harper Normal and Business College, established in 1886.
Secret and benevolent societies are Well
represented in the city, the three oldest being
all organized in 1881, the Masonic fraternity,
the Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of
United Workmen.
The general business of a good country town
is successfully prosecuted here; the society is
good, and an open hand is extended to all intending to become citizens or settlers in the
neighborhood of Harper.
REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS FIRMS AND MEN OF HARPER.
Harper State Bank, succeeded the First National Bank May 1, 1890, and has ample
capital, efficient managers and is equipped with fine offices, burglar-proof
vault, etc. The bank draws it own exchange on London, Paris, Berlin and all the
principal cities of the world. The officers of the bank
are: Louis Walton, president; L. C. Senseman,
vice president; and F. R. Zacharias, cashier.
Mr. Walton is from New York State; Mr.
Senseman and Mr. Zacharias are both from
Pennsylvania. The bank enjoys a large line of
deposits. and offers especially good accommodations to its patrons.
Patterson House. The only first-class
hotel in Harper is the �Patterson House."
The building is 50x150, two stories of red sandstone with trimmings
and front of white
stone. The thirty-five bed rooms are pleasant,
and the parlor, waiting room and dining room
are large. The proprietor and manager, Mr. J.
E. Casebeer, is an old hotel man, having carried
on the business many years in his native State,
Ohio. Mr. Casebeer served in the 44th Indiana
Troops in some of the hardest fought battles
of the war, enlisting as private and rose to be
captain of his company. He is a member of
the G. A. R. and K. P. organizations.
Rogers & Son, Dealers in Agricultural
Implements. This firm carries full lines of
plows, cultivators, drills, wagons, carriages,
etc., and are agents for the standard manufacturers of reapers and threshers. During the
season of 1890 they sold more threshing machines than the other firms of the county
together. In the six years since its establishment, the house has ever been at the front.
The building occupied is 50x100 feet, two
stories. W. E. Rogers is a native of Pennsylvania; moved to Illinois and then Missouri;
served in the Missouri State Militia in the forepart of the war, and afterwards
in the 6th
Missouri Infantry. C. Rogers is a native of
Illinois, and conducts the affairs of the firm
with much ability. They have branch houses
at Attica, Kiowa, Anthony, Medicine Lodge
and Hazelton.
City Drug Store, Glenn Drug Company
Proprietor. No drug store in Southern Kansas
presents a more pleasant appearance than the
City Drug Store of the Glenn Drug Company,
Harper. The lines carried consist of drugs,
medicines, chemicals, books, stationery, druggists'
sundries, paints, oils, spectacles, notions,
etc. The brothers Glenn, M. H. and S.H., are
both practical druggists, who have been in the
business all their lives. The room is 25x120
feet. The Glenn brothers are natives of Ohio,
lived in Iowa for a number of years and came
to Harper in 1877. M. H. Glenn is a member
of the Odd Fellows, K. of P. and Fraternal
Circle. S. H. was a soldier serving in the 3d
Iowa Cavalry, and the 45th Iowa Infantry. He
belongs to the G.A.R., I. O. O. F., K of P.,
A. O. U. W. and Masonic lodges, holding offices
in several of them; being Grand Junior Warden
of the State Encampment of Odd Fellows,
Captain of the Patriarchs Militant, and
secretary of the Masonic, A. O. U. W. and Eastern
Star Orders.
L. L. Galloway, Agricultural Implements.The implement trade is well represented
at Harper by L. L. Galloway, who during the season carries wagons, farm machinery,
carriages, etc. Mr. Galloway occupies two rooms, each 25x90 feet; is agent for some
of the best factories, including the Moline Plow Co., Oliver Chilled Plow Co., McCormick
Reaper Co., Mitchell Wagon Works, etc. Mr. Galloway is a native of New Jersey, came
to Kansas twelve years since, and for four years has carried on his present business.
During the busy season he hires three or four assistants.
Oliver Bros., Lumber Dealers. The oldest
lumber firm in Harper County is Oliver Bros.
of Harper. The headquarters of the house is
at Wichita, and branches are maintained at this
place, Winfield, Arkansas City and Andale. A
full line of building material is handled,
including lumber of all kinds, brick, lime, plaster
Paris, etc., and bills for all kinds of structures
are figured on and estimates furnished. This
firm has been established seven years. The
manager is H. W. McMunn, a native of Ohio,
Who received his business education at Nelson
Business College, Springfield, Ohio, and came
to Kansas in 1884. He is city clerk of Harper,
and an I. O. O. F. He carries a stock of $8,000 and
two hands are employed.
