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Riley County History
"Riley County--Blue Ribbon County of Kansas," 1881
The Men of Manhattan, "The Beautiful City", part 1


Men and Things.

Under this head, will be given sketches of some of our leading men and business enterprises ; and it seems especially fitting to commence with the one of our citizens who comes nearest to having a national reputation, viz :

HON. JOHN A. ANDERSON.

Mr. Anderson comes from excellent stock. His grandfather— Rev. John Anderson, D. D., of North Carolina- was a noted Presbyterian three-fourths of a century ago; and his father— Rev. Wm. C. Anderson, D. D., a life-long minister of the same church, was for a long time President of Miami (Ohio) University. He was a man of unusual ability, and such gentleness of spirit as to win the affection of all who knew him. John A. Anderson's mother was a daughter of Col. John Alexander, of the revolutionary army.

John A. Anderson was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, June 26, 1834; graduated at Miami University in 1853; studied theology, and preached in Stockton, California, from 1857 to. 1862. Early in that year he entered the army as chaplain of the Third California Infantry, and served in that capacity about a year. In 1863, he entered the service of the United States Sanitary Commission, and his first duty was to act as Relief Agent of the Twelfth Army Corps. He was next transferred the New York Central Office ; and, while there, it was a portion of his duties to write up for the newspapers the great laws held in the interest of the Commission in New York, Boston, Philadelphia and other cities. When Grant began the movement through the Wilderness, he was made Superintendent of Transportation. He had under his command half a dozen steamers. He was required to have the supplies of the commission as convenient to the wounded as possible, and the movement of the steamers in search of Grant, up one river and down another and along that dangerous coast, through torpedoes and amid ambuscades, necessitated a daring and skill equal to that of any other possible duty. Upon the completion of this campaign, he served as Assistant Superintendent of the Canvass and Supply Department at Philadelphia, and edited a paper called the Sanitary Commission Bulletin. At the close of the war, he was transferred to the Historical Bureau of the Commission at Washington. He remained there one year, collecting data and writing a portion of the history of the Com- mission. In 1866, at the close of his labors with the Sanitary Commission, he was appointed Statistician of the Citizens' Association of Pennsylvania. This was an organization for the purpose of relieving the suffering resulting from pauperism, vagrancy and crime in large cities. He served two years, visiting penitentiaries, jails, alms-houses, asylums, figuring and writing the results of his observations, and contributing to the scientific world valuable information and some important conclusions on the great social questions involved.

In February, 1868, he accepted a call from the Presbyterian church at Junction City, Kansas, and remained its pastor until the fall of 1873, when he accepted the Presidency of the Kansas State Agricultural College at Manhattan, which position he retained until his election to Congress, in 1878. He has now been in Congress one year, and, last November, was re-elected. While President of the College, he was appointed one of the American Jurors on Machine Tools for Wood, Metal and Stone,— Group XXI, at the Centennial Exhibition; and one of the principal American mechanics upon the jury, a gentleman from Springfield, Mass., says that some of their most satisfactory reports were written by Mr. Anderson.

As this meagre outline of Mr. Anderson's life gives but little idea of the man and his probable future, we desire to add a few facts and reflections upon his career and character as a man, a minister, a journalist, an educator and a statesman.

Mr. Anderson is a splendid specimen of physical manhood. He is five feet ten inches high, and weighs about two hundred pounds. He is of a nervo-bilious temperament, with fair complexion, uncommonly fine hair, and light blue eyes that look straight at you when talking. He is a fluent talker, speaking rapidly, in a pleasant though not deep voice, and expresses his ideas with uncommon clearness. He is very positive and aggressive, but has such a genial, rollicking spirit, that he generally (when he wishes to) retains the good will even of those he antagonizes. Fond of a joke, hearty, almost to boisterousness, with a great deal of personal magnetism, he captivates nearly every warm hearted man who comes in contact with him, and is sure to keep every group he is with in a good humor. He is well informed, has a large, well balanced brain, has a naturally logical mind, is remarkably quick to see points and to detect the weak places in his adversary's argument; he has a healthy body, immense physical vitality, and comes from a long lived ancestry ; he is constitutionally honest, is an intense hater of shams and hypocrisy, and if he is illiberal in anything, it is in his apparent inability to make allowances for these particular faults in others. In September, 1864, he was married to Miss Nannie Foote, of Ky., and has three children. Mrs. Anderson is to her husband a helpmate, and not (as are the wives of many public men) a mere helpmeet. She is a healthy, good looking, refined and intelligent lady, with winning manners and housewifely tastes. In short, she is just such a wife as such a man needs.

