A History T^Ieade County ERRATA On first line, page 33, Jasper should be Jaspar On page 46, under election of 1889, should be included: Sheriff: A. J. Byrns, R, Ed. McDaniel, D. Treasurer: Len Follick, R. J. C. McLean, D Register of Deeds: Moses Black, R. James Vaughn, D. On page 58, the abbreviation following the candidate H. J. Sloss, should be D instead of R. On the 4th line, page 161, the name Adgar should be Edgar. tleU ) \ e stdl eside. A History of Meade County, Kansas By FRANK S. SULLIVAN CRANE it COMPANY Printers, Binders, Publishers Topeka, Kansas 1*>16 (' tpyright, L916, By Fit \\k S. Si 1.1 ivan, Meade, Kansas CONTENTS. Page Foreword 7 Acquisition 13 General History 18 Cities 26 Political 44 Banks lil Newspapers 68 Chu rches 72 Public Schools 77 Fraternal ( )rganizations 78 Bonded Indebtedness 81 Highways and Bridges 84 Automobiles 89 The Court House 92 Th e Salt Well 96 Farm Statistics lO'-i The Old Calaboose 131 Biographical 139 A History of Meade County, Kansas FOREWORD. X presenting this History of Meade County to the public I am timidly conscious that it will meet the full approval of none. In the prepa- ration of this work I have talked with five hun- dred people, and received five hundred suggestions as to what the book should contain. Being anxious to please, but realizing my inability to carry out the ideas of the many well-meaning people and confine the work to one volume, I have discarded much that is interest- ing, but it has been my intention to include all that is important or valuable. The personal experience of every old settler would be interesting reading; the achievements of those who settled upon the frontier in the days "that tried men's souls," who battled with the elements, subdued the wilderness and made the desert fruitful, is a story worthy of the mightiest pen ; the exploits of " Hoodoo" Brown, the activities of George DeCow, the eccentrici- ties of Pat Mulligan, the unconscious humor of Pete Hotz, the martial dignity of Captain Osgood, and the characteristics, freaks and foibles of many others who might be mentioned, would, if properly preserved, af- ford a source of never-ending amusement and enter- tainment ; but it would not be history. The inside history of county politics as the game was played in former days, the plans and schemes, the plots and counter plots, the maneuvers by which tricks were [71 8 HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY. taken and lost, would read like a story by (Jeorge Ran- dolph Chester, hut I could not go into these matters without violating the confidence of such eminently good fellows as Bob Painter, Doug: Adams, Fred Pick, Tom .Johnston. Frank Fuhr, Mose Black, Fred Judd, el al.. and the public would certainly not expect me to do that. The history of Meade County reads almost like a fairy tale. Organized in 1885, the country was widely advertised and hailed as an El Dorado by people all over the East, who flocked here in great numbers, eager to secure homes in this modern Eden. Cities and towns sprang up as if by magic; railroads were sur- veyed, manufacturing establishments planned for. and in a few months the country had the appearance of an old-established community. But, alas for the good of the country! so many who settled here were not the kind to develop a new country. They came mostly from the old-settled States of the East, and knew noth- ing of the hardships incident to pioneer life. They be- came dissatisfied as soon as the novelty of the situation wore away, and longed for their Eastern homes. To get away was no difficult matter; the entire country was enjoying an era of prosperity, money was easy to obtain, and many, perhaps a majority of the home- steaders preempted their claims, mortgaged them the next day for from $500 to $1000, and left the country. better off financially than when they came. So many farms being deserted, business suffered and laxed for a time, depression ensued, and then came the fall, the awful, calamitous, tumultuous financial crash thai buried under its ruins the wrecked hopes and shattered FOREWORD. 9 ambitions of so many. Meade County was not alone in this crisis ; the entire West was affected, and great was the havoc throughout all. But business adapted itself to changed conditions ; business assurance was just being restored when occurred the memorable open- ing of Oklahoma. All eyes were now turned toward "The Land of the Fair God," and western Kansas was practically forgotten by the outside world. Meade County, being in such proximity to the Territory, suf- fered her proportionate loss of citizens. Nor was the lost population soon regained, as for years practically all emigration was toward the "Red Land." Being deserted by the farmer, the country was natur- ally given over to the cattle-men, who for years held full sway, and gathered immense wealth from their herds. The thousands of acres of rich, succulent buffalo-grass fed thousands of cattle. The usual mild winters and light snows made it practicable for cattle to graze the entire winter and come out in good condition in the spring, having consumed little or no feed save that which Nature had so bountifully provided. But in time the glitter and glare of Oklahoma van- ished to a great extent. Land there, and elsewhere eastward, had advanced in value so that a poor man could not own his home ; landlords became so exacting that tenants could not pay rent and live ; the poor man commenced to look for a home, the man with money to look for investments. Western Kansas presented her smiling prairies to the world and attracted the at- tention of homeseekers and of investors. A few of the more venturesome came west, and those who visited Meade County viewed with wonder the rich soil, were 10 HISTORY OF MEADE COU \TY delighted with the climatic conditions, enjoyed the purr water, breathed the exhilarating, health-giving ozone, gazed with rapture on the transcendental beauty of the plains, and located here. 'They were eminently successful in tilling the soil, and accounts of their suc- cess written home caused friends to come, who in turn induced others to follow. 'This encroach nient on the range was "viewed with alarm "' by the cattle-men, who did all in their power to discourage immigration by circulating stories of the poverty of the soil, the uncer- tainty of crops by reason of insufficient rainfall, the terrors o\' tornadoes, and other named and nameless evils. Hut in spite of drouths, tornadoes, and evil re- port-, the settlers came on. The large ranches shrank away before the increasing tide of immigration, until finally 'free range" was no more and the ranchman was forced to buy Ins range or go out of business; and finally, recognizing the futility of resistance, or realizing that they had been mistaken, the stock-men joined with the farmer in boosting the country, and they now work harmoniously together. It is a singular fad that, in nearly every instance, the man who came to Meade County in the early days with money, lost it. while the man who came with noth- ing and was either too poor or too obstinate to leave, lull remained through all the trials and vicissitudes, has amassed a competence. And it is to such men as these, such men as Parmer Bisbee, A. V. Angel, Lou Parsons. Ed Dahmer, Joe Brannon, lv. 'I'. Wbrman, Linn Prazier, Prank Sourbeer, and others of their ilk. that Meade County owes its present condition of de- velopment and prosperity. FOREWORD. 1 1 The old order changeth. Where a few years ago could be seen, like the patriarch's herd, cattle on a thou- sand hills, now appear homes and schoolhouses and churches, and where once the seared buffalo-grass alone turned its bronzed bosom to the sky, smiling fields of waving wheat tiing their banners to the heavens, and acres of verdant alfalfa greet the delighted eye, and render odorous, as with sweet incense, the surrounding air. Frank S. Sullivan. Meade, Kansas, July, 1916. A HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY, KANSAS. ACQUISITION. In the early days of discovery, exploration and settle- ment, three European nations, England, France, and Spain, claimed the territory out of which Meade County was finally carved. Basing its claims upon the explorations of the Cabots and others, in 1606 the Eng- lish Crown granted to the London Company and to the Plymouth Company that vast area of land lying be- tween the 34th and 45th parallels of latitude and ex- tending from ocean to ocean. The English made no attempt to explore the country so far inland, and their claims upon this territory were early abandoned. The claims of the French were more substantial. In 1673 Marquette explored a considerable portion of the Mississippi Valley ; his explorations were continued and extended by LaSalle in 1682; in 1719 Dutisne explored a part of the interior, including a portion of the territory of the present State of Kansas ; these explorations were continued in 1724 by DuBourgmont, who also entered and explored a part of Kansas. As a result of these various expeditions France claimed the territory which now comprises Meade County as a part of Louisiana. The explorations of Spain were more thorough than those of France. In 1528 Narvaez explored a part of [131 1 I II [STORY OF M I. \DI. < « ii NTY. the Mississippi Valley. These explorations were con- tinued by Cabeca de Veca, who had been an officer under Narvaez in 1734-36. De Vaca entered Kansas, passed entirely across the stale from easl to west, and possibly crossed Meade County. In L541 Coronado, in hi> search for the fabled Quivira, crossed Meade County, possibly on his outbound trip, certainly on his return. In 17()2 France ceded Louisiana to Spain, bul by the treaty of 1800 it was re-ceded to France, and by France ceded to the United States in L803. However, the boundaries were not fully determined at that time, and in L819 the United States ceded to Spain thai part of Louisiana lying west of the 23rd meridian and south of the Arkansas river; so that what is now Meade County became an undisputed possession of Spain. (pon Mexico gaining her independence from Spain in 1821 this territory passed from Spain to Mexico, and when in 1836 'Texas acquired her independence it he- came a part of Texas. With the annexation of 'Texas in is L"> it became a part of t he United states, bul owner- ship remained in 'Texas until under the Omnibus Bill uf 1850 it was ceded by 'Texas to the General Govern- ment, and became a part of Kansas under the Organic A et ,,f is;, i. 'The Legislature of 1865 fixed the boundaries of Marion County to include the presenl territory ^\' Meade County. In June <>f the same year Marion County was organized and i i s boundaries changed, ex- cluding this territory, which remained unorganized and unattached until, in 1873, the Legislature created Meade County, named in honor of Gen. George G. Meade, and tixed its boundaries as follows: ''Com- P3 W 1(> HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY. mencing at the intersection of the east line of range twenty-seven west with the north line of township twenty-nine south; thence south along range line to its intersection witli the south boundary line of the State of Kansas ; thence west along said boundary line of the State of Kansas to a point where it is intersected by the east line of range thirty-one west ; thence along north range line to where it intersects the north boundary line of township twenty-nine south; thence east to the place of beginning." In 1SS1 Meade County was attached to Ford County for judicial purposes, until Meade County should be organized. In 1883 the Legislature dissolved Meade County, attaching that part lying east of the east line of range twenty-nine to Ford County, and that part lying west of the east line of range twenty-nine to Seward County- The Legislature of 1885 again established Meade County, with slightly different boundaries, which boundaries it has ever since retained, and are as fol- lows: 'Commencing at the intersection of the east line of range twenty-six west with the north line of township thirty: thence south along range line to its intersection with the south boundary line of the State of Kansas ; t hence west along said boundary line of the State of Kansas to a point where it is intersected by the east line of range thirty-one west: thence along range line to where it intersects the north boundary line of township thirty; thence east to place of be- ginning.'" 'The same Legislature attached Meade County to Comanche County for judicial purposes, to which ACQUISITION. 17 county it remained attached until the formal organiza- tion of Meade County. In 1885 a petition for organization was presented to Gov. John A. Martin. I. X. Graves was appointed census-taker. His return showed a population of 3507, of whom 1165 were householders. Proclamation of organization was issued Nov. 4th. 1885; Meade Center was designated the temporary county seat. A. D. McDaniel temporary County Clerk, and L. S. Sears, H. L. Mullen and E. M. Mears as the temporary Board of County Commissioners. The election to choose a permanent county seat, and perma- nent officers for the first term, was held on January 5th, 1886. During the campaign the question of the location of the county seat overshadowed everything else, and much enmity was created, especially between the partisans of Meade Center and of Carthage. The vote, which chose Meade Center as the permanent county seat, was as follows : Meade Center. .486 Mertilla 3 Fowler 231 Pearlette . 