NYPL RESEARCH LIBRARIES
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Press of
THE TRIBUNE PUBLIfc'HING CO.
Great Bend, Kansas.
1!)12
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
OF
BARTON COUNTY. KANSAS
DEDICATED
To the pioneers of this section of Kansas to whom too much credit
cannot be given for undergoinj^ the hardships and privations that were
necessary in reclaiming that part of the Great American Desert now
known as Barton County, Kansas, one of the richest and most prosperous
sections of the country where the homes of the residents are surrounded
by all that makes life worth living, where the best of educational and re-
ligious advantages are found and where the people are happy, progressive
and contented.
GREAT BEND, KANSAS ■■
PUBLISHED BY GREAT BEND TRIBUNE
Copyright Applied For 191^.
THE riEV/ YORK
PUDLi: LIBRARY
58S279/\
ASTOR, L^^-'''>: AND
riLUEN toiJNDATlONS
K 19J2 L
PREFACE
'T^ HE publication of this volume was made possible by the peo-
-*■ pie of Barton county, who responded liberally when called
upon for subscriptions to cover the cost of gettin<5 the data and
printinji the book. We undertook this work as the result of many
requests that we publish a book of this kind. We realized the
enormous amount of work that would be necessary before the
book could be completed, and we also knew that it would require
the outlay of considerable money. However, we bc<5an the work
in the summer of 1911 and maintained solicitors on the road un-
til the weather became such that the work had to be abandoned
in the field until the month of March of this year — 1912 — when
the work was again taken up and in so far as possible every land
owner and old timer of the county was seen personally and <iiven
an opportunity to subscribe for a copy of the book. This work
was continued until the first of Auj^ust at which time we had a suf-
ficient number of orders for the book to insure its publication, and
while it has not been a profitable venture for us as far as the fin-
ancial part is concerned, we have profited by the knowledge we
have gained about the county's history, and have found that the
people of the county appreciate the efTorts of anybody when they
are applied to the interest of progress and enterprise. If the
reading of this volume gives pleasure to the old timers who help-
ed to make the history contained herein, and the younger genera-
tion can get some inspiration and guidance from the stories of
their fathers our efforts have not been in vain and we are satisfied
with the work we have done.
TRIBUNE PUBLISHING CO.
We make grateful acknowledgement to the fi)llo\vlnjr for their aid in cimpilinp
rht'isi^-^ages: H. B. Smyth. 1). N. Heizer, "Inman's Tales of the Trail," the News-
'.'parKtr-sof Barton County, and others who in any way contributed to the success of
ihi^ work.
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
j OF
BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
PREHISTORIC
EARLIEST EXPLORATIONS
THE first white man who ever saw the New
Kansas was the Spaniard, Coronadn
(Francisco Velasquez de Coronado)
from Mexico, who passed through in the winter
of 1541-2 in search ct the famous and mythical
"Seven Cities of Cibola" in the mythical and
U uknown province of Quivera. He was accom-
panied by (luite a small army of knights, com-
mon Spaniards, and Indians.
The object of the expedition, as was the
main object of nearly all early expeditions,
was the hope and expectation cf finding gold in
vast quantities.
Coronado's roiite lay, as well as can lie
learned from the most reliable accounts, in a
general northeasterly direction, entering I be
territory near the Medicine Lodge river in
Barber County, thence northeasterly across
the Arkansas somewhere near Wichita, thence
still n'lrtbeasterly to the Missouri river near
the nortliein line of tlie State, or the 40th pai-
allel of latitude, between which and the 30th
parallel, and between the 95th and 97th degrees
of iGngitude the province of Quivera was sup-
posed to be.
After reaching his most northeasterly point,
and meeting with nothing but hardships and
disappointment, he returned somewhat the
same way he came, though more to the west-
ward.
This expedition having taken place before
I he settlement of Massachusetts, Xew York,
or any of the Eastern States, it thus appears
that Kansas has an earlier history than any of
llie eastern or northern states, if we may ex-
cept the incursions made by Norsemen and
Icelanders into Massachusetts, New York, and
Virginia about the year l,0(tO, accounts ot
which, however, are not generally accepted.
The following little poem nicely tells the
story and the change in the territory between
that early day and 1.S79:
QUIVERA— KANSAS
1542 1879
Eugene F. Ware, in Ft. Scott Monitor
In
the half forgotten era.
With the avarice of old.
Seeking cities that were told
To be paved with solid gold.
In the kingdom of Quivera —
Came the restless Coronado
To the open Kansas plain;
With his knights from sunny Spain.
In an effoit that, thougli vain.
Thrilled with boldness and bravado.
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
League by league in aimless marching,
Knowing scarcely where or why.
Crossed they uplands drear and dry,
That an unprotected sky
Had for centuries been parching.
But tlieir expectations, eager.
Found, instead cf fruitful lands.
Shallow streams and shifting sands.
Where the buffalo in bands
Roamed o"er deserts dry and meager.
Hack to scenes more trite, yet tragic.
Marched the knights with armored
steeds;
Not for them the quiet deeds;
.Not for them to sow the seeds
From which empires grow like magic.
Never land so hunger stricken
Could a Latii\ race renijuld;
They could conquer heat or cold —
Die for glory or for gold —
But not make a desert quicken.
Thus Quivcra was forsaken;
And the world forgot the place
rntil centuries apace
Came the blue-eyed Saxon race,
And it bade the desert waken.
Sturdy are the Saxon faces.
As they move alang in line;
Bright the rolling-cutters shine
Charging up the State's incline.
As an army storms a glacis.
Into loam the sand is melted.
And tlie blue grass takes the loam
Round about the prairie home.
And the locomotives roam
Over landscapes iron-belted.
Cities grow where stunted birches
Hugged the shallow water line.
And the deepening rivers twine.
Past the factory and mine,
Orcliard slopes and sch ;ols and churches.
We have made the State of Kansas,
And today slie stands complete;
First in freedom, first in wheat.
And lier future years will meet
Rilxiu'd hopes and riclier stanzas.
But if Coronado failed to discover the
"Seven Cities," it was only because he started
too soon. Those "seven cities with houses five
st:;ries high, and siiops in wliich the workmen
work in gold and silver exclusively," are yet
to be found on that same identical ground.
Those cities are growing. They have not yet
reached tlie wealthy condition pictured out by
those early Spaniards, in 1530 to 1540; but it is
only a (juestion of time. It remains for same
later explorer to discover those rich cities. All
the difficulty with Coronado was that he start-
ed out several liundred years too early. How
long yet will it be before they are discovered?
SUBSEQUENT EXPLORATIONS
THE first Americans to visit this region
was Lieut. Zebulon M. Pike's exploring
party on their way west to the Rocky
Mountains in 1806, the same year that Aaron
Burr was making such grand attempts to
"make a settlement on the Washita" in the ter-
ritory of Louisiana. They followed the trail
of Spanish soldiers fr m the Pawnee village
till they lost it among the "numerous buffalo
paths between the Smoky and tlie Arkaiisaw."
Near midnight, on the 13th of October, lSOf>,
the party reached the most northerly bend of
the Arkansas river (section 32, 5 or 6 miles
east of the city of Great Bend). The party ar-
rived in a drenching rain, and remained two
weeks to rest and recruit their animals and
lay in a supply of meat. At 10 a. m., October
2Sth, Pike, with most of his party went west
along the north bank of the river, and Lieut. -
Col. Wilkinson. Pike's superior officer, with a
small party, went down the river by boat.
However, finding the river unnavigable, they
abandoned their boats after going down five
or six miles, and landed on the southwest bank
of the river, near where the southwestern end
of tile 101 liii wood iron bridge
From Pike's Expedition.
rests. —
In 1S12 this trail was first traveled with
pack mules by McKnights party.
In 1818 Mr. Bringier came up the Arkansas,
and spealcs of finding a "large body of blind
coal, (antliracite), equal in (luality to the Kil-
kenny, and by far the best he had seen in the
I'nited States, immediately en the bank of the
Arkansas in latitude 3S deg. and longitude 98
deg," (about the place where Hutchinson now
is.)
— Marcy's Rep. p. 15S, citing Am. Jour. Sci.,
vol. 3, p. SO.
In 1820 Maj. Long's expedition passed
through toward the west, the object, similarly
to that of I..ieut. Pike, being to find, if possible,
the scources of the Red river of Ixiuisiana.
On August illh the expedition reached "the
narrowest part of the valley, at the great bend
of the Arkansas," (the same place that Lieut.
Pike stoiiped, five or six miles east of the city
of Great Bend), and finding good teed for their
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
horses, staid over tlio 10th. — Long's Expedi-
tion.
In 1.S21, a ijacl^-niiilc train, sent out by
Cooper & Bucknell of I'.oonville, IVIo., went
through to Santa Fe. This was the com-
mencement of the commerce of the plains.
In 1S25, the Santa Fe Trail, a wagon road
from Independence, Mo., to Santa Fe, was es-
tablished by Major Sibley, under an act of
congress. — Annals of Kansas.
The trail from the east strikes the Arkan-
sas river half a mile west of EUinwood. Gregg's
Commerce of the Prairies, page 313, has the
following:
DISTAXE I ABLE.
Independence, Mo., to —
Round Grove 35 35
Narrows 30 (15
110 Mile Creek 30 95
Bridge jCreek ,S 103
Big John Spring 40 143
Council Grove 2 145
Diamond Spring 15 160
Lost Spring 15 175
Cottonwood Creek 12 1ST
Turkey Creek 25 212
Little Arkansas 17 229
Cow Creek 20 249
Arkansas River (EUinwood) Ifi 265
Walnut Creek ,S . 273
Ash Creek 19 293
Pawnee Fork 6 29S
Coon Creek 33 331
Caches 36 367
Ford of Arkansas 20 3S7
Sand Creek (leave Ark. R.) 50 437
Cimarron River S 445
Middle Spring (upper Cimarron) 37 4S1
"Willow Bar 26 507
Upper Spring IS 525
Cold Spring (I've Cim. R.) 5 530
McNee's Creek 25 555
Rabbit-Ear Creek 20 575
Round Mound S 5S3
Rock Creek 8 591
Point of Recks 19 610
Rio Colorado 20 630
Ocate 6 636
Santa Clara Spring 21 657
Rio Mosa 22 679
Rio Gallinas (Vegas) 20 699
Ojo de Bernal (spring) 17 716
San Miguel 6 722
Pecos Village 23 745
Santa Fe 25 770
In 1S32, Washington Irving visited Kansas
as a tourist, came to the Arkansas Valley, and
gave this glowing account of its wilderness
charms:
"After resuming our march we came in
sight of the Arkansas. It presented a broad
and rapid stream bordered by a beach of fine
sand, overgrown with willows and cottonwood
trees. Beyond the river the eye wandered over
a beautiful campaign country of flowery plains
and sloping uplands, diversified by groves and
clumijs of trees and long screens of woodland;
the whole wearing the aspect of complete and
even ornamental cultivation, instead of native
wilderness. * * "We were overshadowed
by lofty trees, with straight, smooth trunks like
stately columns; and as the glancing rays of
the sun shone through the transparent leaves
tinted with the many-colored hues of autumn.
1 was reminded of the effect of sunshine among
the stained windows and clustering columns of
a Gothic cathedral. Indeed, there is a gran-
deur in our spacious forests of the West that
awaken in me the same feeling I experienced
in thnse vast and venerable piles; and the
sound of the wind sweeping through, supplies
occasionally, the deep breathings of the
organ.
"It was a bright, sunny morning with a
pure, transparent atmosphere that seemed to
bathe the very heart with gladness. Our march
continued parallel with the Arkansas through
a rich and varied country; sometimes we had
to break our way through alluvial bottoms and
matted with redundant vegetation, where the
gigantic trees were entangled with grape
vines hanging like cordage from their branches;
sometimes we coasted along sluggish brooks,
whose feebly trickling currents just served to
link together a successsion of glassy pools im-
bedded like mirrors in the quiet bosom of the
forest, reflecting its autumnal foliage and
patches of clear blue sky. Sometimes we
scrambled up broken and rocky hills from the
summit of which we had wide views, on one
side over distant prairies, diversified by groves
and forests, and on the other, rangi.ig along a
line of blue and shadowy hills, beyond the wa-
ters of the Arkansas."
In 1S46, during the Jlexican war. Gen Kear-
ney and Col. Doniphan crossed to Santa Fe and
stopped at the "Great Bend." August ISth. A
Mormon battalion also went west with their
families, and having their ox yokes tied across
llie bases of rlie oxen's horns after the primi-
tive style pictured out as having been followed
in the east 5,000 years ago. Francis Parkuuui,
.Ir., historian, met this "the first army to pass
through the Valley" on his return from the
Oregon Trail. — Parkman's Oregon Trail.
In 1849, during the California hegira, and
subsefjuently, "the Great Bend" became a nsjted
point on this most noted of higlnvays. For a
century, the Great Bend of (he Arkansas has
been known as the grand feeding grouiul of
the buffalo, and favorite hunting and bloody
battle ground of the Indian.
10
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
SCOUTIXCi ADVENTURES IN 1853
By James M. Fugate of Barton County
INDIAN FICHT AT THE ARKANSAS
IN April, 1S53, young, vigorous, ami iievor
having seen as nuidi of tlu' world as gen-
erally fills the ambition of fellows in their
early days of manhood, I engaged as teamster
to drive through with a train of ox-wagons
loaded with merchandise for the Sanla Fe
trade. We left La Fayette County, Missouri, the
24lh day of April; our company comprised 45
men, armed with the old-fashioned long-range
rifles, each, a Coil's navy revolver and howie
knife. Our teams numbered L'lo head of cat-
tle in all.
Kansas was then one vast w'ild plain, over
which roving bands of hostile Indians were
constantly cutting off emigrant and freight
trains on their way to New Mexico and the
Californias.
After leaving the settlement some distance,
we overtook twelve men with three wagons,
who had discovered there was danger ahead
and were awaiting reinforcements before ven-
turing farther. This increased our fighting
force to .57 robust, well-armed men.
Our first serious trouble began after reach-
ing the Arkansas Valley, at a point near where
Hutchinson now stands, and where we had
gone into camp abnut noon of May 21st. While
at dinner we were suddenly startled by the
alarm cry "Indians!"
Hefore we had got our teams and wagons
fairly in corral, they were charging around us
on their horses, yelling and firing like demons.
Taken at such a dangerous disadvantage ami
surprise, we were just in that position which
makes men fight with desperation, and instan-
taneously our rifles were pealing forth their
notes of defiance and death ta the dusky mur-
derous foe.
We were completely encircled by the sav-
ages, who proved to be Comanches, swinging
ui)on the opposite side of their iwnies exposing
but little of themselves to our aim by firing un-
der their horses' necks. Their deadly missiles
were soon playing havoc among our cattle. The
creatures were madly surging and bellowing
around, endangering us to a death beueatli
their feet, worse to be feared within the en-
closure than the foe without. This new dan-
ger soon drove us outside the enclosure of
wagons in full view of th(> Indians.
We had now fairly got our hands in and
were tumbling their ponies at a rapid rale.
Few Indians after their ponies fell, escaped a
rifle bullet. The Indians were narrowing their
circle until twenty-five yards scarcely inter-
vened between us. But the motion of their
steeds unsteadied their aim until it was but
laudoni, while the closer they pressed us the
more destructive became every shot we fired.
Such fighting could not last long. After the
first few rounds the savages mostly substituted
the gun with the bow and arrows. Finding
themselves getting most terribly worsted in
the combat, they made a dash to ride down
and tomahawk us all in one death struggle. 1
tell you, then, we had no child's play. Out-
numbering four or five to one in a hand-to-
hand fight to the death, is a serious thing. We
were soon mingling together, but driven against
the wagons, wo could dodge or parry their
bl ;ws with the tomahawk, while the rapid
flashes from the celebrated "navy" in each
man's hand, was not so easily avoided by the
savage warriors. We made the ground too hot
for them, and with yells of baffled rage, they
broke and fled, carrying off all their killed and
wounded but three, which they had to leave.
Now for the first time since the fight began
we had time to take in our situation. One of
the bravest and best of our comrades, young
Gilbert, was shot through the heart while
fighting the savages back with clubbed rifle,
his revolver having missed fire. He lay as he
fell, with his hand clenched around the stock
of his gun as though he would take the weapon
with his departed spirit to the other world
where he might avenge his death upon the
savages who had paid such a dear penalty for
their last work. Many others of our com-
pany were wounded, two of them severely.
The dead and dying ponies were scattered
about on the i)rairie with the arms and ac-
coutrements of their savage owners about
them; while several of our cattle were also
dead and dying from wounds made by missiles
aimed f.:r us.
The remainder of the day was spent in
burying our poor comrade on the spot made
sacred by his life's blood (which we did as
well as we could under the circumstances,)
caring for our wounded, and gathering u]) the
sjioils of the fight. We destroyed everything
belonging to the Indians that we could not car-
ry away, and along towards night-fall moved
a mile up the river, where we went into camp.
After the excitement consequent upon the
fight began to subside, we had much to talk
over about our chances of fighting our way
with such a small force through the entire
boundless plains before us to New Mexico. The
future looked hopeless indeed, but J. W. .Tones
who commanded the outfit, swore he would go
to Santa Fe or go to . We dare not
show the white feather, then.
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
11
FIGHT ON THE WALNUT
OI'R progress was necessarily slow. No
adventure of any consequence happened
until we reached the Walnut Creek.
Here we camped some 200 or 300 yards below
the old trail, in a horse-shoe bend, on the west
side of the creek. Xo event occurred during
the night to show the presence of Indians; but
about dawn of the next morning, as the guards
were turning the cattle out of the corral to
graze, the Indians — Cheyennes, some 500 of
them, some mounted and more afoot, — imme-
diately tried to get possession of the cattle.
Those on foot engaged the guards, while those
mounted tried to get between the catttle and
the corral, thus cutting them off. The firing
immediately roused the camp to arms; and in
the face of the firing by the Indians we sur-
rounded the cattle, and drove them back into
the corral.
Then the fighting began in good earnest.
At Hrst we proved too much for them, and
they retreated into a low sag south of the cor-
ral; but quickly returned with more desperate
energy than at first. Then forming solid lines,
six or eight deep, made a forced charge on the
wagons from the south, yelling like demons,
and firing through under the wagons. It never
seemed as if so few men could stand such an
assault. Our men were prepared for them.
however, and, firing from behind and under the
wagons, gave them a warm reception as they
came up.
At the east end they broke through and
came into the corral; but of those who came
through it is a question if any ever returned.
They were immediately shot and clubbed with
the guns. I broke my own gun-stock over the
head of one of the miscreants. There were
nine of them left within the corral dead. The
Indians, seeing the fate that had befallen their
comrades who went through under the wagons,
began a hasty retreat, and were quickly fol-
lowed by the entire pack as fast as they could
run. They took refuge in a low range of sand
hill along the Arkansas river, some 60 or 80
rods to the south, from which they emerged
occasionally during the morning to harass us.
We followed them up toward the sand hills,
firing at them to the best possible advantage;
but when we had got as far as the low sag,
we were ordered to retreat to the wagons. Our
wagon master, after the dead Indians, outside
and in, were all counted, reported 60 Indians
killed. Our own loss was five killed and sev-
eral wounded, none mortally.
There was another camp of 3.5 men, sent
out by Majors & Russell of Missouri, about
half a mile west; and about 9 or 10 o'clock
they formed a line and came down toward the
Indians. Seeing this we formed a line and ad-
vanced to join them, and move together upon
the Indians. They, upon the other hand, seeing
our movement, beat a hasty retreat across the
river.
We buried our dead on a i)oint between two
draws a little southwest of camp; and about 2
o'clock broke camp, and in company with
Majors & Russell's outfit, started westward.
About 5 or 6 miles west we had a slight
brush with the Indians, but nothing serious
until we arrived at Pawnee Rock, which we
reached about 2 or 3 o'clock next dav.
FIGHT AT THE ROCK
WK camped about 200 yards to the south
of the rock. Nothing unusual trans-
pired during the night. About S
o'clock next morning, just as we had brought
our cattle up to the corral, and were yoking
them up, a band of Cheyennes, to the number
of about 300. suddenly made a dash from the
north, part of the Indians coming in on each
side of the Rock, and immediately surrounded
our corral of wagons, with a terrible war-
whoop.
The usual manner of making such a corral
was to form a circle with the wagons, running
them as close behind each ether as possible,
with the left-hand or driver's side innermost.
When the circle was complete, an opening the
size of a wagon was left for a gate, which was
closed by a single wagon just inside the
circle, so placed that it could be run aside or
back into the gap, or "gate," during the night,
and times of danger, the cattle are kept within
this enclosure or "corral," as it is called; at
other times they were turned out to graze, in
charge of several men. On the left-hand side
of the wagon bed. above the wheels, there was
a small box about five feet long, prepared with
a hinged cover that pitched so as to shed rain.
This box contained, in a convenient position,
the arms, ammunition, lunch, trinkets, etc., of
the driver.
Leaving our cattle as they were, some
yoked, some partly yoked, we instantly seized
our weapons and pitched in vigorously to re-
pulse the assault.
The Indians opened a heavy fire from the
start. They made strainers of our wagon
boxes by perforating them with bullets and
arrow heads. The Indians who were mounted
fired high, and may possibly sometimes have
hit some of their own men on the opposite side
of the corral.
After firing in this way for a while, and
finding they could gain nothing, they beat a
12
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
hasty rt'treat to the soiitli. taking with them
Ihoii- (ipad and wounded, who were in nearly
all cases tied to their i)oiiios, as was shown
by the thongs that lay by some of the dead
ponies, where the riders had cut lonse and got
away.
In this fight we had one man wounded, and
several cattle killed.
From here on we had to light the Indians
every few days. We had engagements at Paw-
nee Fork, again near Dodge, again at Cim-
arron, here by the Apaches and Arrapahoes,
again at .Mount Aubrey, Kearney County.
FIGHT AT MOUNT AUBREY
A'l' this place we arrived the next day after
tlie slaughter of a party of Spaniards
who were going east from Santa Fe, to
inirchase g iods. We found ten dead Spaniards,
and one wounded, still living, with his scalp
off, though he died the morning after.
At the first peeji of day, the next morning
after we arrived there, the Indians — Apaches
and Arra|)ahoes attacked us, first firing on
the guards, and then coming uj) by slow, cau-
tious movements, seeking every btiffalo wallow,
or other slight protection to c:;ver themselves.
So stealthily and steadily did Ihey advance tliat
almost before we were aware of it we had
eight men lying dead. All this time we kept
up a vigorous and pointed fire, always aiming
and firing with int(^nl to kill.
About 10 o'clock, finding they could not
capture our train, they retreated the way they
came, leaving their dead on the ground. These,
amounting to between 50 and 80, we piled up
on the plain and left for the coyotes and buz-
zards.
We remained here four days, and buried
our dead and the Spaniards — 19 in all — in one
trench. In the meantinu' — and this we tell in
a whisper — we amused ourselves at target
schooling, using for a target the head of some
luckless Indian, which would be placed in all
conceivable positions tJ be shot at.
We had some more fighting now and then
until we reached Fort I3ont, after which we
were out of the hostile country; and reached
Santa Fe in safety, with what we had left of
men and animals. We lost no wagons, and
carried our cargo entirely through.
INDIAN FIGHT ON LOWREY'S ISLAND OPPOSITE
LARNED IN 18G0
From Governor Isaac Sharp's Diary
By Major Hen r >• I n m an of L a r n c d
IT was a magnificent September day in the
early part of that month in the year 1S60.
The amber mist cf the glorious Indian
Summer hung in light clouds over the rippling
Pawnee, and the sheen of the noon-day sun on
the Arkansas made that silent stream, where
it broadens out lake-like, towards the now-
thriving little village of Garfield, sparkle and
scintillate until it was painful for the eyes to
rest upon. The low group of sand-hills loomed
up white and silvery, like the chalk cliffs cf
Dover. The box-elders and cot ton woods that
fringed the tributaries to the rivers were rap-
idly donning their Autumn dress of ru:,set, and
the mirage had already, in the early morn-
ings, commenced its weird and fantastic play
with the landscape.
I'nder the shadow of (he bluff, where L.ar-
ned now reposes so iiicturesquely, hundreds
of buffaloes were grazing, and on the plateau
above the crest of the hill, a few sentinel an-
telopes were guarding their charge, now quiet-
ly ruminating their morning's meal in the rav-
ines running towards the river.
.Near where Brown's Grove is now located,
under the grateful shade of the thickest clumps
of timber, about forty wigwams were irregu-
larly scattered, and on the hills a herd of two
or three hundred ponies were lazily feeding,
guarded by half a dozen superannuated
s(|uaws. and a troup of dusky little children,
who were chasing the yellow butterflies from
the now dried and dying sun flower stalks
that so conspiciously marked the broad trail
to the river. This beautiful spot was selected
by Black Kettle, chief of the Cheyennes, for
his winter camp, where only a few weeks pre-
viously he had moved from the Canadian, and
settled with his band to hunt on the Arkansas
n::ttoin, and watch his enemies, the Pawnees,
who claimed the same ground, and where year
after year the most sanguinary battles between
the two tribes had been fought. Apart from
the remainder of the wigwams, and near the
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
13
edge of the stream was the magnificent ledge
of Yellow Buffalo, the war chief of the Chey-
ennes. This lodge was formed of beautifully
porcupined and beaded robes, and its interior
was graced with a long row of scalps — the
trophies of his fame as a great warrior.
On the morning of the date above mention-
ed, I had reached the Arkansas at a point a
few miles east of the mouth of the Pawnee, on
my way to Fcrt Larned from my ranch on
Sharp's Creek, (now in McPherson county,)
and when near where Larned now stands I
noticed a large body of Indians in a stooping
attitude, as though hunting for somethiui;, and
I supposed them to be some of my Knowa
friends on the trail of an enemy. I spurred
my horse and rode toward them, when all of a
sudden they dropped in the grass, which con-
vinced me of the error of my first supposition.
I was acquainted at that time with nearly all
the tribes en the plains, and particularly those
who would probably be in that vicinity then,
and with a fair knowledge of the Indian char-
acter, I readily concluded that my covey in
the grass were a band of "Dog-Soldiers," of
some tribe, either on the war-path against
some of the other tribes that roamed in the
valley of the Arkansas, or a party to steal
horses, and in either event I had nothing to
fear, as the report of a gun would be the last
thing they would want to hear just then.
So I rode on, and whcni within a hundred
yards or so of the Indians, one rose, and
holding bcth hands up with palms to the front,
in his own dialect called my name. I then felt
considerably relieved for I found myself among
thirty-two Pawnees, who, as I first supposed,
were there to steal horses from the Cheyenues
or Kiowas. On hearing this fact. I told them
that a few miles back on the trail, I had seen a
large number of Indians on the high prairie,
scattered out as if surrounding buffalo, or elk,
but that I had seen no game, and now I knew
their presence was known to the Arkansas
tribes, and that there were so many of these
wild Indians that the few Pawnees would all
be killed if found.
They then told me they wanted to reach
the island in the river, and there they co\ild
fight all the "Ingins" that would dare come, and
if they got to the island before the wild Indians
found them, I must go to them and tell them
that they were there, and myself come and see
the fight. That if I staid on my horse, either
on the east or west side of the island, or on the
hill on the northwest. I could see it all and be
safe from their bullets; and if they all got
killed I should tell their people how grandly
and bravely they died.
I left them and went on towards the Fort,
and when within three miles of it, met "Yel-
low Buffalo" with some two hundred of his
warriors, with their paint on and beating their
drums.
"Yellow Buffalo" was then about thirty
years old, and as grand a looking Indians as
I ever saw. I delivered my message from the
Pawnees to him, immediately upon which the
two hundred warriors raised the war-cry,
which echoed and reverberated in all the splen-
dor of its savage grandeur over the prairie,
and which none but those who have heard it
under such circumstances, can appreciate.
Stung to the heart by my message of defi-
ance, "Yellow Buffalo" appeared the true sav-
age that he was, and the ferocity of his wild
nature glared in his eyes as he thought of the
deep wrongs done Id his tribe by the "dogs of
Pawnees!" as he called them, and appealed to
his men that "now was the time presented to
them, to not only reap an adeiiuatc revenge,
but add lasting laurels to their wreaths as
brave and skilful warriors."
We were a little south of the old Santa Fe
trail, and he ordered his band to turn nearly
due south and then we loped off in the direc-
tion of the island. As we neared the river bank
we saw the last of the Pawnees, who had been
watching our approach, plunge into the stream
and reach the island in safety, as our advance
halted on the spot where now rests the north
end of the Larned bridge. It was now about 2
o'clock in the afternoon. The Cheyennes dis-
mounted, and every tenth man went to the
rear to hold the horses and guard them from
a possible flank movement on the part ot the
Pawnees. I was honored by "Yellow Buffalo"
with the privilege of taking care of my own
horse — which I am happy to say I did from a
position on the south end of the hill west of
town, and as near the river as was prudent for
a non-combatant. Nearly all the Cheyennes
were armed with muzzle-loading rifles, and a
third of them had large Colt's army revol-
vers. At the command ot their chief, "Yel-
low Buffalo," the Cheyennes formed a line ot
tiattle. which seemed to extend up and down
llie river the whole length of the island, while
live or six of them acted as flankers, uring
live cr six of them acted as flankers. During
to be seen.
In those days the island was covered only
Willi thick willows, which concealed the wateli-
fiil Pawnees, who were rather belter armed
tliaa tln^ Cheyennes each having a Spencer car-
bine and two revolvers, either army or navy
pattern, besides their bows and (luivers well
tilled with arrows. When all was in readiness,
and "Yellow Buffalo" had made a -proper dis-
position of his forces, he gave the order to
charge! Upon hearing his clear voice ring
across the prairie, his warriors responded with
a most unearthly yell, that seemed to shako
even the eternal dunes of sand on the opposite
side of the river, and then rushed pell-mell
into the Arkansas. The water was waist high.
and as they advanced they still kept up the
infernal yell until they reached within ten feet
of the island, when, like a flash of light from
a clear sky. came a sheet of flame from the
edge of the willows, promptly responded to by
the braves in the water.
In an instant however, much to my sur-
14
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
prise, the Pawnees delivered from their ranks
another volley, followed immediately by the
quick sharp crack of revolvers, which seemed
to completely overwhelm and discomfort the
Cheyeniies. all of whom beat a hasty retreat to
the main land. Their war-whoop ceased the
instant they commenced their backward inarch,
and in a moment some twenty of the Pawnees
appeared above the willows and kept np a well
directed fire on their foes until the latter
reached the bank cf the river.
In this single charge of the Cheyennes,
thirteen were killed and twenty-three wonnded
evincing a coolness and deliberation on the
part of the. Pawnees, not excelled by the best
organized troops. The Cheyennes, in their
charge, showed their characteristic reckless-
ness and daring, but which counted for noth-
ing in results, as all the bullets were carried
clear over the heads of the Pawnees who were
concealed by the friendly willows.
While the main body of the Pawnees were
keeping up their almost incessant fire upon
the retreating Cheyennes, three or four others
rose at opposite ends of the island, and opened
with some well delivered shots with their car-
bines at the Cheyenne flankers, so that the
whole number became demoralized, and "Yel-
low Buffalo" with all his painted warriors,
fled as far back as where the Rev. R. M. Over-
street's church now stands on Main street, and
held a council.
"Yellow Buffalo" then dispatched a messen-
ger for reinforcements, and in about an hour
they arrived from south of the river to the
number of some four or five hundred, and upcn
their joining the other, "Yellow Buffalo" made
the same disposition of his now augmented
forces as he had with his original army, and
then turned his command over to "Black Ket-
tle," who had c me on the ground.
"Black Kettle" kept his Indians in close
order, and when they reached within shooting
distance of the island, the Pawnees opened
upon them with a terrible volley, and the most
deafening and diabolical yells, and kept it up
for at least ten minutes. The poor Cheyennes
returned the fire as best they could, but invar-
iably overshot the Pawnees, whom they could
not see. so closely were they hidden by the
willows.
.Meanwhile "Black Kettle" ingloriously re-
treated, and then "Yellow Buffalo" felt himself
no more disgraced than the "head war chief"
and his chosen warriors. Thus ended this rath-
er remarkable fight. I never could learn def-
initely how many of the Cheyennes were killed
and wounded in the second charge, but the Paw-
nees told me they were double the number of
the first charge, and coining as it did from the
victors, I always made a reasonable allowance.
The Cheyennes utterly refused to tell me the
number of their loss, but I saw their wounded
that night, and helped dress most of their
wounds. There were twenty-eight in "Black
Kettle's" camp.
On my return from the Fort next day with
my mail, the Cheyennes informed me that
these same Pawnees charged through the
guards, and actually drove off about 200 of the
Cheyenne ponies.
The Pawnees assured me they had but forty
warriors, all told, and that they lost in killed
and wounded but two. The Cheyennes stated
however, that they found five graves in the
sand, under the edge of the water, which they
exhumed and left the bodies to rot. and the
bones to bleach on the prairie like a coyote.
A PIONEER'S EXPERIENCE
By Homer H. Kidder of ('.real lU-nd
IN 1863. 1 left Michigan with the purpose of
of taking a look over Kansas, principally
with a view of making a home and going
into business. At Kansas City I met with Kit
Carson, the famous Indian scout, and Wm.
Bent, the builder of Bent's old Fort, near the
mouth of the Pnrgaloire river in Colorado.
They were then preparing to lake a trip west,
and knowing 1 would never have a better
chance. I gladly accepted their invitation and
accompanied them.
From Kansas City Kit Carson, Mr. Bent.
Charley Rath and myself went up the river
to I.*aven worth: there we joined a mule train
of about ten wagons. We came by way cf To-
peka (then quite a small town), and Council
Grove.
In September we arrived at the mouth of
Walnut Creek, and went into camp about an
hour before sunset, and, while knowing full
well that we were 100 miles from the nearest
white settlement, yet we saw large numbers of
human beings coming to us on horseback,
which, on their arrival, prcved to be wild In-
dians; but as they were peaceable at that time
we had nothing to fear, and upon taking a
view of the broad green prairies, dotted here
and there with clusters of Indian lodges and
groupes of ponies, and in the distant back-
ground could be seen large herds of buffalo,
waiting quietly to become food for the Indians.
It was truly the happiest hour of my existence
— for it was my first sight of wild Indians and
buffaloes.
The Indians arrived at our camp and dis-
mounted, and. after shaking hands all round,
with their "how, how," they sat down, we all
smoked the pipe of peace, and after spending
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
15
an hour or so in a chat, we all lay down on
the ground for a sleep.
Next morning stvoral Indians with Kit and
myself went out on a buffalo chase, and within
halt an hour ran into a fine herd of them, and
after a short run we had several of them lying
dead on the ground, some killed with arrows
by the Indians and some with our bullets.
We remained in the Indian camp several
days, fcr rest, and decided to open a trading
post with them; and, after a few days more
were spent in an Indian feast and making our
camp convenient for business — building a cor-
ral for our stock, etc. — we opened up and sold
such goods as we had brought for that pur-
pose. After several weeks of life with the In-
dian families, enjoying the company of the
beautiful Indian maidens, eating out of the
same skillet with them, and partaking of their
dish of "fat dog," I bade my dusky beauties
adieu, and went up to Fort Larned to accept
the situation of clerk in the quartermaster's
office for the winter. At that time Fort Lar-
ned was a small adobe fort. We had a long
spell of intensely cold weather, with consid-
erable of "the beautiful snow" on the ground;
and during that winter many freighters lost
much of their stock by freezing to death and
stampeding and remaining with the buffalo.
Several "bull-whackers" also froze to death
that winter. But, as everything has an end,
so did our bitter cold winter, and with it came
our spring, when I resigned my clerkship and
returned to Walnut Creek, where I built a
ranch that lasted me many years during my
frontier life. I located it close to the creek
f:r the purpose of obtaining water without
endangering myself from the hostile attacks
of the Indians, who were then threatening to
break out and go on the war-path. I had not
half finished my ranch (it being slow work
to cut the sod with an ax), when the Indians
made a break on some freight trains enroute
to Mexico, cutting cff some of the hind wagons,
capturing the stock and killing the drivers.
This of course opened the warfare and put us
all on our guard. I finally finished my ranch,
and began to trade for poor and lame cattle
that were brought from Mexico by freighters
and drovers: and during that year found my-
self in possession cf a nice large herd of cat-
tle, and by keeping them well guarded from
the Indians I lost none of them. During the
year the Indians made a great many attacks
on trains, seldom failing to get the best of the
bargain and carry off the scalp of some poor
unfortunate who happened to be away from
the main party; but as the seasi-n closed the
Indians retreated to the Medicine Lodge, where
they spent the winter, and made ready for a
continued raid and a season fight of plunder
and massacre next year.
The winter being a very mild one, my herd
of stock went through in fine condition, and in
the following year I increased the herd to sev-
eral thousand head, and as the freighting sea-
son again opened, everything seemed lively.
It was nothing uncommon to see 100 wag-
ons in a dovible line, moving across our "Great
American Desert," and it was almost a daily
occurrence to see from 30 to 100 "Prairie
Schooners" at once. These wagons, when un-
der a full load, would' contain from 4 to 6
thousand pounds, and were hauled by six yoke
of oxen or six mules. All these wagons would
camp on the creek, at or near my ranch, mak-
ing it contain quite an army nearly every
night. Such nights would usually be spent in
telling yarns until a late hour, when all
would take their "gunny sack" and lie down
for sleep on the ground, except the night
herders who were constantly on the watch till
the break of day when they drove in the stock.
In a moment all was astir, and within half an
hour on the move, and I left alone again, with
the exception of my hired help.
Thus the season continued, except an cccas-
ional attack on some poor pilgrim or un-
guarded train, in which, after a few moments
of the most intense excitement, the Indians
would usually come out victorious, having one
or more blcody scalps at their belts, and were
stampeding the stock across the prairies at
full speed.
While engaged in herding my cattle one
day .one of my men (Jack) being near by but
out of sight, fishing in the creek, a small war
party of Indians came up from the river near
by, and seeing a mule train about a mile off,
they all made a dash on the train except one
Indian, who, upon seeing me, set up such a
yell as only a red devil can give, and with a
drawn lance made a dash at me with the ut-
most speed, intending to run me through.
When abcut a rod from me I fired. With a
piercing yell he jumped from the pony, the
blood spurting from his bare breast. As he
came to the ground we clenched, each one
trying to get away with "his Injun." Part of
the time he was on top, then again I had him
down; and he, though weakening from loss of
blocd, got a knife from his belt and made a
lunge at me, while I was grasping him in a
genuine rough-and-tumble for dear life, and
trying to restrain his hand. He finally suc-
ceeded in thrusting (he knife through my hand,
and was about getting away with me, when
my herdsman came in timely to the scene of
action. The Indian relaxed his hold of me
and fell to the ground, with a bullet through
his head, and before he breathed his last I
had his scalp with his own knife; and. while
he has "gone to the hai)py hunting gr.iund,"
I still carry "as a trophy" the scars of that
event and the long scalp of my enemy.
The Indians would occasionally make a
dive on some train and get the worst of it,
having their scalps taken, which all white
frontiersmen would do whenever they killed
a red-skin. This was done, they said, to keep
the dead warri;;rs from going to the "happy
hunting ground," the Indians claiming that
anyone loosing their scalp will never go
there.
16
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
And so the season wore on; we usually got
our suijplies from the passing trains; so that,
in reality, our life was an easy one, yet full
of excitement on account cf the Indians who
often tried to get our stock, but failed; until
September, when they made a grand success-
ful rally, and drove off all my stock, killing my
herder.
The loosing of several thousand head of
cattle gave me the blues, and shortly after 1
accepted a situation as mail carrier on the
Santa Fe stage line cf Barlow, Saunder.son &
Co., where I reiuaincd more than three years,
but still keeping up my ranch, having to pass
it weekly going out and returning to the
States. During that time 1 crossed the plains
150 times.
During the fall of 1S67 the Indians attack-
ed a mule train, enroute for Mexico, near the
mouth of Walnut Creek, cut off an ambulance
from the rear end and killed an old lady and
gentleman, cut the old lady in quarters, piled
her clothes en the remains and set them on
lire, and carried off the bleeding scalps of
both at their belts.
This was the year that Fort Zarah was
built and occupied by troops. During this same
tall, a short distance this side of Walnut Creek
four government teams loaded for Fort Lar-
ned were attacked by Indians, who succeeded
in killing and scalping the drivers, and run-
ning off the stock. The P,;st Commander,
thinking it not a safe place for him, kept his
quarters, and gave us what we could get out
of the wreck; we went out and made a nice
haul of coffee, sauer kraut, beans, flour, sugar,
etc.
Cow Creek crossing had many a fight be-
tween freighters and Indians, and many killed
on both sides. Once, when a small parly
(three men and one woman) with an ambu-
lance, were going to Fort Marker, they were
attacked about a mile east of Cow Creek cross-
ing; they stopped over a deep buffalo wallow,
and all got down into it for protection. While
ill this condition a company cf troops com-
luanded by a captain who had been sent out
to look after them, came up on the west bank
of Cow Creek in plain view of the scene, and
after looking at them a few moments, turned
his command around for the west, without
attempting to render them any assistance.
One sergeant in his company begged the cap-
tain to cross the creek and relieve them, but
instead of so doing the captain put the ser-
geant under arrest and returned to Fort
Zarah with his company, thus leaving the
small party to perish at the hands of the red
devils, which they most certainly would, had
It not been fcr the timely arrival of a dozen
scouts on their way from Fort Barker to Fort
Larned. who arrived on the spot just as the
deserted party had used their last shots at the
Indians. They killed three or four Indians,
and on the r.lher hand the Indians wound-
ed the entire party. The cowardly captain was
cashiered and dismissed from the service for
the act.
We raised onions, tomatoes and potatoes,
that year (1S67) near the ranch on spaded
ground, they being the first vegetables ever
raised in Barton County by white men. We
had rains enough to keei) them in good grow-
ing condition, and they matured cf good size,
and shape.
That fall everything went on in the usual
way, the Indians taking the west end of the
road above and around Fort Dodge. A mild
winter followed; and when spring returned so
did the Indians, who kept up their attacks dur-
ing the summer at ever.v opirortunity. They
kept things livelier than usual for us.
During the fall of 1S68 we fought the last
Indian fight tf Barton County, four miles be-
low where Great Bend now stands, on the
Arkansas river. We numbered twelve men
and the Indians about seventy-five. We fought
them for three hours, killing and wounding
teveral, also killing several ponies. We lost
two men in that engagement; shot with both
bullets and arrows. The Indians finally left
the battle ground, carrying of their dead and
the battle ground, carrying off their dead and
1 sent my colored man out for some stray
stock; the Indians cut him off from the
ranch, captured him, cut off his feet and one
of his hands, skinned the muscles off his
limbs, skinned the whole top of his head —
taking every hair, ripped him open from end
t ) end, and left him. He crawled several rods
in that condition, until he reached an eleva-
tion in sight of the ranch, and expired.
During the same fall, and a short tiiue pre-
vious, the Indians killed and scalped a white
man of mine, near where now stands the Great
Bend stock yards.
Another engagement was had in September,
(I think), that same fall, only a short time pre-
vious to the last one mentioned, just this side
of Walnut Creek, and near where the railroad
bridge now is, between the Indians and sol-
diers of the Fort. The red devils captured the
teams and killed some of the soldiers. Indian
fights were fre(iuent along the Santa Fe trail,
that season, and many of good white man was
put under the sod on that account.
Cholera extended from ranch to ranch,
nearly crossing the plains, in 1S67, and many
died in consequence.
ANOTHER INCIDENT
WK are informed by Mr. T. .1. Richardson,
a settler near Rush Center, that in
September. ISGO, while returning
from a trip over the Rocky Mountains, he
.'^lopped over night at "Peacock's Ranch," an
abode concern then situated a short distance
below the Walntit, about where Fort Zarah was
built. There he learned of the massacre of
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
17
Mr. Peacock and five others, part of them mem-
bers of his family, by the Kiowa Indians, one
or two weeks previous. One man escaped
whose name he did not learn. Our informant
did not know where Mr. Peacock was from.
and did net state how long he had lived at the
ranch. The Indians carried off all the stock
connected with the ranch, and committed sun-
dry other depredations on emigrants.
OLD FORT ZARAH
FORT ZARAH was established September
6, 1S64. by Gen. Samuel R. Curtis, then
in command of the military district, and
named in honor of his son, Maj. H. Zarah Cur-
tis, who was killed at the Baxter Springs mas-
sacre while on the staff of Gen. Blunt, October
6th, 1S63. It was completed in 1S67, and
spoken of as an outpost.
The site of the Fort is well known to all —
at the southeast of the Walnut. It stood on a
gentle eminence, nearly surrounded by a shal-
low creek which might easily be made a
means of defense by filling with water.
It was built cf sandstone, quarried in the
somewhat resembling a "hop-scotch" bed. It
was two stories high except 24 feet of the
eastern part. The main entrance was at the
eastern end, opening into the officers' ijuar-
ters. There was only one window in the entire
building, and that was at the eastern end.
There were loop-holes along the northwest,
and south sides. At the southeast and north-
west corners there were hexagonal, two-
story towers, with two sets of loop-holes for
musketry. These loop-holes were arranged in
sets of three on a side in each story, and pre-
sented a face opening of two inches wide by
16 inches high, widening in the wall to a
NORTH
a:
2(1 ft.
ROOMS
SLEEPING
DINING HALL
44 feet
a: ~
-; u
O
111 ii.'
SOUTH
PLAN OF FORT ZARAH
neighboring bluffs about three miles off. These
rocks were mostly of a deep purplish brown,
varying to a light brown. They were usually
hewn to a pretty smooth face, and laid up in
the rough, in good solid mortar. The outer
walls were about 16 inches thick, the inner
walls one foot. The walls inside were all well
pjlastered. The roof of the building was of ten.
plastered. The roof of the building was of tin.
116 feet, with an average width of 50 feet.
The main portion was divided into 7 rooms,
breadth of about IG or IS inches on the inside.
Beneath the rooms running across the ends,
there were cellars dug S feet deep and walled
with stone. Ta the west, at a distance of 20
feet, was the magazine, which was 12 feet
square, and connected with the west cellar
by an underground passage 4 feet w-ide. A
short distance to the southeast of the fort
stood the guard house, a stone building about
14 feet square. Wo herewith present a plan
of the fort:
18
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
OTHKR RUINS.
TliiMC iiro many evidences of oecui>ation
siirroiiiKling tlic Fort, siieh as collars, re-
mains and traces of ranches, luits. slianties,
tents, etc. On section 3(>, townslii|> I'J sonlli,
range 13 west, about 100 rods south ot the
southeast corner of the reservation, near
where the old toll-bridge crossed the Walnut,
appears the most formidable ruins of any. At
first sight there would seem to have been a
fort there once; but it must be remembered
that in those days herdsmen were obliged to
build for defense. Besides, the "oldest inhabi-
tant." Mr. H. H. Kidder, assures us that there
was never a fort there— only a ranch. The
main building is 70 feet north and south, by 30
feet across. A cross wall divides it into two
rooms, the north one being 30 feet s(iuare, the
south one 30 by 40. There are still some very
heavy rocks in the foundation of the walls,
though most of the material of which the
walls were composed has long since been car-
ried off. The debris is still l.S inches to 2 feet
high. Attached to the southeast corner ap-
pears a hexagonal ruin of earth and rock, each
of the sides about 12 feet long. On the west
side of the building are earth-works, about GO
by 80 yards, with various cross-works and
walls. These were the walls of the corral,
which was divided into apartments. The pres-
ent owner of the ground has some field crop
growing over the ruins; but it seems like
farming under difficulties, for the soil is not so
rich and damp as ordinary prairie soil.
CEMETERY.
About 300 yards northeast of these ruins,
in Section 31, T. 19, R. 12 W., is the old grave
yard. This bears evidence of more recent use.
There are about IS or 20 graves in all: though
many were difficult to distinguish, and there
may be more or less. Many of the graves have
no stone or stick to mark the spot, and can
only be detected by a slight ridge or depres-
sion. Several have sandstones raised at the
head and foot.
Only one grave has a stone with any in-
8cri|)tion. This, a brown sandstone, is broken
down, and bears the following well carved,
but partly effaced, inscription:
IN
MEMORY OF
CIIAIU.KS WKI.CII,
Who Died Mar. •2-2i\, IsTl'.
Age 1 yr and 2 .\IonIh.«.
The age was the most effaced, and may have
been something else. At the foot a neat cross
Is engraved on a standing brown sandstone.
The grave is covered densely with buffalo
grass, and appears nuich older. At the fool ot
one grave there is a cottouwood board, with-
out any inscription. At the heads and feet of
a few, small stones are stuck in the ground.
Three of the graves, which are probably
those of soldiers, are surrounded by stone
walls 18 inches high, which are filled within
with earth. These are in the best condition
of any of the graves.
HESIMtVATIO.N.
Fi rt /.arali Military Reservation was es-
tablished September 3(illi. 1868, by order of
the president, and surveyed and laid out the
same year. It is about two by two and three
(luarters miles in extent, and reaches from the
railroad north lo the hills. II contains about
3,69S acres.
On February 24, 1ST I. an act of Congress
provided for bringing into market the lands
of the F;rt Zarah Reservation; and on August
11, ISTl, "the Surveyor General was authorized
lo extend the lines of the public surveys over
the same."
In July, 1874, "the lands having been ap-
praised at from $3 to $10 per acre." were of-
fered at public sale at Salina, at which sale
"only two lots, containing together 45.20 acres,
were sold at $4 per acre, leaving the balance
subject to private entry at the appraised
value."
FORT AllAXDOXED.
The Fori was "dismantled" in 1869. Among
other work of dismantling was the removal of
the tin roof at an expense to the government
of $20,000; and the removal of the same lo
Fort Harker at a further expense of $10,000;
— fat jobs for some poor contractors. On ar-
rival of the tin roof at Fort Harker, the re-
ceiver wouldn't receive her; so the thing was
dumped down on the prairie a short distance
from the fort ; and it has since done good ser-
vice in sheltering various settlers en govern-
ment lands. The original cost of Fort Zarah
was $110,000.
After the abandonment of the Fort it be-
came a den of thieves and general rendezvous
for bals and marauders. These occupied it
day and night by turns,— the former hiding by
day. the latter by night.
Settlements commenced in 1871. Almost
immediately the hand of the granger was laid
uiion it, and it began to disappear little by lit-
fle. Capt. E. V. Rugar was appointed a mar-
shal to take care of it, which he bravely did
by going to California in 1S74, and letting the
Fort take care of itself.
Shortly after the sale of lots mentioned
above, Mr. E. C. Sooy put up a notice forbid-
ding anyone to remove any rock from Fort
Zarah, as the property had been purchased
and now belonged to private individuals. The
notice held good until all the best rock had
been hauled away from the Fort by various
liarties at Great Bend, who made uuick work of
il for a short time, when the rumor was spread
that there had been no sale, and the valuable
stone remaining at the old Fort lasted b\it a
very short time after; and today only a heap
of rubbish, overgrown with rank weeds is left
to mark the spot where the proud Fort once
stood. Fort Zarah has passed into history.
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
19
INDIAN TROUBLES.
In 1S6S, Indians were very troublesome to
the settlers and ranchers in the country at
that time. They would attack ranchers and
wagon trains, run off the horses and cattle,
and some times kill the people.
On or about the 12th of August, 1S6S, word
came to Fort Zarah that the Indians were
murdering the settlers on the Saline, and Col.
Menteen, with his company of 7th Cavalry,
"marched swiftly" to their relief, and run the
Indians about ten miles.
On October 2nd, 1S68, Gen. Hazeu reports
that "about 100 Indians attacked the Fort at
daylight, and were driven off; then they at-
tacked a provision train, killed one of the
teamsters, and secured the mules from four
wagons; then attacked the ranch eight miles
below (near EUinwood) and drove off the
stock."
On the 10th. Lieut, Kaizer, :3rd Infantry,
reports that "at 4 p. m. a party of Indians sur-
rounded and drove off six h:;rses and two mules
from citizens near Fort Zarali."
SKETCH OF PIONEER LIFE
By Ed. W. Dewey
ABOUT the 7th of July. 1871, I came into
Barton county from the town of Rus-
sell, Russell County, Kansas. At that
time the population of Barton County consisted
of but few inhabitants, and they were scatter-
ed along the banks of Walnut Creek. There
was no settlement on Blood Creek at that time.
One of the first settlers in Great Bend
township was Mr. John Cook who, in June,
1S71, built a dugout on the bank of the creek,
about three miles from the present site of
Great Bend. There was no stone or frame
house in the county at that time. Mr. A. C.
Mcses and Mr. J. H. Hubbard were preparing
to build frame houses. Mr. A. C. Moses had a
few boards put up like a tent, and Mr. Hub-
bard was hauling stone for a foundation.
They had located about two miles below Mr.
Cook, on the creek. The country was over-
run with buffalo, which kept us awake at night
with their continual bellowing and stamping.
I settled on a piece of land en the creek — the
southwest quarter of section 4, township 19,
range 13 — and took out my papers about the
15th of July, 1871. The section on which Great
Bend now stands was then vacant.
There was no reliable survey of that town-
ship, as there were no corners marked within
the township by the government surveyors. At
this time there was a surveyor by the name of
H. Meritcn. camped at the old fort, and laying
out a town site near where old Fort Zarah
used to stand, with whom I had worked during
the fore part of the summer, and so I helped
him lay out the townsite of Zarah — as it was
called — and we also ran several lines for dif-
ferent parties, mine among the rest.
That. I think, was the first survey in the
cnunty, after the government survey. At that
time there were no section corners marked in
any way within township 19, range 13 west.
About the last of August there was a govern-
ment surveying party at work sectionizing the
land lying south of the river. At that time the
river was nearly dry — no water running above
the mouth of the Walnut. The land south of
the Arkansas was not then considered good for
anything by the settlers.
Early in September a party of Pawnee In-
dians, numbering about 400, all on foot, passed
through the settlement, going south to trade
for ponies with the southern Indians. They
were all armed, and occasioned considerable
alarm among us; but they were peaceable, and
committed no depredations. They returned
late in October, having plenty of ponies and
but few arms. Two or three of them were
sick, and annoyed the settlers a good deal by
begging, etc. One of them died on Blood creek.
We had to send or go to Salina, on the K. P.
R. R., to transact all our land business. The
railroad land had not yet come into market.
There was not much land broken that sum-
mer, and the only crop raised was a small
piece of sod corn, about five miles up the creek
from my place, which did very well. No wheat
of any importance was sowed that fall.
The town site of Great Bend was surveyed
out, and a large house (now the Southern
Hotel) was built, the lumber being hauled
from Ellsworth, on the K. P. R. R., a distance
of 50 miles. A few other houses were built dur-
ing the fall.
Winter coming on, I made a dugoul on the
banks of the Walnut, on my land, and my fam-
ily came about the 16th of November. The
next day it began to rain and sleet, finally
turning to snow. Our things had not yet ar-
rived, and we were compelled to sleep on some
old hay in one corner of the dugout. The rain
and snow beat in at the door. It became terri-
bly cold before morning, and we came near
freezing to death. The creek froze nearly
solid.
ITRSl'KI) l!V WOIA'ES.
As th<' winter progressed the wolves and
coyotes became very savage, and it was dan-
gerous for a person to be out on the prairie
after dark. Sometime in December I had an
adventure with wolves, which I will relate to
20
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
illustrate the terrible ferocity ot tlic wolves
at tliat time:
One evening as myself, wife and babe were
returning from Mr. 10. J. Dodge's (whose fam-
ily had recently arrived, and where we had
been on a visit). I had on a pair of skates.
and my wife and babe were on a rude sled,
which I had constructed, and was pushing it
before me on the ice on the creek. When we
had proceeded about one-half the way, we,
heard the wolves howl on the banks of the
creek right ahead of us; and pretty soon their
gaunt forms were outlined against the sky. It
looked like certain death to go ahead, and al-
most as certain to turn back, so I pushed
ahead and the wolves ran along on the banks
beside us until we were nearly home. Then,
as if they were afraid that we would get away,
they became bolder, and finally, as we turned
a bend cf the creek, there on the bank, not 10
feet off, stood about half a dozen iiungry,
howling wolves. As wo swung around the
bend, two big grays made a leap for the s'.od.
but we were going so fast that they fell short
of their intended prey, and as they tried tn
stop themselves their nails scratched on the
ice right beside me, and I felt their hot breath
in my face. Immediately I heard them coming
behind, and new it was a race for life. I
skated as I never skated before or sinco, and
in a few minutes we arrived at the dagout \Ve
ran in, and grabbing my gun 1 shot two dead
within a few feet of the door. 1 shot at several
more, and soon they disappeared.
The winter of ISTl, w.is one of the coldest
that I have experienced in this country. A
man by the name of Jamison had about 1,000
head cf Texas cattle in the bottoms, by the
creek, and, as the river and creel: were both
frozen nearly solid, the settlors had to cut
holes in the ice for the cattle to drinV from.
The cattle suffered terribly with thirst, and be-
came very ferocious. They would often attack
a person unless he was on horseback, t^everal
people were attacked by them, and iho seitleis
killed some to protect their lives, -lud lor i;ieat,
as the cow-boys had run all of the bu;Talo out
of the valley for several miles. Considiiable
trouble grew out of this, but no lives were lost.
The settlers lived on corn bread, molasses,
and meat, and S"metimes a little flour. lOvery-
and meat, and sometimes a little flour. Every-
thing we obtained had to be hauled from the
K. P. R. R., and that made prices very high.
Flour was $8.00 per cwt., and molasses $1..50
per gallon; bacon, 20 cents per p3und; corn
meal, $5.00 per hundred weight, and every-
thing else in proportion.
There was some little talk of a railroad
coming up the Valley, but the prevailing ojiin-
iou seemed to be that it would cross the Ar-
kansas at some point east and go down through
the Medicine L"dge country. Many settlers
came in during that fall, and several houses
were built.