AS A MINISTER, Mr. Anderson organized two strong churches and erected two fine church buildings. He was an active, influential member of the Synod, and was three times elected to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church. His sermons affect the mind more than the feelings, and some of them are very able productions. His manners are rather unclerical ; and this fact, in connection with his disregard of a few of the conventionalities of life, has led some who have only a slight acquaintance with him to suppose that, with him, religion is altogether a matter of the head and not of the heart. But those who know him well are aware that his heart is full of the real, vital spirit of Christianity— the love of God and man. His faith is simple and absolute, and influences his every day life in a marked degree ; so that, upon the stump and in the political caucus, he is the same manner of man that he is in the pulpit and Synod.

AS A JOURNALIST, Mr. Anderson is a born journalist. His first connection with the press was in California, where he was a war correspondent of the San Francisco Bulletin. Afterwards, in New York, he wrote many of the glowing reports of the great Sanitary Commission fairs ; and in Philadelphia he edited the Sanitary Commission Bulletin. During his pastorate at Junction City, he wrote a great deal for the Junction Union, had charge of it whenever its editor, Geo. W. Martin, was absent ; and even that able journalist will admit that the paper never suffered at those times. When President of the College he also founded the Industrialist — that gem of Kansas papers. As a writer he is clear and trenchant, pungent and powerful — always using words the meaning of which cannot be misunderstood — and using no more than are needed to express his ideas. If he ever leaves Congress, the next best place for him to make a great name for himself and do good to mankind would be at the head of a great newspaper.

AS AN EDUCATOR, without any previous experience as an educator, except as Regent of the State University, Mr. Anderson was elected President of the Kansas State Agricultural College in 1873. Previous to that time it had been a good literary college, but — partly because of lack of means — it was not a success as an industrial institution. The Board of Regents, having decided to change its general character, cast about for a new President, and the writer was requested to sound Mr. Anderson in relation to accepting the position. We did so, and were met by a flat refusal, put upon the ground of want of experience in that direction. We answered, that this lack of experience was, in his case, a recommendation. Industrial colleges, as such, had been failures, and there was little hope for success in the future without a radical change of policy. Professional educators were almost certain to follow in the old grooves with the customary results. A new man, whose habits of thought had not been biased by long travel and training in a certain direction, would be more likely -to discover the defects of the old system and devise a remedy etc., etc. Mr. Anderson finally consented to take the matter under advisement, and, in the end, accepted the position. After long and careful consideration of the whole subject, he inaugurated "a new departure," that bids fair to exert a lasting influence upon educational affairs.

But we cannot enlarge on this subject; and will only add that we are confident Mr. Anderson has laid the corner stone upon which the future educational system of the Nation will be built.

AS A STATESMAN, it took much persuasion to induce Mr. Anderson to temporarily leave the ministry for the College, and it required even more to induce him to allow his name to be used as a candidate for Congress; but his friends are satisfied that he is even better fitted to succeed in his present sphere, than in the one he has heretofore adorned. His first canvass was made at a trying period in the history of the party. Resumption had been ordered, but it was not an accomplished fact; and his predecessor, Colonel Phillips, was one of the most ultra of the Greenback Republicans. He, however, visited and spoke in every organized county in his district, one of the largest and the most populous in the United States, and received the largest majority then ever given in the district. Great efforts were made by United States Senator Ingalls and the corruptionists of the district, to prevent his renomination, but when the convention met he received the votes of all but two counties. He again canvassed his district, even more thoroughly than before. His plurality was 26,284, and his majority — which is the largest majority ever received by a Republican candidate for Congress — over all, 18,934. In every county in the district, his percentage of the vote was larger than it was two years before, which amounts to a demonstration that his popularity is increasing, in spite of the well known fact that no Congressman is able to make much of a showing before the public during his first term. He has every personal quality that is needed to help him to rise ; and, in addition, has troops of friends, all over the State, who delight to lend him a helping hand. There can hardly he a doubt but that he is the coming man of Kansas. His influence will increase from year to year and no limit can be put to his upward progress. If he retains his health he is hound to become one of the foremost men of the Nation ; and that fact is becoming so manifest that the class who wish to pay court to the rising sun, are already clustering around him.

We will only add that, as Mr. Anderson belongs to the best class of statesmen, all who wish to see the Nation well governed should give him a cordial support.


THE CASH HOUSE OF E. B. PURCELL.

The most prominent of Manhattan business houses is that of E. B. Purcell, who came to Manhattan from Newton Hamilton, Pennsylvania, in the year 1866. Mr. Purcell conducted a comparatively small business for sometime, until he got the "run" of the trade. Then he began to branch out. First, he built a large stone building beside the one he was occupying. Then he moved the frame he had been occupying, and put in another large stone and brick structure. Next he purchased the building west and remodeled it entirely, putting in a brick front. This is now occupied by the Manhattan Bank.

Then Mr. Purcell stopped to take breath. Not long, however. His business spread, filled and overran his quarters. He added a huge warehouse and elevator, 50x100 feet. He built corncribs to accommodate his business in that line, which aggregate a length of 440 feet, and the whole block of buildings is now filled with goods from basement to garret.