3 Carthage 188 Odee 2 Byers 1 The election, which was non-partisan, resulted in choice of the following officers : Representative, R. M. Painter; County Commissioners, Chris Schmoker, Hugh L. Mullen. J. D. Wick; County Clerk, M. B. Peed: Probate Judge. X. K. McCall ; Sheriff, T. J. McKibben; Treasurer, \Y. F. Poster; Clerk of the District Court. W. 11. Willis; Register of Deeds, C. \V. Adams; County Superintendent. X. B. (Mark: County Attorney, Sam Lawrence; Surveyor, Price Moody; Coroner. E. E. Buchecker. GENERAL HISTORY. Long prior to permanent settlemenl the territory now comprising Meade County was frequently visited by hunters, traders and adventurers. Prominent among these was Jedediah Strong Smith, a great-uncle of our esteemed fellow-citizen E. I). Smith, who visited this territory as early as the year 1818. .lust who the firsl permanent settler was. and the date of settlement, are matters of much conjecture, bul it is generally conceded that the firsl permanent settlement was at Meade City, about twelve miles north of the present town of Meade. and was in the year 1878. In L879 a colony consisting of sixteen families from Zanesville, Ohio, settled at I'earlette. The original Pearlette was near the site of the town afterwards surveyed and platted, l>nt not the identical location. John Jobling was president of the company responsible for this settlement, and his -mi. William Jobling, still a resident of Meade County, is perhaps the "oldest citizen," considered from a standpoint of continuous residence. Andor Eliason, who resided in this county up to the time of li i s death about two years ago, settled in 1879, as did also Prank Sourbeer, who i^ at present an efficient magistrate of Meade < 'enter Township. Perhaps the oldest unaltered building in the county is one now on the farm of Prank Marrs, buill by M r. Sourbeer. 'The firsl newspaper published in Meade County was the Pearlettt ('nil. the firsl number being issued in April, I 879, by Addison Bennet t . [18] O C33 a 20 ii [STi in OF m i: \di: coi NT! . The early settlers endured all the hardships incident in pioneer life. For years nil provisions were freighted from Dodge City, thru a notorious "border town." The railroad penetrated Meade County in the year 1. 887, which gave business a new impetus and practically abolished i he " freighter." The early settlers were buoyanl with hope, and were quick to indorse and accepl an\ plan calculated I" develop the country's resources, and for ihi> reason were rendered a i easy prey to designing schemers with "blue sky' to sell. A scheme thai appealed strongly was a proposition to establish sugar mills for the manu- facture of cane sugar. Greal encouragemenl was given these enterprises, township bonds were voted and issued in their aid, and at least two nulls one at Meade, the other at W'esl Plain- were built. The one a t Plains never attempted to operate, but the one at Meade encouraged and induced the farmers to plant large acreages of cane, and contracted for the cane at fair prices. But, unfortunately, while the cane grew and thrived, sugar could not be produced from it. or at least it could not be produced in sufficienl volume, in make the enterprise a success financially, and so the sugar-mill went the usual way of wildcat schemes. Underhand methods and fraud were alleged, grafl and corn i pi ion were openly charged, bul it was never proved thai anyone ever made any money, honestly or dis- honestly, out of the sugar-mill venture. In the late 80's and early ( .)()'s. the country at thai time being largely devoted to stock-raising, the county was sorely infested with cattle thieves more or less or- ganized, and the aggregate losses to the legitimate GENERAL HISTORY. 21 stock-growers from these depredations were enormous. The good citizens organized to fight the evil, many prosecutions were commenced although few convictions were secured, but the activity of the organization and of the prosecuting officers eventually convinced the law-breakers that Meade County was an unprofitable locality in which to pursue their nefarious vocation ; the bands were broken up, some of the members re- formed and quit stealing cattle, and others "stole away." so that for many, many years the owner of cattle has been able to sleep in peace, secure in the knowledge that his herds were safe. During the decade from 1890 to 1900 the selling price of real estate iti Meade County was nil; there was absolutely no demand for land; a good quarter-sec- tion of land could be bought for one hundred dollars, for fifty dollars, for twenty-five dollars, for any price one cared to offer, but there were practically no offers. The population decreased until but few more than a thousand souls found refuge within the bounds of tin 1 county. Most of the land was owned by the Govern- ment or by non-residents; few of these non-residents considered the land of sufficient value to warrant them in paying taxes, and they paid no tax. But finally the cattle industry had grown to such an extent that jealousy over the range sprang up, and in order to control certain range some enterprising stock-man would buy a quarter or two of land. Thus some slight market for real estate was created, but the price paid was usually from $50 to $100 per quarter-section. About the year 1900 a few adventurous persons, investors, "speculators" as they were called, commenced buying 22 HISTORY OF MEADE COl NTY. land at the ridiculously low prices mentioned. Other investors followed. Land gradually advanced in price to a dollar an acre, then came the real-estate agent, who assisted the speculator in disposing of his invest- ments and in boosting the price, the price advanced to a dollar and a quarter, to two dollars an acre, and then came the actual settler. The Government land was homesteaded, the land was cultivated, the results were profitable, land continued to advance, until today the price of wheat land ranges from $15 to $40 per acre, and very little unimproved land can be bought al the lower price. On August 5th, 1887, B. V. Cox. while drilling a well on the northeast quarter of Section .j. Township 31, Range 27. struck a How of artesian water at a depth of 1 12 feet. 'These flowing wells were not considered of much value as a commercial proposition at that time. but the land underlaid by artesian water has since at- tained a commercial value of anywhere from Sod to si 50 per acre, and the beginning of the end is not yet in sight : the possibilities of this particular portion of the county have not been appreciated. There is probably no more fertile, productive, desirable location in the whole world than the famous Artesian Valley of Meade County. Wrvi^ Nature puts forth her noblest efforts to please, and the results are all that the most exacting could desire. Given the most fertile ><>il that Nature has provided, the most delightful climate that mankind enjoys, and Nature's most precious bestowal, pure water more than 98 pel' cent pure by chemical analy- sis . cool and sparkling, boiling up from the earth's pure fountains, with a strong continual flow, no wind- V V O o r r '_' I II is t< >R1 OF M BADE COU \TV mills to keep in repair, no gasoline engines to maintain, no creaking windlass, no moss-grown, microbe-covered bucket . no drouth to fear, no floods to destroy, what more could ;i farmer desire? No one can go through this valley, so wonderfully endowed with Nature's blessings, without a desire to call a part of ii his own. The orange groves of California, the apple orchards of Oregon, the pine woods of Maine, the magnolia blos- soms of l>ixie Land, may appeal to some, but give to me a spot 'neath Heaven's canopy thai puts to shame the skies of Italy, where I can see the sunflowers grow- ing by the roadside, with their golden faces turned to- ward their God, and catch the fragrance of alfalfa blos- soms on every zephyr thai floats o'er the Artesian V alley, and you may have all the world beside. Deposits of iron ore and of peat have been discovered ; sail is found in more or less abundance, and was at one time manufactured l>y evaporation, bul owing to lack of transportation facilities at that time the enterprise proved unprofitable and was abandoned. Immense deposits of silica exist, which is just commencing to be of commercial importance. Ira McSherry. from his farm aboul three miles south of Meade, is now filling a contract with .lames II. Rhodes & Co., Chicago, manufacturers of industrial chemicals, whereby he furnishes them a stated quan- tity of silica per year for five years. The price real- ized by Mr. McSherry is $2 per ton. delivered at Meade. The Cudahy Packing ( '<>. own large deposits of this mineral, and m the year L915 I milt a railroad from their mines a few miles north of Meade, connecting with the GENERAL HISTORY. 25 C. R. I. & P. at Fowler, for the purpose of transport- ing the product of these miues. The Puck Soap Company own silica beds just west of Meade, and other deposits are found in various parts of the county. A great deal has been written, and more told, concern- ing the Indian fight which occurred on Sand Creek, in Meade County, but it is of little importance in history. In September and October of 1878 a band of about two hundred Northern Cheyennes left their reservation near Fort Reno and started north, crossing Meade County, and in fact crossed the entire State of Kansas. An all-day's fight took place in the southeast part of the county between these Indians and 140 soldiers, the latter being assisted by about 60 civilians, mostly cow- boys. One or two of the whites were slightly wounded, and while the damage to the Indians is not definitely known, the loss was small. CITIES. Soon after the settlemenl of the county commenced, and prior to its organization, cities and towns sprang up as if by magic, although many of them existed only on paper and in the promoter's vision. Various town- site companies were organized and incorporated. The first of these was The Meade ('enter Townsite Com- pany, incorporated May 25th, 1885, with E. M. Mears, C. G. Allen. Henry H. Rogers, Alex. Bailey, I. X. Graves, James A. Morris, and A. I). McDaniel, direct- ors. The Belle Meade Town Company followed, incorpo- rating June Oth. 1NX~). with J. M. Brannon. Robt. P. Cooper, John Schmoker, James H. Elmore, and II. Chaney, directors. The next to incorporate was the Spring Lake Town Company, receiving it> charter July 6th, 1885. Tim directors of this company were I), (i. Stratton, L. K. Mclntyre. J. C. Marts. J. P. Shore. (). Norman. J. W. Hot/.. Prank Sourbeer, Geo. W. Winder. Al Wirt. Geo. B. Alien, and N. B. Clark. Then followed the Meade ("enter Town Association. incorporating July loth. Ins."). with \V. P. Hackney, W. s. Mendenhall, R. L. Walker. P. E. < Klletl and Ledru Guthrie as directors, none of whom were residents of Meade ( lounty. The Meade County Town Company incorporated next, and on Aug. 22nd, 1885, with John Werth, L. [26] 28 11 [ST< >KY OF M BADE COl N "I '1 . B. Ostrander, Thomas II. Campbell, John Schmoker, a nd John I >. I nnis, directors. After this came the A.twater T< wnsite Company, in- corporated Oct. L8th, 1887, with James E. McCall, John J. Mohler, John 1. Jones, Win. B. Long, II. L. Markley, John E. Maxwell, and Lewis Mas ton, di- rectors. The Denver, New Orleans and Rock Island 'Town Company, incorporated Dec. 7th, 1887, with John Werth, John W. Taylor. X. B. IN. iter. A. McNulty, and T. McNulty, directors. 'The Massachusetts Town site Company, incorpo- rated Jan. 6th, L888, with Prank R. Gammon, B. B. Brown. Willis (i. Emerson, Geo. L. Stevens, and Hugo Lundborg, direcl ors. The Title Land and Town Lot Company, incorpo- rated Jan. 30th, 1888, with A. II. Heber, Willis G. Emerson, Geo. L. Stevens, Edward Doll, B. B. Brown, I). W. Higbee, and Selah A. Hull, directors. First Oklahoma Town Company was incorporated April L3th, L889, with A. 11. Heber, W. l-\ Schell, M. W. Sutton, Willis G. Emerson, G. W. McMillen, L. E. Steele, Geo. Theis, Jr., II. B. stone, and E. M. Mears, directors. The Wesl Plains Townsite Company was incorpo- rated Dec 2nd. 1884, with Charles W. Mosher, Ed- ward M. Meats. William Leighton, William Randall, and Morris T. Roberts, directors. Besides these incorporated companies there were several copartnerships and numerous individuals in- terested in promoting towns and townsite-. On July 9th, 1 885, the Meade Center Townsite Com- CITIES. 29 pany purchased from the United States Government the south half of the southwest quarter of Section 2, the south half of the northeast quarter of Section 10, the west half and the northwest quarter of Section 11, all in Township 32, Range 28, containing 520 acres, for $650, and surveyed and platted a portion of the same. On Oct. 21st, 1885, an order for the incorporation of the city of Meade Center was issued by Hon. James A. Ray, Judge of the Distiict Court of Comanche County, to which Meade County was at that time attached for judicial purposes. The organization was completed on Nov. 3rd, 1885, and at the same time the following officers were elected : Mayor, Peter E. Hart ; Police Judge, William C. Osgood ; Coimeilmen, Xelson But- ton, E. A. Twist, George M. Roberts, David Truax, and Wm. H. Stewart. The organization of Meade Center, and the election of the first officers, were legal- ized by act of the Legislature of 1886, and the name was changed to Meade by act of Legislature of 1889. On March 24th, 1886, the Townsite Company quit- claimed the land theretofore purchased to the L T nite() feet east of the southwesl comer of the northeast quarter of Section 30, Township 30, Range 29; thence north 730 feet: thence west I460feet; thence south I460feet; thence easl 1 !