From the collection of the
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Prelinger
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San Francisco, California
2007
THE
Kansas Historical
Quarterly
NYLE H. MILLER, Managing Editor
KIRKE MECHEM, Editor
JAMES C. MALIN, Associate Editor
Volume XXI
1954-1955
(Kansas Historical Collections)
VOL. xxxvm
Published by
The Kansas State Historical Society
Topeka, Kansas
7228G
r*niloc«
CONTENTS OF VOLUME XXI
Number 1 — Spring, 1954
PAGE
THE KANSAS TERRITORIAL CENTENNIAL 1
THE APPEARANCE AND PERSONALITY OF STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS, Robert Taft, 8
With 12 pages of portrait photographs of Stephen A. Douglas,
dated about 1845-1861, between pp. 32, 33.
EMERGENCY HOUSING AT LAWRENCE, 1854 James C. Malin, 34
With the J. E. Rice pen sketches of Lawrence, 1854-1855, between pp. 48, 49.
THE ANNUAL MEETING: Containing Reports of the Secretary, Treasurer,
Executive and Nominating Committees; Election of Officers; List of
Directors of the Society 50
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY . . . t 67
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 68
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES . 76
Number 2 — Summer, 1954
THE BISHOP EAST OF THE ROCKIES VIEWS His DIOCESANS,
1851-1853 /. Neale Carman, 81
Juniata: GATEWAY TO MID-KANSAS James C. Carey, 87
HOUSING EXPERIMENTS IN THE LAWRENCE COMMUNITY,
1855 James C. Malin, 95
With an artist's sketch of Lawrence in May, 1856, and photographs of
Lawrence in 1867 by Alexander Gardner, between pp. 112, 113.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY,
Compiled by Helen M. McFarland, Librarian, 122
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 140
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 141
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 149
(iii)
Number 3 — Autumn, 1954
PAGE
ATCHISON'S FmsT RAILROAD The Rev. Peter Beckman, O. S. B., 153
With a reproduction of a broadside issued by the
Atchison & St. Joseph Railroad, p. 156.
LETTERS OF A FREE-STATE MAN IN KANSAS,
1856 Edited by Nathan Smith, 166
SUSANNA MADORA SALTER — FIRST WOMAN MAYOR .... Monroe Billington, 173
With a photographic reproduction of her 1887
notice of election, facing p. 176,
and portraits of Mrs. Salter taken in 1887
and in 1954, facing p. 177.
NOTES ON THE WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES OF KANSAS:
Part One— The Setting of the Stage James C. Malin, 184
With sketches of "Front Street, Leavenworth,
in May, 1856," and "Leavenworth When
Six Years Old," between pp. 200, 201.
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 224
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 226
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 230
Number 4— Winter, 1954
PAGE
How NATURAL GAS CAME TO KANSAS Angela Scott, 233
With photographs of Lanyon Smelters Nos. 1 and 2 in 1908, and
the same area in 1945, facing p. 240; and Gas, Kan., about 1908
and 1945, facing p. 241.
AN INDIAN CAPTIVITY AND ITS LEGAL AFTERMATH Alan W. Farley, 247
With portraits of Mrs. Fanny Wiggins Kelly and Mrs. Sarah Luse
Larimer, facing p. 248.
JOSEPH BECKER'S SKETCH OF THE GETTYSBURG CEREMONY,
NOVEMBER 19, 1863 Robert Toft, 257
With a reproduction of the drawing, facing p. 256.
NOTES ON THE WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES OF KANSAS:
Part Two— J. N. Holloway, History of Kansas (1868) . .James C. Malin, 264
With portrait of John Nelson Holloway, facing p. 280.
THE ANNUAL MEETING: Containing Reports of the Secretary, Treasurer,
Executive and Nominating Committees, Election of Officers, List of
Directors of the Society, and Sen. Andrew F. Schoeppel's Address at
the Dedication of the Kaw Mission Museum in Council Grove on May
12, 1954 288
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 312
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 313
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 317
(iv)
Number 5 — Spring, 1955
THE FrasT CAPITOL OF KANSAS
PAGE
Robert W. Richmond, 321
BUILDING THE MAIN LINE OF THE MISSOURI PACIFIC
THROUGH KANSAS A. Bower Sageser, 326
With a map of Misouri Pacific railroads
in Kansas in 1888, facing p. 328.
NOTES ON THE WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES OF KANSAS:
Part Three — The Historical and Philosophical Societies:
Repositories of the Material of History and of Science . . James C. Malin, 331
With portraits of William Walker, William Hutchinson,
Lucian Johnson Eastin and William I. R. Blackman,
facing p. 352, and Samuel Austin Kingman, Lawrence
Dudley Bailey, Brinton Webb Woodward and George
Addison Crawford, facing p. 353.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY,
Compiled by Helen M. McFarland, Librarian, 379
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY . . 394
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS .
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES .
395
398
Number 6 — Summer, 1955
ORIGIN OF THE NAMES OF TRIBUTARIES OF THE KANSAS
RIVER .
Aubrey Diller, 401
NOTES ON THE WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES OF KANSAS:
Part Four — The Kansas State Historical Society:
Repository of the Material of History James C. Malin, 407
With portraits of Franklin George Adams, Zu Adams, Richard Baxter
Taylor and Floyd Perry Baker, facing p. 432, and Daniel Webster
Wilder, Alfred Gray, George Washington Martin and Noble Lovely
Prentis, facing p. 433.
MARRIAGE NOTICES FROM KANSAS TERRITORIAL NEWSPAPERS,
1854-1861 Compiled by Alberta Pantle, 445
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY
487
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 488
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 492
(v)
Number 7 — Autumn, 1955
PAGE
LETTERS OF THE REV. AND MRS. OLOF OLSSON, 1869-1873,
PIONEER FOUNDERS OF LINDSBORG,
Translated and Edited by Emory Lindquist, 497
With photographs of the Rev. and Mrs. Olof Olsson, and of Main street
in Lindsborg in the 1870's, facing p. 504; Sandzen's lithograph of
the Olsson homestead, and Malm's etching of the first church at
Lindsborg, facing p. 505.
A BIBLIOGRAPHY OF TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES
OF KANSAS Compiled by Lorene Anderson and Alan W. Farley, 513
THE OLD GHOST TOWN OF LINDSEY IN THE SOLOMON VALLEY,
Theo. H. Scheffer, 552
Reproduction of C. E. Hollingsworth's sketch of Lindsey as it appeared
in 1872, facing p. 552.
A ROBBERY ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL, 1827,
Edited by James W. Covington, 560
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 564
KANSAS HISTORY As PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 565
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES . . 568
Number 8— Winter, 1955
PAGE
PATROLLING THE SANTA FE TRAIL: Reminiscences of John S. Kirwan,
Introduction by Merrill J. Mattes, 569
RANGE BALLADS John Clifford, 588
NOTES ON THE WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES OF KANSAS:
Part Five— The "Vanity" Histories (This is the concluding
article of the series which began in the Autumn, 1954,
number of the Quarterly) James C. Malin, 598
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 644
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 646
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 647
ERRATA AND ADDENDA, VOLUME XXI 650
INDEX TO VOLUME XXI 651
(vi)
THE
KANSAS HISTORICAL
QUARTERLY
Spring 1954
JBJiS&3ffi%t%$^
Published by
Kansas State Historical Society
Topeka
KIRKE MECHEM JAMES C. MALIN NYLE H. MILLER
Editor Associate Editor Managing Editor
CONTENTS
THE KANSAS TERRITORIAL CENTENNIAL 1
THE APPEARANCE AND PERSONALITY OF STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS, Robert Taft, 8
With 12 pages of portrait photographs of Stephen A. Douglas,
dated about 1845-1861, between pp. 32, 33.
EMERGENCY HOUSING AT LAWRENCE, 1854 James C. Malin, 34
With the J. E. Rice pen sketches of Lawrence, 1854-1855, between pp. 48, 49.
THE ANNUAL MEETING: Containing Reports of the Secretary, Treasurer,
Executive and Nominating Committees; Election of Officers; List of
Directors of the Society Nyle H. Miller, Secretary, 50
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 67
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 68
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 76
The Kansas Historical Quarterly is published four times a year by the Kansas
State Historical Society, Topeka, Kan., and is distributed free to members. Cor-
respondence concerning contributions may be sent to the managing editor at the
Historical Society. The Society assumes no responsibility for statements made
by contributors.
Entered as second-class matter October 22, 1931, at the post office at To-
peka, Kan., under the act of August 24, 1912.
THE COVER
A daguerreotype of Stephen A. Douglas, about 1854. It is a
reproduction of a direct copy of daguerreotype (unreversed) in
possession of F. H. Meserve, New York City. See, also, Plates
3 and 4 (between pp. 32, 33) which are enlargements.
THE KANSAS
HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Volume XXI Spring, 1954 Number 1
The Kansas Territorial Centennial
ONE hundred years ago, on May 30, 1854, President Franklin
Pierce signed the Kansas-Nebraska bill which created the terri-
tories of Kansas and Nebraska and opened these areas to white set-
tlement. The boundaries of Kansas were established on the north,
south, and east as they are today:' at the 40th and 37th parallels and
the western border of Missouri. On the west the territory of Kan-
sas extended to the summit of the Rocky Mountains.
Here were millions of acres of uncultivated prairie and plain.
Grassland extended in every direction. In the eastern section there
were trees along the streams. Farther west were the grazing grounds
of vast herds of buffalo, deer, and other game.
The only inhabitants in May, 1854, were a few white missionaries,
soldiers, traders, agents, squatters, and perhaps 25,000 Indians, rep-
resenting eight native and 28 emigrant tribes. Many Indian tribes
famous in the nation's history lived in Kansas, including the Kaw or
Kansas, Osage, Delaware, Shawnee, Wyandot, Pawnee, Comanche,
Cheyenne, and Arapahoe.
One man more than any other, Sen. Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois,
was responsible for the political organization of Kansas and Ne-
braska. His primary interest in the region, by making its fertile
prairies and grazing lands available for white settlement, was to
secure a north central route for a transcontinental railroad which
would link California and the East, with Chicago as the hub of the
system.
The original plan was to establish one gigantic territory of Ne-
braska. But to improve the chances for a railroad by one of the two
central routes political pressures brought about the creation of two
territories with the 40th parallel as the dividing line. The Kansas-
Nebraska act also repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which
had prohibited slavery in the area of the Louisiana Purchase north
of the line 36*30', with the exception of Missouri, and provided in-
stead that the people of the territories might decide their own in-
2 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
stitutions for themselves. This was the principle of popular sover-
eignty which had been applied earlier to the territories of Utah and
New Mexico in the Compromise of 1850.
For Kansas, this "squatter" sovereignty provision, in theory an
entirely democratic way of resolving a controversy, resulted in a
bitter competition between the antislavery North and the Proslavery
South for control of the territorial government "Border Ruffians"
from the western counties of Missouri crossed the line and staked
out claims in the extreme eastern portion of the territory, and
Leavenworth and Atchison became their headquarters. "Abolition-
ists" from the North moved farther into the hinterland, and so it
happened that Lawrence and Topeka, and other towns 40 miles and
more west of the Missouri line, became the centers of Free-State
activity. The settlers of a new country had to expect struggle and
hardship, but here they were faced with the additional difficulties
caused by the bitter struggle over slavery which earned for the ter-
ritory the name of "Bleeding Kansas."
Public reaction to the Kansas-Nebraska act, both before and after
its passage, was intense on both sides. Books, newspapers, and
letters of the time are filled with strong language and intemperate
thought President Pierce, because he favored the bill, was de-
nounced in the North as "a third-rate lawyer" who had been pro-
moted to "the place formerly filled by the President of the United
States." * Senator Douglas was called a Judas, and the "Benedict
Arnold of 1854." Women of Alliance, Ohio, sent him 30 pieces of
silver in the form of "bright new three cent pieces," and an Ohio
newspaper suggested that he had only to "go out and hang himself,
and the parallel between him and his prototype" would be com-
plete.2 On the other hand, Proslavery sentiment was expressed in
such language as this: "We are in favor of making Kansas a Slave
State, if it should require half the Citizens of Missouri; Musket in
hand, to emigrate there, and even sacrifice their lives in accomplish-
ing so desirable an end." 3
Certain antislavery partisans in the North had determined, even
before the Kansas-Nebraska bill became law, that Kansas should not
become a slave state if it lay within their power to prevent it. Or-
ganizations were established to encourage Free-State sympathizers
to settle in Kansas. These emigration societies obtained reduced
1. Uticm (N. T.) Herald, quoted in The Liberator, Boston, April 7, 1854.
2. Anrt-Slaoery Bugte, Salem, Ohio, quoted in The Liberator, Boston, March 17, 1834.
3. The Democratic Platform, Liberty, Mo., June 15, 1854.
KANSAS TEHBTTOHIAL CENTENNIAL 3
fares on railroads and steamboats for groups of emigrants; they
raised money to purchase and send sawmills to the territory; they
subsidized territorial newspapers; they even purchased and operated
hotels for emigrants in Kansas City and Lawrence.
Best known and most successful of these organizations was the
New England Emigrant Aid Company, led by such men as EH
Thayer, Amos A. Lawrence, and Thomas H. Webb. Emigrants who
came to Kansas through the efforts of this company were largely re-
sponsible for die founding of Lawrence and Topeka, and for the
establishment of Free-State supremacy in the areas around those
towns. Agents of the company in Kanyaf mdoded seven! men
prominent in die Free-State movement, among them Charles Robin-
son, later first governor of the state, and Samuel C. Pomeroy, who
became one of the first pair of United States senators from Kansas.
The company was not established purely for altruistic reasons. Its
organizers intended to obtain capital from Eastern investors and
with the money buy land and incorporate towns. Settlers under the
company's sponsorship were to purchase town lots, and any profit
accruing — none did — was to be paid as dividends to die investors.
The setders, of course, were to be antislavery in sentiment, and die
cause of freedom in Kansas would gam from their presence.
The struggle between Free-State and Proslavery partisans was at
its height during 1855 and 1856. In these years the "Bogus Laws,*
legalizing slavery in Kansas, were passed by the first territorial legis-
lature; the Free-State party was organized at Big Springs; Lawrence
was sacked by Border Ruffians; John Brown and his men commuted
the bloody Pottawatomie murders; the battles of Black Jade and
Hickory Point were fought; Franklin and Tort Titas" were attacked;
and assorted acts of terrorism committed, sometimes with fatal re-
sults. By and large, during this time, the Proslavery faction was in
the ascendancy and die outlook for the Free-State cause seemed dim.
However, by 1858 the tide had turned. Antislavery settlers out-
numbered their opponents, and die adoption of the Wyandotte con-
stitution in 1859 setded the issue. It is frequently said that the first
shots against slavery in the United States were fired in Kano^ Un-
doubtedly the failure to extend slavery to Kansas was a factor in the
decision of the Southern states to secede from the Union and
ize a separate government Events in Kansa
period were thus of fundamental importance in determining the
course of United States history.
4 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
KANSAS in 1954 is officially observing the centennial of the terri-
torial organization. Gov. Edward F. Arn appointed a cen-
tennial committee, headed by Prof. Robert Taft of the University of
Kansas, to make recommendations and to coordinate plans for state-
wide observances. Perhaps its most important accomplishment to
date has been to obtain from the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe
railroad an equipped display coach in which exhibits were installed
by the Kansas State Historical Society. Through the courtesy of the
Santa Fe and the cooperation of other railroads operating in Kansas,
the exhibition car will reach every county in the state during 1954.
Since the actual signing of the Kansas-Nebraska bill was on May
30, and this year that day comes on Sunday, it seems particularly
fitting that the pioneers of Kansas should be honored by all the
churches 100 years to the day that Kansas was opened to white set-
tlement. The committee therefore respectfully encourages all de-
nominations to include observances of this event on their programs
for that day.
Professor Taft and a subcommittee, assisted by the Post Office De-
partment and officials at Fort Leavenworth, are arranging a program
for the first-day sale of the commemorative stamp for territorial Kan-
sas, to be held at Fort Leavenworth on May 31. Sen. Frank Carlson
and Governor Arn will participate in the initial sale and cancellation
ceremonies. Fort Leavenworth was selected as the place of release
because the first post office in present Kansas was established there
in 1828. Members of the Kansas territorial centennial committee
are also assisting local groups, wherever aid has been asked, in plan-
ning centennial observances.
On February 3, 1954, the Library of Congress formally opened an
exhibition of rare books, maps, manuscripts, and photographs in
commemoration of the centennial of the territories of Kansas and
Nebraska. Sen. Andrew F. Schoeppel of Kansas delivered the prin-
cipal address. The library has printed a 71-page illustrated catalogue
of the exhibit which may be purchased from the Superintendent of
Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D. C., for
$1.25.
The University of Kansas, Lawrence, will be host to the Kansas
Association of Teachers of History and Related Fields on April 30
and May 1. The meeting is to be a conference on state and local
history, and will include an address by Prof. Allan Nevins of
Columbia University, New York.
The state historical societies of Kansas and Nebraska plan a joint
luncheon meeting on May 9 at Falls City, Neb., which members of
KANSAS TERRITORIAL CENTENNIAL 5
both societies and other persons interested are invited to attend.
Featured on the program will be addresses by Prof. Robert Taft, on
"Stephen A. Douglas and the Kansas-Nebraska Act/' and Dr. Roy F.
Nichols, of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, on "The
Territories, a Vital Source of American Democracy."
On May 11 a historical caravan will start from Mission, Kan., on
a 460-mile trek along the route of the old Santa Fe trail across Kan-
sas. Cities participating in this special celebration, and tentative
dates, are: Mission, Olathe, Baldwin, and Burlingame, May 11;
Osage City and Council Grove, May 12; Herington, Marion, Hills-
boro, and Canton, May 13; McPherson, Lyons, and Ellinwood, May
14; Great Bend, Larned, and Garden City, May 15. Council Grove
is having a three-day celebration May 10-12, culminating in the
dedication of the state-owned Kaw Mission Museum on May 12.
Several other cities of Kansas plan special centennial observances.
Those reporting include: Topeka, May 22-25; Junction City, May;
Leavenworth, June 6-12; Atchison, June 21-26; Ogden, July 2-4;
Perry, July 8-10; Marysville, August 17-19; Hays, late August; and
Lawrence, September 15, 24-30. Visitors are welcome at all these
celebrations, and widespread participation is desired.
IN connection with centennial observances within the state, men-
tion of several books and articles dealing with Kansas territory
may be helpful. The first book on Kansas was written by the Rev.
Edward Everett Hale, a New England antislavery leader who is best
known today as the author of The Man Without a Country. Hale's
book, Kanzas and Nebraska . . ., was published in Boston in
1854.4 Three books published in 1856 were: William A. Phillips,
The Conquest of Kansas by Missouri and Her Allies . . .; Hannah
A. Ropes, who wrote anonymously Six Months in Kansas; and Sara
T. D. Robinson, wife of the first governor, author of Kansas, Its
Interior and Exterior Life. In 1857, John H. Gihon, private secre-
tary to Gov. John W. Geary, published Geary and Kansas . . .
A Complete History of the Territory Until June, 1857, and Thomas
H. Gladstone wrote The Englishman in Kansas, or, Squatter Life
and Border Warfare. The list of books published in this period
could be extended, but they are out of print and available only
occasionally through rare book dealers. All of them, of course, were
written by people too close to the scene to be objective.
Important studies dealing with the Kansas territorial period have
4. See Cora Dolbee, "The First Book on Kansas: The Story of Edward Everett Kale's
'Kanzas and Nebraska,' " in The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 2, pp. 139-181.
6 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
been published by several scholars in recent years. Some of these
books and their prices, if known, are listed in answer to many re-
quests received from individuals and institutions wishing to build up
Kansas libraries. Two works by Roy F. Nichols, Franklin Pierce
(Philadelphia, The University of Pennsylvania Press, 1931, $5.00),
and The Disruption of American Democracy ( New York, The Mac-
millan Company, 1948, $5.00), the latter a history of the Buchanan
administration, are perhaps the most able treatments of that period
in national history.
George Fort Milton's The Eve of Conflict: Stephen A. Douglas
and the Needless War (Boston and New York, Houghton Mifflin
Company, 1934, $5.00), although 20 years old is still the most recent
and comprehensive biography of Douglas. Avery Craven, The
Growth of Southern Nationalism, 1848-1861 (A History of the South,
v. 6, Baton Rouge, The Louisiana State University Press, 1953,
$6.50), deals with the period from the Southern viewpoint. Allan
Nevins has covered, in four substantial volumes, the history of the
United States, 1847-1861, under the titles, Ordeal of the Union
(1947), and The Emergence of Lincoln (1950, New York, Charles
Scribner's Sons, 4 Vols., $22.50).
On the local level, as contrasted with national and sectional
treatments, G. R. Gaeddert's The Birth of Kansas (State Printer,
1940), was developed from a doctoral dissertation presented to the
University of Kansas. The newest and most complete study of the
immediate background of the organization of Kansas and Nebraska
territories is James C. Malin's The Nebraska Question, 1852-1854
(Lawrence, Rowlands College Bookstore, 1401 Ohio Street, 1953,
$4.00 ) . Professor Malin is well known to readers of the Quarterly.
Two of his articles, in the November, 1951, and May, 1953, numbers,
constitute a limited preview of his new book, which throws an en-
tirely new light on the Kansas-Nebraska problem. Another of his
books, John Brown and the Legend of Fifty-six (Philadelphia, The
American Philosophical Society, 1942, $5.00), is a scholarly contri-
bution of unusual merit in its field.
Other recent publications that deal in part with the territorial
period are Charles M. CorrelTs A Century of Congregationalism in
Kansas (Wichita, McCormick-Armstrong Company, 1953, $2.50),
and Paul W. Gates' Fifty Million Acres: Conflicts Over Kansas
Land Policy, 1854-1890 (Ithaca, N. Y., Cornell University Press,
1954, $4.50).
Attention should also be called to Prof. Robert Taft's articles in
The Kansas Teacher, Topeka, beginning in September, 1953, under
KANSAS TERRITORIAL CENTENNIAL 7
the general title, "A Century of Kansas History." Other articles by
members of the University of Kansas faculty are appearing in Your
Government, published monthly by the Governmental Research
Center of the University, beginning September 15, 1953.
"Kansas — 100 Years Ago," is the title of a series of weekly articles
prepared by the Kansas State Historical Society for publication in
Kansas newspapers. The articles, designed to be a week-by-week
story of the development of Kansas territory, are being released to
the newspapers beginning in April, 1954.
The Appearance and Personality of
Stephen A. Douglas
ROBERT TAFT
motives that caused Stephen A. Douglas to include the
-L repeal of the Missouri Compromise in the act organizing the
territories of Kansas and Nebraska "have occasioned one of the great
debates of American historians"; 1 and constitute "one of the most
arresting enigmas in all American history ." 2 The problem has been
discussed at some length by a number of leading historians; as we all
know, this subject has been a favorite one of our own Prof. James C.
Malin for some years. To my mind, the origin of human motives is so
baffling, so elusive, so intricate a problem that I am more than willing
to let these abler minds grapple with such an important but per-
plexing question.
Whatever were the motives of Douglas, whatever were the errors
made, whatever were the moral indignations that swept the North,
that convulsed the nation in 1854, the outstanding event of 1854 as
far as it concerns most Kansans of today, was the fact that the terri-
tory of Kansas was organized, that the initial step in the beginning
of a great commonwealth had been taken. As Prof. Frank H. Hod-
der so aptly stated over half a century ago
though we may not approve the mode and the motive of some of our territorial
acquisitions, we must admit that our splendid territory and unprecedented na-
tional development are the result of the policy of which Douglas was the ardent
supporter. We cannot accept the doctrine that evil may be done that good may
come, but candor compels us to recognize the fact that good has come." 3
To Stephen A. Douglas more than any other man must go credit
for this initial event in Kansas history. The statement that has been
credited to Douglas: "I passed the Kansas-Nebraska Bill myself"4
DR. ROBERT TAFT, of Lawrence, is professor of chemistry at the University of Kansas
and editor of the Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science. He was president of the
Kansas State Historical Society, 1952-1953, and is chairman of the Kansas Territorial Cen-
tennial Committee.
This paper, "The Appearance and Personality of Stephen A. Douglas," was Dr. Taft's
presidential address before the Kansas State Historical Society at the annual meeting on Octo-
ber 20, 1953. The address was prefaced by a short background paper, "Stephen A. Douglas:
I Passed the Kansas-Nebraska Bill Myself, which was subsequently published in The Kansas
Teacher, Topeka, November, 1953.
1. George Fort Milton, The Eve of Conflict (Boston and New York, 1934), p. 144.
2. Allan Nevins, Ordeal of the Union (New York, 1947), v. 2, p. 91. Milton, op. cit.,
ch. 10, has discussed the problem at some length as have Nevins, pp. 91-109, and Albert J.
Beveridge, Abraham Lincoln (Boston and New York), v. 3, pp. 176-217.
3. The Chautauquan, Cleveland, Ohio, August, 1899; see, also, The Kansas Historical
Quarterly, v. 8 (August, 1939), pp. 227-237.
4. J. Madison Cutts, Constitutional and Party Questions (New York, 1866), p. 122.
(8)
STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS 9
has not been challenged, as far as I know, by any historian in the
years since the troublous question was debated with so much fury
in congress and the nation.
It has seemed to me as we approach the centennial year of 1954
that it is fitting and proper that we pause for a moment in this brief
hour and recall the "Little Giant" by inquiring:
What manner of man was he? What was his appearance?
To answer the first question, in part, there are a number of current
estimates of his personality and what are more important, a number
of contemporary descriptions of the man available. Several of these
I shall quote. To answer the second question, there are many photo-
graphs of Douglas available and a number of these I shall show
you. Possibly any originality which this address possesses lies in
the fact that, as far as I know, no one has previously made a study of
Douglas photographs.
It is true that historians who have written on Douglas have used
photographs of Douglas extensively but seldom if ever have these
picture records been treated with serious respect; and little study of
source, authenticity, date, etc., has been attempted. Indeed, I
strongly suspect that on several occasions there have appeared por-
traits, said to be Douglas, that are not Douglas at all. All of these
factors make any attempt to study photographs of Douglas at this
late date difficult, but, as a beginning, I shall list the photographs of
Douglas known to me and the sources from which they have been
obtained, as well as such other information as is available.
Let us return, however, to a brief review of descriptions of the
personality of Douglas before we discuss his photographs. First,
we shall quote several modern opinions of his personality.
Douglas, wrote Nevins in 1947:
was a leader of extroverted personality, of rapid decisions and headlong action,
and of pronounced love of combat. He was never disposed to give prolonged
meditation to the complexities of a situation, or to undertake a careful weighing
of forces and futurities. He did not think before he acted; he thought while
acting. . . . Relying upon a brain teeming with points and a marvelous
memory, he was always quick to improvise.
Again Nevins wrote in referring to Douglas during the Kansas-
Nebraska debate in congress in 1854:
Day after day Douglas was in his seat when the session began, and still there
when it ended. Week in and week out, his quick, piercing eyes watched every
move with tigerish intentness. Whenever a stroke was needed, he was on his
feet, tossing his mass of dark hair like a lion's mane and scowling at his enemies.
. . . He was doubtless the most formidable legislative pugilist in all our
history. . . . When in the right, he could present a statement of surpassing
10 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
clarity; when in the wrong, he could skilfully twist logic or cloud the subject
with irrelevancies; and at all times, he could rend an opponent with unscrupu-
lous savagery. . . . His scornful visage, his insolent gestures, his insulting
epithets, threw his opponents into hot but utterly helpless dudgeon." 5
It is well to remember in reading any modern estimate of the
personality of Douglas that he must be judged by the times in
which he lived and by the actions of his compeers. The senate of
1854 was no Sunday school. When one senator openly called an-
other colleague a "hollow-hearted demagogue"; when a statement of
one senator was called "an infamous falsehood" not once but four
times in succession by a fellow senator; when one senator charged
that another senator and his friends were "howling like fiends at-
tempting to destroy the country"; the need of an extremely forceful
personality in securing attention is only too evident.6
A more sympathetic opinion of the personality of Douglas than
that expressed by Kevins is given by George Fort Milton. Milton,
who has written the most extensive and scholarly of the biographies
of Douglas, states
he was the sort of man any of us would delight to have had the opportunity
to know. Able, courageous, captivating in company, he was staunchly loyal
as a friend. Yet neither his opportunistic genius nor his ability as a public
speaker, nor his persuasiveness in court or Congress, chiefly distinguished him
from the other politicians of his day and generation. More than all these,
Douglas illustrates again that most satisfying of all human capabilities, the
capacity of a man to have an organic growth of character.
In his first decade in Illinois he was little more than a bright and pleasant
fellow who had learned the trick of getting on in the world. In Washington he
felt the impact of mighty issues, the engaging politician grew under pressure and
became a far-seeing, patriotic statesman. In the end Douglas employed his
matchless talents for the glory of the Nation which gave him birth and the
preservation of the Union that he loved. This change from attractive smallness
to real nobility of conduct chiefly interests one in the Little Giant. This quality
gave him dominance in the twilight years, and still makes him memorable in
our history.7
Of contemporary descriptions of Douglas, I should like to quote
extracts from several sources. The first appears in a letter written
in 1842 when Douglas was a member of the Supreme Court of
Illinois:
The judge of our circuit is S. A. Douglass, a youth of 28, who was the
democratic candidate for Congress in 1838, in opposition to Stuart, the late
5. Kevins, op. cit., pp. 106, 142.
6. The first of the above charges was made by Sen. John B. Weller, of California,
against Sen. William H. Seward, of New York (Appendix to the Congressional Globe, 33
Cong., 1 Sess., p. 784); the second by Sen. John Bell, of Tennessee, against Sen. Robert
Toombs, of Georgia (ibid., p. 756); the last by Sen. James M. Mason, of Virginia, against
Sen. Salmon P. Chase, of Ohio (ibid., p. 299).
7. Milton, op. cit., p. 14.
STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS 11
member from this district. He is a Vermonter, a man of considerable talent,
and, in the way of despatching business, is a perfect "steam engine in breeches."
This dispatch is the only benefit our circuit will derive from the change. He
is the most democratic judge I ever knew. While a case is going on, he leaves
the bench and goes among the people, and among the members of the bar, takes
his cigar and has a social smoke with them, or often sitting in their laps, being
a person, say five feet nothing, or thereabouts and probably weighing about 100
pounds.8
The Rev. William H. Milburn was chaplain of congress in 1845
and 1846 and had also known Douglas in Illinois. Writing in 1859,
Milburn has left us this account of Douglas:
It must be confessed that there was formerly a dash of the rowdy in Mr.
Douglas, and that even now the blaze of the old Berserker fire will show itself
at times. But it must be recollected that his is a vivid and electric nature, of
redundant animal life and nervous energy; that he was bred, not in scholastic
seclusion, nor amid the conventional routine of a settled population, but that
his character has taken shape and color from that of the bold men of the border,
where pluck was the highest virtue, and "back-bone," to use a phrase of the
country, compensated for many a deficiency in elegance. . . .
In society, few men are more agreeable, provided you are willing to make
allowance (which most people in this country are bound to do) for the de-
fects of early breeding, which can never be entirely hidden. He is singularly
magnetic in conversation, full of humor, spirit and information, and charms
while he instructs. Of course, he has one habit which constitutes a Masonic
bond of brotherhood among all western men — I mean that of chewing tobacco.9
Certainly the most celebrated writer to leave us a description of
Douglas was Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of the history-making
Uncle Toms Cabin. To Mrs. Stowe, the names of Stephen A.
Douglas and the "Evil One" must have been nearly synonymous
terms. Yet after she saw Douglas in action in the senate one April
day in 1856, she wrote the following surprisingly objective descrip-
tion:
This Douglas is the very idea of vitativeness. Short, broad, and thick set,
every inch of him has its own alertness and motion. He has a good head and
face, thick black hair, heavy black brows and a keen eye. His figure would
be an unfortunate one were it not for the animation which constantly pervades
it; as it is, it rather gives poignancy to his peculiar appearance; he has a small
handsome hand, moreover, and a graceful as well as forcible mode of express-
ing it — a point speakers do not always understand.
Mrs. Stowe then turned her attention to another senator but
Douglas again attracted her attention and she wrote:
Now Douglas has the floor. The first sentence shows you that he has two
requisites of a debater — a melodious voice, and a clear, sharply-defined enunci-
ation. The speech that followed was a perfect specimen of his land of talent.
8. Law Reporter (Boston, 1842), v. 4, p. 127, reprinted by Frank E. Stevens, Life of
Stephen Arnold Douglas (Springfield, HI., 1924), p. 350. I have verified the quotation.
9. William H. Milburn. Ten Years of Preacher-Life (New York, 1859), p. 136.
12 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
His forte in debating is his power of mystifying the point. With the most
off-hand assured airs in the world, and a certain appearance of honest superi-
ority, like one who has a regard for you and wishes to set you right on one or
two little matters, he proceeds to set up some point which is not that in ques-
tion, but only a family connection of it, and this point he attacks with the very
best of logic and language; he charges upon it horse and foot, runs it down,
tramples it in the dust, and then turns upon you with — "Sir, there's your argu-
ment! didn't I tell you so? you see its all stuff! 10
Mary Jane Windle, like Mrs. Stowe, was a writer of this same
period. Unknown at present, she has left some interesting sketches
of life in Washington and the South, for her home was in South
Carolina. She, too, observed Douglas in action ( in February, 1857 )
and wrote her impressions of the senator as follows:
There are few men in the Chamber whose bodily and mental lineaments
make so distinct and definite an impression upon the public mind as Judge
Douglas. His figure — short, stout, and thick — would have been fatal to the
divinity of the Apollo Belvidere, but is precisely such as befits a man of the
people. His physiognomy, too, is rather stern and heavy, and if you ever had
any hint that there was a vein of acrimony in his character, you fall to imagining
what expression that keen eye will take, and that heavy eyebrow, and that
firmly-set mouth, when he is belaboring the Republican party. But when he
rises to speak, you listen but a few moments before you forget everything,
except that a man of ability is before you. He is a bold and independent
speaker, and has the power of thrilling his hearers through and through;
indeed, rapidity and boldness of thought are his inseparable attributes. He
strikes on all the hard, strong points of his subject, till they ring again. His
language is always sharp, and clear, and strong, and knotty; never soft; seldom
beautiful.
There has been, during the last two years, raised against him a storm of
rebuke and misrepresentation. Public meetings have denounced his ambition.
Northern speakers have held him up to scorn, as the very embodiment of na-
tional evil. Northern journals have poured an incessant hail of accusation
against him, he sternly pursues his course, breasting the storm, combating the
surge.11
The Chicago Tribune was as outspoken in the 1850's and 1860*8 as
it is today. Sen. Stephen A. Douglas was not the object of the
Tribune's affections and the Tribune did not hesitate on many oc-
casions to state bluntly its views on the senator and his activities.
At the time of the death of Senator Douglas in 1861, the Tribune
expressed itself at some length. To my mind, the statement of the
Tribune is an unusual and important revelation of contemporary
feeling and opinion, especially as it came from an avowed enemy
of the senator. The Tribune account reads in part:
It is well known that the Chicago Tribune had no sympathy with the political
movements of the late Senator since 1853. He was content to go his way, and
10. The Independent, New York, May 1, 1856, p. 1.
11. Life in Washington, and Life Here and There (Philadelphia, 1859), pp. 65-67.
STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS 13
we ours. He had one line of policy, and we another. In all these years of dif-
ference, we shared with others the animosity that our prejudices or his acts
provoked; and he even was not exempt from the infirmity which afflicts all
partisans.
There is no cabin in America to which his name has not gone. There is no
man however humble or unfit, who from the praise of his friends, often indis-
creet, or the abuse of his enemies, more frequently undeserved, has not made
up an estimate of the man. He was undeniably great. He had a great brain
in which size did not repress activity. He had a will which was as inflexible as
iron. He had courage which bordered at times upon audacity. He had great
affections; and by consequence great passions — he could hate as well as love.
He had great vigor of constitution and, all men said, a firm hold upon the
strings of life. ... He had great ambition, which he sought to gratify
by great events. Hence he was an orator and politician; and at both he greatly
excelled. . . . Another decade, when the voice of war is forgotten,
would have witnessed the gratification of the object of his later strifes. His
country at peace in all its parts and with all the world, the arrogant slave
power humiliated partly by his courageous efforts, would have seen his eleva-
tion to the position that he would have filled with conspicuous ability.12
Finally, we shall let Douglas speak for himself. I have chosen for
this purpose, a few words from the speech of Douglas in the closing
minutes of the Kansas-Nebraska debate. The hour must have been
close to midnight on May 25, 1854. In his concluding speech on this
question, Senator Douglas said:
"The great West is indissolubly connected with the South as well as with the
North. The Northwest and the Southwest, from the source to the mouth of the
Mississippi, with all its tributaries, are, and forever must remain, one and in-
separable. We are indissolubly connected by all the ties that make men
brethren and countrymen, and we should do no act, and permit no act, incon-
sistent with those fraternal and patriotic relations." 13
I believe these words were spoken in all sincerity and show
Douglas, despite his obvious defects and mistakes, to be first and
foremost a patriot. If any additional proof is needed, we may recall
the conduct of Douglas during the presidential campaign of 1860.
Nominated by Northern Democrats, Douglas made a vigorous cam-
paign against Lincoln, Breckinridge (a Southern Democrat), and
against Bell ( old-party Whig ) . It seemed evident early in the cam-
paign, because of the division of the Democratic party, that the
cause of Douglas was hopeless. Yet Douglas traveled into the
South, denounced secession in no uncertain terms, and flatly de-
clared that the South's first duty was to the Union, even if Lincoln
were elected. No other candidate ventured to make such statements
in this field. The final popular vote (Lincoln, 1,858,000; Douglas,
1,366,000; the other two trailed far behind) is some measure of the
12. Chicago Tribune, June 4, 1861, p. 2.
13. Appendix to the Congressional Globe, 33 Cong., 1 Sess., p. 788.
14 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
esteem in which Douglas was held by his contemporaries, for it must
be realized that much of this vote came from the North.14
The personal appearance of Douglas is given by many portraits.
These portraits include oil paintings, crayons, lithographs, engrav-
ings, cartoons, and photographs.15 I am here concerned only with
the photographs of Douglas, but I have examined many of the other
types of illustrative material as they throw some light on the photo-
graphs themselves. It should be stated, however, that in general
the hand-executed portraits of Douglas bear little resemblance to
his photographs. Only in a few such portraits is there similarity be-
tween the two types of picturization.16
The earliest "photograph" of Douglas reproduced in any of the
accounts of this man is that found in Milton with the legend
"Douglas Before He Went West." 17 In Milton's list of illustrations,
this portrait is credited as follows: "From a copy of an old daguer-
reotype sent to the author by H. E. Barker, Los Angeles." Accord-
ing to Milton, Douglas went West in 1832.18 As I have shown else-
where, the daguerreotype (the first form of photography) was not
introduced into the United States until late in 1839.19
14. Milton, op. cit., pp. 490-501.
15. The Chicago Historical Society has a photograph of an oil painting by George P. A.
Healy, one of the more important of the paintings of Douglas. The original painting is
now owned by the Gilcrease Foundation, Tulsa, Okla. T. R. Hay of Locust Valley, N. Y.,
who is making a study of Healy wrote me under date of September 27, 1953, that as far
as he knew, there was only one Healy portrait of Douglas. The Gilcrease Foundation reports
that the painting was made in 1857.
The Kansas State Historical Society has an oil portrait of Douglas with the signature "L"
in the lower right-hand corner. The portrait was the gift to the Society many years ago of
Mary E. Delahay, daughter of Mark Delahay. According to Miss Delahay the portrait was
painted by Lasseur in Illinois "before the civil war." — Kansas Historical Collections, v. 10,
p. 641.
Little information is available on Lasseur (also spelled "Lassier" and "Lussier") but the
portrait resembles very much one of the last photographs of Douglas (No. 23 or No. 25 as
discussed later). Curiously enough, the Illinois State Historical Library of Springfield, also
owns an oil portrait of Douglas by Lasseur which "belonged at one time to Mark W. Dela-
hay." It was acquired by the Springfield institution in 1927. The Chicago Historical Society
also owns an oil portrait credited to "P- Lussier." These three oils are all busts, and are
essentially the same pose, but vary somewhat in dimensions as follows:
Chicago Historical Society 36%" x 28"
Illinois State Historical Society Library 32" x 27^"
Kansas State Historical Society 27" x 22%"
It is my guess that all three portraits were painted after a Douglas photograph about the
time of his death.
16. For example, in Ballou's Pictorial, Boston, January 8, 1859, p. 17, is a three quarter-
length portrait of Douglas. The portrait is a wood engraving drawn for Ballou's by the
celebrated artist, Winslow Homer. Homer was then at the beginning of his career so that
not too much expertness might be expected. He did not, unfortunately, draw the portrait
from life but from a lithograph published by C. H. Brainard of Boston. Homer's drawing
was in turn engraved by a Mr. Damoreau, also of Boston. The combined result of all these
efforts, as might be expected, was to produce a portrait that had little resemblance to the
"Little Giant."
A number of such Douglas portraits, as well as reproductions of photographs, contained
in printed books and periodicals, are listed in the A. L. A. Portrait Index (Library of Con-
gress, Washington, 1906), p. 428. The Portrait Index is an extremely useful tool, as I have
found through many years' experience, in beginning search for portrait or biographical
information.
17. Milton, op. cit., facing p. 20.
18. Ibid., p. 16.
19. Robert Taft, Photography and the American Scene (New York, 1938), ch. 1.
STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS 15
Obviously, Milton's crediting is incorrect. Either the original
portrait is not a daguerreotype or the subject is not Douglas. The
youth of the face portrayed seems to preclude any possibility that
the portrait, if Douglas, was a daguerreotype made after 1839. Since
the facial features make it seem possible that the portrait is that of
Douglas, it may be that the original portrait was a miniature (or
larger painting) by some unknown artist.20
It is entirely possible, of course, that a daguerreotype copy of this
earliest portrait was made at some time and it was this copy da-
guerreotype which Barker furnished Milton. Stevens also repro-
duced this same portrait with the legend "Earliest Picture of Stephen
A. Douglas." As in the case of all illustrations reproduced by Stevens
no information at all, other than the legend, is given.21
The second portrait of Douglas, taken in chronological order,
is another one reproduced by' Milton with the legend The Prairie
Politician: Stephen A. Douglas. In his Early Years in Illinois
Politics." 22 In Milton's list, this portrait is credited "From a family
daguerreotype now in possession of the Chicago Historical Society."
The Chicago Historical Society through Mrs. Mary Frances
Rhymer wrote me on September 7, 1953, that the original daguerreo-
type referred to by Milton "does not seem to be in the possession
of the Society nor is there any record of its having been here."
Neither is it among the collections of the Illinois State Historical
Library. It seems probable therefore that Milton secured a copy
of this portrait from some other source.
If this portrait is an original (i. e.., not a daguerreotype copy of a
painting), it must have been made after 1839 and therefore fairly
late in the Douglas career as a local politician, for Douglas was
elected to congress in 1843.
Stevens reproduced a portrait with the legend "Stephen A. Doug-
las, 1842-43, When First Elected to Congress/'23 If this dating
is correct (I believe it is too early) then the Milton portrait just
described and the Stevens portrait are very nearly of the same time
period. Comparison of the two portraits make it difficult to believe
20. The possibility that the portrait reproduced by Milton is not Douglas cannot be
overlooked. The illustration may be a reproduction of
an original daguerreotype of an
uiiKnown youngster. aome individual may nave run across the daguerreotype and ex-
claimed "Why, that looks as if it might be Douglas in his youth," and have soon convinced
himself that his assumption was correct. Passing it on to another person, the finder states
"This is a daguerreotype of Douglas as a youth" and the chain of events is started that
makes it almost impossible to prove the identity of the original.
21. Stevens, op. cit., p. 247.
22. Milton, op. cit., p. 156.
23. Stevens, op. cit., p. 360,
16 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
that they are of the same person. The Milton portrait has the ap-
pearance of a copy of a miniature or other painting.24
After these early portraits there appear to be none of Douglas until
he reached Washington. He began his first term in the national
congress in December, 1843, but did not become widely known until
after his election to the U. S. senate in 1847. Indeed the earliest
reproduction of a Douglas portrait found in a national periodical was
one published in Gleasons Pictorial Drawing Room Companion, v. 4,
(February 5, 1853), p. 88, a very poor wood engraving after a
photograph made in the Whitehurst Gallery of Washington, pre-
sumably in 1852. In fact, most of the known photographic portraits
of Douglas are of the period 1854-1861, after Douglas had achieved
nation-wide distinction.
Many of the Douglas photographs of this period are card photo-
graphs (carte de visites) and, when they are contemporary prints
made from the original negatives, are reasonably well dated within
the two-year period, 1859-1861. The first of these dates marks the
year when this form of photograph became at all common in this
country25 and the later date, 1861 (June 3), marks the death of
Douglas.26
One portrait of Douglas is included in this study that is not a
photograph. It is, however, based on an original photograph.
This Douglas portrait is a woodcut appearing in Harper's Weekly
for December 26, 1857, and is credited to an original photograph
by Whitehurst. The portrait is unique among the Douglas photo-
graphs in that it shows him with a full beard. Although no other
photographs of the bearded Douglas have been found, he is depicted
24. I seriously doubt if Douglas could have been daguerreotyped before 1841 or 1842.
The daguerrian artists known to have visited St. Louis (less than 100 miles from Springfield.
111., and much more readily accessible from the East than Springfield would be) did not
amve in that city until June, 1841. — See "The Pioneer Photographers of St. Louis," Charles
van Ravenswaay, Bulletin of the Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis, v. 10 (October,
1953), p. 48. The original advertisement of these "artists" appeared, Mr. van Ravenswaay
wrote me, in the Daily Missouri Republican, St. Louis, June 2, 1841. Elizabeth Baughman
has written me that the first advertisement of a daguerreotypist in Chicago that she has
seen, appeared in the Chicago American for March 1, 1842, p. 2.
In this same connection, George M. Hall of the Library of Congress has examined their
file of the Sangamo Journal, Springfield, 111., from March 5, 1841, to the end of 1842.
Although there are nine scattering issues of the Journal missing from this file, he was unable
to find any mention or advertisement of a daguerreotypist in the issues that were available.
25. Taft, op. cit., ch. 8.
26. The imprints on card photographs are of some use in tracing the origin of a
So extensively were card photographs copied by one photographer from
works of another, however, that troublesome and puzzling problems arise when too
great dependence is placed on this method of tracing, as will become evident in several
cases discussed in the catalogue which follows. It should be borne in mind that it was the
very common practice in the 1880's and 1870's for one firm, not necessarily photographers,
to publish (». e. print and distribute) card photographs, having secured by purchase or
otherwise, the negatives from the maker of the original. Sometimes credit was given by the
publishing firm to the actual photographer but more usually no such credit was given.
The Anthony's did, however, give Brady credit for some of the card photographs that
they "published."
STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS 17
in cartoons of the period in this fashion.27 Milton dated one cartoon
"I860"; Shaw dated it "1858." The later date seems the more prob-
able. The Kansas State Historical Society also possesses a cartoon
showing Douglas with a beard, "Liberty, the Fair Maid of Kansas in
the Hands of the 'Border Ruffians/ "
Judging from the fact that photographs of the bearded Douglas
are so few in number, he apparently wore the beard but for a short
time. The personal description of Douglas which follows was
written at the time of his second marriage on November 20, 1856,
and indicates that at that time he was beardless. The account,
written for the Washington Evening Post of November 20, 1856,
was reprinted in the New York Tribune, for November 22, 1856,
p. 5, and reads, in part, as follows:
In person he [Douglas] is short and stocky, a sort of truncated giant, whence
his well known designation. He Jias a red, somewhat rowdyish face, large
features, the nose being rather retrousse, but still with an expression indicating
rather a rude, unrefined nature, and an imperious energy, than any settled mean-
ness or malignity of disposition. In truth, I think him a very good-natured
pleasant man, individually. He is perfectly willing, after abusing or being
abused in the most violent manner, to extend the right hand of fellowship
to his enemy though his political hostility is unrelenting.
Douglas apparently wore no beard in the well-known Lincoln-
Douglas debates of 1858. It seems probable, therefore, that Douglas
wore the beard for about a year — 1857 — or less.
The fact that Douglas aged very rapidly is clearly seen in the
two photographs listed in the catalogue as numbers 14 and 25.
Number 14 was made early in 1860; number 25 probably in the last
month of his life. Undoubtedly the great disappointment of Douglas
in the presidential campaign of 1860 contributed both directly and
indirectly to this rapid decline.
One further fact of importance emerges from a study of these
photographs. From measurements made on the standing photo-
graphs of Douglas it becomes evident that the short height of Doug-
las was due primarily to his short legs. Indeed the height of the
Douglas torso was only slightly over an inch shorter than the average
of many "old Americans." As the height of Douglas is given as
five feet four inches, as against a value of five feet eight and a
half inches for the average American, the Douglas legs were some
three inches shorter than the average value.28
27. Milton, op. cit., facing p. 488; Albert Shaw, Abraham Lincoln — A Cartoon History
(New York, 1929), v. 1, p. 199.
28. The ratio of the average leg length (taken to slightly above the crotch) to height
from photographs number 13 and 14 is 0.46. Although this factor cannot be determined
with the precision of modern anthroppmetric measurements, it is, I believe, significant.
Anthropologists point out that the "height sitting" relative to stature is one of the most
2—1875
18 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
A Catalogue of Douglas Photographs
As the procedure for the study of portrait photographs, illustrated
here by the case of Senator Douglas, is more or less unique in this
field,29 it seems well to state what is meant by an "original photo-
graph/' for I have been asked on several occasions to define the term.
After some reflection, I would say: An original negative is the image
secured on a photographic plate as the result of exposure in the
camera to the person whose portrait is to be secured or to the
actual incident or scene to be depicted. Once the original negative
is secured, similar positive prints can be made as long as the un-
changed negative exists. Prints made from the negative in the
months immediately following the making of the negative are prints
useful of such measures. — Ales Hrdlicka, The Old Americans (Baltimore, 1925), p. 111.
Hrdlicka (p. 117, Table 72) gives this average ratio of 727 "Old Americans" as
0.525. Assuming that the leg length to slightly above the crotch subtracted from the
total height would give the sitting height, the Douglas ratio (sitting height to stature)
would be 0.54. It may be said that, if anything, the figure 0.54 is too low for Douglas,
as I am inclined to believe my measurements of leg length were probably too long. I am
indebted to my colleague, Prof. James C. Malin, for suggesting that these measurements
be made.
The sculptor, Leonard W. Volk, undoubtedly made physical measurements of Douglas
for he reported that Douglas gave him many sittings for the modeling of a bust, and in
1858, Volk, a cousin by marriage of Douglas, modeled a full-length statue of Douglas which
was afterward chiseled in marble. — See History of the Douglas Monument at Chicago
(Chicago, 1880), by Volk, p. 61; and Harper's Weekly, January 8, 1859, p. 17. Volk also
was responsible for the "colossal" statue of Douglas done in bronze in 1880; the statue
proper being nine feet, nine inches in height.
29. The basic study in American photographic portraiture is F. H. Meserye's The
Photographs of Abraham Lincoln (Privately printed, 1911). This work contained one
hundred photographs of Lincoln in which the principle employed by Meserve was to arrange
them in chronological order on the basis of existing records. Mr. Meserve subsequently
published three supplements of eight portraits each. In 1944, the result of over 40 years
study was published in The Photographs of Abraham Lincoln (New York), Frederick Hill
Meserve and Carl Sandburg. This book contained reproductions of 120 Lincoln photo-
graphs. Meserve began the collection of Civil War and Lincoln photographs over 50 years
ago and was able to secure perhaps eight to ten thousand negatives by Mathew B. Brady.
In addition, he was able to talk personally to some Lincoln photographers or their direct
descendants, to the son of Lincoln, and to others who were able to supply him with virtually
first-hand information about Lincoln photographs. In addition, he drew on the amazing
fund of information that has been collected on the day-by-day life of Lincoln. Such
sources of information in 1953 are virtually lacking for Senator Douglas and I have en-
deavored to suggest and to use to some extent the possible sources of information that are
available to the student of today where direct records are lacking.
In Stefan Lorant, Lincoln — A Picture Story of His Life (New York, 1952), much of the
information acquired by Mr. Meserve on the photographs of Lincoln has been "borrowed"
with only cursory acknowledgment (pp. 230, 231); in addition Mr. Lorant criticizes a con-
siderable portion of Meserye's data. Some of the criticism may be justified but Lorant in turn
lays himself open to criticism by the method employed in criticizing Meserve. On page 232,
Lorant advances "a photographic method to determine whether or not Lincoln pictures
are identical." The principle of the method is not new and has been long in use. I
have used it for at least 25 years and it was old then. The method, superimposing nega-
tives of two pictures made to identical size (copies of the two pictures to be compared),
is sometimes useful and sometimes not. Slight differences in the pictures and variations in
density of corresponding areas on the two pictures may lead to erroneous or futile results
especially when the original negatives are lacking. For example, in the first group of pic-
tures cited by Lorant (top set of pictures, p. 232), proof has not been made to my satis-
faction that the two photographs are identical. In fact, if one may judge from the focus of
the eyes in the portraits as reproduced by Lorant, the two portraits are different, although
they may have been successive exposures made at the same sitting. In the second case cited
by Lorant (lower set, p. 232) it is quite obvious, without going to the trouble of superim-
posing negatives, that the two portraits are not identical, for here the eyes in the two
portraits are not focused in the same direction and there are, as well, other obvious dissimi-
larities. The study of Lincoln portraits, because of this confusion introduced by Lorant,
needs reappraisal. Incidentally, it may be remarked, that the method of superimposing two
pictures can be carried out with greater satisfaction if lantern slides of the two pictures
are prepared and projected over each other. In this case any degree of enlargement can
be made. Enlargement up to the maximum size possible which will still retain detail,
greatly facilitates the detection of differences. Again this method has long been in use.
STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS 19
contemporary with the period in which the negative was made.
Modern prints made from the Brady or other original negatives of
the 1860's, however, are just as satisfactory as far as records go, as
prints made in the 1860's. In fact, modern prints may be more satis-
factory than contemporary prints because ( 1 ) contemporary prints
are subject to fading, and (2) the range of contrasts available in
modern photographic papers may make it possible to bring out
detail not recorded in prints contemporary with the negative.
These prints contemporary with the period of the negative were
copied extensively then and are copied extensively now. Each
copying process usually results in a loss of detail although at times
an early photographic print may be copied with modem materials
and a somewhat more pleasing print obtained than that from which
it was copied. (Photographic copying, of course, is implied.)
In the case of daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, and tintypes, the
original would be that secured in the camera by exposure to the
actual person, incident or scene. In general, but one daguerreotype
( or ambrotype or tintype ) could be secured from one exposure. All
three of these photographic processes, however, were used to make
copies of photographs (generic sense), of engravings, lithographs,
or occasionally of paintings.
The procedure illustrated here in the study of photographs of
historic value, it is hoped, will be of value to the profession gener-
ally. Some such method, it seems to me, is absolutely essential if
photographs are to be treated as historic documents of importance.
Collectors of photographs, both public and private, have done in-
valuable work in assembling their collections. Seldom, however,
do collectors have supplementary information on individual photo-
graphs that is of use. No records of acquisition, of origin, or of
dating that might, in some cases, have been readily obtained, are
available for the modern user. The comment on the tremendously
important Brady collection in the National Archives quoted on page
32 is illustrative of the general situation. To take another illustra-
tion, the Keystone View Company of New York wrote me recently
"Our library is very old, and unfortunately records were not kept
very carefully in former years/' The result is, that virtually no
information — other than name — and even this must be accepted
with caution, is many times available at the beginning of such in-
vestigations. The lack of such data makes the task of finding, col-
lecting and synthesizing the widely scattered information tedious,
but it does challenge the detective instinct which seems to be born
within many of us.
20 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Listed below are all the Douglas photographs (used in the generic
sense ) that I have examined either in the original or in photographic
copies. I have compared them, arranged them in the order in which
I thought Douglas aged, checked them with the published informa-
tion and other data that I had available, and then rearranged them
in what I believe is their chronological order, the order in which they
appear here. No finality in this order is claimed. The accumulation
of further information may make a rearrangement necessary but
certainly there is more evidence and logic presented in the arrange-
ment here than has heretofore been available for Douglas photo-
graphs. Part of the uncertainty in the sequence of Douglas
photographs as here given arises from the fact that Douglas was
frequently ill and at least once in his adult life was extremely
careless of his personal appearance. The period was after the death
of his first wife in January, 1853.30
The period which these photographs cover, I believe, extends
from about 1845 until the death of Douglas on June 3, 1861. All
possible sources of information have by no means been exhausted
in this study. A systematic examination, for example, of Washing-
ton, New York, and Chicago newspapers for the period 1845-1861
and of Douglas correspondence, might yield items of interest and
value concerning the personal appearance of Douglas that would
be useful in making a more precise order of portraits than here
presented. It is possible, too, that in such an examination one might
find occasionally a direct reference to a Douglas photograph or
other type of portrait. Information of value might also be obtained
by a more detailed examination of the work of the photographers
who recorded Douglas; so our catalogue is by no means a closed
one. Doubtless, too, other photographs of Douglas, now that
some systematic approach to his portraiture has been made, will
come to light. The writer would welcome such information.
As will be seen, precise dating of many of the portraits, even after
extended study, has not been possible. Perhaps the difficulty out-
lined in the catalogue which follows may give pause to biographers,
historians, and other writers, in their casual dating, without evidence,
of any photographs used in the preparation of future work.
1. Copy of a daguerreotype by Brady (probably enlarged).
Bust. L. C. Handy Studio, Washington. [Reproduced with this
article between pp. 32, 33.] Possibly the original daguerreotype
by Brady was made about 1845 as it was at this time that Brady
30. Allen Johnson, Stephen A. Douglas (New York, 1908), pp. 208, 317.
STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS 21
began the collection of his famous portrait gallery.31 The vest and
tie worn by Douglas in this photograph appear to be similar to those
shown in the reproduction of the Douglas portrait given in Stevens,
facing p. 360. Stevens dated his portrait "1842-43," which I am in-
clined to think is too early.
2. Probably a copy of a daguerreotype (bust) somewhat similar
to No. 3. F. H. Meserve. Reproduced in Stevens, facing p. 393,
where it has the legend "Stephen A. Douglas. 1846"; the same
photograph is reproduced in Century Magazine, New York, n. s.
v. 62, (1912) p. 898, with the legend, "From an unpublished photo-
graph taken at Alton, Illinois, probably in 1854, for Douglas's friend
Major Nathanial Buckmaster." The Century also credits the owner-
ship of the photograph to "Mr. Frank E. Stevens, Dixon, Illinois."
Apparently, since Stevens was ^undoubtedly the source of the infor-
mation published in Century, he had changed his opinion by the
time he published the life of Douglas. I believe 1846 too early and
1854 too late for this portrait. The Illinois State Historical Library
has a print that Stevens used (probably); an accompanying note
states that the original daguerreotype was owned by Robert
Douglas.
3. Copy of "daguerreotype owned by his son, Hon. Robert M.
Douglas — never published." Bust, Chicago Historical Society, Neg.
No. 31. Illinois State Historical Library has a copy bought from the
Stevens estate.