It is certainly within bounds to say that Mr. Purcell has more store and more house room than any other merchant in Kansas — those of Topeka, Atchison and Leavenworth not excepted ; also that he carries the largest aggregate stock of goods, and does a heavier business than any other man in the State.

The business of the house is divided into the following apartments : Dry Good and Notions, Clothing, Hats and Caps, Boots and Shoes, Blank Books, Stationery and Toys, Groceries, Staple and Fancy, Produce, Butter, Eggs and Poultry, Hardware, heavy and shelf. Stoves, Tinware and Crockery, Paints, Oils and Window Glass, Grain, Feed and Live Stock, Agricultural Implements.

This establishment deals in "Everything" almost literally. What you cannot purchase here, it is almost needless to inquire for elsewhere. An immigrant coming to this county can go into Purcell's and buy all his farming utensils, wagons, carriages, stoves, hardware, groceries to last him a year, clothing, and dry goods, sewing machine and organ. At the end of the year he can haul his corn, wheat, or other grain, bogs, cattle, or anything he may raise, and his wife may take her butter, eggs and poultry — all to Purcell's, and get the highest market price for them. This is one of the secrets of his success. A farmer can sell there everything he raises, and he can buy there everything he needs in the pursuit of happiness and comfort.


MANHATTAN BANK.

This institution was opened in May, 1870, by E. B. Purcell, who still retains exclusive ownership and control.

In November, 1870, Jno. W. Webb assumed the position of Cashier, and has had supervision of the business ever since.

The Bank occupies twenty-four feet front on the west side of E. B. Purcell's block, and has all the necessary equipments for the extensive business transacted within its doors; is furnished with elegant black walnut counters fitted with heavy ground plate glass, fire proof vault, and latest improved burglar proof chests — all conveniently arranged to facilitate the transaction of business.

A genuine banking business is transacted. Foreign and inland exchange, commercial paper and municipal and corporation bonds are bought and sold ; hills and notes are discounted ; collections are made on all accessible points ; foreign bills of exchange are drawn direct on all the principal cities of Europe ; long time loans are made on real estate: — in short, everything that a metropolitan bank can do on approved business principles is done equally as well here, while the extensive personal acquaintance of the proprietor, all over the State, together with a long list of correspondents representing every important business center in the State, enables him to give prompt and reliable information on almost every conceivable subject connected with or affecting any of the business interests of the state.


THE PRIDE OF MANHATTAN,
MANHATTAN MILL AND ELEVATOR.

The formation of the E. P. PURCELL ELEVATOR, IMPROVEMENT, LOAN AND TRUST COMPANY, with a full paid-up capital of one hundred thousand dollars, was brought about by the well-known enterprise of E. B. Purcell, of this place, and Col. John B. Anderson, who, at the outset, determined to found an establishment that would be a credit to the city of Manhattan, the State of Kansas, and themselves. The company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Kansas, and has for its officers : E. B. Purcell, President ; John B. Anderson, Treasurer; and James T. Ritchie, Secretary.

THE ELEVATOR is one of the largest in the State, and undoubtedly the most complete and convenient of any in the country, combining all the latest improvements. The most important of these inventions is the device for elevating and cribbing ear corn by machinery, which is the first arrangement of the kind ever built for cribbing corn, and it was a success from the start.

A wagon loaded with corn drives onto the scales, in the weighing room, and is weighed. The load is then driven up into the elevator, the end gate taken out, a lever moved, and the hind win sis suddenly sink down about three feet and the corn shoots down I lie opening into the cribbing sink if desired to crib it, or, if it is to be shelled immediately, a valve in the shoot is turned and it goes directly to the sheller, and is shelled, elevated to the cleaners, cleaned, weighed, and spouted into the bins, or car, as desired.

The machinery of the elevator is so admirably arranged that a person on the first floor can operate it without moving half a dozen steps. He can shell, elevate it, clean it, weigh it, deposit it in bins or a car, by simply moving a lever, or by pulling certain cords, all of which are labeled so no mistake can be made. A register is in the room, whereupon is registered the number of bushels of grain in each bin.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FLOURING MILE.

The flouring mill, which is the pride of Manhattan, and, without doubt, the finest and most complete in all its parts of any in the State, is built on the Union Pacific Railroad, adjoining the large elevator built by this Company. The mill is 32x46 feet, four stories high, with basement. The stories were all built high, so as to accommodate the necessary machinery, which fact adds greatly to its value. The walls are very substantially built of stone, and nicely pointed. The building is well proportioned in size, as are also the doors and windows. With its mansard roof, it is a magnificent looking structure, and its foundations and solid walls make it a substantial one.

THE MACHINERY, from the engine to the last extremity of shafting, from largest to smallest machine, is the best that could be procured for money. And the planning and arranging of the machinery in the entire mill house could not well be improved ; for, though the house may seem small for the necessary machinery for a seven run mill, it is not hampered or crowded, there being plenty of room for any man to pass through to examine all machinery, with a suit of fine broadcloth and tall silk hat, and come out without the usual mill marks on his clothes. The bolting chests are all free and convenient to get at, not a spout, post, or elevator in the way of putting on the bolting cloths, nor to interfere with the opening of any one of the bolting chest doors on its hinges.

