JACKSON COUNTY, Part 5

HOLTON.

Hon. Edward Holton, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has his name perpetuated, in what, in 1856, was but a howling wilderness, but in 1882 is one of the most quiet, beautiful and substantial inland cities in Kansas.

Milwaukee, in common with the rest of the county, in 1854 and 1855, had her share of excitement over the passage of the Nebraska Bill, and the troubles in "bleeding Kansas." A Kansas society was organized as the outgrowth of this sentiment, and for its support several hundred dollars was raised, and in May 1856, a train composed of six wagons, with two yoke of oxen to each wagon, left Milwaukee for Kansas. The emigrating families were those of John B. Coffin, consisting of four members; Edmund G. Ross's, six; John B. Hutt's, four; Mr. Earl's eight; Mr. Lathrop's, four, and there were six single men in the "Bachelor's wagon." Mr. Ross was chosen captain of the train. On arriving at Janesville, Wis., the band was joined by the family of the father of Mr. Ross, five members; Andrew Smith's family, five; Mr. Lyme's family, five.

Iowa City and Oskaloosa were made objective points in Iowa; Nebraska City was the point made west of the Missouri River, and Kansas was entered at Range 15, and Plymouth soon reached, at which place Mr. Stowell of Massachusetts, had a colony of about thirty. Lexington was the next point after leaving the headwaters of the Pony, and the "Lane Road" was then followed southward. The party met on the route Gen. James H. Lane, John Brown and S. C. Pomeroy. Arriving at Elk Creek, they occupied nearly a day in bridging it, and after crossing it they struck a beautiful location, and having with them a civil engineer, a survey of the outlines of a town, which they named Holton, was made.

A hewed log building, 20x20 feet, was commenced; the logs were laid close to each other so as to make a good place of defense, and it was afterwards known as "Jim Lane's Fort." All the heads of families had selected claims, and laid foundations on the same.

One rainy morning about four o'clock, General Lane and another man came into camp and informed them that Captain Shombrey had been killed at the fight at Fort Titus. Captain Shombrey had met them in Iowa and Nebraska, and he was leading a brave band of emigrants from Bloomington. Indiana, to Kansas.

They were told by General Lane that it was unsafe to stop at Holton, and the families had better be taken to Topeka, but some of the men should come back and stay at Holton, so as to keep the road open, this being the only way that provisions or emigrants could get through; the border ruffians having guarded the other routes.

Decision and action in two hours time took the party southward. South of town they stopped and, taking a backward glance remarked: "What a beautiful site for a town, and what a pity to leave it; but we will come back."

The Kaw River was crossed at the Pappan Ferry, and Mr. E. C. K. Garvey, of Topeka, was with other citizens waiting for them, who invited them all to his house to dinner, the first meal they had eaten inside a house since leaving Dubuque, Iowa. After dinner they drove out east of town, and went into camp, and here the company broke up; but it may be said that there was hardly a skirmish in the Territory but that some members of this company were engaged in it. In December, 1856, a meeting of the remaining forces was held in the office of Dr. Penfield, in the "Old Constitution Hall," of Topeka, and re-organized. Additions to the original force having been made, a committee was appointed, consisting of Dr. E. H. Grant, Dr. Penfield and Capt. W. F. Creitz, who came up to Holton and reported everything "allright," and the land was soon after filed upon as a town-site at the land office at Lecompton. In February, 1857, J. B. Ingersoll surveyed the town into lots, and soon after William F. and Lewis Creitz built a house on part of Lot Number 1, and opened a small grocery store, selling the first goods at the town of Holton.

During the summer, Thomas G. Walters, coming to Holton, had a man come from Iowa and put up the building known as the "Holton House," which was on the site of the "Commercial." Soon afterwards E. M. Parks put up the "Banner Hotel," which has been greatly enlarged into what is now the "City Hotel." On the south side of the Square was a building erected known as "Old Uncle Tom's Cabin," built by Henry S. Westlake for a grocery and a saloon."

Robert J. Waterhouse, who had been in Northern Wisconsin, managing certain interests of William B. Ogden, of Chicago, returned to Chicago in the spring of 1858, and resolving to come to Kansas, landed at Leavenworth in the month of May, came to Valley Falls, from there to Holton and bought one of the claims that Phineas Stewart had improved in 1855, of a Mr. Woodruff, who had been shot in the neck by the party claiming said quarter section. Mr. Waterhouse erected a store-building in Holton, which was occupied asa store by Edward A. Squires and Lewis Stafford. Ira I. Taber and Edward Olmsted built a small building on the south-west corner of the Public Square, and they erected the first schoolhouse, in which Miss Anna Parrott taught the first school, teaching two terms.