The spring opened very fine, and the prairie
schoonrs carrying sttlers came in very fast,
and the talk of a railroad in the near future
assumed more definite shape. Considerable land
was broken and planted to corn, etc., and the
desert, which has since delevoped into a full
blown rose, began to bud. Hreaking was worth
$4.50 to $5.00 per acre. The town of Great
Bend commenced to build up, and things were
lively. Hauling from the K. P. R. R. made
work for those who had teams and some for
those who had none.
The railroad reached Barton County some
lime in the month of .Tune, 1872, and thus open-
ed ui) communicaticn with the east.
There were several houses built on the
town site of Zarah during the fall of 1871 and
si)ring of 1872. There was a big dance in
Buckbee's store at Zarah on Christmas eve,
1871, and a merry time enjoyed by all.
RECOLLECTIONS OF EARLY DAYS
By David N. Heizer of Colorado Springs, Col.
ICAMI-: to Barton County in Hay, 1S71, in
comiiany with .1. H. Prescott of Enter-
prise, Miss., W. \V. Weymouth of Spring-
field, 0., and Wm. Finn and Albert Griffin of
Sedgwick. Kansas. We were looking for a lo-
cation to engage ii\ stock raising.
We arrived at old Fort Zarah about the ISth
of May, 1871. On the night before our arrival
we cami)ed with the officers and directors of
the A.. T. & S. F. railroad, who were return-
ing from a prospecting trip \ip the Arkansas
Valley, over the proposed line of their road.
They assured us they would build their road
as far west as Fort Zarah within two years.
With this information, upon seeing the mag-
nificent body of land on the Big Bend, as it
was then called, we concluded that here would
be a favorable place to commence and build up
a settlement. Accordingly we spent several
days in surveying and tracing out section lines
in township 19, range 13, and after concluding
to locate a town on section 26, and making a
survey and plat of the same, we organized a
town company with J. H. Prescott as presi-
dent, and authorized him to go to Salina and
file on said land, iinder the Town Site Preemp-
tion Act — which he did. 1 must here recaunt
the scenes of our first bulTalo hunt.
OIR FIRST BIFFALO HUNT.
On our arrival there were myriads of these
noble animals on thp souOi of the Arkansas.
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
21
J. H. Prescott, Al. Griffin, and myself mounted
three horses and set out. Griffin had a Henry
rifle and a pair of revolvers, I had a needle
gun and a pair of dragoon revolvers, and Mr.
Prescott not heing a marksman, but very fond
of adventure, went along to enjoy the fun.
We crossed the Walnut just opposite the old
fort, and came to the river. It vi'as high, the
sand-bars being covered; we knew notliing
about it, and felt very doubtful about being
able to cross, as it looked very angry and deep.
After debating some time as to whether we
would venture, we concluded not t3 give up
unless we were obliged to, and that one of the
party should doff his apparel and investigate.
As I was the only swimmer it fell on me to ex-
plore. I prepared myself after the manner of
a theater actress — only more so. The water
seemed to be deepest near the bank; I expect-
ed to be thoroughly baptized at the tirst jump.
I made a tremendous jumii, and lo and behold,
the water, mud, sand and all was not knee
deep. The spectators encored me, and the rest
of the performances consisted in my running
and skipping along in water from six ini'lies t;)
live feet deep.
We then crossed, and within a mile of the
river came to where a small herd of biiffalo
bulls were grazing in the sand hills. Grifriij
and I dismounted and taking nur rifles :;n'iil"
to the crest of a ridge about 300 yards of them.
I had formerly thought buffalo were abo'it the
size of ordinary cattle, but as I looked at one
through the sights of my gun, thinking what a
terrible beast a wounded buffalo was reported
to be, he looked to be as large as an elephant
or a common sized barn. I concluded ihere
must be telescopic sights on my gun, and drev,-
it back to look it over; the gun also seemed to
have the ague. We finally concluded to both
fire at the same bull, and becoming brave, w;
did so, but without any great damage to the
bull, as he went galloping off with the ras.:.
He was hurt, however, as he limped badly.
This was encouraging; and getting very brav?.
we mounted our horses, left our rifles with i.tr.
Prescott, and pursued with our revolvers.
THE CHASE.
The flight of the bulls had started a large
herd just beyond another hill, which wo had
not seen; we, taking a southeasterly .and they
a southerly course, we flanked them abou* the
middle of the herd. We then went wild, and
dashed right into the midst of the herd, de-
termined to have a buffalo. I could, with the
fast horse I had, ride onto any of then', and
finally succeeded in shooting a ''at cow
through the loins, so that she fell out of the
herd, disabled. I was so close ont) her when
I fired that I could have kicked her. The rest
of the herd passed on, and Griffin came to the
rescue. After about a dozen shots, iriadc in
circling around the enraged beast, we brought
her down.
We were not yet satisfied, and .;eeiug a
small herd of cows and calves off to the north-
east, concluded we must have a calf, as they
would be better meat. We dashed for them,
and after a two mile chase, got one, wliich vvc
dressed, threw across my horse, and rhcn set
out for camp, leaving the old cow for the coy-
otes and wolves, which \ver(> tlien lic;v by the
thousands.
It was some time before^ we could lind the
dcctor, whom we had left behind, and almost
night before we reached camp, tired and hun-
gry. Never did meat taste better than did
steaks from that young buffalo. We ate and
were satisfied, for we had possessed the land
and |in>ven ourselves woiiby luuilcr:; of the
cluise. lUit to business.
At about this timi' there were several
inospecting parties camped near us on the
Walnut, among whom was M. W. Hasley, now
of Lakin townshii). I made up my mind to
stay, as did Wm. Finn, of Sedgwick City.
Messrs. Weymouth and Prescott went with me
to Ellsworth, where they took the train east
for Ohio, to return in July or August.
After making a tour up the Saline river. I
returned to our ranch on the Walnut, as we
had taken possession of and left our stores in
an old deserted stone ranch near Fort Zarah.
Finn and I remained at this ranch until
about the 20th of June, when E.J. D:;dge and
Aaron Hartman called on us one evening, hav-
ing walked across from Russell, aiul about
jierishing on their way fiom thirst. 1 shall
never forget a little incident that occurre<l that
uighl.
CASTING OUT SERPENTS.
Messrs. Uodge and Hartman had made
their bed on the floor (a dirt floor) and were
alioni I : ri'tire. As I walked by the foot of
onr l)unk 1 hoard a familiar sound; calling for
Finn to bring a light, which he did, we pro-
ceeded to kill a very healthy young rattle-
snake and cast him out. Dodge and Hartman
proceeded as vigorously to gather up their bed
and divide the same, preparatoi-y to climbing
a tree or seeking some other safe place to
sleep. However, Mr. Dodge has always in-
sisted that he felt safer when I told him that
was only the second one we had killed that
evening, when usually we killed five or six be-
fore retiring.
LAND AGENT BUSINESS COMMENCED.
Next day, in true land agent style, we pro-
ceeded to locate Mr. Dodge, who wanted claims
for himself and sons. He then selected the
quarter in section 10, T. 19, R. 13., on which
he now lives; but we did not get through until
he succeeded in getting my team stuck in the
Walnut — a little episode I have never fully for-
given him for.
A MISHAP.
About the 4th of July of that year, T. L.
Morris and Judge Mitchell of Quincy. Ills.,
made a trip to this point, on a buffalo hunt
and a prospecting tour for the Great Bend
Town Company. They prospected some and
hunted enough for the Judge to get heaped
22
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
on the plain by an unruly buffalo bull. The
said bull did about seventy-five dollars worth
of goring on the Judge's horse — no (•omi)uta-
tion made as to amount of damages done to
the Judge's dignity, as tlie liveryman made no
claim on that.
ZARAH SURVEYED.
About the same time, a survey lor the town
of Zarah was being made by one Meriton, for
the Zarah Town Company, with Judge Miller of
Ellsworth as president. Also, in the latter
part of June. Jchn Cook, John Hubbard, A. C.
Moses, Ed. W. Dewey, and D. E. Benedict made
calls, and I^gan Reynolds and J. P. Bissell
followed soon. When 1 first came there were
no settlers below Section 14, in townshiii 19.
range 14, on Walnut creek.
GREAT BE.M) TOW.N COMl'A.W.
Later, either in July or August, T. h.
Morris came out again in the interests tf the
Great Bend Town Co., and selected section
34, township 19, range 13, as the site for their
town. Geo. X. Moses, A. B. Robinson, Frank
Day, and Hiram Biekerdyke were in the party
with him. Afterwards, he changed the location
to section 2S, the present site of the town.
In September, he began the erecticn of a
hotel, now a part of the Southern Hotel, which
was completed during the winter and occupied
by Thos. L. Stone.
STRIFE FOR THE COUNTY SEAT.
Considerable rivalry was rife between the
Zarah and Great Bend town folks, which final-
ly resulted in the downfall of Zarah and the
triumph of Great Bend.
CATTLE TRADE.
The winter of 1S71-2 was a very hard one
for this latitude, and not much was done for
the advancement of the town and settlement
until spring. The prospect of the early com-
pletion of the railroad, thereby making Great
Bend with its rich grazing country a desirable
shipping ijoint for Te.\as cattle attracted the
attention of business men who had been iden-
tified with the Texas trade at other iioints;
and during the spring of 1S72 the town made
a very raiiid growth. Business houses sprang
up around the square as if by magic.
INTRODUCTION TO KANSAS
By Edward J. Dodge of (Jreat Bend
ILKF'I" Wisconsin on the .'jth of .May, INTI, to
settle on a piece of government laii'i i.i
some part of Kansas; and a.-rived in Kan-
sas City on the morning of the Sth. Alter stop-
ping in the City .intil the 12th, and losting up
as bft-t 1 could iri rega'd to di.'i-rei'l poinls i)i
Kansas, I left by the afternoon train on the K.
P. road bound west.
JUNCTION CITY.
I stopped at Junction City, where there was
a land agent named Pierce, who was a wonder-
ful man to advertise the broad acres of Kansas
which could be had far little or nothing, and
it would cost nothing to look. I thought he
would be just the man to advise with, so 1 soon
bowed myself into liis office. 1 found the gen-
tleman in. and after half an hour's conversa-
tion with him, I made up my mind he was
willing to help a stranger in more ways than
one. as he very kindly offered to take me out
in the country three or four miles the next
morning, and show me some of the most beau-
tiful land in Davis county all for the trifling
sum of $20, assuring me that if I would get
some one to go with me and get him to jiay
half of the amount he would let me off for $lii.
seeing it was me and 1 had come so far. Thank-
ing him for the interest he had taken in me,
I told him if I concluded to go I would be on
hand early the next day.
STILL GO WEST.
That night I i)Ut up at the Hale House or
'Bedbug Corral," just across the street. Next
morning I arose early, though not until some
of the boarders (bedbugs) had been to break-
fast, of which I was a smarting witness.
Thinking my old corrosp."ndeiit was more
eager to get my $20 than he was to find me a
good location; and not caring to ask him what
his charges were for advice, 1 left on the morn-
ing train for the west, and stopped at Ells-
worth.
ELLSWORTH.
Ellsworth, having been the terminus of the
K. P. read for some titne, had become notori-
ous for its rushing way of doing business, its
cattle trade, and for being one of the roughest
and most desperate cities in Kansas. 1 secured
lodgings at one of the best hotels in the city.
and next morning rambled about and witnessed
the off-hand way in which all business was
done.
MAN FOR BREAKFAST.
At the ringing of the bell I walked in to
breakfast, and sat at the table alone. Pres-
ently another gentleman walked in and took
a seat directly opposite me, placed a heavy
revolver by his plate, and inquired of the wai-
ter what kind of meat he had for breakfast.
■'Beef and pork," said the waiter. At this the
boarded swore and said "That will not do for
me; 1 will have a piece of a man!" and suiting
his action to his words, he gave me a terrible
demoniac look; but only for a moment. I met
his gaze with a steady countenance, and he
(luailed. He got ui), witii revolver in hand,
stepped to the door, and shot dead the milk-
man, who was just then jiassing and whom this
fiend had never seen before. In five minutes a
crowd had gathered about, placed a rope
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
23
around his neck, run him across the street,
and stood him upon a barrel under a tree, with
the rope thrown over a limb.
I^ST SERVICE.
As the mob came up, "Rowdy Jo," a Ger-
man who was keeping saloon near by, inquir-
ed what they were going to do with that man.
saying that their prisoner owed him $- for
whisky, and that they must make some ar-
rangement to pay that before they fi.xed him.
They frankly told Jo that their prisoner had
killed a man without cause and they were
going to hang him for it. Jo simply said,
"Hold on then; I won't let anybody hang on
my tree midout I say sometings," and at the
same time ran into the house and brought out
an English bible, and undertook to read a
verse in English ; but made a poor job of it,
and, throwing the bible down on the ground,
said it was "no use making so much fuss and
trouble over such a little thing as dat," and
immediately ran up and kicked the barrel from
under the wretch and sent him swinging into
eternity. And the executors cf the law and
Justice adjourned to the nearest saloon (Row-
dy Jo's) to congratulate each other on their
prompt, willing and ready way to i)uuish
crime.
DIDN'T WANT A CLAIM.
After a little review of the morning's exer-
cises I concluded I did not want a claim just
around there, as I did not like the way they
did business (piite as well as 1 th uight I
should.
WIOSTWARl) HO! AGAIN.
The next train bound west took me to Wil-
son station where 1 stopped off a couple of
days to look up land; then went to Fossil, at
present Russell. This was the 16th day of
May. At this time, aside from railroad build-
ings, the county of Russell contained only
three houses and not more than twenty-five in-
habitants. Here I was convinced that I had
gone far enough west if I wanted to make
farming a profession in Kansas. The land was
high and dry. I couldn't make up my mind
that Russell County looked like a farming
country.
MEET AN OLD SETTLER.
While looking about, a gentleman that af-
terward proved to be Lo. Reynolds, came up
to me and with a "how are ye? are you going
to stop wih us?" waited for an answer. 1 told
him I was, at least until the train went east.
He very politely asked me if I would stop at
his house. Not knowing his house from any
other I said "Certainly. I would as soon stay
with you as anybody." So saying he picked up
my valise and walked to a small shanty made
of rough lumber, I asked him if that was his
house.
"It is. How do you like it?"
"First rate. How long have you been
here?"
"Eight days. Sit down, sit down, sir; my
wife has gone out on a buffalo hunt; she will
be home in a couple of hours, and we will have
some supper."
"Where did you say she had gone?"
"Out on a buffalo hunt, sir. We have lots
of fun hunting buffalo in Kansas," saying
which he walked out doors, leaving me alone
to consider the consistency of Kansas fun.
I^DY BUFFALO HUNTER.
I reasoned thus: "A lady out on a buffalo
hunt! A new thing to me!" Having never
seen my mother, sisters or neighbor women
engaged in that kind of sport, it really seemed
novel to me. This was my mental picture of
her. "A large, masculine, red-headed, freckled
woman; voice gruff and harsh; gray eyes; thin
lips; and uneven tusky teeth." A good descrip-
tion of a female buffalo hunter.
I had not much more than completed ray
fancy picture when in walked a lady of more
than ordinary beauty; she was small and
graceful; had a full black eye, which bespoke
good language, modesty, and refinement ; easy
in her manners; and a very pleasant conver-
sationalist. This was the woman I had so mis-
judged in my idea of a female buffalo hunter.
I afterward learned it was the common
custom of this country for ladies to join in the
sjiorts cf hunting buffalo, elk, and antelope, in
which the western part of Kansas abounded.
IN SEARCH FOR A HOME.
On the 17th. 1 got a livery rig of a young
man by the name of Flack and drove north-
west from Russell, in company with a couple
of gentlemen from Baltimore 23 miles and back
the same day. found the country hilly, rough,
and stony. Shot a buft'alo and brought home
the hams, out of which the whole city of Fossil
had beefsteak the next morning. Every man
would come and cut off a piece without a
word.
TRY AGAIN.
Having a curiosity to visit the Valley of the
Arkansas, I started, the morning of the ISth,
iu company with Rev. Mr. Annis, a Baptist
minister from Omro. Wis., in a two-seated bug-
gy. We started south al a rapid rate, making
Smoky Hill river in less than two hours, a dis-
tance of ten miles. At this time the river was
(|uite low being only eleven feet wide and three
inches deep. At 12 m. we found ourselves at
I he head of South Fossil, a brook skirted with
elm, ash and cottonwood. In a few minutes
our dinner was ready. This consisted of dried
buffalo meat, crackers, coffee, and canned fruit.
After resting about an hour we resumed our
course, traveling over a beautiful country of
rolling prairie a distance of about ten miles,
lo Blood creek, one of the pleasantest valleys
iu Kansas.
VIEW OF PROMISED LAND.
Keeping our course we soon came in sight
of the valley of the Walnut creek. I can say
24
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
I fell in love with it at first sight. The broad
extent of beautiful prairie it contains — level
without being low, flat, cr marshy; undulating
without being hilly, rough, or stony; and aliout
equally divided by one of the most beautiful
streams of water that ever coursed its way
over the green prairie — the Walnut creek. The
banks are fringed with elm. hackberry, ash,
Cottonwood, and black walnut; the very siglu
of which made the traveler feel like pitching
his tent and i)cssessing himself with as many
acres as Uncle Sam would allow him to own.
FI.XD A.N OLD ACQrAI.\T.A..\CE.
We reached Walnut creek at a point a few
rods east of where the upper iron bridge now
stands. Seeing a young man and a small
house on the south side, we made direct for il ;
and I was not a little surprised to find G. F,
Jlecklem, an old Wisc:;nsin neighbor its inmate
and possessor. I felt comparatively liappy that
night. I felt as though 1 had found a ))aradise
in the house of a friend, he being the first
settler and built the first hsuse in Barton
County. May 19th, we took leave of this fron-
tier hermitage and found our way down t) Fort
Zarah. a distance of about ten miles.
FALL IX WITH RORBERS.
Fort Zarah was at this time occupied by
outlaws. We came to the fort about noon, and
found a man known as Jo Bowers dead drunk,
lying en the dirt floor. Within thirty minutes
there came in six other young men. well dress-
ed, and fine looking. They seemed to be well
supplied with whiskey, and the bottle passed
around quite freely. They soon got quite lively
and musical, and turning Jo over on his back
commenced playing cards on his stomach, ask-
ing us our business and if we had money to
buy land. Klder Adams, not feeling at home
in Just such a meeting as that, remarked to me
"1 guess we had belter go and run that herd
of buffalo across the river." I consented and
told Paddock to hitch up, and in five minutes
we were ready.
"Where are you going?" said one of the
gentlemen.
"To run that herd if buffalo over the river."
"How long will you be gone?"
"It will not take us long."
"Will you be back here tonight?"
"Most certainly; where else should we stay?
You keep the only hotel in Barton County."
"Ha! ha! That is so! But don't f.'rget to
come back as we have something to say to you
that will interest you more than anybody else."
"What time will you have supper?"
"Early. Don't fear, you shall hear the sec-
ond bell before you go to sleep."
"All right! Drive en. Paddock! How many
miles can you drive before dark?"
"Thirty, if necessary."
A herd of buffalo was feeding near where
now stands the school house three miles west
of Ellinwood. We soon came up to them, and
a few shots stampeded them across the Arkan-
sas river, after which we returned to the l<u^-
gy.
SLIP AWAY.
"Well, Dodge, which way shall we go new?
Are you anxious to go back to the Fort?"
"Not at all anxious. Elder; my advice is
that we leave that range of bluffs to the left,
and go north as fast as those two bronchos
can take us."
"That is my mind, exactly."
In less than three minutes we were driving
at the rate of ten miles an hour, toward the
east side of Cheyenne Bottoms. I.«aving tni;
hills to the left, and running into a clura;! of
timber now known as Dalziel's grove, we soon
fed and watered our ponies and made coffee
for ourselves. As scon as possible we were on
our way again, expecting that every hill we
passed over we would be able to see sonie of
the Fort Zarah outlaws on our track.
SAFE AT LAST.
Evening came and we found ourselves
camped on Coal creek in Russell County. We
drove back to Fossil the next morning, it being
the 20th day of May, thus making a running
trip through Barton County. I saw enough of
the broad and beautiful valley of the Arkansas
and Walnut creek, blended together as iliey
are, to make such an impression on iny mind
as prompted me to return.
THE FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE
By Fred W. Warren
ON the night of December 24th. 1ST4, El-
linwood had the first Christmas tree in
Bartr.n County. It occurred somewhat
aftfr this manner.
Our town, being so fortunate as lo have
five or ten of the most wide-awaks, go-ahead
ladies lo be found in Kansas, thoroughly !<live
to every social interest of the town and coun-
try, determined to make one happy lime for
the children during these grasshopper times.
Accordingly a committee consisting of .Mrs.
Holljnger, Mrs. Landis, and Mrs. Bay, went to
work in good earnest thus showing their moth-
erly aptitude in providing for the litll.- ones of
the community, made all necessary arran.?e-
ments, and in due time had a very respectable
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
25
evergreen in position, in the scliool liouse. pro-
fusely decorated and literally loaded down
with beautit'ul cornucoiiias and large, neatly
ornamented and embroidered stockings, well
filled with candies, nuts, and goodies of all
kinds. These, and the material of which the
cornucopias and stockings were cotnjiosed,
were bountifully furnished by Messrs. Landis
& Williamscn. but very little help havin.? been
given by other parties. The expense of the
tree was defrayed by Mr. Geo. W. Hollin.ser.
Indeed the profuseness and generosity Vvith
which the tree was furnished is very credita-
ble to the liberality of our citizens.
Reaching EUinwood's handsome school
house at an early hour we were astonisltd to
find the house literally jammed from parciuet
to dome; — not even a seat in the gallery could
be obtained for love or money. We have at-
tended many a similar gathering — have often
seen the lamps shine "o'er fair women and
brave men," but never such a -rowd as this.
Not our least surprise was the largj number
of handsome young and married indies (the
committee by no means excepted) wiio adorn
this vicinity.
The exercises of the evening were conduct-
ed by Mr. Chalfant with a masterly hand; and
considering that the programme which had
been previously arranged was "nonconieatable"
on account of the failure or lack of pronipt-
ness on the part of those who had had parts
assigned them, the impromptu przgramme was
carried through very creditable and success-
fully.
A melodeon was on hand, furnished by
Miss Etta Avery, and played by J. H. Bross,
who conducted the musical exercises of the
evening.
The exercises were opened with music — "Let
the Master In" — by the choir, consisting of
Messrs. Chalfant. Shannon, Geo. Barngrover,
J. H. Bross, A. R. Huffman, of N'ickerson ;, Mrs.
Royal Harkness, Mrs. .1 hn Shimmins. and
Mrs. W. W. Shannon.
Opening Prayer by Mr. Shimmins.
Music by Choir.
Opening address — Our Sunday Schools —
Mrs. Shimmins.
Solo and Duet— The Old Mountain Pine— by
Messrs. Huffman and Bross.
Followed by a very amusing description of
Santa Clans by Mr. B. B. Smyth, teacher of
the school, during which the tinkling bells
and swift hoofs of reindeer were heard and
suddenly in rushed Santa Clans, in the iierson
of Mr. F. \V. Warren, covered with fur and
frost from head t.T foot, and loaded down with
presents; and was introduced to the audience
by Mrs. W. C. Bay, amid much commotion and
merriment.
While Santa was behind the curtain plac-
ing the presents on the tree a piece of music —
Meet Me Darling Josie at the Gate — was sung
by Messrs. Bross and Huffman by special re-
quest.
Here a short and pithy address was made
by Mr. A. McKinney on Christmas Customs.
Music, by the choir.
Then came the unveiling of the Christmas
Tree, by Mrs. Bay, who made a very neat and
appropriate speech showing the enterprise of
Ellinwcod in getting up a Christmas Tree in
such hard grasshopper times.
Here Rev. Mr. Reed was introduced, who
made an address to the children on "Our First
Christmas Present." In the meantime the
lights were rapidly burning on the tree, and
the children were anxiously awaiting.
The distribution of presents, by the com-
mittee, assisted by the little Misses Lottie Tow-
ers and Kittie Halsey, as pages, and assisted
also by ^Messrs. Chalfant. Warren and McKin-
ney. Old Santa remembered every one of the
150 children present, by giving each one some-
thing to remember him by. Among the
amusing incidents of the distribution were the
reception, by Misses Carrie Bacon and Ida
Forsyth, of immense dolls, dressed in the
height of fashion. Mr. Bross' loneliness, too.
was remembered; and he was presented with
a very neat and pretty young lady in the shai)e
of a doll. A young gentlenuui from Cow creek
was presented with a penny American flag
with which to celebrate the centennial. Simy
Avery was presented with a broom, not to
show, like a schooner, that he w'as the fastest
young man in town; but to assist him in his
prospective house-keeping. Mr. Halsey re-
ceived a candy marble, and several other im-
liortant personages received a stick of candy
each.
The exercises closed with music — Waiting
On, by the choir; and "Larboard Watch Ahoy,"
my Messrs. Bross and Huflman.
The evening's entertainment closed har-
moniously, and everybody went houu' to enjoy
a Merry Christmas.
EARLY REMINISCENCES
By Luther Frost of Liberty
I CAME to Kansas early during the spring of
1S72. Great Bend was then in its infancy,
with only a part of what is now the
Southern Hotel and tw i other snuill houses
built.
During the month of August. 1S72. some of
my neighbors and myself concluded to try our
hand at killing buffalo, as the grasshoppers
liad destroyed our little crops of sod corn, gar-
dens, etc.
August 13th, we fitted up and started for
the present site of Dodge City. While eating
dinner near the lone tree on the Arkansas river
25 miles below Fort Uodgc, a flock of black-
26
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
birds lit down near us and I made a proposi-
tion to kill a dozen and have a stew for our
suppers as we were out cf fresh meat. Some
of the boys laughed at the idea of killing a
dozen at one shot. I fired one shot and we
picked up sixty-two birds and many more were
scattered over the prairie that we did not get.
We had not finished picking up the birds when
the cry of "Indians!" was heard. Everything
was packed into the wagons and we started
pel-inel for a rocky hill on which we intended
to sell our lives as dearly as possible.
After getting in position, we discovered
that the supposed liidians were a company of
r. S. cavalry that had come down to the river
to get water. We were very much relieved,
palpitating hearts resumed their natural mo-
tion, and trembling nerves were steady as iron.
Our greatest loss was that cf the birds
which we had left in our haste to get to a place
of safety.
IGth. Arrived on the hunting ground south
of the river and saw a sight new to most of
us. As far as we could see, to the east, west
and south, was a vast herd of buffalo. We es-
timated that we could see over 500,000 at one
sight. We pitched our camp and made prepar-
ations for work: cleaned our rifles; sharpened
our knives; and i)repared to stretch hides by
the wholesale.
ITth. Imagine my feelings as I approached
the first herd of old bulls. 1 could not possibly
get nearer than three hundred yards. A nat-
ural instinct of danger seemed to keep nie at
a safe distance. 1 had read of hair-breadth
escapes and terrible encounters with these
giants of the |)rairie and was not overly an.\-
ious to make a close acquaintance with them.
The fact is they looked dangerous; and they
would naturally impress a person that they
meant business by shaking their heads at hini
and i)awing uj) great clouds of dust. My first
impression was that 1 had better try my hand
at long-range shooting, so if they were inclined
to be vicious I could take leg bail and have a
good start. Shooting at long range did not
pan out very well, as my nerves were a little
unsettled, and every time 1 would fire some old
fellow would look toward me. lick out his
tongue, and shake his head, as if to say "D.in't
come any nearer; you might get into trouble."
I tried several times to muster up courage and
crawl nearer; but at last made up my mind ti
shoot at long range if it look all summer to get
our wagons loaded with hides. The result was
I fired about forty shots, killed seven buffalos,
and crawled clear out of sight of the herd,
leaving over one hundred buffalo standing
looking at me as I crawled away. 1 suppose
they imagined that I was a cowardly coyote.
We soon loaded our wagons with hides,
recrossed the river, and camped on the site
of Dodge City. ".Now boys, we can take a good
sound sleep tonight, no danger of Indians,"
was the general word.
1 had an aching tooth that would not let
me sleep. About midnight 1 heard a horse ap-
(irnaching. It was a dark night and I could
just see the outlines of a man on the horse. I
did not think strange of this cs there were sev-
eral railroaders camped near us and several
loose horses had come to our camp. I took my
gun and crawled out to the horses, without
awakening the boys. The fellow rode up within
20 itaces, took hold of a picket rope, and com-
menced drawing the horse toward him. I
could not tell whether it was one of our boys
or one of the strays. So to be on the safe fide
and not shoot an iimoceiit man, 1 said "Look
here, my friend!" He put spurs to his horse
and was off like a shot. 1 sent a couple of
caliber 50 after him but he made good his
escape. All was confusion in camp. "Shoot
him!" came from all sides. Several of our
neighbor camps lost horses that night. The
thieves made a general raid along the line of
the road, and but for aching tooth we would
have lost our horses.
We finally got home to Great Bend safe and
sound. All but one of our party are still in
Barton County.
A little incident happened to one cf our
Barton County boys which was laughable as
well as serious. We were out killing buffalo
about seventy miles south of Great Bend. I
had purchased a new gun and expected to do
wonders in the line of killing buffalo. It was
a cold windy morning in November and 1
could not or did not do good execution. 1 do
not blame the boys for finding fault with me.
One of them said that he could do better him-
self. I gave him the gun and told him to try
his hand. He crawled up to a herd of old
bulls and knocked three of them down at three
successive shots. "That's well done!" the boys
said. "He's a rattler! He's after their pelts?"
The herd suddenly stampeded. They did not
like to see the heels of their companions flying
up so rapidly. Our hero followed in rapid pur-
suit, passing the supposed dead bulls. He had
l)assed them about one hundred paces when
one of them rose to his feet and started
straight toward our hero. Louy did not hear
the approach of his pursuers until the bull
was upon him. He turned his head just in
time to find himself going one way and the
gun the other. The bull paid no attention to
him; but kept on his course, to the great relief
of Ixjuy and the rest of us. No damage done
except a badly lorn shirt and coat.
At another time we were camped on the
headwaters of the Ninnescah. One morning I
t ok my gun and started to a herd of buffalo
that were grazing about a mile from camp.
When about a quarter of a mile from camp the
boys commenced hollowing at me and motion-
ing for me to come back. Before 1 could get
to camp they had the teams hitched up, and
were going at a run dJwn the creek to another
camp. I finally came up to them, after a run
of about half a mile, and wanted to know what
was causing such a stir. The answer was we
had better be making tracks if we did not want
our hair lifted. The red devils were coming,
and there was a host of them, with red blan-
kets and banners flying. I just told my com-
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
27
panions that I would go back and meet the
whole host and see if they were on the war-
path. So I marched boldly back to meet the
enemy, which proved to be an innocent buffalo
herd marching quietly down toward our camp.
The joke was, I had seen the buffalo coming
and had an idea that the boys had seen them
and taken them to be Indians, so I could afford
to be brave while my companions ran away to
reinforce another camp. We finally got things
righted and had a good laugh over the affair.
One of my companions declares to this day
that he saw Indians and could plainly see
their bows and arrows.
GEORGE NELSON MOSES
Life Story of One of the Bravest Men Who Ever Tramped Across the
Santa Fe Trail; an Early Barton County Pioneer
GEO. N. MOSES was the tenth of a family
of 14 children, seven boys and seven
girls. The oldest member of the fam-
ily died when but a few years of age. George
was the youngest of the four brothers who
went to the defense of their country when the
civil war broke out. The two youngest broth-
ers, Charles of Chicago and E. R. of this city
were too young though Charlie, the oldest of
the two ran off twice to join the army but was
returned home each time. George Moses was
born in Olean, New York State April 15. 1S44.
After the war he saw service in the border
war in Missouri, against the bushwhackers. As
member of what was known as the Jim Turley
gang under command of Capt. Montgomery,
hardly a day passed but what they had excit-
ing adventures. This company was composed
nf about tliirty men all expert horsemen and
dead shots and their duties consisted princi-
pally of chasing down the guerillas of the
rebel army who were raiding all parts of Mis-
souri where northern sympathizers lived.
When the war was over he was still a
G. N. Moses
He died in Great Bend, September in, 1911.
When he was eleven years of age the family
moved to Illinois and later moved again to the
frontier state of Missouri, locating in Sedalia.
The father was a mason and the older boys
followed this trade in their younger days.
George was just attaining manhood when the
civil war broke out and he joined Company 1,
15th Illinois Infantry though his older brothers
tried to prevent this because of his youth and
later with his brother, R. H , re-enlisted, l)otl\
joining Company C. 146th Illinois Infantry.
young man, just entering nuinhood. A man
with a reputation of being able to take care of
himself under any circumstances and a man
whose word could be depended upon. He was
of a roving disposition at that time and Mis-
souri was becoming too well settled. He want-
ed to get out into the world as his brothers
had done before the war. Striking out for him-
self he came to Kansas, hunted buffalo all over
this section of the state, wandering over the
mountains through Colorado and down into
New Mexico. Then he returned to Colorado
28
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
and met John Tilloii of this city iii the vniuni-
son country, stayed thoro awhile and they re-
turned 10 Kansas and were working near Sa-
lina when a man came cut from Salina to gel
G. X. to guide them to a fit i)laee in this part
of the country for the location of a townsite,
it being known that he had hunted all over
this section and down through the Medicine
Lodge and Texas cattle country. A comiiany
of Quincy. 111., citizens had determined to
locate a t:;wn on the Santa Fe railroiid which
was building througli Kansas and wanted to
beat the railroad company to it. G. N. guided
them to this section and they located the
t:\vn as it stands. Fort Zarah at that time had
two or three stores and a general colony and
the railroad company resenting the efforts of
outsiders to start a town instead of their ob-
taining ihe townsite attempted to break Great
Bend but Great Hend outlasted them all.
He was the first sheriff of the county and
did much to ke.p this a law-abiding communi-
ty. The "gun men" of the West knew him and
that there would be little chance of their in-
timidating him. For the average "gun man" is
not a man who is a killer because he is quick-
er than others on the draw but because he is
trickier and because he intimidates officers of
the law. G. X. had been in the camps of the
pioneers all over the West. He had met Ihe
bad men cf Dodge City, of Sargent and of the
mining camps of Colorado and always lu^ had
been on the side of decency and right. He
was never known to be afraid and the bad men
were afraid of him because they knew he was
not afraid of them.
Xone of the Moses boys have ever been
apologetic or timid. They have been true to
their convictions but they have dene what
they believed to bo right regardless of the
opinion of others.
An instance of G. X.'s boyhood will show-
considerably the trend of his character. As a
boy of 7 or S he was out getting nuts with a
couple f.f his sisters when a woman who was
a terror tf the neighborhood when it came to
demanding what she called her rights c;.nin
upon them and attempted to frighten the chil-
dren and did succeed in scari)ig the little girls
pretty badly. G. X.'s anger blazed forth and
he dared the woman to come any nearer to
attempt lo take the sack of nuts which she
claimed. He drove her back and took the b::oty
home for booty it was. And throughout his
life the dominant trait has been to help others
and to take the side of the oppressed. Hun-
dreds of stories might be wittcn about this
side of the man't nature.
He was a b"rn leader and though not seek-
ing leadership was naturally selected for this
in most enterprises in which he engaged. If
he believed a cause was worthy he followed it
strong in the assurance of its success some-
times to his financial disadvantage. Xaturally
he made opponents as all strong men do but
never did opponent (|ueslion his integrity or
honesty.
With bis marriage in 1S73 to Miss Ida
Mitchell, step-daughter of Sciuire Odell, one of
the locaters of the town and member of the
town conipany and went into business in Great
bend in the firm of Burton, Odell & Moses.
When Ihe Gunnison country in Colorado was
opened up Hurion withdrew from the firm and
went 10 Gunnis:;n where he opened a store in
which G. X. was also interested. A few years
later K. R. Moses, then only a young man
came here and went to clerking in the Great
Bend store and in a short time Mr. Odell re-
tired, the firm becoming G. X. & E. R. Moses,
which it remained until about ten years ago
when G. X retired, E. R. buying his interest
and naming the firm the E. R. Moses Mercan-
tile Co., which it remains to this day. The
firm sa-iv many a bad year in the early days
when settlers were few and crops were bad
but it went ahead and carried many a man
who is rich today but who w.nild have been
unable to have farmed at all but for this
firm.
He served as mayor of the city three different
times, in the SO's. and two terms in the nine-
ties. During the Populists days he was the Re-
publican nominee at one time for the legis-
lature, but was defeated. He served as sheriff
of the cotiuly several terms, princiiially in tb<'
early days and was the first sheriff of Ihe
county.
During the time Ihe cattle trade was com-
ing from Texas to Great Bend and before it
shifted to D:dge City a Texas gun fighter be-
came abusive and chased most of the citizens
off the street while he ran the town. The
nuirshal and assitant considered discretion the
better part of valor and hid out lo find G. X.
while the gun fighter amused himself while
silting on bis pony by shooting at the occas-
ional citizen who showed in sight. G. X. was
informed cf the circumstance and telling the
marshal to stay where he could come into the
light in case he was shot walked down the
street and up to the Old Rome where the tough
man was viewing Ihe country. The man start-
ed swinging his gun hand towards G. X. when
Ihe latter spoke to him pleasantly enough and
he stopped to see what was coming next. G. X.
wasn't trying to pull a gun and still kept com-
ing. 11 puzzled him. As Ihe sheriff gjt near
enough he reached up bis hand as thought to
shake hands and the next minute the gun man
was off his pony and G. X.'s grip on his shoul-
der made him forget all his belligerency. G.
X. turned him over to the marshal after a lec-
ture on the matter of getting drunk and mak-
ing a fool of himself and the gun man when
turned loose made a bee line back to Texas
where they didn't have sheriffs who were fool-
ish enough to go around without drawing a
gun on sight.
The town of Sargent, now Coolidge, was for a
few- months the toughest place in the west. It
was when the Santa Fe construction camp was
licated there and the gamblers, painted woiiien
and thugs were robbing the Bcvcral hundred
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
29
railroad laborers. One of the gamblers had
some months before borrowed two hundred
dollars from G. X. who pitied his condition
and thought him a man of his word. G. N.
while prospecting in the west heard of the
town of Sargent and stopped there finding his
man running a saloon. He broached the sub-
ject of being paid and the man who had joined
the gang of ruffians running the town repudi-
ated the debt and said he didn't intend to pay
it. It made G. N. mad and he kicked him out
of the place and took charge of the saloon him-
self. We believe that Jim Gainsford was with
him at the time. The saloon man went out and
gathered his gang and went back to fix G. N.
The latter was ready and had Gainsford sta-
tioned behind the door. When the gang filed
in G. N. trained two guns on them and invited
them to get out and stay out. Gainsford was
also there and they got. He run the taloon for
two days, took in ifeS and then turned it back
to the owner and said that he had collected the
interest due at least. While in Sargeant he
heard the story of an old man who had been
robbed of his team by the gamblers. G. N.'s
sympathy w'as aroused for the old man and
going with the latter to the camp corral had
the old man point out the team. They hitched
it up and the old man started to drive out cf
the town. One of the gang saw the man on
the front seat of the wagon and notified others
of the gang and they started to take the team
away from the old fellow. As they got up to
the rig they found G. N. sitting on the back end
of the wagon load, his needle gun across his
knees and after expostulating a little gave up
the claim to ownership of the rig and the old
man drove out of town. G. N. accompanied
him a little ways and then catne back. They
didn't care to tackle him. U.N. Heizer, then
a surveyor for the Santa Fe related this story.
E. R. IVIoses tells a story of the time he went
to Gunnison to visit his brother George. The
town was really two towns divided by a vacant
area and in this section there was a large
lumber yard. G. N. lived across on the other
side from the store. The first night of E. R.'s
visit he waited until late at night to accom-
pany G. N. home. The latter was counting
up the money and placing it in a sack in his
pocket when E. R. noticed a man peering in
the window. He spoke to G. X. about the
matter but he said he guessed it didn't amount
to much. They started home and as they got
to the lumber yard G. N. started on through
his accustomed way instead of going around.
He had given B. R. a gun to carry from the
store and as they got in the lumber yard they
noticed the two men standing back in the
shadows. G. N. walked straight towards them
with his gun ready for action and E. R. fol-
lowing with some trepidation. The man back-
ed to one side and they passed on and were
not molested. But that was enotigh of the wild
Gunnison country for E. R. and he returned
home in a day or two.
Early day sheriffs had their own concep-
tions of the forms of law and one of the re-
turns made by G. N. as first sheriff of the
county is held as a treasure by a prominent
state official into whose possession it jiassed
some years ago. A horse theif came to Bar-
ton county and committed some deiiredations
which resulted in a warrant being sworn out
for his arrest. G. X. took the warrant and
started north after the thief. Seventy-two
hours later he returned to Great Bend late at
night, without any rest from the time he had
started, making the whole trii) in the saddle.
Getting in late at night, tired and worn out
from the trip and nearly dead for want of
sleep he went into the justice of the peace of-
fice and left the warrant writi-.ig across the
same, "Received this warrant blank date and
served same by shooting tlie " The
facts of the story were that G. X. went to Hays
City where he induced a comrade of the man
wanted to confess that the man was in that
liart of the country and then taking his deputy
rode out to cow camp where he found the
man. As they rode over the hill and down to-
wards the wagons the man they were after
jumped up and grabbing a gun commenced
sho:ting at them. A minute later he died
suddenly and the trip home was begun. The
cowboys heard the firing and started to inves-
tigate and threatened to kill the sheriff and liis
deputy. Thoroughly aroused now the sheriff
sent the deputy back a little way, rode up to
the cowboys and invited them to start the pro-
ceedings at once if they felt it necessary. They
decided that monkeying with the law would be
unpopular and the sheriff and deputy rode
home.
From the trend of these stories it might ap-
pear that G.N. was of a to\igh order but his
history is different. IVIcn were men in those
days and had hard work to perform but the
testimony of his old comrades has always been
that G. N. stood for the moral tilings and was
himself a moral man.
The first time Rd Tyler, W. W. Hartshorn,
Louis and Jerry Frey ever met G. X. Moses
was on October 16th, 1S71. They drove from
Quiucy, 111, to this point. G. X. Moses, Hy and
Jim Bickerdyke and John Tilton were camped
on the groimd where the Fair Building now
stands. They had hauled a load of lumber
from Russell on the V. P. railroad and built a
sliack by putting ui) some posts and built the
sliack like a tight board fence there being a
room about the size square of the length of the
board and had been added to until there were
several rooms about, four. The Moses party
were glad to meet them and allowed them the
use of half the shack until tliey could do bet-
ter. At that time there was no railroad and
little money. There were plenty of buffalo and
other game for meat, but there was little else
to eat. The Hubbard store on the Walnut was
the only one for miles, the next nearest being
on the r. P. nortli, 45 miles, and nothing south
or west. When the Quincy crowd arrived here
G. X. -Moses wore an army hat, shirt and coat
30
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
and biK-kskiii pant^i and the others were clad
something like G. N.
I'p to that time there had heen no bufTalos
killed about here for the hides only, as it
wonld not pay to haul them to the U. P. for the
price offered and there were very few horses
to do the hauling. Later a good many cat-
tle were used. However, buffalo hic'es were
used for partitions in the shack and n:any
other places for which they had no lumber.
One day in the fall of 1S71 G. N. Moses and
Ed Tyler were sitting in a window of the old
Southern hotel, situated where the Brinkman
Bank is now situated. The hotel had not been
finished at that time and even the frames in.
They were looking down the trail toward Fort
Zarah and they noticed something coming west.
It was decided that it was not a man, a buffalo
or a horse, but finally it developed that it was
a man carrying an umbrella and when he ar-
rivi'd they found that it was .I\idgc Tom Mor-
ton of Illinois. He was dressed in broadcloth,
white shirt, collar and cuffs, blackened boots,
in fact was in regular town style. He had
come to Fort Zarah with a bunch of soldiers
from the east. He stopped here .vith the camp
and in a few days he had bought Ed Tyler's
team, also another team for one of the Quincy
party and suggested to G. N. Moses that they
go out on a regular buffalo hunt. They left
this point in December, 1S71 and went to the
southwest where the buffalo were plentiful
and they got as far as the Medicine Ixjdge
country before returning. From that time they
made buffalo hunting a regular business and
hundreds of hides were ready to ship from here
when the Santa Fe railroad arrived. The first
hunting parly was composed of G. N. Moses,
.lohn Tilton, Hy Bickerdyke and Judge Morton.
Messrs. Moses and Tilton continued it for a
few days. Bickerdyke went west after a year
or two and Judge Morton was a resident of
Great Bend until the late seventies.
Moses and Tilton in those days had traveled
over many miles of the west and before com-
ing here they had first met in Colorado and
traveled a foot over most of the country that
has developed so well. From Colorado they
came to about where Salina is and from there
here. From the time they met in Colorado
they have been bosom friends at all times.
Prior to the time of the meeting of Moses and
Tilton in Colorado Mr. Moses had gone from
Sedalia, Mo., where he had been a peace offi-
cer after the war part of the time and was
also a deputy United States marshal to Ari-
zona and New Mexico where he spent some
years looking over that country.
FIRST CENSUS OF BARTON COUNTY 1872
The names included in this list are those of
people who resided in this county in the
spring of 1S72. The work of securing this in-
formation was done by U. X. Heizer who now
resides at Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was
compulsory to get these names before the
county could be organized. The following
gives the name, age and a description of the
land owned by each individual settler. Some
of the names in this list are of peoi)le who
have long since left this part of the county,
btit will be remembered by those who were
here when the county was organized:
John Hartley, 38.
Henry Cogle, 20.
John W. Meltor, 27.
Myron S. VanPelt, 25.
David E. Benedict, 23.
Elvin R. Benedict, 22.
Arsula M. Benedict. 1.
Jul. P. Bissel, 24, sec. Itt, se (ir 19-13w.
Ella M. Bissel, 24.
.Minnie Bissel, 4.
Anna Bissel, 2.
Cora Bissel, 1.
Uavid A. Greever. 23. sec 34, nw qr 10 sr,
12w.
Samuel Davis, 21.
E. J. Dodge, 50, sec. lb. w. hf sw (|r 19. sv 15w.
Elizabeth Dodge. 43.
W. Dadge. 24. se qr s 4.
Don Dodge, 22, sec. in. e hf sw qr w hf se
nr.
Jennie Dodge 17.
Lizzie Dodge. 15.
John Dodge, 13.
Maggie Dodge, 8.
Mary Dodge. 2.
Dave Dobson. 22.
Charles E. Dodge. 26. sec. 9. s qr (the writ-
ing at this point in the list is obliterated.)
T. Scherzmyer. 22.
Ira Lake, 47.
A. C. .Mose=. 45. sec. 10 nw qr 19, sr 13 w.
Naomi A. Moses. 32. sec. 9, ne. qr 19 sr. 13 w.
Arthur Moses. 21, sec. 10. ne qr 19, sr. 13 w.
Clayton L. .Moses, 19. sec. 9, nw qr 19 sr.
13 w.
Edward W. .M:;ses, 16.
William A. Moses. 14.
Lincoln E. Moses. 11.
Cassius M. Moses, 7.
Seward E. Moses, 4.
Edward W. Dewey, 22 sec. 4, sw qr.
Hattie A. Dewey, 20.
Frank H. Dewey, 2.
William Dewey, 74.
Evan Thornburg, 44. sec. 4, 20-14 w.
Julia A. Thornburg. 32.
John S. Thornburg. 10.
William Thornburg, 1.
John .Mc.Mullen, 35.
Lizzie .McMullen, 32.
John McMullen. Jr.. 13.
James McMullen. 4.
Benjamin .McMullen, 3.
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
31
U. S. Hutchinson, 23.
H. C. Fox, 55, sec. 26, uw qr 20-15.
U. C. Bryant, 27.
J. F. Carter, 33, sec 26, sw qr 20-15.
Siindy Brown, 21.
Thomas Siililett, 22.
Lester Horn, 29.
J. D. Carpenter, 39, sec. 26. ne qr 20-15.
John W. Smith. 30. sec. 26, se qr 20-15.
F. C. Polk, 26.
L. M. Carter, 28.
A. C. Hunter. 22.
R. C. Graves, Jr., 21.
E. W. Hoch, 23, (afterwards became gov-
ernor of the the State of Kansas.)
C. H. Milton, 24.
C. H. Bates, 22.
J. A. Arnold, 21.
W. F. Hoch, 27.
Geo. M. Jackson, 31.
Bland Searce, 21.
Henry Lytle, 25.
Wm. M. Smith, 32.
M. L. Burks, 22.
Robert Heckle, 23.
Wm. Bahler, 24, sec. 14, ne qr 19-14.
John Reinecke, 30, sec. 10, se qr 19-14.
Mary Reinecke, 28.
Anna Reinecke, 4.
Louisa Reinecke, 2.
Mary Reinecke, 1.
Henry Schultz, 30, sec. 10 ne qr 19-14.
Wilhelmina Schultz, 28.
Louisa Schultz, 3.
Levi H. Lusk, 39. see. 3 sw qr and ne qr sec.
9 and see. 10, nw qr 19-14.
Orson Howard, 43, sec 6, nw qr 19-13.
B. F. Putman, 40, sec 4, sw qr, all of sec.
5 but ne qr.
O. Buckner, 35, sec. se 14.
M. Falkner, 30, sec 9, nw qr r 14.
Thomas McCoughan, 22.
James, Holland, 35.
Sarah Holland, 26.
Wm. H. Odell, 39, sec. 30, ne qr 10-3.
Melda Odell, 37.
George H. Odell, 17.
Charles S. Odell, 15.
Edward Odell, 11.
Thomas Mitchell, 14.
Ida A. Mitchell.
Mary B. Mitchell, 14.
Jessie Odell, 4.
John Typer, 40.
L. C. ZoUairs, 22.
Charlotte Zollairs, 22.
Ellsworth Zollairs, 10.
J. H. Taylor, 35.
S. H. Hedrick, 24. sec. 6, ne qr 19-14.
Lucy A. Hedrick, 22.
Wm. L. Hedrick, 1.
James Hart, 23 .
Charles Roudebush, 22, sec. 28, se qr 18-15.
George Reynolds, 25.
M. Brining, 21, sec. 30, se qr 18-15.
Charles B. Worden, 28, sec. 34. n hf nw qr
s. hf sw qr, sec 27.
C. F. Brining, 48, sec. 30, ne. <ir 18-15.
Christina Brining, 44.
Fred Brining, S.
Henry Brining, 5.
Rosa Brining, 11.
Christina Brining, 14.
Wm. W. Graham, 22, sec. 26 s. hf, sw iir and
n. hf nw qr sec 35.
Mary J. Graham, 18.
Marseue Graves, 35, sec. 28, n hf .<w qr and
s hf nw qr.
Julia Graves, 34.
Louisa Graves, 6.
Aster Graves, 2.
Henry Cyr, 22.
Andrew Albright. 46, sec. 29, nw. qr 18-15.
Wilhelmina Albright, 51.
Champ Mayfield.
Wm. Mayfield.
James Smith,
Sol. Basham.
Prudence EUer, 33.
Alex Keller, 33.
Margurite Keller, 12.
Margurite Keller, 12.
Catherine Keller, 8.
Charles H. Keller, 2.
James S. Hill, 35.
George Brandagee, 26.
Henry Thatcher, 23.
W. Stotts, 23.
E.G. Campbell, 33.
P. Q. Myers, 35.
George Lane, 22.
Hiram Collan, 25.
Henry Collan, 35.
A. L. Choat, 36.
L. T. Hedrick, 22.
W. G. Allen, 32.
Richard Sutton, 23.
Andrew Proctor, 22.
Nathan Field, 24, sec. 31, se qr 8-14.
George H. B;.rry, 24, sec. 33, sw 14.
Thomas Gibson 22, sec. 5. nc qr 19-14.
Henry Myers, 35, sec. 4, nw. (|r 19-14.
William Yontz, 30, sec. 4, i e. qr 19-14.
F. Warring, sec. 34, s hf, sw qr 18-14.
Ed Mecklem 22, sec. 3, nw. qr 19-14.
George P. Mecklem, 45, sec. 3, ne qr 19-14.
Antone Wilke, 25, sec. 3, se qr.
A. H. Annis, 49, sec. 3, sw, 19-14.
Sylvia A. Annis, 48.
E. K. Swan, 23, sec. 11, s hf sw qr 19-11.
Ellen Swan, 19.
J. .Moffat. 34, sec. 2. nw. qr 19-14.
R. Moffat, 37, sec. 2, ne qr 19-14.
Jessie, Swan, 1.
N. Douglass, 49, sec. 14, s hf, sw (ir and s
hf of e qr.
William L. Cotton, 27, sec. 14, ii lif sw qr and
n hf se qr 19-14.
William C. Gibson. 47 sec. 14, nc qr.
Mary A. Gibson, 47.
Jose|)h Gibson, 12.
James Gibson, 8.
Charles F. Kinney, 30, sec. 12, nw qr 19-14 w.
Marguerite J. Kinney, 18.
32
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
Cliurlos N. Kinney, 1.
Nalo McKown. 35, sec. 12, sw qr.
.Miiriha McKown, 3.
.Nancy .McKown, 3.
Hiram McKown, 1.
James McRoberts, 2'S, sec. 12, e. llf ol ne qr.
Saniantha McRoberts, 20.
Florence McRoberts, 1 .
John Gruber, 33, sec. 12, se. <|r 19-14.
Catherine Gruber, 32.
Antone Gruber, 12.
-Mar Gruber, 4.
Julius Both, 26, sec. 20, n. lif sw, (ir and s.
llf iiw (jr 19-15 w.
Anna Both, 24.
.Matilda Both, 2.
Henry Gien, 45, sec, S, nw. qr 19-13.
Elizabeth Gien, 40.
Harry Gien, 12.
Lizzie Gien, 9.
John Gien, 5.
Laura Gien, IS.
August Myers, 24, sec. 12, w. hf ne. iir 19-14.
Fred Strohmyer, 30, sec. 4, ne qr e. hf.
Frank Shyher, 27, sec, 4, nw. qr e. hf.
.\icl< Raefler, 24, sec. 4, ne. qr w. hf.
J :hn Cook, 33, sec. S, e. hf nw. qr w. hf ne qr.
William Cook, 23, sec. 8, sw qr.
Louisa Cook, 26.
John Cook, 5.
George Cook, 4 .
William Cook, 3.
Henry Cook, 1.
Jewel Lusher, 29, sec. 4, w. hf nw. qr.
James Moreland, 30, sec. 7, se. qr.
William Gilpin, 30, sec. 6, e. hf se. qr.
John Gilpin, 28, sec. 6, w. hf se. qr and e.
hf sw. qr.
John Dennis, 36, sec. 5, se. (ir l?-ri.
Xancy Dennis, 33.
Zura Cunningham, 11.
James Cunningham, 10.
Andrew Godsien, 33.
Clayton Zunzalcs, 37.
John W. Light, 24.
Zack Light, 19.
James Edwards, 19.
Clem Jones, 33.
Isaac Barry, 25, sec. 32, ne. qr 19-12.
.Nettie Buckbee, 20.
Titus Buckbee, 24.
Michael Stanto, 27, sec. 26, s. hf sc qr sec
35. n. hf ne. qr lS-15 w.
A. W. Strong, 51, sec. 2S, se qr 19-12.
Sarah C. Strong, 48.
Anna C. Strong. 17.
Wilkins A. Strong, 10.
R. A. Avery, 57.
Henry Beal. 2S, sec. 14, sw. c|r 19-15.
Sydney Sterling. 22. colored.
Charles Williams. 30, colored.
Frank Day, 26. sec. 34, ne. qr 19-13 w.
Percy Preston, 23.
John Roberts. 28.
Harland B. Truesdell, 23, sec. 28, sw. qr
19-13.
J. P. Brady, 26.
H. Davis, 27.
Trueman Foster, 30.
Phillip .Matthews, 35.
John .Morris, 24.
John Procter, 25, sec. 34, n. hf sw, qr and
u. hf se. qr 19-12.
John Williams, 23.
James Mulligan, 38.
E. Shaffer, 23.
James McWilliams, 40.
S. G. Cram, 23, sec. 26, nw. qr 19-12.
Cain Davis, 22.
J. T. Walker, 22, sec. 24, ne. qr 19-12.
Dave Grever, 23, sec. 32 nw (|r 19-12.
M. S. Strew, 33.
Sudan Strew, 23.
James Howard, 28, sec. 34, s. hf and n. hf
19-12.
Thomas Towers, 21, sec. 20.
Edward Reynolds, 36, sec. 14.
Mary Reynolds, 5.
Francis Reynolds, 21.
J. L. Reynolds. 41, sec. 23, w. hf.
Lydia M. Reynolds, 28.
Ada B. Reynolds, 12.
J. W. Mahan, 22.
James Cornwall, 57.
Jessie Morgan, 37.
John Riley, 24, sec. 24, se. qr 19-12.
A. J. Jamison, 36.
John L. Roberts, 34, sec. 24, sw. 19-12.
J. A. Moore, 24, sec. 24, nw. qr 19-12.
Ed .Martz, 37.
J. P. Farr.ow.
E. Waring. 32, sec. 34, sw. ffr 18-14 w.
Frank Phillips, 22, sec. 26, ne. qr 19-14.
Dave T. Spines, 27, sec. 26, sw. qr 19-14.
John A. Harbour, 22, sc. 6, ne. qr 19-13.
S. S. Dennis, 46, sec. 22, se. qr 19-13.
Bettie Dennis, 38.
Belle Dennis, 17.
Allen Dennis, 13.
Susan Dennis, 15.
McClellan Dennis, 9.
Prudence Dennis, 8.
Bettie Dennis, 7.
Emma Dennis. 6.
Nathaniel Dennis, 5, nw. qr sec. 20-19-14.
Nancy J. Dennis, 4.
Sheridan Dennis, 3.
Logan Dennis, 2.
James A. .McClellan, 29, sec. 20, ne. qr 19-13.
Lue A. McClellan, 27.
Fred A. McClellan. 3.
Edgar A. McClellan, 1.
Alfred Bellfield. 55.
