Greenleaf, Kansas

Taken from William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas 

First Published in 1883

This is a bright growing little division town on the Central Branch of the Missouri Pacific Railroad. It already contains nearly 400 people, although located only six years ago. The town was platted in November, 1876, and named in honor of A. W. Greenleaf, treasurer of the Union Pacific Company; proprietor, R. M. Pomeroy, of Boston. The railroad reached here in December. Prior to this, a small town named Round Grove, had been located about two miles south of the present site. Several buildings were erected and a post-office was removed to the new town and the old site abandoned. The postmaster of Round Grove, J. A. Simons, became the first postmaster of Greenleaf. He resigned in favor of W. K. McConnell, the present incumbent.  A.A. Young opened the first store of the preesent site of Greenleaf, about the time the town was platted.  On March 25, 1877, occurred an always important event -- the birth of the first child, Ralph Greenleaf Snyder. In pursuance of previous arrangements, Mr. Greenleaf presented the parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. Snyder, with a silver cup. They had opened the Greenleaf House but a short time previous, so that their accommodations were amply sufficient for the additional guest.

In the spring of 1887 the old schoolhouse, erected at Round Grove, was removed to Greenleaf, and Miss Sadie Hackey, first "manipulated" the young ideas. In 1880 a fine new structure was erected at a cost of $2,500, Prof. Charles Brown being principal, and Miss Hackey his assistant. The attendance varies from 90 to 110.

In 1878, while Greenleaf was the terminus of the Central Branch, a round-house was established at this point. But in 1880, when the road was extended to Cawker City, and Greenleaf was made the end of the first division, a new one was built. Some twenty men, including car repairers, are employed here, and as many again around the depot, dispatch office, etc.

Since 1880, Greenleaf has taken a new breath and a fresh start. The town was incorporated as a city of the third class, September 6, 1880. In the way of secret societies she has lately organized flourishing lodges of the A. O. U. W. and Knights of Pythias.

Of churches she has her share. The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1877, having completed a $4,000 building in the fall of 1882. Rev. J. W. Porter served the church for about four years, Rev. S. M. Hopkins being the present incumbent. In the spring of 1877, a Baptist Society was organized by Rev. J. R. Randen, who continued in charge until 1880, when Rev. Charles Clutz was called to the pastorate. The church has a membership of about thirty. In the winter of 1871, the French Catholics organized a society at the house of Sol. Lanoux. The organization is still maintained, with Father Molier, of Cloud County, as pastor. The old schoolhouse was purchased and transformed into a suitable place of worship. In the spring of 1880 the Presbyterians organized, but their society has died out and they are without any settled pastor. In May, 1882, the English Lutherans formed a flourishing church, and are now erecting a building -- Rev. J. Schaurer, pastor. The Universalists organized in June, 1882, with Rev. Joseph Wilson as pastor.

The Greenleaf Journal was established by W. H. Besack, of Washington, January 15, 1881. In February he sold to H. A. Moore and J. A. W. Bliss. The paper was enlarged to an eight column folio. In May, 1882. Charles Barrett, its present editor and proprietor, purchased Mr. Moore's interest, and in August, that of Mr. Bliss. The Journal is independent in politics.

J. W. Bliss established the Independent, September 15, 1882. Its name indicates its policy. It is a seven column folio.

The business of Greenleaf is decidedly on the increase with her growth in educational, social and religious privileges. An important factor in this line is to be the Fair Association just formed (September, 1882), which is to hold an exhibition in November. It is also proposed to build a steam flour-mill. The business of the city is now represented as follows: two hotels, five general stores, three hardware, two drug stores, one bakery, and four restaurants, two lumber-yards, two grain warehouses, and four agricultural implement depots, two blacksmith and wagon shops, two liveries, one bed spring manufactory, one barber shop, etc., etc. Greenleaf has her two lawyers, her two physicians, and her two editors.

The oldest hotel is the Greenleaf House, built by A. Snyder in 1876. Soon after (1880) Greenleaf was made a division town; the railroad company erected a commodious hotel. It is maintained in fine style, W. W. Randall being proprietor. It is the Pomeroy House by name, being christened in honor of R. M. Pomeroy.

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