See other formats

Full text of "Biographical history of Cloud County, Kansas: biographies of representative citizens. Illustrated with portraits of prominent people, cuts of homes, stock, etc"

NYPL RESEARCH LIBRARIES 



3 3433 08182543 6 



BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY 



OF 



CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS 



BIOGRAPHIES OF REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 



ILLUSTRATED 

With Portraits of Prominent People*, Cuts omI. >* 

Stock. Etc. 



MRS. E. F. HOLLIBAUGH 
Biographer and Historian 



W YORK 

ASTOR, LENOX AND 
'■ IONS 

19 6 L 




Mrs. E. F. Hollibaugh. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



The author has endeavored to gather the material for the historical part 
of this work from the most authentic and reliable sources possible, has gl< 
many extracts from admirable newspaper articles, and nearly every old set- 
tler has added his cpiota of historical lore. 

No one yet ever wrote a history, either ancient or modern, that pleased 
everybody; but the substance of the greater part of the following has been 
collected from the people themselves, and in most instances individuals agree 
that "out of the mouths of so many witnesses the truth is established." To 
produce a truthful and trustworthy volume of history, one must possess 
a knowledge of things as the}' actually occurred, and give them from an un- 
biased standpoint which renders them a permanent value. 

The "homestead settler" and "pioneer" imply a great deal more than 
is generally accredited to them, and should be considered distinguished per 
sonages. In the chronology of all historical works, they are accorded a con 
spicuous place. Around them cluster the traditions and early memories oi 
romance, as they penetrated the wilderness and plain, fraught with untold 
hardships and privations to pave the pathway for the masses that foil 
and many of the old veterans who saw the work begun, have passed into 
the great beyond and left the plans to be carried forward by civilization. 

A record is herein given of personal experiences that cannot 1ml inl- 
and prove delightful chapters to the citizens of Cloud county. The biog 
raphies represent all chsses of society, from the hardy pioneers who procured 
their homes by privations and toil, that now offer many luxuries to those 
who cast their fortunes among them in more recent years. The contrast in 
transportation was great, however; the former came through the roai 
bridgeless tract of the frontier; the latter seated in a palace car 
ing on a downy couch, and after a few hours of luxurious travel is landed 
in Cloud county. Those who enjoy these modern blessings would be less 
than human were they not filled with. gratitude to these i who 

paved the way and made the present condition of things possible. 

The pioneers were attracted by the hope of procuring lands and i 
homes in a new country. The hope as to the future that It 
"Springs eternal in the human heart." Those who came \ • 
rule, enterprising, opendieartecl and sympathetic. The) wen nei.i 

bors, and hence good neighborhoods were created. They illustrated the i 
of the brotherhood of man more by example than by quoti 



6 INTRODUCTORY. 

The traveler wending his way across the fair state of Kansas with its 
evidences of civilization upon every hand, its magnificent churches, school- 
houses, and palatial residences evincing wealth and refinement — cannot re- 
alize that less than a half century ago this favored land was the home of the 
reil man and the buffalo, roaming at will over its now fair and fertile prai- 
rie-. Nature seems to have made that singular appreciation of the beautiful 
an instinct of the ?avage, I hese fields were as green then as now. the flowers 
bloomed as brightly and diffused their fragrance everywhere; then all was as 
nature formed it; now all traces of the primitive arc obliterated. Where the 
tall prairie grass grew, one beholds the broad fields of waving golden grain; 
the transformation is complete. 

the pioneers ami old settlers more especially, is this work dedicated 
with the hope that their virtues may he emulated, ami their toils and sacrifici 
duly appreciated by coming generations. Thus is afforded an effectual 
method of keeping green the memory of those to whom honor is due for tl i 
useful and worthy li 

The author has been closely associated with the people of ('loud county 
for many months, and has studied the minutesl detail of everything pertain 
ing to the counts- and its citizens. The time is approaching when I shall hid 
in adieu with a sigh of regret, t" enter upon a new field of labor. M\ 
-urn among them is fraught with many pleasant memories and I shall 
ever remember the kindly courtesies extended me by the residents of 'loud 
count}'. They are a people full 'if noble and generous impulses, and entertain 
with a genuine hospitality proverbial in almost every household. 

I wish to thank J. M . Hagaman, who SO kindly submitted notes from 
which valuable extracts have keen gleaned, particularly relating to the early 
history of Concordia. His tabulated estimate of the rainfall of (loud county 
fi r forty-three years will be read with interest. 

I am also specially indebted to J. B. Rupe, the veteran editor of the Clyde 
Herald, for much desirable data. Mr. Rupe is one of the most reliable, en- 
thusiastic ami best informed men on the early histor) oi Cloud county. His 
"Early Recollections of Clyde and Vicinity" was kindly submitted to be used 
in the compilation of this work ami was of incalculable value. 

To the press, many old settlers and representative people generally, who 
have so generously and magnanimously aided in the construction of this vol- 
ume. 1 tender my sincerest gratitude and trusr the following pages will meet 
the approbation of its patrons and friends to the fullest extent. 

E. F. HOLLIBAUGH. 



QUIVERA. 



In the home of William J. Ion, of Grant township, the author fouiul 
among many other heirlooms a volume of ancient history published in [670 
71. The manuscript was prepared forty years prior to that date by the Re\ 
erend Samuel A. Clark, a Welsh historian This intensely interesting and 
valuable work was handed down to its present owner from a grand uncle, 
John Ion, who was a son of Mr. Ion's paternal great grandfather, h was 
brought to America by Mr. Ion's mother. Mrs. Maria Williams, of Ebbwval* . 
Merionethshire, South Wales. Great Britain. This priceless work was also 
the property of Mr. Ion's great grandmother. Maria Gregg, given her by her 
father, Thomas Gregg. 

The following quotation is a fac-simile of an article contained on its 
pages regarding Quivera that once included the fair state of Kansas within 
its boundaries. In the copy which follows it will he noticed that the letter 
f takes the sound of s in most instances, making the literature difficult to 
read. The Reverend Samuel A. Clark, who compiled the work, evidently 
believed in the fulfillment of the Scripture, which reads: "The first shall 
be last and the, last shall be first," as this historical volume is published in 
two editions, the last one being issued first and are bound together in that 
form. 

"Next to Mexico is Ouivira, which is feated on the molt weftern pan oi 
America, over againft Tartary, from whence probably the Inhabitants firft 
came into this Xew World, that fide of the country being mofi populous, and 
the people living much after the manner of the Tartars, following the Seafons 
of the Year for the Pafturage of their Cartel ; that fide of America being full 
of Herbage, and enjoying a temperate Air. The People defire (dais more 
than Gold: "Their chief Riches are their Kine, which are Meat. Drink, 
Cloth, Houfes, and Utensils to them: For their Hides yield them Houfes; 
their Bones, Bodkins: their Hair, Threcl; their Sinews. Ropes: their Horns, 
Maws, and Bladders, Vessels: their Dung, Fire; their Calves, Skins, 
Budgets to draw and keqi water in: their Blood, Drink: their \ '• 
Meat, etc. 

"In Ouivira there are but two Provinces 'hat are known. < ibola nil 
Nova Albion, fo Named by Sir Francis Drake, when he I the 

World. It abounds with Fruits, pleafant to both the eye and palate: 
people are given to Hofpitality. but witbaU, to Witch craft, and worfhippin 
of Devils." 



BRIEF RECORD 

OF THE 

STATE OF KANSAS 



"O'er Sunny Kansas 
Some Commercial Cadmus 
In days unknown, 
The teeth of gulden dragons 
Must have sown. 
For, when the prairies 
Feel the breath of summer, 
The Trowels ring. 
And from the soil 
The burnished cities spring." 



— Eugene Ware. 



According to historical tradition it was on the plains of Kansas that 
Coronado and his band suffered so many hardships in their search for the 
country of Ouivira and its fabulous cities of gold. Crossing the stale in a 
northeasterly direction he reached the Missouri river near the present site of 
Atchison. Not finding the treasure, they erected a cross hearing the incrip- 
tion, Thus far came Francisco de Coronado— genera] of an expedition, and 
returned home to Mexico." They described the country rich in fruits an 1 
with a soil similar to the finest fertile regions of their own country — Spain. 

In the early part of the eighteenth century Kansas was visited at various 
times and explored by the French, who mingled with the numerous tribes of 
Indians that dwelt along the Arkansas and Kansas rivers. In 1803 the state 
became .a part of the "Louisiana Purchase" and a portion of it afterwai 
came a part of the Indian Territory. The state was organized as a territory 
in 1854. 

The territory embraced with the present area of the state all the !. 
between the parallels of 36 degrees and 40 degrees north latitude to the 
Rocky mountains on the west except that part of Xew Mexico lying 
the 37th parallel, with the exception of a small tract. This 



io HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

above mentioned I Purchase made bj President Jefferson from 

France, April 30, [803 I he terms of this treaty were to deed to the United 
States all the country drained by the Mississippi and its tributaries, of which 
she had any right or title. 

The boundary line on the south and southwest touched the Spanish 
.Mexican possessions, and on the east the Spanish province of West Florida. 
On the west shore of the Mississippi it extended to its source embracing all 
the Missouri valley, and stretched north of the Spanish American possessions 
across the Rocky mountains to the Pacific ocean, and as far north on the 
Pacific coast as the British possessions. For tins vast domain the United 
States paid France the sum of $15,000,000. The province of Louisiana thus 
acquired comprised [,160,577 square mil< 

[ts eastern and western boundaries were not definitely settled between 
this country and Spain until February 22, [819, at which tune a treaty was 
made defining these boundaries wherever contiguous to Spanish territory. 
In consideration for the reliquishment hy the United States 6i her claim to 
Texas, Spain ceiled West Florida (now Uabama and Mississippi) and re 
linquished to the United States all claim to territorj lying north of the 3 isl 
parallel and east of the Mississippi river. 

Tims that portion of Kansas lying west of the 23rd meridian and south 
of the Arkansas river was ceded to Spain. When Mexico achieved its in 
dependence in [824, I pa= ed into the pi n of that republic. In 1836, 

Te: ng her independence, claimed it as a part of her domain, which 

claim was subsequently confirmed by the treaty of the United States and 
Mexico, at the expiration of the war. February jj. [848. It finally became a 
part of the government domain by purchase, it being a part of the territory 
ceded to the United States by Texas in 1X50. that state receiving $10,000,- 
000 as a ci msideration. 

The origin of the word Kansas is Indian, and means smoky river, de- 
rived fnnii the tribe of Indians found in the territory when first visited by 
white men. They were spoken of by the early explorers as Kanzas, Canceas, 
Cansez, Canzas, Canzes, Okansis, Kansies, Causes. Canzon, Kanzon, Konza, 
Konzas, Kasas, Kanzan, Kanzans and by various others, all having a similar 
phonetic sound. From these have come the legal recognition of the present 
word Kansas, which is said to signify in the language of the Kansas tribe, 
smoky, and the south fork of the Kansas river is still known as Smoky Hill 
river. 

The first move for a territorial government made within the limits of 
Kansas was at the trading post of Uniontown in 1852. A mass meeting was 
held at this point by the American citizens of the Indian territory. The pro- 
ceedings are alluded to in a sketch of the early days of Pottawatomie 
countv by Hon. L. D. Palmer as follows : 

''About one-half dozen persons, residents of the state of Missouri, as- 
sembled together in a shed. One of them took from his hat a paper upon 
which had been written a set of resolutions brought all the way from Mis- 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

souri, and asked the assembled multitude to vote on them. One individual 
said 'aye;' noes were not called for. Two or three of these were sporting 
gentlemen and the others were merchants who had furnished goods for the 
Indians and always came at such times to collect. These resolutions recited 
that there were hundreds of families in that vicinity in the interior of the ter- 
ritory who were bona fide settlers, the lives and property of whom were in 
constant jeopardy for want of civil protection and memorialized congress t.. 
organize a territorial government. They purported to be the unanimous 
expression of large class of citizens assembled together for the purpose of 
calling the attention of congress to the perils that threatened them." 

Petitions passed at this meeting were presented at the first session of the 
thirty-second congress by Honorable William P. Hall, a Missouri member, 
who. in the following session, presented the first bill in congress providing 
for the organization of the territory in accordance with the papers of his 
Uniontown "constituency." In the autumn of 1852 an election was held 
at Wyandotte and thirty-five votes were polled for Abelard Guthrie a- ter- 
ritorial delegate to congress. As no territorial bill was passed for more 
than two years, the election proved an empty honor. The manuscript copies 
of the returns of this election are among the collections of the Kansas His 
torical Society. 

Jul_\- 28, 1S53, a convention was held at Wyandotte, a territorial govern- 
ment organized and Abelard Guthrie nominated for delegate to cong 
His competitor for the nomination was Reverend Thomas Johnson, a staunch 
pro-slavery man and a friend of Atchison. A bolting convention was held at 
Kickapoo village September 20, 1853, and Johnson was placed in nomination 
as opposition candidate. He was elected over Guthrie, it is claimed, by 
Indian votes. He went to Washington, but owing to the delay in passing the 
territorial bill, was not received as a delegate. 

The act organizing Kansas and Nebraska was passed May 27, and ap- 
proved by the President May 30, 1854. The officers appointed by Presidenl 
Pierce, whose appointments were confirmed by the senate, and who entered 
upon the duties of their office, were Governor Andrew II. Reeder, of Eati n, 
Pennsvlvania, June 29, 1854. He took the oath of office before Peter V. 
Daniel, one of the justices of the supreme court of the United States at Wash- 
ington, July 7. He arrived in Fort Leavenworth on Saturday, October 7. 
and became the executive head of the Kansas government, personally assum- 
ing the functions of that office with a salary of $2,500 per annum. He was 
removed from office July 28, 1855: he received official notice of his removal 
and ceased to act as governor August 15. The secretary. Honorable Daniel 
Woodson, became acting governor during the remaining part of the session 
of the territorial legislature. 

August 10th Honorable Wilson Shannon was commissioned ;■ 
Fie resigned August 21, 1856 and on the same day received official 1, 
his removal and the appointment of Honorable John W. Geary as his 
cessor. Governor Geary resigned March 4, 1857. Secretar) V 



12 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY. KANSAS. 

became acting governor from April [6th, when Mr. Geary's political and 
official connection with Kansas affairs terminated, to May 27, when his suc- 
cessor arrived. The successors of both Geary and Woodson were appointed 
March 10,1857, Honorable Robert J. Walker receiving the appointment of 
governor and Honorable Frederick P. Stanton as secretary of the territory, 
to be acting governor until the arrival of Mr. Walker on December 17. 

Governor Walker resigned December 21st; John W. Denver took the 
oath of office and served until October m, iS;S. when he resigned. Samuel 
Medary was appointed November 19th and arrived in the territory and en- 
tered upon the duties of bis office December eoth. He resigned December 
17, i860, and George M. Beebe, then secretary of the territory, became act- 
ing governor and continued in this capacity until the inauguration of the 
state government February 9, [861. 

Daniel Woodson, of Lynchburg. Virginia, was appointed secretary 
June 29th with a salary of $2,000 per annum. Israel 1'. Donaldson, of Illi- 
n< is. was appointed United Mates marshal with a salary (if $300 per annum 
and fees. Madison Brown, of Maryland, was appointed chief justice and he 
not accepting was superceded by Samuel D. Lecompte, of Maryland, who 
was appointed October jrd, and took- the oath of office before Governor 
Reeder, of Leavenworth, December 5th, at a salary of $2,000 per annum. 
Associate Justices Saunders N. Johnson and Lush Elmore, salaries $2,000 
per annum. Attorney, Andrew J. Isaac, salary $250 per annum and fees. 
Surveyor, General John Calhoun, of Illinois, appointed August 26th. Terri- 
torial treasurer, Thomas J. R. Cramer, appointed August 29th. 

The governor after his arrival set promptly to work to organize his 
government. He made a tour of observation taking in the most important 
and remote settlements in the eastern part of the territory extending as far 
west as Fori Riley and Council Grove. I lis reception was enthusiastic 
"Lie proclamation for the first election in Kansas under date November 10, 
[854, was issued November 15th. 

Lour constitutions were framed as the organic law. before Kansas was 
admitted to the union. The Topeka constitution, the first in order, was 
adopted by the convention which framed it November 11, 1855. and by the 
people of the territory at an election held December 15, 1855. November 7, 
1857. the Lecompton constitution was adopted by the convention which 
framed it. It was submitted to a vote of the people by the convention De- 
cember 21, 1857, the form of the vote prescribed being for a constitution with 
slavery and for a constitution without slavery. No opportunity was afforded 
at this election to vote against the constitution and the free state people of tiie 
territory refrained from taking part in it. The territorial legislature having 
been summoned in extra session by acting Governor F. P. Stanton, passed an 
act submitting the Lecompton constitution to a vote of the people at an elec- 
tion to be held January 4. 1858. Result, 138 votes were cast for the consti- 
tution and 10,226 against it. Notwithstanding this ovenvhelming vote 
against the constitution it was sent to Washington by its partisans. President 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 13 

Buchanan transmitted it to the senate urging the admission of the state under 
it, thus inaugurating the great contest which resulted in the division of the 
Democratic party, the election of Abraham Lincoln and the final overthrow 
of the slave power. The house of representatives on July 3, [856, passed a 
bill for the admission of Kansas into the union under the Topeka constitu- 
tion. Had the bill become a law, Kansas would have been saved the five years 
of turmoil and strife which elapsed before she was admitted into the union. 

The Topeka constitution had located the capital temporarily in Topeka ; 
other towns were ambitious of becoming the seat of government. Minnei 
a town existing only on paper and created for this purpose, was successfully 
carried through the legislature. The bill locating the seat of government of 
the territory at Minneola was passed over the governor's veto and two days 
later the bill calling a constitutional convention, fixing Minneola as the place 
where it would assemble, was also passed. 

The "Minneola swindle" as it was called, created a sensation throughout 
the territory and denounced as a scheme to further the finances of members 
of the legislature who were personally interested in the town. The public con- 
demned the act severely and many of the delegates were instructed to vote For 
an immediate adjournment of that body to some other point. This broughi 
about a long and acrimonious debate. The session was prolonged the entire 
night and during the morning hours a motion was passed to adjourn and 
fixed Leavenworth as the next meeting place. 

The convention reassembled in Leavenworth on the evening of .March 
25th. The constitution which became known as the Leavenworth constitu- 
tion was adopted and signed on April 3rd. It was adopted by the people on 
May 18, 1858, and on the same day the following state officers were elected 
under it. viz: Governor, Henry J. Adams, of Leavenworth; lieutenant gov- 
ernor, Cyrus K. Holliday, of Topeka ; secretary of state, E. P. Bancroft, 
of Emporia ; treasurer, j. B. Wheeler, of Doniphan ; auditor, < \& irge S. 
Hellyer, of Grasshopper Falls; attorney general, Charles A. Foster, of Osa- 
watomie; superintendent of public instruction, J. M. Walden, of Quindaro; 
commissioner of school lands, J. W. Robinson, of Manhattan; representativi 
in congress, M. F. Conway, of Lawrence; supreme judges. William A. 
Phelps, of Lawrence, Lorenzo Dow, of Topeka, and William McKay, of 
Wyandotte; reporter of the supreme court, Albert D. Richardson, of Sum- 
ner; clerk of the supreme court. W. F. N. Amy, of Hyatt. 

AREA OF THE STATE OF KANSAS. ALTITUDE, RESOURCES, I '< 

Kansas is larger than Xew York and Indiana combined and has over 
52,000,000 acres of land. The north line of the state is on a parallel 
Philadelphia, Columbus, Ohio, and Springfield, Illinois, while th 
boundary is on a line east and west with Norfolk. West Virginia. 
is 400 miles long, east, and west, ami about 200 miles in width, 
dips to the east and south and nearly all the streams run i 



14 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

Where Kansas I Missouri it reaches an altitude of 750 feet higher than 

tin.- sea, while at the western line it is nearly 4,000 feel above tide water. 

Kansas is purely an agricultural state and people of all professions and 
callings have farms or are engaged in farming and stock raising. Nothing 
depends more "ii the capacity of the brain for success than agricultural pur- 
suits. The banker with soft white hands and a complexion that does nut 
suggest life in a farm, will tell yon of his prospects, hi:- stock interests, etc, 
The merchant discusses his profits ami losses on the farm. The M. l>.'s from 
whom "lie would expect a 1 ttion of medicine instead, tells you he is 

doing thus and so "ii his farm. The attorney with a large clientage and 
prospering in his profession is also interested in agricultural pursuits. The 
1 in his conventional suit of black broadcloth is often more or less 
concerned in farming. The clerk tells of the harvesting of his wheat crop 
or the outlook of his corn fields; thus all classes of people are more or 1> 
directly or indirectly interested in farming, and all have common inter* 
in the inviting fields of Kansas, with its bountiful crops. 

During the years of iS;v4 Kansas was advertised throughout the ea 1 
ern and middle states and a great tide of emigration came pouring 111 and con- 
tinued for many months. They were from all the stales, and of all profi 
'.lit many of them practical farmers and nearly all oi more 01 1' 
his. The pioneer settlers had paved the waj for the later emigrants and 
to them unlimited credit is <\u^ for their courage and valor, during the- pre- 
[ndian troubli shoppers, drouths, and the hardships due t" early 

ements. 

'I'lie years of 1874-5 were the most disastrous Kansas has ever known. 
"Mure especially is this true of the western portion. The people of Kansa 
p.'sses^ the secret of contentment whose value is more t" them than the phi- 
losopher's stone, and the were followed by several abundant harve I 
which largely and rapidly increased the population, although remote from 
markets and produce had to he hauled long distances in wagons to the nearest 

road station. With the bringing of the railroad facilities the state \ 
made one of the most prosperous countries on the continent. 

The preference for good schools and churches and all humane and benefi- 
cent social appliances and public improvements characterized the people of 
Kansas. These western pioneers did not only want to redeem the desert and 
wilderness hut transfigure it into cultivated fields and handsome homes. The 
west doubtless seemed to be much further west than it does in these days of 
railroads, telephones and modern improvements. Less than a half century 
ago it was a question if this vast buffalo range would ever be adapted to agri- 
culture. 

Xo country can chronicle a more marvelous change in the conditions 
of things within a quarter of a century, than the state of Kansas. The hardy 
pioneer well remembers how he used to look over his fields still uncultivated, 
perhaps, lint coyered with a cast iron mortgage and interest growing daily 
in proportion, that would strike terror to the stoutest heart. He next sees 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. , 5 

the drouth and the implacable army of grasshoppers approaching, and within 
a few hours all his prospects are laid waste. They covered the trees, the 
fences, darkened the sky and ruin was sown broadcast on every hand. 

It has been truthfully said, "The hope of America is the homes oi 
America," and when the homestead law was passed by which every Ameri 
can citizen or person declaring their intention to become such, tens of thou- 
sands of homes were established and the individual blessings it brought to this 
fair land can not be estimated. The enterprising, progressive spirit and early 
experiences of the men and women who first settled in Kansas, are widely 
known and to their credit must be attributed die foundation laid for the 
greatness and prosperity her citizens are now enjoying. 

Pride must swell the hearts of those early settlers as they now look upon 
this fair domain which ranks among the finest states of the union. There is 
an element of romance and sentiment in the history of Kansas that stand- 
distinctly a part of its realty, that belongs to no other state. The pioneer 
suffered, but we cannot imagine a true hero who has not. It ennobles, ele- 
vates and draws humanity nearer together in bonds of sympathy that win 
the admiration and reverence of men. It is evident the people are reaping 
in comfort wdiat they have sown in trials and tribulation. 

For years the whole state of Kansas, figuratively speaking, was under 
mortgage and the amount of interest that went into the eastern money bags 
was astounding, but there is wiser financiering at the present time. Those 
who succeeded in lifting the burden were more conservative and adopted the 
wise old system, "Pay as you go." There are comparatively few farmers 
now unfettered and the money that once went to eastern capitalists is kept 
within their own state and has brought to them wealth and financial inde- 
pendence. 

In 1877 Kansas ranked eleventh in the United States in wheat and the 
following year jumped into the first rank, the total yield being 32,315,371 
bushels and the same year ranked fourth in corn. 

BURNING CORN. 

The people of Kansas burned millions of bushels of corn in [872-3 and 
millions more rotted in the fields, it being in so exceeding abundance as to 
only command the low price of from 10 to 20 cents per bushel. The fol 
lowing years as if in retribution for their extravagance two-thirds of all the 
hogs and cattle in Kansas had to be sold because of the scarcity of corn and 
elevators and granaries that were filled the year before were conspicuous for 
their emptiness. 

Burning corn was tested as to the expense incurred in using ii 
and it was found that even when abundant and cheap, it was mon 1 ive 

than coal or wood, thus a practical test showed that corn was never in 
to be used as a fuel. 

During this period when every incoming train was freighted with 



16 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

humanity enroute to suffering- Kansas. John C. Whittier wrote the poem 
entitled : 

Till: KANSAS EMIGRANT. 

"We crossed the prairies as of old 
The Pilgrims crossed the sea, 
To make the West as they the East 
The homestead of the free. 

We go to rear a wall of men 

( )n I noli tin's central line. 
And plant beside the cottonv\ 1 

The rugged northern pine. 

We're flowing from our native hills 

As i iur free rivers fl< iu . 
The blessings of our motherland 

Is on us as we go. 

We go to plant her common schools 
< hi distant prairie swell-, 
tid gi\ e the Sabbaths i if the wild 
The music of her be! 

I rpbearing like the ark of old 

The Bible in our van. 
We go to test the truth of God 

Against the fraud of man. 

Nor pause nor rest save where the streams 

That feed the Kansas, run. 
Save where our pilgrim gonfalon 

Shall float the setting sun. 

We'll tread the prairies as of old 

Our fathers sailed the sea, 
And make the West as they the East 

A homestead of the free." 

Kansas stood head in the production of wheat in 18S4, the yield be- 
ing 3,000,000 bushels more than any state in the union. Kansas was in the 
lead, headed the procession and carried off the banner prize at the World's 
Fair held in Xew Orleans in 1885. A long list of premiums that swelled the 
heart of every Kansan with pride was won by the "Sunflower" state. 

The awarding committee gave Kansas the first premium on white corn 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 17 

and the first on yellow, and the jury recommended that in addition she he 
given a gold medal for the best corn in the world. 

She was also awarded the first premium on red winter wheat. The 
first premium on flour by the graduated process was awarded to Bliss & 
Wood, of Winfield, Kansas. The first on flour by the old process to Pierson 
Brothers, of Lawrence, Kansas. 

Kansas took sixty-five miscellaneous first and second premiums and in 
the face of great odds, as the legislature only appropriated for the display 
$7,000 and yet Kansas led the world, and felt that she was "The salt of the 
earth." She received these premiums against the severest competition in the 
middle and northwest states. 

ALFALFA. 

Alfalfa is fast becoming the chief forage crop of Kansas. Once thor- 
oughly started it firmly stands the drouth better than the tame grass; is ven 
productive, yielding three crops on an average in a season, not counting the 
seed, which, when threshed, is marketed at a good profit. 

Alfalfa is much more nutritious than prairie hay and is equal to a gold 
mine to the hog raiser. The absence of tame grass has been a serious draw- 
hack to this country and alfalfa supplies this long felt want. 

In a speech at Downs, delivered on July 4, 1884, paying tribute to 
the state of Kansas Judge Borton, of Clyde, excited the risibilities of the 
audience by saying: "He had been all over the United States and that 
Kansas was God's country, and it had been said that the world was created 
in six days and three of these were spent on Kansas, the rest of the world 
having been thrown together most any way. In Xew York, for instam 
it is so rough that when they set a goose they have to dig a hole for it> 
tail. Down in Tennessee the ground is so transparent you can see down a 
foot and must be manured three years before it will make brick." 

Kansas is, and has ever been, patriotic and during the war was in tin 
thickest of it all. and at one time had twenty thousand men in the arm; 
out of a voting population of less than twenty-two thousand and gave mo 
lives to the country's cause in proportion to the number of troops engage ! 
than any other state of the Union. 

DROUTH AND HOT WINDS. 

We shall not dwell at length upon the drouth and hot winds of k 
sas, for too much lias already been said and written upon this subjeel 
exaggerating opinions have been formed by people abroad. The we 
in Kansas is somewhat capricious but the citizens generally ha ome 

philosophical and do not predict desolation, death and destructii hey 

did in the earlier settlement of the country. 

When the dry weather begins to make itself felt the Kansan naturally 



18 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS 

begins to grow alarmed at what may happen and the "calamity howlers'' 
and "croakers" arc teeming with predictions of a gloomy nature "If it 
n't rain within one week we won't have any wheat," or "The corn crop 
will be a total failure." etc. But within the forty-two years thai Kan 
has been a state there lias been few entire failures. 

Much is said about the weather b) prophets and weather pn 
but the fact is demonstrated almost every year (the present year nol i 
cepted) that no man can tell what a month will bring forth. The pre 
dons of the weather-wise tall wide of the mark, the learned sage has been 
devoured and the weather-wise parched b\ the hot winds, or drowned in 
il 1-. 

COAL. 

The coal measure- of Kansas arc a part of an immense field which 

nearly all of eastern Kansas, the northwestern hah' of Missouri, south 

tern Nebraska, southern Iowa and a large part of the Indian ten tory, 

ith. The Kansas bed is in the western part of this field, showing the 

thickest and must valuable strata in the following counties: Cherol 

Labette. Crawford, Neosho, Bourbon, Montgomery, Chautauqua, Elk, 

Wilson, Allen. Anderson, W Ison, Coffey, Linn, Franklin, Osage and 

Miami, also the eastern part of Greenwood and Lyon counties. Depi 
exist in paying quantities in mosl of these localities. In several of thi 

mties the mining and shipping of coal constitute "m- ..f the important 
industries and arc a constantly increasing source of wealth. Tin- depo 
range in thickness from twenty to fifty indies. 

\s their various strata show the coal measures were alternately be- 
lli and above the -alt seam, the changes occurring many times during 
their formation and has left its unquestionable record in its organic re- 
mains, which embrace the marine fusils in the lime stone and other 
formations, while the intermediate dep tnd the coal seams, abound 

in vegetable and animal remains of terrestial life. Building material, fuel, 
fertilizers, etc.. are found in abundance. Stone suitable for building pur- 
found in nearly all parts of the state. The varieties include mag 
nesian lime stone, blue and gray lime stone and great quantities of sand 
and flagging stone. Stone from the Kansas quarries is used in some of 
the finest buildings in the country. 

.Material suitable for the manufacture of ordinary brick exists every- 
where. The banks along the water courses furnish sand. The lime stone 
affords an abundant supply of quick lime, thus the requisites of building 
exists in abundance and consequently are remarkably cheap in all parts of 
the state. Beds of bituminous coal valuable for fuel and for manufactur- 
ing- uses are found in the central districts of the state. A tine quality of 
natural gas has been discovered in some parts of the state and is being 
extensively used for light, fuel and manufacturing purposes. New de- 
opments are constantly coming to life and gas and oil are being struck 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 19 

in unexpected quarters. Lead mines are profitably worked in the south- 
eastern part of the state. Zinc is also found in paying quantities. 

Kansas has taken its place among the large producers of salt of the 
best quality known to commerce. Since 1867, salt has been made from 
brine obtained from wells near the mouth of the Solomon river. An ex- 
tended area in the central part of the state is underlaid with rock salt. It 
is found at depths varying from four hundred and fifty to nine hundred 
and twenty-five feet. The thickness of the salt itself is from one hundred 
and twenty-five to two hundred and fifty feet. These beds of salt produced 
last year (1901) one million six hundred and forty-five thousand three hun- 
dred and fifty barrels of salt. 

GEOGRAPHICAL CENTER. 

The state of Kansas embraces within its boundaries the geographical 
center of the United States, excepting the detached territory of Alaska. The 
middle parallel of latitude between the southern cape of Florida and the north- 
ern border of the state of Washington, the dividing meridian of longitude 
midway between the extreme eastern and western limits of the country. pas- 
through the state, cutting it through the center north and south, and one 
degree south of its center east and west. The bisecting degree of latitude 
is thirty-eight degrees north, the parallel of longitude twenty-two degrees 
thirty seconds west from Washington, the intersecting point being the north- 
west point of Reno county. 

The state has the general form of a rectangle with a breadth of a little 
more than two hundred miles from north to south, and in length a little 
over four hundred miles from east to west, containing an erea of eighty-one 
thousand three hundred and eighteen miles or fifty-two million two hundred 
and eighty-eight thousand acres. The general surface of the state is a roll- 
ing prairie gently ascending from the eastern border. Kansas presents ■< 
succession of beautiful prairies, undulating hills and fertile valleys diversi- 
fied scenery and a varied surface of fertile soil. 

The state is well supplied with rivers and creeks; on the eastern border 
the Missouri presents a water front of nearly one hundred and fifty miles. 
The Kansas is formed by the junction of the Republican and Smoky Hill 
rivers and from a point of confluence it flows in an easterly direction about 
150 miles to the Missouri. Valleys on the north are formed by the Saline, 
Solomon, Blue rivers and other streams. The Osage river rises 111 the east- 
ern part of the state and after flowing in a southeasterly course one hun- 
dred and twenty-five miles enters the Missouri. The Arkansas has its source 
in the Rocky mountains of Colorado, and runs through nearly three fourths 
of the length of Kansas east and southeast, and with its tributaries waters 
two-thirds of the western and southern part of the state. Its valleys on 
the north are traversed by the Walnut, Little Arkansas, Pawnee Fork and 
other streams, and on the south by Ninnescah, Chicaskia and others. 
2 



20 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

The Neosho, rising in the central part of the state, runs in a southeaster!) 
direction for about two hundred miles, receiving in its course the Cotton- 
wood and other streams. 11k- Verdigris runs nearly parallel with the 
Neosho, receiving Fall river on the west. In the southwest are the Cimarron 
and Medicine,, which flows for a considerable distance in the state, and a 
the southern tributaries I th< Arkansas. These rivers are noi 
navigable, yet with their tributaries make Kansas one oi the best watered 
states of the west. In ni"St localities even in the extreme western pari of 
the state good water is obtained within a reasonable distance of the sur- 
face. In some parts, particularly the western counties, artesian well-, furnish 
an adequate supply of water. 

Timber is abundant along the streams in the eastern part of the state, 
but less plentiful in the central and western portions. The varieties ol 
timber embraces the oak, elm. Mack walnut, cottonwood, maple, box elder, 
honey-locust, willow, hickory, sycamore, white ash. hackberry and mulberry. 
The osage orange is extensively used for hedges. 

Statistics show thai K in claim a greater amount of sunshine 

1 stern States. The a loudiness is a little more than fort) 

four per cent. In the Southern States il is forty-seven per cent, in the New 
it is fifty-three per cent, while in Great Britain it reaches 
seventy-one per cent. As regards the health of her people, Kansas compart 
favorably with any state in the Union. The rolling surface of the country 
furnishes line natural drainage, ami as a result there are no marshes or 
■ ■ : ■ 1 fever and malaria Especially is this true of the central 
and western portions of the state. 

KANSAS in i m: REB1 LLI0N. 

The admittance of Kai the Union proved a landmark in the 

e, which begun on her soil seven years previously. Slave power 
having challenged the nation to open battle for its life, the infant State 
put in the strugj years and took her place in the foremost rank and 

fought with an indomitable courage and fidelity to win tor the nation the 
battle she had already wi n for herself. 

Within three months from the time Kansas was admitted into tlu- 
luion. she was called on to furnish her quota towards suppressing the re- 
bellion. No state lx,re a mure honorable record than Kansas in this great 
struggle. The military organizations formed during the early "sixties for 
the protection of the settlers during the turbulent Indian troubles, had fallen 
into disuse, or entirely abandoned, and at the breaking out of the Civil war 
the state had no well organized militia: no arms, accoutrements or supplies. 

\\ hen the # President made the first call for seventy-five thousand militia 
on April 15, 1861. Kansas furnished six hundred and fifty men and he- 
legislature at once took measures o amend the military conditions of the 
state. April ^jd an act passed providing "for organization and disciplining 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



2 t 



of militia," and a service very generally organized througli.au tin 
During Governor Robinson's administration, one hundred and eighty c 
panies were formed and organized into two divisions, four brigades and 



eleven reg'iments. 



L'nder the call of President Lincoln for four hundred thousand volun- 
teers the First and Second regiment were recruited, many whole companies 
marching to the place of rendezvous and offered their servics. Each suc- 
ceeding demand received a cordial response from Kansas and this in the 
face of the fact that no extra pecuniary recompense could be offered by the 
young commonwealth for the services of the militia, the state being scarcely 
able to meet the ordinary expenses of the situation. 

The patriotism and loyalty of Kansas was demonstrated by not being 
obliged to resort to the system of bounty offers, extra pay to families of 
soldiers, or any of the expediences commonly employed to encourage re- 
cruiting. Statistics reveal the fact that more losses occurred in Kansas 
regiments in battle and from disease per thousand than in an other state 
in the Union. The unhealthy region in which a large part of their servia - 
were performed, the laborious nature of the service, long marches through 
a wild and unsettled country, outpost and scout duty, and poor hospital ac- 
commodations, all combined to produce this result. It was noticeable that in 
the northern regiments doing duty in these localities, the mortality was also 
very great. 

The entire quota assigned to the state of Kansas was sixteen thousand 
six hundred and fifty-four, and the number raised was twenty thousand and 
ninety-seven, leaving a surplus of three thousand four hundred and forty- 
three to the credit of Kansas. Three Indian regiments were actively en- 
gaged in the United States service during the war of the rebellion which 
were officered and entirely recruited in Kansas. They were chiefly from the 
loyal refugee Seminole and Creek Indians, who had taken refuge from the 
encroachments of hostile Indians under Stand- Waitie in the southern border 
of the state. A few of them were resident Indians, having homes and fam- 
ilies in Kansas. 

The "Price raid" and "Curtis expedition" cost the citizen's of Kansas 
not less than five hundred thousand dollars, besides the labor, loss of life 
and incidental losses that could not be computed. The legislature of [865 
made provision for the payment of the claims by the state, looking to the 
general government for reimbursement. Various commissioners have been 
appointed to settle these claims but their adjustment has been attended with 
much difficulty, and in all probibility many of them will never he -ettled 
to the satisfaction of all concerned. 

The war was followed by Indian trouble-, in Kansas which terminated 
in the loss of many innocent lives; men, women and children were slain. 
Many of the women suffered a fate worse than death. The savages kept 
up their desultory warfare which did not cease in some localities until ten 
years after the Civil war. 



22 HISTQRY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

Professor Louis Agassiz, the renowned scientist, visited Kansas in Au- 
gust, 1868, and the Springfield (Mass.) Republican said in an issue of that 
period: "Professor Agassiz is fairly teeming with enthusiasm over his visit 
to Kansas. All Brazil was nothing to what he has seen of natural beauty 
and scientific revelations." 

MISSIONARY WORK IN KANSAS. 

Prior to 1854 (the territorial era of Kansas), the missionaries labored 
among the various tribes of Indians. The denomination of Baptists estab- 
lished a mission among the Shawnees in 1831, in the present county ol 
Wyandotte. The first printing press was brought by Jotham Meeker in 
1833, for a Baptist mission located near the present city of Ottawa. 

In 1N27. the Catholics, with Father Schoenmakers, started a mission 
among the Osages, near the present site of ('sage mission. The Methodist 
Episcopal church begun its work among the Delawares and Shawnees am 
organized a church among them in 1S32. The Reverend Thomas Johnson 
established a school in 1829, on the south side of the Kansas river. The Pres- 
byterians founded their first mission in Kansas among the Wea Indians 
near the present site of Ottawa, in 1835; they also founded a mission for 
the benefit of the Iowa Indians, near what is now Highland, Doniphan 
county. 

The Society of Friends established a school and held services among the 
Shawnees, in Johnson county, soon after the removal of the tribe to Kan- 
sas. Schools and churche were early founded by the Moravians, and other 
bodies of Christian people. The political strife and border troubles from 
1854-61 were not conducive to the nurture of churches, yet during tins 
period foundations were laid by various denominations in anticipation of 
prospective settlement of the territory. 

The Baptists organized in 1855, and built their first house of worship 
at Atchison. The first Catholic congregation of white people was organized 
in Leavenworth, August 15, 1855, and the first building for the use of a 
# white congregation was erected there in the same year. In Lawrence, ( )c- 
tober. 1854, perhaps the firts white man's church in the territory was or- 
ganized by the Congregationalists. The edifice w/as built in 1857. 

The Methodist Episcopal church began its work in Leavenworth in 
1856, and erected a house of worship in 1858. The first Evangelical Lu- 
theran organization was effected at Leavenworth, October 25, 1855. A 
house of worship was built in the summer preceding the organization, and 
was probably the first building in Kansas erected for church purposes out- 
side of Indian missions and government forts. Probably the first sermon 
to the white settlers in the state was by Reverend W. H. Goode, presiding 
elder of the Methodist Episcopal church. He preached in a log cabin 
at Hickory Point on the Santa Fe road. July 9, 1854, Reverend A. Still. 
Reverend J. M. Chivington and Reverend Mendenhall, a minister of the 
Society of Friends, being present and participating in the services. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 23 

The first church building erected in Lawrence was built in 1856, and 
a small slab church was built in Leavenworth the same year. The first church 
for whites in the state was organized near Tecumseh by Reverend Mr. 
Goode. The first session of the Kansas and Nebraska conference convened 
in a tent in Lawrence, October 23. 1856. The Presbyterians organized their 
first church at Leavenworth, January 1, 1856. The United Presbyterianr. 
made their first organization at Berea. Franklin county, in 1857 .and their 
first church was erected there in 1858. 

The Society of Friends held meetings in Leavenworth county in Feb- 
ruary, 1856, and erected a log house of worship in 1857, which gave plac< 
to a good frame building in September, 1859. The German Methodists 
were organized in i860, in Dickinson count}', and the German Lutherans 
at Leavenworth in 1861. The war that followed closely upon the admission 
of Kansas to the Union engrossed the interest and the energies of the people. 

The effect of war upon general church work is fairly represented 
in the following report made by the Methodist church: Number 
of ministers in i860, eighty-five : in 1861, seventy-four; in 1862. seventy- 
two; in 1863, sixty-eight. Number of churches in i860,, seventeen; in 1861, 
forty-three; in 1862, thirty; in 1863, thirty-three. 

The trials and sacrifices during the territorial and the war eras, em- 
bracing a period of eleven years, were as heavy as any that ever fell on any 
people -since the days of Jamestown and Plymouth, but they were, met by 
all — women as well as men — with the patience and heroism unsurpassed in 
the annals of the world. 

With the immigration that begun to flow into Kansas after the close 
of the war were persons who if not members of the church were decidedly 
favorable to the establishment of them, and churches and Sabbath-schools 
sprung rapidly into existence. The work was not. only prosecuted in the 
towns and villages but through ;the sparsely settled country districts where- 
ever the hardy pioneer built his dugout or sod house, .the congregations 
gathered and services were held. . An important feature in the work has 
been the interest taken by intelligent foreign born citizens ; mi >st noticeable 
among whom are Danes, Germans, Swedes, Norwegians, French and Welsh. 



'Smiling and beautiful heaven's dome 
Bends softly o'er our prairie home. 
But the wide-wide that stretches away 
Before my eyes in the days of Ma}-, 
The rolling prairie's billowy swell, 
Breezy upland and timbered dell. 
Stately mansion and hut forlorn. 
All are hidden by walls of corn." 

—Ellen P. Allerton. 



24 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

KANSAS AN AGRICULTURAL STATE. 

The fame of Kansas as a wheat growing State reaches around the world. 
The wheat crop of 1900, exceeded by twenty-three million bushels the wheat 
of the entire United Kingdom; but it is corn as well as wheat that has made 
the state famous and in her present good financial condition. Kansas be- 
gan the present year (1902) with six hundred and fifteen million five hundred 
and three thousand and fifty-eight dollars in the treasury. 

Kansas is an agricultural state, the home of the farmer and stockman. 
Agriculture is the most certain source of financial independence; that com- 
merce looks to the products of the farm for both defense and supply, no more 
striking illustration can be found than the prosperity of Kansas with her pro- 
ductive soil and genial climate. Kansas has been the home of the poor man 1 
its prosperity is based upon the furrow turned by the plow. However, its 
manufacturing establishments are steadily increasing in both importance and 
number, demonstrating that sound policy requires not only diversified agri 
culture but turning of labor and capital into various avenues and channels. 
It is certain that the wealth and independence of the citizens of the state 
of Kansas will be further promoted by the judicious establishment of manu- 
factures in the future, more than it has done in the past. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The schools of Kansas are part and parcel of her structure. They be- 
gan with the advent of the state, have kept apace with her advancement 
and growth and have been woven and interwoven into her history almost be- 
fore there were pupils to attend them. 

Lawrence was settled in September, 1854, and in less than four months, 
January 2, 1855, a school was commenced by E. J. Fitch, of Massachusetts, 
and March 7th the Ouincy high school was established. Topeka was set- 
tled late in November, 1854, and early the following summer a school was 
opened by Miss Sara Harland and the Topeka Academy was established Jan- 
uary 2, 1S56. 

Though these movements were voluntary, as there were no provision of 
law. they sprang from the same popular conviction which later created the 
public school system. The example of these towns were repeated in one way 
or another in every settlement and village throughout the state. 

Kansas territory having been organized May 30, 1854, its first terri- 
torial legislature passed the school law August 30, 1855, and from that 
date the history of the public school system of Kansas properly began. The 
law of February 12. 1858, provided that the governor should appoint dur- 
ing that session of the legislature assembled by and with the advice of the 
council, a territorial superintendent whose term of office should commence 
March 1. 1S58. This was amended by the law of 1859. which made the 
superintendent elective annually. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 25 

The laws of 1858 provided for the appointment of a county superin- 
tendent by the tribunal transacting county business, and the same law pro- 
vided for an election of a county superintendent, to be elected at the same 
time and place and in the same manner, the county officers were chosen, the 
term to commence on October 1st and continue one year. 

The board of county commissioners by the law of 1855, formed the 
districts in accordance with petitions presented, and they were signed by a 
majority of the voters residing within the limits of any contemplated dis- 
trict. By a law of 1858, this duty was relegated to the county superintend- 
ent. The state has been divided into school districts small enough to make 
& school accessible to all the children. Every district is encouraged to sus- 
tain a school at least three months in the year, and every parent is required 
by a law passed in 1874, to send his children to school at least twelve weeks 
in each year during school age, under penalty for disobeying its injunctions. 
Cities and larger towns have established graded schools with high 
school dqwrtments. At Emporia is the State Normal School (established 
in 1864) for training teachers. It was founded by a grant of nearlv forty 
thousand acres of land which is being sold to establish a fund for its sup- 
port. The Leavenworth Normal School was opened in 1870, and closed 
in 1876. The Concordia Normal School existed from 1874 to 1878. The 
State Agricultural College at Manhattan was located by legislative enact- 
ment January 16, 1863. On July 23, 1863, its board of regents held their 
first meeting and educational work began September 2, 1863. Its four de- 
partments were agriculture, mechanic arts, military science and tactics. 
literature and science. This institution was based on a congressional grant 
of eighty-two thousand acres of land, the sale of which has been admirably 
managed and made to produce a permanent fund of about five hundred thou- 
sand dollars. 

By an act of the legislature the Imiversity of the state of Kansas, 
located at Lawrence was organized March 1, 1866. This university was 
designed to give all citizens the opportunity for professional study and for 
the pursuit of all branches of higher learning. The first session opened Sep- 
tember 12, 1866. The maintenance of the common schools is both state 
and local. By an act of congress the sixteenth and thirty-sixth sections of 
each township were set apart for school purposes aggregating nearlv three 
million acres of land which has been estimated can be made to yield 
a permanent school fund of fifteen million dollars. It is invested in good 
security, the interest is apportioned among the districts and the fund is in- 
creasing rapidly. The chief dependence, however, of the common schools 
is the local tax which districts impose upon themselves, that is many time- 
greater than the amount given by the state. Besides the schools and private 
institutions there are many colleges and universities mainly under denomina- 
tional control. 

"The schools of Kansas are as great an attraction to the immigrant 
and furnish as strong an inducement for him to settle here as the cheapness 



26 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

of our land, the fertility of the soil, and the salubrity of the climate. Our 
people take pleasure in placing- upon their shoulders the burden of building 
gfood school houses and sustaining the best schools. It is the one tax which 
all Kansans pay without objection. - ' — Annual message of Governor Thomas 
A. Osborn, 1873. 

STATISTICS RECENTLY COMPILED. 

Public Schools. — 8,927 districts. 9,406 buildings, 11,614 teachers. 508,- 
854 school children, valuation of school property, $10,537,392; 1,000,000 
acres unsold school land; $7,021,050 in permanent school fund; $52,000 in 
vested annually for public school libraries and apparatus; $4,800,000 ex- 
pended annually for public schools; $5,377,000 received for school purposes; 
[56 school buildings erected last year, at a cost of $291,985. 

Higher Education. — Largest State Normal in the world; largest State 
Agricultural College in the world: a State University with So professors 
and 1,200 students; combined property valuation of above named institu- 
tions, $1,887,666; 24 denominational colleges; 400 teachers; 6,500 students; 
propertv valuation, 82,470,000; 3 private normals, 14 academies, 12 bu 
ness colleges 200 teachers; 5,081 students; property valuation, $490,500; 
10 county high schools; 60 teachers; [,788 students; properly valuation, 
$200,600. 

Summary. — Total value of all school property, $20,386,158; $10,000,- 
000 expended annually for education; $65,357,996 expended for public 
schools during the last fifteen years. 

PROHIBITION. 

May 1, 1 88 1, the selling of liquor became an outlaw in Kansas. The 
Murray liquor law which prohibited its sale except for "medicinal, mechani- 
cal and scientific purposes" was enacted by the Legislature of 1881, and 
went into effect May 1, of the same year. It was enacted to enable the au- 
thorities to enforce the prohibitory amendment to the constitution, which 
had l^een adopted at the general election in 1880. 

The agitation began with the organization of the territory in 1854. 
The first movement placing restriction on the sale of liquors began in 1874, 
when the state temperance convention met and formerly demanded a na- 
tional law on the subject. Many people both in and out of the churches 
became aggressive, held camp meetings, and enlisted actively in working up 
sentiment in opposition to the liquor traffic. 

The temperance advocates became so powerful and were so persistent 
in their efforts, that in 1879, the lawmakers yielded and submitted to the 
people a proposed amendment to the state constitution to be voted upon 
at the following general election. The canvass that followed was non-parti- 
san but extremelv vigorous. A house to bouse canvass of the state w r as 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 27 

made. Every city and town was the scene of rallies and meetings, and speak- 
ers from other states were imported by both sides. 

The total vote on the prohibitory amendment was one hundred and 
seventy-six thousand six hundred and six, and the majority in its favor was 
seven thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight. Resistance to the new law 
was general; liquor dealers and manufacturers in all parts of the country 
contributed liberally to defeat its practical operation. For two years the 
constitutionality was up for discussion in the courts and saloons were run 
almost openly as they had been before the law was enacted; and the bitter 
warfare has never ceased during the twenty-one years. 

Drug stores largely took the place of saloons. It was only necessary 
for a former saloon keeper to buy a worn out stock of drugs and employ a 
prescription clerk, and sell as much liquor as he could before the enactment 
of the law. In the cities and larger towns a half dozen times the number of 
"drug stores" sprung up than was necessary to supply the town in drugs. 
they paid no license and were the source of a large revenue. 

There is a difference of opinion among conservative people as to the 
an" mnt of actual benefit derived from a law, that is not enforced. 

A FRIENDLY COMPLIMENT TO THE HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, AXI) ITS 

ARTIST AUTHOR AND COMPILER, BY J. E. BURKIIART, OF 

M ILTON YALE. KANSAS. 

"This book's a gem, a handy volume, 

The author's sketch of homes at sight. 
Terse in story, spacious column. 

Limned in beauty's cheerful light. 
Reflecting scenes remote in distance 

With each event set in line, 
Calling back into existence 

Forgotten things in lapse of time. 

Here portrayed are many faces, 

Silent lips and moveless eyes. 
Kindred forms of different races. 

Friends and neighbors, former ties. 
Here engraved are memoirs golden, 

Of the day and time of youth. 
Quaintest history, new and olden, 

In simplicity and truth. 

Thoughts of Brown and border strife, 

Raids of bandits, sack and pillage, 
The tomahawk and scalping knife. 

Torch lit flame in town and village 



2 8 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

Recall to mind the seething plain; 

Famished homes were rite; 
The pioneers of fame 

All flash in thought to life. 

On we turn the pictured pages. 

Each enframed in gilt-edge tire, 
Vocal sounds roll hack the ages, 

Awakes to song the poet's lyre. 
Just as of yore the senses feel 

By these presents each may know, 
From youth to age there's no appeal 
\s morning dawns the noon-tide's glow." 

COUNTY ORGANIZATION. 

The politicians will no doubt consider the organization of Cloud county 
■ >if the most interesting parts of this history. The participants were 
beginners in matters el" this kind, some just coming from the army, and all 
from localities where subjects of this kind were given but little or no atten- 
tion. This applies not only to the county hut the state, if, for instance, 
we take Mime of its legislation in regard to the county. 

As an example take the statute enacted in i860, where the legislature 
not only prescribed the boundary of the county, but actually legislated its 
organization, appointing three commissioners, all out of the county, consist- 
ing of F. !•'. Blake, M. S. Essie and Lorenzo Gates, of Clay county, near 
Bachelder, giving these non-residents the power to divide the county into 
election precincts and establish the temporary county seat. 

Section four of the same act says: An election shall be held on the 
fourth Monday oi \pril in which the county and township officers shall 
he elected to hold their respective offices until the next general election. If 
it were said these men were the first county commissioners, in all probability 
none of the old settlers would have known what was meant without this 
explanation, ami yet, such really is the case, for their powers were precisely 
une. 

Who the two first named gentlemen were or where they lived is not 
known, and perhaps neither of the three men knew that such honor was 
I upon them. This same kind of legislation was applied to Re- 
public nmties. The matter has been referred to, to show that 
while small corporations may blunder, larger ones where more talent is ex- 
i ike mistakes, and it is also a part of this history. 
I he statute of Kansas provides that in organizing a new county three 
•s must state 01, affidavit there are nol less than six hundred in- 
m the ' '"' 'went) Ei ers must by memorial petition 
nl three special commissioners therein named, and 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 29 

also one person named for county clerk and the place designated for the 
temporary county seat. These preliminaries were complied with and all that 
was necessary to complete the organization was for the governor to use the 
appointing power. The names of those three lenient freeholders can not he 
given. Many had grave doubts as to there being that many inhabitants. 
Moses Heller, G. W. Wilcox and Dr. Lear were the persons designated i< >r 
county commissioners, N. D. Hagaman for clerk and "Elk Creek" for the 
county seat. 

The next thing to be considered were the candidates for count v officers 
at the general election. For this purpose the first county convention was 
called to be held in the little log school house on Elm creek, September 1 . 
1866. Unlike the politicians of to-day there were no aspirants. Nobody 
wanted office; for filling a county office without a predecessor and con- 
sequently without any one for an instructor, minus a salary, was not very 
desirable. The county was not canvassed. 

On the day appointed for the convention John B. Rupe, F. B. Rupe. 
John and Lew Fowler, David Heller, Thomas and James Williamson from 
Elk Creek attended the convention. Among those from Elk Creek were 
J. M. Hagaman, J. M. and Cal Thorpe, Quincy and Randall Honey, N. D. 
Hagaman, Obadiah Thompson, Matt Wilcox and others from that settle- 
ment. Mr. Taylor and son-in-law represented Sibley. The assembly was 
not large but the house was filled — a fair proportion considering the popu- 
lation. 

The convention was opened by J. M. Hagaman, who nominated Thomas 
Williamson for chairman. Mr. Williamson said he had acted as chairman 
of church meetings but questioned his competency to fill this position; how- 
ever, he went forward and took the chair. Matt Wilcox was elected secre- 
tary. Being young and inexperienced he remarked, "he didn't know how." 
"Sit right down here," said Hagaman. "and I will show you how." He 
complied. 