William Morrison, in 1858, put up the first steam saw and grist-mill, in the northwest corner of the town. He moved the mill from Tecumseh, and was given five shares in the town. He moved the mill from Tecumseh, and was given five shares in the town, but after obtaining the deeds the mill was moved to Southern Kansas. Dr. R. S. Craft moved his steam sawmill from Missouri to this place, and attached to it a pair of burrs, and after operating it for some years, sold it to parties, who have changed it to a first class flouring-mill, which now does a large business. J. W. Gordon, in 1860, opened a stock of general merchandise in a 13x14 feet room, and his business increased to large proportions. The building is a store room in the rear of L. Sarbach's store.

Holton, when pre-empted as a town-site by the Town Association in 1859, had seven dwellings, one store, a steam saw-mill, and a blacksmith shop. Several of the early builders have moved to other places, some have gone to that "bourne from whence no traveler returns."

At an early day, Holton made some attempts to develop a municipal government, but by an act of the Legislature of 1871, it was organized as a city of the third class; its first Mayor being T. J. Adamson; its Councilmen, Ira I. Taber, Ed. Vetter, M. M. Beck, J. T. Scott and H. P. Bishop; Clerk, H. J. Ransom; Treasurer, H. P. Bishop; Marshall, R. G. Waterhouse; Police Judge, J. H. Lowell; Attorney, Charles Hayden. Since then its Mayors have been: T. J. Adamson, E. F. Perley, E. D. Rose, Case Broderick, Martin Anderson, A. D. Walker, M. B. Smyth, A. H. Williams and T. P. Moore.

The city officers for 1882 are as follows: Mayor, T. P. Moore; Police Judge, E. E. Rafter; City Attorney, Sidney Hayden; Treasurer, C. H. Williams; Clerk, W. W. Sargent; Auctioneer, W. R. Fisher; Fire Warden, R. E. Smithers; Marshal and Street Commissioner, M. C. Mowry; Councilmen, Ira I. Taber, J. A. Scott, C. H. Williams, Ed. F. Jones, A. W. Post. Mr. Taber is President of the Board.

CHURCHES AND SOCIETIES.

The Methodist Episcopal Church.-- In 1858, the Methodist Episcopal church and was organized the Rev. Eli H. Robertson, preacher in charge, assisted by James Lawrence, and at the time formed a part of a very large circuit; but in 1879, Holton was made a station. The first parsonage was built in 1866, the present one in 1870. The church edifice was commenced in 1868, and dedicated in 1871. In March, 1877, the North Kansas Conference was held with this church, the venerable Bishop Simpson, and Chaplain McCabe being present. Ira I. Taber has been Sunday-school Superintendent since the school was organized in September, 1868, and it has in 1882 an average membership of 200. Under Mr. Taber's skillful management it has become one of the best organized in the State. The value of the parsonage is $1,000; of the church edifice, $4,000. The church has had the brothers Green, Nehemiah and Lewis F., Joseph Dennison and other distinguished preachers among its pastors. In 1882, the Pastor was Rev. J. A. Motter.

First Presbyterian.-- Rev. Charles Parker organized this church March 9, 1867. Its first members were: J. B. Waynant, Mary M. Waynant, Jacob Hixon, Cassandra Hixon, R. M. Kennedy, Nancy Kennedy, John McCreary, Mary McCreary, Frederick Seele, Catharine Seele, William Boettcher, Herman Boettcher and John Edwards. The elders were: Jacob Hixon, and J. B. Waynant. The church edifice was erected in 1868, the first one in Holton. Its value is $2,000. In 1869 a parsonage was built. In 1880 a new one, costing $1,200. The membership of the church is 180; of the Sunday-school 150 (in 1882) Mr. J. A. Scott is superintendent; Dr. D. W. Havens is pastor of the church, one of the most scholarly theologians there are in Kansas. His predecessors were: Rev. Charles Parker, Rev. S. A. Stoddard, Rev. A. Thompson and Rev. M. Wade. Hon. E. D. Holton, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, presented the church with its nice clear sounding bell.

