Scandia 1890 Business Directory, Republic County
SCANDIA, a town of eight hundred to one
thousand inhabitants, the second in size in Republican County is located on the left bank of the
Republican river, midway between the north
and south lines of the county. Many of its citizens are from the sturdy, industrious elements
of the Old World, those from Sweden, Norway
and Scotland predominating in the order name.
In fact, as its name would indicate, it was originally settled almost exclusively by emigrants of
the Scandinavian peninsula, but as the surrounding country was settled, shortly after the close
of the Civil War, largely by recently discharged
soldiers of the Union army, and the little village
grew in size and importance, the accessions
were mostly native-born Americans, now the
foreign element is greatly in the minority.
To convey anything like a correct impression
of the place it is necessary to describe the surrounding country, especially the county in which
it is located, which lies immediately in the southwest angle formed by the sixth
principal meridian and its bass line, which latter is also
the dividing line between the States of Nebraska and Kansas, thus placing Republic in
the north tier of counties and midway between
the Missouri River and the Mountain state of
Colorado, and midway, also, between the
excessive rainfalls of the Missouri Valley and the
extreme droughts of our sister State Nebraska,
thereby insuring, not only to the agriculuralist
an equitable and sufficient share of the moisture
so necessary to mature his various and
diversified crops, but to all citizens immunity from
malarial troubles of the lower country, and
many diseases aggravated by high altitudes.
Crossing the State line at the northwest
corner of the county, and coursing a distance of
thirty miles in a south by southeast direction is
the Republican River, whose valley has no
equal in the marvelous West for fine herds
cattle, hog and horses, and, in summer, waving
fields of all grains grown in this latitude, and
a luxuriant expanse of native and cultivated
grasses, with many an orchard and vineyard just
beginning to demonstrate the fact that, within
few years, the reputation of this county for
fruit growing will he second only to the proud
distinction it now enjoys, of producing more corn per acre, year after years, than any territory
of equal size in the State, if not in the world.
While speaking of the possibilities of the fruitgrower of this section it may not be amiss to
mention the fact that, on numerous occasions,
this county has aided in the exhibit of fruits at
the State Fairs and elsewhere, and has never
failed to secure a large proportion of prizes
competed for.
Traversing the county east, west, north and
south, and furnishing us with direct communication with all commercial centers, are the five
best railways of the West viz.: the Mo. Pa., the C. R. I. & P, the B. & M. R., the U. P.,
and A. T. & S. F., entering nineteen of the
twenty townships into which the county is
divided. At least three of these rest lines were
attracted here by the unparalleled fertility of
our soil, and constructed their lines of road
without subsidy or local aid. Together they are
operating over one hundred and forty miles of
road in this county, and their combined tax valuation
in 1889 was a little in excess of $882,000,
while the total value of all taxable property in
the county, as returned by the assessors, was a
little short of three and a half million. From
these figures it will readily be seen that these
railways, built almost wholly without cost to our
people, are supplying more than one-fourth the
taxes collected in a county.
This brief and very imperfect description of
the Republican Valley and its resources, will
give but a faint idea of the apgecrance and
worth of the country surrounding Scandia,
which is, perhaps, the most homelike town to
be found in all Kansas. Situated at the extreme
northern end of a beautiful stretch of as fine a bottomland as lies under the sun, and protected on
the east and north by hills a hundred feet or more
high, and on the west by the natural groves
found along the banks of the river, robbing
the chilling storms that sometimes sweep over
the entire West, of their greatest severity; regularly laid out with broad streets, shaded on
either side by luxurious growths of elm, maple,
box-elder, ash, walnut, and the much abused
cottonwood, with many of its business houses
substantially built of stone or brick, and its
dwellings well painted and well kept, there is
an air of home pervading the little city that can
not fail to please him who views it for the first time,
and charm its residents into a love for
Scandia, whose location at the crossing of the
Mo. Pac. and Rock Island roads assures it
shipping facilities and commercial importance not
second to any other town of Northern Kansas
--the greatest agricultural region in the West.
Its public buidings consist of a commodious
and well arranged school house, built in 1880,
of stone, at a cost of $6,000, in which there ms
now being conducted, by Prof. D. K. Thomas
and three assistants, one of the most efficient
schools to be found in the State; also a large
city hall, built of brick, erected in 1885 at a cost
of $5,000, centrally located, and in the midst of
an artificial grove of native elms. In addition to these,
there is within the city limits four
Church edifices, regularly occupied by two
denominations--the Swedish Methodists, Lutherans,
Baptists, Presbyterians and Methodist
Episcopal--the ministers of the first two and the last named residing in parsonages owned by
their respective congregations.