4. Daguerreotype, bust, head slightly to right (actually to left).
[Reproduced with this article between pp. 32, 33.] Original in the
Library of Congress measures 3&"x5" (oval). Virginia Daiker of
the Prints and Photographs Division reported: "Mr. Paul Vander-
bilt, our Consultant in Iconography, has done some research on these
daguerreotypes, and from various bits of evidence has identified
them as the work of Mathew B. Brady's studio somewhere in the
period 1845 to 1853." Not knowing the "bits of evidence," I cannot,
of course, confirm the above statement. The daguerreotypes re-
ferred to by Miss Daiker were a group acquired by the Library of
Congress from the Army War College in 1920. This daguerreotype
is said to be the basis of the engraved portrait of Douglas by T.
Knight in Robert Tomes, War With the South (New York, 1862),
v. 1, p. 17. I have compared a photograph of the daguerreotype
with the Knight engraving and am willing to agree. The Knight
engraving shows the head slightly to the left but, of course, the
31. Taft, op. cit., p. 57.
22 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
daguerreotype itself was reversed from right to left. My guess on
this daguerreotype is that it was taken in 1852 or 1853.
The daguerreotype, judging from the photograph first sent me
by the Library of Congress, was badly in need of cleaning. At my
suggestion it was cleaned and rephotographed.
5. Photographic copy of ambrotype or daguerreotype (more
probably the latter). Full-length, standing, right hand pointing.
[Reproduced on the cover and between pp. 32, 33.] On all the
copies of this photograph I have seen, it is the left hand which ap-
parently is pointing. In an original daguerreotype (or ambrotype)
the image was reversed from right to left, a fact that users of daguer-
reotypes seldom understand, or so state if they do understand. The
correct representation of such portraits is the mirror image of the
original. Copies owned by F. H. Meserve, Keystone View Com-
pany, Library of Congress, and the Chicago Historical Society. The
Meserve copy shows the metallic frame commonly used with ambro-
types or daguerreotypes very distinctly. This portrait is reproduced
by Allan Nevins as the frontispiece of volume one, The Emergence
of Lincoln (New York, 1950). Nevins uses the legend "(From a
photograph circa 1858)." It is not a photograph save in the generic
sense as is indicated by the border and, as suggested above, it is
incorrectly reproduced. This portrait has also been reproduced
(also incorrectly) in Stefan Lorant, Lincoln — A Picture Story of His
Life, p. 66. Lorant, of course, gives no information upon the por-
trait, not even crediting the source from which he secured it. This
portrait was copyrighted in 1914 by Henry H. Pierce of Boston.
The copyright certificate gives no information on the original.
The Illinois State Historical Library has a photostatic copy of a
clipping from part of a page of a publication which contains a coarse
screen reproduction of this portrait. The text accompanying the
copied illustration has the credit line "From a rare old daguerreo-
type of S. A. Douglas — at the time of the Lincoln-Douglas debates."
No evidence is available on the source of the clipping and my efforts
to trace it have been fruitless. The source itself might throw more
light on the original portrait and the statement made. I am inclined
to date this portrait "circa 1854" from the facial appearance (as
compared to other photographic likenesses) and from the fact that
it is probably a daguerreotype. Paper photography was well estab-
lished by 1858 and although daguerreotypes were still being made,
the wet plate process with its paper prints had pretty well displaced
the daguerreotype. As a matter of fact the Quincy ( 111. ) Whig for
October 16, 1858 (reprinted in E. E. Sparks, The Lincoln-Douglas
STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS 23
Debates of 1858, printed in Collections of the Illinois State Histori-
cal Society, Springfield, 111., v. 3 [1908], p. 394), reported that photo-
graphic likenesses of Douglas were being hawked to the crowd at-
tending the Quincy debate for 75^ each; the hawker, continued the
Whig, would probably reduce the price to 25^ by the time Lincoln
was through with Douglas.
5a. The head and shoulders of No. 5 enlarged. Copyrighted
by George Rockwood in 1909. Library of Congress copy. Rock-
wood was an early and well-known professional photographer.32
No information concerning the portrait is given on the copyright
certificate.
6. Daguerreotype, original in Illinois State Historical Library.
Bust, oval in case 4%x5% inches. This photograph in its original
condition, is one of the most detailed of the face of Douglas ever
made. [Reproduced with this article between pp. 32, 33.] I ex-
amined this daguerreotype at Springfield in the early fall of 1953
and found it in bad condition and offered to try its restoration. It
was sent me on October 21, 1953, and I immediately set about the
attempted restoration. Upon removal from its case, the back of the
daguerreotype was found coated with a thin layer of dark, almost
black varnish. After being washed in water, in a cyanide bath,
and in alcohol, considerable improvement in appearance was made.
One of the most important results produced by cleaning, however,
was the removal of the dark varnish on the copper back of the
daguerreotype, and there was then found scratched into the metal
the legend, "Stephen A. Douglas.— July 21, 1855— [? ?] Kelsey."
Douglas, according to Milton (p. 208, Footnote 34) was in Chicago
on July 7, 1855, and, as nearly as can be determined from Milton's
account, was either in Chicago, or in and out of it, during the sum-
mer of 1855. Douglas gave a speech at ceremonies celebrating the
completion of the Illinois Central railroad on July 17 or 18, 1855,
but was apparently in Chicago again by July 19; see letter dated
"Dubuque, Iowa, July 18, 1855" in the New York Tribune, July 23,
1855, p. 5; the Daily Missouri Republican, St. Louis, July 23, 1855,
p. 1, and July 25, 1855, p. 2. The last account is by a correspondent
of the Republican who had seen Douglas at Dubuque and who com-
mented that Douglas was getting fat, an interesting commentary in
view of the round-faced portrait of July 21.
As this account gives another glimpse of the personality of Doug-
las, it is reprinted here. The portion describing Douglas reads:
32. Ibid., pp. 140, 355, 374, 477.
24 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
We trust the celebrated author of the Kansas and Nebraska bill, will pardon
us if we make personal allusions, but having had the honor of conversing with
him for some time, we must say something about him. Besides, a great many
of our readers have never met him. Judge Douglas has been christened the
"Little Giant," and a truer cognomen could not have been bestowed upon him:
he is a man with a little body and a big head — his head is as it ought to be,
the great feature to be observed — his body seems to have been bestowed upon,
because nature found there was a necessity for an adjunct to assist the head.
His face is very expressive when in conversation and he gives you at once the
idea that he is a great man. He is head, all head, nothing but head, his head
was made for a giant, and his body for a dwarf; his hat lies on the back of his
head (fashionable, like ladies,) he does not cram it on as some orators do,
covering up forehead, eyes, &c., but he merely wears one out of respect to
custom; his hair is long and uncombed; his neck is not remarkable for its neat
decoration, his cravat is twisted around like a rope; his coat is hung on him, and
so are his white pants; in fact, he wears nothing except a cane, and that is all
in all to him; he grasps it now and then as if he were taking hold of a friend's
hand, then he places it on the ground on one end, then he pokes it against
the walls and leans his body against it, then he whirls it round and round to
the dismay of passersby. There was nothing fearful in his appearance, and I
almost believe that HORACE GREELEY might look at him without seeing the
Union tumble about his head. The fact is, the Little Giant has grown fat on
his bill, and his enemies will find that he will give them many a rub at the next
session that will prove his abilities are not gone, neither that he is frightened
by the raving of mad fanatics. We had a pleasant party, and the Judge made
a capital speech at Dubuque; there were also several other orators on the
occasion, but their names we have forgotten.
Elizabeth Baughman of the Chicago Historical Society informs
me that a C. C. Kelsey is included in a list of Chicago daguerreotype
artists in 1855.33 I have not been able to decipher the initials (pre-
ceding "Kelsey") engraved on the back of the daguerreotype. The
first one, and possibly the second, looks as if the author of the in-
scription had started to scratch one thing and changed his mind;
in any case the engraving of the legend is crude. There can be no
doubt, however, about "Kelsey." These facts given above make it
appear certain to me that the daguerreotype is correctly dated,
"July 21, 1855."
This daguerreotype was copied photographically 20 or more years
ago by a Springfield professional, Kessberger, who practiced there
from about 1855 until the late 1930's, according to Margaret Flint
of the Illinois State Historical Library. Three of these photographic
copies are owned by the Springfield library (two 8x 10 inch ones;
the third measures 25x20/2 inches) and are excellent copies al-
though it is obvious that the prints have been retouched. Milton
33. E. H. Hall, comp., The Chicago City Directory (Chicago, 1855), pp. 173, 174.
STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS 25
reproduced one of these copies as the frontispiece of The Eve of
Conflict and credits it "The Little Giant in His Prime — From a photo-
graph made in 1859." The same retouched photograph of this
daguerreotype appears as the frontispiece in the December, 1949,
issue of the Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, Spring-
field, with an article by Allan Nevins, "Stephen A. Douglas: His
Weaknesses and His Greatness." The legend for the portrait here
is "Stephen A. Douglas in 1859," obviously a repetition of Milton's
error. Again it should be noted that since this is a daguerreotype,
right and left are reversed; the apparent left side of Douglas in the
portrait is actually his right side. Possibly the most important facial
feature affected by this reversal is the fact that Douglas had a mole
on his left cheek a few inches to the left of the left nostril (see
reproduction of No. 20, between pp. 32, 33). In a daguerreotype
or its unreversed copy this mole appears as if it were on the right
side of his face (see reproduction of No. 4, between pp. 32, 33).
The Chicago Historical Society purchased in April, 1953, the
fourth replica of the Douglas life mask, presumably made by Volk.
Miss Baughman of the Chicago Historical Society reported that
the mole appears on the life mask as I have described it above.
She further stated: "I would say that it is not very prominent,
however."
6a. One of the modern photographic copies (retouched) of the
daguerreotype described above in No. 6. [Reproduced with this
article between pp. 32, 33.] The Illinois State Historical Library,
which owns this copy, has no record when the copy photograph
was made. Obviously it was made before 1934.
7. The bearded Douglas. Woodcut in Harpers Weekly, Decem-
ber 26, 1857, after photograph by Whitehurst.
8. Card photograph ( three-quarter-length, standing, left hand on
back of chair). Neither F. H. Meserve nor the Chicago Historical
Society could furnish information about the photographer.
9. Card photograph, head and shoulders. Print in Chicago His-
torical Society. Photographer not designated. This may be a
photograph of a lithograph as there is considerable artificiality about
it. The Chicago Historical Society possesses a chromolithograph
published by E. C. Middleton (Cincinnati, Ohio) in 1864 that is
much the same as this card photograph save that the eyes are fo-
cused slightly different.
10. Photograph, oval, three-quarter-length, seated. Original in
Chicago Historical Society. Size of print about 5% x 7% inches; this
photograph may be an enlargement of No. 11.
26 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
11. Probably made at the same time as No. 10, seated but show-
ing full-length. It appears to be a card photograph. F. H. Meserve.
Illinois State Historical Library has a copy bought from the Stevens
estate. The University of Chicago Library also has two copies of
this photograph, each copy measuring 4x6 inches. No photog-
rapher is indicated on either copy.
Stevens (following p. 672) reproduced this photograph with the
legend "Last Picture of Stephen A. Douglas, Taken at Aurora, 111."
As is usual, Stevens gives no other information about the photograph.
12. A small ambrotype, 2x2/2 inches, owned by the Illinois State
Historical Library. This portrait is nearly identical with Nos. 10
and 11, save that it is waist length. If Stevens is correct (see notes
on Nos. 10 and 11 ) this ambrotype was probably made by a photog-
rapher at Aurora, 111. As the image in the ambrotype faces in the
same direction as do the images of Nos. 10 and 11, it is uncertain
which of the three is to be regarded as the print from the original
(in case No. 10 was enlarged from No. 11). The ambrotype image
is not as distinct as No. 11 which makes it seem probable that the
negative of No. 10 was the original negative.
13. Card photograph. Full-length, standing, top hat on chair to
the right of Douglas, left hand resting on column. Photograph by
Gurney and Son, 707 Broadway, New York. Library of Congress,
Illinois State Historical Library, and F. H. Meserve. The carpet
and the chair that appear in this photograph have the same designs
as those appearing in Nos. 23 and 24 but the face of Douglas appears
more youthful. There is the possibility that this card photograph
may be based on a negative made at the same time as Nos. 23 and
24, an enlarged print made from this negative, the print retouched
as described in Nos. 15-18, and rephotographed as a card photo-
graph.
14. Card photograph, full-length, standing, top hat in left hand.
[Reproduced with this article between pp. 32, 33.] A pleasing and
revealing portrait, used by Carl Schurz, McClure's Magazine, New
York, v. 28 (1906-1907), p. 253. Schurz dates it "1858"; from the
fact that it is a card photograph, 1859 or 1860 seems more probable.
The Illinois State Historical Library possesses two copies of this
card photograph. The imprint on the back of one is very simple,
"Published by E. Anthony and Co., 501 Broadway, N. Y.," and is
probably one of the earliest card prints made from the negative.
The second Illinois library copy bears the same imprint as above
(the typography is more elaborate) and in addition has a woodcut
STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS 27
of the Anthony establishment with the additional legend "Manu-
facturers of Photographic Albums/' and was probably published in
1862 or after as the firm name became E. & H. T. Anthony, after
1862.34 If the conjecture on the first of these card photographs is
correct, 1859 seems to be well indicated as the proper dating of this
portrait. Copies in the Illinois State Historical Library, the Chicago
Historical Society, and F. H. Meserve. Mr. Meserve owns the
original Brady negative of this card photograph and it is a copy
enlarged directly from this negative that is reproduced here through
the kindness of the owner.
15. Contact print from a contemporary Brady negative measuring
17 x 20 inches in the National Archives collection. Three-quarter-
length, standing. [Reproduced with this article between pp. 32,
33.] The negative is presumably that from which "imperial" photo-
graphs of Douglas could be made. The imperial was introduced
in 1856-1857 and prints from such negatives were almost always
retouched ( by India ink or colors ) on the print ( modern retouching
is done on the negative).35 The pose, dress, and accessories are
similar to Nos. 16-18 and for this reason I believe all to be of the
same date. The date, for reasons developed above and in the dis-
cussion of Nos. 16-18 I believe, is 1860. Probably all of this group
were photographs made for use in the campaign of Douglas for the
presidency in 1860. The Chicago Historical Society possesses a
print, nearly the same as this one (No. 15), but measuring about
9 x 13. The figure is cut off just below the hips.
The eyes are directed in this photograph in a slightly different di-
rection and the leg length is somewhat longer than in Nos. 17 and 18.
A reduced version of this photograph appears in William Garrott
Brown, Stephen Arnold Douglas (Boston and New York, 1904),
where it is credited to "a photograph by Brady in the Library of the
State Department at Washington." The same portrait ( as in Brown )
is reproduced as the frontispiece in Stephen A. Douglas — A Me-
morial (1914), by Edward S. Marsh, Brandon, Vt.
16. A Brady photograph, the original of which is owned by the
Chicago Historical Society. The print, about 10x12 inches, is
doubtless a copy of a retouched Brady imperial described in No. 15.
The mount of No. 16 bears the imprint (in addition to the Douglas
name) "Photograph by Brady, New York and Washington." Al-
though Brady photographed in Washington before 1858, his per-
34. Taft, op. cit., p. 54.
35. Ibid., pp. 130, 324.
28 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
manent Washington branch was established that year.36 Issues of
Harpers Weekly, April 21, 1860, and June 15, 1861, reproduce a
woodcut portrait of Douglas which seems to have been based on
one of these photographs (i. e., Nos. 15-18) with the legend "Photo-
graphed by Brady I860." The same portrait with the same legend
is also reproduced as the frontispiece in James W. Sheahan, The Life
of Stephen A. Douglas (New York, 1860).
The face in this portrait (and in Nos. 17 and 18) is much smoother
than in No. 15, thus giving a much more youthful appearance than
the portrait printed from contact with the Brady negative of No. 15.
This difference must arise from the fact that these photographs
(Nos. 16-18) are copies probably of a retouched photograph. Not
only would retouching produce a smoother face but the copying
process itself would tend to lose detail in the copy as compared to
the original print.
16a. The retouched Brady photograph of 1860. Print from the
Brady copy negative in the L. C. Handy Studios, Washington. The
copy furnished me was an enlargement from a Brady card negative.
17. Contact print made directly from a Brady negative in the
National Archives. Four images appear on the single plate. [Re-
produced with this article between pp. 32, 33.] These images, as
suggested in the notes on No. 16, seem to have been secured by
copying the Brady imperial of No. 15 (more exactly an imperial
made at the time) with a four-tube camera or with a single or
double-tube camera by movement of the plate holder.37 The indi-
vidual images are not card size but measure 3M x 4/a inches, approxi-
mately.
18. Card photographs almost identical with Nos. 15 and 18.
Copies owned by the Illinois State Historical Library and F. H.
Meserve. The Illinois Library copy has the imprint on the mount
"E. & H. T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York, from photographic
negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery." The frontispiece
in H. M. Flint, Life of Stephen A. Douglas (Chicago, 1860), is
doubtlessly based on one of this group of photographs which have
been used more extensively than any photographs of Douglas for
the preparation of engravings and lithographs. See, for example, the
portrait of Douglas reproduced by Woodrow Wilson, A History of
the American People (New York and London, 1903), v. 4, facing
p. 176.
36. See advertisement in the National Intelligencer, Washington, January 26, 1858.
37. Taft, op. cit., pp. 144, 477.
STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS 29
19. Card photograph, half figure. Published by E. & H. T.
Anthony, N. Y. Illinois State Historical Library has two copies.
20. Photograph, head and shoulders. [Reproduced with this ar-
ticle between pp. 32, 33.] This portrait appears to be an enlarge-
ment of No. 19 — or a photograph made at the same sitting — and
is credited in print on the mount to the Whitehurst Gallery of Wash-
ington. Illinois State Historical Library, the owner, stated that it is
oval on a square mat, 9/2 x 11/2 inches. The print itself measures
about 5?2 x 7% inches. This photograph is reproduced (facing p. 4)
in E. E. Sparks, The Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858 (Springfield,
111., 1908), with the commendably cautious note "From a photograph
in the collection of the Illinois Historical Library, supposed to have
been made in 1858." My judgment, equally cautious, would be to
date it "1860 plus or minus a year."
21. Card photograph, half figure, Chicago Historical Society,
F. H. Meserve, Illinois State Historical Library. The copy belong-
ing to the last institution bears the imprint "Published by J. O. Kane,
126 Nassau St., New York." The Illinois State Historical Library's
copy came from the estate of Stevens.
22. Card photograph, half figure, vignetted. "Charles D. Fred-
ricks and Co., 587 Broadway, New York" is imprinted on the Illinois
State Historical Library copy. The Illinois State Historical Society
also has a card photograph of Mrs. S. A. Douglas with the imprint
below the photograph "Entered according to Act of Congress in the
year 1861 by C. D. Fredricks and Co. . . ." The imprint on the
back is the same as on the Douglas card photograph above. This
pair of photographs suggests that Senator and Mrs. Douglas visited
the Fredricks gallery together in 1860 or 1861.
23. Card photograph, full figure standing, right hand on back
of chair. Very prominent figures in carpet design. F. H. Meserve
and Chicago Historical Society. The copy owned in Chicago has
the imprint "Carte de Visite by Case and Getchell, Photographic
Artists, 299?2 Washington St., Boston." The Chicago Historical So-
ciety also possesses another card photograph very nearly the same
as the Case and Getchell copy. The prominent figure in the carpet
is the same as that in the Case and Getchell copy but it is much sub-
dued in this copy as is the design in the upholstery of the chair.
Book shelves appear on the left hand margin and the eyes are
focused somewhat differently than in the Case and Getchell print.
This card photograph bears the imprint "S. M. Fassett's New Gal-
lery, 114 and 116 South Clark St., Chicago." It is my guess based on
30 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
the poorer print of the latter copy, that Fassett copied one of the
Case and Getchell originals, as several "sittings" on such occasions
were almost always made. This guess also has some support in the
listing of Fassett in Chicago city directories. Halpin and Bailey's
Chicago City Directory of 1861-1862 (Chicago, 1861), p. 434, lists
"Fassett and Cook, 122 and 124 Clark" as photographers. The same
directory for 1862-1863 (Chicago, 1862), p. 502, lists "Samuel M.
Fassett, 122 and 124 Clark." The Chicago directories were pub-
lished each year, "After removals of May first," which would make
it appear that the Fassett firm's change of name occurred after May,
1861. Since this Douglas card photograph bears the imprint "S. M.
Fassett's New Gallery," it seems possible that the photograph was
prepared by Fassett for publication after the death of Douglas.
Douglas was in Boston during the presidential campaign of I860,38
so it would have been possible for Case and Getchell to have photo-
graphed him. To add further confusion to this matter there is the
identity of chair and carpet design in the Case and Getchell card
photograph with that of the Gurney card photograph listed as
No. 13.
24. Either an enlargement of No. 23 or a photograph made at
the same time (the Case and Getchell one), the print measuring
12%ex9%6 inches. [Reproduced with this article between pp. 32,
33.] Chicago Historical Society. The Illinois State Historical Li-
brary also has an enlargement somewhat smaller than the one in the
Chicago Historical Society.
25. Card photograph. Bust, one-half right. Library of Congress.
No imprint appears on the photograph.
26. Card photograph, half-length, seated, oval. Imprint "Carte
de Visite by J. Carbutt, Photographic artist, 131 Lake St., Chicago."
Chicago Historical Society.
27. Card photograph, head and shoulders, vignetted. [Repro-
duced with this article between pp. 32, 33.] Same imprint as No. 26.
Illinois State Historical Library. These photographs, Nos. 26 and
27, were probably taken at the same time and I believe are among
the last, if not the last, of Douglas to be taken. My reasons are:
(1) the portraits show an aging and tired Douglas (Douglas died
in Chicago on June 3, 1861 ) . He arrived in Chicago on May 1, 1861,
and during the early part of his stay at least he was able to be
about.39 (2) John Carbutt is first listed in Chicago city directories
38. Milton, op. cit., p. 491.
39. Chicago Daily Tribune, May 2, 1861, pp. 1, 4.
STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS 31
for the issue of 1861-1862 (published in 1861). Apparently his pro-
fessional career in Chicago began in 1861; he is listed in Chicago
city directories through 1870.40
The Illinois State Historical Library possesses two large framed
engravings of Douglas, one of which bears beneath the print the
legend "Hon. Stephen A. Douglas Engraved by Doney from a
Photograph by Hesler." The engraving is a very good reproduction
of the Carbutt card photograph owned by the Illinois State Histori-
cal Library but it is obvious that the Carbutt photograph is not a
copy of the engraving. Whether the engraving is incorrectly ascribed
to Hesler or whether Carbutt copied a Hesler photograph it is dif-
ficult, if not impossible, to decide. Carbutt had an excellent repu-
tation and it is difficult to believe that he would copy the work of
a fellow photographer in Chicago and print it under his own name
without permission. The engraving and printing were doubtless
done in another establishment and some misunderstanding in credit-
ing ( in print ) the engraving may have arisen. It is, of course, pos-
sible that Hesler made negatives (see paragraph 1 under "Douglas
Photographs Not Seen") and sold some of them to Carbutt.
The Carbutt photograph of Douglas (No. 26) is also apparently
the basis for the portrait of Douglas reproduced in Clark E. Carr,
Stephen A. Douglas (Chicago, 1909), facing p. 134. Carr gives no
information, other than the name, concerning the portrait.
DOUGLAS PHOTOGRAPHS Nor SEEN
I have found reference either directly or indirectly to a number
of Douglas photographs, originals of which have not been found.
The more important of these references are listed below.
1. After the death of Douglas in Chicago on June 3, 1861, an
advertisement of Douglas photographs appeared in the Chicago
Tribune, June 4, 1861, p. 1. The advertisement stated that the
photographs were made by Alexander Hesler of Chicago.41 The
photographs advertised were as follows:
No. 1 3x5 $ .15
No. 2 8 x 10 1.00
Carte Visite Size .25
From Volk's Statuette 1.50
Imperial 10.00 42
40. Information from Elizabeth Baughman, Chicago Historical Society. For additional
information on Carbutt, see Taft, op. cit., p. 503.
41. For information on Hesler, see ibid., pp. 349, 369, 471.
42. See, also, the notes on Nos. 26 and 27.
32 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
2. In National Portrait Gallery of Eminent Americans ( New York,
1862), E. A. Duyckinck, v. 2, facing p. 273, there is a full-length
portrait of Douglas standing (left hand in vest) credited to "Like-
ness from the latest Photograph taken from life." Possibly this
photograph is one of the Hesler photographs referred to above.
3. I have made an attempt to find group photographs containing
Douglas but so far without success. The National Archives fur-
nished me two group photographs (B-1517 and B-1518) in which a
figure identified as Stephen A. Douglas is included. Examination
of the two photographs has satisfied me that the individual is not
Douglas. The following information, from the National Archives,
may be of value to other possible users of the Brady negatives in
the archives collection:
The numbering of the negatives in the Brady collection was done by the
War Department Library in 1880, several years after purchase of the negatives
from Mr. Brady. At the time of the purchase, complaint was made that no
identifications, lists, or file prints were obtained with the negatives in 1880
and they were indexed in two groups, one group alphabetically by name of
person, and the second alphabetically by State and area. The subject catalog
was published by the War Department in 1898. In 1928, the Signal Corps
rejacketed the negatives and destroyed the old jackets which could perhaps
have solved some of the questions of identification if they had been saved.
A second group photograph supposed to contain Douglas was
furnished me by the Chicago Historical Society: "Third and Last
Committee of Conference of the U. S. Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives on the Army Appropriation Bill, Sunday, August 17,
1856." An examination of this photograph shows the man identified
as Douglas to be a most handsome individual — far more handsome
than any photograph I have seen. The photograph may be a copy
of a lithograph as even the craggy face of Senator Seward (who is
identified in the group picture) appears benign and smooth.
Considering the widespread publicity and attention in Illinois on
the Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858, it is astonishing that no photo-
graphs of the two together or of one or more debate scenes have
come to light. I have seen none and Ralph G. Newman of Chicago
has recently made a similar observation.43
4. The Illinois State Historical Library possesses a large litho-
graphic bust portrait of Douglas published by C. H. Brainard of
Boston and dated with the imprint "1854." The lithograph is cred-
ited to a daguerreotype by Vannerson. Vannerson was a daguer-
reotypist of Washington, D. C. His establishment was advertised
43. The Amateur Book Collector, Chicago, v. 4 (September, 1953), pp. 1, 2.
PLATE I. STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS. ABOUT 1845.
Reproduction of copy of daguerreotype in possession of the L. C. Handy Studio,
Washington. Reversed, i. e., correctly reproduced. ( No. 1 in Catalogue. )
PLATE II. STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS. ABOUT 1852.
Reproduction of daguerreotype in possession of the Library of Congress. Reversed
in reproduction. Note that in the original daguerreotype the mole on the face of
Douglas would appear to be on the right side rather than on the left, as here seen
correctly. ( No. 4 in Catalogue. )
PLATE III. STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS. ABOUT 1854.
Direct reproduction of copy of daguerreotype in possession of the Keystone View
Co., New York City. Incorrectly reproduced; for torrect reproduction see Plate IV
which follows. ( No. 5 in Catalogue. )
PLATE IV. STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS. ABOUT 1854.
Image of Plate III reversed and therefore correctly reproduced.
Catalogue. )
(No. 5 in
m
PLATE V. STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS. 1855.
Reproduction of daguerreotype (1954 copy) in possession of the Illinois State His-
torical Library, Springfield. Reversed in reproduction. (No. 6 in Catalogue.)
PLATE VI. STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS. 1855.
Reproduction of modern photographic and retouched copy (Kessberger) of the
1855 daguerreotype. In possession of the Ill?nois State Historical Library. Reversed
in reproduction. ( No. 6a in Catalogue. )
PLATE VII. STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS. ABOUT 1859.
Reproduction of enlargement from original card negative in possession of F. H.
Meserve, New York City. ( No. 14 in Catalogue. )
PLATE IX. STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS. 1860.
Reproduction of contact print from Brady negative in the National Archives. ( No.
17 in Catalogue. )
-< — PLATE VIII. STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS. 1860.
Reproduction of contact print from Brady negative in the National Archives. ( No.
15 in Catalogue.)
PLATE XII. STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS. 1861.
Reproduction of an enlargement made from a card photograph in possession of
the Illinois State Historical Library. (No. 27 in Catalogue.)
STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS 33
in Ten Eyck's Washington and Georgetown Directory for 1855
(between pp. 23 and 29) at No. 426 and 428 Penn. Ave. "over Lane
and Tuckers Building near 4/2 St."
It seems probable that this daguerreotype was also the basis for
a wood-engraved portrait of Douglas that appeared in Gleasons
Pictorial, v. 4 (1853), p. 88, as a note on p. 93 credits the portrait
to "J. Vannerson at Whitehurst's Gallery" and the biographical
sketches are credited (p. 84) to C. H. Brainard.
5. The Illinois State Historical Library also possesses another
large lithographic portrait of Douglas by F. d* Avignon and pub-
lished by Charles H. Brainard, Boston, with the imprint "1858."
The portrait is credited to a daguerreotype by Fassett and Cook of
Chicago. This portrait resembles somewhat the card photograph
of No. 19.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am greatly indebted for very real aid in the preparation of the catalogue
of Douglas photographs to Mrs. Mary Frances Rhymer and Elizabeth Baughman
of the Chicago Historical Society; to Elizabeth Lorsy of the Keystone View
Co.; to Virginia Daiker of the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library
of Congress; to H. E. Pratt and Margaret Flint of the Illinois State Historical
Library, Springfield; to Robert Rosenthal, curator of special collections, Uni-
versity of Chicago Library; and to my mother, Mrs. F. C. Ewart, who examined
Douglas materials in Canandaigua, N. Y. (a boyhood home of Douglas), for
me. Mrs. Rhymer, Miss Baughman, Dr. Pratt, and Miss Flint were also most
helpful on my visits to their respective institutions. I must express my special
appreciation to Josephine Cobb and F. H. Meserve. Miss Cobb, of the U, S.
National Archives, Washington, not only gave me aid in her official capacity
in the Audio- Visual Records Branch of the National Archives, but, I am sure,
must have spent many hours of her own time seeking answers to some of my
troublesome questions. Mr. Meserve of New York City, whose marvelous
collection of American photographic portraits is without equal, not only sup-
plied me with copies of all his Douglas photographs but generously gave in-
formation of real use during our extended correspondence.
The quotations from Allan Nevins, Ordeal of the Union, are reprinted through
the kind permission of the publishers, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York City;
the quotation from George Fort Milton, The Eve of Conflict, through the
courtesy of the copyright owner, Mrs. Alice Milton Dwight, New York City.
Lastly, a generous grant from the general research fund of the University of
Kansas has made possible this extended study of the Douglas photographs and
the co-operation of the University is here cheerfully and thankfully acknowl-
edged.
3—1875
Emergency Housing at Lawrence, 1854 *
JAMES C. MALIN
IN the spring of 1854, along the Missouri and Iowa border, or-
ganization and settlement of the Indian country, then called
Nebraska, had been agitated for about a decade. Thus, when reali-
zation of the dream appeared imminent prior to the passage of the
Kansas-Nebraska act, the border men intensified their investigation
of desirable locations in the promised land. The scarcity of timber
focused attention upon the advantage of being first comers, espe-
cially the speculative advantage. Some activity of this sort ante-
dated 1854, but the rush developed in earnest early in that year.
Much of this activity began prior to the raising of the slavery issue
in connection with the so-called repeal of the Missouri Compromise,
but this perspective has been distorted by the later developments.
Thus, in the northeastern part of what became Kansas, when the
Indian agent took a delegation of Indians to Washington to make
a treaty, a correspondent wrote, in May: ". . . Now there is not
a grease spot left unclaimed. . . ." The writer was of the
opinion that the territory would be free, and congress could not
make it otherwise, but his interest was in speculation, as he thought
his claim would be worth $25 per acre as soon as entered at the land
office. Cabins were already being built on these timbered claims —
cabins of logs.2 Another writer, dating his letter from the territory,
July 25, was of the opinion tha^ "the scarcity of timber (enough,
however, for present wants, and that of the best kind ) is in a general
measure obviated by the abundance of most excellent rock and clay.
. . ."3 Between the Kansas river and Fort Leavenworth, in
June, 1854, an observer reported "tents and cabins are being
erected." 4
THE SITE OF LAWRENCE AND VICINITY, 1854
The site of Lawrence, between the Kansas river and its southern
tributary, the Wakarusa, was about 40 miles inland from the Mis-
souri river. By midsummer, 1854, a large part of the more desirable
DR. JAMES C. MALIN, associate editor of The Kansas Historical Quarterly, is professor
of history at the University of Kansas, Lawrence.
1. A paper, "Housing in the Prairie-Plains Region," was presented at the annual meet-
ing of the Mississippi Valley Historical Association at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, April, 1943, based
upon a monograph of the same name, which has not been published. The present paper
represents a part of that project, which has since been expanded and will be published as a
part of Grassland Historical Studies, v. 3.
2. New York Daily Tribune, August 14, 1854, from Reading (Pa.) Gazette, August 12.
The letter was dated Spring Hill Farm, Nebraska, alias Kansas, May 27, 1854.
3. New York Daily Tribune, August 3, 1854.
4. Ibid., July 12, 1854, from Lexington (Ky.) Observer and Reporter, July 5. The
letter from Kansas was dated June 15, 1854.
(34)
EMERGENCY HOUSING AT LAWRENCE 35
timbered claims had been marked for settlement, if not actually
occupied. S. N. Wood, of Ohio, who was already on the ground,
and later became identified with Lawrence, wrote, August 2, that
timber was a little scarce, and some would return on that account,
but "Log cabins are going up in every direction/' 5 This letter re-
corded the arrival the day before, that is, August 1, of the first party
of settlers sent out by the Emigrant Aid Company of Massachusetts.
Writing home on the seventh day, on the site which was to become
Lawrence, one member of the party made the significant comment:
Where our new city was to be found the log habitations of some four or five
settlers of from four to six months standing. They were of that class which
exists in the west, who are pioneers by profession, and who seek to be always in
the advance guard of the army which invades the wilderness.6
The conflicts over priority of claims to the townsite were eventually
settled by a compromise in which 100 of the 220 shares were as-
signed to the four prior claimants.7
THE COLONISTS; INTERNAL CONFLICT, AND UNCERTAINTIES
ABOUT LAND TITLE
The Emigrant Aid Company's ideas about pioneer housing were
brought out sharply when plans went wrong. The company had
supplied tents, but only for temporary shelter:
We are somewhat surprised to find that even those who first went out are
still living in tents — those tents were furnished . . . but temporarily only,
until they [the colonists] could deliberately cast about, select their site & put
up, for the time being a log hut, or other comfortable tenement, when they
[the tents] were to be turned over to the next comers, for similar purposes, and
afterwards to others, & so on, as long as they might be needed. It appears to
me that they [the colonists] have committed some little oversight in waiting
so long for lumber, with a full knowledge that winter was approaching in conse-
quence that they must be subjected to some inconvenience, and the Parties
that followed & are yet to go, may endure some hardships.8
This was the smug and self-righteous attitude taken by a company
official, but the comforts of Boston were so remote from the realities
of the Kansas situation. A letter writer at the site of Lawrence,
August 17, reported that already "many" of the first New England
5. New York Daily Tribune, August 15, 1854.
6. "Charleston" letter No. 4 from Kansas, Boston Journal, August 29, 1854. — "Webb
Scrapbooks" (in library of the Kansas State Historical Society), v. 1, p. 106. S. F. Tappan
wrote, October 24, that there were two cabins "upon what is now considered the city site,
two miles square," when the New England party arrived August 1. — Kansas City Enterprise,
October 28, 1854, "Webb Scrapbooks," v. 1, p. 208. J. Savage's "Recollections of 1854,"
reduced the rival cabins to one, Western Home Journal, Lawrence, July 14, 1870. The
differences in figures may be explained in part by the fact that the townsite boundaries were
not surveyed, or cabins may not have been completed by all claimants. Tappan's letter in-
dicated a shifting concept of the size and location of the city site.
7. Kansas Free State, April 7, 1855.
8. Thomas H. Webb to S. C. Pomeroy, November 6, 1854. — New England Emigrant
Aid Company "Papers," letter press book, Kansas State Historical Society.
36 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
party "had removed to their new estates, and, pitching tents, began
in right good earnest their frontier life, by constructing log houses."
The word "many" as used here was figurative rather than numerical,
however, because the party consisted of not more than 29, and
"several" of them had already returned to New England.9 Another
letter, date lined St. Louis, August 12, said: "The pioneer party are
generally dissatisfied, and about half of them have already left, and
more would leave, in my opinion, very soon, had they the means to
get away." 10 Still another was more specific about the reasons
alleged: "More than half of the Massachusetts company have re-
turned and more will do so, unless the company make arrangements
for their comfort, as they promised to do." n Thus, by any calcula-
tion the number was small who went out to their estates and built
log houses; a total of 29, with less than half staying, meant possibly
fewer than 10 or 12 men.
Before the historian can deal intelligently with the housing prob-
lems, it is necessary to describe certain facts that contribute toward
a reconstruction of the situation under which individuals made their
choices. The Springfield (Mass.) Republican, August 11, 1854, re-
ported the return of Charles H. Branscomb, the man who acted as
conductor of the first party to Kansas, and the story that followed
this announcement was apparently based upon an interview or upon
his authority. In this context the following paragraph is important:
A meeting of the pioneer party of emigrants to Kansas, was held at their
camping ground, seven miles beyond the Wakarusa river, on the 1st inst., at
which, after a full discussion as to the advantages and capacities of the encamp-
ment for a future town site, it was voted to make a stand at that place, and
to proceed to make claims upon the land, with the understanding that the
emigrant company at home would make the spot thus selected the base of
their future operations, and would forthwith, or at as early a day as possible,
forward men and money to carry out their grand enterprise. The party was
organized by the choice of the necessary officers, and it was voted to com-
mence making claims to be distributed by lot on the morrow [August 2,
1854J.12
This account did not specify exactly what units of land were being
distributed by lot, whether town or farm land. An account of
September 24, signed "J. B.," however, did throw further light upon
the situation. Most of the second pioneer party, of about 135,
including women and children, arrived at Kansas City, September 6,
9. Boston Journal, August 30, 1854, letter signed "Charleston." — "Webb Scrapbooks,"
v. 1, p. 107. Louise Barry, "The Emigrant Aid Company Parties of 1854," Kansas Historical
Quarterly, v. 12, pp. 115-155, is the most reliable study of the several parties.
10. Boston Daily Bee, August 19, 1854. — "Webb Scrapbooks," v. 1, p. 96.
11. Boston Sunday News, September 10, 1854. — "Webb Scrapbooks," v. 1, p. 123.
12. Springfield Daily Republican, August 11, 1854.— "Webb Scrapbooks," v. 1, p. 86.
EMERGENCY HOUSING AT LAWRENCE 37
and at the townsite of Lawrence between September 9 and 15. A
controversy between the two pioneer parties had developed, in
which the second challenged the monopoly over land claimed by
the first. The first party was charged with holding claims, not only
for themselves, but for their friends who were to follow. Being
more numerous, the second party compelled the first party to dis-
gorge under threat of setting up a rival town. The euphemistic ac-
count of the episode as reported for Eastern publicity follows:
A council of the two parties being called, a committee was appointed to devise
some plan by which both parties might form one association, with equal
advantages and privileges. This point on the Kansas river is undoubtedly the
most favorable for a town or city location that can be found in this part of the
territory, but was, together with adjoining lands, in the possession of, or claimed
by members of the first party. The second party, having the population and
funds to establish a town of some note, beside two steam saw mills to erect,
could not consent to give all to this* point, thus enriching the first party; them-
selves remaining as "outsiders" merely, but would sooner locate at some place
less favorable even. But this difficulty was happily obviated, by the report of
the Committee, which was unanimously agreed to, viz: The old party to throw
up all claims, and to receive compensation for their time and improvements.
Then, after reserving a city plot 2& miles on the river, east and west, and 1&
from the river south, the company were to proceed in surveying farm lots one
half mile square, equal to the number of claimants in both parties. The choice
of these lots to be sold to the highest bidder; sufficient time being given for
payment, to enable all to bid, whether rich or poor. Besides the farm lots,
each person is to receive an equal share in the city property when surveyed.
The bids for choice were from $1, (the lowest,) to $327, which was I believe
the highest — the whole amounting to over $5000. Meantime, the parties
formed an Association, adopted a Constitution, and elected officers. . . .
The association mentioned above was the second squatters
association, or, as it was now called, "The Lawrence Association,"
formed by the Emigrant Aid Company colonists. It had the appear-
ance of a general squatters association rather than a town company.
Charles Robinson was elected president of this Lawrence Associa-
tion.13
The "Recollections of 1854" of Joseph Savage, published in 1870,
described the formation of the Lawrence Association September 18,
adding explanations that were not explicit in the constitution:
Seventy-nine members were that day enrolled on the books of the Lawrence
association, as entitled to equal shares in the lots of the city. Anyone present
that day could, by registering his name, have become a member of the associa-
tion, and our titles to city lots still date back to this time.
After that time no one could become a member without buying his right,
or being voted into the association as a member.
13. Boston Journal, October 6, 1854. — "Webb Scrapbooks," v. 1, p. 158.
38 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Savage described also the auction of the choice farm claims on
September 21, 56 of them being sold, after which there were no
further bids. Some ignored the regulations and took possession of
claims. Later it turned out that none of the bid money was ever
collected. On the same day, September 21, A. D. Searl was elected
surveyor, and work was begun under his direction the next day,
surveying farm claim boundaries with Main street (Massachusetts
street) as the base meridian.14
The manuscript minutes, kept by John Christie Archibald, of the
Common Council of Lawrence, September 22 to October 21, 1854,
have been preserved, with a title page "Record of the Pioneers of
the City of Lawrence." 15 On October 16 the decision was reached
that persons who had left the territory were entitled to city lots only
if they returned for the territorial election for delegate to congress.
On the following day, October 17, the committee on drawing of lots
was selected and the list of names of persons entitled to participate
was approved. Twelve lots were awarded to the first pioneer party,
and the committee on adjustments between the first and second
pioneer parties made awards to 14 persons. From the context of
the secretary's minutes, the impression is left that the proceedings
applied only to city property. In any case, if any confirmation were
needed, this record emphasizes the demoralizing effect of this situ-
ation upon construction of shelters against the winter which was
already closing in upon the new settlement.
The third party of colonists, upward of 200, arrived in Kansas
City, October 7, 1854. They were highly dissatisfied at difficulties
encountered en route, at the lack of preparations to accommodate
them at Kansas City, and at the news that they could not share
equally with the first two parties in the Lawrence Association. Only
about one third of this party established themselves in Kansas.16
S. F. Tappan wrote, October 14:
The city is designed to be two miles square, divided off into city lots of % of
an acre each. After land has been reserved for public buildings, and other
public purposes, something over 9000 lots will remain for distribution. The
Emigrant Aid Co. are to have % of the lots, % are in the hands of a Board of
Trustees, to be given away to persons that will build upon them within a year.
Each member of the last party [third] is to receive two lots. Each member of
the two first parties receives about thirty lots. Most if not all of the members
of the three parties, have taken up farm claims containing 160 acres within ten
miles of this city.17
14. Joseph Savage, "Recollections of 1854," loc. cit., July 14, 21, 1870.
15. This material was acquired by the library of the University of Kansas, in 1953,
from a granddaughter living at Benson, Vt.
18. Louise Barry, loc. cit., pp. 137-139.
17. Boston Atlas, November 1, 1854.— "Webb Scrapbooks," v. 2, p. 1.
EMERGENCY HOUSING AT LAWRENCE 39
On the basis of this, the third agreement about distribution of
land, the drawing of city lots was held October 17, 1854.18
The fourth party of some 230 selected a site on Rock creek, in
present Pottawatomie county for a new settlement, but the project
failed. The fifth party arrived in Kansas City, November 19, and
were accommodated in Kansas City and Parkville while a com-
mittee undertook to find a location. Apparently the members dis-
persed widely. The sixth party of 30 persons arrived in Lawrence
in installments early in December, where they constructed living
quarters. Several of these participated in founding Topeka.19
Even at the expense of some duplication of information it may be
profitable to narrate the land distribution story from the E. D. Ladd
letters, because they provide continuity by one person, which is a
variant from the others. The letter of September 19 described the
adoption of the constitution and government of the "Lawrence Asso-
ciation of Kansas Territory/' September 18, 19, and the merging of
the first two companies:
The claims which had been made were to be surrendered, including a large
number on fictitious names for the benefit of those who should follow, and the
choice of them was to be sold at public auction, the proceeds to go into the city
treasury. The members of the united party are to share equally in the city lots.
The city, extending two miles along the river, and one and one
half miles deep, three square miles, was to be divided equally, in
addition to their farm lots. The sale held that day, September 19,
yielded $5,043, according to Ladd's figures, the first choice selling
for $252.50; the second for $180; the llth for $327, the highest bid
of the sale; the 17th for $165; but when the 57th was offered no bids
were made and the sale was closed.20
In his letter of October 4, Ladd explained the city lot distribution
as provided by a meeting of the Lawrence Association the previous
evening. The estimate had been made that of the three sections of
land, 1,920 acres, divided into city blocks and streets, the streets
would occupy 604 acres, leaving 1,316 acres of lots. If the lots were
50 x 125 feet, there would be 9,212 of them. One fourth of the lots
were voted to the Emigrant Aid Company, which expected to sell
them at an average price of $50 per lot, or $100,000. One tenth of
the remaining lots, or 99 acres, were assigned for city purposes, such
as schools and three parks, one of which was to include 43 acres.
18. A. T. Andreas and W. G. Cutler, History of Kansas (Chicago, 1883), p. 315.
19. Louise Barry, loc. cit., pp. 145-155.
20. Milwaukee Daily Sentinel, October 4, 1854. A microfilm copy of these letters was
acquired by the Kansas Territorial Centennial Committee from the Wisconsin State Historical
Society. Some other accounts give this sale date as September 21.
40 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Six hundred lots were set aside for donations to those who would
improve them as specified by the city council. The remainder,
5,621 lots, were to be divided equally among about 90 men, or an
average of 62/2 lots (nine acres) each. The distribution, including
those to the Emigrant Aid Company, was to be made according to
three or four grades of desirability. Dissatisfaction was expressed
that the number of donation lots was too small, but individuals were
understood to be willing to contribute additions to that class.21
Again on October 17 another change was made in the distribution
plan: "Every alternate lot on the city plat is drawn for the members
of the Association, leaving the balance alternately for the E. A. Co.,
and for gratuitous distribution. The first drawal, of one lot each in
the first class took place a few days since [October 17], for the pur-
pose of giving members a chance to build on their own lots."
The second drawing of lots occurred just prior to the territorial
delegate election of November 29 and the exodus of the next day.
Some 450 lots were then distributed to members, which, at the same
time furnished for gratuitous distribution one half that number. Thus
step by step distribution was to be effected as the survey of the city
site progressed.22
Thus far the controversies described have been those within the
New England Company group. The controversy with the four
original claimants to the townsite was settled in April, 1855, by
dividing the townsite into 220 shares; 100 divided equally among
the four claimants, 110 held by the Lawrence Town Associa-
tion, and 10 held by the Emigrant Aid Company.23 The Kansas
Free State editorial, April 30, 1855, reported: "The shares have
been made up and drawn so that all can see at once where their
lots lie/* Furthermore, the editor remarked anyone could now
improve, sell, or give away his lot. Thus one of the blights of
uncertainty of which Editor Miller had complained, March 17,
was removed. Also, he urged lot holders to adopt a liberal
policy in order to hasten the development of the town. Lest
it appear that this may have been only a reflection of the Josiah
Miller and R. G. Elliot dissonance, a Herald of Freedom report of
two days earlier pointed out much the same interpretation of the
new agreement that the one fourth of the lots originally set aside for
distribution to persons who would agree to build within 18 months
structures costing $300 to $3,000, had been eliminated; and also,
21. Ibid., October 19, 1854.
22. E. D. Ladd letter, November 30, 1854, ibid., December 17, 1854.
23. Kansas Free State, Lawrence, April 7, 30, 1855.
EMERGENCY HOUSING AT LAWRENCE 41
that "for the future those wanting lots must buy them of the claim-
ants. The site is owned by about one hundred and twenty persons,
each holding from ten to two hundred lots."
EMERGENCY SHELTERS
As the present study is concerned with the history of housing
rather than land tenure, only enough of the land question is in-
cluded here as seemed essential to indicate clearly the atmosphere of
uncertainty, and its duration, within which an individual settler
found it necessary to decide where, when, and how, if at all, he
would spend his limited fund of money and labor in providing
shelter. Of course, a large portion, but the exact figures are not
available, abandoned Kansas altogether.24
The procedure of forcing the^ first party to disgorge must have dis-
rupted housing plans, as well as have had a demoralizing effect
upon those more self-reliant members of the first party who sup-
posedly had built, or who were building, log cabins on their farm
claims. Information is lacking, however, about who acquired such
improvements, or about whether the original squatters were actually
compensated. In view of the fact that bid money was not collected
after the auction, there would seem to be a reasonable doubt about
such payments. A letter writer, as of September 19, reported that
"all here are still living in tents. . . ." In this quotation, the
language is not clear whether the author meant "all here" of the party
in Kansas, or "all here" on the townsite as distinct from those who
might be living on farm claims. But, so far as housing on the town-
site was concerned, E. D. Ladd described the next major makeshift
resorted to by the company:
We have just finished [September 19] a large house which will be opened
Monday next [September 25] as a boarding house; board for members is $2.50
per week. It is constructed of poles, the roof thatched with prairie grass, and
the sides [inside?] and ends covered with cotton cloth. We are constructing
another similar to it for the occupation of the pioneer party, as they must sur-
render their tents on the arrival of the large party which is to leave Boston on
the 26th inst.25
These thatched tents or houses of the hen-coop type, were made by
pinning together poles about 20 feet long, raised to make an "A," and
along the sloping sides were nailed horizontal ribs. Tall grass was
mowed for thatching and was held in place by wire.26 The first of
24. Louise Barry's careful research affords the best information available.
25. Milwaukee Daily Sentinel, October 4, 1854; and Boston Atlas, October 14, 1854,
from the Milwaukee Daily Sentinel. The letter was dated September 19, 1854. — "Webb
Scrapbooks," v. 1, p. 162.
26. J. Savage, "Recollections of 1854," No. 4, loc. cit., July 14, 1870.
42 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
these was known as the Pioneer Boarding House, and the second as
the Church or Meeting House, 20 by 48 feet,27 but both were used
for general shelter and sleeping quarters. Other structures, not
clearly described, were referred to in some narratives.
Ladd's description provides some basis for difference in interpreta-
tion of the form of the Pioneer Boarding House. The reference to
the sides being covered with cloth, might appear to mean vertical
sides, with the thatched roof set upon these walls. Two other ac-
counts are quite explicit, that of Mrs. C. I. H. Nichols (contempo-
rary) quoted later, and that of Savage written in 1870, that the
structure was "A" shaped and formed by poles extending from the
ground to the point of the roof. The suggestion is made above in
brackets, therefore, that the word sides may have referred to an
inside lining of cloth.
The species of trees available for building material in the vicinity
of the proposed town, according to John Doy, were "chiefly oak,
black-walnut and cotton wood.28 To cut this timber for frame
houses, the company had purchased a sawmill, to be shipped from
Rochester, N. Y. One of the colonists wrote, September 17, that
on Monday they would go to work on the sawmill and expected to
have it running in 30 days.29 On the basis of this program, settlers
had been assured of lumber for cabins. On the day of the auction
of farm claims, September 21, this pledge was repeated publicly by
Pomeroy, and a price of $10 per thousand feet was quoted as an
assurance to prospective bidders.80 Delivery of the sawmill was
delayed, however, and the company bought an inferior used sawmill
in Missouri. Early in October, Charles Robinson was quoted as ex-
pecting to have it in operation within three weeks. The Delaware
Indians on the opposite side of the river had promised a supply of
logs, and thus the settlers were supposed to have been assured of
frame houses instead of log cabins. The informant doubted whether
the sawmill would be in operation before winter set in.81 Inci-
dentally, these reports represented developments just prior to the
third agreement on land distribution and the drawing of lots October
17, which, as Ladd pointed out, made it possible, for the first time,
for members to build shelters on their own lots. The three parties
27. The Independent, New York, November 16, 1854. — "Webb Scrapbooks," v. 2,
p. 13.
28. Boston Puritan Recorder, September 14, 1854.—"Webb Scrapbooks," v. 1, p. 128.
29. Boston Daily Evening Traveller, October 24. 1854, from the Troy (N. Y.) Dotty
Traveller.— "Webb Scrapbooks," v. 1, p. 174.
30. J. Savage, loc. cit., July 21, 1870.
31. Boston Evening Traveller, October 19, 1854. — "Webb Scrapbooks." v. 1. p. 167.
EMERGENCY HOUSING AT LAWRENCE 43
sent out to Lawrence by this time, if all had remained, would have
numbered about 320 men, women, and children.
As of October 24, S. F. Tappan wrote that each member had
drawn lots a short time since, and commenced the erection of dwell-
ings: "The first frame house was erected a short time since. It is
owned by Rev. S. Y. Lum. Several log cabins are springing into
existence. People are busily employed on hewing timber for frame
houses. . . ." Tappan thought that the sawmill, with a daily
capacity of 4,000 feet of lumber would be in operation in about two
weeks.82 The term frame house was used loosely in this instance
and not in the professional architectural sense. Possibly, if not prob-
ably, some of the first of these frames had been hand hewn with the
intention of covering the frame with rough sawed lumber, but the
failure of the sawmill to materialize and the compulsion of cold
weather forced the substitution of other material. In the Lum
house, the framing timbers were hand hewn poles, to which hori-
zontal cross pieces were nailed, and to them in turn, split oak shakes
about four feet in length were nailed. The first cabins of shakes,
but on the hen-coop plan similar to the thatched houses built by the
company, only smaller, were erected supposedly about the time of
the Lum house, or just a little earlier. Instead of being covered with
thatch, the sloping walls were covered with shakes.33 Doors were
made of pole frames covered with cotton cloth. In some cases the
roofs were made of cotton cloth, sometimes coated with tar.
As winter closed in, and temperatures dropped, protection against
the wind and cold had to be made more effective. Apparently step
by step with the increasing rigors of winter, but always short of
adequacy, emergency experiments in weatherproofing were devised
to meet the challenge. The two big company shelters, the Pioneer
Boarding House, and the Meeting House, were protected at the
gable ends by laying up sod, the only opening left being a door and
a window, both covered with cloth. The sloping thatched roof
( sides ) of these "A" shaped structures were covered as a whole or
in part (accounts differ) with sod; later with tarred cloth.
On November 2, Mrs. C. I. H. Nichols, a woman's rights advocate
of some prominence, wrote from Lawrence:
I will not paint you the thatched cottages mingled with white tents and log
huts — for framed houses of the worthy citizens are yet to be built. I will not
speak of the house of religious worship, thatched from ridge-pole to base with
prairie grass, nor of the two "stores" where almost everything but ardent spirits
32. Kansas City Enterprise, October 28, 1854. — "Webb Scrapbooks," v. 1, p. 208.
33. Ibid.; J. Savage, "Recollections," loc. cit., August 18, 1870.
44 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
is to be had, I might tell you of steam saw and grist mills nearly ready for
use, and the large hotel, whose foundations are being laid; of streets staked out;
of public squares, college and church grounds.34
The fall and early winter of 1854-1855 had been dry and mild, but
on November 11, a snow storm and cold wave hit Lawrence sud-
denly. In his letter of that date, Ladd criticized sharply the neglect
of housing during the favorable weather. His little group had built
a log cabin, 12 x 14 feet, and heated it with a stove brought from
Wisconsin. But many lived in tents without heat:
Our city presents quite a gothic appearance in the style of its residences. Be-
sides the tents, there are a number of houses of the same form, varying in size,
covered with boards, as they are called here, that is, shingles, three to three
and a half feet long, unshaved; then we have others of the same tent form,
made of poles set in the ground, the tops meeting overhead and ribs nailed
on horizontally, in the same manner as those covered with boards, and then
thatched with prairie grass; then again we have some in the usual form of a
house, thatched all over, with cotton cloth, door and window, or without
window, as the door permits the admission of sufficient light for ordinary pur-
poses to the single-storied, single-roomed edifice. Before my window is a tent,
with poles set over it in the same form, thatched. [First baby born here.]
But to return to my description of tenements. There are some log houses
roofed with cotton cloth, tarred and sprinkled with sand; and others again in the
usual house form covered with the shingles or boards of which I spoke, put on in
the usual form of siding. On the gothic houses they are put on "up and down."
All this variety illustrates the old adage that "Necessity is the mother of
Invention." The only sawed board door in the city is in our house. We have
as yet no lumber. Our Sawmill is not yet in operation, having been delayed by
unforseen difficulties. It will be running in about a week. This delay has been
the occasion of a very great deal of inconvenience and suffering on the part of
settlers.
Lumber cost, at Kansas City, $55 per 1,000 feet, or delivered at
$75, but teams could not be spared to haul it, even if they were
willing to pay the cost. The sawmill was to furnish lumber at $15,
or saw logs furnished privately at $5 per 1,000 feet: "The boards will
be used as they come from the saw. Timber is too scarce to build
log houses of it." 35
On November 30, 1854, Ladd included a continuation of his archi-
tectural treatise: "The residences of our city, of which I gave you a
partial description in my last, have, since that time, put on a new
and strange appearance. Most of the tent-shaped buildings have a
covering of turf, cut up in square pieces and laid on; the former con-
34. Springfield Weekly Republican, November 18, 1854.— "Webb Scrapbooks," v. 2,
p. 14.
35. Milwaukee DaUy Sentinel, November 27, 1854.
EMERGENCY HOUSING AT LAWRENCE 45
dition not being considered a sufficient protection against the cold
of winter." 36
Several descriptions of Lawrence about December 1, 1854, have
been written. John Doy wrote on that date that 33 houses had re-
cently been erected, and that the sawmill was "actually running":
Our houses are built in all styles. We have some good houses built of
framed sticks, covered with oak boards four feet long; some are grass covered.
We also have sod houses and log houses; others are willow built and mud
covered; again, canvass is used, covered and tarred. We have, too, very
substantial stone buildings.37
One reason for this date, December 1, being the basis of several
descriptions was that many had determined to return to the East,
some with the intention of bringing their families in the spring. But
political considerations had intervened. The first election to be held
in the territory was that of November 29, to elect a delegate to
congress. The city of Lawrence put political pressure upon its mem-
bers by enacting an ordinance declaring forfeit all interest in the
city of anyone leaving prior to the election. November 30 became
therefore the day of exodus, and with the arrival of these returned
pioneers to their homes in the East, newspaper interviews and
settlers' stories filled the papers. Doy pointed out the reason for
the ordinance and its relation to the exodus. Several of these de-
scriptions ought to be printed, because each of them differs in de-
scribing the same thing, or aspects of the same thing, and apparently
there were individual differences in the structures themselves as
well as continuous changes in weatherproofing made in the hope of
more effectively shutting out the cold.
A. O. Carpenter, a son of Mrs. Nichols, wrote home to Vermont:
Many build in a shape similar to hencoops; first by erecting poles like the
rafters of a building, and then thatching them with prairie hay, or covering them
with split oak shingles. But these are very cold tenements, for the wind blows
straight through the thatch, and also through the cracks of the shingles, for
they do not lay very even. We have a meeting-house, and eating tent, and two
other buildings, built in the thatched fashion, by the Emigrant Aid Co., but
they are all partly sodded up since the last cold snap.38
About the time of Mrs. Nichols' return to "civilization" with the
December 1 exodus, she wrote a similar description, but included
some rather significant variations:
38. Ibid., December 12, 1854.
37. New York Tribune, December 14, 1854, letter dated December 1, 1854.— "Webb
Scrapbooks," v. 2, p. 52. This letter was printed in the second evening edition of the
Tribune (University of Kansas file), but not in the morning edition (Kansas State Historical
Society file).
