1891 Kansas Historical and Descriptive Review, Anthony

Kansas Historical and Descriptive Review,
published 1891, John Lethem Co., Topeka
Anthony, Harper County

transcribed by Sheryl McClure

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 ana 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. Maffet, 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 un 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.