Early History of Cherryvale

Cherryvale, located in northeastern Kansas, experienced three major growth periods: early settlement, the arrival of railroads, and the discovery of gas and oil. The first white settler was Ab Eaton, followed by a series of early businesses, including the Union Hotel and local stores. The railroads expanded in 1879, boosting population and commerce, while gas was first discovered in 1889, leading to further industrial development. Throughout its history, Cherryvale established schools, churches, banks, and parks, forming a community that continually progressed.

By Josie H. Carl

Cherryvale is situated in the northeastern part of the County, on section 9, township 32, range 17. in some early records it may be written as Cherry Vale or Cherry Valley.

It has had three distinct periods of growth, viz: early beginnings, the coming of the railroads and the discovery of gas and oil.

Early Beginnings

The first white settler within the corporate limits, of whom I have any account, was Mr. Ab Eaton who, with a married brother, emigrated from Hickory Grove, Ill., to this place. The brother having died, his widow sold her claim to Thomas Whelan. This claim is now incorporated as the Whelan addition. In 1869 Joseph Wise and Bill Paxson camped on Drum Creek, and soon afterward bought Eaton’s title to his claim for $250. In May 1871, Mr. Wise sold his rights to the L. L. & G. R. R. Company for a good round price which I believe he never got, as the Company soon changed, and the Supreme Court decided against the R. R.’s ownership of the Osage Ceded Lands. The story of the early settlers’ contest for titles to their homes has doubtless been told in other parts of this work, and will not be dwelt upon further here.

On the 3rd day of May, 1871, the first sod of the L. L. & G. R. R. was broken on the T. Whelan claim. This point became the terminus of the road for some time, and headquarters for supplies. The R. R. company laid off a townsite. The location was a happy one; the nearest towns ten and twenty miles distant, a broad valley of wonderful fertility stretching miles to the north and south, a gentle sloping ridge, giving almost perfect drainage and the whole area of country, which would, in time, be tributary, rapidly filling up with settlers.

The following seems to be about the order in which the first business firms were established: The first house erected was the Union Hotel, proprietor, General Darr. The first store was kept by J. R. Baldwin and C. A. Clotfelter, followed by Seth Paxson and N. B. Thorpe.

O. F. Carson located here in 1871, and for three years, kept the only drug store in the place. Later he entered into a partnership with J. R. Baldwin in the implement and hardware trade. — Two of the additions of the city are known by their names. — C. C. Kincaid came in 1874, and has been in the mercantile business here ever since. He and O. F. Carson erected the first brick block at the corner of Main and Depot streets. Charles Booth moved to town in 1871, and engaged in the livery and feed trade. In 1873, he formed a partnership with C. A. Clotfelter and for many years they kept the only livery barn in the town. E. B. Clark came to Montgomery County in 1869. His land adjoining the townsite is now known as Clark’s addition. He kept the first store of general merchandise near one of the mounds, where the earliest settlers traded. R. F. Richart came in 1878, and engaged in the drug business. He soon took E. S. MacDonald into partnership. In 1882, Mr. MacDonald sold his interest to J. C. Hockett. John M. Courtney came to Southern Kansas in 1866. He moved to Cherryvale soon after the townsite was laid off. The first lawyers were Hastings and Hinkle. Among the physicians of this period may be mentioned Drs. Hyde, Lykins, Campbell, Adams and Bradbury. Dr. O. H. P. Fall located here in November 1877. The first celebration was held July 1, 1872, near Main and Depot streets; canvas and arbors provided shade. Dr. Hyde was one of the speakers. The growth of the town for several years was slow. The population in 1879 was only 250.

The Coming of the Railroads

In 1879 the second period of prosperity began. The Frisco R. R. was built, crossing the Santa Fe at this point. The Memphis R. R. Company extended its road from Parsons here. The Santa Fe was extended westward, and its branch south to Coffeyville operated. This railroad activity gave a great impetus to business and building. The town grew rapidly until 1888, when a reaction having set in from the general depression of business and the bursting of real estate booms over the west, the population fell from 4000 to 2500. However, some of our solid business men who are here yet, and have ever been alert to the best interests of the town, came during this period. C. A. Mitchell and C. C. Thompson came in 1880; Revilo Newton and J. H. Butler in 1882; A. G. McCormick, Fred Leatherock and the Dicus Brothers. The W. W. Brown brick block was built in 1887. The physicians were, Drs. Taylor, Warren, Hopkins, Hutchison, Kesler, Sloan, Gard and Cormack. A. L. Wilson, a native son of the state, came in 1881. He was admitted to the bar September 1882, and still has a law office here, though, since 1902, his main office has been at Kansas City. A sugar factory and creamery were built during this period and operated successfully for a time.