38. Brattleboro (Vt.) Eagle, December 29, 1854.— "Webb Scrapbooks," v. 2, p. 124.
46 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
When I arrived here, like all the new comers, I was taken to a lodging-house
and supplied with plenty of prairie hay for a bed; and having come without
bedding — in my ignorance of the customs of the country — it was kindly loaned
me by a member of the city association. This lodging-house is made of poles or
small timbers, and in form and size reminds one of the stray [w] roof of a huge
warehouse. This pole-roof is thatched upon the outward side with prairie hay,
and is all hay and poles to the view inside. Cotton cloth covers the gable ends,
which have doors of the same material, nailed to pole frames. Since the
weather has grown cooler, and the wind whistled uncomfortably through the
hay roof, a laying of the dry, tough prairie sod has been put over the whole
building, and windows introduced into one end as a substitute for the darkened
cloth gables.
Later in her long story, Mrs. Nichols commented shrewdly:
Many have been sadly disappointed, not with the country, but in the means
necessary to avail themselves of its advantages. Great improvement has been
made in the appearance and the comforts of the place in the last two weeks.
Some twenty tenements have been finished, or nearly so, in that time. Two
thirds of these are of logs and frames, the clapboards and shingles being split,
or riven oak — the others of sod, with thatched roofs, and lined to some extent
with cotton cloth. The latter are the warmest and most comfortable to be had,
till the saw-mill shall give boards that can be fitted and keep out the wind, as
crooked split ones cannot. By the way, this saw-mill, whose long, though
necessarily delayed operation has been the cause of more discomfort and vexa-
tion than anything else, has been fixed up and commenced regular work.
In this blunt comment on the sawmill, Mrs. Nichols was not in-
dulging in damning the Emigrant Aid Company, because she closed
with this tribute:
I have been very kindly treated by the people here, and found the company's
agents sympathizing and ready to share their accommodations and extend them
as far as possible with their sparse materials, for the comfort of the emigrants.39
Furthermore, Mrs. Nichols vented her wrath upon those young
men with
less power of self -protection than the prairie mouse, having spent a single night
in the settlement, returned to 'print it in the papers.' There was no need of
suffering to any on the ground when I left, the 1st December, and I learn
from letters just received from my sons that buildings have rapidly multiplied
since I left.40
The Lawrence sod house needs a detailed description by a builder
of that type of structure. A. O. Carpenter's letter of December 3,
from which one quotation has already been made, wrote:
Oh men of the East! who have often looked with contempt upon the mud
cabins of the Irish railroad laborers, what would you say if you were to see
39. Boston Evening Telegraph, January 9, 1855, reprinted in the Herald of Freedom,
February 24, 1855.
40. Springfield (Mass.) Daily Republican, January 8, 1855, letter dated January 5,
1855. — "Webb Scrapbooks," v. 2, p. 138.
EMERGENCY HOUSING AT LAWRENCE 47
your friends who may have come to Kansas. I, my brother, and another young
man and his wife, all live in a sod house, 12 feet by 15. — There are several such
houses, or shanties, in the city, and about one half of the others have been
banked up several feet with sods. They are built in the following manner:
the ground is marked out to the size you wish your cabin, and then proceed
to dig up all the sods inside the foundation, and lay them upon the walls; when
all are dug inside then did[g] outside, till the walls are laid up about five feet
high, and two feet thick, then poles are procured and a roof put up, either two
or four sides, and ribs or small poles are nailed once in a foot, and the whole is
covered, first with prairie hay, and then with sods, with a skylight of cotton
cloth at the top. These houses are the warmest of any description yet built.41
A substantial variant in sod house building procedure is described
in the following, but it is evident that the technique was of a make-
shift order, a spade rather than a plow being used to turn the sod:
In this city there are a few houses built of sods and sticks, which are the
warmest places we can find on a cold windy day. The mode of building these
sod cabins is very simple and cheap!" First select a spot where good sod can
be obtained easily; then with an ax cut the turf into blocks two feet square;
then take a spade, put it under the surface about five inches, lift it up, and
place it as you would a stone in building stone fenses. When the walls are
high enough lay on the rafters in the usual form; then lay sticks across from
one rafter to another, about twelve inches apart; on top of these throw some
hay, and on the hay lay the sods. Cut in a door and window, and a stove will
make a comfortable house for the winter. A house of this kind all completed
has been purchased for eight dollars. Families have lived, and are living in
such houses here in Kansas. — Some of the cabins have nothing but cotton cloth
for roofs; and the last snow storm was very severe. The snow blew through
the roofs of several of the cabins; and when the inmates awoke in the morning
every thing was covered with snow in the house — a rather hard time for the
women and children.42
As the editor of the Herald of Freedom observed, January 13,
1855, the volume of cotton cloth sold indicated that it was used for
purposes other than those customary in the East. Some purchasers
were said to buy ten pieces at a time. References to cotton cloth
appeared in several descriptions of emergency housing, not only as
canvas tents, but as muslin to cover the gable ends of the Pioneer
Boarding House, the Meeting House, windows, doors, and roofs.
The article noted above indicated three major uses: (1) roofing, (2)
inside finishing of walls, ( 3 ) doors. Until quite recently, the editor
said, covering for doors was its principal use. As roofing, the
muslin was coated with tar and a sprinkling of lime. As interior
finishing, the purpose was only partly to improve appearances, that
is, interior decoration, because if papered it was said to make a
warm and comfortable ceiling or wall. The Missouri river towns
41. Brattleboro (Vt.) Eagle, December 29, 1854. — "Webb Scrapbooks," v. 2, p. 124.
42. Herald of Freedom, February 10, 1855, letter to the editor.
48 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
must have carried a large stock of such material because river navi-
gation was closed during the winter, and no complaints of shortage
of muslin have been noted.
THE PASSING OF EMERGENCY SHELTERS
The passing of the emergency shelters came about in part from the
casualties incident to their very character, and generally through
replacement by more adequate structures. After a period of mild
weather following the two-inch snow and cold wave of November
11, another cold wave hit Lawrence, January 21 and 22, 1855, with
three or four inches of snow and near zero weather. Apparently the
heating facilities were overtaxed, and about noon Dr. Robinson's
office caught fire and burned: "It was built of sod and thatch, the
latter a very combustible substance, hence the fire. One end of the
tent was used as a school room." Mr. Fitch's free school had been
in operation only a few days, having opened on January 16.43
The same day the cry of fire aroused the town again. This time,
the Pioneer Boarding House was involved, the first of the Emigrant
Aid Company hen-coop structures. Because of the vagueness of the
language, and the difficulties of interpretation, the exact words of
the report are given:
The roof was covered with tarred cloth, and the conflagration spread almost
instantly over the entire building. . . . Notwithstanding all the efforts to
the contrary, the roof and a portion of the interior was consumed. The cook-
house was demolished, which prevented the flames from extending to that por-
tion of the structure used as a dining saloon.44
The Herald of Freedom, and the Kansas Free State had not been
clear about the exact dating of the two fires, but Ladd's letter of
January 22 stated explicitly that both occurred that day. The source
of the Robinson fire was described specifically: "The fire originated
in the thatch around the stove pipe." Likewise, in the case of the
Pioneer Boarding House: "It was covered with tarred cloth and
took [fire] from the stove pipe. The whole of the second story with
its contents was destroyed." Saved was "the boarding hall, covered
with thatch, connected with the burning building by a cook house
with canvass roof, and only some 12 or 15 feet from it. ... Had
the hall taken fire, another building of equal size, occupied by
families, a few feet from the opposite end of it, must have been
destroyed with it." 45
43. Ibid., January 27, 1855; Kansas Free State, January 24, 1855.
44. Herald of Freedom, January 27, 1855.
45. Milwaukee Daily Sentinel, February 16, 1855.
NOTES ON THE J. E. RICE PEN SKETCHES OF LAWRENCE, KANSAS
J. E. Rice, the artist who drew the two pen sketches of Lawrence, repro-
duced here, came to Kansas with the first New England Emigrant Aid Company
party in the spring of 1855, arriving about April 1. Beyond the fact that he
was credited to Roxbury, Mass., as his point of origin, Louise Barry in her
study of Emigrant Aid Company parties of 1855 (Kansas Historical Quarterly,
v. 12, p. 233) did not find anything about him.
The history of the original pen sketches is not known, nor whether they
have survived. They are represented only in reproductions, those nearest the
originals being albumin process prints, from which both of the present pictures
are made. The general view, "Lawrence, Kansas, A. D. 1854-5" as reproduced
here was made under the supervision of Prof. Robert Taft, by the Photographic
Bureau of the University of Kansas from a copy, size 20/z by 13% inches, owned
by the Lawrence Public Library. The sketch of "Part of Lawrence, Kansas,
1855" is made by Wolfe's Camera and Photo Shops, Topeka, from the better
of two copies, size 13/s by 8/s inches, owned by the Kansas State Historical
Society. So far as known to the present writer, the latter sketch has not before
been printed. The general view of Lawrence, however, has been reproduced
in half-tone, 8 by 4 inches, in Richard Cordley's History of Lawrence, Kansas,
published by E. F. Caldwell, at Lawrence, 1895, and again, from the same
plate, by E. F. Caldwell, compiler and publisher, A Souvenir History of Law-
rence, Kansas, 1898. All of these reproductions of the general view, including
the present one, from the Lawrence Public Library copy of the albumin print,
are modified from the original by the fact that the ferry at the foot of New
Hampshire street was drawn in with black ink. In the original there is no
indication that the ferry was shown at all.
The dates essential to a satisfactory interpretation of these sketches are
wanting. When were the pen sketches drawn? When were the albumin
prints made? According to Professor Taft, the albumin print process was used
between about 1860 and 1885. According to these limiting dates, the present
writer suggests that the Quarter-Centennial celebration of 1879 would have
afforded a suitable occasion for such reproductions, but thus far the positive
evidence is wanting. The critical question about these pen sketches, however,
is the date and circumstances of the original drawings. Obviously, they could
not have been done prior to Rice's arrival in Kansas, about April 1, 1855.
There is no reason to believe that Rice identified the buildings. The first
identifications appear to have been supplied when the albumin prints were
made, and the Caldwell labels did not agree altogether with the earlier naming.
On the Lawrence Public Library copy of the general view, No. 8 was called
Charles Robinson's office, and No. 9 the Pioneer Boarding House. On the
Caldwell reproductions, the identification of No. 9 was dropped out, and No.
8 was called the Pioneer Boarding House. The same doubt about accuracy of
identification applies to the sketch of a part of Lawrence as relates to the
Pioneer Boarding House, and the vertical side wall, shown so clearly there,
adds to the doubt about the label. However, in showing vertical sides the
artist might have erred, because fire had destroyed all or part of it. But, both
Robinson's Office and the Pioneer Boarding House, or one unit of connected
structures, had burned January 22, 1855. It is not unreasonable to suspect
that old settlers disagreed about these identifications. No. 2 was labeled the
Kansas Free State office, but on the earlier reproduction, No. 17 was described
as the old printing office of Miller and Elliott. The location of the Kansas
Free State at No. 12 Massachusetts street, near the post office, was recorded
by that paper July 2, 1855, but no mention has been found of when the struc-
ture labeled No. 2 in the sketch was built and the move made. Also, Paul R.
Brooks moved his store to the post-office building May 25, 1855, according to
an advertisement in the Kansas Free State, May 28. Furthermore, according
to the same newspaper, June 4, 1855, the ferry commenced business about
that week. A sketch drawn in April or May, 1855, would not have included it.
The conclusion is inescapable that the general view of Lawrence in the Rice
pen sketches does not represent exactly the appearance of the town at any
particular time, but combines in the same sketch, buildings of 1854 which no
longer existed, with structures built during 1855. Although it is important
not to take these details too literally, or too seriously, the pen sketches do
appear to visualize reasonably well the general appearance of Lawrence and
its buildings about April or May, 1855. The position of the artist would have
been at the New England Emigrant Aid Company Hotel, the present Eldridge
Hotel, at Seventh and Massachusetts streets, and the three streets shown, from
left to right, are Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, the Pioneer
Boarding House location being near the present Robinson Park at the river
bridgehead.
Identifications of structures shown in the J. E. Rice pen sketch, "Lawrence,
Kansas, A. D. 1854-5," from the Lawrence Public Library copy of the albumin
print:
"LAWRENCE, KANSAS, A. D. 1854-5"
1. First house built in Lawrence. — P. R. Brooks' store and Commission House.
2. Kansas Free State Office.
3. Herald of Freedom Office; the first newspaper, on the site of Simpson's
Bank.
4. Emigrant Aid Office.
5. P. R. Brooks' Store occupied in part by the first Post Office. — C. W.
Babcock, Postmaster.
6. S. N. Simpson's Land and Lumber Office; also used for Emigrant Aid Of-
fice, 1st Sabbath School, 2 Secret Societies, Prayer Meetings, etc.
7. Hoyt's Residence.
8. Dr. C. ( ex-Gov. ) Robinson's Office.
9. First Hotel (Pioneer House, Litchfield & Burson [Burleigh], Proprietors).
10. J. G. Sands, Harness and Saddle repair shop.
11. Charles Stearns eating house.
12. First Church. — S. Y. Lum, Pastor.
13. Emigrant Aid Mill.
14. T. Sampson's Meat Market.
15. S. N. Simpson's Residence.
16. St. Nicholas House.— S. Fry, Prop'r.
17. Miller & Elliot's Old Printing Office.
18. S. & F. Kimball's Residence.
0. Ferry. Baldwin Bros. Props.
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EMERGENCY HOUSING AT LAWRENCE 49
The Herald of Freedom thought the boarding house would be in
operation again within a few days. This leaves some question about
just how much was destroyed, but also it suggests that the structure
had already undergone a transformation not entered into the pre-
vious record. First, it had been thatched, then sod covered, and
now it was described as roofed with tarred cloth, which, like the
thatch was "a very combustible substance." In any case, the struc-
ture does not appear to have been rebuilt.
On March 31, 1855, the Herald of Freedom expressed regrets at
the poor accommodations that must be offered newcomers, but as-
sured them that
Those who have just come among us, can form but an ill conception, from
what they experience, of the discomforts experienced by the pioneers who ar-
rived here late last autumn, without shelter of any kind, else in tents or huts of
ruder construction than any now visible, with the severities of the prairie winter
before them.
Obviously, there was an important truth in this effort at optimism,
but also, there were still visible evidences of that original crudeness
of shelters. The same paper recorded, April 7, that:
The large cabin, technically known as the "meeting house/' in this place, has
been lined in the inside with cloth, and put in a very good condition for the
reception and lodging of those who come into the Territory with no other means
of shelter. With blankets and buffalo robes, which must be supplied by the
lodgers, a person can make himself very comfortable for a time. . . .
Two weeks later Editor Brown felt impelled to issue a warning
about the original emergency shelters still visible. There had been
no spring rains, and "none of any account has fallen in the Territory
since May last/' but he predicted that when the rain did come it
would pour, and "Those occupying mud and straw-thatched cabins
should take care to be out of them before a heavy rain falls." The
following week another fire was reported, burning an unoccupied
thatched cabin. September 15, the Herald of Freedom recorded the
burning, two days earlier, of the Meeting House. This was the last
of the major examples of the original emergency architecture. Editor
Brown had hoped that some one would take a daguerreotype of this
"singular structure/' but it had not been done, and it was now too
late:
We are conscious that many who shared the hospitality afforded by that tene-
ment, cursed it and its originators, but it always looked to us like a child cursing
its parent. Rude and uncouth as was that hay-thatched and partly-mud-covered
hovel, it shut out the storm to a great extent when there was no other place to
resort to for shelter. Houses, there were none.
4—1875
The Annual Meeting
THE 78th annual meeting of the Kansas State Historical So-
ciety and board of directors was held in the rooms of the
Society on October 20, 1953.
The meeting of the directors was called to order by President
Robert Taft at 10 A. M. First business was the reading of the an-
nual report by the secretary:
SECRETARY'S REPORT, YEAR ENDING OCTOBER 20, 1953
At the conclusion of last year's meeting, the newly elected president, Robert
Taft, reappointed John S. Dawson and T. M. Lillard to the executive committee.
The members holding over were Charles M. Correll, Robert C. Rankin, and
Wilford Riegle.
Five members of the Society's board of directors died during the past year:
Dr. Edward Bumgardner, Lawrence; John Redmond, Burlington; W. E.
Stanley, Wichita; W. F. Thompson, Topeka; and Miss Lorraine E. Wooster,
Salina. Stanley served as president of the Society in 1943. All were long-
time friends and members of the Society, and their passing is recorded with
sincere regret.
Robert F. Beine, a member of the Society's staff for nearly ten years, died
July 4, 1953, after an illness of several weeks. He was employed in the news-
paper and census divisions during his entire period of service, and was a
capable and conscientious worker.
On September 12 your secretary accepted for the State Historical Society
a plaque placed near Fairport, in northwest Russell county, to commemorate
the discovery of oil in the Russell area. The monument is located at the site
of the Carrie Oswald Well No. 1. Oil was discovered there in 1923 and the
well is still producing.
THE TERRITORIAL CENTENNIAL
Next year, 1954, marks the 100th anniversary of the opening of Kansas terri-
tory to white settlement. In order that Kansans might properly celebrate the
occasion, Governor Arn appointed a Kansas Territorial Centennial Committee
to make recommendations and to coordinate plans for state-wide observances.
Dr. Robert Taft of Lawrence, president of the Historical Society, was named
chairman of the committee, and Charles M. Correll of Manhattan, a former
president and now a member of the Society's executive committee, was named
vice-chairman. Twenty-five other Kansans, including your secretary, were
also appointed. Of these nearly half are members of the Historical Society.
The Society will, of course, cooperate to the utmost to make the centennial
year a success. All members of the staff will assist with research upon request
of local groups, and will aid the governor's committee in any project it under-
takes. The centennial committee's operating fund of $10,000, appropriated by
the 1953 Kansas legislature, is being administered through the Society as far
as bookkeeping and other paper work are concerned. Other Society services
will be offered as needed, and as time and other duties permit.
As a member of Governor Arn's special commission on scenic, historic, and
(50)
THE ANNUAL MEETING 51
recreational points of interest, your secretary has participated in its discussions,
and particularly in planning for additional historical markers in Kansas. The
State Highway Commission, which bore the cost of the wooden markers erected
in 1940-1941, is continuing its co-operation by gradually replacing them with
more durable and attractive metal markers. Revision of text, when necessary,
is done by the Historical Society.
Because this program is one of replacement only, and no additional markers
can be erected at this time, it became necessary to devise a simple and speedy
way to mark more of the state's historic sites in time for visitors during the
centennial year. It was decided to mark sites of general interest by means of
directional signs, also furnished by the Highway Commission, with texts by
the Historical Society. The markers name the site and indicate its direction
and distance from the highway. Sites thus marked must be on all-weather
roads, and at the sites there must be something for travelers to see. Several
directional signs of this type are already in place, and the program is expected
to continue until all major accessible historic sites are adequately marked.
APPROPRIATIONS
For the biennium beginning July 1 the 1953 Kansas legislature granted an-
nual increases of $500 each in the Society's contingent fund, the fund for main-
tenance of the Memorial building, and the fund for book purchases. An
appropriation of $750 was received for roof repairs, and $650 was added to a
grant by the previous legislature for modernization of the main electrical switch-
board.
Budget requests of $26,000 for electrical repairs and $48,000 for replace-
ment of the old glass stack floors with steel were denied. As mentioned in last
year's report, the glass floors have deteriorated to the danger point and should
be replaced before a serious accident occurs. The same is true of the electrical
wiring in the building. These requests must therefore be submitted again when
the next legislature meets. In addition, it probably will be necessary to ask a
substantial sum for plumbing repairs, since water lines in many places are badly
corroded and leaks and broken joints are becoming more and more frequent.
No new appropriation was asked for continuing the Annals of Kansas, since
funds on hand will be sufficient to complete the editorial work on this project.
However, an appropriation of $20,000 was received for publishing the first
volume of a two-volume set.
By action of the newly created state finance council, salary increases for
most of the staff amounting to about five per cent were granted.
At the Shawnee Mission in Kansas City, the contingent fund was increased
$500 a year and funds were allocated for waterproofing and interior painting of
the East building and construction of a sewer line.
A contingent fund of $1,500 a year was authorized for the Kaw Mission at
Council Grove and a similar fund of $750 per year was approved for the First
Capitol, Fort Riley, in addition to the regular civil service salaries of the cus-
todians. An appropriation of $1,000 was also made for repairs and improve-
ments to the First Capitol and the caretaker's cottage.
LIBRARY
During the year 3,217 persons did research in the library. This was about
250 more than the previous year. Of these, 1,259 worked on Kansas subjects,
1,212 on genealogy, and 846 on general subjects. Many inquiries were answered
52 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
by letter, and 144 packages on Kansas subjects were sent out from the loan file.
A total of 5,331 clippings were mounted, and 1,504 pages from early clipping
volumes were remounted. Seven daily newspapers were read and clipped regu-
larly, and 2,200 other single issues of newspapers were read.
Gifts were received from the Children of American Colonists, Daughters of
American Colonists, Daughters of the American Revolution, the Woman's Kan-
sas Day Club, and the Topeka Public Library. A valuable collection of pictures,
clippings, pamphlets, and letters relating to the activities of A. K. Longren,
Topeka pioneer airplane builder, was given by E. J. Longren of Topeka. Sev-
eral volumes of scrapbooks of Charles B. Driscoll were received from Bernard
D. Blood of New York City, and from the Wichita Public Library. The Dolly
Curtis Gann estate, through Mrs. Webster Knight, II, of Providence, R. I., gave
13 volumes of scrapbooks on Charles Curtis and his family. Emory Lindquist,
now of Wichita, gave several books and pamphlets pertaining to Lindsborg and
Bethany College. A file of Petersons Magazine was given by Mrs. Henry Blake
of Topeka. Several Kansas books and genealogies were also given by in-
dividuals.
Microfilm copies of the following are now available in the library: The
Smashers Mail, Topeka, March-December, 1901, a newspaper edited by Carry
A. Nation; Crevecoeur, Ferdinand F., "Old Settlers' Tales — Historical and Bio-
graphical Sketches of the Early Settlement and Settlers of Northeastern Pottawa-
tomie and Southwestern Nemaha Counties, Kansas, From Earliest Settlement
to the Year 1877," and Emporia chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution,
"Tombstone Inscriptions of Lyon County, Vol. 2."
PICTURE COLLECTION
During the year 578 pictures were added to the picture collection. Among
those received were an oil painting of Charles Curtis from the Dolly Curtis
Gann estate; a painting of Col. Andrew S. Rowan, who carried the message to
Garcia, from the Woman's Kansas Day Club; a collection of 87 picture post
cards, largely scenes of Anthony, Kan., from Mrs. Neal D. Jordan; a collection
of pictures of Lindsborg and Bethany College from Emory Lindquist, and
copies of 45 pictures of early Sheridan county scenes, the originals lent by
Jesse Pratt of Studley.
ARCHIVES DIVISION
The following public records were transferred during the year to the archives
division:
Source Title Dates Quantity
Agriculture, Board of . . . Statistical Rolls of Coun-
ties 1946 1,545 vols.
Statistical Rolls of Cities. . 1952 1,565 vols.
Auditor's Office Fiscal Reports from Direc-
tors and Wardens of
State Penitentiary .... 1872-1878 6 vols.
Correspondence: School
Indemnity Lands 1878-1889 1 vol.
Correspondence: Surveyor
General for Kansas and
Nebraska 1855, 1856
1868, 1869 2 pkgs.
THE ANNUAL MEETING 53
Source Title Dates Quantity
Auditor's Office Account Books: Surveyor
General for Kansas and
Nebraska 1854-1857 2 vols.
Railroad Assessments
(Counties) 1869, 1870 1 vol.
Transcript of Proceedings
on Improvement of Fort-
to-Fort Highway, Leav-
enworth and Wyandotte
Counties 1922 1 vol.
Budget Director and
Accountant Correspondence 1897-1899 1 vol.
Fire Marshal Correspondence Files 1926-1945 1 box
Governor's Office Correspondence Files .... 1951 7 transfer
cases
Insurance Department . . * Annual Statements 1946 53 vols.
* Admission Statements . . 1946 1 vol.
Penitentiary Ledger Book 1878-1885 1 vol.
Traveling Libraries
Commission Correspondence: Library
Rehabilitation Committee, 1951, 1952 1 box
Annual reports were received from the State Bank Commissioner, the Corpo-
ration Commission, the State Printer, and the Labor Department for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 1953. Copies of the Eisenhower "Inaugural Prayer" and
of House Concurrent Resolution No. 5 were received from the legislature.
When Johnson county officials moved into a new courthouse last winter, the
Society co-operated with them by removing many of the important older records
for screening and inventorying. Ninety-five bound volumes and several boxes
containing records of the probate court, district court, county clerk, county
treasurer, and register of deeds were brought to Topeka. Present plans call
for microfilming the bulk of these county archives and disposing of much of the
original material.
The Topeka office of the United States Weather Bureau transferred 97
volumes of daily weather maps and forecasts, dating from 1900 to 1948.
All state records received by the Society during the year have been screened
and arranged in the archives stacks.
In addition to work done on recent records, some progress has been made
in organizing the tremendous backlog of material that has accumulated in
past years. The letters and papers of the Board of Railroad Commissioners,
1880-1905, have been arranged chronologically, labeled and are ready for use.
Correspondence and reports of the Labor Department, 1919-1942, are also
arranged and labeled. Work is progressing on the files of the Insurance De-
partment, which date from 1863 to the 1920's.
The U. S. census for 1860, Kansas territory, and the state census for 1875
have been rebound. As a precautionary measure, the 1860 census was micro-
filmed before it was sent to the bindery, although the original volumes are still
in regular use. The 1875 census was filmed two years ago.
* Microfilmed and originals destroyed.
56 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
dated January 10, 1855; Vol. 1, No. 1, of the Weekly Bulletin, Atchison, dated
June 20, 1861; and Vol. 3, No. 17, of the Atchison Union, dated September 7,
1861. Miss E. E. Terry, Olathe, gave two issues of The Highwayman, pub-
lished by the 23d Engineer regiment, A. E. F., October 11 and November 22,
1918, and 34 issues of the Stars and Stripes, published in France in 1918 and
1919.
Donors of miscellaneous newspapers during the year included Mrs. Sam
Keating and Annie B. Sweet, Topeka; Mrs. Hale Houts, Kansas City, Mo.;
Spirituelle Club, Kingsdon; J. C. Ruppenthal, Russell; Mrs. A. E. Ferguson,
Puenti, Cal.; Mrs. Chas. R. Bell, Wellington; and Mrs. J. L. Simpson, Selma.
MUSEUM
Attendance in the museum for the year was 38,328. There were 35 acces-
sions.
The Dolly Gann estate donated several items belonging to the late Charles
Curtis, including a silver tray inscribed with the autographs of his associates
in the United States senate, two gavels, a vice-presidential flag, and a portrait
which is now hanging in the main lobby.
Two presses and other early-day printing equipment were received from
C. A. Grinell and son, Harold, of Americus, who used the articles for many
years in the publication of their newspaper, the Americus Greeting.
Other objects of interest include a cane belonging to Abram Burnett, famous
Pottawatomie Indian for whom Burnett's Mound was named, given by Lee
Burnett and Miss Tawana Burnett, Shawnee, Okla., and Mrs. Kathryn Tully,
Stillwater, Okla.; a splint-bottom chair used on the "underground railway" in
Kansas, donated by Raymond T. Schaffer of Atchison through Will T. Beck,
Holton; a Wells Fargo Express chest from the estate of Charles Elwell; and a
set of doll dishes of the 1870's belonging to the late Mrs. H. A. Perry, Topeka,
given by her daughters, Mrs. Eldon Sloan, Topeka, Miss Frances Perry, New
York, and Mrs. Arthur Peine, Manhattan.
A portrait of Catherine H. Smith, wife of the Free-State governor-elect of
Kansas under the Lecompton constitution, was cleaned and relined by James
Roth, an expert associated with the William Rockhill Nelson Gallery of Art in
Kansas City, Mo. This painting has been described by one authority as "the
most charming early American portrait" he has ever seen. The artist is un-
known. The State Historical Society received the painting in 1926 from Mrs.
Wilder Metcalf .
Following the death in 1952 of Edith Smelser, for many years curator of the
museum, Charles E. Holman, II, was employed as director. Mr. Holman, a
Kansan, has a master's degree from Stanford University. He has had museum
experience at Stanford and with the Nelson Gallery in Kansas City. Mrs. Joan
B. Foth also has joined the staff as assistant director. She is a graduate of
Barnard college, Columbia University, and has recently been employed in the
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Work is progressing on rearrangement of displays to increase their educa-
tional value, and new labels are being made for many of the exhibits.
ANNALS OF KANSAS
Twenty-five years of the new Annals of Kansas, which will eventually cover
the period 1886 to 1925, inclusive, are ready for final reading before the manu-
script goes to the printer. An appropriation to cover publication costs for one
THE ANNUAL MEETING 57
volume, probably to include the years 1886 to 1910, was made by the 1953
legislature, but an additional appropriation will be necessary for publication of
the second volume. The legislature stipulated that except for a few compli-
mentary copies to state officials all volumes shall be sold. In this way it is
expected that the publishing costs will be returned to the state. It is hoped,
however, that members of the Kansas State Historical Society may buy copies
at a reduction.
During the year an estimated 925,000 words have been read and revised,
and much additional copy has been rechecked and made ready for final editing.
In addition to the Annals staff, consisting of Kirke Mechem, editor, Miss Jennie
Owen, chief annalist, and James Sallee, assistant annalist, three other members
of the Society's staff have read the manuscript. It is expected that the book
will be released for sale during the 1954 centennial year.
Compilation of the Annals was begun in 1945, when the legislature made the
first appropriation for the work. The original Annals committee was composed
of Fred Brinkerhoff, Pittsburg; the late Cecil Howes, Topeka; Dr. James C.
Malin, University of Kansas; and Jugtice William A. Smith of the Kansas Su-
preme Court. Miss Owen has been chief annalist since the beginning of the
project.
SUBJECTS FOR RESEARCH
Extended research during the year included the following persons and sub-
jects: James G. Blunt; Chester I. Long; E. H. Madison; Jotham Meeker; Samuel
Reader; Oregon trail; Bent's Fort; Dalton gang; the Delaware, Ottawa, and
Pawnee Indians; Kaw Indian agency; Kansas and Osage Indian villages; Potta-
watomie Indian lands in Anderson county; problems of early Indian migration
and missions; the first Baptist mission in Kansas; the First Congregational church
in Topeka; histories of Fort Riley, Enterprise, Randolph community, Hillsboro,
and Gnadenau; histories of Atchison, Ness, and Pratt counties, Leavenworth
and its school system, Ottawa University, Gunnison county, Colorado, and the
Connecticut Kansas colony; economic history of south central Kansas; Kansas
in 1868; interpretations of Kansas territorial history by Kansas writers; ranching
in Kansas; football in Kansas; the Kansas Pacific railroad; the Democratic party
in Kansas; anti-horse thief associations; Waconda Springs.
ACCESSIONS
October 1, 1952, to September 30, 1953
Library:
Books 991
Pamphlets 1,388
Magazines (bound volumes) 216
Archives :
Separate manuscripts 21,500
Manuscript volumes 3,272
Manuscript maps None
Reels of microfilm 22
Private manuscripts:
Separate manuscripts 450
Volumes 48
Reels of microfilm 11
Printed maps, atlases and charts 405
58 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Newspapers ( bound volumes ) 664
Reels of microfilm 718
Pictures 578
Museum objects 35
TOTAL ACCESSIONS, SEPTEMBER 30, 1953
Books, pamphlets, newspapers (bound and microfilm reels), and
magazines 455,713
Separate manuscripts (archives) 1,815,311
Manuscript volumes (archives) 64,925
Manuscript maps (archives) 583
Microfilm reels ( archives ) 762
Printed maps, atlases, and charts 10,111
Pictures 26,541
Museum objects 33,572
THE QUARTERLY
The 20th bound volume of The Kansas Historical Quarterly, which is now in
its 22d year, will be ready for distribution early in 1954. It will consist of the
eight numbers of the Quarterly appearing in 1952 and 1953.
Insufficient printing appropriations made it necessary during the past bien-
nium to reduce the number of pages in the Quarterly and to include eight num-
bers in a volume instead of the usual four. It was hoped that the 1953 legis-
lature would remedy this situation, and an adequate amount was requested
when the printing budget was made up. However, not only was the desired
increase denied, but the fund was cut even further. It will therefore again
be necessary to bind eight numbers in a single volume, and quite possibly
the magazine will have fewer pages than at present.
Among the features published in 1953 are: "Dr. Samuel Grant Rodgers,
Gentleman From Ness," by Mrs. Minnie Dubbs Millbrook; "Capt. L. C. Easton's
Report: 'Fort Laramie to Fort Leaven worth Via Republican River in 1849,' "
edited by Merrill J. Mattes; "Kansas Negro Regiments in the Civil War," by
Dudley T. Cornish; "Early Years at St. Mary's Pottawatomie Mission," from
the diary of Father Maurice Gailland, S. J., edited by the Rev. James M. Burke,
S. J., and articles by Dr. James C. Malin, "Aspects of the Nebraska Question,
1852-1854," and "Judge Lecompte and the 'Sack of Lawrence,' May 21, 1856,"
in two parts.
In observance of the centennial the Quarterly will continue in 1954 to feature
articles which relate to the territorial history of Kansas.
Thanks are due, as usual, to Dr. James C. Malin, associate editor of the
Quarterly, for his unselfish contribution of time, effort, and knowledge in reading
and evaluating articles submitted for publication.
OLD SHAWNEE MISSION
Visitors to Shawnee Mission during the year registered from 18 states, the
District of Columbia, and Alaska. Included in the list was Roy F. Bluejacket,
Independence, a great-grandson of Charles Bluejacket, who was a missionary
at the Mission and later became a chief of the Shawnees. Two art classes
made several trips to the Mission grounds.
THE ANNUAL MEETING 59
The interior of the East building has been repainted and needed repairs have
been made. The exterior is now being waterproofed and the brickwork tuck-
pointed. When this work is completed the building should be in good condi-
tion structurally.
Through the co-operation of the State Highway Commission, two directional
signs have been placed at the intersection of Mission street and U. S. Highways
50 and 69, so that visitors no longer will have difficulty in finding the Mission.
The Society is indebted to the state departments of the Colonial Dames, the
Daughters of the American Revolution, the Daughters of American Colonists,
the Daughters of 1812 and to the Shawnee Mission Indian Historical Society
for their continued co-operation at the Mission.
THE KAW MISSION
Although the Kaw Mission at Council Grove was not officially opened as a
museum until September, 1952, the register listed 1,320 visitors during the past
year. Many were school children from Morris and the surrounding counties,
but 30 states were represented in the total.
There are now more than 40 permanent exhibits in the museum, including
12 items partly relating to the Santa Fe trail on loan from the Museum of New
Mexico, at Santa Fe, obtained through the assistance of Mrs. Frank Haucke.
Another contributor has been Mrs. Lalla M. Brigham of Council Grove who has
generously given of her historical collections.
The building is in such excellent condition structurally that a paragraph from
a story in the Topeka State Journal of July 22 seems particularly appropriate:
"The state, under authority of legislative act in 1951, paid $23,500 for the old
mission, and if you think the state got stuck with a bunch of beatup rocks,
perish the thought. It's more than 100 years old but it'll be standing when
some of today's construction is being bulldozed into the junkyard."
Much also has been accomplished in landscaping and rebuilding the lawn,
which was damaged by the 1951 floods. Without doubt, when this property
can be better marked and advertised it will soon take its place as one of the
state's finest show places.
In the early 1860's a large number of stone houses were built by the federal
government for the Kaw Indians in the Council Grove area. Several are still
standing. The Council Grove Rotary Club, with the consent of the Society,
has undertaken to reconstruct one of these buildings on the Mission grounds.
The stone is being obtained from some of the original Indian houses near
Council Grove. This ambitious project is now well advanced, and when com-
pleted will be an authentic and interesting outdoor addition to the museum
exhibits.
THE FIRST CAPITOL
There were 3,169 visitors at the First Capitol during the past year. Interest
in the building as a historic site is slowly increasing, after a slump during the
war years.
Repairs to the roof of the Capitol have been completed, but the contractor
warned that an entire new roof is needed before the sheathing rots away. The
interior of the caretaker's cottage has been painted, and other minor improve-
ments to the property have been made.
60 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
THE STAFF OF THE SOCIETY
As in the past, credit for many of the accomplishments mentioned in this
report must be given to the Society's loyal and co-operative staff. Their work
is responsible for such comments as this from a satisfied patron: "A very high
type of service is being rendered by your office and I want to express my ap-
preciation for your kind and thoughtful helpfulness. The people of Kansas can
be proud of their Historical Society and of the service it is giving." Although
it is impossible here to name every individual on the staff, the work of each is
nevertheless sincerely appreciated.
Recognition is also due the custodians of the historic sites under the Society's
management whose devotion to their work, seven days a week, is especially
commendable.
Respectfully submitted,
NYLE H. MILLER, Secretary.
At the conclusion of the reading of the secretary's report, John
S. Dawson moved that it be accepted. Motion was seconded by
Mrs. W. D. Philip and the report was accepted.
President Taft then called for the report of the treasurer, Mrs.
Lela Barnes:
TREASURER'S REPORT
Based on the audit of the state accountant for the period
August 1, 1952, to September 11, 1953.
MEMBERSHIP FEE FUND
Balance, August 1, 1952:
Cash $5,583.73
U. S. savings bonds, Series G 8,700.00
$14,283.73
Receipts:
Memberships $792.00
Reimbursement for postage 837.25
Interest on bonds . . 307.50
1,936.75
$16,220^48
Disbursements $1,618.53
Balance, September 11, 1953:
Cash $5,901.95
U. S. savings bonds, Series G 8,700.00
14,601.95
$16,220.48
THE ANNUAL MEETING
JONATHAN PECKER BEQUEST
61
Balance, August 1, 1952:
Cash $62.36
U. S. treasury bonds 950.00
$1,012.36
Receipts:
Bond interest $27.33
Savings account interest 2.29
29.62
$1,04L98
Disbursements:
Books $7.50
Balance, September 11, 1953:
Cash $84.48
U. S. treasury bonds * 950.00
1,034.48
$1,041.98
JOHN BOOTH BEQUEST
Balance, August 1, 1952:
Cash $96.19
U. S. treasury bond 500.00
$596.19
Receipts:
Bond interest $14.38
Savings account interest 1.15
15.53
_ $611.72
Balance, September 11, 1953:
Cash $111.72
U. S. treasury bond 500.00
THOMAS H. BOWLUS DONATION
$611.72
This donation is substantiated by a U. S. savings bond, Series G, in the
amount of $1,000. The interest is credited to the membership fee fund.
ELIZABETH READER BEQUEST
Balance, August 1, 1952:
Cash (deposited in membership fee fund) $763.69
U. S. savings bonds ( shown in total bonds, member-
ship fee fund) 5,200.00
$5,963.69
62 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Receipts:
Interest ( deposited in membership fee fund ) 195.00
$6,158.69
Balance, September 11, 1953:
Cash $958.69
U. S. savings bonds, Series G 5,200.00
$6,158.69
STATE APPROPRIATIONS
This report covers only the membership fee fund and other custodial funds.
It is not a statement of the appropriations made by the legislature for the main-
tenance of the Society. These disbursements were not made through the
treasurer of the Society but through the state auditor. For the year ending
June 30, 1953, these appropriations were: Kansas State Historical Society,
$104,570.00; Memorial Building, $16,390.00; Old Shawnee Mission, $6,724.00;
Kaw Mission, $2,500.00; First Capitol of Kansas, $2,362.00.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. LELA BARNES, Treasurer.
On motion by Wilford Riegle, seconded by John S. Dawson, the
report of the treasurer was accepted.
The report of the executive committee on the audit by the state
accountant of the funds of the Society was called for and read by
John S. Dawson:
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
October 16, 1953.
To the Board of Directors, Kansas State Historical Society:
The executive committee being directed under the bylaws to check the ac-
counts of the treasurer, states that the state accountant has audited the funds
of the State Historical Society, the Old Shawnee Mission, the First Capitol of
Kansas, and the Kaw Mission, from August 1, 1952, to September 11, 1953, and
that they are hereby approved.
JOHN S. DAWSON, Chairman,
ROBERT C. RANKIN,
WILFORD RIEGLE,
T. M. LILLARD,
C. M. CORRELL,
ROBERT TAFT.
On motion by John S. Dawson, seconded by James Malone, the
report was accepted.
The report of the nominating committee for officers of the Society
was read by John S. Dawson:
THE ANNUAL MEETING 63
NOMINATING COMMITTEE'S REPORT
October 16, 1953.
To the Board of Directors, Kansas State Historical Society:
Your committee on nominations submits the following report for officers of
the Kansas State Historical Society:
For a one-year term: Angelo Scott, lola, president; F. D. Farrell, Man-
hattan, first vice-president; Wilford Riegle, Emporia, second vice-president.
For a two-year term: Nyle H. Miller, Topeka, secretary.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN S. DAWSON, Chairman,
JAMES C. MALIN,
T. M. LILLARD,
ROBERT C. RANKIN,
R. TAFT,
C. M. CORRELL,
FRANK HAUCKE.
The report was referred to the afternoon meeting of the board.
A report on the William I. Mitchell bequest to the Historical So-
ciety was made by the secretary. This bequest, as set forth in Mr.
Mitchell's will, reads as follows:
To the Kansas State Historical Society of Topeka, Kans., I give and bequeath
a thirty (30) acre tract of hill pasture located in the S. E. corner of the S. E.
quarter of Section 28, Range 10, Township 10 in Wabaunsee county, Kansas,
to be held by it or the state of Kansas as a public park.
This property comprises an outstanding hill now known, and always to be
known, as Mount Mitchell, in memory of my father, Captain William Mitchell,
who was a pioneer settler.
The purpose of this gift is to provide a suitable and permanent location for
an historical marker to be placed upon the summit of said hill in memory of
the Connecticut Colony, better known as the Beecher Bible and Rifle Colony,
that settled in this locality in April, 1856.
I further give and bequeath to the said Historical Society the sum of Two
hundred dollars ( $200.00 ) to be used toward the cost of such a marker.
The above gifts are made with the express stipulation that if they are not
formally accepted by the said Society within one year from the date this will
is probated, and said Society obligates itself to erect such a marker within five
( 5 ) years, both of these gifts will be forfeited and they will revert to my estate.
After a general discussion during which the secretary told of his
recent examination of the site, James M alone moved that the gift be
accepted. Clyde K. Rodkey seconded the motion, and the board
voted to accept the bequest. The secretary was instructed to look
into the best approach to the site from the highway.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
64 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY
The annual meeting of the Kansas State Historical Society was
called to order at 2 P. M. President Robert Taft delivered his ad-
dress: Stephen A. Douglas: '7 Passed the Kansas-Nebraska Bill"
which is printed in its entirety in this issue of The Kansas Historical
Quarterly.
Following his address, President Taft outlined the program so
far developed by the Governor's committee which he heads, for
the celebration of the Kansas Territorial Centennial in 1954. Plans
include the sending of an exhibit car to all parts of the state, the car
to be furnished by the Santa Fe railroad with other railroads co-
operating. Exhibits are being designed to offer a glimpse of life in
the territory, supplemented with maps, newspapers, documents, etc.
Mr. Perce Harvey spoke briefly on a brochure being considered for
printing and distribution as a centennial memento.
The report of the committee on nominations was called for:
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTORS
October 16, 1953.
To the Kansas State Historical Society:
Your committee on nominations submits the following report and recom-
mendations for directors of the Society for the term of three years ending in
October, 1956:
Aitchison, R. T., Wichita. Malin, James C., Lawrence.
Anderson, George L., Lawrence. Mayhew, Mrs. Patricia Solander,
Anthony, D. R., Leavenworth. Topeka.
Baugher, Charles A., Ellis. Miller, Karl, Dodge City.
Beck, Will T., Holton. Montgomery, W. H., Salina.
Blake, Henry S., Topeka. Moore, Russell, Wichita.
Chambers, Lloyd, Clearwater. Motz, Frank, Hays.
Chandler, C. J., Wichita. Raynesford, H. C., Ellis.
Clymer, Rolla, El Dorado. Reed, Clyde M., Jr., Parsons.
Cochran, Elizabeth, Pittsburg. Rodkey, Clyde K., Manhattan.
Cotton, Corlett J., Lawrence. Shaw, Joseph C., Topeka.
Dawson, John S., Topeka. Somers, John G., Newton.
Euwer, Elmer E., Goodland. Stewart, Donald, Independence.
Farley, Alan W., Kansas City. Thomas, E. A., Topeka.
Knapp, Dallas W., Coffeyville. von der Heiden, Mrs. W. H., Newton.
Lilleston, W. F., Wichita. Walker, Mrs. Ida M., Norton.
Lose, Harry F., Topeka.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN S. DAWSON, Chairman.
THE ANNUAL MEETING 65
On motion by Dr. Joseph C. Shaw, seconded by Mrs. W. D. Philip,
the report of the committee was accepted and members of the board
were declared elected for the term ending in October, 1956.
Reports of local and county historical societies were called for.
Mrs. Homer Bair reported for the Shawnee Mission Indian Historical
Society; and Mrs. F. L. Gilson for the Lyon county society.
There being no further business, the annual meeting of the Society
adjourned. Refreshments were served to members and visitors in
the Society's office.
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The afternoon meeting of the board of directors was called to
order by President Taft. He asked for a rereading of the report of
the nominating committee for officers of the Society. The report
was read by John S. Dawson, chairman, who moved that it be
accepted. Motion was seconded by Charles M. Correll and the
following were elected:
For a one-year term: Angelo Scott, lola, president; F. D. Farrell,
Manhattan, first vice-president; Wilford Riegle, Emporia, second
vice-president.
For a two-year term: Nyle H. Miller, Topeka, secretary.
President Scott spoke briefly.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
DIRECTORS OF THE KANSAS STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
AS OF OCTOBER, 1953
DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDING OCTOBER, 1954
Bailey, Roy F., Salina. McFarland, Helen M., Topeka.
Beezley, George F., Girard. Malone, James, Topeka.
Bowlus, Thomas H., lola. Mechem, Kirke, Lindsborg.
Brinkerhoff, Fred W., Pittsburg. Mueller, Harrie S., Wichita.
Campbell, Mrs. Spurgeon B., Murphy, Franklin D., Lawrence.
Kansas City. Philip, Mrs. W. D., Hays.
Cron, F. H., El Dorado. Rankin, Robert C., Lawrence.
Ebright, Homer K., Baldwin. Rogler, Wayne, Matfield Green.
Farrell, F. D., Manhattan. Ruppenthal, J. C., Russell.
Gray, John M., Kirwin. Sayers, Wm. L., Hill City.
Hamilton, R. L., Beloit. Simons, Dolph, Lawrence.
Harger, Charles M., Abilene. Skinner, Alton H., Kansas City.
Harvey, Mrs. A. M., Topeka. Stone, Robert, Topeka.
Haucke, Frank, Council Grove. Taft, Robert, Lawrence.
Hodges, Frank, Olathe. Templar, George, Arkansas City.
Lingenfelser, Angelus, Atchison. Woodring, Harry H., Topeka.
Long, Richard M., Wichita.
MacArthur, Mrs. Vernon E.,
Hutchinson.
5—1875
66
KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDING OCTOBER, 1955
Barr, Frank, Wichita.
Berryman, Jerome C., Ashland.
Brigham, Mrs. Lalla M., Pratt.
Brock, R. F., Goodland.
Charlson, Sam C., Manhattan.
Correll, Charles M., Manhattan.
Davis, W. W., Lawrence.
Denious, Jess C., Dodge City.
Godsey, Mrs. Flora R., Emporia.
Hall, Mrs. Carrie A., Leavenworth.
Hall, Standish, Wichita.
Hegler, Ben F., Wichita.
Jones, Horace, Lyons.
Lillard, T. M., Topeka.
Lindquist, Emory K., Wichita.
Maranville, Lea, Ness City.
Means, Hugh, Lawrence.
Norton, Gus S., Kalvesta.
Owen, Arthur K., Topeka.
Owen, Mrs. E. M., Lawrence.
Patrick, Mrs. Mae C., Satanta.
Payne, Mrs. L. F., Manhattan.
Richards, Walter M., Emporia.
Riegle, Wilford, Emporia.
Rupp, Mrs. Jane C., Lincolnville.
Scott, Angelo, lola.
Sloan, E. R., Topeka.
Smelser, Mary M., Lawrence.
Stewart, Mrs. James G., Topeka.
Taylor, James E., Sharon Springs.
Van De Mark, M. V. B., Concordia.
Wark, George H., Caney.
Williams, Charles A., Bentley.
DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDING OCTOBER, 1956
Aitchison, R. T., Wichita.
Anderson, George L., Lawrence.
Anthony, D. R., Leavenworth.
Baugher, Charles A., Ellis.
Beck, Will T., Holton.
Blake, Henry S., Topeka.
Chambers, Lloyd, Clearwater.
Chandler, C. J., Wichita.
Clymer, Rolla, El Dorado.
Cochran, Elizabeth, Pittsburg.
Cotton, Corlett J., Lawrence.
Dawson, John S., Topeka.
Euwer, Elmer E., Goodland.
Farley, Alan W., Kansas City.
Knapp, Dallas W., Coffeyville.
Lilleston, W. F., Wichita.
Lose, Harry F., Topeka.
Malm, James C., Lawrence.
Mayhew, Mrs. Patricia Solander,
Topeka.
Miller, Karl, Dodge City.
Montgomery, W. H., Salina.
Moore, Russell, Wichita.
Motz, Frank, Hays.
Raynesford, H. C., Ellis.
Reed, Clyde M., Jr., Parsons.
Rodkey, Clyde K., Manhattan.
Shaw, Joseph C., Topeka.
Somers, John G., Newton.
Stewart, Donald, Independence.
Thomas, E. A., Topeka.
von der Heiden, Mrs. W. H., Newton.
Walker, Mrs. Ida M., Norton.
Bypaths of Kansas History
LOVELY KANSAS
From The Kansas Herald of Freedom, Lawrence, May 30, 1857.
The heavy emigration to Kansas this year was about one month too early.
The season has been unusually backward everywhere, but in Kansas we have
suffered most, because persons coming here were looking for verdure and
beauty, and in place of it they found dust and blackened fields, and cold winds.
But spring has come at last, and the prairies and forests are redolent with
beauty, and nature is rejoicing at the sunshine and the flowers. We regret
that the thousands who came and have gone back disappointed with Kansas,
could not be here now, and see our lovely country as it is, smiling in natural
wealth, and contrasting favorably with any country the sun of heaven has ever
shone upon.
Rev. Mr. Pierpont, the venerable poet, remarked the other evening that he
had travelled all over the United States, and visited the ancient seats of empire
in the old world, had visited sunny Italy and Greece, and the middle and
northern countries of Europe, yet in all his journeyings his eyes had never rested
on such loveliness as he was allowed to look upon in Kansas. Said the old
man, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, "I believe God might have made a
lovelier country than Kansas, but I am sure he has never done it."
Those who have returned back forgot that the East, too, was cold and back-
ward almost beyond precedent.
MAIL DELIVERY IN 1870
From the Daily Kansas State Record, Topeka, October 8, 1870.
EARLY MAIL TO BURLINGAME. — For some days past the Topeka postmaster
has made up a mail and sent it to Burlingame on the early train. The post-
master at that place wrote him yesterday that they had no way to get the bag
from the depot to the postoffice, and it will be sent no longer. If our Burlingame
friends will contrive some plan to take the mail to and from the train, they
can have two mails a day.
THE FORERUNNER OF THE TRAILER?
From The Kansas Daily Commonwealth, Topeka, December 21,
1872.
A frame hotel building, 20x40 feet on the ground, and two stories high,
was recently moved from Labette City to Parsons. The direct distance between
the places is nine miles, but to secure favorable roads a circuit of fifteen miles
was traversed. Twenty-four yoke of oxen were used to draw the building, and
eight days were consumed in making the trip. A family occupied it and kept
on with their regular house-keeping during the time.
(67)
Kansas History as Published in the Press
Among historical articles in recent issues of Yot/r Government —
Bulletin of the Governmental Research Center, University of Kansas,
Lawrence, were Dr. George Anderson's "The Territory of Kansas,
1854-1861," September, 1953, and "Beginnings of Federal Land Ma-
chinery in Territorial Kansas," January, 1954. In October, 1953,
"Soldiering in the Kansas Territory," by Dr. W. Stitt Robinson, Jr.,
was featured.
In the September, 1953, issue of Transactions of the Kansas
Academy of Science, Lawrence, a series of editorials on "Early
Science in Kansas," was begun with a review of the work of
Frederic Hawn by Dr. Robert Taft. Hawn contributed extensively
to the early knowledge of Kansas geology. The Me of Prof. Benja-
min Franklin Mudge was reviewed by Dr. W. H. Schoewe in the
December number. Mudge settled in Kansas in 1861 and became
the first state geologist. In the same issue was an article, "Kansas
Weather— 1952," by Richard A. Garrett.
"Thomas Jefferson Sutherland, Nebraska Boomer, 1851-1852," by
Dr. James C. Malin, University of Kansas, was published in Nebraska
History, Lincoln, September, 1953. Early in the 1850's Sutherland
was one of the principal agitators for the opening of Nebraska for
settlement.
An article about the discovery of oil and the development of the
oil industry in the Russell area, by Merlin Morphy, was printed in
the Wichita Beacon, September 10, 1953. A historical marker at the
discovery well, Carrie Oswald No. 1, was dedicated September 12.
A history of the Wichita Historical Museum appeared in the Beacon,
November 8. The museum was organized in January, 1939, and was
dedicated by Gov. Payne Ratner on June 6, 1939. It is located in the
Wichita Forum.
A letter from G. E. Hollingsworth, Denver, giving the location and
description of the buildings of old Fort Solomon, was published in
the Minneapolis Messenger, September 10, 1953. The fort was near
Lindsey, now a "dead" town in Ottawa county, on land once owned
by Mr. Hollingsworth's father.
Labette county Star school, District No. 50, was featured in a brief
article in the Coffeyville Daily Journal, September 17, 1953. Por-
traits and biographical sketches of the men who were killed in Cof-
(68)
KANSAS HISTORY IN THE PRESS 69
feyville by the Daltons in 1892 were published in the Journal,
October 4. The story of the Cherokee strip run, September 16,
1893, as recalled by Andy Patchett, one of the participants, appeared
in the Journal, October 25.
Among historical articles published in the Hays Daily News in
recent months were: "Cowardly Killer [Jim Curry] Roamed Hays
Streets in Early Days/' September 20, 1953; "Heroic Rider of Mexi-
can War [Charley Wentz] Lived and Died in Hays," September 27;
"Two Notorious Bandits Cheat Sheriff and Posse Out of a 'Necktie
Party* Here," Joe Collins and Bill Heffridge, train robbers, were shot
attempting to escape from Sheriff Charley Bardsley, October 4;
"Nicodemus Fading as Town With Loss of Its Post Office/' Novem-
ber 8; "Mountain Lion Killed in Ellis County [1903]," and "Hard
Work of German Girl Made Trees Grow in Hays," Anna Mueller
King was the Hays version of Johnny Appleseed, November 15;
"Greatest Showman in World [P. T. Barnum] Visits Hays and Loses a
Fortune in Stud Poker Game [1869]," November 22; "Mrs. Mary Dis-
ney of Ellis Tells of Wagon Trip to Kansas [1878]," December 6;
"Deer and Antelope Roamed in Large Numbers Along Saline River
in Early Days," Mrs. J. H. O'Loughlin's story of life in Hays in the
1870's, December 13; "Hays Had Brutal Criminal Cases Even After
Its Wildest Days; Many Murder Cases Were Dismissed," January 3,
1954; "Matt Clarkson Says Hays Had Worse Women Than Calamity
[Jane], Poker Alice," January 10; "Custer May Have Made Bad Mis-
take [at Little Big Horn], But He Acquired Name for Himself," Janu-
ary 17; "Blizzard of '86 Makes Other Storms Seem Like Squalls," Jan-
uary 24; "Hays Had Something Worse Than Dust Storms When Big
Fire of '95 Hit," and "Pioneer Hays Doctor J. H. Middlekauff Worked
Without Hospital Aids," January 31. Articles in the Ellis County
News, Hays, included a story on William "Buffalo Bill" Cody's boy-
hood home at Le Claire, Iowa, October 22, 1953; Mrs. Disney's story
of the wagon trip to Kansas, December 10; and the article on Cus-
ter's mistake at the Little Big Horn, January 21, 1954.
Recent historical articles in the Clay Center Dispatch included
L. F. Valentine's "Founders Thought City Would Grow to South,"
September 21, 1953, and "Town Had Many Hotels in Early Days;
Tankersley, Bonham Built in 1885," November 24.
The Argonia Argosy in recent months has printed articles compiled
by Frank Beals. Among them were: "Memories of Pioneer Life,"
September 24, 1953; "Living Quarters of Settlers," October 15;
"Customs Began in Early Schools," November 19; "Eager Pupils
70 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
and Crowded Schools," December 3; "The Big Blizzard of 1886,"
December 10; "First Christmas in Argonia," December 24; "Early
Day [Grain] Elevators," January 7, 1954; and "From Illinois to
Kansas," the story of the journey to Kansas of Beals and others 75
years ago, January 28.
Several articles about the opening of the Cherokee strip have
recently been printed in the Arkansas City Daily Traveler. On Sep-
tember 24, 1953, "Tales of Murder, Violence in Wake of Cherokee
Strip Opening," appeared. The issue of October 27 contained two
articles, "First Settlers Were in Arkansas City 24 Years Prior to
'Strip'," and "Life of Pawnee Bill [Maj. Gordon W. Lillie] Tied in
With Cherokee Strip."
Some of the early history of Sheridan county by J. F. Morgan,
whose father settled in the county in 1868, was printed in the Hoxie
Sentinel, September 24, 1953.
Pierceville, described as the oldest white settlement in southwest
Kansas, was the subject of two articles in the Garden City Telegram,
September 26, 1953. Thayne Smith told of its establishment in
1872-1873 and something of its history. Ruby Basye described the
Indian raid July 3, 1874, which destroyed the town. It was a
"ghost town" until rebuilt in 1878.
Featured in the October, 1953, number of the Bulletin of the
Shawnee County Historical Society, Topeka, was a memorial to the
late Paul Adams, more than anyone else the founder of the Shawnee
County Historical Society. Two of his articles were included in
the issue: "The Topeka Turn Verein" and "Some Early [Shawnee
County] Bridge History." Other articles were: "Topeka's Fall
Festivals Were Exciting" and "Some Topeka Firsts," by Euphemia
Page; "The Dyche Museum [University of Kansas]," by John Cobb
Landon; and another installment of George Root's "Chronology
of Shawnee County/' The entire December Bulletin of 96 pages
was devoted to a history of Potwin by Charlotte McLellan. In 1869
Charles W. Potwin bought 70 acres of land northwest of Topeka.
It wasn't platted until 1882, and home building began in 1885.
The area was incorporated as the City of Potwin Place in 1887, and
on April 17, 1899, became a part of Topeka.