Another important feature in the mill is, that the house is not used for the storage of any grain or offal. All the grain is stored in the large elevator adjoining the mill, and spouted into the mill as wanted. The offal is all spouted into a building for that purpose, also the dust from all cleaners and purifiers, Leaving the mill house clean and unencumbered.

One of Dean's direct acting steam pumps is used for filling the tank, from which the boilers receive their supply. There is also connected with the pump a stand pipe, extending to top of mill and elevator, with hose attached on each floor, all ready for use in case of fire.

At the northwest corner of the engine house stands the smoke stack, ten feet at the base and tapering until it reaches the bight of eighty feet from the surface of the ground.

The Company also has an ELEVATOR AT ST. GEORGE, in Pottawatomie county, seven miles east of Manhattan, of the same capacity, the machinery used being duplicates of that used in their elevator in I his place. They also have a mercantile establishment at that point, for the purpose of furnishing the residents of Pottawatomie adjacent with goods, dealing in everything.

The Company also has branches at Wabaunsee, Fairfield, and Alma, in Wabaunsee county at which points they handle merchandise, agricultural implements, grain, lumber, live stock, and produce of all kinds, furnishing the farmer everything he may wish to purchase, and always ready to buy anything the farmer has to sell, at highest market price on day on which it is delivered. They have also purchased ground at Ames, in Cloud county, on the line of the Central Branch R. R., are building granaries and propose to establish a general business at that point also.

The Rocky Ford Mills, mentioned on page twenty-eight of this work, belongs to E. B. Purcell, of Manhattan, and may, therefore, be very properly referred to here. They are located on the Big Blue river, a little more than three miles from Manhattan, and deserve more than a passing notice. The writer has often stood on the bank of the beautiful river, just below the grand water fall made by the dam at Rocky Ford, and watched, with the deepest interest, the great cascade of clear water that pours in an unbroken stream over the dam, uttering its voice of power, and rolling away over the rocky bed of the stream below, and has wondered that so little of this giant power was utilized.

THE WATER POWER.

Rocky Ford, where these mills are located, derives its name from the fact that there is a smooth, rock bottom entirely across the river at this point, which affords the best kind of a foundation for dam, abutments and buildings. The dam is three hundred and forty-two feet long, and the fall ten feet. There is an unbroken stream of water, always falling over the entire length of the dam; and it is estimated that enough power is unused to run twenty or more mills. The dam is built of heavy oak timbers, bolted down into the solid rock. The only places in the State where as much power can be obtained are on the Kansas river east of Manhattan, and at all of those points a part or all of the dams must be built on piles. They also have other drawbacks of so serious a character that it can be safely asserted that, taken as a whole, the Rocky Ford mill power is the most valuable one in the State.

The mill building is a massive structure, 40 X 60 feet, and four stories high. The entire building is of stone, and the foundations, which are laid on the solid rock, are exceptionally strong, having been built four feet thick from the bottom of the river to the second floor, and the stone laid in cement. The mill is furnished with three run of stone, with all necessary machinery for doing first-class work, and is so arranged that two more run can be added at a comparatively small expense.

PLENTY OF LAND AND STONE.

Mr. Purcell, to whom the mills and water power belong, also owns, in connection with it. over seven hundred acres of land, including both banks of the river. On the westside of the river, the bank is steep, and one-fourth of a mile back rise- into a rocky knoll, or bluff, containing millions of tons of excellant limestone. Some of the ledger furnish stone from one to two feet thick, and from them the foundation of the mill and the abutments of the dam were built. Other ledges are thinner and will furnish stone suitable for building purposes in inexhaustible quantities. There is a downward incline all the distance from the stone quarries to the water's edge, and stone of the best quality can be delivered on the banks of the river for further improvements at a merely nominal cot. On the east side of the river, there is a level plain, just high enough to be in no danger of being overflowed, and large enough to furnish room for buildings, yards, etc., for an extensive manufacturing village.

The Manhattan and Blue Valley railroad, which has been graded to the north line of the county, runs along the west bank of the river. It is ironed from Manhattan to a point two miles north of the mill property ; and there is no doubt but that this road will be completed, which will still further increase the value of this now valuable property.

Taking the volume of water, character of river bottom, quality of land, quantity and quality of building stone, etc., it is certain that Mr. Purcell has a bonanza in this property, and that there must soon be a flourishing village at Rocky Ford. Those who wish to avail themselves of the advantages of this water power should address E.B. Purcell, of Manhattan, who will make liberal arrangements with all who wish to embark in any kind of manufacturing enterprise at that point.


HON. GEO. W. HIGINBOTHAM.

