Charles Grandison Hopkins came to Kansas City in 1852 after successful mining efforts out west during the Gold Rush. His first foray into real estate was the purchase of the Gillis Hotel. He later became good friends with Kersey Coates (Coates House Hotel) and they formed the Coates Hopkins Real Estate Company. He ended up with vast holdings in Kansas City and became its richest citizen.
Above, the Gillis Hotel. Below an article from the KC STAR which describes his monument in Elmwood Cemetery. He set aside $4,000 for its creation and $200 of that was to go to ongoing maintenance. It ended up - lot and monument - costing $11,000.
Charles lived in the units he owned at 418 West 10th Street. He died in this home at age 76. Also living with him for a time was Sands Hopkins his nephew. Sands had quite the story and it's worth your time to read about him.
https://martincitytelegraph.com/2021/10/24/scarier-than-a-ghost-story-the-haunted-life-of-a-kansas-city-socialite/