.Mrs. Bellfield. 50.
Laura Bellfield. 12.
Edward Bellfield, 10.
John Bellfield, 7.
Robert Bellfield, 1.
Charles Bellfield. 14.
James R. Bickcrdyke, 22, sec. 18, se. qr. 19-13
Hiram Bickerdyke, sec. 32, sw. qr.
George Moses, 27, sec. 32, nw. qr.
John Tilton, 28. sec. 32, ne. qr.
Warren Peck. 24. sec. 20, nw. qr.
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
33
Nicholas Hauser, 25, sec. 20 se. qr.
Mrs. Addie Haouser, 23.
George Hauser, 1.
Nelson Carpenter, 35.
Mary E. Carpenter, 28.
Merrill Carpenter, 3.
John W. Pascoe, 38, sec. IS, n\v. (ir i;t-13.
Grace Pascoe.
Rebekah Pascoe, IS.
Paul J. Pascoe, 11.
Libby Pascoe, 9.
Worth J. Pascce, 5.
Maria L. Pascoe, 3.
Clara Pascoe, 1 .
E. L. Morphy, 31, sec. 30, nw. qr 19-13
A. B. Robinson, 28, sec. 2, sw. qr 20-14.
Albert Sloan, 31, sec. 26, se. qr 19-14.
R. Taylor, 25, (the tirst lumberman in the
country.)
C. A. Houston, 31.
S. S. Heath, 42.
William Ditts, 24.
George Yorksall, 22, sec. IS, ue. qr 19-13.
Alva Stanton, 23.
John Shepard, 22.
Simon Rilter, 42.
Erastus Propper, 22.
Caroline Rilter, 20.
Dona Rilter, 11.
Aliie Propper, 22.
Limon Wilsey, 20.
Frank Emery, 24.
Thomas Decker, 26.
Flora Propper, 5.
John D. Glenn, 45, sec. 20, sw. qr 19-13.
Clara M. Glenn, 45.
Mack B. Glenn, IS.
Mary E, Glenn, 15.
Leliah Glenn, 13.
Wni. T. Glenn, 11.
Byron O. Glenn, 8.
Kittle Glenn, 5.
Wm. J. Morgan.
Morgan Morgan.
John M. Williams.
Ivan Jones.
Wm. James.
Ellas Davis.
Eleanor Burnsides, 21.
Wm. Bell.
Richard E). Jones.
Daniel Gammon.
Charles Zeiber, 22, sec. IS, sw. qr 19-13.
Henry Shaffer, 3S. sec. 30, se. qr.
Mina Shaffer. 35.
August Shaffer, 13 .
Martha Shaffer, 2.
Henry Shridde, 35, sec. 6, n. hf n. qr and n.
hf ne. qr 20-13.
Mary Shridde, 30.
Anna Shridde, 13.
Sophia, Shridde, 7.
Henry Shridde, 4 .
William Shridde, 1.
William H. Lette, 25.
A. A. Hurd, 25.
Theo. Hurd, 50.
James McFarren, 32.
G. L. Brinkman, 31.
James Rice, 32.
Mrs. Rice.
Louis P. Frey, 27, sec. 24, se. qr 19-14.
Kate Frey, 27.
Wm. W. Hartshorn, 25, sec. 2, ne. qr.
Lucy Hartshorn, 22.
Eliza Hartshorn, 60, sec. 10, nw. (ir 20-14.
Charles Ross, 5.
Henry Fruit, 29, sec. 10, ne. qr 20-14.
James G. Pounds, 22, sec. 22, se. qr 19-14.
Thomas Frey, 25, sec. 24, sw. qr 19-14.
Paul Schneek, 33, sec. 24, ne. qr 19-14.
Melissa Schneek, 2S.
1-eona Schneek, 4.
Lizzie Schneek, 2.
I-uther Frost, 22, sec. 9, se. qr 20-14.
Lydia E. Frost 21.
Arthur Frost, 1.
Reuben Fry, 32, sec. 24, nw. qr 19-14.
Alice Frey, 24.
Arthur Frey 4.
Antone Breuner, 28.
Edward Tyler, 28, sec. 2, nw. qr 20-14 .
Lydia Tyler, 26.
Leroy Tyler, 5.
Carrie Tyler, 3.
Barnum Tyler, 1.
A. Giddons. 24, sec. 34, se. qr 19-14.
Robert Johnson, 30.
Dan Rasure.
F. Word.
E. H. Vauness, 28.
M. Michael.
A. Parker.
J. McRea.
Charles Cemester.
N. C. Calhoun.
M. J. Koones.
Ed. S. Stone, 28.
G. L. Stone, 40, sec. 32 se. 19-13.
Jane Stone, 38.
Georgia Stone, 16.
DoUa Stone, 14.
Josie Stone, S.
C. W. Wiley, 38.
Emma P. Wiley, 28.
Ida B. Wiley, 10.
William Bruner, 45.
Thomas Keogh, 25.
James Keogh, 28.
Charles Minor, 23.
Frank Wo"d, 35.
J. C. Brien, 37.
George Wilkins, 26.
Abe. Cutler, 38.
Louisa Cutler, 30.
George Cutler, 12.
Captain Eddy, wife and child.
Charles Adams, 24.
James P. Davis, 38.
James O'Neil, 21.
David Wheeler, 22.
John Bagley, 35.
M. E. Welsh, 28.
Maggie S. Welsh, 27.
34
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
Maiifonl Welsh, 3.
KobiMt FiirrouKli. 'i'^-
SusMii J. Furrow, 33.
William X. Furrow, 12.
Ida B. Furrow. 10.
Alice 1. Furrow, 4.
Clara E. Furrow, 1.
U. Bowles, 22.
W. K. Smith, 28.
George Murray, 22.
John Relay, 24.
L". E. Price, 35.
Harry Lovete, 25.
Sarah Carver, 25.
Jennie, Ziegler, 17.
George Towers, 21, sec. 12, se. qr i;i-13.
Maria A. Towers. 2S.
L-.tlie Towers, 5.
Frank Towers, 3.
E. V. Rcuger, 40, sec. 20, sw. qr 19-12.
.Maria Reugor, 30.
Emmet Reuger, 3.
Ella Reuger, 3.
Marguerite Reuger, SO.
Andrew McKinney. 36, sec. 28, ne. qr l'J-12.
Maria McKinney. 30.
Liberty McKinney, 11.
Mary B. McKinney, T.
Frank .McKinney, 7.
Charles McKinney 4.
Flora McKinney, 1.
Arthur V. Halley, 27, sec. 30, sw. qr 19-11.
George Halley, 22, sec. 30, se. qr 19-11.
William Hager, 24, sec. 26, se. qr 10-12.
John Halpin. 40.
Cyrus Winston, 24.
A. Burlinson, 29, sec. 32 nw. qr 19-11.
Mrs, W. W. Burlison, 28.
Sarah J. Burlison, 3.
Thomas Corbitt, 60, sec. 20, sw. qr 19-11 .
Albert G. Corbitt, 30, sec. 20, se. (ir.
Mrs. Corbitt, 60.
Miss Corbitt. 21, sec. 20, nw. qr.
Erastus Carriens, 30, sec. 6, n. ht ne. (ir and
se. qr of ne. qr and ne. qr of the n qr 20-11.
William H. Grant, 21, sec. 32 ne. qr 19-11.
Wilton W, Halsoy. 30, sec. 32. sw. qr 19-11.
.Mary Halsey, 27.
Ellsworth Halsey, 11.
Wallace Halsey, 5.
Eslella Halsey, 2.
W. W. Halsey. 32, sec. 32, sc qr 19-11.
Mary P. Halsey, 30.
Eliza C. Halsey, 4.
William C. Halsey, 2.
Michael Murphy, 26.
George Laws, 20.
John Lissur. 22.
Lawrence Baily. IS.
Alonzo Baily, 26.
James Broderick. 28.
James McCarthy. 23.
William Burke. 24.
Marion Whitney. 22.
W. H. Smith, 24.
I..ee M. Collins, 35, sec. 4. n. hf se. qr and s.
ht ne. qr. 20-11 w.
LafT Shouse. 23, sec. 12. nw. qr 20-11.
Sarah Shouse, 18.
l^alT Shouse, Jr., 1 .
Emanuel Uubbs, 29.
.Noah Broonibangh, 25.
Francis Hroombaugh. 21.
Angelina Uubbs, 21, wife and iliild.
Liiella Bro:;mbaugh, 2.
John Dinsmore, 21.
.M. Black, 30, sec. 2, w. hf, sw (ir and s hf
nw. qr 20-11.
J. M. Reaugh, 53, sec. 10, ne. qr 20-11.
Melissa Reaugh, 47.
John T. Reaugh, 25.
Clarke Reaugh, 22.
Ellen Reaugh, 19.
Addie Reaugh, 17.
Laura Reaugh, 29.
David Reaugh, 4.
E. L. Houston. 32, sec. 12, ne. qr 20-11.
Carrie Houston, 30.
James W. Houston, 7.
Frank Houston, 2.
Lena Houston. 1.
Charles Meacham, 35, sec. 12, se. iir 20-11.
Mary Meacham, 34, (five girls and on boy. I
Lute Bannon. sec. 12, sw. qr 20-11.
Robert Dickenson, 42, sec. 2, ne. qr 20-11.
Henry Huffines. 32, sec. 22, ne. qr 10-14.
S. S. Hutchinson, 36, sec. 34, se. qr 19-11.
William W. Hutchis:;n, 12.
C. L. V. Hutchison, 10.
L. L. Hutchison, 7.
J. C. Hutchison, 4.
Dan Dodge, Sr., 53, sec. 34, sw. qr 19-U
Dan Dodge, Jr., 7.
Josiah Carr, 28, sec. 34, nw. (ir 19-11.
Elizebeth Carr. 25.
Ollie Belle Carr, 5.
Hattie Carr, 3.
William Wiley, 23. sec. 34. no. qr 10-11.
Seth D. Hubbard, 24.
C. J. Hilt, 21.
T. L. Morton. 35, sec. 14, se. (|r 19-15.
C. J. Whitney, 23.
W. Leak, 31, sec. 32.
.\elson H. Ritchie, 32, sec. 32. se. qr.
Henry Dacus, 24.
A. J. Jones. 30.
J. C. Fairchild, 22.
Michael Riney, 21.
Charles Anderson, 27.
Peter Brown, 29.
John Riney, 28.
Cleia Rine.v, 30.
J. C. Martin, 60.
B. Cullen, 35.
.Mi ram Brooks. 26.
Ellen Brooks.
Carrie E. Brooks.
William Magova. 28.
Martha A. Smith. 36.
Thinas T. Smith. 13.
Anna C. Smith. 11 .
Charles B. Smith. .
James L. Smith. 4.
Rasa Smith, 1.
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
35
Leslie B. Smith, 7.
Dannie Jackson, 28.
James Jacl<son, 7.
Tliomas Jacltson, 4.
William Cornwall. U.
Bettie Cornwall. 12.
Thomas Cornwall, IS.
Mrs. Cornwall, 50.
George Cooper, 22.
T. Baker, 25.
R. C. Jackson, 33 .
S. E. Day, wife and two clnlilrcn.
Thomas King, 40.
Biddie King, 38.
ThoTnas Carroll, 8.
OFFICIALS OF BARTON COUNTY FROM 1872 TO 1912
The following list gives the names of all
people who have served Barton County in
public offices eince the county was organized
in 1S72, together with the time cf their elec-
tion or appointment:
COMMISSIONERS— FIRST DISTRICT.
May 16, 1872— Thomas L. Morris— Appoint-
ed si)ecial commissioner by Governor .Tames
M. Harvey.
July 1, 1872— M. W. Halsey.
Nov. 5, 1872— M. W. Halsey.
Nov. 4, 1873 — J. L. Roberts— Resigned.
N:.v. 3, 1S74— A. R. Heckensmith — Appoint-
ed .May 29, 1875 to fill the vacancy caused by
resignation of J. L. Roberts.
Nov. 2, 1875 — Wm. Wintermantel.
Nov. 6, 1877— H. S. Williams.
Nov. 5, 1878— J. T. Spring.
Nov. 8, 1881— H. J. Roetzel.
Nov. 4. 1884— H. J. Roetzel — Resigned.
Jan. 17, 18S7— C. A. Willms — Appointed to
fill vacancy caused by the resignation of H.
J. Roetzel.
Nov. 8, 1887— Henry Langford.
N.v. 4. 1890— Joseph Strothman.
Nov. 7, 1893- C. D. Montgomery.
Nov. 3, 1896— Matt Dick.
Nov. 7, 1899— Matt Dick.
Nov. 4, 1902— \V. B. Pickerel 1.
Nov. 3. 1906— N. W. Klepper.
Nov. 8, 1910— .Matt Dick,
COMMISSIONERS— SECOND DISTRICT.
May 16, 1872— John H. Hubbard— Appointed
special commissioner by Governor James M.
Harvey.
July 1, 1872— John Cook.
Nov. 5, 1872— John Cock.
Nov. 4. 1873— John M. Taylor.
Nov. 3, 1874— C. M. Fessler— Resigned June
17, 1875.
June 17, 1875- S. S. Dennis— Appointed to
fill vacancy caused by resignation of C. M.
Fessler.
Nov. 2, 1875- G. N. Moses.
Nov. 6, 1877 — P. G. Bonewitz.
Nov. 4, 1879— R. C. Bailey.
Nov. 7, 1882 — J. K. Humphrey.
Nov. 3, 1885— W. W. Carney.
Nov. 6, 1888— G. N. M^ses.
Nov. 3, 1891— C. L. Moses.
Nov. 6, 1894— C. L. Moses.
Nov. 7, 1897- Theodore Griffith.
Nov. 7, 1899— Chas. E. Dodge— Appointed to
fill vacancy caused by resignation of Theo.
Griffith,
Nov. 6, 1900— S. S. Shattnck.
Nov. 3, 190S— Frank Wood.
COMMISSONERS— THIRD DISTRICT.
May 16, 1872 — Geo. .M. Berry — AppLinted
special commissioner by Governor Janns M.
Harvey.
July 1, 1872— L. H. Lusk.
Nov. 5, 1872— L. H. Lusk.
Nov. 4, 1873— C. B. Worden.
Nov. 2, 1875 — J. Zimmer.
Nov. C, 1877 — B. I. Dawson.
Nov. 2, 1880— C. Williams.
Nov. 6, 1883 — Henry Schwier.
Nov. 2, 1886— Henry Schwier.
Nov. 8, 1889- C. Coughlin.
Oct. 17, 1891— D. O. Gray— Appointed to fill
vacancy caused by death of C. Coughlin.
Nov. 3, 1891— W. P. Bruce.
Ngv. 2, 1892— W. P. Bruce.
Nov. 5, 1895 — Thomas Harper.
July 6, 1896- J. W. Howard— Appointed to
fill vacancy caused by death of Thomas Har-
per.
Nov. 3, IS96— H. C. Merhoff.
Aug. 31, 1898 — Robert Merten— Appointed to
fill vacancy caused by death ot II. C. Merhoff.
Nov. 8, 1898- J. Zimmer.
Nov. 8, 1901— T. C. Brown.
Nov. 8, 1904— S. J. Williams.
Nov. 3, 1908— P. E. Murphy.
COUNTY CLERKS.
May 16, 1872— W. H. Odell— Appcinted spe-
cial clerk by Governor James M. Harvey.
July 1, 1872— W. H. Odell.
Nov. 5, 1872— W. H. Odell.
Nov. 4, 1873— W. H. Odell.
Nov. 2, 1875— M. C. Campbell.
Nov. 6. 1877— Ira D. Brngher.
Nov. 4, 1879— Ira D. Brougher.
Nov. 8, 1881— Ira D. Brougher.
Nov. 6, 1883- E. L. Teed.
Nov. 3, 1885— E. L. Teed.
Nov. 8, 1SS7— D. R. Jones.
Nov. 8, 1889- D. R. Jones.
Nov. 3, 1S91JR. P. Typer.
Nov. 7, 1893- R. P. Typer.
Nov. 5. 1895— M. B. Fitts.
X v. 7, 1897— M. B. Fitts.
Nov. 7, 1899- F. M. Lutschg.
Nov. 8, 1904— H. D. Ashpole.
Nov. 3, 1906— H. D. Ashpole.
Nov. 3, 1908- C. F. Younkin.
36
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
Nov. S, I'.IU).- C. F. Younkin.
TRKASl'KERS.
July 1, 1S72— E. L. Morphy.
Nov. 5, 1872— E. U Mohpliy.
Nov. 4, 1S73— A. W. Gray.
Nov. 2, 1875— A. W. Gray.
Nov. 6, 1S77 — John Alefs.
Nov. 8, 1881— Cal Weaver.
Nov. G, 1883— U F. Weaver.
Nov. 3, 1885- L. F. Weaver.
Nov. 8, 1887— L. M. Krause.
Nov. 8, 1889— L. M. Krause.
Nov. 3, 1891— D. nosse.
Nov. 7, 1893— F. H. Miller.
Nov. 5, 1895— D. Bossc.
Nov. 7, 1897— D. Bosse.
Nov. 7, 1899- Theo. Griffith.
Nov. 8, 1901— R. C. Bailey— Ai)i>oiiitod lo fill
vacancy caused hy resignation of Theo. Grif-
fith.
Nov. 4, 1902 — E. E. Epperson — Short term.
Nov. 8, 1904— Frank Millard.
Nov. 3, 1906— Frank Milliird.
Nov. 3, 1908- J. \V. Sodderstrom.
Nov. 8, 1910— J. W. Soderstroni.
SHERIFF'S.
July 1, 1S72 — G. N. Moses.
Nov. 5, 1872— G. N. Moses.
Nov. 4, 1873 — G. N. Moses.
Nov. 2, 1875— W. W. Winstead.
Nov. 6, 1877— W. W. Winstead.
Nov. 4, 1879— M. Gillmore.
Nov. 8, 1881- M. Gillmore.
Nov. 6, 1883— J. S. Dalziel.
Nov. 3, 1885— J. S. Dalziel.
Nov. 8, 1887- F. D. Wilson.
Nov. 8, 1889- F. U. Wilson.
Nov. 3, 1S91— G. J. Spencer.
Nov. 7, 1893— G. J. Spencer.
Nov. 5, 1895— L. P. Aber.
Nov. 7, 1897— L. P. Aber.
Nov. 7, 1899— J. R. Johnson.
Nov. 4, 1902— J. R. Johnson.
Dec. 28, 1903— W. R. Bunlins;— Appointed
to fill vacancy caused by death of J. K.
Johnson.
Nov. 8, 1904— J. S. Dalziel.
Nov. 3, 1906— J. S. Danziel.
Nov. 3, 1908— M. Dailey.
Nov. 8, 1910— M. Dailey.
REGISTERS OF DEEDS.
July 1, 1872— T. L. Morris.
Nov. 5, 1872— D. N. Heizer.
Nov. 4. 1873— C. E. Dodge.
Nov. 2, 1875— C. E. Dodge.
Nov. 6, 1877— C. E. Dodge.
Nov. 4, 1879— C. E. Dodge.
Nov. 8, 1881- C. E. Dodge.
Nov. 6, 1883— C. E. Dodge.
Nov. 3, 1885— C. E. Dodge.
Nov. 8, 1887— F. G. Strothman.
Nov. 3, 1891- F. G. Strothman.
Nov. 7, 1893— Henry Klein.
Nov. 5, 1895 — Henry Klein.
Nov. 7, 1897— E. S. Brodie.
Nov. 7, 1899- E. S. Brodie.
Nov. 8, 1891— Flora A. Smith.
Nov. 8, 1904— Flora A. Smith.
Nov. 3, 1906— E. E. Epperson.
Nov. 3, 1908— E. E. Epperson.
Nov. 8, 1910— E. E. Epperson.
COUNTY ATTORNEYS.
July 1, 1872— J. B. Howard.
Nov. 5, 1872— G. W. Niinocks.
Nov. 3, 1874— G. W. Nimocks.
1876— S. J. Day.
Nov. 5, 1878- S. J. Day.
Nov. 2, 1880— G. W. Nimocks.
Nov. 7, 1882— C. F Diffenbacher.
Nov. 4, 1884— C. F. Diffenbacher.
Nov. 2, 1886— E. C. Cole.
Nov. 6, 1888— E. C. Cole.
Nov. 4, 1890— E. L. Hotchkiss.
Nov. 2, 1892- E. U Hotchkiss.
Nov. 6, 1894— G. W. Nimocks.
Nov. 3, 1896— C. F. Diffenbacher.
Nov. 8, 1898— C. F. Diffenbacher
Nov. 6, 1900— J. W. Clarke.
Nov. 8, 1904— P. C. Kopplin.
Nov. 3, 1906— J. W. Clark(>.
Nov. 3, 1908— J. W. Clarke.
Nov. 8, 1910— R. C. Russell.
SURVEYORS.
July 1, 1872 — John Fanrow.
Nov. 5, 1872— J. B. Howard.
Nov. 4, 1873— J. B. Howard.
Nov. 2, 1875 — C. Chamberlain.
Nov. 6, 1877 — C. Chamberlain.
Nov. 4, 1879 — C. Q. Newcombe.
Nov. 8, 1S81— C. Q. Newcombe.
Nov. 6, 1883- Byron Majors.
Nov. 3, 1885— C. Q. Newcombe.
Nov. 8, 1887— B. Markey.
Nov. 8, 1889— B. Markey.
Nov. 3, 1891— S. A. Newcombe.
Nov. 7, 1893 — S. A. Newcombe.
Nov. 5, 1895 — S. A. Newcombe.
Nov. 7, 1897 — S. A. Newcombe.
Nov. 7, 1899- S. A. Newcombe.
Nov. 8, 1904 — S. A. Newcombe.
Nov. 3, 1906— S. A. Newcombe.
Nov. 8, 1910 — S. A. Newcombe.
COUNTY SIPERINTENUENTS.
July 1. 1872— A. C. M'ses.
Nov. 5, 1872- J. R. McClellan.
Nov. 3, 1874- H. A. Brundidgc
1876- Win. Chalfant.
Nov. 5, 1878- Wm. Chalfant.
Nov. 2, 1880- L. Baldwin.
Nov. 7, 1882- C. C. Wolfe.
Nov. 4, 1884— L. Baldwin.
Nov. 2, 1886— C. C. Wolfe.
Nov. 6, 1888— W. H. Grant.
Nov. 4, 1890— A. McTaggart.
Nov. 2, 1892— F. G. McKinney.
Nov. 6, 1894— F. G. McKinney.
Nov. 3, 1896- M. L. Harrison.
Nov. 8, 1898- M. L. Harrison.
Nov. 6, 1900— Ben Hennessy.
Nov. 8, 1901— C. R. Aldrich- Appointed to
fill vacancy caused liy the resignation of Ben
Hennessy.
Nov. 4, 1902— C. R. Aldrich.
Nov. 8, 1904— C. R. Aldrich.
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
37
Nov. 3, 1906— Ed Opie.
Nov. 3, 190S— Ed Opie.
Nov. S, 1910 — Jennie B. Momyer.
CLERKS OF THE DISTRICT.
July 1, 1S72— J. B. Howard.
Nov. 5, 1872— T. C. Polk.
Nov. 4, 1S73— T. C. Polk.
Nov 1876- C. Faiissel.
Nov. 5, 1S7S— J. J. McCIimans.
Nov. 4, 1879 — A. C. Scliermerlioni.
Nov. 2, 1880- A. C. Schermei-lr;.rn.
Nov. 7, 1882 — A. C. Schermerhoni.
Nov. 2. 1SS6— Ira D. Broiiglier.
Nov. 6, 1888— W. R. Bunting.
Nov. 4, 1890— W. R. Bunting.
Nov. 2, 1892— R. A. Charles.
Nov. G. 1894— R. A. Charles.
Nov. 3, 1896— F. G. Strothman.
Nov. 8. 1S9S— F. G. Strothman.
Nov. C, 1900— W. B. Lucas.
Nov. 8, 1904— Sam Kellani.
Nov. 3, 1906— Sam Kellani.
Nov. 3, 1908- Sam Kellam.
Nov. 8, 1910 — Sam Kellam.
PROBATE JUDGES.
July 1, 1872— D. N. Heizer.
Nov. 5, 1872— T. S. Morton.
Nov. 3, 1874- E. L. Chapman.
Nov. .., 1876 — E. L. Chapman.
Nov. 6, 1877 — E. L. Chaiimau.
Nov. 5, 1878 — E. 1.1. Chapman.
Nov. 2, 1880 — E. L. Chapman — Resigned to
become postmaster.
Oct. 1, 1881 — James Clayton — Appointed by
Governor.
Nov. 7, 1882- G. Toepke.
Nov. 2, 1886- B. F. Ogle.
Nov. 6, 1888- B. F. Ogle.
-Nov. 4, 1890— T. H. Brewer.
NoV. 2, 1892— T. H. Brewer.
Nov. 6, 1894— H. McCorkle.
Nov. 3, 1896- L. C. Breeden.
Nov. 8, 1898- L. C. Breeden.
Nov. 6, 1900— W. P. Feder.
Nov. 8, 1904— W. Torrey.
Nov. 3, 1906- W. Torrey.
Nov. 3, 190S— H. A. Hall.
Nov. S, 1910— H. A. Hall.
REPRESENTATIVES.
Nov. .'■). 1872- G. L. Brinknian.
Nov.
4, 1873- J. T. Cummings.
Nov.
3, 1874- G. L. Brinkman.
Nov.
2, 1875- C. J. Frey.
Nov.
, 1876— W. H. Keeney.
Nov.
6, 1S77— G. L. Brinknuui.
Nov.
4, 1879- D. N. Heizer.
Nov.
7, 1882— J. U. Bain.
N»>v.
4, 1884— W. H. Campbell.
Ncv.
2, 1886- H. J. Roetzel.
Nov.
6, 1888- W. H. Rice.
Nov.
4, 1890— M. W. Cobun.
Nov.
2, 1892— M. W. Cobun.
Nov.
6, 1894— E. C. Cole.
Nov.
5, 1895— B. F. Lorimer.
Nov.
3, 1896— Isora Wright.
Nov.
8, 1898- Isom Wright.
Nov.
6, 1900— M. W. Cobun.
Nov.
4, 1902 — Henry Langfield.
Nov.
8, 1904— Bert Steckel.
Nov.
3, 1906— W. M. Chatten.
Nov.
3, 190S— W. P. Feder.
Nov.
8, 1910— W. P. Feder.
CORONERS.
July
1, 1872— D. B. Baker.
Nuv.
5, 1872— A. W. Strong.
Nov.
4, 1873— J. D. Bain.
Nov.
2, 1875- A. C. Moses.
Nov.
6, 1877— B. S. Lewis.
Nov.
4, 1879— Frank Lightfoot.
Nov.
8, 1881- J. D. Bain.
Nov.
6, 1883- S. J. Shaw.
Nov.
3, 1885— S. J. Shaw.
Nov.
8, 1887— S. J. Shaw.
Nov.
8, 1889- J. R. Mcllvaine.
Nov.
4, 1890— D. B. Shant.
-Nov.
3, 1891— A. R. Lash.
Nov.
7, 1893— G. L. Koch.
Nov.
5, 1895— S. J. Shaw.
Nov.
7, 1897— S. J. Shaw.
Nov,
. 7, 1899- G. L. Koch.
Nov,
, S, 1904— E. E. Morrison.
Nov.
3, 1908- F. L. McCauley.
Nov,
. S, 1910— F. L. McCauley.
COUiXTY PRINTERS.
Nov,
, G, 1900 — D. T. Armstrong.
Nov
, 4. 1902— D. T. Armstrong.
March 2, 1903- W. E. Stoke— Appoint
.\ov
. 8, 1904— W. L. Townsley.
Nov
. 3, 1906 — W. L. Townsley.
Nov
. 3, 1908— Roy Corneliu.i.
Nov
. 8, 1910— Roy Cornelius.
AN EARLY DAY INCIDENT
By Edwin Tyler
W.\Y back in the early days when George
N. Moses was sheriff of the county.
Great Bend at that time was the stop-
ping place of notorious bad men. It was in
1873 that Harry Lovet then of New'ton, came
to Great Bend with an outfit consisting of the
remnants of a dance hall which he had op-
erated at Newton. The town company would
not let him have a lot but he managed to get
in debt to Colonel Tom Stone, refused to pay
him and hiked for Dodge City. The sheriff
(George Moses) told the Colonel to get him a
pony. Mounting the pony and w'ith his old
needle gun ready for action he went west on
the trail like greased lightning. After reach-
ing a point about where Henry Fruit's farm
is located George overtook Lovet's outfit. Dis-
mounting and leveling the needle gun at Lovet
he ordered him to hold his hands up. Lovot
raised his hands and asked; "What is wanted?"
George said, "I want that money you owe Tom
38
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
stone." "Then come uiid get it." said I..ovet,
and George g;t it.
On another oecasion a man by ihe name of
Crockett was in town and said he was looking
for the marslial, that he had three of them lo
his credit and tliat he was a danger.;ns man
to trifle with. George Moses was notified and
being the sheriff he went out to l:ok for
Crockett. He met him on the street, walk^^d
up to him and said: "How do you do?" Crock-
ett stuck out his hand, and as he did so
George grasped it and with a quick wrencli
threw the man to the ground, disarmed him
and took him to jail. The next morning the
fellcw had sobered up and George gave him
back his gun and told him the next lime lie
came to town to keep sober and keep out of
trouble.
IRRIGATION CAMPAIGN BEGAN IN GREAT BEND
IT is not a generally known fact that the
big irrigation projects that have been suc-
cessfully completed in the western part
cf the state are due in a large measure to the
action of the first meeting of irrigati nists in
this part of the country which was held in
Great Bend.
The irrigation campaign lliat swei)t over
this western country was started by Lutellus
Baldwin at Great Bend, Kansas, on July ITtn,
1S93, by calling a meeting of the citizens to
consider the subject of irrigation. Previous
to that time he had been carrying on a general
agitation on the subject anicng the people, in
this portion of Kansas, endeavoring to arouse
interest in the subject. A dozen or more far-
mers, editors and other citizens attended this
meeting, and some scoffed at the idea but an
interest was aroused. .Mr. Baldwin then called
a delegate convention to meet at Great Bend
tn the 7th of August following. This conven-
tion was called to order by Lutellus Bald-
win, who read the call and organized the con-
vention and handed it over to its officers, D.
-M. Frost of Garden City and F. B. Cowgill of
Topeka, president and secretary respectively.
This meeting was well attended, representa-
tives being present from all parts of Kansas,
and much enthusiasm was shown. This meet-
ing was followed by meetings at Salina, Wich-
ita, Omaha and by a large meeting at Los An-
geles, California, at which meeting the Kan-
sas delegation took a prominent part. At this
meeting the name ".Xational Irrigation Con-
gress" was adopted at the suggestion of the
Kansas delegation.
CATHOLIC CHURCHES OF BARTON COUNTY
Great Bend Church
As early as 1S77, Rev. Father Swenberg
used to come from .\ewton to visit the missions
of Barton County, among which was Great
Bend. A little later on, Rev. B. Wolf, a Ben-
edictine, who was stationed at Windhorst, Ford
County, took charge of the Great Bend mis-
sion and built a church. From 1SS2 to ioiSo,
Father Epp attended from EUinwo d. Vaen
came Father Dissolkamp, who is credited with
moving the church to its present site and ren-
honored with the 1912 State Convention.
ovating its interior. From 1SS5 on. Great Bend
has had as resident priests Rev . Fathers
Walsh, Kelly. Brown, Podgorsek, Wiersma,
Shutz, OSullivan and Hermann. The present
pastor is Father Hull, who has been here t.vo
years. There are about 40 families in the
I'arish and it is the expectation to erect soon
a new and larger church. The Knights of
Columbus have a flourishing council au>l were
honored with the 1912 State Convention.
Odin Church
The first church, St. Mary's, at Odin, was
built in 1878 by Father Hundhauseii, wro vis-
ited once a month from Kllinwood. Rev. J. C.
Schurz visited for a while. In ISSl Father
Emmerich came to reside. He built the rec-
tory and the first school, and started on the
new church. Father Heiman was appointed
in 1S96 and under him the new $30,000 stone
church was completed. Rev. B. Drath sup-
plied for a year. Father Heiman returned and
set to work to build the $20,000 scho:l, which
was completed in 190S. The present pastor.
Father Xiederprum, has been in charge two
years. The Sisters of St. Iiomiiiic manage the
school, SO children attending. There are over
100 families in this prosperous parish.
Claflin Church
At the time the M. P. R. R. was run through
this section, the Catholics around Claflin built
a school house, where Father Emmerich held
regular services, until Fathers Heiman and
Drath built the present beautiful church in
1905. It cost about $4,000. Rev. Reinschmidt
was Ihe first resident pastor, and a cosy home
was purchased for him. Rev. Joyce, Ihe noted
entertainer, enlivened the neighborhood for
two years and then went to cheer the Soldiers
in Ihe U. S. army as a chaplain. Fathers
Heiman and O'SuIlivan visited for a while, till
the appointment of Father McErlane, the pres-
ent rector. The parish contains thirty-five
families.
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
39
Dubuque C h u r c 1:
A small churcli, namrd after St. Catlierino,
was erected in 1SS2 by Father Emmerich, who
continued to visit regularly till 1S96. Previous
to his coming, during ISSl, Rev. Lager held
services in a school house. Rev. Dragun at-
tended for a year from Wilson. After Father
Emmerich, it was visited by Father Heiman.
who began the construction of a new church.
In IS'is Father Hermanns came to reside. He
coiitinued tlie building of the new church, and
liut up a comfortable home. After nine years
of devoted service, he resigned his place to
Rev. J. Birrenbach. The old church happened
to burn down. The new one was then s ;on
Hnished. It had been a mighty task for the 7.".
families of the parish to raise th> necessary
■|5,UU0.
Ellinwood
The old St. .Toseph's church v. as staned in
1S7, when Father Swenborgh of Newton vis-
ited occasionally. In 1S78 Rev. Emmer came
to reside and was succeeded the same year by
Father Hundhausen, who built the first priest's
rectory n:w serves for a convent. There are
over a 100 substantial, German families in the
l)arish and in the school, taught by Sisters of
the Preci.:us Blood, 60 pupils. There is a
council of the Knights of Columbus, who have
tWi
■.li^**'«?«.' F. -
Ellinwood (liurfli
house. Rev. ,J. C. Schurz came in isso aiul
was followed by Father Epp in 1.SS2. He had
the first school built. In 1S96 came Father
Emmerich, under whose able administration a
new church, rectory, and school have replaced
the old ones at an outlay of $50,000. The old
erected a $20,000 hall. In the towering spire of
I he church is a large town clock donated by
the citizens, which autonuUically rings the
bells at the appointed intervals of the day and
night.
40
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
St. Peter and Paul's Church Five Miles North of Ellinwoorl
The first church at St. Peter and Paul's was
built in 1877, by Father Swcnborgh, and was
attended from EUinwood. In 1SS2 Father Epp
established a school and erected the hand-
some brick church. Rev. B. Disselkanip was
the first resident pastor and i)ut up the pres-
ent rectory in 1.S9S. After two years under
Rev. J. Mantz, came Father Weichinann. who
enlarged the school and added a new sanctuary
on the church. Rev. J. Bast is now caring for
the 75 families of the parish and the school is
fl::urishing under the management of the Sis-
ters.
Olmit'/. Church
As early as 1878, Olmitz was visited once a
month by Rev. B. Wolf, a member cf the Ben-
edictine Order. In ISSl Father Kmmerich b<-
gan to come from Odin and in 1S<S2 he built
the first church. The next year Father Dis-
selkamp came to reside. His successors weve
Rev. Dr. Dipolder, Hartniann and Sklenar.
After the building through of the M. P. R. U.
the church was moved to town. Father Huna,
who has been fourteen years at Olmitz, has
been an active supervisor. He has enlarged
iind decorated the church, built a rectory and
a convent. He is very interested in his school
and entrusts it with the Sisters of the Pre-
cious Blood. The 100 families of his congre-
gation are of German, Bohemian and Irish
descent.
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
41
Hoisington Catholic Church
Shortly after the building of the M. P. R. R.
Rev. Emmerich used to hold services at diff t-
ent houses in Hoisingtm. Later, Father Kelly
of Hutchinson attended and built the first
church. It was afterAards supplied from
Great Bend and has been visited by Fathers
Podgoi'.sfk. Wiiina, Scliutz. Hernianiis and
O'Sullivan. The last named built a beautiful
rectory and took U|) his residence in it six
years ago. He has added to his great achiovo-
ments by the erection of a $i;o.(l(t(l church, the
grandest structure in the town.
THE BLIZZARD OF 1871
EnWl.X TYLER, one of the best known of
Barton County's old timers, tells in bis
own way about the big blizzard that
visited this section in 1871. "1 had been here
but a short time and had but forty-five dollars
in money, a second-class team, a ten dolbir
wagon, a good wife and three children. 1 had
failed as a buffalo hunter and as that occupa-
tion offered about the only means of getting
money, the outlook for me was anything but
bright. However, I had come to Kansas fu-
my health, and by the way was only one here
for that purpose. I looked forward to better
things. A few days after my arrival in Great
Bend, Lute Morris said to me, 'you had bet-
ter take a lot,' and he also stated that the
terms would be one dollar dawn. He also
added that I could build a house within sixty
days. I selected a lot. About this time Judge
Morton came with a pocket f\ill of money and
began to buy teams for buffalo hunting I sold
him mine for $250.00. This money enabled nje
to build a little house and live until spring. .Mr.
Odell had a house on the Hess quarter 12 by
14 about a half mile east of the cemetery. The
house had no floor and the walls were held
together by bolts. He said to me that if I
wanted to I could live in his house until
si)ring as he was going back east. I m:;vcd
what few things I had and myself and faniil.\
took up our residence there. The weather had
been fine up to that time, similar to other
mild winters since. November 17, 1S71, dawn-
ed bright and clear. Rube Frey went by the
house that morning without his coat and asked
me to go with him to Dry creek for a load of
wood, but Mrs. Tyler was afraid of the Indians
S3 I stayed at home. About nine o'clock the
wind began to blow and I have never been in
such a hazy atmosphere as that which sur-
rounded us that morning. It grew colder and
the wind grew worse, increasing every minute,
and very soon I saw Rube Frey and team com-
ing down the trail at a two-forty clip. He
stopped at the house and came in to get warm.
We began to crack jokes. He and I had served
three years in the same regiment in the war
and things had to lo.ok mighty blue if we could
not joke a little. He soon departed for his
house. Shortly after noon the sleet, snovi-,
mist and hail struck us with great force. By
three o'clock it became so dark that it was im-
possible to distinguish objects ten feet away.
Myself and family huddled inside the house and
Icoked at each other, being in no mood for
conversation. We could not keep warm and
42
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
every minute expected the shanty to blow over,
but the house had been securely fastened 'u
posts sunk deei) into the ground and had it
not been for this fact 1 guess we would have
been victims of the storm. Luckily my w;f.?
had brought along two feather beds and I had
included in my pack a c:;uple of tarpaulins
such as are used in the army. With Ihese »•.?
made a bed on the floor of the building and
«ilh all our clothes on prepared to retire.
We were comfortable but frightened as the
wind howled around the house and the storm
grew in volume and violence. We ate very
little that day and the next, spending most of
the time in bed where we could keep warm. It
grew mighty cold by the aftern on of the ISth.
when the storm began to abate somewhat.
On the morning of the 19th the sun rose
bright and clear and the storm was over, but
it was exceedingly cold. That storm is remem-
bered by all who were here at that time as
one of the worst in the history of this part of
the state.
BUFFALO HUNTING BY TENDERFEET
EHWl.V TVI,I-:U tcUs about his experience
in hunting the Monarchs of the Plains,
during the early days of Uarton Counl y ;
"When 1 came to this part of the country buf-
falos and antelope roamed the prairies of Wes-
tern Kansas in countless numbers. While
coming through the central part of the state,
nearly everybody we met this side of Emporia
told us that tomorrow we would find buffaloes
in plentiful numbers. At Atlanto in Rice
County we were told that we would find thcjii
the next day on the Arkansas river. We were
(luite anxious to find them as we were hun^try
for some fresh meat. Our arms consisted of
two double barrelled shot-guns, one cf which
had two hammers and the other but one. We
had traded a dog for the one with a single
hammer. We traveled late that night and
camped in the sand hills. The next morning
we got an early start. We soon encountered
large numbers of anteloi)e but we paid no at-
tention to the mas it was buffaloes we were
after. Soon after we had reached the Arkan-
sas Valley we saw three old bulls crossing the
trail a short distance ahead of us. Bill Har<.=;-
horn and I soon had our fastest horses unhar-
nessed. We mounted them and with the reins
in one hand and our guns in the other W3
charged on the game. As soon as we g ;l
within shooting distance we dismounted and
I)repared to fire. By this time the game was
too far away for our arms. We made three
charges on the animals and finally gave up in
disgust and decided to postpone ovir feast of
buffalo meat. A few days after our arrival at
a pint where Great Bend now staiuls, D. iN .
Heizer invited me to go with him and a pariy
up Dry Creek where he was going to local"
the parly on a homestead. When we arrived
where Tom Brandt lived. Heizer told me I
could take my gun and go up the creek where
1 would find i)lnty of game. He told me to
keep near the brush on the creek, and I could
get near enough to the game t) make my shots
effective. He told me to shoot a buffalo just
behind the fore leg to get the best results. 1
obeyed all his orders but saw no game until I
arrived at a point that is now a part of Chas.
Button's home place. Here I saw three buf-
falo bulls standing not twenty feet away, th"lr
heads partly hidden by the brush. 1 could
make no attempt to raise my gun. nothing go-
ing up except my hair and heart. 1 ducked
down low and sneaked back to where I coulj
climb a tree on an instants n;tice. .My ner.-e
finally rturned and I crept up close to the ani-
mals, aimed at the point designated by Mr.
Heizer and pulled the trigger. Then, I ran for
the tree 1 had selected to climb. When I was
up about ten feet from the earth I looked back
expetting t: find a dead buffalo. However I
finally located all three of them sotne mile
and a half away. They were in behind some
plum bushes. Made another stealthy advance
but they were on the lookout and long before
1 got within shooting distance they ran to-
wards the river as fast as they could go and 1
never saw them again.
"My next experience was wiili a genuine old
buffalo hunter, J.hn W. Tilton. One day he
lircposed to nie that we go to the Five Mile
Timber to get a load of wood. He took a 22
calibre revolver and I took an ax. We had iio
thought cf finding any bulTal;, but as my repu-
tation had sufr<'red in the hunting line I was
rather in hopes that something would happen
so that I could distinguish myself. As we
were driving around a sand hill where Cla.. t
and Kd Moses have their cattle sheds we
spied a buffalo cow. John stopped the team
and sneaked up behind the hill until he w,iis
within twenty feet of the animals. He then
began firing the pistol. The cow dropped and
we found en examination that she had been
shot throiigh the lungs and shoulders. The
animal had no more than touched the ground'
when .John was on top of her and was holding
her down by the horns, while he called to mo
to bring the ax. I had lost the ax in the ex-
citement and was lo;king for a tree. 1 found
one but after John had coaxed and pleaded
with me for some time. I took the ax to him,
and then returned to my tree. It took Jolm
but a short time to kill and skin the buffalo.
1 then remarked t ) him that we had done very
well. And you should have seen the look on
his face when 1 srid 'We.' I often wanted to
go with the hunters after thpt bu' none of
them seemed to want my company.
"A short time after 'we' h.-.d killed that buf-
falo cow. Mr. and Mrs Hartshorn and my wife
and 1 started out to visit the neighbors in our
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
43
vicinity. I took my gun and two Shepherd dogs
witli us. I had forgotten that my wife had
trained those dog? so that they would drive
cattle, sheep, etc., in any direction that might
be indicated by a wave of the hand. Wo had
driven but a short way when we saw a buffalo
lying in the grass. I crawled up to within
about a hundred yards rf it when all of a
sudden my wife motioned to the dogs, and
they ran by me like shot out of a gun. They
ran around the buffalo and it started lor Me
with the dogs in pursuit. I beat it back to the
wagon slightly in the lead. After running
around the wagon twice I got together enough
cuirage to turn and shoot at the animal. I
sent about a dozen buck shot into it and at
last I could suy 1 had killed a buffalo. It nas
always been a wonder to me that 1 did not
shoot the dogs instead of the buffalo.
AN INDIAN BATTLE
By A. J. Hoisington
0-\p] of the best known old timers tells of
an Indian battle that was fought by
the Pawnees and Arapahoes on ground
that is now included within the borders of
Barton County, long before it was .rganized.
The story as told by .Mr. Hoisington is as fal-
lows:
"One of the numerous battles between
bands of Plains tribes, within the memory of
and known to white men occurring within ih.
limits of Barton County was one fought in
July, 1849, on sections eleven, one and two,
in northeast Buffalo township and on sections
thirty-four, thirty-five and thirty-si.x in south-
east Eureka township, between a band of
Arapahoes and Pawnees.
"As related by a writer of the old Santa
Fe Trail the story of the battle as told to him
by the Arapahoes was substantially as fol-
lows:
"The Arapahoes had traveled down the Wal-
nut from the far west on a hunting expedition
and were in camp on the south or west side
of the creek, opposite Shaw's house on sec-
tion eleven over night. The next morning a
part of the bucks were left to guard the
squaws and papiiooses, and the remainder
started in a northeasterly direction for the
Cheyenne Bottoms. Gaining the highlands, a
band of Pawnees suddenly came into view.
The Arapahoes dispatched a messenger to
their camp for re-enforcements and to have
the camp prepared for attack. In the mean-
time the Pawnees dashed forward while the
Arapahoes made for the high point on secti:n
twelve. The former evidently supposed the
latter's force was all in sight and hastened
onward. In the meantime the Arapahoes re-
enforced were rapidly coming into view fi'om
the creek timber. The Pawnees apparently
hoped to attack their enemy and route those
who had retreated behind the hill before ihe
( thers could arrive. The Pawnees divided their
band and deployed around the hill to attack
the enemy from both east and west. The first
onset was terrific. Several warriors on both
sides were killed or disabled. The re-enforc-
ing party soon arrived and the Pawnees re-
treated to the north side of the hill where
they hoped to make a stand and allow the
Arapahces to attack them in turn as they had
done the former a few minutes before. But
the Pawnees were so closely pursued that
with great difficulty they placed themselves
in a position for the attack. Each band niau-
euvered for position, but the Pawnees were
outclassed and sorely pushed. Thinking they
had the fleetest ponies they attempted — knov.-
ing where their enemies' camp was located --
to turn their western flank and make a -.ash
for the camp. In this way they were partly
successful but were crowded sd far north and
west they were not able to make a bee line
for the camp. Besides the Arapahoes knov ir.g
their design crowded towards their own canin
attacking all the while. The Pawnees were
getting very much the worst of the deal and
were forced to scatter and make for the tim-
ber in the upper bend of the creek. So hard
inished were they that no two of them reached
the timber at the same time. The cues nearest
the camp were a mile or more west. At a safe
distance from the timber the pursuing Arapo-
hoes made for their camp which of course by
this time was in motion down the creek on the
south side. Fearing a renewal of the attack,
and probably with re-enforcements besides
the Arapahoes moved southward to the Ar-
kansas river where they camped unmolested
for several days. Evidently the Pawnees had
no otlier force of warriors in reach or the
desire for revenge would have caused another
attack. The Arapahoes claimed afterwards
that they took the scalps of the Pawnees and
that the Pawnees got 'heap little scalp.' The
Arapah:;es claimed tlieir own band had allo-
gether about 100 warriors besides squaws and
pappooses and the Pawnees had about sixty.
Many other engagements of this kind some of
them having hundreds engaged occurred in
what is now Barton County. Scarcely an acre
of ground in Ihe county but that has at some
time been the scene cf battle between warring
tribes of Indians.
44
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
WHEN WATER WAS HARD TO GET
"IT 7" W. SOWARDS tolls of early days in
Y^ rnion township when water was a
most valuable possession. Mr. Sow-
ards in telling the story said:
"I located a soldier claim in what is now
I'nion township in September. 1S77. Th 're
were but four settlers there at that lime.
There were tree claims taken in most of the
sections and in July, 1S7S the township was or-
ganized out of territory taken from Home-
stead township. There were fifty-eight votui's
at that time, a large majority of whom were
e.\-soldiers. This fact was the cause cf name
'Union' being selected. All the settlers exce|)t
three or four were natives of America and
came from Iowa and Illinois. The township
is located on what is known as the SmoUy
River IJivide. The lack of water in this was
its greatest drawback. Shallow wells could
not be gotten only in the creek beds, at other
places one would have to go several hundred
feet into the ground and as a result of this it
was necessary to haul water in wagons.
'On one occasion Fred Prindle had four
barrels of water slide out of his wagon when
going up a small hill and the thermometer was
twenty below^ zero thus making the conditions
anything but favorable for prayer. Another
time when the value of water was brought
forcibly to the notice of another settler, a
man by the name of Williams, when be
spilled three barrels of water when his wagon
upset, after bringing the liquid five miles
with o.xen. Another time Jay Verbeck fell
into a well while bailing water for cattle. The
mercury stood at zero when this cceurred.
Very few cf the old settlers who suffered these
hardships are now living in the township,
most of them having gone to places where
there is more water. Those were great days
in the history of Itarton County."
HENRY FRUIT'S EXPERIENCE
HK.VRY FRl'IT. an old timer of this sec-
lion of the state recalls his arrival here
and tells of a trip to Dodge City in the
early days. Mr. Fruit says:
"I landed in Great Bend on the 12th day
of March, lb72, and found here s:;ine old friends
from my native state, Illinois. I was well
pleased with the appearance of the country,
and on the 13th, my brother-iu-Iaw, W. W.
Hartshorn and I started out to locate a claim.
We had no trouble in finding a good location,
and after I had made the necessary improve-
ments t3 hold it, I began to look for a job and
let it be known that if anybody wanted a
carpenter I was their huckleberry. I did not
wait long for there was one Harry I»vett, then
living in Zarah, about four miles east of Great
Bend, who wanted a frame work put inside his
big wall tent, so he was sent to rae. To tell
the truth I did not fancy the job a great deal.
I had heard of Mr. Ijovett and did not fancy
his style, for a short time before he had
pumped a cowboy full of lead and then finished
him by beating his brains out with a revolver.
Knowing all of this I began to make excuses,
but he would not hear them: "U — n it," be
said, "I want the work done," he said it as
though he meant it too. Remembering the
fate of the cowboy I concluded to go. I got
through with the desi)erado in two days and
got seven fifty for my work, and got back to
Great Bend O. K. By the middle of May Ih'
cattle trade began to bbssom, buildings begun
to loom up, houses, stores, barns, saloons, anl
dance halls were to' be seen at frequent inter-
vals and carpenters were in good demand, so T
had plenty of work at my trade until about the
middle of August. The word soon went out
that Great Bend was a haven for carpenters
and by the first of August there were more
carpenters here than there are fiddlers in
Helena or anywhere else. There being more
cari)enters than jobs 1 concluded to try my
hand at buffalo hunting. Mr. Frost, W. H.
Quincy, or "Tough" as he is better known and
myself, started for the buffal:) range about
twenty miles south of Dodge City, where wo
hoard there were thousands of buffaloes. Wo
had no adventure to speak of until the second
day, out, when we stoi)ped to feed and get our
dinners. Just after dinner there was a big
flock of buffalo birds lit in some weeds along
the trail, and Frost said to Quincy, "if you will
lot me have your shotgun I'll bet you a quar-
ter 1 can kill fifty of them birds at one shot."
The bet was made. Frcst fired into the bunch
and such a slaughter I never saw. He picked
up and counted 13G and was not through when
we happened to look southward and there we
saw something that caused \is to pause and
our hair to stand up. It was about 150 men
on horseback coming straight for our camp.
We at once jumped to the c;;nclusion that it
was a bunch of hostile Indians for we heard
they were on the warpath. The party was too
far off for us to tell exactly what they were
but we imagined we could see the paint on
their faces and the feathers on their heads, so
what were we to do? We were too far frani
Fort Dodge to think of making there, they
would overtake us before we had covered half
the distance, so we concluded to drive about a
half mile north of a hill covered with Icoso
stone and build a fort, and then sell our lives
as dearly as possidle. We had two needle
guns. By this time the front of the line had
reached the river and the horses were drink-
ing leisurely. By this time we were ready to
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
45
start and the horsemen were at the river. We
looked again, ;ind oh; joy, cur hearts gave a
great Hound and our hair began to set-
tle down for we saw coming out from the sand
hills a covered wagon drawn by four mulss,
:ind just behind it two men on horses, one o£
them carrying an American flag. We knew
at once no band of Indians would be carrying
Old Glory nor would they have a covered
wagon. I never was so glad in my life to see
the American flag, for I knew no harm could
come to us from that source. Now to explain
why TTncle Sam's cavlary was out. It was not
for the purpose of scaring the life out of three
hunters."
"Two or three nights before a gang of
horse thieves mostly white men, stampeded
about fifty horses and mules, belonging to a
railroad c"ntractor, then working about five
miles west oE Dodge City. The commander at
Fort Uodge had sent out two companies of cav-
alry after the thieves. They caught them in
the brakes of Medicine I^dge river, re-cap-
tured the stock and killed some of the bandits.
When we saw them they were on their way
back with the stolen stock. We started on mir
journey mighty glad that we had escap'xl
alive, having forgotten about the bet Frost
won. We got to the old government crossing
about one mile west of Dodge City, and found
eld Bob Robinson, a buffalo hunter of great
fame. We found a great deal of water in the
river at this point. Robinson and a man from
Ellsworth doubled their teams and got across
the river. We tried it alone and got across
O. K. We found the buffalo by the thousands
at the heads of Mulberry and Indian creeks.
We succeeded in killing about 200 in ten days,
after which we started on the return trip.
When we get to the river it was much lower
but we had to make several trips in order to
get our loads across. At Dodge we traded <uir
green hides for dry ones and camped for the
night about a mile east of the city. About
three o'clock in the morning we were awaken-
ed by somebody galloping across the prairie,
the moon was about two hours high and we
could see quite plainly. Frost raised to see
what it was. I asked him "what do you see?"
He replied, "two men on horseback." They
sto])ped near our horses and one ef thiun dis-
niouuted, and I heard Frost say, "Halt, hold on
there, what do you want?" and in the same
breath he whispered, "Bob, they have your
horses." Bob said, "shoot the son-of-a-gun,"
and the crack of Frost's rifle brfoke the still-
ness of the midnight air. This was followed by
."■■everal shots in nuiek succession. By this
time the would-be horse thieves began to think
it was getting mighty hot, for they mounted
their ponies, and ran for their lives. They
liail cut the rope tied to Bol)'s horses, and
were making off with them when we called a
halt. They made a water haul that time. We
g:t to Great Bend without any more adven-
tures and sold our hides for $1.1.5 each and
that was the end of my first buffalo hunt, but
it was not the last one."
THE GARDEN SPOT OF THE WORLD
By John F. Lewis
BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS, is a moder-
ate undulating landscape affording more
high class tillable land in proportion
to its acreage than any county in the state, .ex-
cept pcssibly two or three counties.
The slight swells and valleys aft'ord excel-
lent natural drainage, and a view over the
country that is delightful. Commencing in the
north part of the county the entire distance
east and west, and north and south is typical
wheat land, out of the vast plains of buffa'o
grass once traversed by buffalo, but now dotted
with beautiful groves of trees, elegant farm
houses and barns, with good natural roads for
vehicles and the honk honk of the farmers' au-
tomobile may be heard any hour of the day.
The soil is a dark chocolate loam, enriched by
the silts deposited by thousands of years of
water overflow in the glacial period and from
the Rocky Mountains. As we go south we
encounter the breaks leading into the valleys
of Blood and Deception creeks, where appears
the croppings of lime and sand-stone in suffi-
cient quantities to afford the people with build-
ing material, which are in evidence in the
many stone houses, barns and corrals.
The earth has not been [leuet rated to suf-
ficient depth or of such frequency Vj venture
upon much of a geological showing of its for-
mation, however one w'ell sunk within four
miles of Great Bend discovered a bed of mer-
chantable rock salt 163 feet in thickness.
The lime stone disappears south of Blood
creek, some five miles north of the center of
the county, and now comes the various hues
of sand-stone that exists in sufficient quan-
tity n su])ply the demand, which continues
until the Walnut creek is reached running
from east to west, a little south of the centin-
of the county. where is found a
rich deep black soil equal to the richest prai-
rie soil of Illinois or Iowa, where alfalfa is
successfully grown without irrigation, anil
where sheet water abounds at a depth from
the surface of the ground that no drouth or
heat diminishes the supply for man -or beast,
nor has the time ever been in this county that
46
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
wells went dry or water had to be hauled lor
stock.
The Waliiiit creek valley extends its widlh
and mingles its matchless soil with the Ar-
kansas Valley, where in rich profusion may
be seen the alfalfa, corn and wheat fields. The
endless fields of grain are so blended that the
road ways can only be marked by the fringes
of trees that embellish the country with flam-
boyant denial that this could ever have been
the great American desert.
Here in this vast sc:pe of country between
the Walnut creek and the Arkansas river is a
soil that has also received the rich deposit of
'he 6ilts that came from the west in the migh-
ty currents that swei)t down the Arkansas
river, when everything south of the Walnut
creek was a vast body of water which grudg-
ingly yielded to man its rich producing qual-
ities, and Barton county encompasses the
richest spot in the state.
The occasional discovery :f limbs and 1o_k;s
of wood at depths from 15 to 60 feet are in-
controvertible evidences that this land was ac-
cumulated drifts and fills at great depth frcn
the floods from the west^ which gives assi.r-
rance of a long lived soil in the producing
qualities, continuing to rise to the surface, re-
plenishing the to]) formation much more rapid-
ly than it can be consumed in cropping the
land.
