Wellsville A Bustling Town

typed by Cheryl Edwards

["Wellsville Globe," Wellsville, Kansas]

The town site of Wellsville was laid out in the fall of 1869 by Messrs. Shoot, Root and Wells of Chicago. The town was named after Mr. Wells of the company

Wellsville being rather close to Kansas city, and surrounded by excellent farm lands, is imbued with much of the enterprise and growth which have visited this section of the land. The town and its surroundings are very attractive. Art has added much to nature; and even before the growth or planting of trees and shrubbery, and before the building of houses and fences and the embellishment of grounds, nature here in her wild state was such as to lead the early settlers to believe this to be a beautiful place for a town.

Early in the fall of 1870 the first building war erected by our old townsman Mr. H. N. Brockway. It was a two story frame and was occupied by Mr. Brockway with a stock of general merchandise.

The first dwelling was erected during the same fall by Messrs. E. C. Cox and J. C. Sinclair, and was occupied by J. N. Bell and family.

The first child born on the town site was Miss Kate Kennedy and the first couple married were Mr. John *(&^% and Miss Deila Tinney.

Among the early settlers who came here before the town was started were John Cramer who came in 1855; J. K. Harrison came during "57 and B. L. Johnson in "58. D. Batdorf, George Batdorf and E. A. Carpenter came during 1864; Wm. Stickel in 1865; A. B. McGowen in 1867; Ben Rhodes, J. C. Sinclair, Dr. Pyle and A. Barabo in 1868; Aaron B. Brown and L. W. Hostetter in 1870; A. Deppe in 1872. All the settlers came from the East and as Mr. Sinclair says, "It was hard to tell which was the predominating element, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania or the cockle burs, in those days."

The town was incorporated in 1882 and A. W. Bishop has the distinction of being the first mayor.

The present city government is in the control of Hon. A. D. Hostetter, acting mayor, assisted by a council composed of gentlemen of sterling worth and business qualifications. They are P. A. Ryan, J. C. Thomas, G. E. Lidikay and J. F. Preshaw.

H. Welsh is city attorney; J. B. Cramer, police judge; E. G. Sinclair, city clerk; J. R. Smith, city Marshall, A. H. Thorne, night watch.

If there is one thing more than another upon which the citizens of Wellsville pride themselves, it is their excellent public schools; knowing well that it is education that rules the universe, the citizens spend a large amount of money annually in the education of their children and spend it cheerfully.

Messrs. C. F. Wertz, W. H. Collins and T. J. Gregory comprise the Board of Education, and the schools are under the supervision of Principal F. A. Prather. He is ably assisted by a corps of trained teachers in the departments--Mrs. E. G. Sinclair, Misses Mary Woodward and Eva Rice.

The town is well supplied with churches. Rev. H. A. Pasley is pastor of the Methodist; Rev. George Evans, pastor of the Congregational; Rev. J. L. Hughes, pastor of the Holiness, while the Baptist people have no regular minister at present.

Among the secret organizations established here are lodges of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Select Knights, Maccabees, Grand Army of the Republic, Ladies of the Grand Army, Sons of Veterans and Fraternal Aid Association. It is said that a Masonic lodge will be instituted here next week. The odd Fellows lodge is the oldest these organizations, being established during the year 1876. Its membership at present numbers 55.

Wellsville has a splendid Creamery, which is a leading industry of the town. It was erected three years ago at a cost of $4,000 and is well equipped to take care of the milk produce of this section. It is on a paying basis and declares a fair dividend on the investment, semi-annually.

Wellsville is by no means a booming town, but is a steady substantial grower, every year showing the erection of some fine business houses and beautiful residence buildings. An estimate is made that between $5,000 and $6,000 worth of improvements have been made in the town and surrounding farm neighborhood, most of which has been the erection of dwellings, additions, barns and other improvements.

Wellsbille is in want of a flouring mill, canning factory, and other industrial enterprises, which would be good investments for capitalists.

The business men are live and energetic and are always ready to take hold of any thing that will advance the enterprise and material interests of our town.

