Kansas Historical and Descriptive Review, Vol. 2: The Eastern Section, 1890

YATES CENTER, the county seat of Woodson County, is located on sections 10, 11, 14 and 15, and includes, with its various additions, about five hundred acres in township 25, south of range 15, east of the 6th principal meridian, the geographical center of the county. It is to this fact that it owes its existence; its owner, Mr. Abner Yates, being a resident of Jacksonville, Ill., and having never contemplated starting a town at this point. The locating of a county seat had kept the county in a state of uncertainty several years, and the inhabitants of Kalida and Defiance, each of which had been for a time the county seat made overtures to Mr. Yates for the laying out of a town which should, by its position in the county, be the most convenient seat of justice. The election to determine where the county seat should be permanently located, took place September 12, 1876, and was hotly contested between Yates Center (as it had come to be known) and Neosho Falls. Yates Center had a clear majority of all the votes cast, and her position as the county seat of Woodson County has not since been questioned. Yates Center numbers about sixteen hundred inhabitants, having lost about two hundred residents of all ages, during the hard times of the past three four yours. She has an unbounded supply of excellent building stone, as the numerous fine store buildings and the really fine and commodious Hotel Woodson declare. The town well is supplied with soft water for drinking purposes, which is reached at a depth of from sixteen to thirty feet. The large stone quarries contiguous to the town have in the past and in the future furnish remunerative employment to a small army of men.
Yates Center has excellent railroad facilities, and is destined at no distant day to become an important factor in railroad circles. The first railroad to reach the Center was the Fort Scott, Wichita & Western, which was built through here in 1879, affording us a direct route to St. Louis and all points east. In 1885-6 the Verdigris Valley, Independence & Western Railway was completed through this place, opened up the route for direct communication with Kansas City, and affording our shippers a short an direct road to that excellent stock and grain market. Both of these roads are under the management of the Missouri Pacific, and are noted for prompt service, elegant accommodations, and the courteous attendance of the employees, In 1887 the Colony branch of the Chicago, Kansas & Western built into this town from Colony, on the Southern Kansas road, thus giving a competing road to Kansas City, and all points east. This road will at some future day build on to the Southwest, and will be a main line for the Santa Fe, as it is practicable to shorten their route to the Southwest a great deal over the line surveyed from here.
Yates Center has a school population of 486, furnishing employment to a superintendent with a corps of six teachers. All the branches included in the curriculum of the common and high schools are successfully taught. The Center is a church-going city. The following denominations own and occupy their places of worship: The Methodists, the German Evangelical, the Presbyterians, the Baptists, the Christians, and the United Brethren. The Christian Scientists have a small congregation here, but own no place of worship. The Catholics will at an early day build a church at this point. The churches are all in a fairly-prosperous condition, and will no doubt go on extending the circle of their beneficent influence until but few remain without the pale of the church. Three newspapers aid the churches and schools in their labor of reform and enlightenment. The News was established in 1877 by Steinberg & Baker, and has held the foremost place among the newspapers of this town, from that day to this. It is and always has been a stalwart, uncompromising exponent of Republican doctrine. It is the official paper of Woodson County. The Democrat was established in 1883, and has gallantly fought the battles of the minority party in this county from its first issue to the present time. The Farmers' Advocate was established during the present year, and is the organ of the People's party. It is ably edited and carefully managed, and will soon be established on a paying basis.
The Center is in the midst of a productive farming country, and has a good trade in stock, produce and wool. Thirty car-loads of good horses and mules have been shipped from here by Martin Bros. alone, during the last year. The wool from over eighteen thousand head of sheep is shipped from here every year. The Center has been a good trading point for farmers for several years. We have never experienced a boom at this point, and we are not anxious for an experience of that character. Yates Center has always had a steady growth, and will undoubtedly continue to grow in magnitude and commercial importance until it eclipses rivals of greater pretensions to urban dignity than the Center has ever shown.

REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS FIRMS AND MEN OF YATES CENTER

Yates Center Bank, Winter, Bancroft & Co., Bankers. - One of the most substantial and best conducted private banking houses in the West is the above, which was established in 1885. Possessing ample capital, it can meet any demand which may be made upon it, and the confidence which is felt in it is shown by the increasing business transacted. Messrs. Winter, Bancroft & Co. are natives of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Pittsburg, Pa., respectively. This bank gives especial attention to collections throughout the United States, returns being promptly made. With the resources at its command, and the energy and business capacity of its officers, there is practically no limit to the business of the firm.

Johnson Bros. & Browning, Loans on Chattels. - One of the important and representative city enterprises in its important branch of commercial activity is that of the above well-known firm, established here, August, 1890; headquarters at Eureka, Kas. They make a specialty of chattels and real estate loans, on which money to any desired amount is loaned, and the fair and equitable terms offered have drawn to the office a large and most desirable patronage. The resident partner at Yates Center, Mr. Browning, is a gentleman of practical experience in the business, and has much enterprise. He is highly respected and esteemed in local trade circles, and numbered among the representative Yates Center business men.

R. M. Phillips, County Clerk. - A name identified with the material welfare and social happiness of Woodson County is that of R. M. Phillips, the county clerk. He is a native of Kentucky, where he was raised, and imbibed those solid principles of love of work and sterling integrity which have through life distinguished him. He is an I. O. O. F., and has lived thirteen years in Kansas. He formerly was the purchasing agent and bookkeeper of a State institution in Illinois for three years.

J. H. Sticher, County Attorney. - One whose success in the practice of his profession has placed him among the recognized legal lights of this county is J. H. Sticher, county attorney, which position he has held two years, He was born in Germany, and studied law with H. D. Dickson, of Emporia, Kas. Mr. Sticher has lived in Woodson County twenty years, and formerly was at Neosho Falls ten years in the mercantile business. He is master of the Masonic lodge at Yates Center, and high priest of the chapter, Neosho Falls, Kas, All calling on him will find him a genial and courteous gentleman, eminently worthy of professional confidence.

Stephenson & Hogueland, Lawyers. - Of the prominent names which go to make up the Yates Center bar, few command more respect than the above; this happy combination was made in 1889. Mr. G. R. Stephenson was born in Ohio and is an I. O. O. F. He was county attorney of Woodson County four years. Mr. W. E. Hogueland was born in Indiana, and has been practicing law here two years, having been admitted in 1879. He was then elected clerk of the district Court, which position he filled for eight years. He is a member of the Northwestern Legion of Honor. The Judgment of this firm is considered among the best at the bar. They prosecute their cases with care and assiduity.

Isaac S. Jones, Real Estate and Abstracter of Titles. - The above gentleman, who left his native State - Ohio- when a boy, has been fourteen years engaged in the real estate and abstract business. He buys, sells and rents all descriptions of city and suburban realty, and has special inducements to offer to these contemplating investments. Judge Jones is Justice of the peace and police judge. He came here from Indiana and has lived in Kansas twenty years. He is an I. O. O. F. He was formerly fourteen years probate judge of Woodson County and for eight years register of deeds in connection with the judgeship. There is no name more justly identified with this section of the State than that of Isaac S. Jones.

A. A. Keok, Sheriff. - Mr. A. A. Keok, sheriff of Woodson County, is serving his second term as such. He is a native of Indiana, and has shown himself in every way cut out for a sheriff, being quick, active and one to whom fear is unknown. He has lived in Kansas twelve years and is a member of the G. A. R., and served in the 27th Ind. Inf. Mr. Keck is well calculated to perform the onerous duties of his office, and no one more deservedly enjoys the entire confidence of the community.

Taylor & Davis, Yates Center Market. - The fact of Yates Center's importance is forcibly demonstrated in every branch of business. Taylor & Davis have been established six years. The premises occupied are 25x65 feet. They are extensive dealers in fresh, salted and smoked meats, which are moderate in price and of best quality, and have gained a wide name for purity and freshness. Messrs. Taylor and Davis were born in England and Wales, and are K.'s of P. They have always held a high position in mercantile circles, and justly deserve the respect they enjoy.

