Hopkins Township

Hopkins Township

Hopkins, the only trading place within the township bearing the same name, and which was named after A. L. Hopkins, then superintendent of the Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad Company, is situated a half mile to the east of the East fork of the One Hundred and Two river. It dates its platting from 1870 and its survey was completed in the spring of 1871. William Brady, of Jefferson township, executed the survey of the town plat. The company that platted the place was composed of Roseberry & Morehouse, the railroad company, Colonel Strong, of St. Joseph, and S. Mc¬ Farland.

Early Business Interests

The town of Hopkins was incorporated October 21, 1872. and the first board of trustees was composed of W. W. Kennison, chairman, Judge E. Dunlin, William H. Cochrane and B. S. Martin. The first building erected was a boarding house built by Thomas Gladman. The pioneer firm was Donlin Brothers, who began business in 1871. Porter, Girard & Hughes erected a drug store in 1871. The first dry goods were handled by Mr. Robinson, who erected a suitable store building.

The first business houses were all on the west side of the railroad, but it was soon found that for safety the business must soon go a block farther to the east, which it did. Edward Wolfers was first to build a brick building on the east side of the tracks and embarked in the dry goods and grocery trade.

In 1871 William R. Johnston built the Johnston House, on Roseberry street, and commenced keeping a good hotel. About the same date Mr. Crouch built the Hopkins House, but sold out to David Bender. Still later the Central House was opened by a Mr. Kinson. Plants Brothers established the first banking house.

In speaking of "First Events," Rev. Morton used to say: "I preached the first sermon, married the first couple and traded the first horses in Hop¬ kins." The first school was taught by Miss Emma Rose, from Michigan. The first church erected in the town was the Methodist Episcopal; the second church wras the Presbyterian and the third the United Brethren, who later sold their property to the Baptist denomination.

A cornet band was organized in the town during the month of February. 1874, and has ever been an adjunct of the sprightly young city, which now is second in rank in population in Nodaway county, Burlington Junction com¬ ing third.

Past And Present Business Interests Of I9Io

Churches - Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, Christian and Baptist. Physicians - D. A. Sargent, C. W. Kirk, S. D. Large. Thomas Lafayette. Justice of the Peace- - James Ewing.

The postmasters who have thus far served at Hopkins' office are Samuel Brown. T. W. Porter. John Nixon, John Donlin, J. H. Sayler, C. K. Allen. S. F. Wible I. N. Strawn. W. L. Moorehead.