The beautiful and tasty homes and the surroundings impress the stranger with the fact that Wellsville is indeed the home of refinement and culture.

We take pleasure of giving below biographical sketches of our representative business men who deserve the praise and credit of pushing business and the progress of a hustling little city.

JAMES SHIELDS

Mr. Shields was born one mile from Banbridge, Parish of St. Patrick, County Down, Ireland, June 10, 1834. He lived there until 24 years of age, when he decided to come to free America, arriving at Castle Garden in May 1850. Mr. Shields spent three years on Long Island, and then started west. Five years were spent in McHenry County, Illinois, breaking prairie and farming. In '58 he again moved toward the setting sun, and located his claim, the identical farm where he now resides 1 1/2 miles north of Wellsville, paying a squatter $200 to move off the place. In the fall of '60 James Shields and Miss Maria Taylor were united in marriage, and they have lived happily together ever since, rearing a family of young men to be a credit to any community. Mr. Shields has made his business general farming and fine horses have been a money making specialty with him. Being a native of the Emerald Isle he naturally too to potatoes as a good thing. They proved so for him. It has been a successful crop for him. The success of Mr. Shields has not been as rapid jump to affluence, but a steady climb up the slope of competence, such as there is always opportunity for the lesson conveyed by the lives of such men is, that industry, honesty, careful attention, and economy are bound to succeed when exercised in a country with the natural advantages of Eastern Kansas. He has not confined his attention solely to amassing property, but has always been ready to assist a new and worthy enterprise, to aid in public works and the poor or needy never applied in vain to Uncle Jimmy Shields.

E. A. VAN METER

Mr. Van Meter is one of the oldest settlers of this locality, having been a resident of Eastern Kansas for thirty three years past. He is a native of West Virginia; being born November 1848. He served his country as a member of Company K, 4th West Virginia Cavalry during '64 and in '65 came West and cast his lot in Kansas on a farm five miles north of here in Douglas County where he remained two years.

During the Cheyenne war he was in the government employ on the plains from '68 to '69, and for two years following was engaged with the Sac and Fox Indian traders in the Territory. Mr. Van Meter came to Wellsville and engaged in the mercantile business with J. C. Thomas in the spring of '91 and after several years he withdrew from the firm. During the past two years or more Mr. Van Meter has established the exclusive grocery business in Wellsville. In these days of adulteration all housekeepers are interested in seeing to the strength and purity of edibles that enter so largely into the economy of the family. Arguing that it is better to buy one's groceries where considerable quantities are bought for spot cash by an experienced buyer, the store of Mr. Van Meter's is one that must be a favorite. Although in business only two years for himself his store has grown in favor and success, which was obtained by good business energy and fair dealing. He is a good citizen and has been a public benefactor.

FRANK CRAMER

Frank Cramer, the well known livery man is a native of Ohio but has been in the livery business here the past 14 years and has built up a profitable trade. His horses are all good travelers, his carriages and conveyances easy riding and when desired careful and courteous drivers are furnished. The traveling public who desire the services of a livery man would do well to see Mr. Cramer.

VINCENT THUSHEIM

Mr. Trusheim is a native Kansan, and is now living on the place of his nativity, a historic spot, being John Brown's battle ground. It is located in Douglas County five miles northwest of Wellsville. Mr. Trusheim is a representative young farmer, and his successful experience is not an isolated instance. In this land favored by nature and beneficent laws, and young man who will apply himself with equal energy and good judgment can wrest a competence from mother earth. Conrad Trusheim, father of Vincent, and an old soldier, died when the latter was six years of age, leaving his wife with three little boys, two, Vincent and Fred, are still living here. The mother faithful fulfilled her duties rearing her sons in sobriety and industry to be classed among our best citizens. She resides at present with Vincent, in the old homestead. The business carried on is general farming, generally the most successful in this sections. Grain, grass seed, and stock all have their proper places in the economy of business, and by careful attention to detail no fear of hard work, and an eye ever open to take opportunity by the forelock, Vincent Trusheim is setting a pattern that young farmers may well follow to success. This experience demonstrates fully that it is not necessary that a man should have come here long ago, and be an "old settler" to make a success as a farmer in this the best section of Kansas. The opportunity is as good or better now than ever before---all that is necessary is the man of right mettle.

