1890 Stockton, Rooks Co. Business Directory

Kansas Historical and Descriptive Review, 1890
Stockton, Rooks County Directory

transcribed by Sheryl McClure

STOCKTON, the county seat of Rooks County, has a population of 2,000 and is one of the most prosperous towns in Northwest Kansas, and in point of progressiveness, the leading one. It is located in the broad and fertile valley of the South Solomon River, near the center of the county and about fifty miles northwest of the center of the state. Its location, as regards both beauty and healthfulness, is one of the best.

REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS FIRMS AND MEN OF STOCKTON.

John Mullin, Probate Judge, Rooks County. —A gentleman who has contributed to make Stockton what it is, is the subject of this brief sketch, who was elected to this office in November of last year. Judge Mullin is a native of New York State, and came west as far as Chicago in 1853, where he resided until four years ago, when he came to this State. Although he had lived in this community but a comparatively short time, he was nominated to this office in the summer of 1889, and in the fall elected with little difficulty. His administration has been characterized by carefulness and a display of a knowledge of the duties which have devolved upon him, which has sustained the good opinion which the people have of him. The judge is a member of the A. O. U. W. and the G. A. R., having tendered his services during the war as a member of the 13th Illinois Inf. Before removing to Stockton he was engaged in the agricultural implement business at Plainville, Kansas.

H. A. Kenworthy, Register of Deeds.— Mr. Kenworthy has been in office since 1886, and has in every respect proved to be faithful and competent. He was born in Indiana, but came to this State from Iowa ten years ago, where he had previously worked sixteen years at the carpenter's trade. When the war broke out he was living in Iowa and volunteered his services in behalf of the Union as a member of the 4th Iowa Cav., and served throughout the war, participating in some of the most rigorous campaigns. He is a member of the G. A. R. post of this city, and is personally one of the most popular our of citizens.

W. A. Fallas, Attorney.—This excellent gentleman is in the prime of life, and uses his talents a great deal for the public welfare. He was born in New York State; as a stripling served over three years in the army, in the 32d Iowa Inf., and later moved into the West. He was admitted to the bar in Iowa, in 1874, and during his many years' residence in Kansas has made nothing but friends. He was two years county attorney here, being elected by a large majority, notwithstanding his party, the Democratic, is generally in the minority. Mr. Fallas also owns a large ranch and farm near town. He has his office well-located in the Bank Block, where all calling will find him a genial and courteous gentleman, eminently worthy of professional confidence.

M. C. Reville, Attorney at Law.—An attorney who enjoys a wide and varied practice in this part of Kansas is Mr. Reville, who occupies a handsome suite of office rooms, No. 4, Bank Block. Mr. Reville is a native of Delaware, and was educated at St. Mary's College in his native State, where he was graduated with the class of 1868. He came to Kansas a few years later, and having read law with the late M. B. Wood, was admitted, after four years’ study in 1875. In argument Mr. Reville is a forcible and reliable speaker, and presents his case in a systematic manner, and when he fails to convince judge or jury, the case is a poor one indeed. He is a member of the Masonic and Good Templar fraternities, and in those movements which look toward public improvement, either morally or materially, he can always be found.

Stockton Academy.—This institution was founded in October, 1887, the new building being occupied September, 1888. The building is a three-story brick, with stone basement, situated on a knoll, commanding a beautiful view ot the country. The academy is under the charge of the Northwest Association of Congregational, Churches. During the first school year there were ninety-nine pupils; second, 147, and the third, 160; 65 per cent are from abroad, twelve counties and four States being represented. There are twenty-five roomy bed-rooms. Seven complete courses are taught, the special object being to furnish facilities for the high education of young men and women preparing for advanced classes in college, and for business. The faculty is as follows: I. F. Mather, principal, history, political science and normal training, Latin and Greek; Mrs. S. A. Mather, grammar and English literature; E. O. McGehee, mathematics and natural sciences; John Mullin, bookkeeping; Agnes Fairfield, music; Mrs. Justus, matron. Tutors: Miss Mamie George, geography; Miss Elta George, physiology; Miss Anna Jones, arithmetic. Mr. Mather, the principal, was born in Ohio, an Iowa College, Iowa, in 1885. and naturally adapted to his responsible position. He is ably assisted in the management wife, Mrs. S. A. Mather.

Coolbaugh Brothers, Drugs and Stationery.—The name of Coolbaugh is identified with the welfare of Stockton. These two brothers, M. J. and W. B., commenced in drugs and stationery, in February, 1886. They occupy a neat two-story stone building, 26x60 feet, filled to overflowing with drugs, chemicals, patent medicines, perfumery, toilet necessaries, fancy stationery, books, etc. Messrs. Coolbaugh are Pennsylvanians by birth; the older is president of the State Bank here, is town treasurer, and also mayor of the city. He is a Mason. W. E. is a member of the K. of P., and, once a farmer, still owns a large landed estate in this county. It is to the enterprise of such men that Stockton owes her rapid growth.

Curtis & Co., General Merchandise.—This house opened in November, '88, with a fine stock, which has been constantly kept up to the mark, and contains dry goods, dress goods, boots and shoes, clothing, staple and fancy groceries, china and glassware, etc. Also clocks, watches and jewelry. The store occupies a two-story brick, 22x80 feet, and in day time presents a scene of stir and bustle. Mr. Curtis, who is assisted by his partners, his wife and daughter, is a native of Illinois, and served through the war in Co. C, 3d United States Art. He is a jeweler by trade. The Curtises formerly lived in Nebraska, and during their twelve years’ residence in Kansas they have built up quite a competency.

J. W. Moore, Groceries and Queensware. “The food we eat” is a vitally important question. One of the best appointed grocery houses in this city is that of J. W. Moore, who on the 1st of June, 1889, succeeded Pepper and Keables. The store is 20 X 80 feet, three hands being employed. The stock embraces fine and fancy groceries, provisions, canned goods, teas, coffees, etc., and the largest lot of queensware in town.