Newspapers in Kansas was the subject of Elizabeth Barnes'
column, "Historic Johnson County," in the Johnson County Herald,
Overland Park, October 1, 1953.
KANSAS HISTORY IN THE PRESS 71
A history of Belle Plaine, compiled by Pearl Wight, appeared in
the Belle Plaine News, October 1, 1953. A town company was or-
ganized early in 1871, and the townsite was platted in November,
1873.
'Tour Decades in Clearwater," the reminiscences of T. J. "Wad"
McLaughlin, oldest living settler of Clearwater, as written by his
niece, Mrs. Byrl Carter, was published in the Clearwater News,
October 1, 1953, in conjunction with the annual home-coming day,
October 2, sponsored by the Clearwater Lions Club. McLaughlin's
father, Levi McLaughlin, brought his family to Sedgwick county
in 1874.
Recent historical articles in the Atchison Daily Globe included Art
Howe's story on Charles Metz, Border Ruffian leader just prior to
the Civil War, October 8, 1953, and a history of the Lancaster Presby-
terian church, November 20. The church was organized in No-
vember, 1878.
Included in John Watson's "See Kansas" series in the Wichita
Evening Eagle recently were: "First Kansas Capitol Still Stands,"
October 8, 1953; "Nicodemus, Kansas Negro Oasis, Fading," De-
cember 3; and "Visitors to Capital May View State Constitution,"
January 29, 1954. An article by Watson entitled "Kansas Official
Flag Adopted in 1927," appeared in the Sunday Eagle, January 24.
A history and description of the Chase county courthouse ap-
peared in the Chase County Leader-News, Cottonwood Falls and
Strong City, October 14, 1953. The building of native stone was
completed in 1873 and an all-day housewarming was held October
17. Another celebration, October 17, 1953, marked its 80th anni-
versary.
A page-length article by C. M. Cooper, entitled "Old Spring River
Academy Monument to Early Day Settlers," was published in the
Pittsburg Headlight, October 17, 1953. The Quaker Valley area of
Cherokee county along the Spring river was settled by Quakers
around 1866. In 1880 the Spring River Academy was opened and
served the community until 1912. A history of Bird school, Chero-
kee county, by Mrs. Jennie Broughton, was published in the Head-
light, January 11, 1954. The first building, a log cabin, was erected
about 1868. The present school was built in 1878 and later modern-
ized.
72 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
"Old Castle/' first building of Baker University, Baldwin, was
the subject of short historical sketches by T. A. Evans and Homer K.
Ebright, in the Baldwin Ledger, October 22, 29, and November 5,
12, 1953. School began in the building November 22, 1858. It has
not been used for classes for many years and a project is under way
to restore the building and convert it to a museum.
Reports about the Hope community, made to the Dickinson
County Historical Society at its meeting in Hope, October 22, 1953,
have been published in the Hope Dispatch. On October 29 the
Dispatch printed an account of the meeting, including summaries of
the reports. They appeared in more complete form in later issues,
as follows: a history of Hope, by W. L. Boyd, November 5; pioneers
of Hope and Hope township, by Elizabeth Lorson, November 12, 19
and 26; a history of schools of the Hope community, by John K.
Lay, Jr., December 3, 17 and 31; and industries of Hope, by Elsie
Koch, January 7, 1954.
William D. McVey spoke before the 'Westerners" in Chicago,
October 26, 1953, supporting the affirmative view of the controversial
question on whether Wyatt Earp arrested Ben Thompson in Ells-
worth in 1873. The address was printed in The Westerners Brand
Book, Chicago, November, 1953. Comments by others at the meet-
ing also were printed.
In observance of the 75th anniversary of the organization of St.
Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church in Ellsworth county, the Ells-
worth Messenger, November 5, 1953, and the Ellsworth Reporter,
November 12, printed histories of the church. The church history
began in 1878 when the congregation was organized as the David's
Star Lutheran church. However, Lutheran families had settled in
the community as early as 1871, and services were held in the homes
before 1878.
Salem Methodist church, near Bushton, celebrated its 75th anni-
versary November 1 and 2, 1953. On November 8 a history of the
church appeared in the Hutchinson News-Herald. The church was
organized in 1878 and the first building was begun in 1882.
A historical sketch of the Lyona Methodist church, near Hering-
ton, was printed in the Herington Advertiser-Times, November 12,
1953. The Rev. Charles Stuekmann began holding services in the
community in 1858 and the church was established in 1859.
KANSAS HISTORY IN THE PRESS 73
The Hill City Times, November 12, 1953, printed a biographical
sketch of Mrs. Chas. Sperry, by her nephew, Elbert Severance.
Mrs. Sperry has completed 75 years of continuous residence in
Graham county. She came in November, 1878, with her father,
Job DeHaven Shane, and his family from Illinois.
Brief historical sketches of towns and townships in Miami county
began appearing in the Western Spirit, Paola, November 13, 1953.
The sketches were originally deposited in the cornerstone of the
Miami county courthouse, laid July 27, 1898.
The reminiscences of Mrs. Anna Hornecker began appearing in
the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle, November 20, 1953. She was two
years of age when her father, Watson A. Cleveland, brought his
family to Abilene in 1871.
Early history of 12 Mitchell county towns was published in the
Beloit Call, November 21, 1953: Cawker City, Beloit, West Hamp-
ton (now Glen Elder), Springfield, Pittsburg (now Tipton), Scotts-
ville, Victor, Simpson, Waconda, Waconda Springs, Asherville, and
Hunter. The first town plat recorded in Mitchell county was that
of Cawker City, filed April 26, 1871. According to the article the
towns of Springfield, Waconda Springs, and Waconda have disap-
peared, and Victor remains in name only. A biographical sketch
of Jane Collins, Mitchell county teacher and superintendent of
public instruction, by Henrietta Boyd, appeared in the Call, January
22, 1954. Miss Collins began teaching in 1885.
On November 1, 1887, Cooper Memorial College, Sterling, now
Sterling College, opened with a student body of 13, according to a
historical article by Martha Reefer in the Sterling Bulletin, Novem-
ber 26, 1953.
Eagle Springs, "dead" Doniphan county town, was the subject of
J. H. Lusk's column, "Bits of History/' in the Highland Vidette,
November 26, 1953. The town was once a summer resort, complete
with mineral water. The history of Sparks, also in Doniphan county,
by Lusk, appeared in the January 28, 1954, issue. It was located in
1870 and was first called Highland Station.
Emporia's first church building [Christian], now being dismantled,
was erected in 1859, according to an article in the Emporia Gazette,
December 5, 1953. On January 28, 1954, the Gazette published a
brief history of Americus, established in 1857.
74 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
A column-length history of the First Baptist church of Council
Grove was printed in the Council Grove Republican, December 11,
1953. The church was organized in 1870, and reorganized in 1873.
"The Adventures of Jim Kansan," by K. O. Esping, appeared in the
Republican, January 28, 1954. Jim Kansan is a Paul Bunyan type
of character, personifying the "Spirit of Kansas."
Watson Stewart, who homesteaded near Humboldt in 1856, was
the subject of a biographical sketch by his grandson, Donald Stew-
art, published in the Humboldt Union, December 31, 1953.
Among articles published in the 1954 issue of The Kansas Maga-
zine, Manhattan, were: "Edgar Watson Howe, Born One Hundred
Years Ago," by Clyde C. Hammers; "Jim [Ferguson] and Charles
[Handy] — With Associated Memories," the story of two frontier
stage drivers, by H. L. Chambers; "Samuel D. Bowker, Pioneer
Educator," by Russell K. Hickman; "Early Years in Lawrence," by
Clyde Hyder; and "Diary of a Pioneer Girl [Mary Peery]," by
Mary Elsie Cunningham.
John S. Gilmore's diary, the first installment of which was
printed in the Wilson County Citizen, Fredonia, in January, 1953,
has continued to appear regularly.
As a centennial feature, "This Day in Kansas History," a column
by Milt Tabor, is scheduled to appear in the Topeka Daily Capital
every day of 1954. Each installment discusses an event which oc-
curred on the date of the article's publication.
Publication of historical information from "The Last One," a
booklet by Rosie Clem Maxton, began January 13, 1954, in the
Columbus Daily Advocate. The booklet, property of Frank Maxton,
Columbus, is the story of Mrs. Maxton's pioneer life in the Crestline
community of Cherokee county. In 1866, when she was five, Mrs.
Maxton's father, Henry Groves Clem, brought his family to Kansas.
The origin of the names of towns in southern Kansas was the
subject of articles by Wayne A. O'Connell in the January 21 and 28,
1954, issues of the Chetopa Advance. Among the towns were La-
bette City, Bartlett, Chetopa, Montana City, Edna, and Oswego.
Historical articles in recent issues of the Kansas City ( Mo. ) Star
included: "Tribute to Abraham Lincoln," by Carl Sandburg, Feb-
ruary 7, 1954, and "Highlights of History in First Century of Kansas,"
by Albert Earl Robinson, February 7, 14, and 21. Among articles
in the Kansas City (Mo.) Times were: "Amos Lawrence Deplored
KANSAS HISTORY IN THE PRESS 75
the Naming of Kansas College Town in His Honor," by Jonathan M.
Dow, November 12, 1953; "Present Route of U. S. Highway 40 a
Link in Western Trek of the Forty-Niners," by Hugh Pritchard
Williamson, December 2; "Congress Made Last Futile Effort [Kan-
sas-Nebraska Act] at Compromise on Slavery 100 Years Ago," by
Clara Aiken Speer, January 29, 1954; and "George Catlin, Frontier
Artist, Found His Red Subjects Embarrassing Critics," by Wini-
fred Shields, February 2.
The Winfield Daily Courier published its ninth annual Achieve-
ment edition February 22, 1954. The 144-page paper was a survey
of progress in Winfield and Cowley county during the year.
A 172-page progress edition was published by the Wichita Sunday
Beacon, February 28, 1954. Numerous articles on Wichita industries
and institutions were included. The Beacon recently moved its
plant and offices to a new building.
The Coffeyville Journal published a 142-page progress edition
February 28, 1954, the largest in its history. Progress of the Cof-
feyville area in education, religion, agriculture, construction, and
industry was traced.
A 56-page diamond jubilee edition of the Western Kansas World,
WaKeeney, was published March 4, 1954. It contained articles
on the history of Trego county, WaKeeney, and other towns in the
county. The World was established in 1879 by Col. W. S. Tilton.
The special edition was dedicated to Fred Shaw who started with
the newspaper in 1908 as a printer's devil and retired in 1952 as
publisher.
Kansas Historical Notes
The following officers were elected at the annual meeting of the
Chase County Historical Society in Cottonwood Falls, September
12, 1953: George M. Miller, president; Henry Rogler, vice-president;
Clint Baldwin, secretary; George T. Dawson, treasurer; and W. P.
Austin, chief historian. The executive committee is composed of
Ida M. Vinson, Baldwin, T. R. Wells, Ida Schneider, and Minnie
Norton.
Mrs. David M. Huber was elected president of the Shawnee
Mission Indian Historical Society September 28, 1953. Other
officers are: Mrs. Arthur W. Wolf, first vice-president; Mrs Kenneth
Carbaugh, second vice-president; Mrs. James D. Wood, recording
secretary; Lucile Larson, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Lee J. Smith,
treasurer; Mrs. Mahlon Delp, historian; Mrs. R. L. Trotter, curator;
and Mrs. K. S. Browne, member-in-waiting. Mrs. Homer Bair was
the retiring president.
Kinsley observed its 80th anniversary with a three-day celebration
September 30-October 2, 1953. High light of the event was a
historical pageant written and directed by Judge Lorin T. Peters,
Ness City, with assistance from members of the Edwards County
Historical Society. Articles on the history of the community ap-
peared in the Kinsley Mercury September 24.
All officers of the Ness County Historical Society were re-elected
at the October, 1953, meeting. They include: Mrs. Mabel Raffing-
ton, president; Ted Copeland, vice-president; Eva Ferrell, secretary;
and Mrs. Ada Young, treasurer.
Officers chosen by the Crawford County Historical Society at
a meeting in Pittsburg, October 2, 1953, include: Oscar Anderson,
Farlington, president; Clark Paris, Pittsburg, vice-president; Mrs.
Carl Stroud, Pittsburg, secretary; and Mrs. A. N. Ligon, Pittsburg,
treasurer. Paul Wilbert, Mrs. Ralph Shideler, and C. P. Kelso were
elected to the executive committee. L. E. Curfman was the re-
tiring president. Mrs. O. P. Dellinger spoke on the early history
of the county.
Through the efforts of the Ness County Historical Society a
marker honoring Dr. George Washington Carver has been placed
at the site of the Carver homestead near Beeler. Dedication services
were held October 11, 1953, with Lt. Gov. Fred Hall as speaker.
(76)
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 77
Also on the program was Mrs. Martha Robinson, Kansas City, Mo.,
who represented Tuskegee Institute. The inscription on the monu-
ment reads:
Dedicated to the memory of George Washington Carver, 1864-
1943, citizen, scientist, benefactor; who rose from slavery to
fame and gave to our country an everlasting heritage. Ness
county is proud to honor him and claim him as a pioneer. This
stone marks the northeast corner of the homestead on which
he filed in 1886. By friends and the Ness County Historical
Society.
A brief biographical sketch of Carver by O. L. Lennen appeared in
the Ness City News, September 24.
Almost 300 persons registered at the 25th anniversary meeting
of the Dickinson County Historical Society at Hope, October 22,
1953. B. H. Oesterreich, Woodbine, was re-elected president of the
society. Other officers are: Mrs. Viola Ehrsam, Enterprise, first
vice-president; Mrs. Ed Rohrer, Elmo, second vice-president; and
Elsie Koch, Hope, secretary.
Leslie Broadstreet, Marion, was named chairman of the Marion
County Historical Museum Committee at a meeting of the committee
October 26, 1953, in Marion. The committee was set up by the
Marion Kiwanis club to plan for a county historical museum at
Marion. Other officers are: Rosse B. Case, secretary; L. L. Hadsell,
treasurer; and Wharton Hoch, historian.
A talk by Dr. James C. Carey on the "dead" town of Juniata high
lighted the annual meeting of the Riley County Historical Associa-
tion in Manhattan, October 30, 1953. C. W. Correll was elected
president. Other new officers are: Ward Griffing, vice-president;
Clyde Rodkey, secretary; Sam Charlson, treasurer; Ed Amos, histor-
ian; and Carl Pfuetze, curator. The following directors were
elected: Mrs. C. W. Emmons, Mrs. C. M. Slagg, and Mrs. F. A.
Marlatt. Dr. C. W. McCampbell was the retiring president. A
committee is preparing a special program for the 1954 annual
meeting to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the settlement
of Riley county.
The Wyandotte County Historical Society heard Mrs. Harry
Hanson claim the first post office in present Kansas, outside of
military reservations, for Wyandotte county at a meeting of the
society at the old Grinter House, November 3, 1953. According
to Mrs. Hanson, records at the National Archives establish that the
first Kansas post office was at Grinter's ferry landing, then known
78 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
as the Delaware station. Some of the history of Grinter House,
Grinter's ferry, and the Wyandotte County Historical Society was
given in May J. McGuire's column, "Just Lookin' Around/' in the
Kansas City Kansan, November 1 and 19, 1953. The society was
organized in 1889. On November 22 a tour was made to John
Brown's statue at old Western University and to the site of the
town of Quindaro. Historical facts about these places appeared in
the Kansan, November 23.
The annual meeting of the Comanche County Historical Society
was held in Coldwater, November 5, 1953. Principal speaker was
Jay Botts, Coldwater, who gave reminiscences of his early days in
the county. Other speakers were Judge Karl Miller and Heinie
Schmidt, Dodge City, and Mrs. Benjamin Weaver, Mullinville.
Officers elected for the coming year include: Mrs. Nell Riner, Pro-
tection, president; Warren Morton, Coldwater, vice-president; Mrs.
Ben Zane, Protection, secretary; and F. H. Moberly, Wilmore, treas-
urer. Morton was the retiring president.
After several months of painting, repairing, and restoration, the
Fort Leavenworth Museum was reopened on November 11, 1953.
Established in 1938, the museum includes in its collections almost
50 historic vehicles.
L. W. Hubbell was elected president of the Hodgeman County
Historical Society at the annual business meeting, November 13,
1953, in Jetmore. Other officers are Mrs. O. W. Lynam, vice-presi-
dent; E. W. Harlan, secretary; and Mrs. C. W. Teed, treasurer.
Directors elected were: Mrs. Margaret Raser, Mrs. Lynam, and
F. E. Ochs.
The "pioneer mixer" and annual meeting of the Clark County
Historical Society was held in Ashland, November 14, 1953. Speak-
ers included Heinie Schmidt and Judge Karl Miller of Dodge City.
At the business session Paul Randall was re-elected president of the
society. Other officers elected include: Mrs. Virgil Broadie, vice-
president; Mrs. Sidney Dorsey, first honorary vice-president; Mrs.
Chas. McCasland, second honorary vice-president; Mrs. J. C. Harper,
recording secretary; Mrs. W. R. Nunemacher, assistant recording
secretary; Rhea Gross, corresponding secretary; Wm. T. Moore,
treasurer; Mrs. R. V. Shrewder, historian; Mrs. H. B. Gabbert,
curator; and Myron G. Stevenson, auditor.
O. W. Mosher was re-elected president of the Lyon County Histor-
ical Society at the annual meeting in Emporia, December 8, 1953.
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 79
Other officers are: H. P. Trusler, first vice-president; Catherine Jones,
second vice-president; Mrs. C. A. Moore, secretary; and Warren
Morris, treasurer. Mosher also acts as curator of the society's
museum. Notes on exhibits in the museum and short historical arti-
cles appear frequently in the Emporia Gazette's "Museum Notes"
column.
The 36th annual meeting of the Native Sons and Daughters of
Kansas was held in Topeka, January 28, 1954. Rolla Clymer, El
Dorado, and Mrs. Ethel Godin, Wamego, were elected presidents,
succeeding Maurice E. Fager, Topeka, and Mrs. David McCreath,
Lawrence. The Native Sons elected other officers as follows: Clay
Baker, Topeka, vice-president; John Brookens, Westmoreland, secre-
tary; and Jim Reed, Topeka, treasurer. Other new officers of the
Native Daughters are: Mrs. Ivan Dayton Jones, Lyons, vice-presi-
dent; Mrs. James B. McKay, El Dorado, secretary; and Mrs. George
Marshall, Basehor, treasurer. Tom Collins, Kansas City, was the
principal speaker at the dinner meeting. Howard Hill, Jr., Kansas
State College student, was winner of the collegiate speech contest
and received the Capper award from Henry S. Blake.
"Life One Hundred Years Ago in Kansas," was the theme carried
out in story, song, talks, poetry, pageantry, and decorations at the
47th annual meeting of the Woman's Kansas Day Club in Topeka,
January 29, 1954. Mrs. Douglas I. McCrum, Fort Scott, president,
gave a tribute, "The Glory of Kansas," and presided at the meeting.
Mrs. Earl C. Moses, Great Bend, was elected president at the
business session. Other officers elected include: Mrs. Steadman
Ball, Atchison, first vice-president; Mrs. James L. Jenson, Colby,
second vice-president; Mrs. Emerson Hazlett, Topeka, recording
secretary; Mrs. W. O. Wolfe, Lawrence, treasurer; Mrs. C. W.
Spencer, Sedan, historian; Mrs. Paul Wedin, Wichita, auditor; and
Mrs. Loleta Troup, Kansas City, registrar. District directors elected
were: Mrs. Irwin Vincent, Topeka, first district; Mrs. John Morse,
Mound City, second district; Mrs. Edna Peterson, Chanute, third
district; Mrs. Jesse C. Fisher, Wichita, fourth district; Mrs. Lee
Kemper, Garden City, fifth district; and Mrs. Karl Baumgartner,
Goodland, sixth district. Reports given by district directors and
historians, pictures, museum articles, pamphlets, and books were
presented to the Kansas State Historical Society. Of particular
interest was an ornamented jungle knife which Mrs. Osa Johnson
sent to her father at Chanute 25 years ago from near Borneo. It
was given by Mrs. Johnson's mother, Mrs. Belle Leighty of Chanute.
80 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
The conversion of the original Fort Hays guardhouse into a
museum, and the collection of historical articles for it are under way.
Charles V. Reed is chairman of a Hays Chamber of Commerce
committee which is doing the work. A collection is to be given by
Mrs. Jennie Philip of Hays. Plans are to dedicate and open the
museum May 1, 1954.
A Kansas room has been set up in the Abilene public library.
It was suggested by the gift of a cherrywood overmantel, brought
to Kansas in 1874 for the home of T. C. Henry who became known
as the "Wheat King" of Kansas.
Our Golden Heritage is the title of a 294-page, recently published
history of the P. E. O. in Kansas. The first chapter in Kansas was
formed at Meade in 1888; the state chapter was organized in 1903.
The journals kept by Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and
other members of their party on their expedition up the Missouri
river and to the Pacific Northwest in 1804-1806, were edited by Ber-
nard DeVoto and published in 1953 in a 504-page volume entitled
The Journals of Lewis and Clark.
Westward the Briton, by Robert G. Athearn, is a recently pub-
lished study of British travelers in the American West following the
Civil War and their reactions to Western life, as revealed in the re-
ports on their journeys.
A biography of Jedediah Strong Smith, early Western explorer,
hunter and trapper, by Dale L. Morgan, appeared in a 458-page
volume entitled Jedediah Smith, published in 1953. The book also
contains letters by Smith relating to his explorations and personal
letters by him and his family. From 1822 until his death at the hands
of the Comanches in 1831 he roamed from the Missouri river to the
Pacific ocean.
On the basis of research begun nearly 40 years ago, Dr. James C.
Malin, University of Kansas, has re-examined the historical problems
of 1852-1854 relating to the opening of Nebraska and Kansas ter-
ritories, including the role of Stephen A. Douglas. His new analysis
and new material were lithoprinted in a 455-page book, The Ne-
braska Question, 1852-1854, which appeared late in 1953.
A study of governmental Indian and land policies relative to the
distribution and settlement of public lands in Kansas, by Dr. Paul
Wallace Gates of Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y., was recently
published in a 311-page volume entitled Fifty Million Acres:
Conflicts Over Kansas Land Policy, 1854-1890.
IT
ISTORICAL
UARTERLY
Summer 1954
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KIRKE MECHEM JAMES C. MALIN NYLE H. MILLER
Editor Associate Editor Managing Editor
CONTENTS
THE BISHOP EAST OF THE ROCKIES VIEWS His DIOCESANS,
1851-1853 /. Neale Carman, 81
Juniata: GATEWAY TO MID-KANSAS James C. Carey, 87
HOUSING EXPERIMENTS IN THE LAWRENCE COMMUNITY,
1855 James C. Malin, 95
With an artist's sketch of Lawrence in May, 1856, and photographs of
Lawrence in 1867 by Alexander Gardner, between pp. 112, 113.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY,
Compiled by Helen M. McFarland, Librarian, 122
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 140
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 141
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 149
The Kansas Historical Quarterly is published four times a year by the Kansas
State Historical Society, Topeka, Kan., and is distributed free to members. Cor-
respondence concerning contributions may be sent to the managing editor at the
Historical Society. The Society assumes no responsibility for statements made
by contributors.
Entered as second-class matter October 22, 1931, at the post office at To-
peka, Kan., under the act of August 24, 1912.
THE COVER
"Lawrence When Six Years Old," from Henry Howe's His-
torical Collections of the Great West . . (1873 edition).
THE KANSAS
HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Volume XXI Summer, 1954 Number 2
The Bishop East of the Rockies Views His Diocesans,
1851-1853
J. NEALE CARMAN
ON May 31, 1851, two Jesuits rode for the first time into St. Mary's
Mission on the Kaw river. They had come to St. Louis some
two years before from the southern slopes of the Alps. Jean-Baptiste
Miege l was a Savoyard peasant of towering height; his companion,
Paul Ponziglione, slight in build, was the son of a Piedmontese count,
grandson of a marquis.
Father Ponziglione,2 more usually known as Father Paul, was
soon to establish himself among the Osages, and their mission, now
St. Paul, was to be the focus of his humble and untiring endeavors
for almost 40 years, all the rest of his active life, first among the
Indians, later among white pioneers.
Father Miege had on March 25 been consecrated bishop in
partibus of Messenia and vicar apostolic "for the territory lying to the
east of the Rocky Mountains and not included within the limits of
the states of Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota," a new
vicariate. To the end, fellow churchmen referred to him familiarly
as the "Bishop East of the Rockies/' After 1855 he was more usually
known as the bishop of Leavenworth, when his see was established
in that city, but here we are concerned with that period in his life
DR. J. NEALE CARMAN is professor of Romance languages and literature at the Uni-
versity of Kansas, Lawrence.
1. On Miege see: Jas. A. McGonigle, "Right Reverend John B. Miege, S. J. . . .,"
Kansas Historical Collections, v. 9 (1905-1906), pp. 153-159; Wm. J. Hewlett and Thos.
F. O'Connor, "An Early Episcopal Visitation of Colorado: 1860. Letters of the Rt. Rev.
John Baptist Miege, S. J., D. D.," Mid-America, Chicago, n. s. v. 7 (October, 1936), pp.
266-271; J. Neale Carman, "The Unwilling Bishop," Kansas Magazine, Manhattan, 1952,
pp. 17-22; Gilbert J. Garraghan, S. J., The Jesuits of the Middle United States (New York,
1938), 3 vols., passim, see index; Sr. Mary Paul Fitzgerald, Beacon of the Plains (Leaven-
worth, 1939), passim, see index; Peter Beckman, O. S. B., The Catholic Church on the
Kansas Frontier, 1850-1877 (Washington, D. C., 1943), dissertation of the Catholic Uni-
versity of America, passim, see index; especially see Joseph Garin, Notices Biographiques Sur
Mgr J-B Miege, Premier Vicaire Apostolique du Kansas et Sur les Pretres de la Paroisse de
Chevron (Savoie) (Moutiers, 1886). Garin quotes in extenso J. B. Miege' s letters to his
brother. The excerpts quoted in this article are translations from this work.
2. On Father Paul see particularly the works of W. W. Graves of St. Paul; also Sr.
Mary Paul Fitzgerald, op. cit., and "A Jesuit Circuit-Rider," Mid-America, n. s. v. 7 (July,
1936), pp. 182-198; further, S. W. Brewster, "Reverend Father Paul M. Ponziglione,"
Kansas Historical Collections, v. 9 (1905-1906), pp. 19-32.
(81)
82 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
before the opening of Kansas in 1854 when his vicariate was strictly
an area for mission work among the Indians.
Throughout his life Bishop Miege wrote letters home; in this
article passages are given which reflect his opinions of the Potta-
watomie and Osage Indians. His official reports are analyzed by
Father Gilbert J. Garraghan in his Jesuits of the Middle United
States.
The mission at St. Mary's of the Pottawatomie had been established
three years before when the tribe was moved from its reservation on
the Marais des Cygnes to the Kaw. With Osage Mission 3 on the
Neosho, it was the only Catholic establishment in the new vicariate,
and Bishop Miege had chosen St. Mary's as his see.
On that May day in 1851 when the episcopal peasant and the
aristocrat subordinate rode into St. Mary's, a formal welcome had
been prepared, but the travelers came from a direction and at an
hour totally unexpected,4 so that the celebration for the great Black
Robe had to be put off until the next day.
The Jesuit missionaries, "Black Robes," at St. Mary's were Bel-
gians— the starting point of the present small settlement of their
countrymen at that place. In 1851 their mission and the Pottawa-
tomies were prosperous.
Bishop Miege found the barbarous splendor of the celebration
in honor of his coming most amusing. The chief's costume
mimicked that of a marshall of France, but on much more majestic and solemn
dimensions. The outfitting of the lesser militia was not quite so knightly,
though it offered rich matter for contemplation. The military band, made up
of a violinist and a drummer, was headed by a drum major whose shako was
nothing less than a piece of buffalo hide, rather well shaped into a European
drum major's shako for ceremonial occasions. Next came the infantry, all
armed with carbines and equipped with all the pomp of the Indians. So
there were coats of all ages, of all styles and all colors with shoes to match,
motley shirts, halves of trousers rich with ribbons as well as years, finally a
sort of turban partly covering those long strands of black hair which give quite
a wild look to the deep eyes and coppery countenances of my good diocesans.
Add to that a prodigious lot of red and yellow ribbons and handkerchiefs
fastened or sewn haphazard at all points, and you will have some small idea
of the interesting reality.
Then there was the procession. The people lined up from cathe-
dral to episcopal palace (both shacks that were far from water
proof ) .
3. On the two missions during preterritorial times see particularly Garraghan, Fitzgerald,
and Beckman, cited above.
4. Miege is explicit on this point. Ponziglione in his memoirs written years later said
the ". . . Indians were expecting us and had posted their sentries."— Garraghan, op. cit.,
v. 2, pp. 644, 645.
BISHOP VIEWS His DIOCESANS 83
When the poor man for whom all this pomp was displayed appeared, songs
and rifle shots were heard. . . . Throughout the march to the cathedral,
there was a continuous roll of songs, like a regimental band, cries from little
children, repeated commands, horseback evolutions of all sorts, until the bishop
and clergy entered the metropolitan church. Everything went off with a gravity
and devoutness on the part of these good savages which struck straight to the
newcomers' hearts, and I must confess that I should have shed a few tears if
that blessed commander-in-chief and his drum major had not time and again
by their presence compromised for me rather badly the seriousness which the
occasion required. The church which might hold some 15 or 16 hundred per-
sons was full; guns had been left at the door, and horses tied to the fences; and
all these good people listened to mass with a piety and devotion I have not seen
elsewhere. The reason is that here they believe very practically that only the
Great Spirit can give good hunting, and deliver you from those wicked neigh-
bors ever ready to come ask or steal your scalp from you. After mass, another
parade and procession, more band music and gun firing till the order to with-
draw was given. It was around a 600 pound beef, and large outlay of flour,
sugar, and coffee provided by the Mission's Superior, that these good people
went to rest from the morning's exertions. The tribe has what they call their
cooks for days of public rejoicing. It is their duty to prepare the viands and
distribute them to the guests. Everything took place in most perfect order and
within the limits of the frankest and most cordial joy.5
Of some 3,500 Pottawatomies 1,500 were Catholic. Most of these
were at St. Mary's where, until pestilence struck the next winter, life
was idyllic. The bishop wrote:
It is really touching to see, on fine summer evenings, good people gather in
great numbers in the center of the village to say their rosary together, and then
sing in their own language hymns in honor of the Blessed Virgin. I think I have
never in my life experienced more delightful emotions than those that made
my heart beat as I listened for the first time in our wilderness to those dear
savages singing so loudly and with such heartfelt devotion the praises of our
Mother.6
In two other villages and in a settlement of half-breeds on Soldier
creek things were not so well-ordered. He qualifies the half-breeds
as "immoral, drunkards, liars all, deaf to all instruction." 7 Among
these people Bishop Miege lived a missionary's life himself. He de-
scribed journeying on the prairie in terms which, though here better
chosen, are familiar to all those who have read accounts of pioneers.
He speaks of hard riding, of camp making, of mosquitoes,8 and of
rattlesnakes,
5. Garin, op. cit., pp. 62-64. Garraghan, op. cit., v. 2, p. 647, quotes from an official
report a description evidently of this same scene. In the report the bishop speaks of the
affair as the Corpus Christi celebration; so it was, for June 1, 1851, the day after Miege's
arrival, was Corpus Christi Sunday.
6. Garin, op. cit., p. 65. This quotation is from a copy of an official report sent by
Bishop Miege to his family. Father Garraghan printed the report practically in toto in v. 2,
pp. 645, 646, but these sentences do not appear in his version. The bishop probably
added it to the family version.
7. Ibid., p. 67.
8. Beckman, op. cit., pp. 18, 19, quoted at length from Bishop Miege's letters (Garin
pp. 69-71 ) on these hardships.
84 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
the most impudent creatures of their kind, so impudent that I remember
once there were three of us on horseback around one of handsome size; it
stopped and rose up against us sounding every rattle. . . . We left it master
of the field. . . . The night after that day, a biting ant or an insect that lit
on my head seemed so many rattlesnakes.9
The chance Canadian, Creole, or half-breed you find in a cabin is
somewhat better:
The missionary finds there water, wood and fire. You talk a little with your
new friend, for any thinking being that can understand you is your friend in the
wilderness. You must hear the owner's whole story, you catechize him a bit,
give him some medals, and hear his confession if you can get it. You put on a
good countenance before the piece of squash that he has fried for you in return
for the bread, coffee and tobacco with which you provide him.10
In the summer of 1852, the bishop made a trip to Osage mission,
harried by fever, high water, flies, mosquitoes, and heat, but, "real
days in the land Cockayne. I had a good carriage, two excellent
horses, a prudent driver ... a real Californian's outfit/'11
Though he considered himself no great shot, the bishop on such
occasions went off with his guns when camp was made, and soon
returned with small birds a plenty for a meal. "There is a great
abundance of this kind of game because an Indian never stoops to
kill such small stuff; he has to have a buffalo, an antelope, at the
very least a turkey, duck, or pheasant." The bishop always did his
part in the camp work; his traveling companions enjoyed him.
After this trip he wrote home general information and judgments
concerning the Osages as well as an account of his visit to them.
A translation of this portion of the letter follows without omissions:
The Osages were not long ago possessors of all the land now comprised
within the two states of Missouri and Arkansas and of the territory extending in-
definitely toward New Mexico. The government has succeeded in buying
their finest lands for practically nothing, and they are now relegated to the
banks of the Neosho and Verdigris, which they leave three times a year to
go out into the plains to hunt buffalo or procure a few enemy scalps. Their re-
turn is celebrated by feasts and dances that last as long as their provisions. This
year I visited them in their villages, and I should have very much liked for
you to have been a witness to the curious scenes which took place then. As
for me, I am getting so that I remain cold as stone in the presence of what in-
terested me to the very highest degree in my first days here.
The villages are all built on heights within comfortable reach of wood and
water. At a distance you would take them for small cities. And they do have
something like streets and public squares — everything perfectly clean. They
are guarded by seven or eight hundred ravenous dogs which make approach
9. Garin, op. cit., p. 72.
10. Ibid., p. 73.
11. Ibid., p. 75.
BISHOP VIEWS His DIOCESANS 85
difficult in the day time and dangerous at night. Their tents, usually 30 to 35
feet long and 9 or 10 high, are covered with matting and buffalo hides
which protect them perfectly from the rigors of the winter, and easily admit the
breeze in the summertime.
Among the Osages, as among all non-Catholic savages, the women do all
the work, carry burdens, manufacture the tents, go after wood and water, etc.
The men smoke, gamble, and dance; they held two big dances for me during
my visit to them. The first took place at the village called Big Hill, the chief
of which is called Great Man.12 He is in fact a specimen about six feet six
inches tall, who hides nothing nature gave him. It was at his place that we
stopped, a necessary precaution if you want nothing stolen. Our reception was
warm and cordial; all the authorities and notabilities were convened; the scene
really lacked neither diversity nor pleasing features. After the customary cere-
monies, that is, going all around the Lodge shaking hands with every reasonable
being, we came back and sat down on a buffalo robe, placed for this purpose
opposite Great Man and his court. After distributing tobacco and marbles, I
explained to my audience the purpose of my visit: "to baptize the little children
and send the bigger ones to school to teach them to speak with their hands and
eyes (read and write)."
The chief replied that I had said some good things, and that his people
were certainly of the same mind; then after an interminable eulogy of himself
and his subjects he asked me if I knew many chiefs as skillful and as devoted
to their people as he was. I answered by adding a few more plugs of tobacco
to those I had already given out on my arrival. That was the best sign of
approval and satisfaction that I could give him. Our conference, almost like
one between diplomats, was followed by a banquet to which we contributed a
most fortunate element — the keenest of appetites. So we did great honor to
a broad wooden dish which was served to us filled with buffalo meat boiled
in water. Fingers of course must do the office of knife and fork, and anyone
wishing to drink broth quite simply picks up the common dish which he
conveys to his mouth without spilling the liquid over his clothes if he is
clever, or else he may use a big wooden spoon provided for the purpose.
This latter method is not exactly handy either. When you have finished
the dish or at least finished eating, what is left is put before the master
of the house, who eats in his turn and then serves his friends. You cannot
imagine what an enormous quantity of buffalo meat a person can eat without
suffering a bit. I remember eating four meals one morning an hour apart,
and having at each disposed of more meat than I eat in a day at home; after
that, I felt admirably disposed to go on to others. But I am getting off my
subject.
After our banquet we were invited to a ceremonial dance in our honor.
It was certainly as fine as a savage dance can be; it would take me four pages to
describe it. I will only say that the red, black, blue, green and white paint
with which these poor people were bedaubed would have been enough to
make rare spectacles out of them any place but at home. And if you add the
12. An Osage village named Big Hill by the whites was located on the site of
Independence, Kan., according to Father Ponziglione. — Garraghan, op. cit., v. 2, p. 501.
Great Man may have been Gratamantze or Gretomonse though Sister Mary Paul Fitzgerald
(p. 85) said he was chief of Ndntze-Waspe, 35 miles northeast of Big Hill. Great Man,
the English rendering of Bishop Miege's I'Homme Grand, is acoustically similar to Gra-
tamantze, and this man, recognized as chief by all the Osages would naturally have been the
object of Miege's visit.
86 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
bear skins, the wolf skins, the antelope skins with which they partially cover their
shoulders, their knives and their arrows, the little bells hanging at their knees
and neck, their plumes of eagle feathers, their movements, shouts and music,
you have a whole which perhaps has a name somewhere in heaven. This
scene was followed by the awarding of prizes to the bravest in the village.
The Osages are the handsomest race of men there is perhaps in the Indian
country, at least six feet tall, robust and well shaped. But that is all. Their
soul seems to be the reservoir of every evil human passion; they are thieving,
lazy, drunken, debauched, stinking with pride — add anything you like without
fear of slandering them. That's enough for now, isn't it? I'll come back to the
attack some other time.13
Other Jesuits were not so forthright in their condemnation of
the Osages. They loved them — as did the Bishop for that matter —
but found their mission to them difficult.
Bishop Miege saw no more of the Osages after this visit and very
little of the Pottawatomies. A trip to Europe in 1853 kept him away
until the beginning of 1854. The multitude of activities occasioned
by the opening of the territory of Kansas pushed Indian problems
into the background. He declared, however, that the law on Indian
lands which was passed preliminarily to the opening was "the death
sentence of the greater part of my poor diocese/' He was thinking
of the fate of his redskins. "We fear that they are preparing some
nasty trick. It makes one sick," he wrote in December, 1854, "to
think of the way these poor savages have been treated and will
be to the end." 14
13. Garin, op. cit., pp. 76-80.
14. The winter then beginning was very bad. At its end the bishop's last comment on
the Pottawatomie Indians is one of commiseration for their sufferings, and of regret for
their lack of foresight in preparing for disaster. — Ibid., p. 105.
Juniata: Gateway to Mid-Kansas
JAMES C. CAREY
IN late 1853 the best-known wagon trail near what is now Man-
hattan was the Fort Leavenworth to Fort Riley route. This army
road cut through much virgin territory. The Fort Leavenworth to
Fort Riley road came out from Leavenworth to what later was the
village of Winchester, to Osawkee village, to Half Dog creek, on to
Indianola (which is where the Topeka Goodyear Tire and Rubber
plant is now located ) . It then rolled on to Smith's ferry above the
Kansas river — where a fork cut off south to the Santa Fe trail — and
the other fork ran to what is now Silver Lake, on to Cross creek —
the old Pottawatomie agency, now near Rossville — to St. Mary's
Mission, on to the Vermillion river, crossing the stream at a point due
east of present Louisville, then up to the Big Blue river about one
mile below Rocky Ford, and from there cut off southwest toward the
outpost, Fort Riley.
A century ago in this lovely but lonely land there were laughter,
voices, the clink of money, the smell of white man's food, and Euro-
American civilization at the spots where people collected. People
usually gathered only at the points where trails crossed or where the
trail traffic hesitated at the major streams and rivers.
Such a place was Juniata at the crossing on the Big Blue. Juniata
was sometimes called Junietta, Juanita, and often Dyer's Town. It
grew up about two and one half miles below a spot on the Big Blue
where the Indians had constructed an earth lodge and cultivated
fields as much as 400 years before white settlers arrived there.1 This
paper is centered on the Big Blue river crossing and vicinity.
This is the place where Samuel D. Dyer once operated a ferry,
collected toll on the United States government bridge, and watched
a small town come to life. By climbing up into the hills where the
plow has not been used, one can find the main road, over which, a
hundred years prior to this writing, the government wagons rumbled
and rolled from fort to fort. One can still locate the old piling for
the Big Blue bridge on the post road — that is, unless the river is up.2
DR. JAMES C. CAREY is associate professor in the history, government and philosophy de-
partment at Kansas State College, Manhattan.
1. Prof. Linwood L. Hodgdon of Kansas State College, Manhattan, has been doing
anthropological work in the Big Blue river bottom. The Smithsonian Institution, with
Hodgdon as field assistant, conducted three excavations in the general area. In July, 1953,
Hodgdon was in charge of an excavation of the earth-lodge referred to above. He was as-
sisted by Smithsonian people, the University of Nebraska, and Kansas State College.
2. If you wish to locate the crossing on the Big Blue, go east from the old Casement
Juniata ranch buildings about three miles north of Manhattan, and cross the bridge near
(87)
88 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
In the year 1853, the first white settler, Samuel D. Dyer, came to
this area, which reminded some people of the Blue-Juniata of Penn-
sylvania.3 It seems that Dyer had been in Kansas nine or ten years
before 1853.4 And we know he had worked for the government at
Fort Scott. Early correspondence refers to Dyer as coming from
various places back East. At different times he is referred to as a
Virginian, a South Carolinian, and a Tennessean. As if that is not
confusing enough we find that the census of 1855 listed Samuel D.
Dyer as a farmer, 50 years old, having emigrated from Missouri
(wife, Pamelia age 40 years). Most likely he was a Tennessean by
birth, regardless of where he lived after that.5
There is a question as to the exact date when Samuel D. Dyer
moved up from Fort Scott, for some think it was early 1853 and
others place it along in midyear. His daughter, Sarah, later stated
that it was in the "spring of 1853." 6 In any event we find that it
was not long before his good wife, Pamelia, sons, Abraham, William,
Enoch, and daughters, Jane, Lydia, and Sarah had come to the new
home on the Big Blue. Other children mentioned are John, James,
Mary, and Martha Ann. Probably all of the 11 children did not
come to Juniata.
Dyer brought along with him a pony, two yoke of oxen, some
cattle, sheep, hogs, and other items for his frontier home. The hogs
were called "elmpeelers." We find that by fall, 1853, Dyer, with the
aid of several sons, was helping the government teams with the
crossing at the Big Blue.7
Several troublesome questions pose themselves: (1) Did Dyer, or
did he not, operate a ferry in late 1853 and 1854? Some of the early
correspondence refers to a pontoon bridge. When was the bridge
built? ( 2 ) If he operated a ferry at this early date, what kind was
what is known as the Inskeep house, take the first two turns right and you will come to
Cedar creek. Go about one quarter mile beyond the Cedar creek bridge and there on the
east side of the Big Blue is the old piling.
Juniata ranch is on the west side of the river. Gen. John Stephen Casement acquired the
ranch in 1878 and gave it to his son, Dan Dillon Casement, in 1889 on the latter's 21st
birthday. Upon the death of Dan Dillon Casement in March, 1953, the property passed to
the heirs, Jack S. Casement of Colorado, Mrs. Harold Furlong of Ohio, and Mrs. Donald
Dorn of Mexico City. In December, 1953, the property was purchased by John J. Vanier of
Salina.
3. Dan D. Casement and others have expressed the belief that this was the explanation
of the name, Juniata.
4. Thomas C. Wells, "Letters of a Kansas Pioneer 1855-1860," The Kansas Historical
Quarterly, v. 5 (May, 1936), p. 150 (Footnote 4). The original letters are in the Ms. divi-
sion, Kansas State Historical Society.
5. Mrs. John Flick of Manhattan has a letter in her possession written by S. H.
Carnahan, Roseburg, Ore., dated October 22, 1948, which quotes information published by
the American Bible Society, stating that Dyer was born in Tennessee on July 19, 1801.
The letter also mentions that Dyer had been a major in the Black Hawk War.
6. The Manhattan Republic, March 22, 1906.
7. George A. Root, "Ferries in Kansas," pt. 3, in The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 3
(May, 1934), pp. 120, 121.
JUNIATA: GATEWAY TO MID-KANSAS 89
it? Mrs. John Flick of Manhattan, whose grandfather, David Hays,
was one of the first settlers up Cedar creek, thinks that a ferry never
operated regularly for any length of time before the government
bridge was destroyed in 1856.8 H. W. Soupene of Manhattan re-
ports that his grandfather told him that he had worked as a stone
mason on a bridge there in either 1852 or 1853.
By the time of the official opening of Kansas territory in May,
1854, it was quite evident that a town had emerged on the east side
of the river. Under the territorial delineation this was Riley county
and not Pottawatomie county as it is today. A number of families
had located north of the crossing along Cedar creek on a bit higher
ground.
Some of the inhabitants of the Juniata area were Proslavery in
sympathy, but early election returns would indicate that there were
as many or more antislavery people. Brief treatment of this point
follows later in the paper. Families from New England also came
into the area along with families from the Old South and border
states. One New England group had stopped for a time back at
Rock Creek. By November 29, 1854, it appears that they had left
Rock Creek. Some returned to Lawrence, and some remained in
present Pottawatomie county but moved westward to the Big Blue
crossing.9
George O. Willard described the new town in his letter of January
7, 1855, which he headed, "Jmuata, (On the 'Big Blue River')":
. . . A town site has been laid off here, and settlers are coming from
nearly every State in the Union; about fifty families are here now. The town
is on the "Blue River," about five miles from its mouth, and the same distance
from the Kansas River, and about 125 miles from the mouth of that river. We
are also about twenty miles from Fort Riley. Various tribes of roving Indians
are scattered about us, but they are generally peaceable. . . . Provisions
of all kinds are very dear here at this time. Potatoes and butter we do not
get at all. Wages are pretty fair. Any kind of mechanic will make money
here another spring.
Game is abundant — I have seen 8 deer in one herd. Turkeys and squirrels
are also plenty; quails and prairie hens are abundant. The river is filled with
fish weighing from one to one hundred pounds. I ate a portion of one caught
in the Kansas, which weighed 76 pounds. There is no ice in the river at this
place now. We have a bridge across the Blue river here 300 feet long, built
8. General information on the questions can be found in "Some of the Lost Towns of
Kansas," in Kansas Historical Collections, v. 12 (1911-1912), p. 426. No author is listed,
but the secretary of the Society and editor of the Collections at the time was George W.
Martin.
William E. Smith, Wamego lawyer for many years, reported that when Fort Riley was
established in May, 1853, that Dyer "built the government ferry across the Blue at a place
called Junietta."— Ibid., v. 17 (1926-1928), p. 461.
9. Louise Barry, "The Emigrant Aid Company Parties of 1854," in The Kansas His-
torical Quarterly, v. 12 (May, 1943), pp. 147, 148.
90 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
by government. The military road from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Riley passes
here.™
In the same year, 1855, Thomas C. Wells wrote that the cholera was
raging at Fort Riley, where it had caused many deaths.11
For a time the town showed promise of becoming one of the real
cities of the area. Dyer opened a store and what was termed a free
hotel — where all kinds of denominational preaching was permitted.
Dyer, of the Methodist Church, South, was the leading man of the
town. The settlement was often referred to as Dyer's Town. He
was described in a contemporary account as an old six-foot man
of the Methodist Church, South. His house was said to be "one story
high and three stories long." 12 Dyer and his wife kept a "sort of
free hotel and small store" going by hiring help from time to time.
The house was a preaching place for all the denominations, and it
was customary to invite everybody to dinner after preaching. This
pair were a kindly, generous-hearted old couple, and "their free
table and dishonest clerks soon got away with most of their prop-
erty." 13
The first election, that of electing a territorial delegate to the
United States congress, was held in Samuel D. Dyer's house on
November 29, 1854. This was district ten of the sixteen election dis-
tricts first established by governor of the Kansas territory, Andrew
H. Reeder. The minutes which authorized this, read as follows:
"Place of election, the house of S. D. Dyer, at the crossing of the Big
Blue river. Judges: S. D. Houston, Francis Burgereau, and S. D.
Dyer." 14
On December 23, 1854, a commission was issued to Samuel D.
Dyer as justice of the peace for the tenth district. And his son, Wil-
liam Dyer, was commissioned constable for the tenth district on
January 1, 1855.15
With all this activity, a saloon grew up on each side of the river.
Before long some person had started a blacksmith shop. Mail came
in every week or two via an ambulance and four mules. It stopped
at the cabin of Seth J. Child, from which place it was delivered. It
10. Ibid., pp. 148, 149; the bridge referred to in this letter was washed away in Febru-
ary of 1856; see, also, p. 91 in this magazine.
11. Thomas C. Wells, "Letters of a Kansas Pioneer 1855-1860," loc. cit., p. 154. This
letter, written August 9, 1855, was addressed to his mother.
12. Isaac T. Goodnow, "Personal Reminiscences and Kansas Emigration, 1855," in
Kansas Historical Collections, v. 4 (1886-1890), p. 247.
13. Ibid.
14. "Executive Minutes. — Minutes Recorded in the Governor's Office During the Ad-
ministration of Governor Andrew H. Reeder," in Kansas Historical Collections, v. 3 (1881-
1884), p. 233.
15. Ibid., pp. 240, 242.
JUNIATA: GATEWAY TO MID-KANSAS 91
cost ten cents to send a letter and five cents for a newspaper. A
post office was officially established at Juniata on July 25, 1855,
and Seth J. Child was made postmaster.16
As early as November, 1854, the Rev. Charles E. Blood of New
Hampshire had been laboring as a home missionary at a point about
a mile west of Juniata.17 At least on one occasion he preached a
sermon at Dyer's house. It was very likely that this happened
more than once, as Blood, a Congregationalist, was active in Juniata
affairs. For an interval after first coming to Juniata, the Bloods
resided in a lean-to addition at the side of the Dyer cabin. Accord-
ing to Mrs. John Flick and Walter McKeen the first wedding on
Cedar creek took place August 22, 1855, when William Dyer and
Melissa Jane Hanna said, "I do." Later in the same year, Lydia
Dyer married George Jamison.18
Juniata seemed to grow as long as the $10,000 government bridge
held. But ice flow and flood water destroyed the bridge in Febru-
ary, 1856. Mrs. Asahel G. Allen's diary tells that heavy rains had
broken the ice and on February 26, 1856, she noted the results
as follows: "The bridge was destroyed by the ice today; a great
inconvenience to us as our claim is on the other side of the river
from our house." 19
The quartermaster at Fort Riley sent a new boat over and asked
Dyer to operate it at the crossing where the bridge had formerly
existed. Without first obtaining a license from the Riley county
officials, Dyer started to operate a ferry. By June, 1856, there was
a suit against him in the probate court. A fine of $200 was fixed, but
there is no evidence that it was ever paid. Friends of Dyer circu-
lated two petitions in his favor and sent them to the governor of the
territory. The first petition was signed by William Dyer, James
Dyer, C. R. Mobly, A. A. Garrett, A. C. Allen, William F. Allen,
C. N. Wilson, and possibly others. Another petition was also
circulated which included a longer list of signatures. Some of the
signers of the second one were people like S. D. Houston, David
Hays, Robert Hays, John Pipher, Tunis I. Roosa, Iva Taylor, J. R.
McClure, and others. No further mention of the matter of the suit
16. Letter, W. W. Howes, First assistant postmaster general, Washington, D. C., to
F. G. Kimball of Manhattan, dated February 24, 1939. Mrs. John Flick of Manhattan
has a copy of this letter.
17. J. T. Willard, "Bluemont Central College, the Forerunner of Kansas State College,"
in The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 13 (1944-1945), p. 331.
18. Information concerning weddings and many other family affairs can be found in
"A History of Cedar Creek." The data was secured from families of the Cedar creek com-
munity and compiled by Mrs. John Flick and Walter McKeen. McKeen typed several copies
of this booklet. Mrs. Flick of Manhattan has one copy.
19. Mrs. Asahel G. Allen's diary is in the Ms. division, Kansas State Historical Society.
92 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
is made in the records of the governor's office which were turned over
to the archives of the State Historical Society.20
On August 5, 1856, the post office was moved across the Big Blue
river and officially opened at a spot approximately one half mile
west of the crossing on the Big Blue.21 This, the new post office, was
called Tauromee (at times also spelled "Tauroma," "Tarromee," and
"Tauroru").
A person born at the Tauromee post office on September 7, 1856,
is living in Manhattan as of this writing. Mrs. Ella Child Carrol,
past 97 years of age, remembers much of her early childhood. She
is the daughter of that first postmaster, Seth J. Child. As she recalls
this post office, it consisted of a pigeonhole, roll-top desk in the
corner of their one-room log cabin. When Child wanted to close
the post office, he merely pulled the top of the desk down and
snapped a lock. Mrs. Carrol says that theirs was the first house on
the west side of the river to have glass windows and real lime
chinking between the logs. On March 26, 1858, the United States
government discontinued this post office of Tauromee.22 There
had never been a town there, since most of the people lived east of
the river near Juniata.
The following disputed matter continues to crop up: Was Samuel
D. Dyer Proslavery in sympathy? Numerous references are made
to the matter — some contradictory. Usually Juniata was referred
to as a Proslavery town, but this is not necessarily proof that it was.
Probably the majority of people living in this general area at the
time considered both Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley to be under
Proslavery administration. The first election held in the Kansas
territory, November 29, 1854, found 37 votes cast in the Big Blue
district. The majority of voters failed to select a clear-cut candidate
on the slave issue as the returns show: (1) Proslavery John W.
Whitfield, two votes; (2) Free-State John A. Wakefield, six votes;
(3) Administration Democrat R. P. Flenniken (not committed on
slave issue) 29 votes.23 Of course the Juniata population made up
only a part of the Big Blue district electorate.
In January, 1888, Prof. Isaac T. Goodnow read a paper at the
20. George A. Root, "Ferries in Kansas," loc. cit., pp. 121, 122.
21. Letter from the first assistant postmaster general, W. W. Howes, to F. G. Kimball,
see Footnote 16.
In 1953, Mr. David Dallas of Manhattan placed a durable stone marker at a spot
close to where the old Tauromee post office must have been. The Riley County Historical
Society participated in the placement and dedication of the marker on May 6, 1953. The
inscription of the marker does not mention Tauromee, but it does point out Juniata crossing
to the east.
22. Ibid.
23. The original affidavits of the results of the November 29, 1854, election are in
the Archives division, Kansas State Historical Society.
JUNIATA: GATEWAY TO MID KANSAS 93
annual meeting of the State Historical Society. His paper told of
a trip he made with Gen. Samuel C. Pomeroy through the Big Blue
crossing in 1855. Goodnow's paper stated that on "the fifth day, on
the Government road, five miles above where Manhattan is now
situated, on the Big Blue, we struck Juniata, a little Pro-Slavery
town, close by a Government bridge, built at an expense of $10,-
000." 24
In 1853 and 1854 there is little mention of Samuel D. Dyer in
connection with slavery. Dyer may have expressed more positive
views on the matter as the slave issue "warmed up" in Kansas. Or
it is possible that he kept most of his opinions to himself. Thomas
C. Wells had a very definite opinion as to Dyer's stand. But there
is no certainty that Wells had assessed the situation correctly. A
letter written April 13, 1856, by Wells to his mother reads:
Mr. Dyer has turned strong proslavery and they have got a proslavery
minister there of the Methodist Church South, who says "he would as leave
sell a nigger as an ox." They have organized a church under proslavery in-
fluence and intend to do all they can to bring slaves into Kansas and drive out
the yankees "for," they say, "they do not want eastern men to rule the
territory." 25
Years later, in 1906, Dyer's daughter, Sarah, who married a Mr.
Woodard and moved to the state of Washington, referred to her
father and the slavery question in this way: "My father had south-
ern principles but he did not believe in slavery. He had friends
on both sides fighting during the war."26 If Dyer supported the
Southern cause it was almost a certainty that many people of Kansas
territory would place him squarely in the Proslavery camp regard-
less of the merits of such a classification. The meaning of Sarah
Dyer Woodard's words "southern principles" is not clear. Does
she refer to state rights, white supremacy, both of these, or some-
thing else such as lower tariffs?
There are other references in the historical record to the effect that
Samuel D. Dyer was Proslavery minded. But at the same time
one can find some references stating that he was a "free-State Demo-
crat," so the question is still unanswered. This much seems clear.
Dyer was not aggressive nor was the town aggressive in any slave-
minded way. The record also points out that Dyer and his family
were respected and well liked in the community.
The slavery discussion would merit but little attention here if it
were not for the fact that it affords one feeble measuring stick for
24. Isaac T. Goodnow, "Personal Reminiscences and Kansas Emigration, 1855," loc. cit.
25. Thomas C. Wells, "Letters of a Kansas Pioneer 1855-1860," loc. cit., p. 165.
26. Manhattan Republic, March 22, 1906.
94 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
reassessing that "passionate" territorial period. If one influential
family and a promising little town might possibly have been mis-
takenly labeled for one hundred years, what other similar but more
significant errors are still being read into the record?
Isaac T. Goodnow has summarized the main reasons which were
at play in the decline and death of Juniata town: "The destruction
of the bridge, . . . and the changing of the Government road,
with the rivalry of Manhattan, which followed, effectually wiped
out the town." Goodnow also expressed the belief that in Kansas no
Proslavery town could live by the side of a Free-State town.27
In any event, Juniata could have had little hope left when in
March, 1858, the post office of Tauromee was discontinued. The
two factors which were the most important in bringing on the death
of Juniata, were: (1) the military road was moved down the river
closer to its mouth; and (2) the growth of rival Manhattan town
with its definite antislavery atmosphere.
Almost a half century after Juniata's decease, Gen. John A. Hal-
derman, talking of former-day possible Kansas capital sites, quoted
Governor Reeder as having said: "I remember old Squire Dyer, at
the 'Crossing of the Blue/ had hopes for his place." 28
Juniata soon passed out along with many lost towns. Yet, al-
though it did not become the capital of Kansas, it is not forgotten
either.
27. Isaac T. Goodnow, "Personal Reminiscenses and Kansas Emigration, 1855," loc. cit.
28. Henry Shindler, "The First Capital of Kansas," published in the Leavenworth
Times and included under heading of "Miscellaneous Papers" in Kansas Historical Collec-
tions, v. 12 (1911-1912), p. 334.
Housing Experiments in the Lawrence Community,
1855
JAMES C. MALIN
AN article in the Spring issue of The Kansas Historical Quarterly
dealt with the initial problem of emergency in shelter for the
Emigrant Aid Company colony at Lawrence. The next phase of the
discussion, housing experiments, requires a broader base: (1) the
people, Easterners and Westerners, and the recognition of their
cultural differences; (2) the architectural traditions of these groups,
the principles, forms, and practices in building; (3) the geographical
setting, with its limitations and opportunities.
THE PEOPLE: EASTERNERS AND WESTERNERS . ;
Again and again the issue was raised, by various writers who
dealt with Kansas affairs, of the fundamental differences between
Easterners and Westerners as they were usually designated. It is
significant that except when slavery was the subject of discussion,
the problems of the pioneering process were mostly discussed in
terms of Easterners and Westerners, rather than Northerners and
Southerners, or Southerners were linked with Westerners.