Dr. J .W. Turner, Drugs. - This deservedly prosperous business was established in the fall of 1890, Dr. Turner being successor to H. S. Johnson, who was established twelve years. The premises are 25x70 feet. The stock of drugs is fresh and pure, and compounded with care. Besides drugs and chemicals he carries a fine line of toilet articles, perfumery, fancy soaps, brushes, etc. The Doctor was born in Kentucky. He is a Mason and K. P., and belongs to Northwestern Legion of Honor. He graduated in 1861, from the Cincinnati Medical College, Ohio. He is well known as a cautious, conscientious physician, and one who devotes himself to his work, and in consequence has achieved a fine success in a professional and business way.

Thos. W. Plummer, Real Estate Insurance, Loans and Abstracts. - This prosperous business was established five years ago and from the outset has been a growing one. Every description of city and suburban realty is bought sold or rented, while a general collection business is done. Mr. Plummer also represents four of the leading and most reliable fire insurance companies in the Union, the record of which is the pride of the Insurance world. Also does an extensive land and abstract business. Mr. Plummer has lived seventeen years in the county and formerly farmed. He is a K. P. and G.A.R., having served in the 6th Wis Inf. He is highly respected in trade circles, and his success is undoubtedly owing to the tireless energy, enterprise and thorough knowledge of the business.

H. C. Rollins, Real Estate and Loan Agent. - The demand for loans and the large real estate interests of this city, have enlisted the services of many responsible and enterprising businessmen. Mr. H. C. Rollins has been established three years and is known as the heaviest loan-broker in Woodson County. Also he is a real estate dealer, abstracter of titles and notary public, having lands in Greenwood, Wilson and Woodson Counties for sale or trade. Farms, wild land and city property bought and sold on commission. Merchandise of all kinds and city property to trade for land. Parties having real estate to trade or sell will do well to leave their business in his hands. All business of this kind will receive prompt attention. Money loaned on farms and Yates Center property at the lowest rate offered in the county. Call and get terms. Office over National Bank. Mr. Rollins is from Kentucky, and has lived in Kansas since fall of 1881. He formerly farmed in Kentucky for twenty-one years. He conducts a large enterprise in real estate and negotiating loans on bonds and mortgages. He is a recognized authority as to the present and prospective values of the residential and business sections of the city, and numbers among his customers many of our prominent investors and property-owners.

Chas. E. Van Voorhis, Jeweler and Watchmaker. - A review devoted to the business interests of this city and section of Kansas would be very incomplete without due mention of the house whose card forms the caption of this sketch. Mr. Van Voorhis was established April, 1890. Everything in the way of fine watches, jewelry and silverware is constantly kept in stock. He keeps an expert assistant. Mr. V. was born in Iowa. He is thoroughly conversant with the details of the business, having had five years' experience and study.

W. P. Dickerson, Clerk District Court - An official who, in his administration, has given perfect satisfaction to the representatives of all parties, is the present incumbent, who is serving his first term. Mr. Dickerson was born in Ohio, and is an I. O. O. F. and K. P. He has live twenty years in Kansas, formerly at Toronto, Kas. He taught school with success for several years. Mr. Dickerson is generally considered a live and progressive citizen, and a bulwark of our standing, prosperity and happiness.

The Yates Center "News," Trueblood & Stephenson, Proprietors. - One of Eastern Kansas's most flourishing journals; is a credit to its enterprising proprietors, and a benefit in every way to the town. It was established m 1877, and has always been staunchly Republican in principle. It has a circulation of 1,000 weekly. R. H. Trueblood, the business manager, is a native of Indiana, a typical successful newspaper man, and has had the paper since February, 1881. In his job office he makes a specialty of fine letter-press printing.

F. R. Wachtman Harness and Saddles. - The City of Yates Center possesses a meritorious harness and saddle establishment in that of F. R. Wachtman's founded five years. The premises are 25x50 feet. Mr. Wachtman is an extensive manufacturer of harness and saddles, and also keeps constantly on hand a large supply of same. He was born in Germany, and has been in the United States twenty-five years and is a Mason. He possesses the confidence and good will of the people of Yates Center.