<»<» feet : thence north 730 feet, to place of be- ginning." Two additions were platted later. Mertilla early became a town of considerable prom- ise. " Red" Jim High was proprietor of the first store. In addition to tin- there were two other stores, ;i hotel. i i U < « PS < PS J w n0 32 II is l -ill' V OF M E \1)K ( OUNTY livery barn, blacksmith sh» >p. drug store, etc. Dr. Ostrander originally owned a drug store in Carthage. Aiter Meade Center had been selected as the county seal the evacuation of Carthage commenced, and Dr. Ostrander moved Ins drug store, building and all. to Mertilla. In the latter part of 1887 Mertilla commenced to go the way of Carthage and other defunct towns; most of the buildings were moved away, and in another year or two there was practically uothing remaining to mark the townsite, save the schoolhouse, which afterwards burned down. The drug-store building was moved to the farm of J. \. Stamper, and at the present time the schoolhouse in the Boyer district is the old drug store of Carthage and Mertilla, somewhat remodeled. The barn now on the Rexford farm, in Mertilla township, was built of lumber from the old Mertilla hotel. The townsite of Mertilla was vacated by act of the Legis- lature of ls , .»: , ». On May 17th. 1888, the Kansas Town and Land ( lompany, owner of 51 per cent, and ( reorge W. Ragon, owner of 19 percent, tiled the plat of Jasper, which in- cluded all that part of the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 26, Township 31, Range 29, that lies north of the right-of-way of the ('. K. lV X. Railway now the right-of-way of the C. R. I. .V P.). This town, being on the railroad, was never absolutely de- serted, l>ut has never attained any greal proportions. In 1909 Pullington cV Man'-, a real-estate firm of Meade, made some slighl attempt to promote this town. A new site was surveyed, near the old site. I»ut was a part of the southwesl quarter of Section 25, and the CITIES. 33 town was called Jasper, the name being afterwards changed to Collingwood, and still later to Missler. Greensward was surveyed, and the plat filed Aug. 21st, 1SS6, by Basil O'Donald and \Y. H. Rubottom. This townsite consisted of sixteen blocks, covering an area 14(>0 feet by 1470 feet, partly on the southeast quarter and partly on the southwest quarter of Sec- tion 12, Township 34, Range 27. A few lots were sold, but that is as far along as the promoters ever got with this town. In 1899 the Legislature vacated the town- site. Xirwana City was dedicated by N. K. McCall, Pro- bate Judge, under an act of Congress, it being located on Government land, occupying a part of Sections 2 and 3, Township 35, Range 29. Plat was filed Nov. 22nd, 1886, and showed twelve blocks, each 300 feet square, Block Xo. 12 being set aside for a public park. This site was afterwards re-surveyed and some slight changes made. Xirwana never made any substantial growth, but had at one time two stores, a blacksmith shop, and a feed barn. Just prior to the beginning of Xirwana City, J. M. Byers started a store and blacksmith shop on his farm near Xirwana, calling the embryo town in honor of himself, Byers. Another little store followed, but after Xirwana was laid out Byers moved his store, shop and town over to the '* City," and the town of Byers was no more. The first Democratic primary held in Odee Township met in the blacksmith shop at Byers, and elected delegates to the county convention. Odee, while never surveyed or platted, was the name given a store down in Odee township by the sole pro- '■'< \ II [ST< >R1 OF M i: \ di: • < 1 1 \ rv. prietor, "Little*" Pratt. Pratt sold out and his suc- cessor died, which destroyed any chance Odee may ha \ e had of becoming a metropolis. A postomce by thai aame was conducted in that neighborhood until a few years ago. Odee was named in honor of O. I). Lemert, who was credited with securing the establishment of the postomce. Fowler City was surveyed, platted and dedicated by George Fowler, owner of the Land, which was a part of the northwest quarter of Section 6, Township 31, Range 26 ; plat tiled May 1st. 1NN0. Various additions have since been made to this town. Fowler City was duly organized and incorporated, and nourished for a time, but finally, as the country gradually depopulated, it became dormant, and so remained for many years without city government, but it was never abandoned, and was always a good trading point. In April. l ( .M>s. it was reorganized and municipal government again established under act of the Legislature of 1 ( .M)7. At that time Fowler had a population of 345. The reor- ganization proved a good thing for the town and com- munity, and Fowler has grown and prospered ever since. At present it has two banks, three elevators, a news- paper, a modern hotel, municipally owned light and water plant, and all general lines of business are well represented. The L916 census gave Fowler a popu- lat ion of 503. 'The Wesl Plains Townsite Company purchased Sec- tion in. Township 32, Range •"><•. from the State, and proceeded to lay out the city of West Plains. The original plat was filed Jan. 17th. L885, bul an amended plat was filed May 18th, 1886. This was the original - • & 3JV-T *k5-;3^ Sox. ™ ifiSr ■ ' -"- i p 2: 36 HISTOm 01 MEADE COUNTY. survey, and included mi area of 2250 feel square, taken <>ut of the center of the section. Later a plat of the firsl addition was tiled, which included all the remainder Of Sec! ion 1 6. West Plains was originally incorporated on April 26th, L888, and. like Fowler City, prospered and lan- guished, then became dormant for many years, resum- ing municipal governmenl . Again, like Fowler. West Plains was never entirely depopulated. ;illd while for Veal's the llUinher df families residing within its limits could be counted upon one's fingers, it always remained a ijood trading point, its one store, Parsons, supplying the wants of farmer- and ranchmen for as greal a distance as forty miles. In 1902 Plains, as it is commonly called, commenced to grow, and has enjoyed a steady development ever since. Quite recently an election was called for the purpose of voting bonds for a municipal light and water plant, which proposition carried without one dissent- ing vote. Besides a large number of smaller business enter- prises, Plains has three large general stores, a bank, two hotels, an efficient telephone system, good schools, Methodist, Baptisl and Roman Catholic Church, three elevators, one of which is the largest in the county, and claims the distinction of shipping more wheal than any other town in Kansas. 'The L916 census gave Plains a popula lion of 177. Atwater comprised the southeast forty acres of Sec- tion 34, Township 33, Range 29. The plat was filed Nov. 9th, 1887. 1 1 had a general store, blacksmith -hop. public hall. etc. It was quitea social center, the CITIES. 37 principal social activity of those days being confined to dances at the hall, at which dances Bill Long usually furnished the music and Fred Judd did the calling; the proceeds, after paying the rent, being divided be- tween Long and Judd in the ratio of 2 to 1. A post- office bearing the original name was maintained in the neighborhood of the old town until a few years ago. The townsite was vacated by the Legislature of 1S99. Rainbelt, unplatted, was located about two miles northwest of the present site of Missler, and was quite a little trading point for a time. Artesian comprised about forty acres in the south- east corner of the southwest quarter of Section 6, Town- ship 31, Range 27. The plat was filed by F. M. Davis Dec. 27th, 1887. Artesian acquired two stores, a hotel, real-estate office of the promoter, and a postoffice, al- though the postoffice was acquired by the absorption of another town. In 1885 the town of Springlake was commenced in the vicinity of where Artesian was laid out two years later. A postoffice was established at Springlake which was afterwards moved to Artesian, but the name of the postoffice was unchanged. The Missouri Pacific Railway Company had proposed to build a railroad across the northern part of Meade County, and the town of Artesian was on the proposed route. However, the railroad failed to come, and the town went. This townsite was vacated by the Legis- lature in 1893. Pearlette occupied an area 1460 feet square in the northeast quarter of Section 27, Township 30, Range 27. Plat was filed June 1st, 1886, by John Jobling, Jr., and Robert Wright. The original Pearlette came 38 HISTORY "I Ml \Di: COUNTY into existence and a postoffice was established in L879, but ii was qoI surveyed or platted until 1886, and the site a> platted was nearly a mile from the original loca- tion. Originally the Joblings conducted a store and the postoffice; Addison Bennetl published a news- paper, Tin Pearl tU Call, for a time, commencing in L879, luil a: the newspaper business was not then a profitable one in Meade County the Call was short- lived. The town showed some evidence of prosperity, hut finally disappeared, some of the buildings being moved to o\ her towns. Carthage was established by the Carthage Town Company on the east half of Section 31, Township 31, Range 28, aboul the time thai Meade Center came into existence. It exhibited great signs of prosperity for a while, attaining a population of something like three hundred or four hundred, and was a very aggressive candidate for the location of the county seat. As soon as this question was settled adversely to the interest of this town, it disintegrated with great rapidity : many of the buildings were moved to Meade, some to other towns, some to farms, and soon there was nothing lefl of Carthage but a regretful memory. Helvetia was the name given an embryo town located on Section 2, Township 30, Range 30. This town was the creation of Abe Sorter, who conducted a little store in conjunction with the postoffice. A blacksmith shop was also established there, but the town failed to "boom," and ceased to exist in 1888. Belle Meade originated in the fertile brain of John W'erth. and its original location was on \\\> timber claim, the northwesl quarter of Section 8, Township 31, 71 PL, o < 1(1 HISTORY < IF MEADE COl VI Y Range 27. A postoffice was secured, with one, Milii- gan, as postmaster, who also conducted a little store in connection. Afterwards Chris Schmoker secured the postoffice and moved Belle Meade to his farm, and still later the city was moved to the farm of John Schmoker, <>n the southwesl quarter of Section 20. Township 31, Range 27. Here it grew some, acquiring two stores and a hotel. The building used a- a hotel is now the dwelling on the farm of .1. M. Wood, near Meade. Belle Meade was originated late in 1879, or possibly early in 1 880. Skidmore was the name given to a little store estab- lished on the homestead of Miss Skidmore. in Section 8, Township 31, Range 28. However, the town found "poor skidding," and failed to prosper. Roanoke was the name of another brain-storm, lo- cated on land now owned by John Wehrle. in the Val- ley. It made no further progress than to secure a n;i inc. Another vision in the vicinity of the Eliason farm was called Artois, but, like Roanoke, it existed only in the imagination of its promoter. The first town with which Meade County was threat- ened was located on Section 16, Township 31, Range 28. "Cap." French was a surveyor and locator; in the summer of 1878 he located two parties on this sec- tion, and in conjunction with them he formed the plan of establishing a city at that place, to he called Meade City. A little store was put up, a few other buildings were erected IVolU time to time, a postoflice was SOCUTed, hut the town failed to grow to any appreciable extent, and w a- abandoned about 1 88 I. CITIES. 41 A well-authenticated story is told concerning an ad- venture of Cap. French during the Indian raid in the fall of 1878. A band of Indians came to Meade City, and, noticing a grindstone, they compelled French to turn it while they sharpened their knives. It was an unpleasant task for him, as he fully expected that when the knives were all sharpened some Indian would test the edge of his instrument on his scalp. However, he was agreeably surprised when they departed without molesting him further. A short distance away, how- ever, they killed a freighter and took possession of his outfit. Another story in connection with this Indian raid is, that at a ranch house, either in Meade or Clark County, a large quantity of dried apples was secured, of which the Indians ate greedily without subjecting the fruit to the process of cooking. They proceeded on their way toward Meade City, but before reaching that point one of the squaws, having drunk profusely, discovered that dried apples and artesian water do not constitute a proper combination, and died in great agony. She was buried in a small ravine, the body being placed in a ditch washed out by drainage-water and covered loosely with earth. The body was soon exposed, and about a year afterwards it was found by Oliver Norman. The bones were not intact, and Mr. Norman secured the skull, desiring it as a specimen of Indian anatomy. As portions of the skin still ad- hered to the bones he hung the skull in a tree for further '"curing." While it yet remained in this tree some eastern tourists observed it, and reported to the eastern press the discovery of a strange tribe of savages 12 III- r< u: \ in MEADE < I M NT! . who disposed of their dead l>y depositing the bodies in t he branches of t rees. Meade City was succeeded by Jo-Ash, located aboul a half-mile to the west. Jo-Ash acquired two stores, a postomce, and was a regular mail route on a regular stage line. After two or three years it passed into men it ry. Red Bluff and Carmen were once postomces. Mile- was a little -tore and postomce conducted for many years by Captain and Mrs. Busing, on the south side of the Cimarron. The postomce of Lakeland was in the Painter family through several administrations, and is now on the llnllnirt ranch, Zada-Black Hulburt, I*. M.. while S. E. Matthews, the founder, still conducts the -tore and handles the mail at I'neda. I— I X CO « H Q i— i Eh tC H > < X POLITICAL. While the political complexion of Meade County has always been strong Republican, with the exception of a brief period of time during the days of Populism. in local affairs the people have generally exercised their besl judgment and voted without regard to party lines, considering the general fitness of the candidate as of more importance than his party affiliations. As a re- sult there has never been a time when all of the county officers were of the same political faith, and the public has been unusually fortunate in securing capable officers. In the tables which follow, the name appearing first is the one elected to the designated office, and the names following are the unsuccessful candidates. 'The party affiliation is indicated by the abbreviation following each name, and the year of election by the figures pre- ceding each list . 