Among the first reports written from the site selected by the
Emigrant Aid Company, "Charleston," August 7, 1854, referred to
the settlers already established there as professional squatters, "that
class which exists in the west/' x In applying this label, only one
type of Westerner was involved. A short time earlier a corre-
spondent wrote that "They attempt to frighten persons from the
free States, by show of revolvers and bowie knives/' 2 That, also,
was a limited usage of the idea. On October 7 another writer from
the town of Lawrence reported that besides the New England
emigrant parties, there were 40 or 50 settlers from the Western
states in the neighborhood.3
DR. JAMES C. MALIN, associate editor of The Kansas Historical Quarterly, is professor of
history at the University of Kansas, Lawrence.
A paper, "Housing in the Prairie-Plains Region," was presented at the annual meeting
of the Mississippi Valley Historical Association at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, April, 1943, based
upon a monograph of the same name, which has not been published. The present paper
represents a part of that project, which has since been expanded and will be published as a
part of Grassland Historical Studies, v. 3.
1. Boston Journal, August 29, 1854. — "Webb Scrapbooks" (in library of Kansas State
Historical Society), v. 1, p. 106.
2. New York Tribune, August 3, 1854, letter dated Kansas territory, July 25, and
signed "Pioneer."
3. Boston Post, October 18, 1854. — "Webb Scrapbooks," v. 1, pp. 166, 167.
(95)
96 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Among Free-State people there was some recognition of the fact
that persons unsuited to the requirements of a pioneer life had been
among the first parties. Mrs. C. I. H. Nichols expressed a low
opinion of some of them. The Herald of Freedom, January 13,
1855, which was established with the aid of the Emigrant Aid
Company, discussed the question under the title "Stay East/' idlers,
persons unaccustomed to work, or accustomed only to sedentary
occupations, as well as persons without capital — all of "those
who wish to fall back upon Emigrant Aid Companies, or on private
individuals for support. . . ."
Quite elaborately, January 27, 1855, the same paper described
"The Professional Squatters" as follows: "They are migratory —
passing from one region of country to another; and the whole
country that constitutes the western States and Territories bear
witness to their presence. . . . Squatting, with them, is a trade,
profession, pursuit. They move on in advance of the permanent
settler. . . .," who "must pay the squatter his price. . . ."
The other aspect that irritated the writer was that "they secure,
even before territorial organization, the fords and main gateways
leading into new and unsettled regions, possess the most accessible
points, and the most commanding and valuable localities. . . ."
At the end of the article a distinction was recognized among West-
erners: "We do not, of course, allude in these remarks about
squatters to those pioneers who come westward seeking homes,
and having found a suitable location, commence and perseveringly
continue, to surround themselves with facilities for home and
permanent residence/'
The Kansas Free State, edited by Josiah Miller and R. G. Elliot,
took up the defense of the Westerners and denied the accuracy of
the "highly abusive article" charging "the West generally, as being
speculators, robbers, pick-pockets, and swindlers." Editor Miller
insisted that the Westerner did perform a positive and constructive
service to the development of the country. The poor Westerner,
Indiana and westward, according to the Free State, "unable to buy
lands, ... is compelled to go into new and sometimes un-
surveyed regions, . . . and by hard toil makes a comfortable
little farm. . . ." When the monied homeseeker arrives, he sells:
The squatter by thus selling his first choice, and giving it up to an individual
who perhaps has more money than he, and can better improve it, selects another,
and expends what money he has received for the first, in improving the second,
&c. This every one can see is no robbery, but it is far more honorable than the
conduct of some individuals not a thousand miles from here, and who perhaps
HOUSING EXPERIMENTS IN LAWRENCE, 1855 97
lived east of Indiana, who are acting as agents to sell claims belonging to
persons who never intended making any improvement on any claim whatever.
Editor Miller expressed some positive impressions of Easterners:
We have no sympathy with that class of people who pin themselves to a
small portion of God's footstool, and stick there, until by inter-marriages and
hereditary transmissions their whole souls and minds become contracted into
the narrowness of a nut-shell, and they know nothing of human nature, and
the business of the world, outside their own selfish and contracted hearts. It
is this migrating disposition of the American people that makes them pre-
eminently superior to any other nation of the globe.
Miller accused Herald of Freedom Editor G. W. Brown, of the
company organ, of branding as "pick-pockets and predatory specu-
lators" all pioneers who did not give up their fords, gateways, claims,
and their improvements for nothing to the "Eastern monied home-
seeker." 4
Josiah Miller's most comprehensive and effective editorial on the
East- West contrast was entitled "Proscription of Class":
It is very seldom that we see the great principle of universal brotherhood
acted out. Men may talk a great deal about natural rights, freedom, and
universal equality, but their actions show quite a different thing. Every one
has a natural self-respect, or pride about him that prompts him to prefer his
own person to all others — but this principle expands, takes in the family,
neighborhood, church, state, and finally the whole world; that is, when it
operates naturally. But there are times and places when the affection for the
neighborhood or clique absorbes all other affections, and will not enable one to
regard any one outside of a certain sphere. This is a trait that characterizes a
number of the Eastern emigration of this place. They come to Kansas for
the purpose of instructing the western people how to build up a model New
England State. They are advised, from head quarters, to avoid the use of
all Western vulgarisms, and to cherish their New England habits and cus-
toms. They hear and conceive a great many tales about Western life and
manners. They like the Emigrant Aid Company because it sends out a
large body of New Englanders, so that they can have their own society, &c.
They work themselves into a belief that Western men, and especially Mis-
sourians, are of an inferior order of people, unfit for social intercourse; and
unless a man agrees with them in all of their peculiar notions about building
up a model State, he is charged as a "Missourian" — as this is the worst epithet,
in their opinion, they can apply to any one they dislike.
We would now sincerely advise these wise men of the East of the fact; that
the great majority of the settlers of Kansas are now and will be Western men.
We understand from C. W. Babcock, Esq., who is taking the census, that
there are more Illinoians settled in this district than there are New Englanders
all together.
This being the case, these refined gentlemen may just as well make up
their minds, at once, to consider Western men as human beings, and conclude
4. Kansas Free State, Lawrence, February 7, 1855.
7—3382
98 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
to associate with them; as it is utterly impossible for Massachusetts or New
England to settle Kansas, though the Aid Company may have made them
believe it. They will have but a small share in making it a model State, or
in framing its free institutions. A great many who come out under the auspices
of the Company are too selfish and clannish to effect anything in Kansas. Men
setting out in such a noble enterprise, as they at first pretended, must have souls
capable of appreciating the society and true merit of their fellow citizens,
though it should appear outside of a clique of fifty men.
But in closing, Miller did for Easterners what G. W. Brown had
done for Westerners, by pointing out that there were exceptions:
In these remarks, we, of course, do not refer to all of the Eastern emigra-
tion— only to a certain clique in Lawrence, who seem to have the control of
things. We believe that a great number of the Eastern men are just as good
and enterprising citizens as we can find any where. And we believe that the
clique begins to see that they will incur the contempt of all honest, social and
liberal minded men, if they do not soon change their demeanor.5
In anticipation of a great migration to Kansas in the spring, the
Kansas Free State offered some advice:
Persons coming to Kansas with their families, by land, should start with
good wagons and ox teams, and bring with them all the little implements
and seeds necessary to go right to farming upon their arrival. As the indi-
vidual, who takes up a farm this spring, can plant and cultivate a great
many vegetables that will command a high price in the summer and fall.
There is no danger of the market being glutted. Every person who knows
anything about farming, can make money on a claim from the very day that
he goes on it.6
Apparently by the time of the issue of May 12, the Herald of
Freedom had seen the light. Although printing on its front page a
spirited defense of the New England Emigrant Aid Company, on the
inside editorial page an article on "Emigration" took almost the same
position as the Kansas Free State on the Easterner-Westerner issue
in relation to Kansas settlement.
He opened with the observation that "The heavy tide of eastern
emigration appears to be somewhat checked at the present, to be
resumed in the autumn." But the significant revelation came in the
continuation:
We are glad to observe that the falling off from the eastern States is made
up by the daily arrivals overland of large covered wagons from Iowa, Wis-
consin, Indiana, Illinois, &c., in which are packed all the paraphernalia of the
farm and fire-side, ready for distribution in their proper places as soon as a
claim is selected.
Our western people understand pioneer life, and know how to prepare for
it. — They come to remain; and rarely are they seen beating an inglorious
retreat. . ; .
5. Ibid.
6. Ibid.
HOUSING EXPERIMENTS IN LAWRENCE, 1855 99
Brown cited a Westerner who would not be frightened by
Missourians :
Such are the material who come from the West — single-handed, self-reliant,
accustomed to toil, and the rough life; they do not shrink away when brought
in direct competition with difficulties, but brace themselves for the shock, and
triumph, as energy and perseverance will on all similar occasions.
The remainder of the editorial was focused directly upon the rela-
tion of these characteristics to housing and similar questions:
We shall soon pass through the forming stage of society, then the finished
workmen of New England will be needed in the Kansas valley; but at present
we want the "bone and sinew, the hard fisted yeomanry," who can prepare the
soil, and fit it for the abode of refinement; who can grapple with life in its
rudest form, and that without repining at the ways of Providence. We also
want the hard-laboring mechanic — not the architect, who plans and directs —
but he who wills and executes, surmounting every apparent impossibility, and
without material, only as it is found in the quarry or the forest, can erect
shelters and protection from the storm for those who command his labor.
Society in its rude state cannot afford to expend means in the erection of
costly structures, or in ornamental furniture. Utility and necessity must be
blended, and with economy they must struggle together, and together
triumph. . . .
In the Osawatomie district, also somewhat influenced by the Emi-
grant Aid Company, a similar comment appeared in a private letter
of John Everett, dated January 25, 1856:
The western people are far the most numerous in the territory. The country
is so different from our Eastern country and the character of Eastern emigration
is such ( a majority as far as I have seen village mechanics with ideas enthusias-
tically excited) that I think one half at least of Eastern people return. Those
who stay love the country as they get used to it. The Western people find much
such a country as they left behind them, and settle right down, build their
cabins, fence and break up their fields and drop their corn, before you hardly
know they are here.7
There was no separate census for Lawrence as of January-Feb-
ruary, 1855, but the first census district comprised eastern Douglas
county, including the towns of Lawrence and Franklin and the coun-
try to the southward, while the second district was the western part
of the county including what was later the town of Lecompton. Of
the 369 voters listed in the first district, 105 came to Kansas from
New England (Massachusetts 72), or 29 per cent; 143, or 39 per
cent came from border states north of the Mason-Dixon line, and
86, or 23 per cent, came from border states south of that line. The
individual states contributing most largely to these voters were Mas-
7. "Letters of John and Sarah Everett, 1854-1864," The Kansas Historical Quarterly,
v. 8 (1939), pp. 25, 26.
100 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
sachusetts 72; Missouri 59; Ohio 38; New York 34; Pennsylvania 34;
Illinois 27; Iowa 19. The total from the Western border states ( ex-
cluding Iowa) was 147, or 40 per cent, divided 74 and 73 between
slave and free states.8 Thus it is clear that Lawrence and vicinity,
taken together, were definitely not New England in character. The
course of events during the year 1855 was to diminish rapidly such
relative importance as New England still retained. In November,
1856, G. W. Brown argued in the columns of his revived Herald of
Freedom that Lawrence was not a Yankee town; the business district
was controlled by Westerners, especially Missourians.9
ARCHITECTURAL TRADITIONS
Among Western people, but not among Eastern people, especially
not among New Englanders, the log cabin tradition for pioneer
housing was firmly established. In a book, The Log Cabin Myth,
Harold R. Shurtleff (1939), has traced to the Swedes and to some
German groups, the architectural technique of building log cabins
by laying up logs horizontally, and fastening them at the corners
by notching. These people had settled in the Middle colonies, near
the meeting place of the three colonies, New Jersey, Delaware, and
Pennsylvania. English colonists had adapted this technique quite
late, and it did not become widely used by them until the pioneers
had crossed, or were crossing, the Appalachian ranges. New Eng-
land had not adopted it. In the European countries of the origin of
the log cabin technique, straight pine logs were available, but in
the American environment where it was used, the trees were pri-
marily deciduous hardwoods. In Missouri and Kansas, oak, hickory,
and walnut were dominant. These were only relatively straight,
and required a substantial amount of hewing with a broadax to
provide a reasonably close fit between the faces of the logs. In any
case, there was a substantial job of chinking to do, with mud, or mud
and lime, and if the logs were carelessly or inexpertly prepared,
weatherproofing was difficult. Furthermore, notching of logs was an
art acquired only by experience. Easterners, especially town people,
were likely to find themselves quite helpless to help themselves,
under these circumstances, even in the midst of plenty of suitable
trees.
The architectural techniques of the Easterners, especially of the
8. Figures computed from Report of the Special Committee Appointed to Investigate the
Troubles in Kansas (Washington, 1856), pp. 74-76. However, difficulty in the interpreta-
tion of the original census manuscript results in uncertainty as to the exact figures.
9. Herald of Freedom, Lawrence, November 1, 1856.
HOUSING EXPERIMENTS IN LAWRENCE, 1855 101
New Englanders, were also rooted in the Old World, especially in
17th century England; the full frame construction, the spaces being
filled in by several methods, wattle and daub, but especially covered
with clapboards. Prior to the availability of sawmills, the frames
were hand hewn and the clapboards hand rived. The frames of
large timbers were prepared on the ground, for fastening together
with mortises, tenons, and wooden pins. When the time came for a
house raising, the timbers must fit exactly. In other words, the trade
of the carpenter and joiner required great skill acquired only
through a substantial experience. By the mid-19th century, how-
ever, a modified full-framing was practiced, a transition towards
balloon framing which was already being adopted widely in the
West. The use of iron nails became a feature in these newer tech-
niques, but New England was fundamentally frame-house minded,
in the older tradition, and for the most part yielded only partially
to the newer practices. Within this background the housing tech-
niques in Lawrence and vicinity in 1854 and 1855 must be examined.
Of the first Emigrant Aid Party of 29, the 13 from Worcester were
said to be mechanics; but the contemporary accounts did not list
the occupations of the Boston contingent of 16, whose origins were
assigned to Boston three, Roxbury three, Lynn two, Vermont four,
not accounted for, four. Miss Barry's list of 12 identified six as
mechanics, two as farmers, and the others as town occupations.10
Of the second party, Miss Barry identified 107 for her list. The oc-
cupations of 66 were undetermined, but apparently 15 were house-
wives, 17 children, leaving about 34 men unassigned. Of the re-
mainder, 20 belonged to trades and professions, only 21 being listed
as farmers. Of the 162 of the third party, on Miss Barry's list, 39
wives and children may be eliminated, leaving 40 farmers and 83
assignable to city trades and professions, 14 of whom were carpen-
ters. The first party had one carpenter, the second two, so the out-
side figures present were 17 carpenters, plus a few others in the
wood- working trades. The only mason listed was one farmer-mason
in the third party. Under these conditions much had to be left to
the ingenuity and versatility of these men who probably knew a little
of several trades.
10. New York Daily Tribune, July 20, 1854; Boston Commonwealth, July 18, 1854. —
"Webb Scrapbooks," v. 1, p. 62; Louise Barry, "The Emigrant Aid Company Parties of
1854," Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 12 (May, 1943), pp. 124-127.
102 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING,
LIMITATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES
The prairie country, with its mixture of timber and grassland,
released the pioneer from the necessity of clearing the ground of
heavy forest for crops, and afforded livestock the best of grazing.
This meant the saving of many years of hard work in the making
of a farm, an inestimable asset, if the settler only knew how to
capitalize upon his opportunities. The Westerner soon had a log
cabin, small fields fenced with rails, and his livestock ran at large.
The Easterner, without the art of notching, and of laying up hard-
wood logs, had no alternative but to depend upon the sawmill,
because, without water and railroads, sawed lumber could not be
shipped in. The hard wood was difficult to work. Somewhat later
a settler wrote:
Good planing machinery are very much needed as most of the timber is hard
wood, burr oak & walnut, and it is hard work for carpenters to plane it & dulls
their tools so that a man would rather work at other employments where he
can get it.11
In much of eastern Kansas a weathered limestone rock was easily
available, without skilled quarrying operations. Lime could be
burned for mortar. All that was necessary was to learn some
rather simple makeshifts in order to build stone houses, without
benefit of the stonecutters skills. But for the Easterners, in the fall
of 1854, all these resources availed little, and the several descriptions
of Lawrence, as of December 1, 1854, reflected all these elements in
the New England segment of the community.
The grass thatched temporary shelters constructed by the Emi-
grant Aid Company used the framing idea as the basis of the struc-
ture. Supervision of the thatching was undertaken by one Houghton,
an Englishman, who had drifted about as a sailor and found himself
now at Lawrence. Possibly, he had been familiar at sight, if not
by experience, with this skill in the homeland. Lawrence is in the
tall-grass country, the early settlers often referring to the grass as
tall as a man on horseback. The taller species are Big Bluestem
(Andropogon furcatus), Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans), and
others. These grasses grow in the lower lands, sending up seed
stalks in the late summer four to seven feet or taller.
To provide wooden siding for cabins of similar design, S. N.
Simpson and J. Savage cut off sections of oak logs and split shakes
or clapboards. Mrs. Nichols called them clapboards. Probably
11. Horace L. Dunnell, "Kansas Experiences," December 7, 1856, prepared for
Thaddeus Hyatt. — "Thaddeus Hyatt Papers," Kansas State Historical Society.
HOUSING EXPERIMENTS IN LAWRENCE, 1855 103
both had seen something of the sort in New England, where
siding was laid up horizontally, or possibly they were following the
Western process of riving shakes as roofing for log cabins, only
applying them vertically, like shingles, to the sides of these cabins.
In his recollections, Savage admitted that these were the first
shakes either of them had split.12 John Doy's reference to houses
"willow built and mud covered," 13 suggests the "willow and daub"
technique in use in Old England in the 17th century when the
English colonists were emigrating to New England. No detailed
description of the Lawrence practice has been found, but in England
a lattice of willow was fastened into the spaces in the frame, and
mud worked into the lattice like a plaster wall. Likewise no
descriptions of the very first stone structures have survived. In
banking up the several types of houses with sod to weatherproof
them against the advancing winter, they were merely doing the
obvious. In building sod houses outright, however, they were
going further. Carpenter's letter describing them made an explicit
comparison with the Irish railroad laborers' mud cabins, but did
not indicate whether or not there was any deliberate imitation of the
traditional earth house of Ireland. Thus, so far as Lawrence of 1854
was concerned, the log cabin, the Old World architectural skill
which had been most completely Americanized in the West, was
the one least recognized. For a settlement projected by a New
England company, with a purpose of making it a new New England,
this was particularly unfortunate, when taken in conjunction with
the selection of a location without assured river navigation.
It was well to recognize the principle of compensation in rela-
tion to advantages and disadvantages of geographical factors, but
it would have been good strategy in support of the object of pro-
moting Free-State settlement to give nature as much encouragement
as possible. The Kansas Free State, July 9, 1855, asked: "Why
did not the Aid Company found a few towns on the Missouri river?
The sites are eligible, the very thresholds of the Territory, and
navigation almost constant." Sawed lumber and other materials
adapted to New England's cultural techniques would have been
more accessible. Within this context, a restudy of the history of
Leavenworth and its relation to the history of territorial Kansas
is in order.14
12. J. Savage, "Recollections of 1854," Western Home Journal, Lawrence, August 18,
1870.
13. See The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 21 (Spring, 1954), p. 45.
14. Aspects of the problem are recognized in the present author's articles on "Judge
Lecompte and the Sack of Lawrence," The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 20 (August and
November, 1953), and in his other studies as yet unpublished.
104 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
THE LOG CABIN PROBLEM
Not only was the log cabin the least recognized, in the New Eng-
land Emigrant Aid Company colony, of the ancient architectural
traditions, but in some quarters there was an active hostility toward
them. The origins of this proscription of the log cabin were varied:
difficulties in construction (for those without the necessary ex-
perience and skill), discomforts, lack of neatness, and waste of tim-
ber which was scarce in a prairie country. Referring to the Emi-
grant Aid Company's plans at Lawrence, C. B. Boynton and J. B.
Mason, Cincinnati men who toured Kansas in September, 1854,
wrote that there would be two sawmills:
The Company will be able to supply the emigrants with lumber, at about ten
dollars per thousand, and it is hoped that the tents will be exchanged, not for
log-cabins, but for comfortable framed dwellings, before the setting-in of winter.
. . . The present promise of this spot, is far greater than any other in
Kansas.
At another place the deficiency of forests was made the issue:
Again, God has provided three important and complete substitutes for timber
and wood [stone, coal, and osage orange]. ... In such a country, thus
supplied, neither a log-cabin nor a rail fence should ever be built. ... In
the first place, a comfortable log house, if such a thing can be, is a costly struc-
ture, and secondly, the useless waste of timber, as compared with a light and
suitable frame, "balloon-frame," is enormous.15
The above observations were made by outsiders visiting the terri-
tory only as travelers. On November 11, 1854, after several weeks'
residence in Kansas, E. D. Ladd of Wisconsin wrote home from
Lawrence that: "Timber is too scarce to build log houses of it." ie
On March 31, 1855, the Herald of Freedom reprinted from the
Phrenological Journal: "A Letter to Working People Who Propose
Going West." For temporary shelter a tent was recommended, "es-
pecially should they be going so far out that lumber could not be had
conveniently," and after it had served its original purpose the canvas
would be available as a covering in many ways around the farm.
A good strong tent or canvas house would answer some time for a dwelling.
I should prefer it in many respects to an ordinary log house, which, of all
human habitations that I have ever seen or had anything to do with, is the
least desirable, and about one of the hardest and most expensive in constructing,
especially if made neat and comfortable. In short, I would try every conceiv-
able way of building before I would use logs. The reasons are unanswerable
and almost innumerable, why I would do it.
15. C. B. Boynton and T. B. Mason, A Journey Through Kansas (Cincinnati, 1855),
pp. 67, 68, 98, 99; Cora Dolbee, "The Second Book on Kansas," The Kansas Historical
Quarterly, v. 4 (1935), pp. 115-148. For a discussion of the larger issues of the occu-
pance of the Grassland of North America, see Malin, Grassland Historical Studies, v. 1, pt. 1.
10. Milwaukee Daily Sentinel, November 27, 1854.
HOUSING EXPERIMENTS IN LAWRENCE, 1855 105
I have had some experience in this manner of building, and perhaps, after
all that I could say, you would not be satisfied but by learning the same way.
If so, go ahead; you may be satisfied with the result. There are many, doubt-
less, who do like log cabins, but were I now going West, I would sooner take a
canvas house. . . .
The writer warned, however, not to waterproof or fireproof the
tent, because that would only add weight, make it crack, and shorten
its life. A month later, April 28, another long article was printed,
written to the New York Tribune, by a man from Grand Prairie, Ind.
He claimed to have made a farm in the timber and on the prairie,
and out of that experience was presenting his conclusions:
Poor people's houses in a new country are often of logs, without windows or
door. They are often built without a nail, or a foot of sawed lumber. A com-
pany of emigrants who have sense enough to follow me thus far, have too much
sense to put up a log house on the prairie. If they can get lumber, they may
put up a balloon house, such as are common here, and was described in The
Tribune a few weeks back — or they may put up one of gravel and lime — or en-
tirely of clay and straw. . . .
In the final recommendation, the writer was referring to the earth
houses of the Spanish Southwest. But in this recommendation as
well as the others, few if any of the New Englanders at Lawrence
would have had any experience.
Evidently some of the New England colonists went out on farm
claims and built log cabins, and possibly most of them who actually
settled on farms did so, but few accounts of these have been found
thus far in print. Most of the letters to the press and news stories
from the Lawrence area were descriptive of town controversies and
town housing. It was the town residents, not the farmers, who were
most vocal. One of the Ogden brothers from Chelsea, Mass., mem-
bers of the third party, built six miles south of Lawrence. Wm.
L. G. Soule, of the same place, a farmer, and a member of the fifth
party, built two miles from town. He lived with Ogden during
the construction period of his own log cabin, a 10 x 12-foot structure,
with split shingles for a roof, a mud and sticks chimney, and the
ground for a floor. The fifth party had arrived at Kansas City
November 19, and Soule's letter written Christmas eve, reported
that his cabin would be ready for occupancy within the week.17
The first reports of the cost of log cabins were quite low. One
writer reported that they could be built for $40 to $60. John Doy
wrote in one letter, that the cost was $30 to $50, and in another
17. Concord [Mass.?] Independent Democrat, January 25, 1855. — "Webb Scrapbooks,"
v. 2, p. 153. The identification of Soule and the Ogdens was made by Louise Barry, loc. cit.,
pp. 134, 150.
106 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
letter, $25 to $30.18 Boynton and Mason had insisted that log
houses were not only costly, but were unsatisfactory even if buiit.
In contrast with all the ferment over housing at Lawrence, it is
well to enter into the record a Missouri report by G. S. Park on
a tour of Kansas territory. In printing it, Editor L. J. Eastin of the
Leavenworth Herald stated that few from the East understood
pioneer life, expecting to find a country where they could live
without work. Park thought too much time was devoted by them to
organizing leagues, and making constitutions:
Specious plans, drawn with precision on paper, are not worth a straw on the
ground. An actual settler needs a team that he may bring with him his
provisions and necessary utensils; then he can go on to his claims, make camp,
and commence cutting logs, notching and laying them up, and covering over his
cabin with 3 or 4 feet boards rived out of some good oak tree near by. The
outside has to be chinked and daubed with mud; the inside may be boarded
up; while for a floor, some puncheons can be split up and laid down, — after
which the family can "move in." The next movement is to split rails, or lay up
stone walls for fences, &c. It is useless to go away out from the settlements
as many have done, without provisions and implements to work with, especially
at this late season; all who are prepared to do as we have indicated should
stay on the frontier till spring. . . . Money can't purchase comfort and
convenience.19
To the experienced Westerner, the process of settlement, including
the log cabin, was just that simple. The conflict or rivalry of cul-
tures exhibited throughout these discussions had nothing per se to
do with slavery. Yet regardless of Eastern suspicions, there was
little room for slavery in a pioneer society establishing itself by such
procedures in a new country like Kansas. Writing July 14, 1854,
Richard Mendenhall, the Quaker missionary to the Indians, and later
associated with the Osawatomie community, estimated that "Three-
fourths of those coming from Missouri are coming to get away from
Slavery, and will, consequently, vote for Freedom." 20 The question
the Free-State historians have never even faced, is how and why so
many of these Western settlers with Free-State sentiments were
so soon alienated from the cause.
SPRING IMMIGRATION AND HOUSING
Partly because it was newspaper custom at the turn of the calendar
year to take stock of the city's status, the accomplishment of the past
year, and the promise of the future, the Lawrence papers conformed
18. J. T. in Boston Commonwealth, September 4, 1854, the letter dated August 17. —
"Webb Scrapbooks," v. 1, p. 117; the Doy letters are in the Boston Puritan Recorder,
September 14, 1854, and the Rochester Daily Democrat (n. d.). — "Webb Scrapbooks," v. 1,
pp. 97, 128.
19. Leavenworth Weekly Kansas Herald, December 22, 1854.
20. National Era, Washington, August, 1854. — "Webb Scrapbooks," v. 1, p. 81.
HOUSING EXPERIMENTS IN LAWRENCE, 1855 107
with the tradition. But there was more involved in this instance;
the spring immigration, if it was to come, would soon be arriving
and in the East from which so much was expected by the New
England contingent, prospective emigrants from that area should
be making definite preparations. The Kansas Free State, January 3,
1855, pictured Lawrence as a town of 117 buildings completed or
under construction, and insisted that city planning was geared to a
goal of 50,000 to 100,000 population, therefore the streets were 80
feet in width, except Main street, which was 100 feet. The Herald
of Freedom, January 13, recalled that "Three months ago there were
no residences here other than tents; now there are over ninety in
the city limits, and new ones added daily."
In comparing past and future immigration, the Kansas Free State
deplored the exaggerated reports about Kansas, emanating from the
aid societies, and the resulting disappointments, but did not regret
the loss of those "unexperienced in pioneer life, and unwilling to
endure the privations and hardships which they found connected
with the settlement of a new country." The editors thought other-
wise, however, about the many worthy settlers, who through "igno-
rance and mismanagement of these agents, were delayed until the
dead of winter, and then thrown into the territory in such numbers
that it was impossible for them to obtain shelter. . . . They
were obliged to return or go elsewhere with their families. Out of
this experience the Kansas Free State admonished that prospective
settlers "come, as little dependent upon associations, or agents, as
possible," and with a willingness "to sacrifice the superfluities of
life. . . ."21
The Herald of Freedom adopted substantially the Western point
of view in its instructions to prospective emigrants; "Settlers in-
variably first select wood claims and springs" even "though it will
be necessary to go further into the interior to find them." In em-
phasizing the timing of arrival, Editor Brown advised the earliest
possible arrival: "Get in your spring crops as soon as possible, and
then look after your dwellings, having in the mean time lived in
tents." He told them also: "The first settlers generally put up hewed
log houses, log stables, and set up low posts for sheds, roofed with
prairie hay." For the log cabin "he must rive his boards for a roof,
from the largest oak in the forest," and he must "with prairie mud
and lime stop up the spaces between the logs, making his house
21. Kansas Free State, January 3, 1855.
108 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
tight and warm." The chimney and fireplace could be built of stone,
and the door, and the window if he wanted one, covered with cloth.22
To serve its spring emigration, the Emigrant Aid Company ( trus-
tee agreement of 1854) which had become the New England Emi-
grant Aid Company, under a charter, issued an information circular
which reflected substantially the experience acquired over the pre-
vious few months. Much of the Western point of view was in evi-
dence. Settlers were advised to purchase tents at St. Louis, on the
way West, or build "a sod cabin, (Lawrence style of architecture)
. . . at an expense of eight to twelve dollars." But they were re-
ferred also to the instructions printed in the Herald of Freedom.
And furthermore, emigrants from the East were warned that only
at Lawrence and Topeka were receiving houses to be available dur-
ing 1855.23
THE COMPANY, SAWMILLS, AND LUMBER
The firmness of the grip of the framing tradition in building tech-
niques is ever in evidence during the first months of the history
of Lawrence. The Kimball brothers were reported at the opening
of the year of 1855 as preparing a three-story frame building, 30 x 50
feet, for a planing mill. And shortly after, the comment was made
that "A large number of frame houses, ready for covering, scattered
all over this city, suggests that lumber is indeed the great want of
Lawrence." Then J. P. Wood was negotiating for a lot for a ware-
house on the levee, but in the meantime, "He has the frame now
nearly ready, which is 20 by 40 feet, two stories high." Two months
later it was reported completed.24 When the word frame was used
in these connections, it is evident that the English form of construc-
tion with timbers, morticed, tenoned, and braced, was the basic sys-
tem, although probably in the modified version then currently de-
scribed in mid-century books on carpentry.
In this first issue, January 3, 1855, the Kansas Free State, owned
and edited by Josiah Miller and R. G. Elliot, although airing a
grievance, spoke candidly about a number of facts usually sup-
pressed in connection with the Emigrant Aid Company's town and
its operations. According to Miller's initial editorial article, they
had decided, in April, 1854, to establish a newspaper in Kansas.
22. Herald of Freedom, January 20, February 3, 1855. Other descriptive articles ap-
peared February 10, March 24, 1855.
23. The most of the circular was reprinted in ibid., April 14, 1855, under the head
"Information for Kansas Pioneers," and signed by Thomas H. Webb, secretary. The cir-
cular was not dated, but internal evidence indicates that it was composed between March 20
and March 27, 1855, or between the departure from Boston of the second and third parties
of the spring migration.
24. Herald of Freedom, January 6, March 10, April 28, June 2, 1855.
HOUSING EXPERIMENTS IN LAWRENCE, 1855 109
They received a promise of lumber, which was confirmed by Charles
Robinson, if they would locate at Lawrence. ". . . We went to
work and prepared a frame house, all ready for the lumber." At that
stage, they were informed there would be no lumber, and even the
logs assembled, upon which Miller had advanced gold, were sawed
into lumber and delivered by the Company mill to G. W. Brown for
his Herald of Freedom office. Their own office was eventually lo-
cated "in a building made of very ordinary split oak boards. It is
not at all comfortable, having no floor, ceiling, or window sash."
A second building was ready in April, 1855, and the Free State,
April 30, announced that the "office has been recently moved from
out of the ground, on Kentucky St., on to a floor, about eighteen
inches above the surface of the earth, on [12] Massachusetts St."
Within the year, still another move was contemplated — into the
second floor of Duncan's stone building — before cold weather, ac-
cording to the announcement in the Free State, October 22, but was
not made at that time on account of delays in construction. This
episode is important to the early history of Lawrence, because the
Miller-Elliot paper provided an anticompany record of its early
months.
When the company sawmill began operations about December 1,
1854, according to Carpenter, the Delaware Indians on the north
side of the river contracted to deliver 600 logs at one dollar each
and to take their pay in lumber.25 On January 23, 1855, the com-
pany signed a one-year lease of its mill to the Kimball brothers, by
which they were allowed five dollars per thousand feet for all lum-
ber they sawed.26 As reported in the Herald of Freedom, February
17, two-thirds of the lumber sawed, supposedly 4,000 feet per day,
was delivered to the company for its hotel. Some complained be-
cause the lumber was to go to the hotel, and others because there
was no adequate hotel.
The Kansas Free State, January 24, 1855, insisted that the town
of Douglas, a Proslavery project five miles above Lawrence was oper-
ating on the proper plan by securing a good private sawmill, with a
capacity of 8,000 feet per day. In the advertising column the owners
offered lumber at three dollars per hundred feet, which could be
rafted down to Lawrence.
The Kansas Free State, February 14, was incensed by a letter,
25. A. O. Carpenter, December 3, 1854, in Brattleboro (Vt.) Eagle, December 29,
1854.— "Webb Scrapbooks," v. 2, p. 124.
26. "New England Emigrant Aid Company Papers," letter press book, Kansas State
Historical Society.
110 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
published in the Boston Traveller, as an example of exaggeration
relative to Emigrant Aid Company activities at Lawrence:
We need only remark, that the machinery spoken of ... consists of a
very ordinary, worn out saw mill, a "Burrows grist mill," which has not even
been geared, and the timber framed for a planing and sash mill; the brick
hotel in process of construction is a frame, and the occupants of claims are about
300 to 400 voters in a district of 10 to 15 square miles.
Later the Kansas Free State of March 3 reported:
Various views exist as to this Company. While many of the Eastern papers
regard the Company as the great death blow to slavery, nearly all here, except
a few who are connected with it, consider it as productive of the greatest
injury to the cause of Freedom in Kansas.
An Eastern newspaper article which stated that the company
sawmill was delivering 3,000 to 4,000 feet of lumber per day was
denounced as a falsehood; "As to the saw mill . . ., it has been
a greater drawback to the settlement of this place than all other
things together. It has not cut three thousand feet per week."
The article insisted that but for the company and its claims, private
capital would not have been scared off, and Lawrence would have
had two sawmills at least. The charge was made that the com-
pany "exhibits a shallow insight into human nature"; it boasted
of "civilization and refinement" that could be introduced only by
itself: "Western and Southern men have become tired of hearing
. . . that none of these things can come from any other quarter,
except the East." And what had the company actually contributed?
— About 300-400 people; one old sawmill that did not saw most of
the time; the Herald of Freedom, which denied it was a company
organ; these were the total of its accomplishments for "civilization
and refinement." 2T
A month later the Herald of Freedom, April 7, was demanding
more sawmills, or Lawrence must remain unoccupied for years.
Deitzler and Shimmons were reported to have decided to establish
a sawmill and the latter had gone east to buy machinery. A week
later the company sawmill was denounced again by the Kansas Free
State: "The apology for one which encumbers a portion of the town
site, has been absolutely an injury to the place, causing most persons
to depend upon it, and at last disappointing them." Yet, the editor
of the Herald of Freedom, April 7, had insisted, logs of the highest
quality, one and one-half to three feet in diameter, were on hand at
the mill yard.
27. Kansas Free State, March 3, 1855.
HOUSING EXPERIMENTS IN LAWRENCE, 1855 111
Even the favored few who received sawed lumber did not escape
troubles. Unseasoned cottonwood, so largely cut for lumber, was
notorious in its performance — assuming amazing shapes under the
influence of rain and the Kansas sun. The Herald of Freedom office
was built of that material, and the editor admitted it would be well
ventilated by the time spring came. Likewise Charles Robinson,
agent of the company, built on Massachusetts street a combined
office and dwelling, 25 x 35 feet, covered with green cottonwood
boards, and well ventilated in due time.28
Emergency roofing practice has been described, but 1855 brought
little betterment apparently unless shingles and composition roofing
were hauled in by wagon, or after navigation of the Kansas was at-
tempted, brought in occasionally by boat. The need of a shingle
machine was emphasized, although "suitable lumber for shaved
shingles is very scarce and all of it so difficult to work that they
cannot be made for less than $5.00 to $6.00 per thousand." 29 The
first local shingles advertised were offered through the Herald of
Freedom, April 21, 1855. Shingle material was mostly black walnut,
selling at five to six dollars per thousand, and young men were urged
to engage in the business.30
In June, 1855, three additional, or "private" sawmills, were assured
for the near future. The Smith, Green and Company mill was
being erected; the Hunt mill had arrived by river boat within the
week; and the Deitzler and Shimmons mill was expected soon.31
On June 9, both the Smith-Green and the Hunt mills were adver-
tised as beginning operations on the llth, and customers were
advised to bring their logs, first come first served, also logs would be
purchased.32 The Deitzler and Shimmons mill had arrived in
Kansas City late in July. Mill capacity had scarcely been built up,
however, until the Hunt mill was eliminated by a boiler explosion.33
Thus, not more than three sawmills were actually operating at the
same time during that latter half of the year 1855. On November 5,
1855, the Kansas Free State asserted: "There are not less than one
hundred buildings in the course of construction, at present, and
many more would have been built had the lumber been easily
obtained." Not until April, 1860, was the claim made that: "For the
28. Herald of Freedom, March 31, 1855.
29. Kansas Free State, March 17, 1855.
30. Herald of Freedom, December 13, 1856.
31. Ibid., June 2, 1855.
32. Ibid., June 9, 16, 1855.
33. Kansas Free State, November 26, 1855.
112 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
first time in the history of Lawrence we have an abundance of good
lumber, and at reasonable rates." 34
BALLOON FRAMING
The Herald of Freedom of March 10, 1855, reprinted from the
New York Tribune a description of balloon framing, a relatively new
mode of building with lumber. It had been developed most fully
to the west of the Appalachian mountains, the arguments for it
being a saving of material, labor, and time, and furthermore, the
carpenter work could be done by unskilled labor or by the owner,
with a minimum of tools and experience. Instead of large timbers,
often cut to specifications in each case, standardized sawed lumber,
2 x 4, 2 x 6, or 2 x 8 inches was used. Instead of mortise, tenon, and
wooden pins fitted by master joiners, the balloon frame was put to-
gether with machine-cut iron nails: "If it had not been for the
knowledge of balloon frames, Chicago and San Francisco could
never have risen, as they did, from little villages to great cities in a
single year." Had Lawrence been built upon a navigable river,
where lumber could have been shipped in by water, this innovation
would have been more important immediately, but under the cir-
cumstances, balloon framing depended upon the local sawmills.
READY-MADE HOUSES
One significant aspect of the social ferment in the United States
during the mid-19th century, was an aggressive interest in domestic
architecture. An important facet of it concentrated on homes for
the low income groups. In Cincinnati, Ohio, an answer was offered
by the firm of Hinkle, Guild & Company in the form of ready-made
houses, and in 1855, Kansas and Nebraska Portable Cottages. The
argument for ready-made cottages in Kansas turned on scarcity
of skilled labor and of suitable seasoned lumber on the frontier, and
on the economies of factory production. These cottages were avail-
able in 1855, "containing two or more rooms, which can be put up
and taken down in a few hours." The saving was said to be 30
per cent. A one-story house, 16 x 32 feet, was quoted at $230,
plus freight, and from Cincinnati to Kansas City that was estimated
at $50. Assembled houses were on exhibit at Cincinnati, and one
was promised at Kansas City in June, 1855.35 A price range of $150
to $500 was quoted for different styles. The materials were avail-
34. Lawrence Republican, April 12, 1860.
35. Kansas Free State, April 14, 1855, carried the advertisement of Hinkle, Guild &
Company, and an editorial paragraph, a disguised advertisement, called attention to it,
giving further explanations; Herald of Freedom, June 2, 16, 1855.
(Upper) LAWRENCE, SUPPOSEDLY IN MAY, 1856, from an artist's sketch in Henry Howe's
Historical Collections of the Great West . . . ( early 1857 edition ) . The building under
the flag in the center is the Free-State Hotel, now the Eldridge Hotel site.
(Lower) LAWRENCE BUSINESS DISTRICT IN 1867, seven hundred block, Massachusetts
street. Extreme right, the Eldridge Hotel; next door south, Fraser Hall, the third floor of
the building being used for public gatherings. An Alexander Gardner photograph, owned by
the Kansas State Historical Society.
(Upper) LOOKING SOUTH INTO THE WAKARUSA VALLEY IN 1867 from the present site
of the University of Kansas, Lawrence.
(Lower) LOOKING NORTHEAST OVER LAWRENCE IN 1867 from Mount Oread (Old
North College), the present site of Corbin Hall. The Methodist church (right center) was
at the corner of Tenth and Massachusetts Streets, site of the present Masonic Temple.
Note the uniformity of frame architecture, rectangular, with gable roofs. Gardner photo-
graphs, K. S. H. S.
HOUSING EXPERIMENTS IN LAWRENCE, 1855 113
able, ready to be assembled, at St. Louis, as well as at Cincinnati. In
Lawrence, high rents were advanced as an argument to induce
investors to bring many of them as an income proposition. "The
meanest shanty brings one dollar per week, and rough houses,
containing only a single room, without plastering or ceiling, rent
readily at $6 to $25 per month. Generally, the rent per annum is
from fifty to one hundred per cent on the cost of building/' When
E. Simmons advertised them in Kansas City, the notice listed as
references, C. Robinson, and S. C. Pomeroy, agents of the New
England Emigrant Aid Company, and G. W. Brown, editor of the
Herald of Freedom.36 The first one of these cottages to appear at
Lawrence was credited to Hiram Hill, on Massachusetts street, south
of the Herald of Freedom office, a two-story building, 16 x 34 feet,
the material being shipped in on the steamboat Hartford, which ar-
rived May 21:
The boards are of pine, one and an eight inch in thickness, running perpendicu-
lar, matched together, and must make a very warm and comfortable building.
The whole cost, when completed; will not exceed eight hundred dollars. Mr.
E. Jones of Wilberham, Mass., is master builder. We hope others wanting a
good building will be induced to examine this and erect similar structures.37
Lawrence was handicapped, however, by the lack of river service.
The Hartford was grounded on a sandbar and never made the return
trip. Other boats did reach Lawrence during the navigation season,
but successful service was not established.38 Leavenworth imported
many Hinkle cottages, so many that one section of the town was
nicknamed Cincinnati. Parenthetically, it may be stated here, that
the housing problem in all its aspects, in relation to river navigation,
afforded a basis for a telling accusation against the Emigrant Aid
Company of 1854 which was made by the Kansas Free State, July
9, 1855, for bungling the whole Free-State cause by selecting an
inland rather than a Missouri river site for a Free-State town. Later,
the company tried to remedy the situation, but the damage had
been done. It was not geography that determined the situation, but
the bungling of the men who did the planning.
SUBSTITUTES FOR WOOD
The most conspicuous evidence that the New England Emigrant
Aid Company group had benefited from experience appeared in
the section of its "Information for Kansas Pioneers" ( 1855 ) , dealing
36. Herald of Freedom, June 2, 16; Kansas Free State, June 4, 1855.
37. Herald of Freedom, June 9, 1855.
38. Kansas Free State, May 28, July 2, August 27, 1855, April 7, 1856; Herald of
Freedom, May 26, June 16, August 25, 1855.
8—3382
114 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
with "Wood and timber/' The limited supply of timber was repre-
sented as an advantage as well as a disadvantage, but the former was
the greater: "The law of compensation is here found admirably
exemplified. . . ." So far as building materials were concerned,
the compensation was found in limestone, and clay, and in the
potential tree growth after prairie fires were controlled. Also, the
Herald of Freedom had made the acquaintance of a book by O. S.
Fowler, A Home for All, or the Gravel Wall and Octagon Mode of
Building (New York, Fowler and Wells, 1854), which took the
ground that "nature's provisions are all perfect. ... Of course
what is objectionable is not hers." 39
BRICK
In the particular Lawrence situation, the possibilities of sub-
stitutes for wood, were made specific, although they had often been
pointed out in general terms for the Kansas-Nebraska area over the
months since the territory had been opened. When the pioneer
parties began preparations in September for the sawmill at Law-
rence, they had no brick for the arches and stack of the chimney,
so they used stone.40 Probably it was natural for New Englanders
and other Easterners from the brick-using regions to turn to brick
as the first substitute for wood, although stone was more readily
available. Early in February, 1855, the announcement was made
that the first kiln of brick would be burned in the spring: "From
the difficulty of procuring timber, it is evident our city must be built
up of brick and mortar. . . ." 41
Although the brick plant was slow in materializing, the discus-
sions went on, and among the substitutes for wood, the conclusion
was expressed that "as brick can probably be used most readily, it
would be generally adopted in the city if they could be obtained."
To attract capital to invest in Kansas brick making, a price of six
dollars per thousand was named as a minimum.42 An advertisement
asking for 200 cords of wood appeared April 28, and a hope was
expressed to have any quantity of brick available in six weeks.43
Evidently this first attempt failed. An article printed in May, 1857,
described a new enterprise and explained that the sponsors thought
39. Herald of Freedom, April 14, 1855; ibid., February 10, March 10, 31, 1855,
referred to the book. The quotation is from p. 16 of the book.
40. Herald of Freedom, January 20, 1855.
41. Ibid., February 3, 1855.
42. Ibid., March 10, 1855.
43. Ibid., April 28, 1855.
HOUSING EXPERIMENTS IN LAWRENCE, 1855 115
that the fault of the former attempt lay in improperly tempering
the clay, which was different from Eastern clay.44
STONE
The New Englanders did not appear to have a stonecutter's
tradition — at any rate it did not seem to be represented among the
New England contingent at Lawrence and vicinity during these
months of beginnings. Limestone was plentiful both as building
material and for burning for lime. Quarrying and dressing of stone
to be laid up by line, was not only slow, but prohibitive in skilled
labor costs on the frontier where all labor was scarce and capital
available for investment in skilled labor was even more scarce.
In the vicinity of Lawrence, and in much of eastern Kansas, a hard,
relatively free, partly weathered limestone, was available in the
outcroppings along the hillsides and bluffs. The shapes and sizes
of the fragments were highly irregular. The pressure of necessity
was strong, however, for utilization of the material available on the
ground, and ingenuity was challenged to find a method suitable to
the material and the circumstances.
A number of methods were considered for making walls with
lime as the binding agent, the names used being grout, concrete, and
composite. Although other sources contributed, the book, A Home
for All, by Fowler, appears to have been the chief source of in-
spiration. By grout was meant the use of gravel as the aggregate,
bound together by sand and lime, and poured into forms (boxes).
By concrete was meant strictly a sand and lime wall poured into
forms, but the term was used by Fowler to cover a wall of lime, sand,
and any kind of aggregate. The composite wall, as the term was
used in Lawrence, appears to have meant one in which the rocks
were laid up in layers in mortar, without being dressed, thus be-
coming a form or box which was filled with broken rock and mortar.
But in Lawrence the usage of these terms was not exact.
The Herald of Freedom developed the theme, insisting that there
was no doubt that concrete houses "will come into general use.
Several gentlemen have already combined to erect one which shall
serve as a model for the Territory. . . ." Furthermore, the edi-
tor reprinted a prediction that the new material "will form a new
era in the art of building, and be the means, we ardently hope, of
providing liomes for all'." 45 The next week the editor concluded
44. Ibid., May 9, 1857.
45. Ibid., February 10, March 3, 1855.
116 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
that, for city building, brick would probably be preferred but many
concrete houses would be used, and for country building "concrete
houses are to become the principal structures." 46 A local paragraph
commented that the large piles of river sand in various places indi-
cate "structures of concrete" to be built on the plan of Fowler and
Wells.47
Nevertheless, there is some question whether the term concrete
was always used accurately or consistently. If poured into "boxes,"
lumber would be necessary. The most specific description of con-
crete in the strict sense is one written in December, 1856:
Almost any man of common ingenuity can lay up what we here call con-
crete houses which simply means laying up the stone in boxes as concrete houses
are laid up, instead of by lines. Boxes are used by filling in mortar & small
stones and laying up large stones regularly with the largest stones at the corners :
the large stones are cemented together by this process more cheaply than in the
ordinary way. 15 cts. pr foot is the price for such work: & 25 for line work.
$150 would put up a house of this sort for a small family, & this house would
in after years serve for a granary or out house of any description when the par-
ties were able to build a better.48
This description did not specify board forms, as lumber was not
mentioned. The language is open to the interpretation that the
stone itself was so placed as to effect essentially that purpose.
Confusion in usage between the words concrete and composite be-
come evident in the newspaper stories. The composite was not
fully described, but one statement said "a mixture of stone and
mortar, laid up after the order of concrete structures, with the excep-
tion that the stone will be put up in layers. . . ." 49 Probably
stones with one fairly regular surface were laid up by line in mortar
so that the faces of the wall were not too rough and irregular, and
then the spaces were filled with smaller rocks inbedded in mortar,
using an occasional long rock extending the full width of the wall,
or nearly so, to tie the faces together. Thus, instead of a wooden
form or box, the stones themselves would be laid so that they served
virtually that function. G. W. Hutchinson built the first major con-
crete building, 50 feet square and two stories, divided below for
stores, the upper floor designed for a public hall. Later, when the
walls were completed, the method of construction was called com-
46. Ibid., March 10, 1855. Future articles on concrete and its cost were promised,
but no formal article of that exact nature appeared, although related material was printed.
47. Ibid., March 31, 1855.
48. Horace L. Dunnell, "Kansas Experiences," manuscript statement prepared for Thad-
deus Hyatt, December 7, 1856, loc. cit.
49. Herald of Freedom, May 19, 1855.
HOUSING EXPERIMENTS IN LAWRENCE, 1855 117
posite.50 In May, many were reported to be about to build concrete
buildings, the abundance of stones and gravel making it the cheapest
method.51
A discussion of walls in Wisconsin was used to introduce a de-
scription of an invention of concrete building blocks claimed by
Ambrose Foster, Portland, Dodge county, Wis. The assertion was
made that it "bids fair eventually to drive clay-made bricks entirely
out of the market, and to supersede in many instances the use of
stone/' because lime and sand were more widely distributed than
brick clay. In grout construction little care had been given to the
proportions of lime to aggregate, but for the concrete blocks the
formula of 12 parts of sand to one of lime must be observed strictly,
the sand and dehydrated powdered lime being "mixed together in
a nearly dry state," and compressed in a machine with 120 tons "on
a single brick of the ordinary size." The bricks were then air cured.
They could be moulded also with air spaces which would provide
dead air spaces in the wall. An argument for this mode of opera-
tions was that skilled workmen were not required, and a farmer,
with a machine, could work up his own brick out of material on the
spot, on his own time, and build his home, barns, fences, etc., eco-
nomically. By the judicious use of metallic oxides, it was said that
attractive colorings could be provided.52 Probably this process is
of more interest to the history of these building materials than to the
practice of actual building in Lawrence, but these discussions are
an important reflection of the ingenuity being exercised by the
people in trying to solve their own problems with what was at hand,
rather than waiting upon the company to saw lumber for them or
return to the states defeated.
Each of the modes of construction just reviewed, brick, concrete,
and composite, required the use of a binding agent. As of 1855,
Portland cement was not available, and in the Lawrence area natural
( hydraulic ) cement had not been discovered although later a small
deposit of the requisite material was found and exploited northwest
of town. The burned limestone yielded common lime, and that was
the material used exclusively in 1855. Estimates of the cost of pro-
duction of lime were based upon limestone free of cost, hard wood
fuel at two dollars per cord, common labor at $1.25 per day, at
which a price of 30 cents per bushel, was estimated, with 25 cents
50. Ibid., March 31, June 16, 1855. The building was occupied, but still unfinished. —
Ibid., August 4, 11, 18, 1855.
51. Kansas Free State, May 21, 1855.
52. Herald of Freedom, April 14, 1855.
118 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
as a possible volume goal.53 Evidently this discussion was based
upon lime manufacture as a commercial enterprise. In actual prac-
tice lime was being burned by individual settlers, or groups of them,
for their own use. Of these undertakings, however, there is little
record, unless, as in the Coleman-Dow murder case at Hickory Point,
other circumstances made it an issue.
EARTH CONSTRUCTION
The use of sod for housing at Lawrence, either as a supplementary
or as a basic material, was treated frankly as an emergency make-
shift to be discarded at the earliest possible moment, which meant
within a few weeks or at the most a few months. There was no
room in the point of view or the practices at Lawrence for founding
a "sod house culture/' Discussion did develop, however, looking to
the utilization of earth for housing, but in all its forms these were
inspired by special treatments of earth materials rather than natural
sod, and had their origin in older civilizations and therefore involved
a possible transit of culture rather than the creation of an indigenous
culture. This was as true for the earth techniques as for lumber,
brick, stone, and concrete or composite.
After reviewing the other materials for houses, Editor G. W.
Brown commented on adobe houses of New Mexico and Utah built
of "well-tempered clay" bricks, sun-dried, and argued that they
would be durable in Kansas, with an Italian roof extending well over
the sides and laid on a good stone foundation extending below the
frost line and high enough to prevent the absorption of moisture, —
"the clay here, mixed with sand, will furnish as good walls as those
of Mexico and Utah." Again he cited A Home for All, which sug-
gested that clay alone or clay and stones could be built into a wall
tamped into boxes (forms) in the same manner as gravel walls.54
Nearly two months later Brown was still convinced of the possi-
bilities of clay and sand walls, properly mixed, and he announced
that
. we have resolved on trying the experiment in the erection of an office,
using the clay from the cellar, and the sand from the river. If the enterprise
shall prove successful it will be a proud event for Kansas, and one which will
add thousands to her population.
Probably additional inspiration for this decision was derived from
a New York Tribune letter reprinted in the Herald of Freedom the
same day. It was dated from Grande Prairie, Ind., and cited, be-
53. Ibid., March 10, 24, 1855.
54. Ibid., March 10, 1855.
HOUSING EXPERIMENTS IN LAWRENCE, 1855 119
sides the houses of the desert Southwest, examples in Ohio.55 In
spite of his apparent enthusiasm for the experiment, there is no
evidence that Editor Brown acted upon his announcement. The
idea recurred from time to time, however, in the housing history of
the grassland region.
The building situation in Lawrence was evidently most unsatis-
factory in 1855; lack of lumber, scarcity of capital and unemployed
labor. Action was taken in May resulting in the organization, May
14, 15, of the "Lawrence Building Association" a combination of
mechanics, laborers, and capitalists, to provide employment, good
wages, residences, and business houses. They proposed using "com-
posite material wholly," stone and mortar laid up in layers. The
plan was designed to provide division of labor allowing each to
work at his individual artisan skill, the form of organization being
a sort of co-operative joint-stock company. A wage scale was
agreed upon, May 17, for carpenters and joiners, stone masons,
hewers, painters, and glaziers, and common labor, $1.50 to $3.00,
the stone masons commanding the highest rate. Apparently the
plan contemplated building on company account for sale as well as
under contract. The officers were chosen from the substantial lead-
ers of the community, but no evidence has been found thus far to
determine whether the organization ever really functioned.56
HOTEL
Because of the manner in which it became involved in the political
controversies of territorial Kansas, the Emigrant Aid Company
hotel became a symbol as well as a building. Yes, even more a
symbol than an architectural achievement. Yet, from the stand-
point of building construction, it stands as a sort of climax to the
building program of the beginnings at Lawrence. As originally
planned, the hotel was to have been a three-and-one-half story frame
building, over a basement with stone footings and walls.57 The
term frame-building was used in this connection evidently in the
strict architectural sense — large timbers fitted together by mortice,
tenon, and pins. By the first of November, 1854, the foundations
were being laid.58 In February, 1855, the leasing of the sawmill was
announced with the clause requiring that two-thirds of the output
55. Ibid., April 28, 1855.
56. Ibid., May 19, 1855. The text of the constitution and bylaws and the full comple-
ment of officers is published.
57. Ibid., February 3, 1855.
58. Mrs. C. I. H. Nichols, letter of November 2, 1854, Springfield (Mass.) Republican.
November 18, 1854.— "Webb Scrapbooks," v. 2, p. 14.
120 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
be delivered for the hotel.59 Two weeks earlier a construction con-
tract was announced by which S. N. Simpson pledged to complete
the frame building 50 x 70 feet, three and one-half stories by May 1,
1856. At this time the statement was made that the basement was
nearly ready for the frame. The fact should be pointed out that
this time schedule would not insure a hotel in time for the third
year of immigration which should have arrived prior to May 1,
1856. Late in April, 1855, the basement was ready for the timbers,
but work was suspended, probably on account of scarcity of timbers.
Editor Brown reported a rumor that the walls were to be of concrete.
This was after he had experienced his first spring dust storms, so he
approved with this comment, that concrete walls would not only
be durable, but "dry and healthy" as well, "and impervious to wind
and dust." But Brown was not fully satisfied, because he recom-
mended that the hotel should be made fully fireproof; Warren's
composition roofing, fireproof windows, iron doors, with inside walls
of concrete. Subsequent developments suggest that this was some-
what too extreme for adoption by the company.60
One becomes a little skeptical about the basement of the hotel, be-
cause in May it was again reported completed, and "the balance, it
is said, will be of concrete," because of difficulties in building with
lumber "which no person unacquainted with a new country can even
dream of." The same account reported that grooved and matched
flooring was to be shipped from St. Louis, as well as Warren's compo-
sition roofing, which was advertised in the same issue of the paper.61
Some weeks later a further explanation was made:
the very great scarcity, in fact the almost impossibility of procuring lumber
sufficient for so large a building, induced them to change their plans somewhat,
and composite walls, both for the exterior and for each side of the hall, extend-
ing the whole length of the building — seventy feet — as well as from the basement
to the roof, was substituted.62
This was not the fireproofing that Editor Brown had asked for, but
it went farther in that direction than might have been expected in
view of some of the adverse criticism leveled at the company.
The anticompany Kansas Free State, May 21, 1855, gave the hotel
an unfavorable notice:
This famous building, about which there has been so much said in the
papers for the last year, and the one so much looked for by emigrants upon
their arrival, is now completed to the first floor, and the work has been
stopped for some time. [Work was resumed Monday], and they have concluded
59. Herald of Freedom, February 17, 1855.
60. Ibid., Apru 28, 1855.
61. Ibid., May 12, 1855.
62. Ibid., July 28, 1855.
HOUSING EXPERIMENTS IN LAWRENCE, 1855 121
to make a concrete building of it. ... Lawrence has been injured no
little for the want of a good hotel. Private enterprise would have had a
hotel here long since.
The successive interruptions of work on the hotel are somewhat
confusing. The Herald of Freedom, June 16, reported that work
was resumed, the walls being built by B. Johnson, a member of a
Pennsylvania colony — not a New Englander. On this occasion the
term "composite" instead of "concrete" was used, the news story
stating that the composite wall was going up rapidly.