G. C. Pelzel, Manufacturer of Fine Cigars
One of the most enterprising men of Harper
is G. C. Pelzel, manufacturer of cigars and
dealer in tobacco, pipes and smokers� supplies.
Mr. Pelzel is a native of Austria, came to this
country in 1868, to Kansas in 1885. For twenty-
two years he has followed the business. He
employs two hands, and turns out a large
amount of goods which meet with ready sale
at the towns of the vicinity. He manufactures
Six different brands of cigars. Mr. Pelzel
chief of the fire department, member of the
board of education and a K. of P.
E. J. Fisher, Attorney at Law. E. J. Fisher
carries on a general legal business at Harper,
makes collections promptly, and represents
non-residents in all lines. He is a Justice of
the Peace and has a large law library. He was
born in Illinois educated at the Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington,
and the Episcopal Methodist College at Lewiston, was
admitted to the bar in 1881 came to Kansas in 1884
and has been in the active and successful practice of his profession since.
Strohm & Orr, Dealers in Hardware, Stoves
Tinware. The firm of Strohm & Orr operates
one of the most extensive houses of its kind in
Southern Kansas, dealing in hardware, stoves,
tinware, buggies, windmills, threshing
machines, barbed wire etc. The tinware
department is in charge of Mr. Orr, a thoroughly qualified
workman, The salesroom is 24x140,
a wareroom 24x60 contains the buggies, etc.,
and the second floor of equal size, is used for
the tin shop and storage. J. A. Strohm was
born in Pennsylvania, lived several years in Iowa,
and came to Kansas in 1885. Mr. F. B. Orr
is a native of New York, and came to
Kansas five years since. The firm has been doing
business since 1886 and has secured a
reputation second to none. Both members of the firm are Knight Templars,
and careful, accurate business men.
�The Racket.� W. R. White manages a
general variety store at Harper, popularly
known as the �White Racket,� and keeps
nearly everything of household use except
groceries. Full lines of dry goods, boots, shoes,
hats, caps, clothing, etc., are carried. Mr.
White is a native of Tennessee, came to Kan-
sas seventeen years ago. and opened up his
store here in March, 1890. He employs one
regular hand, on Saturdays one, two or three
more, as occasion requires. He is a stirring
man, and runs a store that is a credit to the city.
Southwick Bros., Main Street Meat Market.
Since October 6, 1889, Southwick Bros. have
carried on an excellent meat market at Harper,
keeping the choicest cuts of all kinds of meats,
as well as poultry, game and oysters in the
season. The rooms occupied are pleasant; the
salesroom is 25x30 feet, a store-room back of
this being 14x60, and another room still further
back. The Southwick Bros. are natives of
Ohio, came to Kansas in �80, and to Harper in �85.
Rock Island Lumber and Manufacturing
Co.The Rock Island Lumber and Manufacturing Co., of Wichita, has a large and well
selected stock of lumber, building material,
coal at Harper. For the past year the yard
has been managed by C. F. Stewart, a gentleman of much ability, a native of Maine, who
came to Kansas nine years since. Mr. Stewart
is an accurate accountant and manages the
affairs of the company in a most efficient
manner. The company also operates a factory
at Wichita.
The Harper Mercantile Co., Staple and
Fancy Groceries.The Harper Mercantile Co.,
L. G. Lebrecht, manager, carries a complete
stock of groceries, provisions, glassware,
queensware, etc., and during the two years
since it opened has gained a widely extended
patronage. The store is situated on the most
prominent corner in the city. Mr. Lebrecht
was born in Illinois; is an I. O. O. F., K. of P.
and a member of the Fraternal Mystic Circle.
Assisting him is Frank H. Wright, a native of
Kentucky, K. of P. and Fraternal Mystic
Circle. The firm deals only in straight, reliable
goods and is not surpassed by any of its competitors.
Harper Normal School and Business College.