Church of Christ.-- The Christian Church was organized here by Mr. and Mrs. Allen B. Scholes, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Nichols, Miss Jane Walters and two others, July 13, 1862. The first services were held in the old court house, by Elder A. J. Francis, in 1862. In 1872, a church was built at a cost of $2,000. Its membership in 1882 was 755. The Pastor is Rev. J. H. Bauserman; Matthew Jacobs, elder; Oscar Williams and Mr. Goodrich, deacons; Charles Morris, clerk.

Baptist Church.-- The Baptists of Holton, in March, 1872, met at the Christian Church and organized with seven members. Rev. Granville Gates, State Missionary, was the organizer, and Rev. S. Colton and wife, Mr. and Mrs. C. Farr, Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Monroe, and Mrs. Mary Clement were the members. Its pastors have been: Rev. Mr. McCreary, Rev. S. Cozard, Rev. S. Taylor, Rev. A. B. Abrams, and Rev. N. P. Hotchkiss. The membership of the church and Sunday-school in 1882, was each about seventy-five. George Barker was Sunday-school superintendent. The organization in 1880, erected a nice frame church edifice at a cost of $1,000.

Reformed Church.-- This church lays claim to priority of all the Protestant Evangelical organizations in coming out from the "Mother Church." Ulrich Zwingle, of Switzerland, was one year in advance of Martin Luther. Frederick the Great summoned before him these reformers, that he might know their creeds, and Ulrich Zwingle presented the Heidleberg Catechism in 1563, and the "Reformed Church" stands upon the doctrine therein contained.

The Holton church was formed in April, 1880, with a membership of about twenty. Rev. J. Roach was the organizer. The congregation worship at the court house. Rev. H. Shumaker was pastor in 1882.

African Methodist Episcopal Church.-- In 1874, Rev. A. H. Daily organized this church with eight members. Its church edifice, formerly a saloon, cost $350. Its Sunday-school is prosperous, and its pastor in 1882, Rev. F. M. Dale, is an untiring worker. It has one local preacher, one exhorter, thirty-two members, six probationers.

Colored Baptist.-- Rev. Dennis Young, of Missouri, organized this church in June, 1880, with thirty-seven members: Not having state preaching, they worship with the First Baptist Church.

Roman Catholic.-- The Catholics have a good-sized frame building located in the east part of the city, which was erected in 1873. Rev. Father Begley is the Pastor. Mrs. H. P. Bishop is one of the pillars of the church. Services are usually held the first Sunday in each month. The congregation is largely from the surrounding country.

The Public Schools.-- The graded school is the great pride and glory of the city. It has seven departments, and is under the management of Prof. C. Y. Roop, a most skillful instructor and thorough disciplinarian. He has a very efficient corps of assistants. Prof. Roop is a weekly contributor to the educational department of the Holton Recorder, and the matter is valuable alike to teachers and pupils. Hon. E. D. Holton contributed a good library to the school. The edifice is a neat two-story brick. It has an excellent bell.

The Holton Cemetery.-- One mile west of Holton is the Cemetery. It contains six acres, and in 1867, it was surrounded by a nice board fence, neatly capped. In the southwest corner is a natural forest, and evergreens and beautiful shrubbery exist here in considerable profusion, evidencing the tender affection which is maintained towards those who but a short time ago were in the flesh, and whose daily walk among their associates was of that character that prompts a beautifying of the grounds where reposes their sacred dust.

The site is a nice dry locality sloping to the south. There is a small building near the entrance where all requisites for excavation are safely stored. Ira I. Taber is President of the Cemetery Association, and W. T. Scott has charge of the grounds. The lay-out into lots and drives is admirable.

Holton Lodge, No. 42, A., F. & A. M.-- This lodge was organized October 20, 1863 with twelve charter members. Its first officers were as follows: N. Tolbert, W. M.; J. B. Hubbell, S. W.; George Smith, J. W. The lodge owns the building which contains their hall. The officers in 1882 were as follows: Charles Hayden, W. M; I. T. Price, S. W.; A. W. Post, J. W.; V. V. Adamson, Treasurer; C. C. Free, Secretary; J. W. Patten, Tiler; Frank Craig, S. D.; E. F. Jones, J. D.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows.-- Holton Lodge, No. 34, was organized May 1, 1868. Its charter members were as follows: J. H. Keller, N. G.; A. W. Moore, V. G.; Victor Sarbach, Secretary; Dr. V. V. Adamson, Treasurer. Its membership in 1882 is about 150. Its present officers are: John Q. Myers, N. G.; Carl Wagner, V. G.; C. Y. Roop, Corresponding Secretary; J. H. Keller, Financial Secretary; Edward Vetter, Treasurer. The lodge is in quite a flourishing condition. It owns a fine hall costing $4,000.