Again the dissonant voice of the Kansas Free State, July 9, was
raised in criticism of the Emigrant Aid Company on several scores:
"Why did not the Aid Company found a few towns on the Missouri
river? The sites are eligible, the very thresholds of the Territory,
and navigation almost constant." The editor went on, that the
company's claim of
eight centers of light, is all a humbug. The [saw] mill here has been a perfect
nuisance. The Hotel, which has been building ever since the Company had
an existence, still lingers. It is now up one story, the work having stopped,
and the contractor has taken his hands off, not being able to get his pay, and of
course cannot go on with the work.
The mill and the hotel are all they have attempted here, and they have
done nothing at the other points. This hotel being delayed thus, has been
more injury to the place than all other things combined. — Hundreds of persons
have left our place for want of a comfortable hotel to stop at. Yet the Company
will neither do anything itself, nor give up the work to individuals who would
put it up immediately. We think that this powerful Company has scared the
citizens of Lawrence into acquiescence, silence and submission long enough.
If you have any regard for your own pecuniary interests, you will no longer
submit to their tantalizing humbugging operations. Let us have a hotel ready
for the reception of the immense emigration that will pour in here in the
fall. It is suicidal for us to depend on the Aid Company doing anything for
Lawrence, or for any other point in Kansas Territory.
The later history of the hotel need not be told here. It was not
completed until 1856, when the Herald of Freedom, April 12, an-
nounced the event with a full description. And then, on May 21,
following, it was burned by Sheriff Samuel Jones and his mob.63
It had become the principal target of the Proslavery attack upon
Lawrence as a center of Free-State agitation in Kansas. As a hotel
for receiving Free-State immigration intent upon settling in Kansas,
it had scarcely functioned. As a symbol, although destroyed, the
Emigrant Aid Company hotel was the most important building in
territorial Kansas. In its service to the cause as a symbol, it paid
for itself several times over.
63. See the author's previous articles, "Judge Lecompte and the Sack of Lawrence,"
The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 20 (August, November, 1953).
I
Recent Additions to the Library
Compiled by HELEN M. MCFARLAND, Librarian
N ORDER that members of the Kansas State Historical Society
and others interested in historical study may know the class of
books we are receiving, a list is printed annually of the books acces-
sioned in our specialized fields.
These books come to us from three sources, purchase, gift and
exchange, and fall into the following classes: Books by Kansans
and about Kansas; books on the West, including explorations, over-
land journeys and personal narratives; genealogy and local history;
and books on the Indians of North America, United States history,
biography and allied subjects which are classified as general. The
out-of-state city directories received by the Historical Society are
not included in this compilation.
We also receive regularly the publications of many historical so-
cieties by exchange, and subscribe to other historical and genea-
logical publications which are needed in reference work.
The following is a partial list of books which were added to the
library from October 1, 1952, to September 30, 1953. Federal and
state official publications and some books of a general nature are
not included. The total number of books accessioned appears in
the report of the secretary in the Spring issue of the Quarterly.
KANSAS
ABBOTT, JOHN STEVENS CABOT, Christopher Carson. Familiarly Known as Kit
Carson. New York, Dodd and Mead, 1873. 342p.
ADAMS, RAMON F., Come an Get It; the Story of the Old Cowboy Cook. Nor-
man, University of Oklahoma Press [c!952]. 170p.
ALDERSON, NANNIE T., and HELENA HUNTTNGTON SMITH, A Bride Goes West.
New York, Farrar and Rinehart, Inc. [c!942]. 273p.
AULAIRE, INGRI (MORTENSON) D', and EDGAR PARIN D'AULAIRE, Buffalo Bill.
Garden City, N. Y., Doubleday and Company, Inc., c!952. Unpaged.
BAILEY, JEAN, Cherokee Bill, Oklahoma Pacer. New York, Abingdon-Cokesbury
Press [c!952]. 191p.
BALLARD, TODHUNTER, West of Quarantine. Boston, Houghton Mifflin Com-
pany, 1953. 250p.
BARBER, MARSHALL A., The Schoolhouse at Prairie View. Lawrence, University
of Kansas Press, 1953. 84p.
BRADY, HOBART C., Real Estate . . . It's Wonderful [Chicago, R. R.
Donnelley and Sons Company] c!952. 63p.
BRANDI, C. F., "High in the Sierra" '52. [Nevada, R. Carlisle and Company]
c!952. 96p.
(122)
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 123
BRININSTOOL, EARL ALONZO, Troopers With Custer, Historic Incidents of the
Battle of the Little Big Horn. Harrisburg, Pa., The Stackpole Company
[c!952]. 343p.
BURT, OLIVE, Jedediah Smith, Fur Trapper of the Old West. New York, Julian
Messner, Inc. [c!951]. 187p.
CARLSON, ANNA M., Grassroots Senator. New York, Vantage Press, Inc. [1952].
201p.
Century of Living; the Story of Grandmother Robbing First Hundred Years.
No impr. Unpaged.
COOPER, PAGE, Pat's Harmony. Cleveland, The World Publishing Company
[c!952]. 212p.
CORPORON, JOHN R., The Political Writings of William G. Clugston. A Thesis
submitted to the Department of Political Science and the Faculty of the
Graduate School of the University of Kansas in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts. Lawrence, Author, c!953.
Typed. 54p.
C[ORWIN], B. R., A Trip to the Rockies. New York, The Knickerbocker Press,
1890. 63p.
CROFT-COOK, RUPERT, and W. S. MEADMORE, Buffalo Bill, the Legend, the
Man of Action, the Showman. London, Sidgwick and Jackson Limited
[1952]. 239p.
DAVIS, KENNETH SYDNEY, River on the Rampage. Garden City, N. Y., Double-
day and Company, Inc., 1953. 217p.
DAY, JOHN WARREN, A History and Guide to Grace Cathedral, Topeka, Kansas.
[Topeka, Capper Printing Company, 1952.] 116p.
EMMETT, CHRIS, Shanghai Pierce, a Fair Likeness. Norman, University of
Oklahoma Press [c!953]. 326p.
FERNALD, HELEN CLARK, Plow the Dew Under. New York, Longmans, Green
and Company, 1952. 300p.
FISHER, AILEEN, Homestead of the Free (the Kansas Story). New York,
Aladdin Books, 1953. 192p.
FLORA, SNOWDEN D., Tornadoes of the United States. Norman, University of
Oklahoma Press [c!953]. 194p.
Forbes Air Force Base. [Topeka, Myers and Company, Inc., 1953.] Unpaged.
FORSTER, MINNIE JANE, Lost Creek, an Ozark Novel of the Civil War. New
York, Exposition Press [c!952]. 259p.
FULLING, KAY, Mantillas and Silver Spurs. New York, The North River Press,
1952. 140p.
GARST, DORIS SHANNON, Amelia Earhart, Heroine of the Skies. New York, Julian
Messner, Inc. [c!951]. 191p.
, Custer, Fighter of the Plains. New York, Julian Messner, Inc. [c!944].
174p.
, Kit Carson, Trail Blazer and Scout. New York, Julian Messner, Inc.
[c!942]. 241p.
, and WARREN GARST, Wild Bill Hickok. New York, Julian Messner,
Inc. [c!952]. 183p.
GILPIN, WILLIAM, Guide to the Kansas Gold Mines at Pike's Peak, Describing
the Routes, Camping Places, Tools, Outfits, Etc., From Notes of Capt. J. W.
Gunnison . . . Also, an Address on the New Gold Mines, Delivered at
124 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Kansas City. Cincinnati, E. Mendenhall, 1859. 40p. (Mumey Reprint,
1952.)
GOEBEL, ANNE M., and others, Kansas, Our State, a Geography of Kansas. [To-
peka, State Printer, c!952.] 174p.
HALEY, J. EVETTS, Life on the Texas Range. Photographs by Ertoin E. Smith.
Austin, University of Texas Press, 1952. lllp.
HANSON, PERRY O., A Modern Book of Ruth. [lola, lola Register, 1951.] 22p.
HATCH, ALDEN, Young Ike. New York, Julian Messner, Inc. [c!953]. 147p.
HENRY, JOHN M., A Little Treasury of Main Street U. S. A., From the Wit and
Wisdom of America's Country Editors. New York, The Vanguard Press, Inc.
[c!952]. 93p.
HINSHAW, DAVID, Heroic Finland. New York, G. P. Putnam's Sons [c!952].
306p.
Historic Fort Riley, 1853-1953. [Junction City, The Junction City Republic,
1953.] 47p.
History Bethany Baptist Church, Vesper, Kansas, 1878-1953. N. p. [1953].
HOLBROOK, STEWART H., Wild Bill Hickok Tames the West. New York, Ran-
dom House [c!952]. 179p.
HOLLING, HOLLING C., The Book of Cowboys. New York, The Platt and Munk
Company, Inc. [c!936]. 126p.
HUGHES, LANGSTON, The First Book of Negroes. New York, Franklin Watts,
Inc., c!952. 69p.
HUGHS, JENNIE GERTRUDE, A Few of My "Brainstorms." Ashland, n. p., 1951.
35p.
HUNT, FRAZIER, Cap Mossman, Last of the Great Cowmen. New York, Hastings
House [c!951]. 277p.
HUNT, GERTRUDE LYLE, ed., Radiant Days. Los Angeles, De Vorss and Com-
pany [c!952]. 103p.
INGE, WILLIAM, Picnic, a Summer Romance in Three Acts. [New York, Random
House, c!953.] 168p.
INSCHO, JAMES B., Gems of Thought. Boston, Chapman and Grimes [c!952].
59p.
ISELY, BLISS, The Presidents, Men of Faith. Boston, W. A. Wilde Company,
1953. 284p.
- , and W. M. RICHARDS, The Story of Kansas. [Topeka, State Printer,
c!953.] 216p.
JENNEWEIN, J. LEONARD, Calamity Jane of the Western Trails. Huron, S. Dak.,
Dakota Books [c!953]. 47p.
[JONES, VINCENT], The Saga and Song of the Evans and Davis Family, 1840-
1953. Noimpr. 40p.
KANSAS AUTHORS CLUB, 1953 Yearbook. No impr. 104p.
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, Directory of Manufactures,
Kansas City, 1958-1954. Kansas City, Kan., Industrial Department, Kansas
City, Kansas, Chamber of Commerce, 1953. 31p.
Kansas Legislative Directory, 1953. Topeka, Kansas Business Magazine and
Kansas Construction Magazine, 1953. 219p.
Kansas Magazine, 1953. Manhattan, The Kansas Magazine Publishing Asso-
ciation, c!952. 104p.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 125
KANSAS STATE GRANGE, HISTORICAL COMMITTEE, Report; Masters of the Kansas
State Grange, 1872-1951, Biographies and Pictures. N. p., 1951. 31p.
KANSAS STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION, Educational Planning Commission,
Source Book for the School of Tomorrow for Kansas. Revised May, 1953,
a Progress Report. Topeka, Kansas State Teachers Association, 1953. 65p.
KmcHHOFF, EDWIN E., Analysis of Sales Tax Collections in Kansas, 1938-1949.
Lawrence, University of Kansas, School of Business, 1952. 207p.
LATHAM, FRANK B., Jed Smith, Trail Blazer. New York, Aladdin Books, 1952.
192p.
LINDQUIST, EMORY KEMPTON, Smoky Valley People, a History of Lindsborg,
Kansas. Lindsborg, Bethany College, 1953. 269p.
LINDQUIST, GUSTAVUS ELMER EMANUEL, Indians of Minnesota, a Survey of
Social and Religious Conditions Among Tribes in Transition. New York,
National Council of Churches of Christ in the U. S. A., 1952. 29p.
MARTIN, SIBYL, Henderson S. Martin (1863-1935). No impr. Typed. 16p.
MEANS, FLORENCE ( CRANNELL ) , Carvers' George, a Biography of George Wash-
ington Carver. Boston, Houghton Mifflin Company, 1952. 176p.
MENNINGER, WILLIAM C., Making and Keeping Friends. Chicago, Science Re-
search Associates, Inc., 1952. 49p.
MITCHELL, WILLIAM H., Joseph L. Bristow, Kansas Insurgent in the U. S.
Senate, 1909-1915. A Thesis Submitted to the Department of History and
the Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Kansas in Partial
Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Master of Arts. N. p.,
1952. Typed. 251p.
MORFORD, NONA J., Fulfillment. No impr. 41p.
MORGAN, J. D., Some Controlling Forces in Kansas Population Movements.
Lawrence, University of Kansas, Bureau of Business Research, 1953. 127p.
MORRISON, LUCILE CURT, The Spirit of the Prairie, a History of Seward County,
Told in Pageantry, Dialogue and Song. No impr. Mimeographed. 85p.
MUNK, JOSEPH AMASA, Southwest Sketches. New York, G. P. Putnam's Sons,
1920. Slip.
MUNT, THELMA, Rainbow Windows. [Leavenworth, Cox Printing Company]
n. d. Unpaged.
NELSON, OLIVER, The Cowman's Southwest, Being the Reminiscences of Oliver
Nelson, Freighter, Camp Cook, Cowboy, Frontiersman in Kansas, Indian
Territory, Texas and Oklahoma, 1878-1893. Glendale, Cal., The Arthur H.
Clark Company, 1953. 343p.
NEWCOMB, REXFORD, Architecture in Old Kentucky. Urbana, The University of
Illinois Press, 1953. 185p. 70 plates.
NICHOLS, NELL BEAUBIEN, Good Home Cooking Across the U. S. A., a Source
Book of American Foods. [Ames, The Iowa State College Press, c!952.]
560p.
NOLAN, JEANNETTE COVERT, John Brown. New York, Julian Messner, Inc.
[c!950]. 181p.
POSTEN, CONSTANCE, and ANNA GARRISON POSTEN, Wind's Will. New York,
Pageant Press [c!952]. 216p.
RICHARDS, RALPH, What Are We Going To Do About It? . . . N. p. [1952]
22p.
ROSENBERG, RUBY HOLLAND, The Honor of Your Presence. Lawrence, The Allen
Press, 1952. 104p.
126 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
SALINA, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, Eighty-Fifth Anniversary, 1868-1953. No
impr. Unpaged.
SCHOOR, GENE, and HENRY GILFOND, The Jim Thorpe Story, America's Greatest
Athlete. New York, Julian Messner, Inc., [c!951]. 186p.
SINGLETON, JACK, Manual of Moment Design. Topeka, H. M. Ives and Sons,
1950. 146p.
, Manual of Structural Design. Topeka, H. M. Ives and Sons, 1949.
336p.
SKELTON, CHARLES L., Riding West on the Pony Express. New York, The Mac-
millan Company, 1937. 196p.
SMITH, GEORGIA TUCKER, Barky and His Friends. Lee's Summit, Mo., Unity
School of Christianity, 1952. 29p.
, Leave It to Miss Annie. Lawrence, The Allen Press, 1952. 219p.
SPRINGER, NELLE EDITH (PURCELL), Hobbies Achieved. Topeka, Myers and
Company, Inc., 1952. 86p.
STAUFFER, OSCAR S., S. S. Constitution Cruise to the Mediterranean and Middle
East. [Arkansas City, Traveler Publishing Company, 1953.] 88p.
STOCKTON, FRANK T., University of Kansas Participation in Continuation Study
for Physicians and Public Health Personnel, 1911-1922. Lawrence, Univer-
sity Extension Research Publication, 1953. 15p.
Studies in Honor of Albert Morey Sturtevant. Lawrence, University of Kansas
Press, 1952. 169p.
SUTTON, JOSEPH H., The Prosperity Dilemma, a Study of the Profit Motive.
Kansas City, Mo., Brown-White-Lowell Press, 1953. 130p.
TAFT, ROBERT, Artists and Illustrators of the Old West, 1850-1900. New York,
Charles Scribner's Sons, 1953. 400p.
THORNDIKE, THADDEUS, Lives and Exploits of the Daring Frank and Jesse
James . . . Baltimore, I. and M. Ottenheimer, c!909. 185p.
TOEWS, VIRGINIA, and others, eds., Therapeutic Meal Plans, a New Diet
Manual. Lawrence, University of Kansas Press, 1952. lllp.
UNDERBILL, RUTH, Here Come the Navaho! [Lawrence, Haskell Institute
Print Shop, 1953.] 285p.
VINCENT, W. G., Poems of a Kansan. N. p., c!952. 27p.
WATTLES, WILLARD AUSTIN, Iron Anvil. Manchester, Me., Falmouth Pub-
lishing House [c!952]. 64p.
WELLMAN, PAUL ISELIN, The Comancheros. Garden City, N. Y., Doubleday
and Company, Inc., 1952. 286p.
WHITE, WILLIAM LINDSAY, Back Down the Ridge. New York, Harcourt,
Brace and Company [c!953]. 182p.
WILLIAMS, CHARLES M., Enterprise on the Prairies. (Reprinted from Harvard
Business Review, Vol. 31, No. 2, March-April, 1953.) [5] p.
THE WEST
ARNOLD, OREN, Thunder in the Southwest; Echoes From the Wild Frontier.
Norman, University of Oklahoma Press [c!952]. 237p.
ARTRIP, LOUISE, and FULLEN ARTRIP, Memoirs of Daniel Fore (Jim) Chisholm
and the Chisholm Trail N. p. [Artrip Publications, c!949]. 89p.
ATHEARN, ROBERT G., Westward the Briton. New York, Charles Scribner's
Sons, 1953. 208p.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 127
BANKS, ELEANOR, Wandersong. Caldwell, Idaho, The Caxton Printers, Ltd.,
1950. 309p.
BEEBE, Lucius, and CHARLES CLEGG, Hear the Train Blow, a Pictorial Epic
of America in the Railroad Age. New York, E. P. Button and Company,
Inc., 1952. 407p.
BROADFOOT, LENNIS L., Pioneers of the Ozarks. Caldwell, Idaho, The Caxton
Printers, Ltd., 1944. 195p.
DAWSON, NICHOLAS, Narrative of Nicholas "Cheyenne" Dawson (Overland to
California in '41 6- '49, and Texas in '51), With an Introduction by Charles
L. Camp. San Francisco, The Grabhorn Press, 1933. lOOp.
DE VOTO, BERNARD, The Course of Empire. Boston, Houghton Mifflin Com-
pany, 1952. 647p.
GARDNER, RAYMOND HATFIELD, The Old Wild West, Adventures of Arizona
Bill. San Antonio, Tex., The Naylor Company, 1944. 315p.
GLAZIER, WILLARD, Headwaters of the Mississippi; Comprising Biographical
Sketches of Early and Recent Explorers of the Great River . . . Chi-
cago, Rand, McNally and Company, 1893. 527p.
GREGG, KATE LEILA, ed., The Road to Santa Fe; the Journal and Diaries of
George Champlin Sibley and Others Pertaining to the Surveying and Mark-
ing of a Road From the Missouri Frontier to the Settlements of New
Mexico, 1825-1827. [Albuquerque, University of New Mexico Press,
1952.] 280p.
HALLENBECK, CLEVE, Land of the Conquistador es. Caldwell, Idaho, The
Caxton Printers, Ltd., 1950. 375p.
HAMILTON, JAMES GILLESPIE, Notebooks, 1844-1858. N. p. c!953. Mimeo-
graphed. 39p.
HARRINGTON, FRED HARVEY, Hanging Judge. Caldwell, Idaho, The Caxton
Printers, Ltd., 1951. 204p.
HARRIS, BURTON, John Colter, His Years in the Rockies. New York, Charles
Scribner's Sons, 1952. 180p.
HENDERSON, PAUL C., Landmarks on the Oregon Trail, With Thirty-Two
Colored Historic Views, Eight Line Drawings of Pony Express Stations
and a Large Folding Map of the Oregon Trail in Wyoming. New York,
Peter Decker, 1953. 61p.
HORNER, JOHN WILLARD, Silver Town. Caldwell, Idaho, The Caxton Printers,
Ltd., 1950. 322p.
HOWE, ELVON L., ed., Rocky Mountain Empire, Revealing Glimpses of the West
in Transition From Old to New, From the Pages of the Rocky Mountain
Empire Magazine of the Denver Post. Garden City, N. Y., Doubleday and
Company, Inc. [c!950]. 272p.
HUTTON, GRAHAM, Midwest at Noon. Chicago, University of Chicago Press
[1946]. 351p.
JACKSON, WILLIAM TURRENTINE, Wagon Roads West, a Study of Federal Road
Surveys and Construction in the Trans-Mississippi West, 1846-1869. Berke-
ley, University of California Press, 1952. 422p.
JOCELYN, STEPHEN PERRY, Mostly Alkali, a Biography. Caldwell, Idaho, The
Caxton Printers, 1953. 436p.
JUDSON, PHOEBE GOODELL, A Pioneer's Search for an Ideal Home. Bellingham,
Wash. [Union Printing, Binding and Stationary Company] 1925. [314]p.
128 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
LOCKWOOD, FRANCIS CUMMINS, Arizona Characters. Los Angeles, The Times-
Mirror Press, 1928. 230p.
McCRACKEN, HAROLD, Portrait of the Old West With a Biographical Check List
of Western Artists. New York, McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc. [c!952].
232p.
MYERS, JOHN MYERS, The Last Chance, Tombstone's Early Years. New York,
E. P. Button and Company, Inc., 1950. 260p.
NASATIR, ABRAHAM PHINEAS, ed., Before Lewis and Clark; Documents Illus-
trating the History of the Missouri, 1785-1804. St. Louis, St. Louis His-
torical Documents Foundation, 1952. 2 Vols.
SCHMEDDING, JOSEPH, Cowboy and Indian Trader. Caldwell, Idaho, The Caxton
Printers, Ltd., 1951. 364p.
SHAW, GERTRUDE E. (METCALF), English Caravanners in the Wild West; the
Old Pioneers' Trail. Edinburgh, William Blackwood and Sons Ltd., 1926.
400p.
SNYDER, A. B., Pinnacle Jake, as Told by A. B. Snyder to Nellie Snyder Yost.
Caldwell, Idaho, The Caxton Printers, Ltd., 1951. 252p.
STANLEY, F., Fort Union (New Mexico). N. p. [c!953]. 305p.
SWEETMAN, LUKE D., Back Trailing on Open Range. Caldwell, Idaho, The
Caxton Printers, Ltd., 1951. 248p.
TARBEAUX, FRANK, The Autobiography of, as Told to Donald Henderson Clarke.
New York, The Vanguard Press, 1930. 286p.
THWAITES, REUBEN GOLD, How George Rogers Clark Won the Northwest and
Other Essays in Western History. Chicago, A. C. McClurg and Company,
1903. 378p.
WAGNER, HENRY RAUP, The Plains and the Rockies, a Bibliography of Original
Narratives of Travel and Adventure, 1800-1865. Third Edition. Revised
by Charles L. Camp. Columbus, Ohio, Long's College Book Company, 1953.
601p.
WALKER, WILLIAM, Injun Summer, an Old Cowhand Rides the Ghost Trails,
by Daisy F. Baber, as Told by Bill Walker. Caldwell, Idaho, The Caxton
Printers, Ltd., 1952. 223p.
WARD, WILLIAM T., Pioneering in the Great West, a Story by One of the
Methodist Pioneers on the Great Plains of the Far West. N. p. [c!952].
Mimeographed. 86p.
[WESTERNERS, DENVER, Brand Book, 1951.] Denver, The Westerners, 1952.
579p.
WITHTNGTON, MARY C., comp., A Catalogue of Manuscripts in the Collection
of Western Americana Founded by William Robertson Coe, Yale University
Library. New Haven, Yale University Press, 1952. 398p.
WOLLE, MURIEL SIBELL, The Bonanza Trail, Ghost Towns and Mining Camps
of the West. Bloomington, Indiana University Press, 1953. 510p.
GENEALOGY AND LOCAL HISTORY
ALBEMARLE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, The Magazine of Albemarle County
History, Vol. 10, 1951-1952. Charlottesville, Albemarle County Historical
Society, 1953. 55p.
ALLEN, PENELOPE JOHNSON, Tennessee Soldiers in the War of 1812: Regiments
of Col. Allcorn and Col. Allison. Published by the Tennessee Society of
United States Daughters of 1812, 1947. 65p.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 129
American Genealogical-Biographical Index . . . Vols. 1-3. Middletown,
Conn., Published Under the Auspices of an Advisory Committee Represent-
ing the Cooperating Subscribing Libraries . . . 1952-1953. 3 Vols.
AMES, AZEL, The May-Flower and Her Log, July 15, 1620-May 6, 1621, Chiefly
From Original Sources. Boston, Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1907.
385p.
ANDREA, LEONARDO, comp., South Carolina Colonial Soldiers and Patriots.
[Columbia, S. C., The R. L. Bryan Company, c!952.] 40p.
BEAL, ROBERT HAYWORTH, and others, The Community: Part I. Just Yester-
day, a Collection of Pictures and a Bibliography of Reference Materials for
the Enjoyment and Use of Students and Other Citizens of Macomb County
[Michigan]. [Ann Arbor, Edwards Brothers, Inc.] 1948. 44p.
BOIES, HENRY L., History of DeKalb County, Illinois. Chicago, O. P. Bassett,
1868. 530p.
BOSTONIAN SOCIETY, Proceedings, Annual Meeting, January 27, 1953. Boston,
Society, 1953. 63p.
BRIEN, LINDSAY M., Miami Valley Will Abstracts From the Counties of Miami,
Montgomery, Warren and Preble in the State of Ohio, 1803-1850. Dayton,
n. p., 1940. 178p.
BRINKERHOFF, J. H. G., Brinkerhofs History of Marion County, Illinois. Indi-
anapolis, B. F. Bowen and Company, 1909. 862p.
BROWER, D. H. B., Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania, a Collection of
Historical and Biographical Sketches. Harrisburg, Lane S. Hart, 1881.
288p.
BROWNE, WILLIAM B., Genealogy of the Jenks Family of America. [Concord,
N. H., Rumford Press, 1952.] 739p.
BRYANT, GEORGE CLARKE, Deacon George Clark(e) of Milford, Connecticut
and Some of His Descendents. Ansonia, Conn., n. p., 1949. 258p.
BUCHANAN, MARGARET GWIN (BASKETTE), Du Vals of Kentucky From Virginia
1794-1935, Descendants and Allied Families. Lynchberg, Va., J. P. Bell
Company, Inc., n. d. 265p.
BUCHANAN, ROBERDEAU, Genealogy of the McKean Family of Pennsylvania
. . . Lancaster, Pa., Inquirer Printing Company, 1890. 273p.
BUTLER, JOSEPH GREEN, JR., History of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley,
Ohio. Chicago, American Historical Society, 1921. 3 Vols.
CAREY, CHARLES H., A General History of Oregon Prior to 1861. Portland,
Ore., Metropolitan Press, 1935. 2 Vols.
CARRUTH, HAROLD B., Carruth Family; Brief Background and Genealogical
Data of Twenty Branches in America. Ascutney, Vt, n. p., 1952. 273p.
CAUGHRON, EDITH SUSANNA (DE Moss), The De Moss Family in America.
No impr. 204p.
CHAPPELEAR, GEORGE WARREN, Families of Virginia, the Leake Family and
Connecting Lines. Dayton, Va., The Shenandoah Press, 1932. 84p.
CLEMENTS, JAMES BAGLEY, History of Irwin County [Georgia]. [Atlanta,
Foote and Davies Company, c!932.] 539p.
COBB, WILLIAM H., Indian Trails, Frontier Forts, Revolutionary Soldiers and
Pioneers of Randolph County, West Virginia. N. p. [1923]. 16p.
CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Collections, Vol. 27. Hartford, Society,
1952. 251p.
9—3382
130 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
CONOVER, FRANK, ed., Centennial Portrait and Biographical Record of the City
of Dayton and of Montgomery County, Ohio . . . N. p., A. W. Bowen
and Company, 1897. 1310p.
COOCH, MARY EVARTS (WEBB), Ancestry and Descendants of Nancy Allyn
(Foote) Webb, Rev. Edward Webb and Joseph Wilkins Cooch. Wilming-
ton, Del., The Star Publishing Company, 1919. 157p.
COUNCILL, JUDSON, Hodges Councill of Virginia and Descendants. Baltimore
[J. H. Furst Company] 1941. 108p.
Counties of White and Pulaski, Indiana, Historical and Biographical. Chicago,
F. A. Battey and Company, 1883. 772p.
CRAUN, VICTOR S., Craun Family in America and Its Connection With Other
Families. Harrisonburg, Va., The Craun Reunion Association, 1950. 354p.
CREMER, JOHN BORLAND, Records of the Dorland Family in America, Embrac-
ing the Principal Branches, Dorland, Dorlon, Dorian, Durland, Durling
. . . Washington, D. C., Byron S. Adams, 1898. 304p.
CREWS, LAURA ELLA, My Kinsfolk, a Story and Genealogy of the Crews, Samp-
son, Wilber and Waddell Families. Enid, Okla., n. p. [c!941]. 169p.
CROSS, JOHN NEWTON, and MARY CROSS COLE, William Cross of Botetourt Co.,
Va., and His Descendants, 1733-1932 . . . Columbia, Mo., E. W.
Stephens Publishing Company, 1932. 258p.
DAGUE, CARRIE M., The History and Genealogy of the Dague Family. Welch,
W. Va., The Welch Publishing Company, 1938. 253p.
DANIELS, JAMES HARRISON, JR., A Genealogical History of the Descendants of
William Daniels of Dorchester and Milton, Massachusetts, 1630-1951. [Bal-
timore, Nicholas A. Gossmann Publishing Company, c!952.] 264p.
[DARBY, R. C.], Genealogy of the Darby Family, Joseph Darby of Anne Arun-
del Co., Md. [Atlanta, Ga.] n. p. [1953]. 107p.
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, MARY LITTLE DEERE CHAPTER,
Genealogical Records, Vol. 4, Family and Court Records. N. p., 1953.
193p.
DAVIS, EDWARD HELL, Historical Sketches of Franklin County [North Carolina].
Raleigh, Edwards and Broughton Company, 1948. 298p.
DIXON, MARGARET COLLINS (DENNY), and ELIZABETH CHAPMAN (DENNY)
VANN, Denny Genealogy, Third Book . . . Richmond, Va., n. p., 1951.
489p.
EAST TENNESSEE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Publications, No. 24, 1952. Knoxville,
The East Tennessee Historical Society, 1952. 178p.
Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania Biography, Vol. 28. New York, Lewis Histori-
cal Publishing Company, Inc., 1952. 459p.
ENGLE, MORRIS M., The Engle History and Family Records of Dauphin and
Lancaster Counties. The Numerous Lineal Descendants of Ulrich Engel
. . . Mount Joy, Pa., The Bulletin Press, n. d. 161p.
[ERNZEN, INEZ LILLIAN (HUTTON), Hands Across the Years, Hutton, a Histori-
cal Genealogy.] [Beloit, Beloit Daily Call, 1953.] 163p.
[FAIR, MARIELOU (ROACH)], Roach, Roberts, Ridgeway and Allied Families.
No impr. 258p.
FOTHERGILL, AUGUSTA B., Marriage Records of Brunswick County, Virginia,
1730-1852. N.p. [c!953]. [189]p.
FOWLER, CHRISTINE CECILIA, comp., The History of the Fowlers. Batavia, N. Y.,
Author, 1950. 938p.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 131
GAMBRILL, GEORGIA, Genealogical Material and Local Histories in the St. Louis
Public Library. Rev. ed. N. p., 1953. Mimeographed. 315p.
GARVEY, OLIVE WHITE, "Climbing the Family Tree." N. p., 1953. Mimeo-
graphed. 20p.
GRAY, J. RUFUS, Our Progenitors. Pratt, Kan., n. p., n. d. 136p.
GRIFFIN, CLARENCE W., History of Old Try on and Rutherford Counties, North
Carolina, 1730-1931. Asheville, N. C., The Miller Printing Company, 1937.
640p.
GRIFFITH, THOMAS WATERS, Annals of Baltimore. Baltimore, William Wooddy,
1833. [301]p.
GRUBB, N. B., comp., A Genealogical History of the Gottshall Family, Descend-
ants of Rev. Jacob Gottshall . . . N. p., Gottshall Family Association,
1924. 112p.
HALE, NATHANIEL CLAIBORNE, Roots in Virginia, an Account of Captain Thomas
Hale, Virginia Frontiersman, His Descendants and Related Families. [Phila-
delphia, George H. Buchanan Company, c!948.] 227p.
Handbook of Texas. Austin, The Texas State Historical Association, 1952.
2 Vols.
HARLOE, CHARLES BRUCE, comp., Harloe-Kelso Genealogy of the Descendants
of John William Harloe and James Kelso . . . With a Number of Allied
Families . . . Winchester, Va., Privately Printed, 1943. 358p.
HEALD, EDWARD THORNTON, The Stark County Story, Vol. 3, Industry Comes of
Age, 1901-1917. Canton, Ohio, The Stark County Historical Society, 1952.
822p.
HENDERSON, OREN V., The Descendants of Robert Henderson of Hendersonville,
Pennsylvania (Mercer County), Born 1741-Died 1810. [Manchester, N. H.,
Granite State Press, Inc.] n. d. 329p.
HEYWARD, JAMES BARNWELL, The Genealogy of the Pendarvis-Bedon Families
of South Carolina, 1670-1900 . . . Atlanta, Foote and Davies Com-
pany, 1905. 221p.
History of Huntington County, Indiana . . . Chicago, Brant and Fuller,
1887. 883p.
History of Knox County, Illinois . . . Chicago, Blakely, Brown and Marsh,
1878. 718p.
History of Lee County [Illinois] Together With Biographical Matter, Statistics,
Etc. . . . Chicago, H. H. Hill and Company, 1881. 873p.
History of Monmouth County, New Jersey, 1664-1920. New York, Lewis His-
torical Publishing Company, Inc., 1922. 3 Vols.
HOLLOW AY, OLIN EUGENE, Genealogy of the Holloway Families. Knightstown,
Ind., n. p., 1927. 462p.
HUGUENOT SOCIETY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Transactions, No. 57. Baltimore,
Waverly Press, Inc., 1952. 65p.
HUNTOON, DANIEL J. V., History of the Town of Canton, Norfolk County,
Massachusetts. Cambridge, John Wilson and Son, 1893. 666p.
JENSEN, MRS. DANA O., ed., Index Volumes 1 Through 6, October, 1944-Julyf
1950, Missouri Historical Society Bulletin. [St. Louis] Missouri Historical
Society, c!952. 94p.
JOHNSON, OLIVER, A Home in the Woods; Oliver Johnsons Reminiscences of
Early Alarion County, as Related by Howard Johnson. Indianapolis, Indiana
132 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Historical Society, 1951. [91]p. (Indiana Historical Society Publications,
Vol. 16, No. 2.)
JORDAN, JOHN W., ed., Genealogical and Personal History of Western Pennsyl-
vania. New York, Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1915. 3 Vols.
JUSTICE, ALFRED RUDULPH, comp., Wilson and Allied Families; Billew, Britton,
Du Bois, Longshore, Polhemus, Stillwell, Suebering. Philadelphia, n. p.,
1929. 179p.
JUSTICE, HILDA, comp., Life and Ancestry of Warner Mifflin, Friend — Philan-
thropist— Patriot. Philadelphia, Ferris and Leach, 1905. 240p.
KNORR, CATHERINE LINDSAY, comp., Marriage Bonds and Ministers' Returns of
Sussex County, Virginia, 1754-1810. N. p., c!952. Mimeographed, lllp.
McBEE, MAY WILSON, Anson County, North Carolina, Abstracts of Early Rec-
ords, the May Wilson McBee Collection, Vol. 1. N. p. [c!950]. 180p.
McKEEN, WALTER E., McKeen, Stoughton and Allied Families. Manhattan,
n. p., 1951. Manuscript. Unpaged.
MARYLAND, PROVINCIAL COURT, Proceedings, 1670/1-1675. Baltimore, Mary-
land Historical Society, 1952. 738p. ( Archives of Maryland, Vol. 65. )
MEADE, EVERARD KIDDER, Frederick Parish, Virginia, 1744-1780, Its Churches,
Chapels, Ministers and Vestries . . . Winchester, Va., Pifer Printing
Company, Inc., 1947. 70p.
MORRIS, WHITMORE, The First Tunstalls in Virginia and Some of Their Descend-
ants. [San Antonio, The Clegg Company, c!950.] 250p.
MORTON, OREN F., A History of Highland County, Virginia. Monterey, Va.,
Author [c!911]. 419p.
NEW CANAAN, CONN., WAR RECORDS COMMITTEE, New Canaan's Records of
World War II, Vol. 3. New Canaan, The War Records Committee of the
Town of New Canaan and the New Canaan Historical Society, 1951. 160p.
NEW CANAAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Annual, June 1953. New Canaan, Conn.,
The New Canaan Historical Society, 1953. [66]p.
NOLLEN, JOHN SCHOLTE, Grinnell College. Iowa City, The State Historical So-
ciety of Iowa, 1953. 283p.
OMOHUNDRO, MALVERN HILL, The Omohundro Genealogical Record; the Omo-
hundros and Allied Families in America . . . Staunton, Va., McClure
Printing Company, 1950-51. 1287p.
Panhandle-Plains Historical Review, Vol. 24. Canyon, Tex., Panhandle-Plains
Historical Society, 1951. 201p.
PARRAN, ALICE (NORRIS), Series II of "Register of Maryland's Heraldic Fami-
lies" With an Index of Volume 1 and Addenda. N. p. [c!938]. 351p.
PARSONS, HENRY, Parsons Family, Descendants of Cornet Joseph Parsons,
Springfield, 1636, Northampton, 1655, Vol. 2. New Haven, The Tuttle,
Morehouse and Taylor Company [c!920]. 692p.
PITTIS, MARGARET BIRNEY, The Hout Family for Two Hundred and Twenty-
Seven Years, Ten Generations, 1725 to 1952. Cleveland, Author, 1952.
638p.
POPE, CHARLES HENRY, ed., Willard Genealogy, Sequel to Willard Memoir.
Materials Gathered Chiefly by Joseph Willard and Charles Wilkes Walker.
Boston, Printed for the Willard Family Association, 1915. 768p.
Portrait and Biographical Album of Lake County, Illinois . . . Chicago,
Lake City Publishing Company, 1891. 782p.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 133
POTTER, CHARLES EDWARD, Genealogies of the Potter Families and Their De-
scendants in America to the Present Generation, With Historical and Bio-
graphical Sketches. Boston, Alfred Mudge and Son, 1888. [289]p.
POWER, CARRIE (RODEFFER), The Rodeffer Family of Rockingham County,
Virginia, a Record of the Descendants of Conrad and Nancy Showalter Rodef-
fer, 1805-1948. [Dayton, Va., Shenandoah Press, 1948.] 267p.
PURSEL, VIDA (MILLER), comp. and ed., Genealogy of the Miller and Pursel
Families. [Bloomsburg, Pa., Smith Printing Shop] 1939. 166p.
RAHN, B. ELIZABETH SHEARER, and CLAUDE JEROME RAHN, Genealogical In-
formation Regarding the Families of Brubaker, Bomberger, Fogelsanger and
Various Related Families. Vero Beach, Fla., n. p., 1952. 105p.
RAHN, CLAUDE JEROME, Genealogical Information Regarding the Families of
Hornberger and Singling and Related Families of Eckert, Lenhart, Steffy,
Gerwig and Rahn. Vero Beach, Fla., n. p., 1951. 164p.
RANDOLPH, WASSELL, Henry Randolph I (1623-1773) of Henrico County, Vir-
ginia, and His Descendants. Memphis, n. p., 1952. Mimeographed. 105p.
ROGERS, JAMES SWIFT, James Rogers of New London, Ct., and His Descendants.
Boston, Compiler, 1902. 514p.
SAYBROOK, CONN., Vital Records, 1647-1834. Hartford, The Connecticut His-
torical Society and the Connecticut Society of the Order of the Founders
and Patriots of America, 1952. 197p.
SELLERS, SARAH PENNOCK, David Sellers, Mary Pennock Sellers. N. p., 1928.
155p.
SHERMAN, NELL (WATSON), and MRS. HARRY MCPHERON, History and Gene-
alogy of the Family of John Calvin Davis . . . N. p., 1944. [117]p.
SMITH, DWIGHT L., ed., From Greene Ville to Fallen Timbers, a Journal of the
Wayne Campaign, July 28-September 14, 1794. Indianapolis, Indiana His-
torical Society, 1952. [94]p. ( Indiana Historical Society Publications, Vol.
16, No. 3.)
SMITH, WILLARD H., Schuyler Colfax, the Changing Fortunes of a Political
Idol. Indianapolis, Indiana Historical Bureau, 1952. 475p. (Indiana His-
torical Collections, Vol. 33.)
SOCIETY OF INDIANA PIONEERS, Year Book, 1952. Published by Order of the
Board of Governors, 1952. 123p.
SOCIETY OF THE CINCINNATI, Roster, N. p., Society, 1953. 121p.
STANARD, WILLIAM GLOVER, The McGuire Family in Virginia With Notices of
Its Irish Ancestry and Some Connected Virginia Families. Richmond, Va.,
Old Dominion Press, 1926. 126p.
STRICKLER, HARRY MILLER, A Short History of Page County, Virginia. Rich-
mond, Va., The Dietz Press, Inc., 1952. 442p.
STURTEVANT, H. F., comp., [History of the Dunbar Family.] No impr. Mimeo-
graphed. 55p.
SUTTON, JOHN DAVISON, History of Braxton County and Central West Virginia.
Sutton, W. Va., n. p., 1919. 458p.
TERRY, STEPHEN, Notes of Terry Families in the United States of America,
Mainly Descended From Samuel, of Springfield, Mass. . . . and Others.
Hartford, Conn., Compiler, 1887. 343p.
TIPPIN, ERNEST ELWOOD, comp., A Brief History of George Manton Tippin, Sr.,
of Ireland, York County, South Carolina and Washington County, Indiana
and His Descendants. Wichita, Kan., Preston Printing Company, 1952. 94p.
134 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
TOWNSEND, ANNETTE, The Auchmuty Family of Scotland and America. New
York, The Graf ton Press [c!932]. 215p.
20th Century History of Springfield and Clark County, Ohio, and Representa-
tive Citizens. Chicago, Biographical Publishing Company, 1908. 1054p.
U. S. CENSUS, 1850, OREGON, Pioneer Families of the Oregon Territory, 1850.
No impr. Mimeographed. 44p.
VAN BENTHUYSEN, ALVIN SEAWARD, and EDITH MARGUERITE (MC!NTOSH)
HALL, The Van Benthuysen Genealogy . . . Clay Center, Kan., Wil-
son Engraving and Printing Company, 1953. 592p.
VAN HORNE, ABRAM, Our Kindred, an Historical Record of the Van Home
Family in America From 1634 to 1888. Fonda, N. Y., Mohawk Valley
Democrat Print, 1888. 80p. Typed copy.
VANN, ELIZABETH CHAPMAN (DENNY), and MARGARET COLLINS (DENNY)
DIXON, Denny Genealogy, Second Book . . . Rutland, Vt., The Tuttle
Publishing Company, 1947. 404p.
VOGT, MARY MARGARET (ZOECKLER), Vogt and Allied Families, Genealogical
and Biographical. New York, American Historical Society, 1925. 57p.
WAGENSELLER, GEORGE WASHINGTON, The History of the Wagenseller Family
in America, With Kindred Branches. Middleburgh, Pa., Wagenseller Pub-
lishing Company, 1898. 225p.
WILCOX, REYNOLD WEBB, Wilcoxson-Wilcox, Webb and Meigs Families. New
York, The National Historical Society, 1938. 395p.
WILEY, SAMUEL T., ed., Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of the Third
Congressional District of New Jersey, Comprising Middlesex, Monmouth
and Somerset Counties . . . Philadelphia, Biographical Publishing
Company, 1896. 1039p.
WILKINSON, MARCELLUS M., Genealogy of Wilkinson and Kindred Families.
Shelby, Miss., Shelby Book Store, 1949. 546p.
WILLIAMSON, MARY CORNELIUS (THOMPSON), Our William Thompson of Ire-
land and Pennsylvania and Some Descendants. Youngstown, Ohio, Author,
1941. 161p.
WINDHAM, CONN., FIRST CHURCH, Records of the Congregational Church in
Windham, Conn. (Except Church Votes) 1700-1851. Hartford, Connecticut
Historical Society and the Society of Mayflower Descendants in the State of
Connecticut, 1943. 153p.
WINE, JACOB DAVID, The Wine Family in America . . . [Staunton, Va.,
McClure Printing Company] 1952. 560p.
WOESTMAN, LOUISE, The Woestman Family, Genealogical and Biographical.
New York, American Historical Society, 1926. 43p.
WOOD, JULIANNA, Family Sketches. [Philadelphia, n. p., 1870.] Unpaged.
GENERAL
ADAIR, JOHN, The Navajo and Pueblo Silversmiths. Norman, University of
Oklahoma Press, 1946. 220p.
AMERICAN ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY, Proceedings at the Annual Meeting Held in
Worchester, October 15, 1952. Worcester, Mass., Society, 1952. [280]p.
Americana Annual, an Encyclopedia of the Events of 1951, 1952. New York,
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AYER, N. W., and SONS, Directory of Newspapers and Periodicals, 1953. Phila-
delphia, N. W. Ayer and Son, Inc. [c!953J. 1499p.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 135
BALDWIN, LELAND DEWITT, The Stream of American History. New York,
Richard R. Smith Publishers, Inc., 1952. 2 Vols.
BARRETT, S. A., Material Aspects of Pomo Culture: Part Two. Milwaukee,
1952. ( Bulletin of the Public Museum of the City of Milwaukee, Vol. 20,
No. 2.)
BRININSTOOL, EARL ALONZO, Fighting Indian Warriors, True Tales of the Wild
Frontiers. Harrisburg, Pa., Stackpole Company, 1953. 353p.
BROOKS, JUANITA, The Mountain Meadows Massacre. Stanford, Cal., Stanford
University Press [c!950]. 243p.
BURDICK, USHER LLOYD, The Last Battle of the Sioux Nation. Stevens Point,
Wis., Worzalla Publishing Company [c!929]. 164p.
CARMAN, HARRY JAMES, and HAROLD C. SYRETT, A History of the American
People. [New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1952.] 2 Vols.
COCKRUM, WILLIAM M., History of the Underground Railroad As It Was Con-
ducted by the Anti-Slavery League . . . Oakland City, Ind., J. W.
Cockrum Printing Company [cl91§J. 328p.
COOLIDGE, DANE, and MARY ROBERTS COOLIDGE, The Navajo Indians. Boston,
Houghton Mifflin Company, 1930. 316p.
Cram's Unrivaled Atlas— the World . . . 64th Edition. Indianapolis, The
George F. Cram Company, Inc., 1952. 403p.
CRAVEN, AVERY ODELLE, The Growth of Southern Nationalism, 1848-1861.
[Baton Rouge] Louisiana State University Press, 1953. 433p. (A History
of the South, Vol. 6.)
DIPESO, CHARLES C., The Sobaipuri Indians of the Upper San Pedro River
Valley, Southeastern Arizona. Dragoon, Ariz., The Amerind Foundation,
Inc., 1953. 285p.
DONALD, DAVID HERBERT, Divided We Fought, a Pictorial History of the War,
1861-1865. New York, The Macmillan Company, 1952. 452p.
DURANT, JOHN, and OTTO BETTMANN, Pictorial History of American Sports
. . . [New York] A. S. Barnes and Company [c!952]. 280p.
EASTMAN, C. A., Old Indian Days. New York, The McClure Company, 1907.
279p.
Encyclopedia of American Biography. New Series, Vol. 23. New York, The
American Historical Company, Inc., 1952. [421 ]p.
ESKEW, GARNETT LAIDLAW, Salt, the Fifth Element, the Story of a Basic Ameri-
can Industry. Chicago, J. G. Ferguson and Associates, 1948. 239p.
EWERS, JOHN C., The Story of the Blackfeet. [Lawrence, Haskell Institute,
1952.] 66p.
FLEMING, GORDON H., George Alfred Lawrence and the Victorian Sensation
Novel. Tucson, University of Arizona, 1952. 48p.
FREEMAN, DOUGLAS SOUTHALL, George Washington, a Biography, Vol. 5. New
York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1952. 570p.
GARST, DORIS SHANNON, Sitting Butt, Champion of His People. New York,
Julian Messner, Inc. [c!946]. 189p.
GEER, ANDREW CLARE, The New Breed, the Story of the U. S. Marines in
Korea. New York, Harper and Brothers [c!952]. 395p.
GEIGER, Louis G., Joseph W. Folk of Missouri. Columbia, The Curators of the
University of Missouri, 1953. 206p. (The University of Missouri Studies,
Vol. 25, No. 2.)
136 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
GEYL, PIETER, From Ranke to Toynbee; Five Lectures on Historians and His-
torio graphical Problems. Northampton, Department of History of Smith
College, 1952. 80p. (Smith College Studies in History, Vol. 39.)
GLASSCOCK, CARL BURGESS, Then Came Oil, the Story of the Last Frontier.
Indianapolis, The Bobbs-Merrill Company [c!938]. 349p.
GORSLINE, DOUGLAS, What People Wore, a Visual History of Dress, From
Ancient Times to Twentieth-Century America. New York, The Viking Press,
1952. 266p.
Granger's Index, to Poetry, Fourth Edition . . . New York, Columbia
University Press, 1953. 1832p.
GREGORY, JAMES P., comp., The Mississippi Valley Historical Review, a Journal
of American History, Cumulative Index to Volumes 26-35, June 1939,
Through March 1949. [Cedar Rapids, Iowa, The Torch Press] 1952. 199p.
GRIMES, ALAN PENDLETON, The Political Liberalism of the New York Nation,
1865-1932. Chapel Hill, The University of North Carolina Press, 1953.
133p.
GROVES, GLENWOOD IRA, Famous American Indians . . . Chicago, n. p.
[c!944]. 272p.
GUTTRIDGE, GEORGE HERBERT, The Early Career of Lord Rockingham, 1730-
1765. Berkeley, University of California Press, 1952. 54p. (University
of California Publications in History, Vol. 44.)
HALL, ROBERT A., JR., Haitian Creole Grammar, Texts, Vocabulary. [Menasha,
Wis.] American Anthropological Association, 1953. 309p. (Memoir
No. 74.)
HAMILTON, HENRY W., The Spiro Mound . . . Columbia, Mo., n. p.,
1952. 276p.
HA WES, JESSE, Cahaba, a Story of Captive Boys in Blue. New York, Burr
Printing House [c!888]. 480p.
HITCHCOCK, ETHAN ALLEN, Fifty Years in Camp and Field; Diary of Major-
General Ethan Allen Hitchcock, U. S. A. New York, G. P. Putnam's Sons,
1909. 514p.
HOOVER, HERBERT CLARK, Memoirs, Vol. 3. New York, The Macmillan Com-
pany, 1952. 503p.
HUNTER, FREDERICK WILLIAM, Stiegel Glass. New York, Dover Publications,
Inc., 1950. 272p.
INGELS, MARGARET, Willis Haviland Carrier, Father of Air Conditioning.
Garden City, N. Y., Country Life Press, 1952. 170p.
JEFFERSON, THOMAS, Papers. Vol. 6, 21 May 1781 to 1 March 1784. Prince-
ton, Princeton University Press, 1952. 668p.
, Papers. Vol. 7, 2 March 1784 to 25 February 1785. Princeton,
Princeton University Press, 1953. 652p.
JORGENSON, CHESTER E., Uncle Tom's Cabin as Book and Legend, a Guide to
an Exhibition. Detroit, Sponsored by the Friends of the Detroit Public
Library, 1952. 51p.
KIDDER, ALFRED VINCENT, An Introduction to the Study of Southwestern
Archaeology, With a Preliminary Account of the Excavations at Pecos.
New Haven, Yale University Press, 1924. 151p.
KLINGBERG, FRANK J., and FRANK W. KLINGBERG, eds., The Correspondence
Between Henry Stephens Randall and Hugh Blair Grigsby, 1856-1861.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 137
Berkeley, University of California Press, 1952. 146p. (University of Cal-
ifornia Publications in History, Vol. 43.)
KNEALE, ALBERT H., Indian Agent. Caldwell, Idaho, The Caxton Printers,
Ltd., 1950. 429p.
LEE, RUTH WEBB, A History of Valentines. New York, The Studio Publica-
tions, Inc. [c!952]. 239p.
, Nineteenth-Century Art Glass. New York, M. Barrows and Com-
pany, Inc., 1952. 128p.
LEIGHTON, ALEXANDER HAMILTON, and DOROTHEA C. LEIGHTON, The Navaho
Door, an Introduction to Navaho Life. Cambridge, Harvard University
Press, 1945. 149p.
LEMMER, GEORGE F., Norman J. Colman and Colman's Rural World, a Study
in Agricultural Leadership. Columbia, The Curators of the University of
Missouri, 1953. 168p. (The University of Missouri Studies, Vol. 25, No.
3.)
LE SUEUR, JACQUES, History of the Calumet and of the Dance. New York,
Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation, 1952. 22p. (Con-
tributions, Vol. 12, No. 5.)
LINCOLN, ABRAHAM, Collected Works. New Brunswick, N. J., Rutgers Uni-
versity Press, 1953. 9 Vols.
List of Post Offices in the United States With the Names of Postmasters on the
1st of April, 1859 . . . With an Appendix Containing the Names of
the Post Offices Arranged by States and Counties. Washington, John C.
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LORANT, STEFAN, Lincoln, a Picture Story of His Life. New York, Harper and
Brothers [c!952]. 256p.
McCLiNTOCK, WALTER, Old Indian Trails. Boston, Houghton Mifflin Com-
pany, 1923. 336p.
McWnoRTER, LUCULLUS VIRGIL, Hear Me, My Chiefs! Nez Perce History and
Legend. Caldwell, Idaho, The Caxton Printers, Ltd., 1952. 640p.
MAGRDEL, PAUL DAVID, ed., Chronicles of the American Dance. New York,
Henry Holt and Company [c!948]. 268p.
Medal of Honor 1861-1949, the Navy. No impr. 327p.
Medal of Honor of the United States Army. [Washington, United States Gov-
ernment Printing Office, 1948.] 468p.
MURRAY, WILLIAM HENRY, Pocahontas and Pushmataha; Historical and Bio-
graphical Essays With Personal Sketches of Other Famous Indians, and
Notes on Oklahoma History. Oklahoma City, Harlow Publishing Company,
1931. 106p.
National Cyclopaedia of American Biography . . . Current Volume H.
1947-52. New York, James T. White and Company, 1952. [392]p.
New York Times Index for the Published News of 1952. New York, The New
York Times Company, c!953. 1295p.
ORATA, PEDRO T., Fundamental Education in an Amerindian Community.
[Lawrence, Haskell Institute, 1953.] 220p.
Pattersons American Educational Directory, Vol. 50. Wilmette, 111., Educa-
tional Directories, Inc. [c!953]. 737p.
PETO, FLORENCE, American Quilts and Coverlets . . . New York, Chanti-
cleer Press [1949]. 63p.
138 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Philadelphia Bibliographical Center and Union Library Catalogue, Union List
of Microfilms, Revised, Enlarged and Cumulated Edition, Supplement, 1949-
1952. Ann Arbor, Mich., J. W. Edwards, 1953. 995p.
Poors Manual of Railroads, Fifty-Second Annual Number, 1919. New York,
Poor's Publishing Company, c!919. 2088p.
Poor's Railroad Section, 1925. New York, Poor's Publishing Company, c!925.
1704p.
PRATT, HARRY EDWARD, Abraham Lincoln Chronology, 1809-1865. Spring-
field, Illinois State Historical Library, 1953. 12p.
PRUCHA, FRANCIS PAUL, Broadax and Bayonet, the Role of the United States
Army in the Development of the Northwest, 1815-1860. [Madison] The
State Historical Society of Wisconsin [c!953]. 263p.
QUARLES, BENJAMIN, The Negro in the Civil War. Boston, Little, Brown and
Company [c!953]. 379p.
Report of the St. Louis Delegation to Omaha and Terminus of the Union Pacific
Railroad, September, 1868 ... St. Louis, George Knapp and Com-
pany, 1869. 91p.
RICHARDSON, W. C., Stephen Vaughan, Financial Agent of Henry VIII; a Study
of Financial Relations With the Low Countries. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
State University Press [c!953]. [106]p.
RiTZENTHALER, ROBERT E., The Potawatomi Indians of Wisconsin. Milwaukee,
1953. [75]p. (Bulletin of the Public Museum of the City of Milwaukee,
Vol. 19, No. 3.)
SMITH, DE COST, Indian Experiences. Caldwell, Idaho, The Caxton Printers,
Ltd., 1943. 387p.
SMITH, WILLIAM ROBERT LEE, The Story of the Cherokees. Cleveland, Tenn.,
The Church of God Publishing House, 1928. 229p.
THOMAS, BENJAMIN PLATT, Abraham Lincoln, a Biography. New York, Alfred
A. Knopf, 1952. [560]p.
THROM, EDWARD Louis, ed., Popular Mechanics' Picture History of American
Transportation. New York, Simon and Schuster, 1952. 312p.
TRYON, WARREN S., comp. and ed., A Mirror for Americans. Life and Manners
in the United States, 1790-1870, as Recorded by American Travelers. Chi-
cago, The University of Chicago Press [c!952]. 3 Vols.
UNDERBILL, RUTH, The Papago Indians of Arizona and Their Relatives the
Pima. [Lawrence, Haskell Institute, 1940.] 68p.
VARG, PAUL A., Open Door Diplomat, the Life of W. W. Rockhill. Urbana,
The University of Illinois Press, 1952. 141p. (Illinois Studies in the Social
Sciences, Vol. 33, No. 4.)
WALLACE, ERNEST, and E. ADAMSON HOEBEL, The Comanches, Lords of the
South Plains. Norman, University of Oklahoma Press [c!952]. 381p.
WARD, CHRISTOPHER, The Dutch and Swedes on the Delaware, 1609-64. Phila-
delphia, University of Pennsylvania Press, 1930. 393p.
WEBER, THOMAS, The Northern Railroads in the Civil War, 1861-1865. New
York, King's Crown Press, 1952. 318p.
WEST, ROBERT COOPER, Colonial Placer Mining in Colombia. Baton Rouge,
Louisiana State University Press [c!952]. 157p. (Louisiana State Univer-
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RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 139
WHITE, EDWARD ARTHUR, Science and Religion in American Thought; the Im-
pact of Naturalism. Stanford, Gal., Stanford University Press, 1952. 117p.
( Stanford University Publications, University Series, History, Economics and
Political Science, Vol. 8. )
WILLIAMS, KENNETH POWERS, Lincoln Finds a General, a Military Study of the
Civil War, Vol. 3. New York, The Macmillan Company, 1952. 585p.
WOLF, HAZEL CATHERINE, On Freedom's Altar; the Martyr Complex in the
Abolition Movement. Madison, University of Wisconsin Press, 1952. 195p.
World Almanac and Book of Facts for 1953. New York, New York World-
Telegram, c!953. 896p.
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Bypaths of Kansas History
A SCARCITY OF FRONT GATES
From The Sumner County Press, Wellington, April 23, 1874.
Marriages have been so infrequent in Sumner county since its settlement, as
to lead to the discussion of the cause of a state of affairs so deplorable, by
parties deeply interested in the future welfare of our beautiful country. We
have heard the subject discussed, but never have heard any satisfactory reason
given, until a few days since we overheard a young lady — recently from one
of the eastern states — suggest, that it was attributable to the great scarcity of
front gatesl
THE CALL OF THE WILD
From the Newton Kansan, November 5, 1874.
One day last week as the mail train west of Dodge City was coming east,
a herd of buffalo made their appearance near the track, which so raised the
nerves of our route agent friend J. C. Jones (of Osborne county) that he,
gun in hand jumped off the train and started across the prairie after them,
leaving his mail car wide open. The train continued on its way, and he was
left behind and picked up by the western bound train.