Discovery of Gas and Oil

In 1889 bonds to the amount of $5000 were voted to be used in prospecting for coal. At the depth of 600 feet, gas was found instead of coal. This is said to have been the first gasser of importance struck in Kansas. Further developments only increased the richness of the find. Later, oil was discovered, and the capitalist and manufacturer have been on the ground ever since and thus the cornerstone of “Greater Cherryvale” was laid.

The Edgar Zinc Company

In 1898, S. C. Edgar built his famous zinc smelters, at an original cost of $350,000. Of all the enterprises which have contributed to the town’s prosperity, none had approached this. “Smelter Town” with its up-to-date cottages, broad streets and lawns, is a village in itself.

Brick Plants and Factories

For many years the mounds in the vicinity, while adding to the picturesqueness of the scenery, were not supposed to enhance the value of the farms around them, unless as windbreaks against the occasional cyclone that skipped across their path; but about the time that oil and gas were discovered, the knowledge came that the best brick in the world could be made from the shale of these mounds. In 1897, F. G. Lotterer erected a brick plant on Corbin’s mound. It is now owned by the Coffeyville Vitrified Brick and Tile Company. Corbin City, a suburb of Cherryvale, is built on Corbin’s mound and is a result of this company’s success. Six brick companies are operating in this field. Other factories are: The Iron Works, consisting of Foundry, Machine and Pattern making departments, representing an investment of $50,000. The Glass Company, Engine Co., Barrel Factory, Bicycle and Machine Shops, Planing Mills, Tannehill Manufacturing Co., Marble Works and two Elevators. The first mill was built by Mr. Dodd in 1873. Mr. A. Busch afterward became its owner. It finally came into the hands of C. A. Black who improved it. In 1902 the Sauer-Stephens Milling Company purchased it of Mr. Black. They have rebuilt the mill and have put in the latest modern milling machinery with a capacity of 400 barrels per day. In 1881, the Dobsons came from Minonk, Ill., and built a large stone mill on Main Street. It was burned in 1900 and never rebuilt.

Banks

There are two banks. The Peoples’ Bank is an outgrowth of the old Exchange Bank founded by C. T. Ewing in 1880. Its present officers are, C. O. Wright, President, B. F. Moore, Vice-President, and C. A. Mitchell, Cashier. The Montgomery County National Bank was founded in 1882. The present officers are, C. C. Kincaid, President, John Courtney, Vice-President, Revilo Newton, Cashier.

Schools

The first schoolhouse was built in 1872. The first school was taught by Miss Mary Greenfield, the summer of 1873. In the fall of 1882 a two-story brick structure was erected. G. B. Leslie was the principal, assisted by four teachers. Now there are two large brick schoolhouses. The East-side building has 9 rooms and the West-side 6 rooms. In 1902 $17,000 bonds were voted to build two ward schoolhouses. These are under construction and will be ready for occupancy in September, 1903. Number of pupils enrolled, 1902, about 1,000. The course of study runs through eleven grades. Graduates from the High School are entitled to enter the State University and high institutions of learning in the state without examination. The following superintendents have had charge of the schools since Mr. Leslie’s time: Mosier, Crane, Dana, Harris, Taylor, Richardson, Myers, Herod, Moore and Lovett. The first High School graduates of the class of ’83 were Minnie Newton, Janie Fall, Mertie Shannon and Rose Blair.

Churches

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1871. The first services were held in the schoolhouse. Rev. Moffat was the first pastor. In 1880 a brick church was commenced under the pastorate of Wm. Shambaugh and completed under that of James Murray. It was improved and enlarged during Robert MacLean’s time. A commodious parsonage adjoins the church. Membership in 1903, 600. Pastors have been Reverends Moffat, Lampman, Shambaugh, Murray, Durboraw, Pattee, Harkness, Creager, Rice, MacLean, Bailey, Roberts, Ross.

The Presbyterian Church was organized December 11, 1881. Meetings were first held in the opera house, until 1883, when a church was built. This has been improved from time to time. In 1901 a commodious manse was built on the church lots. The first pastor was Rev. W. B. Truax. Subsequent pastors have been Revs. S. W. Griffin, Phileo and A. E. Vanorden. Original membership, 26; present membership, 250.

The Baptist Society was established by Rev. J. R. Baldwin May 18, 1883; original membership, 8. The first services were held in the schoolhouse and opera house. A frame church was built in 1884. This was destroyed by lightning in 1900. It was replaced by a splendid brick structure in 1901. The present pastor is Rev. Eaton. Other pastors have been Revs. J. R. Baldwin, Essex, Coulter, and King. Present membership, 600.

The Christian Church was organized in the spring of 1884. First pastor, Benjamin Smith. A church was built in 1886, burned December 14, 1888 — rebuilt 1892. Subsequent pastors have been J. M. Ferrel, T. W. Cottingham, William Flower, C. C. Atwood, E. F. Taylor, D. D. Boyle, J. R. Charlton, C. C. Deweese, George Willis. Present pastor, C. Shive. Present membership, 200.