Knights of Pythias.-- Friendship Lodge, No. 15, of this order, was organized May 6, 1875, with thirteen charter members. The first officers were as follows: H. D. Sprague, P. C.; V. Sarbach, C. C.; C. A. Walker, V. C.; L. V. Bryan, K of R & S.; T. J. Scott, M. at A.; J. Dickey, M. F.; E. D. Rose, M. E.; W. W. Naylor, Prelate; A. H. Williams, I. G.; A. Roberts, O. G. The following are its present officers: W. L. Hoaglin, P. C.; E. E. Rafler, C. C.; F. H. Stout, V. C.; F. S. Scott, P.; C. E. Rose, K. of R. & S.; C. H. Farr, M of F.; W. W. Naylor, M. of E.; J. C. Weiss, M. at A.; Charles Bateman, I. G.; J. M. Fisher, O. G. Trustees: John Q. Myers, E. E. Rafler and A. H. Williams. The present number of members exceeds fifty.

Knights of Honor.-- Jackson Lodge, No. 1769, was organized August 30, 1879, with twenty-one charter members. Its first officers were as follows: H. Tucker, Dictator; J. H. Lowell, Vice-Dictator; J. A. Scott, Assistant Dictator. Ira I. Taber, Chaplain; W. W. Naylor, Reporter; T. P. Moore, Financial Reporter; J. Q. Myers, Treasurer; M. H. Larkin, Guide; Sidney Hayden, Guardian; C. C. Free, Sentinel; John Davis, Past Dictator. Its present officers are: T. P. Moore, Dictator; Ira I. Taber, Vice-Dictator; Dr. M. B. Smyth, Assistant Dictator; C. H. Williams, Chaplain; J. P. Moore, Reporter; S. H. Scott, Financial Reporter; W. W. Naylor, Treasurer; R. C. Moore, Guide; D. U. Townsend, Guardian; C. H. Farr, Sentinel; John Q. Myers, Past Dictator. The membership is about forty. Its meetings are held in Masonic Hall.

Grand Army of the Republic.-- The Will Wendell Post, No. 46, G. A. R., organized April 11, 1882, with fifteen members. Its corps of officers are as follows; Ira I. Taber, Commander; E. D. Rose, Senior Vice-Commander; E. F. Jones, Junior Vice-Commander; R. N. Adamson, Officer-of-the-day; George H. Barker, Quartermaster; T. T. Spence, Officer-of-the-Guard; John F. Fuller, Adjutant; V. V. Adamson, Surgeon. Its present membership is about thirty.

United Order of Ancient Templars.-- Holton Temple, No. 26, was organized by Mr. H. C. W. Deshler, of Topeka, Associate Past Supreme Templar, June 2, 1881, with forty charter members. Its officers were as follows: C. C. Free, Templar; C. H. Williams, Past Templar; Mrs. J. K. Bethel, Vice-Templar; Rev. John Wuerth, Lecturer; E. E. Birkett, Recorder; L. E. Ashton, Financier; Ira I. Taber, Treasurer; S. B. McGrew, Marshal; J. M. Ferguson, Guard; C. G. Townsend, Watchman. This order has a mortuary fund, and M. B. Smyth M. D. is the Medical Examiner for the Holton Temple. Its officers for 1882 are as follows: I. T. Price, Templar; C. C. Free, Past Templar; Miss Adda Adair, Vice-Templar; Edward E. Birkett, Recorder: Thomas E. Ashton, Financier; Dr. E. A. Junkin, Treasurer; Rev. John Birkett, Lecturer; S. F. Richardson, Marshal; S. B. McGrew, Guard; G. C. Jacobs, Watchman.

The Ancient Order of United Workers.-- Holton Lodge No. 107, A. O. U. W., was organized by Dr. C. H. Gilman, Instituting Officer, August 31, 1882, with twenty-one charter members. Its officers are as follows: C. H. Gilman, W. M.; N. C. Boles, Recorder; Dr. V. V. Adamson, Financier.