We now pass to the south side of the Ar-
kansas river where we find the once much
doubted sandy land, once almost destitute of
vegetation, but now rivals the fields cf all of
the states cf the I'nion. In the mighty floods
once covering this country for thousands of
years, the slacked lime-stone of the Rocky
Mountains with its rich conglomerate of de-
comi)osed vegetable and aniinal matter in a
formation variously estimated from 25 t^ 60
feet deep. This rich sub-stratum is rapidly
coming to the surface with a tenacity that
will soon resist the blowing of soils by the
winds, that was once much feared.
The occasional bare patches of sand that
once glared the eye with a suggestion of desert
lands, have now changed int ; a dark rich pro-
ductive soil, and with the lardy efforts being
made by the farmers to grow fruits come re-
sults that give promise in the near future of
a great fruit country. The popular acknowl-
edgeinent that the south side of the river is
the great corn belt of Kansas brooks no con-
tradicti:n, and the largest yield of wheat pel"
acre ever recorded in the state came from
these lands. The banner vegetable production
of this country is on the south side, all admit,
and had this marvelous country been exi)loit-
ed with anything like the energy California
lias, it would have been as notable for its
wheat, corn, alfalfa, melons, vegetables anl
fruits as any country in the world.
There has been no little discussion over
the amount of moisture we receive in this
country and while it must be admitted that
previous to 1S97 we quite often suffered for
want of rain, and the cause is now known to
have been the unobstructed heated winds by
the parched uncultivated plains of Texas and
Oklahoma which are no.v being pUwed up and
jilanted to crops and whether successful to
the owners of said fields or not, they are me
depository of rains which once ran away lika
water fr:in the roof of a house, whereas no*'
they throw off vapor that create clouds that
are blown to us by the never varying south
winds, that give us an assurance of rainfall in
normal years that no other state can boas',
and when in our feeble efforts to justly, truta-
fully and explicitly exploit the beauties, excel-
lencies and advantages of Barton County, Kan-
sas, our mind runs to those matchless words (f
Senator Ingalls, who must have had in his
mind Barton County, when he said, "Kansas
is the nucleus of our political system," etc.
"Kansas is the nucleus of our political sys-
tem, round which forces assemble, to which its
energies converge, aiid from which its energies
radiate to the remotest circumference. Kan-
sas is the focus of freedom, where the rays of
heat and light concentrated into a flame that
melted the manacles of the slave and cauter-
ized the heresies of state sovereignty and dis-
union. Kansas is the core and kernel of the
country, containing the germs of its growth
and the quickening ideas essential to its per-
petuity. The hist;ry of Kansas is written in
capitals. It is punctuated with exclamation
points. Its verbs are imperative. It's adjec-
tives are superlative. The commonplace in'I
prosaic aie not defined in its lexicon. Us sta-
tistics can he stated only in the language of
hyperbole. The aspiration of Kansas is to reach
the unattainable; its dream is the realization
of the impossible. Alexander wept because
there were no more worlds ts conquer. Kan-
sas, having vanquished all competitors, smiles
complacrntly as she surpasses from year to
year her own triumphs in growth and glory.
Other states could be spared wifj irreparable
bereavement, but Kansas is indispensible to
the joy, the inspiration and the improvement
of the world. It seems incredible that there
was a time when Kansas did not exist ;when
its name was n,t written on the map of 'he
I'niled States: when the Kansas cyclone, the
Kansas grass-hopper, the Kansas boom and
the Kansas I'lopia were unknown. I was a
student in the junior class at William College
when President Pierce, forgotten but for that
signature, approved the act establishing the
Territory of Kansas. May 30, 1854. 1 remem-
ber the inconceivable agitation that preceded,
accomiianied and followed this event. It was
an epoch. Destiny closed one volume of our
annals and, opening another, traced with shail-
owy finger upon its pages a million epitaphs,
ending with Appomattox. Kansas was the
prologue to a tragedy whose epilogue has not
yet been pronounced: the prelude to a fugue of
battle whose reverberations have n"t yet died
away. Floating one summer night upon a
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
47
inooulit sea, I heard far over the still waters a
high, clear voice singing:
-To the West! To the West; To the land of 'he
free.
Where the mighty Missouri rolls down to l!ij
sea;
Where a man is a man if he's willing to t il.
And the humhlest may gather the fruits of the
soil."
The grassy quadrangle geographers call
Kansas. Her undulating fields are the
floors of ancient seas. These limestones
li'dges underlying the iirairies and cropping
from the foreheads of the hilis are the ceme-
teries of the marine insect life of the primeval
world. The inexhaustible hnnius is the mjld of
the decaying herbage ..f unnumbered centur-
ies. It is only upon calcareous plains, in tem-
perate latitudes, that agriculture is supremo,
and the strong structure and the rich nourish-
ment imparted essential to bulk, endurance,
and speed in animals; to grace, beauty and
lassion in women; and in uum to stature, cour-
age, health and longevity."
And to properly finish the picture with the
music of rhyme in quoting Walt Mason's epi-
grammatic ode.
"Kansas: Where we've tern the shackles
From the farmers leg;
Kansas: Where the hen that cackles
Always lays an egg;
Where the cows are fairly achin',
To go on with record breakin'.
And the hogs are raising bacon
By the keg."
HIS FIRST FEE AND OTHER REMINISCENCES
By James W. Clark
THK writer hereof located in Great Bond
Xovember 6, 1SS4. During that month
Judge Strang held his last term of court
in this county, the same being the last coiiri
here as a part of the 16th judicial district. The
sixteenth judicial district when it was created
in ISSl consisted of the counties of Barton.
Stafford, Pratt, Barber, Comanche, Edwards.
Pawnee, Rush, Ness, Hodgeman. Ford, Clark
Meade, Foote, Buffalo, Lane, Scott, SequGyab.
Arapahoe. Seward, Stevens, Grant. Kearney,
Wichita Greeley, Hamilton and Stanton.
In February, 18S5, the 20th judicial district
was created, and consisted of the counties of
Barton, Rice, Stafford and Pratt. Hon. Geor:je
W. Ximocks of the local bar was appointed as
judge cf this new district until the following
election w hen Judge Clark was elected. The
members of the Barton county bar at this time
consisted of S. J. Day, W. H. Dodge, Joshua
Clayton, James Clayton, Theo. C. Cole, E. C.
Cole. Samuel Maher, William Osmond. C. F.
Diffenbacher, Judge D. A. Banta, L. R. Xim-
ocks, B. F. Ogle and the writer. The court
docket was large, and most every little case
was fought out to the finish with but few com-
promises or friendly settlements. The policy
of the bar seems to have changed in this re-
gard during more recent years. Now- the at-
torneys and clients Icok upon lawsuits move
as matters of business and seek just and fair
settlements rather than unnecessary and ex-
pensive trials tinged with spite and vengenoo.
The first case the writer tried after locating
here was rather comical. The lot where the
Odd Fellows' Hall now stands was owned by
Jlrs. I. T. Flint. Her husband had placed this
property with A. J. Buckland. a real es-
tate agent, for sale, and D. R. Jones who
tried to buy the property from Buckland and
failing concluded he would g^ to Eureka town-
ship where the Flints lived and make the deal
with them, and Buckland learning of this
started out, procured a conveyance and he and
Jones had a horse race to see who could reach
the Flints first. Jones w^on the race and
bought the property, and then Buckland
brought suit before C. J. Mclnt:sh, a justice of
the peace in South Bend township, for his com-
mission tor the sale of this property. Your
writer represented Mr. Flint, who was very
pugnacious, and James Clayton represented
Mr. Buckland, who was rather schrewd and
cunning in his ways, and doubtless had a pur-
pose in the selecti'cn of his court to try the
case. A jury was demanded, the case hotly
contested, and even the parties themselves in-
sisted on making arguments to the jury. Flint
spoke first with much feeling, noise and abuse,
and on finishing left his memorandum book on
the little school house table. Then Mr. Buck-
land commenced his argument by referring to
Flint as a sneak thief, whereup n Flint rose to
his feet and made a break towards Buckland
for revenge and everyone kept out of his way
as he rushed up the isle towards Buckland,
but he simply picked up his memorandum
bock, walked back and took his seat amidst an
uproar of laughter. No one was hurt. Flint
won his case on the ground that his wife, tho
holder of the title, had not authorized the plac-
ing of the property for sale. The writer re-
ceived for his services a bright new ten dollar
bill his first fee in Kansas.
The oldest contractor in the county in point
of service is still engaged in the business and
apparently as ycung as ever. He is Frank Kra-
mer of this city. He came here from Pennsyl-
48
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
nia in the early '70s and was noted for years as
one of the finest band men and ball players in
the state. And Frank says that it has always
been a wonder to him how he ever managed
to hold on to his trade, siii)iiort a family and
follow these tw"o professions when either one
is enough of a detriment to a man in a small
conimuMily w-here neither i)ays salary. Cli;\s.
Morrison is the next oldest eoiilractor in th"
city.
The first bank in Harton County was estab-
lished in 1873 by Samuel Maher and others.
It ran for a year then got int) diffieulties over
a eheck for $17,000 in whieh cattle buyers and
the Santa Fe were involved and went out of
business. The J. V. Brinkman Company Hank
organized in 1874, whieh is now one of the big
banks of the state, was really a continuation
of this bank.
The Hartoii Ounty court house was built
liy the Santa Fe railroad. The company
owned most of the taxable land in the county
in the year 1S72 and the few citizens of the
county managed to get a special election call
through and had the court house built, the
taxes paid by the Santa Fe paying the most of
the expense.
THE KILLING OK AKCHIE B. CLEMENTS
By G. N. Moses
TIIK following description of Archie li.
Clements' death in Missouri after a
sireneous career is told by George .\'.
Moses who was active in the early day life of
that part of the country before he came to Bar-
ton Cnuuty. It is printed as an interesting
event in the life of the first sheriff of Barton
County.
At the close of the Civil Wai', the country
was in a very unsettled condition and more es-
pecially so in the border states. There were
roving bands of men, composed of the w'orst
elements -cf both armies, who did not accept
the condition of peace or abide by the civil law
but took the law in their own hands and trav-
elled the country, burning, murdering and
committing all kinds of depredations. Such
was the condition of affairs in I..aFayei'_o
County, Mo. A band of men, headed by Archie
B. Clements, who was a lieutenant under
Quantrell at the time cf the Lawrence massa-
cre, would ride into I^'xington shooting, killing
and robbing banks in broad day light. lieports
of these outrages coming to the ears of Gov.
Tom Fletcher, he sent Bacon Montgomery cf
Sedalia, Mo., and ordered him to raise a com-
pany of men and go to Lexington and quiet the
troubles.
Montgomery returned to Sedalia and raised
a company of thirty-twc, consisting of such
men as J. M. and George Turley, Dave Thorn-
ton, Tom Tibbs, Monte Cantrell and others of
like character. They were men who had car-
ried their lives in their hands all through the
war; they were dead shots and could be relied
upon to face any danger. They were as daring
a lot of men, taken as a whole, as w'ere ev-^r
banded tcgelher. We left Sedalia for Lexiag-
ton but the date of our leaving I cannot rec-
ollect. It was, however, in the winter of ISGiJ.
On the way we were notified by friends, that
Clements and his band would meet us at the
LaFayette County line and that we were never
to be permitted to cross the line. Sure enough
when we came to the line there was a squad of
men but at sight of us they scattered into the
brush and we went int:: Lexington without any
trouble, remaining there several days without
anything cf note happening. One day, a com-
pany of nearly 500 men, headed by Uave Poole
came into town and it was reported that they
came for the purpose of taking the oath, reg-
istering or something of that kind. We didn't
just like the l"oks of things so we gathered
our squad in the court house, remaining there
until they left town. Shortly after they left,
Montgomery came to Turley, Tibbs and myself
and said that Clements, and Hickland had
come back and were at the hotel which was
run by one of the Hicklands. He further stat-
ed that there was a reward offered by both
Kansas and Missouri for Clements and he
w-anted us to go and get him. We started at
( nee and on the way, discussed the situation,
finally determining that we wsuld take them if
possible, without shooting. Our plan was to
get them into conversation and then ask them
to take a drink and while drinking get the
drop on them and cause them to surrender.
Meantime. Montgomery, fearing there might be
more of them than we could handle, sent .7 )e
Wood with two or three men, to our assist-
ance.
Just as we were in the act of taking a drink
at the bar. Wood came to the door and com-
menced hollering, "Surrender." Immediately.
Clements and Hickland si)rang back, Hickland
jumping over a billiard table. As he jumped, I
sht him in the leg. Clements ran through a
side door into the office and I ran into the
opening leading into the office. .lust as I
slipped into the door Clements turned and fired
at me the ball going through my clothes but
not drawing blood. 1 fired at him hitting him
in the right breast, crippling him badly which
accounts f:r his poor shooting after that for
he emptied eleven six shooters at us and never
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
49
hit a man and he died with the twelfth gun in
his hand trying to cock it.
When 1 shot him he fell but before I could
reach him he siirang to his feet and started
running towards the Virginia Hotel Livery
Burn, in front of which he had his horse tied.
1 was so busy taking care of myself up to this
time that 1 did not realize what Turley and
Tibbs were ding, but when I came to myself
I found that all three of us were running after
Clements. Clements reached his horse when
we were within ten or fifteen feet of him and
we continued shooting at him as fast as we
could but in spite of it all, he mounted and
swung his horse around and started towards
Market Street. As his horse came around he
ran into the lead horse cf a four horse team
that was coming up the street and we followed
still shooting at him and shot and killed the
lead horse of the team. Clements' horse was
hit several times but kept going, reaching
Market street and tUen up that street as far as
Dr. Cooley's residence; there his horse gave
out and stopped. Turley and I were the first
to reach him and t:ok him off his horse and
he was then vainly trying to cock his last si.'C
shooter but had not the strength left to do so.
We laid him on the ground and he stretched
out, gave a few convulsions and the last words
he ' spoke were, '■Oh, he 11," and he was
dead.
We took the h:dy to the court house where
an examination disclosed that Clements had
been hit thirty-three or thirty-four times, of
which number, twenty odd wounds were in the
body. We then placed his body against one of
the columns of the court house and had iv
phot:graphed.
1 had one of these pictures but have been
unable to locate it. When we brought Clem-
ents' body to the court house, I told Montgom-
ery that I thought Hickland was wounded at
the hotel. Several of us went back there and
found a trail cf blood from the billiard table,
through the office and up the stairs where It
stopped. Montgomery then found the land-
lord and demanded Hickland. telling him that
if he did not deliver him up we would set tire
to the house and smoke Hickland out.
There was certainly a scene of commotion
then. The laudl;rd, his wife and two grown
daughters, crying, wringing their hands and
swearing that Hickland had left the hotel.
Montgomery would not believe them and sent
John Jackson to a drug etore for some turpen-
tine which he soon brought and Bake emptied
the can on the floor and was just about t.)
touch a match to the turpentine when the
mayor and Dr. Cooley who were old friends of
his, came in and persuaded him not to burn
the house.
That afternoon we received word frcm a
farmer, that the Poole band had returned to
old man Hickland's place, two miles from
town, and were coming in to kill every one oi
us. We went through the city, taking all the
arms and ammunition we could find and draft-
ing a lot cf negroes and then establishing
headquarters at McDowell College. From
there we sent out pickets and spies to watcli
their movements. I went through fields and
along hedge rows to their camp until 1 was
close enough to hear what they were saying.
Some of them wanted to come in and some
hung back. They lacked a leader. They
wanted Poole to lead them in but this he re-
fused to do and that settled it. They never
came after us while we were at the College. I
might here add, that we never found Hickland.
There was a newspaper published on the
other side of the river by a man named Wil-
liams and he was giving us a terrible scoring
as robbers and murderers, so Turley took a
few of us with him and we crossed the river,
captured the printer, broke the presses and
scattered the type up and down the street. We
brought Williams back with us and for several
days kept him prisoner under a stairway in
a dark room and then let him go. This esca-
pade, however, proved quite an expensive joke
for us for w-e were afterwards compelled to
pay for the property destroyed.
Soon after this we moved back to the court
house. Some of the good citizens who did not
like us nor the idea cf our staying there any
longer, sent all kinds of terrible reports about
us to President Grant and these reports wore
so bad, describing us as robbers and murder-
ers, that Grant, without taking second thought
ordered two companies of infantry from Fort
Leavenworth to Lexington by forced march.
The day these U. S. troops arrived there was
a young lieutenant sent ahead to procure quar-
ters. This lieutenant had evidently just en-
tered the army and gave every evidence of
having bought his commission for he lacked
any of the traits of a true soldir or gentleman.
He came to the court house dressed in a ne'.v
uniform with bright shining buckles and but-
tons and his sword dangling by his side and
you could tell from his looks that he consid-
ered himself a great soldier and of vast im-
portance. 1 happened to be standing in the
doorway and he addressed himself to me, ask-
ing "What men are these here?" I remarked
that they were Gen. Montgomery and his men.
"Gen. Montgomery," he replied with a sneor.
"Where is this man Montgomery'?' I felt the
blood coursing a little swift.-r through my
viens but held my peace knowing that BaKe
could answer him much better than 1 cou d.
and followed him in saying to him that the
General was back there by the stove, playing
=even-up with some of his men. The lieuten-
ant marched in very pompously and said,
"Where is this man Montg .mery?" Bake look-
ed up and said, "That's my name, sir. I .le
lieutenant, said, "Capt. Williams is on his way
here, sir, with U. S. troops and wo wai.t
these rooms for our -luarters." Again Bai.e
looked up and said, "How many troops has
Capt. Williams?" "Two companies of infan-
try sir " "Well." said Cake. "You go back and
teil Capt Williams that I have thirty Misscu-
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
rians licro and I will contest with hiiii, tlnd
damn you sir, fcr these (|uarters," and lUiKe
went on with his game paying no further at-
tention to the lieutenant who stood there a
few minutes then turned and walked out like
a whipiied cur.
.Meantime. George Tiirley had got hold o;
an old musket and constituted himself a
guard and halted the lieutenant when he gj*
to the door. The lieutenant drew his s\vo!';l
and ordered George to get out of the way but
George took after him and ran him clear past
the court house square, (iricking him with the
bayonet at every jump. When the l'. S. troops
arrived they camped in the court h^use yard.
Bake went and telegraphed Governor Fletcher
who immediately wired the president that 'lo
had state troops at Lexington, that he had
made no requisition for U. S. troops and asked
that they be ordered back. The troops soon
left for Fcrt lieaven worth.
It did not suit the old moss backs that "ve
were left in control of the situation so they
swore to charges against us of w'ilful and
malicious murder. (By the way. in the shooting
fracas with Clements, there were one or two
citizens accidentally killed.) Se we were in-
dicted for murdering Clements and these cit-
izens. A United States marshal named Poole,
a cousin of Dave Poole, was sent to arrest us.
He came to Lexington, sent for us to come to
the hotel and told us he had a warrant for our
arrest.
Montgomery told him to iiroduce his war-
rants and if they were all right we would go
with him but this he refused to do and for sev-
eral days we parleyed back and forth. Mont-
gomery demanding to see the warrants and
Poole declining to show them, claiming it was
not necessary. Finally he sent for ns anj
said he would show us the warrants if we
wcnld promise not to harm the prosecuting
witnesses. Bake told him he would guarantee
and he would read the warrants to
us. Bake told him we would be ready when
us. Bake told him we woulr be ready when
the next stage left. We were a good deal sus-
picious of Poole as he was so closely related
to Dave pcole the noted bushwhacker and
feared he might steer us into an ambush
where thev would kill us all so Montgomery
told the boys to saddle up and follow us to
Warrensburg for fear Clements' friends would
ambush us on the road. The next morning wc
started. There was no one else in the stagi'
but the marshal. Bacon Montgomery. James
Turley, Tom Tibbs and myself. Poole's son
was on horseback as guard. After going some
distance on the way to Warrensburg without
any trouble the boys began to feel develish and
til nght they would have some fun with lli"
guard so they commenced shooting up the dirt
around him and he soon took to the brush.
Poole thought his time had come and shook
like a leaf but Montgomery quieted him by as-
suring him that neither he njr his son were in
any danger for the boys were just in fun. We
reached Warrensburg all O. K. and there took
the train for Jefferson City. Just as the \vhis-
tle blew for Sedalia, one of the complaining
witnesses opened the car door, came in and
took a seat by the door. Tibbs and I were
seated a few seats in front when the d::or
opened and Tibbs looked back to see who
came in. As soon as he discovered who it was,
Tibbs said, "See me wing that s — n of b — b,"
and before I ceuld realize what he was doing
he inilled his gun and shot the old fellow
through the ear. He did net wait for the tr-.iin
to stop but just got off and took the next train.
When we reached Jefferson City, Poole took
us around to lock us \ip but we politely tipped
our hats and bade him "go:d evening." He
then followed us around, stopping at the same
hotel we did until we had our preliminary
hearing. We were placed under one hundred
dollar bonds which we declined to give and we
also declined to be locked up.
Most of our beys had come down and al!
were heavily armed. I had the least number
of guns of any in my belt and I had four six
shooters.
Trouble was averted by Gen. Miller of St.
I^uis, Col. Boyd of Springfield and Bill Fletch-
er going on the bond. 1 think this was arrang-
ed by the late C. P. Townsley wh3 was in at-
tendance at the Legislature as a Senator from
Sedalia. W'hen our trial came off we were ill
acquitted and the boys scattered to th^ir
homes, Turley, McCabe and I returning to Se-
dalia.
THE MENNONITE COLONY NEAIi DUNDEE
SHORTLY after the completion of the San-
la Fe railway through Barton County,
in the spring of 1S75, that c.mpany
through its emigrant bureau extensively ad-
vertised its lands throughout all sections
where it was possible to reach those seeking
new homes, and this literature was scattered
broadcast over sections of Russia and agents
were stationed in New "V'ork to meet and guide
them to this locality. By these means a large
proportion of the present population of Bar-
ton County were induced to settle and imjirove
the lands to their present state of productive-
ness, and became factors in making this coun-
ty what it is today. That these i)eople had
long been in search of a land in which to make
their homes is proven by their past history
which is that in 1S02 their ancestors emigrated
from Germany to Russia on an agreement
with the Emjiress of Russia that they were to
make their own laws and govern themselves
in a limited way for ninety-nine years; be ex-
enijit from military duty and be free in relig-
ious observances. When their descendants
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
51
left Russia f :;r America this period would soon
expired and they left rather than submit to
the laws that would soon be f;rced upon th^nu,
the adoption of the Greek Catholic religion,
and service in the Russian army.
The majority of those who settled here had
lived in small communities or villages in Rus-
sia and were weavers, lumber sawers and far-
mers by trade. They had been supplied by
companies stationed at a distance with the.
material and work, and had depended more on
this means of subsistance than on that of agri-
culture. To govern such a village it had been
found necessary to form themselves in a com-
pact body with a responsible head, and that
manner of organization was at first attempted
here by the c:Icny which settled one mile euot
of the present town of Dundee. There were
fifteen families in this colony, and they en-
tered the whole of section 16. under the home-
stead act. and bought the whole of section 9
from the Santa Fe railway Company on pa;-
ments covering eleven years. B:th sections
were divided originally into twenty equal parts
and this gave to each family a tract of thirty-
two acres on each section; or sixty-four acr^s
in all. On section 16 they built houses out of
4x6 lumber and there made their homes and
gardens, and on section 9 they pitched thai;-
cr ps. The fifteen cottages formed a village',
and near the center of this was built a stoni'
school house, which also served as a church
building. The ruler or head officer was
called "the schultz," and for convenience he
had his home near the school building, and his
residence served as a council house. Abr;.-
ham Seibert was the first pastor of this Men-
nonite congregation but he was not a resident
cf the villege, but lived with his parents about
two miles southeast of the settlement, and
now lives in Michigan. Those who made -tv
the village are the families of Cornelius D.
Unruh. (deceased), Cornelius Thomas, (de-
ceased), Henry Seibert, (deceased). Christian
C. Schultz, Mrs. Lizzie Rudiger, Andrew 1'.
furuh. Jacob Seibert, (deceased), Benjamin
rnruh, (deceased). Andrew B. Ihiruh, first
schultz, (deceased), Peter I'nruh, Cornelius P.
Unruh (deceased), Andrew A. Seibert. living
in Marion County, Mrs. Susan I'nruh. (de-
ceased), Benjamin P. Smith and Peter H.
Dirks. Henry B. Unruh also purchased his
first home fr:m this colony, but as he was not
a resident until March. 1S76. is not included in
the original settlers. It will also be seen that
the original intentions of the community were
never carried out as the plans were for twen-
ty families and only fifteen came under the
agreement. The scheme was found impracti-
cal in this country after about three of four
years trial and the various members became
better acquainted with the freedcm of the
laws in America. As their holdings were inde-
liendent of their village agreement they finally
decided to become in fact free American citi-
zens and one by one sold their first little homes
and bought larger and better farms in othor
localities and are now classed among Barton
County's most substantial and best citizens.
At that date there were other German-Rus-
sian settlers in this same and ether localities
in the county, and the Santa Fe system and
other railways realized that they were of the
proiier make-up to make good citizens and
provided emigration houses along their lines.
There was one at nearly all depots for the ac-
commodation rf these new arrivals and in
these they settled temporarily, lived whi!>;
they provided permanent homes for their fam-
ilies. Where these houses were not yet built
box cars were often put to use for temporary
homes, and it was in a car on a siding in Paw-
nee Rock that Jac:b P. Dirks, of "Mount Pleas-
ant Hillside Farm" was born, and in an emi-
grant house at Newton. Kansas, that .lacob A.
Dirks, of "Xorth Slope Farm." first breathed
the breath in free Kansas.
SETTLEMENTS
Buffalo Township
THE U. S. Census of IsTO found two people
in what is now Barton County. These
were nnd;ubtedly John Reineeke and
Henry Schultz who made settlement on <ne
Walnut in April, 1870. Their locations were in
section 10-19-14. about six miles northwest of
Great Bend.
The only other settlers within the county s
limits in 1S70 were: W. C. Gibson, Gideon K.
Mecklem and son. Henry Meyer, Wm. Jans,
Rudreas Albrecht, Antone Wilkie, George Bar-
ry. N. Fields, C. F. Brining. A. Kellar, C. B.
Worden, Mike Stanton. E. Warring. These men
settled cl:se together in what is now Buft'alo
and Walnut township. Their residences gen-
erally dugouts were from four to seven feet
dec)) in the earth, covered with grass and
earth. They were usually constructed in
some secluded place near the creek bank
where .good drainage could be had, or in some
side-hill, so that the roof cr occasional smoke
would not be noticed. It is said one might so
the entire length of the creek and even pass
within one hundred yards of these dugon'.s
withotit being aware of their presence. There
was one log house in 1S70 built by Mr. Meck-
lem. It was built with lo~p holes and very
small windows and designed as a means of de-
fense against the Indians. The principal occm-
liaticn of the settlers during the first years
was the slaughter of buffaloes, the flesh of
which during the cooler months was marketed
52
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
at Russell and Ellsworth, thirty and fifty
miles distant respectively, but in the summer
months aside from the flesh for eating the
only available proceeds were frcni the hides
which when dried sold at 50 to 90 cents each.
A few plowed and tried to raise crops which
were generally destroyed by the buffaloes.
Henry Schultz succeeded in 1870 in raising sj.x
acres of corn, and two acres of oats.
Attempts at cultivation were made more ful-
ly in ISTl since the Indians weie not deemed
troublescme any more. In this year some corn
was raised but much of the crop was de-
stroyed by the corn worm. Spring wheat was
a failure and oats but little better.
Corn was then worth $1.00 to $1.50 p'.>r
bushel but there was very little to sell. Since
this time Buffalo township has grown in pop-
ulation until in 1912 it has a population :.(
467 and is one of the best townships in the
county.
Great Bend Township
The first settlements in Great Bend town-
ship were made in 1871, the first settlers being
E. J. Dodge and sons, D. N. Heizer, A. C.
Moses and sons, John Cook, E. W. Uewey.
Nicholas Haushcrr. J. P. Bisscll, J. F. Tilt;n,
G. N. Moses, James R. Bickerdyke, W. H. Odeil
and others. The earliest settlers located oi;
the banks of Walnut creek which, of course,
had the advantage of plenty of fuel, running
water, shelter and promised a deeper and a
richer soil than could be found in the sur-
rounding country. The date and location of
filing declaratory statements as copied from
the records are as follows. These entries are
all in township 19, range 13.
Name — Date Sec.
E.J.Dodge 6-23-71 10
David N. Heizer 5-23-71 22
Wallace H. Dodge 6-20-71 4
Chas. K. Dodge 6-20-71 4
Amasa C. Moses 6-2S-71 10
Arthur H. Moses 6-28-71 10
Thomas B. Morris 7-12-71 2';
Ed. W. Dewey 7-19-71 4
N. Hausherr 8-10-71 10
Julius P. Bissell 8-18-71 10
J. F. Tiltan 8 25-71 32
W. H. Odell 8-29-71 30
J. R. Bickerdyke 8 29-71 1-5
H. B. Bickerdyke 9-3-71 32
G, N. .Moses 9-14-71 30
Henry Schaffer 9-18-71 30
Warren Peck 9-22-71 14
Edwin P. Reynolds 12-16-71 14
S. S. Dennis 3 72 22
E. B. Cowgill 3 72 22
John Cook 4- 8-72 8
There were about thirty other filings made
during the year 1871 by people who shortly
afterwards abandoned their claims and
moved.
The first settler in the township was D. N.
Heizer, the second one being E. J. Dodge, who
first came in .May, 1871. He strpped at Heiz-
er's ranch during the latter's absence, and
went back to the Smoky and returned in June,
taking out homestead papers on the twenty-
third cf the mcnih, his being the first en'ry
in the township. This township now has a
population of 435 and adds greatly each year
to the products of the county.
L a k i n Township
On May 20, 1871. there were six different
exploring parties en the Walnut, near the site
of old Fort Zarah. Among those were D. N.
Heiz<T, M. W. Halsey, Dr. Prescott and Can-
tain Guffin. Most of these outfits went into
cam]) Saturday, a few having been in camp for
several days.
About September 20, 1871, a party of five
from Atlanta, Rice County, came to lock for
claims in I^kin township, near where Ellin-
wood now stands. Considerable trouble was
had in finding section corners, the settlers
finally going to Fort Zarah reservation where
they commenced running east, and continued
as far as secticn 10, township 20, range 11 W.
M. W. Halsey selected the first location, the
southwest quarter of 32-19-11. Then followed
locations by the following:
Name — Date. Location
Aaron Strong 10- 6-71 28-19-12
Aaron Burlison lii-U-71 32-19-11
Andrew McKinney ... 1-15-72 2S-19-11
Wm. N. Halsey 1-19-72 32-19-1!
Lee M. Colline 3-15-72 4-20-1 1
Thos. Corbett 3-21-72 20-19-1 1
Albert C. Corbett Same
A. Merrifield 3-30-72 26-19-12
John H. Duncan 4-9-72 1.8-19-11
Moses D. Fletcher .. 4-20-72 25-19-11
Edwin Sew and
James Saw 4-29-72 30-19-1 1
Benj. Halley 5-13-72 30-19-11
Eneas Pendergast ... -18-72 2-20-lt
Geo. T. Gill 6- 3-72 14-19-11
Wm. W. Shannon 6- 5-72 26-19-11
Alex. Forsyth 7-1-72 18-19-11
Jos. B. Howard 7- 72 34-19-12
Nelson Davis 7-16-72 4-20-1 1
Geo. Towers 8-26-72 26-19-12
John C. Smith 10-11-72 22-19-12
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
Austin B. Lynch 10-..-
David J. Whitten 11-15-
Chas. Grant -'- 5-
Grabil Landis 2-20-
R. A. Avery 3-22-
James Thompson .... 5-1-
Wra. H. Misner 5-10-
Mahlon Ward 5-19-
Geo. Bacon 5-23-
Emil Kwamp 5-23-
Tliomas Blair and
\Vm. Blair tl-Ki-
Royal Harkness ()-2S-
Daniel Hodge 1-2-
Henry Strobnieyer . . . 7-15-
Sam S. Avery 7-32-
Philander Reed 7-5-
Wallace C. Bay
Stephen A. Shilling . 9-25-
Otto C. Lebbin 11- 4-
J. K. Robe 11- 5-
0. M. Botson 11- 6-
Wm. Joy 11-11-
72
26-19-11
■ i '2
24-19-12
73
2S-19-]]
73
2S-19-11
73
6-20-11
73
10-19-11
73
14-19-12
■73
111-19-11
73
24-19-11
73
5-19-11
■73
4-19-11
73
34-19-11
73
34-19-1 1
■73
20-19-11
■73
34-19-12
■73
S-19-11
1 O
S-19-11
73
2.S-19-11
■ < o
10-19-12
■73
14-19-11
■73
10-19-11
( •>
14-19-11
Mort. B. Fitts 11-15-73 22-19-12
Wilson E. Chalfent ..11-30-73 26-19-11
.las. E. Reaugh 11-26-73 8-20-11
llavid N. Howard 12- 4-73 22-19-12
Amos McDowell 12-19-73 14-19-11
J:hn J. Maydole 1-17-74 22-19-12
W. L. Robbing 1-20-74 24-19-12
Robert Robe 1-22-74 22-19-12
.John Salmon 3-26-74 26-19-12
Liiman W. Storey ... 3- 4-74 4-19-11
Sam B. Hanion 3-14-74 12-19-12
Benj. H. Prescott 4-16-74 12-19-12
Jas. B. Patrick 7-23-74 2S-19-12
John F. Lewis 9- 2-74 2-10-12
Bernard B. Smyth ....9-.. -74 2S-19-12
Calvin A. Loomis .... 1(1-11-74 34-19-12
Thos. .\l. Bailey 10-20-74 30-19-11
Lakin township now has a population of
ii.'!3 and with one or two exceptions has the
largest population rf any of the townships in
the county. Very few of the old timers are
left, most of them having died or moved away.
Walnut Township
In tills township some of the first settle-
ments in the county were made. It was orig-
inally a part of Buffalo township. The first
to take a filing in this terriotry was Rudreas
Albright, he having made his entry November
26, 1870, en 32-18-15. This entry was fol-
lowed by those of Ale.\ Kellar, on section 24;
Christian F. Brining, on section 30 and Nar-
sene Graves on section 2S. These filings were
made during the month of December, 18: ii.
Those who came during the following years
were: Charles Roudebush, S. M. Basham,
Martin Brining and Edwin C. Rest, all ot
whom arrived in 1872. Adam Krause came in
1873. The year 1874 saw Henry Halderman.
Sylvester E. Demming, C. E. Dean, Leonard
Krause, Daniel Leininger, Cyrus J. Fry and A.
Kellar located in this township. In 1S75 Jo-
sejih Zimmer. Anton Springer, Ambrose Baier,
Johann Schneider, Josef Baier, Karl Kriessel,
Francis Keast, Johan Zimmerman, Otto Bur-
ger and Henry Xordinann were added to the
township's population. Walnut township now
has a population of 693 and contains among its
list of residents some of the most enterprisiiig
and successful farmers in the county.
Eureka Township
The first settler in Eureka township was
Charles B. Worden, who located on townsliip
IS, range 14, in 1871. The next entries follow-
ing were: George Barry, John W. Pascot ,
John K. Humphrey and James Mecklem, wh i
came in 1873. They were preceded by L. (!.
Mecklem, who arrived in 1872. In 1874 Elbi-vt
Warring, Wyhind D. Robbius, Wm. Humphrey.
Xathaniel White, David F. Si)ires, Benj. 1.
Dawson and Frank Patterson arrived and
made locations. They were followed in 1875
by Aaron P. Jones. James C. Powers, Rhoda
H. Keeney. James Hughes, Stephen Power,
John Corrigan, M. M. Shields, John R. Harris,
Richard Caxon, John Jones, John Lynch,
Elizabeth Smith, Alexander Dennis and James
W. liroiMi. Eureka township now has a pop-
ulation of 302.
Clarence Township
T. S. Morton was the first settler in Clar-
ence township and he located on section 14,
in 1871. He first engaged in the cattle bus-i-
ness but he soon gave it up for farming. Dan-
iel Curry and E. M. Chapman located on sec-
tion 14, in 1873. Julius B:th settled on section
20 in 1872 and for the first few years after his
arrival was one of the best known and most
successful buffalo hunters in this part of the
country.
In the same year John Bonnet and L. S.
Pursell settled on section 30. They were
goon followed by T. J. Byrne. During (he
same year D. C. Stephens, G. S. Bennet and T.
54
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
F. Craig located on secticn 20, and by the fall
cf 1S73-4 that part of the county was well set-
tled and farming was in full swing. Two of
the largest wheat growers in the county were
added to Clarence's population in 1874. Thi^y
were Robert Campbell and Joseph Patterson,
ilr. Campbell located on section 14 while .Mr.
Palterscn located on section 17. By l.sr*j
■.here was no unoccupied land in the townsliip
and it had throe good schools, the first hav-
ing been built in 1S74 on section 20, the sec-
ond in 1S75 on section 11 and the third on ssc-
tin :M in 1S7C. The following names are
found among those who settled in this town-
ship in the early days: W. A. Chapman. David
Curry, David C. Stephens and W. H. Brown in
1873; Peter Schlim, Almon M. Button, Wesley
K. Ixiomis, M. F. Campbell, Geo. S. Bement,
Tanimen C. Tanimen and Isaac Goatley in
1S74. During the year 1875 the following so>
tled in Clarence township: \Vm. Morris, Jas.
K. Grier. Mahala Allison. John H. Rh:des :;nd
Thomas Irons. The township now has a po;)-
ulation of 374 and contains within its borders
rich, fertile and well cultivated agricultural
hind.
Comanche Township
Comanche township includes within iis
'uorders land that in the early days a great
inany thought was practically worthless but
this was proved to be untrue by the results
btained after the soil had been cultivated.
The first settler in Comanche was Joseph
Plaisted, who located just across the river
Troin Kllinwood in 1S71. Among others who
followed Mr. Plaisted's lead were Carl Herter,
John Herter, Chas. B. Darr. Will H. Granr,
John C. Proctor. David T. Mclntyre, John
Hamiltcn, J. S. Province, all of whom made
good and made of this township one of Jio
best and most productive in the county. It
now has a poiiulalion of 688.
South Bend Tow n .s li i p
The settlement of South Bend township
was begun in 1872, the first person to Iccate
government land being Samuel Maher, Mat-
thew Schmitz, Henry F. Schriddle and A. J.
3uckland. They were foUow-ed in 1873 by W.
H. H. Keeney, J. M. Albright. Hallis Chaff.'e.
H. H. Kidder, Theo. Dahm, James Barke and
Peter 1-efevre. Those who located in this part
of the county in 1874 were: T. C. Coker, T.
Vaiuil, Fred Dahm. Daniel Shiibl, Richard S.
.\tkins, Georg-" Deiina, James G. Dawson, Win.
Torrey, Richard L. Howell and Kdwin C. Ren-
kin. In 1875, A. C. Sowie, Carlton D. Alford,
Hiram Brownell, Ira D. Brougher, Wm. Hood
and C. J. Mackenroth made entries on land in
this township. It has always added its share
to the production of the county and now has
a populaticn of 422.
Pawnee Rock Township
The first settlement was made in this
township when the Kentucky colony, consist-
ing of twenty persons arrived. In the party
were T. C. Polk, John W. Smith and George
.\I. Jackson, who was the leader of the col-
ony. Mr. Jackson first located near Kllin-
wocd but at a meeting which was attended by
all the members of the colony it was decided
that the land in Pawnee Rock township was
the best to be found in the county. Accord-
ingly it was decided that they would take u,)
their land there. On March 23, 1872, a cele-
'iration was held in honor of their arrival at
the historic pile of stone known as Pawnee
Rock. In addition to those already
named the following were among the first set-
llers in this township: Win. C. Hatter. Denni.^
I ogan. S. P. Leitner and D. M. Sutherland. In
1874 the following were added to the town-
ship's population: W. M. Jenks, F. J. Jasn,
Charles C. Ijcwis, Kli. Wm. H. and Hiram
Bowman, Robert J. Smith, Aaron V. Miller,
Joseph Hanoii, Joliii W. Graves. John R:n.
Isaiah Pelsor and J. F. Pearcc. This township
now has a population of 356.
Settlement w-as begun in (his township
early in 1872. Among those whj selected
claims were the following: In 1S72, Wm.
Hartshorn. Ed. Tyler. Luther Frost. John Mc-
Mulliii. Kvan Thornberg. .\eIson H. Richie,
Willis M. Howerlon. Henry Fruit, Riliza
Hartshsrn, Wm. H. McGreevey, John H. Doel,
Joshua Lyle. In 1873. Charles B. Rose, An-
drew J. Acton. George N. Welch, Oscar O.
Hartshsru, Wm. H. Quincnp, Frank Sheldon,
Thomas Keenan, and in 1S74, Sample S. San-
ford, John Lyie and Ixirenzo Leach. That
portion of the township known as Washburn
precinct was settled in 1S74 by A. C. Barnes,
Win. Hayes, Vincent Coale, Samuel H. Mitch-
ell. Chas. n. Morgan. Robert M. Shields, Wm.
Dunn and Wm. R. Julian. This township now
has a population of 387.
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
55
Logan Township
This tcwnship was originally a part of I^a-
kiii township and the first settlements were
made within its borders in 1S72. Dnring thai
year, and in 1S73, the following took up their
residence in this part of the county: Richard
Yielding, Henry Galloway, W, D. Fairbairn,
Wm. Landman, Thos. F. Mahan and John L.
Barngrover. In 1ST4 a number of new set-
tlers were added to the township's popula-
tion. Among these who came after 1S73 were:
Geo. W. McClimans, Chas. C. O'Bleness, Geo.
M. O'Bleness, Joseph Ozenberger, Benj. V.
Moore, James B. Montgomery, Stephen Branch,
.Myron H. Young, Christopher Bock, Kdward
H. Grizzle, Aaron W. Ward, Joseph N. Ward,
Frank Nichols, Joseph Lunz, A. Barngrover
and Theo. P. Harris. This was one of tno
first townships in the county in which the
railroad land was all bought by the settlers
and all the government land was taken up.
It now has a population of 370.
Homestead Township
J, H. Burnham was the first settler in
Homestead township and he. with his father-
in-law, A. Baker, settled in 1873. During the
summer and autumn of that year, F. A.
Speece and family. S. P. Coan, 0. Beisyle, J.
M. Hughes, F. M. Phillips, S. uhn and E. U.
Campbell arrived and made locations. Some
of these were frightened away by the grass-
hopper scare of 1.S74. The hoppers retarded
the settlement of this part of the county and
and it was some time before the bad impres-
sion was changed to one of confidence. Since
the early days this township has come to the
front and is now one of the most important
ones of the county and has a population ol
699.
Fair view Township
This township is located in the northw -si
c:rner of the county and the first to make
settlemf'Ul within its borders were: James
and Jolm Johnson. Henry McCorkle, James
Cox, O'.iver A. Martin, M. V. B. Hedrick and
J. J. W. Sutcliff. all of whom arrived in 1SV7.
Beaver Township
The first settlement in Beaver townshi|)
was made in 1876 and among those who lo-
cated during this year may be mentioned:
Abraham R., John and George H. Dressier,
John H, Heard and Robert S. Bruce. In 1877
John M. Rearick, Miranda Folbergill, John F.
Dale. James and L. H. V. I'.rinson and John
and Thomas BryanI took uj) locations in this
township. It now has a population of .'il**.
Union and Wheatland Townships
The first settlements in the townships o*:
I'nion and Wheatland were made in 1877. In
that year Union had three resident families,
but within a little more than a year there
were fifty-seven voters within its borders.
Wheatland enjoyed about the same kind of a
growth. The first settlers in Union township
were: Joseph Weatherby, Daniel R. Wyatt and
John Dundas. who came in 1876. They wtr'^
followed by Jacob, Michael .. and Martin .1.
Sessler. James H. Butler. Anna S. Verbeck.
Benj. and Oliver P. Dunning, Ben,1. H. and
Wright F. Downing. Geo. M. Gillet, Stanley F.
Prindle, Jerome B. Huntley, P. B. Lei,?h,
James Welty, J. Wousetler and Richard Wehr
who came in 1877.
Among the first to arrive in Wheatland
t wns-hii) were: Washington Spencer, James
Galbraitb and Wm. B. Mitchell, who come in
1<87.T. During the following year the follow-
ing located in Wheatland: George W. Watson.
Francis Millard. Dr. Norman Baker, Howard
\. Foidham, Rial R.. Henry J., and John
Whipple, Geo. C. Gray, Silas S. Wilkerson. Is-
rael I). Spencer, James E. Savage, George
Keil. Uiihard Killle. John W. Heaman an<l
Charles Hall. The township of Wheatland
now has a population of 443 while Union has
347.
56
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
Cheyenne Township
The first settlers in Cheyenne townshiii
were Phillip Smith. Henry Smith and J. O.
Hine, who came in 1S73. In the following
year, 1S74. J. G. Lewis and family and A. Go-
lay and family, made a location on C;w cree;<
making a total of four families residing ou !he
creek banks, in that s^ection of the county. In
the spring of 1ST5 C. Frankie settled on sec-
tion 14 and a man by the name of Miller took
up a location en section 30. 15y the year IST"!
nearly all the government land in this town-
ship was taken up and among the early set-
tlers not mentioned above may be mentioned
the following: J. A. Krum, 1S74; Henry .1.
Gifford, Herman Hesse, N. A. Miller and W.
Kliesen, 1S75, and the year 1876 saw the ar-
rival of John AFachin, \V. N. Godren and Henry
Smith. Mr. Newcomb was the first resident
in the county t; take up the raising of thor-
oughbred stock. This township now has a
population of 710.
Cleveland T o w n .s h i p
Cleveland township was not organized un-
til long after the early days, that is the really
pioneers limes were passed. However, it is
now one of the g:od townships of the county
and has a population of 305.
Albion and Grant Townships
The first settlement in these townshli's
was made in 1873 by Hugh Henry and John
Boyle and they were followed in 1874 b>
Henry and Putnam White. Those who f:l
lowed closely with locations in these town-
ships were: Joseph Bahr, 1). binder. Robert
Benton, Chas. Chamberlain, Isaac T. Flint, A.
Stiver, John Hancock. Carl Wonderlich, Jo-
hann Schneider and J. O. C. Rathbun. Blood
Creek traverses these townships from the
n:rthwest and is said to have derived its
name from the fact that after the close of the
Mexican war Colonel Doniphan and his troops
engaged the Cheyenne Indians in a battle that
caused the banks to he spotted with blood
which colored the waters for several miles.
This is said to have occurred in 1849 and was
one cf the most terrific Indian battles of
those times. These townships are now
among the important ones of the county. Grant
having a population of 341 and Albion 318.
Early Blood Creek Settlers
Independent Township
The first settlement made in this township
was in 1874 by A. C. Schermcrhorn. Jacob T.
Spring, James Dalziel, Arthur Uougan, Franlv
Lorence, Gnstav Toepke, Geo. W. Arters,
Henry Rohlfing and Wni. H. Travis. It is a
most iiroductive section of the county and has
a population in 1912 of 351.
GEORGE TOWERS
I CAME from Wisconsin with a colony lo
Fossell, now called Russell. Abcut sixty
persons came out on the first train,
us each a business lot and a residence lot. I
think it was about April 15, 1871, at 3 p. m..
we landed at Fossell. A section house and a
water tank of the K. P. railroad were all the
buildings we fund there, and these wer-;
run by the sect in foreinan. His name was
John Cook. -Many of the old settlers know
him now. Before we got there the Indians
killed two of the section men and they were
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
57
Captain Riiger and myself were partners, [t
cost us $20 each to join the colony. That gave
buried on what is now Main street. RusseU.
We all took homesteads cr pre-emptions and
broke up land and planted sod corn, beans,
potatoes and other yegetables, but the dry
weather set in and hot winds prevailed, and
farming was not a success. Some of us heard
what a fine valley there was on the Arkan-
sas river. So we made up a small party of
men, composed of J. H. Hubbard, E.M. Bene-
dict, John Cook, Edward Swan, Ed.vard Dew-
ey, Art Moses and his father, .J. E. Dodge pnd
George Towers. The first day we n:ade Wa'-
nut creek. Barton County. There we found
the only tw^o settlers of the county. Their
names were Mecklem and John Reinlcke. We
camped that night with them. They told us
about the land down the creek and said the
A. T. & S. F. R. R. surveyors were coming
west laying cut the road. It was only com-
pleted at that time to Newton. They told us
the number of the section they were on. so we
very soon knew what section we could locato
on. As the odd sections were claimed by the
railroad John Cook staked the first claim
down the creek, Edward Dewey the next and
then J. E. Dodge, Benedict and Swan the next
ones In rotation. Hubbaid staked the Gofortli
ranch. The next night we camped at Wal-
nut creek at old Fort Zarah, which had just
been abandoned. All the other boys staked
claims on the creek or as near as they cnild.
The second morning they said: "George,
where did you put your stake?" I told th-m
I had found no place to put it. I said "Let us
go up the river and see how it looks." Wl'on
we g:t to where Great Bend now stands th<_
whole counttry was covered with buffalo. W'.'
killed a buffalo near where the court hoiise
now stands. 1 looked around and said to
the boys: "Well, you have all taken timber
claims, so I will put my stake here f;r a
homestead." As there were so many buf-
falo around 1 told them while the.v
had staked timber claims I had staked a stock
ranch. My stock soon disappeared. We then
started back f;r Fcssell. When we got there
we reported what we had found and done, la
a short time the most of the boys returned to
make Improvements on their claims. As I
was in partnership with Nick German in a
blacksmith shop 1 would not then get away to
make my improvements. John Hubbard and
Capt. Ruger went into partnership and put
up a little above en Hubbard's claim. Capt.
Ruger run the store, while Hu.bbard went
into the land business making out filing pap-
ers, and sending them to the land office in
Salina. I gave him my money and my dis-
charge papers and told him to find out If my
stake was on a government section and if so
to make out a soldier's homestead. About two
months after he came up to Fossell for sup-
plies, when he told me he was sorry he had
not made out my homestead papers and thac
a colony from Quincy, 111., had jumped my
claim and had laid out the town cf Great
Bend. The ones who located and laid out Ihe
town were D. X. Heizer, Geo. Moses, Thos.
Stone, Morris, and Murphy, A. S. Allen, Edw.
Tyler were the first settlers of the colony. In
the month of January, 1S71, Capt. Ruger came
up to Fossell and said that they had laid out a
town about one mile east of Fort Zarah and
had named it Zarah City and were going to
make a railroad town of It, and wanted me to
go down there and start a blacksmith shop
and they would give me two lots if I w:;uld do
so. Next day Capt. Ruger and 1 started for
Zarah City. The captain had taken a claim
ncrth of Zarah City, where we stayed all
night. Next morning we went over to the
city. We found a good sized store in opera-
tion, owned by Perry Hodgen and Tike Buck-
It y ficrn Salina. They were the head men of
the city. There was a two-story hotel and
restaurant owned and run by Dick Strew. A
livery stable owned by John Roberts and
John Moore, and a saloon owned by Lee Her-
zigg from Ellsworth, and run by Edw. Martz.
They gave me a corner lot next to the livery
stable. A stockman by the name of Jack
Jamieson, who had wintered a thousand head
of cattle there and drove them in the spring
to -Montana, said he wanted me to start in
business to do his blacksmithing as he had
considerable work he wanted done before ho
started the drive sometime in June. About 'Jie
first of March. 1S72, I moved down to Capt.
Ruger's where both our families lived to-
gether. I put up a small shop and had a good
trade while it lasted. The A. T. & S. F. R. R.
was then completed to Hutchinson. Then Za-
I'ah City and Great Bend got to fighting, over
the question as to which was to be the rail-
road town. Great Bend won out and 1 never
will forget the first dance in Great Bend. I'
was at the Stoneham hotel, run by Thos.
Stone. Capt. Ruger and myself furnished
the music. I want to say we had a gay old
time. Everyone had a jolly good time whiia
at the dance. I met Sid Crane, one of Jamie-
son's herders. He told me that he had filed on
sotne land about one and one-half miles west
of Ellinwood. He had done a little plowing on
It and would take five dollars for his rights.
1 gave him the money and put my homestead
papers on it. They had laid out a town at
Ellinwood. Capt. Ruger, Joe Howard and I
went down and helped lay out the town. Thw
railroad comi)any gave each of us a lot tor
doing the work. Capt. Ruger and Howard put
up a hotel. They gave me the corner 'o.t
where the Cyclone store now stands I
bought the adjoining lot for $40. 1 put t-p a
small shop and did blacksmithing for tie set-
tlers and cowboys. As many of the aettlers
were people of limited means they 'joon run
through with what they had and could not
l>ay for their smithing. I told tl.em I would
do their work and they could break up some
land for me on my claim and I would allow
them three dollars per acre. In that way I
got sixty acres under cultivation. 1 built a
small hovise and had a good well <;f fine waior
58
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
and one acre of orchard. The first year i
rented it to Jim \Vill<insoii on shares, each
one-half of the produce. We did very well.
The next year I rented it to John XI. Harris.
ICach furnished one-half of the seed. I got
one-halt cf the crop of forty acres of wheat
which yielded well. The next year I rented
to a preacher, Hackensmith. He raised a fine
crop of forty acres of wheat which he cut
with a header and put it into fine stacks; si.v-
teen acres of roasting ears, when one of the
Kansas hail stone storms and blizzards came
and destroyed everything 1 had. Our wheat
stack was blown for miles away. The coi'u
and vegetables were all g.;ne when the storm
cleared away. I did not have enough left to
fill my hat. That sickened me of farming, so
1 sold out for almcst nothing and in 1SJ>0
came to Colorado. Although 1 know now if I
had stuck to eld Kansas 1 might he in better
circumstances than what I am now in or per-
haps 1 might have been in the pen. My
brother, Matt Towers, came to Hoisington since
I left Kansas. He has now two hundred acres
of land and has made a success of farming,
but has had worse luck, losing a good wife, a
great deal wcrse than losing a little old 40
acres of wheat, as 1 think I might be worse
off after all. I made more money in Kansas
killing buffalo than I have made in the hills
of Colorado hunting gold.
EARLY POLITICAL HISTORY
AMID the hurry and bustle of business
in the si)ring of 1S72, men did not al-
together f-rget their political duties
and privileges and. it being the year of a
presidential election, the duty of "saving the
country" rested with scarcely less weight on
the minds of the pioneers of Barton County
than on those nearer the center of civilization
and political corruption. Meetings were heU!
by the Republicans in each ct the three town-
ships — Lakin, Great Bend and Buffalo — in the
month of July, to select members of the Re-
publican central committee. At the meeting
in Great Bend A. J. Buckland. who had ar-
rived here a short time before from New
York state, was chosen chairman of the first
political caucus in Great Bend and probably
was first one in the county. The committee
thus selected sson after met and organiz<-d
by electing W. H. Odell as chairman and 1).
N. Heizer, secretary.
The time of holding the county convention
was set. It was to consist of twenty members,
five from Lakin township, five from Buffalo
townshi)), and ten from Great Bend township.
The convention assembled in a building then
standing at the corner cf the court house
s(iuare. M. V. Halsey of Lakin was elected
townshii) chairman. In addition to the dele-
gates already mentioned, five delegates not in
the call were sent down from the colony at
I'awnee Rock and claimed admission. An an-
gry discussion arose on the question of ad-
mitting them, when a large number of dele-
gates, including the chairman, withdrew from
the convention. Those remaining reorganized
by electing A. A. Hurd, chairman, and pro-
ceeded to nominate a county ticket.
During the cami)aign of that year — 1S72 —
Hon. \V. H, Suiallwood, candidate for secre-
tary of state: Hon. S. A. Cobb, candidate for
c ngress, and Hon. S. C. Pomeroy. candidate
for I'nited States senator, addressed the citi-
zens of Great Bend on the issues of the cam-
paign.
The first political discussion in Great Bend
was between G. W. Nimocks, a young lawyer
from Iowa, on the Republican side and D. S.
Cojieland, also a lawyer, from New York, on
the side of the Liberals. This discussi n took
place in the old Holland building which, at
that time, stood on the north side of the
square. The vote for president in that year
was as follows: U. S. Grant, 160; Horace
Greeley, (54. The county election was held
without much friction and resulted, as shown
in the table tci be found in another part of
this book under the heading of "County Offi-
cials of Barton County."
The delegates to the state convention at
Topeka that year were: T. S. Morton and G.
W. Nimocks; and to the congressional con-
vention at Lawrence, J. B. Howard and Amer-
iue.
During the following winter Barton Coun-
ty was detached from the county of Kllsworth
and the Fourteenth judicial district, and be-
came a part of the Ninth judicial district.
FIRST TOWNSHIP KLECTIONS.
(In the following article the following ab-
breviations are used: Tre — trustee; C — clerK;
T — treasurer; J — justice; — Ces — constables.)
Independent township was organized in
1575 and originally comi)rised all that por-
tion of Lakin township north of a line be-
tween townships IS and 19. The following
officers were chosen at the first election
held in the fall of that year: Tre., J. L. Bau-
grover; C, A. C. Schermerh-rn; T., J. T.
Soring; Jus., H. E. Barugrover and Chas. O.
Biennis.
South Bend township was organized in
1576 and comi)riKed all that i)ortion of Great
Bend and Buffalo townships south of the river
except range 23. The officers chosen at the
first election in November of that year were'
Tre., Ira Brougher; C, George C. Kinkaid: T..
S. . Milchell and Jus.. Wm. Hood and O. Pow-
ell.
Walnut township was organized in l'^7fi
and comprised all that portion of Buffalo
township north of the line between townships
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
59
IS and 19. Tlie first election was held in \o ■
vember of that year and resulted as follows:
Tre., B. I. Dawson; C. Peter Fox; T., T. Har-
per; Jus., John Pascoe and H. White; Ces.,
John Westover and H. Nordmann.
Homestead township was organized in tlie
fall cf 1S76 and comprised originally all that
portion of Great Bend township north of the
line between townships 18 and 19. The first
election resulted in the election of the follow-
ing officers: Tre., Marsh Meeker; T., I). I!.
