F.W. Barteldes originally came to Kansas Territory in 1856 with a group of German immigrants who established the town of Eudora where the Wakarusa joins the Kansas River. He established a general store in Eudora, and after his business there flourished, also founded a grocery store in Lawrence, located at 74 Massachusetts in 1865.

By 1885, in addition to his grocery at 804 Massuchusetts Street (the building still exists), he had a large warehouse behind it on New Hampshire. (This large limestone building still stands, and currently houses a restaurant and professional offices.)

Barteldes was also active in the Lawrence Turnverein. This picture is identified as photo 5B in the Composite of Lawrence Turnverein members in 1881.