Holton Choral Society.-- September 19, 1881, this city of sentiment and song, organized the above named association, choosing its officers as follows: Ira I. Taber, President; Miss Eddy, Vice-President; E. A. Junkin, Secretary; T. C. McConnell, Treasurer; J. C. Chase, Conductor; Edward Chase, Organist; M. C. Mowry, Mrs. A. H. Williams, Mrs. Dr. Scott, J. C. Chase, E. A. Junkin, Executive Committee. The membership is about sixty.

Holton Cornet Band.-- The present leader of the band is Professor Graves. It has a corps of ten performers. The band has given splendid concerts, and has performed the spectacular tableau of "Andersonville Prison."

Eastern Star Lodge, A., F. & A. M..-- This has been a very prosperous organization in the city. It contained in 1882, about forty members.

Daughters of Rebecca.-- This band of workers here has quite a good membership.

THE PRESS AND OTHER BUSINESS INTERESTS.

The many intelligent inhabitants of Jackson County are a well-read people and they handsomely sustain papers at home and give good support to many abroad. In the fall of 1858, Thomas G. Watters, without possessing either type or press, started the Cricket. It ran about two months. The articles were written in ink, and political events were illustrated with colored pencils. In October, 1867, Mr. A. W. Moore brought to Holton the first press and type, and commenced the publication of a seven-column paper. Republican in politics, called the Jackson County News. Mr. Frank H. Stout became a fourth-owner in October, 1871, but he sold out his interest. January 4, 1872, Mr. George S. Irwin became a half owner in the News which he sold November 7, 1872. June 4, 1872, the paper was enlarged to eight columns and its name changed to the Holton News. After Irwin's withdrawal, Moore continued the publication of the paper until February 6, 1874, when Frank A. Boot purchased the good-will and consolidated it with his paper, the Express, which had been in existence nearly two years. Mr. Moore moved his printing materials to Dodge City, and began the publication of the Messenger.

The Jackson Democrat.-- In May, 1868, this paper was commenced under the auspices of a stock company made up of Democrats, with T. G. Williams as editor. J. W. Fox purchased it in 1869, and published it as an independent paper for about a year, when he moved it to St. Mary's. Mr. Fox had changed its name to the Holton Leader.

The Holton Express.-- Mr. Frank A. Root brought the material for a newspaper from Seneca to Holton, April 13, 1872, and started the Holton Express, Republican in politics. Having purchased the News, on February 6, 1874, he consolidated it with the Express, and continued to publish the paper until March 26, 1875, under the title of the Express and News when he sold it to Messrs. Beck & Shiner. Messrs. Moore, Root, and Irwin are all in the newspaper business at Gunnison, Colorado. Root & Irwin were, after leaving Holton, publishers of the North Topeka Times.

The Holton Recorder.-- J. W. Shiner and Edward C. Laithe, March 2, 1875, started the Recorder. Two weeks later Mr. M. M. Beck purchased the interest of Mr. Laithe. March 30, 1875, Messrs. M. M. Beck and J. W. Shiner began the publication of the Recorder and Express; Mr. Frank A. Root having sold them the Express. January 1, 1877, the word "Express" was dropped from the heading. Mr. Beck became sole editor and proprietor in April, 1881. It is now a well-managed, eight-page paper, and the official one of the county. Mr. Beck has the post-office and an excellent drug store. He is a member of the State Republican Central Committee for the First Judicial District.

The Holton Argus.-- Mr. J. C. Lillie, of Leavenworth, started this as a Democratic paper, April 1, 1867, and it was published for eight months.

The Real Estate Bulletin.-- Mr. Ira I. Taber published this monthly in 1871 and in 1872, devoting it to the landed interests of Holton, and Jackson County.

The Daily Express.-- During the three days of the Jackson County Fair in 1874, Frank A. Root published the only daily ever in the county -- The Express.

The Holton Signal.-- January 16, 1878, Messrs. Thomas A. Fairchild and W. W. Sargent Commenced the publication of an eight-column Democratic paper with the above name. Mr. Fairchild severed his connection with it January 1, 1879, since which time it has been under the creditable management of Mr. Sargent. It is the official city paper. Mr. Sargent is the City Clerk. His paper commands an influence at home and abroad, and he is one of the rising journalists of the State. Mr. Fairchild has been connected with the North Topeka Times, the Topeka Daily Post, the Leavenworth Standard and the Burlingame Chronicle, of Osage County. He is now at the State Printing Office at Topeka.