Other preliminaries being dispensed with the first nomination was for 
a representative. Cal Thorpe nominated John B. Rupe; J. M. Hagaman 
was put in nomination. It was moved by F. B. Rupe that these nominees 
in brief speeches define their position on politics. Mr. Rupe facetiously re- 
marked that this was rather rough, as neither of them were speakers. Mr. 
Hagaman refused to make a speech. In a few well chosen remarks Mr. 
Rupe told how he had beena soldier during the late war. knowing it would 
have the desired effect on the convention. The vote was taken and he re- 
ceived the nomination. 

The representative being disposed of, the next in order was a delegate 
to the state convention which met that year at Topeka 011 the 5th of Sep- 
tember. This honor fell to J. M. Hagaman. Matt Wilcox was nominated 
for county clerk, Quincy Honey for sheriff and Zachariah Swearing 
treasurer. Mr. Hagaman (father of J. M. Hagaman) for probate n.dge, 



30 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



John Fowler, county assessor, Dr. Lear, county superintendent, and Lew 
Fowler, William English and Robert Smith for commissioners. Ed. Neeley 
ran independent for probate judge, and was elected. 

The nominations being completed it occurred to J. B. Rupe that at the 
Republican county conventions in his native county they always appointed 
a Republican central committee and made the motion that such a committee 
be appointed b] the chair, which was done. Luckily for Mr. Rupe no one 
called upon him to explain the duties of such a committee, for in all probabil- 
ity the explanation at that time would have been a failure. J. M. Hagaman 
[< ted chairman, thus this act of the convention gives it the just claim 
oi organizing the Republican party in Cloud county, and all who took a part 
in it are entitled to the honor of being its aiders and abettors. 

\iier the convention had done its work. Mr. Hagaman, thinking empty 
honors were not exactly what he was seeking, stated he was a poor man 
and could not go to Topeka unless at least his expenses were borne, and il 
was nothing more than fair that the people should do this. At first it was 
a damper, as they were all poor, but the argument was convincing. Twenty 
dollars of twenty-five dollars, the amount asked for, was forthcoming after 
considerable effort. 

It was generally understood that Mr. Hagaman would carry with him 
the affidavit and memorial which the governor was to act upon. Had it 
nol been Tor this, little importance would have been attached to the office; 
hence the eft'orl to bear his expenses. The 6th of September dates the county 
tion so far as the governor had anything to do with it, but it could 
not I. considered mil. Organized until all the county officers were elected, 
which was to lake place at the next general election; also the county seat 
to hi ted up •!! liy the p& pie. 

Hon was held in the unpretentious school house at Clyde, 
■wing m the saw mill owned by Captain Sanders, of Lake 
Sibli 

firsl Democratic convention held in Cloud county convened Sep- 
1.3. 1876. 
I- J. Crans, chairman ol the Democratic standing committee, called the 
10 order, whereupon Moses Louthan was elected chairman an.; F. A. 

[ING OF CLOUD COUNTY. 

re be an) who still cling to the idea that the name "Shirley" 

was given to ( loud count) in honor of Governor Shirley, of Massachusetts, 

m oi the pusillanimous appointees of the British crown in colonial 

the following letters ami communications furnished by T. B. Rupe, 

.'-bos,- efforts the county bears its present hoi ime, are pur> 

lis] • 

Kile says: The Kansas papers were d rig the subject of 

'"'Hies, a large majority of . the state having 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 31 

them. Many of them are uncouth and one might imagine they were named 
after some of the characters in Dickens' novels. A number of names have 
been changed from the original ones and many others need changing. 

Cloud county was originally named Shirley. The name sounds well 
but it is a solemn fact that the county was named for a notorious Leaven- 
worth prostitute of war days named Jane Shirley, who was known to all 
"the boys." The legislature had one of its fool spells on of organizing and 
naming counties and in several cases could not be agreed upon. Ward 
Burlingame, who was reporting for a Leavenworth paper, suggested the 
name Shirley to a member sitting near by who "caught on" and moved that 
one of the counties be so named. It was carried and Shirley was the name 
of the county for several years. 

The following is a letter from Dr. Thomas Lindsay to John B. Rupe 
in reply to an inquiry for information on the subject of naming Shirley 
county : 

Garnett, April 19, 1880. 

Honorable John B. Rupe, Sir: Yours of the nth inst. received. I 
can give you some of the information desired but will not attempt to put 
it in proper shape for print. You can rewrite it or rather use it for material 
for making up your history. I was a member of the committee on counties, 
etc., in the session of i860 (territorial legislation). We were organizing 
some new counties, Washington, Republic, some in the southern part of 
the state, also your county. 

In naming the counties (those which had not been previouslv named) 
I suggested the name of Sherman for your county. Sam Wood, of Chase 
county, was as usual poking- his nose into other people's business and offered 
the name of Jane Shirley, of unsavory reputation and fame. In debate either 
before the committee or committee of the whole house, a Mr. Chandler, of 
Davis county, I think said that Shirley was the name of the town (town- 
ship I suppose) where he was born, which formed a pretext for the black- 
guards of the house to leave off "Jane" and simply call it Shirley, but it 
was understood by most to mean Jane Shirley all the same. 

It was with pleasure that I contributed my might to undo the act in a 
subsequent legislature where I suppose I made substantially the above state- 
ment on the bill to change the name. Although I did not get my original 
name (Sherman), but as the people of the county wanted another, 1 was satis- 
fied to g'et the odious name off the statute book and map of Kansas. 

Of course there were others besides Sam Wood concerned in fixing the 
foul name on the county, but at present I do not remember them well enough 
to put their names on paper. As you will probably not use this for some 
time, if there is anything more or explanation needed I will furnish it if 
requested. The committee were Ed. Lynde, of Jefferson, chairman; Jones, 
of Linn, Lindsay, of Anderson, Nelson, of Coffee, and Dutton, of Brown. 
Lynde is now in Kansas City — Lynde, Wright & Co. 

Respectfully, 

Thomas Lindsay. 



32 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

Governor Shirley died about one hundred years before the count) was 
named and a century had passed since he had been governor of Massachusetts. 
History records the fact that he was governor when thai state was the most 
rebellious of all the colonies and was in constant quarrel with England, 
showing that his administration was more in sympathy with the crown than 
with the people, and consequently could not have been popular with them. 

It is doubtful if any of the Massachusetts people know of Shirley favoi 
ably. She has had far more distinguished governors of modern times 
who were elected by the people and consequently more popular and well 
known. Among whom are John Hancock. Edward Everett and Nathaniel 
P. Banks. 

Shirley died in 1771 , but a short time before the Revolution, in M 
cl usetts, but had he lived until the day of this important event, judging from 
mrse as governor, he would have been a Tory. Naming the county for 
Jane Shirley was a disgraceful act, and that J. 1'.. Ruin- as representative 
of his district was instrumental in having the name changed to Cloud was 
111 accordance with the wishes of the people of Cloud county. 

CHANGING THE NAME OF SHIRLEY TO CLOUD. 

The following narrative will doubtless strike many of the present popu- 
1 of Cloud county with astonishment and even the state mighl feel 
humiliated that it ever had a legislature transcending enough to enact so 
disgraceful a bill wherein this county was named Shirley. The position of 
J. !'». Rupe, who enjoyed the distinction of being the direct mover in having 
the name changed, was not an enviable one, as much conjecture was eng 
in as t.. what sort of man was sent from a county so strangely named. 

It was commented upon in a way far from pleasing to a man of Mr. 
Rupe's sensitive and pure nature. Others wondered if a county named in 
such a disgraceful way would be allowed to retain its title and suggested to 
.Mr. Rnpe the propriety of changing it. among whom was Governor Craw- 
ford. 

Being satisfied that so Ion-- as this appellation was retained a stigma 

and burlesque would continue on the county and as this was the most oppor 

nine for a change, Mr. Rupe introduced a bill substituting the name 

■iid. Tliis was done in honor of Colonel \V. F. Cloud, of the Second 

! ~ one of the noblest and bravest of the state's heroes and a mai 

the people need never regret their county being named for. 

When the bill finally came before the committee of the whole Mr. Rupe 

had a great desire it should pass without any comment, but there was too 

much humor included, and m consequence C. II. Thompson, of Dickinson 

tro and stated that "inasmuch as the name of Shirley was an old 

name, he would like the gentleman from that county to state his 

esired change." This he did with a humorous grin, showing 

so far as he was concerned he was well conversant with the facts, per- 

more so than Mr. Rupe. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 33 

However, Mr. Rupe explained as best he knew in defense of the bill. 
Others spoke pro and con, but more for the purpose of creating mirth. Con- 
spicuous among that number was John R. Goodin, who received the sobriquet 
of "polished John." but his polish had no forebearance when he saw a chance 
to spring a joke on some member. He availed himself on this occasion of 
springing one at .Mr. Rupe's expense. .Many will remember Mr. Goodin 
as the Democratic candidate for governor in 1879. 

Far the most telling speech made in favor of this bill and which, perhaps, 
turned the scales in its favor was made by Thomas Lindsay, of Ander- 
son county, who luckily was acquainted with the details of the whole affair 
and furnished the house with a full statement of the manner in which the 
county derived the name of Shirley lie was an entire stranger to Mr. Rupe. 
volunteering his services unsolicited. Mr. Rupe listened to his speech with 
such profound interest that in substance it became indelibly stamped upon his 
memory. ■ 

He commenced by saying that when these three counties west of the 
6th principal meridian were described with their respective boundary lines, 
names were readily found for Republic and Ottawa counties, but for Shirley 
they could not so readily agree. One of the committee proposed the name 
of Sherman, in honor of John Sherman, who that year figured so prominently 
for speaker of the house of representatives, which finally resulted in the elec- 
tion of William Pennington, of New Jersey, but the name of Sherman sug- 
gested to the mischievous brain of one member of that committee the name 
of lane Shirley, the names Sherman and Shirley sounding something alike. 

Jane Shirley was a noted character at this time in the state. The com- 
mittee, strange to say. agreed upon this name in full — Jane Shirley, but the 
chairman, ashamed to report the bill in that shape, struck off the name of 
"Jane" and reported it as "Shirley." The members who suggested this name 
objected to this unauthorized erasure and took the chairman to task for it. 
stating that the committee had agreed on the name Jane Shirley and insisted 
the name "Jane" should retain its place, which remark brought down thfi 
house in a perfect roar of laughter. After that had somewhat subsided it 
was plain something must be done to suspend this hilarity. 

One man taking in the situation arose and said he could not see any- 
thing so bad in the name of Shirley; he knew of one conspicuous man in 
Massachusetts by that name who was a judge or held some honorable pi 
tion in that state. This had the effect of somewhat sobering the legislature 
down and they suffered the name of Shirley to pass, leaving off "Jane," despite 
the protestations of the man who insisted it should retain its place in accord- 
ance with the action of the committee. 

OPPOSITION IN TIIK SENATE. 

This bill also met with much opposition in the senate, for that which 
is generally considered the most dignified part of the legislature frequent!-' 



34 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

lacks culture in some of its members. Sam Wood, who was a notable char- 
acter for levity, belonged to that body and did Ins best through filibustering 
and trickery to defeat this change of name. 

This man who at first busied himself in unearthing the act of [860, when 
he heard of Mr. Rupe's determination, tried to dissuade him from ln> purpose 
by setting up other pretext that caused the act connected with such disgrace or 
rather that there was nothing out of the way about it. but a purer and nobler 
sense of honor prompted General Harvey, who despite the evil machinations 
iif Wood, carried his bill through the senate, which ended the fight by Sam 
Wood to retain his favorite name of Shirley, though mutilated of th< equally 
endearing "Jane." 

It has been contended there is a mistake about this affair and that the 
county was really named for the governor of Massachusetts, but Mr. 
Chandler, who lent his influence in the wrong direction, dues nut mention 
the word governor. Mr. Rupe says that he doubts whether Mr. Chandler 
or any member of that legislature knew there was ever such a governor of 
massachusetts, as it was necessary to go back to the history of colonial days 
nf that commonwealth to find the man bearing that cognomen, and then but 
tii discover that he was in no way distinguished, fur he was a regular appointee 
t«> the crown, and only spoken of as carrying out his master's wishes in oppo- 
sition to the people; so it would seem that this claim was a conceited farce 
manufactured for the purpose of palliating a misdeed. Strange to say this 
act nf Air. Rupe's was unpopular; smite nf the people seemed to like the old 
name best but he i.s charitable enough to believe they did not understand all 
the circumstances in the case. 

COLONEL WILLIAM F. CLOUD. 

.Much beautiful sentiment clusters around the name of Colonel William 
F. ( 'lo.ud. the distinguished colonel of the Second Kansas, whom Cloud county 
was named in honor nf. lie is also the man into whose arms the gallant, 
beloved and much lamented General Lyons fell, at the battle of Wilson's 
Creek. Colonel Cloud visited Concordia in September, 1887, in attendance 
uiMui an ..Id soldiers' reunion. He made a speech, at the close of which be 
- pressed a desire to be present at the centennial of the naming of Cloud 
ci unity, which would be in 1967. He is a brave and true man and was much 
honored at this reunion. During this occasion he was lifted to the shoulders 
oi four or five of his comrades and carried three times around the speaker's 
-land amid three loud cheei 

I "'" ha 11 t effaced the feeling and sympathy of the old veterans of 
the 1 ivil war fur each other. Every one of these old soldiers relate with 

ling <»f pride that he defended this glorious Union and became enthused 
recalls, though time grows remote, how he marched with the gallant 

s iii blue." 

I Cloud is a resident of Kansas City, Kansas, and is said to refer 




Col. William F. Cl-OUI). 




roan 



»! i 



" Y 






HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 37 

with pride to his namesake.. Cloud county, and has always felt an interest 
in this great western field. 

STAGE COACHES. 

Although sometimes arduous and inconvenient, there was a breezy, tonic 
effect to the manner of traveling in Kansas in the days of stage coaches, 
when they plied between Concordia and Waterville, connecting daily with 
the Central Branch of the Uniqn Pacific railway and a daily line to Junction 
City, connecting with the Kansas Pacific railway, giving to the settlers rapid 
transit of mails and passengers to and from the east. Those were halcyon 
times in Kansas and each succeeding day helped to swell the population of 
the thriving young commonwealth. 

F. P. Benjamin operated a stage line with Concord coaches running 
out of Concordia to the northwest. 

FROM CLYDE TO WATKRVTLLE. 

The mail route from Waterville to Clyde was established October r, 
1S70. via Cook's crossing, on Pete's creek, and Clifton. The mail was carried 
semi-weekly. The route was established under a special contract given to 
S. C. Wheeler, of St. Joseph, Missouri. 

In the parlance of this western country, those were the days when there 
was "something doing" before the advent of railroads, modern travel, 
bridges, etc. Instead of the latter the old time ferry was lire night into use. 
and a "whoop" more or less brought the assistance of the proprietor whose 
benign countenance would illumine with smiles at the prospect of the coveted 
fare for his services. 

INDIAN TROUBLES ON THE FRONTIER. 

In the early 'sixties the repeated indications and threats of Indian out- 
breaks retarded the settlement of the country and caused many who had 
already ventured to the "New West" to retrace their steps and forego their 
intentions of building homes on the frontier. 

Each succeeding year the dangers became more imminent, but the 
courageous frontiersman who remained proceeded to plant and till the soil 
of his limited, sod turned acres. 

The country was infested with roving bands of savages: they were often- 
times lurking in the most unexpected places, and, with the stealth so charac- 
teristic of their wily natures, would appear as suddenly as if they had been 
silently and mysteriously precipitated from the clouds. Upon these occasions 
the.'r savage presence — for they were armed "to the teeth" — would strike 
terror to the stoutest heart. 

Among the first uitrages perpetrated in Cloud county (then Shirli 



3 8 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

was in May, 1862 — an inhuman and fiendish attack upon the person of Mrs. 
Ann Wilson, one of the settlers' wives, who had been visiting a fainil) on 
Elm creek, where her husband, George Wilson, was working. Their home 
was on what was later known as the William Cranmer farm. Her husband 
accompanied the unfortunate woman as far as the old Elm creek ford, and 
Bunking there was no further danger, returned to the place where he was 
working, leaving his wife to make the rest of the joume) alone. Mr. \\ ilson 
bad not been gone from her side hut a short time when the woman, who was 
kft alone on the isolated and dangerous frontier, was suddenly confronted 
by six Indians on horseback. She was subjected to most brutal assault by 
five of her assailants, while the sixth stood guard to sound the warning note 
of alarm at the possible approach of a settler. The babe she carried in her 
amis was seized by the brutal monsters and ruthlessly thrown upon the ground 
several yards distant from its terrorized and outraged mother. The condition 
of the poor woman was pitiable in the extreme, as horror-stricken she 
gathered her infant to her bosom and dragged herself to the nearest settle 
ment to relate her wretched and harrowing experiences. 

That this fiendish outrage should go unavenged seems almosl .1 saci 
but when the condition of the settlers is considered — the little handful in 
numbers — their incapacity to cope with tin overwhelming odds of tin 
warriors, their scarcity of horses and what would he of vast importance in 
those strenuous times — ammunition. Had they pursued the hostiles 111 this 
instance, the result might have been a general massacre of the settlement. 
As the growth of the country assumed greater proportions they sought to 
avenge the atrocious crimes, hut not without bloodshed and loss of life. a-. 
the experiences which follow will demonstrate. 

BOW LEWIS CASSEL, J. M. HAGAMAN AND OTHERS GOT EVEN W II II A MAR HID- 
ING BAND OF INDIANS IN OCTOBER, I NO;. 

This account is given in substance as told by J. M. Ilagaman and demon- 
strates how the Indian, if taken at disadvantage, will show the "white 
feather." 

A party of Wichita Indians were camped on Elm creek, just above the 
•settlements. They begged during the daytime and after having received gen- 
erously, stole theii horses under cover of darkness the following night. .Mes- 
sengers wen- sent about the community, and as '"Old Sol" sank to rest twenty- 
four hours later he seemed to smile an approval upon the fourteen men who 
were armed and ready to begin pursuit. The horses were well selected, the 
trail easily discerned under the light of a full moon, and as day began to daw* 
the thieves were overhauled. 

\s they discovered the hobbled horses, a halt was ordered and Lewis 
el and J. \l. Ilagaman were delegated to reconnoiter the camp, which 
performed so cautiously that the position and number of hostiles were 
lied. Returning without having alarmed the camp, the two spies notified 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



39 



their party of the result, a council was held and it was decided not to kill 
unless the Indians showed fight. Air. Hagaman was chosen to lead the 
attack. He divided the men into three squads, with eight in the first line, 
four in the second and two in the third. To give the idea they had other 
men in reserve, it was arranged that the second line was to appear over the 
intervening hill just as the camp was aroused by the first, and the plan 
worked well. The first line was discovered by the chief's wife. At the 
alarm given by her. like a flash of lightning every warrior was on his feet 
and tightening their bows. 

At this exceedingly war-like movement the men appealed to their leader 
"For God's sake, give orders to shoot." But their command was to "keep 
cool." "There is an old Indian in the hollow with his rifle cocked and pointed 
at you." said one of the party, addressing the leader, but still he bade them 
hold their fire. 

In the meantime Mr. Hagaman was parleying with the chief, at the 
same time holding his cocked revolver pointed directly at the heart of the 
red skin, whose naked body was not more that two feet from the muzzle of the 
gun. Perhaps the certain death of their chief withheld the deadly bullet 
from the settlers' captain. 

The chief vehemently denied any knowledge of the stolen horses and 
called God-the-sun, to witness. The leader, with as much decision, told him 
"You lie! You stole our horses last night and now have them." 

"White man sleep." said the old chief. 

"White man no -deep; saw you steal 'era." 

He then turned to his band and said something very much in earnest, 
upon which they flung their weapons to the ground, jumped into the creek, 
swam over and rapidly disappeared in the shadow of the timber. 

All that was left for the elated party of settlers was to gather up the 
spoils of their bloodless victory and return to their homes. There were 
thirteen ponies and horses, one mule, one excellent target rifle, a number of 
blankets, some bows and arrows, powder horn, moccasins and sundry 
other articles, all of which confiscated goods they agreed to surrender upon 
the return of their horses within thirty days. They never came to the terms 
of the treaty and after making whole those who lost their stolen horses, 
the remainder, of the booty was equally divided among the fourteen men 
in the party. 

MASSACRE OF THE CASSEL TARTY. 

In the latter part of May. 1866. a buffalo hunting party consisting of 
Lewis Cassel. William and John Collins (brothers of Mrs. Oscar Taggart, 
of Concordia, and to whom the writer is indebted in substance for much 
of this account), Walter Haynes. John C. Roberts and T. B. Tallman were 
massacred on the Little Cheyenne, a tributary of Buffalo creek, aboul twelve 
miles from where the city of Concordia now stands. As the hunting party 



40 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



did not return home when expected a feeling of uneasiness began to pr< 
among the settlers, who were always on the alert and fearful when .... 
their number were away from the settlement. The first party oi 
came upon some Otoe Indians who were hunting on Bufi ek, about 

twenty miles west of the salt marsh. The settlers were informed bj this 
tribe that the Cheyennes had been lurking around the vicinity and pointed 
out to them the direction of the abandoned camp. They hastened til 
and found upon arriving near the head .if Brown creek some h irness buckles, 
which gave evidence of foul play, and the first tangible trace of the fate 
of their friends. Among other relics of the camp was found the pocketbook 
identified as belonging to Walter Haynes and the filing papers of Lewis 
Cassel. 

From the conditions surrounding the camping ground they di 
there had been a large number of the band and that it would be worse thai 
reckless folly to pursue them further with so small a party, and they ret 
home for reinforcements. 

The story .if their probable murder rapidly circulated throughout that 
region of country and a party of about fifty armed men equipped for the 
expedition started on a thorough and extended search. After finding where 
the hunters had camped, they followed the track of their wagon to Buflfali 
creek. This was difficult to do. owing n. the hardness of the ground and 
the devious windings made by the hunters, and the trail was lost at various 
times. On the third day the anxious rescuers were further assured of the 
fate of their fellow men by coming upon the ..x wagon belonging n> the 
Collins brothers, and near lay the dead oxen that had been slain. They 
were yoked together and their bodies were shot with both bullet trrows. 

This seemed to be the point of attack. Indications revealed an Indian had 
been killed there. The grass had been wallowed flat and blood wa on 
the ground; also the headgear of an Indian King near. from here tin 
hunters seemed to have appropriated the other wagon, which was drawn 
by horses and retreated in a southwesterly direction toward Cheyenne 
Their only remaining chance was to cross that stream ere the Indians could 
cut them off, the distance being nearly twelve miles in a straight line, but 
the cunning savages bad evidently planned the attack beforehand in a 
manner to make escape impossible. 

They changed their course many times as the track of their wagon 
indicated, but would one upon an ambuscade of the redskins, forcing 

lie change, only to meet another and similar murderous onslaught. 
This running light of blood and death must have been continued for about 

iv hve miles. To trace the devious meanderings of the fleeing hunters 
was a long .nil laborious task, a day an 1 a half being spent in this way 
before am success wa- promised their undertaking. Then they found the 
body oi the dog that had accompanied the party, with two arrows in his 
bi 

J'st prior to this event the situation seemed hopeless and they were 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 41 

about to abandon the search as fruitless. They were out of rations and 
well nigh exhausted, but they were stimulated by finding the body of the 
dog and pushed on. The next day in the afternoon they came upon the 
scene of the terrible butchery. The massacre of the unfortunate doomed 
party had occurred near a crossing of Cheyenne creek. The hunters were 
on the narrow ridge that furnished a road to the creek bottom between two 
ravines. 

The inevitable conclusion was that the Indians charged upon them 
from these ravines and their destruction was but the work of a moment. 

1"he bodies of the Collins brothers, Roberts and Tallman, were found 
near the wagon. Lewis Cassel and young Haynes had evidently broken 
through the Indian lines, The body of the former was found in the bed 
of the creek and that of the hitter lying on the bank. All the ghastly 
butchering and mutilation practiced by murderous savage warfare had been 
indicted upon their bodies, the details of which are too horrible to publish — a 
scene too revolting for description. The wagon was shot full of holes. 
The circumstances demanded the immediate burial of the poor victims, the 
bodies having laid there for two weeks. They were laid to rest temporarily 
in the lonely spot where they had fallen after making such a desperate 
attempt for their lives and the late R. P. West, who was one of the most 
efficient members of the searching party, offered a prayer at the grave. The 
bodies were removed the following spring- and interred near Clifton. The 
family of Walter llaynes lived at Clifton. 

The wife of Lewis Cassel] was enroute with her parents to join her 
husband in the new western country and did not know his awful fate until 
her arrival there. One of the most pathetic scenes of the tragedy took place 
in the home of B. P. Morley, where the young wife of J. C. Roberts was 
staying. She seemingly had a premonition that evil hovered over her hus- 
band's life and entreated him to remain at home, but he. like most of the old 
settlers, could not forego a buffalo hunt. 

Idle time for their return had no sooner dawned than the young wife's 
hopes died within her breast and she declared to Mr. Morley she would never 
see her husband again; for she had "dreamed the entire party were massa- 
cred." It was to satisfv her that the first party started out when they did. 
While the tedious search was in progress the suspense was maddening to 
this poor creature, but she was brave, however, and contained herself as 
only a woman can who clings to one last but fast disappearing hope. When 
the rescuing party returned and reported the fate of the unfortunate hunters. 
her grief was heart-rending. She threw her arms around Mrs. Morley, 
who had been her comforter, counselor and friend, and burying her head 
on her bosom, sobbed out her bitter grief for one hour, then raised her 
head and was calm, but her sad heart was broken. She wrote the follow- 
ing lines to a brother in Iowa: "Dear John is gone. Come quickly," and 
signed her name. During her grief she sobbed, "To think he served through 
the war and suffered the torments of a southern prison to come west and 



42 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY. KANSAS. 

be butchered by the Indians." Her brother came and took her to their 
Iowa home, where the sorrow-stricken woman became hopelesslj insane. 

The Collins brothers were young men. and the sons of W illiam ( ollins, 
who had recently settled in Cloiid county. Their mother, Mrs. Reed, is still 
living and a resident of Concordia. It is impossible to depict the gloom this 
event cast over the new settlement and many moons came and wenl ere 
they emerged from under its shadow. 

THE WHITE ROCK MASSAC! 

While the White Rock massacre did not occur in Cloud county, it was 

in such close proximity and when the settlers for miles around wen- as one 
neighborhood, that at least a brief account would be conspicuous by its non- 
appearance. 

Early in April, [867 a band of Cheyennes came into the settlement 
and brutally murdered three persons — Nicholas Ward, Mrs. Sutzer and her 
ten-year-old son. While attempting to make his escape, a young man living 
in the Ward family was wounded, but not fatally, and made his way to 
the settlement, where he communicated the dastardly attack. There were 
nine of the savages and under the guise of being friendly Otoes were 
admitted into the Ward home. After having been provided with something 
to cat from the frugal board of the settler, one of their number lifted Mr, 
Ward's rifle from its position on hooks attached to a beam overhead and 
shot the unsuspecting man while he was smoking his pipe. The tu" 
ran for their lives, but the Indians fired, bringing them both down, oik 
fatally. While tin-, was taking place the horror-stricken wife barrii 
the door, awaiting, she knew not what. They broke the door down with 
an ax. pillaged the house of Mich contents as they desired, seized Mr-. Ward 
as their captive, tied their confiscated plunder on the two mules belonging 
to the Wards and with their terror stricken prisoner, whose fate was far 
worse (ban that of her murdered husband, tramping on foot by the side of 
her fiendish captors, they started to join their tribe, traveling over hills, 
through creeks and on for miles until they reached the Solomon river. 

Hie settlers from Cloud and. Clay counties formed two parties 
provided with rations. They followed the trail by feathers that had 
been emptied from a feather bed the Indians had taken, and as a few adhered 
to the tick they would blow off and form a trail as they traveled along. 
On crossing a stream they found the imprint of a woman's fqol in 

oft earth, evidently made by the wretched woman that her friends 
might discover and aid in her rescue. They followed the trail to Limestone 
and were forced to abandon it, as there were but twelve men in this, the 
< loud county party. The savages had several days the start and it was 
useless to go farther. 

Mrs. Ward',, fate was never known and remains as much a mvstery 

v as when the foul deed was perpetrated thirty-six years ago.' But 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



43 



it is safe to conjecture she was subjected to the most revolting treatment 
and abject slavery. She was a delicate woman and in all probability was 
relieved by death ere many months elapsed. 

INDIAN RAID ON THE SOLOMON RIVER, NEAR THE PRESENT TOWN SITE OF 

GLASCO. 

Through the courtesy of Airs. Phoebe Snyder. Mr. John Mann and 
others of the pioneers who were among the unfortunate settlers at the time 
of this event, the author is indebted for a truthful recital of the occurrence- 
Prior to the date of this massacre the settlers of he Solomon valley harJ 
been alarmed at the threatening attitudes of the moving bands of Indians* 
but not until August n. 1868, was there an outbreak in this locality. 

The Indians began their depredations on the claims of John Batchie 
and Henry Hewitt, who lived near the river. They approached their vic- 
tims, saying, "Good Cheyennes," and suggested shooting at buffalo heads, 
soliciting the white men to shoot first. The unsuspecting settlers complied,, 
both emptying their guns at the same time, thus leaving themselves with- 
out defense, and no sooner were thev unarmed, than true to the treacherous 
nature of the savage, they turned and slmt them both down. They also 
wounded young - Hewitt, a son of Henry Hewitt ; shot him through the leg t 
but he escaped by getting into the timber and dragging himself home after 
nightfall. The news of this outrage traveled through the settlement and 
consternation of the wildest sort prevailed. Messengers were started out 
to get more information regarding the reports and finding the facts con- 
firmed, they at once began to gather reinforcements, while the women and 
children were huddled together like frightened deer. The next morning 
nine armed men rode over to Asher creek, and upon arriving there found 
three more settlers had been added to the victims of the bloodthirsty savages 
— Bogardus, Bell and Randall. The settlers were gathering for the pur- 
pose of moving to the stockade, but while they were preparing to flee to a 
place of safety the demons swooped down upon them. Robert Missel (now 
of Concordia) and his little brother. Benjamin Missel, were overtaken while 
making a dash for neighbor's. Both were captured, but Robert Missel 
was more fortunate than his brother ;■ for, though they fired several shots 
after him, they were without effect; but his little brother was cruelly killed. 
John Wear was killed and Mrs. Henry Hewitt seriously wounded. Miss 
Jennie Paxton, a brave young woman, was teaching school in the little log 
hut where Glasco now stands. A message of warning was sent to Miss 
Paxton and her little flock, who hastily repaired to the nearest house, that 
of II. M. Spaulding. As they fled this heroic young woman held her posi- 
tion between the frightened and panic stricken pupils and advancing savages, 
but all reached a place of safety except Lewis, the little eleven-year-old son of 
Captain and Mrs. Phcebe Snyder. 

Lewis, not realizing the imminent need of hasty action, returned to 



44 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



the school house for his coat and being in the rear was overtaken. Young 
as he was e little fellow made a valiant resistance but was left on the 

e for dead. Mrs. Snyder was preparing clothing to take to the stock- 
ade when she was startled by the blood curdling war whoop of the sa\ 

in to the creek, waded the bed of the stream until opposite the Spauld- 
iiii: claim, and. then through the corn held to the house, where the anxious 

er found all the children except her son Lewis had reached in safety. 
The pupils reported they had seen the redskins "whipping him." They had 

them spearing him. Mrs. Snyder was prevented from going at once 
to find her boy. hut believing him to he dead and past human power t.> aid 
John Mann and Han Tea-ley began to institute a search when they met 
Henr - ling and \nderson Bagwell carrying the little sufferer in their 

arms. The child was found, lying upon the ground with seven spear wounds 
between his shoulders and it was thought lie could not possibly survive the 
g I through, as there was no physician nearer than Minneapolis, Kansas, 
and the way fraught with danger from the skulking Indians. His wounds 
were ii"t dressed for nine hours. However, he was not mortally wounded 
and finally recovered, though the incident left him a nervous wreck for more 
than three years. He was .is when they found him and related how- 

he had. practiced strategy on his would-be murderers by closing his eyes and 

ing death. The plucky boy was cons - f Indians passing around 
him and one of them kicking him. remarked in English, "Now the d 



little b is dead." 

Youi was. h<. entarily to lie by them and 

this would undoubtedly have heen his lot had not the cowardly villains 

been in a hurry to Ik -eat. Mr. Randall, one i<i their victims, was 

tte from Manhattan to his home on Asher creek with a load of pro- 

- hen he was overtaken and murdered. The rlour. meal. etc.. that 

a happy heart he was taking to the now desolate home, they ruthlessly 

yed by ripping up the sacks, and appropriating their victim's horses, 

ther diabolical deed-;. Vfter placing their families in 

safe rned to bury the dead of their number. The) 

g winter at Solomon, but the heroic settlers returned 

-laims in the spring time: for a militia, headed by Captain John 

»t ickade. 

a raid which occur: er down the valley on 

ty is given in the sketch., f Robert Smith. 

•other were killed there. 

V WHITE AXP THE CAPTURE OF HIS DAUGHTER, 
WHITE. BY THE INDIANS AUGUST 1 3. 

might 1h? given correctly, the author 

ei .min White, and the mother of 

-.■':'- ugh the vivid and inter- 



HISTORY OF CLOIJD COUNTY, KANS 

ng recitals of this kindly woman, who suffered beyond the power of pen 
to picture or the human mind to comprehend, a detailed account 
obtained. It seemed almost a sacrili Mrs. White to rehearse the 

story that brought to her home such pain, grief and 
would not strive to blot from the memory, the heartaches 

it must awaken, and the write: : ence felt some mis-- - 

- when the invalid woman sorrowfully concluded, "In telling- v 
I live it all over again." However, she gave the desired information che 
fully, for she realized it was a duty she owe ty. Che- 

and Virgil Broun also gave accounts pertaining to this tragic aft 
Benjamin White was one of the fir>t settler- on White's creek. 
come there with his family in May. 1866. The creek was then kn 
"Cranny" creek, hut sometime after the death of Mr. White. L. J. 
of Concordia, suggested at a picnic held in the neighborhood, the 1. 
changed to White'- creek in honor of Benjamin White, and the name 
adopted. 

fin the fatal day of the Indian raid Mrs. White was alone with her 
daughter Sarah, a young woman of about sixteen years, and three smaller 
children. They had finished milking- the cows and returned to the 
when, without the least warning, they were in the midst of a prowling 
of six savages. The Indians divided into two squads on the opposite - 
of the creek and came around the bend of the stream, three from the north 
and three from the south, led by a stalwart redskin who gave 
one of those fierce unearthly shrieks — the Indian yell — that once he 
can never be forgotten, and especially if given when on the warpath. The 
house -' od near the hank of the creek few rods distant 

present residence, and in the next instant they were surrounded. In 
likelihood they had been skulking about the vicinity of the White home 
were aware of the absence of Mr. White consequently were brave, but ' 
further assure themselves that the women were alone, they peered I 
the windows, and as their grim-visaged, war-painted faces were 
again-t the window panes they struck terror to the hearts of the* 
women and children. Not seeing any men. the brave and noble 1 ?i redmen 
entered the house and proceeded to make havoc with its contents, tea:- 
up what they chose to leave, and procee liner to carry the remainder 
as part of their booty. A more critical moment than this, with a help 
woman and her offspring at the mercy of these soulless demons, cannot be 
conceived. Their first thought was to escape while the house was 
plundered and hasten to join Mr. White and his three sons, who were 
making hay on the Republican river, hut the first move they made 
direction was thwarted by two of the Indians seizing the older d 
a comely young- girl just entering upon the dawn of womanhood. The 
frenzied mother resisted a- mucl e, and with a child in hi 

was dragged some distance, hut her interference was 
ful savages lore the girl ;r . her pitiful, ag 



46 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

wafted on the breezes to the half-crazed, suffering mother, growing fainter 
and more faint until they disappeared in the distance, leaving the desolate 
woman haunted by the worst fears — fears that her fate might be even 
w i >rse than death. 

The remaining four brought the other members of the family back 
and resuming- their plundering, took everything' in the way of blankets, 
shawls, etc., and hung them on the fence. By this time the) were laboring 
under marked excitement. Their posse had been lessened by two, and as 
they hurriedly skirmished around to get their ponies, Annie, the eldest of 
the three left with their mother, suggested they go and find Sarah. They 
started, but only succeeded in moving a few pares when, with menacing 
threats, they were ruthlessly pulled Lack to their stations in the little cabin 
that was being rudely divested of its contents — articles that had been hauled 
main- miles to make them comfortable on the frontier. While the murder- 
ous and thieving- brigands were packing the goods on their pome- their 
attention was so diverted that their usually eagle eye did not 
see the mother and her little children make the second exit. They 
reached the timber that skirted the creek and drawing themselves 
through the thick growth of underbrush they hid behind a large cotton- 
wood log. They had no sooner reached this temporary retreat than 
the demons having discovered their captives had flown, started toward the 
creek' in hot pursuit, renting the air with their frightful war whoops, while 
they tore up and down the stream like mad fiends, the brush snapping and 
cracking under the feet of the excited horses as their riders scanned the 
lends of the creek hunting for the fugutives. But probable fear- lor the 
of their copper-colored skins prevented them from making a more 
minute search and saved the scalp- of the hiding refugees. The Indians 
then tinned in the direction of the river and rode over to where Mr. White 
and his sons were working. The summer of 1868 was phenomenally dry 
and hot. even for Kansas. 'The productive creek bottoms, which in [867 
and again in [869 were a great sea of tall blue joint, offorded nothing 
lii for the mowing machine, and settlers from far and near established 

ps along the Republican river and put up hay. The meadows between 

Yuma and Norway were full of hay camps. 

Benjamin White and Virgil Brown were camped on the south side, 

just above where the railroad bridge now spans the river. Mr. White had 

there more than two weeks. He kept a dairy and was providing 

w inter fi age < r Ins cows. 
• ... 

William English, whose claim was on the river north of what is now 

I Broadway, Concordia, and a Mr. Eaves, who lived further down 

Republican, had established a camp on the opposite side of the stream 

White and Mr. Brown on the land now owned by Judson M. 

'I here were many other hay makers at various points along the 

them Myers and Daugherty, of Salt creek, Cornelius Reed, 

lor, with bis sons. Lieutenant Johnson and John Harris^ 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 47 

the latter from Mill creek. Owing to the condition that they were all 
cognizant of the fact that an outbreak was liable to occur al any moment 
it is strange that these men were not armed, nor were there but few fire- 
arms in the settlement at that time. 

The morning of the raid Yirgil Brown had rode over to the camp of 
English and Eaves and was sitting on his horse conversing with these neigh- 
boring hay-makers when they discovered Indians were dashing into the 
meadow from the south side. Mr. White was standing on the top of a hay 
stack which they were topping off, while his three sons, John, Martin and 
Charles, were pitching the hay up to him from a wagon. Two horses stood 
harnessed to the wagon and four or live others were lariated a short dis- 
tance away. The boys jumped down, mounted the horse- (two on one 
animal) .and rode away toward the river. An Indian charged upon John; 
knocking him off his horse with the butt of his lance. The other boys 
jumped, ran to the river and waded across. Meanwhile one of the savages 
was loosening the picketed horses and Mr. White, who was a brave and 
fearless man, bordering on to recklessness, descended from the stack and 
walked toward the Indian, rapidly at first, then slackened his pace, and 
finally stopped, and after a moment's hesitation turned and started for the 
river, Just as he was hidden from view by the intervening timber Mr. 
Brown and Mr. Eaves heard the report of a gun and saw one Indian going 
across the prairie with Mr. White's horses, while the others galloped up 
the river. Mr. White had guns in the camp, but their tent was some dis- 
tance away. Not thinking they were on the warpath, and being in total 
ignorance of the outrage just perpetrated upon bis helpless family, he walked 
toward them unarmed, thinking they would desist, but the moment the 
Indian- noted bis disadvantage they fired and shot him through the body. 
John White, the older of the sons, says the Indians carried no firearms 
heavier than revolvers, but were armed with lances, bows and quivers of 
arrows. While John was knocked off his horse he skulked along i n the 
grass and remained hidden until Mr. Brown and Mr. English arrived. Mr. 
White was not vet dead when they found him and anxiously inquired about 
his boys, but died a moment later. Ys was the custom in such events on 
the frontier, messengers were sent to herald the tragedy throughout the set- 
tlement and all the available men in the locality assembled to discuss the 
Situation and devise plans for their safety. 

Chester Dutton and John Harris had noticed what purported to be 
figures in the distance. Just as Dennis Taylor rode up the figures came 
into view again on the bench south of Oneonta. "I am going to see what 
those objects are," said Mr. Taylor, and putting spurs to his horse the crowd 
followed. The "objects" proved to be the sorrow stricken wife and mother, 
mourning the uncertain fate of her beloved daughter, enroute to the camp 
where she could pour her tale of woe into the ears of the devoted husband 
and father, and together devise some plan to rescue their child from the 
brutal savages. All unconscious of bis deplorable late, she. with her children, 



48 HISTORY OY CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

all barefooted, had trudged those five miles in desperation, alert to every 

I, even the winds that rustled in the burnt grasse- of the prairie seemed 

full of peril, and when they heard the sound vi approaching horsemen they 

! their doom was sealed and hastened on as fast as their sore and 

ild carry them. But Annie had discovered the supposed 

enem\ was r. t Indians, but white men of the settlement. Mrs. White told 

and then inquired for her husband and sons. Not for several 

moments could any of tli - stout, big-hearted frontiersmen reveal to this 

woman. \vh se cup of bitterness was already full to overflowing, the 

if her husband — the words that would convey his tragic and cruel 
death were frozen upon their lips as she looked from one to another for 
her answer. At length iLeutenant Johnson broke the painful, melancholy 
srilence. These were his words: ■"The boys, Mrs. White, are safe, but the 
old man is killed." A wag I team was placed at the disposal of the 

n woman, and she with her trembling little one- were 
taken to a place of safety. 

MILITIA ORGANIZATION. 

Just this event State Adjutant General McAfee made a per- 

sona' t the Kansas frontier, and stopping at Lake S 

5 to organize themselves into a militia company, promis- 
ing to commission the officers they might elect and to arm the company with 
Maynard carbines. A meeting was promptly called, every available man 
ami 1 g. and Basil Coleman Sanders was elected captain. Peter 

lieutenant, and Frank Lawrence, of Lawrenceburg. sec- 
t. Wednesday. August 12, 1867. brought the commissions. The 
carbines that were dispatched at the same time never reached their destina- 

- were afterward sent to replace them. While the 

rsing with Mrs. White. Captain Sanders arrived, and gather- 

rmation he could, said prompt action must be taken. Mrs. White 

thought the Indians were Pawnees and this gave Captain - - ho]>e of 

>cue the captive girl, but if upon the other hand they were 

- Arapal - -they proved 1 a strong camp was resting 

on t' - -ending smaller 1 sses - lient points simultane - 

Vhite R ement was in need of assistance. In either 

an immediate advance to the White Rock, and 

cahe inteers to start then and there: no time to turn back for a bis- 

The men who valiantly responded to his call were William 

Spencer. John Xeve. Joe 

Hull. Before reaching Little Oak creek the company was 

ind Homer Adkins. First Lieutenant Johnson was 

ter the White premises, find the trail oi ges and 

- reek and down the river for mo 

ir with him the next dav with instruct ns to turn back if 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 49 

the trail led toward the Solomon. For to follow it into the camp of the 
Cheyennes meant instant death to Miss White and probably the entire party. 
Captain Sanders and his party rode along the west side of the river with 
neither road or bridges. Night came on; an inky darkness overspread the 
sky and their brave captain lead the way by an occasional flash 1 f lightning, 
the men following in single file. Mr. Dutton brought up the rear, and ljeing 
a poor horseman and unused to the saddle, he came near being left repeatedly. 
The others were all soldierly fellows .and fine marksmen, but perhaps none 
of them were more valiant than he. 

Late that night they reached a stockade that had been formed by some 
hay-makers who had been raided by the Indians the day before and lost one 
of their settlers, a young man by the name of VVinbigler, from Illinois. 

They pressed on until they knew it was useless to pursue an uncertainty 
any longer and as they had not been joined by Lieutenant Johnson as di- 
rected, they turned back. Upon their return they found the following mes- 
sage from Governor Crawford : "Tell the settlers of Lake Siblev to stick 
together — By the eternals. I'll see that they are protected" — But the gov- 
ernor not responding as promptly as they expected, the settlers instituted 
a militia, and places of safety were established in various settlements, at 
Sanders Mill. Clyde, Clifton and. other places along the river. Mrs. White 
and her family were installed in a vacant log house belonging to Dennis 
Taylor and situated near the mill, where she could live in an atmosphere 
of security. 

MISS WHITE TAKEN INTO CAPTIVITY. 

Words cannot adequately describe the sensations of Sarah Catherine 
White as she was carried by her brutal assailants about five miles acr — 
Buffalo creek, where fifteen other Cheyennes were seemingly awaiting this 
marauding fraction of their tribe. Here Miss White was left with a guard, 
one Indian on the brow of the hill and another at the base. The remaining 
portion of the band started out in the direction of the river. Left on this deso- 
late hill, awaiting her own ouknown fate and suffering bodily torture from 
the diabolical assault of her inhuman captors. Miss White speculated in 
her mind as to her mother and the other three children. She reasoned they 
had bean cruelly maltreated and then perhaps annihilated, and thought 
of her father and brothers as saved because of being away, neither did she 
know differently, but mourned the former as dead or suffering a worse fate 
until her release six months later. After her conspirators returned they 
began a journey westward and after several days travel they reached the 
headwaters of the Republican, where they joined the tribe with their 
warriors, squaws and papooses. 

The squaws were marked in their kind attentions to Miss White ami 
exhibited real sympathy; as they gathered around the fair young prisoner 
some of them caressed her and murmured the while "]» "]'"" 



5° 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY. KANSAS. 



papoose," the true mother instinct asserting itself even in the savage breast 
as they thought of her having been torn from the arms of loving parents. 

About three weeks from the date of Miss White's capture, Mrs. Mor- 
gan, the four weeks bride of James Morgan of Ottawa county, was carried 
into the same camp. The meeting between these two young prisoners was 
a pathetic incident. Miss White was completely overcome and could not 
utter a word. Mrs. Morgan was the first to speak; approaching Miss White 
she asked: "Sister, how do you like this life?" Miss White could not answer, 
she knew what the new captive had undergone and their deplorable situations 
paralyzed her powers of speech. Yet the two young women were company 
for each other and were allowed to converse together around the campfire. 
And inasmuch as both were doomed to the same conditions it was fortunate 
for both they were in the same camp. Miss White was of rather a sub- 
missive nature for she knew of no other alternative, and was a general 
favorite among both the braves and the squaws. 

Among the stolen property of the tribe was a dress that had been taken 
from the settlement. This they proffered Miss White as a token of their ap- 
preciation, but compelled Mrs. Morgan to wear the native costume. Mrs. 
Morgan was of an aggressive nature and did not readily yield t<> their in- 
dignities, however in some instances they seemed to admire her courage 
and bravery. On one occasion a squaw requested her to help drive ponies. 
Mis. Morgan refused, whereupon the squaw- struck her a heavy blow. In 
an instant Mrs. Morgan was in pursuit of her fleeing assailant, caught her 
and administered a sound thrashing, amidst the yells of approval from the 
warriors of the tribe who seemed delighted over her bravery. The two 
young women were together until their rescue by General Custer and his 
brave followers. 

The captives were given a tent each and were the special property of 
one Indian after they were established in the tribe, but had been exchanged 
two or three times among other chiefs of the Chevennes. 

They had planned an escape one night but had forgotten to appoint 
a meeting place and after going about for sometime without finding each 
other, and knowing the least signal would bring the savages down upon 
them, they each returned to their tents. The following day they de- 
ised more complete plans, and met that night at a certain tree as designated. 
( autii i sly, silently, the two prisoners who had often considered death would 
be preferable to their situations, if they were not to be rescued, stole out 
imp while the usually alert savages were slumbering heavily and 
rid the confines of the Indian grounds, bounded along toward the 
government trail like two frightened deer. They had not gone but a few 
er, when they heard a low, muffled, rumbling sound as of dis- 
tant thunder, that seemed to come from the trail just in advance of them. 
They listened, queried, and in a moment it dawned upon the excited fugi- 
that a herd of buffalo were coming down the trail, and knowing they 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS- 51 

would be trampled to death if they did not change their course, sought refuge 
in a slough of tall grass. 

The herd was hours in passing and their escape was retarded. After 
the buffalo passed they thought best to locate the trail before daylight, that 
they could resume their journey after nightfall the following evening. But 
as they started out again the next evening and were passing down the trail 
a gun was fired, the bullet whizzing over their heads, and in looking around 
discovered an Indian in pursuit. Dismayed at their ill-omened fate, there 
was no alternative but to be marched back to their life of slavery. On the 
return trip they stopped to rest and the savage dropped asleep with his re- 
volver loose by his side. They were tempted to use it in their defense but 
thought he might be feigning sleep and kill them or that the other Indians were 
skulking near by. The slavery and indignities that were imposed upon the 
young women was made doubly more harrowing after this event and they 
were watched constantly. 

.Mr. Morgan was wounded and left for dead at the same time his wife was 
captured, but was nursed back to life and health by friends in Minneapolis, 
Kansas, and now lives on bis farm in Ottawa county. Mrs. Morgan's 
brother accompanied General Custer during the winter campaig-n and was 
present at the rescue of his sister. He did not recognize her, as the costume 
and general appearance had entirely changed her personality. In April, when 
they were rescued, Miss White went into Junction City where some young 
men from Lake Sibley happened to be, am! they chartered a carriage and 
sent the young woman to her once happy home. Miss White is now Mrs. 
Brooks, the mother of an interesting family and continues to live in the same 
vicinity. 

General Custer obtained the women by a bold stroke. He with his staff 
rode into the camp of the Cheyennes and demanded them to care for his 
horses. His men followed and thus surrounded General Custer demanded 
the prisoners, and as he did so threw some ropes over the limb of a tree, ex- 
plaining the result of a refusal. The captives were forthcoming and the 
chiefs were detained as hostage, and later met with a tragic death. 

Word was received by Mr. Dutton from his brother, who had consulted 
an Indian agent, saying: 

"If the Indians were successful in recapturing the young women, which 
they would try to do, their fate would be terrible." 

Miss White taught school in the primitive log house in Elk township, 
after her return from captivity. 

Mrs. Morgan gave birth to an Indian child several months after her 
release. The child lived to be nearly three years of age. The author con- 
versed with the physician who was called professionally to the bedside 01 
this child during the illness that preceded its death. In his remarks he said 
the Indian predominated decidedly, also, that Mrs. Morgan's love lor the 
child was very much like that of ordinary mothers and sincerely mourned 
the death of her offspring. The little fellow bad all the instincts and cbarac- 



52 -HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

teristics of his race, would hide behind doors and corners, creep along the 
grass and bushes, and exhibited many of their traits. 

Mrs. Morgan's case was a peculiarly sad one. Mrs. Brooks seems happy 
with her husband and her several children; but Mrs. Morgan's life became a 
burden, she was dissatisfied, niun.se and unhappy. Three children came to 
bless their home after her return, but she left her husband and children, was 
very unhappy until finally her mind gave way under the great mental pres- 
sure and the poor unfortunate woman finally Inst her reason and was taken 
to the asylum for the insane about two years ago, where she died on June 
ii. [902, at the age of fifty-eight "years. Thus ended the sad storj ol a 
woman whose life was marked by trials and sorrows as is seldom the lol ol 
human beings. 

Mrs. White retained the homestead, reared her family there, and has 
made a comfortable home, now owning over a section of land. She. with 
her two sons, Lewis J. and William Elmer, operate the farm. Mr-. White 
savs when she hears people complaining of hardships and hard times, she 
often thinks their knowledge along these lines is very limited. 

INDIAN RAID ON THE REPUBLICAN VALLEY, JUNE _\ i860. 

From Wilder's annals we quote the following: "November 15. [868, 
General Sheridan makes a report to Genera] Sherman and demands that 
the war department 'have sole and entire charge of the Indians. It is to 
the interest of the nation and humanity to put an end to this inhuman farce. 
The peace commission, the Indian department, the military and the Indians 
make a "balky team." The public treasury is depleted and innocent people 
murdered in the quadrangular management, in which the public treasury 
and the unarmed settlers are the greatest suffers.'' He further says: "De- 
cember 24, [868; the Indians make an entire surrender to General Phil. 
Sheridan." J. 1'.. McAfee, adjutant general, reports: "That as far as can 
he ascertained on the border and on the plains, within the limits of the state 
of Kansas, during the year [868 the killed numbers from eighty to one hun- 
dred persons." Notwithstanding the "Indians made an entire surrender to 
eral Phil. Sherman in [868," another raid occurred on the Republican 
river in Cloud county, on June 2, 1869. 

Through a graphic recital of the event as told by the late Nels Nelson, 
Jr.. the author is enabled to give an authentic account of the attack on that 
when Ezra, the twelve-year-old son of Homer Adkins, who settled 
isl side and about six miles up the Republican river from the pres- 
oncordia, in 1868, was slain by the Indians within a short dis- 
tance of his home. 

elson Jr., and his two brothers, James and Christian, were 

irie in a field on the opposite side of the river. Ezra Adkins 

had come to b ome flour of the Nelson family. The boy was herding 

or tin- west side of 0:,- Republican and said before taking the flour be would 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 53 

ride down the river and round up his cattle driving them homeward across 
the river. In the meantime the Indians, to about thirty in number and that 
many mure across the river watching the settlement from the east side in 
the vicinity of the Adkins and Duttmi homes, came swooping down between 
the boy mi horseback and the men in the field. There were about twenty 
of the yelping, howling savages mounted and about ten or a dozen more 
hanging on to the tails of the ponies. They were all armed with guns 
and weapons oi warfare they had received from the government, seemingly 
to aid the blood-thirsty Cheyennes in their fatal attacks on the settlers. 

As they came across the country shooting and making the hills back 
from the beautiful valley resound their fierce war-whoops, the terror-stricken 
boy dismounted from his horse thinking his chances would be better for 
gaining the tail grass and bushes along the river where he might elude them 
by hiding, but one savage caught his horse while another, who had been 
hanging on the tail of the mounted Indian's pony, pursued their little vic- 
tim, caught and held him fast by the hand, the boy resisting with all his 
strength. Nels Nelson, Jr., who had hidden in a knoll of sand and wit- 
nessed this foul deed, hut was unable to render assistance, said the savage 
on horseback seemingly ordered the boy released and then shot him twice 
in the head. After piercing him with the bullets of their unerring rifles., 
they stooped over his lifeless body and Air. Nelson supposed they were- 
scalping him hut it proved that they were nibbing the little fellow of some 
of his clothing. 

While this part of the band was in course of action the main body of 
the redskins started for the breaking team which consisted of two mules 
and one horse driven by James, a lad of seventeen years. They caught the 
team, cut them loose from the plow and while this was proceeding, an 
Indian with his spear in position turned to pierce the body of his coveted 
victim, when James boldly drew a revolver. This sudden and unexpected 
action disconcerted the murderous savage and throwing himself on the side 
of his pony rode rapidly away, allowing the young man to make his escape 
and live to become a prominent farmer and stock man of Republic county, 
and is the father of Dr. Nelson, of Concordia. 

After securing the breaking team and the murdered boy's horse, the 
Indians came together and held a short council. While this was in course 
ol progress. Nels Nelson. Jr.. repaired to their frontier cabin and prevailed 
Upon his father, the Reverend Nels Nelson, his wife, with their two-year- 
old child, and his two brothers, to run to the river with all possible haste, 
while he took his gam and returned to the sand knoll from which he could 
discover the movements of the Indians. When Mr. Nelson saw his family 
had reached the river he hastily joined them, helping his aged father across 
the stream while his trembling wife waded with her two-year-old child in 
her arms through the water full waist deep. Upon reaching the humble 
house of the Adkins' the anxious mother inquired for her boy. When told 



54 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



of the tragedy, the ill-fated mother was almost frenzied with grief, re- 
fusing to be comforted for many months. 