The Catholic Society was organized in 1875. Mass was said at the house of John Coyle until 1877, when the first church was erected by Rev. Ponziglioni. In 1900 the ground was broken for a new edifice which was finished in 1901 at a cost of $12,000. The building is 42 feet wide by 100 feet long and 21 feet high. The tower is 110 feet high, surmounted by a large golden cross. The church is called St. Francis Xavier’s Church. The first pastor was Father Scholls of Independence. The present pastor is Rev. John Sullivan.

Telephone

In 1900 a telephone was put in operation, connecting many of the business and dwelling houses and affording telephonic communication with all the surrounding cities.

Water Works

The city was first supplied with water from Lake Tanko, a large artificial lake south of the city, by the Cherryvale Water and Manufacturing Co. The bonds were sold to New York capitalists in 1885. A new company was organized, called the Cherryvale Water Co., Mr. MacMurray of New York City, President, John Courtney, Superintendent. Since June 15, 1903, the city has had control of the system and important improvements are contemplated.

Park and Auditorium

Logan Park was originally the gift of Geo. R. Peck, soon after the townsite was laid off. The gratitude of the citizens for this beneficent gift increases with the years, and they have taken great pride in beautifying it. It is well supplied with seats, lighted by its own gas and well shaded with old trees carefully trained. In 1902 the city erected an auditorium in the park. It has a seating capacity of 1,200. The district Grand Army encampment is held annually in August, in this park.

Lodges and Associations

Cherryvale Lodge No. 137 A. F. & A. M. was instituted Oct. 16, 1873, with thirteen charter members. O. F. Carson, W. M.; M. L. Crowl, S. W.; William Hummel, Junior Warden.

Cherryvale Lodge No. 142 I. O. O. F. was organized Oct. 10, 1877, with five charter members. This Lodge owns an elegant hall on Neosho Street.

The A. O. U. W. was instituted in February 1882.

The lodge directory of the city includes sixteen lodges. Hackleman Post is strongly organized in a fine hall and the W. R. C. owns a beautiful building in Logan Park. For several years a Library Association maintained a reading room and acquired a fair library, but it is now disorganized. At present there is a public reading room in connection with the Baptist Church, where the best periodicals are found upon the tables. The Eastern Star ladies have organized themselves into a Reading Club which has proved to be of interest and benefit. There is an organization of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. The first officers were Mrs. Dr. Seacat, Etta Hughbanks, Josie Carl and Martha Witham.

Fairview Cemetery

P. C. Bowen first set off 10 acres of his farm northeast of town for a cemetery. Five years later fifteen of the citizens formed a Cemetery Association and bought this land with the expectation that the city would in time take it off its hands. Nothing was done in the way of improvement until about six years ago, when Mrs. Ada Newton rallied ten or twelve of the ladies around her in a Ladies’ Cemetery Association for the sole purpose of improving and beautifying the cemetery. The result has been marvelous. Over $1,000 in funds raised, 300 elm trees planted, streets graded 10 feet wide, alleys 4 feet wide, culverts built, tiling laid, the land thoroughly drained, a sexton’s house and cistern built, and a sexton hired by the year to care for the grounds. Fairview Cemetery will always be a monument to Mrs. Newton’s broad spirit and executive ability.

Fires

In 1873 the main business part of town was destroyed by fire. In 1879 the stone business house of Jasper Gordon was burned and three young men sleeping in a rear room lost their lives. In 1885 all the buildings on the north side of Neosho and Depot streets were destroyed by fire including Clotfelter & Booth’s livery barn, with 32 horses, and G. B. Shaw’s lumber yard. About 1891 the Frisco depot was struck by lightning and burned. About 1901 the Opera House Block was wiped out by fire.

Hotels

The earliest hotels were the Union House, Commercial, Buckeye, Leland, etc. The Axtell was originally built by J. A. Handley and called by his name. For a good many years it was a losing investment to everyone connected with it but the city has finally caught up with it.

Municipal Government

In March, 1880, pursuant to a petition signed by the citizens and presented to the court by E. D. Hastings, Cherryvale was duly incorporated as a city of the third class. On the first Tuesday of April, city officers were elected. C. C. Kincaid was the first mayor. Jan. 21, 1885, by proclamation of Gov. John A. Martin, it became a city of the second class. The following men have served as mayors: C. C. Kincaid, A. Phalp, O. F. Carson, J. W. Willis, M. B. Soule, A. S. Duley, C. A. Mitchell, John Caldwell, Mr. Shanton, Revilo Newton, and E. S. MacDonald who is now serving his second term.

Postmasters

N. B. Thorpe was the first postmaster. The office has since been held by the following citizens: Wm. Parks, Major Lyons, C. E. Moore, T. Anderson, Leo Veeder and T. H. Ernest.