Linder; C, F. Hall: Jus., J. Humphrey and J
Gere.
Union township was organized in July,
1S7S, and comprised all that porti n of land
included in township 16, range 13. The first
election held in that year resulted in the se-
lection of the following officers: Tre., B. H.
Dow-ning; C, Oliver A. Verity; T., Joseiih
Weatherby; Jus.. Jacob Sessler and A. S.
Verbeck.
Pawnee Rock township was organized in
1S7S, but previous to this, in 1S72, it had been
made a voting precinct. It c inprised town-
ship 20, range 15. The election resulted in
the selection of the following officers: Tre.,
Geo. Pool; C. Chas. Lewis; T., Reuben Kem-
merling; Jus., Joseph Hannon and James .\I.
Depew; C, Frank Hallo well and W. C. Hatter,
ter.
Beaver township was organized in August,
1S7S, and comprised township 16 of range 12.
The first election was held in that year ami
the following officers were elected: Tre., R,
Bruce; C, Willis H. Norton; T., P. B. Free-
man; Jus., C. Norton and C. W. Hoffmeister.
Cheyenne township was oiganized in Ai-
gust, 1S7S, and comprised townships 17 and is
of range 12. The officers elected were: Tre.,
C. B. Gillis; C, J. N. Reading; T., Wm. Lin-
der; Jus., Albert Lent and S. S. 0. Warren.
Wheatland township was organized in Au-
gust, 1878. and comprised township 16 rf
range 14. The officers elected at the first
election were: Tre., Chas. Hall; C, E. J. Hat-
ton; T., M. Sanger; Jus., N. S. Hayes and Fred
J. Spencer; Ces., Henry J. Whipple and 0. T.
Shook.
Fairview township was (n-ganizcd in Oc-
tober. 1S7N. and comprised township IG of
range 1.5. At the first election held in No-
vember of that year (he following were ch s-
en as officers of the township: Tre., J. W.
Brown; C, U. C. Barrows; T., John Johnson;
Jus., Will H. Clark and Henry Webb; Ce-.;.,
Robert Jordan and W. A. Brown.
Clarence township was organized in Octo-
ber, 1878, and consisted rf congressional
township 19 of range 15. The first election
was held in Novi-niber of that year and re-
sulted as follows; Tre., M. F. Camiiliell; ('..
John W. Slinn; T.. 1.. S. Pursell; Jus.. A. M.
Button and T. F. Craig; Ces., J. H. Rhoadcs
and W. H. Allison.
Eureka township was organized in 1S7S
and comprised township IS of range 18. The
first officers elected in Ncvember of that year
were: Tre., Frank Patterson; C, John R. Har-
ris ;T.. Alex. Dennis; Jus., Aaron P. Jones
and James Cummins; C, J. F. Smith and C.
Plaisted.
Hayes, Seward, Lincoln and Zion Valley
townships were organized in 1S7S from the
territory that originally was a portion of the
unorganized county of Stafford. Hayes com-
lirised congressional townships 22 and 23 of
ranges 11 and 12. Seward, which was at
first called Warren township, comprised com-
prised townships 21 and 22 of range 13. Lin-
coln comprised townships 21 and 22 of range
14; and Zion Valley comprised township 23 of
ranges 13 and 14. Later they were all in-
cluded in the organization of Stafford County.
county.
Grant townsliip was organized in July,
1879, and was composed of township IS of
range 15. At the first election held in Xo-
vember the following were chosen for offi-
cers: Tre., Chas. P. Wunderlich; C, John W.
Bnrke; T., C. Cox; Jus., W. M. Butler and C.
Ramsier; Ces.. Joseph Gleissner and J. W.
Brown.
Logan township was organized in July,
1879, under the name of Calumet. In No-
vember the name was changed to Logan. It
was composed of township IS of range 11. No
election for officers was held in this town-
ship, it being governed by the officers of In-
dependent townshiii.
Comanche township was organized in July,
1S79, out of territory formerly in Lakin town-
ship and was composed of township 20 of
range 11 and 12, south of the Arkansas river.
The first officers, elected in November of
that year were: Tre., J. . Brewer; C, W. H.
Grant; T., J. W. Wilson; Jus., J. S. Provime
and C. Fields; Ces.. Noah Province and 1).
Hagan.
Albion townshiii was organized in July,
1879, and was composed of township 17 of
range 14 and the first officers who were se-
lected at the election held in November of th"
same year, were: Tr(\, C. G. Smith; C, C. W.
McMasters; T., D. W. Linder; Jus., G. L. Mur-
dock and John \V. Linder; Ces.. Thomas Mur-
phy and Joseph Shields.
Liberty township was organized in Octo-
ber, 1879, and w'as composed of township 20
of range 14. The first officers were: Tre.
Wm. Howerlon; C. Wm. Brady; Ces.. .Milton
Mossberger.
The commissioners districts as arranged
in 1S78 were as follows: First: lndei)endeiit,
('heyenne, Lakin and Hayes townships; sec-
ond: Beaver, rnirn. Homestead, Great Bend,
Seward and Zion Valley; third: Wheatland,
Fairview, Walnut, Clarence, Pawnee Ro^k,
Buffalo and Lincoln.
60
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
AN EARLY DAY CAMPAIGN AND BARBECUE IN BARTON
By Elrick C. Coh
THE political canipaiBn in Barton County
in ISSO was a warm one and among th ;
various gatherings held that year, the
barbecue at Dalzeil's grove was, i)erhai)s, tho
largest iiolitical gathering ever held in Ihv?
county until the advent of the Pouplisi
party. At that time the Republican party, lo-
cally, was suffering severe defeats and tlie
struggle lor delegates from the state to the
national convention had intensified party dif-
ferences. That was the year when the great
meeting of Arkansas valley politicians tool;
place in Great Bend and the patriots gather.d
from To|)eka to C:.olidge and fou.yht out the
proposition of Grant or Blaine and ended in
a draw. The rival candidates for the Repuii-
lican nomination for representative were A.
.1. Buckland and U. X. Heizer and a count of
the delegates after the holding of the cau-
cuses showed that Uave Heizer was the win-
ner. When this fact was ascertained Buck-
land declined to have his name used in the
c;;nvention and after an ineffectual attemjit
had been made to draw the delegates to some
third man, he bolted the nomination >!f
Heizer. Hon. F. A. Steckel of EUinwood was
the Democratic nominee, and the seceeding
Republicans nominated P. G. Donewitz, who
was prominent in pclitics at that time, for
representative, and Judge Townsley for at-
torney against G. W. Nimocks. This made a
three-cornered fight and at that time every
vote counted. It must be remembered that in
1880 we had no railroads in this county .'\-
cept the main line of the Santa Fe. EUin-
wood and Pawne<' R"ck were the only points
which could be reached save by wagon road,
but one could travel angling then from the
time you crossed the Walnut until the north-
east or the northwest corner of the county
was reached. Of course there were no towns
aside from those on the railroads, but the
rural population was almost, if not fully, as
large as now, and an effort was made tn
reach nearly every school hr.use in the coun-
ty to h;!ld a meeting. Vv i" Wheatland v;as
Frank Millard, Charles Hall. Smed Wilkin-
son and others. In Albion W. H. Rice, Cap-
tain Peck. Murdock. Dave Gray and others.
Over in Fairview lived Kirk Barrows, John
W. Brown and his son; over in Independent,
which then included Cleveland township,
were A! Schermerhorn, Jude Sping, Jim
Dalziel and Charles Montgomery and the
Diigans. In Buffalo, Levi Gunn, always true
and faithful, the Everetts and 1.. H. Link and
in Pawnee Rock were the Bowmans, Tom
Brewer, Aaron Garverick and many whose
names I do not now recall. EUinwood was
the Deinocratic stronghold and was only caii-
vaFsed (juietly but the rest of the county was
alive with Rei)ublican meetings. I remem-
lier there was a sod school h:;use called Al-
liance school house over near where Claflin
now glands, where a large meeting was h'.'ld.
The crowning rally, ho.vever, was held at
Dalziel's grove, the clans gathering from all
the surrounding country. Great preparations
were made for this meeting and the grove was
filled with pe:;ple. There was roast ox and
everything else in the eating and drinking
line in abundance. Among the speakers was
a man named Minear, frin Illinois. He was
interested in the campaign by reason of the
fact that his nephew, named Anderson Wil-
liams, at Pawnee Rock, was the candidate for
cotiiniissioner from the Third district. Minear
was a powerful speaker on the common home-
spun order and he reached the pe:ple in great
shape. The crowd was so large that there
were two speakers talking at the same timei.i
different parts of the grove. 1 can see the oM
Iran now standing in a header barge, tall, an-
gular and bony. His jiowerful voice and i)lain
talk pleased his hearers and he received a
hearty ovation at the close of his speech.
There was a good glee club present and be-
tween speeches it sang popular campaiga
s ngs. It was way in the night before the
meeting closed and many camped in the grove
rntil the next day before returning to their
homes. This was one of the most successful
I)Olitical meetings ever held in this county,
and. while feeling was high, there was the u.-
most good nature and hearty enjoyment of the
occasion. It was a day (f pleasant meetings
for people who seldom met as the means of
travel were few and far between, and much
slower than now. The place was ideal and lh<.
day a perfect one.
NEWSPAPERS OF BARTON COUNTY
THERE is no single institution that has
more to do with the development cf a
new county than the newsiiapers
People look to a newspaper for a true story
of what one may expect to fiiui in a commur.-
ity or settlement where the paper is published.
Bart-n County has been fortunate in having
had gentlemen in the newspaper business who
have done a great deal of work in helping to
bring new blood and energy to the county, a'?
well as capital, (»ssentials that are so needful
in a new country that is being developed
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
61
from its virgin state. The first newspaper
published in the county was "The Arlvansas
Valley," edited by S. J. McParren. There
were but a few issues of this paper, the first
edition being published in July, 1872. It was
a seven-column paper, well filled with inter-
esting news reading matter, Iccal news and
advertisements. It was printed at the office
of the Tribune in Lawrence, Kan., and was
owned by T. L. Morris and others. The salu-
tatory editorial in the paper consisted chiefly
of an apology for publishing a newspaper in
the heart of the Great American Desert. The
principal articles were those under the fol-
lowing headings: "Kansas," from the Pitt.s-
burg, Kan., Real Estate Register; "Enormous
Cost of Fencing Land," "Stone Houses," "Tree
Culture," "Swindling Immigrants," from the
Kansas Farmer; "Exemption Laws of Kan-
sas," "Barton County— Soil, Climate, Rain-
fall, Health," "Information to Immigrants,"
"New Homestead Law," "H niesteads," "Tree
Planting," "Bounty for Tree Planting,"
"Bounty for Hedges," "H "w to Come to Kan-
sas," and various miscellaneous articles and
useful information. Its local columns made
mention of T. L. Stone's Great Western Hctel
—the Southern; E. L. Morley, hardware deai-
Judge C. P. Townsley, Found-
er of The Tril)une
er; A. S. Allen, druggist; Uahni l!i-olliers.
bakery; Rice and Brinkman. lumber mcrcli-
ants; Yoxall Sons and C'ompany, lumber;
Poole and Bell, livery stables; John Typer,
resaturant building, a 20x60 foot hotel; Mark-
wort's store to have a glass fr:;nt; A. C.
Moses and Sons running the store of W. 0.
Hart and Company on the north side of ttv
square; Harpham and Giddings, blacksmiths;
Samuel Maher, banker; .John C:ok, grocer; 'I'.
L. Jlorris, postmaster; W. H. Odell, couuiy
clerk; A. A. Hurd, M. S. Ketch and others,
many of whom have long since passed away.
The advertisements in the first newspaper
consisted of a three-column ad from the
Western Homestead Co. — A. A. Hunl and T.
L. Morris; a column of solid reading nnitt^'r
f r the Illinois and Kansas Colony associa-
tion, and smaller ads from \V. D. Hart & Co.,
grocers; Hubbard and Heizer, groceries, lum-
ber and real estate; .John Typer, restaurant;
S. Amryne, boots and shoes; Dahm Brothers,
bakers; Jacob Collar and Co., millinery;
Stone and Williams, dry goods; Great West-
ern Hotel, which was run by Stone and Hud-
s:;n; John Cook, groceries; Pioneer Grocery,
Edward Markwort, Poole and Bell, livery
stable; Mrs. J. Holland, news depot; James
Holland, furniture; M. S. Ketch, gents' fur-
nishing goods; Ed Tyler, restaurant; A. S.
Allen, drugs; E. L. Morphy, hardware; Rice
and Brinkman, lumber; Yoxall Sons and Co.,
lumber, etc.; Samcox and Fry, bakers; A. A.
Hurd, lawyer, and Valley Printing office, and
a number of smaller ads. The second num-
ber was issued in 1S73. The outside was
printed by A. N. Kellogg cf St. Louis and was
dated January 14, 1S73. the inside — printed
later — was dated January 27, 1S73, and the ad-
vertisements were nearly all dated in April,
1S73. It contained a directory of Barton
county and Great Bend, articles on society in
the country, articles favoring the erection of
a court house and the Arkansas river bridge,
frre:-t trees, three election notices, an account
: f th" farmers meeting for the organization
cf Ibi' County Agricultural society and a nuin-
1 cr (if local renders. The new advertisers
were: G. W. Nimccks, lawyer; D. N. C:p^-
land, lawyer; J. C. Martin, j'.istice cf the pea^e
and police ji'c'ge; J. H. Hubbard and Co.. real
estate; Sanurel Maher. banker; W. H. Od-^ll,
county clerk; Typer House; Wilcox, Lehman
and Gray, hardware; Benedict and Moffat,
laints's; A. Giddeus. Imrseslioeing; E. r.
Dodge, blacksmith: .1. H. Hubbard and C .,
dry goods, and a big advertisement telling
iboul t'lc job office of th,' jiaper.
Tlic price of tlic papi-r was $2. (HI per year
and since it was published only twice a year,
the paper cost the subscribers $1.00 a copy.
Mr. McFarren did not remain in the business
very long, his place being taken in the publl-
caticn of the paiicr by Samuel Maher, who con-
liuei'il the paper under McFarren's name un-
til .March, 1S73. when M<-Farren's name was
dr<)p|)ed.
In April. lS7o, the name of the paper was
changed to the "Barton County Progress." Mr.
Maher moved the office to the Dubois build-
lug on the east side of the square. In May.
Mr. Maher discontinued the publication of the
paiier on account of his inability to secure
competent help. No paper was pviblished iin-
lil the following June, when H. Perrine Stults
liurchased the office for $LO0O and continued
publishing the Progress until the fall of IS'.S
when he grew weary and sold out the paper
62
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
to J. F. Ciimmiiis of Topeka. Ciimniins piiil
$1,100.00 and assiiiiied a debt of $750.00 against
the plant wliicli was held by Samuel Malier.
At first Ciininiings improved the i)aper and at
the fall election was elected to represent this
county in the legislature. During Mr. Cuin-
mings' absence the luiper was in charge of D.
M. Sells.
After Cunimiugs returned from Topeka )\c
did not give the paper the attention necessary
to make it a success, and it was but a short
time until G. L. Brinknian bought the mort-
gage against the plant, held by Samuel Ma-
her and took jiossession. The plant was
moved to the old Holland building which had
just been moved to the north side of the square.
A company was organized for the purpose of
publishing a newspaper and conducting a job
l)rinting shop. The company was composed of
G. L. Brinkman, G. W. Nimocks, 1). N. Heizer,
\V. H. Odell, .Joseph Howard and A. S. Prcs-
cott.
Cummings, the former editor of the paper,
is said to have died of y<>llow fever at Mem-
phis in 1878.
In 1873, Frank Sheldon started a monthly
publication under the name of the Farmers'
S. J. McFarren, First Editor
Friend. It was made up mainly of rei)rini
matter from the Progress and had but a short
existence.
The next pa|)er to be published in Grent
Bend was the Register, which was built upon
the ruins of the Progress, which in 1874, had
ceased publication. It was first edited by W
H. Odell with A. J. Hoisington as busine--.s
manager. In June, 1S74, Mr. Hoisin.cton was
placed in full charge as editor and manag 'V.
He got out a good paper and made it a pow-
erful influence for good in the community.
In August, 1S76, the 12th, to be exact, the
first number of Ihe Inland Tribune made -ts
ajipearance as a weekly paper. It was edited
and published by C. P. Townsley who had
Leen ciicuit judge of the Fifth judicial dis-
trict of the state cf Missouri. For several
weeks it was composed of all home print, but
finally the "patent inside" was adopted. This
paier was the beginning of the present pub-
lications known as the Great Bend Daily Trio-
i:ne and the Great Bend Weekly Tribune pub-
lished by Will ToAnsley, a son of C. P.
Townsley, and Warren Baker.
In May, 1877, a stock company was
formed under the name of the Great Bend
Publishing Company, which had for its pur-
pose the publication of a Democratic weekly
newspaper, under the name of the Arkansas
Valley Democrat. Isaac T. Flint of Ottumwa,
la., was chosen editor and manager.
The first number of the paper appearcii
July 21, 1877. After four weeks, Jos. B. Fu-
gate, of Ottumwa, la., was taken in as a
partner and five weeks later Mr. Flint sold his
remaining interest to B. B. Smyth of Ellin-
wood, who had been an employee of the office
since it began business.
Election was approaching and it was dis-
covered that a successful campaign would de-
pend en Smyth's being ousted from the office.
Accordingly possession was demanded by the
com; any and the demand was refused by
Smyth. Then a re;)levin was issued from the
circ'.nt court and a re-delivery bond of $2,oeo
was given by Smyth. Later the company be-
came fearful of losing their interest in the con-
cern and they made a deal whereby they
torglit Smyth's interest. He was succeeded
by J. B. Fugate.
In 1S7S the Kansas Volksfreund, a German
Democratic weekly newspaper, was started
in Great Bend. It was edited by Philli;)
Schmitz. This office introduced the first
power press in the county, a handsome Cot-
trell and Batccck. In 1879 this paper was
consolidated with the Stern des Westeiis,
(Star of the West), of Wichita and the two
jilants were consolidated and moved to To-
leka where Ihe new publication was issued
under the name of the Staats Anzieger.
The Ellinwood Express was started in 187S
by Sheperd and Sterling, and for some time
il was printed in the office of the Sterlin;;
Bulletin. D\iring the same year Thomas '..
Powers of Sterling took possession of the i>a-
per and established a printing office at Ellin-
wood. The Ellinwood i)aper now is called the
Leader and is published by John McMullin.
The above gives an idea of the early news-
papers in the county and since those days
there have been a number of papers started
that met with indifferent success and
were finally either discontinued or absorbed
by other publications.
Among those mey be mentioned: The
Item, Graphic, Evening News. Rustler and
.Morning News.
The Register, after A. J. Hoisington sev-
ered his connection with it the first time, was
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
63
owned by E. L. Chaiuiian, Mrgaii Caraway,
.1. H. BordiTS, A. J. Hoisington and Ira ClarV.
Warren Haker and Ed Vollmer bought the Reg-
ister and Daily Item and consolidated with tbe
Tribune August 1, 190S. In 1909 Vollmer sold
his interests to Townsley & Baker, the present
owners.
In the fall of ISSO Tracy and Adams start-
ed the Barton County Democrat. This firm
sold to A. Wolf, who in turn sold to W. U.
Bright of McPherson. He sold to D. Langford
in March. 1S,S6. Will Stoke bought a half in-
terest in the paper and later bought the ri>-
maining half from Langford. Mr. Stoke sohl
a half interest t: W. P. Feder in 1904. In
1905 this firm bought the Beacon which was
started by D. T. Armstrong in 1895. Stoke
sold his interest in the plant to Mr. Feder in
1906. Later Mr. Feder organized the Feder
Printing Co., which has since owned and
published the Barton County Democrat.
In January, 1910, the Morning News was
started in Great Bend by the firm of Gunn .'i
Wattsou. This paper was consolidated with
the Great Bend Tribune in September t.f the
same year.
The newspapers now published in (he coun-
ty are the Great Bend Tribune, daily and
weekly, by Townsley & Baker; the Hoisingt ;ii
Dispatch by Roy Cornelius, the Ellinwood
Leader by John McMullin, Pawnee Rock
Herald by Grant Lippincott and the Claflin
Clarion by Bert Fancher. All these papers
except the Tribune are weekly publications.
A FEW INCIDENTS
By Ira H, Clark
1JIAV be iiardoned for mention of an inci-
dent at Hoisington in the summer cf 1S95,
which was largely of a personal inter-
est to me. 1 mention this because it tells of
the largest Republican township caucus ever
held at Hoisingtcn up to that time and the
largest since with the single exception of the
caucus held in 1904 about which I will have
something to say later. This 1895 caucus was
for the purpose of naming delegates to the
ccunty convention which was to place in nomi-
nation the county ticket. The writer was a
Ira H. Clark
candidate for the nomination of county clerk
that year and it may be said that he had some
good healthy political enemies in his own
baliwick as well as some mighty good and
true friends. These enemies were determined
to keep me from getting the delegation if [los-
sible and in that manner take me entirely out
cf the running, if the entire delegation could
not be secured then it was the desire of these
peoiile to divide it with me so that neither one
of us would stand a ghost of a show when it
came to the county convention. The man
selected to defeat me for the delegation was
Tommy Mocre, a railroad shop man, who was
popular w-ith the numerous railroad men and
at the same time was quite a lodge man. A
stronger man locally for the purpose intended
could hardly have been selected. He was
practically unknown outside of a small terri-
tory but he was well known in Hoisington and
generally liked. He would not have had a
Lok-in for the nomination even had he se-
cured a solid delegation from Homestead— but
the purpose of his backers to defeat me would
have been accomplished. The attendance at
this caucus was about 110 which was very
near the voting strength of the party in the
township at that time. The test came in the
selection of a chairman and my supporters
were successful, although by but a small ma-
jority. We pushed the tight on the issue of
the two candidates for county clerk— my
friends demanding that I either be given the
entire delegation or none— with the result that
a motion prevailed that I be permitted to se-
lect the delegates to the county convention.
Right here I want to say that I did something
that branded me as a novice in politics, some-
thing that my later years of experience taught
me was a radical mistake. In politics never
give back a concession that has been granted,
take all you can get and grasp t:;r more.
IlJon the granting of the usual privilege by the
caucus there was a storm of protests from the
opi)osition. chief among which was Col, Wash.
Howards (now gone to his long rest) who
loudly— I speak literally— proclaimed that
sh uld 1 secure the nomination after having
taken advantage of this unusual privilege he
would spend every minute of the time from
convention time until election tramping over
64
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
the (•ounty electioneering against my election.
I (lid not at that time fully ajjpreciate or real-
ize llie great favor the Colonel was voluniarily
proffering me. I thought by eoneiliating with
the tpposition anil allowing them a fair share
of the delegates with instructions that they
should support me unanimously tor county
clerk would make me stronger and bring
about a better feeling. Ami this was the plan
followed against the wish and protest of one of
my valued supporters— Captain J. P. Francis
— who knew politics from At:) Z and who
though never making a brilliant success him-
self had keen foresight and excellent judg-
ment on matters of this kind. 1 found out
later that I had made a mistake for it took all
the time that 1 should have devoted to increas-
ing my following outside in keeping my own
delegation in line and preventing them frcm
violating their instructions. This caucus will
always be remembered by those in attendance
as the most hotly contested of any held in
Homestead township. This was the year that
M. B. Fitts was first nominated for county
clerk. The writer had the largest following of
any individual candidate up to the next to the
last ballot when he lacked five votes cf a nom-
ination. At this juncture practically all the
delegates supporting George Gano of Pawnee
Rock, were swung into line for Mr. Fitts.
in advance subscriptions to the paper, so I
was not very much loser after all.
In tlie spring of 1S92 Hoisingtou bad a very
bitter city election. The town had been incor-
porated for a number of years but there had
been no improvements made whatever and a
number of the i)rogressives were in favor of
electing a city ticket that would mean some
much needed sidewalk and street crossings.
The moss-back element proclaimed loudly
that the city would be thrown hopelessly in
debt if this progressive ticket was successful,
and this element succeeded in rallying to their
aid a certain element in the chtirches tha' was
made to believe that the iirogressive ticket
was an extreme favorite with the whiskeyites.
This was a favorite city electi:n argument, by
the way, for a number of years but it mattered
not which ticket was successful in any of these
years w-hiskey was sold freely in Hoisinglon at
all times. This progressive ticket was Jieaded
by Capt. \V. F. Feck and was successful at
the polls. The sidewalks and crossings were
put in and a great deal in ihe way of im-
provement accomplished. 1 was identified with
the progressives and the morning after elec-
tion six men filed up to my office. i)aid the
subscription en their papers and ordered its
discontinuance to their address. I did not
enter into any argument with them or at-
tempt to have them continue taking the paper
but as courteously as I knew how took their
money and gave them receipts. Some of my
friends heard of the incident and before sun-
down they came in with thirty-seven new paid
Speaking cf persons stopping their sub-
scription to a newspaper reminds me of an
incident when Jerry Simpson was making his
second cami.aign for congress. When Simjison
made his first camjia'gn of course 1 had more
or less to say throi:gh my paper — the Dispatch
— :f a disparaging nature relative to Simpson
and his fitness for the position he sought.
When Simpson was making his second cam-
paign his followers got up a monster demon-
stration at Hoisinglon, there was a great i)ar-
ade and the affair was about the biggest i)Olit-
ical event that ever happened in the county.
There was an Irish lady living in Hoisii.gton
by the name of Grandma J.hnson who had
been a constant subscriber to the Dispatch
and was a very good friend of the writer. She
was, however, an ardent Democrat and a
strong believer in the perfection of Jerry Simp-
son. A grandson was assisting in the Disiiatch
office on press day having the imprtant po-
sition of roller bry for the Washington press in
use in the office. Immediately after the big
Simpson political demonstration Grandma
•Johnson sent word by this boy to the editor
that if he wrote up Simpson in as lying and
contemptille manner as he bad done two years
before she was c;mirg in and would stop her
paper. Cf course the Dispatch that week had
a great deal to say aboi:t Simpson and the Car-
away-S'mpscn episode that was pulled off on
the occasion of ttat particular meeting, and in
the editor's own weak way Simpson got his.
'"he next morning after the paper was issued
Grandma Johnson went to the p:stofTiee and
getting her coiiy cf the paper examined it
;!nd found what she was looking for in refer-
ence to Simpson. She immediately ascended
the ste;:s to the printing office and tearing the
paper to shreds, threw- the remnants at the
face of the editor, placing the amount of her
delinquency on the desk said. "There is your
Md paper, it's t!:e damndest lienest shate in
the state, except th? Great Bend Register." I
was glad she made one exceiJtion in the case.
By way ct explanation 1 will say that at
that t'n;e the Register was in the hands of
Morgan Caraway, who was chairman of the
Republican congressional committee, and was
about as virulent writer and hard a fighter as
ever showed up in these parts. Grandma
Johnson's temper did not last long and she
was soon a valued subscriber to the Dispatch
and the writer always counted on her and
her family as among nur lust friends.
During the campaign of IsSS there were
two papers published at Hoisinglon. The Kcho.
published by Chas. R. Vert, espoused the Rc-
])ublican cause, while the Mascot, published by
Tom Sharghnessy upheld the Democratic ban-
ner. During the coursing meet, which at that
time was the most noted annual meeting in
the count.v, the two papers issued daily edi-
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
65
tions. Neither one of the editors were gifted
with an i;ver-abuudance of editorial gray mat-
ter and as this was in the midst of a lieatcd
campaign in the nation, state and county, and
the two papers were ultra partisan and it was
necessary that each edition contain a number
of good strong editorials calculated to inform
the common voter as to his duty on election
day. Neither editor was capable for the task,
and be it said to their credit, they both real-
ized this fact. It was therefore necessary to
get someone to furnish this necessary coi)y.
The Echo secured the services of Hugo Car-
hinder, a Swedish gentleman who ran a har-
ness shop and who was a rabid Republican
who usually exiiressed himself in very force-
ful language. The Mascot secured the services
of A. H. Baker who at that time, and is yet,
a land agent at H:.isington, Mr. Baker was a
Missouri Democratic of the rock-ribbed va-
riety and could go some when it came to tell-
ing his side of the political story. The editor
of the Echo did not know that the Mascot had
an assistant in the way of an editorial writer
but thought the political stuff appearing in the
Mascot was from the pen of the editor. The
controversy in the two papers became personal
t3 such an extent that they engaged in personal
combat over the accusations, charges and
counter charges tliat were daily appearing in
the two papers. It is needless to say that the
personal combat of the two editors was a
source of much merriment to the two writers
who were furnishing the ammimition for the
fracas while they themselves were engaged in
a bloodless warfare.
There is an Interesting story connected
with the first nomination of the late
Senator G. L. Chapman that is not gen-
erally known. This story reveals how very
close cur present townsman, Joe Walters, then
the candidate of Stafford county for the sena-
torial nomination, came to being the nominee
of that convention, or I might better say how
very easy it would have been for him to have
secured the nomination had the delegates from
his county had any idea of the intention of Mr.
Chapman. A little history of the condition of
things is necessary before going on with the
real story. Senator Robert Findlay had been
in the senate but one term and it was gener-
ally conceded that he was a one term man .
He and General Chapman were very good
friends at that time and before General would
enter the race for the senatorship he had as-
surances from Bob Findlay that he would not
be in his way but would assist in the nomina-
of Chaimian. Assurances of support were also
secured from other prominent Republicans of
Rice county. Senator Findlay wanted to be let
down as easily as possible, as it had been the
custom to give an office holder two terms and
the retirement of Senator Findlay at the ex-
piration of his first term was a divergence
from this usual custom. It was therefore
agreed that in the selection of the delegates to
the senatorial convention from Rice county
that these delegates should ostensibly be for
Senator Findlay for a renomiuation, and then
the program was that after a vote was taken
and the Rice county delegation cast a vote for
Senator Findlay — Senator Findlay was to come
forward and after thanking his home county
for their loyalty was to withdraw from the race.
This was the thought of a number of the dele-
gates from Rice county, but it seems that Bob
was smooth enough to tie them up with some
sort of an agreement by which they were to
stay by him until he would personally release
them from any allegiance to him. After he
had secured the Rice county delegation and
had this agreement Bob concluded that he
would like to stick in the senate for another
term and became a fuUfledged and bonafide
candidate for nomination.
Stafford county had not been getting hardly
her share of district honors and therefore felt
— and very justly too — that she was entitled to
the nominee for senator. Findlay knew very
well just how the Stafford county folks felt
about this and there rested his hope for secur-
ing the nomination. While the Stafford county
delegates personally felt much more friendly to
Chapman than they did to Findlay their sore-
ness for Barton county not coming to their aid
might take on such a form as to cause them
to go to Findlay before they would to Chap-
man through a feeling of revenge. This was
Chapman's danger and it was right here that
a plan was evolved whereby Findlay became
an impossibility if the Stafford delegation
would be alert and onto their job. By necessi-
ty this i)lan had to be kept very quiet and I
may say there were only two persons besides
General Chapman that knew of the plan. One
prominent delegate on the Stafford county del-
egation was told to keep a very close watch
en the proceedings and be ready to act quickly
should anything transpire that needed quick
action. Xothing more could be said, and al-
though this delegate could not figure out just
what the purport of this intelligence was it is
needless to say that he paid mighty strict at-
tention to the proceedings until a nomination
was made. This convention was held at Ellin-
wood and was presided over by Sam Jones of
Lyons. By a rule of procedure in conventions
of this character when a vote is being taken on
a nomination any delegation has a right to
change its vote already cast provided the
change is made before the vote is announced
by the secretary. A large number of votes
were being taken with little difference.
In the roll call of counties Barton always
cast the first ballot. The plan was that should
Stafford county get so sore at Barton as to
prefer the nomination of Findlay to Chapman
and the Rice county delegates persisted in
their support of Findlay then the chairman of
the Barton county delegation would immedi-
ately, before the announcement of the ballot,
change the vote of Barton county to Walters
66
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
and then it would be up to the Stafford eounty
ohairmaii to quickly announce a change of vote
from Kindlay to Walters. Had the Stafford
county folks had any idea of this intention they
could easily have brought about Ihe nomina-
tion of Walters.
One of the most prominent men in the early
history of Hoisington was A. S. Cooke, who
was the cashier of the first bank established in
the town. Mr. Cooke was not one of the first
men in the town but was one of the pushers
when he did come. It was through him that
the writer was first induced to locate in Hois-
ington in February, 18S9. Mr. Cooke took an
active part in all things of a public nature and
was a very social fellow. After retiring from
the bank he became interested in the lumber
business with the late Henry Wildgen. Soon
after the hard years in the nineties he sold out
his interests and went to Pittsburg to take
charge of the Pennsylvania business of a Chi-
cago electrical supply business. 1 am inform-
ed that he has prospered greatly in his new
home and now has his country home, two au-
tomobiles and his city residence. While in this
county he was active in Masonic circles but
has since renounced all allegiance to secret
orders and is now a devout and active worker
in the Catholic church, bis oldest daughter
having taken the veil in that church
WILLIS W. WINSTEAD
THERE are few men whu had more lo do
with the early history of Barton Coun-
ty, and especially that part of it that
has to do with the City of Great Bend. He
was the second sheriff of Barton County and
filled the office of city marshal of Groat
W. W. Winstead
Bend at a time when it req\iired a man of
strong nerve and a determined nature to daal
with the vicious element that made up a part
of the town's population. He was born in the
little town of Dukedom, Tenn., in 1.S44, an<l
came to Barton County in lcS73. He married
Miss Georgia Stone, a daughter of T. L. Stone
for whom Stone street was named. She, wirh
her sister, were the first y^ung ladies to ar-
rive in Great Bend. Mr. and Mrs. Winstead
were the parents of three children as foUow.s-
Wirt W^., who died when he was 24 years of
age; George M., who for some time was in
the jewelry business in Great Bend, but aboi-i
a year ago moved to Hutchinson and estab-
lished one of the largest and most comi)lele
stocked jewelry stores in this part of the
country; Thomas E., who is proprietor of the
Duncan Bottling Works in Great Bend. Mrs.
Winstead's father ran the old Southern hotel
which, when it was first built, was known as
the Drovers Cottage, and was the first build-
ing on the townsite of Great Bend. At this
time Mrs. Winstead was 15 years of age and
her two sisters, who are now Mrs. Honnen
and Mrs. Crath, were 5 and 13, respectively.
Mr. Winstead was deputy marshal for some
time and in all his i)ul)lic duties proved him-
self a man whose nerve enabled him to deal
with delicate conditions with forethought and
determination. He had to deal with some
mighty tovigh characters during his terms as
marshal and sheriff but the evil-doers learned
that Mr. Winstead was a man who plac-d
his duty above everything else. He was a
kind and considerate father and his death,
which occurred a few years ago, caused a
great deal of sorrow among his relatives and
friends who knew him for a man in every
sense of the word.
JOHN EVERS
THE improvements just completed at
"Wheat Valley Farm," the home of
John Evers, 12 miles west of Great Bend
has made such a change in its appearance
that one hardly recognizes it as the same
place, although the land is just as rich and
the same care has been given to the cultiva-
tion of the crops. A large two story frame,
containing ten rooms and a kitchen, has taken
the place of the former residence, and it will
stand as a monument to the skill of Jlr.
Evers as a carpenter for many long years, as
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
67
he has been both its architect and bviilder.
That it is well built, and that the lumber of
its construction is first class Is an admitted
fact, because Mr. Evers served an apprentice-
ship at the builders' trade in the Old Country
before coming to America, and then worked
as a journeyman carpenter for a number of
years. Since coming to Kansas he has worked
at his trade while farming, and has kept in
touch with the improved methods in vogue in
this country. He therefore felt that he was
competent for this task and the building stands
to prove that he made a just estimate of his
ability. The barn, sheds and other outbuild-
ings are in keeping with the home and care
for the grain and stock of the farm. There is
an abundance cf shade and the whole presents
a beautiful appearance.
John Evers was born in the Province of
Hanover, Germany, on May 11th, 1S57. He
worked on the farm and at his trade until
March 5th, 1SS2, when he came to America and
first settled in Nebraska City, Nebraska. There
he again farmed and worked at his trade, but
in May, 1893, came to Barton County, Kansas,
and purchased the one hundred and sixty acres
where he resides. He also owns a half sec-
tion in Pawnee County which is farmed by his
son John Herman Evers. He was married in
June, 1SS4, to Miss Johanna Ekhoff, of Ger-
many, and thirteen children have blessed them:
all of whom remain at home and assist the
parents except John Herman, who is married
and lives on the farm in Pawnee County.
AMEND BROS, DENTISTS
IN writing the different articles for the
history of Barton County and Great Bend,
there is none that is more a story of suc-
cess and enterprise than this one. which vis-
counts the building up an establishnu'nt of
which the people of Great Bend and Barton
County, as well as those of surrounding coiri-
ties, are justly jiroud. This establishment ;s
known as the Amend Brothers Dental Par-
lors which are located over 1417 1-2 Main
street. Those who visit the parlors for die
first time, after having breome accustomed to
Brothers contVsts of Walter A., Eldon R., and
Leslie Ij. These young men are sons of Mr.
and Mrs. J::hn W. Amend, who were early set-
tlers in the eastern part of Kansas, having
come to this state from the state of Missouri.
Mrs. Amend was left a widow twenty-two
years ago and it is largely due to her guid-
ance and pride in her boys that they have
made a success in their work.
Walter was born in Brown County, Kan-
sas, in 1SS4, and when he arrived in Great
Bend in 1901, he accepted a position in the
Amend Bros., Sanitary Dentists
the ordinary dentists' office, are compelled to
exclaim, "Wonderful!" And it is wonderful
when it is taken into consideration that with-
out any attempt at flattery, or stretching the
imagination it can be truthfully said that no-
where in the state of Kansas nor in Kansas
City or St. Louis, can there be found a den-
tal parlor that will excel the Amend Brothers
establishment when it comes to completeness
of equipment, sanitary methods or genera!
beauty and convenience. The firm of Amead
dental office of A. I). Raffington. In 1905 he
graduated from the Western Dental College
of Kansas City, Mo., and shortly after he had
received his diploma he opened the business
that has since grown to its present importance.
In 1907 Eldon R. Amend received his diploma
from the same college and joined his brother.
Walter, in the parlors in this city. Eldon was
born in Iowa, in 1S77. Leslie L. became a
member of the firm in the spring cf 1912. He
graduated from the same college where the
68
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
other members of the firm f'udied and mas-
tered their profession. Leslie was born in Mis-
souri, in 1SS2, and received his diploma from
the above mentioned college in 1906. and be-
fore coming to Great Bend practiced at Ster-
ling. Kansas. Associated with the Amend
Brothers in their business are: Dr. Fred C.
PressI and Dr. Koy R. Johnson, both of \vh:;m
are well fitted to maintain the reputation of
the parlors. In addition to enjoying an exten-
sive local practice representatives of this firm
make frequent and regular trips to towns
surrounding Great Bend and Barl n CouMty
everything known to the modern practice of
dentistry. The furniture is of mahogan.v.
while the walls are finished in pure white
with green trimmings. Three operating
booths are equipped with the finest instru-
ments which are kept clean and sanitary by
the most advanced methcds. The instruments
used at the parlors are of the modern kind,
many of ihem being operated by electricity
and they are the kind that reduces pain to a
minimum and makes operations that were
formerly painful almost devoid of any un-
pleasant sensation. Every appliance that will
'Amendi
Sanitary
B iiii
Ulglt
£f DlRUS.
where the Amend Brothers' quality of dental
work is well known and appreciated. Those
towns are located on the Santa Fe railroad as
far west as Garden City and as far east as
Geneseo on the Missouri Pacific and to Ness
City on the latter road, and as far south as
Pratt. Within this radius there are forty
towns which are regularly visited and where
this firm's practice is steadily growing as a
result of modern methods and painslakins;,
careful attention. The Amend Brothers Den-
tal Parlors in Great Bend are furnished wi'h
in any way add to the up-to-dateness of ,h:'
parlcrs have been suiiplied by the firm regard-
less of expense and time. It is indeed fortr,-
nate for the people of this section of Kansas
to have an establishment of this kind in Great
Bend, because when they seek treatment at
this modern institution they can do so wiiu
the knowledge that na matter how far one
may travel or to whatever city they might go
better treatment cannot be found nor can
one have higher class work done at nrore re.i-
sonable prices.
L. G. MECKLEM
THKHE are very few old timers of this
county who do not know the Mecklem
family, as it is one of the families
that arrived here in 1870. The subject of thio
sketch, L. G. Mecklem, is a son of G. F. Meck-
lem. who it will be remembered was killed in
a cyclone in 1900. He with his family came
to this county in the fall of 1870 and he lo-
cated on the northeast quarter of section o,
Buffalo township, while L. G. later honic-
Eteaded the northwest quarter of the same
section. L. G. now owns 400 acres of land ali
in Buffalo township, except 80 acres, which is
in Kureka township. He was born in Pitts-
burg. Pennsylvania, and came to this county
with his parents. He was married to Miss
Rheta Wilkins and to this union there were
born two children, Ira, 32 years of age, and
Jennie, 30 years of ago. The former is a
wheat buyer located at Heizer and Jennie i.-i
now Mrs. Henry Boyle, and resides on Bkvid
creek, in this county. .Mr. Mecklem survived
his first wife and in 1886 was married to Miss
Clara Baldwin in this c::unty. They are the
parents of three children as follows: MoUio,
21 years of age, is now Mrs. Walter Waller-
stedt of Lynsburg, Kansas: Marie. 17 years,
and Bess, 14 years of age, are residing at
home. The homo place is beautifull.v located
on the south bank of Walnut creek. The res-
idence which contatins eight rocms. in adili-
tion to closets, pantries, etc.. is surrounded by
shade trees and shrubbery. The barn is 32
foot square and the other outbuildings are
well built and commodious. Altogether Mr.
Mecklem has one of the best improved and
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
69
most attractive home places to be found ;n
that township. He maintains a small orchard
and a good grade of live stock and is one of
the best known farmers in that section of
Barton. He has held township and school
board offices and always takes an active part
in any movement that he thinks is for the
benefit of the community in which he lives.
One thing of interest about Mr. Mecklom
.should be mentioned. He is the author of the
famous Heizer Yacht Club notes that have
been running in the Tribune for the last three
or four years.
JAKE MILLER
THE pioneer photographer of Great Bend
is Jake Miller who still operates a stu-
dio on Braadway a few doors east of he
federal building. Mr. Miller was born in
Adams County, Pennsylvania, June 16, 1S4S.
He came to Great Bend in 1872 and soon after
his arrival opened a photograph gallery and
nearly all the well known old timers have
posed before Mr. Miller's camera. Many of
the illustrations cf the old time scenes and
people in this book are cuts made from photos
furnished by Mr. Miller. Mr. Miller helped
to set the type from which the first newspa-
per in Great Bend was printed. He was mar-
ried in 1878 to Miss Carrie E. Rankin and
they are the parents of two children: Leon,
who is now a telepgaph operator employed
by the Associated Press at St. Joseph, Mo.,
and Anna, who is now Mrs. David Gordon of
this county. Mr. Miller was well acquainted
with the old timers and pioneers of this sec-
tion of the state and knows a great deal
about the early history of Barton County, as
he is one cf the men who helped to make it.
Early Picture of First Photo-
grapher, Jacob Miller
JOSEPH H. TROILLET
JOSEPH H. TROILLET was born Decem-
ber 21, 1843. at Bagnes Valais, Switzer-
land, of French parents. He was mar-
ried in March, 1881, to Miss Anna Bobeck and
they were the parents of three girls: Lillian
Elsa and Alma. Mr. Troillet arrived in Bar-
ton County in 1873 and was, therefore, among
the pioneers of this section cf Kansas. His
first business venture was a tailor sh;p which
he and his brother, Francis Troillet, opened.
This partnership continued for some time aft-
er which Mr. Troillet opened a French res-
taurant which he conducted until 1887, when
he established a cigar factory and confection-
ary story on Forest avenue, opposite the post-
office, in a building which he erected in 187lj.
Mr. Troillet was always known as an ente.--
prising, progressive citizen and always took
a part in any movement that had for its pur-
pose the betterment of the community in
which he lived. The confectionery store is
now being run by his daughters and there
are few if any of the old timers who will not
remember Mr. Troillet and the part he took
in the upbuilding of Great Bend and Barton
County. Mr. Troillet was one of the original
organizers and directors of the Citizens Na-
tional bank and was also one of the largest
stockholders. Mr. Troillet's death, which oc-
curred on February 24, 1911, was a great
shock to the community and ho was sincerely
mourned, not only by his relatives, but by
scores of friends in all parts of the state of
Kansas. Mr. Troillet survived his wife who
died August 10, 1908. The Troillet girls, Lil-
lian, Alma and Elsa are well fitted to lo..k
after the different business interests left by
their parents. Lillian was married in July,
1912. to Ernest Frey. The girls are among
the best known in the younger society set of
the county, all of them being accomplished
musicians, Lillian being a singer of exception-
al ability. Mr. Troillet was one of the best
known pioneer business men ot Great Bend
and before his death had the satisfaction of
seeing the town and county reach a place of
importance which was made possible by the
early struggles of the pioneers 'f whom he
was one.
70
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
W. H. KERR
WlLl.lAM HICNRY KMKR w'as b^ni ai
ro\iloii .Illinois, January 20, 1855. IIo
went with liis parents to Jlissonri
when ho was about one year of age and it
was in the hitter state that he was raised anil
received his oarly education. Mr. Kerr came
\er but was included in another township. Mr.
Kerr was married August 30, ISSl, to Miss
Florence P. Lindsay of Bunker Hill, Kansas,
and they are the parents of eight children, six
of whom are living. One of the children died
in infancy and Albert was killed by lightning
City R e s iti e n c e of W . H . Kerr
Farm Residence of W. H. Kerr
to Kansas from Missouri in 1876 and located
in Marlon County. He first took up a tree
claim and pre-emption in Beaver township,
the former being changed to a homestead. .\l
this time there was but one family in that
township which was not then known as Bua-
June 29, 1900, when he was 12 years of age.
The renjiinder of the children are: Mary
Belle, who is now Mrs. Clarence Markel;
Winifred, who is employed by the Merrit-
Schwier Creamery as stenographer; Klhcl
Florence, who is a steuographcr and is em-
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
71
ployed by C. B. Ellis & Co., brokers, of San
Francisco; Robert Henry, who is employed in
Great Bend, and Josephine and Alice, who are
living at home. Mr. Kerr has always taken a
great interest in his children and they are al!
well educated and well known in this part of
the state. Mr. Kerr now owns 720 acres of
farm land in Barton County, all of which is
being worked by renters. He also owns con-
Life," which spreads the propaganda of the
society to all parts of the civilized world. He
is also the president of the society and devotes
a great deal of his time to study and in the
preparation of copy for the magazine. Some
time ago he purcbasod the Morrison hotel
building which is one of the largest in the
city of Great Bend, and it is his intention to
found a school in the building to prepare stu-
.■^r^=s^^-
I'-'^^aag^--
Great Bend Hotel, Owned by W. H. Kerr
slderable town iiroperty in Great Bend and ISO
acres of land in Texas. Mr. Kerr is the found-
er of the Church of Humanity, a society that
is gaining many new members in all parts of
the world. The membership roll contains
representatives from forty states in this conu-
ttry as well as in Germany and England. Mr.
Kerr is the publisher and editor of the month-
ly magazine called "The Truth About God and
dents for taking up the work of spreading
the beliefs of the society. Mr. Kerr is an en-
terprising and progressive citizen and is one
of the really old timers of Barton County who
have remained here through good and bad
years and established a home and raised a
family that is a credit to him and the com-
munity in which he lives.
JACOB A. DIRKS
THE general appearance of "North Slope
Farm," the name recently given to the
home of Jacob A. Dirk's, thirteen and
one-half miles west of Great Bend, has been
greatly changed by the erection of a two story
frame residence containing ten large airy
rooms, and all other conveniences and acces-
sories usually found in a modern up-to-date
home. This building stands on an elevated
position and well above ground, and seems to
tower above its surroundings. It is en-
closed by porches, north and south, and the
sleeping apartments face in those directions.
Ventilation and comfort have been the chief
aims in its construction, and Mr. and Mrs.
Dirks can congratulate themselves that they
have secured these blessings. It is furnished
in the most modern style, and will take rank
with the best homes in the county. There is a
good barn with mow and stall room for all hay
and stock necessary on the farm, and a gran-
ary and other outbuildings. New trees, plants
and shrubs will be set, and these will blend
with the tastefully painted buildings and
brighten the scone.
Jacob A. Dirks was born in Newton, Kan-
sas, on April Sth. 1S77, and attended the dis-
trict schools of Barton County. He is the
oldest son of Abraham H. and Nettie Dirks,
and grew to manhood on the homestead one-
72
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
half mile west ol his present homo. He is one
of the progressive farmers of the county, and
his two hundred and forty acres of tillable
land show that he is a model husbandman.
His farm covers one hundred and sixty acres,
and he owns an additional eighty, two miles
west in Rush county. These two tracts are
cultivated by him personally, and his fields
and granaries both show that he understands
his business. On December 5th. 1900, Jacob A.
Dirks and Miss Carrie Ratzlaff. of Harvey
County. Kansas, were united in marriage, and
four children bless them: Chester, 9; Harvey,
^; Daniel. 6. and Mae Leona, 2.
BENJAMIN H. U N R U H
HILLSIDE FAK.M," the country home of
Benjamin H. I'nruh, stands on a
a gently sloping hillside thirteen
miles west of Great Bend. The farm em-
braces three hundred and twenty acres of
beautiful lying land, and the soil is very fer-
tile. Mr. Unruh also owns one hundred and
sixty acres in Pawnee County, and both tracts
are in a high state of cultivation. The "Hill-
Benjamin H. Liiruh was born in Central
Russia on September 5th, 1864, and came to
America with his parents, Hein and Katherine
Unruh, when ten years of age. They arrived
in Newton, Kansas, on December 24th, 1874.
and little Benny spent his tenth Christmas in
the new world. They finally settled at Paw-
nee Rock, but eventually entered a homestead
three miles south of the farm here described.
• Hillside Farm'
side Farm" is improved with a one story and
a half frame containing nine rooms, and is
furnished modernly. The barn is 32x60 and
has stalls for fifteen horses and ten cows.
There is a granary, model milk house, and
other outbuildings, and some metal grain bins
scattered about. The house is painted gray,
the barn red, and these shades harmonize well
with the green of the orchard leaves and the
shade trees about the premises.
The father died in November. 18S4. but the
mother still resides on the homestead. Ben-
jamin H. attended the public schools of his dis-
trict and assisted his father and mother on
the farm, and entered and proved up on a
claim of a quarter section. On April 14th,
1899, he married Miss Anna Smith, of Harvey
County, Kansas. They have five living chil-
dren: Alvin. 10; Ruth, 8; Augusta. 6; Paul,
4, and Frcida, 3.
CLARENCE E. HOLMES
CT.ARENCE R. HOLMES was born April
2. 18S2. at Frcdonia, Wilson County.
Kansas, and is a sen of Mr. and Mrs.
R. E. Holmes, who came to the Sunflower
state from Iowa in 1877. Clarence lived in
his native county for six years after which iie
went to Elk County with his parents. From
there he went to Butler County and resided
in the town of Douglas until 1908. during
which year he came to Bartcn County and en-
gaged in the drug business in Groat Bond.
The elder Holmes followed the business ol
o
11
C
Crq
J/3
O
-i
74
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
fanning and cabinet making. After 1S80, and
previous to this date was in the drug business
for thirty years. Clarence was educated in
the grammar and liigh schools of the differ-
ent counties in which he lived and in 1907
graduated from the pharmaceutical depart-
ment of the Kansas university at L-awrenc".
Soon after graduati;.n he successfully passed
the examination and fulfilled the other v<--
quirements of the state board of pharmacy
and is now a registered pharmacist. When
Clarence was a boy he took a great interest
in outdoor sports and became proficient as a
baseball pitcher and after playing in ama-
teur teams for some time, in 1903 he signed
a contract and pitched professional ball lor
the Cedar Rapids club of the "Three I."
league. He made an excellent record as a
left handed twirler and quit the game only
because he wanted to go into business ioi
himself. He still takes a great interest in
the national game and his store is headquar-
ters for spirting goods and is popular with
everybody who is in any way interested in
sports.
Mr. Holmes was married in 1907 to Miss
Daisy HoUenbeck of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and
they are the parents of one child, a boy two
years of age who bears his father's name and
is known as Clarence Holmes, Jr. Mr. Holmes
is one of the best known business men of Bar-
ton County and his store is a standard for all
goods in the drug line. During the hot
months the soda fountain maintained at the
Holmes store is the mecca for those who want
the best in the soft drink line. The prescrip-
tion department is always in charge of Mr.
Holmes or another registered pharmacist and
this department is maintained on the highest
standard.
JOHN F. LEWIS
THK history of Barton County, Kansas,
would not be entirely complete without a
short biography of John F. Lewis, who
came here in 1S73, when there was but a sin-
gle row cf houses around the square, and the
cowboy element dominated the town.
Mr. Lewis was born in Holmes County,
Ohio, August 9, 1S42, wherefroni his family
moved to DeWitt County, Illinois, in 1S44,
where he grew to manh.od and in July, ISfii,
enlisted in Company G, 107th Infantry, Illi-
nois Volunteers for sei'.ice in the civil war.
His father. Dr. B. S. Lewis, having recruited
said company and was elected its captain and
he, John F. Lewis, was made duty sergeant,
afterwards promoted to first sargeant and
again to second lieutenant. Mr. Lewis served
with his regiment in the Kentucky, East Ten-
nessee, under General Burnsides in its bat-
tles and seiges, thence in 1864 with Sherman
in his march ujjon Atlanta, then in the cam-
paign when Hood marched vipcn .Nashville and
the battles of Columbia, Duck River, Franklin
and Nashville was fought, thence going with
his cori)s to Fort Fisher, thence on up the
coast in various engagements to the close of
the war, in the capture cf Johnson's army.
Soon after the close of the war Mr. Lewis
was commissioned lieutenant in the Four-
teenth regular infantry and was stationed on
Governors Island, New York harbor, during
the following summer, where he pass.^d
through the cholera epidemic and suffered an
attack of that dread disease.
He joined his regiment in the spring of
1867, via the Isthmus of Panama and San
Francisco and across the Yuma desert to Ari-
zona. Very soon after reaching his command
he was ordered on an expedition against die
A])ache Indians in command cf Troop G, First
v. S. cavalry, in the Chiricahua mountains,
and encountered the Indians in force in the
Guadaloupe canon near the present town of
Douglas, Arizona, and went into action, cap-
turing their stock, defeating them and killing
a large number.
He was engaged in battle with the Indians
on many other cccasions, one of which was
notable, that of being surrounded and be-
seiged two days and nights in a mining cor-
ral, from which he successfully extricated
his command with the captured stock, though
he was constantly engaged until reinforce-
ments arrived.
Mr. Lewis was i)r()nioted to first lieutenant
of the Thirty-second infantry, and was after-
wards transferred to the Twenty-first, be-
came quartermaster at Camp Crittenden, .it
which iiost he constructed the post buildings
the remains of which can be seen by any i)e>
£on traveling into Mexico over the Guaymas
branch of the Santa Fe railroad. In ls71 .Mr.
Lewis enj.^yed the opportunity offered by the
government of accepting a year's pay upon
the reduction of the army from forty-five to
twenty-five regiments, arriving home in Julv,
1871, thus giving the government nearly four
years of continuous Indian service.
Mr. Lewis married Miss Frances M. Mor-
ten, at Corning, Adams County, Iowa, Septem-
ber 13, 1873, and immediately came to Kansas,
locating a homestead and tree claim four
miles north of Kllinwood, Kan.
During his stay on said land the movement
of large herds of cattle from Texas north-
ward gave great annoyance to the farmers In
the destruction rf crops. Mr. Lewis organized
the farmers and made physical resistance to
said encroachments to the end that said dam-
ages to crops ceased and resulted in the peo-
ple of the county bringing out Mr. Lewis as a
candidate for sheriff. However, the political
trickery no less common those days than now,
thwarted the wishes of the people and he was
defeated.
Mr. Lewis has until late years ever inter-
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
75
ested himself in the public uplift of our town
and county, pushing with enterprise and unsel-
fishness any improvement that promised ben-
efits to our town.
He organized the Great Bend Gas and Fuel
Company and was instrumental mere than
any other citizen in sinking a deep well on
section 13-19-13 in an effort to develop coal,
gas or oil, reaching a depth of 1,365 feet, find-
ing only salty artesian water that is still flow-
ing out of the ground, and which is said to
prssess valuable medicinal properties. Soon
after this he brcught about a vote of $10,000
bonds in the city for the erection of a sail
plant. However, the land boom, then at its
ape.x, commenced to wane and promised
monies from other sources failed to come and
the venture came to nothing.
Mr. Lewis also organized by his energy
the Great Bend Foundry Company, which con-
structed its buildings immediately south of the
present grain office of the Walnut Creek Mill-
ing Company, which burned to the ground u
few years ago.
Mr. Lewis occupies the office he then oc-
cupied tw^enty-six years ago, being a quiet and
conservative real estate business, where he yet
cheerfully caters to the occasional demand
for information and events of the long, long
ago in the early history of Kansas.