From the Adkins homestead they could look across the river and wit- 
ness the Indians as they stealthily crawled through the grass, surrounded the 
home and fired upon it; but finding the inmates bad vacated, the mauraders 
entered and stripped the home of its contents, taking what the} could, 
including a line full of clothes that had just been laundered by Mi's. 
Nelson, and destroyed what they did nol want. \ feather bed was cai 
to a nearby hill, where it was ripped open and emptied of its contents, bul 
earned the tick away, while the feathers were left to swirl through the air. 
They appropriated most of the provisions; some bacon left in the cabin gave 
evidence of having been speared, as it was seen from being pierced by 
their poisonous spear points. 

Under cover of darkness, the night following the attack. Nels Xel- 
son, |r.. with a son-in-law of Mr. Adkins. accompanied by a Newfoundland 
doo- went in search of the body of the murdered boy. The canine readil) 
found the remains of his little master, with whom tin- dog was a prime 
favorite, and manifested his discovery by barking. The scene was a ghastly 
one, with the brains oozing from the gunshot wound that had been inflicted 
about seven hours earlier. The grief of the family was terrible to behold 
and a scene never to be forgotten by the little group of settlers gathered 
there, where a few hours before the family had rejoiced in dreams of a 
future happy home. The remains were placed in a crude coffin made from 
boards secured from Captain Sander's mill. 

While these events were taking place. Homer Adkins, father of the 
murdered hoy, was in Junction City in behalf of the settler- of the frontier, 
trying to impress upon the authorities the need of -ending a militia to pro 
tect the settlers. 

The same day and not more than an hour prior to the raid, the home 
guards stationed at Fort Sibley reported they had scoured the country ovet 
and assured the people there were no savages in the community. They 
were hidden in the tall grasses, awaiting an opportune time to make an 
assault. 

In the pockets of the Reverend Xels Nelson's pantaloons was an 
envelope containing $200 in greenbacks, which in their eagerness and excite- 
ment had fallen to the ground and was overlooked. The money thus left 
enabled the Reverend Nelson and his two sons to leave until the depre- 
dations had ceased, but Xels Nelson, Jr.. with his wife and child refused 
to go, so he. with his brave companion, who had neither money nor clothes 
left them, remained to face the dangers of Indian warfare alone, and though 
they spent many sleepless nights and days of fear and uncertainty, the 

in troubles were practically ended, and peace and tranquility again sup- 
planted the dread of the Cheyennes on the war-path. The Nelsons put in a 
$1,300, and received judgment for 1.000, but the claim was never 
l ,ai<1 overnment sent men to hear the testimony three different times, 

but ,ie technicality the ciaim was thrown out. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNT V. KANSAS. 55 

LAWLESSNESS ON THE FRONTIER. 

Aside from the Indian depredations there were comparatively few- 
irregularities during the early days in matters pertaining to lawlessness. 
The Conklin affair has been dwelt upon to some extent. 

On August 25, 1867, Richard Bump and Vincent Davis were assaulted 
on Upton creek, the former was killed, shot down by parties from the 
opposite side of the creek discharging a load of shot into the body of the 
man, whom it was supposed the assailants had taken for other parties who 
were peddling goods through the country Davis was also wounded but 
not fatally, and taking the lines from his dead companion drove to the 
Elk creek settlement. The murderers were pursued, captured and brought 
back to Elk creek, where they were given a preliminary trial before J. N. 
Hagaman, the father of J. M. Hagaman. and were held for murder. But 
they were not permitted to live for further justice, but were taken from 
the custody of the sheriff and ere the night had been spent were dangling 
from the limb of a tree. dead. 

The consensus of opinion was that these two Jewish peddlers, Ed- 
ward Zachareas ami Richard Kennup, had been lying in wait for two other 
parties who also had wares to sell, and mistook Bump and Davis, who were 
god citizens just returning from a buffalo hunt, for the men they had been 
lying in wait for, for two days. .Money was their supposed object. 

MURDER OF JOSEPH NICHOLAS HAGAMAN, THE VENERABLE FATHER OF 

J. M. HAGAMAN. 

On July 11. 1868, J. N. Hagaman was murdered by William llarman. 
After some litigation over a calf they had agreed to settle the matter of 
ownership by turning the cow into the herd on the principal that the calf 
would find its mother. J. N. Hagaman, who was herding the cattle on the 
Thorp place, had received orders to not let any of them go as the deputy 
sheriff. Bowen, had come to take them, and had deputized Harmon to go 
with him to attach the cattle in accordance with the decision of the court. 
An eye witness related to the author that after skirmishing a few moments 
while on their ponies, he saw Harmon ride up to a fence and pick up a club 
that almost seemed made for the occasion. His assailant struck Mr. Haga- 
man over the head with this weapon, killing him almost instantly. After 
a number of trials and the lapse of a number of years the case was dropped. 

Harmon with his wife lived at Manhattan and while he was supposed 
to be incarcerated had his freedom. The result of his crime going unpunished 
was a laxness of the law in those days, when people seemed a law of them- 
selves. 

SHOOTING AFFAIR AT GLASCO. 

The Carmichael murder case occurred at Glasco, Marsh 7, 1872. Car- 



56 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY. KANSAS. 

michael was a cattle man who lived at Abilene, but had been wintering stock 
near Glasco. He with his herder, Lewis, became involved in a qua n 
'with David and Hamilton Dalrymple, over snine feed, and nut in Gl: 
to arbitrate the trouble, imbibed too freely and the result was a fight, with 
a deplorable sequel. David Dalrymple was shot through the heart and ex 
pired instantly and Hamilton Dalrymple received a wound in the knee. 

Carmichael received wounds from winch he died a week later. Lewis 
was shot through the neck, hut recovered. A bystander by the nan,. 
VVorden. received a gunshot wound in the shoulder. 

There have been few other crimes committed, but it is not the intention 
of the writer to go into details of those of more recent date. For the space 
is more beneficial as well as pleasing devoted to other subjects. 

FRONTIER 11 VRDSHIPS. 

The beautiful valleys of the Solomon and the Republican, that arc 
now teeming with a wealthy and prosperous people, during the earl 
tlement of the country were the scenes of many distressing situations, par- 
ticularly is this true in the event of accident, sickness and death. And that 
prosterity may know more of their suffering and the heroic courage and 
fortitude with which they endured these privations, the following incidents 
will he related: During the pioneer settlements the people were always on 
tic alert for savages and devising plans of protection, and hence lo< 
claims in close proximity to each other. ■ In the spring .if [866 the Howards, 
front Missouri, and the Higgins, from Nemaha county, Kansas, joined the 
new settlements on the Solomon fixer and to add strength to their forces 
built a dougout on the claim of M. D. Teasley, the other settlers all combin- 
ing to assist in building a good sized home about 12x16 feet (large for 
that period) for the Howard family, the Higgins preferring their tent. 
Mr. Howard, a Canadian by birth, had lost an arm in the lumber mills ,,f 
that country and remained where the excavating was in course of pro- 
ceeding, while the other men and boys were cutting poles and logs to 1 er 
tin- structure. They had taken especial pains to secure a strong log for the 
ridge pole, all unconscious as they labored for their new neighbor, they 
were preparing a death trap for the doomed family. The tree selected had 
ever) ippeat ince of being sound and was from sixteen to eighteen inches 
in diameter The hearts of the new dwellers were swelled with pride and 
ii ippiness as they were preparing their first evening meal in the new quar- 
ters and \\ tT e seated around the spread made on the earth of their new 
abode, innocently exchanging pleasantries. Mr. Howard had just an.se 
eating his supper and was in the act of lighting his pipe — the other 
members of the family, the wife, seven children and one grand child, were 
I around the table— when, without a note of warning, with a crash the 
" -I fell in upon them Mr. Howard's neck was broken and he was badly 
cr.ished otherwise, never speaking a word. Joseph, the third son. win, was 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 57 

about sixteen years of age was mortally wounded, his chest and abdomen 
being crushed by the debris. Airs. Howard was seriously but not fatally 
injured. A babe in her arms was badly stunned and for some time thought 
to be dead, but under the timely administrations of Mrs. Rhoda Teasley, 
the little one recovered from the -buck'. It seemed hours long drawn out 
to their terror-stricken neighbors before they could extricate the victims. 
but was probably the work of a few moments only. 

When Mrs. Howard was released, going to her son she asked: "Are 
you hurt, Joseph?" lie turned his eyes upon her face and replied: "Oh. 
mother, mother, mother." Those were the last words he spoke and died 
in a few minutes. The other inmates were unhurt. 

This event carried the deepest gloom into the midst of this little colony 
The father and son were consigned to the cold earth without a coffin, their 
bodies wrapped in a sheet, placed in a comfort and laid to rest. It would 
be impossible to describe the scene of desolation the borrowing details of 
this catastrophe made doubly so by the conditions surrounding the frontier 
settlers. This was the first burial in the old cemetery which is located about 
a half-mile south of the new one at Glasco. 

The accident occurred from a flaw in the tree caused by a limb that had 
decayed and fallen off, leaving an aperture where water collected and had 
caused decay inside the log, which proved to be nearly a shell, but to all 
outside appearance was sound. A new dugout was built with extraordinary 
precaution and the unfortunate family continued to live in the settlement. 
The Howards brought with them the first sheep introduced into the Solo- 
mon valley. 

ANOTHER BURIAL ON THE FRONTIER. 

In the autumn of 1867 the death of a little child occurred in 
the settlement, one of the first in the Solomon valley. The 
family lived on Chris creek. East of them lived Wilson Mitchell. 
After the body of the little five-year-old girl, the pride of her fond parents, 
was made ready for burial, the kind, sympathizing friends began to devise 
some means of obtaining a coffin. Mr. Mitchell proffered his services and 
said if lumber could be provided he would make one. Mrs. Phoebe Sny- 
der was one of the good neighbors who was endeavoring to soften the grief 
of the mother by laying her offspring to rest as tenderly as the means at 
hand would allow, asked Mr. Mitchell if the boards could not be planed. 
He replied alas, it was impossible for the lack of tools to work with. Mrs. 
Snyder, true to the instinct of a sympathizing mother, utilized her black 
silk apron along with some black silk handkerchiefs she gathered from the 
settlers, and neatly covered the home-made casket on the outside, and the 
inside with white muslin. Xails were driven in the lid, and after the body 
was removed to the wagon that was to convey the remains to-their last rest- 
ing place, that the mother might not hear the doleful sound of the hammer. 
the nails were driven down while the sorrowing parents were yet in di h >rs. 



58 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

This family were not so courageous as the Howards, but left the melan- 
choly scene soon afterward for their former eastern home. 

AN ATTEMPT TO CHANGE THE COUNTY LINE. 

Beginning with the northeast corner of Nemaha county, there is .1 
line to the western boundary of the state making one continuous line for 
nearly all of what is called the northern tier of counties. Republican count) 
being the only exception, the question naturally arises: Why this devi- 
ation ? 

We give in substance Mr. Rupe's version of the matter. When the 
boundary lines of Saline county were established, it being the first one 01 
ganized west of the sixth principal meridian. Col. Phillips was in th< 
islatture and being interested in making Saline the county --eat of tin- new 
county, conformed the northern and southern lines -< 1 as to bring his town 
in the center. This left twelve townships of twelve tiers of townships 1" 
tween Saline county and Nebraska, which had to he divided between three 
other counties, afterward known as Ottawa. Shirley and Republic. The 
latter came in for an equal distribution which gave her only four tiers. 
which is one less than the other northern tier counties with the exception of 
Brown and Donovan. 

The people of Republic county disliked the idea of being denied the 
territory. They demanded which justly belonged to them and consequently 
clamored for the extra tier. This could not he done without doing great 
injustice to Cloud county, (then Shirley,) or destroying a well established 
order of things. Mr. Rupe knew the people of Shirley county were dis- 
satisfied with the relative position of the county lines, especially on Elk 
creek; so after his election he conceived the idea of dividing the county 
exactly in the middle, east and west, throwing the north half into Republic 
and the south half into Ottawa county, making two out of three counties. 

Among the reasons he had for doing this was an imperfect idea of the 
future resources. He advanced the idea that the settlements would he mainly 
confined to the river bottom and creek valleys, the river running through 
hut little over half the length of the county they were deprived of what 
he considered a great deal of the most valuable lands, and consequently 
thought they would always he a weak county. The plan of dividing the 
\ would give about thirty miles more of the river bottom and do much 
in the way of addition to the taxahle property. 

While this would have made two rather large counties, he thought those 
townships situated on the divide would never amount to much, the land 
l '" ;,M nev e r he utilized (and this opinion was shared by R. D. Mobley, of 
Ottawa); in his opinion these lands were a mere waste and the few settlers 
were likely to attain, would he confined to the heads of the creeks and 
consequently these two comities would subsequently have hut the five tiers 
ot townships, after all. and would give to them that which thev stood 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 59 

sorely in need of, more strength by way of taxable property, and their 
county would especially be one of the strongest in the west. 

This one of the circumstances as existing then, will no doubt be amus- 
ing to the people of Colfax, Aurora Nelson, Center. Arion and Summit 
townships, as well as the next tier south of them, as they reflect Mr. Rupe's 
ideas of their future growth. This bill failed for two reasons; first, the 
western delegation was strongly opposed to obliterating one of their coun- 
ties: second, there was a petition from his own and Republic county against 
it, so he did not press it, but allowed it to die a natural death. The people 
of Republic county, however, admitted afterward they did not have a fair 
understanding of its nature. 

FIRST SETTLERS OF CLOUD COUNTY. 

The subject of the founder and first settler of Cloud county has oc- 
casioned much controversy and some discussion hetween these two old land- 
marks, J. B. Rupe and J. M. llagaman. each of whom have contributed a 
series of history and early reminiscences through the columns of the Clyde 
Herald and Concordia Blade. 

Mr. J. B. Rupe has kindly submitted these "early recollections." and 
we will quote from them largely, as his statements are followed up with 
proofs and logic that are indisputable. It is conceded by his friends and 
the old settlers that his notes have been carefully gathered and are reliable 
to the best of his knowledge and that to be obtained. 

1 luring the year 1880, Mr. Rupe had personal interviews with Lew 
Fowler and J. M. Thorp and in accordance with the statements of Mr. 
Fowler, he and his brother and John and Harlow Seymore, came to what 
is now Cloud county, in July 1858. They were joined shortly afterward 
by a man named ('■. W. Brown, who was married and had his family with 
him. The Fowlers at this time were both single men. Shortly afterward 
they built the fatal "Conklin house." erected on their town site, which they 
called Eaton city. Some sod was turned on this ground and a well was 
partly dug, which was rilled by dirt thrown from the track during the build- 
ing of the Kansas Pacific railroad. 

After looking up all the available history, the palm must he yielded to 
the howler brothers, as the first settlers. It leaves no room for doubt that 
to them the honor belongs. They built the first house in the county, turned 
the first sod and made the first attempt at digging a well. David She 
located on Elm creek in April, i860, and left in July of the came year. To 
linn has been given the credit of being the first settler. The Fowler broth- 
ers were here before and remained after Sheets left, and later enlisted in 
the United States service, made valiant soldiers and immediately after the 
war returned, but located different claims and both were nominated for 
office in the autumn of 1866. 

Aside from this, they were Kansans. being in the state in 1854. and 



<3o HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY. KANSAS. 

Fought the border ruffians in the interest of the tree state. Mr. Rupe after 
much research affirm, and we believe correctly. "The Fowlers were the firsl 
white settlers in what is now Cloud county, and from the time of their sel 
tlemenl there has always been white settlers and that there never was a time 
when the three families spoken (if by I. M Hagaman, viz: Hagaman, 
Thorp and Fenski, were the only settlers in the county, as be has stated 
at various times." 

Mr. Rupe kindly concludes by saying be doo not wish to pluck from 
Mr. Hagaman a single laurel that belongs to him. but history is history and 
nothing should go into it but facts 

The following testimony of Peter Eslinger and bis wile. Magdeline 
Eslinger, establishes a claim of the Fowler brothers as the first settlers he 
vond a doubt : 

"We settled on Parson's creek in Washington county, July 17. 1859. 
Lew and John Fowler. C. W. Brown and 1 Iarlev Seymore were the first 
white settlers west of Peach creek, and then settled on Elk creek and person 
allv know of their raisins; whit has since been termed the "Conklin" Mouse, 
and that they were the originators of the town site called Eaton city, where 
said house was built." 

In a. letter from N. E. Eslinger is established another well grounded 
claim. He writes : 

"1 came to Parsons creek July 17. 1859, and Peter Adams, who is now 
dead, with myself helped the Fowlers, Brown and Seymour to raise what 



is ]}< >w kni iw 



11 as the Conklin House. N. E. Eslingi Et." 



With the next settlers others followed but when the Fowlers came, not 
a single human habitation was to be found. They erected the first cabin, 
the first furrow of sod was turned by them and the first well was begun. 
They came in Jul}". 1858, and through the summer months dwelt in a tent: 
winter came on and they were compelled to abandon their little canvas 
house and seek shelter in the warmer quarters of a dugout which they built 
on the hanks of F.Ik creek. In the autumn of 1850. they erected their cabin 
and wintered there, making their second winter and still no other settlers. 
\s an evidence of their abiding faith in the country, they laid out and 
regularly platted a town site. Sylvanus burrows and one Starr were the 
surveyors; but misfortune overtook these early settlers and they were corn- 
el i" seek other employment. They left with the intention of returning 
and finally joined a Kansas regiment, Lew Fowder enlisting as a veteran. 
\s evidence of their intention to return. John Fowler and James Will- 
on, a brother in law. came back immediately after the war, in the autumn 
01 [865, and located, but their claims had been taken by other parties. Lew 
detained in the service. Soon as necessary preparations could 
be ettled in (loud county again in the spring of [866. 

Others who followed these bold adventurers early in the spring of r86o, 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 61 

were Parks, Kearney. Thomas Heffington, who subsequently moved to Elk 
creek. Philip A. Kizer, Joseph Finney, John Allen, and John Sheets. Allen 
and Kizer were located near Lake Silbey, John Sheets on Elm creek and 
the others on Elk creek. Heffington died some time during the year 1862 
or '63 and his remains lie buried in the cemetery near Clyde. 

They had been in the country six months and were voters — a voter if 
undoubtedly a settler. Parks sold his claim to Moses Heller and his son David 
for a yoke of steers. This claim is the old Fleller farm, the one on which 
the Pomeroy house was built. Parks was living on this claim at the time, 
consequently he exercised one of the rights that belonged to a settler. This 
transaction took place in April, i860. Parks then moved on to a claim, 
the farm now owned by the Turners. Although his reputation was bad. 
Parks must have had intentions of becoming a regular settler. 

When Parks left this vicinity he went to Manhatten. During the sum- 
mer of [861, while trying to cross the Republican river enroute to Elk 
creek, he was drowned. His body was found just across the river where 
Fred Herman's barn was located, and buried near there, by David Heller 
and one of the Scribner boys. When discovered his body was so nearly 
devoured by birds and wolves as. to be scarcely recognizable. No lumber 
being obtainable, they were obliged to bury the body in an old tool chest. 

Jacob Heller settled on Elk creek. June jo, i860, on the claim after- 
ward taken by his brother, Israel Heller, preceding his father and brothers, 
Israel and David, from June until August of the same year. Jacob was 
accidentally killed while pulling a loaded gun from a wagon. He had just 
returned from Salt creek with "shakes" intended for his new house. His 
is the first death recorded in the county. 

When the Fowlers and Browns settled west of the 6th principal 
meridan, they were the only white settlers in this part of Kansas, marked 
by that line. It was then thought by the people of the eastern part of the 
state, scarcely necessary to give these counties boundary lines, much less 
organization; the country being thought desirable for no other purpose than 
grazing of the buffalo and the hunting grounds of the red man — a part of 
the great American desert. 

ELM CREEK SETTLEMENT. 

While the Elm creek settlement could not date its birth back so far 
at this time it was in a more prosperous condition. The people seemed to 
be favored with better opportunities for improvement, generally were 
men with families, more determined in the purpose of making their final 
homes. The settlers with their families who established their homes on 
Elm creek. July 15. 1S60. were J. M. Hagaman, wife and one child; J. M. 
Thorp, wife and six children; August Fenskie, wife and one child. 

The result was they immediately went to work and within a short 
time made more substantial improvements and were soon hauling their 



62 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY. KANSAS. 



surplus farm products to market. Among the settlers of this ocahtj who 
Swed he ensuing year were William and Fred Czapansta._w.th their fanv 
1° s a Mr. Webber and George Wilson. In 1862 Zachanah Sweanngen, 
Richard Coughlen, John David Robertson, Joseph Berry and their fanubes 
ioined the frontier settlement. From among tins number the ranks oi the 
Union army were swelled by the enlistment of Fred Czapanski, Jacob and 
Caleb (sons of I. M. Thorp). David Robertson and Joseph Berry. 

Some of these settlers had farms under a fair state oi cultivation. 
These people are entitled to great credit for building a school house as early 
as [8 6 4 or t86 5 , and a term of school was taught the same year Mis 
Rosella Honey, a daughter of Randal Honey and now the wife oi Mat 
Wilcox was the teacher. To her fell the honor of having taught the ins, 
school in Cloud county, and one among the very first in the Republican 
valley and tins settlement may claim the honor of building the first school 
house'- not of the most approved style, perhaps, being built oi round cotton- 
wood logs about fourteen by sixteen feet in dimensions, dirt rooi and terra 
firma floor, vet it was an acquisition in those days to the frontier Rude 
as u was I'M Thorpe is said to have declared he would not take $500 
for what his children had learned in this humble seal of learning— a compli 
ment to Miss Honey. 

It was in this community the first voting precinct was established which 
then consisted of the whole' county. These enterprises were indicative of 
thrift and determination well worthy of compliment. The dividing line be- 
tween these two settlements was the Republican river, hence we have "North 
side of the river" and "South side of the river." There were advantages 
enjoyed by the north side over the south as they had the military road lead- 
ing- from Fort Riley to Fort Kearney. The government had built bridges 
over the principal streams and creeks which confined the public travel mainly 
ti 1 the north side. 

The mail route, the mills and the postoffices being on the north side, 
countn stores would naturally follow in their wake. To avail themselves 
of these advantages the people of the south side were often put to the incon- 
venience and at times great annoyance of crossing and recrossing the river, 
winch had to be done "by fording. As an illustration, J. M. Thorpe and 
|. M. I lagaman were enroute to mill and with their loaded teams had the 
misfortune to get one of them "stuck" in the mud. With water up to their 
waists and large cakes of ice floating down the river they unloaded their 
sacks of grain and carried them to land on their shoulders. 

They were a hardy people and endeavored to build up their locality, 
making it inviting with those conveniences necessary to permanent growth. 
This made them to a certain extent competitors to the north side of the 
river, which gave rise to jealousy between the two settlements, and the race 
between the two in the acquisition of political power was the cause of con 
siderable crookedness in the affairs of the county during its organization. 

While the people of Elk Creek had the conveniences on their side, those 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 63 

on Elm had the largest population and the most wealth. From the con- 
dition of the county lines the prospective future county seat was hound ti 
he located on their side of the river. These petty jealousies have long 
since died out. hut these matters are referred to as a part of the history of 
the county. 

It will probably he of interest to all the old settlers to know that John 
D. Rohertson, once the pioneer merchant of Sibley, is now president of 
the Interstate Bank of Kansas City, the only banking house in the locality 
of the stockyards. 

SOCIETY ON" THE FRONTIER, AS SEEN BY J. B. RUPE. 

Some time in the latter part of June. 1865, after having been discharged 
from the service of "Uncle Sam." Mr. Rupe vrisited this somewhat historic 
country and expressed surprise at the apparent simplicity of its inhabitants. 
It had the appearance of beginning the world anew. Old and stiff formal- 
ities and fashionable society had not yet crept 111. Strangers and every- 
body seemed welcome with that familiarity that made people feel their lot 
was cast in pleasant places. That state of feeling grew partially out oi 
the fact that "Uncle Sam" had the kindness to make the proposition that by 
merely paving a stipend and living on a quarter section for five years, we 
should receive a title in fee simple for the same and thus become one ol 
the freeholders to these magnificent lands, had much to do with buoying 
new hopes that here one might settle down and grow up with the country. 

The people were intelligent and those who came from the east expect- 
ing to build themselves up in public life on account of their superior intelli- 
gence, found themselves much mistaken and left in the background. When 
Mr. Rupe arrived in Clay Center, his first trip up the Republican valley, he 
heard some talk about celebrating the coming fourth of July. 1 le was 
astonished that a country so thinly populated should observe that day. and 
secondly that a man among them capable of making a speech could be found. 
Considering it an impossibility, he resolved to see the result. 

He learned that Mr. Huntress, of Clay Center, was to be the orator of 
the dav. Mr. Huntress was not an orator and Mr. Rupe wondered to him- 
self why he should undertake to deliver an address. The celebration took 
place near the residence of J. C. Chester, on l'etes creek. A crowd to the 
number of two hundred or more were gathered and after the usual exchange 
of pleasantries common to such occasions, the meeting was called to order, 
and Mr. Huntress proceeded with his address, which was read from a 
carefully prepared manuscript. The production, manner, style, and delivery 
would have done honor- to more pretentious lecturers. The crowd was 
orderly and well behaved, and all listened with marked attention. Mr. 
Huntress demonstrated the fact that talent was to be found even among 
frontiersmen. 

After this address a sumptions feast was prepared. A long table had 



64 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

been previously arranged and all partook of the refreshments that were 
palatable enough to satisfy the most epicurean taste, ^fter the inner man had 
been faithfully served and order again restored, one Mr. Bosnian, was intro- 
duced by Mr. Huntress, who then addressed the people. It was not an elo- 
quent speech, neither was it fluent, but his happy style of illustration made 
it exceedingly interesting. His speech was rembered for years afterward 
and its illustrations and hints commented upon, which tell of its impression. 

Lastly, though far from being the least, the Reverend R. P. Wesl 
delivered an oration. This affair musl have a final, and none could render 
it more effectually; the cap sheaf was laid on by this somewhat eccentric 
man. This anniversary, following closely after the war. his theme was 
more on its causes and results. After paying a glowing tribute to our 
heroes and administering a severe rebuke to those who rebelled against the 
"dear old flag," he showed the tyranny of the )vt'( Davis crew, by reading a 
poem purporting to have been written by one of our starving soldiers in a 
rebel prison to his mother. 

Being all of one political faith, much of these speeches were given to 
hurling anathemas at what was then called "copper heads." A Democrai 
at this time among them would have fared badly, so in this matter they had 
no feelings to save. 

After this very enjoyable fete, enroute back to Clay Center, Mr. Rupe 
spent the night at the home of Mr. Huntress, who expressed himself as 
being much elated over the success felt, congratulating upon the size of the 
crowd and boasted of how well the valley was beginning to hi- settled, incir 
dentally remarking, "neither were they all out." With this he began count- 
ing the families who remained at home, beginning with Republic and Shirley 
counties, then including Clay and a large part of Washington counties. 
The impression received was that it was a large neighborhood, and 
yet he talked of these families just as if they all lived around and 
about him. This was not the first celebration held in the valley, for there 
had been one the year before on Salt creek, in which R. 1'. West held forth 
as the orator of the day. 

THE C0NKLINS. 

The citizens in a newly settled country are often compelled to resort 
to strenuous measures in order to protect themselver from lawlessness. This 
is exemplified in the event that razed to the ground the Conklin house, whose 
inmates were supposed to be, beyond a doubt, horse thieves and necessitated 
being dealt with accordingly. The county was yet unorganized and the 
one to which it was annexed was in poor condition for prosecuting crimi- 
nals, hence the settlers took the law into their own hands. 

( hades and Peter Conklin. with two sisters, during the year 1862. were 
living in their cabin on the old town site of Eaton city, afterward owned 
by Daniel Mcintosh. Thev were known to be regular horse thieves con- 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 65 

nected with an organized band operating' in a line, with Fort Kearney as 
the probable terminus. One of their stations was said to be a point on 
Wetheral's creek, and another at the "big" bend" of the river. The horses 
stolen were generally supposed to have been taken from Missouri, rather 

than from the people along the border, but the settlers from Washington. 
Clay and Republic counties were generally aroused. 

That there were exaggerated reports there can be no doubt, one of 
which was that they were guerrillas. The latter was not generally believed, 
but in all probability was put in circulation by a few of the leading spirits 
in order to increase the feeling; the most prominent of whom was a man 
by the name of Rose, who lived on Wild Cat creek, and Fox. the founder 
of Clifton. The latter felt a little interested for suspicions were being 
formed that he was a man not without a blemish. The Conklins had it m 
their power to unveil the villiany of Fox, and such a man under existing 
circumstances would be unrelenting in his persecutions and yet he seemed to 
have much influence. 

The number of citizens that gathered together with the determination 
to make short work of these boys was thirty. Luckily for them, however, 
a rumor of this affair readied them and they escaped, thus averting a crime. 
A majority of the mob were bent cm vengeance and determined that this 
house should be pulled down, and the two sisters with an orphan child 
living with them were left homeless. In justice to the settlers of this county, 
it can lie said they voted against this last shameful act. 

While the house was being torn down, Peter and Charlie Conklin 
were lying concealed a short distance awav and witnessed the whole perform- 
ance. The next thing was the search for the fugitives, but after scouring 
the country about, the exploration proved a failure. Had they been dis- 
covered there might have been several lives forfeited. One of the Conklins 
afterward reported that during this search one of the number" was within a 
few yards of them. Upon being asked what he would have done had he 
been found, replied that he did not know exactly, but in all probability would 
have lived, inasmuch as he had two loaded revolvers. 

In order to escape punishment, they repaired to Leavenworth, where 
they enlisted in the United States service. They were followed to Leaven- 
worth and were demanded of the military authorities, but their persecutors 
were told they would not be surrendered under any charges short of blood, 
so this ended the affray and a safe asylum had been found. The cabin pulled 
down over their heads, they were left with nothing to shelter them from 
the inclemencyof the weather but a sheet stretched over a pole with no one 
to befriend them, no kindly hand to administer comfort, but were compelled 
to endure the frowns of an excited and prejudiced public, and pointed out 
as being the sisters of horse theives. During this time they were drenched 
by a severe rain storm. They were shown no mercy under the pretext that 
the brothers, out of sympathy, would come to their relief, thus making an 
opportunity to prosecute the intentions of the mob. 



66 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY. ECANSAS. 

In order to show up the character of one of these "ring leaders.'' the 
substance of a speech delivered by Delilah, one of these unfortunate women, 
is o-iven This was probably the first public speech delivered in the county. 
After the house was torn down this woman, naturally feeling indignant and 
wishing to unburden her mind, and knowing the character of one oi the 
mob, addressed something like the following language to James Fox: "You 
old thief, I will give you a piece of my mind. You are too cowardlj to da 
any stealing for yourself, but want others to do it for you and then divide 
the spoils. Because my brothers would not go into any such arrangement 
with you, and fearing you might be caught in your thieving inclinations, 
you have incited this crowd against them. They are much better than you 
are and the sooner the people find it out the bettei 

This was rather a short address, hut much too pointed for Fox, He 
hung his head, his countenance bearing the impress of conviction. To show 
how prophetic she was. this same Fox after leaving the count) toured the 
state of Missouri in the cowardly profession of a bushwhacker. One ol 
the Kansas militia, with whom Fox had been the means of stirring up 
unfriendly family relations, says the last he saw of him was his body shot 
full of bullet holes. 

These two unfortunate victims the Conklin sister-,, were turned out 
of doors to suffer indefinitely. No one must be allowed to mow them to 
their friends, for the decree of the mob was. "lynch anyone that attempts 
it." The agony of mind and body must have been intense, not knowing 
what future was in store for them, perhaps starvation. This fearful sus- 
pense was continued for about two weeks: finally the sympathy of J. M. 
Hagaman, who denounced the outrage of tearing down the house, ba 
aroused to the extent that he yoked up his cattle and took them to a place 
of safety among their friends. This act of courage on the part of Mr. 
Hagaman should always redound to his credit. 

The Conklin affair was one of the most outrageous that ever took place 
in the county, and that good men had a hand in it has its excuse in the 
statement made in the beginning of this article. This house was the first 
built on the town site of Eaton city; was a good hewed log building covered 
with shakes and considered at the time a very good one, as the most of them 
were covered with dirt. If this first house was standing great importance 
would be attached to it. 

A part of the history connected with this affair partakes of a romantic 
nature. As usual in such incidents, a woman was connected with the case. 
Had it not been for a little love affair these boys would have met a tragical 
death. While the bob was in course of preparation great effort was made 
lo prevent the Conklins from knowing anything about their movements. 
I he whole success depended upon this and various opinions were given as 
to the mystery of their notification. Some accused Uncle Heller of having 
delivered it. Had he done so it would have been a good deed, but had it 
been known it is hard telling what his fUte might have been. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 67 

Pete Conklin was paying his attentions to a young girl in the settle- 
ment, though under a strong protest by her parents. She served him well 
at this important stage of the game, and could claim the indebtedness of 
prolonging two lives. At the time of the disclosure, she. with the two 
Conklin hoys and Emanuel Cline were at L'ncle Heller's, when Mr. Cline 
observed the following. The girl remarked: "Pete, come here, 1 want to 
tell you something." Pete obeyed, after which he remarked in an excited 
manner, "Charlie, come here, I want to tell you something." Soon after- 
wan! one of the hoys with a revolver in hand approached Mr. Cline in an 
excited way, so much so that he began to fear that he was doomed, and 
remarked." the first d — d man that passes that bridge is a dead man." 

So this little episode shows how thej got their information. Mr. Cline, 
fearing that they might put the threat into execution, stationed himself near 
the bridge to warn the mob of danger. When they approached and saw 
him standing by himself, and not knowing his business, for about all thev 
could think of at that time was horse thieves, they arrested him: hut after 
a brief explanation he was released and the project of giving fight at the 
bridge was given up. 

EXIT OF THE SETTLERS IX I S64. 

The year 1864 was one of the most eventful in Cloud county's history. 
The savages were making war on the whites in Minnesota and thousands 
of men and their families of innocent women and children were being 
murdered. There had been depredations committed in the southwestern 
part of Nebraska, and many of the ranchmen fell victims to the murderous 
tomahawk. The carnage was carried on, on this side of Fort Kearney 
the enemy consisting of forces, that had they been so disposed, might have 
wiped the settlements out of existence within sight of Fort Riley, before they 
could have been checked: the settlers being so few and in such defenceless 
condition, it struck terror to the hearts of the people along the border of 
the frontier. Consequently the appearance of Indians in August of [864, 
was followed by great fear and consternation, and a general flight or con- 
centrating of the few settlers scattered along the creeks. These facts staring 
them in the face, it is no wonder they should become alarmed. 

Thev could do nothing better than to congregate at Clay Center. All 
the settlers in the county, with the exception of Moses Heller. Israel Heller. 
Ahram Cole, Andrew Smith, and possibly [. D. Robertson, left for this 
purpose. Conrad Myers, of Republic county, refused to go. R. P. West 
was at this time enroute to Fort Kearney and was not among the number. 
These are perhaps the only parties who remained at home. Before R. P. 
West started for Fort Kearney he induced Miss Mary Morlev (now Mrs. 
John B. Rupe) to stay with Mrs. West during his absence. Late in the 
afternoon they received a message from Captain Schooley to be in readiness 
to start with him and his family to Clay Center. Thev took a different view 



68 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

of the situation, and after consulting together concluded to risk their chances 
at home. About midnight they received another message without op 
They were told if they did not go willingly they would be taken by force, 
consequently they joined the party at Captain Schooley's and the) - ! 
with about all of the Salt creek settlers before daylight for (lay Center. 

<i. W. Glover, at that time living on Petes creek, could not for some 
reason get started with the rest, and remained one nighl longer. The next 
morning- he yoked up his cattle and started, but while on the way. leisurely 
driving along eating melons, they were met !>\ a dozen or fifti who 

had started to look for them, under the false alarm that they were murdered 
and their house burned; a rumor started bj Mr. Crop and family, who had 
passed the day previous, and possibly imagined they saw a smoke and 
as they said smelled burning feathers. Mr. Crop was too much alarmed 
to -top. Inn went hastily on to Manhattan. 

After remaining a while at Clay (enter, the settlers fell hark ti Clifton. 
Fear were entertained for R. I'. West's safety, hut 1m escaped unharmed. 
Returning home he found no one there and a- the next Sabbath was his 
day for preaching at Clifton, he hastily repaired to that point, where he 
found Mrs. West. This was a joyful occasion, pleasing to Mr. West lor 
two reasons, first, the meeting of hi- wife; second, he had the fugitives to 
preach to, which occasion he gladly improved, taking lor his text the appro- 
priate passage found in [saiah i:i<). which reads as follows: "If ye he 
willing and obedient ye shall eat the good of the land." 

After discoursing from this text to the very best of his ability, he 
concluded with the following remarks: "And now my friends let in. 
this is our land and if we are obedient we -hall eat the fat of the land, 
but you must quit stealing the Indian-' traps and ponies and quit poisoning 
then- dogs. Do this and my word for it. and 1 am sure I am backed by the 
won! of God, there is not enough thieving, murderous red skin- in the 
western world to run us away from our homesteads. So now my suffering 
fellow frontiersmen let me say my faith is in God and my home is on Salt 
creek, they will find us there."' 

At the conclusion of these earnest and practical remarks. Captain 
Sshooley came out of his tent and begged permission t" say a few words. 
Leave being granted by the preacher, the captain spoke a- follows: "Ladies 
and gentlemen. I want every man and boy that belongs to my company to 
come in tomorrow morning at nine o'clock and get a gun and ammunition, 
tor 1 believe in lighting Indians with lead and not with prayers." Then 
Reverend West said: "That's right, captain, keep your powder dry. but trust 
the Lord." And then the congregation was dismissed. Reverend West 
then proceeded to Clyde, where he ministered to a tew kindred spirits, then 
accompanied by his devoted wife started for their home on Salt creek, singing 
as they went : "There is a spot to me more dear than native dale or 
mountain., etc." They arrived safely home, where through all the trials of 
the settlement of this country thev could be found readv at all time- to feed 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 69 

the hungry, spiritually or materially, clothe the naked or give chase to the 
red man. 

A consultation was held at Clifton and a location decided upon for 
building a fort. They chose a place near G. D. Brooks' claim. This fort or 
block house, was called by way of derision. Fort Skedaddle number three, 
Clay Center being number one and Clifton number two. In the meantime 
a scouting party under command of Captain Schooley, went out as far as 
White Rock, but finding no Indians, the majority of them returned, thus 
making good the celebrated word'- of Mrs. Schooley to the wives of those 
who went: "You needn't be alarmed, the captain won't take them into 
danger." G. D. Brooks, [. M. Hagaman, J. C. Chester and others, wen- 
much farther and satisfied themselves there need be no further immediate 
fears in regard to Indians, so things gradually quieted down and tor a time 
went on peaceably. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE MILITIA. 

Company C, Seventeenth Regiment, Kansas State Militia, was organized 
early in 1864. Of this Colonel J. M. Schooley was captain; J. M. Hagaman,. 
first lieutenant; J. C. Chester, second lieutenant: Daniel Myers, third lieu- 
tenant and G. D. Brooks, ensign. In commenting upon this militia. Mr. 
Rupe says : "As is stated there were thirty privates in this company. He 
thinks they were heavily officered, if Mr. Brooks was considered a com- 
missioned officer, there would be one to every six men. Who ever heard 
of a third lieutenant? And for ensign, would have to go to the unabridged 
dictionary to find it. 'an old extinct commissioned office that required the 
carrying of the flag.' now performed by the color bearer." He further says, 
"so far as numbers were considered, no fault could be found, but the man- 
ner in which this militia was composed made it very inefficient. Mow they 
happened to choose such a man as Schooley for captain can only l>e accounted 
for on the ground that he was a braggart bombast, and fooled the people. 
His remarks after the sermon of R. P. West revealed his character. 1 [e 
should have been elected ensign ami left at home for the want of a flag t" 
carry. The old settlers all seemed to regard him as a coward." 

Had G. D. Brooks been commissioned captain, the result would 
have been different, as all who knew him could well attest his great courage: 
but be w : as given a mere nominal position. Mr. Hagaman and J. C. Chester 
were also men to be relied upon, in times of danger none were braver, and 
the same might be said of Daniel Myers. 

TOWNSHIP ORG \N rzATION. 

October '4, 1866, there were five municipal townships created as fol- 
lows: Elk, Siblev. Shirley, Buffalo and Solomon. On September 6. 187 r, 
petitions were presented and the township of Plainfield, which included that 



7° 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COl \ T TY, K VNSAS. 



part of range 2, south of the Republican river and north of the center ol 
town 7 and the township of I. inc. .In, winch included that part oi range 3 
and 4 south of the Republican, north of the center of the town 7. and easl 
of the center line of range 4, were organized. 

During the interim from [866 to 1N71 the line Ijetween Elk and Sibley 
townships was changed to the line between r; and 3. 

1 1 row NSHJP. 

Elk township is located in the northeast corner of the county and is 
bounded on the south by the Republican river, which furnishes excellent 
water power. In this locality an abundance of red sandstone is found with- 
in a short distance of Clyde. The land consists of a rich and) loam, \vh 
yields immense crops of grain and melons; the latter growing I itic 

proportions. (See Clyde's Carnival. 1 Elk creek intersects this township 
from north to south; its confluence with the Republican being in the vicinil 
of Clvde. This is one of the best watered localities m the county. G01 
water can be found at a depth of from eighteen to fifty feet. Clyde, one ol 
the most flourishing little cities in northwest Kansas, is situated principally 
on the west side of Elk creek and just north of the Republican river, which 
touches near the city limits. The original township of Elk comprised all 
the territory north of the Republican river and west 1 2. The town- 

ship was settled in [859 b] John and Lew.' Fowler, one Brown and Harlow 
Seymour. 

SOLOMON row \ si 111'. 

Solomon comprises 34,560 acres of land and is one of the most ]" 
perous townships in the county. ' 'The Solomon river enters from near the 
center of the west boundary line and winds through the township to the 
southeast corner, furnishing fine water power. One of the best mill sil 
in the county is at Brittsville. on the Solomon river, owned and operated b; 
Long Brothers. (See sketch. I About fifty per cent of the ground is bottom 
land, and about ten per cent is forest timber. This is also a fine stock 
raising country and one of the most prosperous farming districts in the 
state of Kansas. Solomon township originally extended across the entire 
southern part of the county and was thirty miles in length by nine to twelve 
miles in width. The first settlers were John Hillhouse, Robert Smith and 
James Ikndershot. in January, 1865. In April of the same year H. II. 
Spaul cling and M. D. Teasley came, while others followed closely during 
the first and second years following. 

SIP. LEY TOWNSHIP. 

Sibley being hounded on the south and west by the serpentine course 
iblican river, is very irregular in outline. It has an area of thirty- 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 71 

five square miles; is ten miles long east and west, with a breadth of from 
little more than one to five miles, lis greatest breadth is across the center 
and nearly opposite the city of Concordia. It is bounded by the Republican 
,county line on the north. About one-fifth of the surface is bottom land. 
one-fifth hills or spurs of the divide and the remaining three-fifths second 
bottom. Lake Sibley, a description of which is given elsewhere, is situated 
in this township. All the territory north of the Republican river to the 
Republic* county line, and west from range 2 to the west line of the county, 
was included in the first creation of the township. 

SH IK1.TY TOWNSHIP. 

Shirley township originally extended from the county's east line, west 
to the center of range 3, and south to the center of town 7. Shirley is 
bounded on the north by the Republican river, on the east by Clay county 
and extends smith of Colfax and west to the lines of Nelson and Lawrence 
townships. Elm creek intersects its southwesl corner and flows in a northery 
direction through the entire length of the township, and empties into the 
Republican a shorl distance north of the little town of Ames. Beaver and 
Dry creeks run through the eastern part of the township. The inhabitants 
ate composed almost entirely of French people, most of whom are from 
Canada and Kankakee, Illinois. St. Joseph, the Catholic town, founded b\ 
Father Mollier, is situated one mile east and one mile south of the center 
of the n >w nship. 

BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 

\s an original township. Buffalo comprises all the land west of Shirley 
township and north of the line between towns 6 and 7. It was reorganized 
July 2, 1872, and some of its former territory left unorganized. But during 
the same session Summit township was created and included the part left 
out by Buffalo. Dr. D. B. Moore was appointed its first trustee. Buffalo 
township is partially bounded on the north by the Republican river and is 
very irregular in outline. Buffalo creek enters the township from the west 
and flows almost due east across the township into the Republican river. 
The southern part is drained by White's creek; a tributary of Buffalo, and 
Wolf creek, of the Republican river. This is one of the most extensive 
wheat growing townships in the county, ami the farmers are almost univers- 
ally prosperous. 

MEREDITH TOWNSHIP. 

On lanuary 2. 1872. this part of Solomon situated east of the line 
between ranges 3 and 4. was organized into a new township and given the 
name of Meredith. George W. Carver was appointed the first trustee. It 



72 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

is located in the center of the southern tier of townships, and the land is 
watered by First Pipe creek, which run- the enure length of the township 
from north to south. A mure beautiful country or more prosperous people 
than the inhabitants in this locality doe- not exist in this part of the state, 
[ulin Murphy was the first white child bom in the township. 

GRANT TOWNSHIP. 

When the new hoard of county commissioners assumed their duties 
nn lanuarv 8, [872, the first petition for new townships that came up before 
them was town 5, range 5. which was organized and named Grant, for 
General Grant, then President of the United States. J. F. McCracken was 
the first trustee. G. W. Johnson and Reginald Reed were the first to lake 
up claims in this township. Three valleys center near the middle of Grant 
township, which lie in the northeast corner of the county. Buffalo creek. 
Salt Marsh and the Big Cheyenne, and consequently has hut a small per 
cent of upland. The great salt marsh of four thousand acre-, lie- partly 
in the northern portion of the township. There are many Danes in this 
vicinity, all of them prosperous and well-to-do citizens. This township ha-, 
the largest per cent of wheat of any in the county. 

coil-' \\ row v-'iir. 

The second petition, and following that of Grant, was town 7. range 1. 
which became Colfax township, named in honor of the vice-prc dent of the 
United States, then in office. \\". E. Campbell was the first trustee. George 
Ginter was the first settler. Colfax is situated in the southern part of the 
county and is bounded on the west by Aurora .and on the south by Starr. 
Both Grant and Colfax townships were organized April 11. 187J. The 
surface of the country in Colfax township, is the finest in the county; a 
beautiful undulating prairie. Mulberry, the principle stream, runs diagonally 
through the township. It is a small creek, but affords water very nearly 
all the year, and along its banks are numerous springs. 

ARION TOWNSHIP. 

The following autumn after Grant and Colfax were organized. Anon 
township was inaugurated. Its poetical name is significant of "Evening 
Star." Aurora township was admitted at the same time and was given 

nsicaJ name of Aurora, which means "Morning Star." Arion is the 
township west of the center of the county. It is nine miles square. The 
greater part of the kind is rolling prairie. The small valleys are along the 
creeks and extending hack and away from them, is considerable tableland. 
Wolf and Coal creeks intersect Arion on the east, the west branch of Wolf 

on the west, and all furnish considerable timber. William Gilmore was 
Hi- first trusl 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 73 

NELSON TOWNSHIP. 

On October 25, 1872, the Nelson township organization was effected 
by the people of town 6, range 2, who presented a petition. This left only 
that portion of town 5, range 2, south of the Republican river in Plainfield 
township, and as that did not constitute the legal apportionment required 
it was attached to Elk, and the township "Plainfield" was extinguished. 
The surface of Nelson is drained by Elk creek. 

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP. 

< )n October J?,. 1872, the citizens of town 5 and range 2, petitioned 
for separation from Elk township and was organized as a township called 
"Lawrence." in honor of L. D. Lawrence, its earliest settler, who came there 
in [864. R. F. Clarke was the first trustee. It is one of the northern tier 
of townships and is bounded on the east by Elk, on the south by Nelson, 
and on the west by Sibley. The surface is composed of about three-fourths 
river and creek bottom land. There is but a small per cent of upland and 
all the ground is tillable. The Republican river runs through the town- 
ship and is fed from the south by Plum and Oak creeks and on the north 
by Salt. Upton and Little Upton creeks, and all find their confluence with 
the Republican river in Lawrence township. The largest of these streams. 
Salt creek, is fed by numerous springs ami furnishes living water the entire 
year. It is spanned by a one hundred foot bridge. The coal fields adjacent 
to Minersville, lie in the northwestern portion of Lawrence township, and 
just oyer the line of Sibley. The inhabitants in this vicinity are composed 
of a large portion of Danes and Swedes, who are thrifty, enterprising citiz 
zens and have made for themselves good homes. 

LYON TOWNSHIP. 

This township, originally a part of Solomon, was detached April 7. 
1872. and organized under the name of Fowler, in honor of its earliest set- 
tler; but a month later, was changed to Lyon, in honor of General Nathaniel 
Lyon. J II. Neal was the first trustee. It includes town 8 and the south 
half of town 7. in range 4. It is nine miles in length north and south, by 
six miles in width, and contains fifty-four square miles. It is bounded on 
the north by Arion, on the east by Center and Meredith. Ottawa county 
on the south and Solomon township on the west. The larger part of tin 
township lies in the fruitful Solomon valley and the remainder on the divide 
between the Solomon and Republican river valleys. This is one of the 
leading live stock growing townships in the county. Chris creek drains 
the western part, Mortimer the central, and Yockey the eastern portion; all 
tributaries of the Solomon, which intersect the southwest corner of the 
township. Magnesia limestone in inexhaustible quantities is found in this 
locality, and is used extensivelv for building purposes. 



74 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY. KANSAS. 

CENTER TOWNSHIP. 

The name is suggestive of its location and the geographical center oi 
the county is very near that of the township. It was organized May 23 
1873. Zacariah Swearinger was its first settler. The long divide between 
the Solomon and Republican of this highland is a plateau ranging from one 
to three miles in width, and numerous line farms are found there. South 
of this upland the country is quite hill) ami broken, a- is also the western 
portion; however a rich limestone loam prevails throughout and yields 
a bountiful crop of grain. The whole surface of these highlands is under 
laid with magnesia limestone. Bituminous coal has also been discovered, 
but nut extensively mined. Both branches of Oak creek take then' ri 
in this township; there is also what is termed the "Middle Branch." 

LINCOLN Tow NSI1 [P. 

Lincoln township, wherein the city of Concordia is situated, was organ- 
ized January 3, 1873, and contains twenty-four square miles of land. It 
comprises the north half of town six and south half of range three w< 
and all that part of town five lying south of the Republican river. About 
one-half of its surface is rich bottom land, ddie eastern part is drained by 
Oak creek and the western by Lost creek, both traversing the township north 
t<> the Republican river. The Republican river forms the boundary line on 
the north, between Lyon and Sibley townships. It is bounded on the e: 
by Lyon and Nelson, on the south by Center, and on the west by Buffalo. 

STARR TOWNSHIP. 

Starr township includes town eight, range one. and 1- the extreme south- 
eastern township of the county. Its creation was effected October 6, 1873. 
James T. Brook was elected trustee. The township is drained by Chapman 
creek and its tributaries which How' in a southwesterly direction. Chapman 
creek is fed by many springs, affords water the year around, and is also 
skirled by timber. 

0AKX \ X I > TOWNSHIP. 

' >akland was organized July 10, 1874, and completed the present list 
nships in Cloud county. It occupies town eight, range two west. By 
the division, J. I.. B. Stanton, who had been elected trustee of Meredith, was 
taken into the new township and became its first trustee. The first families 
to settle in this township were J. E. Burkhart, Isaac Smith and A. J. Mc- 
Allister. It is located in the southern tier of townships and is second in 
number from tin' east line of the county. The surface is drained by the east 
branch and middle branch, tributaries of Pipe creek. The people of Oak- 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 75 

land township are well-to-do and rank with the most prosperous of the 
county. As the undulating prairie sweeps away from some of the high 
elevations in Oakland township, a fine view of the Solomon valley is given, 
presenting one of the finest landscapes of the entire country. 

An extended history of Aurora township appears in another part of this 
history. 

Prior to 1866, the towns of Clyde, Concordia, Jamestown. Glasco and 
Miltonville were unknow and where they now stand, the lithe-limbed deer 
and antelope gamboled, herds of buffalo tramped and the red man reveled 
in wild freedom, while the prairie grass rolled and tossed in the breezes like 
a vast green sea. 

The early settlers of Cloud county evinced confidence in its future and 
backed their belief with evident sincerity, looking forward with an eve of 
hope and faith to building homes for themselves in the new western country. 
The vast sums of money that have been expended to build schools, the erec- 
tion of their beautiful court house, the expenditure for pavements and beauti- 
fying the cities, all evidence the fact that her citizens possess high moral 
stamina. The many charming residences with their beautiful green lawns 
and shade trees exhibit a pride that is highly gratifying, and even the lowli- 
est homes are not without these luxuries. 

l866 A NEW ERA IX KANSAS. 

The year i860, following the close of the Rebellion left many soldiers 
foot loose, many of whom were discharged in this state and naturally sought 
the broad prairies of Kansas. Among this number are a few of the old 
settlers at the present time, and some others who date their coming during 
this year. In 1866 the county was organized and the original town com- 
pany of Clyde formed, making this an interesting period in the history of 
Cloud county. 

The country at this time was in a crude state. Where Clyde riow stands. 
"Uncle Heller" and his son David lived in a crude log house. They had built 
a new one which was required as a store-room fur the few goods of Chauncey 
Covvell and Charles Davis, which had just been brought into the country. 
The next house was erected on the west side of the creek — a cabin built of 
round logs with a dirt roof occupied by Joseph Berry. The next building 
was similar in architecture and occupied by Tom Hay. The next house was 
built by J. B. Rupe and occupied by Andrew W. Smith. Still further v 
on what is known as the William Crammer farm, lived Ed Xeely. '1 he 
Cline residence stood on the Kennedy farm, later owned by Reverend 
forth. Israel Heller lived in a cabin adjoining bis father's on the east, 'lb 
was the extent of what might lie termed the Elk Creek settlement. 

All the land under cultivation at that time in this community was ten 
acres on the Heller farm, about the same amount on the Donald Mclnl 
claim, which was probably broken by the Conklins, and five acre- on 



76 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY. KANSAS. 

■claim of Ed Neely. This may seem a poor. exhibit for a settlement which 
had been in existence six years, but there were continual drawbacks to its 
advancement, constant exposure to the outbreaks of the savages and the 
great drouth of [860. Notwithstanding the small population line, of their 
number enlisted in the army: Joseph Berry, Emanuel Cline and David I hi 
ler, and nothing was done by way of improvement on their claims, ('line, 
while in the army, had his cabin torn down and burned for camp fire b) 
a portion of the Eleventh Kansas, who were passing through this section. 

These drawbacks had a discouraging effect on new coiners, who. finding 
innumerable obstacles to surmount, would become disheartened ami leave, 
consequently let no one he hasty in condemning the sturdy old pioneers who 
bravelv withstood the trials and hardships of frontier life for this seemingly 
poor showing, hut rather wonder why they did not all return to the laud 
•of their nativity, where a substantial existence could be obtained without 
the dangers incident to the frontier. 

The early settlers were neighbors even when thirty, forty or fifty miles 
apart. For several years in this small neighborhood there was but one 
mowing machine, and that did duty for all. John Core was the 
lucky owner, and usually had to go about thirty miles from home to some 
of his nearest neighbors to mow. Among these were the Clovers and Nyes, 
on Petes creek; Corys, Van Nattas, Myers and Wests, on Salt creek; Haga- 
maiis, Thorpes and Randal Honey, on Elm creek; Hellers, Neelys, Morleys, 
B. V. Honey, Coopers, Seaburys and (Testers, on Elk creek. Even some 
could he mentioned who lived at Sibley and White Rock that helped to con- 
stitute the settlement. These are what might he called the primitive settlers 
of the Republican valley. Of these John Cory has been the most successful 
so far as this world's goods is concerned. 

