Volume 13 , Issue 46

1887 - Coldwater Hub of Comanche County Kansas

Wichita Eagle, May 17, 1887, page 2, Coldwater -- While we were browsing over at Chronicling America through its Historic American Newspapers, we found this interesting article about Coldwater, Kansas, which was considered the hub of Comanche County, One of the Best County Seats of Kansas.

It starts, "To the Editor of the Eagle: All those who know not the beauties of the lovely city of Coldwater, her different advantages in nearly all respects, should visit and examine for yourselves. Examine the distance tot he neighboring towns and county seats and see what extraordinary inducement Coldwater offers, drink her fine water, look at her beautiful court house, examine the vast quantity of land which can be bought throughout the rich and fertile county of Comanche. No doubt a great many think just as I have thought myself, that Coldwater being so far from any railroad that it was a very small place and of little importance, but would make up my mind as soon as I could ride in the cars I would go and see the city. And now let me say to those who have been thinking like this that you are making a mistake, and those who have the sand to ride a few miles over the comfortable stage lines which run daily from Kinsley, Cullison, Medicine Lodge, are the ones who are going to reap large benefits.

"Coldwater is a city of some twelve hundred inhabitants, beautifully situated in the center of the large and fertile county of Comanche, ninety miles west and thirty south of "the great hub of Kansas, Wichita," sixty miles west of Medicine Lodge and twenty-five miles south of Greensburg. No place will you meet a better, more genial class of business men than at cold water. Only a suggestion as to what is or is calculated to be of interest or an advantage to the city is necessary to bring about action. The fact of it is they are all pulling the same way on the same string.

"Among the clever gentlemen which I met in the city are Messrs. Grant Bros., who are doing a very nice business in real estate and loans. Benny Eaton, proprietor of the Merchants' hotel. Mr. Eaton is ever looking to the comfort of his guests, and makes it pleasant for all who stop with him. There are also other good hotels in the city. And, by the way Mr. F. A. Whitenack is back at his own hotel, the Commercial.

"Mr. John G. Steffee, who many of the readers will remember was principal of our Wichita schools a few years ago, is located in Coldwater and is doing a very nice business in real estate and law. Mr. S. is also secretary of the Building and Loan Association just organized.

"Sisson & Sisson are among the live real estate men. The junior partner of the firm is rusticating at Vilas, Col. Dr. Sombart as a physician and druggist is a man which any city might feel proud of. He is a graduate of some two or three different pharmacies. At present the doctor is dealing very largely in real estate in Kansas and Colorado. D. H. Rich is proprietor of the large opera house which has jut been completed. The Swiss Bell Ringers will be the first show held in it.

"Messers. Lannon & Bennett are a couple of very clever real estaters. Mr. Lannon is an old friend of ours, and at one time a schoolmate at Mitchell, Ind., so of course he took pleasure in showing us around among his friends.

Cole & Lash are extensive hardware and implement dealers, and they, like many others, say: "What a fine thing it will be when the railroad is completed, and that is not going to be many weeks."

"Cook & Chambers, attorneys at law, they are a couple of whole soul men too. c. Beymer is engaged in bakery and confectionery business. T. H. Bale, proprietor of the double header flange wind-power dlouring mills. The citizens know and feel that Mr. Bale's mill is a wonderful advantage to the city.

"Lockwood & co. have a very nice drug establishment, and are doing a nice business. There quire a number of real estate men which are selling considerable property, and below is a partial list of those engaged in the business:

Crail Wiley, who was the first man who put his shingle out int he city. Doig & Crooks report a very nice trade. Jackson & Thornton, abstractors. Frank and Holmes, real estate and law. Dr. Holliday, physician and druggist. Smith & Wallis, attorneys at law, also handle real estate and loans.

"A. Darroch county treasurer. Mr. Darroch is an old time Indiana man who has spent all his days, until 3 years ago, living in Bockville, Ind., at which tie he came to Coldwater and he says that he expects to live the balance of his days in this place. E. E. Widerman, probate judge; Frank Meyer, clerk of district court; Mr. MClain, register of deeds.

"Mr. J. P. Jones, cashier of the bank of Coldwater, which we believe is or soon will be the First National, likes his new home very well. He informs us he is doing a very nice business. Capt. Veach & Co. are doing an immense business. J. M.Lobrugh, attorney at law and general collector. Homans & Barclay carry an immense stock of general merchandise. Milt. Shultise, harness and saddlery. Carter & Sparks, real estate, loan and insurance agents.

"Mr. Riley Lake is the proprietor of the great Concord stage line between Medicine Lodge and Coldwater and I tell you, boys, if you want to gaze upon some beautiful scenery you should not fail to ride over this popular route. Postmaster Cline is the genial agent at Coldwater. Mr. Harry Anderson owns the stage line from Coldwater to Meade Center, which runs daily and makes fine time I tell you.

Now is exactly the time to prospect through these counties while you can ride in the Concords and see the beautiful county.

"The Swiss Bell Ringers gave a fine show at Rich's opera house Friday night. All were delighted with it. They showed to a crowded house. Hoping to meet you all again when the bull dog dies, Maria. -- signed and written by P. B. D."   |  View or Add Comments (0 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

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