1886. lli| Mi sentative M. J. ( f'Meara, 1 ). R. M. Painter, II. Probate Judge W. D. Hudson, R. i ). .1 . Loofl ourrow, I ). < Ink District Courl Fillmore Hudson, R. \\ . II. Willis. I). < ounty < !lerk ... W. H. Young, R. Matt B. Peed, D, Sheriff < leorge F. Eckert, R. Thomas G. McAuliffe, D. Treasurer. . . C. S. Rockey, R. .1. \\ . Taylor, D. [44] POLITICAL. 4.") Register of Deeds C. W. Adams, R. J. \Y. Jamison, D. Superintendent N. H. Mendenhall, R. N. B. Clark, D. County Attorney S. R. House, R.* A. F. Hollenbeck, D. Surveyor Moses Black, R. J. A. Dupree, I). ( !oron< r H. Chaney, R. E. E. Buchecker, D. Commissioner 1st District J. H. Randolph, R. James Vaughn, D. ( Commissioner 2nd District Chris. Schmoker, R. Ed. McDaniel, D. Commissioner 3rd District E. M. Mears, R. F. J. Beckwith, D. 1887. Sheriff George F. Eckert, R. E. B. Summers, D. Treasurer C. S. Rockey, R. E. T. Hughes, D. Register of Deeds Jesse Summers, R. Wm. McKim, D. ( 'ounty ( Ilerk L. E. Brown, R. T. C. Bonham, D. Surveyor K. P. Smith. R. John Werth, D. Commissioner 1st District J. H. Randolph, R. D. K. Griffin, D. < Joroner I. X. Graves, R. Benjamin F. ( 'ox, D. 1888. Representative A. H. Heber, R. Robert E. Steele, 1). H. F. ( laldwell, Union Labor. * In September, issx, Mr. House resigned, and 1,' W, < U\h-j~ was appointed to fill the un- expired term. li HISTORY "I MEADE COUNTY. Probate Judge W. I >. Hudson, tt. E. T. I . Thompson, I '. ( '. 1'. ( lahoon, ('. I.. ( !lerk I Hstricl < Jourl . . .D. B. Stutsman, I ». E. B. Russell, II. ( '. T. White, 1'. I.. County Attorney II. \Y. ( lii^.tis. 1!. ML I.. Brown, D. .1. M. Holcomb, U. L. Superintended \ . II. Mendenhall, II. James B. High, I ). Mary Dalgarn, U. L. ( loroner William Lake. II. < ). .1. Loofbourrow, I ). Commissioner 2nd Districl E. I). Smith. R. I >. Barragree, I). II. P. Cooper, U. I.. L889. Surveyor lohn G. Fonda, li. John Werth, I). ( lounty ( Jlerk L. E. Brown, II. .1. II. Craves. I). ( loroner William Lake. II. I tennis ( )allaghan, I ). Commissioner 3rd District C. ML Plymell, D.* John II. Ellis, II. ML II. Howard. L890. Represental ive \. II. Heb i . [nd. S. ML Bennett, Peo. James \Y IIS< 'II. 1 M Plymell at the time of his election was Citj Clerk of the citj Wi I Plains, which office b( I i" hold after In- had qualified a- Count] Commissioner. On April 29tl B Kellogg, Vttorni . General, commenced proceedings ii against Plj null iii Lbi Supremi Courl The opinion, filed in May, 1891, ousted Plymell from the offio thai the law forbids a Count) Commissioner from holding an j othei office I he othci t wo members "t the Board, with bh< ' lountj < !1< rk, electi e< ds Moses Black, R. .). E. McCall, Peo. Sheriff V. .1. Byrns, R. Ceo. B. Allen, Peo. Surveyor John Wert h, Pro. .1. II. Ellis, R. ' 'oroner C. But ton, R. .1. M. Riney, Peo. < !ommissioner 2nd District Frank Lohr, R. E. P. Boyle, Peo. Commissioner 3rd Districl II. E. Hayden, Peo. .1. \. Stamper, I!. L892. Representative James Wilson, Pro. R. M. Painter, R. Probate Judge \inliv\\ Graham, II. I). II. Bryant, Pro. ( 'lerk District ( lourt F. W. Fick, R. X. P. Bishop, P«d. Superint endenl I ). P. Wysi mg, 1 1 . .1. A. Porterfield. Peo. POLITICAL. 49 County Attorney A. T. Bodle, Jr., R. Geo. S. Selvidge, Poo. Coroner A. Kessler, R. (to fill vacancy). G. W. Umbarger, Peo. Commissioner 3rd District H. E. Hayden, Peo. Rhees Singley, R. L893. > ( lounty ( Jlerk J. F. Armstrong, R. J. R. Graves, D. Register of Deeds Belle M. Peed, D. B. F. Stivers, R. Sheriff S. D. Adams, D. Richard Buis, R. Treasurer Geo. W. Wiley, R. J. C. McLean, D. E. J. Graves, Peo. Surveyor John Worth, D. J. H. Ellis, R. ( 'oroner A. Kessler, R. ( 'ommissioner 1st District William Beaty, D. John B. Innis, R. 1894. Representative R. M. Painter, R. S. N. Butts, People's Party. Clerk District Court F. W. Pick, R. H. G. Marshall, P. P. Probate Judge Andrew Graham, R. X. B. Sawyer, P. P. ( lounty Attorney F. M. Davis, P. P. A. T. Bodle, Jr., R. Superintendent Jennie Kessler, R. Commissioner 2nd District B. H. Cordes, P. P. Benjamin White, R. * There were three tickets -Republican, Democratic, ami People's Party. The same candidates wen- nominated by the Democrats and the People's Party in Is'.t.'i, and the same in 1894 except that the People's I 'arty had a differenl candidate for County Treasurer. .")() || [STORY OF MEADE COU \'TV. L895. Treasurer < }eo. W. \\ il< \ . I!. 1\ G. Hamilton, D. ( mint v ( In k E. V. Rieman, I!. .1. I''. Armsl rong, I ). Register of Deeds Belle M. Peed, I ). Carrie B. I lampbell, R. Sheriff S. D. Mams, I). Geo. W. Potter, R. Surveyor I< >lm Werl h. R. ( Hiver Norman, I). ( loroner ( '. But ton, I ). < Jommissioner 3rd District II. E. Hayden, I ). E. X. Sharp, R. 1896. Representative John Wehrle, I ). R. M. Painter, R. Probate Judge Andrew ( rraham, It. X. B. Sawyer, I). Clerk Districl ( !our1 Erne Coon. R. Etna Dalgarn, I). ( Jounty Attorney \. T. Bodle, Sr., R. Geo. B. Allen. I). Superintended .Jennie Kessler, K. Commissioner Ls1 Districl John l>. tnnis, R. Jacol > I leape, I ). IS!)?.* ( Jounty < !lerk E. I'. Rieman, R. s. I). Adams, D. Treasurer Geo. B. Cones, R. I ). B. Stutsman, 1 >. Sheriff I'. C. Judd, I). A. .1. Byrns, R. Register ol Deeds Nettie Bonham, R. Belle M. Peed, D. • Tii. n were three tickets In the 6eld Republican, Democratic, and Populist, bul the nominees ol tin- Democratic and Populist PartieB were the same «s> •- **-- i~-S 1w •5-, &. A . r' v $■', •• ■< i. via** -1 *W^ "4 *« -■• v 'U V O w C3 K Pi w PL, 52 HISTOR1 i ' i MEADE COUNTY. Surveyor Moses Black, I!. < )li\ i r Norman, I ). ' 'oroner Ed. ( >tt<». i;. Theodore Wolfley, 1 ). Commissioner 2nd Districl .)< >hn F.Conrad, I). I;. W. Campl ell, II. |SMS. R< pr( si ntative. Geo. W. Will y, i!. John Wehrle, D. Prol ate Judge David Truaz, II. T. I'.. Petefish, I). ( Ink I istricl < 'our! Effie < ' i. I!. Lottie Snyder, 1). < "in, iv Attorney \. T. Bodle, Sr., R. < h o. s. Selvidge, I). Sup< rintendenl I. A. Porterfield, R. .lames T. Walter. I ). Commissioner 3rd Districl II. E. Hayden, 1). B. I'. Bisbee, R. L899. Treasur r Moses Black, 1!. .lames Wilson, I >. < omit v ( lerk Frank Wehrle, I >. N. B. Peck, R. Sheriff. F. C. Judd, D. A. .1. Byrns, II. Register of Deeds .. .Winnie Bonham, R. < Irmond I lamilton, I >. ' Joroner Win. I '. Fee, I >. ( Ilaus I '>' >rger, I ! . Survey ■ John II. Ellis, l»'. < Hiver Norman, I >. ( lerk I )i>iriet < !ourl John Elliott, I ). ; John <>. Keith. I;. • >- -Republican, Dei ratio, and Populist, but the nomi- lasl i ».. were identical. • '!..■ Clerk ..in,' • •,..•.!. ..M.I John < » Keith pointed to Mil the vacancy until th< lion In this election hi 'i Elliott, who was inducted into office on \"..\ 1 1 1 1 ■ . 1S99, iI.m- ycat the term foi which EfBc Coon had been i lected in If •- POLITICAL. 53 Commissioner 1st District John B. Innis, R. J. R. Keith, Pop. 1900.* Representative S. D. Adams, 1). A. 0. Edmunds, R. Probate Judge E. W. Jenkins, R. W. J. Woodard, D. Clerk District ( lourt John Elliott, D. F. Sourbeer, R. Superintendent Maggie Martin, D. J. A. Porterfield, R. Commissioner 2nd District John F. ( lonrad, D. W. C. Schmoker, R. ( 'ounty Attorney Geo. S. Selvidge, D. F. M. Davis, R. 1901. t Commissioner 3rd District H. E. Hay den. Albert Hemple. 1902. Representative R. B. Campbell. R. S. D. Adams, D. ( Jounty Attorney Geo. S. Selvidge D. A. T. Bodle. Si-.. R. Treasurer Moses Black, R. County Clerk D. P. Wysong, R.J Frank Wehrle, D. * In 1900 there were three tickets — Republican, Democratic, and People's Party, the last two having the same nominees. t The canvassing board found that the candidates for County Commissioner had each re- ceived 13 votes. Straws wen- drawn to decide the tie. Mr. Hayden, having drawn tin long straw, was declared the winner. Thereafter Mr. Hemple instituted a contest, lb- was rep- resented by attorneys A. T. Bodle, Sr., R. W. Griggs, R. M. Painter, F. M. Davis, and E. D. Smith. Attorneys for Mr. Hayden were A. B. Reeves, A. T. Bodle, .Ir., Geo. S. Selvidge, anil Geo. B. Allen. The contest was heard by E. W. .Jenkins, Pro 1 ate Judge, with Darius Skinner and R. W. Campbell as associate judge- The contest board decided in favor of the con- testee, Mr Hayden, and assessed tin- costs, taxed at $165, against Mr. Hemple. + Mr. Wehrle contested the election, alleging that the election boards had rejected numer- ous legal ballot-, which, if counted, would have resulted in the election of Mr. Wehrle. The principal point "I contention was as follows : The Democrats had tailed to make nominations for some lit the offices, ami where t hi- occurred there was printed in the -pace intended fur the candidate's name the words, "No Nomination," followed by a voting square. Many who voted for Mr. Wehrle also placed a ems- in the square opposite the "' Xo Nomination." This was held to vitiate the whole ballot, and it was accordingly thrown out. Mr Wehrle con- tended that these ballots wen- legal, and should have been counted. Mr. Wehrle was rep- resented bv attorneys !•'. ('. Price, A. 'I'. Bodle, Sr., and A. '1'. Bodle, .Ir. . Mr. Wysong by at- torneys H. W. Griggs, P. M Davis. E. 1). Smith. S S Ashbaugh, and R, M. Painter. The case was heard by E. W. Jenkins, Probate Judge, R. \. Harper and .John W. Ellis, associate judges, and F. G. Hamilton, clerk. The contest board sustained the election boards, declared Mr. Wysong elected, and taxed the costs, $130.64, against Mr. Wehrle. .")4 HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY. Probate Judge E. \V. Jenkins, II. I Ink Districl < !our1 .John Elliott, D. .1. I. Stamper, R. Sheriff Samuel I'.. Givler, R. Samuel P. Bunch, I). Register of Deeds Winnie Bonham, 1!. John W. Russell, I). Superintendent Maggie Marl in. 1 >. Bertha ( !ampbell, R. Surveyor ). II. Ellis, 1!. Coroner C. B. Leslie. R. Will. F. Fee. I). I lommissioner 1st Districl T. V*. Pinnick, R. .1. II. Randolph, I). 1904. Representative Geo. B. ( 'ones. I!. II. E. Hayden, I). ( 'onnt y At torney Frank S. Sullivan. I ). J. R. ( rriggs, R. Treasurer Ormond Hamilton. I). County Clerk 1). P. Wysong, R. Frank Wel.rle. 1). Probate Judge V. T. Bodle, Sr., R. William Jobling, I). ( lerk District ( 'ourl Fohn Elliott, I ). lv o. Palmer, R. Sheriff Samuel B. Givler, R. Sam < longer, I ). Register of Deeds Florence Smith, I!. Charles E. Tally, D. Superintendent Ruth Bennett, D. Frilla DeCow, R. Surveyor J. M. Robinson, D. .1. II. Ellis, R. Coroner Win. F. Fee, I ). C. B. Leslie. R. CO 56 II IsTouy OF MEADE COUNTY. Commissioner 2nd District. John F.Conrad, D. Geo. M. Edwards, R. Commissioner 3rd District .1. W. King, D. B. II. < lordes, I!. L906. Representative S. I >. Adams, D. Geo. B. < lones, R. County At torney Frank S. Sullivan, I >. F. P. Marshall, R. Treasurer < >rmond Hamilton, I ). Edward I >esmarias, R. County Clerk W. W. Pressly, R. \Y. II. Dalgara, D. Probate Judge J. II. Randolph, I). S. 0. Ball, R. Clerk District ( lour! John Elliott, D. Era Scott, R. Sheriff. ... I. S. Price. 1). J. F. Pinnick, R. Register of Deeds Florence Smith, 1!. Charles E. Tally. D. Superintendent Ruth Bennett, D. E. B. Reay, R. Surveyor Moses Black. R. ( Joroner Win. I'. Fee, I ). ( }eo. A. Nickelson, R. Commissioner Lsl Districl William Jobling, D. T. V. Pinnick. R. 1908. Representative J. E. McNair, R. S. D. Adams, D. ( Jounty At torney I). I*. Wysong, 1!. Geo. B. Allen. D Treasurer Moses Black. I!. .1. C Hall. D. County clerk W. \Y. Pressly, R. \\ . J. Woodard, D. POLITICAL. 57 Probate Judge J. H. Randolph, I). J. H. Ellis. R. Clerk District Court John Elliott. D* Frank Ellis, R. Sheriff L S. Price, D. A. J. Byrns, R. Register of Deeds W. T. Gray, R. C. H. Burford, D. Superintendent Mattie Haigh, R. Lou McCrellis, D. Surveyor N. C. Galway, R. G. W. Dalgarn, D. Coroner E. W. Fletcher, R. Wm. F. Fee, D. Commissioner 2nd District James Wilson, R. F. I. Bennett, D. Commissioner 3rd District F. M. Paul, Sr., R. T. B. Novinger, D. 1910. Representative Geo. B. Cones, R. H. Llewellyn Jones, D. County Attorney Frank S. Sullivan. D. D. P. Wysong. R. Treasurer John F. Sweet, R. H. Albertson, D. County Clerk W. W. Pressly, R. Probate Judge J. H. Randolph, D. M. S. (iillidett. R. Clerk District Court John Elliott, D. John (). Keith, R. Sheriff Thos. Martin, D. E. W. White. R. Register of Deeds W. T. ( iray, R. Superintendent Mattie J. Haigh, R. Jessie M. Chase, D. * In this election the two candidates fm- Clerk of the District Court each received the same number of votes. The tie was decided by lot. At the suggestion of Mr. Ellis six straws, three long and three short, were placed in a book, the ends projecting, and the candidates drew alternately. .Mr. Elliott drew two long straws and was declared elected. 58 HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY. Surveyor N. C. ( lalway, R. ( leorge Hockaden, I >. ( Joroner E. A. Twist . [nd. Commissioner Lsl Districl \. B. Roberts, II. Win. Jobling, I ). L912. Representative E. I.. Watt, R. II. .). Sloss, R. Isaac ( 'ovalt. So. ( lounty Attorney Frank S. Sullivan. 1). Treasurer .1. I". Sweet, li. .1. I). Dalgarn, So. Probate Judge .1.11. Randolph, 1). A. .1. Paden, R. Newton Snyder. So. ( omiiy Clerk \Y. \V. Pressly, R. J. I). Golliher, So. Clerk District ( !our1 lohn Klliott, I). .John Lusk, Jr., So. Sheriff Thos. Martin. D. J. A. Spencer. R. R. .1. Walk. So. Register of Deeds \Y. T. ( day. R. Superintendent Pearl Wool-Sinit h. I ). Frank ( larlson, R. Surveyor Moses Black. R. < 'oroner YVm. F. Fee, D. ( !. A. Nickelson, So. Commissioner 2nd District . . John Cordes, D. II. X. Hold, "1111.111. R. Commissioner 3rd District T. B. Xovingcr D. S. T. Frederick] R. L914. Representative II. Llewellyn Jones, D. Geo. W. Day. II. ( '. B. Leslie, Progressive < ; George C. Strong, E. (i. Robertson, ( !. W. Adams. W. II. Young, Win. K. Palmer, Coleman Rogers, and A. .1. McCabe, Directors. This bank was reorganized Jan. 11th. 1889, under the name of The Citizens Hank of Meade Center; capital stock, $50,000. Directors. E. ( 1 . Robertson, Coleman Rogers, Arthur J. McCabe, C. W. Adams, and C. E. ('ones. It soon thereafter liquidated. O H \4 O o til II [STORY OF MEADE COU \TY The Bank of Wesl Plains, West Plains, was incorpo- rated .Ian. I hli. L888; capital stock, $50,000. Direct- ors, B. K Brown, W. C. Gould, C. Gould, II. B. Stone, and K. F. ('raw ford. This bank continued to do l>nsi- ness until the general conditions of the country warned the Directors that a continuation would mean failure, when they n>ine>>. The officers, Brown, Gould and stone, went to Colorado and en- gaged in the banking business at Lamar. A private hank was also organized at Fowler, in the late 80's, of which Win. Beaty was president, B. F\ ('ox. Vice-President, 0. S. Ilnrd. Cashier; capital stock, $5,000. It paid out in full and quit l)ti>ine>> in 1890. Of the hanks at presenl doing l>n>ine>s in Meade County, The Meade state Bank was incorporated An-'. 