The Harper Normal and Business College is one of the successful institutions of
learning in the State; having a finely constructed building, a corps of skilled
teachers, excellent library, etc. The course of study embraces the following:
Preparatory, Teachers', Scientific, Classic, Elocution, Commercial, Engineering,
Shorthand, Penmanship and Music. President R. W. Ball and six other teachers,
all of whom are specially qualified to fill the different positions. Mr. Ball is
a native of Canada, but was raised in Michigan, graduated at the Northern Indiana
Normal School and Business Institute at Valparaiso. He came to Harper in 1886 and
organized the present school which he has since conducted. Mr. Ball is a most
thorough teacher, industrious, ambitious and conscientious.
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ANTHONY, the county seat of Harper County, was settled in 1878, and named after the
Governor of the State then in office. It stands a few miles north of the Indian
Territory, fifty-five miles southwest of Wichita, and half way between the eastern and
western limits of the Mate of Kansas. It is situated at the junction of
the Missouri Pacific and the Hutchinson Southern and at the western
termination of the Frisco railroad, thus securing outlets to points north, northeast,
east and southeast. The Hutchinson Southern railroad is a feeder for the Union
Pacific, and its southern prospective point is Galveston, Texas. The district adjacent
to the ground on which the city is built, is an open, gently undulating prairie, with a
fertile soil, suitable for the cultivation of all cereals, but produces chiefly at present
good crops of wheat, oats and corn. The succulent grasses, along with plentiful supply
of water, render this one of the finest cattle raising districts in the State.
The town-site, covering 320 acres, was selected in 1878, and in the same year the
land was pre-empted, wells dug, and barracks erected for the expected emigrants.
In 1879 the town was incoporated as a city of the third class with a bona fide population
of 275, and bank established with a capital of $20,000. The first newspaper was
published in 1878, the Anthony Journal, temporarily suspended, and revived in 1881.
In 1879 another weekly reared, the Anthony Republican. In 1881 the Globe Mills
were started with steam power and a capacity of 150 barrels per day, and soon built up
a good business with the neighboring towns and the Indian Territory.
Anthony has one of the best school buildings in the State, with ten teachers, while the various
Christian communities have their respective places of worship. The first of these, the
Congregational, was organized in 1879, and their church built in the following year.
The Methodist Episcopal body held occasional services as early as 1878, and completed
their church in 1883. The Christian church was organized in 1880 and the Baptist in 1881.
Anthony is one of the best built cities of its size in the State, now ranks in the
second class and has a population of 1,500. Substantial business houses and
private residences are built of red sandstone from the quarries in the vicinity,
shade trees line nearly all the streets, and ample drainage is secured by the
gentle, natural slope of the ground on which the city stands. Amongst its
natural resources the inexhaustible salt deposits form an important feature.
Solid rock salt underlies the surface at a depth of 1,000 feet. Two large
and well equipped salt evaporators are in operation. The Anthony Salt Works
employ about sixty hands in running their two wells, which are capable of producing
1,000 barrels per day. The Globe Salt Works have also a large capacity and
output, and both are provided with the latest and most improved machinery. Anthony
is a very desirable location and has everything in the way of enterprising citizens who
look forward with confidence to the future of their adopted city.
REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS FIRMS AND MEN OF ANTHONY.
Globe Salt Works.-This is a new and one of the finest salt plants in the State. The
capacity is 500 barrels daily. About fifteen men are employed and the salt manufactured
is of the finest quality only.
Anthony Bank. The Anthony Bank, has a capital of
$50,000, a surplus of $5,000, and has among its officers the best men
of this part of the State. The bank was incorporated in 1886, is well
equipped in the way of safety-vault, time-lock safe, correspondents,
etc. W. H. Hurd is president, T. B. Smith, secretary. The former is
interested in. the Globe Salt Works. Mr. Hurd is also agent for the
Connecticut Fire Insurance Company and the Aetna of Hartford.
Harper County Abstract Company,
Bonded Abstractor; Incorporated; W. R. George, Manager; Office and
Vaults in Anthony Bank Building. They have the only complete set of
abstract books in the county and take pride in accuracy and neatness of
work. They examine titles, pay taxes for non-residents and draw all
kinds of legal papers affecting real estate.
P. N. Collier, Groceries The
grocery and provision trade at Anthony is well represented by P. N.
