1890 Fredonia, Wilson Co. Business Directory

Kansas Historical and Descriptive Review, 1890
Fredonia, Wilson County Directory

transcribed by Sheryl McClure

FREDONIA is a city of two thousand souls. It has been built up since 1870, and has a charming location on a commanding plateau, nearly one thousand feet above the sea. On the south and west rise two grand table mounds, nearly two hundred feet above the valley, forming one of the loveliest of landscapes to be seen between the two oceans. The city itself is worthy of its rich and attractive surroundings. It is amply platted, with a central park, upon the four sides of which are the principal business houses. The new court houses cost thirty thousand dollars; the high school house ten thousand dollars. The city has six churches. It has two railroads—the Missouri Pacific and the Frisco.

REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS FIRMS AND MEN OF FREDONIA

J. A. Burge, Manager Western Union Telegraph Company; Agent Adams Express Company.— An enterprising and well-known name here is J. A. Burge. He was born in Illinois, and is the able manager of the Western Union telegraph Company, and for the Adams and Wells-Fargo Express Companies. He has been twelve years in the business in Fredonia; where he has lived twenty years. Mr. Burge is a member of the Fredonia bar, having formerly been partner of W. A. Peffer, and afterward of senator Kirkpatrick, at which time Mr. Burge Possessed the finest law library in this section, he is prominently identified with the K. T., K. of P., and G. A. R., having served in the 134th Ill. Inf. He is a gentleman of splendid character and good business abilities, and by his conduct in all business matters has won the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens.

B. F. Slater, Meat Market —Success to a large extent in any business depends upon intelligent proficiency, such as that exercised by Mr. B. F. Slater, who has been proprietor of the above meat market for three years. The premises occupied are well-suited to the transaction of the flourishing business. Mr. Slater was born in Indiana, and has lived in Kansas nine years. He served during the war in the 11th Wis. Inf. He is generally esteemed as among the most deservedly successful men in Fredonia.

J. C. Glenn, Proprietor Fredonia City Roller Mills.—Among those industries which, by their heavy operation, lend largely toward the importance of Fredonia, are the Fredonia City Roller Mills, established two years. The building is fitted up with the best machinery and other appliances. Mr. J. C. Glenn, proprietor, is a heavy manufacturer of best grade of flour, graham, meal, etc.; also dealer in grain and coal. The capacity is 75 barrels a day. Mr. Glenn was born in Pennsylvania, and formerly was in lumber circles for sixteen years, in Michigan. His long experience and general reputation entitle him to be regarded as one of Fredonia's representative men.

Hotel Gold Dust—This popular hotel was built in. Ib74, and is the property of the proprietor, Mr. Samuel Baughman, who erected it at a cost of $12,000, independent of all outside expenses. The building is an imposing three-storied brick structure, with basement. Ten hands are employed. The sleeping-apartments are well furnished. The dining-hall seats forty persons. Special accommodations for commercial trade, and two sample rooms. In the Gold Dust we find one of the best hotels in Kansas, The genial proprietor, Mr. Samuel Baughman, was born in Pennsylvania and raised in Illinois, He has lived in Wilson County since 1874, and was formerly sheriff two terms, immediately after which he built the hotel. He is a Mason, K. T. and G. A. R, having served in the war in the Birgess Sharpshooters. He is ably seconded in the hotel by his wife.

A. J. Mannen, Sheriff.—One of the State's pioneer residents is now serving his second term as sheriff. He has lived in Kansas twenty-five years. In the war he served in the Kansas militia. He is cut out for an efficient sheriff, being quick, active and affable, and is full of business and attends to his duties promptly.

D. A. Loomis, Photographer, is the leading artist of Wilson County, having been established twelve years. His gallery occupies four elegantly and completely equipped rooms. Mr. Loomis was born in Michigan, is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America and Ancient Order of United Workmen