22nd, L899. Directors. C. (). Chandler. W. S. Berryman, J. \Y. Berryman, \. A. Berryman, and Emily Berryman. Its capital stock was $5,000, which was increased to sic. tin: h, imr. In L903 this hank was reorganized, under the same charter, with R. A. Barper, President, B. F. ('ox. Vice-President, Louis Boehler, Cashier. In L 909 the capital stock was again increased, tin- lime to $30,000. It now has a sm plus, in round numbers, of $13,000, and deposits of $200,000. [ts depositors are protected by the Bank Depositors' Guar- anty Lund of t he St;i te of Kansas. The Firsl National Bank of Meade opened for busi- riess <»n May 2nd, L904, with the following officers: President, .1. B. Buck; Vice-President, Geo. S. Sel- \ idge : ( Jashier, F. W. ( 'ml. The I directors, in addition BANKS. 65 to the President and Vice-President, were: E. A. Twist, Linn Frazier, B. F. Leach, J. R. Graves, and Geo. B. Cones. The present officers are : W. F. Casteen, President ; J. F. Conrad, Vice-President ; F. W. Curl, Cashier. Its capital stock is $25,000, and its surplus and deposits, in round numbers, are respectively $25,- 000 and $180,000. Its depositors are protected by bond in The Deposit Guaranty and Surety Co. The Fowler State Bank, Fowler, was incorporated April 3rd, 1906, with a capital stock of $10,000, and with the following Directors : R. A. Harper, J. C. Hall, Leo P. McMeel, Louis Boehler, W. P. Bunyan, and F. D. Morrison. Its present officers are : R. A. Harper, President ; T. V. Pinnick, Vice-President ; F. D. Morrison, Cashier ; John F. Sweet, Assistant Cashier. Its present capital stock, surplus and deposits are, respectively, $25,000, $12,500, and $100,000. It is under the protection of the Bank Depositors' Guar- anty Fund. The First National Bank of Fowler commenced business Jan. 3rd, 1910, with the following officers : President, John F. Conrad; Vice-President, J. C. Hall ; Cashier, D. B. Mitchell ; Directors, John F. Conrad, J. C. Hall, Linn Frazier, John Boucher, and J. M. Dowell. Its present officers are: Linn Frazier, President; J. C. Hall, Vice-President; Geo. D. Hall, Cashier. Its capital stock, surplus and deposits are, respectively, $25,000, $15,000, and $115,000. Its de- positors are protected by surety bond. The Plains State Bank, Plains, was incorporated July 7th, 1900, with the following Directors: J. A. Collingwood, D. A. Collingwood, Joe (!. Collingwood, 66 HISTORY OF M i: \DK COUNTY. s. (i. Demoret, Ella Demoret, and J. M. Collingwood, ilif lasl named of whom has been Cashier since the bank's organization. Its presenl capital stock and surplus are $35,000; its deposits are $150,000. The American Mortgage Tinst Company was char- tered Augusl L5th, L887, with an authorized capital stock of two hundred thousand dollars. Its purposes were to negotiate loans on farm and city property, to purchase securities, and to own and sell real estate. The Directors were: A. II. Heber, Willis (i. Emerson, L. s. Sears, L. W. Brown, Edward Dool, R. P. Brown, (ico. L. Stevens, D. W. Higbee, and L. I). Rogers, all of whom were residents of Meade County, save the last three. This company flourished for a time, lnit finally became involved. Geo. S. Selvidge was ap- pointed receiver, and at a receiver's sale in 1899 R. W. Griggs purchased the entire assets of the corporation for three hundred dollars. ARTESIAN WELL ON THE B. F. LEACH FARM, NEWSPAPERS. Meade County is the rock thai has wrecked the hopes and shattered the dreams of many newspaper- men. In the early days almost every boom town "-pmtcd" l>iit did not "support" a newspaper. The result was that these papers were published with more or less regularity as long as the editor could get credit for white paper and printer's ink. and then died a natural death. I use the expression 'natural death' advisedly, because it is but natural that these early- day newspapers, under the economic conditions that then existed, should come to an untimely end. The Hist paper published in Meade County was Tht PearlelU Call, by Bennett cv. Lowery, the lirst edition appearing April loth. 1ST!), and the last bearing date May Nth. 1880. In May. INS."), ('. K. Sourbeer issued the first num- ber of Tht Sprint/ Lake Hornet, which continued to ap- pear monthly until the summer of L889. In June. L885, E. E. Henley commenced publishing Tht Fowler Graphic, and continued until L891. Tht Carthage Times was published from June, L885, to January, 1886. In July, L885, CannoB Bros, issued the lirst number of Tht Meadt Center Press. In December of the same year this paper was sold to Mechler Bros., and the name changed to Tht Press Democrat. In March, L886, Mechler Bros, sold to II. Wilt/. Brown, and in L890 Brown unloaded on Sam Lawrence, who published the 68 NEWSPAPERS. 69 paper under the name of The Meade Democrat until 1S94, when he sold to C. (J. Allen, and publication was suspended in 1895. In the spring of 18t incorporated church \\;is Pleasant Prairie Congregational Church, incorporated March 18th, 1881, more than foui years prioi to the organization of the county, with John Schmoker, Petei Blai] and ( hi is- tian Schniokei as trustees. Services were held at the eld Belle Meade schoolhcuse. Next to incorporate was the Meade ("enter Metho- CHURCHES. 73 dist Episcopal Church, incorporated March 26th, 1886, with George W. Evington, Samuel D. Huffman, David Truax, Sam Lawrence and Geo. Wallace as trustees. This church was organized by Rev. J. N. Stamper, who was its first minister, and, it is said, preached the first sermon in Meade. Closely following this was the First Methodist Epis- copal Church of Fowler City, incorporated June 18th, 1886, with James B. Brewer, George Fowler, Smith S. Pine, Alfred V. Carpenter and Alexander A. Major as trustees. Then came the Church of Christ of Meade Center, incorporated Aug. 9th, 1886, with F. P. Scott, A. D. McDaniel, A. J. Davis, M. B. Peede and C. G. Allen as trustees. This church prospered for a time, but later languished, and the church building was after- wards secured and used by the First Baptist Church, organized in 1899. Next was the First United Presbyterian Church of Meade Center, incorporated Jan. 14th, 1887, with H. I. Stevens, Edward Tring, E. D. Smith, M. E. Huston and M. W. Milligen as trustees. As an organization this church never obtained a permanent foothold, and most of its members united with the First Presbyterian Church of Meade Center, which was incorporated Jan. 22nd, 1887, with Edward Dool, Edward P. Boyle and James A. Lynn as trustees. On Feb. 22nd, 1887, the First Methodist Episcopal Church of West Plains was incorporated, with Benj. P. Bruce, Fred Baddeley, Thos. Beaty, Harry B. Stone and Ernest Russell as trustees. This church main- tained its organization until the city of West Plains was practically depopulated, when it lapsed. HISTORY OF M i: \Di: COU N'TV The ("rooked ('reck Methodist Episcopal Church was incorporated Oct. 6th, 1887, with J. \Y. Brock, Win. .1. Brown and John L. Smith as trustee-. The First Baptist Church of Meade was incorpo- rated Au--. 24th, L899, with William T. Diek. Mrs. M. A. Williams. \. 15. Sawyer. A. Y. Angel and II. G. Yocum as trustees. 'The first pastor of tlii- church was Hew .1. M. Robinson. 'Then eame the First Baptist Church of Plains, in- corporated Jan. 22nd. 1904. with Luellen Edwards, A. J. Parsons. J. W. King, G. W. Gillidetl and J. B. Sullivan as trustees. Coincident with the organization of this church a building was erected by popular sub- scription, which building, while being primarily under the control of the Baptist Church, was to be opened freely to any other denomination desiring to use it. April 7th. L904, the Evangelical Lutheran St. Johan- nes Congregation or Society. Odee Township, was in- corporated, with Henry Borchers, Henry Winter and Henry Eckhoff as trustees. The Free Methodist Church of Mertilla was incorpo- rated May 2()th. iocs, with C. F. Bowyer, George W. Branstetter, .1. S. Cornish. P. L. Triplet! and Al- liertus Fry as t rustees. This was followed by the Methodist Episcopal Church of Plains, incorporated Aug. 19th, L910 ; A. s. Brat her. A. L. Driver, 0. I). Overton, X. A. Geisinger and 11. M . Wooten, trustees. \f\i was the First Christian Church of Fowler, in- corporated .Ian. 5th, I'.Hl : .1. G. ("lark. .1. L. Runyan, W. E. ( 'air. .!oh n W. Sims and ( reorge Lasater. trustees. After this was the Firsl Baptist Church of Fowler. ANOTHER GUSHER. 76 II [STORY OF M I! \DK COUNTY. incorporated June 21st, I'M 1 : William T. Dick, Charles VanDoren and John Poster, trustees. The Methodist Episcopal Church of CJneda came last, incorporated March 24th, 1913; Geo. P. Gamble, II. II. Ford, .1. W. Steele ( ). .1. Eastoii and P. .1. Mitch- ell, 1 1 llstees. In addition to these churches there were, firsl and last, many others maintaining organizations that were not incorporated under the state laws, some of which aie still active. Among the latter are the Roman Catholic Churches at Fowler. Plains, and Meade, the last named of which is among the oldest churches in the county. In October, 1888, this church purchased about a quarte] of an acre of ground lying just uorth of Block 25, First Addition, and creeled a building thereon, which was used until a few years ago. when, it being considered no longer fit. it was razed, and the pi esenl church built. Then there is St. Augustine Protestant Episcopal Church of Meade, built in 1911, and the Christian ('hut(d). organized in February. 1916; the Friends, who have just completed in Fowlei the most modern and beautiful church building in the county. The Mormons have an organization in the country south of Missler, and the Mennonite Church in what is known as "the Colonv," south and easl of Me. de. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. The public schools of Meade County compare most favorably with those of other counties of the State. The county is divided into 44 school districts, having a school population of 1,738, and employing 72 teachers. Both Meade and Fowler maintain well-equipped accredited high schools, the former employing 14 in- structors and the latter 12. Plains employs 5 teachers. Of the teachers employed in the public schools, 24 hold State certificates, 9 hold Normal Training certifi- cates, 13 have first-grade county certificates, 12 second- grade, and 14 third-grade. Each of the towns has splendid modern school build- ings, and many of the country districts have school- houses that would do credit to any community. The average wage paid teachers for the year 1915-16 was S9C per month, for high-school teachers, $70 per month for teachers in the grades, and $55 per month in the rural schools. it i FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS. Meade County is noted for its Fraternal Societies, and probably, in proportn n to its population, lias more fraternalists than any oilier county in Kansas. The M. \Y. A. have a camp at Plains, organized in L904. 1'lains Lodge No. 367, A. F. lV A. M.. was or- ganized in Feb] uai y. 1912. Fowler Lodge No. 519, I. 0. 0. F., received its charter on Oct. 10th, 1901; Fowler Rebekah Lodge No. 406 was chartered Jan. 21st, 1902; Fowler ('amp No. L768, M. W. A., received its charter on March 3rd, L898; and Friendship Camp No. L768, K. N. A.. w as chartered Dec. 51 h. 190N. The city of Meade is especially distinguished as a fraternal center. Of the lodges still active, the oldest is Webb Lodge No. 275, A. F. cv_ A. ML, its warrant bearing date Feb. Kith. 1887; Webb Chapter No. 304, 0. E. S., was chartered on May 1 1th. L908 ; and on Feb. Kith. L909, the 22ml anniversary of the blue lodge, a warrant was issued for Meade Chapter No. Hi. K. A. M. A charter was issued for Meade Lodge No. 523, I. o. o. F., Oct. KMh. L901 ; for the Meade Rebekah Lodge No. 122. on Sept. L9th, L902; for Meade En- campmenl No. L38, on Oct. Kith. MM)7 ; and a warrant «;is issued for the Canton of Patriarchs Militant No. 8, on Nov. 6th, L907. Meade Lodge No. 22. K . of I'., was organized in November, 191 I . 78 SO HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY. Meade Center Lodge NTo. 247, A. 0. U. W., was granted a charter on Sept. lih. 1902. A charter was issued to Meade ('amp No. 1738, M. \Y. A., on Aug. 12th, 1892; and to Middlemarch Camp No. 622, R. X. A., on April LOth, L902. Meade Council No. 225, Sons and Daughters of Justice, was organized in February, 1900. Meade ('enter Post Xo. 388, while previously exist- ing, was reorganized in L909. Artesian Camp Xo. 201, W. O. W.. was organized in .July. 191."). Meade also has an organization of the A. 11. T. A. Three members of the Meade organizations are at present the heads of three great orders, viz.: R. M. Painter is Department Commander of the (i. A. R. of Kansas ; (). R. Stevens is ( irand Patriarch of t he ( rrand Encampment, I. 0. 