Collier, who carries a select stock of fresh groceries, ordered with
care and judgment, and also handles queensware, wooden-ware, etc.,
giving his customers remarkably low prices for the standard brands of
goods handled. The room is 25x100 feet. Two clerks are employed and a
free delivery is run. Mr. Collier was born in Illinois, came to Kansas
and Anthony in 1880, opening his store here in 1887. He belongs to the
A. O. U. W. and is a reliable and pains-taking business man.
The Anthony Republican, By George W. Mallet. One of the influential newspapers of Southern Kansas is the Anthony Republican,
which was established in 1879, and has ever been at the fore front. The
office is well equipped for doing first-class printing of all kinds,
including legal work of all descriptions, and many handsome pamphlets
bear its imprint. A first-class cylinder press and three jobbers are in
constant use. The Republican, is a six column quarto. Its
advertising patronage is excellent and its circulation is large. Geo.
W. Moffet, the editor, is secretary and treasurer of the Anthony Salt
Works, S. A. Markwell is business manager. Five hands are employed in
the office and its management is in most capable hands.
W. A, Dixon, Merchant Tailor One
of the best known tailoring establishments of Southern Kansas is that
of W. A. Dixon, Anthony who carries a fine line of cloths, selected
with care, and being a thoroughly competent workman guarantees complete
satisfaction. Mr. Dixon was raised in Indiana, for a number of years
carried on his trade at Kansas City Mo In 1890 he came to Anthony. He
employs four hands and every article of his manufacture is a model of
good taste and durability.
Anthony Department Store. J. C Ruth Prop., Bargains
in New and Second Hand Clothes. J. C. Ruth, since opening in the
fall of 1890, has secured a widely extended trade. He was born in
Illinois, came to Kansas and was engaged in business in Anderson County
for some time and purchased the stock
of R. B. Johnston at this place in the latter part of 1890. Stoves,
furniture, sewing machines, crockery, mirrors, clocks, spring-beds, and
in fact, nearly every article of household use is kept. The room
occupied is 25x100 feet. Mr. Ruth keeps one hand to assist him and
enjoys a large and growing patronage.
Bennett House,
George W. Bennett, Proprietor. The well known Bennett House is one of
the most admirably equipped hotels in the State. The building is of
stone, three stories, in size 50x120 feet and contains convenient
sample rooms, well ventilated bedrooms and comfortable appointments in
every respect. The table and service is especially good. Mr. Geo. W.
Bennett, the proprietor, is a native of Michigan, served three years in
the 3d Michigan Infantry, came to Kansas thirteen years ago and has
ever since been engaged in his present business. He is a G. A. R. man,
a K. of P., A. O. U. W. and member of the National Union Societies. Two
sons of the proprietor are efficient assistants and seven hands are
employed beside.
The Anthony Salt Company, Incorporated.
This company was organized in 1889, erected a large plant, fitted with
the most approved machinery, and has been in successful operation
since. Four pans are in use, the capacity being 1,000 barrels per day,
and a new hole just put down will largely increase this amount. The two
wells are respectively 965 and 940 feet deep, and have a great
advantage over the wells in other parts of the State, in that the brine
is pumped directly from them without the necessity of first forcing
down the water. Two grades of salt are now produced, the common barrel
salt of commerce, and stock salt Nos 1 and 2. The plant has a track
leading directly to its door, has cooper shop, black-smith shop, etc.
The capital stock is $50,000; $47,000 issued; 90 per cent. paid. The
officers are: T. B. Smith, president; a capitalist of the vicinity: Lou
Sargent, vice-president and manager, recently one of the leading real
estate men of the city; Geo. W. Maffet, secretary and treasurer, editor
of the Anthony Republican. The works give employment to about sixty persons.
L. D. Brand,
Dry Goods, Clothing, Boots and Shoes. The largest stock of dry goods,
clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps and furnishing goods in the city is
carried by L. D. Brand. The store is 25x100 and the stock is most
admirably arranged to secure display and convenience. Mr. Brand was
born at Silver Creek, N. Y., moved to La Porte, Ind. and lived there
many years, coming to Anthony in 1886. He is a Mason, a prompt, careful
business man of fine presence. He employs three hands, and in every way
conducts an establishment creditable alike to the city and himself.
