Volume 18 , Issue 32

1885, Coldwater Kansas

As we look back through old newspaper archives, we discover a hint of what life was like back in the late 19th century, Kansas. In The Wichita Beacon, out of Wichita, Kansas, dated 17 February 1885, Tuesday, page 1, we find "Coldwater Letter," written to the Editor of the Daily Beacon, 15 Feb. 1885.

Found on Newspapers.com

The two best towns west of Kingman were Coldwater and Pratt Center. These towns were each about nine months old, and each was building on the strength of a prospective railroad and the hope of becoming a county seat.

Coldwater was the largest town in Comanche county, its inhabitants numbering about six hundred. While yet buffalo grass was growing in the streets it was organized as a city of the third class, and had a mayor and town council. Its chances for the county seat were good, no other place in the county having more than one third as many inhabitants. The growth of the town was equaled only by the extraordinary settlement of the county. Almost daily settlers came there seeking farms, and professional men and others "looking up a location." It was safe to say that upwards of 2,000 people had found homes in this county during the last six months of 1885. Since your correspondent was here last fall many handsome and substantial business houses had been erected in Coldwater, and the appearance of the town had materially improved. Among these may be noted Dr. J. E. Somabrt's drug store, the elegant interior finish and appointment of which were not surpassed in Southern Kansas; also Temple's hardware and implement store, and the large dry goods and grocery store of Youman & Barcley's, and of George N. Norris, either would compare favorably with some of Wichita's bed business houses.

Prominent among the citizens of Coldwater and vicinity were several former business men of Wichita. R. H. Shaw formerly of the Pacific express at Wichita, was there, a member of the town company; John T. Figg, whose name was proposed for county commissioner; G. W. Collings, the attorney, Lived at Reeder, a suburban town, and farther tot he west, Frank Russell with some of his relative sojourn at their ranch in the picturesque valley of the Kiowa. Readers of the Beach would be glad to hear also of W. T. Willis, another Wichita man, whose shingle announces that he dose a general real estate business. As a mark of their esteem and confidence, the people of Comanche county recommend Mr. Willis to the governor for their commissioner from he central district.

Not the least interesting feature of society at Coldwater is the weekly literary, which never fails to draw a full house, and where forensic talent is developed under the leadership of Attorney Templeman. The question of woman' rights was finally settled. There was a great demand for a skating rink. A church and a fine school building were to be erected in the spring. At present (Feb. 1885) there was a private school, taught by Mrs. Price, an excellent lady and efficient teacher. Three newspapers - the Review, Star and Republican contribute to inform the reading public of the town and county. The medical and legal professions were abundantly represented; land agents - their name was legion. Among certain other features, the metropolis of the county afforded several billiard halls and one of two saloons. There was a good opening there for a laundry and a jeweler. night of which were represented.

The census of the county was nearly completed and the people demanded a speedy organization. They demanded a herd law. A mass meeting was held at Coldwater on the seventh and addresses were made by men from various parts of the country. The cattle men were charged with attempting to get control of the organization of the county. Resolutions setting forth certain facts were adopted, and a petition was read praying the governor to appoint commissioners to organize the county at once; a majority of those present recommended the following men, to wit: John T. Figg, W. T. Willis and Mr. Connaughton, representing the northern, central and the southern portions of the county. These gentlemen expressed themselves as being in favor of a herd law, and pledged themselves absolutely, if appointed, to the interests of the settlers.
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