SCHOOLS IN l866. 

During the year 1866, the Elk creek settlers began agitating the im- 
portant subject of establishing schools. It was no uncommon thing at that 
time to hear the old bachelors denounced as a perfect nuisance, for next 
to the Indians they seemed the most despised, and when he came and took 
up a claim, they rightfully considered his action as so much against the 
proven of schools, and an injury to the growth and prosperity of the coun- 
try: hut emigration was coming in and some action in regard to schools 
must he had. Early in the spring of that year a meeting was called at 4 'Cncle" 
er's for the purpose of divising means for building a school house. 
"Uncle" Heller was chairman and Joseph Berry secretary. 

rig that Elk Creek would become an important point eventually. 

decided to build a "good one." the size to be sixteen by twenty-two 

ewed logs, dirt roof and Cottonwood floor. 'Each settler 

four dollars apiece, which was to be paid in work and the meeting 

To the people of Cloud county to-day it might seem a house 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 77 

of such dimensions and material could soon be built; but much hard strug- 
gling and parleying ensued before this house was completed. There were 
more vexations connected with it than the present magnificent building that 
graces the city of Clyde" to-day. 

The building was commenced with the expectation of having it ready 
for school in the early summer months, but the 14th of July had arrived 
before they were ready for the "raising." The question was, how this latter 
event could be brought about. A plan was happily hit upon by F. B. Rupe 
The settlers all turned out, and connected with the raising, a picnic 
at "Uncle" Heller's; an enjoyable affair, attended with a feast, consisting of 
all the luxuries the country afforded, but the house still lacked much of 
being completed. It was necessary to have a roof, floor and paint. These 
seemingly insurmountable difficulties were eventually overcome, but not until 
some time in the winter. 

A Doctor Rogers was employed to teach the first school, whose services 
as an instructor amounted to nothing. Sometimes he would lie in the room 
during school hours, again he would not. He would tell his pupils to re- 
main and study while he went over to the store and read the newspaper, 
talked politics, or discussed the ordinary topics of the day. The result can 
be imagined; romp and play the order of exercise. Nevertheless, to this 
man must be given the credit of being their first school teacher, though by 
main he was thought to be unequally balanced. The school was taught 
by subscription. 

This building served not only as a school house, but as a public meet- 
ing house for all other occasions, even court business for the county, the 
commissioners meeting in it to transact their business. Dirt would often 
come rattling down through the roof in piles upon the writing desk, yet it 
was the best in the county, and continued to be until their frame school 
house was built. It was in this cabin that Clyde's gifted and witty Judge 
Borton made his first law speech to the "unsophisticated natives." before a 
board of county commissioners, where a man had been arraigned on a charge 
of having made his listment of taxable property to the assessor too small. 
The judge defended and cleared him. 

On April jo, 1866, the log house formerly owned by Herman & Davis 
as a store building was raised. Frank Rupe says the first drunkenness in 
Clyde occurred on this occasion. This house was erected by Cowel & Davis. 
the first merchants of the settlement. There are several persons now living 
in Clyde who assisted in the raising of this house, viz: W. H. Page, J. B. 
Rupe". F. B. Rupe and U. J. Smith, all of whom doubtless remember the 
good old-fashioned dinner that greeted them at "Uncle" Heller's. 

Although erected before the formation of the town company, this build- 
ing might be considered the beginning of Clyde and the first house built in 
the county crowned by a shingle roof, and first to be decorated on the inside 

by what was then considered a splendid lot of g Is by Cowel & Davp, 

and within its walls W. S. Herman and Hugh Kirkpatrick commenced their 



78 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

career as clerks. This building was also distinguished as hem- the birth- 
place of the Republican Valley Empire, published by II. Buckingham. I 1 it* 
first number was issued on Tuesday, -May 31, [870. Great interesl was 
manifested by the citizens of Clyde when the first number of this paper was 
being printed. The emigrants who were coming in by hundreds, as they 
passed the office with their household effects on a prairie schooner mani- 
fested great surprise al seeing a press in full Mast so far in the wilderness. 
This historical building was burned to the ground on September 22, [882. 

An article contributed by Mrs. Mice L. Bates to a volume on the schools 
of Kansas is as follow s : 

In the month of May, 1866, a part)- of five might have been seen wend 
ing their way from the "Elm Creek settlement," where Clyde is now situated, 
to the present town of Washington, Kansas, then only one log hut. I he 
member of the party in whom we are interested was Mis- Rosella Honey, 
who was seeking Mr. Horfine, superintendent of Washington county, and 
also of Shirley county (now Cloud), for the purpose of taking a teachers 
examination. 

There were no roads, only the paths ,,f the buffalo or the dun trail made 
by an occasional wagon. At last darkness overtook them and they lost their 
way. There was not a glimmer of a friendly light to beckon them on their 
way, yet on they went. At last the barking of a dog told them they were 
not alone in that region. A rude cabin was found, the inmates aroused and 
information received that they were several miles out of their way; also 
that the superintendent had gone to Junction City to mill. 

The journey had been made in vain and must be repeated, [magine the 
disappointment of the party, especially Miss Honey, who was anxious, as 
teachers usually are, to take examinations. The second attempt was 
successful. The examination consisted of a few oral questions in arithmetic. 
grammar and geography. More than this, she read a paragraph in the news- 
paper and wrote her name. Compare this with two days' continuous writ- 
ing- after four weeks' hard work in the institute, and most teachers will con- 
clude it was something to have lived in the "good old times." 

The next month Miss Honey began the first school in what is now 

' ! I county. It was known as the Elm Creek school, taught in a log 

house, the typical early school house of the county. There were neither 
doors nor windows; only "logs left out." The floor was kindly provided 
by nature, the seal- were logs split in halves with pegs, which served a- legs 
driven in the convex side. Desks and blackboards there were none. Among 
the distinguished visitors during the term was a tribe of Otoe Indians. 

I lure v ' ' enrollment of eighteen pupils and for teaching these 
"young ideas how to -hoot," Miss Honey received eight dollars iter month. 
lie term w is three months in length and the last day was celebrated by 
the marriage of the teacher to W. M. Wilcox. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 79 



FIRST SCHOOL IN CONCORDIA. 

To Milo Stevens, who has been a resident of Clyde for many years, 
belongs the distinction of having taught the first school in the embryo city 
of Concordia. He received a salary of twenty dollars per month. 

CLAIM JUMPING. 

Claim jumping was indulged in to some extent in the early settlement. 
An unprincipled fellow would often select a claim and either contest the 
right himself, or call to it the attention of an eastern emigrant, who could 
rely upon the claim jumper swearing to all that was necessary, proceed to 
consult a lawyer, and get out papers for the contest. 

This character of individual became so common that in several localities 
he was visited by a committee provided with "hemp" and other paraphernalia 
necessary in the event that he did not make an exit. He usually complied 
with the law laid down upon this occasion. 

THE DUGOUT. 

The dwelling of the homestead settler on the frontier known as "dug- 
outs," were temporary structures, the memory .if which is fast fading into 
oblivion. Hastily constructed by the pioneers for the immediate shelter and 
comfort they afforded their families until time and circumstances would 
permit of more substantial residences being erected. 

These temporary homes are almost entirely a thing of the past, few 
remaining as a reminder of those primitive days. Occasionally one is left 
standing for the sake of "Auld Lang Syne." as it were, and few are still 
inhabited: hut these latter were built in more modern architecture, with 
windows, floors and are comfortable habitations. In driving over the coun- 
try the author has found the tumbled down remains of several of these in- 
teresting boroughs, for many of them were little less than a hole in the 
ground. Now and again a rock wall or front is still standing (against some 
hillside) that did duty as a settler's domicile and could these walls talk they 
would tell many a tale of life on the frontier, commingling of loneliness, 
sorrow, pain, hardships and suffering, often times made lighter, perhaps, 
by happy visions of a future home. A description of these relics are no! 
given for the past or present, but that the coming and future generations 
may know the design and style of residence that prevailed among the home- 
stead pioneer. The site was generally selected on a hillside or base oi a 
ridge. Walls were usually made by digging out the earth, and were walk-. I 
with rock when obtainable, or a layer of logs or poles. The excavation 
was ordinarily about twelve by fifteen feet, with a large fork set in the 
ground at each angle, and poles were laid across with a ridge pole in the 
center sufficiently strong to hold the heavy weight of earth and sod— the 
o ivering of the roof. 



8o HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



mony ^ s 



On the top of these rude structures there was often growing in har- 
together a mass of prairie grass, weeds and sunflowers. The Eronl 
of the dugout is usually built of stone, or logs, with space for a door, pei 
haps -one window, rarely two, sometimes none. In some instances a hole 
would he left for the purpose of admitting air and light. The floor was 
almost invariably of terra firnia leveled smooth and cleanly swept. 

Many of these crude huts sheltered families who had seen better days 
—even some who had been reared in the lap of luxury and have since figured 
most conspicuously and prominently in the history of t loud county. Must bl 
these pioneers were an intellectual, industrious people who came west to 
secure homes and to better their condition. They had all seen better days. 
There were no drones among them; for that class of people would not dare 
face the hardships a new country must impose. The settlers' wives were 
brave and true women and many of the dugouts were models oi cleafflines 
and neatness and comfortable to the extent of their provisions for making 
them si > 

A Sunday school teacher in Glasco asked one of his brightest pupils 
"What kind of a house did Adam and Eve live in?" ddie young hopeful 
studied a moment, and thinking of the Kansas primitive mode of dwelling, 
replied, "In a dugout, I guess." 

A PIONEER WKDIHN'i;. 

The following pioneer wedding- ceremony performed by the late l\i i I 
end R. P. West, as given by Colonel E. J. Jenkins in The Northern Tier, 
is well worth reproducing: 

"I was invited by a settler to visit one of those 'dugouts' and witness 
the marriage of his daughter. 'Be sure and come,' said the hospitable farmer 
and his w ife, as they departed from town, with a goodly portion of pro- 
visions to he transformed into a wedding dinner. It was a mild October 
day. and committing the care of the office to the register and clerks. I shook 
the dust of Concordia from my feet, and rode into the country to attend 
the wedding at the 'dugout' of my friend. 

"His primitive mansion was situated at the base of a ridge, surrounded 
will; a beautiful grove of his own planting. As I rode up the lane, on one 
side if the corn-field, the frosted blades rustled in the winds, and the weed- 
round was checkered with gold-colored sweet pumpkins. On the oppo- 
site side was a corral, in which several well-fed milch cows stood lazily, or 
rely walked toward the watering trough at the sound of the creaking 
ot the well wheel, denoting that it was the time for moistening their capacious 
dis with nature's beverage. As I approached the dwelling my friend 
g lus commands to the playful children while caring for teams 
1 arrived, while his wife and a couple of neighlxjr ladies were dexter- 
■ the feathers from the body of a large turkey and other fowls, 
the prospective bride, blushing, and happy, was receiving her lady 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 81 

friends. Beneath the branches of the grove was a sward of blue gi 
sown and cultivated by the settler. After caring for the teams, he showed 
me his farm, his fields and his improvements, closing his conversation by 
avowing his determination to build a more substantial residence in the near 
future: 

"The hilarity of the guests upon arrival, evidenced that they were thor- 
ough partakers of the genuine enjoyment of witnessing a wedding on the 
frontier. The whole scene was one of happiness and pleasure. 

"A number of the neighbors and friends of the parties had arrived, con- 
spicuous among whom was the officiating clergyman, the Reverend Romulus 
Pintus Westlake, with the conventional plug hat shading his manly brow, 
his bland countenance wreathed in happy smiles. 

"I will not attempt to assume the role and claim the privilege of the 
professional 'Jenkins,' who frequents places of fashionable resort to describe 
stunning toilets and print personal gossip; but let this suffice for a descrip 
tion of the toilets of the homestead wedding party, that the neat calico dresses 
and sun-shade hats of the ladies, and the cheap but durable raiment of the 
gentlemen, were in harmony with the times, and .with the plain, domestic 
spirit that prevailed in the homestead region. The hour having arrived 
for the ceremony, the 'dugout' being found inadequate to accommodate the 
assembly, an adjournment to the grove was carried unanimously. The 
Reverend Romulus appeared to be in his natural element, supremely happy- 
prefacing the ceremony with a How of eloquence, and an elaborate allusion 
to the happy union about to be consummated beneath the canopy of heaven, 
according to the institutions and laws of God and man. After he had pro- 
nounced the parties man and wife, he proceeded, in an impressive manner, 
to give them some gratuitous advice as to their marital obligations, thn i\\ 
ing in some camp meeting phrases concerning their duty to lead Christian 
lives, such as, 'Train up your children while young, in the way they should 
go, and when they become old they will not depart from it,' and kindred 
benevolent injunctions. Good advice, I thought, but rather premature. 

"During the delivery of this exhortation. Romulus became so impressed 
with his subject, that with the surrounding scene and his anxiety for the 
happiness of the entire assembly, he appeared to he entranced, as though sud- 
denly inspired by the thought that he was in the midst of a wedding revival, 
similar in excitement to a camp-meeting outpouring. His musical and 
earnest voice rang out clear on the autumn breeze to the most remote portion 
of the assembly, and these were some of his expression-: 

" 'Are there not more of the young people in this crowd- who desire to 
be made as happy as this couple, by uniting in the holy bonds of wed 
If so, now is the accepted time. Let them come forth to the altar of conjugal 
bliss and embrace the present opportunity to be made happy. 

"That appeal seemed to produce an electrical effect, as a couple of 
swains stepped forth from their seats, each leading by the hand a blusl ing 



82 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY. KANSAS. 

damsel, with whom they had previously commenced a preliminary court- 
ship. 

" \t this juncture in the proceedings, Rsquire O —.a venerable home- 
stead settler, arose and objected, when a troversy occurred between him 

and Romulus, the 'squire saying: 

•'•J have been jestice of the peace two terms, and the statut of Kansas 
does not "low any one to marry without Eus1 gittin' a license, and as I am a 
jestice of the peace, and by virtoo of my office as a peace officer, it is my 
bounden duty to object to these young people being married without lust 
gittin' a license.' 

•'Romulus replied: ''Squire, I can marry them, and the) can afterwards 
procure the license, for human events are uncertain, and when a woman is 
once in the notion of marrying, if she is disappointed, she may not again 
consent to marry the man to whom she is first engaged, and should that he 
the misfortune of either of these young men. they may drift away on the sea 
of despair and commit the unpardonable sin of suicide. Remember, 'squire, 
that you and J were once young." 

"The 'squire replied, earnestly: '1 say the p'int o' the business is, the 
license shall he issued before the marriage can he permitted, and it is my 
bounden duty as a jestice of the peace to see that the law is not violated. 

" ' 'Squire. 1 can marry them and the license can he issued and dated 
hack. I have known marriage licenses to he dated hack under less favorable 
Circumstances than those surrounding these young people." 

"The 'squire still persisted in his objections, and the matter was finally 
submitted t<> me. I promptly decided, that the justice was right, when 
Romulus yielded, and advised the young men to 'hold the fort' until they 
could procure the license, and he would then marry them free of charge, 

"In due time the tallies were spread in the grove, and dinner announced. 
Such a dinner! It seemed that culinary skill had been taxed to the utmosl 
to prepare the bountiful repast spread before the assembly — roast turkey. 
pyramids of cake, columns of pumpkin pies, suberb coffee, goblets of sweet 
milk, neatly indented rolls of choice butter, etc., etc. But why describe it? 
To appreciate such a dinner, one must be seated at the table and assist in 
dispatching it. I could verify my description of it by the affidavit of the 
Reverend Romulus, whose fondness for good dinners was signally displayed 
on that occasion. I became alarmed lest lie might injure his health, as large 
portions of the turkey rapidly succumbed to his voracious appetite. My 
astonishment increased, however, when he attacked a column of pumpkin 
pies, and created sad havoc among the jelly dishes and other desert. 

"Dinner over, the fiddler took a position on a bench under the shade of 

and the young people quickly formed for the customary dance. 

tin- middle-aged men and women joined in the quadrille, and 

i renewed their youth as they tripped lightly to the inspiring 

mr 

The Reverend Romulus became silent and thoughtful, and uttering 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 83 

some partially incoherent remarks aboul tlie waywardness of mankind, called 
for his horse. I insisted on his remaining until the quadrille was ended, when 
we could say farewell to our host and the bride and bridegroom, and as an 
extra inducement, intimated that at the close of the ceremony he had omitted 
to salute the happy couple. 1 also urged that alter taking leave of our friends- 
I would accompany him. as our route homeward was in the same direction 
fi 1 several miles. 

"Meantime the dance progressed. The whole scene was one of enjoy- 
ment. The music, home by the breeze to every part of the grove, and inter- 
rupted only by the clarion voice of the promoter, created a marked sensa- 
tion of pleasure. A group of elderly ladies gossiped as they watched the 
agile movements of the young men, and graceful, modest promenading of 
the voting ladies. A stalwart settler, leaning against a tree, declared t< 1 a 
neighbor that, 'no new got-up cotillion could compare with the "old Vir- 
ginia reel." when he and the old woman were young.' 

"The healthful, blushing faces of the ladies, and sun-tanned features of 
the gentlemen, when dancing, were radiant, indices of genuine pleasure and 
happiness. 

"Romulus assumed an air of sadness, and addressing me. said, 'The 
human heart is as prone to evil as the sparks to fly upward.' As we rode 
down the lane his wit and humor revived, and when we separated beyond a 
grove, his musical voice rang out clear on the evening air as he sang, 'When 
I can read my title clear,' etc. 

"I could hut reflect that, though eccentric, he possessed a noble heart, 
and the cause of Christianity was in trustworthy keeping within the bound- 
aries of his circuit on the frontier." . 

CHURCH ORGANIZATION OF THE FRONTIER. 

Church work in the new settlement was somewhat sterile, a want that 
wa« sadly felt. Mr. Rupe savs in his '"'Early Recollections." "We find even 
Hagaman, wdio considers himself the leading infidel in the country, judg- 
ing from what he says in his own paper, deploring the fact that Mrs. Mentz 
in her burial had neither singing nor prayer." Even after religious services 
had been instigated its progress was slow, It was over three years before 
public worship was held and very near seven years before a church was 
established in the county, dating from the first settlement. It is doubtful 
if a. parallel case can be found. 

The late Reverend R. P. West enjoyed not only the distinction of estab- 
lishing the first place of worship in the county, hut delivered the first sermon, 
organized the first church and Sabbath school, and on down to a later date 
he preached the first sermon in Concordia. His work at one time embraced 
all of Cloud, Republic, Clay and a large part of Washington county, all 
which are living witnesses of his earlv labors. 

Toward the close of 1863, R. 1'. West settled in the Republican valley 



8 4 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



and immediately began Ins ministerial efforts, holding religious meel 
wherever the most convenient. Clifton, Washington county, was among 
the first meeting places, that being a sort of mid-way station between the set- 
tlements on Petes and Elm creek,. He organized a church there, but though 
so well centralized he found it necessan to solicit the members oi various 
denominations to unite with the Methodist Episcopal church in order to 
effect an organization, under the promise that as soon as other churches 
were established they could claim the privilege of withdraw ng and mute 
with the church of their choice. 

Reverend West hem- a Methodist, and probably a majority ol the set- 
tlers were of that persuasion, they were united under that head. Aboiil the 
same tune, he began holding services at the home of "Uncle" Heller, which 
was in reach of most of the people. So il will be -ecu [863 was the year 
religious services were observed in the county but no church organized until 
in the spring time oi [866. 

During 1864, a young lady from Ohio, attended one of these meetings 
and was somewhat anxious to have the frontier minister pointed out to 
her. There was a well dressed man present who bore a rather sanctimon 
ous look, and she asked a friend if that were not he. but rec< 1 I an answer 
in the negative. Presently a man entered clothed in a pair of overalls, an old 
black coat with a rip in one of the hack side -earn.-, and anything bul a 
dignified appearance. The young lady was surprised to receive a hunch 
from her friend, which intimated "that is the preacher." 

A Sabbath school was not organized until some time in [864, at ( lif- 
ton, and the following year in the Elk (reek settlement. The Baptist church 
was organized on January 10. 1867, under the ministration of the Reverend 
II. S. Cloud. The Reverend Cloud is deserving of more than passing men- 
tion. He lived on Fancy creek, Riley comity. Although not a pretentious 
preacher, he was a man of education possessed of a rich and cultivated 
mind. He was devoted and self-sacrificing in his work. Arduous m his 
labors .hi the frontier and well deserving, though he was scarcely remuner- 
ated for his toil, lie afterward moved to Iowa. 

The Presbyterians had no organization until some time 111 May. 1870. 
The action taken at that time was of irregular order and it is doubtful 
whether that body dates its organization to this period, in which event the 
church in Concordia obtains precedence. This attempted organization was 
the work of the Reverend Mr. Chapin. then a resident of Irving. 

The following is clipped from Colonel E. I. Jenkins' admirable little 
volume. The Northern Tier. The author was a warm personal friend of 
Reverend West and characterizes him in a humorous, but fitting way, as 
ili>' Reverend Romulus Pintus Westlake, 

"It was announced that he would preach in the land office building on 
a certain Sunday. He appeared at the appointed time and the settlers for 
miles around came to hear him. Upon inquiry it was ascertained that there 
was not a Bible in the village, and the preacher had failed to bring one, 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 85 

runt likewise had forgotten his text, but intimated his ability to find it if 
he had a Bible. After reflecting a moment, he remembered detached por- 
tions of the passages, but had forgotten the exact language, or the order 
in which they appeared in Holy Writ. After the usual preliminary cere- 
monies, he proceeded as follows: 

THE SERMON. 

i 

' 'My friends and fellow-travelers in this wild frontier region — the 
land of our adoption — my Christian deity impels me to appear before you 
and present to you that brightest jewel among the gifts bestowed upon 
mankind (the gospel), as taught by those who have gone before me — "the 
latchets of whose shoes I am unworthy to unloose." The regard I have 
for the truth compels me to admit that I have forgotten the chapter and 
verse, as well as the exact language of my text; but as near as I remember, 
it is about as follows: "Disturb not the old landmarks, though von be 
hewers of wood and drawers of water;" from which I deduce and supply 
the following as the foundation of my remarks on this occasion: "Hew 
to the line, let the chips fall where they may." The text truly demonstrates 
that those who uttered it had an eye to business, temporal as well as 
spiritual. Whether Solomon was right in forbidding the removal of the 
old landmarks, or Joshua in imposing the duty of hewers of wood, and 
drawers of water upon the conquered Canaanites. is a question too pro- 
found for a common preacher on the frontier, and 1 accept all Bible teach- 
ing as true, as I find it. without adding to or subtracting from it one jot 
or tittle. ' 

" 'But being without a Bible, I am compelled to use a figure of speech 
on which to base my sermon; hence my subject, "Hew to the line, let the 
chips fall where they may, but disturb not the old landmarks in doing so." 
Judging all the homestead settlers by myself, they are all more or less 
"hewers of wood ami drawers of water," in a physical and moral poinl oi 
view, differing from the hewers and drawers of old time in this: that the 
homestead settlers are free and independent in a free country, while the 
old-time hewers and drawers were bondmen, or slaves. That part of the 
text that commands, "Disturb not the old landmarks," might be applied 
to the monuments and cornerstones erected by the surveyors when tin- 
country was surveyed, but 1 apply it to the moral ami religious landmarks 
established by the church in its early days. 

' 'A departure from the old landmarks thus established, leads to new 
and doubtful theories and doctrines, and little by little the first principles 
and original doctrines are lost sight of, and infidelity, spiritualism and 
kindred dogmas usurp the place of the grand apostolic doctrine-- in the 
mind, and the original truths are discarded by those who seek the seductive 
paths of science and embrace the "liberal" tenets of infidelity. Therefore 
disturb not the old .doctrinal landmarks of faith, lest you meander too far 

6 



86 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

from the true line — the original witness — tree- or monumental corner- of 
the true survey. 

"•The hewers of wood and drawers of water produce more happiness 
in the world than the nobles and aristocrats who hash in the sunshine of 
ss, and subsist on the products of the honest toil of the laborers. The 
blood of a king whose commands rack a nation from center to circumfer- 
ene< . and whose sword awes a continent into submission, is no better than 
that of the serf whom the king holds in bondage or in servile allegiance 
He who was rocked in a sugar-trough for a cradle, and reared in the moss- 
grown log cabin, may lie a better, happier and wiser man than the aristo 
crat, whose infant cries were smothered with gorgeou ery in a mag- 

nificent cradle, and reared amid the frescoed hall- oi a pa 

"•The honest laborer and Christian who "hew- to the line," makes 
society better and happier, and causes the light of civilization to 
penetrate the wilderness, thus dispelling the gloom of ignorance and bar- 
barism, and causes Christianity to spread its genial rays wide over the 
world, may truly be classed as one of Nature's noblen 

"'Many there are who, unhonored, have left in every footprint, from 
the cradle to the grave, brilliant examples of honesty and integrity; whose 
energy and enterprise have caused the rose to blossom upon the desert 
waste, beautified the forest wilds, and gathered the splendors of the vallej 
into the storehouse of usefulness. They hewed to the line, and won their 
reward in the sweat of honest toil. It has been written, "Whatsoever thou 
lindest to do, do it with thy might;" and 1 add, when thou doest it, "Hew 
n the line." 

' 'Pope said, "An honest man is the noblest work of God." What kind 
i i!» would the old poet have designated a "dead-beat," or a dishonest 
- il ivhose daily life is a routine of rascality, blasphemy and wicked 
Christianity, when professed and practiced sincerely, not only makes men 
and happier, but also causes them to exhibit honest,- and integrity 
of purpose in their intercourse with their fellow-men. thereby aiding to 
diffuse happiness throughout society. "Remove the beam from thine own 
eye before thou -earchest for the mote in thy brother's eye." is as applica- 
of the sixth principal meridian as it was nearly two thousand wears 
■ ihores of the -Mediterranean. 
•There are many men, however, who bottle up their religion on week- 
ami make a regular so, la fountain of it on Sunday/ 
"Here some of the audience at the rear end of the building began to 
which soon spread among the entire congregation. I expected to 
■her reprove them, but instead thereof, he smiled one of his 
>miles, and looking at the audience for a moment, exclaimed 
i emphatic manner, 'Laugh and grow fat, but hew to the line!' This 
Much for the audience, and they enjoyed a hearty laugh, in which 
icher joined. As soon as order was restored, 'he proceeded as 
: 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 87 

'■'There are other men who whittle their religion, like a boy whittling 
a stick, down to the tine point of nothing.' 

"More merriment among the audience, in which Romulus joined, after 
which he again proceeded as follows: 

" "Charity begins at home, and with many people remains at home. It 
has been written, "Love your enemies;" and 1 do try to love mine, even the 
Indians, according to divine command, if they will stav awav from this 
country so far that "Distance lends enchantment to the view." 

' 'A philosopher may leant wisdom from a fool, and a Wall street 
broker may learn integrity from a homestead settler. The difference 
hetween a sea captain and a stage driver is not so great as most people imag- 
ine, as both are clothed with grave responsibility. The Ten Command- 
ments are a wise collection of rules, and if strictly obeyed, the people would 
be better and happier — peace and good order would reign. But some 
strictly observe one of the commandments, and perhaps violate the others. A 
deacon may swap horses with a layman and get the best of the bargain, or 
a man of the world practice chicanery with an easy-going Christian, with- 
out any check of conscience. Others assume the voluntary responsibility 
of attending to the affairs of an entire community, by dictating their duty 
in detail, making telegraphic announcement of the shortcomings of their 
neighbors throughout the neighborhood. All persons have their friends, 
some more, some less, but everyone is the recipient of more or less censure 
from the gossip-heralds of the community. But those who "hew to the 
line," regardless of the fault-finding of others, sooner or later will brighten 
the pathway of Christianity. 

"Human nature is the same in all ages of the world; cultivate it in the 
right direction, and it develops the beautiful and ornamental design of the 
Creator; debase it, and it becomes the opposite. 

"While the pagan is worshipping his Idol, the civilized Christian read- 
ing his Bible, the Indian is daubing his face with warpaint, counting his 
scalps, or reconnoitering a frontier settlement, to rob and murder — all done 
by the light of the same sun that illuminates the universe. Statesmen wran- 
gle about the affairs of government, kings go to war for supremacy and 
power, while the homestead settler breaks prairie, plants his crops, and 
reads his Bible in his rude dugout, and is the happiest man. 

"Though his dugout is rude in architecture, it shelters him and his 
family: and the wind may whistle through, it, the wolves howl around it, but 
his little family gather closer about him as he reads his Bible and offers his 
devotions. He is in his castle, across the threshold of which no potentate 
dare venture without permission, and no sectarian scepter deters him from 
his Christian home in the East. There are many dugouts ami such homes 
up and down this valley, and scattered over the frontier, before the doors of 
which my pony has often been hitched while I preached within. 

"The line should be straight, not zig-zag. Every bee-hunter knows 
full well that when the bee leaves its field of labor and starts for its home — 



88 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



the hive, the course it pursues is in a straight line. Though it may have 
wandered into new flora] fields hitherto unexplored, or threatened bjnthe 
near approach of a storm-cloud, its instincl leaches il that its chosen straighl 
line is the shortest mute to its home, and no deviation lengthens its journey. 
A true man may learn wisdom from the flight of the hone) bee. 

"The zig-zag Tine is often followed in the journey of lit"'.', and in the 

scramble for the almighty dollar, and. like a cottonw 1 board fence, is 

alternately warped and straightened by the storms of misfortune, or the 
sunshine of pleasure and happiness. 

"The straigfhter the line of conduct, the less the pressure on the con 
science; and when the end is reached, the memory stretches backward to the 
paths of the past, lingering a moment at the guideposts thai pointed the 
mute of travel through the moral world. 

"Many men during their evil days tear down the partition wall betwei n 
their conscience and their daily practice, and fail or neglecl to repair or 
rebuild it after they make profession of a change in their moral conduct, 01 
dead-head their way into the church. The evil ts false guide-posts 

all along the pathway of life, primed and painted with the allurements oi 
vice, that sooner or later cause the traveler or hewer to deviate from the 
straight line, and he wanders into the wilderness of wickedness and despair. 

"There are no proxies in religion, and as every tub stands upon its own 
bottom, so verily, 'he that tooteth not his own horn, the same shall nol be 
tooted.' If you are on the down grade, put on the brakes. 

"Chalk your line with the best intentions and resolutions you have, 
then hew to it without disturbing the 'old landmarks.' all along the journey 
of life, through evil as well as v 1 repute, on week days as well as Sun- 
days, amid prosperity and adversity, with charity and Christian duty 
inscribed on your banner, and you will have a morality that will neither rip, 
ravel n< >r rust. 

"I do not preach for money, ami L never ask for any contributions for 
my preaching; but if some kind friend, will invite me home with him to a 
good dinner, and furnish some provender for my pony, he will receive his 
reward." 

He usually sang all his hymns in the same tune — < >ld Hundred — and 
he closed his services by singing the words of the Doxology in that venera- 
ble tune, with his musical voice and original variations, while a few of his 
congregation sang the words in the proper air. and if the discord was 
detected by anyone present, due allowance was made for the privilege of 
having a sermon and time-honored hymn-singing on the frontier. 

BUFFALO HUNTING ON THE PLAINS. 



It would be unpardonable to omit giving some of the buffalo hunting 

epi odes as recited by various sportsmen of the plains, whose fires of anima- 

run high as they recall the pursuit engaged in with such fondness. "A 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 89 

life on the ocean wave" stirs the heart of the sailor; an existence on the 
plains delights the heart of the huntsman, to whom danger but adds zeal 
and spice. Even fear gives coloring to the canvas on which the story is 
painted. To be a hero of the plains 1- a joy forever, and the ability to nar- 
rate from actual experience of adventure attendant to fights with buffalo 
and "red- skins"' is a joy to the narrator as well as listener. 

The traditions will be handed down from generation to generation and, 
although many moons will have waned since the events transpired, the same 
concern and inspiration will be awakened. 

The last two buffalo slain in Cloud county were killed by Lewis Kig- 
gins, of Grant township. The first of the two mentioned was shot in the 
spring of 1871 on the farm now owned by Samuel Clark. The other was 
captured in the summer of the same year on the farm of Patrick Murray. 
The event was made memorable by the assailants of the animal appearing 
in the chase with pitchforks, hoes, knives and other formidable weapons. 
There were three buffalo that had wandered away from the main herd— 
they pursued them, hut the other two escaped. The party was comprised 
of William H. Ansdell, Lewis Carter, the late George Champlin and Lewis 
[Ciggins. The latter was mounted on a horse, carried a gun and was 
entitled to the honor of slaying the last •'hero of the plain" in Cloud county. 
The buffalo was run to earth and slam within a few rods of Mr. Murray'- 
cabin on Cheyenne creek. 

PLEASURES OF THE CHASE AS TOLD BY E. C. DAVIDSON. 

E. C. Davidson, one of the old-timers and well-to-do farmers (see 
sketch) of the Glasco country. T. L. Hostettler, who lived many years on 
the Solomon, and two settlers named Anderson and Bible. — all hardy men, 
inured to camp life and hardships, jovial fellows and "crack shots." — fitted 
themselves out with camping supplies and started westward, where hun- 
dreds of buffalo roamed the prairies. The proposed route took them across 
Asher creek and thence to Mulberry, where they encountered an unlooked- 
for difficulty, which was disastrous to their supply of food. The crossing 
had been rendered impassable by washouts, and as they attempted to dine 
through the creek the wagon, hunters, oats and provisions were overturned 
into the channel of the muddy stream. But undaunted by this — to them— 
trivial circumstance the indomitable sportsmen, true to the intrepidity of 
pioneers, assorted their provender— which they were not surfeited with— 
from that of their faithful horses, and full of assurance pursued their jour- 
ney t<> the hunting grounds where juicy buffalo steaks would substantiate 
their depleted eatables. While the entire party were excellent marksmen 
and hunters of smaller game. Mr. Bible stood alone in buffalo-shooting 
experience, and. accordingly, manifested considerable pride and self-esteem, 
as with a lordly air he remarked of his prowess, saying he would show them 
"how it was done." 



90 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY. KANSAS. 



Shortly after this display of egotism a monarch of the plain was sighted. 
Written in capital letters all over the countenances of the crew was the 
desire. "1 want to kill hmi." but Mr. Bible put a quietus on the longings oi 
his comrades bv exclaiming in an imperative tone of v. nee. "No! I will give 
him the deadener and you fellows watch me." The mind oi each excited 
hunter reverted to the diminished quantity of their mess-box and reluctantly 
assented to allow their superior and recognized leader to fire Hie first shot. 
While the missile sent out by the skillful marksman was not a fatal shot, the 
huge beast— that seemed in proportions a towering mountain to the "ten 
derfeet" of the crowd— ran a few rods and fell to the earth wounded. I hen 
followed a scene that would bailie the most fertile brain or brush of an artist 
to reproduce. The remaining- trio, quivering with suppressed action, 
instantly seized upon the situation and literally tilled the body of the animal 
with ammunition, regardless of vital spots. It would not be unreasonable 
to suppose each man with an inward delighl said to himself, "We 1 died a 
buffalo." 

Around the camp lire that night an interesting picture can be imagined. 
After feasting on choice cuts of tenderloin and an hour or more spenl in 
puffing wreaths of smoke from their pipes or spinning the traditional hum 
ing varus, they wrapped themselves in their blankets and the scenes of the 
day were soon obliterated by the suspension of the powers that control body 
and mind. Upon the following morning they .nose at dawn, invigorated 
and ready for special action. Nor did they journey far ere the) found tin' 
prairies dotted with vast herds of magnificent beasts, affording ample prac- 
tice for the amateur buffalo hunters, who very soon became adepts in the 
vocation and champion marksmen, securing in a brief time all the) could 
carry home from the field. While they were dressing their gaim ol 

hungry coyotes gathered thickly around and about them — dozens of the 
half-starved creatures everywhere. On this trip the party passed a recently 
deserted Indian camp which apparently had been vacated but a few hours as 
the fires were still smoldering. Mingled with the fear, apprehension, and 
cheerless sensation that the dangerously close proximity of the savages pro- 
duced was doubtless a sort of jubilant feeling that their scalps were exactly 
on the spot where they belonged instead of dangling at the belt of some 
murderous Indian warrior. 

Bl I I Al.O HUNTERS FROM GRANT TOWNSHIP. 

In the summer of 1870 a buffalo hunting party comprised of William 
H. \u sdell, jack Robinnet, James Kiggins, Mr. Friend, Gus. Thomas and 
I ewis Carter, ace impanied by an old hunter of the plains from Jewell City, 
who acted as guide, and. in accordance with a proposal to make the 
Solomon Valley, where the main herd grazed, their destination. 
the company turned in that direction; but before they arrived in that region 
tbev were fortunate enough to kill a wild cow ami calf, which supplied them 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 91 

with meat until they could reach camp and make preparations for the hunt. 
Everything - being in readiness for the occasion the hunters started out in 
various directions. Mr. Friend and Mr. Carter pursued a course up the 
river and had not gone far when they discovered a buffalo grazing on a hill- 
side, about two miles distant. The hunters who were novices in the matter 
of such gigantic game were overjoyed at their good fortune in immediately 
sighting a victim, and such a shining- mark he appeared while leisurely feed- 
ing on the grass and growing herbage on the declivity of the hill. So fear- 
ful were the unschooled sportsmen that their appearance would frighten the 
animals, when a mile and a half away., they crawled upon their hands and 
knees until they had sneaked up within gun-shot range, and when they 
arrived at length with aching knees and skinned shins, produced by draw- 
ing their bodies along the ground, the excited pair were seized by what was 
known in pioneer parlance "buffalo fever," but what would be termed in 
modern times nervous excitement. 'When they attempted to level a bead on 
the buffalo that continued to leisurely feed on the hillside, the rifles swayed 
in their trembling hands like reeds in a stiff Kansas breeze. 

After repeated efforts to steady their shattered nerves, they hit upon a plan 
for devising a rest by rearing a sort of wall made from the innumerable "buffali 1 
chips" that covered the prairie, placed their guns on the improvised support 
and when the signal was given, both weapons were fired simultaneously, but it 
was an extra volley from Mr. Carter's gun that brought the buffalo toppling 
forward; that irrevocably fixed his fate. Anxious moments followed, for 
they recalled the experiences of sensational story tellers who always dwelt 
with emphasis upon the dangers encountered with the wounded buffalo. 
hence they whetted and sharpened their knives and implements of war for 
a skirmish with the injured monarch, and cautiously creeping up to their 
victim found it barely alive, and also discovered it had been in that condi- 
tion for many, many days. The hide was almost devoid of hair, the animal 
was blind as a bat, and Mr. Carter declares the bullet which passed through 
its body did not extract enough blood to wet the end of his little finger. 
The disappointed huntsmen left their blind, hairless and toothless trophy on 
the field, after having put the old residenter out of his misery, and continued 
on their way up the river, where they were rewarded by better success and 
with less drain upon their nervous systems. After spending several days 
most delightfully and securing all the meat they could use, returned to then- 
homes, where they told how- by "their prowess they had conquered all." 

HUNTING NARRATIVE FROM ^VM .EY TOWNSHIP. 

In honor of Welt Smith and John Clark, young men who were 
ing friends in Siblev township, and to render their western trip devoid of 
deficiences. a buffalo-hunting tour was planned in December. 1870. 

Steve Chapman. Charles Taggart. Ed. Kenyon, Wesley Kenyon, Jud- 
son M. Dutton and Henrv L. Dutton, delighted to thus entertain their 



92 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

friends and guests, entered into the spirit of the proposition with the great- 
est complaisance, and perhaps jollier fellows never spenl three weeks on the 
plains in the festive hunt than the eight individuals who comprised this 
companv. The conditions of the atmosphere it the disturbances of the ele- 
ments did not agitate them very seriously, although a storm was raging ere 
they were out forty-eight hours. The second night they camped on Oak 
creek", west of where the present city of Downs is located, and when they 
arose next morning and pulled aside the door of their little canvas house 
they found the earth draped in a mantle of white; the lent weighted with 
the fall of snow, which, as it melted, flowed in from all sides; hut no expres- 
sions of regret were heard even though their cam]) was in a deplorable con 
dition and their supply of salt diss.olved. Breakfasl dispatched, they pur- 
sued their way along the Solomon river until they came to the buffalo 
ground^, where from the vast herds that roamed the lulls in every direction 
they filled the four wagons with the rear quarters of the magnificent ani- 
mals; and of all the splendid beasts the_\ slaved, not a hide was sa\cd. 

During this expedition these hunters encountered a terrific blizzard 
and almost perished in the cold and storm. They were quartered in a twelve 
foot tent, with the frozen buffalo meat piled high around on tin- outside. 
While sheltered there a strange and serious incident occurred. Welt Smith 
whose clear conscience must have deepened his slumbers, pillowed his 
on the bosom of the damp and cold mother earth, where he slept soundly, 
undisturbed by reminiscences of the hunt; hut when morning dawned and 
he .attempted to arise from his peaceful hunk, something was seemingly 
clutching him by the hair — suggestive of the scalping knife— and held him 
tight and fast, in response to his cries of distress his comrades rushed to 
his rescue and found .Mr. Smith pinioned to the earth by the long locks 

i he had been cultivating until they mailed those.- of "Buffalo Bill." 
They had congealed with the earth and were frozen fast to the ground. 
There were hut two alternatives. They must he chopped oul or the hunter 
must continue in that position until the gentle springtime released him. He 
chose the former and parted with his flowing tresses. 

While the snow was on, the sportsmen found wild turkeys in innum- 
erable numbers, from three to four hundred in one drove. The snow- 
retarded their progress and the hunters could have captured them all. hut 
only killed what they could use for food. The other "tenderfoot." John 
( lark, from Michigan, furnished his quota of amusement for the party. 
His feet were clad in moccasins manufactured from a buffalo skin. These 
coverings, which bore some resemblance to shoes, were dried and turned up 
runners. Mr. (dark ran up a steep hank to fire a fatal shot in a 
buffalo he had wounded. Just as his gun was discharged he stumped the 
protruding toe of his shoe and fell headlong down the embankment, hut 
as he scrambled to his feet and witnessed the object of his pursuit in the 
throes of death, the sportsman's wounds were quickly healed. 

On the return trip the hunters offered a quarter of meat to Mrs. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 93 

McCracken, of Mitchell county, in return for supper and breakfast, as their 
breadstuffs were running Low. Their landlady smiled significantly and 
thoughl - e had struck a "bonanza," but ere the hungry campers had fin- 
ished their tirst meal, any bargain she had anticipated in the agreement was 

disillusionized. 

H. L. Dutton, to whom the author is indebted for the substance of this 
narrative, savs : hi the spring of T869, from a point between the Solomon 
and Saline rivers, he has witnessed from one of the hills of that territory, 
where a view is gained for twenty-five miles or more toward either point 
of the compass, thousands and thousands more, of these great shagg) 
coated beasts. When in Chicago in 1884 Air. Dutton visited Lincoln Park, 
which then . contained two buffalo. As he looked upon them these 
inferior specimens appealed to him as a fragment, a remnant, as it were, 
of the noble beast — the "monarch of the plain" — that once in droves of 
countless numbers ranged over the Kansas prairies. "Through wood, 
through waste, o'er hill, o'er dale, his roam," and infused a miraculous 
inspiration in the heart of every huntsman. 

ROMANCE OF THE PLAIN AS TOLD BY URIAH SMITH (SEE SKETCH), THE 
CHAMPION BUFFALO SHOOTER OF CLOUD COUNTY. 

The championship of buffalo shooters A Cloud county undoubtedly 
belongs to Uriah Smith, of Clyde, who followed that vocation for about 
five vears and has killed hundreds of the mammoth kings of the prairies, 
since the first memorable expedition, along with O. G. Morley. in May, 
1866. They were inexperienced hunters for game of such magnitude, hut 
were distinguished marksmen and any object they made a target usually 
came in contact with the well-directed missile from their shooting-irons. 

Everything in readiness for the event of their lives, the amateur bison 
hunters traveled in a northerly direction until they reached the forks of 
Buffalo creek, a favorite camping place tAr sportsmen, freighters and emi- 
grants. Mr. Smith and Mr. Morley remained on these grounds until they 
had killed, and dried a load of buffalo meat. 

Ere preceding further the process of curing the meat might prove ol 
interest to many readers. The pioneer camper was always provided with 
a large iron camp-kettle. In one of these useful utensils the hunter heated 
a strong brine composed of salt and water: the former oftentimes proa 
as they passed the salt marsh en route to their destination. The meal was 
dipped into the scalding solution, then suspended from a sort of scaffold 
built about four feet from the ground. Underneath, a fire smoldered con- 
tinuously y and within a few days the fine cuts from the hind quarters oi the 
animals were smoked, dried and converted into "jerked" meat, as it was 
termed, which was deliciously palatable. 

A humorous circumstance occurred while on a hunting tour in 1867 
with a party consisting of Mr. Smith, Mr. Morley and James Xeeley.* 



& 



s 



94 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

They were joined where Concordia now stands by Thomas and William 
Riley, Henry Simons and Thomas Wilcox. 

The immense herd was traveling in a northerl) direction al a rapid 
gait and had gained about four miles ere the hunters could overtake them. 
At this point the great drove halted in one of the bends of the creek to 
graze. Mr. Smith and Mr. Morley followed around through the dry bed 

it the branch to find a favorable position from where the) could 
the best advantage. Just as the situation was attained and the hunter- had 
gained a place of ambush from where thev could select the choices! marks 
fi r their prey unobserved by the herd, an old and decrepit animal i inn 
wandering near and stopped to graze directly in the path between the anxi- 
i us sportsmen and the coveted, buffalo. He was but two or three rods dis- 
tant and thev endeavored to gel him out of the way but he would merely 
turn his sightless eyes in that direction and quietly feed on. Mr. Smith 

threw gravel obtained from the bed of the creek, but like the hero who -1 1 

on the deck of the burning ship, "he would not go," and the outwitted hunt 
ers were compelled to make a new stand, from which they killed two buffalo 
and wounded another. They then shifted their position to a rise of ground, 
and were crawling on their hands and knees toward the herd. \s Mr. Mor- 
ley, who was in the lead, looked backward he exclaimed, "Look behind you, 
Smith." Mr. Smith turned and discovered the venerable and almost help 
less old bison walking straight toward him. Desiring to not frighten the 
main body by rising to his feet Mr. Smith remained in a sitting posture and 
lustily waved his hat, but the aged monarch continued, quite unconcerned. 
Mr. Morley. who was amused by the ludicrous situation, laughed aloud, 
which the animal evidently heard, although he could not see, for he halted, 
pricked up his ears and ambled off in an easterly and parallel direction. 
Being filled with compassion for the poor old veteran of the plains, Mr. 
Smith ended his miserable existence by a bullet from his unerring ride. It is 
needless to affirm, choice steaks were not taken from his carcass, or the hide 
preserved that was as devoid of the once thick, shaggy coat of hair as the 
body of an elephant. They then pursued the main herd and killed two more. 
Mr. Smith's father, Andrew W. Smith, who was also fond of the hunt, 
took pleasure in relating the following humorous but critical situation of 
Abe Cole, an old Wisconsin friend who, like all that came to the frontier, 
aspired to kill a buffalo. Mr. Cole had never seen one of the huge beasts 
and it might he concluded from his manner and expressions that he did not 
the buffalo as a formidable wild animal with monstrously thick body, 
great strong legs, tapering horns, and shoulders covered with long rough 

v 1, hui a docile creation more like the domestic ox or horse, for when they 

wen- planning for the hunt Mr. Cole stoutly declared bis intention to ride 

the first one he wounded. The recent arrival on the frontier was warned 

that such an undertaking would prove a very dangerous proceeding, and 

advised to forego the inclination, but like his predecessor, the jolly 

'I lid King Cole." a "merry old soul was he." and contended he could run in 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 95 

a circle so fleetly the wild cattle could not follow him. When the hunter- 
reached the salt marsh in Grant township, bison were seen dotted over the 
wild waste which was devoid of water, and its white, glistening surface shim- 
mering like diamonds in the sunlight, was smooth as a floor except for here 
and there an abrupt bank, one of which served as a concealed station for the 
hunters, who impatiently waited for hours ere the herd wandered within 
gun-shot range. A large bull was selected by Mr. Cole as his victim and 
the next moment a bullet went crashing into his bulky frame. The wounded 
and infuriated animal lunged forward with the evident intention of goring 
liis would-be slayer, but with a stream of blood gushing from his body the 
hero of the plain sank to the earth apparently dead. The proudest moment 
cf Abe Cole's life had dawned, and with a heart so swollen with pride it 
was nigh unto bursting, he drew near his fallen victim. But alas! for 
human hopes, death had not claimed the dethroned monarch, and as his 
enemy approached to gloat over his victory, with a mighty, herculean effort, 
the wounded and maddened animal arose to his feet. Then began the "cir- 
cle route." not over the "Colorado Toll Road" of national fame, but on 
the salt-whitened plane of the marsh. The enraged bull, smarting from 
his wound, followed closely upon the fleet footsteps of the novice, but not in 
the proposed circle. With an ominous snort, followed bv thundering bel- 
lows of rage, shaggy head lowered and tail erect, the animal dashed across 
the level in hot pursuit. His gigantic frame as it neared the riving fugitive 
seemed to the terror stricken hunter a towering mountain in his immensity, 
and during this episode the would-be hero discarded all thoughts of turn- 
ing equestrian, nor cared he naught for glory. His retreat implied his 
acceptation of the old maxim, "A live coward is worth more than a dead 
hero." With the swiftness of a locomotive the sportsman sped over the 
ground only "touching the high places" in his eager flight for safety, when 
a bullet from his comrade's rifle sealed the doom of his lofty majestv and 
terminated the exciting scene. When anxious and interested friend- 
inquired how he enjoyed his first buffalo hunt Mr. Cole responded: "I 
have had enough of it." 

BUFFALO HUNTING EXPEDITION AS RELATED BY GEORGE W. TEASLEY, OF THE 

SOLOMON. 

I he new arrivals to the frontier were always eager to witness the vast 
herds of bison that ranged over the prairies by the hundreds of thousands 
and if he were in the least degree a sport-man he could not rest until fresh 
laurels were added to his prowess by terminating the career of one or more 
of these majestic beasts. 

In the latter part of July, [866, a hunt was inaugurated by George W. 
Teasley, D. W. Teasley. A. D. Teasley, A. C. Bagwell. II. II. Spaulding, 
John Howard, John Higgins and Captain John A. Potts. There were about 
a half dozen wagons to be loaded with buffalo meat, anil a week was the 



9 6 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

time set apart for the consummation of their plans. The buffalo had been 
driven west, and the main herd were wandering about the forks of the Solo- 
mon river. The first night the hunters camped on Limestone creek and aftei 
supper, those who had not removed the cartridges from their guns during 
the day proceeded to discharge the loads, clean their weapons, re-charge and 
render them in a state of prime working order, that an unfailing lire might 
be depended upon in case of an emergency or while in quest lor game. 
While putting his rifle in condition \. D. Teaslej miraculouslj escaped 
serious injury; the breech-pin Mew out, splitting about six inches of the gun- 
barrel wide open, hut aside from the terrorized shock lie received and a 
slight powder burn, Mr. Teasley was unharmed. The party had not pro 
ceeded far on their way next morning ere they could sec a stragglei 
and again, and occassionally a small herd of buffalo. When one oi their 
number becomes antiquated and infirm he drops out from the mad rush of 
the throng and trails along on the outer edge, oftentimes drifts entirely 
awav, seemingly prefering a life of seclusion in his old age and forsakes 
I lie herd altogether. 

The huntsmen did not tarry to capture the remnants that quietlj 
grazed along, but hastened on. crossed the north fork' of the Solomon river 
about where Downs is now situated and on the south fork where they 
camped for the night. It was late in the afternoon when they pitched their 
tent, the buffalo were traveling in a southwesterly direction ami by the time 
tht sun was sinking in the west there were myriads of the mighty mon- 
sters in sight. All through the long hours of the night the continued roar 
of their tramping hoofs was heard by the sportsmen who eagerly but 
tremblingly awaited the dawn of day. Had the party of settlers known the 
herds of bison were being driven westward from the settlements by the 
Indians they would have breathed less freely. However, they did not come 
in contact with the savages and their scalps were retained. 

Breakfast over the next morning, the marksmen for the day's hunt 
were appointed, while some of their number were to guard the camp, and 
others designated to follow the huntsmen and pick up the game. It was 
necessary to dress the animals within a comparatively few hours or they 
were otherwise rendered unfit for use. 

The selection fell on George W. and D. W. Teasley, who were mere 
boys and had never been near a live buffalo. It was suggested an experi- 
enced hunter accompany them, hut their self-esteem would not admit of an 
attendant upon such a valorous occasion and promptly rejected the propo 
sition. The favored knights proudly trimmed their weapons exactly to their 
conception of excellence, swung the shot-pouches over their shoulders, 
buckled on their belts, which contained cartridges, six-shooters and butcher 
knives. Though they assumed a hold front Mr. Teasley says there was a 
combination of fear and anxiety be cannot explain. None of the party 
suspected their real emotion, however, neither did the young hunters intend 
to show the white feather. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 97 

The buffalo were on the hills all around their camp in even' direction, 
and as the young men sauntered forth the continuous deep gutteral roar 
of the bellowing beasts that was wafted to their ears grew ominous with 
redoubled force, but with determination the heroes marched on. It was 
necessary to take advantage by approaching them from the windward side, 
as buffalo will stampede much mure readily from scent, than sight. 

They selected a herd about two miles to the south, where the ravines 
would afford an opportunity of approaching quite near. The hunters 
cautiously and eagerly wended their way across the bottom land to the hills 
beyond the south fork of the Solomon, where three or four hundred mag- 
nificent specimens of animal life were grazing southward. When within 
a half mile of the herd the sportsmen tediously crawled along the ground 
and with this precaution taken attracted the attention of an animal now 
and again, that would gaze suspiciously a moment, and as the hunters 
hugged the earth more closely, the king of the plain would conclude it was 
a false alarm and resume his feeding. 

The boys finally reached a ravine, where they were much relieved by 
walking erect, under the protection of the high banks. 

The buffalo were now on either side of them, and when they supposed 
they were about opposite the drove, the excited hunters left the narrow 
hollow, crawled to the top of the ridge and carefully raised their heads to 
take a survey of the situation, when they beheld with horror the herd not 
more that fifty yards away. As they noted the formidable and gigantic 
proportions of that vast assembly of shaggy beasts their hearts began to 
throb and their breaths came and went like the exhaust of a steam engine, 
then hesitated, pondered over the matter and wondered if it were advisable 
to make an assault against such tremendous odd-, but after several moments 
spent in misgivings they decided to "attack their lines."' As a means of 
precaution the precocious youths divested themselves of everything that was 
in the least cumbersome, then each were to select his victim and when the 
signal, Readv! Aim; Fire! was given the deadly missiles were to be sent 
out simultaneously. Prior to giving the command the trembling youths 
made an estimate of the distance to the nearest timber, which was about 
two miles, and felt confident that no buffalo ever made could catch them 
ere the fleet footed knights could gain a friendly tree. 

As the critical moment drew nigh they were seized with the chill that 
precedes a fever, but there was no time to lose, as the buffalo were con- 
stantly feeding away from their station. With supreme effort> they leveled 
their rifles, the word was given and both suns responded a- they touched 
the triggers. George Teaslev was like the little hoy who blew out the lighl 
and tried to tumble into bed before the darkness would follow. Mr. Teasley 
was on his feet apparently before the bullet left the muzzle of his gun, 
and if the missile took effect, the victim did not exhibit any sign of being 
injured. To the surprise and inward delight of the hunters, the momenl 
thev fired, the whole herd, with the exception of one that hid fallen under 



98 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY. KANSAS. 