N. Clawson,
County Treasurer. Was born in Pennsylvania, lived in Illinois and came
to Kansas in 1885. He received a superior education at Carmichael
Academy and the Bolbrook Normal School, of Lebanon, Ohio; also at the
Pennsylvania State Normal at Indiana, Penn., one of the oldest normals
in that State. He taught school for a number of years, but on account
of failing health came West. He became deputy county clerk of Harper,
then for two years was deputy county treasurer, and at the election of
1889 was promoted by the votes of the people to the treasurership. He
is a careful bookkeeper, accurate and prompt. He is a member of the K.
P., and is a popular and influential citizen.
Anthony Journal, S. C. Hammond, Publisher; J. R. Hammond, Editor. One of the most reputable newspapers in the State is the Anthony Journal,
edited by J. R. Hammond and published by S. C. Hammond, two brothers,
one paper is an eight column folio, all home printed, devoted to live
advertising, live editorials and live local items. In its mechanical
make up it is a model of neat printing, and its editorial department it
is vigorously Republican. The office is equipped for job printing and
takes much pride in its tasty tone. S. C. Hammond is a printer of
expertise and artistic ability, He is a native of Pennsylvania, came to
Kansas in 1870. J. R. Hammond is a leading member of the Harper County
bar, local attorney for numerous mortgage companies, abstractor, real
estate agent. He is a Knight Templar Mason, and a member of the city
council. The Journal is now in its fifth volume and has a large and growing circulation.
Allen Bros.,
Domestic and Foreign Fruits, a neat establishment is kept by Allen
Bros., who deal in fruits, confectionery, nuts, tobacco, cigars, etc.,
and during the season appropriate to them, provide ice cream or
oysters; in fact, run a short order house, a skilled cook being employed
and orders filled with dispatch and care. The stock carried is selected
and kept with scrupulous care and neatness, and the place has become a
most popular resort. The firm consists of J. M.and J. W. Allen, natives
of Indiana. The former was employed for four years at the Chicago
Lumber Company at this place; the latter is an old railroader. The
business has been in successful operation for two years.
United States and Pacific Express Companies,
efficiently represented at Anthony by H. Connelly. Mr. Connelly was
born in Indiana, went to Iowa in 1878; came to Kansas in 1880; was one
of the company that put up the Anthony Roller Mill; carried on the
milling business five years, and then sold out. Five years ago was
chosen to his present position. He is a member of the A. O. U. W.
A. Martin.
Books, Stationery and Wall Paper.A handsomely displayed and
well-selected stock of books, stationery, toys, plush goods, etc., is
kept by A. Martin, Anthony. He is proprietor of the "Anthony Clubbing
Agency," which supplies subscribers with magazines and periodicals at
very low rates. Mr. Martin was born in the Buckeye State, and came to
Kansas and Anthony in 1885, since which he has conducted his present
business. His store is 25x100 feet in size. Mr. Martin belongs to the
A. O. U. W. and the Royal Arcanum.
Geo. W. Schutz.
Organs, Pianos and Sewing Machines.One of the most stirring men of the
City of Anthony is Geo. W. Schutz. The old, reliable Estey organ is
handled; the sewing machines include the White, Domestic and the
Household. Mr. Schutz is a native of Maryland, lived a number of years
in Iowa, came to Kansas and Anthony five years ago. Careful attention
is given to sewing machine repairing and all lines of his business.
C. S. Poole, Watchmaker, Jeweler and Optician.
An elegant display of jewelry, watches, optical goods, etc., in
Southern Kansas, is seen at C. S. Poole's, Anthony. Mr. Poole is a
practical watchmaker of long experience, and makes a specialty of fine
repairing. His reputation for fair dealing has extended over a large
scope of territory. Mr. Poole was born in Indiana, came to Kansas and
Anthony in 1885. He is Master of the local Masonic lodge and a member
of the city council.
Dr. J. H. Callender, Dentist;
Office over Marsh Hardware Co.'s store. Dr. J. H. Callender has had an
active professional experience of thirty years. All his operations are
guaranteed to be first-class. The doctor is a native of New York, came
to Kansas twelve years ago, lived at Wellington three years, and for
nine years has been located at Anthony. He is a Mason, an intelligent,
enterprising gentleman and an accomplished professional man.
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