NELSON HAY

Nelson Hay, the proprietor of the Main Street Barber Shop has resided in this city the past 6 years coming here from Ottawa, Kansas. He thoroughly understands the art of his trade and by close attention to business has a long list of patrons. Mr. Hay believes the "cleanliness is not to Godliness" and every thing about his shop is as speck and span as a new dollar and he is a worthy young man and deserves the success he has attained.

W. S. BROCKWAY

The town of Wellsville possesses a meritorious establishment in the way of the mercantile business conducted by W. S. Brockway, who has been a constant resident for more than a quarter of a century. His large store comprises a stock of dry goods, boots and shoes, groceries, queensware, etc. Mr. Brockway's place of nativity is Connecticut, being born at Lyme, 1840. In the late rebellion he served as a member of Company A, 10th Connecticut. During the latter 60's he emigrated with others from the New England states to the West and landed in the land of the big sunflowers. He came to Wellsville during 1870, and has since engaged in active business life. He has built up a good patronage in both the local and surrounding community by his clever treatment and honest dealings. He is ably assisted by his son Maurice Brockway, who is a clever and accommodating young man, who assists materially in advancing the interests of his father. Mr. Brockway was at one time acting mayor of Wellsville, and has always been found among the foremost element in enterprise. He erected the first elevator here in 1882. This business he conducted for seven years or more. He is a member of the local G. A. R. Post and Ancient Order of United Workmen. His wife is a practical photographer and conducts the exclusive gallery in the town. Her work in this line has won her a good reputation as an artist.

A. DEPPE

One of the oldest and most interesting citizens of Easter Kansas is Mr. Deppe of our town. He is a native of the Buckeye state, being born in Lancaster January 6th, 1829. During the year of 1862 at the time of the opening of the rebellion between the North and the South he went to Tennessee with an army surgeon. Frank Mussey and witnessed the noted battle of Shish and assisted in caring for wounded Union men. A year later he attended the Stone River battle and was seriously injured by the bursting of a steel and was taken to Cincinnati, where he suffered from his injuries for some time. During 1870 Mr. Deppe came to Kansas. This was in the spring and he located on a farm which was located on Black Bob Indian reservation. He remained there and worked in the interest of the Indians until 1872, and then purchased a farm in Douglas County near Old Black Jack. After five years work in improving his farm he sold it and has retired from active life. He owns a good farm in Iowa. Since that time he has mad Wellsville his home, and has dealt in horses and cattle to some extent. Although well advanced in age, Mr. Deppe is active, and has many old friends in this section. He is a good citizen of more than average worth.

J. C. SINCLAIR

Mr. Sinclair, the hardware man, is one of our oldest settlers and business men. He is a native of Pennsylvania, being born in Fayette County of that state February 18th, 1841. He emigrated West and landed in Kansas during May of 1868, locating in this locality, Mr. Sinclair served his country as a private in Company b, 37th Regiment of Pennsylvania. He established his hardware business in Wellsville during the year of 1882, which he has since conducted with deservedly success, which is credited to his fair, straight forward manner of dealing with his friends. Few towns the size of this has so well stocked a hardware store as the one owned by J. C. Sinclair, where may be found shelf and builders hardware, tools of all kinds, barbed wire, tin and japanned ware, stoves, cutlery and all kinds of house furnishing goods. Mr. Sinclair has always been a public benefactor to the town since started and has many friends. He is a member of the local lodge of Odd Fellows, is Past Commander of G. A. R. Post, and is treasurer of the Wellsville Lumber Company.