0. F. ; Frank S. Sullivan is Grand Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, (irand Domain of Kansas. BONDED INDEBTEDNESS. On March 15th, 1888, Meade County issued one hundred twenty bonds of one thousand dollars each, bearing six per cent and due in twenty years, in aid of the Chicago, Kansas & Nebraska Railroad. These are the only bonds ever issued by the county as an orig- inal obligation, all subsequent issues — and there have been several — being for the purpose of taking care of these original bonds, and other accrued indebtedness. The bonds standing against the county at the close of the fiscal year, July 1st, 1915, are as follows : $26,000 due in 1929, bearing 5 per cent interest. $95,000 due in 1936, bearing -1} 9 per cent in- terest. $50,000 due in 1938, bearing 43^ per cent in- terest. The present bonded indebtedness of the different townships is as follows : Meade Center $7,500 West Plains 6,000 Sand Creek 2,000 The cities are bonded as follows : Meade $37,350 Plains 20,000 Fowler 29,300 S2 HISTORY iH MEADE COUNTY The various school districts had in outstanding bonds July 1st, L915, as follows : Joint No. I $800 No. 2 23,500 No. 5 600 No. 10 1,000 No. 11 200 No. L6 L0,000 No. IS 12/200 No. 22 ICO No. 39 100 No. 58 000 No. 60 S00 No. 61 1.200 No. 62 500 No. 66 l.ooo No. 69 loo ■■■■ FRANK MARRS AND ONE OF II IS WELLS. HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES. In the construction and maintenance of highways and bridges, Meade County has expended considerable money during the last ten years. In 1889 the Legis- lature enacted a law declaring all section lines in Meade County to be public highways. As the country was largely devoted to stock-raising, this law soon proved to be very objectionable to a majority of the citizens. and was repealed by Chapter 2\2 of the Laws of 1895. So long as the country was used largely as a grazing proposition, little farming being done, there was but little use for roads, and very little money was ex- pended on their upkeep. But as the country devel- oped, as farmers required means for marketing their crops, and especially since the automobile has come into general use. the demand for more and better roads has been insistent, and Meade County today probably has better roads than any other county of the same population. I'p to this time 77 miles have been designated as county roads, as follows: A road extending from the northwest corner of the city of Plains north to the county line. 11 miles; extending from the southeast coiner of the city of Plains south to the State line. practically L8 miles; a road extending north from Missler to the county line, 11 miles: a road connecting Plains. Meade and Fowler, Located as follows: Com- mencing at the northeast corner of the city of Plains, thence 1 mile north, thence ."> miles east, thence 2 miles [84] HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES. 85 north, thence 4 miles east, thence one half-mile south, thence 1 mile east, thence one half-mile south, to the northwest corner of Section 5, Township 32, Range 28 ; thence, commencing at the southeast corner of said Section 5 and extending east to the city of Meade ; from Meade the road goes north about one half-mile, thence east one half-mile, then north 1 mile, east one half-mile, north 2 miles, east 1 mile, north 2 miles, thence east 6 miles, to Fowler, thence north from the northwest corner of Fowler 6 miles, to the county line. It will be noted there is a gap in this road around Section 5, Township 32, Range 28. The reason for this is that when this road was designated the Com- missioners were unable to determine whether the road should follow the section line around Section 5, or whether to angle through this section, and so this matter was left to be decided later. All county roads are graded and dragged at the ex- pense of the county, and many of the township roads are graded and dragged at the expense of the various townships. The steel bridge across Crooked Creek, on Road No. 1, just east of Meade, was built in 1900, at a cost of $1,765. In 1910 three bridges were built under the same con- tract, the aggregate cost being $5,381. These are all con- crete bridges, and are known as the Brinckman bridge, crossing Crooked Creek on Road Xo. SS ; the Bunyan bridge, crossing Crooked Creek on Road No. 08 ; and the Conrad bridge, crossing Crooked Creek on Road No. 6. Eight bridges were built in 1913, all of concrete. 86 HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY. They are as follows: The Adams bridge, just north of Meade, on Road No. 72; cost $1,776. Prior to this time a wooden biidge had stood here. The Pin- nick bridge, on Road No. 3, about a milewestof Fowler, at a cost of $1,500. The Watt bridge, on Road No. 63, across ('rooked Creek, north of Fowler, at a cost of $1,448. The Fanchar bridge, across Sand ('reek, on Road No. 39, Logan Township, at an original cost of $1,375. Scarcely had this bridge been completed than high water caused the creek to cut a new channel, and it became necessary to extend the bridge at an additional cost of $1,200. A biidge across Crooked Creek, on the line between Meade and Ford Counties, was built by the two counties jointly, each county pay- ing the sum of $545. This is on Road No. 54. The McMeel bridge, just south of Meade, on Road No. 8, was l)ii ili by Meade Center Township, the county con ti Uniting 8300. The Boyer bridge, on Road No. 32, was also buill by the township, the county con- tributing $400. The year 1915 brought foui bridges. On Road No. 32, across Skunk Atroya. in Odee Township, a cement ford was constructed at a cost of $250. A low-water bridge was built across Stump Arroya, on Road No. 32, in Odee Township, at a cost of $1,917. The Stalder hiidge. on Road No. 70, across ('looked ('reck, in Meade ('enter Township, cost $600; the Hughbanks bridge, on Road No. 32, Meade Center Township, cost $2,355.80. This creek was spanned by a bridge which stood up for a year or two, but the high waters of L9 15 undermined the foundation, wrecking the bridge, and making the construction of a larger and bet- tei one itnperat ive. • wSzaSLvi* , .*•?****.«* A COOL DHINK. SS BISTORT OF MEADE COUNTY. Aboill ten years ago the county bllill a low wooden bridge across the Cimarron river, on Road No. 95, at a eost of about S750. of which the Meade Commercial Club paid one-third. This bridge was taken out by tlood. and in L909 the county built a one-hundred-foot -pan steel bridge where the wooden bridge had stood. at a eost of S'i.sm In L913 the approach to the south end of this bridge burned out. and was replaced at a cost of $388. In May. 1<>14. a Hood, the like of which is not in the memory of the oldest inhabitant, came down the Cimarron, taking this bridge out completely. When the water- subsided, of the structure costing more than three thousand dollars nothing remained save three or four pillars, the remainder of the bridge being buried somewhere in the treacherous sands, from which no part of it has ever been recovered. AUTOMOBILES. On August 29th. 1904, there was delivered to John W. Baughman, at Plains, the first automobile to enter Meade County. It was a two-passenger Win ton Sur- rey, capable of a speed of fifteen miles an hour under favorable conditions, but there is ro record of its ever having attained so great a velocity. In consideration of this car. which was a "second-hand' one, Mr. Baughman exchanged a quarter-section of land for which he had paid the sum of one hundred twenty-five dollars. Dr. Fee was the second Meade County man to own a car, and his first was of the old-style buggy type ; and when C. P. Fullington appeared with his one-cylinder Cadillac and a regular chauffeur, Meade took on metropolitan airs. On May 1st, 1916, there were 360 cars registered, of 43 different makes, classified as follows : Ford, 147 ; Overland, 35; Maxwell, 31 ; Reo, 25 ; Buick, 18 ; Stu- debaker, Hudson, and Dodge, 10 each ; Allen. 9 ; E. M. F., 5; Chandler, Halliday, Flanders, Saxon, and Hupmobile, 4 each ; Jackson, Brush, and Chalmers, 3 each; Moline, Regal, Case, Krit, Mitchell, and Oak- land, 2 each ; and 1 each of Lambert, Sterling. Paige, Apperson, Partin-Palmer, Glide, Detroiter, Wescot. Metz, Paige-Detroit, Chevrolet, Dort, Mason. Carter, King, Auburn, Anchor, Jones, and Coey. At the same time there were 73 motor-cycles, of the following makes; Harley-Davidson, 41; Indian. 16; [89] 90 HISTORY OF M BADE COl N'I'Y. Excelsior, 9 ; Henderson, 2; and one each of Thor, Apache, Sears Leader, Light, and Pope Dealers' licenses were in effect for the Harley-David- son motor-cycle, and for the following ears: Empire Interstate. Ford. Detroiter, Allen. Hupmobile, Krit Ilallidav. Moon. Maxwell. Hudson. Overland, Saxon Buick, Dodge, Studebaker. EARLY-DAY RESIDENCE. THE COURT HOUSE. During the county-seal fight ii was generally under- stood that if the county scat were located at Meade Center the city would dedicate a block in the center of the town, designated on the official plat as "Block A.*' to the county, and would erect for the county a court house. But, "the best-laid schemes of mice and men gang aft a-gley." Meade Center was designated as the county seat, but the proposed dedication of 'Block A" to the county was never made, and neither was the court house ever built for the county. The building originally used as a court house was a frame building en the south side of the alley of the block in which now stands the Southern Hotel, facing east. This building was rented by the county, and while some of the county officers maintained offices uptown, this was officially the court house, although court was held in the second story of a building located back of the present site of Kick's store, and facing north. On March '.>n\. L888, t he city of Meade obtained from ( narles E. < 'ones a ^i-cil for Lots 13 and 11. in Block 3, original survey, and soon thereafter commenced the construction of the present court house, although it was built for, and known for years as. the city hall. 1 1 has been used as a court house practically ever since its coniplet ion. In the summer of L895 negotiations were had be- tween the County Commissioners and the City Coun- [921 K w - O X K P O o En O o w P4 II [STOR Y OF M BADE COl NTY. cil of Meade, looking toward the purchase of this build- ing by the county. The proposition was voted on at the genera] election in November, and carried by a vote of 288 to 39. The nominal consideration was five thousand dollars, which was paid m a round-aboul way. The Meade County Bank, which had failed and was then in the hands of George I '>. Cones, Trustee, was a depository of something like four thousand dollars of the county's funds. The city of Meade owed this hank ; the city had not the money to pay the bank, and the bank lacked the necessary assets to make restora- tion to the county, and so the comity took ovei the city hall, paying to the city of Meade the sum of $950.56 and to the trustee of 'The Meade County Bank the sum of $82.77, and thus released the hank from further obligation to the county. The city was released from further obligation to the hank, the two debts were wiped out, and the county acquired the present court house. In April. 1911, the county purchased of George B. < 'ones two lots adjoining the court-house site. t'< r a con- sideration of $355.55, and in December, L915, the county purchased of Lucy l\. Allen eighl lots adjoin- ing these, for a consideration of $1,600, so that the county now owns an en t ire half-block, a 1 1 act of ground suitable in area and location for a court house such as Meade < '(»un i y oughl t o have. Tlie present court house, while having served its purpose well in the past, is l»y no means adequate t<> the need- of the present, aid it w < uhl he false economy to retain it much longer. Not a single office is suffi- ciently commodious to permit ;i proper transaction of THE COURT HOUSE. 95 the business pertaining to that office ; every vault is packed and crowded with records until it is a difficult proposition, oftentimes, to find the record of a particular thing required ; the Commissioners have nowhere to meet save in the County Clerk's office, which office is of inadequate proportions for that purpose ; there is but one jury-room, and that is so small as to be unsani- tary ; no record is absolutely safe, and a fire would do incalculable and irreparable damage. A commodious, modern, fire-proof building could be constructed at a cost to each taxpayer of four dollars on every thousand dollars valuation of his property, and such a building would not only save money to every taxpayer in the way of lessened expense of up- keep and insurance, but the danger of damage or de- struction of records would be eliminated, and such a building would add to the value of every tract and parcel of real property in the county. Not only as a matter of pride, not only as a matter of convenience, not only as a matter of "safety first," but as a matter of dollars and cents, Meade County should have a new court house, and one that will meet the requirements of the future as well as the needs of the present. THE SALT WELL. One of the natural curiosities of Meade County is the salt well, about two miles soutli of Meade, the his- tory of which commences at about the time of the tirst settlement. The Jones tV. Hummer trail was the route of prac- tically all travel between Fort Dodge and Fort Klliott. This trail passed east of the present site of Meade about a mile, extended south for several miles, and then turned westward. It was the practice of travelers, and more especially of freighters, to cam]) on Spring Creek the second night out of Fort Dodge. To reach this favorite camping-ground they would branch off of the main trail a mile or so south of the present city of Meade, and angle across the prairie in a southwesterly direction to the waters of Spring Creek, and a well- denned trail across this prairie had been established. On March Kith. 1879, a Mexican freighter passed along this accustomed route, and camped on Spring ('reek. All was as usual at that time. On the 19th of March an American freighter, probably returning from Fori Klliott. discovered an immense "cave-in* oil this branch trail to Spring Creek. One side of the road, or trail, was left intact, the other had disappeared. He proceeded to Dodge City and reported his strange dis- covery. Greal interest was awakened, and many per- sons from Dodge and elsewhere came to view this re- markable work of Nature. Among the tirst to visit it was C. E. Haywood, and it is to him and to .I. l\. [961 