A valuable water power capable of almost
unlimited extension, is ntillzed only by a roller
flouring mill having a daily capacity of one hundred barrels. The business of the town is conducted by two banks, four general merchandise
stores, two hardware houses and harness shops,
a grocery, three restaurants, two hotels, two
blacksmith and machine shops, two implement
houses, one lumber yard, two coal yards, two
elevators, two produce firms, one newspaper,
two merchant tellers, one firm making a specialty of handling real estate, three attorneys,
three physicians, three drug stores, two barber
shops, one furniture store, one undertaker, two
butcher shops, one shoe store and factory, four
milliery and dress-making establishments, one
flour and feed store, one roller feed mill run by
steam, one novelty and music store, one boarding house, three livery, feed and sale stables,
one wagon and carriage repair shop, one photograph gallery, etc.
REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS FIRMS AND MEN OF SCANDIA.
A. D. Wilson, Attorney at Law.--His large
experience as a lawyer and his wide circle of
friends makes the subject of our sketch, now
serving his second term in the Legislature from
this district, a notable character, possessing the
steadfastness which belongs to all who hail from
the Land of the Thistle; his career has been
marked by a firm tone and great breadth of
purpose. Responding to his adopted country's
call for volunteers he enlisted in 1864, in the
187th Indiana Inf. In 1865 he graduated at the
Literary College, Hanover, Ind., receiving the
degree of B. S. and in 1869 was admitted to the
bar before the Supreme Court of New Hampshire; he later received the honorary degree of
A. M. Associated with him is Chas. C. Wilson,
also an old soldier, who is a notary Public. Such
men as they form the bulwark of our civilization, and are always sought after.
G. L. White, Druggist.--Born in Pennsylvania, raised in Ohio, engaging as contractor,
carrying on a grocery business, and subsequently
running a hotel at Cambridge, Ohio, Belleville
and Scandia, the subject of this sketch is not
only a successful politician, but is a prosperous
merchant. For six years he was Scandia's post
master. For two successive elections he has
been chosen to represent his district in the State
House of Representatives. As a successful
druggist Mr. White is notable, and in his well-filled store can be found the choicest line of
drugs, chemicals and sundries, together with a
competent prescriptionist to aid the proprietor
to minister to the wants of the sick and ailing.
Mr. White came to Scandia in 1870, and
established his present place of business seven
years ago.
First National Bank of Scandia.--
Was organized August 28, '87, its capital being
$50,000, supplemented by a surplus of $2,000.
The premises consist of a handsome two-storied
brick structure, located on the main thoroughfare. Among its numerous patrons will be
found the prominent capitalists and business
leaders of this community. J. Caldwell, president, was
born in Ohio, came here from Missouri, having
formerly been a merchant in Savannah, Mo.
W. Peterson, vice president was born in Sweden,
is a lawyer by profession, and cashier of the
Citizens� National Bank, Concordia. W. H.
Laney, cashier, was born in Pennsylvania. He
was several years successfully engaged in the
mercantile business at St. Joseph and Savannah Mo. The bank does an immense insurance
business, representing no less than eleven leading companies, and also makes loans on real
estate.
Farmers� and Merchants� Bank.--
The beginning of modern banking may be traced to
the money lenders of Florence, who were in
high repute in the twelfth century. This bank
was organized in 1878 and chartered in 1883.
The capital is $50,000. The president, R.
Morey, was born in Ohio. He is a Mason, and
has been banking nine years, and is a gentleman
much esteemed in and around Scandia. A. D.
Wilson is the leading lawyer of the city. The
cashier, O. S. Morey, son of the president was
born in Illinois. He is a Mason and K. P.,
and an enterprising and pushing young man of
recognized integrity. He is also president of
the Bank of Republic, Kas.
J. W. Pinney &. Co. Dealers in General
Merchandise and Grain.--The farming interests
of the Western grain-growing belt have made it
a necessity to have elevators at points near the
grain-raising section. Messrs. J. W. Pinney & Co.,
in addition to their elevator, operate a large
feed mill near to the depot at the Mo. Pac. R. R.,
besides having a
store 22x75 feet in extent. Messrs. J. W. Pinney & Co.'s many interests are
the result of nine years� hard labor, during which
time they have been established in this city.
Mr. Pinney is a native of New York, and was
formerly a farmer. Mr. Wm. Connor, the "Co." was born in Galesburg, Ill. and has
been in the grain and dry good trade all his life.
Gulick & Bulkley General Merchandise.--
Establishing themselves here in 1884, this
firm opened up in a building 25x100, with a brick
�L,� 20X25 and now employ five men. With a
constantly increasing trade they are always on
the alert to anticipate their customers� wants,
and it is a common thing to hear it said if you
can�t find what you want elsewhere, go to Gulick
& Bulkley�s. They also own a two-story brick
grocery house next door, 25X70. Mr. Gulick has
been here in business since 1878, but was born
in New York, served through the war in the
128th Indiana Inf. Mr. Bulkley was born in
Massachusetts, and, like his partner, put in four
years� hard service with the 91st Illinois Inf.