D. YV. Teasley's aim, scampered away at full speed over the hills. ["his 
gave the excited frontiersmen courage — an article they were sadly in need 
of just at that time, for the hills were covered with buffalo, all grazing 
slowly southward. . They reloaded their guns as quickly as possible, and 
carrving their previoush discarded shoes in their hands, the young knights 
carefully drew- near the wounded buffalo. When the animal (which was 
almost dead) would move, they would hesitate, then move a little m 
while their hair was standing on end. and the shivers racing up and down 
the marrow in their hones. Their rifles were cocked, ready to sliO' 
run. they scarcely knew which, hut as the huge beast had seemingly cea ed 
motion, they concluded it had succumbed to fate and ventured ni 
Sure enough he had been dead several moments. It was about four 
old and a fine specimen of its race. 

This episode gave the huntsmen courage and valor, and they were 
more eager than ever to pursue the herds that ranged upon every hill and 
selected for their second attack a drove about two miles to the eastwai 
that were grazing along a small creek. This point was accessible with less 
arduous maneuvering, for they could follow the devious windings of the 
little stream under the cover of bushes that skirted its banks. 

The creek forked and the west branch led close to the buffalo. There 
was no timber on that prong, but an occasional plum thicket which served 
their purpose well, and allowed them to gel within very close range. 

While timorously making their way along, George Teasley, through a 
clump of bushes to the left spied a ione buffalo leisurely lying on the ground 
not more than forty yards distant. Mr. Teasley said to his companion, 
"Hold on, Dan; I'll shoot that buffalo if it stampedes the whole herd." 
lie fired, and the vociferous report that followed resounded from hillside 
to hillside, with seemingly enough clamor to arouse and stampede all the 
buffalo on the plains, and almost regretted his hasty resolve to shoot. But 
no tenons detriment was incurred; the herd made a few jumps, wildly 
about them, but as they could neither see nor hear anything further, 
tin quiet grazing was resumed. With great circumspection the hunters 
then moved on until they came to a big plum thicket, which was about 
opposite the herd, and crawled up the high band with even greater caution 
for they knew the buffalo were but a few rods distant. As they looked 
back from this point they could see the wounded animal struggling 
in the last throes of death, never having risen from the earth after he was 
Each fresh victory incited new courage. They now slipped their 
, e ridge and sighted along the barrel, ready to touch the 
lien a buffalo covered the bead. To gaze at those enormous mon- 
sters in such nearness as to see their eye-winkers and almost feel the warmth 
oi their bodies was enough to unnerve experienced huntsmen, but in the 
■ i iting sport the young heroes quickly became inured to the dangers. At 

usual signal each gun was discharged and two of the monarchs fell 
i to their well directed bullets. A weird and strange scene followed. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



99 



The herd jumped and ran a few paces, then returned, gathered around 
the fallen beasts and fought and gored each other in a vicious manner. 
They attacked the dead animals and with their short but tapering horns. 
tore their hides asunder. The hunters watched this fierce battle 
for a few moments and then withdrew to the base of the bank. 
reloaded their guns, and again stationed themselves at the top of the 
ridge, where the affray was still raging. Occasionally one of the 
huge and powerful animals would make a vigorous charge on the dead 
bodies of their fellows, and the hidden sportsmen could hear the sound 
of their horns violently ripping through their hides. 

As they watched this grewsome but strangely fascinating spectacle 
"the plot thickened." One of their number circled around the crew of 
fifteen or twenty, and finally swung off in the exact direction of the two 
youths, who bad caused all the commotion. The inquisitive animal had 
caught a glimpse of the hunters' liea<K sticking up above the hank, and 
naturally enough was seized with a desire to investigate the objects. Each 
second his majesty stood there, riveted to the spot not more than ten paces 
away, looking them square in the face, seemed minutes long drawn out 
to the boy-; in hiding, whose courage was again in the balance. Thev were 
seized with a desire to run for their lives, but stood their ground, although 
the hair was again standing straight up on their heads, the proverbial cold 
chills playing up and down their spines, and longed to draw their heads 
out of sight, but dare not move. They were fearful of his lordship pounc- 
ing down upon them and goring or grinding them into the earth, when 
in reality he would have stampeded the herd and the hunters would have 
had two less slain buffalo in the material for these reminiscence-. 

After satisfying himself the objects were of no importance, the buffalo 
joined his fellows and a moment later the report of two ride shots rang 
out upon the quiet atmosphere of the western prairie, and two mure heroes 
of the plain were felled dead. 

The sun never set on two more exuberant lads than these young Teas- 
leys, as they returned to report the successes of the day and met some of then- 
comrades, who, having heard the shooting, were following up with the 
wagon to haul the game, if any there should chance to be. v When the 
trophies had been gathered in, congratulations were unstinted and all con- 
ceded there was good reason for their feeling of manifested pride. 

The pleasures and excitement of that day was followed by others 
until they were surfeited with game, wagons well loaded and with well 
established reputations as buffalo hunters. 

TREE CULT'JRE. 

For years the subject of tree culture was somewhat of a problem 
\\ hen the white man began to dispute with the Indian, the buffalo and the 
coyote for the possession of the fertile prairies of Kansas, the planting of 



r.U< 



ioo HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

the o '1 marked the first step towards civilization of the upland prai- 

ries. Various and interesting papers were read in the early i of 

of Kansas and it was generally conceded by the western pioneei pi 
that the culture of trees should be encouraged, and that much of their vyel- 
ended upon the preservation of their woods and and the 

planting of them was encouraged until almost every farm or had 

its rows of cottonwoods along the highway. 

As "Big oaks from little acorns grow," so only a twig - the he- 
ginning of what later became a giant in form. The cottonwo e hears 
a little bulb which bursts, and borne by the Kansas breeze, set ts little 
wad of airy cotton in every direction, hither, thither and yon. filling the 
atmosphere with its d feathery cotton that resemble- gi 
snow. 

The cottonwood loses its foliage with the first breath of frosty air. 
its leaves quickly fall to the ground, every limb is divested of its fo 
and the winds sigh through its leafless branches, a requiem eparted 

ry. 
The Cottonwood's rapid growth was us redeeming featur ething 

would withstand the force of the continued "Kansas zephyrs" and 
e, but other qualities it has few or iv i E upon a s© >nsidera- 

tion trees of a more commendable quality were planted an irished, 

- supplanting the old cottonwoods — their first love — in the heart- of 
e. The monarch of the plain was dethroned; few an i the 

prairie, with their great brandies inviting the weary traveler t - awhile 

among their e its fatef ry short, its rapid, 

and few of them remain. 

Whet st every farm had its long evenue i they 

been supplanted by the walnut, ailanthus, catalpa or elms. Th< 

:ulture were general!) discussed until it was 'rated 

robbed the fields by burrowing their great network of roi er the 

1 and drinking the moisture that was needed for the grain. 

ntly man) of the trees were cut down by the farmers. The roots 

extended as far or farther int. mid as the trees were high and where 

the field was hounded by cottonwoods, the corn on the other side, ti 

not shaded by them, was much smaller than further on, and during a drouth 

■i shriveled more quickly; so many of those pretty and luxuriant trees 

were cut down or left to die. 

A beautiful grove is an adornment and adds a charm to the home that 
nothing else can bring, and transforms the monotony of the treeless prairie 
into a landscape that is fascinating to the eye. and at the sam< serves 

i windbreak from the chilling blasts of winter. 

native tree of Kansas and thrives more than an; 
" ,her - showii - and rapid growth. We clip the following arti- 

From the Clyde Herald of July. 1902: 



- s 



5 
- 

part of it grew since the 

part :' - about a smith's 

ing Clyde. Thirty-- Mr. Smith 5 not 

than two inches in 

stump fifteen feel . - jut- 

log 

unber. There were four Ir- 
A total f two thous - hu« 

5 life) t tool 

skill and Ial r to get 1 
feet away. There was 
- 
rial." 

e maple, a and 

-e eral - t ash thr in Kansas - 

makes a §ne - 5 clusters larg spranl ... 

which, are beaut - 

a "prime 5 avenues 

It has beer. monstrated thai : success 

Mrs -d's subui 

The box-el 

still sec- 1 row of con occas 

tue. are pleasantly rememberet". se they gave 

Its sj g - - • j suns 

hardships and will be kindly ins 
last tree gives to thos 

THE FEATHERl - - 3 OF 

Thei - - 
the I g meal » of 1 songsters 

the blithe singers, perhaps none ar-.- - 5 notes 

lark after an April shower - - - some grass sways 

lly to and fro on some s . 
dawn: of 'lay lie ... . ■ . 

- singer. They build their - - - „ 

ble the southern mocking - ge. but are more of a yel- 

lowish brown i:: 

The little wren is a da 
lings. He comes with tlx 



102 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

exceedingly musical and sweet. The linnet is not unlike the wren in color 
but more slender in body. His notes are among the sweetest and most 
tuneful of the bird family. He comes when the orchards and flowering 
shrubs don their sweet scented, flowery robes to greet the spring time. 
The snow bird's reign is supreme over the bird kingdom. He comes in 
winter with the first snow fall and remains until the warm winds of spring 
approach, then journeys northward again. 

All concede the scolding', swaggering bluejay, with his gay. bright 
plumage, is a handsome bird, but his notes are harsh and unpleasant. lie 
comes with the bright spring-time and docs not seek hi- sunny southland 
among the roses with the first cold blast of winter, hut remain- to feasl 
on the garnered grain. One of the most beautiful of all the birds to be 
found in Kansas is the red bird. The bright, crimson lined male proudly 
wears a coronet or crest like the jay. his coat -hailing from the brightest 
to the deepest red. His notes are a happy whistle, clear and sweet. He is 
most often seen in winter. The red bird is often captured and becomes 
thoroughly domesticated, hut it seems a cruel fate to rob these wild care- 
free songsters of their freedom, and who would not prefer to hear them 
lightly singing high up among the branches of the leafless tree-, making 
gloomy winter days cheery with song from their little hearts so blithsome 
and gay, fortelling the bright, happy days of spring-time, unfettered and 
free. 

The English sparrow, now so numerous, is an importation to this coun- 
try, and a dozen years ago were unknown to this section. They are not unlike 
the barn swallow in habits, making their homes in barns, eaves of build- 
ings, sheds or any available place. Their nests are made of sticks and mud. 
The sparrows have made themselves much disliked by their breeding pro- 
pensities and long before dawn or peep of day, keep up an incessant chatter 
that is intensely annoying to the sleeping tenant. They come in countless num- 
bers with the earliest advent of spring, remaining until late in the autumn. 
However, they are of a migratory nature and the whole army will some- 
times vanish in a single day and return in like manner. Another handsome 
and interesting bird is the oriole, sometimes called the "fire bird,*' owing to 
it- vivid orange-red and yellow coloring. When driving through the coun- 
try one sees scores of "last year's birds' nests," in the trees that skirt the 
hanks of the creeks. Their cone-shaped nests built of straw, sticks, wood, 
hair, etc., are suspended by two seemingly fragile threads, woven by the 
wo,,f and war]) of the ingenious little oriole. 

Robin red breast flits among the trees of the blossoming orchards. His 
chirrup is heard with the first arrival of spring. There are a large number 
of birds belonging to the woodpecker family, some of them beautiful in 
coloring. The specie known as sap sucker, often injures and sometimes 
kills apple and other trees by girdling them. During the summer months 
the sweet, warhlings of the purple martin and blue birds are heard singing 
t ,!eir ngs hi the yellow sunlight. The swallows come with the earlv 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 103 

spring-time and build their nests in chimneys and barns. As the shadows 
of the summer days lengthen and the evening wanes the whip-poor-will's 
melancholy, but sweet call, is heard. 

One occasionally hears the piping notes of the quail. A dozen years 
ago the melodious whistle of "Bub White" could be heard at morn and 
evening, but this favorite bird is fast becoming extinct and it is only now 
and again that a covey is seen in the hedges or in the brush wood along 
side the creeks. His notes are deliriously sweet. 

"He tells of summer come again 
Of blossoms and the growing grain." 

Of all the feathered family the diminitive king bird is the greatest 
saver of grain, game and poultry by his war-like attacks against the sharp- 
shinned hawk and other plunderers of the farm. There are several varie- 
ties of the dainty little humming bird. Among other birds not so commonly 
known are the rose-breasted grossbeak. shrike, tanager and cuckoo. Dur- 
ing the spring and summer there are myriads of blackbirds. Thev are 
among the most useful insect destroyers. 

The ominous hoot of the owl is heard along the rivers and groves. 
The loss of an occasional chicken that rinds its way into their talons is 
more than repaid by the numerous mice and vermin destroyed by this wise 
looking bird. The crow that frequents this country in large numbers is 
also a great scavanger. The hawk is a despised bird, but who can watch 
him circling away into space, his plumage so beautifully colored and marked, 
glinting and shining in the sunlight, without admiring his graceful poise. 
Among the best known species are the sparrow hawk. Cooper's hawk, sharp- 
shinned hawk and fish hawk. 

Of the game birds, the wild turkey, now extinct, was once monarch. 
The rivers and creeks abounded with them and supplied many an early 
settler with a delicious turkey dinner. Wild geese, during their migratory 
period, are plentiful; also the various species of wild ducks: the mallard, 
canvas back, pin-tailed and the little blue and green winged teals are all 
found in the ponds, the salt marsh, the streams and at Lake Sibley. The 
prairie chicken, once so abundant on the plain, is now seldom seen in this 
locality. Nothing in the game annals of Kansas afforded more genuine 
pleasure than the innumerable flocks of these birds, that swarmed over the 
boundless prairies, devoid of hedges, fences or other obstacles to the animated 
hunter as he rode or drove across the country. The snipe or curlew are 
a small, but delicious bird, of fine flavor. The plover is a similar, but smaller 
bird. 

THE SUNFLOWER. 

The sunflower, the emblem of Kansas, although the writer does not 
know that it was formally adopted as such, is pre-eminent among the wild 
flowers of the boundless prairies of the state. It is fitting that it should be 
acknowledged as their emblematic blossom, for they grow rampant every- 



104 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



where. During the drouth and hot winds, when the great walls of corn 
are shriveled and blasted by the tierce sirocco, it continues to thrive, its 
big yellow flowers nodding and swaying to the breezes. It is most prolific 
on broken ground, and while its growth is spontaneous, the oldest settlers 
report that when the country was new and the land uncultivated, the Lin 
flower was principally confined to the soft and loamy soil along the stn 
hut as the sod was turned they raised their coronets of gold as if to 
with graceful courtesy a welcome to the homestead settler. The) grov 
rapidly, and if a tract of ground is left idle for a season, the sunflower 
will reign supreme, growing to a height of from three to a dozen or more 
feet, covered with -olden blossoms that turn their bright faces to the sun, 
continuing to follow its course until nightfall finds the greater part of them 
looking westward. They bloom early and continue all through the summer 
Nature-loving individuals, whose asthetic faculties find enchantment 
in every plant in the universe, also find a charm in these wild floral beauties 
of Kansas. 

OTHER WILD NATIVE FLOW] 

When the pioneers reached this "Eldorado of the West" the unlimited 
sea of prairies were a garden of blossoming .plants, replete and gorgeous 
with exquisite coloring, but with each succeeding year the sod of the sec- 
tions continued to turn, the herds were confined to small areas of pastures, 
where the greater part of the bright hued flowers were trampled to death 
in the hoof-trodden soil. The graceful coreopsis that once grew in profusion, 
transforming' the green fields into "cloth of Cold," is now confined to a feu 
of the more remote hedges and corners of fields. 

The "niggerhead," a blossom which closely resembles the sunflower, 
though more diminutive, is a friendly rival of that plant and thrives in the 
same localities. 

The most beautiful, perhaps, of all the wild flowers of Kansas i- the 
sensitive rose. Its fragrance is deliciously sweet, a quality which in all 
probability won for it the name of rose. Certain it is not from any 
resemblance to the "queen of flowers." for there is no similarity between 
them. From the base of two steins which are covered with leaves that 
-row in pairs, and shrink when they come in contact with the human hand, 
instantly close, to remain in that condition for the rest of the day, spring 
■Mi a .'luster of the little blossoming halls, about an inch in diameter, the 
deepest pink or cerise in color, each little film tipped with the merest touch 
Id. The blossom is extremely fragile and dainty, yet if handled with 
care, will retain their beauty and exquisite perfume for several days. The 
author has found comparatively few of these graceful plants which grow- 
on a spreading hush of from one to two feet in height, and once scattered 
their fragrance everywhere. 

The lily family is principally represented in the specie known as field 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 105 

lily, and closely resembles the garden "tiger lily." The creamy water lily 
is found in a few localities in the region of Lake Sibley. The wild morn- 
ing-glory has vari-colored waxen blossoms and grows in profusion along 
the brush- skirted creeks. 

The pretty little blue and white daisies are the first to appear in the 
springtime; they raise their modest heads with the first chirrup of the robin. 
There are innumerable beds of violets along the banks of the rivers and 
creeks, commonly known as "Johnny-jump-ups." Where is the school boy 
that has not matched his favorite imaginary game chicken against an adver- 
sary in the pit, and ruthlessly decapitated his opponent to the demoralizing of 
"Johnny-jump-up?" 

Then there are buttercups that peep out from along the hedges and tall 
grasses. Of the dandelions there are two varieties; the ordinary every-day 
dandelion that grows closely to the ground. The fringed blossom that 
grows taller, is partially double and more of a lemon color in hue. The white 
and yellow primrose are still found in a few localities. The big white and 
yellow thorn poppy is a handsome flower, but "distance lends enchantment" 
to its charms, for it possesses an unpleasant odor and its stalk discharges a 
sticky fluid. Each plant should be labeled "Don't come nigh me." The 
white and purple larkspur, now confined to a few fields, once grew com- 
monly; also the pretty and fragrant verbena and petunia. A charmingly dainty 
and beautifully colored flower, bordering on deepest red of the cerise shade, 
is commonly known as the "Chinese rose," and blossoms bountifully in 
almost every nook and corner of Clyde during the months of May and June. 
From the tip of a slender plant, which does not reach more than twelve 
inches in height, the little bell-shaped flower shoots out. The blossom is not 
unlike that of the rose moss, but slightly larger and the petals not so widely 
spread. The flower stalks of the wild parsnip, with their snowy umbels of 
exceedingly dainty beauty that is seldom appreciated, grows abundantly. 
The same is true of the yarrow and the sage flower that grow on the hills. 
"Snow in the mountain" that is cultivated with care in the east, grows 
along the roadside in Kansas. The hills are brightened by the white ami 
purple asters, which come late in the summer after most of the other plants 
have come and gone. Golden-rod. one of the favorites of the family of wild 
flowers, grows profusely. In and around the hills a prickly pear or specie 
of cactus is found, and an occasional yucca, with its sword-like leaves and 
cream-colored bell-shaped flowers. This plant is a feature of the Rocky 
mountains. To the Indian it is known as "soap-weed." The root is of a 
saponaceous character and used by the more civilized tribes for cleansing 
purposes. The wild rose, long distinguished for its beauty and fragrance, 
is a native of Kansas. There are two varieties, one a small, low bush, 
the other a clinging or vining shrub. — the flower, however, is similar excqjt 
the blossom of the latter is smaller in character. There are perhaps many 
more species of wild flowers than is mentioned here, and in all probability 
many varieties have become totally extinct. 



io6 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



GOOD ROADS. 

Another and important characteristic of Kansas is her good roads. 
During the winter months the) seldom assume that frozen and. exceedingly 
rough condition that marks those of the eastern states in the same ■ 
the rear. Again, in the springtime there is no "breaking up" a- compared to 
the experiences with highways that are practically impassable. The • 
of time or the period of bad roads in northern Kansas -eld. mi exce 
days, and are never in a condition to retard traffic. 

SNAKES. 

With tlte approach of warm weather these reptiles began to show 
themselves in the early days of Cloud county. They were found in 
yards, in the dugout or cabin and on the prairies in gangs and droves. Sel 
tiers declared war upon them and would collect together for the purpo 
exterminating places of habitation. 

The subject is not a pleasant one t<> write of and it is enough to make 
one's blood run cold to listen to some of the thrilling blood curdling snake 
killing experiences. What a bonanza it would have been for the < 
some snake charmer. Although snake literature is not a pleasing subjeel 
this volume would be incomplete without a chapter on these formidable rep- 
tiles that were gliding through the prairie grass, coiling in the middle of a 
path, crawling through the woods and bushes, basking in the sunlight among 
the rocks, myriads of them everywhere. 

The late "Grandma" Christian, of Elk township, related an occurrence 
of 1S84. which has few equals in the annals of snake stories. Mr. Christian 
had sent two boys to the lower part of the farm to clear the dock from the 
fence, when they came upon a monster of the species called "blow sua! 1 
which the boys assaulted "with intent to kill." when the male snake put in 
an appearance and fought for the protection of bis mate. 

The boys were victors, however, and as they beheaded the female, 
imagine their horror and surprise., when from a concealed pocket < .11 the body 
of the mother, thirty-three infant serpents wriggled out. These brave youths 
exterminated the whole family, making a grand total of thirty-five, which 
they gathered up and carried home as tangible evidence of a snake battle 
that has few parallels. 

It was not an uncommon event to see one of these unwholesome crea- 
tines gliding over the floor of the dugout, cabin or primitive school house. 
Behind the newspapers that covered the walls the settlers' wives would often 

\er that a pair of them had established a home, whereupon the unwel- 
come intruders would he hastily dispatched. 

SXAKE DEN STORY. 

Kansas, not to he outdone in anything, comes forward with a snake 
)' ;,rn a '' ' ! ll .' an "old timer." The den was located ah. ait nine miles south- 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. io 7 

west of Concordia on the Wagner ranch. It was first discovered by a man 
named Johnson, in the year 1875. In the spring of that year the discoverer 
had an idea that there must be a den after having seen various kinds of 
the reptiles sunning themselves. 

Arming himself with weapons of defense he began his tour of inspec- 
tion and was horrified to see thousands of the venomous, loathesome, writh- 
ing, noisesome creatures. "Discretion is the better part of valor."' With 
this motto our hero ( ?) "advanced backward," and waited to rallv a force 
of men before making an attack. Wonderful stories were floated about and 
hundreds of curious sight-seers flocked to the den armed with all kinds of 
implements of war, pitchforks, axes, hoes, guns and clubs, and began the 
battle of extermination. 

When interviewing an old settler, he told his version in the following 
manner: "In company with three other men I went out to see snakes, and 
did see them, first they were looped through the wheels, flying in every 
direction, at which sight the horses took fright, rearing ami plunging, finally 
running at great speed, throwing reptiles in all directions, and, coupled with 
the motion and speed of their hoofs, snakes were thrown skyward, eight or 
ten feet high." When asked after this most wonderful recital, "Did you 
have anything in the surrev made of glass, covered with wicker?" he replied: 
"( ». no. it was not necessary to see double; there were plenty without double 
vision." 

Snakes, in unison with Indians, buffalo and prairie dogs, are fast grow- 
ing to be things of the past. Kansas has had her full share and meed of all 
these pests. 

GRASSHOPPER VISITATION. 

We find, according to historical reports, there was a visitation of grass- 
hoppers in Kansas and Missouri in 1820. Another raid is reported by 
Father John Schoenmakers. of Osage Mission. He says "the}- came down 
like snow." They hatched in the spring of 1855 and destroyed all the crops 
and all the grass on the prairies in that vicinity. The grasshoppers visited 
Osage Mission again in 1856, but most of the crop had been garnered. They 
hatched in the spring of 1S57. but "a sudden freshet swept them all away." 
In the same year they appeared in Lawrence and Leavenworth counties. 

February 26, 1867. the Gopher Bill was changed by the senate into a 
grasshopper bill, giving a bounty for all scalps of grasshoppers furnished 
with the ears. 

Colorado had "hoppers" in 1864-5, but they did not come to Kansas. 
In 1866 the grasshoppers first struck Cloud county. They put in an appear- 
ance on August 30. the day the county was declared organized. The sun 
was clouded by them and myriads of them covered the trees and ground, 
spreading consternation among the settlers, for they felt assured it was an 
evil omen, coming on that particular day. The corn was too far advanced 



IOC 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY. KANSAS. 



to be seriously injured, but every blade that was al all green soon vanished 
under their rapacious appetites. There were none in [867 west of JundJ. 
City They laid and hatched only in the northeastern counties and in Mis- 
souri where thev did some damage, but did not create a panic or much 
harm in Kansas though they existed in great numbers, flying through 

In the year [868 another -real shower of grasshoppers earn, to the 
-round in Leavenworth, but did no barm, it hem- a year of greal prosper 
ity Kansas was not the only country inflicted with these greal pests, bul 
the New England states had a visitation in 1S74 and the) did considerable 
injury to the hay crop, the fruit tree,, and corn tassels, devouring the latter 
as fast as they appeared. 

THE GREAT VISITATION OF 1*75- 

Wilder, in his "Annals of Kansas." says: "June 6, 1875, all of West 
and North Topeka were carpeted with grasshoppers; noses north and all 
walking; some full grown and winged; others shedding their slight silver 
sheaths; a line like an army; they leave no grass behind them; .1 strange 
sight; thev do an immense work and are silent; Carlyle's type of a hem; and 
thev eat up the town as heroes devastated empires." 

In several counties they fought them with plows, coal oil and the spade. 
ddie following was clipped from an early issue of the Marysville News: 
"Grasshoppers go to roost just like chickens; they eat like people at a line 
dinner; they get up on their bind legs and howl over disappointment just 
like a defeated politician; when they think they are about to gel scooped they 
take a change of venue wherein there is similarity between them and Pom 
eroy. They believe in co-operation, like grangers. They strike for 'fal 
takes.' like the printers. They are weary, like Henry Ward P.eecher." 

All sorts of means were suggested and advised as an exterminator of 
the pests. Some concluded the evil might have its compensation. One, 11. 
W. Mien, of Boulder, Colorado, by experimenting, is said to have found 
that a pint of grasshoppers would yield about two ounces of lubricating oil, 
and it was thought probable that a crop of "hoppers," which had been con- 
sidered an unmixed evil, might pay the farmer better than a crop of corn, 
but the ravisbers left behind them a scene of desolation. 

The people stood with folded arms and saw their luxuriant fields of 
com stripped of every blade, helpless and hopeless. The Governor of Min- 
nesota suggested they be crushed by rollers; caught in bags and traps; 
plowing under deeply of the eggs; co-operative action for the preservation 
of the prairie grass by burning in the spring: driving them into trenches 
where they would be destroyed, and scores of other means were proposed 
and advised. Another, but said to be an effective way of killing millions of 
young "hoppers," was a device described as follows: Take a piece of sheet- 
iron ten feet long and two or three feet wide, turn up one side about one 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 109 

foot for a back, saturate a piece of cloth with coal oil and place it on the 
sheet-iron, which is drawn over the ground. The "hoppers" will jump on 
to it as it is drawn along, they touch the coal oil and it kills them almost 
instantly. 

The theory that they were out of their natural element and could not 
permanently thrive has been confirmed by their flight and failing to return 
annually but at irregular intervals. It was also conceded a grasshopper 
would stand freezing and thawing. 

In the autumn of 1879 they passed over in millions, clouding the sun, 
moving in a southeasterly direction, propelled by a .steady breeze. The air 
was filled with them but they did not "bide a wee." much to the gratification 
of the people of Kansas. 

BENEFIT TO THE STATE. 

Many people consider the grasshopper invasion a benefit to the state as 
it drove away the indolent class of farmers. Among the progressive ones 
who left many returned, loudly proclaiming "With all its grasshoppers 
Kansas is the very best country between the Alleghany and Rocky 
Mountains." Hard times and calamities are almost as much the result of 
"croaking" as actual necessity. As when there is not a superabundance of 
crops and husiness is stagnated, the people begin to preach doleful sermons 
and insist upon looking on the dark side of affairs. Hundreds .who would 
not feel the hard times nor have any occasion to take up the cry. clutch the 
dollar in their pockets more tightly and thus increase the panic. 

It was not many months ere many of the fugitives returned to their 
lands, feeling that Kansas held a future full of bright prospects, and was 
destined to occupy a place among the first ranks of her sister states, and it 
was surprising how rapidly the countrv improved and with what velocity 
they made comfortable homes in the fertile valleys. 

On the grasshopper subject much has been said and written that is 
superficial, hut perhaps the actual devastation of these pests could not be 
described. They would eat the blades from the corn stock, and through 
the shuck, into the ear, not leaving anything but the cob. The green peaches 
were eaten to the pit: beets and turnips were eat down into the ground, and 
not a vestige of vegetation left. 

PRAIRIE FIRES. 

These fires often threatened the farmers with destruction and were a 
formidable foe to the homestead settler. Their advent into a community 
would bring out all of the available workers in the neighborhood, includ- 
ing the settlers' wives and children, equipped with water, old clothing, 
gunny-sacks, brooms, mops, etc., to fight the fire. 

When the wind was blowing a steady gale — and the fire generally cre- 
ated one — the fleetest horse could not outrun the flames as they were lifted by 



no HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

the vising wind and earned along al a furious rate. The fire would often 
cross the rivers by bunches of burning grass being borne across b) the wind 
from the opposite side. 

Saturday, February 5. 1876, a terrific prairie fire swept over the county, 
taking almost everything in its path. A high wind prevailed, The lire orig- 
inated mi Mortimer creek about midway, and swept everything in the west- 
ern part of the county, covering an area of about two hundred square miles 
and destroying several thousand dollars worth of property. Manx lost their 
lion;'.-, hundreds of bushels of gram and tons of hay were consumed, and 
none of them could afford the loss. 

On March 13, 1879, a lire swept over Lincoln township and a part of 
Republic county, which was one of the most destructive and most terrify- 
ing that ever visited Cloud count}'. The lire began northwest of Sible) and 
was driven by a southest wind which Kept rising and increasing the olume 
of lire until every available man, woman and child were out combating the 
fiery element. The fire reached the line of Republic county and after spread- 
ing about two miles the wind whirled to the northwest and brought the lire- 
back with redoubled fury into Cloud county. It is hardly possible to pic- 
ture the situation of a community threatened by a disastrous prairie lire. 
The wind in this instance was blowing with such for,,- as to make it almost 
impossible for pedestrians to be on the streets of ( oncordia between three 
and six o'clock in the afternoon. The air was filled with sand, dusifc, gravel, 
loose boards, etc., that went pell mell through the streets; and much worse 
was the fire. The scene was heartrending. .Men, women and children, 
armed with rags and water, dared face the terrible foe and fought valiantly 
trying to save the property they had labored so hard to accumulate, but not- 
withstanding their brave efforts, before the sun went down the same even- 
ing nor less than forty thousand dollars worth of property was reduced to 
ashes in the two townships. 

Charles Burgren lost everything on his place, including a -pan of 
horses, span of mules, hogs, cows, wagon, etc. Mr. Burgren saw the fire 
coming and started to the assistance of a neighbor, but had to turn back on 
account of the flames coming upon him; but. unfortunately, did not retreat 
soon enough and was badly burned. 

On the farm of Mr. Bowersox the worst tragedy of the whole calamity 
took place. Mrs. Bowersox. a young woman who had only been married 
about a year, ran to the stable to let the horses out, the men being away at 
the time. She had rescued one when she herself fell a victim to the dames 
and was burned to death inside the stable, along with four horses. When 
the body was discovered it was a scene horrible to contemplate. 

The area swept over by this fire was about thirty square miles and at 

a rapid gait. Lore guards were useless; burning masses of corn husks, 

. hay, etc. were sent flying through the air and setting fire hundreds 

leet in advance of the main line and there was no remedv for it. It was 

id the control of human efforts. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. in 



PRECIPITATION OF RAIN FALL FOR FORTY-THREE YEARS. 

The following record of the rain fall and melted snows is of much 
more than ordinary importance to the people of Cloud county, as prepared 
by J. M. Hagaman, who located at Elm Creek. Cloud county, early in July 
of i860, the year of the "great drouth," the "famine year" as it was and is 
still called the world over. The seared prairies, the dried up springs and 
creeks, parched condition of the earth with cracks into which one could 
reach the length of an arm, without touching bottom, were sights not at all 
encouraging to the immigrant, and it is not at all surprising that doubt 
arose in his mind as to whether farming could be successfully carried on in 
such a country. 

Still there were some redeeming features ; for instance along the creeks 
the trees were robed in foliage of healthy green, clusters of grapes in won- 
derful profuseness hung on vines that reached to the top ot the trees. Black 
walnuts, large and in great abundance, were seen on every walnut tree. In 
sheltered places where the fierce sirocco could not reach them, were (lowers 
and grasses and on the low bottom lands of the river was plenty of grass 
for hay. The soil seemed of unstinted richness, which suggested to Mr. 
Hagaman and other old settlers, the possibility of raising fairly good crops 
with a limited amount of rain. 

Thev would try it a few years any way, Mr. Hagaman reasoning" in his 
mind that if he could get two fair crops out of three years' planting, he 
would he satisfied. But for the first few years, with what anxiety he 
watched every cloud that floated above him, and with what anxiety he meas- 
ured the water that fell from them. It was this condition of the country 
that led him to keep a measurement of the rain and melted snow, ami which 
we herein give to the readers of this volume. It is certainly of great value 
and if carefully studied it will enable one to form a pretty fair opinion of the 
future seasons. 

In the first seventeen years the aggregate only can he given, as the 
original daily records were destroyed in a fire, and the following are taken 
from Hagvaman's History of Cloud County, and may be relied upon as cor- 
rect. The first year. i860, was taken from a record kept at Manhattan. 

YEAR. INCHES. YEAR. 1NJHES. 

1SI50 \3H 1869 30 

1861 30 1870 28 

1862 35 lsn 32 

1863 34 1872 26 

1864 :::; is::; 30 

1865 32 1874 22 

1866 ::i 1875 24 

1867 ::5 1876 29 

1868 is 

Total precipitation for seventeen years, 475 inches; yearly average, 28 
inches. This exceeds the next seventeen years by 107 inches, which was 368 



I 12 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



mches. being a yearly average of 21 6. Much of this difference came from 
the winter snows, which were greater in the first seventeen years than they 
were in the latter seventeen years. 

The seven years succeeding the great drouth of 1859-60 were the best 
seven consecutive crop years since then. This clearly disproves the popular 
notion that settlement and cultivation increase the rain fall. The great 
drouth of 1859-60 was broken the last week in July in the latter year by a 
two-inch water fall, and after this, until September 12. copious showers fell, 
reviving the grass and bringing up corn, pumpkins, buckwheat, etc.. that 
had lain in the ground from one to two months. 

It was really to the settlers from the north almost summer weather up 
till January 14. when the county was visited by a snow two feet deep. Oi 
these years 1860-68-70-74 were had drouths, very little produce being raised 
in the county.- Neither were total failures, however, as there were farms 
that produced from one-fourth to three-fourths of a crop of corn. In 1870 
the early planted corn was a total failure, hut the late plant made a lair crop. 
There were potatoes, turnips and other vegetables produced from timely 
rains that set in about July 20. 

In 1874 there was a visitation of grasshoppers that would have taken 
everything had there not been a drouth. The subsequent record is made up 
in three-month periods, excepting the three first winter months, commenc- 
ing with March, 1877, after that with December. The reason I'm- this is 
the custom of people saying, "Much moisture in the winter months insure 
good crops the next year." This failing, a wet spring means the same 
thin,!.'. With the ground saturated at planting time, a fair crop has followed 
every year except 1891. 

The failures, or nearly total failures, have been in 1868-70-74-80-88- 
90-1900-01, hut good crops have not always been harvested in years of the 
usual and annual rain fall as, witness these figures: 

YEARS OF FAIR TO GOOD CROPS. YEARS OF FAILURES AND PARTIAL FAILURES. 

Is;; 21.52 1870 28. 

1881 18.32 1 880 '■>. 22 

Issi 16.94 issr 21.89 

1 895 14.21 1888 22.01 

1 393 21.24 1890 25 !8 

l!ii- period when there was the greatest precipitation, whether it be 
before the growing season or after it, had much to do with these failures 

me instances, hut the chief cause was the prevailing southwest winds, 
which have been properly named sirocco. Notwithstanding, the record is 
110I a had one fur the forty years of cultivation of the soil in Cloud county. 
The average of the cereals, wheat, corn, rye and oats being as good as in any 
other count) of the state or as any state of the United States. The extraord- 
inary richness of the soil making up for the lack of moisture. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



"3 



RAIN AND MELTED SNOW. 



Bv periods of three months, commencing March I, 1877. 



March to June 3.51 

June to September 12.44 

September to December 5.58 

Total for last nine months 21.53 

I877-78. 

December to March 2.57 

March to June 5.06 

June to September 1940 

Septem'ber to December 2.90 

Total for the year 29.93 

1878-79- 

December to March 8.4 

March to June 4-33 

June to September 10.89 

September to December 7.55 

Total 23.61 

1879-80. 

I ><. ember to March 8.7 

March to June 3-49 

June to September 10.28 

September to December 4.58 

Total 19-22 

1880-81. 

1 lecember to March 3-74 

March to June 5. 44 

June to September 7.09 

September to December 2.0=; 

Total 18.32 

1881-82. 

December to March 1.18 

March to June 8.34 

June to September 9.60 

September to December 2.2,2 

Total 21.44 

I 
1S82-83. 

December to March 1.17 

March to June 4.34 

June to September 1 1. 09 

( N'o rain in August) 

September to December 5. IS 

Total 21.75 

1883-84. 

I (ecember to March 1.54 

March to June (June .60) 6.66 

June to September 5.83 

September to December 2.91 

Total 16.94 

1884-85. 

December to March 3.93 

March to June 7.61 

( March .12, April 5.36) 

June to September 9.47 

September to December 5.08 

Total 26.09 



1885-86. 

December to March 3.52 

March to June IO.51 

June tn September 8.36 

September to December 6.29 

Total 28.68 

[886 87 

December to March 1.86 

March to June 8.33 

1 March .06) 

June to September 8.56 

September to December 2.84 

(October no rain or snow) 

Total 21.89 



1887-S8. 

December to March 61 

( December only a trace) 

March to June 7.83 

( May 5.45 > 

June to September 11.12 

(June 4.80. July -1.51) 

September to December 2.43 

Total 22.01 

1888-89. 

December to March 1.62 

March to June 9-22 

(Max 4.86) 

June to September M 34 

(June 2.01. July 8.66. Aug. 3.67) 

September to December 4 '4 

Total 29.32 

1 88 i-qo. 

December to March 1.47 

( \ii rain or snow in December) 

March to June 4 47 

["line to September h.^2 

1 July .12, August 3.13) 

September to December 3.31 

(Di-astrous drouth this year.) 
Total 15-77 

1800-91. 

December to March 

1 Mo rain or snow in December 1 

March to June 10.34 

June tn September 

'1 June 5.64, July 3.27. Aug. .57) 
September to December 7.32 

I'ulal 29.18 

I 
1891-92. 

I )ecember to March 

March to June 12.27 

(May 8.34) 

June to September 5-77 

(June 92) 

Sentember to December r.31 

Total 22.96 



114 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



1892-93. 

December to March 1-5° 

(Jan. .06, Feb. .29) 

March to June 3 A3 

(March. .62, April .66) 

June t' 1 September 12.00 

'( Jure 6.85) 

September to December 3- 2 3 

Total 21.44 

1893-94. 

December to March 1-35 

March to Tune 6.64 

(March .28. April 2.86, May 3.50) 

Tune to September 12.63 

"(June 11.36, July .87, Aug. .40) 

September to December 3-35 

Total 23-99 

I894-95- 

December to March 2 4 s 

( February 1.68) 

March to June r -43 

Tunc to September 8.58 

"(June 364. July 1.02, Aug. 3.92) 
September to December 2.21 

Tmal 1470 

i 
1895-96. 

December to March 70 

(No moisture in DeJcember) 

March to June 7<'7 

(March .38. April 1.92, May 5.37) 

June to September 11.02 

(June 1.50, July 6.86, Aug. 2.86) 
September to December 6.83 

Total 



[897-98. 

I lei embi 1 to March 3.1 

March to June 5 3^ 

June to September 7' 1 * 

September to December ■ 6.33 

Total 22-53 



1898-99. 

I >r. ember to March 2. 

March to lune 8.49 

I May 5.65) 

Tune to September 12.30 

(June 6.7S, J'«b 3.65) 

September to December 6.83 

Total 29.62 



1809-1900. 

I 1, cemiber to March 2.62 

March to June 7-96 

June to September 7 ''4 

September to December 7.06 

Total 25-28 



1900-01. 

December to March T.99 

March to June 7 S- 

June to September 446 

September to December 4 44 



1902-03. 

December to March 1-97 

■f June to September 1708 

IMarch to June IO.46 

September t.. December 6.66 

December to March 2.70 



1896-97. 

December to March 138 

(No moisture in Dec.) 

March to June 4-33 

June ti 1 September 15.56 

(June 7.39, July 6.02) 

September to December 7.82 

( Sep! 92, Oct. 6.89, Nov. .71) 
Total 29.09 



*From Nov. I, 1900, to April 21, 1902, 
the rotal waterfall was 2.06, which was the 
least for that length of time in the history 
of the county. 



tFor May the fall was 9.46 inches. 
JFor June the water Jail was 9.21 inches, 
the corn crop in 1900, notwith- 



of 

years 



of less 



in 
timely 



seasons. 



The 



There was almost a total failure 
standing a good crop has been raised 
reason is found in the prevalence of the intensely hot south and southwest 
winds, the latter being a genuine sirocco. 



SURFACE. 



The surface of the county presents a beautifully diversified view of 
bottom and uplands, the latter stretching away for many miles and affording 
many standpoints from which a fine panoramic view can be obtained of the 
i'nie cultivated farms, the river courses, the winding of the creeks with their 
banks of foliage, all contribute to the vista of rural beauty. Cloud county 
has m ept Lake Sibley: there are no swamps or sloughs like in the 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 115 

south and Middle Eastern states, and consequently escapes noxious exhala- 
tions so -conducive to malaria and its attendant ills. 

SOIL. 

The soil of Cloud county, generally speaking, is of a fine rich loam, 
varving in color, darker or lighter in the different localities, and all infused 
in a greater or less degree with sand. The extent of the soil is deqi. aver- 
aging upon the highlands three feet or more, and on the bottom lands near 
the rivers and creeks it reaches a depth of from ten to a dozen feet of alluvial 
deposit, ranking with the most superior land of the known world, and the 
best adapted to corn. Many contend the uplands are the best for wheat 
growing. The highlands are fertile, being enriched with a vegetable mold. 
In favorable years only an approximate limit could be fixed on the produc- 
tive possibilities of either. Potters' clay has been found in several localities, 
particularly in the vicinity of Clyde. 

HORTICULTURE. 

Notwithstanding the fruit industry has sometimes met with repeated fail- 
ures, this branch of enterprise is successfully carried on by many people of 
Cloud county, and in various instances with excellent returns, as referred to 
in many personal sketches. There are many apple orchards which yield 
abundantly and possess as fine a flavor as could be found anywhere: peaches 
and plums also do well. 

LAKE SIBLEY. 

Lake Siblev is the only similar body of water in Cloud county. It 
runs nearly parallel with the Republican river. It is somewhat wider than 
the river, is about three miles distant from it, is semi-circular in form, and 
is approximately three miles in length. Its banks are covered with a fine 
growth of trees, which lend a special charm to its serene beauty. At one 
time it was supposed the town of Sibley, which was located about a quarter 
of a mile north of this pretty sheet of water, would become a city >>i some 
magnitude, — a more beautiful site for a town could not lie found. The 
water of the lake is cool, the result of being fed by many springs, and is well 
stocked with fish, mostly of the carp specie. The water varies in depth from 
three to twelve feet. The land surrounding the lake is high and not marshy, 
as might be inferred, and the soil is of great richness. 

STRANGE SUICIDE IN LAKE SIBLEY. 

In March, 1890. the community in the vicinity of Lake Sibley were 
startled by a rumor of the drowning of two women. Upon investigation it 



n6 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

was confirmed and the names of the unfortunate victims were \.dell and 
Hannah Poore. Coroner Dr. Pig-man and County Attorney S. 1 ». Huston 
were notified and at once drove to the north shore of the lake, where the 
bodies were found in about three feet of water and aboul ten feet apart. \ 
jury was summoned and an investigation had. which rendered a verdict oi 
"suicide by drowning." Many theories were given as to the cause leading 
to such a desperate act, but the only one rendering any degree of probability 
is that they were tired of living. They were aged respectively thirty-two 
and thirty-five years, and both unmarried. They boarded with a family in 
the neighborhood and had a brother who, with a family, lived near by, and 
with whom they were on friendly terms. The affair was a very peculiar 
one. They were in good circumstances financially, having cash in hand, 
real estate in Concordia and Beloit, and a good farm in Cloud count}-. It 
was also reported that they had eastern property. 

Four years prior to their suicides, they had taught in the high school oi 
Concordia and ranked as first-grade teachers. Miss Adell Poore, the elder 
of the two. taught in the Clyde school in [889. It 1- a remarkable case and 
singular, that the two sisters should arrive at such a tragic fate without an 
apparent cause. They were easily tracked and by the footprints, it was 
plainly- discerned that the younger of the two women had faltered or showed 
a disposition to hesitate; the elder going to her doom first, as she was fur- 
ther from the shore and perhaps the first t" drown. "Rough on Rats" was 
found to have been in their possession, ostensibly for the purpose of end- 
ing their lives if drowning became too formidable. They walked deliberately 
into the lake, laid down and were suffocated. The evidence showed that 
melancholy and gloom had settled upon them, rendering life not worth the 
struggle. They were honest women, who bore unblemished reputations and 
were absolutely without the association of the opposite sex. ["he lather, 
mother and three sisters had succumbed to a lingering consumption, and 
knowing for them a similar fate was destined, they resolutely determined to 
entail a long illness by committing this terrible deed. 

SIBLEY BUTTE. 

About three miles north of Lake Sibley is a high point of ground 
known in the early settlement of the county as "Siblev Butte." From this 
prominence a birds-eye view for twenty miles or more can lie obtained — one 
ol the finest views in the country. The meanderings of the Republican river, 
Buffalo, Wolf and Oak creeks are plainly outlined by the markings of tim- 
ber thai fringe these streams. 

TWIN MOUNDS. 

From the summits of the twin mounds, two cone-shaped elevations sit- 
near the source of Elm creek, a fine view is gained for many miles 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 117 

around, also a magnificent view of the Republican river valley, stretching- 
far away upon either side, a vast undulating plain of rich, cultivated fields. 

WATER COURSES OF CLOUD COUNTY, INDUSTRIES, TOWNS, ETC. 

The Republican and Solomon are two beautiful water courses and almost 
even- acre of land in Cloud county can be utilized. Much of the soil has an 
underlying strata of lime and sandstone, the former predominating, and is 
supposed to impart a strong fertilizing quality to the soil. The bottom soil 
is alluvial in character and the upland a vegetable mold, both very rich in 
quality and capable of producing almost everything known to the vegetable 
kingdom. 

The Republican river runs in a southeasterly direction through the 
northern part of the county. Its tributaries are Elk, Upton, Salt. Hay and 
Camp creeks from the north, and Mulberry, Beaver, Elm, Plum, Oak, Lost, 
Wolf and Buffalo creeks from the south. The Solomon river runs through 
the southwest slope of the divide; its tributaries are Fisher, Criss. Mortimer, 
Yockey and Pipe creeks ; of the latter there are three streams bearing that 
name, viz : Big Pipe, Middle Branch and East Branch ; the two latter are 
tributaries of Pipe creek. 

The surface is undulating, with numerous draws and depressions, 
which carry off the surplus moisture, and as a result, there are no pools of 
water left standing to stagnate and breed malaria. The general altitude of 
Cloud county is one thousand five hundred feet above the sea level and the 
air is dry and rare; hence a healthful and salubrious climate. 

There is a total of 460,800 acres in the county and the staple products 
are wheat, corn, kaffir corn and oats. Sorghum and broom corn grow 
splendidly in this locality, the soil being specially adapted to their produc- 
tion. There is rarely a total failure, but sometimes fall short of an average 
crop in exceeding dry seasons. The soil does not wear out, for nature has 
furnished an inexhaustible fertilizer. 

The stock industry is carried on extensively and successfully. The 
herd law has been in force since 1877. To A. J. Shelhammer belongs much 
of the honor of having Cloud created a herd law county. He was one of the 
original herd law men. 

In the southeast part of the county is an abundance of building stone. 
There are quarries of red sandstone well adapted for building purposes. It 
is easily worked when fresh from the quarry and hardens when exposed to 
the atmosphere. In some parts of the county a beautiful white magne 
limestone is found overlaying a sandstone in inexhaustible quantities, and 
when dressed bears a strong resemblance to marble. Coal has been found 
in some localities in paying quantities. There are beds of potters' clay near 
Clyde and in Shirley township. At one time there were potteries in each 
of the localities named and the manufacturers turned out excellent work, 

8 



nS HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

but owing- to the scarcity of wood for fuel they could not compete with the 
eastern factories and discontinued the industry. 

Cloud county is justly proud of her educational facilities and there is 
no excuse for illiteracy, as all the territory in the county has been organized 
into districts. 

Concordia, the county scat, is one of the most progressive and solid 
towns in the northwest. It is particularly fortunate in numbering so many 
among its citizens and business men who are SO enthusiastically interested 
and who always have the welfare of their metropolitan city at heart. 

Clyde is the second town of importance in the county and is an up-to- 
date thriving little city, beautifully situated on the east bank of the Repub- 
lican river. 

Glasco, in the southwestern part of the county and on the Solomon 
river, and Jamestown, in the northwestern part of the county in the bear. 
tiful Buffalo creek valley, are the next in importance, and Milton vale in the 
southwest corner. 

Much of the prosperity in the early settlement of Cloud county was due 
to the fact that it lay west of the sixth principal meridian, over which the 
land speculator could not go, but the whole domain, except what was given 
to schools and the railroads, was supposed to be sacredly preserved for the 
actual settler who rapidly occupied every available quarter section. 

Cloud county, as shown by the state board of agriculture for the year 
1884, had a crop of 131,576 acres of corn, giving it 2,469 acres more of corn 
than any other county of the *tate. In 1896 the banks of Cloud county had 
on deposit $200,000, of which the least per cent, belonged to the farmer. In 
1900 they exceeded $640,000, of which over 60 per cent, belonged to the 
tillers of the soil. 

The brilliant success in our cities and great mining fields and the vari- 
ous speculative deals attract attention. When we hear of some lucky fellow 
rolling up a fortune in a few years, many are seized with a desire to cease 
plodding, toiling on the farm, when he might with less labor make thou- 
sands ;is a speculator, politician, business man in the city, or in the fabulous 
mining districts. 

Hut no surer road to financial gain and success can be found than 
through the avenues of farming and stock raising in Kansas. We say for- 
tunes, for we have the assurances from numbers of farmers that the profits 
on the sale of grain from one hundred and sixty acres of fertile land, in 
either the Solomon or Republican valleys, raised in one year, has paid for 
the land. Where is there a country that an investment can yield better 
returns than this?' Cloud county is purely agricultural and almost every 
farmer has a comfortable bank account. 

While perhaps the first and second bottoms are to be preferred, there 
is much desirable land on the uplands, and. where quite rough and the tops 
of the numerous mounds are almost a solid mass of rocks, on the hillside is 
found a rich and alluvial soil. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 119 



SCEXIC LANDSCAPE. 

When driving through the Solomon and Republican valleys the thought 
often presents itself, how delighted the first comers must have been with 
the view of the landscape as presented from one of the many prominences 
overlooking these beautiful valleys with their ever changing lights and shad- 
ows. What a feast for the eye of an artist : what an inspiration must have 
filled their souls, and one cannot wonder at the Indian for so reluctantly 
yielding this vast hunting ground. The landscape is diversified by culti- 
vated fields, intersected by little creeks, whose banks are skirted by trees, 
bottom lands, plateaus and hills. 

The author has witnessed these valleys in their happiest moods — 
Springtime, autumn and Indian summer, all of which are beautiful beyond 
description. 

In the springtime when the air was laden with the perfume of leaf 
and blossom and a chorus of birds discoursed their sweet warblings, the 
orchards lost in a wealth of bloom, and the brown hills and pastures don- 
ning their robes of green. 

In the autumn when the first frost lightly touches the foliage, nature 
vies with and outrivals the alluring springtime, the mellow opal sky 
melting into gold and crimson in the west, the windows of the farmhouse 
aglow with the flame of the sunset, which serves as a calcium light to the 
great panorama of undulating hills, sweeping far away in a long stretch 
toward the Solomon or the Republican rivers. Nature never smiled on a 
fairer scene or where one could lose themselves in sweeter reverie. 

And again, in the Indian summer, when the wide landscape is over- 
spread with a soft mellow haze, just after the breath of the hot summer 
days have died away, and the autumn is advancing, summer having gath- 
ered her last blossoms, and the leaves of the quivering cottonwoods being 
swiftly hurled to the earth, there is a subtle witchcraft in the smoky atmos- 
phere and every sound is one of harmony. The departed summer looks 
backward with a sigh of lingering regret, as if to delay the early frosts of 
winter. 

AUTUMN SUNSET. 

From these promontories the writer has enjoyed some of the most 
gorgeous sunsets. As the sun sinks low in the west a flood of color over- 
spreads the earth and sky. shading from softest pinks and grays to the most 
intense crimson and gold. As the twilight deepens they change to softer 
gray. The purple hills are outlined at the horizon, making a background 
of charming effect. 

If one could transfer to canvas all these lovely impressions, all this 
profusion of light and color that delights the eye and gives inspiration to 
the soul, the result would be masmificent. Restful contentment comes with 



120 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



the dying clay when the evening- shadows fall, in the country remote from 
the busy mart when labors and cares are thrust aside for the time being 
and the twilight deepens, the whole atmosphere thrills with melody, 

Sometimes it comes to us in the midst of care and the irksome routine 
of business. It turns the dull prose of life into poetry and showers of 
sunshine are flung over the weary hours. 

ADVANTAGES AND ATTRACTIONS. 

How gratifying it must be to the old settlers who have lived to witness 
the boundless prairies transformed into cultivated fields, the rude cabin 
and dugout supplanted by handsome residences and a school system second 
to none in the United States. Time has wrought many changes in a social 
way, old friends and comrades have been separated, nol a few have gone 
to "that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler return-.' 
-.me wandered hack to their former eastern homes, others with that ever 
restless spirit that marks a certain character of people have pushed further 
west, or perhaps into the Indian territory, while many still remain in the 
home of their adoption and these almost universally express themselves as 
being loath to leave the land wherein they suffered the trials and hardships 
of the early settlement, the memory of which more deeply endears the homes 
secured under discouraging circumstances. 

Every country has its distinct attractions and advantages. Young men 
of vigorous minds and taste for adventure come west and find environments 
that fascinate in the whirl of busy western life; it gives a tonic effect which 
quickens the blood and gives vitality to hopes and ambitions. The oppor 
trinities are great and they become enthused over the future prospects of 
this great and splendid country. 

Here he stands out a well defined character, while in the east the con- 
ditions are monopolized and all the avenues closed to the young man just 
emerging from the eastern academy and he comes west that he may witness his 
own work bear the fruits of his efforts. 

Almost every nationality is represented in the building up of a new 
country. Not only the emigrant from almost every state of the Union, 
but man)' from foreign lands found homes in Kansas. The sturdy Scotch 
yoemen s, .u^lit homesteads where they could enjoy the results of their broad 
acres free, unfettered and unburdened of rent. To the frugal and indus- 
trious German, much credit is due for the developing of the country and 
man)' oi them have attractive homes and are as happy and contented as in 
their own fatherland. Many emigrants came from Sweden and Norway, 
'fhe great famine in Sweden caused thousands to emigrate to this country 
in the latter pari of the 'sixties and the early 'seventies. They have made 
"d, industrious and enterprising citizens. 

In the town of Clyde and the townships of Elk and Aurora, there are 
any French people, both Canadian and Parisian. A large number came 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 121 

from the French settlement at Kankakee, 111., and settled in and about Clyde. 
St. Joseph and Aurora. Many of them have attractive homes. England 
has also numerous representatives here engaged in various enterprises. 
There are also a considerable number of Danes and Welch, most of them 
rewarded with comfortable homes. Many brave sons of Erin bade their own 
country adieu and joined the western throng to become citizens of the "New 
Empire," the land o'er the far distant sea. 