Hon. Geo. W. Higinbotham was born June 3d, 1829, in Washington county, Pennsylvania. His father was a farmer in moderate circumstances, and was not able to give him a complete education. He went forth in the battle of life, with a few months' schooling, obtained at a country school; and country schools in those days were not of the highest order. However, in spite of these disadvantages, as he possessed a naturally quick mind and great ambition, he has since acquired a large fund of general information, and does not suffer from a comparison with many of those who entire youth was spent in schools and colleges. An ordinary observer would, in conversation with him, perceive that he had not had the best of advantages in the educational line, for he talks fluently, correctly and intelligently.

In 1845, at the age of sixteen, he commenced clerking in Waynesburg, Greene county, Pa., and there laid the foundation for what has since been an unusually successful business career.

In 1850, he removed to Connorsville, Fayette county, Indiana, where he commenced merchandising on his own account.

Four years afterwards, he was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Sarah Fearris, of that place, from which union there resulted a son — Lewis F. Higinbotham — now twenty-five years of age. Soon after his birth, Mrs. Higinbotham was borne to her last resting place, but the motherless boy was well cared for by loving relatives.

In 1856, the Kansas fever swept through Indiana, and Mr. Higinbotham was one of its earliest victims. When the haughty slaveocrats of the South spurned the "mudsills" of the North, demanded the repeal of the Missouri compromise, announced their intention of compelling free men all over the Nation to hunt and hold their slaves in subjection for them, and undertook by force to make Kansas a slave State, they excited a feeling of indignation and horror in the minds of the better portion of the young men of the North (and old ones, too,) that they had not dreamed of, and commenced a contest that was not to end until the last slave had become a free man and an American citizen. Mr. Higinbotham was one of the earliest of those who took up the gauntlet that had been so contemptuously thrown in the faces of such as did not take pride in fawning at the feet of the (so-called) "chivalry," and resolved that, if he could prevent it, Kansas should not be polluted by the monster whose pestiferous breath blasted everything it touched, and in the baleful light of whose vicious eyes could ever be read a notice, "The masses have no rights that I am bound to respect."

At that period, Kansas was the poorest place in the Nation to make money in; and the Freesoilers who came here were as generally impelled by patriotic emotions as were the blue coated heroes who subsequently kept step to the music of the Union during the latter phases of this same contest. And we will add that it took as much genuine courage in these days, to leave home and friends hundreds of miles behind, and pass through hostile Missouri and its border ruffians, for the purpose of settling on the tenantless plains of Kansas, and grappling with the unscrupulous elements congregated upon her border, backed as they were by the general government itself, as it did a few years later to follow the flag to organized battle against these same men and principles.

It was in such a period of the Nation's history that, taking his life in his hands (and he had but little else besides a brave heart and clear head to bring with him) Mr. Higinbotham left his old fireside in the spring of 1860, to build up a new home on the battle ground of freedom. Upon reaching the city of Leavenworth — the then metropolis of the Territory — almost the first person he met was his brother Uriah, who, unknown to him, was on his way to California. Uriah had traveled from Virginia to St. Louis the preceding winter, in a "jumper," and had reached Leavenworth a couple of days before, intending to cross the plains from that place with a team. George W. determined to go with him, but, as his health was poor (he then weighed only 95 pounds) Uriah tried to dissuade him from so perilous a journey, saying that he knew he would have to bury him on the plains. George, however, with regular Higinbotham grit, still persisted in his determination to go, until Uriah finally offered to settle with him in Kansas if he would remain. This was exactly what George wanted, and they decided to " take claims " near Fort Riley.

The two brothers found that it would cost them about twenty-five dollars to reach their intended home by stage ; and as they only had about eighty-five dollars apiece, they felt that they could not put on so much style. Instead of doing this, they bought a second hand wagon and a yoke of oxen for one hundred and twenty-five dollars, and after buying twenty-five or thirty dollars' worth of provisions, etc., "started for the west." The first night they reached Hickory Point, but could not procure lodgings, and were compelled to camp out. The night was very cold, and, as they had but one blanket apiece, they came very near freezing to death. George looks back to this as one of the most trying nights he can remember, in his whole life. The next night, two dollars apiece obtained for them the privilege of lying on the bare floor. Journeying on, they crossed the Big Blue at Juniata, four miles north of Manhattan, and reached Ogden in April, 1856. After securing claims, on Eureka bottom, they sold their teams for two hundred and twenty-five dollars, and doubled on the pro- visions they had left. Finding out, in this way, that money could be made freighting, they footed it back to Leavenworth, purchased another team and a load of provisions, and commenced a successful career as freighters. At that time, Jefferson City, Missouri, was the nearest railroad point, and goods of all kinds were brought up the river in steamboats, and wagoned into the interior. When going "to the river" the Higinbothams would buy butter, eggs, and produce of all kinds, to sell in Leavenworth, and take orders for goods to be delivered on their return trip. They generally slept in or under their wagon, but, being better provided with blankets, did not suffer. They also made considerable money selling "Town Company shares." They bought them with the privilege of returning the shares or a certain sum of money at a specified time, and sometimes sold them before that date for more than twice what they were to give.