F. M. BOROFF

The importance of a good meat market cannot be over-estimated, for when well conducted nothing is more conducive to the people's happiness. The meat shop of F. M Boroff bears us out in this--few towns of this size being so well proved in this matter. The firm has been in business for the past seven years, and its stock of meats have always been of such quality as to deserve a good patronage and keep the house solid in the publics confidence. All kinds of fresh and salt meats are handled. Mr. Boroff's place of nativity is the state of Illinois, being born in Lamoiile April 29th, 1832. He came to the sunflower state about fifteen years ago, and has been a resident of this growing town for 7 years. He has always been an upright citizen and by his fair dealings with the people he and his place are popular with all.

T. J. BIVINS

Mr. Bivins was born in Ohio, at Upper Sandusky, on Jan. 29, 1852, removing to Ione County, Mich. with parents when two years of age; from there to Indiana at the age of eight, from there to Macon City, Mo., in "65, just after the close of the war. In '74 Mr. Vivins came to Kansas and went to work for John Cramer, who lived about four miles east of Wellsville in Miami County. On March 5, 1875, was married to Louisa Cramer, daughter of John Cramer. In '76 Mr. Vivins built there present residence and settled down to make a home on what was then the raw prairie. By industry and careful business Mr. Bivins has added to the original home forty, two hundred acres more of fine land and now has one of the best and most valuable farms in Miami County. This success has been attained through what would be termed strictly farming, including every branch of agriculture that can be made to succeed in this county. Recognizing the value of education Mr. Vivins has always taken a large minded interest in such affairs, and has given his family the best chances possible. He is one among the many public spirited men who make this section so desirable as a home.

F. E. BARNETT

Mr. Barnett, the shoe-maker, is one of the young men element, who have enlisted themselves with the business energy of our growing town. Mr. Barnett is a Missourian by birth, being born in Sedalia, September, 1874. He came to Wellsville and opened up a shop for himself, and enjoys the friendship and patronage of many of our citizens, who are always glad to assist a young man starting out in business. He is a first-class workman at the shoe-maker trade and also does harness repairing of all kinds. Mr. Bartnett will appreciate your trade and charge you a reasonable price for his work.

F. E. AND C. H CAYOT

To the citizens of Wellsville the general store of F. E. and C. H. Cayot is one popular with all classes and the manner in which their store is conducted implies not only the house of the "square Men" but is a model general merchandising house, where most everything in the use of the household in needed can be found. The are enabled to supply their many customer's wants with their full stock of general merchandising which embraces a complete line of dry goods, staple groceries, queensware, boots and shoes, etc. In enterprise these gentlemen are always found in the front ranks ready to advance any cause that tends to the prosperity of this growing town and their adopted home. The senior member of the firm F. E. Cayot was born in Iowa, February 1861, and came to Kansas the following year with parents. His brother, Charles, is a Kansan by birth, being born, in Coffey County during 1865. The firm established their present business here some eight years ago. Charles Cayot is the present postmaster, being appointed by the department July 1893, and has given general satisfaction with the patrons of the office. He is efficiently assisted in the duties of the office by Miss Hula Turner, an accommodating young lady.

DR. J. T. PINDELL

A first class drug store is one of the most important adjuncts to the welfare of a town. A reliable and properly conducted emporium is such that is owned by Dr. Pindell. He is an Ohian by birth, but raised and educated in Maryland. He graduated in medicine in the Maryland University, and afterward took a post graduate course at the Bellevue Hospital Medical College in New York. He was a surgeon of the United States army from 1864 to 1867. He came West and established a drug store in Ottawa, Kansas and also one in Wellsville, Later on he disposed of his Ottawa interests. His store is neat and customers are treated with genuine courtesy and by prompt attention to the wishes of their patrons the business of the store has been a prosperous and growing one. The store is well fitted up with a stock consisting of drugs, patient medicines, perfumes, sundries, cigars. Besides a drug stock he carries jewelry, silverware, queensware, and notions. Mr. Pindell has been mayor of the town one term, president of the council one term, and councilman the same length of time. These offices her served with credit to himself and the citizens.