Previous to the year 1870, there were few settlers of the' sixth princi- 
pal meridian, and this country was considered part of the Great American 
Desert, inhabited by the murderous and hostile red man, who fled west with 
the appearance of civilization. 

"He broke his bowstring, 
Snapped his arrows, 

Threw them upon the burial place of his fathers 
And departed forever." 

These vast prairies were awaiting the husbandman's plow to make 
them famous to the north, south and east, even to the Old World. At the 
present time no one can help but admire the condition of the farmers 
throughout the country. Every quarter section is more or less improved, 
nearly all have comfortable homes and many of them luxurious in their 
appointments and attractive in their appearance. The author visited many 
of the homes in the country and find they compare favorably with those of 
the eastern states. 

Instead of the room usually about ten by twelve in dimensions, dug 
down in the side of the hill, covered with dirt, and which often presented a 
pitiable sight after a rain or a freshet, with its little smoky stove in one 
corner, the drenched bed clothes in another, and its inmates tramping in the 
mud of the dirt floor, we now find comfortable homes, and these same 
people wonder how they ever existed under those circumstances. An occa- 
sional ruin of a dugout is left standing as a monument to pioneer days, and 
in a few instances they are occupied ; but there is an improvement over those 
of the early settlement, being more modern, showing proofs of progress 
even in the building of dugouts. 

A TRIBUTE TO THE WOMEN OF KANSAS. 

The women of Kansas have suffered equally with, if not more than 
the men, and were quite as heroic; but in relating the valor of her "liege 
lord" she is forgotten in story and song-. Woman's strength lies in her 
heart, and her patient endurance is proverbial. Amidst privation and over 
work they kept before their eyes a vision of success, a happy home for the 
future, which gave an impetus to their courage and hopes that stimulated 
their light heartedness. 



122 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

Though the women lived in log cabins or the more primitive dugouts, 
with their hopeful contentment they made it shine with a luster thai is 
often lacking in the palaces of kings and queens: They talked up then- 
country and gave encouragement to every useful enterprise that came withm 
their midst. Their lives were not devoid of romance or excitement alto- 
gether. Most of the early settlers were a mirth-loving people; they were 
full of the milk of human kindness and sympathy for their fellow pioneers. 
They were full of hope, of ambitions that were not frustrated. Sentiment 
entwined itself around these beautiful valleys and they became attached to 
their homes in the "New Empire." 

SOCIETY IN THE EARLY 'SEVENTIES. 

The citizens were on an equality in point of dress and finance. Their 
wardrobes did not often consist of more than two garments, either in win- 
ter or summer, the residence of a few- years exhausting the clothes they 
lirought with them. They often times resorted t<> all kinds of economy. 
The men wore ragged shirts and trousers, the material of which was ren- 
dered problematical by vari-colored patches. One of the old-timers related 
how his overalls were entirely worn out at the knees and had been patched 
repeatedly. So to even things up. as it were, his sister cut off the legs, 
turned them around, sewing them on with the reverse side to the front, 
thus enabling him to attend Sunday school in the regular order until times 
permitted of the purchase of a new pair. Nevertheless, we dare conjecture 
that even in this predicament the man from Missouri did nol forget his 
chivalrous Chesterfieldian bearing and his appreciation for etiquette. 

The women wore their calico dresses and sun bonnets to church, and 
the new comer who had not been introduced into the society of the fron- 
tier, were often a subject of ridicule for appearing in their superior apparel. 
Often times you would see a head crowned by what had been a hat. Many 
men went barefooted or thrust their sockless pedal extremities into great 
cowhide shoes. A prominent citizen of Concordia related his first glimpse 
of a dance in the far west, the substance of which is as follows: 

"The time and occasion was the glorious Fourth. There was the usual 
Fourth of July addresses, orations, lemonade stands, etc., but the chief 
attraction to this spectator was the mazy dance given on a platform in the 
open air. The fair maidens in muslin and calico gowns were not the but- 
terflies of society as it is to-day. but buxom lasses of the Kansas prairies, 
who blushed and smiled as some love-sick swain with calloused bare feet, 
perhaps, or coverings of leather with holes cut in them to accommodate 
some peculiar pedal excresences, balanced and bowed or whirled her in the 
alluring quadrille, while the 'fiddler' sawed '.Arkansas Traveler.' or 'Devil's 

I •''•nil,' and the prompter shouted, 'Heavens to Betsy, and six hands 

I I .ind,' etc., etc. 

"It \\a< ;i wide open, free-for-all galop, where the most ill-assorted 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 123 

pairs pirouetted over the platform. There was the lath-legged youth in the 
glory of his paper collar, with his graceful partner of liberal avoirdupois 
bumping about like June bugs in a dark room. Then there was the tall 
man who had selected for his partner a maiden whose dimpled chin struck 
him about the waist line, and the timid youth was observed holding his 
partner as if he feared she might not have a clean bill of Jiealth, while 
another held on like a sheriff with a writ of attachment. 

"The women danced well, but what chance would a graceful woman 
have in the grasp of some specimen of ungainly masculinity whose grasp 
would throttle the exhaust of a locomotive. This does not apply indiscrim- 
inately to the society at that time, but there is an element similar to this 
in all new countries and some not so new. Although their dancing was 
not exactly the poetry of motion, they had gathered together from all parts 
of the country, and it was a halcyon day of genuine pleasure lung to be 
remembered. Perhaps they saw themselves as others seen them, for there 
has been a complete modification in the code of ball room ethics." 

KANSAS WIND, AS SHE IS BLOWN. 

The Kansas winds have been harnessed by hundreds and thousands of 
windmills. For the benefit of readers who may be unfamiliar with the 
various definitions of Kansas wind, as she is blown, the Columbus Advo- 
cate makes the following classification: 

"Zephvr — Wind not to exceed twenty miles an hour. 

"Breeze — Wind not faster than fifty miles an hour. 

"Draught — Wind after it has developed speed sufficient to exert 
suction. 

"A Little Blow — Wind not faster than ninety miles an hour. 

"Real Blusterv — When it becomes necessary to hang rocks on school 
houses to keep them from going along with the atmosphere and for the 
merchants to lariat their signs. 

"Tornado — Any wind doing sufficient damage to give farmers a grip 
on the insurance company. 

"Cyclone — A tornado with a cork screw tail and a brusque way of 
doing things, especially barns and churches." 

There are many windy and disagreeable days that seem almost unbear- 
able, but when the merry month of May comes and the blustering winds 
are over, the birds holding concerts of matchless melody in the trees and 
hedges, and the sun smiles serenely, one forgets that the winds ever blew 
so furiously and almost reproach themselves for having mentioned it com- 
plainingly. 

KANSAS CYCLONES. 

The following item, clipped from Peck's Sun, is apropos of the sub- 
ject and the idea prevalent among eastern people regarding Kansas 
cyclones : 



124 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



"The little town of Clyde. Kansas, is mighty full of vinegar for a pi 
of its size The principal amusement the boys have there is to scare the daj 
lio-hts out of visitors from the states by telling big stories aboul cyclones. 

"There are two young fellows in business there named Will Max and 
Charley Armstrong. They have a store where they buy butter, and eggs, 
and things, and pack them for the eastern market. Lasl June. I ncle Ann 
strong father of Charley, and a young fellow named ( harley Farmers, 
were out there visiting. The hosts entertained the guests to the most hair- 
standing stories about cyclones, until they were so nervous they couldn t 

sleep at night. 

"One night the guests had retired, and the zephyr was pretty loud. 
Will and Charley got into the room adjoining that occupied b) the guests, 
and began to talk about funnel-shaped clouds, trees torn up by the roots, 
horses flying through the air. .and wagons being taken up bodily and carried 
away, talking so the guests could hear them. Then they prayed for strength 
to pull them through the fearful ordeal, and. pretending that a cyclone was 
upon them, they started down stairs, head over appetite, to gel ml" the 
refrigerator in the cellar, for safety, yelling to the guests to fly for then- 
lives. 

f "Uncle Armstrong is getting pretty well along in year-, but he got 
down to the cellar about ten stairs ahead of young Farmer, and asked to 
be allowed to get into the refrigerator first. It seemed a little cruel to the 
boys to let the guests get in there with nothing on but their undershirts, 
but they were going to have some fun, so they put them in among the 
cakes of ice. and Uncle Armstrong sat down on the zinc floor and allowed 
that if his life was spared till morning he would never set foot in Kansas 
again. Young Farmer sat on a firkin of butter, and leaned against the zinc 
lined side of the refrigerator and tried to pray, but he had forgotten the 
combination, and couldn't make a first payment. 

"Will and Charley went up stairs ostensibly t< > lock the safe, but really 
to go on with the program. The first thing they did was to fire off a shot- 
gun, and roll a keg of shingle-nails down the cellar stairs, and yell to the 
guests in the refrigerator to look out for God*s sake, as the house was 
struck by lightning. 

"Young Farmer got down off the firkin, and got on his knees, and 
tried to repeat some Sunday school lesson, but all he could thing of was, 
'Evil communications corrupt two in the bush.' The old gentleman, who 
was -truck in the small of the back by a piece of ice that fell off some 
butter, thought he was struck by lightning; so he began to sing, 'A charge 
to keep I have.' 

"The boys up stairs got a bag of buckshot, and opened it, and every 
little while would throw a handful onto the outside cellar door, right above 
the heads of the freezing occupants of the refrigerator, at the same tinv 
pounding a piece of sheet iron to make thunder. They kept this up for an 
hour, and then got a barrel, and filled it with broken glass and pieces of 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 125 

crockery, and they would roll it across the floor above, while one would 
take an ax and pound on some bar iron that was leaning against the wall, 
making a most hideous noise. 

"Charley Farmer said he supposed he was as well prepared to die as 
he ever would be, but he said he would give ten dollars if he had his pants 
down there. 

"L'ncle Armstrong asked him what difference it made whether he had 
his pants on or not, and Charley said he didn't want to lie ushered into 
the New Jerusalem with all his sins on his head, before the angels, and 
nothing on but a knit undershirt. 

"They were discussing this question when Will May crawled down 
stairs with a tin wash-boiler, and just as Charley rolled the barrel of broken 
window glass down the cellar stairs, Will mashed the boiler against the 
refrigerator, and both gave vent to a dying groan, closed their eyes and 
then all was still. 

"The prisoners thought it was all over, and they didn't stir for about 
ten minutes. Thev thought the house had blown away, and left them alive, 
and thev were inclined to be thankful even for that, when Charley and Will 
came down and opened the refrigerator, and told them the storm was over, 
but it was the almightiest cyclone that ever passed over Kansas." 

• DISASTROUS CYCLONE IX CLOUD AND CLAY COUNTIES. 

A funnel-shaped terror in the form of a cyclone visited Cloud and 
Clay counties on May 2, 1895. dealing death and destruction. There were 
six fatalities and the more or less serious injury to about thirty people, 
scores of farm buildings were razed to the ground, live stock killed, 
orchards and groves despoiled. 

The storm was entirely unhearajded ; there had been a slight atmos- 
pheric disturbance all day, but late in the afternoon, rain fell and all mis- 
givings of the elements had been restored. Just before dark, through the 
scud of low, flying clouds could be seen a great unbroken mass, heavy with 
moisture. The air was humid, and upon the horizon lay a light fog. The 
wind shifted, went and came in fitful gusts, and rain fell at irregular inter- 
vals. About 9:15 a rumbling noise was heard about three miles south- 
east of Miltonvale and the next moment a flash of lightning revealed its 
.origin. A great funnel-shaped cloud was outlined against the sky, its taper 
end dipped the earth. The next flash revealed another, but similar shaped 
cloud moving at a rapid transit toward the first, both obliquely inclined 
toward the earth, like ships driven abreast of a furious gale. In a moment 
the two monster appearing forms were merged together, and then followed 
destruction in their wake. Through the influence of a counter current the 
cylcone suddenly veered and started northward toward St. Joseph, and from 
tliis point in a general northeasterly course through the northwest corner 
of Clay county. It leaped the Republican river between Clifton and Mor- 



126 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



ganville and terminated within a few rods of the Washington county line 
on the farm of A. Balston, having traveled a total of twenty miles; its 
greatest width did not exceed three-quarters of a mile. 

The home of Eli Baltagor was obliterated as it were, himself and wife 
killed and their six children all more or less severely wounded. hi Clay 
county, east of the river, four lives were lost, seventeen persons badly 
injured and many homes destroyed and scattered with the winds. 

WAGON BRIDGE OVER THE REPUBLICAN RIVER AT CONCORDIA, 

February 29, 1876, the people of Sibley and Lincoln townships voted 
on the bonds to build a bridge across the Republican river at Concordia. 
The amount required was ten thousand dollars, seven thousand five hundred 



! 




t 


It 






■ 









Vickers Bridge on Wolf Creek. 

'Seven miles southwest of Concordia, where three men were accidentally killed 
about nine years ago.j 



dollars tor Lincoln and two thousand five hundred dollars for Sibley. The 
carried by a large majority. The vote stood sixty-three for, and 
twenty-one against. 

The bridge was completed in the autumn of the same year and on 
September 27, 1876, a grand bridge celebration took place at Concor- 
dia, ["he program consisted of the grand triumpbial procession from the 
two sides of the river which met on the bridge, where the ceremony of 
driving the finishing golden spike took place and other dedicatory cere- 
monies followed by a fitting oration by the Honorable E. J. Jenkins, and 

ratulatory addresses on behalf of the united townships of Sibley and 
Lincoln. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 127 

RAILROADS. 

The first railroad bonds in Clond bounty were voted in 1872 to the 
Central Branch Railroad Company (two hundred thousand dollars). It 
was lucky for the county that the company failed to come to time, and 
the bonds were forfeited. In 1877 they got the railroad for seventy thou- 
sand dollars of eight per cent thirty year bonds. The people of the Repub- 
lican valley needed a railroad that they might secure adequate transporta- 
tion facilities to the great markets and commercial centers of the country, 
and for a vast number of years untiring efforts were made to secure one. 
Delegates were sent to confer with the people of Atchison and Junction 
City with regard to the extension of the Central Branch of the Junctii m 
City and Fort Kearney Railroad into their fair and fertile country. It 
was becoming more and more evident each day that before many months, 
there must be a railroad in the Republican valley, and propositions were 
being received. 

August 7, 1876, a railroad convention was held at Clyde, in which 
the Concordia people joined, and all worked in harmony. Many speeches 
were made, the following well known men participating : Honorable S. D. 
Houston, Judge Borton, Judge L. Westover, the two latter of Clyde; L. 
J. Crans, J. M. Hagaman, YV. E. Reid, Judge Strain and Honorable E. J. 
Jenkins, all of Concordia ; the latter was chosen chairman of the Clyde 
railroad committee. He briefly stated the object of the meeting and sug- 
gested that they take into consideration the railroad situation, and confer 
as to the best mode of obtaining what they all wanted — a railroad. He 
then moved that Theodore Laing be chosen chairman, which was carried 
unanimously. H. Buckingham and W. E. Reid were chosen secretaries, 
and the following gentlemen were appointed a committee on resolutions : 
James Strain, E. J. Jenkins, M. McKinnon, J. M. Hagaman, W. S. Crump, 
A. W. Campbell and F. K. Teter. On motion, Messrs. Heins and Cooper, 
of Washington county, were added to the committee. The meeting was 
a success, and much good resulted from it. Judge Borton, in his happy 
manner, moved that, "Every man be a committee of one to talk railroad — 
blow railroad until the cars come whizzing up the Republican," which was 
adopted with loud applause. We find that in November the '"Republican 
Valley Railroad Company" was incorporated with a capital stock of nine hun- 
dred thousand dollars, divided into nine thousand shares. Its place of busi- 
ness was Corcordia, the number of directors thirteen, viz : E. J. Jenkins, 
R. F. Allen, Frederick La Rocque., F. W. Sturges, M. McKinnon, W. E. 
Reid, H. Buckingham, William Conner, all of Concordia; W. S. Crump 
and J. M. Jones, of Clyde; Cvrille Lafond, of Shirley; R. Berry, of Clifton, 
and D. T. Smonse, of Peach Creek. The road was to run from a point 
(in the Waterville & Western Railroad, at or near the town of Greenleaf, 
V.'ashington county, through the counties of Washington, Clay and 
Cloud, to Concordia. Estimated length of railroad, fifty miles. Another year 



128 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

passed and still they had not succeeded, and it was becoming more evident 
that the extension of a railroad to Concordia was a dire necessity, when 
the farmers could no longer haul^heir thousands of bushels of gram. Forty 
or fifty miles to market, entailing many hardships as well as loss of time 
in hauling. 

On July 5, 1877, a special election was held for the purpi >^e of voting 
upon the question of a subscription by Cloud county for six hundred and 
forty shares of one thousand dollars each of capital Mock of Junction City 
and Fort Kearney Railway Company, and in payment thereof, inning to 
the railroad company sixty-four of the county bonds of the denomination 
of one thousand dollars each, or a- many as would amount to four thousand 
dollars per mile of road constructed in the county, and made payable to 
the bearer at the fiscal agency of the state of Kansas in New York City, 
thirty years after date, bearing interest at the rate of eight per cent per 
annum, payable annually. An election was called for the same day for the 
purpose of voting upon the question of subscription by Cloud county for 
seven hundred shares of one thousand dollars each of the capital stock with 
the Republican Valley Railroad Company, and in payment therefor, issuing 
to said railroad company seventy of the county bonds of the denomination 
of one thousand dollars, or to the amount of four thousand dollars per mile 
for each mile of railroad constructed. 

When the election was over and the fight ended it was found that the 
Republican Valley Railroad bonds had been voted, and the Junction City 
and Fort Kearney bonds defeated. 

President Pomeroy, of the Central Branch road, visited the Republi- 
can valley in the interest of his road, and was delighted with the result of 
the election in Cloud county, and with the substantial growth and develop- 
ment of the Republican valley region. He pronounced it the richest and 
most beautiful country he had ever seen, "A perfect agricultural paradise." 

The contract for building the road was awarded to Wiley & Wilder, 
and was to be completed from Greenleaf to Concordia by December 5, 1877. 

The people of Cloud county were jubilant over the prospect of seeing 
their fondest hopes realized — the locomotive steaming out of their fertile 
country laden with the products of their young commonwealth, and to 
herald to the world the coming to pass of the prophecy, "The desert shall 
bloom as a rose." 

A special, the first train over the Central Branch, arrived in Concordia 
Monday. January 28, 1878, at about 4:30 p. m. On board were the offi- 
cials of the road and many of Atchison's prominent business men. At Clyde 
they mack' an hour's stop and were joined by Judge Borton, and many 
others. They were received at the depot in Concordia by Mayor Rea- 
soner ami a large number of citizens from all parts of the country, with the 
Concordia Cornet Band, and banners floating in profusion. Their enthu- 
siasm was unbounded. After the usual ceremony of firing guns, "hurrah- 
ing" and handshaking all around, the excursionists were preceded by the 



130 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

band and escorted to the hotel, where supper was served, after which the 
crowd convened at La Rocques's Hall at seven o'clock. The hall was filled 
tn overflowing to listen to speeches, congratulating the Central Railroad 
Company for their assistance, energy and enterprise in pushing the road 
through to Concordia. 

A speech of welcome was made by Mayor Reasoner, followed by Colo 
nel E. J. Jenkins, who tendered one and all the freedom of their thriving 
metropolis. Speeches were made by Major Downs, the superintendent "i 
the road, to whose untiring energy in pushing the road to a consummation 
the people felt under deep obligation. Judge Bortom, Clyde's gifted and 
inimitable funny speaker, and without whom an occasion of this kind would 
not have been appropriately celebrated, made one of his characteristic 
talks. Captain John Seaton eulogized the metropolis of northwestern 
Kansas, and its enterprising people. F. \V. Sturges, in his eloquent way. 
paid a fitting tribute to the completion of the most important enterprise in 
the history of Concordia and Cloud county. Major Marvin, chief engineer 
of the Central Branch Railroad, addressed the people, congratulating them 
upon this important event. It was a gala day for Cloud county. Every- 
body was jubilant, bubbling over with enthusiasm and good feeling. Flags 
and bunting streamed from every building, giving an air of patriotism to 
the occasion, and adding to the unmistakable evidence everywhere that this 
was the proudest and happiest day Concordia ever witnessed. 

The Central Branch extension is one of the best constructed roads in 
the state. The bridge work is of the most durable character, especially is 
this true of the bridge which spans the Republican river at Clyde, which 
is a splendid specimen of architecture, massive timber and perfect construc- 
tion, and has l>een pronounced one of the best in the state. The Central 
Branch was extended to Cawker City (then the county seat of Mitchell 
county), fifty-one miles distant from Concordia, May 13, 1879. 

November 17, 1878, Jay Gould became the leading owner of the Mis 
souri Pacific & Central Branch. He controlled about half the miles of rail- 
way in the state. 

On the evening of Saturday, March 8, 1879, there was an enthusiastic 
meeting held by the people of Concordia, who assembled at La Rocques' 
Hall to discuss the extension of the Junction City and Fort Kearney Branch 
01" the Kansas Pacific Railroad to their city. Mr. Smeed, chief engineer 
of the Kansas Pacific Railroad, who was sent to look over the proposed 
route, and to confer with the people he came in contact with, was present. 
Mr. Smeed was to report, what in his judgment, could be done with the 
promise from the management that they would act according to his report. 

lutions were then submitted wherein the people of Cloud count 
pledged themselves to do all in their power, in effort, energy and in voting 
all the bonds possible to secure the result, and requested the several town- 
ships t<» join in their efforts to secure the needed road, etc. A vote on the 
adoption of the resolutions were then taken and a more unanimous vote 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 131 

was never polled. Every man in the house who was a citizen of Lincoln 
township voted in the affirmative. The Clyde people did not favor the 
project. 

On the 10th day of June, 1879, a special election was held in Con- 
cordia for the purpose of voting upon the question of a subscription of stock 
and issue of fifty-six thousand dollars bonds to the Junction City & Fort Kear- 
ney Railroad Company by the township of Lincoln. The bonds were carried 
by a majority of two hundred and eighty-eight in Lincoln, and fifty-five in 
Lawrence. 

The result was gratifying to the people of Concordia, as it meant more 
enterprise would find its way to their, city. Not a single Concordian voted 
against the bonds. 

January v, 1881, trains on this railroad stopped running into Concor 
dia. The turn table was taken up and removed to Clyde, the depot locked 
and the agent went to Kansas City, and no more business was transacted. 
The doors and windows were nailed up and the tall, rank weeds grew in 
profusion about the place. What was once the busy depot was given over 
to grim desolation. The Kansas Pacific Railroad was said to have "gob- 
bled up" fifty-six thousand dollars worth of bonds, and given Concordia, 
Lawrenceburg and Clyde the "slip." The next move was to devise a wa; 
to keep from paying the bonds voted. \Y. E. Reid journeyed to St. LouF 
where, in an interview with Jay Gould and S. H. H. Clark, general manager 
of the Union Pacific Railroad, in reference to the bonds voted to the Fort 
Kearney road by Lincoln, Lawrence and Elk townships, they assured him 
they would give the matter due consideration, and that the road should be 
operated to Concordia, or the bonds, or their equivalent be returned to the 
tax payers of the townships named. 

In July, 1 881, the report was circulated that the railroad was coming to 
Concordia by the way of Belleville without bonds or aid. As per agree 
ment, the Burlington & Missouri River Railway people kept out of Kansaf 
as long as Jay Gould kept out of Nebraska, but the Missouri Pacific was 
to be extended to Omaha, and the proposition to intersect as many of Jay 
Gould's lines as they could and make war against monopoly as a conse- 
quence. 

In the the autumn of 1879, railroad fair was reduced from four to 
three cents. 

Cloud county now has communication from all points of the compass. 
A branch up the Republican Valley to Scandia and northward, connecting 
with the Burlington and Missouri Railway; also a line extending from 
Jamestown to Jewell City. Mankato and Burr Oak. The Kansas Pacific 
built a branch through the Solomon valley and established stations at Glasco 
and Simpson. The Kansas Central completed its line into Starr township, 
with the terminus at Miltonvale. The Burlington and Missouri Pacific ex- 
tended their lines from Odell via Hanover. Washington, Cuba and Wayne, 
to Concordia. 



132 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



Concordia is now one of the most flourishing railroad centers in north- 
west Kansas. The Burlington and Missouri, Santa Fe, Union Pacific and 
the Missouri Pacific give it connection with the east, west, north and 
south. 

ORGANIZATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS. 

To Honorable John B. Rupe, of Clyde, belongs the distinction of h.r. 
ing organized the first school district in Cloud county, which was inaug- 
urated °on July l^, 1868. It will be remembered Mr. Rupe was the first 
acting county superintendent of schools, as Doctor Lear, who was 
appointed, did not qualify. Mr. Rupe in this instance, acted fairly, as char- 
acterizes all his dealings, and gave the Elm Creek settlement, where the 
first school was taught, the first number, which it still retains. District 
No. 1 is in the vicinity of Ames and have just completed a \er\ excellent 
new building. 

Upon the same principle Mr. Rupe gave the Elk (reck settlement the 
next numeral in line and it has likewise retained the original No. _'. When 
Xo. 2 was organized the territory included was all of what is now Elk 

township. 

The next in order, Nj>. 3, is directly south of the city of Clyde, and 
includes the eastern part of Shirley township. The territory now occupied 
by the Concordia schools is District No. 4, but when it was created by Mr. 
Rupe he was generous enough to include all that part of Cloud count 
lying in Buffalo and Sibley townships — about one-third of the entire county. 

District No. 5 was Glasco and the Solomon Valley settlement. Dis- 
trict Xo. 6 is the territory south of the Solomon river, in Solomon town- 
ship known as the Dalrymple settlement. District No. 7 included the Lake 
Sibley settlement, but was afterward divided. Xo. 7 holding the territory 
east and the Siblej number became 16. Xo. 7, owing to some differences 
that arose, was divided, one part thrown into the Sibley district and the 
remaining portion to the district on the east. The Oak Creek community 
immediately east of Concordia became Xo. 8. The Meredith neighbor- 
hool, located on Pipe creek, was instituted as Xo. 9. Xo. 10 was the Law- 
renceburg district on Salt creek, and Xo. 1 1 on Wolf creek. 

The districts named are known as the pioneer schools, and after the} 
were organized others were formed in adjacent territory as the settlement 
advanced along the borders. 

A three months' term of school was required of each district before 
they could draw the state fund. Mr. Doran, who was the third acting 
superintendent of the county, reports that be gave certificates to boys and 
girls of very youthful age who constantly raised their grades, several of 
thi ming very proficient. The bachelor's situation was not a very 

enviable one in those days, and to extort their share of quota from some 
a penalty was established. "They could not call on the scho. >] 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 133 

ma'm." In many of the districts many of the married ladies were em- 
ployed and taught in their own homes. There are at the present time 
one hundred and six organized school districts in Cloud county, and the 
following joint districts: No. 1, Cloud and Mitchell counties; No. 2. Cloud 
and Mitchell counties; No. I, Cloud'and Republic counties; No. 93. Cloud 
and Republic counties; No. 1, Cloud. Washington and Republic counties; 
No. 2, Cloud, Washington and Republic counties; No. 1, Cloud, Clay and 
Washington counties; No. 29, Cloud and Ottawa counties; No. 93. Cloud 
and Ottawa counties. 

The tax is levied by the people themselves, and cannot exceed 20 mills. 
Some of them are low and are only able to conduct a six months' school, 
and this with probably inexperienced teachers. These districts, In wever, 
are in the minority and are the exception, not the rule. 

The highest tax levied is in the following districts: No. 3, 20 mills; 
No. 24. 20 mills; No. 72, 20 mills; No. 81. 20 mills; No. 86, 20 mills; No. 
20, 20 mills; No. 34. 20 mills; No. 76, 20 mills; No. 85, 20 mills. 

GRADED SCHOOLS. 

No. 2, Clyde, 17 mills; No. 5. Glasco, 18 mills; No. 97, Miltonvale, 
20 mills; No. 4, Concordia, 15 mills; No. ^2, Jamestown, 1 53.^ mills; No. 
104. Aurora, 20 mills 

The only schools in the county that did not reduce the teachers' wages 
during the "panicky" years were Glasco and Hollis. 

The following are the lowest levies of school districts: District No. 
8. 5 mills; district No. T4. mills; district No. 65, 6 mills; district No. II, 
6 mills; district No. 47, 6 mills. 

There is a Webster's Unabridged Dictionary in every district in the 
county except six. and a public library in all but thirteen. These com- 
mendable auxiliaries are placed there by teachers generally who have given 
special entertainments for this purpose, often clearing from forty to fifty 
dollars in an evening. The general character of the library books are his- 
ti :rical works and nature studies. Twenty-seven or more school houses 
have organs that have been supplied in a similar way. 

• Twenty-nine per cent of the citizens of Cloud county are enrolled in 
the public schools. 

The present and unprecedented prosperity in Kansas is very marked in 
the school work of the state. Many new buildings are being erected, old 
school houses enlarged or remodeled, sanitary conditions improved and 
many of them take pride in furnishings and beautiful surroundings. Among 
this number is the Eureka school district No. 68. The house was erected 
in September, iqot. The author visited the school in the autumn of that 
year and found Miss Rachel Rogers installed as teacher, with an enroll- 
ment of but nine scholars, with an average attendance of the same number, 
and this is a total of the children of school age in the district. Hut it is 

9 



134 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY. KANSAS. 



of the cheerful atmosphere prevailing in this modem country building that 
the writer thinks worthy of note. I here a e bul two rows of seats, ample 
room for the pupils and visitors, too. The building Fronts the wesl and has 
four large windows on the east and two on the south, which lend a bright 
and sunny glow to the room. It is heated by a furnace or stove, encased 
with brick, where the student ran ah eel the warmth from the hot- 

air registers, although winter's b blow without. Sketches and 

pictures adorn the bright walls, flowers and potted plants, mostlj the gifts 
of pupils, give color to the interi r. This is. perhaps, one of the most com 
plete country school buildings in the county. "Prairie Gem" 01 di trie! 
\'o 34, is also among the best, as the illustration shows. No. ~~ is entitled 
: lie honor of turning- out the greatest number of teachers. Another 
leader in this direction is district No. 7. 

There are man) exceptional records made throughout the county and 
mention is made of some of them in the histor) of the variou: graded 
schoi ils. 

District No. 3] did not have a tardy mark the entire year- i<|o_\ The 
"Eureka school." also mentioned above, got through two months and three 
weeks vvith neither absence nor tardy. 



CLOUD COUNTY GRADUATES IN THE 7th AND 8th GRADE WORK. 

These graduates are from the district schools aod some of the towns. The list ot qui 
submitted to these pupils was prepared by the State Hoard, and manust ripts graded bj the 1 ounty 
Board appointed 1>\ the County Superintendent, who acted as chairman. Su Orthography, 

Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Grammar. HiM.,r\ Physiology and by, Minimum grade in 

anv stud' CO pi r ceni Average requin ["he earlii thi 1 la ol 

1889 but the grades were not given. 



S 



ss e 1839 



1. Lillie Lavttm, 95th dist., Concordia. 
2 Chet L. Burton, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

3, F. E. Gt tmestown. 

4, Delia Fulmer 32d dist., Jamestcwn. 

5, Aggie Fitzgerald. 32d dist., Jame 

'i Allie Fitzgerald, 32d dist.. JamestowD. 

7, J. H. Garlow, .">1 st dist.. Macyville. 

8, John Phelps, '.'Tth dist.. Mil ton vale. 

9, A. E. Ott. .")th dist.. Glasco. 

in. John D. Palmer. 5th dist.. Glasco. 

11 Lizzie Rozzell, 80th dist., Hollis. 

12 Pearl Decker, 80th dist., Hollis, 

13 Guy Lewis, '.Mith dist.. Clyde. 

1 I Mary Moode. !N>th dist., Clyde. 

15, Wm. Johnston, 17th dist., Concordia. 

1C, Stella Bristle, 17th dist.. Concordia. 

Flora Wilcox, 17th dist., Concordia. 

Imogene Decker, .Sth dist., Conordia. 

Walter Davis, 8th dist.. Concordia. 

S. T. Townsdin, Sth dist., Concordia. 

Eva Moore, Sth dist., Concordia. 

22, John H. Davis, Sth dist., Concordia. 

23, Jessie Honey, 21st dist.. Ames. 

24, Mary Barlow. 21st dist., Ames. 

25, Etta Roadruck, 21st dist. Ames. 

2(5, Charles Coleman, Sth dist. Concordia. 
27. Samuel Seaton, 45th dist., Delphos. 



17. 
H 

19, 
JO 
21 



I ! dl 

29, Lizzie Freelove, 2d dist., Clyde. 
3d, Ellen Streator, 2d dist., CI 

31, Leonie Boudro, 2d dist., Clyde. 

32, Lillian Smith, 2d dist., Clyde, 

09 1890, 

No I Ada l tigg "nil dist, Glasco. 
2 Sada Burnett, 5th dist., Glasco. 
:: Maud Spaulding, 5th dist., Glasco. 
1 Myrtle Beach, 5th dist., Glasco. 

Jessie Pratt, 5th dist., Glasco. 

Ollie Neal, 5th dist. ..Glasco. 

Luella Snyder, 5th dist., Glasco. 

Jennie Hannan, 5th dist., Glasco. 

Mattie Haynes, 5th dist., Glasco. 

Lizzie Murray, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

Delia Fulmer, 33d dist.. Jamestown. 

12, Jno. R. Eastland, .'!3d dist., James- 
town. 

13, Ida Iverson, Joint 1 C. & R. dist., 
Concordia. 

14, Mary Iverson, Joint 1 C. & R. dist., 
Concordia. 

Orlin S. Kenyon, Joint 1 C. & R. dist., 
Concordia. 

George C. Flitch, 99th dist., Con- 
cordia. 



a. 
B, 

i , 
s 

9, 
10, 

11, 



15, 



16 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



'35 



No. 17, 
18, 
19, 

20, 



Cain, 48th dist.. Sulphur 



Ida E. Flitch, 00th dist., Concordia. 
Florene Pearce, 75th dist., Concordia. 
Willis A. Cain, 48th dist., Sulphur 

Springs. 
Edwin A. 
Springs. 
21, Lou Davis, 2d dist.. Clyde. 
22 Gertie Brown, 2d dist., Clvde. 

23, Alma Lamb, 2d dist., Clvde. 

24, \V. S. Pence, 2d dist., Clyde. 

25, Blanche Randolph, 2 dist., Clyde. 

26, Lulu Barlow, 21st dist., Ames. 

27, Cora Brown, 21st dist., Ames. 

28, Clara Tufts, (ilth dist., Jamestown. 

29, Libliie ("roisant, 52d dist., Scottsville. 

30, Amanda Citric, 52d disf., Scottsville. 

31, Carrie Fitzgerald, 52ddist., Scottsville 

32, Emma Angelo, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 
33 Vernie Cronkite, 07th dist. , Miltonvale. 

34, Belle Spooner, 07th dist., Miltonvale. 

35, Cora Squires, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 

36, 11. M. Elliott, 7th dist., Miltonvale. 
31 C lara Eye, 7th dist,, Miltonvale. 

38, C. E. Emick, 7th dist., Miltonvale. 

39, Alva Wilkins, 7th dist., Miltonvale. 
41). Emmet Rose, 0th dist., Meredith. 
41, F. O. Bourke, 35th, dist., St. Joseph. 

Those making the three highest averages 
vere as follows: 

Cora Squires, 05 per cent. 
Clara Tufts. 04 percent. 
Willis A. Cain, 04 per cent. 
Florence Pearce, 01 per cent. 
Ida Iverson, 01 per cent. 



Class of 1891. 

No. 1. Belle Warburton, 2d dist., Clyde. 
2, Gertrude Brown, 2d dist., Clyde. 
-, Svlvia Yoder, 2d dist., Clyde." 

4, Seymour Haynes, 5th dist., Glasco. 

5, Hazen G. Ward, 5th dist., Glasco. 
li, Luella Elliott. 7th dist., Miltonvale. 

7. J. W. Elliott, 7th dist.. Miltonvale. 

8, Chris Eye, 7th dist., Miltonvale. 
0. Alvina Townsdin, 8th dist., Concordia. 

10, John H. Davies, 8th dist., Concordia. 

11, Hope Anderson, Kith dist., Concordia. 

12, Arthur Avery, Kith dist., Concordia. 
1.'!. Fred Sanders, Kith dist., Concordia. 
1 1, Carrie Ward, 22d dist., Glasco. 
15, Mary E. Henry, 22d dist., Glasco. 
Ki, Edward Leonard, 30th dist., Rice. 

17, Cora Haines, 31st dist., Glasco. 

18, Agnes Rickey, 33d dist., Jamestown. 
10, B. L. Bean, 40th dist., Ames. 

20, Grant Brassfield, 42d dist., Glasco. 

21, Evelyn Gregg. 46th dist., Glasco. 

22, Maggie Butler, 47th dist., Glasco. 

23, Timothy Butler 47th dist., Glasco. 

24, I'henie Bergeson, Tilst dist,, Macyville. 
2.">, Harry Huscher, 57th dist., Huscher. 

26, James Williamson, 58th dist., Glasco. 

27, Markle A. French, 65th dist., James- 
town. 

28, Julia Pearce, 75th dist., Concordia. 

29, R. D. Cooper, 75th dist., Concordia 

30, Melvin Bushong, 77th dist., Meredith. 



No. 



31, 
32, 
33, 

34, 
35, 
36 

37, 
88, 

30, 
40, 



Carrie Hoefer, 78th dist., Miltonvale 
Myrtle Tiff, 92d dist., Miltonvale. 
Hattie Middlestate, 02d dist., Milton- 
vale. 
Nora Lepley, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 
Alva Wilkins, 97th dist.. Miltonvale. 
John Shoemaker, 07th dist., Miltonvale 
Albert Shoemaker.07th dist.,Miltonvale 
Phil Goodreau, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 
Arthur Jennings, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 
Wilbur Jennings, 07th dist., Miltonvale 



Those making the three highest averages 
were as follows 

Arthur Jennings, 80 per cent. 
Cora Haines, 87 per cent. 
Melvin Bushong, 85 per cent. 
Arthur Avery, 85 per cent. 

Class of 1892. 

No. 1, Ellen Dillon. 47th dist., Glasco. 

2, Wm. B. Newton, 46th dist., Glasco. 

3, John Casselman, Kith dist., Delphos. 
I. Allen Everly, 46th dist., Delphos. 
■">. Allen Abbott, 5th dist., Glasco. 
0, Clara Randle, 31st dist., Glasco. 

7, Walter Butler, 42d dist., Glasco. 

8, Albert McConnell. 77th dist.. Heber. 
0, Vina lennings. 07th dist.. Miltonvale. 

in, W. A. Hibbs. 77th dist., Heber. 

11, Mabel House. 1 C. & R. dist., Con- 
cordia. 

12, Cassa Smith, 
cordia. 

13, Don J. Burton, 32d dist., 

14, Grace Cutshaw, 2.">th dist. 
1">, Elmer Nutting, 20th dist.. 
10 Wm. McHenry, 40t4i dist. 
17, W. E. Bean, 40th dist., Ames. 

15, Emma Lachenmaiser, 53d dist., Ames. 
10. lessie Truesdell, 2d dist., Clvde. 

20. Byron Hyatt, 2d dist., Clvde. 

21. Lizzie Broadfoot, 2d dist., Clyde. 

Those making the three highest averages 
were as follows: 

Grace Cutshaw, 85 per cent. 
Albert McConnell, 84 per cent. 
Clara Randle, 82 per cent. 

Class of 1893, 

The average required this year was changed 
from 70 per cent, to 75 per cent. 



1 C. & R. dist.. Con- 



Jamestown. 
Jamestown. 
Ames. 
, Rice. 



8, 


10, 
11, 
12. 
13, 



Geo. Bardrick, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 
Lollie Flynn, 07th dist., Miltonvale. 
Fannie Barber. 97th dist.. Miltonvale. 
C. R. Bardrick, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 
S. G. Lacy, 07th dist,, Miltonvale. 
Edith Scott, 07th dist., Miltonvale. 
Cornelia Eye, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 
Robert F. Wilson, 89th dist., Aurora. 
Jennie Payeur, 2d dist., Clyde. 
Ola Hedges, 34th dist., Jamestown. 
Nellie Woodward, 5th dist,, Glasco. 
Mary Stackhouse, 5th dist., Glasco. 
Kate Carroll, 5th dist., Glasco. 



1 36 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



No M L C. Bishop, 68th dist., Glasco. 
"' I.")' Walter Butler, 42d dist., Glasco. 
■ Hi' Blanche Ware, 22d dist,, Glascs. 
" 17 Allie Woodward, 5th dist., Glasco. 
• is' Antoinette Gobiet, 30th dist., Rice. 
" 111' Chas. Evans, 17th dist., Concordia. 
" 20', Dora Stilson, J. 1 C. & R. dist.. ( on- 

cordia. 
" 21 Melinda Bedor, 10th dist., Hollis 
" 22', Nellie Kenyou, ]. 1. C. & R- dist., 

Concordia. 
" 23, Aletha Smith, J. 1 C. & R. dist., Con- 
cordia. 
24, Effie Pierce, 76th dist., Rice. 

Those making the three highest averages 
•were as follows: 

Jennie Payeur, 90 per cent. 
Fannie Barber, 88 per cent, 
Nellie Kenyon, 8.'! per cent. 
Lollie Flynn, 83 per cent. 

Class of 1894. 

No. 1, Lawrence Marlatt. 5th dist., Glasco. 
" 2 Ed Pratt, oth dist., Glasco. 
" 3, Walter Butler. 5th dist., Glasco. 

t, Oliver Pratt, 5th dist., Glasco. 
" 5, Fred Horn, 5th dist., Glasco. 
(1, Kate Carroll, 5th dist,, Glasco. 
l', Lucile Smail, 5th dist., Glasco. 
8^ Myrtle Pershall, 5th dist., Glasco. 
" 9,' Mary Stackhouse. 5th dist., Glasco. 
" 10', Birdie Hillhouse. 5th dist., Glasco. 
" ll| Nellie Woodward, 5th dist., Glasco. 
" 12, Jennie Carroll, 5th dist., Glasco. 
" 13,' Allie Teasley, 5th dist.. Glasco. 
" 14, Myrtella Woodward. 5th dist., Glasco. 
" 15' Mabel DeLine, 2d dist., Clyde. 
'• 16, Fred Dutton, J. 1 C. & R., dist., Con- 
cordia. 
" 17, Jennie Kenyon, J. 1 C. & R. dist., 
Concordia. 
18, W. Fiske Lawry, 10th dist,, Hollis. 
" ]'.l, Lorean Davidson, 58th dist., Glasco. 
" 20, M. D, Doyle, 58th dist., Glasco. 
'• 2l', Harry Rice, 45th dist., Delphos. 
" 22, A. J. Coombs, 77th dist., Heber. 
■>:\, Belle Elliott, 77th dist., Heber. 
24, Delia Magaw, 21st dist., Rice. 
" 25, Essie Tipton, 32d dist,, Jamestown. 

Those making the three highest averages 
were as follows. 

Lawrence Marlatt, 90 3-8 per cent. 
Jennie Kenyon, 90 2-8 per cent. 
Kate Carroll, 89 per cent. 

Class of 1895. 

No. 1, Eugene Emerson Ball, 12th dist., Con- 
cordia. 
2, Raymond G. Lawry, 12th dist., Con- 
cordia. 
:!, Clarence Edwin Boudro, 2d dist., 

Ivde. 
I, Mary Olive Everley, 46th dist., Graves 
5, Alice E. (;regg, 5th dist., Glasco. 



No . 6, |esse Edgar Shay, 07th dist.. Milton- 
vale. 

" 7, George Homer Bardrick, 07th dist., 
Miltonvale. 

" S. Benjamin Barber, 07th dist.. Milton 
vale. 
9, Merton Augustus Fish, .1th dist.. 
1 nm ordia. 

" 10. William Albert Harnett. 32d dist.. 
|ames town. 

•• 11, Carrie Elizabeth Hoefer 78th dist. 
Miltonvale. 

• • i.) L Uren a Belle Ka hi 1 ''-til dist. 

i.i LVI 

" 1:; 1 Haude Raymond Bardrit l 07th dist. 

Miltonvale. 
" 1 I Lillian Burnett. 5th dist., Glasi 
■■ is Letat atherine Day, 5th dist.. Gla 
" in, Melvin Mi ( oy, 07th di t Lamai 

Ottawa ( 
" 1; \, la Honey, 21sl dii 1 Vm< a 
■' is, silverGm Lai y,07thdi! t.,Miltoni il 
" 19] Frederick Martin Horn, 5th dist.. 

Glasco. 
" 20, Hattie Francis Bullock, 5th dist., 
Glasco. 
il Eva Hollan, 32d dist., Jamestown. 
22 1 ii.irle Hibbs, 77th dii 1. Hebi 1 
;:;. Matilda Rosalie Walton, *lth .di I 
Am 
•• 24 [oseph Harnett, 32d dist., Jamestown. 
•' 25, KichardLyle Brock, 5th disl t.lasco. 
" ti< ; (,ilbert Frederick Nelson, 32d dist., 

Jamestown. 
•■ ■>; \u„ rt Vicl > I bell, 5th dist., Gla 1 
■;^ Lewis William Elliott, 62d dist., Con- 
cordia. 
" 29, Rosa Alice Schwartz, 16th dist., t'on- 
cordia. 
:;u, [ohn Oliver Pratt, 5th dist.. Glasi 1. 
" :;i. Marguerite Matilda Hillhouse, 5th 

dist., Glasco. 
" 32, Mabel Esther Priscilla McBride, 32d 

dist., Jamestown. 
" 33, Cynthia Huges, 16th dist., Concordia. 

34, Ora Righter, 9th dist., Meredith, 
" 35, Mary Artemisia Olmstead, 5th dist. 

Glasco. 
" 3(1, Minnie Cooper, 75th dist, Concordia 
" 37, Olive Edna Gardner, 19th dist.. 
Jamestown. 
:;s, Walter Parcell, 5th dist., Glasco. 

Those making the three highest averages 
were as follows: 

Eugene Emerson Ball, 88 5-8 per cent. 
Raymond G. Lawry, 88 1-2 per cent. 
Clarence Edwin Boudro, 87 3-8 per cent. 

Class of 1896. 

No. 1, Daisy Edna Park, 77th dist., Meredith. 
2, Frances Helena Butler, 47th dist.. 
Glasco. 
" 3, Cara Elizabeth Wells, 97th dist.. 
Miltonvale. 
4, Orpha Yolandez Woodward, 5th dist., 
Glasco. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



'37 



No. 5, 
" 6 

7, 



10, 

11, 

12, 

13, 

14, 

15, 
16, 

17, 
18, 

1!', 
20, 

21. 
22 

23, 
24, 
25, 

20, 
27, 

28, 
20, 
30, 
31, 

32, 
33, 

34, 

35, 

36, 

37, 

38, 

39, 

40. 
41, 
42, 
43, 
44, 
45, 
4(i, 

47, 
18, 
40, 



Mil- 



Mer- 



Mil- 



Con- 

Mil- 

dist, 



Elizabeth Bessie Pitner, 47th dist., 
Glasco. 

John Benjamin Shay, 97th dist., 
Miltonvale. 

Edward Spalding, 4th dist,, Concordia. 

Edith Dutton, 1 C. & R. dist., Con- 
cordia. 

Stena Jensen, 93d dist., Jamestown. 

Bertha Blen Hitchcox, 32d dist., 
Jamestown. 

Fannie Caroline Neill, 97th dist. 
tonvale. 

Charles Ely Kline, 77th dist., 
edith. 

May Prince, 5th dist,, Glasco. 

Mildred Pearl Emick, 7th dist. 
tonvale. 

Hiram ArthurCoate, 77th dist., Heber. 

John Arthur Miller, 80th dist., Long 
Island. 

Mary Button. 1 C. & R. dist., 
cordia. 

Alma Bertha Course, 97th dist. 
tonvale. 

Dora Elnora Bumgardner, 77th 
Meredith. 

William Wilkinson Buckley, 71st dist., 
Miltonvale. 

Minnie Morford, 80th dist., Hollis. 

Alfred Coleman Neel, 1 C. & R. dist., 
Concordia. 

Mary Miller, Kith dist., Concordia. 

Eliza Flynn, 90th dist., Meredith. 

Cora Aletha Anderson, 47th dist., 
Glasco. 

Olive McCall, 10th dist., Concordia. 

Benjamin Peter Smith, 97th dist., 
Miltonvale. 

Alice Ward, 87th dist., Concordia. 

Birde Miller, 80th dist., Hollis. 

Violet Mabel Ward, 5th dist., Glasco. 

Frieda Clara Dorothea Krummel, 30th 
dist., Rice. 

Nora Parker, 5th dist., Glasco. 

Mary Lucinda Williamson, 58th dist., 
Glasco. 

Loyal Ario Davison, 73d dist., Scotts- 
ville. 

William Oliver Henderson, 77th dist., 
Heber. 

Cordelia May Rogers, 5th dist., Glasco. 

Martin Cary Burton, 32d dist., James- 
town. 

Carrie Eleanor Plumlee, 95th dist., 
Concordia. 

Walter Frank Pilcher, 5th dist., 
Glasco. 

Carrie Nelson, 93d dist., Concordia. 

Burr Newbury, 55th dist., Miltonvale. 

Ira Bushong, 77th dist., Heber. 

Josie McMillan, 93d dist., Jamestown. 

Maude Pearl Phillips, 80th dist. , Hollis. 

Maude Stewart, 80th dist., Hollis. 

William Earl Emick, 7th dist., Milton- 
vale. 

Lum Cleveland, 58th dist., Glasco. 

Andrew Horn, 36th dist., Miltonvale. 

John Coulter Fowler, 24th dist., Mil- 
tonvale. 



No. 50, 
51, 



53, 

54, 

55, 

5(1, 
57, 
58, 
59, 
60, 

6*, 
62, 

63, 

04, 

65, 

06, 
67, 
68, 
69, 

70, 
71, 

72, 
73, 
74, 
75. 
76, 



Etta Brajnwell, 4th dist., Rice. 

Carrie Baldwin, 4th dist., Jamestow-n. 

Richard Bourne, 63d dist., Delphos. 

Olive Demaris Gould, 32d dist., James- 
town. 

Myrtle Bedor, 10th dist., Hollis. 

Hester Gladys Williams, 5th dist., 
Glasco. 

Isaac Dalrymple, 6th dist., Simpson. 

Lulu Avery, 16th dist.. Concordia. 

Mark Wesley Hare, 47th dist. , Glasco. 

Jessie Blanche Martin, 5th dist., Glasco. 

Leonora Ann Bogue, 32ddist., James- 
town. 

Guilford Wall, 05th dist., Jamestown. 

James Quinton Louthan, 31st dist., 
Glasco. 

Augustus Fenton Potts, 5th dist., 
Glasco. 

Joseph Davidson. 58th dist., Glasco. 

Minnie Estella Smith, 103d dist., 
Heber. 

Louise Poole, 32d dist.. Jamestown. 

ViolaCaptola, Carroll. 5th dist.. Glasco. 

Claude Yount, 77th dist., Meredith. 

Minnie Viola Plumlee, 95th dist., Con- 
cordia. 

Emma McKinster. 5th dist., Glasco. 

Zella Jane Swift, 91st dist., Milton- 
vale. 

Pearl Garrison, 80th dist., Hollis. 

Truman Bates, 46th dist, Glasco. 

Helen Nutting, 13th dist., Ames. 

Lena Layton, 25th dist. Jamestown. 

Ira Claude Ellison, 5th dist., Glasco. 



Those making the three highest averages 
were as follows: 

Daisy Edna Park, 92 1-2 per cent. 
Frances Helena Butler. 01 1-2 percent. 
Cara Elizabeth Wells, 00 1-2 per cent. 

Class of 1807. 

Constitution was added to the list of studies 
this year and the average raised to MO per 
cent, with the provision that candidates 
should be credited in future examinations for 
all grades of 80 per cent or over, 

No. 1, Lulu Jordan, 47th dist., Glasco. 

2, Roy Hauck, 07th dist., Miltonvale. 

3, Jacob Hyson Moore, 97th dist., Mil- 
tonvale. 

4, Isabella Butler, 47th dist., Glasco. 

5, William Richard Bevan, 87th dist., 
Concordia. 

6, Cornelia Campbell, 40th dist., Ames. 

7, Floyd Eugene Woodworth, 77th dist., 
Miltonvale. 

8, Annie Senett Carr, 10th dist., Con- 
cordia. 

9, Harry Christ Hanson, 19th dist., Con- 
cordia. 

10, Grace Hauck, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 

11, Koscie Perry, 07th dist.. Miltonvale. 

12, Jane Louise Bevan, X7th dist., Con- 
cordia. 



•38 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



No. 13, William Benson Morgan, 40th dist., 
Ames. 

14, Gertrude Wall, 65th dist., Jamestown. 

15, Loretto Murray, 32d dist.. Jamestown. 
10. Lenna Perry, D7th dist., Miltonvale. 

17, Lulu Price, 80th dist., Hollis. 

18, Nora Bennett, With dist., Macyville. 

10, Rachael Ellen Rogers, 4th dist., Con- 
cordia. 

20, Florence Covey, 24th dist., Miltonvale. 

21, Etta Mann, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

22, Estella Fry, 20th dist., Miltonvale. 

23, Vera Spahr, 32d dist., lamestown. 

24, Mary Myrtle Montgomery, 32d dist., 
Jamestown. 

25, Anna Robinson, 33d dist,, Jamestown. 

26, Carl Francis Cutshaw, 25th dist., 

Jamestown. 

Those making the three highest averages 
were as follows: 

Lulu Jordan, 87 8-9 per ceut. 
Roy Hauck, 87 5-9 per ceut. 
Jacob Hyson Moore, 87 per cent. 

Class of 1898. 

No. 1, Ludwig Erwin Katterfeld, 45th dist., 
Delphos. 

2, Winfred Henry Ansdell, 32d dist., 

Jamestown. 

3, Dillie Gertrude Park, 77th dist., Mer- 

edith. 

4, Flora Bray, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

5, Mary Etta McClellan, 68th dist., 

Glasco. 
0, Lizzie Ferguson, 48th dist., Milton- 
vale. 

7, Emma McCall. 32d dist., Jamestown. 

8, Delia Brooks. 32d dist., Jamestown. 

9, Mary Josephine Mahon, 27th dist., 

Hollis. 
' 10, Eva Eliza Fletcher, 43d dist., Glasco. 

11, Arthur Lewis Gates, 73d dist., Scotts- 

ville. 

12, Wiliam Arthur Ion, 32d dist., James- 

town. 

13, Alice Ainsworth, 5th dist., Glasco. 

14, Lillie Coombs, 23d dist,, Heber. 

15, James Mahon, 27th dist. 

16, Alice Coombs, 23d dist. 

17, Florence Fulmer, 33d 

town. 

18, Guy Thaddeus Morris, 

Glasco. 

19, Frederick Augustus Thompson, 50th 

dist., Aurora. 
2n, Lela Mose Austin, 24th dist., Milton- 
vale. 

21, Ina Ellen Fry, 2(ith dist., Miltonvale. 

22, Charles Jenson, 93d dist., Concordia. 

1 I Ellen Virginia Hare, 45th dist., Del- 

Those making the three highest averages 
were as follows 

wig Erwin Katterfield, 89 8-9 percent. 
Henrj Vnsdell, 89 4-9 percent. 

rude Park, S,", 6-9 per cent. 



Hollis. 
Heber. 
dist., James- 

45th dist., 



Class of 1899. 

Two days' time are now given to the ex- 
amination in place of one. First day's work 
includes orthography, reading, writing, geog- 
raphy and physiology; second day's work, 
arithmetic, grammar, government and history, 



No. 1, 

2 

" 3, 

" 4, 



8, 


lo, 
11, 

12 

13 

14, 
I.", 
10 
17, 
ix, 
111 
20, 
21 
22 
23 
24, 

25 
20 



28, 
29, 
30, 
31, 
32 
33 
34, 
35 
30 
37, 
38 



Delbert Rasmussen, 29th di^t., Vmes, 

John Doyen, 8th dist., Rice. 