ELRICK C. COLE
ELRICK C. COLE was born in Burlington,
Racine County. Wisconsin, October -il,
1S56. He moved with bis parents in
1)H63 to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he received
a comm n school education, finishing the high
school course. He studied law in the offiro
Judge E. C. Cole
of his father, Albert G. Cole. He was clerk
of the circuit court of that county, and was
admitted to the bar in December, 1S7S, and to
the supreme court of Wisconsin in February,
1879. He moved to Great Bend, Kansas, in
March, 1879, where he began the practice of
law with his brother. Theodore C. Cole, under
the firm name of Cole Brothers. He is the
dean of the Barton County bar and one of the
most prominent lawyers in Kansas. The firm
was dissolved by the death of his brother in
October ,1890. He was elected county attoor-
ney of Barton County in 1S86 and re-elected in
1SS8. He was elected a member of the legis-
lature in 1894 and resigned in March 1895, aft-
er the close of the session to accept the ap-
pointment of judge of the Kansas court of ap-
peals, which place he held until January, l.SDV,
when he returned to the practice of law in
Great Bend. On January 1, 1900, he formed a
partnership with Wm. Osmond, which still
ccntinues. He was married November 23,
INSO, to Miss Minnie 0. Webb of La Crosse,
Wisconsin, and they are the parents of one
child, Frances, who is now Mrs. Eldon J. Lowe
of Coffeyville, Kansas. He is a prominent
member of the Masonic order and this year
is deputy grand master of the Grand Lodge of
Kansas, and deputy grand high priest of tho
Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Kan-
fas. Judge Cole has gene through many of tho
hottest political campaigns in the state dur-
ing the past thirty years, and when he tooii
an active part in the campaign his friends
were glad and the enemy knew they were go-
ing to have a battle. On different occasions
Mr. Cole overcame difficulties in winning an
election that seemed almost impossible. He
has been connected with some of the largest
legal battles in the state and has always been
found to be a hard working, conscientious it-
torney and counselor. He served the city of
Great Bend as attorney a number of times
and is one of Great Bend's substantial and
enterprising citizens.
O. W. DAWSON
THE MOST important office in the city ad-
ministration is now held by O. W. Daw-
son, who is serving his second terra as
the city's chief executive. Mr. Dawson was
burn in the state of Iowa in 1S6S and came to
Kansas with his parents in 1876. After com-
pleting his education he taught school for
several years and was later connected with the
Walnut Creek Milling Company in capacity of
bookkeeper. For a number of years he was
court reporter of the Twentieth judicial dis-
trict and about ten years ago formed a part-
76
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
nership with Louis Zutavern in the real es-
tate, loan and insurance business and they
now have one of the leading offices in these
lines in this part of the state. Under Mr.
and up-to-date cities in the staiv ui Kansas.
Mr. Dawson has proved himself a faithful and
efficient public servant and he is untiring iii
his efforts to discharge the duties of his office
O. W. Dawson, Mayor of Great Bend
Dawson's administration the city of Great
Bend has made long strides forward until to-
day it is counted one of the most progressive
in a way that will reflect credit not only upon
himself but upon the city as a whole. Mr. Daw-
son's office is located in the Citizen' National
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
77
Bank block at the corner of Forest avenue
and Main street.
Mr. Dawson at this writing is a candidate
for the office of congressman from the S'^v -
enth eongi'essional district on the Republican
ticliet. He is of the type of men who mak.'S
friends wherever he may gi and if he is
chosen to represent this district at
the national capital the people can rest a.s-
sured that their interests will be Icoked after
as they should he.
THE BRINKMAN FAMILY
IX THE ME.MORY of the old timers of Bar-
ton County and Great Bend there are
few men who are occupying as prominent
a place as John V. Brinkman, the head of the
Brinkman family which came to Barton from
Ohio in 1ST4 at a time when this section of
Kansas needed just such men as John Brink-
man and his s.ns have proven to be. John
V. Brinkman was born in January, 1841. n:-;ir
Bolivar, Ohio, on a farm. He was married
November 19, 1S63. to Miss Susan Liebold of
that state and they were the parents of nine
children as follows: N'ora, Katie J., George,
Charles V.. Lillian, Ola, .Mabel, Eloise and
Louis. Mrs. Brinkman was born in Ohio in
when aid was hard to obtain. From the very
beginning his business was a success and
when he died after having lived a noble life
the people of Baiton County mourned as they
have seldom mourned the loss of a man. The
bank which he established has grown until
now it has a capital of $50,000, with deposits
appr.;xiniating half a million dollars. The of-
ficers of the bank are now: J. George Brink-
man, president; Charles V. Brinkman, vi.o
president, Frank Brinkman. cashier, and W.
O. Vollmer, assistant cashier, and the same
policies followed by the elder Brinkman i -e
being carried out by the sons to the end th;it
it will always stand as a material evidence of
J . V . B r i n k ni a n
1841' and died April 23, 190S, she having s'lr-
vived her husband by three years, he having
passed away June 27, 1905. In 1S74, the year
following Mr. Brinkman's arrival in this coun-
ty, he rrganized the J. V. Brinkman & Co.,
bankers, private banking establishment with a
capital of $10,000. It was while he was act-
ively engaged in this business that he en-
deared himself to the people of this section of
the state. He was a man who took a deep in-
terest in the welfare of his neighbors and the
upbuilding of the community in which he
lived. Many are the incidents known to his
friends of which he would never speak re-
garding his charitable acts, and the aid he
rendered those who were in need at a time
Mrs. J. V. Brinkman
the business sagacity of its founder.
In 1S77 .Mr. Brinkman, together with E. C.
Sooy, built a flour mill in the county on tho
banks if Walnut Creek cast of Great Bend.
It was the intention to utilize tho water power
furnished by Walnut creek, but it w-ps learned
within a year that just at the times when '.ho
power was needed there was not sufficient
water in the creek to furnish the necessary
power, and in IS7S the mill was moved to its
present site, just south of the Santa Fe tracks
en Main street in Great Bend. The mill as
originally built was known as Three-Run
French Burr with a capacity of 100 barrels
per day. When the mill was erected on its
present site, Dave Roberts was taken in as a
78
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
partner and was head miller until 1SS6, when
the company was incorporated under the
name of the Walnut Creek Milling Company,
with the following officers: J. V. Brinkraan,
president; E. C. Sooy, vice president; Dave
Roberts, general manager. It was in 1886 that
Nicholas Smith became identified with the
company and after the death of J. V. Brink-
man in 1905, Charles V. Brinkman became
president and Nicholas Smith was made sec-
retary and manager. Dave Roberts severed
his connecticn with the mill in 1887 and now
lives at Grand Junction. Colorado, where he
is engaged in the milling business. The mill
going into the milling business he was c(m-
nected with the J. V. Brinkman bank for for.r
years. J. George Brinknian, who is president
of the J. V. Brinkman Co., bankers, was born
at Sandyville, Ohi:?, June 21, 1867. He was
married November 8. 1894, to Miss Pauline
Wilner of Kansas City. Kansas, and they ar»
the parents of two children, Marion and Joha
V. Nora is now .Mrs. Fred Zutavern of Greai
Bend; Katie is now Mrs. Nicholas Smith, alao
of Great Bend; Ola is now Mrs. G. L. Chap-
man and resides in Great Bend; Eloise is nov,-
Mrs. N. A. White of Fremont, Michigan, while
Lillian and L uis are residents of Great Bend,
Charles \'. Brinkman
L o u i .s B ]• i n k m a n
property consists of a square block of ground
and the milling building is SOxlSO feet in di-
mensions and is equipped with the latest and
most improved milling machinery. Its main
product, •'Imperial" flour, is shipped to a!!
parts cf the country and is one of the chief
reasons why Great Bend is called the Milling
City, and this flour's quality maintains t.he
city's reputation as a producer of all that is
best in the line of flour quality. Charles V
Brinkman, the head of this milling business
founded by his father, was born in Bolivar,
Ohio, July 6, 1869, and came to Barton Coun-
ty with his parents in 1874. He attended the
public schools of this section and also took a
course at Washburn college of Topeka. Before
the latter being connected with the Walnut
Creek Milling Company. Many who read thio
brief synopsis of the Brinkman family will
recall the many kind deeds of John V. Brink-
man and remember him as one of the men
who made possible the development of Barton
County's resources, and as a man who at all
limes found time U listen to the words of wc
from less fortunate people who came to Ihi-
new country without means to see them
through the periods of hard times. He was
a man whose friends were numbered by his
acquaintances and he died happy in tip
thought that his life had not been a failure
and knowing that he was leaving behind him
a heritage of which any family might be proud.
HEIZER
WHE.X work was begun on the railroad
track now known as the Scott City
branch of the A. T. & 8. F. railroad, a
demand was made for some smaller towiis
along the right-of-way northwest of the coun-
ty seat in this county. This was in the SOs
and Heizer is one of the towns established
as a result of this demand. It was named aft-
er D. N. Heizer, a former resident of the coun-
ty, and at one time owner of the land that is
(DF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
79
now taken up by the townsite of Heizer. The
first store in the town was established by I).
E. Freyberger, who later sold out to Reinicke
& Sons. A creamery was established in the
pose for some time was torn down and the
material taken to Great Bend where it was
reused. Heizer now has three elevators, two
general merchandise stores, one hardware
Heizer Creamery
town of Heizer by Schwier and associate:;
shortly after the town was laid out. This was
operated for a few years, but in 1909 the
building which had not been used for any pur-
store, hotel, blacksmitli shop, lumber yard and
other business establishment. It has a popu-
lation cf about 100 and is a busy little town
at most times.
ALBERT
IT WAS back in the early 80s when C. Li.
Worden and other residents of his town-
ship realized the necessity for a to>vn
where they located Albert, which is on the
Scott City branch of the Santa Fe railwa..-,
seventeen miles northwest of Great Bend. A<
bert, like other towns In that se^ tion of the
county, never had a boom, 'o:\t wifhiT a sho't
time after it was laid out it served the piir-
pose for which it was intjuc-ed and offered
the people of that section of th.» county a
trading point and it was not long until nearly
all lines of retail business wer; represented.
The first store was started by Cliarlcs llayes
who later sold cut. Albert r'ow has i bank,
four elevators, hotel, livery and feed stable,
two general merchandise stores and a popula-
tion of about 170. It was near t!ie tc'vnsite
OLMITZ
OLMITZ was laid out and began its
growth in 1S85 and is the trading
point for an Austrian settlement that
surrounds it. When Peter Brack and his
brothers and mother came to this section of
the state they were accompanied by a number
of natives of Austria and for several year?
after their arrival it was only by the greatest
economy and by dint of hard work that they
succeeded in bringing the soil in that sec'.ioii
to a state of productiveness that would yield
them a profit for their efforts. Olmitz is lo-
cated on the Missouri Pacific railroad, 10
miles west of Hoisington. It has at the pres-
ent time three general stores, three elevators,
a bank, hotel, hardware stores, and establish-
ments that represent other lines of business.
The first store was started by Peter Brack,
who later sold out and within a few years
started the bank that bears his name. C, i\I.
Kreiser established a store in 1SS5 and late-
sold out to Sig Jacoby, who is still in busi
ness. Olmitz has some nice residences and
enjoys the trade from a large territory.
80
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
of Albert that C. B. Wordeii and Mr Pt.ude-
busli plantfd tlu- first c-rop of c-jiii which,
after making a g od start, was c:'te!i by tbc
buffaloes that were so i)leiitiful in 'iiis f.m
tion of the county at tliat lime. Albe-t ; b
supply point for a rich territory wl<i<-:i laUes
in some cf the richest agriculti.ril laud :n
Harton County.
THE DODGE 1AM ILV
I.N IIIK history of Barton County there is
no family that has taken a more acti'e
Iiart in its making than that of Kdward
Judson Dodge. He was born at Breedshill,
near Hannibal, in Oswego County, New York.
November 25, 1S22. He came with his par-
ents t) Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 1S36. Here
he went to schocil and lived his boyhood years
It was in Kenosha that he met Miss Klizabeth
I'ossen whom he married December 31, 184i;.
They were the parents of eight children as
follows: Charles E.. Wallace H., Don D., Giios
B., Lizzie, Jennie, Mary and Maggie. In ISTl
the call of the west became too strjng for
Mr. Dodge to withstand and he came to Bar-
ton County, Kansas, in that year and at once
took an active part in the development of tho
county's resources. He located en a home-
sides in this county. The Dodge family always
t:ok an active part in the public affairs of
the county and Charles K. was register of
deeds for seven terms, administering the af-
fairs cf this office for fourteen years. At the
end of his seventh term he gave up politics
and since that time has been engaged in the
abstract business. He has also served on the
school board a number of years and upon bin
arrival in this c:untry he first followed the
occupation of school teacher. Wallace Dodge
is one of the best known real estate men in
this section of the state and has offices in
Great Bend. Don also lives in Great Bei.d
and is a retired farmer; Giles is a painfi^r
and paperhanger and is actively engaged i^i
this line of work in Bart :n County; Jennie
is now .Mrs. Ingersoll of Claflin; Mary is now
Dugout Home of E. J. Dodge
stead about four miles north of Great Bei'd
where he built an abode that consisted of a
dugout on the bank of Walnut creek. Here
the family resided for a number of years and
were among the best ku?.wn and most highly
respected of the early settlers of this part
of the state. .Mr. Dodge came here alone but
was joined by his family after he had secured
a location and made arrangements for the
making of a home. He farmed for a number
of years and, finally retired and moved to
Great Bend wiiere he took up his residence.
Mr. Dodge was a blacksmith by trade and fol-
lowed this line of business until a short time
before his death which occurred October 10,
1!H0, after he had reached the age of ST year.-;.
1(1 months and 27 days. Mr. Dodge's first wife
died November 1, 1SS9. In June he was mar-
ried to .Mrs. Klizabeth Wells, who still re-
.Mrs. W. P. Feder, her husband being the ed-
itor of the Barton C:unty Democrat; Lizzie
is now Mrs. George Spencer of Great Bend
and .Maggie is now .Mrs. Jones of Hollywood,
("alif. The head of the Dodge family came to
this county when the buffaloes were stiil
roaming the prairies in this part of the coimi-
Iry and he enjoyed the distinction of having
built the first bridge to span Walnut creek
north of the town cf Great Bend. We priut
herewith a picture of the Dodge home on Wal-
nut creek and from this picture one can got
an idea of how the people lived in those days
and see the conditions with which the early
settlers had lo c:ntend. Mr. Dodge's death
came as a great shock to the community
where he had scores of friends which were
made and kept by his kindness and many m:n-
ly qualities.
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
81
ALBERT NICHOLAS MERTEN
ALHERT NICHOI^S MERTEN was born
in Keokuk County, Iowa, May 4, 1S64,
and came to Barton County with his
parents when he was twelve years of age. He
is a son of Rcbert Merten, one of the early
settlers in this part of the State of Kansas.
The family came to this county in 1876 and
since that time have had much to do with the
development of the county's resources and
trees and other foliage which makes It one of
the most attractive farm homes in that part of
the county. The residence contains ten rooms
in addition to the bath, closets and pantries.
The barn is well built and contains room for
a number of head of live stock. Mr. Merten
maintains a good grade of live stock and is
an enterprising and progressive farmer. He
is one of the many Barton County farmers
Home of Albert N. Merten
the upbuilding of the towns and cities con-
tained within its borders. Mr. Merten was
married to Miss Ida A. Coss, October 30, 189.5
and they are the parents of four children:
Bessie, 16 years; Elsie, 14 years; Maisie, 12
years; Grace, 3 years. Mr. Merten farms three
quarter secticns in Clarence township and in
addition owns another half section in the same
township and a quarter in Rush county all of
which is being worked by renters. The home
place is nicely located, the residence and
other buildings being surrounded by shade
wh ) took lip the work where their parents left
off in the developing of the soil and maintain-
ing this county's prestige as one of the most
important agricultural sections of the coun-
try. Mr. Merten in addition to his private in-
terests has found time to take an active part
in the public affairs of his community and has
served in the capacity of school board direc-
tor and has held township offices. He has
been actively engaged in farming in this coun-
ty twenty-seven years and is one of the best
known men in this part of the state.
JACOB B. and PETER C. BRACK
ANOTHER prosperous farmer who was
bora in this county and has seen it
grow from a most undesirable place in
which to live to one of the best counties in the
State of Kansas, is Jacob B. Brack. He was
born March 6, 1883 and attended the schools of
the county until he began farming fsr himself.
He is the son of Henry U. Brack one of the
really old timers of the county. His father
was born in Russia and came to Barton Coun-
ty in 1876. He located a homestead which he
worked and developed a number of years and
is now living iu Rush County where he is
also engaged in farming. His sens, Jacob and
Peter, are among the best known residents of
the northwest part of Barton County and are
up-to-date and progressive farmers. Jacob
was married to Jliss Sophia Schlegel of Otis
and they are the parents of two children, Ar-
thur, aged 7 years and Harrison, aged one
year. He farms over 400 acres of land in
Grant township. His h:me is located ten
miles north of Albert. The home contains four
rooms and is located in pretty surroundings.
82
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
Mr. Brack has been a member of the school
board and has also held towiisliip offices.
PKTKR C. BRACK— Another member of the
Brack family who is well kncwn in this sec-
tion of the state is Peter C. Brack. He was
married to Lizzie Schlcgel of Otis and they
are the parents of four children: Floyd, U!
years of age, Hannah, 11 years of age; Kdwin,
9 years of age, and Edison, a year and a half
old. He occupies a nice home of four rooms
north of Albert and is a brother of Jacob
Brack and a son of Henry I'. Brack, one of the
first settlers of that section of the county. He
was born April 15, 1S79 in this county and
is one of the best known young farmers in
Barton County. He farms about 400 acres of
land, 330 acres of it being his cwn and the re-
mainder being rented. Both the Brack boys
understand fanning thoroughly as they were
both raised in the business and since they
were old enough to take an active part in tho
affairs of their community they have had a
great deal to do with the development of ihe
resources of the county and are enterprising
and progressive citizens.
ALFRED L. POWELL
ALFRKl) h. I'OWKLl, was born January
22. 1859, in I'eoria County, Illinois, and
came to Kansas in ISSO. He first locat-
ed in Jefferson County where he lived for a
number of years. Most of the time he was in
the threshing business and made his first irip
to Barton County in 1900. He did not locate
in this county until 1903 and since that time lie
has done a large part cf the threshing work in
this |)art of the slate. He was married in lS';o
to Miss Ix)u M. Cahill in Stark County, lllinoi.;
and they are the parents of three childrou:
Gertrude, 30 years of age, is now Mrs. E. H
Kulison of Eskridge, Kansas; Frank B., 20
years of age is a resident of the city of Great
Bend and is a cariieiiler by trade; Pearl, 21
years of age, is living at home. Mr. Powell
and family occupy a residence at 700 Stone.
-Mr. Powell's threshing cutfits consist of the
very best of machinery and his services are in
groat d;,'n;and during the harvest season in this
and adjoining counties. It was during Mr.
Powell's first trip to this county that he de-
cided to make this his future home and he at
once nuide arrangements for the transfer of
his machinery, etc., from Jefferson County.
Since that time he has been closely idenlifi''J
with the farming interests cf Barton County
and he has always been an enterprising :;it-
izen. il'
AMOS JOHNSON
O.VE of the really old timers of Barton
County and one who had a great deal
to do with the upbuilding of Great
Bend and the development of the county is the
subject of this sketch, Amos Johns:;n. He was
born in Champagne County, Ohio, November
12, 1S3S. He resided in his native state until
1859 when he went to Texas. He stayed there
a year. Then he went to Illinois. He came to
Barton County in the month of November, 1S75.
He purchased a quarter of railroad land and
tosk up a homestead in Lakin township. He
was actively engaged in the farming business
until 1S98 when he retired and came to the
county seat to live. He has. however, given
bis personal attention to sujjerintending the
work on all his farm land which is now op-
erated by renters. He was married in Clin-
ton. Illinois, in 1S60. to Miss Emma Xagley and
they are the parents of ten children, nine of
whom are living: Charles, 51 years, is farming
In Oklahcjma; Clearcbus. 49 years, is at home;
Clarence. 46, resides in Hutchinson; Clay. 44
years, is farming in Gray County; Clyde. 42
years, is farming near Conway Springs; Clara.
40 years, is at home. Clinton. 3S. is in the
banking business at EUinwood; Eason. 31
years, is farming on his father's land; Pearl.
29, is living at home, and (Emma who died
when she was ten years of age.) Mr. Johnson
was a member of the Forty-first Illinois regi
ment and belonged to Company F. He served
three years and twenty days, from August 7.
1S61 to August 27, 1864. He took part in the
battles of Fort Donaldson, Shiloh and was at
Jackson and the Siege cf Vicksburg. He is a
member of the Pap Thomas Post G. A. R..
and was commander of the Post in 1911. Mr.
J-huson now owns three quarters in Lakin
township and a quarter in Great Bend town-
ship all of which is under cultivation. He also
owns nine lots in Great Bend and five dwelling
houses in addition to his residence which is
located at 1814 Broadway. The residence is
thoroughly modern and contains ten rooms in
addition t.T bath, closets, pantries, etc. Mr.
Johnson spent five years in the mining busi-
ness in Chaffee County, Colorado and still re-
tains some interests in that state. With all
his private business he has found time to take
an active part in the affairs of the commutiity
in which he lives and has held township of-
fices and served on the school board. He is
one cf those men who made Barton County
from an almost barren wilderness and by de-
velopment work has made of it one of the best
in the State of Kansas. It is to such men as
Mr. .Johnson who came here in the early days
and withstood all the adverse conditions with
which the old timers bad to contend that this
county owes its high place among the best
agricultural sections of the entire country.
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
83
GUSTAVUS A. WOODBURN
GrSTAVUS A. WOODHl'RX was born Feb-
ruary 23, 1847. in La Porte, County,
Indiana. He arrived in Barton County
April 20, 1SS6. Soon after his arrival he took
up the occupation cf farming and is one of
those men who came here at a time when the
county was in need of enterprising men, and
men who could take the good years with the
bad and continue to develop the soil to its
present high state cf productiveness. He was
married August 13, 1S67 to Miss Emma J. Har-
riott of La Porte County, Indiana. They are
the parents of four children, three of whom
are living. (George, 25 years of age died in
1893;) Jessie, 40 years of age, is now Mrs.
Fred Wells of Comanche County; Ida, 39 years
of age is now Mrs. G. W. Durand of Eureka
township, this county, and Joseph C. 37 years
of age, superintends the work on the home
place. The home place consists of the north-
west quarter of section 29. and the north half
of the southwest quarter of 29 in South Home-
stead township. The elder Mr. Woodburn re-
tired in 1909 and now resides in Hoisington.
He spends part of the time on the home place
which contains a good set of improvements.
The residence contains five rooms, closets, etc.,
while the barn is 32 by 36. The buildings are
surrounded by shade and fruit trees and it is
a most desirable country home. Joseph C. was
married in March, 1S97 to Miss Gertrude King
and they are the parents of seven children:
Gustavus, 14; Mildred, 13; Bailey, 11, Ruth,
10; Daisy, 9; Cecil, 6 and Delbert 3 years of
age. All the children are at home and are
being educated in the schools of the county.
Mr. Woodburn is an engineer on the Missouri
Pacific Railroad but spends all the spare time
on the home place. The Woodburn family is
well known in all parts of the county and
Joseph C. and his father have had a great deal
to do with the development of the county's
resources and have helped to make it one of
the best in the State of Kansas.
JOSEPH SCHNEIDER
ONE of the best known men in Barton
County, and one of the men who have
had so much to do with the develop-
ment of the northwestern part of the county
is Joseph Schneider, who landed in this coun-
ty with his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs.
John Schneider, in a blizzard, Aiiril 20, 1875.
He was born in Austria March 19„ 1865, but
left his native country when he was ten years
of age. The family consisted of the parents
and Ave children besides Joseph. On their
arrival in Barton County his father took up a
homestead two and one-half miles north and
east of Albert. Joseph Schneider has always
been a progressive and enterprising citizen and
now owns 2.2S0 acres of land in the county.
He farms three quarters of land himself and
the remainder is rented. He is president of the
Farmers State Bank of Albert and is well
known in the financial life of the county. He
was married in 1889 to Miss Theresa Kober of
this county and they are the parents of seven
children as follows: Joseph, 22 years of age;
Bernard, 20 years . f age; Mary, IS years of
age; Leonard, 16 years of age; Francis, 14
years of age; Irwin. 12 years of age and Lottie,
6 years of age. All the children are at home
and are being educated in the schools of the
county. Mr. Schneider's home place is one
of the best develoiied and most modernly im-
proved to be found in that part of the county.
The residence is well built and substantial, and
contains nine rooms in addition to the bath,
closets, pantries, etc. The barn is 46 by 30
feet in dimensions and it like all the many
buildings on the place is built especially for
the purposes for which they are used. Mr.
Schneider has always maintained on his farm
a good grade of live stock, both horses and
cattle. With all his private interests he has
found time to take an active part in the affairs
of his township and has been on the school
board, has been township clerk and trustee
and is known as a good citizen. Mr. Schneider
has taken a large part in the work of develop-
ing his part of Barton County and he came
here at a time when it required men of exper-
ience and enteri)rise to develop this county
into one of the best in the State of Kansas.
SAMUEL GIBSON YEO
SAMUEL GIBSON YEO was born July 10,
1S4S, in Guernsey County, Ohio. He
was born and raised on a farm and has
followed this occupation all of his life. He re-
mained in his home state twenty-five years af-
ter which he went to Iowa where he resided
for one year. Then he went ta Wisconsin and
spent eight years and from that state came to
Kansas in 18SS. He first located a claim ni
Sheridan County and stayed there for six
years and then came to Barton County where
he rented a farm near Claflin, later buying
land which now comprises his home place in
Liberty township where he owns one-half of
section 12. All of this land is under cultiva-
tir;n and is being farmed by Mr. Yeo. He was
married in 1886 to Miss Katie Dew at Fair-
field, Iowa. They are the parents of four chil-
dren: Maud, 32 years of age, is now Mrs. A. J.
O'Blenness of Kinsley. Kansas; Clyde, 30
years of age, is married anC lives near his
parents and is engaged in the farming busi-
84
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
ness; Earnest, 26 years of age, who resides
at home and George, 25 years old, is farming
in Stafford County near Seward. Mr. Yeos
home place is well equipped with buildings
and all the necessary machinery and live stock
for successful farming. He makes a specialty
cf raising and breeding short horn cattle and
maintains a flock of fancy Buff Cochin chick-
ens. The residence on the home place consists
of seven rooms in addition to the pantries.
closets, etc. The barn is ample for all the
needs of the farm being 45 by 60 feet in dimen-
sions. Mr. Yeo is a practical farmer having
been engaged in this line of work all of his
life. Mr. Yea farms according to modern
methods and is one of the successful farmers
who have done so much to develop that part of
the county lying south of the river from the
city of Great Bend.
JOHN EDWARD COSS
JUH.X EDWARD Coss was born in Lucas
County, Iowa, in 1866. He came to Bar-
ton County with his parents, Mr. and
Mrs. L. B. Coss. He is one of four children
born to this pioneer family, the others being
Molly, Clarke B. and Blanche J. Miss Molly
married D. E. Freyburger, a well known resi-
dent of this county who died in November,
1901. She is now Mrs. Walter Speck of Chi-
cago; Clarke B. is president of the Heizer
State Bank and one of the prominent busi-
ness men of the county; Blanche J is now
Mrs. F. A. Garrett and they reside on the
family homestead . i Clarence township it be-
ing the northeast quarter < f section 12. The
estate also owns another half section in 'his
township. John was married to Miss Clara
Bell in this county in 1S99 and they are the
parents of two children; Lester, aged 9 and
Ruth, aged 7 years. John Edward Coss is one
of the best known business men in that part of
Barton County he having been engaged in the
mercantile business in Heizer at different
times during the past thirteen years. He
bought his present business last July and he
and his partner, J. E. Turner, n"w have one of
the best stocks of general merchandise to be
found in any small town in this part of the
state. The Coss family came to Barton County
in June. '74, and the elder Coss who died
April 2S, 1911, had a great deal to do with the
early history of the county and was one of its
best known citizens. He with the ether pion-
eers began the work that the present genera-
tion is continuing and his name will always
be remembered by the old timers and read
with reverence by younger people in years to
come. They will read of him with other men
to whom Barton County owes its high stand-
ing among the best counties of the state of
Kansas and amrng the leading agricultural
sections of the world.
JOHN FRANK BALES
JOHN FRA.XK BALES, or Colonel John
Bales as he is better known, was born
in Green County, Tennessee, April IS,
1876. and went with his parents to Missouri
when he was four years of age. lie remained
there until 1900 when he came to Barton Coun-
ty, Kansas, where he has since resided and
taken an active part in the dev.^!oi)ment o'
the county's resources. He owns 320 acres of
land in section 6, Great Bend township nnd
farms a section and a half in that part of th'
county, and for the past several years has
made a specialty of buying and selling cattle.
It is doubtful if there are a dozen farmers in
Barton County who do not know John Bales
personally because whenever there has been
a public sale of any nature during the past
four years, almost invariably his name will bo
found on the sale bills. In this i)rofession Mr.
Bales has earned more than an ordinary rep-
utation. His keen business sense, his knowl-
edge of values on all goods he is called upon
to sell, and his belief in a square deal have .'.II
contributed to his success in this line of work.
As an auctioneer there is no man who is bet-
ter or more favorably known in this section
of the state than Mr. Bales. His home place
has a good set of improvements including a
five room residence, a barn 72 by 42 feet in di-
mensions and all other necessary outbuildin?^.
Mr. Bales was married in 1905 to Miss Dora
Kay cf Coffeyville. Kansas, and they have one
bright little girl. Ruth, three years of age, \nd
another. Helen, who at this writing is eight
months old. Mrs. Bales is a native of this
county, having been born south of the rivc".
Mr. Bales has always been among the moot
active residents of the county in its J^.oljp-
ment and making of it one of the best in the
State of Kansas and placing it among the most
prcductive in the entire county.
JOHN BERSCHEIDT, Jr.
JOHN BERSCHEIDT, JR., was born in
Aurora, Illinois, October 1, 1873, and
came to Barton County with his parents
■when he was four years of age. The family
located near Claflin in Logan township and
John, Sr., at once took up the occupation of
farming. He was one of the really old timer.s
of this part of the state and had a great deal
to do with the develci)ment of the soil and re-
claiming this part of Kansas from the Indians
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
85
and Imffaloes. John, Jr., attended the schools
in this connty and began farming for hinis'^lf
in 1906. He was married in Ellinwood in 1910,
to Mrs. Lizzie Weisburg. At the time of their
wedding Mrs. Weisburg had one child, Mamie
who is now fifteen years of age and she and
Mr. Berscheidt are the parents of one child,
John, Jr , who is five months of age and makes
the third John in the Berscheidt family. Mr.
and Mrs. Berscheidt own the home place, ICO
acres about 1% miles west of Ellinwood
and 380 acres one mile west of there. The
home place is farmed by Mr. Berscheidt while
the remainder of the land is rented. The resi-
dence which is thoroughly ni dern and one of
the neatest in that section of the connty con-
tains 9 rooms with a bath and all the neces-
sary closets, etc. The barn, 30 by 38 feet is
ample to take care of the stock used by Mr.
Berscheidt in his farming operations. Thoy
have lived on this place a little more than
one year and are improving it in such a way
that it will be one of the most attractive
places in the county in a very few years. Fine
shade trees have been set out, many of them
being of the fruit bearing variety. Mr. Ber-
scheidt is experimenting with irrigation meth-
ods and has a fine pumi>ing plant on his place
and if the writer is not mistaken he will open
a new era in farming methods in tliis county
providing the water supply is ample to carry
on the experiments he has in mind.
NICHOLAS WILLIAM KLEPPER
NICHOLAS WILLIAM KLEPPER was
born iu Germany. December 24, ISol,
and came ts America with his parents
when he was 12 years of age. The family lo-
cated at Aurora, Illinois, where they remained
until 1878 when they came to Barton county
and at once took up the occupation of farming.
Jlr. Klepper has been a most successful farm-
er and helped in no small way in the work of
developing that secti:n of the county that ;s
adjacent to Ellinwood where Mr. Klepper now
lives in a fine modern residence. Mr. Klepper
now owns thirteen quarter sections of land
in Barton County and a half section in Ford
County. All the Barton County land is being
farmed by renters. Mr. Klepper having retired
in 190-5. He was married in 1S72 to Miss Mary
Madenach in Aur;ra, Illinois, and they are Ihe
parents of seven children as follows; Lizzie,
36 years of age, is now Mrs. John Schwartz,
residing in this county; Mary, 34 years is Mrs.
Peter Schwartz, residing south of the river in
this county; Peter, 31 years of age, is farming
near Ellinwood; Anna, 29 years of age, is now
-Mrs. Henry Webber of Ellsworth Count;-';
J>;hn, 24 years of age, is farming in this coun-
ty; Maggie, 22 years of age, is Mrs. Edward
Patz of this county; and Frank, 30 years of
age, is now attending Bethany College at
Lindsborg, Kansas. Mr. Klepper has always
found time to take an active part in the public
affairs of the county although he has always
been a busy man. He served his district on
the board of county commissioners tor six
years and made a record of which he and his
friends may well feel proud. He has always
been a sound, substantial citizen and is one of
the best known men in Barton County. Their
home place in Ellinwood is thoroughly modern
in every way and is one of the niost beautiful-
ly surrounded residences in tne town.
PAUL SCHMIDT
ONE of the best known men of Barton
County and one who has had a gre,it
deal to do with developing its re-
sources and making of it one of the most mu-
portant counties of the state is the subject of
this sketch. Paul Schmidt. He was born in
Germany in 1864 and came to this county when
he was twenty years old. He came direct to
Bartcn County and at once took up the occu-
pation of farming which he has followed for
twenty-eight years. By using the best methods
and giving his personal attention to the su-
pervision of all work on his land he has been
most successful and during the present year
he decided to move to town and remain. How-
ever, Mr. Schmidt is and always has been an
active man and the call of the farm was too
strong for him to withstand and after a short
time in town he moved back to his place whi<'h
is located about six miles north of Great Bend.
Mr. Schmidt was married in 1890 to Miss
Anna Bloomer of Claflin. They are the parents
of four children: Peter, 19 years of age, is in
Salt Lake City; Katie, IS years of age, is now
Mrs. John Ehlers; James, 16 and John 14,
are living at home. Mr. Schmidt's home place
contains ten rooms besides hath, closets, pan-
tries, etc. The barn is 32 by 48 feet in dimen-
sions and it as well as all the buildings on the
home place are well built and commodious. A
fine orchard is found on the home place. It
occupies about two acres of land and produces
all varieties of fruits common to this part of
the country. Mr. Schmidt is an enterprising
and progressive citizen and one who has had
a great deal to do with the development cf
Barton's resources and making of this county
one of the best in the State of Kansas.
86
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
AMASA C. MOSES AND FAMILY
To ATTEMPT to write a complete liislory
of Amasa Moses at this time would be
an impossibility, and even though the
work had been attempted when he was still
alive, it would have been found difficult.
Amasa Moses was not the kind of man wh )
bid for recognition for every kind act he did,
but rather evaded all publicity. He was of
that disposition that endeared him to all w:lli
whom he came in contact, and his friendshii)
was something to be prized. There nevr
was a man in central Kansas who had moie
to d3 with its upbuilding, and there never
was a man in Barton County who was so uni-
versally respected, or whose counsel was
more eagerly sought by tliise who were in
need of sympathy and advice. In the early
days of this county there were many who
went to Amasa Moses for aid and guidance.
Clayton L., Edward \V., William A., Lincoln
C, Cassius M. and Seward E. It is seldom
that a family c-ntaining seven boys can be
found without one or more sisters and it is
seldom that a family can point to seven boys
and say: "They have all made good."
Like many other eastern boys, Amasa was
seized with the western fever and in 1S71, he
decided to bring his family to Kansas.
Whether or not he knew the c:nditions that
were to be encountered is not known. Ue
that as it may, it required but a short tiiui^
for him to lay the foundation for a home.
Soon after his arrival, and before Barton
County had been organized, he located a
homestead which comprised the northwest
quarter of section 10. Great Bend township,
and situated two and one-half miles north of
the city of Great Bend. Then began the
Amasa C. Moses
and net one is known who was refused. It
was these elements in his makeup that made
him a leader among men and it was these
same elements that sustained him and made
his efforts successful in aiding in the recla-
mation of that part of the Great American
desert now known as Barton County, Kan-
sas.
Amasa C. Moses was born August 22, IS^ii,
at Ticonderoga, .\ew York. He spent his
childhood there and at the age of eleven
years went with his jiarents to Vermont. The
family located at the town of Benson where
Amasa remained until 1S43, when he re-
turned to New York and located in Chautau-
qua County. It was there that he met and
won the heart of Miss Naomi Terry and on
April 12, 1848, they were married. They
were the parents of seven boys: Arthur II..
Mr;
A. C. Moses
struggle to raise crops. For seven years he-
tilled the soil with little or no success in the
beginning, but by sticktcitiveness and well
applied effort he finally had the satisfaction
of seeing his labors rewarded by the harvest
of grain. It was on this homestead that Mr.
Moses erected the first frame house to be
built in this county and it is still in use to-
day and stands on the old homestead which
is new known as the Griffith place, and is one
of the interesting parts of the county. Amasa
was accompanied to this section by his w'fe
who proved her worth by sharing the hard-
ships uncomiilainingly and gladly accepting
the burden that was thrust upon her. and his
seven sturdy boys only one of whom — Arthur
— had reached his majority. When they
reached what was to be their new hnnie,
buffalo and other animals roamed this part
CO
to
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II
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88
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
of the state in an almost uniiiolcstcd statv'.
Armed with Henry rifles the .Moses boys soon
became known as expert buffalo hunters and
many a tale can be related by them ct how
they crawled upon the ground scmetimes as
much as a quarter of a mile in order to g^i
within rifle range of the animals. Later the
boys secured Sharp's rifles and with these —
the highest class of firearms in those days —
their hunting was rewarded by much bettor
results.
In those days the returns realized from
the sale of buffalo hides and meat represen* 'd
about all the money that could be raised in
this county. The crops were not giving very
satisfactory returns and had it not been for
the fact that the i)opulation of the county,
small as it was. tlie people composing it, lilie
Amasa Moses and his sons, were made of llie
right kind of stuff to withstand the hardsliiiis
Clayt Moses, Ed. Moses, Tom
Mitchell, Jim Shaw
ami building an empire by the force cf thc-ir
genius.
In 1S72 Mr. Moses embarked in the mercan-
tile business, his establishment having been
located on the north side of the park square,
on lot 16, block 7S. This ground is now in-
cluded in the site of the new federal building.
At his store was found a complete stock of
general merchandise. The old store building
is still in use and serves the purpose of a
residence near the Missouri Pacific dei)o'.
Mr. Moses operated this store until the spring
of 1S73 when he formed a partnership with
J. H. Hubbard. This firm continued until
1875 when the stock was divided, at which
time Clayton bought his father's inter(!st
which consisted of a stock of remnants. Clay-
tr.n operated the store in the same building
used by his father until 1877, when he and his
brother, Edward, formed a partnership and
started the store known as the Moses Bro-
thers on lot 4, block 90, this ground being novv-
occupied by the Cyclone store on Main street.
In 1S72, when the people were called upoa
t3 choose their first set of city officials, it
was only natural that Amasa Moses was se-
lected to fill one of the most important of-
fices. Accordingly he was elected the first
city clerk of Great Bend and served with
great credit and as the town was new it r.;-
quired a man of Mr. Moses' ability to dis-
charge the duties of this office in a satis-
factory manner.
Mr. Mcses always took a leading part In
matters religious and municipal and he wi's
one of five christians who organized the Con-
gregational church in 1S73. He served the
county as superintendent of public instruction
during the first years after schools were es-
tablished in the county. He organized Bar-
ton County's first Sunday schoDl and was its
sui)erintendent. This work was not so easily
accomplished in those days as it might seem
to those who know of the conditions that pre-
vailed at that time only by reading, and by
hearing the old timers tell of them. Haw-
ever, Mr. Moses was the kind of man who met
all difficulties with fortitude and determina-
tion which accounts for the fact that success
met his every effort and he never was hap-
liier than when he was accomplishing some-
thing that resulted in good for others.
When the .Mcses family arrived in Barton
County there were a large number of Indians
roaming this part of the state, and on their
trips back and forth from the Platte river in
Nebraska they frequently visited Mr. Moses'
home. However, he met them in a friendly
spirit and as a result they came to like him
;ind I'is family almost as did the white set-
tlers.
It was the first Sunday the family spent in
their new home that a band of 5,000 or more
Pawnees stopped at the Mcses homestead.
One of the number was ill. Mrs. Moses gave
him some medicine and brought him around
in fine shape. The Indian had given Mr.
Moses a pony as a present, but when the baiul
was ready to continue their journey, the buck
— Indian like — insisted on getting his pony.
Of course Mr. Moses gave him back the pres-
ent but after that he was known among the
Indians as "Old Mose." When the Indiatis
would become hostile and show indications
that they were going to commit some depre-
dation the government would send troops to
this section. As soon as the Indians saw the
troops they would move away but with '.he
troops on their way back to the fort from
which they came the Indians would return.
Mr. Moses had treated them so kindly that
he never was molested and his family was
held in great respect by all the tribes that
were found in this section of the state.
After Mr. Moses had sold his store to his
son he still aided him in its management and
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
89
when the firm of Moses Brothers was formf:d
he was a great help to the boys in the con-
duct of the business. He had always led an
active life and up until the time of his death
was hale and hearty. When on Wednesday,
February 9, 18S7, at the age of 60 years, 5
mjnths and IS days, he was suddenly stricken
wilh paralysis and died, he passed away, hap-
py in the thought that his life had not been a
failure. Nothing so fitly describes Amasa C.
.Aloses as the quotation: "The elements so
mi.xed in him that all the world could rise
up and say, he was a man."
Mr. Moses' death was a great shock to the
community. Not only did his sens and otiier
relatives mourn his loss deeply and sincerely,
but scores of those who knew him best were
bowed down with a weight of woe that seemed
almost unbearable.
The Congregati nul church of Great Bend
E.W.Moses in Early Days When
Hunting Buffalo
of which he was one of the five organizers,
was filled with sorrowing friends and rela-
tives when the funeral sermon over the re-
mains of Amasa C. Moses was preached. The
new house of worship of this church contains
a beautiful memorial window placed there bv
his sons to their father's memory. This is
not the only memorial to Amasa Moses; there
are others of a material kind, but the most
desirable of them all is the memorial ho
wrote by his deeds upon the hearts of men.
There are none of the old timers and very
few of those who arrived in the county after
the disappearance of the buffaloes and In-
dians that did not know the Moses boys. The
old timers knew them for their sterling worth
as friends and neighbors and they knew them
lor the active part they took in aiding their
father and mother in building a home in the
land. Kvery one of the seven sons of Amasa
Moses has made good in the different lines
they have followed.
Three of the boys: Clayton, Edward and
Lincoln stayed with Barton County and have
been cl:sely identified with its agricultural
cattle, commercial, milling and banking inter-
ests. The remainder of the boys have cast
their lots with other secticns of the country,
but without e.\ception they look upon Barton
County as their home.
Ed and Clayt Moses, as they are familiarly
known, were hern in Chautauqua County, New
York, the former at Clymer, on July 23, 1S56,
and the latter at Clymer, January 19, 1854.
In 1871, when the family arrived in Barton
County, Clayt hunted buffaloes until the fall
of the year when he went to the town of Rus-
sell, in Russell County, and was employed as
a clerk in the store owned by George Hart.
He remained there a year and returned to
Great Bend where he was employed in the
stcre owned and conducted by his father and
J. H. Hubbard. Clayt's principal duties con-
sisted in buying hides from the hunters. This
poistion required tact and knowledge in sort-
ing the hides into their respectve classifica-
tions, buffalo bull hides bringing $3.00. spike,
cr young bull and heifer hides, $1.75, while a
cow hide brought $2.25. Many of the hunters
would claim that some of the hides belonged
t3 a classification higher than they really did
and this was where Clayt's tact came in.
These l.ides were brought for many miles on
wagons and gave the farmers and profession-
al hunters a good source of revenue. After
the hide business had run its course and the
animals were scarce Clayt went into the stove
where he remained as a clerk until the divi-
sion of the stock in 1875. Clayt took over hi.5
father's interest and conducted a store in the
same building until 1877, when he and Ed
formed a partnership and opened the store
on Main street, where the Cyclone store nov/
stands. This firm continued until 1S89 when
they sold out to Theodore Griffith, the present
postmaster of Great Bend. This sale included
only the grocery department of the store , i i
in the following year the dry goods and fur-
nishing goods were sold to Hacker Brothers.
By this time the land of Barton County
had begun to yield grain in good quantities
and Clayt went into the grain buying business
in earnest. The firm had been buying wheat
that was hauled to town in sacks, saving it un-
til a carload was secured when it could bo
shipped to the markets. In 187S Clayt formed
a partnership with R. C. Bailey and they built
an elevator on the Santa Fe track. This firm
continued until 1892 when they bought n
elevator at Pawnee Rock and one at Olmivz.
Then Ed was taken into the firm and lat'jr
Clayt and Ed bought Bailey's interest in the
business and the new firm was known as the
Moses Brothers Grain Company. The home
elevator was destroyed by fire in 1S9S. Work
was at once begun to rebuild the elevator anrt
90
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
a much larger and more substantial one was
finished in 1S99. In 1901 a flour mill was
added to the firm's holdings and the firm
name was changed to the Moses Brothers
Mill and Klavator Company. By this time .Ivi
firm had increased its holdings by adding
elevators on the main line of the Santa Fe
from Dodge City to Dartmouth. fr:,m Great
Bend to Scott City on Ihe branch, and fruiii
Great Bend to McCracken on Ihe Missouri
Pacific.
This string of elevators made a total of
thirty-five with the home elevator at Gri^at
Bend. The flour mill as criginally built had
a capacity of 350 barrels per day. In 19(i3
this capacity was increased so that the mill
could turn out 600 barrels of flour every twen-
ty-four hours, and in 1908 the mill was again
enlarged to a capacity of 1.000 barrels );-"i-
day.
In 19(IS till' <-oiiipany was iiuorpora''^d
Moses, together with other substantial citi-
zens of the county, decided to go into th-
banking business and, as a result, Ihe Ger-
man American State Pank was opened for
business August S of that year. The bank
was organized with a capital stock of $100,000
and $5,000 surplus. The first board of direci-
ors was comp-sed of K. W. and C. L. Moses,
Ira Brower, KIrick C. Cole, Ben P. Unruh. E. C.
Davis and Dr. Morrison, and at this writin.;
it is the same with the exception of Mr. I iiruli
whose place on the board was taken by Fr-1
Moore. The officers of the bank are: K. W.
Moses, president; C. L. Moses, vice prosideni :
Clarence Aldrich. cashier, and Earl Wrig'.:!.
assistant cashier. Since the bank was open: d
f:r business its deposits have grown steadi!..
and it has made a most enviable record for
square deal methods, and for carrying on its
business according to the most approved and
con?prvative ideas. The stock of this bank is
Moses Bros. Mill and Elevator
with a capital stock of $200,000 with the fol-
lowing officers: C. Ij. Moses, president; E. V.'.
-Moses, vice president and ireasurer. and C.
N. Moses, secretary. In 1909 half the stock of
the company w-as sold to L. E. Moses, who bi -
came president of the company with C. I..
Moses, vice president, and R. W. Arndt. sec-
retary. The mill and elevator was opera'ed
by this company until January I, 1912, wh";i
it, with si.\ other of the largest milling c:ni-
panies in Kansas, formed a merger which re-
sulted in a company being formed with a caii-
ital stock of $7,000,000 and known as '.he
Kansas Flour Mills Coni|iany. Since that
time this company has acquired two more big
mills by purchase. U E. .Moses is president
of this company, the other officers being: Ai-
drew Hunt, secretary, and .1. II. H Idrige,
treasurer.
Early in Ihe year 1910 E. W. and C. I*
owned by men who have spent their time anil
money to make Barton C:unty and Gr'^at
Bend what they are today. The bank is oper-
ated for the people of this county and during
the approximately two years of its existenc '.
has gained the confidence of all the peop''^
with whom it has had bi:siness relations.
Foil wing in the footsteps of their father.
the Moses boys have led most active lives ad
with all their other interests have found *:ri:e
to successfully operate one of the largest
thoroughbred stock ranches in this part of the
country. In 1S9S Ed and Clayt began the
breeding and raising of thoroughbred Here-
ford cattle. The product of this ranch is
known among cattle fanciers as one of the
best strains of aristocratic Herefords in th'!
country. The fame of this slock has been al-
most world wide and Ihe M.'ses Brothers have
shipped animals from this ranch to all parts
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
91
of the countrty and to far away Brazil.
Since 1S9S tliey liave marketed about 1,(H)M
head of stock from their herd and at this writ-
ing have 500 fine animals on their 4,000-acve
ranch in Xess County. In addition to this
ranch, Ed and Clayt own 3,600 acres of farm
land in Barton and Stafford Counties, most of
it being farmed under their personal super-
vision and the remainder being farmed ny
renters. Their cattle are known in all Mie
states surrounding Kansas and in many par.s
of this country and Mexico.
Since the JMoses boys came to Barton
County all of its members have taken a lend-
ing part in its unbuilding and while some uf
the boys have removed ta other parts of the
country the work they did in this countrty in
its early history is still vivid in the memory
of the old timers.
Clayt Mcses was nmrried Dpcember 12.
Ed and Clayt IVIoses are home loving men
and occupy modern residences in Great Bend
and are among the best known citizens in ^lie
state of Kansas.
Arthur H. Moses w-as the only one of the
boys who was of age when the family ar-
rived in this county. He took up a honTi-
stead that comprised the northeast quarter Jf
section 10, Great Bend township He was
married in 1ST2 to Miss Ella Snowden at Rus-
.sell, Kansas, and they are the parents of
four children. One of them died in infancy
and the adult ones are: Clyde, who became
the wife of Alva Adams, Jr., of Pueblo, he be-
ing a son cf Alva Adams, who was three
times governor of the state of Colorado. She
died in 1905 at Pueblo, Colo. Matie, the next
child, is the wife of Frederick C. Briggs, for-
merly of Pueblo, Colo., but now in the jewel' y
business in Hutchinson. Wm. B. is married
German American State Bank
1ST9. to Clara J. Mitchell of Quincy. 111. They
are the parents of two children. Earl C, liS
years of age, who is foreman of the flnir mill
owned by the company of w hich his father is
a member; Lillian Alice, 25 years of age, live.'^
at home. He served as councilman of Great
Bend city from 188S to 1892 and as couniy
commissioner from 1S92 to 1S9S.
Edward Moses was married March ^2'^,
1882, to Miss Anna J. Wood of Great Bend.
He was chosen as mayor of the city of Great
Bend in the years 1884, 1885. 1893, 1905, 19ii7
and 1909 and always served with distinction
and in a way that was very gratifying to his
friends and the people of the town. Much
of the progress the city has made was accom-
plished during the time that Mr. Moses held
the highest office within the gift of the peo-
ple of the city.
and lives at Osceola, Okla. Arthur H. Moses
remained in Barton County until 1885, wh°n
he went to Pueblo, Colo., and there took an
active part in the politics of that state. Ha
was elected sheriff of Pueblo County in the
nineties. He went from Colorado to Seat-
tle, Washington, where he holds a responslb'o
position as wharfmaster for the United Stai"S
government. He was born February 21. 1S.")I.
Will Moses came to Barton County when
his parents arrived here, as stated in the be-
ginning of this article. In 1879 he went on
the road for Julius Kuhn, wholesale grocery
house of Atchison. He remained in this pcsi-
tion until 1882, when he went to Pueblo, Colo ,
and engaged in the grocery business. De-
cember 21, of that year, he was married to
Miss Grace Buckland of Great Bend. Ho was
elected sheriff of Pueblo County iu 1891 and
92
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
succeeded himself in tliis office in lsy3. In
1898 he went ta Kansas City and since that
lime has heen in the grain business; Air.
and Mrs. Moses were the i)ar('nts of two cliil-
dren, Arthur C. Moses, 22 years ot aste, wno
graduated froom K. f. in June, 1\)'.Z, and
Klinor, 11 years of age. Mr. Moses survived
his first wife, she having died J:;ly 15, 190'5,
and in April, 1908, he niarried Mrs. Stelia
Weaver of I.^s Angeles, California.
Cassius M. Moses was born in Cl.viMPr.
Chautauqua County, New Y;;rk, January :!1,
1SG5, and was the si.\th of the seven sons of
Mr. and Mrs. Ainasa C. .Moses. He came with
the parents to Barton ^'ounty in l»Tl. Ho
married Miss Betsy Coninghain of t''.'ede: icli,
Illinois, October 14, 1890, and they are the
parents of two children. Donna, born Decem-
ber 13, 1894. and John Campbell, born Au-
gust 20. 1S9G. In 1889 he enlisted in i!'.'
Colorado national guard. He was commis-
sioned lieutenant in October of that year.
usual strenuous life of those pionet r days,
when the buffalo, the other animals of the
plains and the Indian were all here.
In the spring of 1882, he went to woik for
Mcses Brothers and continued with ihem un-
til the autumn of 1887 when they retire!
from the general merchandise business. He
then went to Pueblo and Denver, Colorado,
where he made his home until he removed
to Ix)s Angeles, California, in the latter pan
of 1902.
Seward K. .Moses, .voungest of the seven
brothers, was born in Chautauqua County, New
York, and came to Barton County with his
parents in 1871, at the age of three and oii'
half years. He worked for Moses Brothi i
ill their general store until 1887, when I
went to Pueblo, Colorado. He was in tip
grccery business there until 1902. He re-
turned to Great Bend at that time, hoin.e; in-
terested in the Barton County flour m^ils un-
til 1907. Then he moved to Kansas •''iiy. .Mo.,
mm
First Frame House in Barton County, Built by A. C. Moses
was advanced to captain in December, 1S'.)0,
and to the rank of major in 1893. He was ap-
pointed and commissioned adjutant general ot
the state of Colorad ) in January, 1895. He
organized the First Colorado regiment of in-
fantry, United States volunteers, in 1898, after
war had been declared with Spain. He re-
signed as adjutant general of Colorado in
1898. He was commissioned major ot tae
regiment he organized, the First Colorado. He
was mustered out of service at the Presidio
in San Francisco, September, 1899. He par-
ticipated in many of the important engat^e-
ments before Manila, P. I., during the war
and distinguished himself as a soldier. He
served during the insurrection in the islands
until he was wounded June 9, 1899, being un-
fit for further service.
After coming to Barton County, his early
boyho;:d days were spent on the Moses home-
stead, just nnrth of Walnut creek, punching
cows, working on the (arm and living the
becoming interested in The Moses Brothers
Grain Company. He married Eli^h G. Bnlcoii
of Pueblo, Colo., in 1899.
The following incident, related by S. E.
Mcses, will recall the old times to those who
were here in those days".
"Although quite young in the buffalo and
Indian days, I distinctly remember my first
and only buffalo hunt. It was soon aire:- our
arrival in Barton County. The fam'iy were
on the old homestead, north of ih' creek,
where it was no uncommcn sight to see buf-
falo come over the hills down to the creek
for water; occasionally one would come up
to the water trough at our well for drink.
"One day an old bull buffala drifted down
over the hill leisurely and finding 'he uraz-
ing about a quarter of a mile from vnir home
to his liking, made himself -iuite a; h me.
Brother Ed, being at home, and considered
some hunter, evidently resented our f,irm be-
ing used for feeding grounds and prepared
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
93
for action. His favorite guu was withi.i easy
reach, and feeling confident ;h(; buffaio lir.d
no chance against his mxrlvnianbhip, ' e
grabbed me by the hand and said, 'Come or.,
Sew, and we will kill the buifalo." We \vi;nt
through the tall grass to a ravint? and made
a fine stand on the game. 'iCd waited fv")v !!ie
old bull to turn so that ho could hit hira in
a vital spot. His aim was evidently gocd as
the buffalo fell at the first :ihot and we made
our way cautiously to the fallen monarch.
When within a few feet the ouffalo looked so
very dead that Ed prepared to cut its throat
and, having me to drag a!on,i, Kd laid dov\n
his gun and drew his hunting knife; as he
started to stick the knife into the b:'ffalo
things commenced to happen. First, i bellow
was let loose that scared aie out of a year's
growth. Then Mr. Buffalo got up with blood
in his eye and started on a c;.nipaigu of Ms
own. Ed picked me up bodily and sartcd for
heme. I am sure his time hns never been
equaled since, although we had ■;u stop
watches in those days. The buftalj did not
follow us far, as he was hard bir ai.d, no
doubt readily recognized Ed's speed as well
as markmanship. After landing yours truly
at the house, your former city mayor armed
himself with another rifle and shortly put
an end to my only buffalo hunt."
Lincoln E. Moses was born October l-i,
1860, in the state of New York. He was mar-
ried to Miss Gertrude Tucker at Three Rivers,
-Michigan. May 12, 1S91, and they are the par-
ents of three children: Edward, Walter and
Marguerite. He now makes his home 31
Wichita, Kansas, since he became president
of the Kansas Flour Mills Company.
Arthur H. Moses was born February 21,
1S51, in the state of New York, and is there-
fore the eldest of the seven Moses boys. He
was married to Miss Ella Snowden of Russell,
Kansas, April 20, 1872, and they are the par-
ents of three children: Wm. B., Mary E., and
Clyde L., the latter having died in 1905 at
the age of 23 years. While in Barton County
Art, as he was better known, was engaged
in the farming and threshing business. He is
now located at Seattle, Washington, where lie
is wharfmaster for the I'nited States govern-
ment.
FREDERICK SCHUELKE
THE property of Frederick Schuelke,
"Locust Grove Farm," thirteen miles
west from Great Bend, takes its name
from the many locust trees included in a five
acre grove surrounding the home. These
trees are forty years old, are very beautiful
and thrifty, and are the result of a timber
claim set in trees in ISTl by John Bement.
Frederick Schuelke was born in Germany
1 n February 19th, 1840, and came to America
in Jlay, 1874. He first located in Wauwatose,
Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, where he work-
ed in a nursery and a pickling factory for a
time, and also engaged in farming and at other
work. He remained until March 4th, 18S5,
when he removed to Greattinger. Palo Alto
County. Iowa, and engaged in farming on his
own account as a renter, and then in 1S88
was employed as the manager and superin-
tendent cf a large farm on salary. Resigning
this position after several years he purchased
a farm of four hundred acres and cultivated
this until he sold out and came to Bartori
County on Mai-ch 1st, 1901. He purchased his
present one hundred and sixty acres from
John Bement and paid for the quarter three
thousand dollars. Since then he has built a
very nice seven room, story and one-half frame
dwelling, large barn, granary and other build-
ings, at a cost of $2,500, and today has one of
the most desirable little farms in the county.
