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This newspaper page contains 9 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
The Abilene Reflector
Location
Abilene, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Apr 21, 1887
Page
4
A visit to L. B. Johns Carriage Works showcases Abilene’s growing manufacturing sector. The five acre site houses stock, blacksmith, wood, body, paint, trim, and sales departments with skilled workers and a steady flow of orders from eastern customers. The proprietor and staff leave a strong impression of civic pride and economic vitality.
The Abilene businessman J B Case, a leading real estate owner and proprietor of a vast general store, is profiled. Since 1871 Case built a famed Red Front grocery, expanded in 1882 to a large brick block, operates wholesale and retail across 50 by 100 feet, ships more freight than any county house, and employs about 100 workers earning a $5,000 monthly payroll. He also leads the Abilene Building & Loan Association and holds substantial farm property and real estate interests.
Dickinson county showcases an efficient slate of officers led by County Clerk Richard D. Waring and Sheriff Jefferson J. Miller. The piece details biographies from Ireland to Pennsylvania roots, highlighting service since the 1880s and local trust in roles from district clerk to probate judge and county treasurer.
Chronister and A W Huntzberger purchased from J M Brenizer the general grocery and dry goods establishment on Buckeye avenue near Third street. The firm members are well known county residents with a large patronage. The store is commodious and stocked with groceries dry goods and notions in one of the handsomest city establishments.
L H Faulkner & Co and M P Jolley with B C Cranston run two Broadway stores selling clothing, furnishing goods, boots and shoes and a large real estate and loan business. Faulkner and Bearee are noted rustlers and local movers. Jolley and Cranston offer extensive land listings, city property, and farm loans at six percent, with free property showings and favorable rates. Eastern investors advised to inquire.
The Johntz & Rice Mill Co led by John Johntz Chris Johntz Fred Johntz and A W Rice stands as a major Abilene manufacturer south of the U P Railroad by Mud Creek with capacity 250 barrels daily and annual output about 56000, mostly shipped to Texas. Directors are prominent locals including Mayor Abilene’s financial man A W Rice. The firm, renowned and trustworthy, recommends Chronister Huntzberger for their new venture.
F B Wilson and Will W Wilson run Abilene’s oldest real estate office above Kelley's jewelry on Broadway. They offer a large list of farm ranch and city properties and invite callers to secure information about the best city and county property for Kansas relocations.
A profile of Frank A. Smalley proprietor of the Large Real Estate, Loan and Insurance Exchange in Abilene. Describes him as a self made businessman who arrived in 1883, built wealth, platted Smalley’s addition, and expects continued rise. Notes Kansas prospects for 1887 with railroads, new counties and settlers boosting real estate values.
G W Carpenter, real estate and mortgage loans dealer, located on Buckeye avenue opposite Second St, Abilene. The article extols Kansas growth, education funding, and immigration, noting state institutions, land availability, and extensive school funding. It mentions Henry Litts and Luella Dickey’s marriage, and cites Kansas agricultural wealth and land opportunities for homesteaders.
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