Dencie French, 65th dist, Jamestown. 

James Garlow, 21st dist., Rice. 

lToyd John, 46th dist., Glasco. 

Agnes Burbank, 92d dist., Miltonvale 

Alice Christenson, 05th dist., Jami 
town. 

Grace Lepley, 23d dist., Heber. 

Mamie Brown, 24th dist., Miltonvale. 

Mabel Swift, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 

Clara Newland, 91st dist., Miltonvale, 

Clara Campbell 87th dist., Com ordi i 

Lizzie Fry, 20th dist., Miltonvale. 

Arden Haiders, m 5th dist., Glasco. 

Kate Bevan, 87th dist., Concordia. 

Mary Anderson, 93d dist., Jamestown. 

Ella Koster. 97th dist.. Miltonvale. 

George Stoner, 76th dist., Rice. 

Margaret Bevan, 87th dist. , Concordia. 

Carrie Smith, 97th dist,, Miltonvale 

FZthel Holton, 97th (list., Miltonvale. 

Hugh Jordan, 9th dist., Meredith. 

Stella Jordan, 9th dist., Meredith 

Benjamin Halderman, 03d dist.. Mer- 
edith. 

Oscar Pfeiffer. 29th dist., Ames. 

Fred Bumgardner, 77th dist.. Mer- 
edith. 

Myrtle Axley, 5th dist., Glasco. 

Fay French, 05th dist., Jamestown. 

Belva Jordan, 9th dist., Meredith. 

Lottie Bramwell, 21st dist., Rii e. 

Golden Everley, 40th dist., Glasco. 

Archie Rice, 45th dist., Delphos. 

Frank Pilcher, 45th dist., Delphos. 

George Minard, 04th dist., Halfway. 

Josie Austin, 24th dist., Miltonvale. 

Mary Robinson, 33d dist,, Jamestown. 

Ralph Avery, 10th dist., Concordia. 

Letitia Marshall, 1st dist., Ames. 



Those making the three highest averages 
were as follows. 

Delbert Rasmussen, 92 2-9 per cent. 
John Doyen, 92 per cent. 
Dencie French, 90 7-9 per cent. 



Class of 1900. 



No. 



1, Electa Rasmussen, 29th dist., Ames. 

2, Margaret Shrader, 87th dist., Con- 

cordia. 

3, John Lewis, 9th dist., Meredith. 

4, Mabel Jones, 9th dist., Meredith. 

5, Emery Thomas, 50th dist., Aurora. 

6, Gertrude Jones. 99th dist., Concordia. 

7, Bert Barber, 97th dist., Miltonvale, 

8, Ad Rogers, 08th dist., Glasco. 

9, Florence McCall, 19th dist., Concordia. 
10, Howard Everley, 46th dist.] Glasco. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



•39 



No. 11, 
12, 
13, 
14, 

15, 
16, 
17, 
18, 
19, 
20, 
21, 
22, 
23, 
24, 
25. 
26, 
27, 
28, 
29, 
30, 
31, 
::■-'. 
33, 

34, 

35, 
36, 
37, 

38, 
39, 
40, 
41. 
42, 
43, 
44, 
45, 
46, 
47, 

48, 
49, 

50, 
51, 
52, 
53, 



Fay Day, 95th dist. , Concordia. 

Bessie Peet, 63d dist., Delphos. 

Mena Benoit, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 

Ida Rasmussen, 29th dist.. Ames. 

Hollo Rogers, 68th dist., Glasco. 

Roy Barnum, 63d dist., Delphos. 

James Freeborn, 40th dist., Ames. 

Emma Hanson, 19th dist., Concordia. 

Anna Buckley, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 

Rolland Jones, 9th dist., Meredith. 

Pansy Gray, 42d dist., Glasco. 

Cora Cummings, 29th dist.. Ames. 

Grace Wade, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 

James Forshee, 75th dist., Concordia. 

Lessie Dutton, 7th dist., Miltonvale. 

Clara Bogue, 33d dist., Jamestown. 

Louie Buckland, 63d dist., Meredith. 

Edgar Rice, 45th dist., Delphos. 

George Hussey, 5th dist,, Glasco. 

Frank Hanson, 19th dist., Concordia. 

Guy Harrington. 79th dist., Concordia. 

John Brooks, 83d dist.. Graves. 

Homer McCqwen, 99th dist., Con- 
cordia. 

Gordon Bourne. 63d dist., Delphos. 

Charles Winters. 83d dist., Graves. 

Roy Townsdin, 8th dist., Concordia. 

Blanche Christenson. 65th dist., James- 
town. 

George Czapanskiy. 1st dist. , Ames. 

Clarence Chritton, 38th dist., Graves. 

Francis Anderson, 4th dist., Concordia. 

Maude Hussey, 5th dist., Glasco. 

Lewis Munger, 10th dist., Hollis. 

Maude Cunningham, 43d dist., Glasco. 

Nellie Cooper, 75th dist., Concordia. 

Frank Sorgatz, 75th dist., Concordia. 

Robert Jones, 99th dist., Concordia. 

Fred Dutton, 1 C. & R. dist., Con- 
cordia. 

Arthur Gould, 32d dist., Concordia. 

Genevieve Murray, 32d dist., James- 
town. 

Ollie McKellar, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

Ada Dwyer, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

Florence Nelson. 32d dist. , Jamestown. 

Clarence Hartwell, 32d dist., James- 
town. 



Those making the three highest averages 
were as follows: 

Electa Rasmussen, 92 1-9 per cent. 
Margaret Shrader, 9! 7-9 per cent. 
John Lewis, 90 4-9 per cent. 

Class of 1901. 

By reason of some schools closing earlier 
than others, two dates were given this year. 

No. 1, Clara Butler, 47th dist., Glasco. 

2, Daisy Duff, 75th dist., Concordia. 

3, Eva Jordan, 22d dist., Glasco. 

4, Charles Park, 77th dist., Heber. 

5, Lena Ledig, 56th dist., Aurora. 

6, Edward Finley, 10th dist., Hollis. 

7, Raymond Yount, 77th dist., Meredith. 

8, Frank Ijames, 37th dist., Aurora. 

9, Ona Stone, 5th dist., Glasco. 



No. 10, 
11, 
12, 
13, 
14, 
15, 
16, 
17, 
18, 
19, 
20, 
21, 
22 
23,' 
24, 

25, 
26. 
27. 
28, 
29, 
30, 
31, 
32, 

33, 
34, 
35, 
36, 
37, 



Olive P. Sims. 16th dist., Concordia. 

Sarah Boyer. 50th dist.. Concordia. 

Welborn Pitner, 47th dist.. Glasco. 

Vernon Thurston, 63d dist., Delphos. 

Ella Everley, 45th dist., Delphos. 

Charles Shelton, 10th dist., Aurora. 

Helen Wade, 59th dist., Ames. 

Dora Shell, 100th dist., Glasco. 

Neal Sage, 47th dist., Delphos. 

Clara King, 46th dist., Glasco. 

Roy Phelps, 62d dist., Miltonvale. 

James A. Latham, 63d dist., Delphos. 

Harry Ijames, 37th disl., Aurora. 

Charles Funk, 32ddist.. Jamestown. 

Julia Dutton, J. 1 C. & R. dist.. Con- 
cordia. 

Cecil Barnum, 63d dist., Delphos. 

Raymond Acton, 79th dist.. Concordia. 

Willie Pilcher, 46th dist., Glasco. 

Claude Moore, 45th dist., Delphos. 

Mabel Hedges, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

Maud Bell, 46th dist., Glasco. 

Ida Smith, 40th dist., Ames. 

Anna Amspacker, 81st dist.. James- 
town. 

Florence Smith, 7th dist.. Miltonvale. 

Lizzie Swartz, Kith dist., Concordia. 

Grace Saline, 94th dist., Concordia. 

Fred Kasl. J. 1 dist., Concordia. 

Donald Wade, 59th dist.. Ames. 



Those making the three highest averages 
were as follows: 

Clara Butler, 92 2-9 per cent. 
Daisy Duff, 92 2-9 per cent. 
Eva Jordan, 89 1-3 per cent. 
Charles Park, 88 1-2 percent. 



N 



1, 



8, 
9, 
10, 
11, 
12, 
13, 



Amelia Folkers, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 

Minnie Baldwain, 34th dist., James- 
town. 

Eva Gould, 34th dist., Jamestown. 

Mary Lyne, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 

Ethel McKee, 32d dist. , Jamestown. 

Winnie Carpenter, 32d dist., James- 
town. 

Mabel demons, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

May McBride, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

Louella Peaney, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 

Ivor Ion, 32d dist.. Jamestown. 

Addie Ramsey, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

Mamie Linton, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

Dello Minor, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

14, Joseph Anderson, 97th dist.. Milton- 

vale. 

15, Elmer Myers, 80th dist., Hollis. 

16, Lizzie Bogue, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

17, Carrie Strain, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

18, Mabel Garlow, 21st dist., Rice. 

19, Richard Ansdell, 32ddist. , Jamestown. 

20, Olive Nixon. 33d dist., Jamestown. 

21, Charles Adams, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 

22, M. Elsie Hall. 97th dist., Miltonvale. 

23, Ivy Chartier, 29th dist., Ames. 
21, Lillie Eye, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 

'-'5, Grace Hedges, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

26, Homer Robinson, 33d dist., James- 

town. 

27, Harry Neill, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 



140 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY. KANSAS. 



No. 1 



No. 28, John McKelvey, 38th dist., Miltonvale. 
Those making the three highest averages 
were as follows : 

Amelia Folkers, 01 6-8 per cent. 

Minnie Baldwin, 92 2-9 per cent. 

Eva Gould, 90 4-8 per cent. 

Class of 1902. 

Lucy Dutton, 1 C. & R. dist.. Con- 
cordia. 

2, Frank Neel, 1 C. & R. dist., Con- 
cordia. 

3, Morris Rogers, 3d dist., Clyde. 

4, Ferd Prince, . r )th dist.. Glasco. 

5, Anna Henning, 5th dist., Glasco. 

6, Frank Olson, ">th dist., Glasco. 

7, Lois Baker, 5th dist., Glasco. 

8, Cedric Converse, 5th dist., Glasco. 

9, John Emick, 7th dist., Miltonvale. 

10, Marion Dutton, 7th dist., Miltonvale. 

11, John Hayden, 8th dist., Concordia. 

12, George Savage, 9th dist., Meredith. 

13, Willie Goernandt, 13th dist., Ames. 
1 i Frank Shaffer, 10th dist., Concordia. 

15, Anne McLean, 16th dist., Concordia. 

16, Joseph Cool, 10th dist.. Concordia. 

17, Ruby Clark, 16th dist., Concordia, 
is, Hattie Hughes, 10th dist., Concordia. 

19, Delia Brownell, 19th dist.. Concordia. 

20, Grace Fry, 29th dist., Miltonvale, 

21, Daniel Mahon, 27th dist., Clyde. 

22, Irene Brennan, 27th dist., Jamestown. 
23 Maggie McBride,32d dist., Jamestown. 

24. Elsie Mann, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

25, Carrie Montgomery, 32d dist., James- 
town. 

20, Frances Owen, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

27, Florence Gould. 32d dist., Jamestown. 

28, Leota Williams, 32d dist.. Jamestown. 

29, Blanche Cutshaw, 32d dist., James- 
town. 

30, Captolia Fell, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

31, Gloria McBrlde, 32d dist., Jamestown. 

32, Frances Williams, 32d dist., James- 
town. 



No. 33, 

1 34, 

" 35, 

36, 

::; 
" 38, 
" 39, 

" 40, 

1 41, 
" 42, 
" 43, 

" 44, 
" 45, 

" 40, 

i; 

1 |S, 

" 49, 

'■ 50. 

" 51, 

" 53, 

■• .->::. 

1 51. 

1 55, 

" 50, 

" 57, 

• ' 58, 

" 59, 

" CH, 

" 01, 

" 02, 

•' 63, 

" 04, 

" 65 
'• 00 



Seamon Skoglund, 83d disl I imi 

town. 
Harriet Kocher, 38th dist., Graves, 
Viola Want, 10th dist., Ames. 
Annie Olson. I'M dist.. GlasCO 
Anton Sparwasser, 42ddist., ('.la., o 
Frank Harper. 43d dist.. Gl ■ 
Francis Hurley, 17 th dist., Glasco. 
Rose Butler, lith dist., Glasco. 
Agnes Dillon, 47th dist., Gl.i < 
Madgi Boyer, 50th dist., Concoi 
Clarence Watson, 55th dist., Milton- 
vale. 
Bessie Franks, 58th disl < Ha « 
Nellie Goft. 58th dist.. Glasco. 

Margaret Cunningham 88th di il 

Glasco. 
Bessie Bishop. 68th dist., Glasco. 
Marie Stein, 77tn dist., Meredith. 
Laura Jones, 80th dist, llollis. 
Percy Petitt, 80th dist.. Mollis. 
Etuth Petitt, 80th dist.. Mollis, 
(vrus Anderson, 80th dist., Mollis. 
Rosa Speer, 80th (list.. Mollis. 
Frances Dewell, slst dist., Concordia. 
Lulu Campbell, S7th diet., Concordia. 
Verna Brooks, 91st dist., Miltonvale. 
Birdie Smith. 97th dist., Miltonvale. 
Genevieve Moses. 97th dist., Milton 

vale. 
, Katie Barber, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 
Winnie Young, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 
Mabel Evans, 97th dist.. Miltonvale. 
Lloyd Hunt, 97th dist., Miltonvale. 
George Shay, 97th dist Miltonvale. 
Maude Gilchrist, 97th dist., Milton- 
vale. 
Abbie Merrill, 103d dist., Meredith. 
John Springsted, 104th dist., Aurora. 



Those making the three highest averages 
were as follows 

Frank Neel, 92 2-9 per cent. 
Anne McLean, 90 2-9 per cent. 
John Hayden, 89 2-3 per cent. 
Willie Goernandt, 89 2-3 per cenl. 



PHENOMENA AND 1DIOSVN CRACIES. 

Phenomena and idiosyncracies of Kansas, as furnished by the various 
old settlers, is of mure than passing interest. 

In [869, the eastern part of Cloud county changed from buffalo grass 

to blue joint and sage grass. These new grasses marched forward each 

sncc© rig year, the buffalo grass disappearing as they advanced, but it 

erved if the blue joint pastures were over-stocked the land would 

go back to buffalo grass again and presumably would stay there for all 

if sufficiently pastured and tramped. 

In 1870 Doctor Laughlin's (Clyde) farm was covered with buffalo 
grass, A'ith n, 1 other kind of vegetation to be found. A black-glove could 
have Wen seen from the western line on any part of his land. The follow- 
ing year. 1871, a thousand sheep could have been hidden from view on the 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 141 

same ground by the heavy growth of blue joint. Buffalo grass will stand 
more drouth than any of the grasses and its very existence seems to depend 
upon abuse, over-taxation and tramping. When the millions of buffalo 
were driven back it sickened and died, other grasses taking its place. It 
seems to flourish under oppression, to wither and perish under civilization. 
Most of the old settlers of Cloud county have observed another strange 
freak in tine pastures which succeeded the buffalo grass. If the prairie were 
burned over in February or March, it would l)e covered with sage grass, 
if burned in May it would be covered with blue joint, no difference which 
grass covered the prairie the previous year. If ground covered with sage 
grass were burned over in May it would be covered with blue joint, but if 
burned in March it would be covered with the same kind of grass burned- 
sage grass. This phenomena is most remarkable when we consider that 
the two grasses are entirely different species. 

In 1870, there was a well dug on Doctor Laughlin's farm fifty-four 
feet deep. This year his land was covered with buffalo grass and scarcely 
any other kind of plant growth could be found. The following year thirty 
four distinct varieties were found upon the excavated dirt from the well. 
This vegetation was minature, four to six inches in length, mostly vines 
covered with small blossoms from one-sixteenth to one-fourth of an inch 
in diameter, white and blue being the only colors represented. Earth 
exhumed from a great depth will grow the same differentiated varieties 
now as then. 

It was also observed in the early settlement of the country that lands 
of the same fertility and inspiring would vary in production from six to 
twelve bushels per acre, depending upon the time and depth of breaking. 
Deep breaking would fall short in production from twelve to fifteen bushels, 
and no one seems to know why a few days difference in plowing will make 
quite a difference in the yield per acre. 

Mr. Payer states that his boy stopped plowing on account of an 
approaching storm and resumed plowing the next day. The difference in 
the vield could be seen to the- very furrow where he stopped before the 
storm. Almost every farmer has noticed that a very few days difference 
in planting his crop will make a great difference in the yield. 

Doctor Laughlin experimented with, dynamite in the interest of horti- 
culture in 1887. It was thought when the ground was frozen to its greatest 
depth would be the best time for the experiment, hence the last of Febru- 
ary was chosen. Holes were bored from two to eight feet deep and from 
two to eight ounces of dynamite was used in each, one ounce to the foot 
being the rule. It was discovered that a hole three feet deep (just under 
the frozen ground) with three ounces of dynamite immediately after explo- 
sion would take in over one hundred gallons of water, the ground being 
broken up from five to eight feet in every direction. For many miles around 
the farmers came to see the experiment, and from among them was chosen 
a committee, which reported favorably, stating in their report there was no 



■ 42 HISTORY OF (LOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

doubt Imi thai dynamiting of the ground would be of immense value in 
tree planting, and ii applied when frozen to the depth of two feet it would 
be of still greater value in agriculture, the cosl being about fourteen dollars 
pei acre, using one charge to a rod square. Bui for orchard planting the 
ground should be frozen to its greatesl deptli ;m<l the cost per tree of dyna 
milium would be from two and one half to four cents, 

PETRIFIED n RTL1 

During the earl) settlemenl of the country "Greenback" Williams, oi 
Buffalo township, operated a tone quarr) in Jewell count) and burned lime 
i"i the settlers. Imbedded among the stone were numerous petrified turtles 
ol various sizes, often times aggregating a wagon load in enough material 
to bum a kiln iif lime. They seemed to have gathered in tliat particular 
locality in schools, for there were hundreds of them. The) had beer 
deposited there in anothei era, for the ground is high and remote I i any 

I I ralll 

BONES IN \ STU \ l \ ol Km K, 

When digging a well on tin- original homestead of a niece "i William 

II Page, the fan w known as the Richardson place, they found at a 

depth of aboul nine feel In-low the surface in a strata of soft sandstone the 
short rib bones ol what was supposed n be those of an animal imbedded 
in the lock 

PETRIFIED l Is 1 1. 
In llie lallei part of July, 1.S7J, W. Day, who lived ten miles north- 

ivi 1 oi Concordia, and some lured assistants were digging a cistern, when 
they came 111 contact with a large rock, which, being a hindrance to the 

1 jeding oi their work, the) attempted to remove it. Failing to loosen 

or make any impression upon the stone they examined it more closely, when 
they discovered the quality of rock was of a different character from what 
the) had previously found, and proceeded to break it in pieces m order to 
remove it moo easily. \ moment latei one of the workmen gave venl to 

an exclamation of surprise, which brought the others to his side, whereupon 

■ i clearl) outlined the petrified fins of a fish on the side of the rock. After 

displacing the lone they fitted tin- pieces together and found the matter to 
i thai measured eighl feel in length and six feel around the 

bi 1 1 

ill E SIROCCO, ok no 1 w [NDS, 

\ remarkable phenomena is connected with the hot winds of Kansas. 
ometimes designated « trical storms, which no scientist has ever Keen able 

plain, In a field ol com that is practically of the same level, and the 

1 ,!l uniform in growth, alternate n,ws of ten or fifteen will he blasted, 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 143 

burned beyond recovery, while the intervening tract will be unharmed. 
Nicholas French and his son Markel were plowing one windy day when an 
irregular tract was mown to the earth by one of the so-called electrical 
winds, while other parts of the field were not affected whatever. 

WALNUT LOG FOUND AT A DEPTH OF TWF.XTY-EIGHT FEET. 

A company was formed in the 'seventies for the purpose of investigat- 
ing the salt veins in the marsh. When down at a depth of about twenty- 
eight feet they struck a walnut log in a good state of preservation. The 
circumstance is more peculiar because of the fact there was not a walnut 
tree within a radius of several miles from this point. When down about 
sixty-seven feet they encountered a strong flowing vein which was too salty 
for drinking, but would not yield a large enough per cent for manufactur- 
ing purposes. The water continues to flow. The well is on the farm of 
C. N. Baldwin, who dug a well about thirty rods from the one mentioned 
and found an excellent quality of fresh water at a depth of ten feet. 
In the early days of Kansas the settlers' wives cured their cucumbers for 
table use in the brine from the salt marsh. 

DROUTH OF 187O. 

During the summer of 1870, when not a ton of hay could be cut in a 
whole township on the uplands, although not accompanied with hot winds, 
the cattle, what few there were, comparatively speaking, were never fatter. 
The dry grass was full of nutriment and the stock preferred it to the new 
grasses just coming up out of the earth or that which was three to five inches 
high in the sloughs. 

RAGWEED. 

The perennial ragweed is a native of Kansas and grows rampantly 
everywhere but the annual plant was not known in this locality until about 
ten years ago. It was in all probability brought into the country with other 
seeds or cereals. The dandelion and other plants were introduced in a similar 
manner. 

CLOUD COUNTY PtONEER ASSOCIATION. 

This association was organized in 1895. In the beginning the intention 
was to include the old timers of the townships of Aurora, Colfax, Oakland 
and Nelson. They held several reunions, which were very enjoyable 
and served to keep fresh in the memory and keep alive the ties of friendship 
formed when the country was new and sparsely settled, and when all were 
neighbors within a radius of many miles. 

The board of officials were W. M. Durkee, of Aurora; W. C. Campbell. 
Colfax township; H. R. Honey, Concordia, and Mrs. Evelyn Bradford. The 



144 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

last meeting- was held in Oakland township on Pipe creek, in 1900, at Cable's 
grove, one and one-half miles smith of Aurora. The grove was decorated 
with patriotic symbols, mottoes and antique furniture. The address of we! 
come was delivered by that old veteran and pioneer. J. E. Burkhart. Will- 
iam Durkee was elected president for the ensuing year, and J. E. Burkhart, 
secretary. 

In 1885 J. M. Hagaman took initiatory measures in moving for an old 
settlers' reunion and suggested they celebrate July 3rd of that year as a 
beginning of a permanent organization. None of these organizations were 
of permanent duration. 

It was for several years a custom prevalent over the state to prepare 
a local history of the county to he read on July 4, and published in various 
newspapers, and upon an occasion of this kind, July 4. 1876, Eugene Ware 
(the well known Kansas poet) read the following poem: 

"He who lived in Kansas, though he roam. 
Can find no other spot and call it home. 
As Ingalls says, the Kansas man may stray. 
May live, perchance depart or go away. 
In short, may roam, but be it anywhere, 
He must return if he can raise the fare. 

On July Fourth we always float the flag, 

And push the old bald eagle from the crag; 

Fly him the length and breadth of this fair land. 

From the Penobscot to the Rio Grand. 

Then without rest we quickly start him on 

A trip from Florida to Oregon. 

Then bring him back and boost him to the sky. 

And let him stay there till the next July. 

O, grand old bird ! o'er many a wearv mile 
They've made you sail in oratoric style, 
While fledgling speakers in refulgant prose 
Capped many a gorgeous climax as you arose. 
To-day our choicest colors are unfurled; 
Soar up, proud bird, and circle round the world, 
And we predict that nowhere will you find 
A place like Kansas, that you left behind." 

THE YOUNG MENS REPUBLICAN CLUB OF CLOUD COUNTY. 

Clo -ity has a miniature "Kansas Day Club," with headquarters 

in Concordia. It is along the same lines as the state organization. It is a 
young men's Republican club. Sidney H. Knapp has reason to be proud 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



i45 



of the fact that he is the instigator and organizer of this club. F. W. Sturges, 
son of Judge Sturges, of Concordia, is president, and Sidney H. Knapp, 
of Clyde, secretary and treasurer. 

They arrange that the principal speakers at their banquets shall be 
natives of the county. There is a similar club in Dickinson county ; this and 
the one in Cloud county are the only organizations of this kind at present, 
but it is presumed others will follow. 

They gave a banquet March 26, 1902, to about four hundred people. 
which was one of the most elaborate functions ever given in Concordia, and 
in fact few functions excel it in the state. Fred Sturges. Jr.. was toast- 
master and to his untiring efforts and good management credit is due for 
the success of the banquet. The speeches made were as follows: "A Few 



Remarks 



Governor Stanley; "The Young Man in Politics." Charles A. 
Case ; "Our Sister County," C. A. Kimball ; 
"Concerning Cloud County." Albert T. 
Reid; The Concordia Male Quartet; "The 
Backbone of the Nation," O. E. Hardesty; 
"Why Should a Young Man Be in Politics," 
Doctor J. L. Kirby; "Political Manhood," 
J. B. Wood: "Kansas." Senator Burton, the 
latter coming all the way from Washington, 
District of Columbia, to attend this occasion. 

One of the notable features of this ban- 
quet was the absence of wine. The menu 
card was headed with the following quota- 
tion : "Some food we have and some water 
fresh." 

The object of the organization is to 
promote Republicanism and to call together 
in a social way the young Republicans of 
Cloud county. 

THE PIKE MONUMENT. 

The Pike monument commemorates the 
place and event where Colonel Zebulon 
Pike, while on his return from Mexico, 
raised the American flag, the first stars and 
stripes that ever floated over Kansas soil. 

The cornerstone was placed with cere- 
monial rites by the Grand Lodge, Free and 
Accepted Masons, under the auspices of Bellville Lodge No. 120. July 
4. 1901. The unveiling of the monument occurred the following 29th 
of September, just ninety-five years from the day Colonel Pike displayed the 
fair standard of American liberty on Pawnee rock, the site of the Pawnee 
Indian village in Republic county. 




The Tike Monument. 



146 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION. 

Cloud county once had a prosperous County Fair Association. The 
society was organized in 1883. A considerable sum of money was expended 
in fitting up the grounds thai the agricultural and mechanical products might 
he shown to good advantage, h was a commendable institution ami flour 
ished several years. Competent and reliable men were in charge and the 
people from all over the surrounding country took an appreciable interest. 
The grounds, which were situated near Concordia, afforded one ol the best 
race tracks in northwest Kansas. The advantages of the state .1^ a produc- 
tive and stock raising country were sent abroad and did much to convince 
eastern people, who entertained grave doubts about even the civilization of 
the state, that Kansas had no superior in the west. 




Washington Street in Concordia During the Flood. 



THE FLOOD OF .H'XC, IQ02. 



During' the latter part of the month of June, 1902, scores of fields adja- 
cent to the rivers and creeks were submerged under water caused by the 
heavy and continued rainfalls, seriously damaging the corn and many of the 
wheal fields. As the injured grain ripened the fields were in such a muddy 
condition it was impossible in many instances to garner the grain. Both the 

iblican and Solomon rivers were higher than they had been known for 
the illustrations given will testify, and in July, 1902, the Republican 
was reported to have been higher than ever before in the history of the coun- 
try, reaching a width of four miles in some localities. The tracks of the 
er branch of the Missouri Pacific Railway, near Yuma, about four 
miles « l ioncordia, were under water for several miles and hundreds o( 

yards of track was washed out. 




View from South Sidz 07 West Bridge Over the Solcmon River. 




View from South Side of East Bridge Over the Solomon River. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



149 



Many farmers living in the lowlands were compelled to ilee to the 
uplands for safety; many of them losing stock. Some of the harvesting had 
been finished; some of the grain was unripe, owing to a late season, drouth, 
etc., and a machine did not enter the field. The young and growing corn that 
had given such rare promise of a plentiful harvest was greatly injured, some 








"5 








- — 




4 


J2f 


^Bl i^ti l 




■ ^^^' 


^K^'^^i" fi&] 





On the Santa Fe Railway, near Oneonta. 



Republican River near Clyde. 



places totally. The watermelon growers in the vicinity of Clyde were heav} 
losers of their crop of melons, which gave indications of an unprecedented 
yield a few weeks before. The farmer who lives on the upland in a year like 
this can witness his broad acres of wheat or his great fields of corn, the stocks 
of which are burdened with long ears of well-filled corn, and feel it is good 
to live on the upland prairie. 



The cut on page 148 is a 



view o 



f the "Bridge" road (taken July 9), 



looking - south from the Missouri Pacific railway crossing, between Shorer's 
and Fessenden's farms, during the recent high water — the highest the Repub- 
lican river has been during the past twenty-rive years — at, which time and 
place the river was nearly two miles wide. It also illustrates how one of 
Clyde's principal business men overcame the obstacle presented in the 
obstruction of communication. Mr. C. F. Armstrong makes the proud 
claim that he has never, for any reason, closed down any of his skimming 
stations, and never proposes to as long as his patrons will furnish him any milk. 
During this time the Como (Mulberry) station was receiving from twelve 
thousand to fifteen thousand pounds of milk daily. The cream from this 
milk, together with that from Huscher and Concordia, was brought to the 
south side of Fessenden's farm, from whence it was successfully transported 
across the river in a boat, necessitating many trips and much arduous and 
dangerous labor. Each load had to be pulled by hand over the Missouri 
Pacific railway, but as the tops of the rails were only a few inches above the 
general surface of the river, this was not the most difficult part of the work. 
10 



HISTORY 



OF THE 



CITY OF CONCORDIA. 



The city of Concordia is situated in the immediate valley of the Repub- 
lican river, at the liase of a range of hills to the south upon which have been 
erected many handsome dwelling's, whose occupants enjoy one of the most 
beautiful panoramic views on the continent. On the north side is the river, 
which is bordered by fine cottonwood trees, and its broad valley stretches 
far to the east and west of the city. 

Perhaps no one man is so much entitled to the credit of founding Con- 
cordia as |. M. Hagaman. lie conceived the idea and selected the town site 
where he has resided and lives at the present time, and whose face i^ as famil- 
iar to Cloud county people as the head of the Goddess of Liberty on the Amer- 
ican dollar. 

The plan of locating the county seat on the Republican river was CO ex- 
istent with Mr. fiagaman's advent into the county in i860, and he never let 
an opportunity escape to push the project. To aid this enterprise he opened 
a road at his own personal expense to Junction City and secured the survey 
over this line in 1864 of a state road from that city. The sixty-fourth mile- 
post 1 a red sand rock) lies buried on his old homestead by the river bridge. 
Mr. Hagaman explains the seemingly short distance by saying: "In order 
to make it appear they were not so very far distant from the outside world, 
he had the surveyor, A. C. Pierce, of Junction City, stretch the gunter's 
chain," that is, threw in ten links now and again and sometimes oftener. 
This was done to secure a good road to Junction City and avoid the dangers 
and hardships in going to market. He reasoned that without the county seat 
and an important town, never would be heard the locomotives shrill whistle 
on the south side of the Republican river. 

Is it any wonder that his neighbors smiled at his talk, when the buffalo 
bulls were making the hills, valleys and plains melodious with their bellow- 
ing, .and the wolves making night hideous with their bloodthirsty bowlings, 
in the very dooryards of the settlers. 

Mr. i lagaman built the first house on the town site with his own hands. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 151 

He built for G. W. Andrews the second, projected the court house and 
donated more funds toward it than all the other parties with the exception of 
G. W. Andrews. Mr. Hagaman located land on which a part of the town 
stands and induced Mr. Andrews to locate one hundred and sixty acres 
adjoining his on the south, the prospective town being the inducement held 
out to Andrews. This was in August, 1868. In 1866 he had secured the per- 
manent location of the county seat two miles east of the present site. 

THE COUNTY SEAT SKIRMISH. 

In the summer of 1866, the population being sufficient, Mr. Hagaman 
prepared a petition to the governor, the Honorable S. J. Crawford, praving 
him to issue a proclamation declaring the county organized. He presented 
the petition personally; the prayer was granted, election of officers and the 
present location of the county seat ordered. 

He had named in the petition Clyde as the temporary county seat; his 
object being to mislead the people of that village, who not only desired to get 
the temporary seat but the permanent one as well. Naming Clyde disarmed 
the opposition to the organization of the county. He was somewhat per- 
plexed over a suitable name and after casting about for a time decided on 
naming it "Townsdin's Point." Mr. W. S. Townsdin had taken a claim just 
west of Oak Creek and not far east of the center of the county, 
where he intended the seat should be finally located; not caring- as 
Mr. Hagaman archly remarked, "if afterward the point were found to be in 
the moon." his sole purpose being to keep Clyde from getting the vote. 

Election day came, and Cowel, the Clyde merchant, went to Sibley to 
tell the dozen or so of voters how to cast their ballots on the county seat. Mr. 
JIaganian went, and some one in the crowd was heard to remark ''and Satan 
came also." He looked over the poll-book, so-called, and found it very defec- 
tive, a jug of whiskey sitting on the floor near the judges' table, and the 
judges and clerks fully "three sheets in the wind." Mr. Hagaman went home 
fully satisfied that precinct would not be counted — and it was not. 

The commissioners appointed by the governor to complete the organiza- 
tion of the county were George Wilcox, Dr. Henry Lear and Moses Heller, 
with X. D. Hagaman for clerk and "Elk Creek" for the county seat. It 
may seem strange to have a creek selected for the county seat, but there was 
no land deeded at that time and "Elk Creek" was then generally known to be 
around "Lncle Heller's" place. 

These commissioners were recommended in the petition and all lived on 
the north side of the river except the clerk. The commissioners could not be 
got together to canvass the vote. Finally the clerk wrote the secretary of 
state to know what to do .about it. He replied to make and remit to him an 
affidavit of the facts and he would authorize N. D. Hagaman to canvass them. 
They were advised of this and still would not meet. The order of the secre- 
tary came: the clerk set the day to canvass, of which the opposition was noli- 



1 52 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

tied, but none appeared. The clerk funnel that "Townsdin's Point" has a 
majority of the legal votes and he declared il the permanent count} seal oi 
"Shirley comity." 

Had Clyde been given the county seat. Concordia would never have 
existed. As a matter of course nothing was ever done at "Townsdin's Point," 
nor was there ever intended to be. The object was to keep the count) seal 
from Clyde, and prevent the growth and prestige the permanent location 
of the county seat would give. 

Nothing more was done about the location of the county seal until 
[869. In the summer of that year a sprightly town sprung up at Sibley 
and was named for the lake that bears that name. A. A. Camahan had 
a quarter section upon which a portion of the town was located and <>l 
course wanted the county seat there C. M. Albhison was the soul of this 
enterprise and A. A. Carnahan the brains. 

COUNTY SEAT \GITATION. 

The subject of re-locating the county seal began to he agitated that 
summer. The south side voters caused to he circulated the reporl that 
thev were opposed to the election which doubled the desire of the north 
side people for it. construing the unwillingness of the south side people to 
mean fear of the result. While not sanguine >>\ success they knew il was 
now or never, as the south side had a plurality of five votes with a Steady 
gain on the north side. 

Albinson was planning to colonize some voters, hut upon hearing that 
the hoard would throw his precinct out if it was found a single illegal vote 
were cast, he abandoned the scheme. No fairer or more honest elections 
were ever held than the two that finally settled the county seat at Concordia. 
On the first ballot Clyde was third in the race, which left Sibley and I on- 
cordia alone in the ring. The fight waged hot and tierce; report came thai 
Sibley was distributing town lots among voters. Mr. Hagaman .advised 
George Andrews to put one or two hundred lots in his pocket and go with 
them to Shirley and Clyde, which he did. Consequently the vote was very 
satisfactory in both places. 

Every vote south of the Republican river was for Concordia and the 
eighteen votes from Clyde gave her a big majority. There was sufficient 
reason for the Clyde property owners not voting for Sibley. Concordia 
would do them less barm. 

As Concordia grew, Sibley paled in the dim distance, her stores were 
deserted and her hotel, built at a cost of four thousand dollars, was aban- 
doned and went to ruin. The failure of Sibley brought ruin to J. T. Sw en- 
son, of Junction City, the financial backer of the adventure. C. M. Albin- 

md several others lost many of their ducats when the Sibley bubble 
bursted. Mr. Carnahan erected the fourth building in Concordia, but after- 
cast his lot with Sibley, the illusive future metropolis being partly 
on his land; hut prodigal like, he returned to Concordia. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 153 

The election on November 6, 1866, was an important one, inasmuch 
as the county seat question was involved in this contest; it was the north 
and the south side of the river, the north side concentrating' on Elk creek, 
the south side, a location situated on Oak creek. 

J. M. Hagaman, not satisfied with the action of the convention, 
claimed the right of applying to the people for their suffrage to the office 
of representative, so ran independent. The Elk precinct polled eighteen 
votes. Election over, the next thing was to canvass this vote by the first 
board of commissioners. 

Here hinges the most delicate part of this narrative, but to those who 
are inclined to censure, please bear in mind this election involved a county 
seat contest, which has been the cause — whether it came up in this state 
or any other state — of more crookedness and official corruption than many 
other causes combined. The officers were new and inexperienced, had no 
precedence before them to look to, nor had they that usful appendant, county 
attorney, to counsel, and as for legal documents, there were perhaps none 
in the county, with the exception of one copy of the compiled laws, in pos- 
session of 'Squire J. M. Thorp. 

The following statement was made by a person who was present at 
this attempted canvass and in substnnce is as follows: The board saw by 
the certified returns that William English was elected county commissioner 
and immediately had him sworn in. George Wilcox was then told his term 
of office expired, and there was nothing more for him to do, so he went 
home, which left Heller and English on the board. Robert J. Smith, the 
man from the Solomon valley, never qualified. 

An idea prevailed among the settlers of that day that where there was 
a tie on the board the clerk had a right to give the casting vote. This was 
an advantage to the friends of Oak creek, for the clerk was an Oak creek 
man ; so, on inspecting the returns from Sibley, they were thrown out because 
they were signed by the judge with a pencil, instead of written with ink. 
By doing this the majority of the vote cast was declared in favor of Oak 
Creek. 

After doing this, it seemed they adjourned. Mr. Heller, who opposed 
such action, refused to meet to finish the canvass. To show that there was 
a serious muddle, and the manner in which it was finally settled, we will 
submit the following extract of a report from the secretary of state: "Soon 
after the election I was informed by the county clerk of Shirley that the 
commissioners of said county had refused to canvass the vote of said county 
as provided by law. I immediately wrote to the clerk to canvass the vote 
and also to make an affidavit, setting forth all the facts, and forward the 
same to this office, which was done." 

To persons of to-day who are acquainted with such work it will puzzle 
them to know why this adjournment, when the whole could have l^een com- 
pleted almost in the next instant. Mr. Rtipe says that the only way he can 
account for it is that they must have thought they had to canvass the ballots 



i 5 4 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

as well as the certified returns, but even then it would have taken but a 
short time, as the vote was very light. The whole number of votes with 
the Sibley precinct thrown out (which is sai.l to be ten), according to the 
report of the secretary of state is forty-eight. Rather a small vote tor a 
county, but about four too many, as there were eighteen in Elk, twenty- 
two in Shirley, four in Buffalo and ten at Sibley; total, fifty-four. Sub- 
tract from this the ten Shirley votes and there are forty-four. There were 
no votes from the Solomon. There were a few settlers there but no votes 
cast. The settlement in that precinct began in 1865, and a sale estimate of 
the voters would be ten. 

Had this been polled there would have been sixty-eight. Allowing five 
to each voter, there would have been two hundred and forty at the time the 
affidavit was made, stating there were six hundred inhabitants. It may 
be denied that the throwing out of the Sibley vote had the effecl <<i throw- 
ing the county seat on Oak Creek, but this wis too generally known to 
admit of much argument. Had there been a fair expression of the- people 
in favor of that locality there can be no doubt' its friends would have held 
it there, but the people were so indignant at the procedure the commis- 
sioners never met at this place to transact county business, but continued to 
meet on Elk creek or Clyde, until they removed to Concordia in 1X70. 

Again had there been a fair expression there never would haw been 
another election on this vexed question, for the county seat would have 
remained on Oak creek. 

APPROVING OF TOWN SITE AND NAMING OK THE COUNTY SEAT. 

Having decided where the city was to be, the next step was to get some 
public demonstration in favor of it. The convention met in August. 1X69, 
at Captain Sanders' saw mill, standing on the left bank of the river, half 
a mile below the town site. The delegates from the south side being a 
majority, rode over the site and approved of it. To H. C. Snyder wa^ voted 
the honor of naming the to-be great city, and this he did by saying, "In 
view of the harmony and unanimity prevailing, I name the future city 'Con- 
cordia,' " and the name was thereupon unaninously approved. 

The idea of building a city here was regarded' as a huge joke by some 
of the delegates, but did not in the least degree shake the faith of its founder. 
In 1870 E. Linney moved his store, which had been located near the saw 
mill, about half way between where the bridge now spans the river and 
Sixth and Washington streets. He was then appointed postmaster of Con- 
cordia, and afterward removed into the building erected by A. A. Carnaban. 

The January meeting of the commissioners was held in the building 
erected and presented to the county, the business was transacted and when 
the board adjourned it looked as -though the county seat trouble was at 
an end. when in fact they Were still in the midst of it. In placing the build- 
ing they had not been particular about locating it on the exact spot, speci- 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 155 

fied by the ballot, but near by on the tract plotted, named it Concordia and 
filed it in the register of deeds' office just before the first election in 1869. 

The Clyde people became aware of this and at once assumed that the 
county officers could not be compelled to come to the county seat, as there 
was no place for them to do business at Concordia. Some people believed 
there was something in the contention, and some who thought otherwise 
deemed it best to silence the objection by moving the house onto the tract 
specified. It was protested but to no avail ; the building was moved. 

The moving of the building so maddened Air. Hagaman that he 
abandoned the town for a time, went to Clyde and selected some lots pre- 
paratory to erecting a business house upon them. The town company pro- 
fessed to be glad he was coming, but when a few days later he went to 
begin work and requested them to stake out his lots, he was told there 
was a prior claim to the ground in question and he would have to go further 
out. After much travel a location was found that he could not be induced 
to take, and with language more "forcible than elegant," he returned to 
his "first love," determined to redouble his efforts to make Concordia a 
town. The Clyde people were superstitious of his move and thought prob- 
ably he boded them ill. 

After moving the county house the commissioners met and voted to 
transact the county business in Clyde, and back to that town they went. 
A more crestfallen lot of men than those who spent two weeks moving that 
building never met. This looked like a death stroke to their little town. 
a death knell to their hopes of building a city, and in all probability would 
have been but for the timely removal of the United States land office from 
Junction City to Concordia. 

The commissioners were as follows : First district, W. H. Page, living 
near Clyde; second district, Chester Dutton, living in Sibley: third, John 
Murphy, in Meredith. Page pulled for Clyde, Dutton for Sibley and 
Murphy for Concordia. 

It was very quiet the spring and summer of 1870, with very little to 
break the monotony of pioneer life. The coyote still made the air resonant 
with their yelpings, and the ground squirrel sported and grazed on the i< iwn 
site unmolested. 

Sibley had a chance of securing the United States land office which 
revived her dying hopes. G. W. Martin, registrar of the land office at 
Junction City, held out to the Sibley managers the hope of getting the office, 
but the United States land office and their officers were perquisites of Sen- 
ator Pomeroy and what he demanded was given. In June of this year Sen- 
ator Pomeroy. in company with the Honorable S. D. Houston, visited Cloud 
county, going as far west as Cawker City, or to the site, as there was less 
of a city there than at Conocrdia. On climbing the hill beyond Cawker City 
he was captivated by the magnificent panorama before him. and decided to 
put the other land office there. Senator Pomeroy never went back on a true 
friend, and never broke a promise. He gave out a newspaper interview- 



156 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

descriptive of the country and it stirred both hemispheres, and was immedi- 
ately followed by a rush of emigration. 

CONCORDIA TOWN COMPANY. 

The incorporators of the Concordia Town Company were as follows: 
James M. Hagaman. (i. W. Andrews. William McK. Burns, Amos Cutter 
and S. D. Houston. This charter was filed in the office of the secretary of 
state of Kansas, December 26. 1870. It was September, 1X70. that word 
was received to the effect that the United States land office had been located 
at Concordia, and orders to prepare a building where the officers might 
hold forth. 

Long- before the land office was opened fur business long lines of home- 
steaders were daily formed in front of the office. The applications were 
made, filed and recorded when the books came in January. 

J. M. Hagaman drew the plans for the building of the United States 
land office. The pine lumber, windows and dour-, were hauled from Junc- 
tion City. The pine lumber cost one hundred dollars per one thousand feet. 
The cottonwood lumber, which formed the greater part of the building, was 
purchased in Concordia. The building was one and one-half stories high, 
eighteen by twenty feet, and paid for by Andrews and Hagaman. This was 
a costly building at that time and largely because of high wages paid poor 
\vi Tk men. 

To keep the land office from being moved, the same parties built another 
house for the officers at a cost of two thousand dollars. All that was nec- 
essary in those days to make the town company "put up" was to get the 
word afloat that the land office was going to be moved because "the town 
company wouldn't do this or wouldn't do that." 

When the "political triumvirate" of the land office, the court house 
and the saloons were established in the early 'seventies, all that was neces- 
sary to secure the election of the combined candidates was for the managers 
to say "if you don't vote for our candidate we will move the land office." 
and every man voted loyally for them. This continued more or less until 
1 S79. when the ring was smashed. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE STREETS IN CONCORDIA. 

In the first platting of the town the streets were made the width they 
are at present. Sixth, the main business street, is one hundred and ten 
feet wide, Fifth, one hundred and thirteen feet wide. Fourth, one hun- 
dred and thirty feet wide, Broadway, one hundred and twenty feet wide. 
Washington, ninety-nine feet wide; all the other streets are eightv feet wide. 
The alleys are twenty feet wide. The lots were originally forty- four by one 
hundred and thirty-two feet, but at the suggestion of S. D. Houston they 
were divided in the middle, making them twenty-two by one hundred and 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 157 

thirty-two feet, where it was expected the business houses would be erected. 
His reason was that with a forty-four foot lot one-half of it only would be 
built upon and the vacant land would hurt the business and the town. 

This being plausible, the company's plat was made to conform with his 
view of the matter. Fourth street was desired for railroads and is occupied 
by the Central Branch Railway. It was also intended to run a railroad 
through Broadway street, to be known as the North and South Central Kan- 
sas Railroad. Houston and Hagaman each subscribed one hundred thou- 
sand dollars to the capital stock of this company and an editor of a Salina 
paper took another one hundred thousand dollars worth of stock. Mr. Hag- 
aman says "the nub of the joke lies in the fact that all three could not have 
raised five thousand dollars if their necks had depended upon it," but that 
is the way railroads were built in that day. The stock of the Central Branch 
was nothing but "wind" at first and made valuable by land grants and gov- 
ernment bonds. 

NAMING THE STREETS. 

Air. Hagaman named the streets of Concordia, not one having been 
suggested. The following is the origin of some of them: Willow, so named 
because it extended into a bunch of willows at its northern terminus; Repub- 
lican river, for the river that bears that name; Cedar street, the next street 
east, because it sounded well, and he also argued there should be a State and 
Kansas avenue. Washington was named in honor of the Father of Our 
Country; Broadway because it sounded big and metropolitan like; Lincoln 
was named for the martyred president ; Olive street was named for a sister of 
Mrs. Hagaman; Spruce street was so named because that tree had been a 
great favorite of his boyhood days. Seized with a sentimental inspiration. 
Archer was suggested from Cupid with Ids little bow and arrow. Greeley 
street was named for Horace Greelev, the "patron saint" of its author. 

The base line for numbering the streets is the river. First street being 
the street next to the Republican, and thence south, the last one being Nine- 
teenth. 

DARK DAYS FOR CONCORDIA. 

In 187 1 Sidney Clark was defeated in the renomination to congress. 
Friends of his in the eastern part of the state, who had arranged to erect a 
first-class hotel, abandoned the enterprise. The story floated "The land 
office would be moved and Concordia would die." It was impossible to 
approximate the loss to the town from that misfortune, but it is safe to say 
it was very great. 

If some of the citizens knew the office would not be moved they could 
not convince the people of it; the evil effect was the same. Confidence often 
builds bigger and better cities than natural advantages and genius, and the 
jealous enemies of the town made the most of these conditions; but the 
town lived and eventuallv boomed, nevertheless. 



1 5 8 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY-, KANSAS. 

Congress met in December and Amos Cutler, of Buffalo, New York, 
was confirmed as registrar and Honorable E. J. Jenkins as receiver ol the 
land office, winch opened for business June t6, 1N71. In April. 1S74. Hon- 
orable B. H. McEckron was appointed registrar. No more honorable men 

were ever in the employ of the government than these gentlemen nor more 
accommodating officers. 

SOME OF CONCORDIA'S FIRST CITIZENS. 

As before mentioned, E. Linney was the first postmaster and opened 

the first store. S. D. Silvers opened the second in December, erecting a 
building on the corner of Sixth and Broadway streets, where Sweet's hard- 
ware store now stands. McKinnon and Guilbert (the latter still a resident 
of Concordia) located in November with hardware and lumber. Early m 
the same month the citizens were astonished to see a house moving towards 
the town from the west. Mrs. Truesdell was moving her residence to town 
to be used as a hotel. In the Empire of December _>4- 1870, apppears the 
following local: "Mr. Truesdell moved his house to this place, from 0,1c 
and a half miles west of town. Eleven yoke of oxen and four men brought 
the building here in about two hours. It was rolled in to the time of A an- 
kee Doodle' played on the melodeon by Mrs. Truesdell's little daughter ten 
years old. The family remained in the building while it was being moved. 
Not being able to get lumber as fast as needed to build tip the town, people 
are hauling in their houses." The same winter Cnll & Zimmerman erected a 
hotel where the Barons House now stands. E. J. Jenkins took his claim in 
1877 and begun building a residence. William McK. Burns was the first 
to erect a building for a law office and C. \V. McDonald was second. 

James Strain located forty acres on the north side of the town in 
November, having previously purchased the right of G. W. Andrews. < >h- 
ver Currier commenced the building of a stone dwelling house on Seventh 
street, where the Baptist church now stands. Henry Buckingham came over 
from Clyde and selected a building site on the northeast corner of Sixth and 
Broadway streets, erected a building, and moved his printing office from 
Clyde, where he edited and published the first newspaper, both in Clyde and 
Concordia— The Republican Valley Empire. 

In November, 1870, Mr. Lanoue landed in Concordia with his saw 
mill, a very welcome acquisition, as the mill of Captain B. C. Sanders could 
not supply the demand for lumber. Mr. Hagaman donated from his land 
enough for the mill site and furnished forty thousand feet of logs to saw 
"on the shares" and turned his ferry over to him. The town company also 
gave him a block of land. 

THE PRIMITIVE COURT HOUSE. 

Charles O. Huntress surveved the land into lots, assisted by William 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 159 

McK. Burns and G. W. Andrews. There were over three thousand lots. 
Stephen Brownell did the platting. The survey and plat of the year before 
was followed as far as it went, which was forty acres in what is now the 
heart of the city. 

That year the court house was erected ; a temporary affair at a cost of 
something like two hundred and seventy-five dollars, the labor and material, 
being donated by the citizens of Concordia and vicinity. It was hardly so 
imposing a structure as the one of the present writing, but was doubtless 
more of a burden for the people of the frontier to construct than the one 
they now justly feel so proud of was for the people of the county to build. 

The winter of 1870-1 was a delightful one, and fortunate it was for 
the new town and the army of emigrants that rushed into the country. 
Very little snow fell, storms were moderate and far between. The ground 
bare most of the time, building went right on and when March arrived there 
were hundreds of people where only five months before there were scarcely 
dozens. Nearly two scores of buildings were erected and under way where 
a short time before was only an unbroken prairie. 

The chill the town received from the political disaster that overtook one 
of its best friends, Sidney Clark, severe and damaging as it was, did not 
"kill the town" as had been predicted and as many of its friends feared it 
would. Before March the town company had assurance from competent 
authority there would be no change in the locatiou of the land office, and 
when this fact became known, settlement ami building took on a new start. 

TOWN COMPANY ELECTION OF OFFICERS. 

December 8, 1870. the incorporators of the Concordia Town Associa- 
tion elected the following officers- President, J. M. Hagaman; vice-presi- 
dent, Amos Cutler; secretary. William McK. Burns; treasurer, G. W. 
Andrews; directors, J. M. Hagaman. G. W. Andrews, William McK. 
Burns. S. D. Houston, Sr.. and Amos Cutler. 

The election of officers occurring eighteen days before the application 
of the charter was filed with the secretary of state is only one of the evi- 
dences of the rapid ways business was done in those times. The policy of 
the company was to give away alternate business lots to all who would build 
on them, and also the lots designed for residences, in order to help the town. 
Hundreds of lots under this system were given away. 

OTHER EARLY SETTLERS. 

Among other early settlers following were: William Conner, 
employed as clerk by Mr. Silver; J. S. Hoy, Monroe Wagoner, John Kisler, 
C. B. Clark, S. G. Jenkins. Thomas Lamay', C. Konock. James Rowe. B. 

Bordon. W. S. Wilson, Sutherland, James How, - Pease, 

W. Hollenburg, James Hill, Lairbling, H. Bramwell. A. W. Lit- 
tle and Charles Willard. 



!6o HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



FIRST SCHOOL BUILDING. 

Prompted by that American spirit of enterprise, the people in January, 
1871, began agitating the building of a school house. It was decided to 
build one of stone and large enough for the children then in the town and 
those who would probably settle within the following year. Jt was decided 
to raise four thousand dollars by issuing school district bonds, and the vote 
was nearly unanimous. 

The building was located where the high school building now stands. 
It is a matter worthy of record, the obstacles and problems met with in that 
early day in erecting large buildings. That the building was faulty is true, 
but the fault was not in plan or work so much as in the material, hirst, they 
had to use rock whose strength and working qualities not a man here or else- 
where understood and which compelled them to work at a disadvantage. 

We must "patronize home industries," so all the Cottonwood that could 
be worked in lumber was used; the frame work and roof were made of this 
material. They knew its strength and weight, but they did not know that 
if a board of it were laid in the barnyard at night it would war]) and walk 
out into the street before morning. The building of this large and substan- 
tial edifice gave an air of solidity and permanence to their little town and 
when people seeking for a location came, they would remark, "Well, that 
looks as if you meant to stay" (referring to the school building). Another 
would say, "Education of the youth seems to be a first consideration with 
the people here and as I have a family of children I will locate with you." 

In connection with this it may be said the spirit that prompted the peo- 
ple at that time to build so expensive a house has l>een ever foremost with 
them, and they have spent more money in an educational way than any other 
city of equal population in the state of Kansas. 

MORE COUNTY SEAT TROUBLE. 



\\ hen the spring of 1871 was ushered in. the commissioners still 
refused to recognize Concordia as the county seat, and the town company 
pressed its mandamus suit begun the autumn before. We deem this of suffi- 
cient historical importance to justify the publication of a copy of the writ. 

"Before the Honorable William H. Canfield, judge of the Eighth judicial 
district of Kansas. 

"The State of Kansas. Cloud County, ss : 

"James llagaman and William McK. Burns, plaintiffs, vs. W. M. Page, 
John Murphy and Chester Dutton. county commissioners of Cloud 
county; Ebenezer Fox, county clerk; David Heller, county treasurer, 
and B. H. McEckron, county superintendent of common schools of 
-aid county, defendants. — Notice: 
"The above named defendants will take notice that on the 24th day of 

Oct. .her, [870, the plaintiffs will apply to the Honorable William H. Can- 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 161 

field, judge of the Eighth judicial district, at Clay Center, in the county of 
Clay and state of Kansas, for an alternative writ of mandamus, command- 
ing the said defendants to remove their offices, books and papers belonging 
thereto, to Concordia, the county seat of said Cloud county, or show cause 
by a day to be named in the writ why they have not done so. 

"Dated October 13, 1870. McClure & Humphrey, 

"Attorneys for Plaintiffs." 