1'. is well improved, well fenced, well shaded,
and the house and grounds are in the coolest
spot in the county on a summer's day, and
well sustains the name given the farm.
Frederick Schuelke was married en Feb-
ruary 16th, 1863, to Miss Anna Giesel, of the
same section of Germany from which he came,
and she died in Barton County on August 2nd,
1907. slightly over six years after coming to
Kansas. They are the parents of six children,
two of whom still live in Wisconsin. Those
who reside in this state are: Mrs. Ida Hans,
of Great Bend: Mrs. Jlinnie Gruenwald. of
Rush C3unty: Herman Schuelke, Lyons, Kan-
sas and Conrad Schuelke, who is married and
resides on the place with his father and man-
ages the farm. Conrad Schuelke was married
on April 18, 1906, and they are the parents of
three children: Elmer, 4; Arthur 3, and
Goldie. 1.
WILLIAM HENRY ROGERS
WILLIAM HEXRY ROGERS was b"rn in
Ontanagon County, Michigan, May 1,
1863. His first trip west was when he
was eight years old, at which time he accom-
panied his parents to Colorado where they re-
mained about six months. They returned to
Jlichigan and resided at Marquette four years.
after which they came to Barton County,
Kansas. The family located in Eureka town-
ship. For several years after his arrival here
Mr. Rogers went to schcol, and later took up
railroading as an occupation. He was employ-
ed by the Union Pacific Company in Colorado.
Mr. Rogers began farming in this county in
94
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
1890, on his home place which comprises one-
half of section 1. South Bend township. Mr.
R.gers superintended the farming of all of
this land and has had a great deal to do with
the development of the soil in that part of the
county. He was married in Great Bend to
Miss Sarah Williams in 18S6. They are the
parents of six children as follows: Harry E.,
24 years of age; Stella, 21 years of age; Alice,
IS years; Irene, ITyears; Annie, 16 years; Wil-
lie 12 years. All of the children with the ex-
ception of Stella are at home and are heing
educated in the schools of the county. Stella
is n.w Mrs. Frank S. .Moore and they reside
many varieties of fruits common to this sec-
lion of the county. With all Mr. Rogers' private
business he has found time to take an active
part in public affairs and has served as trus-
tee and clerk of his township and has been
a member of the school board for sixteen
years. He is a progressive and enterprising
farmer and a most i)rominent citizen.
We must add to the above the fact that
Annie passed from this life May 19. 1912, at a
time when she had many expected years of
happiness stretching out before her, and when
she was beloved by her relatives, scho I mates
and all with whom she had an acquaintance.
H o m e u 1" \\"
near Spearville, Kansas. .Mr. Rogers' home
place is one of the best improved and most
attractive in the county. The residence con-
sists of nine rooms in addition to the bath
room, closets, pantries, etc. The barn is well
built and is 42 feet square with a big loft.
Granaries, storage sheds, auto garage and all
the other outbuildings usually f und on a
modern Barton County farm are to be I'ound
here. The trees that surround the home afford
ample shade and the orchard which covers
about an acre and a half of ground contains
II. Rogers
Slie was valedictorian of the 1912 class of the
common schools of Barton county. Her school
mates were deeply affected by her death as was
evidenced by the beautiful floral tribute sent
for the funeral. She was a bright, intelligent
girl whose life was a beautiful example of
truth and simplicity and it was a hard blow
to her relatives and friends when in the
c:;urse of things she had to go to a better
world. She was, at the time of her death, aged
16 years, 6 months and 10 days.
HENRY C. COOK
O.NE of the first white children horn in
what is now Barton County is the sub-
ject of this sketch, Henry C. Cook. He
was horn in Great Bend township October 6,
1871. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. .lohn Cook,
pioneers of this county and the parents of some
of its leading citizens. The elder Cook died
October 16, 1897 and Mrs. Cook died February
13, 1S91, after having taken an active part in
the development of the county's resources f^r
about thirty years. His death was a great
shock to his many friends who knew him for
his high character and enterprise. Henry C.
was married November 22, 1894, to Miss Eliz-
abeth Amerine and they are the parents of
four children as follows: Velma, 1-5 years;
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
95
Lawrence, 14 years; Elmer, 11 years and
Helen, 6 years of age. The family home is
located on the northwest quarter of seetir.n
S, Great Bend township and is one of the most
attractive co\intry homes in the county. The
residence consists of 12 rooms in addition to
the bath, closets, pantries, etc., and is thor-
oughly modern throughout. It is lighted by a
Walnut creek and is surrounded by excellent
shade trees and foliage that adds greatly to
its appearance. Mr. Cook has always taken a
great interest in improving the breed of the
cattle and horses on Barton County farms
and makes a specialty of breeding and raising
thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle and Percheron
horses. He now owns one of the best Perch-
Home of Henry C. Cook
modern acetylene gas plant and is supplied
with water by an individual pumping system.
The barn is 46 by SO feet in dimensions and is
well built and modern. Mr. Cook will add a
number of other buildings to his improve-
ments and when these are finished he will have
one of the most modern farms in the county.
The home place is situated in a bend in the
eron horses in the county, "Martin," a regis-
tered, black Percher:n that has made a tine
reputation in the stud records. Mr. Cook is an
enterprising and progressive citizen and has
had a great deal to do with the upbuilding of
the county and in the developing of its re-
saurces.
EDWIN TYLER
EllWlX TYLER was born in Richfield,
Illinois. Xovember 27, 1S42. He
remained in his native state until he
was eighteen years of age when he joined the
Fiftieth regiment Illinois volunteers. He be-
came a member of Co. C and served his cou'i-
try three years. He took part in the battles
of Fort Henry. Fort Donaldson, Shiloh and
Corinth and numerous other engagements. Ho
lost the sight of one eye during his soldier
service. This was due to exposure and fever.
He came to Barton County October 16, 1S71.
He was married to Miss Lydia F. Moselcy
December 31, 1S65, at his home town of Rich-
field. Ills. Mr. and Mrs. Tyler have had five
children but unfortunately only cne of them
is living, the others having passed away. The
one living child now is Mrs. Sam .1. Pratt, her
nuiiden name having been Dora May. Mr.
Tyler tells in his own way a number of his
experiences in articles in this book, so we
will only add that he always has been an en-
terprising and progressive citizen and has
done a great deal in developing the county s
resources.
LEVI GUNN
LEVI GUiNN" was born on July 2, 1S3;J. in
Franklin County, Massachusetts, and at
the age of IS months his parents
moved to Brattleboro, Vermont. When he was
nine years old they took him with them to
Davenport, Iowa, and. finally, at a later per-
iod, to Putnam County, Illinois. His educa-
tion was obtained in the public schools of 'he
96
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
districts where his parents lived and he be-
came a farmer under the tutelage of his fa-
ther. He married at the age of twenty-three
and lived happily for seven years, when his
companion died. It was then that he faced
the greatest hardships of his life but this was
righted by a second marriage and his coming
to Barton County Kansas, in 1S74, and 'he
purchase of 240 acres from the Santa Fe rail-
way company. Later he purchased eighty
acres adjoining and at this time his farm cov-
ers one-half sectii^n. In the spring of
1S77 Mr. Gunn removed his family to this
county and began improving by building the
best house, barn and other necessary build-
ings in his neighborhood, and by planting -ind
cultivating many trees about the premises. A
fire destroyed his house on August 2, 1911,
and he has just replaced this building with a
story and one-half cottage with five large, airy
rcoms. There is a good barn, granary anJ
other outbuildings, and located as it is in i
nice grove of cedar, pine and locust trees is
very inviting.
Levi Gunn first married Miss Sarah K.
Wiernian of Putnam County, Illinois, on No-
vember 13. 1S.56, and she died in April, 1863.
His second wife was Miss Sarah C. Lewis of
Marshall County, Illinois, in November, 1865,
who died in December, 1899. They were sur-
vived by the husband and the following chil-
dren: \Vm. W. Gunn of Jewell County, Kan-
sas; Charles Lund Gunn, Fiancis Levi Gunn
and Lewis J. Gunn of Great Bend; Howard A.
Gunn ff Pratt. Kansas; Mrs. Lucy Harrisoi
of Great Bend, and Fred A. Gunn. who resides
en the farm with his father and manages -he.
place.
MERRITT-SCHWIER CREAMERY CO.
THK first creamery in Groat Bend was es-
tablished in 1S95 by \V. G. Merritt. In
1903 a stock company was formed un-
der the name of the Merritt Creamery Co.
The present company is a consolidation of the
Merritt Creamery Co., and the Larned Cream-
ery Co., of Larned. Kansas, this consolidauon
going into effect January 1, 1909.
The company operates one hundred aad
woman and child in Barton County.
For the cream and milk used in the manu-
facture of this butter, their patrons were paid
the sum of $46,720.60. At the present time
the c inpany employs twenty-three people in
their i)laiit. The pay-roll for the month of
June was 15.070; this includes salaries and
commissions paid to their cream station oper-
ators for the buying and shipping of cream.
MerriU-Schwier Creamery, Great Bend
one cream buying stations in twenty-five
counties in central and western Kansas and
northern Oklahoma, and expects to put in
more stations wherever the deliveries of cream
justify a station.
The largest amount of butter manufactured
by this ccmpany in any one month since or-
ganized was made in the month of June oi
this year. They manufactured 246,749 pounds
of butter, or about 20 pounds for every man.
The company has an excellent market for
their butter, shii)ping as far east as Boston
and west to California. Their brands, "M.-!r-
ritt's Best"' and "Crown" are well and favor-
ably known all over the west.
The present boardofdirectorsareW. G. Mer-
ritt, William Schwier. W. F. Schwier, Henry
Schwier and C. V. Brinkman. Officers are \V.
G. Merritt. president; William Schwier. vice-
president; W. F. Schwier, secretary-treasurer.
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
97
JOHN DONOVAN
AMO-NU the old timers who came to Bar-
tou County in the 70's none is better
known than John Donovan who lives on
a half section of land in sec;ion S, Great Bend
township. Mr. Donovan was born in Ireland
in 1839. He came to New York in 1S70 and to
Kansas in 1S79 at a time when it required a
great deal of nerve tJ make a substantial start
in the cultivation of the soil and the building
of a home. However, Mr. Donovan is made of
that kind of material and as soon as he arrived
here he began to farm and successfully corn-
batted the bad years, and made a success of his
occupation. He was married in New York
state to Miss Louisa Hettinger and they are
the parents of four children. Emma, Agnes,
Alice and Anna. Emma is now Mrs. A.
Wyman and lives at Macksville; Agnes is now
Mrs. Jack Neeland and they live near the home
place in this county; Alice is now Mrs. B.
Hingy of Stafford county; Anna is living at
home. Mr. Donovan had the misfortune to
lose his eyesight about twelve years ago but
still superintends the operations on the farm.
The home place has a fine set of improve-
ments, the residence containing eight rooms
in addition to closets, pantries, etc. A small
orchard is found near the house where nearly
all varieties of fruits are grown. When Mr.
Donovan arrived in this county he was com-
pelled t3 do his farming with a yoke of oxen
and he relates how one time in the early days
they ran away with him while he was attempt-
ing to plow with them and for a time he did not
know whether he liked Kansas or not. He
served a term as Justice of the Peace and has
always been an enterprising citizen. Mr. Don-
ovan gives due credit to his wife, a hard work-
ing little women who shared her part of the
burden with her husband when they were be-
ginning the home that they have since built.
Mrs. Donovan is one of those kind hearted
motherly women without whose aid the work
of developing the great west could not have
been done.
TOBIAS McGILL
TOBIAS McGILL was born November 9,
1837 in Bartholomew County, Indiana.
He remained in his native state until
1858 when he went to Iowa and remained for
ters. Mr. McGill was married September 6,
1860, to Miss Parilla Youtsey near LaGrange,
Iowa and they are the parents of nine chil-
dren, six of whom are living. Hilas N. is farm-
i'^i&-
From left to right ;
Farm Home of Tobias McGill
Geo. M'Gill, Crandon O. MGill, Mrs M'CJHI. Elva MGill, Tobias M'tHII
twenty-six years. He then continued his
way westward and arrived in Barton county in
1884. He bought land near Dundee, the quarter
section formerly belonging to J. B. Williams,
and later purchased another quarter from John
Lile. Mr. McGill was actively engaged in farm-
ing until 1897 when he retired and moved to
Great Bend. He still superintends the work
on his farming land which is worked by ren-
ing in this county; Etta, is now Mrs. J. H.
Harris of Great Bend; Charlotte is now Mrs.
Sherman Mosbarger of Pawnee Rock; Cran-
don O., is now an attorney at law in Idaho
where he also teaches school; Elva is at home
and George is county attorney of Sedgewick
county, Kansas, and lives in Wichita. Mr.
McGill is a veteran of the civil war and is a
member of Pap Thomas Post G. A. R. He en-
98
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
listed September 6, 1S64, in Company G. Six-
teenth Iowa, Iviiown as Croclier's Iowa Bri-
gade. He served until the close of the war
and was mustered out July 19, 1S65. He was
with Sherman's Army from Atlanta to the Sea
and took part in the battles of Fayetteville,
Bentonville and was present at the siege of
Savannah. He saw much active service during
the time of his enlistment. Since coming to
Barton county Mr. McGill has always taken a
great interest in affairs of a public nature and
held township and school board offices as well
as having been assessor for his district and
justice of the peace. He is one of the men
who had so much to do with the development
of the county's resources and saw it grow to
its high standing among the counties of the
state. He came here at a time that it required
men of strong nerve to combat the adverse
conditions with which they had to contend.
C. B. WORDEX
THE subject of this sketch, Chas. B. Wor-
den, together with C. U Roudebush,
planted the first crop in Walnut town-
ship near Albert. This was in March, 1X71.
The crop consisted of corn, potatoes and
sorghum, and after making a nice start was
destroyed by the dry weather which fcllowed
in that year. The remnants of the crop were
eaten by the buffaloes which were plentiful in
this county at that time. .Mr. Worden was
born in West Virginia January 1, 1S44. He
sas; Ira L., 27 years, is an optician and jew-
eler in business at Albert; Alvin H., 25 years,
is in the postal service at Albert; Charles 1..,
17, is employed at the McLaughlin Produce
Company's establishment in Great Bend;
Blanche E., 15 years, is a student in the Great
Bend schools. (John W., nine months and
Julia A , two years and one month, are de-
ceased.)
Mr. Worden is one of the really old timers
to whom this county owes its development and
high sanding amcng the best counties in the
Farm Homr
C. B. Worden
came to this county in 1S71 and immediately
began the work of farming. He located a
homestead near Albert in Walnut township.
He farmed until 1910 when he sold his farm
and moved to town and now occupies a nice
residence at the corner of Ninth and Holland
streets, in Great Bend.
He was married Dec. 15, 1875 to Miss Ada
Brown of Walnut township and they are the
parents of ten children as follows: Ella I-..,
35 years, is now Mrs. John Gallon of Great
Bend; Hattie D., 34 years of age, is now Mrs.
F. E. Peugh of Hoisington ; Marsena L., 32
years, is farming near Albert; Alice, 28 years,
is now Mrs. E. P. Cowman of Coffeyville, Kan-
Statc of Kansas. During his residence in this
county he has served as county commissioner,
and has held township and school board of-
fices in the district where he lived. He is one
of those hardy pioneers who reclaimed this
section of the country from the buffalo and
Indians and ho played no small part in the
early history of this county and is one of the
best known men in this part of the state. He
sold his farming interests when he retired but
owns his residence and a number of lots and
is an enterprising and progressive citizen.
Mr. Worden is a member of the Pap Thomas
Post, G. A. R., Groat Bend. He served almost
four years in the Eighth W. Virginia Infantry,
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
99
Company F and Seventh W. Virginia Cavalry;
also in Company F. He took part in the bat-
tles of Cross Keys, Freeman's Ford, White
Sulphur Springs, Second Bull Run, Droop
Mountain and Lynchburg as well as others.
He served three years and ten months and saw
much active service in his country's de-
fense.
AUGUST FENN
AMONG the well known men of Buffalo
township is the subject of this sketch,
August Fenn. He was born in Clinton
County, Illinois September 25, 1S6S. He came
to Barton county in 1SS6 at a time when this
section of the state was going through some
mighty hard times and it required men of
strong nerve and an unflinching faith in the
future to remain and develop the soil. Mr.
Fenn is now farming in Buffalo township and
his home place is located on the northeast
quarter of section 7. He was married in 1S93
to Miss Louisa Schultz and they are the par-
ents of five children as follows: Lillie and
Luella, twins, IS years of age; Oscar, 13 years;
Earnest, 9 years and Irene, 4 years of age.
The home place has a set of good improve-
ments, the residence consisting of nine rooms
in addition to the bath room, closets, etc. Mr.
Fenn has always maintained a g;od grade of
live stock, both horses and cattle and in addi-
tion to his private interests has always found
time to take an active part in all public mat-
ters that are for the benefit of the community
in which he lives. He has been a member of
the school board nineteen years, has held the
office of road overseer as well as other town-
ship offices. A small orchard is maintained
on the home place which adds greatly to its
general appearance and in which a number of
different kinds of fruit are raised. The resi-
dence is located in a most desirable spot and
is surrounded by well kept shade trees and
other foliage that makes it one of the most
attractive places in the township. Mr. Fenn
is an enterprising and progressive citizen and
enjoys a large acquaintance in all parts of
Barton county. Jlr. Fenn was the butter
maker at the Heizer Creamery in the early
days and was the first man in this part of
the country to use the combined churn and
when it was installed it created a great deal of
favorable comment.
JOHN EVERETT
Farm Home of John Everett
ONE of the pioneers of Barton County who
is still actively engaged in farming is
John Everett who resides on the east
half of section 9-19-14, Buffalo township. Mr.
Everett was born iN'ovember 12, 1.S42 in Put-
nam county, Illinois. He came to Barton Coun-
ty in 1S74 and located on the southeast quar-
ter of section 9 and there erected a stone
house, but not until after he had spent a long
time in making preparations for the building
of a home. Only the old timers know of the
real conditions in those days, when it required
men of str:ng nerve and backbone to combat
the many adverse conditituis witli wliich they
58S279/\
100
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
had to contend. The younger generation can
learn of them only by reading. Mr. Evere t
came here at a time when the county needeil
just such men. He lived in Illinois until he
came to Barton County in 1874 except for the
time he spent in the army.
He enlisted in Company H, One Hundred
and Fourth Illinois and served until June 5,
1864. He was in the battles of Ijockout Moun-
tain, Chickamauga. Kenesaw Mountain and o]i
August 2, 1863, he was severely wounded, and
saw no more service until the following Feb-
ruary. He made a fine record while in the
service of his country and after the close of
the war he returned to his native state and
farmed until 1874.
He was married March 7, 1867 to Miss Anna
M. Both-well of LaSalle, County, Hlinois, and
they are the parents of three children: Cora
Jane 4S years of age is now Mrs. H. J. Dukes
of this county; George W., 45 years of age is
on the home place as is also Oliver N. who is
42 years of age. The residence on the home
place consists of seven rooms besides closets,
pantries, etc. The out buildings are well buill
and Mr. Everett has made a specialty of rais-
ing Red Polled cattle and he always main-
tains a good grade of horses and cattle. The
home place is nicely located with shade and
fruit trees surrounding it on all sides. Mr.
Everett Is one of those men to whom Bar;on
County owes its high standing in the list of
the best counties of the State of Kansas.
FRED V. AMERINE
AMONG the young farmers in Buffalo town-
ship none is better known than the
subject of this sketch, Fred V. Amerine.
He is a son of J. W. Amerine one of the old
timers of that part of Barton County. The
elder Amerine farmed in this county f^r
thirty-two years and is now farming in Kiowa
county. The younger Amerine is farming IfiO
acres of good land in Buffalo township, si.\
miles northwest of Great Bend. He was born
January 21, 1SS4, in this county and has seen
it grow from the hard times of the SO's to its
present high standing and importance amcng
the counties of the State of Kansas. He was
married in March, 1912, to Miss Emma Bortz.
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Bortz of Rush
county who are also old timers of this section
of the state. Mr. Amerine farms all his land
himself and has a nice set of improvements
which are located in close proximity to Walnut
creek, the residence and other buildings being
surrounded by large, well kept shade trees
which add greatly to the beauty of the home.
The residence contains eight rooms, in addi-
tion to the bath, closets, pantries, etc The
place is stocked with a good grade of cattle
and horses although Mr. Amerine has never
dealt in thorcughbred slock of any kind. He
has learned by experience the best methods to
use In cultivating the soil in Barton county and
applies these methods in all his work. He is
one of the young men who are now taking the
places of the old timers and continuing the
work so ably begun by them in the 70's and
SO's and it is these young men who are making
g"od progress in the work left them in bring-
ing Barton County to its present high state
of cultivation.
JOHN GRUBER
0.\ writing upthc old timers of Barton Coun-
ty there is none that is better or more
favorably known than the subject of this
sketch, John Gruber who came to this county
in 1871 at a time when there were very f < w
people but a large ntimber of buffalo aiiil ante-
lope. Mr. Gruber is one of the old timers who
upon their arrival here began their first work
and made a living by hunting buffalo. Mr.
Gruber located on land In BilTalo township
where he still resides. He was born In Aus-
tria, July 2, 1S39. He was married in ls*;H to
Miss Katie Wilka, and they are the parents of
seven children as follows: Antone, 4S years
of age, is farming near the old home place on
land given to him by his father; Joseph, 38
years of age, "was born in this county and is
living with his parents on the home place;
John, Jr. is in the automobile business in
Great Bend and is 2S years of age; Mary, 37
years, is now Mrs. E. G. Reidle of this coun-
ty; Annie, 31 years of age, is now Mrs. Stan-
ley Patterson; Rose, 26 years of age, is Mrs.
Pearl Holmes and John, who died when he was
four months of age. was the first white
child born in Barton County. Mr. Gruber is
one of the really old timers of this section of
the state and has seen Barton County grow
from an abiding place of animals and Indians
to its present high state of cultivation. The
home place has a fine set of improvements;
the residence contains five rooms in addition
to closets, pantries, etc. The barn is 20 by 30
and a two acre orchard is found near the
hotise which bears all varieties of fruits com-
mon to this part of the country. The place is
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
101
well Improved and is one of the historical
spots of the county. Mr. Gruber has been a
member of the school board and held other
offices and is one of the county's oldest and
most widely known citizens. It is to such men
as Mr. Gruber that Barton County owes i's
high standing among the leading agricultural
sections of the world and makes it one of the
best counties in the State of Kansas.
ANTON GRUBER
ONE of the men who has seen this county
grow from an almost barren waste is
the subject of this sketch, Antone Gru-
ber. He is a son of John Gruber who located
one of the first homesteads in Buffalo town-
ship. Antone was born in Austria and came
to this county with his parents in 1S71 after
having spent three years in the State of Mich-
igan. When the family arrived in this coun-
try Antone was seven years of age having been
born in 1864. He first worked in this county
helping his father hunt buffaloes, thousands of
which were roaming what is now the most
highly cultivated land in the county. He now
farms SO acres of land in Buffalo township on
which is located his home place. He has a
good set of improvements. The residence con-
tains five rooms in addition to the closets,
pantries, etc. The barn is 32 by 20 in dimen-
sions and is arranged for taking care of a
large number cf head of stock. He was mar-
ried in 1S92 ito Miss Lena Schlim who was
also born in this county in Clarence township.
Her parents were also among the first perma-
nent settlers in the county. They are the par-
ents of three children as follows: Mary, 17
years of age and (Marguerite who died when
she was seven years of age, in 1907) and an
adopted boy whose name is George and is
seven years of age. Mr. Gruber is one of the
men who came to this county when he was
yet a child and has had a great deal to do
with its development and upbuilding. He has
always taken an interest in public matters and
has held township and school board offices at
different times. He is one of the few residents
of I he county who can recall the days of Old
Fort Zarah and who saw the buffalo when
they were almost as thick as ever they were
and saw them gradually disappear and make
way for plowed fields and cultivated farms.
His home place is located just east of his
father's home and his brother who is now dead
and mentioned in another part of this his-
tory was the first white child born in Barton
county.
FRANK P. SHAFFER
FRANK P. SHAFFER was born in Rich-
land county, Ohio, in 1859 and came to
Rush county, Kansas, in 1890 and has
lived in the State of Kansas since that time.
He came to Barton county in 1901 and bought
land in section 17 Great Bend township. He
was married in ISSO to Miss Mary Fesser in
Indiana and they are the parents of four chil-
dren as follows: Cora L., 31 years of age,
now Mrs. James Mclnnes of Cokeville, Wyom-
ing; Franklin A., 26 years of age, living at
heme as is also Paul who is 16 years of age
and Mary M., 27 years of age, now Mrs. Alton
Dale of this county. Mr. Shaffer has a well
improved home place three miles northwest of
Great Bend where he owns 320 acres of land.
His residence consists of eight rooms in addi-
tion to bath, closets, pantries, etc. The barn
is .50 by 30 feet in dimensions, is well built and
affords room for a large number of horses.
Mr. Shaffer raises a variety of crops and is
ably assis'ed in the operation of the farm by
his son, Franklin A. The home place is located
in one of the best parts of the county and the
shade trees and other surroundings add in no
small way to the general appearance of the
place. Mr. Shaffer is one of the men who
came to Kansas at a time when it needed farm-
ers who could take the land and by well ap-
plied effort make it produce crops in a way of
which it was capable but needed more modern
methods in its cultivation. Mr. Shaffer farms
according to methods learned by experience
and taking the good years with the poor ones
he has succeeded in making them average with
a good production of crops.
102
BIOGRAPHKWL HISTORY
IIKXRY SC HW I KR
H:NRY SCHWIER is one of the old timers
of this section of the state who is still
engaged in farming. He was born in
Prussia, January 19, 1S43 and came to this
country when he was eighteen years of age.
He lirst located in Cincinna i where he re-
mained for a year, after which he wen" to
Dearborn County, Indiana, and farmed until
the spring cf 1S7S when he came to Barton
County. He had bought land the year previ-
falo township started a creamery at Heizer in
the early days and later started one at Larned
in 1898. It was consolidated with the one that
was in operation at Great Bend, and the out-
come of this was the now famous Merritt-
Sch.vier Creamery Company which is one of
the largest iiiftitulions of the kind in this
part of the country. Mr. Schwier's homo is
well improved and he is one of the men who
had so much to do with the development of
F a r i^i Home of Hen r v S c h \v i e r i n 188 5
ous and now owns 560 acres all of whicli is
being worked by renters. He vvas married in
September, 1S66 to Miss Elmira Lempe and
they are the parents of four children; Dollic,
44 years of age is now Mrs. D. C. MerhoiT of
this county; William, 42 years of age, is at
Larned where he is interested in the Merritt-
Schwier Creamery Co; Lizzie, 40 years of age,
is now Mrs. Jchn Hiss of Great I3end and
Sophia is now Mrs. Frank Trauer. Mr. Sciiwier
and his son William, with the farmers of Buf-
that section of the couny in which he lives.
The residence contains seven rooms and the
cl; sets and pantries. The barn is 54 by 56 feet
and the other outbuildings are well built and
commodious. Mr. Sehwier has always found
time to take an active part in public affairs
and served his district as county commissioner
for two terms, an office in which he made a
good record. He has also held township and
school beard offices and is an enterprising and
progressive citizen.
EDWARD (IRANT BUCKLAND
EliWAHl) GRANT BUCKLAND, a former
resident of this county is now living at
Washington, D. C. At least he spends
a large part of his time in the Capital city. He
is vice-president of the New York, New Haven
& Hartford Railroad and maintains offices at
Washington, D. C , New York City, New Haven,
Conn., and Providence, R. I. He was born at
Buffalo, N. Y., December 31, 1S66. His parents
were Andrew ,T. Buckland and .Tulia Turner
Buckland. The latter died in 1S69. Mr. Buck-
land came to Barton County with his father
and three sisters. May 26, 1872. He lived in
Great Bend until 18S7. In September 1882 he
went 10 Topeka where he attended Washburn
College. He graduated from that institution
in 1887, He then went to New Haven where
he entered the Yale Law School in the autumn
of 1SS7 apd graduated in 1889. He became an
instructor and later assistant-professor in the
law school and in Yale College, at the same
time being engaged in the general practice of
law with the firm of Townsend & Watrous,
afterwards Watrous & Buckland. June 21,
1898, he was appointed attorney for the New
York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Com-
pany with offices ai Providence, R. I. He re-
mained there until January 1, 1904 when he
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
103
returned to New Haven as attorney for the
road and located at its main office. January
1, 1906 lie was appointed vice-president of
the New York, New Haven & Hartford Com-
pany and again moved to Providence, R. I,
where he represented that company's steam
railroad, street railway and steamship inter-
ests. On March 1, 1910, he again returned to
New Haven as a general executive, vice-presi-
dent of the New York, New Haven & Hartford
Railroad Company. He now has offices in
Providence, R. I., New Haven, Conn., New
York City and Washington, D. C, and repre-
sents the company's interests. He was mar-
ried to Sally Tyler Clark of New Haven, Conn.,
.Tune 21, 1S9S. They have two sons and two
daughters. The family residence is at New
Haven, Ccnn.
FRANK MERTEN
Farm Home of Frank Merten
FRANK MERTEN was born in Keokuk
County, Iowa, February 28, 1870, and
came to this county with his parents
when he was six years of age. He now occu-
pies the old home place which was located by
his father Robert Merten and comprises the
southwest quarter of section 11, Clarence town-
ship. Frank attended school for several years
after he came to this coun'y and began farm-
ing for himself in 1891. He owns a section of
land in Pawnee county which is being worked
by renters while he gives personal attention to
the work of farming the home place. He was
married February 13, 1895 to Miss Matilda
Both, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Both
who are also old timers of this section of the
Btate and who are mentioned in another part
of this book. Mr. and Mrs. Merten are the
parents of six children: Roy E.. 15 years of
age; Ralph A., 13 years of age; Lillie May, 11
years of age; Rosie Marie, 8 years of age;
Georgia, 2 years of age and Arthur who is two
and a half months old. The home place is
situated in one of the most desirable parts of
the township and the shade trees and other
improvements make it one of the most attrac-
tive places tha one could find in the county.
The residence contains nine rooms in addition
to the bath, closets, pantries, etc. The barns
and other outbuildings are well built and com-
modious, the elevator having a capacity of
9.000 bushels. The Merten family is one of
the best known in the county and are mention-
ed frequently in the pages of this book. The
elder Merten retired several years ago and is
now living in Great Bend where he is inter-
ested in the banking business and is one of the
best known men in the county. Frank Merten
has found time with all his i)rivate affairs to
take an active part in the public affairs of his
community and has held township and school
board offices as well as taking an interest in
anything that is for the benefit of the county.
101
biO(;kapiiical history
r:ERT TRERTER
OF the young farmers who are chveluijinj;
the soil in Kureka township none is
better known than the subject of this
sketch, Bert Trester. He is a son of J. li.
Trester who has been a resident of tliis county
forty years. The elder Mr. Trester is one of
the really old timers of the county having
come here at a time when the county needed
men with strong nerve, a knowledge of f.irni-
ing and faith in the future sufficient to make
them stay through the hard years of the sev-
enties and finally develop the soil to a state oi
productiveness. The younger Mr. Trester is
now farming three quarters of land which be-
loi.gs to his father. He was born in this coun-
ty December 29, 1SS6 and is therefore a pro-
duct of the county. It is due to this fact and
the fact that he has always been in the fiirm-
iug business that he knows the way to farm
to get the best results. He has learned the
best methods by actual experience. He was
married in 1910 to Miss Margarett Weege of
Eureka township, and they are the parents of
one child, .Margery May who is about two
months old at this writing. Mr. Trester is an
enterprising and progressive farmer and well
prepared to take up the development, work cf
the land where his father left off.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN LANGFORD
OXIO of the best known families in Uarlon
t'ounty and one whose members have
had a grtat deal to do with the devel-
opment and upbuilding of the county, is that
of Thornton I-angford who is the f.Jther of the
subject of this sketch and came here in 1877.
He bought the southwest quarter of secti-on i<5
in Eureka township and up until the lime of
his death was actively engaged in firming, fie
died in 1900 and his death was keenly felt by
the large circle of friends whose friendship he
enjoyed. A. L. was born in .\ppanoosT Coun-
ty, Iowa, October 9, 1862, and .irrived in this
county with his father whou he was fifieer.
years of age. He was marri'^.l in 1!)0.J to Miss
Emma Schultz whose parents are also old
timers of the county, her fallior having been
among the very first men to settle in the
county. Mr. Langford farms ill his own land
and has a fine set of improveitieut.s. The res-
idence contains five rooms in addition to
closets, pantries, etc., and the barn is 24 by
40 feet in dimensions. The improvements are
si.uaK'd amid beautiful surroundings and Mr.
Langford has a most attractive country home.
He has always taken an active part in the af-
fairs of his township and has held the office
of constable and other township offices. It is
to such families as the Schultz and Langfords
that this county was developed from an almost
barren waste In the seventies to its present
high state of cultivation and high standing
among the best counties in the State of Kan-
sas and made of it one of the most productive
agricultural sections of the country. It is
such men as the subject of this sketch that
the work is being continued to the end that
the future that was seen by their elders will
he realized and fulfilled. Mr. I^angford is an
enterprising and progressive citizen and enjoys
a wide acquaintance in all parts of the county.
His long residence in the county has made
him familiar with the conditions with which
the farmers have to contend and his success
is in a large measure due to the knowledge
he has gained by practical work
SEVIER H. HEDRICK
OXE of the really old timers of Barton
County still living on his old homestead
is the subject of this sketch Sevier H.
Hedrick. He was born in Preble County, Ohio,
September 16, 1847. He came to Barton
County in 1871 and took up a homestead near
Heizer. It comprises the northeast quarter of
section 6, Buffalo township. .Mr. Hedrick has
been married twice, his first wife having been
Miss Lucy Parks of Illinois. To this union
there was born one child, William, who is
now 42 years of age and lives in Illinois. He
was later married to Miss Maggie Chasteen
and they are the parents of five children, as
follows: Florence, 22 years of age is now
Mrs. Ed. Noffsinger and resides in Brown
County, Kansas; Hallie, 19 years of age; May,
IS years of age; Edith, 16 years of age; Grenna,
12 years of age, all of whom live at home. Mr.
Hedrick was actively engaged in farming until
about a year ago but now superintends the
work of renters. He has a nice set of im-
provements; the residence containing ".even
rooms in addition to closets, pantries, -.t^.
The barn is 28 feet square and like the other
buildings is well built and commodious. The
home place is beautifully situated and is r.ii-
roiinded by a fine set of shade trees, a half
acre of orchard altogether is one of the nnst
attractive places in that section of the count/.
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
105
Mr. Hedrick was the first trus.tee of Bii':,lo
township and is one of those men svUo ame
here at a time when the buffalo were stiil
roaming the prairies and it is due to lueh
men as Mr. Hedrick that the county was de-
veloped and made one of the best in the State
of Kansas and it is due to their efforts that
it is one of the most important agricultural
sections of the entire country. Mr. Hedrick has
always taken an active part in the public af-
fairs of his county and is an enterprising and
progressive citizen.
WILLIAM CHRIST OTTE
OF the many young farmers in the county
who are products of this county none
betterknown than subjectof this sketch,
William Christ Otte who is now farming 200
acres of land in Buffalo township. He has
been on this land for the past seven years
and as he was born and rais^ed in this county
he has learned by experience the methods
that will give the best results under the condi-
tions that are found in this section of the
county. He was born January 30, ISSl and is
a son of William Otte who is mentioned in
another part of this book. The elder Otte is
one of the old timers of this county who came
here in the early days and has seen this coun-
ty grow from almost a barien was'e to its
present high state of cultivation. The younger
Otte was married to Miss Georgia Miller in
1907. She is a daughter of Henry Miller who
will also be found mentioned in another part
of this book. He also is one of the old timers
who had so much to do with the upbuilding of
this county. Mr. and Mrs. Otte are the parents
of two children as follows: Walter who is
four years of age and Wilmer who is two
years of age. They occupy a neat residence of
four rooms. The barn is 20 by 36 and it and
all the outbuildings are well built and have
plenty of room. The home place is surrounded
by a grove of nice shade trees that add greatly
to the home-like appearance of the place and
altogether Mr. Otte has one of the most ideal
country homes to be found in that section of
the county. It is to such families as the Ottes
and Millers that this county owes its high
sanding among the best counties of the State
of Kansas and one of the best agricultural sec-
tions of the entire country.
DANIEL GREEN BIRD
Farm Home of Daniel Green Bird — "Bird View Fai
m
TIIOSK who read this volume will b(> struck
witli the nativity of the citizenshi]),
no doubt, and note that the southern
states rarely have a representative. The
county's history has been forged by the sturdy
Gernuui-Amcricaii, and by men from the mid-
dle, northern and western sections of the
United States. Of course most nations are
represented, and most states; but the southern
gentleman is noticeable by his absence. He is
106
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
either clannish and prefers to herd by htniself,
has not forgotten the border ruffian days,
or has barkened to the stories about a cold
and cyclonic Kansas. We are pleased, there-
fore, to record the success of a native Vir-
ginian. A man hitherto unused to the rough
life of the frontiersman.
Daniel Greene Bird was born near Jackson-
ville, Floyd County, Virginia, January 19th,
1S49, and at an early age removed to Raleigh
Couny, West Virginia. Returning to the Old
Dominion he settled in Wythe County, twenty
miles north from Wythville. Shortly after his
twenty-eighth birthday — on March 3rd, 1S78 —
he arrived in Barton County, Kansas, determ-
ined to make a home for himself and pos-
terity; or never (o set foot on Virginia soil
again. He selected a location thirteen miles
west from Great Bend and there purchased
his first (,uarter of land on payments from
the Santa Fe Railway Company. Disastrous
years followed and he was forced to forfeit
his holdings. Buying again from the same
I)arti€S in September, 1884, he contacted for
three hundred and twenty acres, and paid
fifteen hundred and sixty dollars, in i)aynients
as before. This time he was successful and
paid out according to agreement; and at this
date hi& home place contains seven hundred
and twenty acres Besides this he owns in
the counties of Barton, Pawnee and Rush five
separate tracts of land amounting to eighteen
hundred and forty acres, or a total of twenty-
five hundred and sixty acres. These various
tracts are all well improved and in a high
state of cultivation. They are stocked with
the best farm implements procurable, and the
buildings are now, modern, and of a size to
comfortably house his numerous tenants,
store the grain grown on the various farms,
and stable the live stock bred and in service.
Mr. Bird is also a stockholder in the Citizens
National Bank, Great Bend; Pawnee Rock
Elevator Co., and the Independent Harvester
Co., Plana, Illinois.
The home of .Mr. Bird, thirteen miles north-
west from Great Bend, is very attractive in
appearance and supplies all modern comforts.
It is surrounded with shade trees, grass plot
and garden, and is all that a farmer's home
should be. The combination dairy and pantry,
through which cold sparkling water always
flows, is the culmination of the dream of every
housewife. Then there are barns, grain ele-
vators, feeding lots, sheds and a garage, all of
proportions sufficient to house the grain and
care for the stock bred and in service on an
immense farm.
Mr. Bird inherited a love for domestic ani-
mals and has bred, bought, fed and dealt in
them for thirty years. At first he hoped that
this branch of his business would supplement
the earnings of the farm and help over some
of the rough places, but latterly he has con-
tinued to handle them merely because he pre-
fers to have them on the place so that he can
admire their beauty and satisfy a fancy.
Miss Martha Ellen Lee and Daniel Greene
Bird were married June 25. h, 1SS4 in Barton
County, and as a result nine children hav.
been born. Three have passed from them by
death; a son of twelve years being killed by
lightning, and one of seventeen by drowning.
Those living are: Anna JIay. Harry Clay.
Elmer J~seph, Daniel Dee. Mary Frances and
Ruth Allen. Mrs. Bird was born August 12th,
1859, in Knox County, Ohio, but is a member
of and a close relation to the General Robert
E. Lee family of Virginia, whose mother was a
Custus and a near relative of Martha Wash-
ington.
JULIUS BOTH
««^TOXE BRIDGE HOMESTEAD," the home
1^ of Julius Both, fourteen miles west of
t;roat Bend, takes its name from the first
and only stone bridge built on Dry creek and
was used as a lookout, or point of observation
by Mr. Both at a time when he thought it was
necessary to keep an eye on roving bands of
Indians, and on the buffalo, antelope, deer,
gray wolves and coyotes that infested the ctiun-
try in 1871. He came to the county in the
spring of that year, and first worked for John
Cook, Sr., and then engaged in hunting buf-
falo and other game for the first four or five
years. In 1873 he entered his claim to a
homestead, and that and later purchases make
up the valuable farm of three hundred and
twen'y acres included in his home farm. He
owns another half section in Pawnee county,
and both jilaces are well improved and in a
high state of cultivation.
Julius Both claims to be the first white set-
tler in Clarence township, and had as neigh-
bors Judge Morton who doctored the commun-
ity, and D. M. Woodburn, who were between
him and the county seat. His first acquired
property was a half starved horse located
from his perch in "lookout tree," and this
served to transport the game which he killed,
but was not sufficient to break the soil to b«
cultivated, and what corn that was planted
was placed in holes made in the turf with a
hatchet. The garden was prepared in this w.iy
and cultivated with improvised implements
made from whatever would best stir or turn
the soil. There was little cultivated the first
five year«, and Mr. Both. John Gruber and
others hunted the plains and often went as far
west as Dodge City. They got their supplies
and mail from Russell and p]llsworth. Kansas.
and were usually absent from home, leaving
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
107
the care ot the family and li.tle ones to the
faithful wife. Her lot was not enviable, and
the pioneer mothers of Barton County deserve
great praise for their fortitude and devotion
to their husbands and families.
Julius Both was born in the village of Linde,
Germany, September 2,Sth, 1844; served an ap-
prenUeeship as a miller, and followed the
trade until coming to America in 1S70. He
first located at Fon Du Lac, Wisconsin, and
Farm Home of Julius Both in 1886
Present Farm Home of Julius Both
found work in a sash factory. In the spring of
1S71 he came to Barton C3unty. He married
Miss Anna Baruth shortly before sailing from
his home in Germany, and they are the parents
of four children: Mrs. Matilda Marten, Mrs.
Mary Spies and Kate and Tina Both. The chil-
dren all reside at home and assist their par-
ents on the farm with the e.\ception of Mrs.
Merten, and with the grand children make up
a happy and contented family.
108
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
WILLIAM ESS MILLER
THIRTY-TWO years has wrought great
changes in the life of William Essmiller,
and it is a pleasant task to record his
success as a citizen of Barton C:;unty. He was
born December 9, 1S49, in the Province of
Hanover, Germany, on a farm, and worked for
his parents until coming to the United States
in 1S71. He first settled in l.aCrosse County,
Wisconsin, and worked as a farm hand until
1879, when he came to Barton County and
made his home with Fred H. Miller, (a former
school mate in the Old Country,) from whom
he drew pay at the rate of $15 per month.
Finally he and his brother Deiirich inherited
about $2,000 from an estate in Germany and
Pawnee County, north of Rozel. These several
tracts are all well improved and in cultivation,
and are the choice bodies in their localities.
The home farm is improved with a one story
si.\ r;'om frame dwelling; a 36x66 barn with
large hay loft and stalls for twenty horses;
twenty-four milk cattle, and accommodation
for twenty-four loose animals. The granary
is 24x40 and there is a dairy and other small
outbuildings. Wheat, corn and alfalfa are the
principal crops grown, but stock breeding is
fast taking root on this farm, and a herd cf
thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle were in evi-
dence, and numerous horses and mules of the
best breeds for farm purposes. Mrs. Essmiller
Farm Home of William E s s m 11 1 c f
they formed a partnership under the name of
Essmiller Brothers and bought railroad land.
Their business was farming, but they bought.
imi)roved, sold and traded in lands when they
had earned a surplus invested, and until a few-
years ago both families occupied the home on
the D. Essmiller farm. Recently they have
made a division of their holdings, and W'm.
Essmiller owns his home farm, four miles
west of Great Bend, which covers four hun-
dred and eighty acres; eighty acres near Hei-
zer, four hundred and eighty in Pawnee Coun-
ty, and a half interest in another section in
has her White Leghorn chickens and grows
them for market, and in her model dairy
makes fifty pounds of golden butler weekly to
supply her city trade She is a m:del house-
wife and has labored faithfully with her hus-
band to achieve success.
William Essmiller and Miss Mary Nietfield,
of Hanover, Germany, were married on Sep-
tember 12, 18S2, in Barton County. Kansas,
and they have one son. Robert H. Essmiller,
who resides with his parents and assists in
the management of the farms.
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
109
HANS JURGENSEN
AMONG the many German-Americans who
have made a success at farming in Bar-
ton County Hans Ju.gensen has won
his place, and is the proud owner of four hun-
dred cf as nice acres as there is to be found,
twelve miles northwest of Great Bend. He has
this all in a fine state of cultivation and highly
improved, there being an imposing two story
white frame residence to greet you as you
en'er the grounds and swing up the driveway,
which is through waving meadows of alfalfa
exuding sweet perfume. About the house is a
large grass plot, and there are plants and
the day for there is a thankfulness overshad-
owing man, beast and fowl, if one can inter-
pret the sighs of the weary work horses, the
lowing of the kine, the laughter of childhood
and the tunes whistled and sung by the farm
help as they ccmplete the days labors,
Hans Jurgensen was born in Germany on
January 23rd, 1S63, and came to the United
States with his parents when six years of age,
who located first on a farm twenty-five miles
west of Nebraska City, Nebraska. He came to
Bar on County on December 24th, 1874, with
his father, Marquardt Jurgensen, who liome-
F a r m Residence of Hans J u r o' e n s e n
shrubs and lofty trees forming the usual wind-
break. The iGcation is elevated and this build-
ing and the barns, elevator, granary, wind-
mills, and other numerous outbuildings stand
out prominently and seem to tower above
others of the neighborhood. Here one can im-
agine the animation in the barn lots at night
time, "when the lowing herds come home," and
the numerous work animals are being unhar-
nessed and ted; chickens and turkeys feeding
for the night and the milking under way. It
is then that the whole farm seems to rejoice
and return thanks for the accomplishments of
steaded an eighty in section 2S and filed on
eighty acres as a timber claim. In 1892 Hans
began farming his own fields having purchased
a quarter section for .$2,100. In 1898 he added
another eighty, paying fcr it $1,600, and at the
death of his father he inherited one hundred
and sixty acres. On March 22nd, 1S86, he was
married to Miss Josephine Burgtorf, of Buf-
falo iownship, and six children have been born,
all of whom are at home with their parents:
August William Christian, 24; Edward John,
22; Fred Henry, 21; Anna Dorothy, 19; Ida
Mary, 17, and William Marquardt, 15.
GEORGE ADAM GEIL
IT has always been a pleasure to trace the
pen picture of a really successful man in
any calling, and when that life has been
passed close to nature the pleasure is ten
fold. Trees, plants and flowers all serve a
purpose and are beautiful beyond comparison.
but growing crops have an added commercial
attraction which have enchanted since time
began. They people a land and sustain life,
and the influence of the tiller is only gaged
by the number of bushels produced. If that be
true George A. Geil's influence is far reaching,
110
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
because he owns and cultivates eight hundred
acres in Barton, Pawnee and Ford counties,
and at harvest time his granaries are filled
to overflowing. That, in substance, is the re-
sult of thirty-three years of continued eiTort
farming on the plains of Kansas.
George A. Geil is a native of Iowa and came
to Barton County in the spring of 1S78 a poor
man, and for some years rented the land he
farmed. Then he bought railrcad land at a
low price and on long time, but failing to make
the payments it reverted to the original own-
ers. Then the Santa Fe Railway Company
added a few dollars to the price and resold
him the land, and that time he made good and
paid according lo contract. He now owns the
capable of housing much hay and grain, and
the stabling capacity must be ample for the
farm. This is painted the usual bright red
cast and seems to light up and enliven the
scene. The soil is good and the farm is in a
high state of cultivation.
George A. Geil was born August 2Tth, 1S57,
near Martinsbvirg, Wapello County, Iowa. He
was married on December 13, 1905, to Miss
Minnie Schroeder, of Cedar County, Iowa.
They have three bright little boys: Louis
Jacob, 4 years of age; Herold Henry, 3 and
Elmer Herman, 2.
The mother, Mrs. Lsuise Geil, wife of Jacob
Giel, deceased, maKes her home with her
son. She was born in Germany, October 26th,
Farm Residence of George Adam Geil — " Dry C r e e i< Stock Farm"
two hundred and forty on which he resides,
fourteen miles west from Great Bend; eighty
acres six miles west from Great Bend; one
hundred and sixty in Pawnee County; one
hundred and sixty midway between Rush Cen-
ter and Rozel. and one hundred and seventy-
five acres near Spearville, in Ford County. All
these several tracts are in cultivation and have
good improvements.
The improvements at the home farm are a
very attractive eight room cottage, surr.'unded
by a neat lawn and towering forest trees. It
is painted a cast of gray and with its green
surroundings looks cool and inviting on a
sultry day. The barn is a large, roomy affair
1S33, and is seventy-eight years of age. She
came to Kansas with her husband and eight
children, George Adam, Andrew and Mrs.
Katie LeRoy in 1S7S, Mrs. Henry Schroeder be-
ing born in Kansas and passed through all the
rough periods of the formitive stage of the
county. She is bright, strong and healthy and
cne can hardly imagine her age so advanced.
Her husband. Jacob Geil, died December 11th,
190", and lies buried in the Lutheran cemetery
near the farm of his son. She was the mother
of nine children in all, four boys and five girls.
One boy died in infancy and a boy and three
girls died from diphtheria the second year
after coming to Kansas.
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
111
WILLIAM WERHAHN
AMOXG the large planters and property
owners of Barton County William Wer-
hahn deservedly takes his place, and
although net a native born Kansan he is so
much a Barton County product that he remem-
bers little prior to his boyhood here. He was
born in the Province of Hanover, Germany,
November 20th, 1S75; came to America the
spring of 1SS2 with his parents. Mr. and Mrs.
Christian Werhahn of Great Bend, and they
settled first near Grinnell, Iowa, on a farm.
They also lived in Pouche and JIarshall coun-
his share of the face of the earth. When mar-
ried and settled he bought a quarter section
from his father; later he bought one hundred
and sixty acres from Peter Dirks, and still
later he rented two hundred and eighty acres
adjoining, and today farms a tctal of six hun-
dred acres. During the time he also acquired
by purchase three hundred and twenty acres
near Greensburg, Kiowa County, and three
hundred and twenty near Offerle. These two
last named tracts are improved and rented,
and his total holdings in fee are nine hundred
f'arm Home of William Werhahn
ties, lov.a, for about four years, and then
came to Kansas, settling permanently in Paw-
nee Reck township. Barton County. William
Werhahn was then but eleven years old. He
attended the public schools of the district,
chased rabbits, hun'ed game on the open
prairie, broke bucking broncos and helped his
father on the farm. His days were passed in
the open and the Dutchman's son soon became
a full fledged Kansas kid, with all his aims
and desires. It is not wonderful then that he
was early bitten by the "land-grabbing"
microbe, and soon determined to own and farm
and sixty acres of as fine land as there is in
the state. His residence is thirteen and one-
half miles west of Great Bend, and the im-
provemen's are a two story white frame house,
a 32x66x16 red frame barn, having stalls for
eighteen horses and twenty cattle. Then there
are other small buildings, sheds and numerous
windmills, with a nice grsve surrounding all.
William Werhahn and Miss Bertha Fleske,
of Wausau, Wisconsin, were married on Feb-
ruary 1st, 1905, and they have been blessed
with three interesting children: Bertha, 6;
Hilda, 4 and Martha, 3.
GOLDEN GRAIN FARM"
G
OLDEX GRAIX FARM." the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Drehle, is six
miles west of Great Bend, and it has
been properly named, because it was the inten-
tion of the owners to honor for all time the
golden cereal that has made the name of Bar-
ton Ccunty famous wherever wheat produc>3:"s
are in use. This is the "banner county," and
it is Mr. Drehle's intention to make his the
"banner farm,' and if one can judge from the
character of cultivation the soil is getting this
season his future crops will tax some of his
neighbors to beat. He is a good and success-
ful farmer, as his fields and granaries bcth
112
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
prove, and when he has been a resident of the
county for twenty-five years his history, if
written then, will appear just as miraculous in
a financial way as do some of the others at
this date.
Henry Drehle was born on May 1, 1869, and
has been a farmer all his life. His first ven-
ture at farming was in Carroll County, Mo.,
ing seven rooms, which is high above ground,
enclosed by a neat fence in which there are a
number of forest trees, shrubs, plants and
flowers. The barn is 32x50, is well arranged,
and accommodates large quantities of hay and
has many sails; and there is a granary and
other necessary buildings, besides several
windmills and a young orchard. These build-
Farm Residence of H o n r v Drehle
and he remained there until 1900, when he
removed his family to Barton County, Kansas,
and rented land for three years. In 1903 he
bought the one hundred and sixty acres where
he now resides, and that, and a quarter that is
leased, make up the three hundred and twenty
that is cultivated. The improvements consist
of a modern one story frame cot'age contain-
ings are all new, beautifully painted, and from
the roadway present a scene of comfort and
thrift.
Henry Urehle and Miss Ellen Stork, cf Car-
roll County, Mo., were married in February.
1S9G. and they have five very interesting livii
children, viz: Willie, 14; Katie, 12; Geori:
10; Annie, 6 and Charlie, 3.
AIRS. KATTE LEROY
THE struggle and privations of earlier da.vs
on the farm in Barton C-unty were
still fresh in her memory when Mrs.
Katie LeRoy was left a widow, in 1S99, with
six dependent boys, the oldest being about
twelve. But she has proven that she was
equal to the task of rearing them and manag-
ing her farms at the same time by the condi-
tion of both; for the boys are as fine, healthy
and gentlemanly a bunch of youngsters as one
meets any day, and the fields are in a high
state of cultivation. It is true that some of
these boys are young gentlemen now, and all
are able to do a man's work on the place; but
this was not always so, and the mind that
eontroled them and the hand that guided de-
serves to be revered above all others. Women
farmers are rare and deserve great i)raise
when unhampered by other ties, but when we
find one who has carried a double burden
through to success we feel that all should wor-
ship at her shrine and say "well done." That
she has made a great success is iroven by the
fact that she owns one hundied and sixty
acres where she resides, eight miles west of
Great Bend, and another tract of eighty acres
one and one-half miles south and six and one-
half miles west cf the same city. Both of
these tracts are improved and under cultiva-
tion, and the home farm has a large frame
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
113
residence, surrounded by a beautiful grove of
forest trees, a large barn that will house the
stock of the farm, and numerous other build-
ings that have their uses on a place like this.
The sons, one and all, must follow the lead
taken by their mother and must all be rustlers
Phillip O. LeRoy and Miss Katie Gell were
married in Barton County, March 20th, 1896,
and Mr. LeRoy died January 31st, 1S99, and
lies buried in the Lutheran cemetery, near the
farm of George A. Geil in the western part of
the county. Mrs. Katie LeRoy is the daugh-
F a r m Home
Mrs. Katie L e R o v
born, because the farm lo:ks as well tilled as
any of the adjoining fields, and we saw the
very test sran of ycung mules, bred arjtl
broken on this farm, that has been produced
in the county in years.
ter of Jaccb and Louise Geil, who came to
Barton County in May, 18TS, and settled in the
western part of the county. She is the mother
of six boys: Andrew, George, Harry, Jacob
and Ray and Roy, the latter tw'o being twins.
HERMAN TAMMEN
THE Ideal Farm," the home of Herman
and Augusta Neese Tamnien, thirteen
miles west of Great Bend, covers three
hundred and twenty acres of the best farm
land in Barton County. The soil was natur-
ally rich, but after nineteen years of constant
effort it has been brought to such a high state
of improvement that it is now one of show
places of the county. The chief feature to at-
tract is a wall-like grove of locust and box
elder which surround and cover five acres
about the residence and effectually isolates it.
But if you enter the driveway, beneath a bower
of overhanging bows, a court and grass plot
meets the view in the center. A one-stor.v,
eight room frame residence, setting high and
balconied, stands to the right. On the left
stands a 32x.54 barn and an 18x50 shed and an
8,000 bushels capacity eleva*or and good Fair-
banks scales. To the rear of these is the
orchard. In front is the garage, chicken
houses, dairy and other buildings. Cement
walks lead to these, and the well kept lawn is
relieved by plants and flowers. The deep
shade and ever changing natural tints are re-
lieved by the tastefully painted buildings and
the flowering plants. An engine supplies wa-
ter distributed through the house and other
buildings, and an electric dynamo lights them
and supplies the power to propel a separator,
churns and washing machine. A 10 horse pow-
er engine is used to elevate the grain and to
clean and grind the feed of the farm. The
house is furnished both tastefully and ele-
gantly and its hospitality is dispensed by
a model housewife. In fact there is nothing
cheap about the farm or premises and it is
well named, "The Ideal Farm."
Herman Tammen was born September 2,
1875, in Hanover Province, Germany, and in
114
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
1S92, when IG years of age, came to America
and his education was acquired in tlie mother
country, with a few terms in our public
schools. His parents died when he was a
Pawnee county, and a half section in Ford.
Herman Tammen and Miss Augusta Ixmisa
Mary \eese were married on October 2S, 1S9S,
at the brides home in Rush County. They have
lyKi'-'i-.'K
Farm Re.sicience of Herman Tammen
small boy. He soon purchased two hundred
and forty acres of land, and later a tract of
eighty acres more and these make up the res-
ident farm. Besides this he owns a section in
been blessed with five lovely children: Min-
nie Christina Mary, 9; Harry Conrad, S; Hilda
Frances, 6; Rosa Louisa, 4, and Herman Au-
gust, 2.
