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Newspaper
The Abilene Reflector
Location
Abilene, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Apr 21, 1887
Page
5
George W. Freeman recalls arriving in Dickinson County in 1845 and camping along Chapman Creek before building a log cabin. He describes the wilderness, hardships from cold weather, wildlife, and Indians, noting the brutal cold of the season. The reminiscence was published in the Abilene Reflector in January 1885.
Emigrants to Kansas can learn from Prof John A Bronson in the American Agriculturist April issue how the state changed from 1856 to 1860. He recalls severe winters, scarce mills, and slow settlement giving way to abundant crops, county development, and modern farms with windmills, orchards, and fenced fields showing Kansas as a thriving agricultural landscape.
A historical sketch chronicles Lebold Fisher Co and Sebold Fisher Co as Abilene’s oldest banking houses, noting C. Lebold and John M. Fisher, their city growth, major real estate investments, and the bank’s strong deposits and loan record. It also highlights Kirby’s bank leadership, late 19th century development, and local figures like Dr. Herbst and A. W. Livingston.
Thomas Kirby, a leading banker and financier in Abilene, came from Johnstown, Pennsylvania in 1873 to join Sebold, Fisher & Co. He stayed until 1878, then opened his own bank in a Broadway frame building. His structure burned in the January 1882 fire, prompting relocation to a new site.
The 1883 nomination history shows he won by 994 votes after a tough Republican challenge. Since leaving politics he has focused on banking with personal attention. Kirby, aged forty, known for liberal gifts to civic causes, wealth, and respected conduct, embodies practical achievement and enterprise.
The Gem barber shop is one of the oldest stands in the city. About a year ago it passed into the hands of Adam Rohrig & Son, who formerly conducted a shop in Griggsville, Illinois. Mr. Rohrig, Sen., has twenty years in the business, and his son Fred is also an artist of high repute. They enjoy a large and growing patronage, plus steady transient trade. For an artistic removal of hair, choose the Gem’s proprietors.
A York state man writes with bold enthusiasm about Kansas, asserting deeper impressions from each journey. The brief document hints at a traveler’s lively, opinionated view of Midwestern landscapes and state identity, capturing personal observations with spirited tone.
A Kansas reader asserts markets can be operated with minimal disruption in fall and winter, leaving ten favorable months to mature and secure crops. January and February allow recuperation before spring work, a fact supported by reports in the New York Express.
Abilene history recalls the valley from Chapman creek to Solomon City with mostly dug-out dwellings and little cultivation. The town in 1867 was a cluster of log shanties, centered on the Hotel de Jersey, growing after the 1868 railroad era with stock yards, Cottage Hotel, McCoy’s stable and office. Early stores appeared in 1868 near the railroad, amid cattle herding grounds.
The 1869 flood swamped Abilene from First Street to the hillfoot, with one harness shop swept away three blocks. Rail traffic halted for weeks, and later growth shifted north of the railroad. By 1885 Abilene boasted three weekly papers and 4500 residents as land deals moved steeply, culminating in 72,000 cash sale to Charles B Adams with plans for suburban development.
Abilene Real Estate Company proclaims its premier city and suburban holdings. The list highlights Fair View addition with 500 lots sold and 270 remaining, Grand avenue spanning the addition, and Raub's thirty acre tract north of town near Buckeye Ave and 14th St featuring the Henry orchard. Mahan's addition completes the described offers.
F L Parker of Parker & A and Hallam Parker lumber and coal dealers is highlighted as a key Kansas business figure. He arrived in Abilene in 1858 from Russell, chairs Hobbs Parker & Co in grain, and has substantial real estate holdings including the Second Street block with W H Smith & Co and a new brick block at Second and Broadway.
A notice describes Mt St Josephs College as a top class educational institution being built by the Sisters of St Joseph. A picture shows the main building planned for completion this summer with $30 000 to be spent. Location is northeastern city high ground with expansive views of the surrounding area and city.
Describes Shipe's addition adjoining Fairview with a 150 foot wide boulevard, eight rows of shade trees, and a 40 foot promenade. Highlights land value, elevated city views, and market listings by Abilene Real Estate Company. Notes 40 acre college grounds and planned academy for young ladies and Sisters novitiate in the diocese.
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