The winter of 1856-7 was one of the severest ever known in Kansas ; and, being compelled to suspend their teaming operations, they cut Cottonwood logs, hauled them to Ogden to be sawed, and erected a pre-emption cabin. The lumber was green, and every fire built inside caused it to sweat and steam in a most uncomfortable and unhealthful manner. In the morning, they would cook their breakfast, of coffee and "slapjacks," fill their pockets with the latter, and go off to their work, feasting at noon on the frozen contents of their pockets. Weakly as he was, it is not surprising that Mr. Higinbotham, more than once that winter, came near dying — a martyr to his relentless determination to get ahead in the world, cost what it might. In 1857, they were joined by Wm. P. Higinbotham — a younger brother — and the same line of business was kept up two years longer, during which period they acquired a title to a section or more of land, and other property.

In 1859, the three brothers exchanged a part of their land for the stock of goods belonging to George Miller, who will be remembered by the old settlers in this place, and immediately commenced doing a general mercantile business, in Manhattan, under the firm name of G. W. & U. Higinbotham & Co. Beside their home business, they freighted extensively to the mountains and took a number of government contracts, in all of which they were remarkably successful, and accumulated money with astonishing rapidity. In 1864, Uriah Higinbotham died, leaving a widow and three daughters, the eldest of whom, Miss Flora, has since been married to James T. Ritchie, of this place. The property left by the deceased has been so carefully managed by his brothers, George W. and William P., that, besides supporting the family, it has increased to a snug fortune.

In 1866, the remaining brothers sold their stock of goods to E. P. Purcell, and established a private banking house, the only one at that date in this section of the State, but, the business not proving congenial to George W's tastes, he remained in it only about a year.

In 1867, Mr. Higinbotham formed a partnership with Ashford Stingley and Orville Huntress, under the firm name of Geo. W. Higinbotham & Co., and re-entered the mercantile arena. The new firm did a prosperous and rapidly increasing business until 1875, when Mr. Higinbotham sold his interest to his partners. Since that time, he has devoted himself exclusively to dealing in grain and real estate, of which he is a large owner.

As a business man, Mr. Higinbotham is known all over Kansas, and stands high. In financial matters, his word is as good as his bond, and his bond is worth its face in gold eighteen carats fine. From the day of his first purchase, down to the present time, he has kept his credit good by living up to his contracts with scrupulous fidelity ; and this is one of the chief reasons of his success, for, as soon as his character became known, he could get all the credit he wanted and more. Shrewd and cautious, he takes no step until he knows just where his foot will fall ; but when he starts for an object he never stops until it is reached or even passed. He is already one of the wealthiest men in Kansas, and his riches increase from year to year. He has reached the stage when a careful capitalist can almost compel success.

As might have been expected of one who came to Kansas to help make it a free State, Mr. Higinbotham was an active partisan in "the times that tried men's souls." In 1858, he was elected to and served as a member of what is known as the Leavenworth Constitutional Convention, that framed a constitution for the State in opposition to the pro-slavery document called the Lecompton Constitution, which Buchanan's administration attempted to force on Kansas. Since that time, he has often represented Manhattan in county conventions and the county in district and State conventions. He has also been twice elected Mayor of the city and repeatedly to the Council. He would have been kept in official life a large part of the time but for the fact that he never consents to be a candidate except when the demand for his services appears to be substantially unanimous. For several years after the admission of Kansas into the Union as a State, Mr. Higinbotham took little part in politics, except when almost dragged into it, but of late years he devotes more of his time to public matters. He is now recognized as one of the principal leaders of the Republican party in this part of the State, and his influence is steadily spreading. He belongs to the stalwart school of Republicans, — is a great admirer of General Grant, and a warm personal friend and supporter of Hon. John A. Anderson. Indeed, he was one of the first to urge the latter to become a candidate for Congress. His extensive acquaintance with the leading men of the State, his knowledge of human nature, and the energy with which he pushes whatever he takes in hand, make him an enemy to be feared and a friend to be desired.

Mr. Higinbotbam was married in 1862, to Miss Adelia E. Newell, formerly of Otsego county, New York, and they have three children living. Esther, seventeen years of age ; Cornelia, fourteen years ; and Scott, nine. Mrs. Higinbotham is highly esteemed by all who know her ; and well she maybe, for, with unusual strength of mind she combines all the qualities needed in a wife and mother. The family reside in a large, plain, stone house, near the business center of town ; and the fact that its head spends his spare time at home speaks volumes for all the members of the family — himself included. Mr. Higinbotbam has three wealthy brothers : Wm. P. Higinbotbam, who lives in Manhattan; Alexander, who lives in Leavenworth ; and John, who lives in Topeka. All have large families, and, as their family feeling is strong, their influence in every direction must steadily increase!