GREENWOOD FARM"
THE "Greenwcod Farm," the country
home of Chris and Mary Johnson, four
and one-half miles west of Great Bend,
is one of the best improved farms along the
road on which the residence fronts. The house
is one and one-half story frame containing
ten rooms; and the barn is 32x42, and has mow
and stable room for all animals bred and in
service on the farm. Then there are other
necessary outbuildings, windmills, an artifi-
cial lake, an orchard, and a fine grove of
forest trees. This farm was not purchased
until 1894, and has not been in cultivation as
long as some others, but the improvements are
all of a substantial character, and the culti-
vation of the fields stamps Mr. Johnson as a
painstaking farmer and one sure to succeed iu
his chosen calling. The fencing is in a good
condition and everything about the premises
is neat and tidy.
Chris Johnson was born on October 22nd,
1859, in Denmark, and came to America in
1S78, when nineteen years of age. He first
landed in New York and from there went into
Illinois, where he secured work making tile
to drain the low lands of several counties.
His headquarters were in Champaigne County
until March 12th, 1SS4, when he came to Bar-
ton County, Kansas. At first he rented the
McBride farm, three miles west of Great Bend,
and put in a crop and then on February 13th,
18S.5, married Miss Mary Hanson, of Jackson,
Kansas. They have been blessed with five
children: Herman O., 23; Gilbert M., 21; Vic-
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
115
tor D.. IS; Alexander H., 11, and Mary Chris-
tina, 9.
Tlie farm owned by Mr. Johnson covers cue
hundred and sixty acres and cost $1,.500 in
1S94, but he rents an adjoining quarter and
cultivates three hundred and twenty acres.
This raalves a nice farm, and as he and his
family are economical and good workers it is
expected that they will be among the large
future land owners of Barton County.
-JT-**"
F a I- m Home of Chris Johnson
HENRY WITTE
HKXRY WITTK was born December 4th,
1.S42, in tiK' Province of Hanover, Ger-
many, and is in his sixty-ninth year.
He emigrated to America in the spring of
Henry Witte at the A6e of Twenty-five
1S6T, when twenty-four years of age; and
located first in LaCrosse County, Wisconsin,
where he was told of the great possibilities
of the country being reclaimed from the desert
in Kansas. He went, however, to Minneap-
olis, Minnesota, and in three or four years
returned to Wisconsin where he remained until
the spring of ISSO, when he came to Barton
County, Kansas. He was at first a renter of
land in the neighborhood of his present home,
two and one-half miles south of Heizer, but
finally purchased a half section of land from
the Santa Fe railway company, paying five or
six dollars per acre, in payments which run
from three to eleven years. He was married
on February 22, 1884, to Miss Sophia D. Meyer
of LaCrosse County, Wisconsin, and of this
union was born eight children. A few years
since he separated from his wife and family,
deeding to them the south eighty, and retain-
ing the north half. He has since bui^ a house,
barn and other buildings on his portion and
has it in a fine state of cultivation.
During his residence in Barton County he
has passed through several disastrous years,
but has been able to improve both the north
and south halves of his original quarter in a
substantial manner. Taking the circum-
stances into account Mr. Witte's success has
been phenomenal, and could only have been
possible on land as productive as that which
he owns.
lu;
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
FRANCIS SPANIOL
IT has cilways boon a saying, "That the man
who drinks from a Kansas stream
will later return," ami tliis trite provert)
has proven true in the instance cf Franl:
Spaniel, who, in 1895, was a resident of Reno
County for two seasons, but, on account of
croj) failures, returned to his former home in
Illinois thoroughly disgusted with Kansas, and
Kansas farming. He had, however, "drank c(
the stream,' and af'.er a nine years struggli
with the Kansas microbe he returned to this
state and has since made his home five miles
tract; but at the instance of his father he
came to Reno County, Kansas in 1895 and at-
tempted to make a home in this state. After
two unsuccessful crop seasons he decided he
had enough cf this poverty stricken state and
returned to his old home and farm. The ne.\t
year after he left this state crop conditions
changed for the better and the Kansas gran-
aries would hardly hold the harvests. Then
he saw his mistake and on April 1, 1906, came
to Barton County and purchased the hundred
and sixty acres on which he lives. This is in
a high sttite of cultivation and is improved
Farm Re.sidcnce of Francis S])ani()l
west of Great Rend. As he is now well satis-
fied with conditions in his adopted state we
give his history.
Francis (Frank) Spaniol was born August
27, 1870, on a farm in Livingston County, Illi-
nois, and was educated in the public schools of
that state. He grew to manhr.od there and be-
came a successful farmer under the instruc-
tion of his father, and at his death inherited
eighty acres of choice land near Flanagan,
Hlinois. This he still owns; has it in a high
state of cultivation and rented to a tenant. In
1S92 he was married and began farming this
with a six room frame callage, a good barn,
granary and other out buildings. He rents an
adjoining quarter and farms 320 acres. There
is a young orchard and a nice grove of forest
trees surrounding the home that attracts and
screens the home from the roadway.
Francis Spaniol and Miss Lena Gerdson, of
Livingston County, Illincis, were united in
marrige on April 19, 1892, and this union has
been blessed with two children: Katherine
Mary, IS, Alfred Adam, 14. They are both at
home and gladden "Fruit Farm," the name
recently given their new Kansas home.
FREDERICK HENRY WOLF
G
)Ll)i;.\ CKRICAL FARM," the home of
Frederick Henry and Lizzie Wagner
Wolf, is located five and one-half miles
west from Great Bend, and is so named be-
cause the soil has been proven to be so well
adapted to growing the "golden cereal" that
has made the county so famous as a wheat
grower. It contains four hundred acres of as
fertile soil as there is in Buffalo township, or
in fact in the whole of Kansas. It is improved
with a story and a half frame residence with
six large airy rooms; a large 40x80 barn, gran-
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
117
ary and other outbuildings, and these are so
located that they show to the best advantage.
The crops are corn, Kaffir corn, wheat, alfalfa
and native grasses, and is adapted to grow-
ing these and other crops and the breeding of
horses, mules, cattle, hogs and poultry. Stock
and poultry are bred to a limited extent, but
an industrious husbandman, and the granaries
that his labor has beeu rewarded.
Frederick H. Wolf was born on September
25th, 1S69, in Madison County, Illinois, and
was married to Miss Lizzie Wagner of Nor-
borne, Carrolton, County, Mo., on September
24th, 1S93. They have one interc&ting child
^"^T
;;^£ _i.--,,'^SlP •■■^.-'-.^^ '^^'5'*?is:'"'
^^mi
iiilTiriS^ ■*'^ — i,T .yy
Farm Home of Frederick Henrv Woll
wlieat — the staple eroiJ of this section — is king
of this farm and covers the major pcr'.ion of
the fields. Corn and wheat are the crops
most grown in Illinois, where Mr. Wolf grew
to manh:od, and it was natural that he should
attempt them here where they grow best of all
crops, and with less labor than mcs'. The
fields, however, show the constant effort of
of ten, Tillie Annie Mary, who gladdens their
hearts and brings sunshine to the home. They
came to Barton County in the fall of "1901,
bought tlio four hundred acres on which they
reside, and are classed among the most sub-
stantial and most highly respected citizens of
the county.
THOMAS BUTLER JOHNSON
THE hundred and sixty acres, eight miles
west of Great Bend, which is the farm
of Thcmas Butler Johnson, has been
christened "Pleasant View Farm," because it
lies in a spot that affords a fine view of the
surrounding country. It was first the home
of his parents, John W. and Rosanna Johnson,
who in 1S74 homesteaded eighty acres of this
tract, and bought an additi:ual eighty. They
came to Barton County, Kansas, in 1S74 from
Madison County, Iowa, when Thomas B. was
but three years of age; and the father, .John
W. Johnson, was born in Indiana March 13,
1S3.5, and died February 15th, 1902; and the
mother, Rosanna Johnson, was born in Penn-
sylvania in 1S36 and died November 4th, 1906.
Both are buried in the Everett cemetery, eight
miles west of Great Bend. They were survived
by two children, viz; Franklin Henry and
Thomas Butler Johnson. The interests of
these heirs were purchased by Thomas B.
Johnson, who is now the sole owner, and it
appears t.i be a valuable property. It is well
im|)roved and in a high s'ate of cultivation.
The residence is a story and a half frame, with
si.\ airy rooms. The barn is large and will
accommodate much hay and many farm ani-
mals; and there is a combined granary and
buggy shed; other out buildings, windmills,
etc.
Thomas Butler Johnson w^as born on January
19th, 1872, and was married to Miss Myrtle
118
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
Ivo Showers, of Grundy County, Mo., on No-
vember L'2nd, 1899. They liave been the parents
of four children, two of whom are living: Lil-
lie Belle 9, and Mabel Fern 7.
Mr. .Tohnson owns twenty lots in College
Grove Addition to Great Bend and has other
interests in the county.
F arm Home of T h o m a .s B u 1 1 o r .J o li n s o n
WILLIAM MULL
Till-: life story of William Mull who owns a
four hundred and <'ighty acre farm ten
miles southwest of Great Bend, deserves
a prcminent place in the History of Barton
County, because of the success ho has made of
life. He was born July 4, 1872, in Staunton,
Illinois, his father's death occurring shortly
after. His mother, Mrs. Louisa Mull, married
Frederick Viehl and he came with them to
Barton County, Kansas, arriving on September
10, 1878. His step-father homesteaded eighty
acres, but died on August 17, 1895, the mother
also died in October, 1900. Their real and
personal property was heavily mortgaged and
was sold to pay their debts, and at twenty-
three William Mull faced the world without
credit or money. He had, however, in the fall
of 1892, begun farming on rented land with a
part of his step-father's mortgaged horses and
implements, and to hold them for use paid in-
terest as high as IS per cent to 24 per cent.
The period between 1893 and 1S9G were disas-
trous and all was lost or paid out on debts;
but in 1S97 a crop was made and ho purchased
his first hundred and sixty acres, which is a
part of his present farm. Later lie bought
three hundred and twenty acres adjoining and
farms four hundred and eigh'y acres, the eciual
of any in the county. He has this improved
with a two story frame residence containing
eleven rooms; a very attractive barn 32x38,
with large hay loft and stalls for sixteen
horses; an elevator with capacity of 10,000
bushels, and sundry other outbuildings. He
cultivates wheat and corn exclusively, and
breeds only a limited number of horses, cat-
tle and hogs for his own needs; but he makes
every acre a iiroductive one and the hard
times of the '90's seems far back in the dis-
tance. It took, however, great will power and
fortitude to pass that period, and he learned
lessons then that will last for all time.
William Mull and Miss Anna Puttner, of 01-
niitz, Kansas, were married on November 10,
!S9."i. and they have been blessed by live chil-
dren: .John Frederick, 15; Mary Louisa, 13;
William .losoph, 9; Klmer. 5, and Lillie Jose-
lOiiiie. 2.
William Mull is not old and the boys call
him "Hill." and for this reason he loves "the
whole Bill family." Sometimes he becomes
reminiscent and tells things hajiiioning in the
past. When we mot him Bill TownsU'y was
in his mind, and for fear that Bill might fail
to menticn the circumstance in his own biog-
rajihy, wants it known that Will Townsley
worked for him in the harvest of 1897; and
that the pay was 75 cents per day. He labored
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
119
faithfully for two days, but on the third quit
at noon. Going to town he found his parents
had left for Denver, and followed, but on ar-
riving there he failed to make connection with
the family purse and became stranded in a
strange city. How he got home is the best
treasured joke of Bill Mull's life, for a month
after harvest Bill Towusley and a centenarian
burro drew up in a ramshackle cart at the
gate; collected $1.S7V2 and departed for town.
When "Bill" denies and "Bill" affirms, it is
hard for a historian to record it as a i)0sitive
fact. Ask "Bill."
CHRISTIAN S. SCHULTZ
THE life story of Christian S. Schnltz, of
"Upland Farm," six miles north of
Pawnee Rock, stamps him as more en-
terprising and skilfull than the average
immigrant from Poland, West Russia, who
came with him in 1S75, and settled the Men-
onite colony one mile east cf Dundee. He was
In 1ST4 he came to America and worked for
one year in a wagcn factory in Latonia, Ohio,
and in 1ST5 came to Barton County with neigh-
bors from the section of his birth place and
became a member of the settlement near Dun-
dee. At that date he was thirty-three years
of age and by strict economy had saved from
Farm Homt' of Christian S. Schultz
born on March 11, 1842, on a farm in R\issia-
Poland, attended school tor about one month
and at the age of fifteen left his home for
South Russia. He worked for two years on
a farm to accumulate enough to clothe him-
self for the next three years, and then appren-
ticed himself to a manufacturer and learned to
be a blacksmith and wheelwright. This took
three years and he worked for his board; but
in 1862 he began drawing pay, and this was
increased from time to time during the next
twelve years with the factory, until he became
one of their very best workmen and the best
paid. During -this time he built a carriage for
the fiirm which took first prize in competition
with the builders of other nations at the
Worlds Fair held in St. Petersburg in 1871.
his earnings about .$3,U00, and with this ho
bought a (inarter section for the use of the
col;;ny; built the best house in the settlement,
and assisted others less fortunate to make
their start in this new world. When this
colony disbanded he purchased the hundred
and sixty acres called "Upland Farm," and this
he has improved with a large two story frame,
with nine large rooms, a large barn and other
outbuildings, and it is one of the best stocked
and best cultivated tracts of the neighbor-
hcod. Ho also owns another quarter in Paw-
nee Rock township; a quarter in Liberty town-
ship and another near Greensburg, Kansas, a
total of six hundred and forty acres.
One year after his arrival in this country
Christian S. Schultz and Miss Lena Rudigcr,
120
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
of Russia-Poland, were married in Barton
County, Kansas, and to them fourteen chil-
dren were born, twelve of whom survive.
They are: Samuel, C, Henry and Abram
Schultz and Mrs. Lizzie Dirks, all of Pawnee
Rock tcwnship; Mrs. Eva Base and Mary
Richert, near Greensburg; Mrs. Minnie Boese,
Dundee; Mrs. Susan Smith, Pawnee County;
Miss Tena Schultz, a nurse in a hospital at
Newton, and Peter, Ijcna and Martha Schultz,
who reside at home.
Mrs. Lena Rudiger Schultz died on March
29, 1904, and lies buried in ithe Dundee cem-
etery, mourned by her husband and children
and a large circle of neighbors and friends by
whom she was loved and respected after many
years cf association in this new land.
JOHN C. BAUER
HOME-MAKING has been the sentiment
that has peopled the plains of Kansas
and settled its towns and cities, and to
this one sentiment is due the present pros-
perous condition of a great state. It has been
fostered by a generous government and state;
assisted by the great railway and the press,
and today is the ruling passion in the breast
of every true house-holder. It fired the ambi-
tion of the early pioneer and sustained his
frail arm and weak body until ho performed
herculean feats in taming an unwilling soil
until it gave up its treasures in blossoms and
grain. The first has made the land worth liv-
ing in and the last sustained life and provided
a heritage for coming generations. It was this
sentiment that induced Mr. and Mrs. John C.
Bauer, three and one-half miles northeast of
Pawnee Rock, to come to Barton County,
Kansas, endure the privations of the pioneer
days and hold s eadfastly to this one senti-
ment when there appeared no hope of accom-
plishing their cherished dream. But pluck and
energy prevailed and today they own one of
the neatest homes in the entire county, and a
half section of its best land.
John C. Bauer was born on November 16,
1S37, in the Province of Bavaria, Germany, and
in 1S47 came to America with his parents,
who remained in New York City for nine
months and then permanently settled at Cin-
cinnati, Ohio. He was educated in the public
schools of that city, and learned the trade of
boilerniaker, and followed that trade in some
of the largest works of that city until January,
1S7S, when he came to Barton County. He
at first bought eighty acres of railroad land
and entered a timber claim of eighty acres;
and then in 18S5 bought an additional quarter
section. On this ho has built a neat cottage
with six rooms; a good barn, granary and
other outbuildings; planted trees and put the
whole in the highest possible state cf cultiva-
tion.
John C. Bauer was married on October 22,
1S60, to Miss Margaret Bauer of Cincinnati,
O., and they have four living children: John G.
Bauer, Radium, Kansas; Mrs. Anna Shafer,
Sterling, Kansas; Mrs. Lena Hartman, Morrel,
Ohio and Robert L. Bauer of Pawnee Rock
township.
JOHN LIL1-;
AMONG the pioneer citizens of Barton
County, John Lile, who lives two and
one-half miles west of Dundee, may be
classed, because it was on May 2, 1ST2, that he
first settled in the county on a homestead en-
tered in the neighborhood of his present
home. At that period he says he was not
favorably impressed with the locality as a
farming locality; but as he was a young man
then, and game was plentiful on the plains he
considered it wise to set up a home. Buffalo,
antelope and other wild game was in abund-
ant and he at first made good wages by fjl-
lowing the chase, and he killed and skinned
buffalo for a number of years and sold the
meat and hides. In this business he became
acquainted with most of the eld timers of the
early days, but hunted most with Newt Smith,
of Pawnee Rock, Judge Mor'on, (deceased.)
and George Lile, a brother who died some
years ago. They had great sport and often
went as far west as Dodge City on their trips.
By that means he was permitted to see that
frontier town when it was passing through
its toughest period, and if he would he could
recount some thrilling encounters between
some of the bad men of that day. WTien the
buffalo got scarce he gave his time to farming
with about the same result as others of his
section; but after a number cf bad crop years
sold his homestead for a small price and has
rented the land since farmed. At present he
is a tenant of his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Gilbert,
and at seventy-nine years of age is able to
do most of the work. His wife is also well
preserved and has been a true helpmeet dur-
ing a life of exposure on the plains.
John Lilo was born December 11, 1S32, in
Adams County. Illinois, and grew ta manhood
on a farm. He married Miss Evaline Duff, of
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
121
Adams County, Illinois on October 10, 1S61,
and they have been the parents of eight chil-
dren. Six are s'.ill living, as follows: Albert
Llle, Pawnee Rock; Mrs. Ida Smith, Pawnee
Rock; Wm. Henry Lile, near Pawnee Rock;
Mrs. Sarah Gilbert, Pawnee Rock; Harry N.
Lile, near Pawnee Rock and Mrs. Ada Gano,
of Hutchinson, Kansas.
Mr. Lile is at this time a great believer in
the w'onderfiil productiveness of the soil of
Barton County, but when he first came here he
considered it of little agricultural value.
Grass, trees or vegota'ion could hardly be
coaxed to grow, and the soil was so hard that
the rain would not penetrate the earth. His
testimony is that cultivation made the seasons
and the crops that afterward came, and that
a great debt is due these who come first and
persisted until the present conditions pre-
vailed.
THE KEENAN ESTATE
THE family of Thomas and Mary Malia
Keenan. who located a homestead six
miles southwest of Great Bend, are
probably as well and favorably known as any
in Barton County. They were the firs: to show
their confidence in the soil by building the
best country residence in the c:unty — a two
story frame with ten rooms — and otherwise im-
through the state. He first held :he position
of conductor of a construction train running
between Xewton, Kansas, and the Colorado
line; but later, in order to be near his family,
took charge of a section between Great Bend
and Dundee. He served this c:mpany for five
years and then retired to his farm. He died
on June 11, 1900, and .Mrs. .Mary Malia Keenan
proving a farm of five hundred and forty
acres. This was built by Luther Frost, one of
the first builders to locate in Great Bend, and
stands today as a monument to his skill.
Thomas Keenan, sr., was born in Ireland ;:n
February 1, 1834, and came to the United
States in 1S61, marrying Miss Mary Malia, of
Lowell, Mass., in March, 1871. They first
made their home in Massachusetts, but later
moved to Utica, Mo. While in the last named
slate Mr. Keenan found work in the construc-
tion department of a railway and became pro-
ficient as a builder; and when he came to
Barton County, Kansas, in the fall of 1872, he
soon found employment with the Santa Pe
system, which was then building westward
also died ou April 30, 1910. They were the
parents of ten children: John Keenan, who
died July 23, ISSS; James Keenan, of Grove,
Arizona; Mrs. Ellen Nally, San Francisco,
Calif.; Frank Keenan, Kansas City; Martin
Keenan, near Heizer; Thomas B. Keenan, who
died April 7, 190G; Jliss Mary Keenan, Michael
James Keenan, Miss Ka:hleen C. Keenan and
William Patrick Keenan.
Since the death of the parents the estate
has been divided and the home farm reduced
to two hundred and forty acres. This has been
named "Keenancroft," and is cwned by Miss
Mary, Miss Kathleen C, and William P. Keen-
an; the latter being in charge of the farm.
The residence and surroundings have grown
122
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
more beautiful with the years, and the grovf
of forest trees is very inviting. A new barn
32x36 has just tal<en the place of one destroyed
by fire, and some granaries, machine sheds,
etc., built, which adds to the conveniences of
the place. It is provided with all late day im-
l)lenients and the better grades of stock, and
continues to hold its place among the best
tilled farms of Barton County.
SAMUEL C. SCHULTZ
S.AMl'EL C. AND. LIZZIE. SCHTLTZ, who
have named their farm in Liberty town-
ship, four miles northwest of Dundee, and
ten miles southwest of Great Bend, "Fairha-
ven," are among the younger genera, ion of
farmers in this county. -Mr. Schultz is the
there are enough shrubs and i)lants within
the paled yard to make the i)lace very invit-
ing. The barn, granaries, automobile garage,
and various other outbuildings are all new,
conimodious and in fine condition, and make the
farm present a very substantial and prosper-
F a fill lies id (Mice
,^aiii ucl (' . St-li u 1 1 7.
eldest son of .Mr. and Mrs. Christian S.
Schultz of Pawnee Unck township, and was
born on July 12, 1876. The privations of Irs
earlier years were such as to make him learn
the value of money and the results to be ob-
tained by hard work, and these two character-
istics are stamped on every feature of his sur-
roundings. He owns in fee simple one hun-
dred and sixty acres of as fine farm land as
there is in Bart en County, and rents one hun-
dred and forty adjoining. His farm, there-
fore, covers three hundred acres, and is in
the highest possible state of cultivation. His
residence is a two story frame containing ten
large airy rooms. It is surrounded by numer-
ous forest trees and a young orchard, and
ous condition. Mr. Schultz also owns lliri'e
acres near the town of Dundee and has just
built thereon a good four room collage for
rent to a tenant.
On February 13, 1S9S, when the prospects
for crops were about the same as they had
been for the past five years — total failures
Samuel C. Schultz and Miss Lizzie I'nruh, of
Ijone Tree township, McPherson County, Kan-
sas, were married, and the two went to farm-
ing for themselves. That they have succeeded is
I)roven both by their surroundings and by the
five hands;:me children of which they are the
parents: I.rf'iia. l.'l; Clara, 12; Edward, 10;
Lincoln, N and Ella, 7.
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
123
HENRY C. SCHULTZ
WHEN Howard Paine, the ijoet-diplomat,
wrote "Home, Sweet Home," he was
exiled far from his native land
and 'the comforts of home. Siek and near
death he gave his soul to a song that is sung
and cherished in all lands, and its influence
en a hill that it may he seen from afar. It
is painted white and enclnsod by a fence, im-
paling plants, shrubs and flowers. The barn,
granary, dairy and other buildings add to the
effect and complete a picture of one of the
most attractive residences in the county.
Farm Residence of Henry C. Schiiltz
is worldwide. Until recently this simiile song
was his only monument; but before it all na-
tions bowed and by example made their home-
life more endurable. When this song was
written Kansas was a plain (i\ci- which buf-
falo roamed; but when settlement came and
good crops wi h it the home sentiment took
root and today there is a strife between the
resident farmers t) see who can make their
home the most attractive. Henry C. Schultz.
of "Hillcresf Farm," five and one-half miles
north of Pawnee Rock, has been most fortun-
ate in his effor; to beautify his hundred and
sixty acres. His residence, a two story frame,
with nine rooms and a basement, is i)erched
Henry C. Schultz was born nn .Inly ISth,
1S77, in Pawnee Rock township, Barton Coun-
ty, and has lived close to nature all his life.
He was educated in the public scho-.ls of his
district and as.sisted his parens on their farm.
On February 23rd, 1S9T, he was married to Miss
Kftie Dirks, of Barton County, and they have
been blessed with three children: Lori'ua. 12:
Dorris, 9 and Bert 6.
He purchased his farm on Ai)ril 12, 1904,
and began his improvements, and today has
one of the choice tracts in his vicinity. The
soil is very rich and productive, and when one
looks over his fields it is easy to see that he
is a painstaking farmer.
ANDREW J. DECKERT
THE man who can pay 36 per cent interest
on borrowed money, through a period
of hard times and poor crop years is
bound to come out on top. That sort cf perse-
verance tells shortly and plainly how and why
Andrew J. Deckert of "Plainview Farm," six
miles north of Pawnee Rock and 15 miles
southwest of the county seat has amassed the
comfortable fortune that ho possesses. An-
drew J. Deckert was born January 13, 1S65, in
Russian-Poland, and while only a baby his
father died. His mother married Peter H.
Dirks and Andrew Deckert was eight years
of age when lie came to this county with his
mother and step-father in the winter of 1S(;3.
The family located on the timber claim of ItiO
124
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
acres on section 6, two and one-half miles
northwest of Dundee, but now live ten miles
southwest of Great Bend.
Andrew started cut for himself when he
became of age and on November IS, 1SS6 was
married to Miss Susan Boese of Pawnee Rr,ck
(ownship. Ten cliildrcn were born to the
union: Minnie who married Henry Jantzen
and Anna who married Ixmis Jantzen, both
of Pawnee County. The other children live at
home.
Mr. and Mrs. Deckert started in 1SS6 with
ncthing and it wasn't long until they thought
they had even less than that. They rente*?
Farm Home of Andrew J. Deckert
land at first and while crops were of varying
yields managed to get along. Then is 1S91
when he had saved $1,000, he bought a farm
and made this as a payment on the same.
There were four years of bad crops and he
lost the entire payment. Undaunted he went
ahead, paid 36 per cent interest on borrowed
money and in 1S96 paid out on a new contract
which he had made for farm land. He nr,w
owns 320 acres of land in section 7, the home
place, 160 acres over in section 8 and 160
acres in Pawnee County. The home place is
one of the modernly improved farms of the
county and is fixed up in the best of shape.
The house is a one and a half st;ry struc-
ture, containing 11 rooms, the upper story be-
ing arranged with dormer windows in the
gables which give the house a good appear-
ance and leaves plenty of room. There are
large barns and other buildings and one of
the chief buildings of interest en the farm is
a large elevator, which houses 9,000 bushels of
grain.
FRED TRAUER
O.NIC and one-half miles south of Heizer,
Barton County, Kansas, is the one
red and sixty acre tract of Fred Trauer,
and it is as pretty a piece of tillable land as
one would care to farm. It contains a small
orchard and is plan'ed with wheat and corn.
He purchased the place in 1S9S, it f:rmerly
having been the homestead of A. M. Burt. It
is nicely fenced and divided into fields, and
is in a high state of cultivation: but the build-
ings are those purchased with the farm and
are hardly as good as he would like and it is
his intention to replace them with more mod-
ern structures at no distant day.
Fred Trauer was born on November 1,
1S66, in Holland, Germany, and his parents
emigrated to the United States in 1S6S and
settled in Dearborn County, Indiana, and in
1S7S, when he was twelve years of age, they
came to Barton County, Kansas. He was ed-
ucated in the public schools and assisted his
parents on the farm until he was a man in
stature, and then he became a renter on his
own account and farmed for several years; or
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
12;
until 1898, when he bought the quarter section
on which he lives. The period between 1S93
to 1S97, when he was struggling to make
enough on the rented land to make a first pay-
ment on land he might purchase he recalls
with many shakes of the head, because that
was the saddest period of liis entire life and
his greatest struggle.
Fred Trauer and Miss Matilda Burgorf
were married on September 16, 1897, and they
are the parents of six children, to-wit: Betta,
12; I.«uis, 11, Lena, 9; Albert, 6, Edna, 4 and
Freddie, 2.
Mrs. Matilda Trauer is the third child of
August and Caroline Burgtorf, who settled in
the county, two and cne-half miles south of
Heizer, about 1872. They drove overland from
Cape Geradeau County, Mo., and on the way
fell in with the teams of E. L. Chapman, who
was enroute with his family to make their
home in this county. Mr. Burgtorf died in 1SS2,
leaving a widow and six children who are still
residents cf the county.
WILLIAM JAMES FEE
To attempt the biography cf William James
Fee in the space at command would be
imp:ssible, tecaiise he has probably liv-
ed more in his allot ed time than most of the
resident farmers cf Barion County. He was
born June 16th, 1S3S, en a farm near Laurel,
Clearmont County, Ohio, and in 1S59, when
twenty-one years of age, was attracted by the
gold excitement in Calif:ruia, and decided that
that was the shortest route to attain both for-
tune and fame among those with whom he hart
grown to manhood. An expedition was fitting
out in Omaha, Nebraska, to cross the plains by
ox teams via the Northern Platte r.:ute, and
this he and his companions joined and con-
sumed six weary months in the .iouruey. The
California-Oregon trail was conceded to be a
favorable passway, but those who made the
trip recount many hardships and the written
history of that time proves that these who
made the trip possessed stout hearts. In hay-
ing time Honey Lake Valley, California, was
reached and Mr. Fee piled hay until fall and
then took up placer mining for a company, and
was launched in the business that he had
crossed many weary miles to attempt, and his
eyes at last feasted on the gold that had lured,
and which has been the making and unmaking
of man in all ages. A farm hand in Ohio re-
ceived at that time $S per month, and $2.50 a
day mining seemed a fortune far a time, but
as the golden microbe assumed dominion, and
as he had learned during his experience how
to do all classes of mining; prospect work was
taken up with more or less favorable results.
The year 1S62 found him in Idaho, where he
worked for others, prospected on his own ac-
count, owned a pack train which made regu-
lar trips out of Boise City: and at one time
own.'d a flume in California that conducted
water to the mines. His mining experience
covered districts in California, Idaho, Nevada,
Arizona and in the Black Hills in Dakota, dur-
ing the excitement of i;<75-6, and ended at
Tmbstone, Arizona, in 1SS6 During hese
years cf search he was rewarded many times
and had fortune within his grasp; but owisig
to many causes — the lack of sufficient capital
being the greatest obstacle — he was forced to
abandon them to the next claimant, who fre-
quently made his fortune. One instance re-
called sold for $100,000 after slight additional
development, and there were others that prom-
ised as well. His labors were often in a coun-
try overrrun with histile Indians, and where if
their claims had any shadow of right in the
eyes of the government at Washington the
regular troops took the side of the Redman
and the miner was at the mercy of both fac-
tions. The reward, however, while fought for
in confess that tried the man, netted as much
in dollars as could have been earned in a life
time of peace on an Ohio farm, and Mr. Fee is
now well satisfied to rest at ease on his Kan-
sas acres and recount what he has passed
through.
Satisfied that he could not "buck luiture
single-handed" in February, 1S86, Wm. J. Fee,
wife and son came to Barton County and pur-
chased the right to a hcmcstead of one hun-
dred and sixty acres, entered by one Hem-
mingvv'ay, seven miles west from Great Bend.
This he afterward proved up in his own name,
and later buying another quarter, he now
owns and cultivates a half section. It is well
imjjroved and in a high state of cultivation.
William James Fee and Miss Elizabeth T.
Haines, cf Now Richmond, Clearmont Coun-
ty, Ohio, were married in September, 1S81, at
Santa Fe New Mexico, and have one son,
Charles Haines Fee, 27, who resides with
them.
MICHAEL JAMES KEENAN
To the old settler who blazed the way far
the present generation the time seems
short since they themselves were the
principal actors in the tragic occurrences
which transpired while building the foundation
for the "Banner County" of the great State of
Kansas; but a new- people are fast taking their
places as workers in the field that is so invit-
ing and among these is Michael J. Keenan,
the fifth son of Thomas and Mary Keenan,
126
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
who came to Barton County in 1S71 and locat-
ed three and one-half miles northeast of Dun-
dee. He has christened his place "Alfalfa-
dale," and it covers two hundred acres of the
most feriile land of his locality and if one
may judge by the appearance of his fields he
the public schools of the district, and grew to
manhood on his father's farm in the neigh-
borhood of his present home. He made
two attempts at home making in Oklahoma
previous to his purchase of the home describ-
ed above, when the government was alloting
Farm Residence of Michael Jame.s Keenan
learned industry and management from the
teachings of the father. His house is a two
story white frame building containing six
rooms, neatly enclosed by a wire fence. There
are a few stately trees and enough plants and
shrubs on the grass plot to make it inviting.
The barn is large and contains grain bins, hay
loft and stalls for numerous horses and cattle,
and there are several outbuildings. These
buildings have all been recently erected and
painted and present the appearance of a newly
made home.
Michael .1. Keenan was born on April 30,
1S75, in Great Bend, Kansas, was educated in
lands in that territory. One was a claim near
Cleo, Oklahoma and tlv other twenty miles
northeast of Hobart. Oklahoma. The first of
these was contested and lost by a suit in the
courts, and the second was sold for a small
sum because of its minor estimated value.
Michael J. Keenan and Miss Catherine Mur-
phy, the eldest daughter of Patrick E. and
Margaret Welch Murphy, of Barton County,
Were united in marriage on November 3, 1904,
and they are the parents of four interesting
children: Marguerite Mary, 6; Ijorene and
Norene (twins) and .Mary Eileen, 1.
ARTHUR LERAY FISH
O.VK of the neatest appearing of the many
fine farm homes in FJarton Coun-
ty is that of Arthur l.eray Fish, located
about seven and one-half miles northeast of
Great Bend. .Mr. Fish came to this county
with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. K. A. Fish
when he was seven years cf age. This was in
1878. He was born in Lee County, Illinois,
June 13, 1871. He lived there until he was
four years old when the family moved to
Iowa and after spending three years in that
state continued on westward and arrived in
Bar; on County in 1877. The elder Mr. Fish
located on school land on what is now Mr.
Fish's heme place in Lakin township. This
place consists of 160 acres and it is apparent
to the casual observer that Mr. Fish takes a
great pride in his home as is evidenced by
the neat arrangement of the buildings, orch-
ard., shade trees, etc. Mr. Fish was married
in Barton county in 1898 to Miss Marie Hor-
ton and they are the parents ot two children:
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
127
Avis Laura, 12 years of age and Grace Ellen,
four years of age. Both the children are be-
ing educated in the schcols of the county. Mr.
Fish is a member of the National Short Horn
Breeders' Association and until recently made
a specialty of breeding and raising Short Horn
cattle. He still owns several head of this
well known breed of animals and later on
may again go into the business of breeding
and raising them on a in -re extensive scale.
The residence on tlie homo place contains
eight rooms with bath, closets, etc. The barn
is well built and is 40 by 42 feet in dimen-
sions. Mr. Fish is a typical ciMzen of Barton
County who came hero at a time when it re-
quired all kinds of faith in the future to stick
to the land and develop it until it reached its
present high state of cultivation.
CHRISTIAN KOOPMAN ESTATE
CHRISTIAN KOOPMAN was born iu Ger-
many in 1,S45, and came to America
when he was twenty years of age.
He located first in Indiana where he
remained for fifteen years and where he was
married to Miss Minnie Panne in ISSO. They
are the parents of seven children. They came
to Barton County in 18S0 and Mr. Koopman at
once took up the business of farming. He died
May 15, 1900, and was survived by his wife
and all the children. The children are as
follows: George, 31 years cf age, is now en-
gaged in the plumbing and fitting business
and is a member of the firm of Koopman &
Fankhauser of Great Bend ; Emma. 29 years
of age is now Mrs. George L. Lucas; William,
28 years; Carl. 25 years; Edward, 22 years;
Leo, 19 and Lillian 16 years, are all living on
the home place east of Great Bend. The
estate consists of 240 acres of land in Great
Bend township about two and a half miles
east of Great Bend, and a quarter section of
land in Stafford Ciiunty. The home jilace is
being farmed by the four younger boys and
they maintain the home place in a most pro-
ductive manner. The residence consists of
eight rooms in addition to the clcsets, etc.,
and the barn is 56 by 42 feet in dimensions.
Mrs. Koopman also owns 127 acres '.wo miles
north of the home place and a quarter section
three miles north of the home place. Mr. and
Mrs. Kocpman came to Barton County at a
time when the land needed development and
it required a great deal of hard work to bring
the soil to a sta'e of productiveness whore
farming could be done at a profit. Mr. Koop-
man succeeded however and he was known
and liked by the people of the county who
came here in the SO's and withstood the hard-
shipe that were necessary in making a home.
The Koopman family is one of the best known
in the county and Mr. Koopman's name will
always occupy a prominent place in the his-
tory of the C3unty of Barton.
THOMPSON OAKLEY COLE
THOMPSON OAKLEY COLE was born in
Wakefield, England, March 6, 1S44. He
came to America with his parents in
1850 when he was eight years of age. They
first located in Ohio where Mr. Cole remained
until 1872 during which year he came to Bar-
ton County. During the Civil War Mr. Cole
was a member of Company K., 96th Ohio.
Among the important engagements in which
Mr. Cole took an active part are the battles of
Port Morgan and Fort Gaines, near Mobile
Bay. These engagements took place when
Farragaut and his followers were forcing their
way up the big river. Upon Mr. Cole's arrival
in Kansas he immediately took up the occupa-
tion of merchandising and since that time has
had a great deal to do wi;h the development
of the soil and the upbuilding of the county.
For fifteen years he owned and managed a
grocery store in Great Bend and then bought
land which now comprises bis home place
and consists of one-half of section 12 and one-
half of section 7 in Great Bend township. He
was married in Great Bend in 1874 to Miss
Jane Hull and they are the parents of two
children as follows: Herbert Lee, 33 years of
age, who resides at home; Claude, 29 years
of age, is a practicing dentist in lola, Kansas.
Mr. C:ile survived his first wife and in 1S,S4
was married to Miss Agnes Hess and to this
union there was born one child, Agnes, who
is now 18 years of age and resides at home.
Mr. Cole is a member of the Great Bend lodge
of Elks. On the home place is found a neat
well built residence consisting of five roams,
a barn that is 30 by 60 feet in dimensions,
granaries and all other necessary outbuild-
ings. Mr. Cole is one of the best known men
in the county and has always bee:i f^und with
the progressive element in furthering the inter-
ests of the county.
128
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
RUDOLPH LUDWIG BOESE
AMONG the younger fanners cf Barton
County none is bettor known for their
progressive methods and enterprise
shown in the cultivation of the soil, than the
subject of this sketch, Rudol|)h I^udwig Boese.
He was born September 7, 1SS7. His parents
has been wheat. He learned the best farm-
ing methods frcm his father who came here
when it required the best of farming to pro-
duce anything like a crop, but by persistent
effort he managed ',o improve his land and
make it most productive. On the place where
'^.4.' "^'h-^^-^.'f
Farm Residence of John Boese
were John and Julia Boese who came t3 Amer-
ica from Poland-Russia. His father first set-
tled in Ohio and af.er remaining there two
years came to Barton County where Rudolph
was born. His mother first settled in Penn-
sylvania and came to Kansas in same year
as her husband. He has one brother, Frank,
and three sisters, Martha, Grace and Louise.
He was married in April, 1909, to .Miss Emma
Rudiger and they now reside on a farm con-
sisting of 200 acres, a short distance south of
Dundee. They also own a quarter section in
Pawnee County. The home place where they
now reside is owned by Jlr. Boese's father
Mr. Boese has a fine equipment of machinery
and good live stock and his principal crop
they now reside there is a well built ten
room house, a fine barn 32 by 60 feet and all
the necessary outbuildings including an auto-
mobile garage. The barn is well built and
c ntains stall room for a large number of ani-
mals and the loft permits storing a large
quantity of hay. Mr. Boese gives personal
attention to the supervision of his farm and
has one of the best improved and most highly
cultivated places in that section of the county.
He is an enterprising and progressive young
man and being a pr:duct of this county takes
a great interest in any undertaking that he
tliinks is for the benefit of the community and
the betterment of the county.
ORRIS ALBERT BROWN
ORRIS ALBliRT BROWN was born near
Des Moines, Iowa, July 12, lS66r He
came to Kansas in 1S72 and is now
residing on his home place about ten miles
southeast of Great Bend where he owns three
quarter sections of land in section 31, Co-
manche township. He was married in Russell
County. Kansas, in 1SS7, to Miss Elizabeth
Schari)f. They are the parents of five children
as follows: Henry FrediTick, 21 years; Elias
Edward, 23 years; Viola Eldara, 13 years; An-
nie May, 10 years; Albert, 3 years. Henry and
Albert are employed in the mercantile busi-
ness in Great Bend, while the remainder of
the children are studying in the schools of
the county. The home place is well improved
and in addition to it Mr. Brown superintends
the farming of the three quarters he owns in
Comanche township. The residence consists
of 8 r;oms besides closets, pantries, etc. The
barn is large and commodious and has stall
room for a large number of horses and a loft
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
129
that will permit the storing of a large quantity
of hay. A small, well kept orchard adds great-
ly to the beauty of the surroundings of the
home place. Mr. Brown came to Barton coun-
ern farming methods in the cultivation of the
soil has succeeded in bringing his part of the
county to a high state of cultivation and devel-
opment. He had a large part in the work of
Farm Residence of Orris Albert Brown
ty at a time when only those who had faith in
the future could withstand the conditions found
here and remain. He remained however and
by consistent effort together with using mod-
reclaiming the section of the county south of
the river from a barren waste and making of
it one of the most desirable in the county of
Barton.
Farm Residence of George Washington Tucker
130
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
GEORGE WASHINGTON TUCKER
Gi:ORGE WASHINGTON TUCKER was
born February 3, ]<SGO, in Soiilhern In-
diana and came to Barton County
twenty-six years ago at a time when the out-
look for the future was anything but bright.
However, Mr, Tucker could see the wonderful
possibilities of Harton County and decided to
cast his lot with the other old timers who by
their faith in the future and hard, consistent
effort succeeded in building a home and devel-
oping the land to a state where it would pro-
duce crops in paying quantities. Mr. Tucker
owns 240 acres of land seven miles south of
Great Bend and a section of land in Gray
County. He was married February 2, 1SS8 to
Miss Mattie M. Schaeffer whose father built
the first house in the city of Great Bend. They
are the parents of four children all of whom
are at home. They are as follows: Delbert
Lee, 23 years; Elsie May, 18 years; Clifford M..
13 years; Ruby M., six years. Mr. Tucker
came here at a time when many of the old
timers were getting ready to leave but after he
had purchased the land which is now his home
place he decided that the future would tutn
out as :t has if the proper effort was mide
with scientific farming methods. That Mr.
Tucker's judgment was good is evidenced by
the high state cf cultivation found on the land
in that section of the county. He has had a
great deal to do with the development of th-j
resources of this county and is one of that
body of men whose staying qualities in the
face of difficulties made it possible to make
a rich agricultural section out of what was in
the early eighties almost a barren waste. Mr.
Tucker is an enterprising and progressive citi-
zen and knows a great deal about the history
of Barton county and the people who came
here in the early days to establish homes.
AUGUST MAUSOLF
OXE of the really old timers of Clarence
township and one of the best known
men in Barton County is August Mau-
solf, son of .John and Amelia Mausolf who !o-
stead that is two and a half miles west of Au-
gust's present home. Mr. Mausolf tojk up hi';
residence on this quarter which is located
fourteen miles northwest of Great Bend in
Farm Scene On August Mausolf's Farm
cated in Rush County in 1879. August Mausolf
was born in West Prussia, November 20, 1S6S.
He came with his parents to Jersey City, New
Jersey, when he was four years of age. His
parents remained there seven years and thi»n
came to Rush County, locating on a home-
1892. In 1S9S he married Miss Henrietta
Scheilfelheim and they now have one bright
boy, Walter, aged 6 years. Mr. Mausolf has al-
ways been an enterprising and progressive
citizen and in addition to the quarter on which
he lives he owns eighty eighty acres of land
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
131
in Clarence township, and three eighty acre
tracts in Rush County twenty-five miles west
of his home place. All of this land is in a
high state of cultivation and shows that Mr.
Mausolf has always worked on a policy of im-
provement. His home place is well stocked
with cattle and horses and he takes a special
pride in his flock of fancy White Leghorn
chickens which attract the eyes of visitors on
the Mausolf place. A fine six room residence
is found on the home place. It is neatly and
comfortably furnished and affords Mr. Jlausolf
and family all the comforts of a modern home.
The barn, sheds and other necessary buildini^s
on the Mausolf place arc well built of the best
material and altogether the Mausolf place is
one of best improved nd most modern to be
found in the country. Tb make this complete
we must add that Mr. Mausolfs home was de-
stroyed by a cyclone during the month of May,
1912. He and his wife had a narrow escape.
They are now living in Great Bend. The dis-
aster happened after the foregoing was writ-
ten.
JOSIAH CLINTON WEATHERS
JOSIAH CLINTON WEATHERS was born in
Putnam County, Indiana, October 14, ISoG.
and came to Barton County in 18S4, and
located six miles south and four miles west of
Great Bend in a section where a plow had
never been used. The first few years that Mr.
Weathers spent in this county were hard ones,
but he is made of the kind of stuff that makes
Weathers was married in November, 1881 to
Miss Marguerite F. Reigel in Indiana. They
are the parents of eleven children: Dennis,
29 years; AUva 27 years; Leroy, 25 years, Ora
23 years; Paul, 21 years; Pearl, 19 years; .Jes-
sie, 17 years; Blanche, 14 years; Chester, 12
years; Roscoe, 10 years; Herman, 1 years. The
first named four are married and living in the
Farm Residence of Jos i ah Clinton Weathers
pioneers and wiih an unllinihing faith in the
future he set about to make a home for him-
self and family. He erected a building 14 by
16 which was used as a residence for three
years. Additions were added to the house as
they were required and in 1900 Mr. Weathers
built a fine modern, eight room house which
is now one of the most neatly furnished homes
in that section of the county. In the early
days Mr. Weathers bought corn for fifteen
cents per bushel and the wages at that time
were 75 cents per day with a team. Mr.
county, and the remainder are living at home
and receiving educations. Besides three quar-
ter sections of land which Mr. Weathers sold
to his sons he still owns three quarters in ad-
dition to the home place. Mr. Weathers" farm
is known as "Cedar Grove," the home being
surrounded by well kept cedar trees which add
in no small way to the beauty of the land-
scape. Jlr. Weathers has been township
treasurer for eighteen years and has also serv-
ed as a member of the school board. On Mr.
Weathers' place is what is supposed to be the
132
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
oldest windmill tower in the county. It was
erected by K. L. Chapman in the early days
and has received a number of coats of paint
and is now in fair condition. Mr. Weathers is
an enterprising and progressive citizen and
one of the best known cf the old timers of the
county which he has seen grow from a barren
waste to its present high state of cultivation.
MRS. F. E. ELLIOTT
MRS. K. K. Hl.LIOTT has resided in Bar-
ton County for the past thirty-si\
years, having come here with her hus-
band in 1877. at a time when the county's his-
tory was just beginning. Mr. Klliott died in
June, 1909 and since that time Mrs. Elliott has
carried en ihe work on the home place wi'.h
the aid of help. She gives personal attention
possible to go from one room to another with
the minimum of walking. The home is furn-
ished with up-to-date furniture and that Mrs.
Elliott takes a pride in her home is evidenced
on every hand. The house is lighted with a
large acetylene gas lighting i)lant of a mod-
ern design. A well improved water sysiem
supplies water to the house and bath room,
Re.sidence of Mr.s. F. E. Elliott
to its management and is among the most
successful business women of the county. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are natives of Massa-
chusetts. They were married in June, 1SV7.
They are the parents of one child, Minnie, who
is thirty-four years of age. She is now Mrs.
Roy Weathers, having been married in 1910,
and lives near her mother on the same section
line. Mrs. Elliott's home is one of the most
modern and neatly arranged to be found in the
county. It consists of eleven rooms with a
large commodious basement and garret. The
rooms are on two floors and are connected
one with the other in a way that makes it
l)olh h :t and cold- water being supplied. Mrs.
Elliott's daughter is a graduate of the Great
Mend High School having received her diploma
with the class of 1S98, and she is also a grad-
uate of the Centrad Normal College. The
surroundings near the EllioU home are pleas-
ing and make of it one cf the most attractive
farms in that section of the county. It is
located eight and a half miles west and south
of Great Bend and is in a high state of culti-
vation. Mrs. Elliott also owns eighty acn-s
of land two miles south and west of the town-
site of Great Bend.
JOHN OLIVER TUCKER
JOH.N OLIVER TUCKER was born in the
southern part of Indiana in December,
1S65, and came to Barton County in 1899.
He left Indiana when he was nineteen years of
age and went to Illinois. He stayed there si.<
months and then went to Missouri where he
remained a short time after which he made
his first trip to Kansas twenty-five years ago.
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
He remained in the Sunflower state but a short
time after which he returned to Illinois and
spent several years there and in Missouri be-
fore he finally decided to locate in Kansas.
Then he came to Barton County on the date
mentioned above, and immediately began the
development of 160 acres of land which now
comprises his home place seven miles south of
proved and contains a six room residence
which has been built at intervals, the first
building being one room IS by 24 feot. A fine
an up-to-date farmer using modern methods
in all his work and his i)lace is equipped with
all the necessary machinery and live stock
barn is maintained which is 32 by -JO feet, ex-
clusive of the corn crib which adjoins it on tba
Farm Residence of
Great Bend. He was married in 1895 to Miss
Hattie B. Giddiugs of iSIinonk, Illinois. They
are the parents of two children, Albert R.,
sixteen years of age and Helen A., fifteen
years old, both cf whom are students in the
schools of Barton County,. .Mr. Tucker is of
an optimistic turn of mind and says that con-
sidering everything during his residence in
this county he considers the twelve years most
prosperous ones. His h"me place is nicely im-
John Oliver Tucker
south and is 20 by 32. in addition to theltiO
acres on the home place Mr. Tucker owns a
half section of land in Morton county. He is
for the successful cultivation ; f the soil. He is
an enterprising and progressive citizen and
has helped in no small way to make that sec-
tion of Barton County one of the most pr')-
ductive and one of the best in the State of
Kansas.
LOUIS PLANKENHORN
THE subject of this sketch, Ix)uis Planken-
horn, was born in Wayne County, Indi-
ana, April 14, 1S59, He came to Barton
County in 1892, and bought land in South
Bend township which is now his home place.
This land is located in the northwest corner
of section 16 and is in a high state of cultiva-
tion. In addition to this land Mr. Plankenhorn
farms seventy-five acres of land adjoining the
home place en the west. He was married Au-
gust IT, 1SS2. to Miss Florence Job. in Wayne
County, Indiana. They are the parents of two
children: Ethel Christina, 26 years of age,
who is now Mrs. F. W. Stewart and resides on
a farm five miles north of Great Bend and
Glenda Irene who is fifteen years of age and
living at home. She is a student in the Bar-
ton county schools. Mr. Plankenhorn has
taken a great interest in his home place as is
evidenced by the fact that with all the regular
work of raising a crop of staple products he
has found time to improve the surroundings,
and south of his home he has a fine orchard in
which are found apple, plum, peach and other
fruit trees. The residence consists ot seven
rooms in addition to bath, pantries, closets,
etc. The home is well built and neatly ar-
ranged and the shade trees about the house
are well arranged and maintained in a most
inviting manner. The barn is is 30 by 52 feet and
has an addition that is used as a cow barn
which is 20 by 48 feet in dimensions. Mr.
Plankenhorn has one of the nicest home places
in that section of the county and farms his
land according to the best methods and is an
enterprising and progressive citizen and has
done much to make the part of the county
south of the river one of the best of the crop
producing sections.
134
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
Home of Louis P 1 a n k e n h o r n
\V1LLLA.M HENRY MAYBACH
■ -: \f
^ -.-_,
Residence of William Henry M a v b a c h
WILLIAM HKNRY MAYBACH was bora
in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. Novem-
ber 10, 1S58. He received his earl}
education in the public schools of that county
and took a normal course which fitted him
for teaching. He taught in the schools of
Indiana for three years and returned to his
native state at the end of that time and taught
in the schools there for nine years. In May,
1885, he arrived in Barton county and began
I lie building of a home and the development of
the land on the southwest quarter of section
24 in Liberty township. This is the home place
and is now known as "Cottage Grove Farm."
He owns in all SOO acres of land, three quar-
ters of it being in section 25 of Liberty town-
ship, and one quarter in South Bend tjwnship.
Of this land Mr. Maybach farms a half section,
the remainder being rented. Mr. Maybach was
married in 1889 to Miss Klla Keicheubach of
OF BARTON COUNTY, KANSAS
135
Orville, Ohio. To this union there was born
one son, Fred, who is now 21 years of age.
After finishing a course in civil engineering
at the Agricultural College at Manhattan he
accepted a position with the Santa Fe Railroad
and is now in that company's empl;;y with
headquarters at Arkansas City. Mr. Maybach
survived his first wife and was married to
Miss Cora Waddle of Barton County iu 189S.
They are the parents of two children: Carl
Henry, eleven years of age. and Marie Eliza-
beth, five years of age. Mr. Maybach has a
well equipped farm, having all the necessary
outbuildings and a residence of S rooms. One
of the features of Mr. Maybach's farm is the
orchard in which are found apple, pear, peach
and plum trees as well as many varieties of
berries. Mr. Maybach has been most success-
ful in raising fruit as he uses modern methods
and understands tree culture. He maintains
good live stock and owes his success to using
Ilie best methods in the cultivation of the soil.
JOHN ALLISON HOGE
OF the old timers of Carton County who
came here in the SO's the subject of
this sketch. John Allison Hoge. is one
who has remained and made a success of the
farming business. He v/as born September
16, 1S55, in Green County, Pa., and came to
Barton County in 1SS6. He immediately en-
gaged in the farming business and now owns
three quarter sections of land in Liberty town-
orchard in which he grows nearly all varieties
of fruits common to this section of the coun-
try. Mr. Hoge has made a specialty of breed-
ing and raising Galloway cattle and is con-
sidered an authority on all matters pertaining
to this breed of cattle and he has done much
to encourage the breeding of high class cattle
in the county. Mr. Hoge owes his success to
the practical farming methods which he has
Farm Residence of John Allison Hoge
ship all of which is under cultivation and be-
ing farmed under Mr. Hoge's supervision. He
was married in Witzel County, West Virginia,
in 1878, to Miss H. E. Haught. They are
the parents of four children: Charles, 32 years
of age, who is a practicing dentist at Kinsley,
in this state; Ira. 2S years of age, engaged in
the farming business near Offerle, Kansas;
Sol, 26 years old, who is operating a farm
near Lewis, Kansas and Thomas. 13 years of
age who is a student in the Barton County
schools. The home place has a modern eight
room residence, a line well built barn and
other outbuildings. Mr. Hoge maintains a fine
used in developing his farm into one of the
most desirable in that part of the county.
While Mr. Hoge takes an interest in all public
affairs he has never held any public office
other than at times being an officer of the
township in which he resides. His place is
located about three and one-half miles from
Great Bend and is one of the best developed
and most highly improved in Barton. Mr.
Hoge came here at a time when the outlook
for the future was not the brightest but by
good management and a thorough knowledge
of farming he has made a success of which he
can justly be proud.
136
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY
ROBERT ARTHUR BIDLEMAN
ROBKRT ARTHUR BlULKMAN is one of
those pioneers who came to Barton
County in 1878, at a time when things
were looking bright for the future and the new
comers thought they had at last found a veri-
table garden spot. However, this year was
followed by a most unsuccessful one. Then
came the bad times and only those v.ho were
made of the kind of stuff of which real pion-
eers are made were possessed of the nerve to
stick it out. Mr. Bidlemaii was one of these
and he now lives on his home place whi'h is
located in section 23. South Bend townshii).
It consists ( f IGO acres, all of which Mr. Bidle-
man farms in addition to a quarter section on
which he farms in section 24. Mr. Birileman
was born November 5. 1S59, at Sc'.ioolcrau.
Kalamazoo County, Michigan. He went to
school, and learned lo farm in his home state
before coming to Bart;;n County on the date
mentioned. He was married July 2, 1900, to
Miss Minnie Witte of Great Bend. Mr. Bidie-
man has been on his homj place about live
years and is making imijrovomc^its every year
and this year will add a summer kitchen to
his residence. The barn is 3'! by 40, well built
and commodious and always contains a good
grade of work stock. A young orchard cover-
ing a piece of ground west cf the residence is
adding greatly to the beauty of the surround-
ings and contains fruit of several varieties that
are common to this section of the country.
Mr. Bidleman has held township offices and is
an enterprising and progressive citizen. One
of those who helped to make that part of the
c;:unty lying south of the river one of the most
desirable in its borders. He has se.m a great
deal of the early history of this county and
knew the men who made it possible to make
Barton County one of the best in the State of
Kansas.
HENRY BENJAMIN UNRUH
THK subject of this sketch, Henry B. In-
ruh, came to Barton county in 1876
from Pennsylvania where he first located
after leaving the old country where he was
born in Russia-Poland, in 1852. By trade he is
a weaver and sawyer but upon his arrival in
this county he immediately took up the busi-
ness of farming and located in the Mennonite
Colony near Dundee. His home place con-
sists of about 220 acres of land all of which
is in a high state of cultivation. Mr. I'nruh
was married in 1873 to Miss Susan Dirks. Mr.
Unruh survived his first wife wha died in
1901. They were the parents of ten children.
Mr. I'nruh married .Miss Kate Johnson of South
Dakota, in 1902, and they have been blessed
with four children. Mr. Unruhs mother died
in the Old Country and his father passed away
in this country in 1910. Mr. I'nruhs farm is
one of the best developed in that iiart of the
county and he has always had it well stocked
with the best of horses and cattle and all the
necessary machinery for successful farming.
With all Mr. luruh's work he has found
time to work out and perfect an invention on
which he has the patent that is some day des-
tined lo revolutionize the science of railroad
building. The invention consists of an endless
or cont 