AN EYE FOR BUSINESS
From the Garden City Paper, June 19, 1879.
A minister not living over a hundred miles from here and also keeps a store,
who had just commenced his sermon, last Sunday when he spied some
emigrant wagons coming up the road, and that one of them had stopped in
front of his store, he immediately stopped in his discourse, blew his nose,
coughed, walked down the aisle and whispered to his son: "Go out and sell
those emigrants some goods, as it is necessary/* He then walked back to the
pulpit, winked with his off eye, and finished his sermon.
DEER IN WESTERN KANSAS
From the Wallace County Register, Wallace, December 11, 1886.
Mr. Spencer who has a claim in Sherman county is a successful "Nimrod."
He has been stopping with Andy Phillips for a few weeks. Last week he
took his fine old buffalo gun and crossed the Smoky to the south, where among
the ravines he discovered a herd of blacktailed deer. He came home late in
the evening very tired and reported that he had killed one doe, and brought the
liver along as evidence. Taking a wagon next morning he went out for his game
and returned about noon with four fine specimens, two does and two fawns.
Ye editor is ready to testify as to how nice they were.
(140)
Kansas History as Published in the Press
A series, "Early Days of Towanda Area Are Graphically Re-
counted/' by Evalina Edmiston, has appeared frequently during the
past several months in the Butler Free-Lance, El Dorado.
Hays and Ellis county history has continued to appear regularly
in recent issues of the Hays Daily News and the Ellis County News,
Hays.
With the issue of January 7, 1954, the Gypsum Advocate began
the publication in weekly installments of a history of the Gypsum
valley by Mildred Karber.
The January-February, 1954, issue of To the Stars, Topeka, pub-
lication of the Kansas Industrial Development Commission, was the
annual tourist edition. The following number, April-May, was the
Kansas centennial issue. Featured were Kansas historical articles,
dealing particularly with the territorial period.
Wayne A. O'Connell's series on the origin of names in southern
Kansas was continued in the Chetopa Advance, February 4, 1954,
and the Oswego Independent, February 5. Included were the names
Oswego, Hopefield, Old Cherokee, Jacksonville, Neola, Dayton,
Kingston, Timber Hill, Deerton, and Big Hill.
An article entitled "Arkansas City This Year Reaches Its 85th
Birthday Anniversary," by Walter Hutchison, was published in the
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, February 9, 1954. Settlers began
arriving in 1869 and the town of Creswell was laid out in 1870, be-
coming Arkansas City in 1872.
A history of Americus, established in 1857, was printed in the
Emporia Weekly Gazette, February 11, 1954. Recent articles in the
daily Gazette were: "The Story of Old Madison County/' by Lucina
Jones, March 29-31; and "[Congregational] Church Is Celebrating
Its Own Centennial in Kansas This Year," May 5. The Gazette has
continued to print the historical column, "When Emporia Was
Young."
Articles of historical note in recent issues of the Coffeyville Daily
Journal included: a biographical sketch of Charley Auld, an old-time
cowman in the Indian territory, now of Cedar Vale, by Jim Cole-
grove, February 14, 1954; biographical sketch of Samuel O. Witwer,
West Coffeyville pioneer, by Oren "Bud" Wright, March 7; "Battle
(141)
142 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
for [Montgomery] County Seat Saw Rise and Fall of Communities."
also by Wright, April 4; and a brief history of the Coffeyville First
Presbyterian church, May 7.
John Watson's "See Kansas" series on historical spots in Kansas
has continued to appear in the Wichita Evening Eagle. Some of
the places included were: Shawnee Mission, February 18; old Ore-
gon trail roadhouse, Atchison, March 4; Planters' House, Leaven-
worth, March 11; Lane University, March 18; Atchison, the scene
of a speech by Abraham Lincoln in 1859, April 15; and the Chilocco
Indian School, south of Arkansas City, May 20. Also appearing in
the Evening Eagle were "Monument to 'Buffalo Bill* Mathewson
Advocated," a letter from William H. Owen, Leaven worth, March
3; and "City's First Church [First Presbyterian] Organized in Dugout
84 Years Ago," March 20. The following stories were printed in the
Sunday Eagle: "Wichita Century Ago Was Village of Indian Tribe,"
by Myra Lockwood Brown, February 28; "Council Grove Relives
Colorful History," by John Watson, May 9; "49 Settlements Sought
Honor as Capital of Kansas," by Jonathan M. Dow, May 23; and
"Kansas Born in Tragedy 100 Years Ago," by Bob Tonsing, Sr.,
May 30.
A biographical sketch of Mrs. Margaret Haun Raser, Hodgeman
county school teacher and daughter of the founder of Jetmore, T. S.
Haun, by Ethel Watkins, was published in the Dodge City Daily
Globe, February 20, 1954. The Globe printed a story of the now
"dead" town of Ravanna, March 16.
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church, near Cheney, observed
its 70th anniversary in late February, 1954. A short history of the
church appeared in the Cheney Sentinel, February 25. The congre-
gation was organized February 24, 1884, in a school building under
the guidance of the Rev. A. Luebkemann.
Grellet Academy, organized in 1878 in the Solomon valley near
Cawker City by the Friends church, was the subject of a brief
historical article by Henrietta Boyd, in the Cawker City Ledger,
February 25, 1954. The building burned in 1895 and the school
was not rebuilt.
Two articles of historical note were published in the Wichita
Beacon, February 28, 1954: "Kansas Indian Nations Are Dying," by
H. E. Bruce, Horton, and a biographical sketch of John Bogart, 94,
who came to Wichita in 1879 and later lived in Sumner and Green-
wood counties.
KANSAS HISTORY IN THE PRESS 143
Efforts to create Nebraska territory during the ten years prior to
the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska act, and the motives behind the
efforts, are reviewed by Dr. James C. Malin in "The Nebraska
Question: a Ten-Year Record, 1844-1854," published in Nebraska
History, Lincoln, March, 1954.
Some early history of Burlingame appeared in the Burlingame
Enterprise-Chronicle, March 4, 1954. Biographical notes on natives
of Burlingame and long-time residents of that community were
printed May 6. The information was gathered from registrations
at the city's recent centennial celebration.
Histories of Paola, Osawatomie, and other parts of Miami county
were included in an article by Mrs. Anna Krumsick in the Paola
Western Spirit, March 5, 1954. -
A six-column history of St. Patrick's Catholic parish in Florence,
by the Rev. Francis J. Hughes, present pastor, was published in the
Florence Bulletin, March 11, 1954. The first church building was
completed late in 1878 but Catholic services were held in the com-
munity as early as the 1850's.
A biographical sketch of Fred V. Pargeter, 90-year-old painter of
Pretty Prairie, by Jim Skinner, appeared in the Hutchinson News-
Herald, March 20, 1954. Pargeter was born in England and came
to Kansas in 1884. He began painting at the age of 68.
"Early Days in Ashland Were Colorful," an article by Ruth
McMillion, was published in the Clark County Clipper, Ashland,
March 25, 1954. Ashland was established in 1885.
Tom Finley, who came to Thomas county in 1885, has recorded
some of his early experiences in an article in The Western Times,
Sharon Springs, March 25, 1954. Among the incidents recalled by
Finley was the fight over land between the settlers and the ranchers.
Recent historical articles in the Hope Dispatch included: a his-
tory of the Hope Baptist church, March 25; an early history of Hope
by the late Mrs. T. H. Palmer, April 1; and a letter from Dr. Frank
J. Klingberg, professor of history at the University of California,
who spent his youth in Dickinson county, April 8.
A column-length history of Winchester, from material collected
by Mrs. Cora Coppinger Charles, was printed in the Winchester
Star, March 26, 1954. The town's history began in 1854 when
William M. Gardiner staked a claim in the vicinity, but the town-
site was not surveyed until 1857.
144 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
"Cabin of Death/' the story of the "Bloody" Benders of south-
eastern Kansas, by Warren Kuhn, was printed in the Spring, 1954,
issue of True West, Austin, Tex.
Of interest to Kansans, particularly in this centennial year, are
three articles by Floyd C. Shoemaker, "Missouri's Proslavery Fight
for Kansas, 1854-1855," which began in the Missouri Historical Re-
view, Columbia, April, 1954.
The front page of the Atchison Daily Globe, April 1, 1954, was
dated April 1, 1854, and was made up of news that might have
appeared on the front page of an Atchison newspaper of that date.
Items concerning slavery, a new Missouri river bridge, the new
Republican party, border ruffians, and a school teacher for Atchison
were included. Also in the April 1 issue was an article entitled
"Pro-Slavery Party Had Atchison Headquarters," by Elizabeth
Wohlgemuth. The history of the Round Prairie church, south of
Atchison, by Mrs. George Pennington, appeared in the Globe, April
11. Articles on the political, industrial, and educational history of
Atchison were published in a centennial edition of the Globe, June
20. Atchison, named after Sen. David R. Atchison of Missouri, was
founded July 27, 1854, by a group from Platte county, Missouri.
The city was incorporated by the territorial legislature of 1858, and
Samuel C. Pomeroy was the first mayor.
A historical essay contest was sponsored in the early months of
1954 by the Kansas Home Demonstration Council. A number of
the contest stories were published in various newspapers. Among
them were: experiences of early residents of Cunningham and
Kingman county, by Mrs. Jessie Nossaman, in the Cunningham
Clipper, April 1; "Early Day Herington," by B. L. Smith, and "An
Indian Story," by Dianna Dolan, in the Herington Advertiser-Times,
April 8 and 15; early Kansas history, by Arlene O'Dell, and early
Sheridan county history, by Mrs. C. E. Toothaker, in the Hoxie
Sentinel, April 15 and 22; a history of the Clark's creek settlement
near White City, by Mrs. Phyllis Kohler, in the White City Register,
April 22; a sketch of the Charles Peterson family who homesteaded
near Bushton, by Mrs. Abbie I. Peterson, in the Bushton News,
April 29; some history of Woodson county, by H. A. Mann, in the
Toronto Republican, May 13; and the reminiscences of Mrs. Leon
Cover, in the Oskaloosa Independent, May 27.
Appearing regularly in The High Plains Journal, Dodge City, for
several years has been Heinie Schmidt's column, "It's Worth Re-
KANSAS HISTORY IN THE PRESS 145
peating — Stories of Early Southwest [Kansas] History." A few
recent articles were: "Resident [H. N. Hildebrand] of Ghost City
of Montezuma Recalls Birth and Death of the Town," April 1, 1954;
"Coldwater's First Physician [Dr. J. S. Halliday] Battled Scourge;
Stayed to Serve Area 24 Years," by Genevieve Kimple, April 8;
"The Call, Pearlette's Newspaper, Tells of Organization of Meade's
Ghost City," April 15; "Wilson Family Comes to Rush County in
Early Days as Southwest Pioneers," April 22; "Prairie Fire Was
Worst Feared Enemy of Early Rush County Homesteaders," by
the late Andrew W. Wilson, April 29; "Founding Fathers Use[d]
Varied Talents to Overcome Losses and Difficulties," May 6; "Fore-
sight, Faith, Courage and Integrity Characteristics of Dodge City
Founders," May 13; "Early Day Rural School Teacher [Mrs. Manny
Taylor] Tells About Conditions in Sodville School," May 20; "Pio-
neer Ford County Rural Teachers Make Names for Themselves in
World," May 27; "Whole Families Devoted Their Careers to Teach-
ing in Ford Rural Schools," June 3; "Nonchalanta, Early Ness County
Town, Faded and Died as Hard Times Struck," June 10; and "[O. L.]
Lennen Recalls Stay in Nonchalanta, Once a Busy Ness County
Community," June 17.
H. B. Oesterreich's story of his grandfather's early experiences in
Kansas was printed in the Herington Advertiser-Times, April 8,
1954. The grandfather, Herman Oesterreich, arrived in Dickinson
county in 1857, walking from Fort Leavenworth. The ceremony
attending an Indian chiefs funeral and the early life in the Clark's
creek area northeast of Herington were recalled by Jay Baxter in an
article in the Advertiser-Times, April 15.
Articles of historical interest to Kansans in recent issues of the Kan-
sas City (Mo.) Star included: "Historic Days of Old Frontier Live
in Journal [of William E. Mclntyre] Now Owned by Topekans
[Elsie Bronson and Dr. H. L. Kirkpatrick," by Lucille Kohler,
April 13, 1954; "The Kansan [Clyde Tombaugh] Who Found a
Planet Looks Ahead to Space Travel," by E. B. Garnett, April 18;
"Out Come Bonnets and Beards for Big Days [Centennial Celebra-
tion] in Council Grove," by Howard Turtle, April 25; and "The
Santa Fe Trail Was Old When Wagon Wheels Started Rolling Over
It in 1821," by W. Thetford LeViness, June 7. Articles in the Kan-
sas City (Mo.) Times were: "A Sensational Jail Delivery in St.
Joseph Freed Dr. John Doy, an Abolitionist," by Lelia Munsell,
May 3; "High Drama of Ballots and Bullets in Settlement of Kansas
Territory," a review of Alice Nichols' Bleeding Kansas, by W. W.
10—3382
146 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Barker, May 13; "The Lure of Land Ownership Was a Strong Factor
in Early Settlement of Kansas," by Dr. Ina Hunter Unglesby, May
28; and "Travel to Colorado Was Different in Gold Rush 95 Years
Ago This Summer," a review of the diary of John H. Ewing, by
Myra Lockwood Brown, July 13.
Westmoreland's history was sketched briefly in the Westmoreland
Recorder, April 22, 1954. The town was incorporated in April,
1884. A longer article on the history of Pottawatomie county was
printed June 3.
A short history of Junction City was printed in the Junction City
Union, May 1, 1954. About May 1, 1855, John Pipher, A. J. Mead,
Hiram Palmer, and others settled at the site of present Junction
City and called the place Manhattan, according to the article. A
short time later that settlement moved down the river to present
Manhattan. Other parties then undertook the development of Junc-
tion City. Two articles of historical note appeared in the special
edition of the Union published June 11, 1954: "Men of Fort Riley
Have Served Nation a Century," and "Junction City and Fort Riley
History Linked for 100 Years." The special edition was published
as a welcome to the 37th Division to Fort Riley. A history of the
Brookside school, near Junction City, by Alfred P. Hotten, was pub-
lished in the Junction City Republic, May 30.
Some early history of Coffey county is included in an article,
"Memoirs of a Pioneer," by Landy Dison Carmean, published in
The Daily Republican, Burlington, May 5, 1954, and in the LeRoy
Reporter, May 14. Carmean came to Kansas with his father's family
late in 1865 when he was five years of age.
"The History of Headquarters House of Fort Scott, Kan., National
Historical Shrine," by Ralph Richards, began to run serially in the
Fort Scott Tribune-Monitor, May 5, 1954. The building, completed
early in 1843 as a part of the fort, still stands and is the home of
the Fort Scott Historical Museum.
The history of Meeker School District, Sumner county, compiled
by Howard Hunt, appeared in the Belle Plaine News, May 6, 1954.
Efforts toward the organization of the district were begun March
10, 1873.
In 1880 the Butler county village of Keighley was platted by
Moses Turpen, according to a history of the now "dead" town by
Olive Eastin Payne, published in the El Dorado Times, May 12,
1954.
KANSAS HISTORY IN THE PRESS 147
A 16-page historical section was published by the Garden City
Daily Telegram, May 14, 1954. Included were a tracing of the
Garden City area's early history, a history of Finney county news-
papers, and an article entitled "An Empire [Southwest Kansas]
Born on the Glory Road [Santa Fe Trail]/' by F. L. Charlton. In
the regular section of the Telegram were a sketch of Charles Crow,
who came to Garden City in 1879, and "Indian Attacks Were
Hideous/' by Ruby Basye.
A 32-page 50th anniversary edition was published by the Great
Bend Herald-Press, May 15, 1954. The newspaper began as the
Pawnee Rock Herald, July 21, 1904. A section of the anniversary
edition was devoted to Barton county golden wedding anniversaries,
with pictures and biographical notes. Other features were: a his-
tory of the Herald-Press; "Slaughter by Quantrill," a prize-winning
essay by 14-year-old John T. Rhoads of Heizer; another prize-
winning essay on the state's early history, by Jean Otte; "An Old-
Timer [Adam Krause] Recalls Life as a Gt. Bend Lad During 90's";
and "Life in Kansas Pioneer Days Was Rough, Uncompromising/'
by Velma Wells.
Daily installments of Prof. Allen Crafton's new work on the first
decade in the history of Lawrence, "Free State Fortress," were pub-
lished from May 18 to June 21, 1954, in the Lawrence Daily Journal-
World, as a special feature of the centennial year.
A story on the founding of Hill City by W. R. Hill and the county-
seat fight in Graham county, by Lulu S. Craig, was published in the
Hill City Times, May 27, 1954.
The first number of Pride, Pratt's annual progress publication,
was issued in June, 1954, by the Pratt Daily Tribune. The following
historical articles were included in the 128-page, magazine-type
edition: "County, Then City Was Named for Young Civil War
Hero," "Pratt Now 70 Years Old," "Indian Scare of 1885," "First
County Move a Fraud," and "Violent County Seat Fight." Much of
the historical material and many pictures were provided by J. Rufus
Gray.
The plan of a Mullinville church to raise money for a new building
was the subject of an article, "They Call It 'God's Acres/ " by Mari-
etta Weaver, in Coronet, Chicago, June, 1954. Farmers set aside a
portion of their crops and livestock and the townspeople likewise
shared their income toward the project.
148 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
J. C. Ruppenthal's first article on the banks of Russell county,
"Beginnings of Banking at Lucas," was published in the Natoma-
Luray Independent, June 3, 1954. The first Lucas bank was or-
ganized in 1887.
To celebrate its 75th anniversary, the Topeka Daily Capital pub-
lished a 220-page edition, June 6, 1954. Historical sections of the
edition were: "Wholesale and Retail Trade"; "Society, Families and
Fashions"; "Sports and Recreation"; "Topeka, the First 100 Years";
"Health, Education and Religion"; "Topeka Welcomes Industry";
"Topeka Living"; "Finance and Insurance"; "Growth of a News-
paper"; "Kansas Is America's Breadbasket"; "Topeka, Crossroads of
the Nation"; and "Kansas, the First 100 Years."
A two-column history of the Banner church in Trego county ap-
peared in the Gove County Advocate, Quinter, June 10, 1954. The
first building was of sod, erected in 1879 about two miles north of
the present church. In following years the church services were
held in the schoolhouse. The present building was completed in
1904.
Kansas Historical Notes
The 79th annual meeting of the Kansas State Historical Society
will be held in the rooms of the Society in the Memorial building at
Topeka on October 19, 1954.
The Hollenberg Ranch Pony Express Station, near Hanover, is
now open for visitors daily, except Sundays. Ben Walters, Han-
over, is caretaker and guide. This is the only unaltered pony ex-
press station still standing where it was built — in 1857 — in Kansas.
A historical museum was formed at Coffeyville early this year for
the purpose of preserving the history of Coffeyville and the sur-
rounding community. Historic items, particularly those relating to
the Dalton raid, Walter Johnson of baseball fame, and Wendell
Willkie, are being assembled by a committee headed by J. B. Kloehr.
Restoration of the Smith county cabin of Dr. Brewster Higley
who wrote "Home on the Range," has been a project of the Smith
Center Rotary Club. Dedication ceremonies were held July 25,
with Gov. Edward F. Arn giving the address.
All officers of the Augusta Historical Society were re-elected at
the annual meeting on February 22, 1954. They are: Stella B.
Haines, president; Mrs. J. E. Mahannah, vice-president; Florence
Hudson, secretary; and Mrs. Henry Bornholdt, treasurer.
Fred Brinkerhoff was the principal speaker at a meeting of the
Crawford County Historical Society in Pittsburg, February 26, 1954.
He reviewed events leading to the formation of Kansas territory and
through the territorial period.
Officers elected by the Wichita Historical Museum Association
at a meeting March 4, 1954, included: Owen McEwen, president;
Eugene Coombs, first vice-president; Brace A. Helfrich, second vice-
president; John Coultis, Jr., secretary; and Dr. Harold Scheer, treas-
urer. An article on the museum and the exhibits, by Joe Brewer,
appeared in the Wichita Eagle, March 28, 1954. Mrs. Frank Slay
is curator.
Dr. T. A. Kennedy was elected president of the Lawrence His-
torical Society at a meeting March 8, 1954. Other officers chosen
were: Mary Clarke, vice-president; Ruth Dyche, secretary; and
Riley Burcham, treasurer. Lathrop B. Read, Jr., was the retiring
president.
(149)
150 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
The museum housing President Dwight D. Eisenhower's me-
mentoes of war and peace was officially opened in Abilene, April
3, 1954, when Dr. Milton Eisenhower, representing the five Eisen-
hower brothers, cut the ribbon, climaxing the opening ceremonies.
One wing of the building has been completed to date. A second
wing is expected to be ready in the early autumn.
Dr. Allan Nevins' address, "Kansas and the Stream of American
Destiny/' high-lighted the Kansas Centennial History Conference
at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, April 30 and May 1, 1954.
The conference was sponsored jointly by the Kansas Association of
Teachers of History and Related Fields, the Kansas Library As-
sociation, the Kansas State Historical Society, and the centennial
committee and four departments of the University of Kansas. An-
other feature of the program was a symposium on the collection and
use of materials of local history, moderated by Fred Brinkerhoff,
Pittsburg. Papers were given as follows : "Juniata, Gateway to Mid-
Kansas," by James C. Carey, Kansas State College, Manhattan; "The
Transportation Problem in Early Atchison," by the Rev. Peter Beck-
man, St. Benedict's College, Atchison; "Archeological Excavations
in the Blue River Valley," by Linwood L. Hodgdon, Kansas State
College, Manhattan; and "The Rump Legislature of 1893," Edwin
J. Walbourn, El Dorado Junior College. Officers were elected by
the Kansas Association of Teachers of History and Related Fields
as follows: John Rydjord, University of Wichita, president; William
H. Seiler, Kansas State Teachers College, Emporia, vice-president;
Walbourn, secretary-treasurer. Beckman and J. W. Vanderhoff,
Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina, were elected to the executive
council.
A Pioneer Day celebration held at Rexford, May 2, 1954, was
attended by 160 persons. Following the dinner an election of of-
ficers was held. Mrs. Chester Connelly was re-elected president;
Mrs. Lawrence Claar, secretary; and Mrs. Bertha Wilson was chosen
treasurer.
Home Demonstration meetings in Kansas during the week of May
3-7, 1954, heard special speakers in observance of the territorial
centennial. Mrs. Ben Page of Kansas City spoke at meetings in
Pittsburg, Arkansas City, Council Grove, Bonner Springs, and To-
peka, on "One Hundred Years of Trousseaus." "Kansas' Last Indian
Raid" was the subject of Edward M. Beougher's talks at La Crosse,
Meade, Pratt, Newton, and Wichita. Beougher, an attorney, lives
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 151
at Grinnell. Speaking at Washington, Salina, Osborne, Syracuse,
and Oberlin, was R. F. Brock, Goodland banker. Brock used sub-
jects appropriate to the area in which he was speaking. Beougher's
talk was summarized in The Harvey County News, Newton, May 6.
The dedication of the Kaw Mission at Council Grove as a state
museum took place May 12, 1954, with Sen. Andrew F. Schoeppel
as the principal speaker. Erected in 1850 by the Methodist church
as a mission and school, the building was purchased by the state
in 1951 and is maintained as a historic site and museum by the Kan-
sas State Historical Society.
Sen. Frank Carlson gave the principal address and Gov. Edward
F. Arn presided at the initial sale and cancellation ceremonies of
the commemorative stamp honoring the Kansas territorial centennial
at Fort Leavenworth, May 31, 1954.
Two historical observances recently took place near Baldwin. On
June 5, 1954, a re-enactment of the preaching of what is thought to
be the first sermon to white settlers in Kansas was held. In early
July, 1854, the Rev. William Goode, a Methodist, preached at
Hickory Point, north of Baldwin. The Baldwin City Cemetery,
where many of the area's pioneers are buried was the scene of a
dedication June 6 of new stone gates. The speaker was Dr. H. K.
Ebright whose address, recalling some of the pioneers and the his-
tory of the community, was printed in the Baldwin Ledger, June
10. The leader in the preservation of the historic cemetery was Dr.
W. C. Markham.
The autobiography of the late Mrs. Lizzie Kunkel Robinson was
recently published in a 32-page pamphlet called The Story of My
Life. Settling in Kansas in 1885, Mrs. Robinson was active in local
and state- wide women's affairs and politics.
A 32-page pamphlet entitled The Waconda Story— The First His-
tory of Waconda Spring, by Ava B. Gentleman, was recently printed
by the Beloit Daily Call. Waconda Spring, a mineral pool in
Mitchell county, was a sacred place to the Plains Indians and has
become steeped in legend. Efforts are being made to have the
spring designated a national monument.
A 19-page pamphlet compiled by Lola Hennessey was issued by
Tecumseh at the time of its centennial celebration, May 8, 1954.
Col. Thomas N. Stinson was one of the first settlers and the principal
founder of Tecumseh. He moved to the area early in 1854, and in
August of that year the townsite was located.
152 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Several articles on the history of Beloit and Mitchell county ap-
peared in a 52-page, illustrated souvenir booklet of the national
midwest tour of the Horseless Carriage Club at Beloit, May 21-23,
1954.
A 28-page illustrated pamphlet was published as part of Topeka's
centennial observance. Entitled Topekas 100 Years of Inspired
Leadership, the pamphlet depicts Topeka's growth and advance-
ment by periods. The city had its beginning December 5, 1854,
when the town company was organized with Cyrus K. Holliday as
president.
Emporia published a 20-page, mimeographed, historical pamphlet
in connection with the city's celebration of the Kansas territorial
centennial, May 28, 1954.
Leavenworth's 100-year history is summarized in a well-illus-
trated, 55-page program booklet entitled Centennial Leavenworth,
1854-1954, published in connection with the city's celebration, June
6-12, 1954. On June 13, 1854, 32 men met in Weston, Mo., and
drew up the articles of incorporation for the town. The first elec-
tion was held in 1855, Thomas Slocum being chosen the first mayor.
A feature of Atchison's centennial celebration, June 20-26, 1954,
was the distribution of a 64-page historical booklet, compiled and
edited by Catherine and Bill Roe. In addition to the city's history,
the booklet includes stories on the schools, churches, businesses, and
civic organizations of Atchison.
The story of the J. B. Brown family, Wilson county pioneers, has
been told by Mrs. Winifred Jane Burtis, daughter of the family, in
a 156-page mimeographed volume called "Growing Up With Kan-
sas." Mrs. Burtis was less than a year old when the Browns came
to Kansas in 1869.
A picture of Kansas territory as torn by the struggle over the
slavery issue is given by Alice Nichols in her newly published book,
Bleeding Kansas. The narrative attempts to give the South its due,
yet points out some of the excesses of both the North and the South.
Wayne Card of Dallas, Tex., is the author of a new 296-page
book, The Chisholm Trail, published by the University of Oklahoma
Press. For over a dozen years, beginning in 1867, the trail was an
important part of the life of Kansas, Indian territory (now Okla-
homa), and Texas.
KANSAS HISTORICAL
QUARTERLY
Autumn 1954
Published by
Kansas State Historical Society
Topeka
KIRKE MECHEM JAMES C. MALIN NYLE H. MILLER
Editor Associate Editor Managing Editor
CONTENTS
ATCHISON'S FIRST RAILROAD The Rev. Peter Beckman, O. S. B., 153
With a reproduction of a broadside issued by the
Atchison & St. Joseph Railroad, p. 156.
LETTERS OF A FREE- STATE MAN IN KANSAS,
1856 Edited by Nathan Smith, 166
SUSANNA MADORA SALTER — FIRST WOMAN MAYOR Monroe Billington, 173
With a photographic reproduction of her 1887
notice of election, facing p. 176,
and portraits of Mrs. Salter taken in 1887
and in 1954, facing p. 177.
NOTES ON THE WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES OF KANSAS:
Part One, The Setting of the Stage James C. Malin, 184
With sketches of "Front Street, Leavenworth,
in May, 1856," and "Leavenworth When
Six Years Old," between pp. 200, 201.
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 224
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 226
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 230
The Kansas Historical Quarterly is published four times a year by the Kansas
State Historical Society, Topeka, Kan., and is distributed free to members. Cor-
respondence concerning contributions may be sent to the managing editor at the
Historical Society. The Society assumes no responsibility for statements made
by contributors.
Entered as second-class matter October 22, 1931, at the post office at To-
peka, Kan., under the act of August 24, 1912.
THE COVER
Fifth Street, Leavenworth, in 1867. An Alexander Gardner
photograph from the collections of the Kansas State Historical
Society.
THE KANSAS
HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Volume XXI Autumn, 1954 Number 3
Atchison's First Railroad
THE REV. PETER BECKMAN, O. S. B.
ONE of the biggest celebrations in the history of Atchison took
place back in 1860, when the town had a population of only a
little over 2,500. The last rail of the Atchison and St. Joseph rail-
road was laid on February 22, and although the road terminated on
the east bank of the Missouri river opposite Atchison, and passengers
and freight were brought into town on the railroad's ferry, Atchison
was the western-most point in the United States with rail connec-
tions to the East. Chicago and St. Louis were now only 17 hours
away.1 The railroad was the basis of Atchison's claim to being the
gateway to the golden West.
The official celebration was held June 13. The Atchison Cham-
pion reported that ten thousand people attended. Stores were
decorated and banners spanned the streets. A salute of a hundred
guns fired from the bluffs above town opened the day's observance
and this demonstration was repeated at frequent intervals through-
out the day. Three bands accompanied the gigantic parade. The
big feature of the parade was a large government freight wagon
drawn by 29 yoke of oxen. The government contract freighter,
Irwin, was decked out in Plains costume for the benefit of visiting
Easterners. Decorated wagons carried pretty girls representing the
various states of the Union. The parade marched out of town, prac-
tically, to 12th Street, where ground was broken for the Atchison and
Pike's Peak railroad and for the Atchison, Fort Riley, and Fort
Union railroad. Not another spadeful of earth was turned for a few
years because of the war.
The crowd then proceeded to the high ground south of White
Clay creek overlooking the town, where speeches were delivered.
Col. P. T. Abell was president of the day, S. C. Pomeroy was master
of ceremonies, and Gen. B. F. Stringfellow gave the principal address
THE REV. PETER BECKMAN, O. S. B., is professor of American history at St. Benedict's
College, Atchison.
1. Freedom's Champion, Atchison, February 25, 1860.
(153)
KIRKE MECHEM JAMES C. MALIN NYLE H. MILLER
Editor Associate Editor Managing Editor
CONTENTS
ATCHISON'S FIRST RAILROAD The Rev. Peter Beckman, O. S. B., 153
With a reproduction of a broadside issued by the
Atchison & St. Joseph Railroad, p. 156.
LETTERS OF A FREE- STATE MAN IN KANSAS,
1856 Edited by Nathan Smith, 166
SUSANNA MADORA SALTER — FIRST WOMAN MAYOR Monroe Billington, 173
With a photographic reproduction of her 1887
notice of election, facing p. 176,
and portraits of Mrs. Salter taken in 1887
and in 1954, facing p. 177.
NOTES ON THE WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES OF KANSAS:
Part One, The Setting of the Stage James C. Malin, 184
With sketches of "Front Street, Leavenworth,
in May, 1856," and "Leavenworth When
Six Years Old," between pp. 200, 201.
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 224
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 226
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 230
The Kansas Historical Quarterly is published four times a year by the Kansas
State Historical Society, Topeka, Kan., and is distributed free to members. Cor-
respondence concerning contributions may be sent to the managing editor at the
Historical Society. The Society assumes no responsibility for statements made
by contributors.
Entered as second-class matter October 22, 1931, at the post office at To-
peka, Kan., under the act of August 24, 1912.
THE COVER
Fifth Street, Leavenworth, in 1867. An Alexander Gardner
photograph from the collections of the Kansas State Historical
Society.
THE KANSAS
HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Volume XXI Autumn, 1954 Number 3
Atchison's First Railroad
THE REV. PETER BECKMAN, O. S. B.
ONE of the biggest celebrations in the history of Atchison took
place back in 1860, when the town had a population of only a
little over 2,500. The last rail of the Atchison and St. Joseph rail-
road was laid on February 22, and although the road terminated on
the east bank of the Missouri river opposite Atchison, and passengers
and freight were brought into town on the railroad's ferry, Atchison
was the western-most point in the United States with rail connec-
tions to the East. Chicago and St. Louis were now only 17 hours
away.1 The railroad was the basis of Atchison's claim to being the
gateway to the golden West.
The official celebration was held June 13. The Atchison Cham-
pion reported that ten thousand people attended. Stores were
decorated and banners spanned the streets. A salute of a hundred
guns fired from the bluffs above town opened the day's observance
and this demonstration was repeated at frequent intervals through-
out the day. Three bands accompanied the gigantic parade. The
big feature of the parade was a large government freight wagon
drawn by 29 yoke of oxen. The government contract freighter,
Irwin, was decked out in Plains costume for the benefit of visiting
Easterners. Decorated wagons carried pretty girls representing the
various states of the Union. The parade marched out of town, prac-
tically, to 12th Street, where ground was broken for the Atchison and
Pike's Peak railroad and for the Atchison, Fort Riley, and Fort
Union railroad. Not another spadeful of earth was turned for a few
years because of the war.
The crowd then proceeded to the high ground south of White
Clay creek overlooking the town, where speeches were delivered.
Col. P. T. Abell was president of the day, S. C. Pomeroy was master
of ceremonies, and Gen. B. F. Stringfellow gave the principal address
THE REV. PETER BECKMAN, O. S. B., is professor of American history at St. Benedict's
College, Atchison.
1. Freedom's Champion, Atchison, February 25, 1860.
(153)
154 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
— on the present and future greatness of Atchison. There were 12
speakers, including the governor of Michigan and other dignitaries
from Detroit, Chicago, Quincy, and Keokuk, not to mention the rep-
resentatives from the towns around Atchison. After the speeches
came the barbecue served up at six tables, each said to be 50 yards
long. The gentlemen then retired to Holbert and Davis' warehouse
where a wine supper was served and 13 toasts were proposed and
responded to at fashionable length. The unlucky number was no
doubt avoided by a few informal additions. The day closed with a
grand ball at A. S. Parker's, probably Atchison's largest warehouse at
the time. If the world did not know that Atchison had a railroad,
it was not the fault of the town's promoters.2
The founding of Atchison, like that of other towns in the new
territory of Kansas, was first of all a speculative venture. Organized
by Missourians like Peter Abell and the Stringfellows from the neigh-
boring counties across the river, it was at first a Proslavery town.
But the site also happened to be the westernmost point on the great
bend of the Missouri — the place where men and goods transferred
from steamboats for the journey across the Plains either by ox or
mule train, or by stagecoach. Atchison was only a few miles from
the great military road from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Kearney
and the West, and from the beginning the town vigorously adver-
tised that immigrants and freighters could save days of travel by
starting from Atchison.
A small but significant Utah trade gave Atchison its first real
growth in 1855, but this was nipped almost immediately by the
political disturbances in the territory and by Atchison's reputation
as the home of the most violent Proslavery men. Forced to choose
between business and political uniformity, the shareholders in the
town company (most of them nonresidents) and the town's busi-
ness men were quick to soft-pedal politics and in 1857 were happy
to sell controlling interest in the town as well as its newspaper to
a group represented by S. C. Pomeroy, the shrewd agent of the
New England Emigrant Aid Company.3 Atchison was politically
divided, but both groups were united in concentrating on the main
business of "puffing the town" and increasing the value of their real
estate.
The overland trade to Utah was revived and to it was soon added
the trade to the Pike's Peak region and the other mining areas as
2. Ibid., June 16, 1860.
3. Edgar Langsdorf, "S. C. Pomeroy and the New England Emigrant Aid Company,
1854-1858," The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 7 (November, 1938), p. 394.
ATCHISON'S FIRST RAILROAD 155
they were developed. The outbreak of the Civil War momentarily
halted the growth of this trade, but it grew enormously in the last
years of the war. Most of the freight by that time was brought to
Atchison not by steamboat but by railroad. The board of trade
claimed that between March 1, 1863, and November 1, of the same
year, the railroad had brought 5,438,456 pounds of freight to Atchi-
son, and by 1864 this figure had increased to 16,639,399 pounds.4
Overland stage traffic and ox-train freighting reached their peak in
1865 when the picturesque wagon trains hauled over ten thousand
tons of goods out of Atchison to various Western markets from
Santa Fe to Idaho.5 In the following year, when the Pacific rail-
roads began to build seriously, this great trade disappeared from
Atchison as suddenly and as completely as though it had been a
bubble. By that time Atchison was ardently wooing railroads.
Everyone had realized from the beginning that the answer to the
needs of the West was railroads. Even as the exciting overland
trade grew, every promoter was working for railroads. In the
Kansas politics of the time every complexity had at root a simple
explanation — the scramble for political control, patronage, and land.
Railroads were the chief means of getting large areas of land, and
only railroads would make the land increase in value. The develop-
ment of railroads was soon a story of big speculators and big poli-
tics, but Atchison's first railroad has a peculiar interest because it
is a story of little speculators and little politicians. If there were a
girl in it the story of the Atchison and St. Joseph railroad would
make a passable soap opera.
The founders of Atchison, and particularly the Missouri share-
holders in the town company, secured the charter from the Missouri
legislature on December 11, 1855. 6 At the time the purpose of the
charter was merely to help sell town lots, but when S. C. Pomeroy
bought control of Atchison, the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad
was being built, and what better way to boost his town than by
extending the railroad to Atchison? A new city charter was ob-
tained February 12, 1858, and with considerable foresight it per-
mitted Atchison to issue up to $200,000 worth of bonds for just
such a railroad.7 At first an attempt was made to seek the co-
operation of the Platte Valley railroad, but nothing came of the
endeavor and Atchison decided to build its own railroad.8
4. Freedom' 3 Champion, November 17, 1864.
5. Atchison Daily Champion, January 3, 1866.
6. Freedom's Champion, January 8, 1859; January 26, 1865.
7. Ibid., February 27, 1858.
8. Ibid., March 6, April 24, 1858.
156
KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Rill ROAD!
THERE will be a Meeting of the Stock-
holder§ of the Atchison & St. Joseph Railroad Company at Atcb-
ison, on SATURDAY,
THE 8TH DAT OF AUGUST, 1857.
A new Board of Directors and Officers will be elected. All who
feel an interest in the Road are invited to attend.
S. €. POUIEROY, Pres.
P. T. ABELL,, See'ry.
Atchison, July 28, 18 AT.
A REPRODUCTION OF ONE OF THE BROADSIDES ISSUED BY THE
ATCHISON & ST. JOE RAILROAD
The original, preserved by the Kansas State Historical Society, is 13" x 14&".
In the Champions version of the story, as soon as little Atchison's
noble ambition became known, numerous villains in St. Joseph began
to hatch plots. Mayor M. Jeff Thompson and other rascals were
alleged to have held an indignation meeting in which abusive words
were hurled at Atchison.9 St. Joseph next pretended that Missouri
law would not permit Atchison's road to use the same gauge of track
as that used by the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad.10 When this
canard was exposed, St. Joseph tried to throttle Atchison by building
9. Ibid., January 26, 1865.
10. Ibid., January 1, 1859.
ATCHISON'S FIRST RAILROAD 157
a road of its own, the Palmetto and Roseport (later known as the
Marysville and Elwood), but after laying a few miles of track it ran
out of money.11 A St. Joseph editor attempted to explain the situ-
ation by stating that the opposition was caused by the baseless fear
that the road would make St. Joseph a way station and by the
"Champions reckless abuse of persons on this side of the river/' 12
Meanwhile plucky little Atchison voted 109 to 5 to issue $100,000
worth of bonds to subscribe to the stock of the Atchison and St.
Joseph railroad.13 The city council elected Mayor Pomeroy (who
was also President Pomeroy of the railroad) as the city's agent and
authorized him to unload the city's ten per cent bonds at no less
than 75 cents on the dollar.14 In a period of depression the council
was being outrageously optimistic.
A contract to start building was awarded to local contractors, and
work was said to have started in May over near Rushville.15 The
formal commencement of the Atchison and St. Joseph railroad was
celebrated on June 23, 1858, with a barbecue, and a ball at the new
hotel with music by the St. Joseph brass and string band. ( In the
columns of the Champion St. Joseph had only two classes of citizens:
villains and musicians.) The occasion was improved by a special
sale of lots, and in proof of good faith there was a graded mile of
right of way on the Missouri side of the river opposite Atchison,
complete with wheelbarrows, shovels, and Irishmen.16 A short
time later Mayor Pomeroy, Thaddeus Hyatt, and others laid out
the town of Winthrop on the six hundred acres across the river
from Atchison.17 By 1860 it boasted three hotels, six steam saw-
mills, a number of saloons, stores, and houses.18
Atchison's bonds, however, seemed to move even more slowly than
the railroad. In January, 1859, the Champion stated that $20,000
worth of the city's bonds had been sold to some "heavy capitalists"
for 75 cents, but there was no truth to the story.19 The bonds had
been sent to New York, but somehow bonds with little more than
one voter behind each thousand dollars seemed to find no market,
even with ten per cent interest, and at 75 cents on the dollar. Finally,
11. The History of Buchanan County, Missouri (Union Historical Co., St. Joseph, Mo.,
1881), p. 579.
12. The Weekly West, St. Joseph, Mo., May 8, June 5, 1859.
13. Freedom's Champion, March 20, 1858; September 7, 1861; August 8, 1863. The
number of voters was not publicized in 1858.
14. Ibid., September 7, 1861.
15. Ibid., May 8, 15, 1858.
16. Ibid., June 26, 1858.
17. Ibid., July 31, 1858.
18. Ibid., March 3, 1860.
19. Ibid., January 22, 1859.
158 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
in February, 1859, the city's agent Pomeroy, who had been author-
ized to dispose of the bonds at no less than 75 cents, arranged with
President Pomeroy of the Atchison and St. Joseph for the railroad
to accept the bonds at 70 cents. So Atchison received a certificate
for $70,000 worth of stock in its railroad. To pay its bills and raise
a little cash the railroad disposed of the bonds at 50 cents ( except for
$10,000 worth, for which it got 60 cents ) . Over half of the bonds
went to a Colonel Fauntleroy of Virginia, a third went to the con-
tractors, a few bonds paid official salaries, and the remainder found
local buyers.20
In April the railroad called a special meeting for the purpose of
raising funds. The Champion reported that as a result of the meet-
ing $10,000 more had been subscribed.21 It seems that at most
about $36,000 of outside money had been added to the $51,000
realized on Atchison's bonds.22 In short, Atchison had only about
$4,300 per mile, and railroads could not be built that cheaply.
Luckily, a group in Missouri, headed by Col. William Osborne
and Davis Carpenter, Jr., possessed a charter, the Platte County
railroad, to which the legislature of Missouri had promised $350,000
in bonds for a road from Kansas City to St. Joseph, and a similar sum
for a road from St. Joseph to the Iowa line.23 By taking over the
graded right of way of the Atchison and St. Joseph railroad, the
gentlemen could collect their bonds so much sooner.
On July 19, 1859, Pomeroy sold the Atchison and St. Joseph line
to the Platte County railroad for five dollars and the promise to
complete the road. The details of the agreement were arranged in
a contract of July 15, 1859, by which the Atchison and St. Joseph
agreed to finish the roadbed including the furnishing of ties, chairs,
and spikes; while the Platte County was to furnish everything else
and was to pay the shareholders of the Atchison and St. Joseph share
for share in stock.24 Despite delays and obstructions, the last spike
was finally driven in I860.25 Meanwhile the Weston and Atchison
railroad had also come under the same benign influence and was
completed in May, 1861; in effect serving Fort Leaven worth during
the war.26
Even before the road was completed to St. Joseph the governor of
20. Ibid., September 7, 1861.
21. Ibid., April 2, 1859.
22. Atchison Daily Champion, October 5, 1865.
23. Freedom's Champion, February 23, 1865.
24. Ibid., September 7, 1861. The deed is recorded in "Buchanan County Deeds,
Book V," p. 66.
25. Ibid., February 4, 18, 1860.
26. Ibid., June 1, 1861.
ATCHISON'S FIRST RAILROAD 159
Missouri delivered the promised bonds to the Platte County railroad
in spite of scattered cries of fraud.27 The name of the combined rail-
roads was originally the Platte County railroad, but since this was
altogether too unimpressive for "town puffing," the local papers gave
what grandeur they could to the unfortunate name by referring to
it as the Platte Country railroad.28 The Missouri legislature finally
made the change legal.29
If the citizens of Atchison depended on the Champion for infor-
mation, they knew nothing of the affairs of their pet railroad up to
this point. But during the first year of the Civil War, before Mis-
souri was finally secured, both railroad and river communications
with the East were disrupted and business in Atchison seems to
have been rather bad. The tax on the city's railroad bonds was
two-thirds delinquent and the citizens began to ask questions and
to look for a way out of the difficulty.
The city hoped that Colonel Fauntleroy of Virginia, who held
over half of the bonds, could be declared disloyal and that he need
not be paid — but he was unfortunately adjudged loyal.30 It was
argued that Pomeroy's sale of the bonds at 70 cents had been illegal,
or if that would not relieve the city of its debt, perhaps the territorial
legislature had had no right to give the city a charter permitting
such generous bond issues. A committee was appointed by the city
council to investigate what had actually taken place in the building
of the Atchison and St. Joseph railroad and to determine whether or
not the city's bonds were legal. The committee suggested leaving
the latter question to the courts.31
The district court, upheld by the state supreme court, decided
that the bonds were Atchison's legal obligation. The court stated
that although Pomeroy's sale of the bonds at 70 cents was a clear
violation of the city's charter, the fact that the city had raised taxes
for the bonds had ratified the acts of its agent.32 So Atchison was
responsible for its bonded indebtedness, its railroad had been
mysteriously swallowed by another, and the committee reported
that although Colonel Abell had $70,000 worth of stock of the Platte
Country railroad ready to deliver to the city's agent, it was "in market
valueless." 33
27. The Weekly West, September 3, December 10, 1859.
28. Freedom's Champion, December 1, 1860 (advertisement).
29. Act of March 23, 1863, Laws of the State of Missouri, 1862, Regular Session, 22d
General Assembly, p. 107.
30. Freedom's Champion, September 14, 1861; Daily Champion, October 25, 1865.
31. Freedom's Champion, September 7, 1861.
32. Ibid., November 24, 1864; February 2, 1865.
33. Ibid., September 7, 1861.
160 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
All was quiet until 1864 when the legislature of Missouri decided
that the Platte Country's failure to pay interest on its loan demanded
drastic action. There were even rumors that the bonds had, in effect,
been stolen.34 The legislature ordered the governor to sell the
Platte Country railroad in order to recover the state's loan.35 Atchi-
son's hero, General Stringfellow, informed his fellow citizens that
this was merely a plot of "unscrupulous citizens of that played-out
town, St. Joseph," who schemed to get the Platte Country in order
to build an airline road to Kansas City and cut off Atchison and
Weston.36
To hear the general tell it, the Missouri villains were no match
for him. He claimed that the Platte Country stock had never been
delivered to Atchison; that he, in fact, had prevented delivery, thus
enabling Atchison to recover its railroad. When the schemers in
St. Joseph began their move in the Missouri legislature, General
Stringfellow informed Colonel Osborne, president of the Platte
Country, that the sale of 1859 had been illegal, and demanded sur-
render of the road before the state's sale, or he would sue. String-
fellow admitted that Atchison owed somebody for the rails and the
rest of the railroad above the roadbed. Facts of a kind not im-
mediately apparent, and logic other than legal persuaded him that
the debt was due not to the Platte Country railroad, nor to the state
of Missouri, but to his friend, Davis Carpenter, Jr., the superintend-
ent of the Platte Country railroad.37 The old directors of the Atchi-
son and St. Joseph railroad authorized Stringfellow to give Car-
penter stock "not to exceed that owned by the then stockholders"
if this would secure the return of the road. Stringfellow gave Car-
penter one share more than that and control of the road,38 and then
claimed ten per cent of the city's stock as his fee. Colonel Osborne
surrendered the road on August 10, 1864.39 There was a reorganiza-
tion meeting of the stockholders of the Atchison and St. Joseph rail-
road, and General Stringfellow was elected president.40 Carpenter
continued as superintendent of the Atchison and St. Joseph and the
Weston and Atchison railroads. Colonel Osborne moved to Atchison
and was made an official of the Atchison and Pike's Peak railroad.
It was a glorious victory. Carpenter had been repaid for building
34. Ibid., January 26, 1865.
35. Act of February 12, 1864, Laws of the State of Missouri, 1863, Adjourned Session,
22d General Assembly, p. 58.
36. Freedom's Champion, January 26, 1865.
37. Atchison Daily Champion, October 12, 1865.
38. Ibid., October 5, 1865.
39. Ibid., October 13, 1865. Although the index indicates a recording in 1864 in
"Buchanan County Deeds, Book X," p. 424, no record of the transfer could be found.
40. Freedom's Champion, September 1, 1864.
ATCHISON'S FIRST RAILROAD 161
a railroad with Missouri's money, Stringfellow had been rewarded
for saving it from its enemies, and, although it had really lost control,
Atchison in a sense could call its railroad its own again — if there had
been no sale in 1859. Only the state of Missouri seemed unim-
pressed. Whatever kind of title Osborne had given Stringfellow, it
did not prevent the sale of the Platte Country railroad in St. Joseph
on September 5, 1864. The state of Missouri was the only bidder.41
However, as Governor Hall recounted the events in his biennial
message, the Platte Country turned over to the state only that part
of the railroad north of St. Joseph — a miserable short line to Sa-
vannah that barely made expenses. The line south of St. Joseph,
whose earnings, the governor insisted, were large, had been sur-
rendered to the Atchison and St^Joseph and the Weston and Atchison
railroads. The governor considered the conduct of the directors
"most extraordinary," and "not being able to appreciate either the
justice or the legality of this position/' he brought suit for the re-
covery of the roads.42
General Stringfellow later assured his fellow citizens that in spite
of a prejudiced judge and the threats of the mob in St. Joseph, he
had won the freedom of the Atchison and St. Joseph railroad, but in
defiance of law, the governor of Missouri then seized "our property"
by military force.43 The facts were somewhat less gaudy than
General Stringfellow painted them. The circuit court of Buchanan
county granted the state's petition for the appointment of a receiver,
but only to receive the net earnings of the roads. The control of the
railroads was left in the hands of Carpenter and his friends.44 Gov-
ernor Hall explained that the state had been unable to get writs of
injunction and attachment because bond had to be filed in order
to obtain such writs, but Missouri law made no provision for anyone
to execute a bond for the state. Meanwhile, the little railroads
coolly submitted to the receiver accounts in which the receipts were
always just shaded by the expenditures. If the governor needed
further evidence, the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad's informal
offer to rent the roads for some $46,000 a year convinced him that
the state was being robbed.45
Meanwhile, Governor Hall, who as a St. Joseph man was easily
portrayed as a villain by General Stringfellow, was succeeded by
41. The Morning Herald, St. Joseph, Mo., September 6, 1864.
42. G. G. Avery and F. C. Shoemaker, eds., Messages and Proclamations of the Gover-
nors of the State of Missouri, v. 4, pp. 20, 21.
43. Alchison Daily Champion, October 13, 1865.
44. "Order Book No. 7," pp. 532-534, circuit clerk's office, Buchanan county courthouse,
St. Joseph, Mo.
45. Avery and Shoemaker, op. cit., pp. 22, 23.
KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Governor Fletcher whose disinterestedness was less easily impugned.
The new governor showing little respect for the things sacred to
lawyers, promptly set aside the receiver appointed by the court,
and took over all three railroads or the entire Platte Country from
Weston north in the interest of the public welfare.46 The St. Joseph
Herald and Tribune commented that this made "a rich thing for
lawyers." 47 The legislature added what legality it could to the pro-
ceedings by ordering the governor to seize the Platte Country rail-
road a month after he had already done so.48
The real reason for the seizure, General Stringfellow hastened to
assure his Atchison audience, was that Governor Fletcher had been
misled by ex-Governor Hall, who had pledged the people of St.
Joseph that he would sell Atchison's railroad so that it could be torn
up, thus preventing the construction of the Atchison and Pike's Peak
railroad and clearing the way for St. Joseph to receive a Pacific rail-
road grant from congress. As proof the general pointed out that the
excuse of the Missouri legislature for the sale was nonpayment of
the interest on $700,000, whereas other roads had paid no interest on
nearly $20,000,000 but no sale had been threatened.49 While Gen-
eral Stringfellow was throwing dust in the eyes of his fellow citizens
at Atchison by portraying some prominent men of St. Joseph as utter
villains, the council of that city in solemn session passed a set of
resolutions in which General Stringfellow and his companions were
referred to as "those cormorants who are revelling in their ill-gotten
gains." 50
In spite of the unfair tactics of the governor of Missouri, General
Stringfellow carried on as Atchison's champion. He offered to com-
promise. At first he had hoped to pay less than a hundred thousand
dollars, which, he claimed, was all that had been spent on the two
little railroads. This offer was rejected and the general was hurt to
think that Atchison's railroad, which had had nothing to do with the
use or misuse of Missouri's bonds, should, nevertheless, be held
responsible for them. He next offered to buy the roads south of
St. Joseph for the $350,000 plus interest that was due to Missouri, if
he could pay off any time before 1880 in depreciated Missouri bonds
46. Ibid., p. 187, message of January 12, 1865.
47. The Morning Herald and Tribune, St. Joseph, January 11, 1865.
48. Act of February 10, 1865, Laws of the State of Missouri, 1864, 23d General As-
sembly, pp. 97, 98.
49. Atchison Daily Champion, October 12, 1865. Cf. Governor Fletcher's inaugural
address, January 2, 1865, Avery and Shoemaker, op. cit., p. 62. An act for the sale of
other defaulting railroads was passed February 19, 1866, Laws of the State of Missouri,
1865, Adjourned Session, 23d General Assembly, p. 108.
50. The Morning Herald and Tribune, January 28, 1865.
ATCHISON'S FIRST RAILROAD 163
worth about 56 cents on the dollar at that time.51 This would leave
Missouri with the other half of the debt and practically no railroad.
The Herald 6- Tribune claimed that this bill almost passed the legis-
lature except for carelessness on the part of Stringfellow's managers,
who consented to a brief postponement. In the meantime a substi-
tute bill was prepared, which would permit John Corby and the
St. Joseph group to buy the Platte Country railroad. This bill,
however, did not offer Missouri any better prospect of recovering
its loans.52
These maneuvers are practically unrecognizable in General String-
fellow's account of them to his fellow citizens of Atchison. The
general's story was that he was on the verge of getting a compro-
mise on terms easy to pay from revenue, when he was stabbed in the
back by a report that Atchison was not 100 percent behind him. A
telegram from Atchison reassured the legislature, "but folly and
treachery had had its [sic] effect/' 53 The general had to accept the
entire road, the whole debt of $868,000 to Missouri, and an obliga-
tion to build to Kansas City and to the Iowa line within a specified
time.54 And this was to be done by a railroad that needed new
rolling stock, was in urgent need of repairs, and at the same time had
to produce a large sum of money quickly for its first payment to
Missouri.
Talk of the onerous conditions of the compromise act of February
18, 1865, caused Atchison's city council to appoint George Fairchild
to get the facts and to explain to the city what had happened to its
railroad. Fairchild's report of October 2 was critical of General
Stringfellow's procedure and particularly of his peculiar stock deal
with Carpenter.55 The general resented this and used up most of
the available space in the Champion for four days in presenting his
colorful and frequently imaginative tale of how he had bled in the
defense of Atchison's interests, while ungrateful Atchisonians ac-
cused him of selling out to Osborne and Carpenter.56 It was quite
a dust storm and more legal comedy was to follow.
January 1, 1866, came and no payment was made to Missouri.
The governor seized the road on January 3, and advertised that the
railroad would be sold again.57 In a message to the legislature the
51. Ibid., January 24, 1865.
52. Ibid., February 3, 1865.
53. Atchison Daily Champion, October 13, 14, 1865.
54. Act of February 18, 1865, Laws of the State of Missouri, 1864, 23d General As-
sembly, pp. 98-103.
55. Atchison Daily Champion, October 5, 1865.
56. Ibid., October 11-14, 1865.
57. Ibid., January 21, 1866.
164 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
governor claimed that General Stringfellow and his group did not
represent bona fide stockholders and consequently had no equity
which need be respected. By a new sale the governor hoped finally
to settle the question of title to the roads.58 On April 21, the day
of the sale, Atchison's defenders with sly smiles were on hand in
St. Joseph. The hour of the sale approached, our heroes performed
various feats of legal magic, the governor called off the sale and went
home.59
The governor had thought that the state had a mortgage on the
railroads, but in this he was mistaken. The state could buy the
entangled roads as a unit, but only by paying the full sum Missouri
claimed, thus benefiting only the stockholders. The several roads
could be sold separately, but the titles were hopelessly confused.
The compromise act had failed to provide a mode of foreclosure so
that resort to the courts was necessary to enforce collection. And
when Stringfellow had offered $100,000 in greenbacks, plus interest
and costs (which the governor had rejected because it was only a
fraction of the sum due), he had legally prevented sale of the roads.
All this the attorney general of Missouri, who had been ill at the time
of the sale, gave as his belated opinion to the discomfited governor.60
After the event, in his first biennial message, the governor claimed
that the railroads had made a part payment and had begun to ex-
tend the roads so that the state's loans seemed sufficiently secure to
make the sale unnecessary, though he also admitted that legal en-
tanglements had prevented the sale.61
Missouri's real complaint was that the conglomerate confusion of
the Atchison and St. Joseph, Weston and Atchison, and Platte Coun-
try railroads was preventing the building of a railroad from Kansas
City up the Missouri river. Headway was finally made in 1867.
The roads were mortgaged for two and a half million dollars of New
York money,62 and another compromise act in the Missouri legisla-
ture consolidated them into the Missouri Valley railroad on March 8,
1867.63 A year later another act permitted the road to retire its
debt to Missouri through a generous credit given for each five miles
of new construction.64 In 1870 the road was consolidated with the
58. Message of January 15, 1866, Avery and Shoemaker, op. cit., pp. 199, 200.
59. The Morning Herald, April 22, 1866.
60. Atchison Daily Champion, June 1, 1866.
61. January 4, 1867, Avery and Shoemaker, op. cit., p. 98.
62. Atchison Daily Champion, February 6, 1867.
63. Laws of the State of Missouri, 1867, 24th General Assembly, pp. 135-139.
64. Act of March 17, 1868, ibid., 1868, Adjourned Session, 24th General Assembly,
pp. 107-111.
ATCHISON'S FIRST RAILROAD 165
St. Joseph and Council Bluffs, becoming the Kansas City, St. Joseph
and Council Bluffs railroad.65
By that time the stock owned by Atchison, what with reorganiza-
tions, Carpenter, Stringfellow, and what not, was down to $23,333.33
book value. After advertising for bids, the city had rejected an offer
of 60 cents on the dollar in city bonds — an offer that represented
about 30 cents on the dollar in cash. There were suggestions that
the stock be given to anyone willing to extend the Atchison, Topeka
and Santa Fe to Atchison.66 Nevertheless, Acting Mayor B. P. Wag-
gener was sharply criticized when, after a hurried meeting of the
council, the stock was sold for 40 cents to John Price, agent for
Pickering Clark, an official of the Kansas City, St. Joseph and Coun-
cil Bluffs railroad. Everyone^concluded that the stock must be due
for a rise.67
Atchison really had no ground for complaint. She was extra-
ordinarily fortunate to have had a railroad before the Civil War,
and the wonder was that the road had been built at all. She had
spent future taxes for an important bit of transportation; it had given
her a real advantage over neighboring towns for a few years, and
besides it had been built mostly with Missouri's money.