WILLIAM P. HIGINBOTHAM. INSURANCE AGENCY. The utility and beneficial results of insurance companies, established upon correct principles and a substantial capital, has so long been acknowledged that what ought to be done is not questioned ; but, leaving for individual consideration the question as to when insurance should be taken, and under what circumstances it should be delayed or omitted, we beg leave to suggest, in this connection, that the best time to insure is before you sustain the loss ; therefore, delay in this matter is, of all things, most improvident.

A moment's candid reflection must convince any thinking mind that the policy of providing against loss and disaster by fire, appeals to all who own or are interested in property subject to this impartial and relentless destroyer. In this connection, we desire to call attention to the insurance agency of Wm. P. Higinbotham. Established in 1859, it has been conducted, since its organization, in such a manner as to merit the entire confidence of the community at large.

The substantial character of this agency may be measured by the fact that, at the present time, the gross assets of the companies represented reach very near $50,000,000.

In presenting the name of Mr. Higinbotham to the readers of this work, it will be at once recognized in this community as that of a well-known and honored citizen, who has resided in Manhattan over twenty-four years, and, during that time, been prominently identified with the business interests of the city and county ; and, for the past twenty-one years, in affording security to citizens against the ravages of the devouring elements, or losses from unforeseen and unavoidable accidents.

He is a gentleman eminently qualified for the responsible position which he holds, that of banker and insurance agent ; and his name is a sufficient guarantee that, in case of loss, promptness will follow in the adjustment of claims, and speedy payment ensue without unnecessary and annoying delay and litigation. His motto has always been to receive good and equitable rates for policies, and then to see that the policy holder, in case of loss, receives the full compensation which he is entitled to ; and he will represent no company that will quibble in the least about paying its just dues.

Mr. Higinbotham has conducted successfully, since it was first organized, the oldest Banking House in Central Kansas. With a large capital and good fine of deposits, this Bank has, since its organization in 1859, pursued a career of uninterrupted prosperity. It is universally conceded to be one of the leading and among the most solid financial institutions in Kansas; and all patrons and depositors are composed of the leading farmers and business men of the city and surrounding country. George A. Higinbotham, son of of Wm. P. Higinbotham, is the competent and efficient cashier. The correspondents of this Bank are among the leading monetary houses in the country, and his record for the last twenty-two years has been of the most spotless and unsullied character.

Mr. Higinbotham has also several extensive farms, both in Riley and Pottawatomie counties, which are managed under his own supervision, with the best of success, and on which he raises thousands of bushels of corn each year, which is brought in and fed to his extensive herds of Shorthorns and grade cattle, horses, mules and hogs. These herds deserve a special notice, and the particular attention of our readers is called to the page of this work where Mr. Higinbotham offers for sale some of this choice stock, which we, in a measure, shall attempt to describe. (In the same connection he will offer some valuable real estate on the best of terms.)

Mr. Higinbotham's corrals are located southwest from the city, just outside the corporation limits. We doubt if a better location for stock feeding purposes can be found in the State. The beautiful Kansas river, as it sweeps in from the south, passing close under the Moehlman bluffs, is joined by the Wild Cat from the northwest, a short distance above the corrals, and hurrying to the east, passes by to the south, on its way to join the Father of Waters, in its journey to the sea and affords water for the stock, as it runs, rippling, pure and sweet, at their feet. The corrals are protected by timber and high bluffs on the north. Strong, substantial board fences extend back from the river to the bluff, dividing the grounds into yards, in which the stock is divided or subdivided, to suit the wishes of the owner. At the time of our visit to these yards, there were being fed about one hundred and fifty cows, forty head of horses and brood mares, twenty mules, one hundred and twenty calves, and two hundred head of hogs. There was no crowding and hustling about, which is so detrimental to stock, and which can not be avoided where they are crowded into small or uncomfortable quarters. Every animal could be approached and handled, and all seemed to know Mr. Higinbotham 's voice, and expected notice from him. In one yard we noticed eighty-five calves, lately taken from their mothers, and a finer lot it was never our pleasure to examine. They were uniform in size, very large, and, although they were only grades, it would require an expert to distinguish between them and the thoroughbreds. They are some of Mr. Higinbotham's own breeding, and, with the exception of about thirty, were sired by his famous bull, Joe Nelson, who, by many, is considered the best bull in Central Kansas, as all his calves show his many fine points of excellence. He is a thoroughbred, of the Booth stock, bred on the College farm, with an excellent pedigree.

Mr. Higinbotham makes no pretensions as a breeder of thoroughbreds, although he keeps a few fine cows and heifers of the purest blood, whose pedigrees are complete, and on some of which he took premiums at our county fairs over a large number of competitors who are making the breeding of thoroughbreds the study of their lives. "High grades" is his forte.


STINGLEY & HUNTRESS.
GENERAL MERCHANTS.