THE SALT WELL. 97 Colgan that the author is principally indebted for the early history of this "well." Many stories are extant concerning the depth of the salt well. One story is that Capt. Wirth let down six hundred feet of rope without finding bottom, and while this appears to be authenticated, yet it does not follow that the well was more than six hundred feet deep, because the water was so impregnated with salt that a human body would float round like a dry log, so it is not surprising that the rope, although attached to a weight, did not sink. In May, 1879, J. R. Colgan took careful measure- ments of the depth, and found that from the top of the bank to the water was nineteen feet, and the water, at the deepest place, measured twenty-three feet. At that time the cavity was almost exactly circular, and was, according to the judgment of Mr. Colgan, about sev- enty-five feet in diameter ; the side walls w T ere per- pendicular. At the present time the hole is almost perfectly circular, and measures two hundred feet in diameter. The increase in the diameter has been caused by subsequent caving of the banks, and by the wash of the rains of many years. The side walls, while not now perpendicular, are so precipitous that descent is impossible except in one or two places. The ground, for one hundred feet back from the hole, shows evi- dence of a tendency to cave ; the caving and washing have filled the cavity until now the water is but a few feet deep at the deepest part, and no doubt subsequent cavings will fill it to a point above the water-line. Many persons claim to have heard a great rumbling and roar, caused by the eave-in of this well. But when 98 HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY. we consider thai the only settlers in Meade County at that time resided many miles from this place, too far distant to hear any disturbance there may have been, if any, which is doubtful, we should politely listen to such narrations and give them such credence as other fairy tales are en1 it led to. In September, L879, George B. Allen secured one gallon of water from this well, which he evaporated by boiling and obtained one quart of salt. In the spring of 1SN0 William Sturgis commercialized the salt well in the manufacture of "Meade County Solar Salt." The water was pumped from the well by windmill into a vat, where it was evaporated by foil- ing: l»ut this method did not prove a success, either through lack of knowledge or lack of proper equip- ment, as the salt obtained had a dirty, rusty appearance. This plan of evaporation was early abandoned and the water allowed to evaporate by the sun's rays, and by this method an exceptionally good quality of clean salt was secured, which was placed in 50-lb. sacks and sold, at the plant, I'm- SI per cwt. Twenty-two vats, each measuring twelve by sixteen feet, were used, and the quantity of salt procured was from two thousand to two thousand five hundred pounds daily. At this time one gallon of water produced one pint of salt. After a year or two Mr. Sturgis sold his plant to one John Ristrem spelling not vouched for) who con- tinned to operate it for a year or two, and then sus- pended operations for the reason that the quantity of salt derived \'v< m a given volume of water gradually decreased until "salt-making" became unprofitable. Also, there were no means of transportation except by J J a £ -5 < GO ac >$Si ^o 100 11 ISToKY OF M E \l>l. COl XIV. freighl wagons, and the output was always limited to t he local d emand. The second year the salt-works were operated what was considered a strange phenomenon was observed. It had been customary for people to bathe in the well, the impossibility of sinking, the ability to float around without effort, making this recreation especially de- lightful. At this time one who had gone into the water for the first time made haste to come out. and announced that "the water was scalding." Investi- gation proved that while the water at the surface was of the ordinary temperature, at a depth of about two feet it was noticeably warmer, and at a depth of five or six feet was almost "scalding." The experienee of bathers ever after was, that the water increased in tem- perature with the depth, and this fact gave origin to the theory of hot springs under the bed of the well and thai the hot water escaped upward through some orifice. This theory, however, has been proven falla- cious. If this were true the difference in temperature would be as threat, perhaps greater, in winter than in summer. But tests have proved that the temperature of the surface-water and of water at the bottom of the well is practically the same in winter. The true ex- planation i> thai the salt, and oilier minerals in solu- tion, readily absorb the sun's heat, and the heal thus absorbed is retained by the lower particles, while the particles near the surface give off their heat at [light. Hence the wafer near the surface would at no time contain more heal than had been absorbed from the sun on the given day, while the lower waters, giving off the hea i less readilv, would retain a portion of every THE SALT WELL. 101 day's absorption and thus become pregnant with stored heat. The well was a favorite resort for bathers up until ten or twelve years ago, and during all of that time the solution of salt was so great that one's body would float as readily as would a log in ordinary fresh water. Various tests have been made to ascertain the amount of salt in this water, the per cent varying considerably at different times. It has tested as high as thirty-six per cent, but the amount at the present time is neg- ligible. In June, 1916, the writer procured two quarts of this water. It had a pronounced alkaline taste, but on being evaporated by boiling, no salt, nor other sediment, remained. What a chemical analysis would show I do not know, but, so far as the naked eye could discern, the entire volume of these two quarts was converted into steam. This water was taken from the surface ; it might be that a sample taken from the bot- tom would still disclose the presence of salt. The water now stands at practically the same level as originally. The shallow water, along the banks, is transparently clear, but the deeper parts present a dark-green appearance. It sustains no animal or vege- table life, save a few insects, except that the writer has observed a solitary muskrat disporting, and, apparently, enjoying himself therein. DRILLING THE WHEAT. FARM STATISTICS. The following tables show the population of the county by years, and statistics of the principal farm products, from 1886 to 1915 inclusive: 1886.— Population, 3,827. Acres Product Winter wheat bu. 504 7,056 Spring wheat " 5 50 Rye " 125 1,500 Corn " 12,151 303,775 Barley " 5 100 Oats " 2,078 80,340 Buckwheat " 7 105 Irish potatoes " 389 29,175 Sweet potatoes " 90 9,000 Castor beans " 61 610 Cotton " 1 300 Tobacco lbs. 12 7,200 Broom corn " 47 23,500 Millet tons 4,617 9,234 Prairie hay " 6,968 Poultry and eggs sold : $1,869 Butter, Lbs 15,105 Cheese, lbs 445 Milk sold $86 Garden products sold $1,551 Numbi r Horses 1,285 Mules and asses 406 Milch cows 938 Other catt'e 2,325 Swine .' . . . 475 Sheep 1,024 [103] 101 HIsToliY <)F MEADE COUNTY 1887. Population, t.io? Winter wheal On. 797 Spring wheat " Corn '• 13,627 Oats " 1,874 Rye ■' 124 Barley " L01 Buckwheal " 8 Irish potatoes " 29] Sweel potatoes " 72 ( !astor beans " 6 Cotton lbs. 2 Flax bu. 1 Tobacco lbs. 5 I 'loom corn " 27 Millet tons 5,577 Prairie hay " Quantity l'oii It ry and eggs sold Wool clip lbs. 3,170 Cheese " 300 Butter 34,698 Milk sold Horticultural producl marketed ( iarden producl • marketed Horses Mules and asse Milch cows ( MImt catl le. Sheep Swine Product 7,690 204,405 56,220 1,240 2,020 120 _>:-;. 2so 7.200 60 51 N i 10 3,000 16,200 1 1 . 1 5 1 1.030 \' nl a, $3,994 00 570 f,n 36 00 5,204.70 132.00 65 00 3,667.00 X limit, r .... 1,651 508 1,476 . ... 1.2") 1 857 52 \\ inter wheat Spring wheat 1888. POPI LATION, I. oC I bu. . 1 r/i 8 1 33 I' ■• I ml 2.394 FARM STATISTICS. 105 Acres Product Corn bu. 16,560 165,600 Oats " 3,891 97,275 Rye " 95 1,140 Barley " 25 125 Buckwheat " 4 60 Irish potatoes " 315 12,600 Sweet potatoes " 144 8,640 Castor beans " 38 190 Cotton lbs Flax bu. 149 745 Tobacco lbs. 5 3,000 Broom corn " 434 217,000 Millet tons 8,036 16,072 Prairie hay " 5,828 Quantity Value Poultry and eggs sold $4,234 . 00 Wool clip Cheese lbs. 481 57.72 Butter " 65,461 11,782.98 Milk sold 2,554.00 Horticultural products marketed Garden products marketed 2,415.00 Number Horses 1,927 Mules and asses •. . 608 Milch cows 1 ,897 Other cattle 5,294 Sheep 1.719 Swine 1,7 1889. -Population, 3,596. Acres Product Winter wheat bu. 3,336 10,032 Spring wheat " 45 450 Corn " 1 2,580 125,800 Oats " 2,712 51,528 Rye " 558 10,044 1 06 HISTORY OF M i: \I)K COU VI Y. Acres Product Barley bu. 76 1,900 Buckwheat " 17 255 Irish potatoes " L87 '■'>.! lo Sweel potatoes " L32 6,600 Castor beans " L61 966 Flax •• 111 999 ('(.lion lbs. 1 1,200 Tobacco •• :: 1,800 Broom corn " 359 215,400 Millet tons 4,260 8,452 Prairie hay •• 4,140 Poull ry and eggs $3,659 Butter, lbs 59,043 Milk sold $905 WOol clip, lbs 7,890 ( larden products sold Si ,07s Horticultural $1,400 A I/lulu i Horses 1,499 Mules and asses Ill Milch cows 2,308 Other cattle :>.:>os Swine 1 ,007 Sheep 652 1890. Pol'l l.\ 1 ION, 2,651. Acres Product \\ inter wheat . . . bu. 2,779 27,790 Spring wheat . . . •• 208 1,540 ( lorn " L89 945 1 »;it (, . . • • 1,256 730 12,560 Rye .. 8,760 Barley .. 3 Buckwheal « is Sweet potatoes • • 1 32 16 1,320 1,400 1 Castor beans . . . 292 1,460 FARM STATISTICS. 10/ Acres /'mil mi Flax bu. 109 654 Cotton lbs Tobacco " Broom corn " 327 81 ,750 Millet tons 2,212 2,212 Prairie hay " 4,708 Poultry and eggs : $4,831 Butter, lbs 51,042 Milk sold Wool clip, lbs 5,900 Garden products sold $1,202 Horticultural \ u in I it r Horses 1,323 Mules and asses 256 Milch cows 1,927 Other cattle 8,297 Swine 1,400 Sheep 1 ,467 1891. Population, 1,831. Acres Product Winter wheat. . . bu. 7,714 100,282 Spring wheat " 52 624 Corn " 3,540 88,500 Oats " 590 17,700 Rye " 216 6,048 Buckwheat " Irish potatoes ',' 35 2,275 Sweet potatoes " 10 1 ,000 Castor beans " 41 369 Cotton lbs. 1 250 Flax bu. 21 168 Broom corn lbs. 20 1 81,600 Millet tons 1,287 1 ,930 Alfalfa " 240 73 Prairie hay " 2,959 108 HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY. Quantity Valtu Poultry and eggs sold $2,523.00 Wool clip lbs. 9,320 1,677 60 Cheese " 2,045 224.95 Butter •• 19,281 7,392.15 Milk sold 240 00 ( rarden products marketed 1,576.00 Horticultural products marketed ... . 16 00 X umh< r Horses 1,432 Mules and asses 201 Milch cows 1,447 Other cattle 8,536 Sheep 2.1(H) Swine 1,026 1892. -Population, 2.028. Acres Produci Winter wheal bu. 8,773 158,114 Spring wheat " 390 1,680 (urn '• 1,213 25,27s Oats " 004 23.180 Rye " 3,269 98,070 Buckwheat " 11 L10 Irish potatoes " 63 1,890 Sweel potatoes " 5 200 ( lastor beans " < 'niton Lbs Flax bu Broom corn Lbs. 382 114,600 Millet tons 1,84] 1,84] Alfalfa •• 027 2,380 Prairie hay " 1,822 Quantity Vahu Poultry and eggs sold 12,465 00 Wool clip Lbs. 15,010 2,551 70 Cheese " 2,787 306.57 FARM STATISTICS. 109 Quantity Vahu Butter lbs. 35,807 15,371.05 Milk sold 34.00 Garden products marketed 1,955.00 Horticultural products marketed .... 6,273.00 X umber Horses 1,532 Mules and asses 170 Milch cows 1,134 Other cattle 9,088 Sheep 1,911 Swine 785 1893. Population, 2,048. Acres Product Winter wheat bu. 15,299 16,518 Spring wheat " 250 Corn " 4,556 Oats " 934 7,472 Rye " 2,379 11,895 Barley " 4,940 49,400 Irish potatoes " 51 1,020 Sweet potatoes " 16 800 Broom corn lbs. 829 207,250 Millet tons 816 816 Milo maize " 465 1,395 Kaffir corn " 1,210 2,420 Jerusalem corn " 60 90 Alfalfa " 896 1.494 Prairie hay " 3.932 Quantity Vahu Milk sold Poultry and eggs : ,ld $2,552 . 00 Wool clip lbs. 13,297 2,127 . 52 Cheese " 3,080 338.80 Butter " 10,414 6,466.24 Garden products marketed 1.783.00 Horticultural products 35.00 1 Id II ISTiilM 01 M E A DK COL NT1 . \ umbt Horses ... 2,106 Mules :mkI asses 215 Milch cows L,202 ( Ither cattle 10,653 Sheep 2,184 Swine 862 1894. Population, 2,025. Acres Product Winter wheat bu. 20,492 til,:. 17 Spring wheat " 17 ( 5orn " 1,655 Oats ■• 310 1,807 Rye " 1,811 11,488 Barley " 2,051 35,412 Irish potatoes " 48 1,920 Sweet potatoes " (i 522 Broomcorn lbs. 150 15,000 Millet tons 111 222 Milo maize " 215 2,150 Kaffir corn " 2.507 25,070 Jerusalem com " 15 150 Alfalfa •• 058 1,478 " 4,448 Prairie bav Quantity Value Milk sold $125.00 Poultry and eggs sold 2,537.00 Wool clip lbs. 13,065 1,698 15 Cheese. . . " 2,815 337 80 Butter. . . . •• I'-'.sop 6,849 1 1 Garden products marketed 1,046.00 Horticultural products \ umbi r Horses 2,339 Mules and asses H'o Milch cows 1.15 1 Other cattle . 6,305 Sheep 3,152 Swine 765 FARM STATISTICS. 1 1 1 1895. — Population, 1,741. Acres Product Winter wheat bu. 16,093 32,186 Spring wheat " 133 Corn " 3,094 21,648 Oats " 421 5,052 Rye " 2,341 11,705 Barley " 4,348 69,568 Buckwheat " 40 160 Irish potatoes " 59 1,770 Sweet potatoes " 27 1,026 Cotton lbs. 10 8,000 Flax bu. 6 24 Tobacco lbs. 2 1,400 Broom corn " 235 1 17,500 Millet tons 324 324 Sorghum for syrup gals. 49 1,960 Milo maize tons 240 720 Kaffir corn " 1,944 5,832 Jerusalem corn " 30 90 Alfalfa " 1,117 2,060 Prairie hay " 13,086 Quantity Valm Poultry and eggs sold $1,411 .00 Wool clip lbs. 27,900 2,511 .00 Cheese " 2,769 290.75 Butter " 42,009 5,461 . 17 Milk sold 42.00 Garden products marketed 2,771 .00 Horticultural products marketed. ... 171.00 Number Horses 1,926 Mules and asses 133 Milch cows 1,030 Other cattle 7,115 Sheep 5,550 Swine 713 1 12 HISTORY OF MEADE COI \ n . .1 errs Product 8,954 17,908 i:; 2,025 10,125 548 3,288 L,196 5,980 1,915 12,045 5 9] 910 13 1896. Population, L.651 Winter wheal bu. Spring wheat " Corn •• Oats •■ Rye " Barley " Buckwheat " [rish potatoes " Sweet potatoes " ( 'ot ton ilis Flax Im. 7 Tobacco lbs Broom corn " 139 11.70(1 Millet tons 7S2 261 Sorghum for syrup gals. 40 2,000 Milo maize tons Kid 320 Kaffir corn " -J..") 17 5,034 Jerusalem com " 35 35 Alfalfa " L,577 2,321 Prairie hay " 6,234 Quantity Valiu Poultry and v^s sold $2,182.00 Wool clip Il.s. 32,727 2,945 13 Cheese " 2.032 234 56 Umter •• 38,233 1,205.63 Milk sold ( rarden products marketed 2,375 oo Horticultural products marketed ... . 