JOHN HARTUNG

Mr. Hartung is one of the representative and substantial business men of Wellsville. His residence here has been for more than nineteen years. He was born in Germany, July 1841 and sailed for America during the year of 1854. He located in Kansas in the fall of 1865, going to Leavenworth. From there he went to St. Louis from thence, back to Kansas and locating in Padia; then moved to Olathe and after a few years of business career there sold out and came to Wellsville in 1878, where he has since engaged in the harness business. He is a manufacturer of and dealer in harness, saddler, bridles, whips, horse clothing, and turf goods. He has a reputation for ability and sound business principles which has gained him the confidence of his fellow citizens. He was elected mayor of Wellsville two terms, city council three terms, and city clerk one term; he also served two terms on the board of education. He is a member of the O. O. F. lodge No. 59 and Encampment No. 15 of Olathe, and of the Wellsville lodges of K. of P. and Fraternal Aid Association.

ROBERT STEEN

Mr. Steen was born in Lower Canada on April 30, 1842, removed with his parents to Wisconsin when seven years old, from there to Illinois, then to Iowa and arrived in Kansas when nineteen. About Christmas the family located on the old homestead about 3 miles east of town in the edge of Miami county, which Mr. Steen still owns. When the drought of 60' struck, they had put in 70 acres of sod corn and harvested there from some 200 bushels of "nubbins," more corn than grew in four miles around. Every grain that would do to grind was sorted out and made into meal. Mr. Steen and three companion, yoked up the ox team, and went three hundred miles for a load of buffalo meat, killing fifteen buffaloes at the head of the Ninneseah river. This made the winter's provision. Mr. Steen was a member of a free company in the corner of the four counties. When the order came for all these companies to be attached to some regiment, he enlisted in the 15th Kansas, was rejected because of disability, returned home and joined the militia. In those days the militiamen saw hard service, and Mr. Steen as ensign of his company saw many tight places. He still has his commission given at that time, keeping it a relic of the old days. In October '66, Mr. Steen was married to Miss Nancy E. Powers, a Kentuckian by birth,

During is long residence at the hold homestead, among other things he served as constable and deputy sheriff for 9 years. About seven years since Mr. Steen removed to his present residence, on the old Rynerson place, adjoining Wellsville where he has a fine house with all modern improvements and comforts. Mr. Steen has been successful in farming, stock raising and stock buying. And by careful work, not neglecting opportunities as they arose, he has attained that degree of success which energy and judgment should always bring in such a country as this. Always ready to aid in a good work, public spirited an enterprising, Mr. Steen is know as one of Wellsville's best and foremost citizens.

JOE WILLIAMS

It is with pride that a mention is made in this write up of the young business men of Wellsville; among this class is Joe Williams. He is a native Kansan and opened up a tonsorial parlor last May. He can give you a nick clean shave or a neat haircut. He thoroughly understands his business and merits the patronage of the people.

SMITH & SON

The central and most eligible locality is the Livery Stable in town is that situated on the east side of Main Street owned and run for the past 13 years by Smith & Son. The stable is well built and arranged, having a capacity for 10 head of horses. For driving purposes several well matched teams are kept and the carriages are models of ease and convenience. Thoroughly acquainted with horses Smith knows what the people want and supplies the best teams at low rates. Mr. Smith is also constable and city marshal and has served the city several terms in the city council.

T. J. GREGORY

In giving a resume of the enterprise and business of this community, it would be incomplete without a mention of Mr. T. J. Gregory one of the hustling business representatives of Wellsville. He has been a resident here for most twelve years, and is the standard authority on lands and farm values of this locality. He knows every acre of the county and knows what it is worth, so that as an agent his judgment can be implicitly relied upon. Mr. Gregory is an Ohion by birth, having been born in Wayne county February 17, 1859. When at the age of 21 he came to Kansas and located on a farm south of Wellsville and worked several years tilling the soil. During the year 1846 he came to town and was elected principal of the public schools, which position he held five years. In the meanwhile he engaged in the insurance loan and real estate business. Ultimately he resigned his superintendency of the schools and since continued in the lines of his chosen vocation with a marked degree of success. He is a man with energy and is well calculated to materially aid in the progress of this growing community. He was one of the original projectors in the establishment of the creamery and Wellsville Grain and Lumber Company. He has an interest in both enterprises besides he is a director of the town bank. In public life he has served Wellsville as a councilman several years, police judge, member of school board and principal twelve years. In the insurance business Mr. Gregory represents a number of the old tried reliable companies.