One of the most elegant and imposing business blocks in the city of Manhattan is the one occupied by the above named firm for its commercial business. Situated on Poyntz Avenue, near the post office, its business location is not surpassed by any other house in the city. The building is a substantial structure, built of brick and stone, and was planned and erected expressly for the convenience of this firm, and is admirably adapted in every way for the purposes for which it was designed. The building is two stories in hight, with a large and commodious cellar. It fronts on the avenue twenty-five feet, extending back one hundred feet. A large frame building in the rear serves for the purpose of store room for the machinery and coarser articles handled by this firm.

The first floor of the main building is used as a general sales room and office. The second floor is devoted almost exclusively to their display of tapestry, brussels and ingrain carpets, oil-cloths, and goods pertaining to this line of clothing. There is scarcely any article in the mercantile line that is not kept in stock by this enterprising house. They do a business of over $125,000 per year, and their trade extends over a large territory, comprising the counties of Riley, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee and Davis, and all along the Union Pacific railway to Colorado, to which State they ship an immense quantity of produce.

The grocery and provision business of the city of Manhattan forms an important item of trade, and is one in which all classes feel an interest. The retail department of Stingley & Huntress, devoted to this line of goods, is giving the people of this city and adjoining country the best of satisfaction, as its growing popularity shows.

J. R. Young is the efficient bookkeeper, and has been engaged with the firm as such for a number of years, He is a young man of sterling qualities, and is recognized by all as one possessing an unblemished character, and remarkable ability in his chosen profession. He is also Clerk of the City Council, and fulfils his duties to the satisfaction of all.

A. STINGLEY, the senior member of this firm, is a native of Virginia, coming to Kansas a short time after the war closed. He soon afterward occupied a position as salesman in the firm of Higinbotham Brothers, which position he held until 1869, when he became one of the firm, and to his energy and indomitable enterprise, in connection with his fine taste in selecting goods for our market, is largely due the success and high reputation this house sustains. He does all the buying for the dry goods department, and visits New York City twice a year for that purpose. He is a hard worker, besides being an excellent salesman, and, during the working hours, spends his time among the different departments, lending a helping hand, and seeing that everything is moving in its proper way. He is an honored member of our city council, and holds the responsible position of chairman of the street committee. At no time since the organization of the corporation has there been so many improvements made in our streets and sidewalks, as during the past season ; and it is largely due to his indefatigable efforts to improve and beautify, in every way possible, "the beautiful city." Mr. Stingley is a self made man. Landing in Manhattan comparatively poor, he has accumulated a considerable property, and built for himself one of the most beautiful residences in the city.

On the first day of January, 1870, Mr. Stingley married Miss Louise Pennock, of Leavenworth, and has three children, viz : Lizzie Lee, nine years old, Louis, six, and Henry, three.

Mrs. Stingley is highly esteemed by all who know her. Modest in her manners, pure and gentle in her spirit, an earnest worker in every good cause, and an exemplary wife and mother, she adorns the handsome home her husband has made for her.

ORVILLE HUNTRESS, the junior partner of the firm, was born January 7, 1846, in Oxford county, Maine. He came to Kansas with his father, Amasa Huntress, in the spring of 1857. He commenced to learn the the printing '^business in 1859, but remained in it only a few years, and, after clerking awhile for the Higinbothams, entered the banking house of Wm. P. Higinbotham, and remained with him as book keeper until he became a partner in the firm of G. W. Higinbotham & Co. In the present firm, he attends especially to the correspondence, book-keeping and general management, and has established an enviable reputation as a business man. When he left the employment of Mr. Higinbotham, the banker, that gentleman said he was the only book-keeper he had ever had that he had not known to make a mistake. His breadth of grasp and attention to details are remarkable, and are among the chief reasons for his success. "We say "among" the chief, for the principal one of all is his unswerving integrity. Mr. Huntress was raised in this community, and if, as man or boy, he ever did anything mean or dishonest, the fact has never become known. There is not a man in Manhattan who is more universally and justly respected than Orville Huntress.

He seems to have little or no taste for political life, but has nevertheless held a number of important positions, and always with credit to himself. He is one of our most public-spirited citizens, and, m an unostentatious manner, is ever striving to benefit his fellow-men. It was largely due to his enthusiastic, self-sacrificing energy, that the Riley County exhibition at Bismarck Fair was so grand a success. He gave to it much of his time and brains, and never allowed a single detail to be overlooked, from the beginning of the contest to the drawing of the prize. He visited every part of the county to enlist the farmers, and spent more than a week on the fair ground, superintending the arrangement of the display.

Mr. Huntress has accumulated a handsome competency, and, as he is careful in business matters and inexpensive in his habits, it is probable that he will be numbered among the wealthy men of the land.

In 1866, Mr. Huntress married Miss Louise Stingley, a sister of Ashford Stingley, his partner. She was a light-hearted, winsome lady, and her death, Which occurred a few months ago, created a profound impression in our community, where she was so universally beloved. She left two children, viz: Katie, twelve years old, and Edith, two.








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