Excerpt of the book "Writer and Engraver's Picture of Graham County's Progress Since Its Organization" (1906)

R.B.Garnett

(pages 21-22)

Sometime over a quarter of a century ago, when this flourishing commonwealth of Kansas was in its infancy, and shortly after the first settlers had come to Graham county, Mr. Garnett of Page county, Iowa, came to seek his fortune in the unsettled west. He was poorly endowed with this world’s goods but possessed a large amount of intellect, pluck, energy and confidence in himself and the country of his adoption. Mr. Garnett took for his homestead a part of what is now Hill City.

Robert B. Garnett the subject of this sketch, was but 10 years of age in 1879,when he came with his parents to Graham county.

He received his education entirely in Kansas, graduating in the first class from the Graham county public schools, and attending the Stockton Academy and the Salina Normal.

During his early manhood he clerked in several stores, among them the Boston Cash Store and Mellotte’s Mercantile Store. But in the autumn of 1897 he was elected the office of County Clerk on the Populist ticket and two years later was reelected. This position Mr. Garnett held with honor to himself and credit to his party. The duties of office are exacting, and it is a position that calls for men of intelligence and clerical ability. He established the fact that he was methodical, competent and industrious.

In the last term of his official service Mr. Garnett formed a partnership with P.A. Moyer in the mercantile business. On his retirement from office he bought Mr. Moyer’s interest in the store and became sole proprietor.

In 1903 a partnership was formed with A. G. Morris, W. Sayers, and P. A. Moyer, the stock was increased and the store began business under the name of the Hill City Mercantile Co. This partnership was dissolved in January of 1906 when Mr. Garnett sold his interest in the store.

In 1904 Mr. Garnett bought stock in the Farmer’s and Merchant’s Bank and became its assistant cashier. He has a reputation for being honest, courteous and accommodating to all customers and is a valuable acquisition to the bank force.

Mr. Garnett was married to Miss Ola Clark in 1904, while she was County Superintendent of Graham county.

He owns two quarter sections of land in Millbrook township, eighty acres north of Hill City and a number of town lots in addition to his neat, well kept cottage of six rooms.