The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1899-03-27

Quarried rock at night. The first rock
he quarried by night work was used in
the foundation of one of the largest
school buildings in Wichita.
Finally by persistent energy and
hard work he managed to save up $105
and started a small general merchandise
store at Hatfield, a small town in Sedg-
wick county whichShas now gone out
of existence. He <sold this stock and
store at Colwich when the Missouri Pa
cific built through that part of Sedg-
wick county. That was the beginning
of his success. He made money at Col
wich, and later moved to Maze. There
he made more money, and six years ago
he moved into Wichita and put in
stock of general merchandise. He went
out among the laboring people and the
poorer classes and gained their personal
friendship. He became a member of a
number of fraternal societies and made
himself prominent at church socials
and charity affairs. Gradually his bus
mess grew as a result, until now he is
at the head of the largest general mer-
chandiSe store in Wichita.
KNOWN AS JIM
All his customers knew him as Jim -
He is sociable with all of them, and
has always joke to tell or happy
something to say. He now lives in a
comfortable home on Water street, one
of the largest houses in that part of
the city. Mrs. Tapp does all her own
work and is proud to acknowledge the
fact. The oldest daughter is married to
George Wolff one of her fathers en-
pIoyes. There are two boys, George,
aged II, and Henry aged Is. The young
est daughter, a girl of II years, is her
fathers especial pride and spends all
the time she can spare from school at
the store with him.
The three children are going to school
every day. 81 feel the need of educa-
tion,' said Mr.. Tapp, land I'm bound
they're not going to have the same feel
ing. Besides, think the boys and girls
of this country must be educated to
confront the conditions which they will
have to confront from this time on
Election day. April 4, oddly enough,
will be the twentieth anniversary of
Mr.. Taps marriage. He is now 43
years old and Mrs Tapp is SO.
It needs but a few minutes spent in
his store to see how he stands with the
people who patrOniZe him. As he was
sitting at his desk talking a colored
man stuck his face up to the cash
wicket. "Howdy, JIM" he said. Il
brought Lie up to see you,'' and then
as he drew his face away the face of
woman, made it's appearance instead.
She stretched her hand through the
wicket and the hand of the prospective
mayor was sent to meet it. Il wanted
to get a right good look at you, Mista
Tapp," she said.
"Wen, I'm nuthin' much to look at
said Tapp, laughing. ''but if L looked as
we'll as 1 feel, I'd look all right
colored woman. IT can see by youa
face that you're all right enough
The colored woman was succeeded at
the little window by pa1e-faced white
woman. IF you could let me have a
dollar till Jim's payday, Mr. Tapp," she
said in a thin voice, Il would be much
obliged" 1.-TWO if you want it," said
the merchant, as he opened the money
drawer and threw out a dollar.
He made no memorandum of the
transaction. 81 loan out little amounts
that way he said, but 1 know the peo-
pie are all good, and I never think OF
and when pay day comes 1 get it all
back
Tapp is earnest in all that he says.
He is uneducated but naturally intel
Hgent and shrewd. He has never touch
ed a drop of liquor in years, ana never
handles a card. He says he stopped
drinking because he declared within
himself he would be a, man and amount
to something, and then went out and
entered an oath with a justice of the
peace to cease gambling altogether
THOUSANDS WEAR HIS BADGE.
Today several thousand men, women
and children in Wichita are wearing
Tapp badges. The badge consists of a
small screw with a bolt on the end.
Many farmers in the country sur
rounding Wichita have volunteered to
bring their wagons to the city and haul
Tapp voters on election day. Many
Wichita people have also volunteered
their services in this regard, and there
will be no lack of vehicles for Tapp
voters on the day of the election.
The women of Wichita are largely re-
sponsible for the immense registration.
Tapp's connection with fraternal orders
which have women's auxiliary societies
in connection with them, and his prom
fnence in church affairs have brought
him a large support among the women
of Wichita. During the last days of
the registration time something of a
rivalry sprung up between the women
of the Weather class and those in more
moderate circumstances, and strong
efforts were made on both sides in Sc
! curing women to register.