1^1 00 A umb< r Horses 2,531 M ules and asses M"> Milch cows L,109 other cattle. . . 9,343 Sheep 6,269 .-wine 70 1 FARM STATISTICS. 113 1897.— Population, 1,566. A cres Winter wheat bu. 3,313 Spring wheat " Corn " 2,280 Oats " 259 Rye " 444 Barley " 1,749 Buckwheat " 5 Irish potatoes " 17 Sweet potatoes " 9 Castor beans " 1 Broom corn lbs. 40 Millet tons 952 Sorghum (syrup) gals. 352 Milo maize tons 187 Kaffir corn " 2,418 Alfalfa " 1,286 Prairie hay " Product 39,756 22,800 4,144 5,328 34,980 50 765 540 5 17,000 1,666 17,600 701 9,067 8,055 4,121 Poultry and eggs sold Butter, lbs. . . ( !heese, lbs Milk sold Wool clip, lbs Garden products sold . Horticultural $1,944 37,309 1,975 $58 27,300 $710 $310 Numbi r Horses 2,269 Mules and asses 116 Milch cows 876 Other cattle 11,407 Swine 551 Sheep 3,220 1898.— Population, 1 ,562. A en s Winter wheat bu. 5,805 Spring wheat " 12 Product 46,440 60 Ill HISTORY OF MEADE COUNT! Acres Product < lorn I. u. 1,526 19,838 Oats .... ..." 133 6,495 Rye '• L,112 11,120 Barley " 3,107 77.07.". Buckwheat " [rish potatoes , •• 36 1,800 Sweet potatoes " 12 600 < lastor beans " Broom corn lbs. 25 10. 000 Millet tons 1,067 2,134 Sorghum (syrup) gals. 58 2,900 Milo maize tons 62 2 17 Kaffir corn " 2. 501 6,878 Alfalfa " 2,323 12,103 Prairie hay " 7.22 1 Poultry and eggs sold $2,582 Putter, lbs 36,975 Cheese, lbs 5,395 Milk sold $102 Wool clip, lbs 21,049 Garden products sold $959 Horticultural $684 X mill" r Horses 2. ofis Mule- and asses 127 Milch cows 1,396 Other cattle 20,545 Swine 635 Sheep 3,937 1899. Poim lation, 1,541. Acres Product Winter wheat bu. .">,! 13 20,452 Spring wheal " 6 18 I on, ■• 1,526 22,890 Oats " 210 1.200 FARM STATISTIC S. 1 15 Acres Product 316 2,212 4,357 43,570 16 960 5 250 35 10,500 1 ,483 2,966 45 1,800 70 140 3,485 10,455 2,385 12,524 8,220 Rye hii. Barley " Irish potatoes " Sweet potatoes " Broom corn lbs. Millet tons Sorghum (syrup) gals. Milo maize tons Kaffir corn " Alfalfa " Prairie hay " Poultry and eggs sold $2,460 Butter, lbs 27,960 Milk sold $240 Wool clip, lbs 25,600 Cheese, lbs 3,400 Garden products sold $1,269 Horticultural, sold $125 Number Horses 2,793 Mules and asses 162 Milch cows 976 Other cattle 24,525 Swine 930 Sheep 4,755 1900.— Population, 1 ,521 . Acres Produc Winter wheat bu. 3,884 09,912 Spring wheat " 30 300 Corn " 2,068 14,476 Oats " 146 2,774 Rye " 49 686 Barley " 2,500 71,680 Irish potatoes " 21 1,239 Sweet potatoes " 6 300 lie. UlSTitHV OF \1 K \DK COUNTY Acri 8 Product 10 2,750 2,080 3, 120 23 1,150 63 1 58 1.000 12,250 2,317 13,869 5,493 Broom corn lbs. Millet tons Sorghum (syrup) gals. Milo maize tons Kaffir corn " Alfalfa •• Prairie hav " Poull ry and eggs sold $3,1 78 Butter, lbs 28,784 Milk sold 1160 Wo.,1 clip, lbs is. Too Cheese, lbs 1,200 Garden products sold 1717 Horticultural products sold $107 X ii ml>t r Horses 2,735 Mule- and asses 171 Milch cows . 1,088 Other cattle 21.000 Swine 956 Sheep 1901. Winter wheat Spring wheal ( lorn Oats.. Rye Barley Irish potatoe Sweet potatoe Broom corn Sorghum Millet Milo maize POPI LATION, 1 ,526. . t ('/( s bu. 7.101 . . . •' 2s ..." 1,857 281 002 3,419 20 IDS. gals. tons l.i 70 5,500 1.000 59 !..> i i Product 86,328 196 5,571 5,058 5,418 58,123 710 711 28,000 1,099 lis FARM STATISTICS. 117 Acres Product Kaffir corn tons 5,458 5,458 Jerusalem " 15 30 Alfalfa " 3,296 8,906 Prairie hay " 7,502 Poultry and eggs $4,183 Butter, lbs 35,960 Milk sold $11 Wool clip, lbs 20,400 Hone\ r and beeswax, lbs 40 Garden products sold $1,565 Horticultural $390 Number Horses 2,886 Mules and asses 132 Milch cows 984 ( )ther cattle 27,185 Swine 820 Sheep 2,183 1902.— Population, 1,573. Acres Product Winter wheat bu. 11,219 67,314 Spring wheat " Corn " 3,430 41,160 Oats " 143 3,146 Rye •' 1,265 8,855 Barley " 2,804 58,884 Irish potatoes " 9 720 Sweet potatoes " Broom corn lbs. 5 1,500 Sorghum gals. 5,034 Millet tons 403 605 Milo maize " 1 75 525 Kaffir corn " 4.562 13,686 Jerusalem ' " 42 126 Alfalfa •• 3,432 11.807 Prairie hay " 4.257 1 18 hi> rom of \i i. \m. coi nty. Poultry and eggs $4,201 Butter, lbs. .... 35,247 Milk sold $385 Wool clip, lbs 13,000 Honey and beeswax, lbs Garden products sold $1,799 I [orticultural X iimlx r Horses 2,756 Mules and asses 132 Milch cows 825 Other cat lie 27. 160 Swine (102 Sheep 1,736 1903. Popui ation, 1,592. Winter wheat bu. Spring wheat < 'urn Oats Rye Barley Irish potatoes Sweel potatoes Buckwheat Flax " 27 162 Broom corn lbs Sorghum (syrup) gals. 38 2,660 Millet tons 588 1,176 Milo maize " 156 312 Kaffir con, " 1.37s 8,756 Jerusalem " 10 20 Alfalfa •' 5,026 13,907 Prairie hay " 5,9 I s Poult ry and eggs >l< I $5,173 Butter, lbs 30,61 1 Au. 11,489 206,802 " 40 560 ( . 1,702 17,920 . . 308 7,392 1 i 743 9,659 .. 1,628 138,840 .. 21 1.17(1 21 1,800 FARM STATISTICS. Ill) Milk sold $735 Wool clip, lbs 12,000 Honey and beeswax, lbs 10 Garden products sold $1,405 Horticultural Number Horses 2,770 Mules and asses 129 Milch cows 1 ,003 ( )ther cattle 24,548 Swine 777 Sheep 1 ,470 1904.— Population, 2,102. Acres Product Winter wheat bu. 18,450 30,900 Spring wheat " 478 1,912 Corn " 1,286 19,290 Oats " 507 2,535 Rye " 1,015 8,120 Barley " 8,368 100,41(5 Irish potatoes " 29 1,508 Sweet potatoes " 4 260 Buckwheat " 38 190 Flax " 4 20 Broom corn lbs. 127 38,100 Sorghum (syrup) gals. 30 2,100 Millet tons 315 3 1 5 Milo maize " 182 364 Kaffir corn " 4,906 9,812 Jerusalem " 22 44 Alfalfa " 6,348 10,500 Prairie hay " 4,957 Poultry and eggs sold 87,530 Butter, lbs 38,401 Milk sold $1,214 12 I H IS I'o in OF m i: \DK cor NTY. Wool clip, lbs 15,000 Honey and beeswax, lbs 100 ( i an len products sold $1,450 Horticultural 1154 Horses 3,360 Mules and asses 216 Milch cows 1,129 Other cattle 29,805 Swine 1.177 Sheep 1,850 1905. Population, 2,187. Acres Product Winter wheat bu. 28,360 368,680 Spring wleat " 1,240 12. inn Corn.... " 1,591 25,456 Oats " 735 L3,965 Rye " H2 1,532 Barley " L0,203 256,075 Irish potatoes •' 58 3,480 Sweel potatoes " 6 198 Broom corn lbs. 125 56,250 Sorghum gals. 5,379 Millet tons 987 987 Milo maize " 277 51 1 Kaffir c »ni " 5,367 10,734 Jerusalem " s: '> 166 Alfalfa. " 8,422 13,600 Prairie hay " 6,83 1 Flax hu I'oiilt r\ and eggs $7,673 Butter, lbs. . 51,327 Milk aold $2,665 Wool clip, lbs Homy and beeswax, lbs 299 FARM STATISTICS. 121 X umber Horses 3,572 Mules and asses 214 Milch cows 1,306 Other cattle 28,002 Swine 1,525 Sheep 1,701 1906.— Population, 2,574. Winter wheat bu Spring wheat Corn Oats Rye ;; Barley Irish potatoes Sweet potatoes Broom corn Sorghum gals. 4,787 Millet tons Milo maize Kaffir corn Jerusalem Alfalfa " Prairie hay Flax bu. Poultry and eggs $11,176 Butter, lbs 49,326 Milk sold $2,137 Wool clip, lbs 1,100 Honey and beeswax, lbs X inn In r Horses 3,716 Mules and asses 263 Milch cows 1,355 Other cattle 22,768 Swine 1,484 Sheep 1,001 Acres Product 24,186 338,604 1,278 16,614 1,675 41,875 612 14,688 362 4,344 10,049 211,029 51 3,723 10 560 194 87,300 4,787 561 1,122 785 2,747 6,081 21,283 20 70 10,570 17,562 4,743 3 24 122 HISTORI "I MEADE COUNTY. 1907. Popi i.\ riON, 3,430. Acres Product Winter wheal bu. 50,409 504,090 Spring wheat ... •• 1,063 32,504 Com •• 6,796 169,900 Oats 1,480 23,680 Rye " L93 1,544 Barley " 13,358 173,654 Speltz " Buckwheat " Irish potatoes •' 90 5,220 Sweel potatoes " 6 540 ( 'ott mi lbs. 5 1,375 Flax bu Tobacco ll)s Broom corn " 120 189,000 Millet tons 1.002 1,503 Sugar beets " Sorghum (syrup) gals. 18 1,260 Milo maize tons 1,336 3,340 Kaffir corn " 9,652 24,130 Alfalfa " 9,080 19,638 Prairie hay " 3,869 Poultry and eggs sold $17,04] Butler, lbs 55,995 Honey and beeswax, lbs ;> >l s Milk sold $2,331 \ umbi r Horses 1,326 Mule- and asses MM) Milk cows 1,595 Other eat tie 18,556 Swine l.'.\\~ Sheep 710 FARM STATISTICS. 123 1908.— Population, 4,366. Acres Product Winter wheat bu. 53,330 266,650 Spring wheat " 673 2,093 Corn. " 14,453 144,530 Oats " 2,839 22,712 Rye " 193 1,351 Barlev " 10,782 53,910 Speltz " 610 6,100 Buckwheat " 2 20 Irish potatoes " 100 8,000 Sweet potatoes " 9 675 Cotton lbs Flax bu. 5 25 Tobacco lbs. 1 150 Broom corn " 332 99,600 Millet tons 1,520 1,520 Sugar beets " 20 40 Sorghum (syrup) gals. 231 13,860 Milo maize tons 2,707 6,767 Kaffir corn " 14,089 35,222 Alfalfa " 9,888 14,834 Prairie hay " 4,168 Value Poultry and eggs sold $17,064 Butter, lbs 57,713 Honey and beeswax, lbs ■^■''i Milk sold $2,793 Number Horses 4,779 Mules and asses 622 Milk cows 1,885 Other cattle 17,481 Swine 5,900 Sheep 8 12 I BISTORT OF MEADE cm \ TV. 1909. Population, t. 594. Acres l'n> hut Winter wheat bu. 62,646 563,814 Spring wheat " 290 1,780 Cora " 17.058 85,290 Oats •• 3,379 10,548 Rye •' 158 1,422 Barley " 6,789 07,980 Speltz •• 1,397 16,764 Buckwheat " 72 576 Irish potatoes •• 17 2,585 ( !otton " Broom corn lbs. 72.") 253,750 Millet tons 1,910 2,865 Sugar beets " 2 18 Sorghum (syrup) gals. 138 6,900 Milo maize tuns 7,328 10,992 Kaffir cm " 15,595 2 !,392 Alfalfa •• 10,964 1 1.233 Prairie hay " 3,722 V iilm Poultry and eggs sold 118,694 Butler, lbs 63,912 Milk sold 83,258 Honey and beeswax, lbs 275 Numbi r Horses 1,648 Mule- and asses 678 Milch cows. ... 1,899 < Mher cattle 15,567 Swine 6,260 Sheep 93 1910. Population, 1,872. Acri s /' I Winter wheat I.u. 73,263 732,630 Spring wheat • 546 1,830 < on, ... •• 10,964 109,640 FARM STATISTICS. 125 Acres Prodi id Oats l)u. 7,903 120,448 Rye " 396 3,960 Barley " 9,081 154,377 Speltz " 2,131 36,227 Buckwheat. . . " 10 90 Irish potatoes " 388 29,100 Cotton " 3 600 Broom corn lbs. 2,183 818,625 Millet tons 1,759 2,931 Sugar beets " Sorghum (syrup) gals. 9 450 Milo maize tons 5,586 13,965 Kaffir corn " 11,356 34,068 Alfalfa " 11,275 11,146 Prairie hay " 3,930 Vlllllf Poultry and eggs sold $19,747 Butter, lbs 79,230 Milk sold $3,390 Honey and beeswax, lbs 100 X umber Horses 4,923 Mules and asses 708 Milch cows 1,918 Other cattle 13,936 Swine 3,782 Sheep 283 1911. Population, 5,171. icres Product Winter wheat bu. 29,857 119,428 Spring wheat " 694 1.388 Corn " 18,040 234,520 Oats " 9,154 119,032 Rye " 365 3,285 Barley " 12,145 133,595 ! 26 HIST0R1 hi M E \I>K COUNTY, A 'ii s Produc Speltz... 1)11. i :xvi 7,992 Irish po1 atoes " n i 3.77 1 Sweet po1 toe •• s mil :>( ) 1 Broom c irn lbs. 232,540 Millet toil: - 1.0! 12 1,638 Sorghum for syrup gals 66 3,960 Mild in li/.e . . . . t nil: s 1 1,057 17,992 27,643 Kaffir corn . 1 53,976 Jerus ilem corn . . . .. 93 1 1,863 279 Alfalfa ( . 12,836 Prairie hay " Quantity 3,261 V ill m Poult rv ami eii'^s sold $26,667.00 Woo! clip ii»s. 2,748 167.16 Cheese . I 220 28. 60 Butter 1 . 108,41 1 26,019.36 Milk sold 6,303.00 Honey and beeswax lbs. 120 IS 00 \ ii inlii r Horses .... . . 6,050 Mules and asses 1.01.") Milch cows 1,883 I M hoc e ittle .... 9,039 Sheep 7is Swine 3,803 1912. P. il'l'l. \TH>\. .' >,196. A ld Butter, ll.s Milk sold ( Iheese, lbs Product 911 12,218 23,1 13 9,164 3,985 Valut $26,152 65,528 $15,159 Horses Mules and asses Milch COWS ( >ther cattle. . . . Swine Sheep 1914.- Population, 5,04 1. Acres Winter wheat bu. 102, '.is I Spring wheal i !ora Oats Rye Barley SpeltZ [rish potatoes 17:. \ a lulu r 5,762 1,492 6,32] 11,238 2,050 L57 Sweet potatoes Broom corn Millet Mil.. Kaffir Feterita A It a II a. Prairie hav lbs. tons 1.21 9 3,610 381 6,123 25 52 • > 227 143 7.: 127 6,563 1,533 7.171 Product 1,853,712 (17. :.ni 108,300 6,096 134,706 625 2,600 121 '.Ml. Slid (if. I 18,318 19,689 1 1 ,333 21.217 1.796 FARM STATISTICS. 129 Value Poultry and eggs sold $26,326 Butter, lbs 54,568 Milk sold $25,135 Cheese, lbs 210 Number Horses 6,220 Mules and asses 1,311 Milch cows 69,605 Other cattle 9,950 Swine 2,361 Sheep 183 1915.— Population, 5,276. Acres Product Winter wheat bu. 107,608 1,614,120 Spring wheat " 206 2,472 Corn " 4,127 119,683 Oats " 4,762 133,336 Rye " 506 7,084 Barley " 8,801 220,025 Irish potatoes " 40 4,000 Sweet, potatoes " 1 100 Cowpeas tons 15 22 Alfalfa " 9,593 28,779 Broom corn lbs. 274 123,300 Jerusalem corn " 285 855 Feterita " 8,527 No record Sweet clover " 40 No record Prairie hay " 5,195 Quantity Value Poultry and eggs sold $2,534,506 . 47 Wool clip lbs. 1,072 235.84 Cheese " 350 52 . 50 Butter " 63,355 15,838.75 Milk sold 31,569.00 Honey and beeswax lbs. 500 70.00 L30 HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY. Numbt r Horses 6,639 Mules and asses L,530 Milch cows 9,176 Other cattle 18,553 Sheep 182 Swine I.< 1 1 The 1916 census gave Meade County a population of 6,053. THE OLD CALABOOSE. (I have not been able to find anyone who would vouch for the historical accuracy of this chapter. This story was suggested by the old calaboose it- self, and if the incidents related did not actually occur, no doubt a true re- cital of the facts would be even more interesting and more startling.) Standing in the rear of a modern building facing Main street, and used as a storeroom for various odds and ends, is a small old weather-worn building of pecu- liar construction, a glance at which excites one's curi- osity and impels a closer examination. In dimensions it is about twelve by sixteen feet, eight feet high in front and sloping to six feet in the rear. It is built of pine boards, or planks, two inches thick and eight inches wide, commonly known as 2x8's, laid flatwise one upon the other and spiked together, forming a solid wall eight inches thick. In one end is a window about twelve by fourteen inches, iron-barred, giving the structure the appearance of a prison. And a prison it is — or was. In the early days, when the city was composed largely of saloons and dance-halls, and infested by cowboys, gamblers, and bad men and women, it served as the "bastile" in which were im- prisoned temporarily the murderer, the cow-thief, the drunkard, the common bum, and in fact all who for any reason came within the grasp of the strong arm of the law — the law as administered by the Justice Court of Hiram Smith, J. P. In tho