This proceeding was not pressed at the time, the petitioners deeming it 
best to hold off until the land office was open for business, in the meantime 
hoping the recalcitrants would come to their senses by coming to the county 
seat. Registrar of deeds, J. S. Bowen, sent word by horseback that he 
would "be there just as quickly as he could find a place to shelter his fam- 
ily." and probate judge, D. J. Fowler, sent word that he was "coming a 
running." 

Bowen bought the court house for thirty cents on the dollar, where he 
moved his family, and Mr. Linney, having purchased the Carnahan building 
( which stood on the corner now occupied by the Chicago Lumber Company 
office) and moved his family and goods there, Mr. Bowen took possession. 
Judge Fowler, having found a place "whereon to lay his head." opened his 
marriage shop and went to work issuing licenses. 

The others failing to put in an appearance, the suit was revived, but 
before the writ was served all signalized their willingness to come if they 
were let off without paying costs, which was granted them. 

This ended the great source of trouble which began more than a year 
before and which had done thousands of dollars' damage to the town and a 
great financial loss to the town company. The company paid the costs in 
this case, amounting, with attorney's fees, to the sum of one hundred and 
fifty dollars. 

BUSINESS BLOCKS ERECTED. 

Gibbs & Snowden began the erection of their building for a drug store. 
It occupied the southeast corner of Sixth and Washington streets and was 
the first drug store in Concordia. About the same time Marshall & Andrews 
built their livery stable which stood in block one hundred and forty-nine Oil 
Sixth street. Henry Buckingham began an addition to his "whale back 
printing office in March. R. P. Davis and Byron E. Sheffield erected build- 
ings the same spring. 

M. McKinnon built an addition to his store and also commenced work 
on a dwelling. All during the spring building was brisk in the little city. 
Everywhere the thump of the hammer and the music of the saw and plane 
were heard. Many business blocks were completed and under way. It was 
a marvel to all. and looked as if they might have a great city at once. 

The most important enterprise started and completed this year was the 



1 62 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

building of a flouring mill by Mr, Lanoue. He erected a large stone build- 
ing on the site of his saw mill, put in the machinery and made the first flour 
ever made in Concordia. The mill was operated by steam. 

Second only in importance to the coming of the railroad was the con- 
struction of the dam across the Republican river; the most remarkable, inas- 
much as it was undertaken by one man. and he of little means. Had a rich 
corporation been at the head of the undertaking it would have employed 
engineers of great reputation to plan and make estimates and thousands of 
dollars would have been the probable cost. 

Mr. Lanoue worked long and earnestly to establish a water power, and 
there was no limit to his courage or he would have renounced his efforts. 
The river where the dam is built was four hundred feet wide, and in high 
water times was thirteen feet dee]) (which occurred in 1869), running eight 
miles an hour. The sand and gravel down to bedrock was twenty four feet 
and one stratum of it was quicksand, an uncertain foundation on which to 
build. 

To be safe the dam must rest on a rock bottom and there is where Mr. 
Lanoue put it in the end — after four attempts. Work began on the dam in 
the summer of 1872, and when completed was pleasing to look upon, but 
like the "apples of Sodom," fair without but false within. Lincoln township 
voted Mr. Lanoue twelve hundred dollars on condition that he make a road- 
way for wagons over his dam. March it, 1875, Mr. Lanoue completed the 
work of elevating and aproning the dam. which greatly strengthened it, 
increased the power, and completed one of the best free roadways anywhere 
over the Republican river. 

With a twelve-inch head of water the great wheel was started for busi- 
ness, and the machinery was kept humming through the night, grinding 
fifty bushels more wheat than the steam power had ever done in the same 
time. The public congratulated Mr. Lanoue upon the consummation of his 
long cherished hope. The dam cost Air. Lanoue in the neighborhood of 
ten thousand dollars. 

Mr. Lanoue possessed unbounded faith, which is the success of every- 
thing. The strength of the feeble, the salvation of the miserable, "The 
greatness of individuals or nations may \ye measured precisely by the great- 
ness of their faith." Three times within four years his efforts were severely 
damaged by floods and ice, but each time he immediately repaired damages 
with the same undaunted courage that marked all his undertakings, and the 
roar of his mammoth wheel could be heard night and day. 

The repeated breaks in the dam finally crippled Mr. Lanoue financially 
until he was forced to take in partners. In the spring of 1878 George R. 
Letourneau, A. Berard and A. Gauselin, of Kankakee. Illinois, bought an 
interest in the mill. The bargain was closed at night, the papers signed up, 
the money paid and the gentlemen from Kankakee slept soundly in the 
happy thought that they had purchased a fortune, but they woke in the 
morning to find their dreams an illusion. During the night the water had 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



163 



bursted through its confines in an entirely new place on the right bank of 
the river, and through this gap the entire volume of water was running, 
•which would require much labor and expense to rebuild ; but Air. Lanoue 
was cool anil treated the loss as a small matter, saying, "It is only a trifling 
break." However, it took a month of hard work by a small army of men 
and twenty-five hundred dollars in money to rebuild it. 

Unlocked for trouble and expense after this forced Mr. Lanoue to sell. 
In 1884 this property passed into the hands of a stock company of which 
H. M, Spalding was president and afterward sole proprietor. After 
operating it for a number of years he had reason to be dissatisfied with the 
treatment received from the merchants of Concordia, and sold at a sacrifice 
of thousands of dollars to Lingle & Cline. On account of his health Mr. 
Lingle was compelled to retire from business, and Mr. Cline became and 
is at present sole owner of one of the best properties in the state of Kansas. 
The dam is jointly owned by Mr. Cline and the Concordia Electric Light 
Company in which Mr. Spalding is president and a large stockholder. The 
interest of the owners is one-third to the Concordia Electric Light Company 
and two-thirds to Mr. Cline, the former using the power from the time the 
lamps are lighted in the afternoon until twelve M. 




THE EVENTS OF 1 8/2. 



The year 1872 was prolific in events for Concordia. The voting of 
bonds for the railroad; the organization of the city as third-class; the retire- 
ment of the Buckinghams from the Empire and its purchase by H. E. Smith; 
the commencement of the Presbyterian church; building of the malt house 
and the brewer)-; the great conflagration that laid waste the best portion of 
the city; the confiscating of the greater portion of the town company's lands. 

The brewery stood just above the mill where some of the ruins may yet 
be seen. The builders were D. W. Williams and Orin Bennett (brothers- 
in-law) and for several years they did a thriving business. On the eve of 
December 24, the night before Christmas, 1872, occurred the big fire. It 



1 64 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

originated in the Collins & Dennis building, then owned by W. O. Wagoner. 

Eight buildings were burned and one torn down and thrown into the middle 
of the street, which checked the fire and saved the other nine buildings. The 
most important building destroyed was the Glidden House, a good hotel for 
that earlv day. The fire cast a gloom over the struggling little city, and many 
predicted that years would pass ere it would be rebuilt a- good as before. 

This was Concordia's first disaster and entailed a loss of aboul thirty 
thousand dollars. The city was in it- infancy and this was a \er\ serious 
set back to the new western town, hut not many months elapsed ere new and 
better buildings were erected and larger stocks of goods were brought in. 
T. I... F. \Y. and Heber Sturges had nut their money in a hall which was 
totally destroyed, with no insurance. The destruction of this property was 
a severe blow to the town as well a- to the owners of the property. 

In February, 1873, Y. J. Shelhammer, \. II. Eaves and J. M. llaga- 
man began to excavate preparatory to the erection of a stone building in 
block one hundred ami thirty-five, south side of Sixth street. This was in the 
burnt district and revived the flagging hope- of the people. It showed these 
men still had confidence in the future of their town and other citizens look 
courage from the public-spirited act. The buildings were two stories and 
ready for occupancy in about eisjht months. The only stone buildings at this 
time were those of C. Case and Oliver Currier. 

J. E. Burress began a stone building on the southeast corner of Broad- 
way and Sixth streets the following summer. At this time the trouble over 
the town site was being contested and greatly retarded the growth of the 
town. The inhabitants desired to have thrown open to actual settlers the 
most of the land contained within the town of Concordia, and after quite a 
struggle before the United States land office succeeded in securing to all 
these citizens, and those who might afterward become such, the unpatented 
lands within Concordia. 

STATE NORMAL SCHOOL. 

Governor Osborne was installed in the office of governor in January, 
1874, and the citizens prevailed upon him to appoint a normal school at 
Concordia and it went into operation March 5 of that year, with B. I-'. Rob- 
inson as principal and J. S. Shearer, assistant. Concordia, being a central 
point, was selected as a site for the location of the State Normal School, and 
but for the theory of some of the legislators, that to curtail educational insti- 
tutions was economy combined with the jealousy of other towns in eastern 
Kansas, this school would have been successfully maintained. 

The citizens of Concordia were much interested in the institution, but 
were destined to have it taken from them by the legislature of 1876 and a 
System of normal institutes established instead, abolishing the several State 
Normal Schools. Senator X. B. Brown made an effort to re-establish the 
normal school and prepared a bill to that effect, which he pushed vigorously 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 165 

but could not bring the measure to a successful end. The school was sup- 
plied by the state with the implied promise that it should be sustained. Sen- 
ator Brown championed this cause manfully. 

The citizens of Concordia invested twenty thousand dollars in this insti- 
tution. Representative C. K. Wells secured the first and only appropriation 
for the State Normal School at Concordia. The normal from the first was 
a success, showing need of the school and Concordia's fitness for the loca- 
tion. It was proposed to re-establish the school and eighteen sections of 
state lands were asked for that purpose. In 1877 a bill was before both 
houses asking for an appropriation of six thousand dollars for the re-estab- 
lishment of the institution, which was defeated by a strong effort of the 
opposition. In 1874 the school building erected in Concordia in 1871 was 
enlarged and given to the state for the holding forth of the State Normal. 
After the school was abolished, the building was transferred back to the 
city schools. This institution went down, not because it was not useful and 
greatly needed, but because Emporia stepped to the front and "gobbled 
it up.'" 

A CITY OF THE THIRD CLASS. 

The city of Concordia was organized as a city of the third class in 
August, 1 87 1, and R. E. Allen was chosen mayor. He was succeeded in 
1873 by E. Guilbert, who held the office one year. He was followed by Mil- 
ton Reasoner, who held the office four terms. The mayors since then have 
been elected in the following order: J. M. Hagaman, E. E. Swearenger, 
G. W. Marshall, Thomas Wrong, W. F. Groesbeck and C. Twitchel. 

In April, 1887 Concordia was organized into a city of the second class, 
with J. Green mayor, and the term extended to two years. The next mayors 
were as follows: D. L. Brown. W. W. Caldwell, G. W. Marshall, Walter 
Darlington, John Stewart, E. W. Messall and S. C. Wheeler, the present 
mayor. The history of Concordia has been somewhat similar to most town 
settlements in Kansas. Clashing interests had the effect only of calling 
attention to their town and the building- up of the thriving and prosper- 
ous city. 

Much trouble arose over the acquisition of enough citizens to enable 
them to count two hundred inhabitants to organize as a city of the third 
class. They had some politicians then who perhaps did not hesitate to count 
amongst the two hundred several who might have come to town to trade off 
a few pounds of butter or a few dozen ei^gs, 1 >r perhaps to get a drink, for 
they had then "a senate" and some other establishments where liquor was 
dispensed. 

The population increased quite rapidly and their business extended 

from the neighborhood of Waterville westward to Smith county. They 

became the center of trade and have maintained their pre-eminence, and as 

their citizens were generally public spirited and liberal, they have now a well 

built city provided with churches, schools, a magnificent court house, hand- 
11 



166 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

some homes, mills, etc., and greater conveniences than many of the older 
towns in the east. They are the center of many systems of railroads, con- 
necting them with all points of the compass, and arc destined to be ail 
important point of trade on lines connecting them with the Pacific, Galves- 
ton and the Atlantic ocean. 

Their lands through the changes brought aboul by the climate and the 
industry of the people have risen in value from the mere government price 
of one dollar and twenty-five cents to fifty dollars and upwards an acre in 
close proximity to towns and railway stations. It lias been observed dur- 
ing the last thirty years that almost every man who settled upon an original 
claim was impressed with the belief that he had dropped upon the loveliest 
spot of the universe, and as they have increased in years, imbibed the desire 
to obtain other lands alongside that their children might remain in the 
same favored locality. 

The dugouts have long ago given place to substantial stone or frame 
residences which would do credit to the suburban neighborhoods of the far 
east. 

EVENTS OF 1874. 

The spring of [874 did not promise much and upon good crops hinged 
a large portion of the prosperity of the town. On April 14. [874, a frighl 
ful blizzard swooped down upon the country: eight inches of snow fell and 
the mercury dropped to seventeen degrees below zero. Several persons 
froze to death within a radius of ten miles around the town of Concordia. 
Considerable stock perished in this terrible storm. 

There was a double affliction visited upon the people this year — drouth 
and grasshoppers — either being sufficient bo destroy the corn, none being 
raised that year anywhere in the path of the grasshoppers. But the people 
who considered it less to the discredit of the county, charged the loss to 
grasshoppers, while those who looked upon them as a greater curse than 
drouth, charged it to that source. 

The grasshoppers appeared July 24, [874; the corn was past redemp- 
tion before the pests put in an appearance. The drouth was the most severe 
ever experienced in this section. Early corn that tasseled in June dried 
completely up and the tassels were blown in the wind like chaff. The fol- 
lowing winter was a hard one for the people and because of lack of food and 
clothing, aid had to be extended to thousands of citizens. 

The years 1875-6-7-8-9 were good average crop years and every - 
body firmly believed there never would be another drouth in this county; 
however, the next year one came. 

HISTORICAL MENTION OF CONCORDIA NEWSPAPERS. 

As before stated Henry Buckingham established the first newspaper in 
Concordia, the "Republican Valley Empire." This was the first newspaper 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



167 



in either the Solomon or Republican valley above Junction City, which is 
of more than passing interest. That it lost its identity by l>eing absorbed bv 
the Blade in June, 1902, is to be regretted for its historical value. Follow- 
ing is an article written by Mr. Buckingham, which will be read with inter- 
est by the old settlers : 

THE FOUNDING OF THE EMPIRE. 

A Brief Account of the Establishment of the First Paper in the Republican 
and Solomon J 'alleys. Written by H. Buckingham and Pub- 
lished in the Empire, June 14, 1894. 

Editor Empire: Some time ago. on one of the birthdays of the 
Empire, you stated that you would like to have from me a history of the 
founding of the paper. I promised to furnish it, but put it off from time to 




The Birthplace of the Empire. 

time till now. On its last birthday I was quite taken back to learn really 
how old the Empire was. I could hardly realize that so long a time had sped 
away since the little sheet was first issued. And the present number is 
volume twenty-five ! How time flies ! 

When associate editor of the Leavenworth Times in 1859-60, I heard 
much about the Republican and Solomon valleys from the surveyors who 
had surveyed the country, and others. They spoke of the great beauty of 
those valleys — the fertility of the soil, the fine streams full of fish, the tim- 
ber abounding with turkey and deer, the prairies alive with chickens and 
the buffalo not far awav during the summer. 



1 68 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

At that time the Indians were generally considered peaceable, bul it 
was felt that it was too far away from the settlements to be absoluely safe 
from their depredations, as they might male a raid al any time. It was 
known that a few bold, hardy pioneers had settled along the lower portions 
of the streams, bul it was considered that a man "took his life in his hand" 
when he attempted settlement very far up. At that time a friend who was 
contemplating bringing a flock of sheep from Ohio came to the office and 
wanted to know of me where he could herd them with safety. I replied that 
it was not deemed safe to go much farther wesl than Nemaha county! That 
was the feeling of uncertainty at that time. Rumors of raids were quite 
frequent, and settlers were compelled to he on the lookout. 

The war came and but little attention was paid to the country, So far as 
I recollect; but after it was over, settlers— -many of them having soldiered in 
that country — began to settle farther up the river. The Indians were 
reported to be unfriendly, if settlers went far above where Clifton now is, 
and decidedly hostile to those who went to and beyond the Great Spirit 
Springs, now in Mitchell county. We heard quite frequently of Indian 
raids and it was not deemed safe to settle far up as late as [868 possibly a 
short time later. 

But the settlers continued to encroach on the Indian country and the 
enterprising merchants of Leavenworth, the largest and most enterprising 
town in the west, sent men to gather in the trade of that region. It may sur- 
prise many of your readers when they are told that the trade of Leaven- 
worth once reached from the Missouri river to and beyond Salt Lake and 
Montana, to Old Mexico, and nearly to the eastern boundaries of California 
and ( Iregon. J low trade has changed since the days of ox and mul< teams! 
A regular Santa Fe mule team would he a curiosity to thousands of people 
who now live along the old Santa Fe and California trails. 

In the spring of 1869 my friend R. F. Ilermon, now of Clyde, and a 
well known citizen, who was connected with a large wholesale house in 
Leavenworth, said to me one day, "] have just returned from the Repub 
lican valley — pretty well up — and they have started a small store near the 
mouth of Elk creek, and it is a most beautiful country. Settler's are com- 
ing in, and J have decided to make my home there and bought an interest 
111 a store. Jt will make a good business point.*' I asked him how a news- 
paper would pay. He replied that he could see no reason why one would not 
do well in a short time. So in the fall I concluded to take a look for my- 
self, and hoarded the cars for Manhattan and from there went with the 
mail, which was carried in a hack as far as Lawrencehurg. I think all of 
the goods for the Republican country and most of the Solomon, were 
shipped via team from Manhattan. The hack carried the mail via Whiting, 
Wakefield and Clay Center. The other towns between Manhattan and 
Clyde were Riley Center, Bala, Rosedale, Morganville and Clifton. There 
was but little settlement in any of the towns named. I think Whiting was 
the largest and Clay Center next. None of them had over one hundred 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 169 

people, and some were merely staked off. Clyde had a population of about 
two hundred in 1870, and Concordia was not quite so large. 

It was late when we arrived at Clyde. The ride was a cold, disagree- 
able one, but tbe scenery along the route amply repaid the trip. One of 
the finest views I ever saw in Kansas was from the hill near the farm house 
of Mr. Haynes, where Clifton now stands. There were but few houses 
in sight, and for miles up and down the valley it appeared like an "unbroken 
wilderness." The traveler who glides over the line of railroad that now 
traverses the valley, can form no idea of the real beauty of that portion of 
the valley, now thickly settled and in a high state of cultivation. 

I was so well pleased with the country and its prospects and the people 
of Clyde and surrounding community, that I determined to put in a press 
in the spring, it then being too late in the fall and besides no room could be 
secured. 

Returning to Leavenworth I remained tbere until after the holidays. 
and then concluded to take a trip over the Central Branch via Atchison to 
Waterville, the terminus of the road, and go by team to the Republican. 
It was said at Clyde that no teams had come direct from Waterville to the 
Republican, that no road had 1>een made and the streams were not bridged, 
etc. Arriving at Waterville I found tbe only way to get over to the Repub- 
lican was to take a team which had come down from Republic county to the 
mill and go to Salt creek, and from there to Clyde. I made arrangements 
to go that way and was to meet a team a few miles west of Waterville at 
tbe junction of the mill road. On arriving at the junction I found the 
team had passed. 

On my way back I met Mr. McNab, Sr., one of tbe pioneers of that 
section — and a grand old man — returning home from Waterville. He 
kindly invited me to bis claim some sixteen miles from that place. Seeing 
that I was in for a trip of sixty miles by "Ford & Walker's line." 1 con- 
cluded to accept the invitation. A storm came up just before dark and we 
had a very cold ride and walk to his hospitable home, traveling over ten 
miles after night bad set in. The next day the storm grew worse, and tbe 
weather was extremely cold The wind blew so hard we could stay out of 
doors but a short time. T remained at Mr. McNab's three days, when the 
storm abated and I concluded to start for tbe Republican in a buggy. We 
had not proceeded far when we ran into a snow hank and I decided to en 
tinue the journey on foot. I reached Clyde the next evening after a bard 
tramp. A portion of the way I got a ride. 

I found the citizens of Clyde and surrounding country anxious to have 
the press located there, and they rendered every assistance in their power. 
After remaining there some time Messrs. E. Kennedy. E. Cline and Charles 
Davis took their teams and we went to Manhattan for the press and material. 
In a few days it was on the ground. Tbe building it was put in was a 
log one. about twenty feet square, and was tbe first building in Clyde. Ii 
was put up by the Messrs. Heller and had been used as a dwelling, post- 



170 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

office, hotel, store anil court house. It was torn down a few years after- 
wards but a picture of it is in possession of some of the citizens of Clyde. 

The first number of the paper was issued Ma\ 31, 1870. It had six 
columns to the page and no patent inside or outside. It was called the 
Republican Valley Empire, but after it had fallen into other hands the name 
was changed to Concordia Empire. During the summer the office was 
removed to a more commodious building, bill not being sufficiently warm, 
it was impossible to continue its publication there. The plant was soon 
afterwards removed to Concordia, which had been chosen as the county 
seat, and it has been printed there ever since, the first number being issued 
Deceml>er 24, 1S70. The first edition printed was about five hundred copies. 
but it soon increased to near one thousand. The emigrants as they passed 
through town, bought a large number of papers to send back to their friends, 
and many had them sent to their new homes in the western counties 

It was my intention to write some reminiscences of early tunes in Cloud 
count\- and northwest Kansas generally, but my files are not at hand, and 
the names of so man}' who took part in settling up the country escape me, 
that 1 cannot make the history complete, but defer it to another tune. The 
present sketch is not what I would make it. or what it ought to be, for the 
same rea- 

YVhile there was nothing in the enterprise in a pecuniar}- point of 
it is no small satisfaction to the writer to know that the first paper estab- 
lished in that region was a credit to all concerned, and recognized as such 

ighout the state. And further, that it did something to make known 
and build up one of the finest countries that turns its fare to the sun. 

Yi mi's. 
Kingfisher, Oklahoma Territory, June 1 _\ [894. H. Buckingham. 

THE EXPOSITOR. 

The Expositor made its appearance August 15, 1875, edited by J. S. 
Paradis In politics it was independent, principally devoted to news, local 
and personal, "independent in everything, neutral in nothing." its columns 
wvyv open to both sides of every question of public interest, its motto 
"Equal rights and justice to all." For six years the Expositor was one of 
the leading journals of Cloud county. Its editor, J. S. Paradis, was identi- 
fied with the history of Cloud county, and participated in the building uj 
oi all its best interests and shared its prosperitv. 

September 1. 1881. the Expositor passed into the hands of W. E. Reid 
and was merged with another paper called the Times— which was started 
by W. E. Reid — into the Republican Empire. 

Mr. Reid was a man of ability, energy and grit, and under his man- 
agement the paper prospered. It was subsequently controlled for a short 
time by Charles VV. McDonald, and afterward sold to F. W. Sawhill, the 
present postoffice incumbent. Subsequently the paper was published by W. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 171 

W. Dunning as a Democratic paper. It changed its politics when purchased 
by Edward Marshall. 

The journal known as the Day Light was later combined with the 
Empire and conducted by Sawhill & Marshall. The combination was after- 
ward severed and for many years the Empire was one of the leading papers 
of Concordia, controlled by Sawhill & Kimball. 

THE CONCORDIA BLADE. 

J. M. Hagaman, one of the most energetic and conscientious men, and 
who deserves more credit than he is given, was the founder of the Con- 
cordia Blade in 1879. When politicians or others attacked him, they found 
him supplied with ammunition, little guns, big guns, in fact a whole battery 
to urge a relentless warfare. He worked in the interests of the Democratic 
party. 

The election of county treasurer was the most exciting, bitter and 
memorable in the history of Cloud county, and was a surprise to both com- 
batants, resulting in a landslide for H. M. Spalding, his opponent being 
buried by a veritable avalanche of votes. The Republicans had had every- 
thing their own way up to this time. The few Democrats hardly dared 
to hold a meeting because of the bitter prejudice against them. 

Because of the unpopularity of Democrats, the bringing of one out for 
this office against a candidate for the Republican boss was looked upon as 
a huge joke by many of that party, but before the canvass had gone far 
they realized they were facing a very serious situation. 

W. G. Reid, the present register of deeds, was a candidate for treasurer 
named by the Republican party. His brother, \Y. E. Reid, had held the 
office for four consecutive years, the limit of the law. Walter G. Reid had 
been his deputy and now it was proposed they reverse places. 

The Blade, although a Republican paper, bolted the nomination of Mr. 
Reid, led the fight anil he was defeated by a majority of six hundred and 
eighty-five, by the Democrats. The Empire also bolted and worked for H. 
M. Spalding, as did James Strain. F. W. Sturges and many other lead- 
ing Republicans. 

The Blade was the first paper run by steam power in Concordia. The 
paper still exists and is ably managed by George Burroughs and George 
A. Clark, secretarv of state. A daily Blade is also run in connection with 
the weekly paper. 

THE KANSAN. 

The Kansan was originally the Kritic and founded by Thomas Owens, 
Jr.. now of Topeka. Ferd Prince, of Glasco, hecame associated with this 
enterprise and the name was changed to Alliant. The paper was subse- 
quently purchased by Homer Davies in November, 1896. and the name of 



i 7 2 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

Kansan was adopted, having purchased that right from the Jamestown 
paper, now the Kansas Optimist. This paper under Mr. Davies' manage- 
ment has become one of the foremost papers of the county. 

In [895 T- Austin Marshall moved his local paper from Miltonvale 
and published it in Concordia under the name of the Press. After several 
changes the Press was enlarged to a six column quarto and is edited by 
Phil Moore, of Roswell, New Mexico. Under his management the paper 
has become one of the most vigorous and brightest in the country. 

THE TIMES. 

In March. 1884, the Times, published by Charles J. English and 
"Pen" Sheafor, was started. They conducted this paper for one year and 
sold to Glen F. Chase, who, after a lapse of twelve months, sold to F. A. 
and F. M. Filson. The Times was discontinued in [891. 

THE D.MI.Y BLADE. 

In March, 1887, the Daily Plade was started by J. M. and |. E. Ilaga- 
man. It was Republican in politics, was a financial failure and suspended 
November 1, 1888. The Daily Plade was ,1 seven column folio and ever) 
number contained six columns of the latest foreign news, twelve columns 
of miscellaneous matter and from four to six of local matter. 

RESUME OF THE CLOUD COUNTY NEWSPAPERS. 

Republican Valley Empire. Clyde and Concordia, 1870-72; Concordia 
Empire, Concordia, 1N76-83; The Republican Empire, Concordia, 1883-87; 
Concordia Empire, Concordia, [887-1902; Concordia Blade and Empire, 
Concordia, 1902, continues; The Concordia Republican. Concordia, 
[882-83; The Concordia Expositor, Concordia, 1875-81 ; The Cloud County 
Blade, Concordia, [879-82; Kansas Blade. [882-98; Concordia Daily 
Plade (suspended from February 5, 1885. until March, [887), 1884-88; 
Daily Plade, Concordia, 1902, continues; Cloud County Critic (Kansas 
Critic in 1888), Concordia, 1882-88; The Concordia times, Concordia, 
1884-91; Concordia Democrat and Daylight, Concordia, [886; The Con- 
cordia Weekly Daylight, Concordia, '[886-98; The Alliant, Concordia, 
[890-95; The District School (monthly). Concordia, 1893-95; Th e Kan- 
san, Concordia, [895, continues; The Concordia Press, Concordia, 1893, 
continues; The Clyde Herald. Clyde (not issued from December to Febru- 
ary, [88] ). 1878, continues; Clyde Democrat, Clyde, [880-82; Cline's Press, 
Clyde, 1NN4; The Clyde Mail, Clyde. 1884-87; The Clyde Argus, Clyde, 
[888-96; The Farmers Voice, Clyde, 1891, continues; The Clyde Republi- 
can, Clyde, continues; The Kansas Sunflower, Clyde. [894-95; Glasco 
Tribune, Clyde, i88[-82; The Glasco Sun, Clyde, [883, continues; The New 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 173 

Era, Clyde, 1890-93; Cloud County Kansan, Jamestown, 1881-95; The 
Quill, Jamestown, 1888-90; The Kansas Optimist, Jamestown, 1895, con- 
tinues; The Miltonvale News, Miltonvale, 1882-91; Miltonvale Chieftain, 
Miltonvale, 1887-88; Miltonvale Press, Miltonvale, 1892-93; Miltonvale 
Tribune, Miltonvale, 1894; The Miltonvale Press, Miltonvale, 1896-98; 
Miltonvale Record, Miltonvale, 1901, continues; Ames Advance, Ames, 
1885-86; The Ames Bureau, Ames, 1887; Come and See (a monthly con- 
ference reporter), Ames, 1895-98; Aurora News, Aurora, 1892-93. 
There were several other papers, though of short duration, viz: 
The Glasco Banner, edited by V. C. Post from February 25, to July 10, 
1880; Miltonvale Star, established by Robb & Phelps, and published from 
April 14, to August 26, 1886; The Reformer was published in Concordia 
from September 15 to November 2, 1886; The Weekly Courier was pub- 
lished at Ames from March 21, to June 29, 1888; The Miltonvale Review, 
from July 25 to November 14, 1889; The Advance was published in Mil- 
tonvale from January 15 to April 6. 1892; The Reporter was issued there 
from February 25 to March 17, 1892; The Miltonvale Echo from July 26, 
1892. to January 6, 1893; The Clyde Star was published in Clyde from 
March 14, to April 25, 1884; The Daily Reporter was published in Con- 
cordia from August 8, to September 3, 1887; The Western Rustler, a 
monthlv paper, was issued in Clyde during the months of January and Feb- 
ruary, 1889; The Miltonvale Leader, August 31, 1893, to January 4, 1894; 
The District School (monthly) was edited in Aurora from December, 1893, 
to March, 1894; The Daily Daylight was published in Concordia from May 
9 to August 21, 1895; The Cash Merchant (semi-monthly) was published 
in Glasco, May 1 to October 15, 1897; Gospel Leaves was edited in James- 
town by James H. Lathrop from October, 1880, to March. 1881. 

GROWTH OF CONCORDIA. 

January 16, 1877, the Central Branch Railroad reached Concordia. As 
strong evidence of the great need of the railroad, the following facts are 
given : One thousand one hundred car loads of freight were hauled from 
this town alone, the first thirty days after the road reached the city. There 
was also long trains of merchandise brought in. 

March 5, 1878, Concordia was brought into closer connection with the 
outside world by the operating of the telegraph line which was attached to 
the batteries on that day. Concordia is the natural center of a large trib- 
utary of rich farming lands, and like the old saying "all roads lead to 
Rome," this city being a railroad center, all roads lead to Concordia. 

The land office and the water power afforded by the Republican river 
was the nucleus that drew the town site and comity seat to Concordia. The 
bringing of the land office in 1870, gave the town an impetus and she began 
to take on a vigorous growth, since which time it has been rapid and sub- 
stantia! until now it can boast of being one of the most beautiful and pros 
perous cities in northwest Kansas with a population of five thousand people. 



174 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



CONCORDIA. HER FINANCIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INIHSTRIAL 



l\ II RESTS. 



Estimating the distance in an air line, Concordia is said to be situated 
one hundred and eleven miles in a northwesterly direction from Topeka, the 
capital of the state. It is charmingly located on the south side oi the 
Republican river, and is the seat of Cloud county. These important features, 
along with her railroad facilities, natural resources and developments, render 
this metropolis a conspicuous figure in the northwestern portion oi the state. 




Street Scene in Concordia. 

Concordia is the center of a large and rich area of agricultural country 
and the products that thrive in this fertile region find an excellent market 
there, which add in turn to the commercial supremacy, for Concordia 
is the radiating point, the trade center of a large population of country. 
The business blocks excel in character those usually found in cities of this 
size, most of them being substantial structures of brick or stone, two and 
three stories in height and particularly uniform in proportions. Many of 
the stores are handsomely appointed, as the various illustrations of inter- 
iors show, and present a metropolitan appearance, giving evidence of the 
extended business they transact. 

There are two excellent hostelries. the long popular "Barons House," 
which is now owned and managed by C. H. Martin, an experienced caterer, 
having been engaged in the hotel business for many years. Since Mr. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



•75 



Martin opened the house in June, 1902, lie has remodeled and made many 
improvements, which render comfortable and excellent accommodations to the 
traveling- public. There are several smaller hotels where lower rates are 
given, but comfortable quarters insured. "The Caldwell" is under course 
of completion and will be one of the most elegantly equipped hotels in the 
west. 

Many of the industries of this city are given space and appear under 
their own headlines. 




The Barons Hovse. 

There are many legal lights in Concordia, and although a peaceful city, 
situated in the midst of a law abiding population, they all thrive. . 

The medical profession is numerously represented and by some of the 
most able physicians in northwestern Kansas. 

Concordia has an unsurpassed high water pressure of the stand-pipe sys- 
tem. The water is absolutely pure, being forced into the great pipe, which 
is located on one of the hills on the southwest side of the city, from wells 
of living water. This perfect water system is also a great safeguard against 
conflagrations. In connection with this must be noted the well equipped 
fire department. 

From the hook and ladder company, instituted February 18, 1876, with 
fourteen members, and D. W. Williams, captain, and shortly afterward 
organized with thirty members and adopted uniforms, the present efficient 
fire department has grown. 

Concordia's new sewer system, completed in 1902, at a cost of twelve 
thousand eight hundred and ninety-one dollars and thirty-three cents, is a 
credit to the town and from its excellent sanitary conditions, and its fine 
water supply, the people of this city enjoy the greatest measure of health. 



176 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



The editorial staff of three papers, while at some variance politically 
and otherwise, are a unit as respects the advancement of Concordia's 
material interests. A well organized commercial club, made up of the 
most wide-awake and enterprising citizens, contributes much to the prosper- 
ity and advancement of the city. 

A few blocks removed from the business houses are handsome resi- 
dences and artistic cottages, whose beauty are greatly enhanced by a luxuri- 
ant growth of magnificent shade trees. These are found in all parts of the 
city, making it exceedingly pleasant in summer. The public buildings are 
stately edifices of modern architecture. The streets are not paved, a much 
needed factor which is being agitated by the city father-, bul the walks are 
admirably kept and in extent foot up a total of many miles. Few cities of 
the size of Concordia can boast of an electric light system giving more satis- 
factory service. 

Concordia being a radiating center, many commercial travelers have 
joined its residents in citizenship, something like seventy-five of them resid- 
ing there. Many have families and own their comfortable homes. No 

more enterprising citizens can 

be found, or who more gen 

en msly subscribe to ent< 1 

prises promoted for the gen 

era! welfare, or for the 

growth of their adopted 

town. 

They are a jolly lot ; 
extended travel and bump 
ing up against the world, as 
it were gives them an in- 
sighl into human nature, 
broadens their views and 
renders them exceedingly 
companionable fellows, who 
draw to themselves a crowd 
in the corridors of the hotel 
or wherever they may have convened to distribute their stores of well chosen 
"yarns." They are almost invariably genial, full of humor and wit, their 
narratives ever appropriate and entertaining, never minus bright points. 
Several of them have holdings in various business interests in Concordia, 
some oi whom have renounced the road entirely and become permanent 
dwellers in the city. 

Scores of these "commercial tourists" leave Concordia every Monday 
morning to visit the trade they have established, covering a territory of 
many miles north, south, east and west, and on the return trip again "Sun- 
day" in Concordia, the center of gravitation. 




Court House. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



i/7 



All the secret, social and benevolent orders are represented in Con- 
cordia. St. John's Lodge No. 113, A. F. S: A. M., was organized in 1872. 
There is a Blue Lodge and Chapter of Masons. The Concordia Com- 
mandery is in the lead in conferring the Order of the Temple. In the two 
last reports of the grand reporter they were placed at the head of the list 
and won laurels over all in the state. An encampment of Odd Fellows was 
instituted in 1873, and is known as Concordia Lodge No. 92. The United 
Commercial Travelers have a strong organization here. Many of the 
societies have elegant quarters. Especially is this true of the Benevolent 
Order of Elks. They maintain handsomely equipped, commodious and well 
ventilated rooms, where for the time being the man of affairs can enjoy an 
evening of recreation and business cares are forgotten. 

THE RIVER BEFORE CHANCING ITS COURSE. 

During the high water of July. 190J, the Republican river changed its 
channel. Leaving the city, it turned its course about one mile further to the 
northward, joining the old course about one and a half miles to the north- 
east. Its waywardness was the practical ruin of several fine farms; also 




The River Before Changing its Course. 

leaving the Concordia electric light plant and the Concordia mills without 
the water power by which they were largely operated. This was a serious 
damage to the city, while it is a heavy expense to the county as well, neces- 
sitating the building of a new bridge. Various projects are being con- 



i 7 8 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 




sidered, among them the cutting of a new channel through the neck of land 

where the river makes the farthest point south. 

The city of Concordia is located on rolling ground and has line natural 

drainage. The town extends from the river well into the lulls north and 

eastward. "/.ion Hill. 

which lies directly west oi 

ilu city, derives its origin 

from the numerous divines 

who at one time resided in 

that part of the city. "Nobs 

Hill" lies wesl and south of 

the Washington school build 

ing and was appropriately 

given its suggestive name be 

cause of the aristocracy of 

that locality. "Jail Hill" lies 

to the southeasl i if the city. 

I [ere is located the county 

i. ii' ; hence the name. The 

building is a substantial 
"Champion" Day in Concordia. , , . 

structure, located on the 

summit of the hill, and to the prisoner who is so unfortunate as to need 
be incarcerated there is no escape, until given his freedom at the hands oi 
the official who holds 
the keys that will 
move from their fast- 
enings the ponder, his 
doors. 

Concordia is not 
a boom town, but en- 
joys a steady and 
substantial growth. 
There are no empty 
buildings, residences 
or otherwise, and the 
citizens are all alive 
to the best interests 
of their beautiful 
city. The moral and 
social atmosphere 
compares favorably 
with any town of its 
size. While the religious side is looked to, social pleasures are also encour- 
aged, and many functions are held, which are elaborate in detail and dis- 
tinguished for their modern appointments. 




The Washington School. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



179 



In noting the various enterprises which follow, the author has no spe- 
cial interest, further than to give credit where it is merited, and they are 
published solely in the interests of the subscribers to the History of Cloud 
County. 

THE CONCORDIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 




The Lincoln School. 



One of America's many, 
many institutions is her mag- 
nificent public school system 
and nowhere on the continent 
is this exemplified to a great- 
er degree than in the fair 
state of Kansas. It is one of 
the principal elements of her 
greatness, and nowhere, per- 
haps, in the state are the edu- 
cational facilities of the pub- 
lic schools of Concordia sur- 
passed. From the modest 
little school house erected 
soon after the birth of Con- 
cordia, in 1870. modern 
structures valued at seventy-five thousand dollars have been erected. 

The Washington school was built in 1883; the first of the four build- 
ings that comprise the city's present schools. It is a fine brick building 
with eight rooms, a library and recitation rooms. The Lincoln is a four- 
room brick, erected in 1886. 
The same year the Garfield 
school, a two-roomed build- 
ing, .was located in the north 
part of the city. The High 
school, which is situated on 
the corner of Washington 
and Seventh streets, was 
erected in 1900. This is a 
handsome building of sub- 
stantial architecture, and is 
the pride of Concordia. It 
is constructed with an audi- 
torium that has a seating 
capacity of two hundred and 
seventy-five, four large reci- 
tation rooms, principal's 
room and superintendent's office, 
laboratory have been introduced. 




The Garfield School. 



A well equipped gymnasium and a fine 



i8o 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



The school library consists of one thousand six hundred volumes, rich 
in historical and biographical works, besides a splendid reference library. 
Opportunity is afforded the student to exercise his mind to the utmost .lin- 
ing the four rears high school course, and those whose scholastic career 
ends there, are fitted for mental growth and development in aftei life. A 
total of seventeen teachers are employed, three of that number in the High 
school Miss Ida R. Wilcox, one of the besl known educators in the eternity, 
and a daughter of Rosetta Honey Wilcox, who taught the first school in the 
county, is principal and lias filled that position for seven years, her work in 
the meantime being of a high character. 




The Hi'.]] Si hool. 



A. B. Carney has been associated with the Concordia schools for ten 
successive years. The discipline with which he conducted the first two years 
of his work is demonstrated by his promotion to a position of greater respon- 
sibility, which he has ably discharged and won recognized honor in the eight 
years his services have been retained as superintendent. Of the eight hundred 
and seventy pupils enrolled, one hundred of them are High school students. 
The average daily attendance is upwards of seven hundred. The citizens 
of Concordia have shown an appreciation of the progress made in the public 
schools and have reason to feel especially proud. For years the school board 
has Ijeen selected from the most progressive citizens of the city, who have 
lightened the burden very materially by vieing with their predecessors in 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. i8t 

thoroughly equipping the buildings with necessary apparatus and employ- 
ing the most efficient instructors at good salaries. The average in grades 
is forty-five dollars per month. The High school principal receives seven- 
ty-five dollars per month, and the superintendent twelve hundred dollars 
per year. Each succeeding year the Concordia public schools have pro- 
gressed and the development has been rapid, and the year that has just 
closed has been no exception to the preceding ones. 

THE GREAT WESTERN BUSINESS AND NORMAL COLLEGE. 

In September, 1889, L. H. Hausam organized a business training in- 
stitution in the city of Concordia, Kansas, known as the Great Western 
Business College. Mr. Hausam, the founder and president of the college, 
was a man of experience in educational work, having been connected with 
commercial and normal school interests for a period of fifteen years, when 
entering upon the field at Concordia. He has the reputation of being one of 
the best known and experienced penmen in the entire country, and is the 
founder of the Kansas State Penman Association, the only one of its kind 
in the United States, and is the author of The Xew Educator of Penman- 
ship, the highest endorsed work of its kind ever published. Several of 
his pupils became very proficient in this art, being the only students who 
passed the examination provided by the Kansas State Penmanship Asso- 
ciation. 

E. N. Hall, a well qualified college bred man. having earned the degree 
of master of accounts from the Gem City Business College of Ouincy, 
Illinois, was principal of the commercial department. 

W. J. Williams, a graduate from the Omaha Commercial College, was 
principal of the typewriting department. He was capable and enthusiastic, 
and produced some good results. Mr. O. F. Bearnes, principal of the short- 
hand department, was not only an experienced and competent instructor, 
but a cultured man of much value to the students in various ways. Each 
of the departments was well equipped, and every practical means used to 
make the Great Western Business College a successful institution, and while 
the enrollment never reached its present proportion, good results were 
obtained, and the college became favorably known. 

In June, 1902, Professor W. T. Larimore, one of the most enthusiastic 
and zealous educational workers in the west, assumed ownership, and 
became president of the Great Western Business & Normal College. Under 
his management the school has made wonderfully rapid strides, and is 
destined to become one of the foremost colleges in the state. Its reputa- 
tion for thoroughness is being widely established and the college quarters 
are crowded to their utmost capacity with bright young men and women 
from various parts of the country, who, as soon as they are competent, 
are placed in positions that command a lucrative salary, proportionate with 
the ability of the aspirant. This college offers advantages to the student 
who is desirous of qualifying for a position of trust and responsibility, or 

12 



182 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

to the young man or woman who expert to manage their own affairs, as 
a tin m aigh business training is valuable to all classes of people. 

Professor Larimore is not only one of the mosl energetic and tireless 
workers, hut one of the most competent instructors in the state, being master 
of three different systems in shorthand, presenting them all in a clear, 
attractive and comprehensive manner 

Each student entering for the shorthand or business course receives 
instructions in the following subjects: I 'lain penmanship, pronunciation, 
business forms, lecturing, business practice, commercial law. spelling, lettei 
writing', bookkeeping, debating, office training, arithmetic, civil government, 
constitution and grammar. These classes are all conducted under the most 
modern and approved methods, and tlu- courses of studs complete. 

The typewriting department has all the latesl improvements and each 
desk is furnished with a machine, the key "I which i- given t<i the student, 
that he may use the typewriter whenever he desires. The elegant desks con- 
taining the machines are regular eight drawer, roller tup office desks. The 
equipment id" the Great Western Business college is one of the finesl in the 
entire country. Solid oak individual desks, solid oak spring ami screw offid 
chairs, for students in the commercial department, s<,Hd oak typewriter desks 
in typewriting department. The chairs of all the departments are of oak, 
with solid oak table chairs for the lecture room. There are carpets on the 
aisles and halls throughoul the building. Many feet of line blackboard is 
provided; also a beautiful hank counter that students may he given the prac- 
tical experience so essential before entering up ffice duty. The two office 

rooms are admirably fitted with library chairs and tables, Davenporl couch, 
roller-top office desks and the floor is covered with Brussels carpet. The 
building is steam heated, lighted by electricity, and, although crowded with 
students, is well ventilated, clean and healthful. 

The normal department, intended for those who wish to teach school, 
or pursue a thorough course in the English branches, is s, , arranged that 
the best possible results are attained within the period of attendance. The 
elocution department is of a high character, and the advantages offered in 
this school are unsurpassed in the state The instructor in the telegraphy 

rtment. Professor J. P. Tyler, has had years of practical experience. 

The Great Western Business and Normal College has made every effort 
b ure the best talent in the music department, and are prepared to offer 
tl'.e best advantages to the students interested in music. They make a 
-]'• ialt) of piano, string and, band instruments of all kinds, and of voice 
culture. A college orchestra and a college band are among the leading and 
pie i sing features of the school. 

BIpGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF W. T. LARIMORE, THE PRESIDENT OF THE GREAT 
WESTERN Bl SINESS AND NORMAL COLLEGE. 

\ farm near Jacksonville; Illinois, is the birthplace of W. T. Larimore, 
and here he first saw the light of day in August, 1863. Two years subse- 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 



i83 



quently. his parents removed to Fairfield. Iowa, where lie assisted in the 
duties of the farm, and when time and circumstances permitted, attended 
school. At the age of thirteen years he returned to his native state and when 
seventeen years of age graduated from the Jacksonville high school, and 
later entered upon a three-years' course in Parsons College, Fairfield, Iowa, 
where he made the most of his opportunities, and at the age of twenty 
entered the Illinois Norma! College, at Dixon, Illinois, where he completed 
the normal, business and shorthand courses. Here was where he received 
his first inspiration to excel as a teacher, and when he entered this field it was 
with a determination of leading in his profession and he has not failed in 
this worthy ambition. 

President Larimore has won 
laurels as an instructor, and is now 
on his seventeenth year of unparal- 
leled success. In 1885 he became as- 
sociated with the Western Normal 
College of Shenandoah. Iowa, where, 
through his great zeal and energy. 
one of the most successful shorthand 
schools in the west was built up. O 
December 2, 1S91. this popular insti- 
tution was totally destroyed by fire. 
Although everything was disorder 
and confusion. Professor Larimore 
gathered his students together, or- 
ganized classes and continued the col- 
lege work in a building secured for 
that purpose during the ensuing three 
months. In the meantime he con- 
tracted with Professor F. F. Roose, 

business manager of the Lincoln Normal University. Lincoln. Nebraska, 
to take charge of the Lincoln College of Shorthand. On March 
1. 1892, Professor Larimore moved his school to Lincoln. The University 
building was completed on September 6, when he moved his students into 
the elegant new quarters, where he met with the best of success. In May, 
1893. the university was sold to Savior & Givens. Professor (mens hav- 
ing been a shorthand teacher, negotiations soon began for the purchase of 
that department. The deal was consummated and the college turned over to 
the above named firm on the 1 st of June. 

But Professor Larimore was not one to remain idle for a great length 
of time; his record was too bright a one to admit of rest, as the hundreds oi 
pupils who have graduated under his tutorage and are holding important 
positions throughout the country was a record that did not admit oi his 
being retired more than a brief period. He accepted a position as principal 
of the shorthand department of the Sioux City Commercial College. -1 




Professor W. T. Larimore. 



1 8 4 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

Sioux City, Iowa, but resigned at the expiration of the first year. His 
health having become impaired, he journeyed south to recuperate Ins lost 
vitality and while there filled the position as principal in the shorthand 
department of the Massey Business College, located in Jacksonville, Florida. 
During this time the Lincoln Normal University had become financially 
embarrassed and at the earnest request of the manager Professor 1. arum ire 
took charge of the shorthand department and succeeded in converting it into 
one of the best departments of the university. It was unfortunate for all 
when the building was totally destroyed by fire in November, [898. 
Immediately after this event Professor Larimore was secured for the short- 
hand and typewriting departments of the Grand Island Business College, 
where he labored with zeal and enthusiasm, attaining brilliant success, and 
making an extraordinary record as an instructor. After closing a period of 
three and one-half years of work in that widely-known college he accepted 
the presidency of the Great Western Business and Norma] College of < on 
cordia. With the gratifying success that has crowned his efforts are noticeable 
instances of the many obstacles he has found in his way. chief of which is a 
building commodious enough to accommodate the growing needs of this 
progressive enterprise. 

In conclusion it is but a fitting tribute to say of Professor Larimore, the 
patience and kind interest he manifests in the present and future welfare of 
his students draws them very closely around him 111 bonds of sympathy ami 
appreciation. He is ever read}- to contribute to their advancement and busi- 
ness interests. Under his judicious administration the college has Keen 
wonderfully advanced, and Concordia feels a just pride in this growing insti- 
tution so well calculated to promote the welfare of the rising generation; it 
does and should receive the fostering aid of the surrounding country. Pro- 
fessor Larimore has demonstrated since coming to Concordia what an 
energetic, live man can accomplish. By extensive advertising and his unlim- 
ited capacity for "rustling" he has attracted students from all over the state 
and even beyond the confines of Kansas 

THE CONCORDIA ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY. 

Several years prior to the organization of the Concordia Electric Light 
Company an effort was made to light the city and a plant was established 
with an arc system for lighting the streets, which was fairly successful, but 
owing to crude workmanship and cheap labor it proved a failure; the plant 
was closed down and kerosene again resorted to, but the prosperous city of 
Concordia was not accustomed to being outdone in the race for improve- 
ments and it made a new and permanent start on a firm basis, with ample 
means and men of ability to forge the project to the front, who spared no 
expense in the outlay for competent labor, macbinerv and fixtures. 

The Concordia electric light and power plant stands pre-eminentlv to 
e trout of Concordia's enterprises and compares favorably with the lighting 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 185 

systems of many larger cities in this and older states. The plant was estab- 
lished by the firm of H. M. Spalding & Company in 1886, and incorporated 
two years later. The business was inaugurated by placing one thirty-light 
Western electric low-tension dynamo, which was speedily followed by two 
more dynamoes of the same capacity and style. 

The machinery was first run by water power alone, but in 1888 a Cor- 
liss engine was added. In 1898 a large general electric incandescent 
dynamo, or generator, was installed, with the alternating system. It has 
been a source of much satisfaction to the company to say it has never solic- 
ited a customer since they placed this last machine. They have wired and 
in operation over thirty-five hundred lights, all of which have been installed 
by the unsolicited request of their patrons. The lighting of the streets, busi- 
ness blocks, residences and public buildings are a source of pride to the res- 
idents of the city and the public at large. 

E. A. Wentworth, one of the best electricians in the country and a man 
of long and varied experience throughout the state, wired the city of Con- 
cordia, where he spent four years, and much credit is due to his skill and 
artistic taste. H. M. Spalding, the prime mover in this enterprise, is pres- 
ident of the company, and T. J. McCue, one of Concordia's prominent busi- 
ness men, is treasurer. 

WEATHER BUREAU. 

The weather bureau office, which was established in Concordia May 
1. 1885, is and has been since it was first located, on the second floor of the 
B. S. Williams building. No. 204 West Sixth street. 

The office was opened by P. H. Cahill, who remained in charge until 
June, 1886, when he was succeeded by E. A. Ravenscroft. of St. Louis; 
Mr. Ravenscroft was relieved by L. M. Tarr in January. 1887. and Mr. 
Tarr by J. W. Byram in September, 1890. Mr. Byram. who is a gentle- 
manly and obliging official, is still on duty as official in charge. 

Warnings of storms, frosts and cold waves for the northern half of 
Kansas are sent out from this office. A daily bulletin, showing the weather 
conditions over the section of country between the Mississippi river and the 
Rocky mountains, is issued each morning, and mailed to one hundred and 
sixty-five persons and places. Records of all weather conditions are kept 
and from them is found the annual rainfall of Cloud county to be seven and 
ninety-eight one hundredths inches and the mean temperature fifty-three 
degrees. 

THE CONCORDIA TELEPHONE COMPANY. 

One of the most complete organizations in all its details in Cloud 
county is the Concordia Telephone Company. From a very diminutive 
affair it has assumed extended proportions until a complete system has been 
consummated, far reaching in its service. The company was instituted in 
the autumn of 1897, with eighty-three subscribers on the list. The Honor- 



1 86 HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 

able G. W. Marshall was its first president; F. J. Atwood, treasurer, and 
F. \Y. Daugherty, secretary. A few months thereafter Mr. Marshall and 
Mr. Atwood sold their interests in the enterprise and J. W. < hue was elei ted 
president. Mr. Cline disposing of his portion, E. II. Fullerton was chosen 
to succeed him as president. 

In July, 1901, G. G. Hill and William l.utt purchased Mr. Fullerton's 
interest in the stock, at which time the following officers were chosen: F. 
W. Dangherty, president: William l.utt, vice-president, and G. G. llill. sec 
retary and treasurer. These last named officers are the exclusive owners 
and remain the officials of the company. 

Mr Daughert) has been with the organization from its beginning and 
has witnessed the growth of the enterprise from its eighty-three original 
subscribers to over five hundred patrons, including seventy five of the lead 
ing farmers of Cloud and Republic counties. Through its own and sur- 
rounding connections every town of any importance in the state of Kansas 
and many in Nebraska are reached. They are also connected with Kansas 
City and all eastern points through the Union Telephone and Telegraph 
Company, in which Messrs. Daugherty, l.utt and llill are largely nun. ted 

William l.utt, vice-president of the company, is a veteran ex-traveling 
man. whose territory called him to Concordia regularly for many years. 
Mr. Lutt's energy and enterprising nature mala- him well qualified for tin- 
relative place he occupies, lie is permanently established in Concordia and 
possesses qualities that render him a useful citizen. George G. llill, sec- 
retary and treasurer of the company, has been reared in Kansas, having 
come to the state in his boyhood days. In [874, while en route to Jewell 
City to join his brother, the late Robert W. Hill, be passed through Clyde 
and Concordia and remembers them as villages composed of a few 'Shacks." 
This was before the advent of railroads and Mr. llill walked from Clyde to 
Jew'ell City and, as if to add spice and something novel to his experience, he 
unwillingly parted from the trail and wandered promiscuously over the wild 
region of the salt marsh for several hours ere the bewildered lad found bis 
way. He. like Mr. Lutt, is an old-time commercial traveler, having fol- 
lowed that life for fifteen years, beginning with D. M. Steele & Company, of 
St. Joseph, Missouri. Mr. Hill is a native of Carrollton, Illinois. He is of 
southern origin, his father and mother having been natives of Kentucky and 
Virginia, respectively. 

Collectively speaking the officers and owners of the Concordia Tele- 
phone Company combine the features essential to success, and as a combina- 
tion have attained a place among the solid financial institutions of the 
country. 

HISTORY OF THE CLOUD COUNTY BANK. 

I he Cloud County Rank, of Concordia, opened for business December 
17. 1N7S, with an organized capital of 850,000. The directors were F. R. 
Smith, of Brandon, Vermont; H. C. Harrison, of the same place: R. J. 



HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS. 187 

Harper, of Manhattan, Kansas; E. Linney and W. C. McDonald, of Con- 
cordia. F. B. Smith was the principal founder and organizer. They occu- 
pied a small frame building on the same lot where the present structure 
stands until 1887, when they erected a substantial, two-story bank building. 

The bank's first president was H. C. Harrison; R. J. Harper, vice- 
president; C. W. McDonald, cashier, and Fred T. Atwood, assistant cashier. 

September 15, 1880, C. W. McDonald resigned his position as cashier 
and was succeeded by F. J. Atwood, and J. F. Rogers was elected assistant 
cashier. October 15, 1883, F. J. Atwood resigned the position of cashier 
and V. H. Branch