A. D. WATKINS

A. D. Watkins, the furniture man has been in business in this city the past five years during which time he has by close application to business and courteous treatment of customers succeeded in building up a fine trade. He is a native of Indiana but prefers Kansas from a business standpoint to the place of his birth. Mr. Watkins also does undertaking and embalming and has a fine line of caskets and funeral goods. He also has on his shelves an elegant line of wall paper embracing all the latest design and patterns. Mr. Watkins is a pleasant man to do business with and as he is a close buyer is enable to give his patrons the best of bargains. Anyone desiring anything in the furniture line should not fail to call on Mr. Watkins.

A. D. HOSTETTER

It is a pleasure to note the ring of satisfaction in the voice of Wellsville's citizens when they speak of A. D. Hostetter, whose name is the standard of the hardware trade and synonymous with the most reliable goods in this line namufactured. Mr. Hostetter is one of our oldest settlers and his business dates back nearly twelve years. His place of nativity is Montgomery county, Indiana, where he was born December 1864. He came to Kansas during the fall of 1870, and located on a farm 3 1/2 miles south of Wellsville, which property he now owns. He established his hardware business here during the year of 1885 and in 1889 he erected a substantial two story brick building at a cost of over $6,000. His building and business is certainly a credit to the town. Besides a large stock of hardware, heating stoves and ranges, kitchen utensils, etc., he had two large ware rooms which are packed with stoves, barbed wire, heavy hardware, duplicate stock, wagons, buggies, carriages and farm implements of all kinds. His store is one of the public benefit and success. Mr. Hostetter has been mayor of Wellsville one term and is now acting mayor by reason of the resignation of Mr. Harrison in that office. He was also a member of the city council for four terms and he is also at present a member of the local lodges of K. of P., A. O. U. W. and M. W. A.

J. C. THOMAS

The grocery and dry goods house of J. C. Thomas is a representative mercantile house of the town. Mr. Thomas' place of nativity is Ohio, being born in Delaware county, July 1858. He came to Kansas with his parents when seven years old. They located on a farm near Wellsville during the year of 1865. He worked hard and industriously in assisting his father till the soil and in securing a good education. For ten years he followed the occupation of a farmer on one of the best farms in this locality, which property he still owns. It is located south of town. During 1891 he was engaged in the Farmers' and Laborers' Exchange store as clerk. After obtaining an insight of the mercantile business he and A. P. VanMeter formed a partnership and established a grocery and dry goods store. After a two year's business the firm was dissolved, Mr. Thomas' father purchasing Mr. VanMeter's interest. Their experience in business has taught them the value of tasteful arrangement of stock and fair and courteous treatment of patrons, both old and new. J. C. Thomas is serving his second term as councilman, and has served the city as treasurer one and one-half years. He is one of our foremost men.