Holton, from the rude hamlet of two decades ago, presents in 1882 a very metropolitan aspect, and is in fact a beautiful, progressive city. A great variety of trades, professions and branches of business are represented in the place, and they are of that nature that assures a very general permanency. There are now located at Holton seven physicians, of whom Dr. V. V. Adamson has been longest a resident in the city, having settled in 1859.

There are numerous law firms; Judge Hoaglin, whose office is on the west side of the Public Square, being one of the very early settlers and attorneys of Kansas, and formerly Probate Judge and also District Attorney. John S. Hopkins, of the firm of Hopkins & Hunter, was also six years County Attorney, and two years State Senator; and Case Broderick, of the firm of Broderick & Rafter, now member of the State Senate, has filled the office of Probate Judge and County Attorney. Sidney Hayden, of the firm of Hayden & Hayden, is now City Attorney.

The Farmers' Bank and Saving Institution was the first bank established in Holton. Martin Anderson was President; William Cline, Vice-President; H. J. Ransom, Cashier. It was established in 1872. In 1874, H. P. Bishop became President. It became a Loan Agency and finally went the way of all the earth. Its location was west of the Square, now the office of C. C. Frae, Esq.

The Exchange Bank.-- On the northeast corner of the Public Square, F. P. Moore and S. K. Linscott made excavations for this building in June, 1873. The front room of the bank is 20x30 feet; the rear room is 12x20 feet. In its strong and handsome vault, which has an entrance door or chilled steel, is one of MacNeale & Urban's fire and burglar-proof safes, costing $900, which has a "Yale Time Lock." The bank first commenced operations in 1872. S. K. Linscott was its first President; T. P. Moore its Cashier. Mr. Moore is now President and T. P. Moore, Cashier. Its correspondents are the First National Bank, Leavenworth, Kansas; the Ninth National Bank, New York.

Holton City Bank.-- This bank now doing business in a nice brick structure situated diagonally from the Exchange Bank, has everything fixed up with reference to completeness in running a banking institution. George W. Drake is President; Ira I. Taber, Cashier. This building was first occupied in November, 1880. Before that, the business was done in a wooden structure, directly north of the court house. The bank safe has "Hall's Double Chronometer Lock."

Linscott's Bank.-- The finest structure in Holton is the building in which this bank is located. It was erected in 1881, and the bank was opened in November. North of the banking department is a fine store occupied by McGrew & Williams; in the basement is a barber's shop and laundry; the upper story contains two law offices, and the offices of two dentists: C. H. Gilmore and Frank M. Davis. The building cost $13, 600. It is directly west of the court house. S. K. Linscott is President; S. B. McGrew, Cashier. The bank has a new patent steel dove-tailed burglar-proof safe with a "Hall's Double Chronometer Lock" that has an additional safety, in that, when the movements stop from any cause, there is a combination attachment by which the safe can be opened as any other. Mr. Linscott severed his relations with the Exchange Bank, January 1, 1875. He started a bank in a wooden building where the new one now is.

The City Mills.-- A. W. Post & Co., proprietors, are adequate to the wants of the city and county, as there is here manufactured all fancy and straight grades of flour, and everything in the way of meal, chop-feed, etc. This mill was owned by Dr. J. L Williams, Sewart, and Nixon, and it has had a large outlay made on it.

Elk Flouring Mills.-- Peter Keiderer, one of the pioneer's of the county, has a mill two miles east of the city which does a large business and excellent work.

The hotels of the city have undergone very many changes since the town began to be; the names of the houses have been changed, and there has been a large number of proprietors.

The City Hotel was opened eight years ago by William Yeer, formerly a thrifty merchant tailor of Holton. His patronage permanent and transient is very large. Commercial travelers find here a neat well-ordered hotel, and the house is largely advertised through Northeastern Kansas. Mr. Yeer took possession of the house in 1874.

The Commercial.-- This is the original hotel of 1859. It has been very successfully run and inside of its walls have been performed heroic and semi-tragic acts. There have been many different proprietors. The present manager, Thomas Sumner took possession August, 1880, and is doing a good business.