Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 749 - 750

G. B. PECKHAM & L. N. WHITCOMB, proprietors of the Third street Planing-Mill, Wichita, and manufacturers of the celebrated Whitcomb sliding window screens, all kinds of brackets, moldings, stairs, newel posts, balusters, railings, plinth blocks, corner blocks, window frames, door frames, sash, doors, and blinds, all kinds of carving; wood and ivory turners, returning billiard balls a specialty; all work is done promptly and satisfaction guaranteed.

             G. B. Peckham, a representative citizen of Wichita, closely connected with its industrial interests, is the founder of the above-mentioned business. He was born in Coldwater, Mich., July 18, 1849, being the son of Horace H. and Sophrona S. (Hayden) Peckham.

             The first-named gentleman of this sketch commenced to acquire an education at an early age, attending the district schools, where he readily gained a good knowledge of the branches taught there. Removing from Michigan to Illinois, he learned the planing-mill business in Warren, Jo Daviess County. Being very ingenious and apt in the use of tools, he soon became a skilled mechanic, and remained in that place profitably engaged for twenty years. In 1874, having heard much of the wonderful agricultural facilities of Kansas, he decided to try a farmer's life in this State, and coming to Sedgwick County, he pre-empted a claim in Garden Plain Township, living there for several years, devoting his attention to cultivating and improving his farm. In 1884 Mr. Peckham came to Wichita, intending to make it his permanent abiding-place. Two years later, forming a partnership with I. G. Everett, he opened a planing-mill on East Douglas avenue, remaining in company with him for one year, and carrying on a successful business. He then became associated with his present partner, Mr. Whitcomb, they at that time building their present mill, located at Nos. 711 and 713 Third street. The building is large, and well equipped with the best improved machinery for facilitating their business. The firm have about $12,000 invested in the business, which occupies an important position among the manufacturing establishments of Wichita.

             Last year the firm did a business of about $35,000, and their work is of a high order, and in demand wherever superior workmanship is desired. Among the public buildings of which they did the interior work may be mentioned Fachimer Block, Mossbach & Sweitzer Block, Rock Island Depot, and the Crawford Grand Opera House. Of the private residences whose interior decorations were supervised by them, are those of J. C. Butler, Findley Ross, Rudolph Hatfield and J. D. Hutchinson. These will show the excellent character of their work and the high standing of the firm. Mr. Peckham is an old resident of Sedgwick County, and well known throughout, being considered one of its substantial and most respected citizens.

            L. N. Whitcomb, associate member of this prosperous and thriving firm, is a man in the prime of life, who, since becoming a resident of Wichita, has built up for himself an enviable reputation for integrity, honesty and straightforward business principles. He is a native of Indiana, his birth having taken place in Jennings County in 1855. He was reared on a farm and his common-school education was further increased by a thorough course in the High School at Seymour, Jackson Co., Ind. After graduation, desiring to master some trade whereby he might make a successful living, Mr. W., who had great mechanical ability, learned the trades of carpenter and cabinet-maker, serving a full apprenticeship at Indianapolis. Subsequently; while working for J. B. McElpatrick, our subject became superintendent of the work of the opera house, of St. Louis.

            Mr. Whitcomb also superintended the interior work of the opera houses of Indianapolis, St. Louis, Omaha and Denver. In 1880 he came to Wichita, and since that time has been busily and profitably engaged. In 1887 he entered into partnership, with Mr. Peckham in the extensive business which they are carrying on so successfully. He thoroughly understands his business in every detail, and his inventive genius is of the greatest possible assistance to him in his work, which requires a fertile brain, a clear and well-trained eye, artistic judgment, and skill in the use of tools.

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