B. F. DETAR

Mr. DeTar is a Pennsylvanian by birth, and came to Kansas in the early days of '57. He staked out his claim and still resides on the same ground. In '59 he went with his brother, M. S. DeTar, now a merchant at Edgerton, Kansas, and put in a crop of millet----40 acres---on the ground now covered by the Kansas City stock years. While at this work, they lived in a log house on the site of Kansas City's Union Depot. A sawmill was then clearing the bottoms there, and land could be had almost for the asking. IN the fall of '59 B. F. DeTar and Sarah M. Darrah were united in the bonds of marriage at Westport. Returning to the farm in April '60, Mr. DeTar put in a good crop---from which not even a mess of roasting ears was harvested---owning to the extreme drought. That fall a disastrous fire swept over the country, destroying houses, fences and what little people had raised. Mr. DeTar had the misfortune among others to be completely burned out and had to begin at the bottom of the ladder again. With characteristic energy he built a story and a half log house, and again began the climb upward. With misfortunes in their expected number, Mr. DeTar by continued, well directed effort, has progressed until he is known far and wide as one of the most substantial, public minded and progressive men in the four counties. Mr. DeTar's greatest successes have been attained in stock raising, although he has not neglected any other branch of farming. He has been probably the largest beekeeper of this section for many years, his exhibits of honey and bee products at the fairs eliciting wide and favorable comment. Always jolly, he is an active man in any fun, a prominent member of the Edgerton gun club, has long been an officer in the Johnson County Fair Association, and is connected with every enterprise for the public welfare.

L. N. STONER

L. N. Stoner the village blacksmith is the pioneer in that line in Wellsville. He has been in the business nearly a fifth of a century, having come here from Pennsylvania some nineteen years ago. Wellsville at that time had but 8 houses but Mr. Stoner had confidence in the country and determined to locate. He has build up a fine business, is a neat and careful workman and is well deserving of the excellent patronage that he enjoys.

MRS. E. TRUMAN

When women attracts the courteous bondage of man, the neatness of her attire exerts no small portion of the influence and no part of her dress sets off the elegance of apparel more than the hat and trimmings. A house dealing exclusively in Millinery is that of Mrs. Truman, well known for her ideas and comprehensive knowledge. She has a well selected stock and all of the spring styles. Ladies who desire a nice spring bonnet or a very handsome hat would do well to call on Mrs. Truman.

W. A. REIGHLEY

In an agricultural country the requirements for a first class implement house are needed more than any other branch of business. Such as establishment belongs to Wellsville and is owned by W. A. Reighley who is known to all the farmers the past eleven years because of his honorable dealings with all of his patrons. His store is located on South Main Street and is stocked with all kinds of farm implements and carriages, wagons, sulkies, carts threshing machinery, engines and mill machinery. The stock is complete and there is no question but what one will find what they desire if they but call on Mr. Reighley. The genial proprietor of this model establishment is an native of Pennsylvania. He is an upright business man and has a large and constantly increasing trade. Mr. Reighley also carries a line of clover, timothy and all kinds of grass seeds.

W. H. DAVIS

Identified with the coal business of this city is the name of W. H. Davis. This gentleman, although he enjoys monopoly, does not attempt to take advantage of the situation and extort an exorbitant price and is content with doing a large business at a small margin of profit. Mr. Davis has been in the business the past 6 years and handles Wier City coal ,there is no better on the market. He has all grades and all patrons may be assured of courteous treatment.

W. A. WEAVER

Although not having been a resident of this community any great length of time Mr. Weaver has gained the confidence of the business men and citizens in general as a good business man and cleaver landlord of the American hotel. Besides conducting a first class hotel, Mr. Weaver will enter into the mercantile circles of Wellsville this week, with a large stock of clothing and dry goods. As a matter of course his stock will be fresh and new in style and patterns, and furthermore he intends selling his goods at prices that will draw him a good trade at once. Good goods and the lowest prices are hard to compete with. He very pleasantly ivies the pope of the town and surrounding country to come in and see his goods before going elsewhere. He says his prices will compel him to sell to every customer that gives him a call. He is also engaged in an enterprise which is of general interest to the town. He is renovating a large room in the hotel building and preparing it for a public hall. This is something that is much needed. Mr. Weaver is a Virginian, and was born February 16th, 1835. He emigrated to Kansas in 1875 and came to Wellsville last fall and purchased the American House of W. R. Holman. His patronage has been deservingly good.