Both gentlemen are Masons and members of
the G. A. R. , and give force and character to the
business standing of the community in which
they reside.
C. F. Ericsson, Manufacturer of Roller
Process Flour.--The flour mill of C. F. Ericsson
is located on the Republican River, one-fourth
of a mile from the city. This mill has a
capacity of 100 barrels a day and occupies a large
three-story building with basement. The business has been established now eleven years, and
the mill is operated entirely by water power.
having a full and ample supply of water all the
year through. Mr. Ericsson enjoys a splendid
trade. He is a native of Sweden, and has been
in milling all his life.
R. A. Heddens, Dealer in General Merchandise.--When a man has been on the road
for ten years, traveling for a house like that Of
Messrs. Nave & McCord, of St. Joseph, as was
Mr. Heddens, goes into business for himself,
success must crown his efforts. Mr. H. is a
native of Kentucky. He opened up for business
in a two-story brick, 28x68 feet, emp1oys two
hands, and carries a full line of general merchandise. With liberal terms and unusual fair
dealing his trade has been notable, and before
long increased facilities will be required to meet
the demands of the growing trade.
Palace Drug Store, J. C. Webber.--
During its three years� existence this business has
steadily increased, its owner enjoying a
reputation as a fair and careful druggist. The store,
25x50, is centrally located and attractively
arranged. Mr. Webber is a native of Germany,
came to this country in 1868, and has been a
dispensing druggist all his life. Besides being
a reliable and sensible business man, he is social
and agreeable, being a member of the Masons and
Odd Fellows.
A. L. Whitney, Hardware and
Implements.--After having been in the harness business for thirteen
years in this place, Mr.
added, in January 1889, a complete line of hardware and
implements, for which he requires a two-story, 50x80 feet frame, with an
attractive exterior. The stock is new and seen to
the greatest advantage. No one around
has such a reputation for the durability of the
harnesses turned out at this place only, the best
oak-tanned leather being used. He has the
assistance of two-hands. Mr. W. was born in
Illinois and early came to Kansas. He is a
member of the K. P.
William Walker, Post Master.--Mr.
Walker has for three years filled this responsibility
position very acceptabliy. He is one of Scandia�s
prominent citizens, an filled the post of mayor
two terms. Born in New York, he commenced
life as a grain buyer, and when the war broke
out enlisted in the Union army, serving to the
close, and has since been a member of the G. A.
R., and in every respect a benefit to the city in
which he has cast his lot.
J. L. Coleman, Restaurant and Confectionery.--Mr. Coleman is a native of Kentucky;
aided in the defense of his country in the 12th
Kentucky Cav. He has been twenty-two years
in Scandia and the neighborhood. He is no
stranger to the people, and since he opened his
restaurant, in 1887, has made money. Everything he serves is attractive, fresh and dainty.
Chas. J. Lundquist, Proprietor of Gem
Bakery and Restaurant.--Fancy Groceries, Confectionery, Cigars, Tobacco, etc. Oysters and
Ice Cream in season.
C. E. Wheeler, Notions, Etc.--Like other
towns and cities, Scandia has a store with its five
and ten-cent counters, that is, a representative
concern. At Wheeler�s may be found all kinds
of notions, jewelry, stationery, tinware, toilet
necessaries, glassware, crockery, toys, and so on,
ad infinitum. Nowhere can be seen a greater
rush, and as Mr. Wheeler, being the leader of the
band, has a large circle of acquaintances, his
store presents a lively appearance, all goods being sold for cash. He occupies a one-story frame,
15X50, every nook and corner being filled with
stock. For seven years Mr. Wheeler clerked ln
the mercantile trade. He was born in Portland,
Me., and is a member of the K. of P.
Scandia Journal.-- Started in 1872,
the Journal, Republican in its politics has long
passed the transition stage, and now has a
circulation of 850, requiring the services of four
hands. The Joumal did its share in helping to
roll up the 82,000 majority in Kansas. Born in
Indiana, Mr. Ware kept books for fifteen years,
and afterwards engaged in railroading many
years. Mr. Ware was a member of the famous
Fifth Indiana Cav., during the war and is also a
Mason and member of the G. A. R. The Journal is alive
to the wants of the people, and has
made itself a household necessity in this county.
L. J. Sigsbee, New Meat Market.--Before
engaglng in this line of business, Mr. L. J. Sigsbee
farmed in this county, and there gained his
knowledge of raising stock. He occupies a neat
one-story frame building, 20x60 feet, which he
opened in October, 1888. Mr. S. was born in
Wisconsin, and leaving early the home of his
childhood finds that while there are many States
like Wisconsin, there is but one Kansas.
John Egg, Blacksmith.--In the short space
of five years has built up a good business. Born
in Sweden, he came to America in 1866, and
early affiliated with the Odd Fellows. He does
strong and durable work, occupies a frame
building 24x40, and is regarded as an earnest
and useful citizen.
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