REEL #R170/KSHS Microfilm Collection

Redfield Herald
May 11, 1906, pg 2
"Sketch of Garland, Kansas,"
by A.J. Ogle

Bourbon County’s Redfield Herald was a weekly newspaper. The first issue, dated April 8, 1905, was published on Saturdays, with W.E. Stockmyer [referred to as Edd], as Editor. In October 1905, when Mr. and Mrs. Stockmyer left Kansas for New Mexico, publication changed from Saturdays to Fridays and J. Frank Pool replaced Mr. Stockmyer as Editor. At that point, the paper was considerably expanded; in addition to community news, coverage also included courthouse news and property transfers/deeds. Another editorial change occurred in October 1906 when Mr. Pool retired and Harry E. Luman became Editor. These extracts have been copied as accurately as possible, but errors may still occur. Minor printing errors have been corrected, but otherwise the information is presented as it originally appeared. Please consult the individual reel to verify an item. I do not have any further information about these individuals or families. Contributed by Ellen Knowles Bisson (thebissons@worldnet.att.net)

The town of Memphis, Kansas, was laid off in the Fall of 1874, on a forty acre tract belonging to D.N. Phelps, who with W.R. Clyborn and T. Woodard constituted the board of organization. The town was surveyed by M.M. Wellman. They named the streets Clyborn, Woodard, Phelps, Main and Kansas avenue.

Coal was abundant, and extensively worked, so that Memphis became a shipping point for coal when the railroad reached it in 1872. At that time, few believed that the road would ever be built any further. The coal trade gave the little town quite a boom, and the inhabitants increased to 350. After the railroad was extended to Arcadia, the population decreased to 100. It has again increased to about the original number or perhaps more.

W.R. Clyburn [sic] was the first postmaster, and he was succeeded by J.I. Million, S.J. Bryant, Frank Miller, Amos Morgan and I.S. Boyer, the present incumbent.

In 1885, the name of the depot and post office were changed to Garland. Some lots have been added by the Woodard addition on the east.

The Baptists began holding meetings in the depot in 1875. At the same time, a union Sunday school was organized with T. Woodard as superintendent. In 1881, the Baptists moved to their new church which they had erected on east Main street. The Methodists held their services in the same house until they finished their church on the west side in 1882. Elder Jonah Johnson has continued as pastor of the Baptists since their organization.

Dr. Gene Goss came to this place in 1868, and after the railroad started from Arcadia, in 1882, he was employed by the company for nearly six years as veterinarian, surgeon and supervisor of shops for horse shoeing. He still lives in town and, with his son, practices the profession. He was absent two years in the Philippine Islands, with the army, practicing for Uncle Sam.

Dr. Holman commenced the practice of medicine here in 1876. He now owns and resides on the Phelps farm, on which is located the Phelps park, in a pleasant grove, where Independence is annually celebrated and patriotic sentiments renovated.

Dr. E.E. Anderson came in 1884, and has a neat drug store in connection with his practice. He is fairly prosperous.

Mead Bros. began the general merchandise trade about 1876, and have achieved success. They have farms west of town.

Golden Bros. have been in the hardware, lumber and undertaking business for several years. They are doing a good business.

F.M. Dyer has been doing business at the old stand during some twelve years. He has a neat stock of goods.

Boyer Bros. came in 1901, and are doing a thriving business in connection with the post office.

S.J. Bryant is doing a good business in his mill - grinding corn, etc.

Robert Singleton, Jr., has a restaurant and meat shop. He began business last year and has made an excellent success.

Samuel Lee came to town some years ago and has made a success of restaurant keeping.

N.G. Clary, successor to his brother, has a neat tonsorial parlor, well equipped and is ready to make you presentable. Be sure and go and get a shampoo, and make your wife smile, when you return home with your physiognomy glittering.

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