J. L. HUGHS

Mr. Hughs was born in Paint township, Highland county, Ohio. Jan. 29, 1837, removed to Illinois with his parents when 14 years of age. Mr. Hughs came out to Kansas in '57, "staking out", the Joe S. Thompson claim (or farm) about Sept. 10th of that year. Returning to Illinois in '58. Mr. Hughs was married to Miss Katherine Harshbarger on Feb. 12, 1859, and in '60 removed to Kansas, where he has made his home ever since, except for about two years while he was serving his country in the Union army during the war, and also while under the influence of the Montana "gold fever." He had a fair success mining, but came back to Kansas inside of a year. Mr. Hughs and his family removed to the present home farm just in the edge of Douglas county in the fall of '66. Mr. Hughs has been singularly fortunate in farming and stock raising. Being a man of shrewd judgment and careful in business, he has singularly prospered. Mr. Hughs is at present largely engaged in handling fine horses, raising, buying and shipping a large number of them each year. It is a well known fact that horses under the care of Mr. Hughs always bring the highest price. Not content however, with the handling of money and property Mr. Hughs has been always a foremost leader in education matters, putting his theories into practice by giving his own family the best advantages. He has also been a leader in religious affairs--the Holiness Chapel in Wellsville was built principally by his contributions. Mr. Hughs and family now reside on one of the finest and best improved farms in Eastern Kansas, having all modern conveniences, including an excellent system of waterworks for the whole place, supplying the large mansion and two feed lots.

THE COTTAGE HOUSE

One of the best public hostelries with all the comforts of home is the Cottage Hotel presided over by Mrs. E. A. Van Meter. Its location on Main St. makes the hotel easy of access and is particularly advantageous to the traveling public. In addition to the transient custom the hotel has a number of regular boarders brought here by first class accommodations and reasonable prices. The hotel is built as the name implies Cottage style and all of the rooms are neat, clean and airy and a convenient dining room where the cuisine will be found commendable and the service first class. Persons who want good board at reasonable prices should not fail to stop at the Cottage.

[Ottawa Newspaper, 13 Sep 1889]

In the extreme northeast part of Franklin county and in Franklin township, thirteen miles by rail from Ottawa, on the main line of Southern Kansas is the beautiful and thriving city of Wellsville. It is a city incorporated with municipal laws, well enforced and respected. The country around the city is highly cultivated and the soil fertile. Great attention is paid to stock raising of all kinds, and especially to the raising of superior breeds of horses. There are three churches, Methodists, Congregationalists and Baptists. A large four room school house with a good corps of teachers, which attend to the educational needs of the city and district. Among the business conducted in the place, we mention:

GENERAL MERCHANDISE

W. S. Brockway, has the oldest store in the place. He came to Wellsville in 1870. Also built the elevator. Mr. Brockway was born in Connecticut, and served in the last war in the 10th Connecticut regiment, he was wounded at Roanoke Island, North Carolina. He was postmaster thirteen years, until Cleveland installed a democratic postmaster.

F. G. Hills, deals in notions, tinware, dry goods, hats, caps, boots and shoes, furniture, school supplies, jewelry, etc. Mr. Hills does a strictly cash business and consequently sells much lower than his competitors, who do a credit business. He is a young man full of enterprise, and does his share toward holding the immense trade which belongs to Wellsville. Mr. Hills is now enlarging his room to give place to his increasing business. He has just put in a new stock of boots and shoes, which he is selling at his usual low prices. He is also offering special bargains in furniture, which are attracting customers from near Lawrence and other foreign points.

P. Cayot & Co., who have recently started in business are now dealing in general merchandise of all kinds. Their stock is entirely new and consists of groceries, dry goods, ready made clothing, boots and shoes, notions, jewelry, hats and caps, queensware, glassware and country produce. These gentlemen expect to keep everything that the public needs. They are new dealers for this place but old experienced hands in the mercantile business. The people should get acquainted with them and their goods.

FEED MILL

W. F. Pearson owns a feed mill, but at present is running a threshing machine. He also keeps for breeding purposes, two stallions, he is also agent for the Kirkwood wind mill and Hays pump, and is having good success. This is a double acting pump, and pronounced by its friends to be the best in the United States. He is also a candidate for matrimony.