65. The History of Buchanan County, Missouri, p. 580.
66. Atchison Daily Champion and Press, September 28, 1870.
67. Ibid., September 23, 28, 1870.
Letters of a Free-State Man in Kansas, 1856
Edited by NATHAN SMITH
INTRODUCTION
MUCH attention has been given to the political and ideological
aspects of the struggle in Kansas between the Proslavery and
Free-State forces in 1855-1856. Several letters written by a Free-
State settler x interned in an army camp in Kansas, together with
what is known of his activities there prior to his imprisonment, in-
dicate that there was another aspect to the relationship between Pro-
slavery and Free-State men.
On May 27, 1856, at a bipartisan meeting of landholders on Potta-
watomie creek, called as a result of the slaughter three days earlier
of five people by John Brown and his friends, Henry H. Williams,
a Free-State settler, was elected secretary of a committee to take
action against recurrence of such an event. The committee ex-
pressed its disapprobation of the John Brown atrocities and resolved
that the settlers would "from this time lay aside all sectional and
political feelings and act together as men of reason and common
sense, determined to oppose all men who are so ultra in their views
as to denounce men of opposite opinions." 2
On that same day, Williams was indicted in Lykins county, to-
gether with John Brown, Jr., charged with "conspiracy to resist the
collection of taxes." 3 A few days later he was arrested 4 and after
detention in various prisons was transferred, on June 23, 1856, to the
army camp near Lecompton.5 There the men who had been in-
dicted for treason by Judge Lecompte's grand jury in the first week
of May, 1856, were also imprisoned.
The arrest of Williams was a direct result of the conflict between
the Proslavery legislature elected on March 30, 1855, and the Topeka
legislature, which was organized on December 15, 1855, by the Free-
State forces.6 Governor Robinson of Lawrence, who was among the
treason prisoners, testified that on Williams' arrival at the camp
near Lecompton he exonerated the men killed by John Brown and
NATHAN SMITH, a native of Chicago, is a fellow in history at the University of Illinois,
Urbana and Chicago.
1. The original letters are in the possession of Prof. Richard Hooker, Roosevelt College,
Chicago, 111.
2. Charles Robinson, The Kansas Conflict (New York, 1892), p. 275.
3. G. W. Brown, Reminiscences of Old John Brown (Rockford, 1880), p. 30.
4. D. W. Wilder, The Annals of Kansas (Topeka, 1886), p. 119.
5. Sara T. L. Robinson, Kansas . . . (Boston, 1856), p. 304. Brown, op. cit.,
p. 30, gives an earlier date for his arrival but inasmuch as he wrote 20 years later and Robin-
son wrote the same year the later date is possibly the more accurate.
6. William Phillips, The Conquest of Kansas by Missouri and Her Allies (Boston,
1856), p. 350.
(166)
LETTERS OF A FREE-STATE MAN IN KANSAS 167
company of any provocation for the attack.7 Evidently, for Williams,
some considerations were beyond partisan definition.
That feeling was not limited to Free-State men. On July 31,
1856, Williams wrote that in the face of a common danger (ruffian
raids), "the proslavery men in Lecompton . . . are trying to
compromise [and] get up vigilance committees &c with the free
state men."
Williams' letters and activities are an indication that there was
a common ground between Proslavery and Free-State men. It was
not more extensive partly because the settlers had come to the terri-
tory already labeled. Incidents which normally would have been
considered a product of frontier conditions were therefore magni-
fied out of all proportion to their importance. The killing of Dow
by Coleman, referred to by Williams, for example, had its roots
in a complicated boundary dispute.8 The attack on Perkins seems
to have been due as much to a desire to rob him as to an antagonism
over slavery.9 In many of the other incidents — stealing cattle and
horses from Free-State men; confiscating property of Free-State
settlers on Stranger creek; stealing teams sent from Lawrence to
Leavenworth for provisions — gain seems to have been a strong
motive.
THE LETTERS
CAMP SACKETT near Lecompton July 31 1856
I sent a letter yesterday to Gerry by a man on his way to Boston
& also a letter to Sarah Wilks but directed it in my haste to Sarah
Aldrich it makes but little difference however I would write to
all my friends if I did not dislike to write so much. A proslavery
man and daughter from North Carolina called to see us last week
came up from Lawrence in a wagon belonging to a Mr Chapman a
member of the bogus legislature upon their return an altercation
took place between Wilson (Carolinian) and Chapman about
price of carriage hire & Chapman struck Wilson over the head with
a club & Wilson died same day Wilson [sic] is under arrest at
Lecompton but will probably get clear as he is "all right on the goose"
A Dagurreian in Lawrence named Perkins taking a walk one even-
ing last week was acosted by three Ruffians half mile from town &
asked "where he lived" he replied in Lawrence the Ruff pre-
sented a pistol & fired Perkins knocked the pistol in the air &
7. Charles Robinson, op. cit., p. 275.
8. O. N. Merrill, "A True History of the Kansas Wars," The Magazine of History,
Cincinnati, v. 45 (1856, No. 178, reprinted 1932), pp. 15-23; Frank W. Blackmar, The
Life of Charles Robinson (Topeka, 1902), pp. 137, 138.
9. See, also, Sara Robinson, op. cit., p. 320.
168 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
returned the fire but was immediately knocked down with a pistol
& robbed of $40, in cash watch &c & stamped & kicked untill nearly
dead & lies in a very precarious situation yet The bogus laws are
not feared by the proslavery men or regarded by the free state men
The proslavery men in Lecompton are frightened to death keep
guard around their town every night for fear of an attack & are
trying to compromise get up vigilance committees &c with the
free state men Marshall Fain 10 from Lecompton arested a man
near Lawrence for horse stealing before he got to Lecompton with
his prisenor he was rescued by two of his friends but the man
wanted the matter investigated and went on with the marshall
Fain went to Lawrence for witnesses they were busy & could not
come up so the marshall came to our camp for soldiers to help him
a doz went down with him but could not find any of the witnesses
although Fain at one time when at a distance from the soldiers
saw one of the men that he wanted & conversed with him but when
he bro't the soldiers he wasn't thar One of the men that the
marshall suppoeneied came into camp after the Marshall left with
his posse & staid two or three hours
The last I heard from Potowatomie there was a company of
United States troops camped about six miles from my claim near
Partridges Some of the most obnoxious proslavery settlers had
left & dare not come back others had moved together in companies
and were in a continual state of alarm (the wicked flee when no
man pursueth) The imprisonment of Gov Robinson11 and others
here is making political capital for Fremont so mote it be, you
can send or deliver a copy of the account of my arrest and imprison-
ment which I sent to you; to the Fredonia Censor and please state
that I am from or rather bro't up in Chantangne (for political effect)
5 buggies one two horse wagon and one saddle horse hitched in
front of our tents just now they bro't us green corn grapes apples
beets cucumbers squashes &c We have glorious news from the
house of representatives to day but we have nothing to expect from
the senate or administration untill the 4th of March next when we
do expect everything How does Hank Dunbar & father vote or
all the old fogies of my acquaintance & uncle John Mott I have a
great notion to write to Jon Mott jr Had a heavy rain night be-
10. W. P. Fain was a United States deputy marshal assigned to Kansas: On May 21,
1856, he led a posse into Lawrence and arrested some of the Free-State men indicted for
treason.
11. Charles Robinson, a Free-State leader, held the title of governor in the Topeka
government. Early in May, 1855, indictments for treason were issued against all its
members. As a result Robinson was imprisoned at the camp near Lecompton until September
10, 1856, when he was freed on bail.
LETTERS OF A FREE- STATE MAN IN KANSAS 169
fore last which was needed and will do a great deal of good
Shannon 12 begins to curry favor of the free state men 10 days
since he tried to cut us off from all communication from our friends
Judge Scuylers popularity is hurt in Kansas on account of his
timidity in times of danger or rather his conservatism or prudence,
men that in the earlier days of Kansas were considered rash and
imprudent are now the most popular. The stirring times that we
have had the past few weeks has shown who are the men to be
relied upon in every emergency and they will be remembered I
think
When the General assembly convened at Topeka on the 4th of
July there was a quorum present but only 17 in the lower house
answered to their names & the senate did not call the roll I laid
my plans to escape the night of the 3d so as to be there on the
4th but Mr Brown the editor 13 remonstrated against my going he
said that it would only be harder for those that remained as they
would be closer confined none of the rest of the prisenors objected
to my going but I believe that Brown is a coward notwithstanding
all his boasting what he would do if his press was mobbed for it
was only the week before that he talked of escaping himself and
going to Alton and starting his paper & none of the prisenors ob-
jected to his going but rather wished that he would We could
escape any night now, if we chose but we have such a kind captain
now that we do not want to get him into trouble
CAMP SACKETT, Co. B. US Cavalry near Lecompton Aug 2d 1856
Hurrah! a letter from Highland Eagle Peekskill April 1st fathers
journals with a line from Emily May 31st fathers letter to Sherman-
ville July 3d & to Lecompton July 4th all rec'd this morn the first
I have reed since I have been a prisoner I took them into my tent
& lay down on my blanket & read them rolled over on my face
& shed tears copiously better to relieve nature in this way than
to have the blues for a week Hiram is dead Delia recovering
from her burns what does this mean I have heard nothing poor
Hipe he might better have come to Kansas Geo in Cleveland Ri
in Delanti well well I hope that I shall hear from you oftener
12. Wilson Shannon was appointed governor of Kansas territory in September, 1855.
He recognized the Shawnee Mission legislature and supported Judge Lecompte's efforts
to disband the Topeka government.
13. George W. Brown was the editor of the Herald of Freedom, a Free-Soil paper
published in Lawrence and circulated in the North. He was arrested for treason and
interned in the camp near Lecompton along with the other treason prisoners.
12—4663
170 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
now dont sent to Lecompton we have to get an order from Jones 14
or Darn-old son 15 to get them & that is humiliating
I have not paid much for counsel & do not intend to pay any more
for a very good reason that I have not got it to pay I understand
that there is a large amount of money being raised in the States
for the relief of Kansas sufferers this is well & is much needed but
I am afraid that those that most deserve the relief will be less likely
to recive assistance than those that are less deserving there are
those here that have always been ready to sacrifice anything &
everything for the good of Kansas & have had to bear the brunt of
the battle often sacrificeing property always time & often life they
are generally unassuming & diffident about putting themselves
forward as objects of charity even in so just a cause I am owing
about $15 or $16 which I borrowed & expended in the war or for
counsel fees but I look forward for a brighter day a comeing & If
John Mott or Langworthy or Dunbar are friends of mine they will
come to my assistance by voting for Fremont and Freedom I tell
them that the administration is as corrupt as the Bottomless pit & all
our appressors are working scheeming & fighting for its continuance
in power with Buchanan for a leader & slavery for a motto they are
trying to ride rough shod over the freemen of Kansas
It is now raining furiously & I cannot find a dry place to write in
the tent Dietzler 16 was writing too but has stopped on account
of the rain Judge Smith 17 who occupies the tent with D & I is
dodging the drops as they come through the tent he has had the
ague since he has been a prisoner but he is nearly well at pres-
ent "Deizler says d — n the scoundrels, Pierce at the head of them
for attempting to enforce those infernal laws" By the by Commis-
sioner Hangland [Hoagland?] who committed me to prison has
fled the country between the light of two days the storm has ceased
& D has resumed his writing he is a good fellow has had the blues
once, did not speak for nearly a week but is cheerful now We are
to have preaching here tomorrow the Rev Mr Nute from Law-
rence is to speak and a choir will come up it will be a relief to the
monotony of our prison life Some of the prisoners have reed
cheering letters from Reeder Holloday Klotz & others of our friends
that are in the east some of them stumping for Fremont
Chapman who killed Wilson (Carolinian) spoke of in a former
14. Samuel J. Jones was the sheriff of Douglas county who, on May 21, 1856, with a
posse destroyed books, local newspaper offices, and important buildings in Lawrence.
15. Israel B. Donaldson was the first United States marshal of Kansas territory.
16. G. W. Deitzler was a general in the Free-State militia who was arrested on May
21, 1856, for treason.
17. G. W. Smith was a member of the Topeka government also arrested on May 21
for treason.
LETTERS OF A FREE-STATE MAN IN KANSAS 171
letter is out of prison on $3000, straw bail while a free state man
arested for horse stealing will not be admitted to bail by the bogus
authorities so it goes One of the tents in camp occupied by
Editor Brown has rents in it made with a bowy knife in the hands
of Coleman the murder of Dow 18 I have just examined the tent it
has 8 cuts in it from the top nearly to the bottom since sewed
up the tents belongs to the father in law of Brown who lives near
Hickory Point near where Coleman lived Coleman is hanging
about Westport and comes up into the territory with a gang of
maurauders occasionally & drives off cattle and horses only week
before last he drove off two horses for Browns father in law and 11
others were missing from that vicinity at the same time Coleman
sent up word to Gleason (Brown relative) that he could have his
horses by comeing to Westport & taking them No doubt that there
has exaggerated accounts of affairs in Kansas been published but
have not seen anything that would exceed the reality I have not
met with any personal violence since I have been in the territory
but I have seen the time when my life would not have been con-
sidered worth much by many in my situation
I understand that quite a large number of Alabamians have settled
on the Potowatomie since I have been a prisoner but a number have
died & the others discouraged If there can anything be gleaned
from the above worthy of insertion in the Censor put it in by all
means let there be light I would direct this to Geo but I do not
know what office he is in Do write to Aunt Eliza nearly all the
facts of the case in the murder of Brown Dow Barber Stewart Jones
Cantrell & H are true & if she wants a faithfull account of our
troubles let her read the report of the Investigating committee
CAMP SACKETT. Sunday Aug. 24th
250 dragoons arrived at Lecompton this morning from Fort Riley
there is one company of artillery there and all of the first regiment of
Cavalry Colonel Jonson is in command and has orders to keep his
force together what they intend to do is more than I can sur-
mise I hear it rumored that 4000 missourians are prepared to come
up and sweep every abolitionist out of the territory 25th 200
Topeka boys went down last night, the free state men will march
for the Stranger creek today headed by Gen Lane 19 400 Missouri-
ans camped on the Stranger All the regular force in the territory
18. Franklin N. Coleman was a Proslavery man who killed Charles W. Dow, a Free-
Stater, on November 21, 1855, after difficulties which arose over a land claim. The
killing began a series of disputes which led to the Wakarusa War.
19. James H. Lane, who was in command of the Free-State militia, was indicted for
treason but never arrested.
172 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
is here now 500 or 600 under the command of Col Cook 20 what
they are all concentrating here for I can't conceive The mob on
the Stranger has drove all the free state settlers off and confiscated
their property
26th Mirable Dictu I've got a letter at last fathers and sisters of
Aug 16th arrived last eve it seems that the Border Ruffians are not
to blame for my not receiving any before why the dickens dont
you write more I want you to keep the Censors that you say have
published my letters and when I get out please foreward them or
you can send them right along now to Lawrence because if I am
not here when they arrive I can get them Letters papers and
visits of a few friends is all we have to relieve the tedium of our
confinement now the usual restrictions of Military prisoners is
put upon us now we can't stir without a guard at our heels & the
free state men are so busily engaged with the affairs of the territory
that we have but few visitors Havn't heard from the telegraph
operator yet
I see that Pierce has called an extra session of Congress but I don't
believe that Pierce or the Senate will do anything for Kansas the
most that I can hope for is that the House will "stand up to the rack
fodder or no fodder" Amos Lawrence 21 had donated $50 to each
of the prisoners and Simpson of Lawrence 22 advanced me $20 this
morning for him 27th I understand that the Missourians will not
be disturbed for the present on the Stranger though it is impossible
for me to tell what will or may take place any hour the free state
forces continue under arms for the present 28th 6 teams that went
from Lawrence to Leavenworth for provisions were taken by the
borderers yesterday in Leavenworth and one of the teamsters shot
Three companies of dragoon just gone towards Lawrence I expect
that it is to arest Lane a committee just waited on Col Cook to
see if he would send a force to Leavenworth to recover the teams
says that he has no authority to act unless called upon by the civil
authorities I got letters from Westchester and papers but nothing
from home or Clev
20. Brev. Col. Phillip St. George Cooke commanded the federal troops at Fort Riley.
21. Amos A. Lawrence of Boston was a strong supporter and treasurer of the New
England Emigrant Aid Company.
22. S. N. Simpson was one of the delegates to the Free-State territorial convention
held in Lawrence on June 25, 1855.
Susanna Madora Salter — First Woman Mayor
MONROE BILLINGTON
town of Argonia in Sumner county, Kansas, became nation-
A ally and internationally known in 1887 when the voters of that
little Quaker village, with a population of less than five hundred,
elected the first woman mayor in America. Mrs. Susanna Salter,
who received this honor, was one of a number of women mayors
elected during the years after the Civil War when women were
renewing their demands for more political rights.1
Mrs. Salter was born Susanna Madora "Dora" Kinsey, near La-
mira in Belmont county, Ohio, March 2, 1860. Her parents, Oliver
Kinsey and Terissa Ann White, were both of Quaker parentage, their
ancestors having come to America from England with William
Penn's colonists on the ship Welcome. The Kinsey family in suc-
cessive generations moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio to Kansas,
settling in 1872 on an 80-acre farm in the Kaw valley near Silver
Lake. There Dora attended district schools until 1878, when she
entered Kansas State Agricultural College as a sophomore.2 She
left college because of illness only six weeks before time to graduate.
While at Manhattan she had met Lewis Allison Salter, son of former
Lt. Gov. Melville J. Salter. Salter was graduated in 1879, and
Dora was married to him on September 1, 1880, at Silver Lake.3
The young couple moved to Argonia in 1882, where Salter man-
aged a hardware store. The following spring Mrs. Salter gave birth
to her second child, the first born in Argonia. A year later Mrs.
Salter's parents moved to Argonia and bought the store, which was
operated under the firm name of Kinsey & Salter. In the meantime
Salter read law with a local attorney and prepared himself for
the bar.
The town of Argonia was incorporated in 1885. Mrs. Salter's
father, Oliver Kinsey, was its first mayor and her husband was city
clerk. In this capacity Salter wrote the ordinances of the town.
Two years later the Kansas legislature enacted a law giving the
MONROE BILLINGTON, a native of Oklahoma, is a graduate assistant at the University
of Kentucky, Lexington, where he is writing his doctor's dissertation in history. His
wife is a granddaughter of Susanna Madora Salter.
1. The author has spent several hours with Mrs. Salter gathering information for this
article. He has had free access to her newspaper clippings, letters, and mementos. From
these interviews and papers, the political life of this interesting person has been recon-
structed.
2. Mrs. Salter entered college as a sophomore because she had taken several high
school subjects which in those days could be counted as college credits. After taking an
examination on these subjects, she was permitted to skip the freshman year.
3. Alfred H. Mitchell, "America's First Woman Mayor," The Ohio State Archaeological
and Historical Quarterly, Columbus, v. 53 (January-March, 1944), pp. 52-54.
(173)
174 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
franchise to women in first, second, and third class cities. Since
Argonia was a third class city, the women there became eligible to
vote.
A Woman's Christian Temperance Union had been organized in
Argonia in 1883, and with the right to vote, its members made en-
forcement of the state prohibition law a prime issue of the city
election.4 They called a caucus and selected a ticket of men whom
they considered to be worthy of the town's offices, regardless of
political labels. In the absence of their president Mrs. Salter pre-
sided at this caucus.
A certain group of men in Argonia felt that the field of politics
was their exclusive domain and resented the intrusion of women
into their affairs. Two of these men had attended the W. C. T. U.
caucus and heckled the proceedings. They were "wets," trying
to intimidate the W. C. T. U., but when they attempted to nominate
a candidate they were voted down.
A secret caucus was called by this faction. Twenty of them met
in the back room of a local restaurant and decided to teach these
females a lesson. They drew up a slate of candidates identical with
that of the W. C. T. U., except that for the office of mayor they
substituted Mrs. Salter's name. They assumed that the women
would vote for the W. C. T. U. slate and that the men would not
vote for a woman. They thought if Mrs. Salter got only their 20
votes it would embarrass the W. C. T. U. as a political organization.
They also felt that such a move would curb some of the W. C. T. U.'s
political activities. Mrs. Salter was chosen to be the butt of the
prank because she was the only officer of the W. C. T. U. who was
eligible for office, the others living outside the town limits.
This could be done as a surprise because candidates did not have
to file before election day. The faction simply had the ballots
printed with Mrs. Salter's name on them; of course without her
knowledge or consent. Early voters on the morning of the election
were shocked, therefore, to find that she was a candidate. The
chairman of the Republican party in Argonia immediately sent a
delegation to see her. They found her doing the family washing.
They explained the trick and then asked if she would accept the
office if elected.5 When Mrs. Salter agreed, they said, "All right,
we will elect you and just show those fellows who framed up this
deal a thing or two."
All day long they explained the situation and campaigned to get
4. Alva (Okla.) Review Courier, January 4, 1944.
5. Wellington Daily News, November 9, 1933.
SUSANNA SALTER — FIRST WOMAN MAYOR 175
out the vote. Mr. Salter, an early voter, was angered when he dis-
covered his wife's name on the ballot. He was even more perturbed
when he returned home and found that his wife had consented to
serve if elected. Mrs. Salter was undeterred. At 4 P. M. she went
to the polls with her parents and voted. It was not considered
proper to vote for oneself in those days, so Mrs. Salter left the ballot
for mayor unmarked.
By forsaking their own caucus nominee, the members of the
W. C. T. U. voted for Mrs. Salter in such numbers that she received
a two-thirds majority. Instead of the 20 votes intended for her, the
faction had given her the election. Instead of humiliating the
women, they had elected the first woman mayor in the country.
When the results were known,,Mrs. Salter's husband adjusted himself
to the situation, and, with a certain amount of pride, made jokes
about being the "husband of the mayor."
Two days after the election was held, the following message was
sent to Mrs. Salter:
ARGONIA 4/6/87
DORA SALTER,
Argonia
Madam
You are hereby notified that at an election held in the city of Argonia on
Monday April 4/87, for the purpose of electing city officers, you were duly
elected to the office of Mayor of said city. You will take due notice thereof
and govern yourself accordingly.
WM H WATSON Mayor
F. A. RUSE Clerk Pro. tern.
Five members of the town council were also elected. It was
learned years later that three of them had been in the group of 20
pranksters. Nevertheless, the new mayor had no trouble with these
men during her year in office. When she called the first council
meeting to order, she said, "Gentlemen, what is your pleasure?
You are the duly elected officials of this town, I am merely your
presiding officer." This indicated to the surprised and skeptical
councilmen that, contrary to predictions, they were not under
"petticoat rule." She let the men take the lead in the council; the
council and mayor worked harmoniously throughout the year. Ac-
tually the council did little. Two draymen were arrested for refus-
ing to buy licenses, some boys were warned about throwing rocks
at a vacant house, but otherwise the term was politically uneventful.
No new ordinances were passed, although some of the ordinances
which Mrs. Salter's husband had drawn up were tested for their
effectiveness.
176 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Notwithstanding this uneventful term of office, Mrs. Salter im-
mediately became one of the most talked about and written about
political figures in America. Newspapers sent correspondents to
Argonia to visit her council meetings and to see how she conducted
the town's business. Argonians were interviewed as to their reac-
tions to a woman mayor. Newspapers debated over the advisability
of other towns electing women mayors. Many objected to a possible
"petticoat rule/' while others took a "wait and see" attitude. Those
who deferred judgment felt that if her term of office were a success
women in politics might not be such a world-shaking change in
American political life after all. Other newspapers made the mayor
the object of many editorial jokes and sly remarks.6
One of the first council meetings over which Mrs. Salter presided
was attended by a correspondent of the New York Sun. She knew
that her every act would be publicized over the nation. She was
determined to handle the council meeting with a firm hand, showing
the world that a woman could hold her own in the realm of politics.
The correspondent was impressed. When he wrote his story, he
described the mayor's dress and hat, and pointed out that she pre-
sided with great decorum. He noted that several times she checked
discussion which she deemed irrelevant, showing that she was a good
parliamentarian. The councilmen, though respectful, bore the air
of protesting pupils of a not over-popular school mistress. No
official action was taken on any subject at this particular meeting,
though an order of business was carried out and several matters
discussed.
A councilman thought the license on billiard tables should be
reduced from $25 to $12.50 a year, since the existing license — in his
opinion — was almost prohibitive. Mrs. Salter thought that the town
did not need billiard parlors badly enough to offer any premiums
and expressed this opinion. When one of the other councilmen
agreed with her, the matter was dropped. When the councilmen
were asked if they knew of any violations of ordinances which de-
manded attention, they did not respond. The mayor pointed out
that she knew of two small boys who had been throwing stones at
a vacant house, and she thought they should be arrested and pun-
ished. The reporter added, "This was about all the business trans-
acted, and it is little else that the Council is ever asked to do."
The mayor was regarded as a curiosity by even the townspeople,
6. From unidentified newspaper clippings. Many of Mrs. Salter' s newspaper clippings
are impossible to identify or to date since often only the brief articles have been clipped.
When the dates and names of the newspapers are known, they are included.
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SUSANNA SALTER — FIRST WOMAN MAYOR 177
always being pointed out to strangers visiting the town. The Sun
reporter noted that "the mischievous small boys appear to regard
her much as a New York gamin does a 'cop/ and 'There's the Mayor*
is often the signal for a general scattering of urchins as she ap-
proaches." This Eastern observer concluded his column in this
way:
I asked Mrs. Salter if her ambition to act as a female politician or leader in
woman suffrage circles had been aroused by her election. She quickly replied,
"No, indeed, I shall be very glad when my term of office expires, and shall be
only too happy to thereafter devote myself entirely, as I always have done
heretofore, to the care of my family." And in conversation with a number of
business men in Argonia I found a very general disposition to rest on the laurels
now won as the only American town which ever tried the experiment of a woman
Mayor.
The Leavenworth Times, quoting the Sun article, pointed out that
the correspondent expressed the opinion that she made "an intelli-
gent, capable and conscientious officer, fully equal to all the require-
ments of her position." The Times went on to defend Mrs. Salter
when it stated that "this evidence is corroborated by every individual
who has had an opportunity to base his judgment on a personal
observation of the conduct of her administration." The Rushville
( Ind. ) Republican, August 18, 1887, carried a brief article on Mrs.
Salter stating that she "is said to discharge the duties of her office
in the most acceptable manner." Another paper wrote that she "is
having a very successful administration. When she was elected to
her present office, her enemies predicted that she would make a
failure of her effort to run the municipal affairs of Argonia. Up to
the present time she has made no great blunders."
New England's reaction to the events in Kansas were expressed
in a Massachusetts newspaper:
The Kansas women have done it. Susanna Madora Salter, mayor of Argonia,
a little town of 500 inhabitants, is the first woman ever elected to that office.
And she is not an "unsexed female" either, but the wife of a lawyer and the
mother of four children. There is no more likelihood of her neglecting her
babies — she is only 27 and the children cannot be much beyond babyhood —
than that her husband would neglect his practice if he had been elected to the
same office. There is also a poetic fitness in Mrs. Salter's election. Her father
was the first mayor of the town, and she can continue the work he began.7
The Manhattan Nationalist remarked that it was fortunate for
those who favored woman suffrage to be first represented in official
life by one like Mrs. Salter. "There are many others in Kansas just
as capable as she, but as among men, there are some incapable. It
7. Springfield (Mass.) Republican, May 1, 1887.
178 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
cannot be said now that the very beginning [of women in office]
was a failure/' concluded the Nationalist.
Not all of the editorial comments were as favorable as the ones
quoted above. One paper, when it heard that Mrs. Salter was
not going to run for re-election, stated, "She is tired of the burdens
of office. [She plans to] return to private life and leave the gov-
ernment of Argonia to the care of the sterner sex. Mayor Salter's
experience proves that woman suffrage is its own cure." Another
newspaper took issue with the statement that Mrs. Salter was tired
of the responsibilities of office. On the contrary, it declared that
she "finds . . . [official duties] less troublesome than house-
hold duties, which she also attends to and does not complain of
either."
Laura M. Johns, president of the Kansas Equal Suffrage Associa-
tion, capitalized on Mrs. Salter's election. For a Salina newspaper
she wrote on April 28, 1887:
Argonia is a pretty little city . . . with a population of 500 ... in-
corporated two years ago. ... It has attracted the attention of suffragists
by electing, this spring, a lady to the mayoralty. This is the first time a woman
has held that office in Kansas, and we are glad that the "innovation" is made
in the person of one who will fill that office with credit to herself and sex,
and satisfaction to her townspeople. [The mayor] . . . does not fear [her
opposition] in the least, and is determined, by the help of God, so to conduct her
office as to make it serve the best interests of the city. She is an officer in the
Argonia W. C. T. U., much interested in the enforcement of the prohibitory law,
and in the study of the best means of suppressing and eradicating the vices that
beset our cities.
Newspapers pointed out that a short time after the election the
billiard hall was closed and the sale of hard cider was stopped in
Argonia. The morals of the little Quaker town became stricter than
ever. Men thought that it was necessary to put on a clean shirt
and to black their boots before they consulted the mayor about the
enforcement of the hog law. This was gall and wormwood to their
souls, so some of those who originated the scheme which backfired
left town, if one newspaper report is to be trusted.
Argonia received additional publicity when newspapers dis-
covered that the mayor had given birth to a child while holding
office.8 As one newspaper put it:
When Mayor Salter of Argonia had a baby, that village received such a
boom and such gratuitous advertizing that all the other villages in the State
8. Edward Easter, who died 11 days after birth. Mrs. Salter was the mother of four
children at the time of her election. Two more, in addition to this one who died in
infancy, were born in Argonia, and two more were born after the family moved to
Oklahoma. The Salter children in order of their births are: Clarence, Francis Argonia,
Winfred, Melva, Edward, Bertha, Lewis, Leslie, and William.
SUSANNA SALTER — FIRST WOMAN MAYOR 179
almost went wild with envy. From an unknown country crossroads hamlet,
Argonia has jumped into a prominence that is wonderful, and is today probably
the best known, or at least the widest known town in the State.
Other Kansas towns elected woman officials the following year,
much to the chagrin of many newspaper editors. Here are some
headlines reflecting their attitudes: "Women as Mayors and City
Councillors Not a Success in Kansas," "Pretty Campaigners — In-
dulging in Kissing to Change the View of Stony-Hearted Partisans/'
"How Women Lose Self-Respect — Argonia, Syracuse and Oskaloosa
Under Female Government/' An article under a Kansas City, Mo.,
dateline, and telegraphed to the New York Herald, may have been
serious, but it probably was making fun of the towns under feminist
rule:
There is reason to believe that billiards will soon become a lost art in all
the smaller towns in Kansas, for the women have entered politics for the pur-
poses of reforming the men, and it is a well-known fact that their principal
objection to the modes of male recreation is to billiards. As the Mayor and
Council of Oskaloosa all wear petticoats there will soon be such a revolution
in that burg that the male sex will be compelled to go back to the days of their
youth when they played "hookey" for devices to escape the lynx eyed rulers of
the town. Quiet games of "draw" or "old sledge" will be played in the corners
or behind the hedge fences, while such a pleasure as "sitting up with a sick
friend" will become obsolete.9
Mrs. Salter's publicity was not confined to America. Many foreign
papers carried notices, articles, and pictures about her. The official
organ of the Grand Lodge of Western South Africa, Temperance
News, carried an article about the mayor on June 16, 1888, and
Idun, a women's magazine published in Stockholm, Sweden, carried
her picture and an article about her on June 27, 1890. Other foreign
newspapers and magazines carried similar stories.
The publicity which the American and foreign papers gave Mrs.
Salter brought a deluge of mail to her office. One skeptical yet
sympathetic preacher wrote:
STEAMBOAT ROCK
Hardin Co. Iowa
MRS. S. M. SALTER
Dear Madam
Is it posible [sic] that you have been elected Mayor of Argonia or is it a
newspaper falshood [sic], I am glad if it is true But thought I would ask
for information. I saw it in the State Register And would like to hear from you
While I remain
Yours fraternally
S. G. A. FIELDS
Pastor of M. E. Church
9. Issue of AprU 18. 1888.
180 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
The opposite reaction was manifested by an anonymous person
who sent the following poem to Mrs. S alter with a pair of men's
pants drawn on the card:
When a woman leaves her natural sphere,
And without her sex's modesty or fear
Assays the part of man,
She, in her weak attempts to rule,
But makes herself a mark for ridicule,
A laughing-stock and sham.
Article of greatest use is to her then
Something worn distinctively by men —
A pair of pants will do.
Thus she will plainly demonstrate
That Nature made a great mistake
In sexing such a shrew.
Letters of congratulations — some from nobility — were sent from
France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and other European countries.
Most of the foreign letters were written in the native tongue of the
writer and were untranslatable by any of the citizens of Argonia.
The following letter with misspellings and a misconception is typical
except that it was written in English:
VIENNA, 27 July 87
My lady!
I thank an american friend your adress and he assure me that you are
particularly amiable against strangers. Trusting of this, I pray you, to mark
me a dealer, ingeneer or other person in your city or county, from which I
could draw beautiful minerals for scientific purposes. Specially there cause
before in Arizona [obviously the European is confusing Argonia with Arizona]
excellent Mulfeurtes, Vanaduit, Desclorrit, Opals, ect. ect.
Thanking you before hand, I am allways to your disposition and remain as
Your obedient servant
JULIUS BOHM
Feminists and leaders of the women's rights movement from all
over the world wrote letters of congratulations and encouragement
to the new mayor. An enthusiastic admirer sent this effusion:
FULTON OSWEGO Co. N. Y. October 25th, 1887
MRS. SUSANNA MADORA SALTER, Argonia, Kansas,
Dear Madam, I write you this letter to you feeling interested in the equality
of man and woman, and as your state Kansas, stands first to open the double
door for a higher civilization to the whole world.
The dreams of my childhood have bloomed, and ripened, into a rich fruitage,
in the person of Mrs. Salter. Allow me to congratulate you; as I feel proud of
My Sister Woman in her manifest ability as Mayor of Argonia.
Most Respectfully,
MRS. MARY C. KNIGHT
A Lecturer on popular science
SUSANNA SALTER — FIRST WOMAN MAYOR 181
Perhaps the most famous person writing a letter to the new mayor
was Frances E. Willard, the vigorous advocate of woman's rights and
outstanding national leader of the W. C. T. U. The following letter
Mrs. Salter cherishes as one of her prized possessions:
EVANSTON, ILL. Aug. 18, 1887
HON. MRS. S. SALTER,
Mayor of Argonia Kansas,
Dear Friend,
I am sending you some of our documents and publications and I wish you
would write me ( on your official heading ) a note that I can read to audiences,
showing the good of woman's ballot as a temperance weapon and the advantage
of women in office.
With best wishes to the "Best Mayor," I am
^ Yours sincerely,
FRANCES E. WELLARD
Mrs. Salter, of course, had no money allotted to her for official
stationery. In fact, her salary for the year was only one dollar. She
spent many times her salary in just answering part of her "fan mail"
while she was in office.
Equal suffrage was no small or inconsequential movement, but
one in which its advocates worked militantly and tirelessly. Except
for financial limits, their enthusiasm knew no bounds. The follow-
ing letter from the president of the Kansas Equal Suffrage Association
shows the enthusiasm of the suffrage movement in America at the
time Mrs. Salter was elected mayor:
SALINA KAN. 7/23 1887
DEAR MRS. SALTER
. . . How big is Argonia? If I were to bring speakers there, do you think
collections could be taken sufficient to pay expenses? I would like to see an
Equal Suffrage organization in Argonia. We are going into work for an
amendment to our State Constitution, and we must be organized. To raise
money to pay the expenses of organizing where the suffragists are not strong
enough to do it all, we are taking part in the Boston Bazaar and it is suggested
that you send as many of your Photos as you can afford to that Bazaar. We
think they will sell readily and net us quite a handsome little sum. And if
your lady photographer is a good suffragist (and I hope she is) she ought to
"go halvers" with you, as the boys say, and that would be yours and hers — a
joint contribution. What do you think . . .? Why, my dear, you don't
know what a prominent figure you are in history, and I just hope you are getting
along as well as you can wish to.
I am coming down there to speak as soon as I can arrange my awful load
of other business. . . .
Yours very cordially
LAURA M JOHNS.
In the fall of 1887 Mrs. Johns invited Mrs. Salter to speak at the
Kansas Women's Equal Suffrage Association's convention to be
182 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
held at Newton. Appearing on the platform with the mayor were
Susan B. Anthony, Rachael Foster Avery, the Rev. Anna Shaw, and
Henry Blackwell, husband of Lucy Stone.10 When Mrs. Salter was
introduced to Susan B. Anthony before the program began, Miss
Anthony — instead of shaking the mayor's hand — slapped her on the
shoulder and exclaimed, "Why, you look just like any other woman,
don't you?" n
The newspapers made much of the fact that Mrs. Salter was only
27 years old when she was elected mayor. The Salem (Mass.)
Register pointed out that she was only five feet, three inches tall,
and that she never had domestic help until her election. The
Western newspapers paid little attention to her domestic help prob-
lem. They noted that she was a strong woman, even though weigh-
ing only 128 pounds. One paper wrote, "She is a frontiersman's wife,
possessed of brawn and sinew, rather than pleasing plumpness of
form. She talks in an easy, confident style, in fairly good English, in
which the Western mixture of tenses becomes prominent. She is
always properly dignified, and in all the experience of Argonia has
never been known to crack a joke in the Council chamber."
As has already been pointed out, Mrs. Salter did not choose to run
for re-election. One year of political life was all that she desired.
The Salters continued to live in Argonia until the Cherokee strip
was opened in present Oklahoma in 1893. In that year Salter filed
on a claim one mile south of Alva, Okla., and soon he moved his
family to the new territory. Ten years later he sold his farm and
moved to Augusta, where he practiced law and established a news-
paper, The Headlight, which he edited and published with the as-
sistance of his older sons. A few years later many Augustans moved
to the new townsite of Carmen. The Salters were a part of this
movement, with The Headlight and the law office also being moved.
After her husband's death on August 2, 1916, Mrs. Salter moved her
family to Norman, Okla., in order that her younger children might
attend the state university there. She has been living in Norman
ever since.
On November 10, 1933, Mrs. Salter was honored by the citizens
of Argonia. In her presence and with a great deal of ceremony, a
bronze plaque mounted on a stone base was unveiled on the public
square. The plaque was donated by the Woman's Kansas Day Club
10. Lewis S. Salter, "Susanna Madora Salter," Kansas Library Bulletin, Topeka, v. 4
(June, 1935), pp. 13, 14.
11. Mrs. Salter was also acquainted with Carry Nation. She tells the story of Mrs.
Nation reprimanding her one time for attending a football game. Mrs. Salter was not
one to yield to such a reprimand. She replied, "Not go to the game? Why, I have a son
on the team!"
SUSANNA SALTER — FIRST WOMAN MAYOR 183
and its unveiling and presentation was the culmination of a project
conceived by the president of the club, Stella B. Haines of Augusta.
The words on the plaque read:
IN HONOR
OF
MRS. SUSANNA MADORA SALTER,
FIRST WOMAN MAYOR IN THE
UNITED STATES.
SHE SERVED AS MAYOR OF ARGONIA, KANSAS,
1887.
BORN, MARCH 2, 1860.
Marker Placed by
Woman's Kansas Day Club,
1933.
At the age of 94, Mrs. Salter still [October, 1954] takes an active
interest in political and religious affairs. Since turning 90 this un-
usual woman has vowed that she will walk a mile every birthday for
the remainder of her life. She prides herself on her independence,
living in an apartment where she keeps house and cooks meals for
herself. Unaccompanied, she makes regular trips to Oklahoma City
and occasional ones to Wichita and Chicago. Although she is
forced to wear a hearing aid, she is still keenly alert to her sur-
roundings and her guests.
Notes on the Writing of General
Histories of Kansas
JAMES C. MALIN
PART ONE: THE SETTING OF THE STAGE
INTRODUCTION: DEFINITIONS
TT7HEN one refers to a history of Kansas, or of any other subject,
V V the term "a history" suggests to most people a historical work
in the form of a book. But for such purposes, as well as for the
present article, a definition of the two terms, "book" and "general
history" is necessary, and some consideration must be given to their
relations to each other. Many books were written about Kansas that
do not qualify, properly, as histories, even though their titles offered
them to the public as histories, and they contained historical ma-
terial. In order to qualify as a general history of Kansas, the primary
purpose of the work must be a history of the territory and of the state
as a whole, or of some substantial period of time. In that sense the
history of a particular aspect or institution would not qualify as a
general history of Kansas. The question may be raised also whether
a history must necessarily be in book form. The answer is no.
The last question suggests other problems of definition. What is
a book? What determines whether or not a publication is a book?
The number of pages, or the binding, or both? Books may be bound
in boards or in paper, according to the custom of the country, or as
a matter of cost or convenience. The United States post office de-
fines a book as any publication "containing 24 pages or more, at
least 22 of which are printed and consisting wholly of reading matter
. . . and containing no advertising matter other than incidental
announcements of books." Obviously, any definition is arbitrary,
but the important thing is that it must have meaning that enables
people to understand each other. For present purposes, a book is
any publication "containing 24 pages or more, at least 22 of which
are printed . . ." regardless of the binding.
BOOKS ABOUT KANSAS, 1854-1860
A large number of early books about Kansas, as distinct from
histories of Kansas, were published during the territorial period, and
are necessary to any study of the beginnings of the writing of the
history of Kansas. Without any pretense of absolute completeness,
DR. JAMES C. MALIN, associate editor of The Kansas Historical Quarterly, is professor of
history at the University of Kansas, Lawrence.
(184)
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 185
a list of these for the territorial years is given here, grouped alpha-
betically according to the year of publication.1
BOOKS ABOUT KANSAS, IN YEAR GROUPS,
ARRANGED ALPHABETICALLY BY AUTHOR, 1854-1860
1854
EDWARD EVERETT HALE, Kanzas and Nebraska: The History, Geographical and
Physical Characteristics . . . With an Original Map ( Boston, 1854 ) .
MASSACHUSETTS EMIGRANT AID COMPANY, Nebraska and Kansas. Report of a
Committee of the Massachusetts Emigrant Aid Company, With an Act of
Incorporation, . . . (Boston, 1854).
MASSACHUSETTS EMIGRANT AID COMPANY, Organization, Objects, and Plan of
Operations, of the Emigrant Aid Company: Also a Description of Kansas.
For the Information of Emigrants. 2d edition, with additions (Boston,
1854). [This publication contains only 24 pages, 22 of which are reading
matter, plus a title page and its reverse, the minimum necessary to qualify as
a book. The same material set in type a little differently might have fallen
short of 22 pages of reading matter. This illustration demonstrates vividly
how arbitrary any definition of a book must necessarily be.]
GEORGE WALTER, History of Kansas, Also Information Regarding Routes, Laws,
etc., etc., by George Walter, Agent and Master of Emigration of the New
York Kanzas League (New York, 1854).
1855
C. B. BOYNTON AND T. B. MASON, A Journey Through Kansas; With Sketches of
Nebraska (Cincinnati, 1855). [The authors were members of a committee
acting for The American Reform Tract and Book Society, and The Kansas
League of Cincinnati.]
J. BUTLER CHAPMAN, History of Kansas and Emigrant's Guide. A Description
. . . Compiled From Three Months Travel Through the Territory in
1854. By ... a resident since the settlement . . . with map
(Akron, Ohio, 1855).
JOSEPH F. MOFFETTE, The Territories of Kansas and Nebraska, Being an Ac-
count of Their Geography, Resources, and Settlements, accompanied by
1. No attempt is made to assign chronological priorities within the year of publication.
Some came so close together as to render sequences a matter of doubt, and to rob a priority,
if established, of any significance except possibly to collectors.
Cora Dolbee undertook to establish the ordinal sequence of books about Kansas, but her
assignment of positions is an example of the difficulties involved, and of a doubtful value of
the effort expended.
Only where the influence of one book upon another, or upon the course of events is at
issue, do some of these fine points of mere priority have any real importance.
Cora Dolbee, "The First Book on Kansas: The Story of Edward Everett Kale's Kanzas
and Nebraska," The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 2 (May, 1933), pp. 139-181; "The Sec-
ond Book on Kansas: An Account of C. B. Boynton and T. B. Mason's A Journey Through
Kansas; With Sketches of Nebraska," ibid., v. 4 (May, 1935), pp. 115-148; "The Third Book
on Kansas: An Interpretation of J. Butler Chapman's History of Kansas and Emigrant's
Guide," ibid., v. 8 (August, 1939), pp. 238-278.
According to the listing here, the^rank of Boynton and Mason's book might be fifth, and
Chapman's sixth or seventh. Colton's successive new editions, with some changes of text,
might be listed separately as different books, or merely as different editions of a single book.
The ordinal ranking of books would be substantially modified by the answer given to that
question. Mrs. Robinson's successive printings, without change of text, would probably
be dealt with more reasonably as a single book.
13_4663
186 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
elaborate maps (New York, J. H. Colton and company, 1855). [Another
edition appeared in 1856.]
Unsigned [WALTER B. SLOAN, Publisher], History and Map of Kansas 6- Ne-
braska Describing Soil, Climate, Rivers, Prairies, . . . Politics Excepted
(Chicago, Walter B. Sloan, 1855). [Two editions, the first of 112 pages,
and the second of 144 pages. A publisher's apology in the second edition
explained that the additional material had been printed in Sloan's Garden
City of the West, March and April, 1855. The Sloan family made patent
medicines, "Sloan's Liniment," etc., and in its first issues, the magazine had
some resemblance to a literary house organ. The authorship of the history
has not been established.]
1856
G. D. BREWERTON, The War in Kansas. A Rough Trip to the Border, Among
New Homes and Strange People (New York, 1856). [Brewerton was sent
out by the New York Herald. The book was reissued at least twice, 1859
and 1860, but under a different title: Wars of the Western Border; or, New
Homes and Strange People, but apparently from the same plates.]
C. W. BRIGGS, The Reign of Terror in Kanzas: as Encouraged by President
Pierce and Carried Out by the Slave Power (Boston, 1856).
MAX GREENE, The Kanzas Region: Forest, Prairie, Desert, Mountain, Vale, and
River. Descriptions . . . Interspersed With Incidents of Travel
. . . (New York, 1856).
WILLIAM A. HOWARD, Chairman, JOHN SHERMAN, and MORDECAI OLIVER, House
Select Committee, Report of the Special Committee Appointed to Investigate
the Troubles in Kansas; With the Views of the Minority of Said Committee,
House of Representatives Report No. 200, 34 Congress, 1 session (Wash-
ington, D. C., 1856). vii, 132 + 1206 pp.
[JOHN MCNAMARA], In Perils of Mine Own Countrymen. Three Years on the
Kansas Border, by a clergyman of the Episcopal Church (New York and
Auburn, 1856). [This book was published anonymously, but the Kansas
State Historical Society has a copy signed by the author.]
O. N. MERRILL, True History of the Kansas Wars, Their Origin, Progress and
Incidents (Cincinnati, 1856). Reprinted in The Magazine of History, With
Notes and Queries, Extra number 178, v. 45 (1932), No. 2, pp. 67-124.
(Tarrytown, N. Y., reprinted by William Abbatt, 1932.) [Two of his six
chapters were little more than reprints of F. M. Coleman's and Robert F.
Barber's narratives from Brewerton, The War in Kansas. Much of the re-
mainder of the book was reprints of other documents. Mildly Proslavery,
the author blamed both sides and appealed to common sense and mutual
tolerance.]
WILLIAM A. PHILLIPS, The Conquest of Kansas, by Missouri and Her Allies.
A History of the Troubles in Kansas, From the Passage of the Organic Act
Until the Close of July, 1856 (Boston, 1856).
SARA T. L. ROBINSON [MRS. CHARLES ROBINSON], Kansas; Its Interior and Ex-
terior Life . . . (Boston, 1856). [The present author has identified
five editions (in reality, printings) dated 1856, and two, the seventh and
eighth, dated 1857. The sixth and the ninth have not been verified as to
dating. The tenth edition came in 1899, with additional matter.]
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 187
[HANNAH ANDERSON ROPES], Six Months in Kansas. By a Lady (Boston,
Cleveland, New York, 1856). [Apparently there were several printings.
The University of Kansas Library copy is labelled, "Fourth thousand/']
PHILO TOWER, Slavery Unmasked: Being a Truthful Narrative of a Three Years'
Residence and Journeying in the Eleven Southern States: to Which Is Added
the Invasion of Kansas, Including the Last Chapter of Her Wrongs, by Rev.
Philo Tower (Rochester, New York, 1856).
Unsigned, Western Border Life; or, What Fanny Hunter Saw and Heard in Kan-
sas and Missouri (New York, 1856). [The Kansas struggle according to
historical fiction; possibly the first novel in which Kansas was made the
setting.]
1857
JOHN H. GIHON, Geary and Kansas, Governor Geary's Administration in Kansas.
With a Complete History of the Territory Until June, 1857 . . . (Phila-
delphia, J. H. C. Whiting, 1857). •• [Another edition, with same title, except
punctuation and "July, 1857" instead of "June, 1857," was published also
in Philadelphia, C. C. Rhodes, 1857. A third edition, without date or place,
was published by Cone.]
THOMAS H. GLADSTONE, Kansas; or, Squatter Life and Border Warfare in the
Far West . . . With Additions and Corrections (London, 1857).
[Gladstone was an Englishman and printed the first version in the London
Times. The United States edition was printed under the title: The English-
man in Kansas; or, Squatter Life and Border Warfare. Also, there were two
German translations.]
NATHAN HOWE PARKER, The Kansas and Nebraska Hand-Book. For 1857-8.
With a New and Accurate Map (Boston and Cleveland, 1857).
1858
No important book was published on Kansas.
1859
WILLIAM P. TOMLINSON, Kansas in Eighteen Fifty-eight. Being Chiefly of the
Recent Troubles in the Territory (New York, 1859).
S. G. FISHER, The Law of the Territories (Philadelphia, 1859).
The great book production stimulus of 1859 was the Pike's Peak Gold Rush.
Eleven books, mostly "guide books," of more than 24 pages, were issued,
and several smaller ones. For titles see the Wagner-Camp bibliography,
The Plains and the Rockies, 1800-1865 (1937).
1860
The only important Kansas books were again the Pike's Peak guides, three of
them in excess of 24 pages.
JOHN DOY, The narrative of John Doy, of Lawrence, Kansas ( New York, Printed
for the author by Thomas Holman, 1860 ) .
In the foregoing list, the year 1854 contains only four titles that
qualify under the definition as books. The year 1855, with four,
represents a continuity of interest, really an increase, beyond the
188 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
number of titles, because of the more substantial character of the
publications, and the fact that they were the product of more inde-
pendent origins. The year 1856 was the peak of activity in Kansas
book making, with 11 titles, and most of them issued by commercial
presses. Nothing could make clearer than this record of the number
of publications the significance of the year 1856 in Kansas history;
the presidential campaign, the Republican party organized, and
Kansas — Bleeding Kansas — as the indispensable issue for holding
together in a semblance of unity the diverse elements of the new
party. Only the Merrill book and the Oliver Minority Report of the
Howard committee were not antislavery in outlook. Without a
presidential campaign in the states that year, it is a moot question
whether serious trouble would have occurred in Kansas. Unfortu-
nately for the historian, the experiment cannot be rerun in a labora-
tory, like a chemistry or physics problem, and a determination made
of what would happen if any of several factors were removed from
the operation.
Only three important titles appeared in 1857, the critical year
during which the Free-State party gained control of the territorial
legislature. In 1858 no important book appeared, although that was
the year of mid-term elections in the states, and of the Lecompton
constitutional controversy in congress, while Kansas and Missouri
suffered under the excitement of the southeastern Kansas border war.
Only one important book, Tomlinson, Kansas in Eighteen Fifty-eight,
published in 1859, came out of that disgraceful episode. The Fisher
book, The Law of the Territories, was a general theoretical study,
and a warning against the extremists, in which Kansas really ap-
peared only as the horrible example. A question might be raised
legitimately whether it should be classified as a Kansas book. In
any case, the inclusion here is imperative, if for no other reason, to
document the difficulties met in deciding what should be considered
a Kansas book. For reasons that will appear later, the present
writer would place it in two categories of books; those applicable
to Kansas and to the United States.
The year 1859, notable for the Pike's Peak Gold Rush to western
Kansas territory, was a complete change of scene as well as form of
excitement. Books about Kansas again became best sellers, and in
a bigger way than ever, but the focus of interest was gold not Kansas.
However potent the gold fever, it must not be permitted to detour
attention from the main problem. Book-wise, Kansas was not really
a best-seller subject after 1857, and even the Gihon and the Glad-
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 189
stone books of that year were only delayed fifty-sixers. This collapse
in the production of new slavery-inspired books on Kansas is a fact
that was remarkable in itself, and has not been the subject of explicit
comment by historians. This trend ran counter to rising tension in
the states which culminated in 1861. It suggests that some re-exami-
nation is in order of the assumptions that have become traditional
about the relation of Kansas to the crisis of 1861.
In addition to the types of books already listed, two other classes
must be mentioned, briefly. The general subject of the American
West was already a topic of recognized reader interest in the book
trade. "The Great West" had come into its own when the upper
Ohio valley was the Great West. As the population filled into other
areas within the Mississippi valley the names of new places were
included in the books. Emigrant and traveler guide books multi-
plied and some of the more important houses, such as J. H. Colton
and Company, issued their several series of guides. Colton's The
Western Tourist and Emigrant Guide, first published in 1839, under-
went successive expansions until the 1850 edition listed Nebraska
territory, the 1852 edition was similar, and the 1855 edition included
Kansas, but only incidentally on the map.
Histories of the Great West expanded their coverage likewise.
Thus Henry Howe's Historical Collections of the Great West
. . ., copyrighted originally in 1851, included the far Western
country, Texas, New Mexico, Oregon, California, Utah, and Minne-
sota. The edition of 1854 added Washington, Nebraska, and Kansas.
By 1856, if not before, the book included the Pacific railroad (pp.
440-448), and a page of Kansas views with an 1856 copyright notice
and a caption stating they were taken in May, 1856. Of particular
interest are views of Lawrence and Leavenworth, facing p. 370, in
the California section. Two editions of the book were issued during
1857. Early in that year an edition was prepared, that of 1856
unchanged except for the addition of an "Appendix Containing His-
tory of Kansas," pp. 449-527, and the page of views as of May,
1856, facing p. 449. In this Kansas appendix, Howe leaned heavily
upon the Howard committee Report on the Troubles in Kansas, and
upon Oliver's Minority Report, as well as upon Phillips' Conquest of
Kansas. As did most of the other books on Kansas, the Kansas-
Nebraska act was represented as a sudden decision, forced through
congress by the slavocracy in indecent haste. But that aspect was
offset somewhat by the most candid presentation of the facts and
allegations brought out in the Oliver Minority Report, revealing the
190 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
details of the Pottawatomie massacre. John Brown was identified
explicitly by Howe as the responsible leader in that episode. Prob-
ably this was the first candid presentation of the Pottawatomie
massacre to the reading public in book form, other than the public
document upon which it was based. That fact has thus far escaped
notice in the writing about the John Brown theme.
During the same year, however, Howe issued a new edition, the
second of the two editions of 1857, with a new title, The Great West
. . . Enlarged Edition (576 pages). The preface reported that
80,000 copies of the successive printings of the basic 1851 edition had
been issued, and "As in the interval many important changes have
taken place in the West, the book has been remodeled and the cur-
rent of events brought down to the present time/' Nebraska now had
a separate chapter (pp. 501-512), and Kansas another (pp. 512-554),
and a new area, the Lake Superior had been added. For present
purposes, however, the most significant change in the Kansas chap-
ter was the elimination of most of the Oliver Minority Report, and
all of the John Brown documents. The realistic description of the
Pottawatomie massacre gave way to a version that falsified the
affair and dealt with it in one sentence: "On the 26th [25] of May,
a skirmish occurred at the settlement of Osawattamie, in which
three Free State and five pro-Slavery men were killed." Thus far
no clue has been found to the pressures that brought about this con-
cession to antislavery-abolition propaganda, but the record of the
change itself is damning. In 1873 came still another major rewriting
of The Great West, but the legend about John Brown stood un-
changed from the form given it in the late 1857 edition.2 Another
book in the same class, but purely perfunctory in its handling of
Kansas material, is Jacob Ferris, The States and Territories of the
Great West . . . (New York, and Buffalo, 1856).
A different type of general treatment of a historical subject is
represented in a book on the history of slavery. In this class, prior
to the Civil War, the book of W. O. Blake, History of Slavery and the
Slave Trade . . . (Columbus, Ohio, 1860), is of some impor-
tance. It was an extreme antislavery production and devoted the
final five chapters to the Kansas question, opening the polemic
2. The present author has located 11 printings of the several versions of The Great West
(1851, 1852, 1853, 1854, two in 1855, 1856, two in 1857, 1859, 1873). There were
three substantially different versions of the book as a whole; the basic original text of 1851;
and the rewritings of late 1857 and 1873. There were three major additions, apparently,
to the basic text of 1851, prior to the rewriting of 1857. The present author has examined
only the printings of 1852, 1853, two of 1857, and 1873. The other data are taken
from Sabin, Roorbach, and the Library of Congress Catalog of Printed Cards. Information
now at hand indicates that there were two variant title pages of the earlier edition of 1857,
but a fuller description must be deferred.
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 191
discussion with the Compromise measures of 1850 (pp. 563-825).
It was more to the liking of the antislavery north than Howe's book,
which was unsympathetic to John Brown, and therefore had a greater
survival odds in Kansas after the Civil War, until the 1873 edition of
Howe appeared.
ORGANIZATION AND ISSUES OF KANSAS HISTORY
In studying the manner in which Kansas history has been written,
two widely contrasting views are in evidence; the slavery interpre-
tation, the tradition growing out of the territorial controversy; and
a cultural approach, a larger conception which deals with the oc-
cupancy of the area by European culture as it had been modified
in America. This latter view ^requires a description of the world
and continental setting of the area that came to be called Kansas
at the mid-point in the 19th century. The men who were engaged
in establishing occupancy in the North American grassland were
men whose outlook had been shaped largely by a forest experience.
Their most difficult task was to reshape their outlook and to accept
the grassland environment on its own terms. Instead of bemoaning
the differences between forest and grassland environment as evi-
dence of deficiencies of the latter, they had to learn to deal with
them as normal characteristics and to capitalize upon them as ad-
vantages.
Only one book, during the territorial period, approached the
area in a manner that suggested anything of a sound and com-
prehensive approach to its history, and one that would relegate the
slavery issue to something like its proper proportions. It was the
work of William Gilpin, a Pennsylvania-born Missourian, of Inde-
pendence, and was miscalled The Central Gold Region . . .
(Philadelphia, 1860). The content of the book was primarily a
series of papers he had prepared prior to the gold discovery, and
dealt with his geographical interpretation of history, and with the
relation of the interior of North America west of Independence to
this larger context of human history. In doing this, Gilpin gave
the Trans-Mississippi West a meaningful setting in World history.
His thinking was not altogether sound, but nevertheless was pro-
vocative and significant. Of much lesser import, yet important,
was the work of another Missourian by adoption, C. C. Spaulding,
Annals of the City of Kansas: Embracing . . . the Trade and
Commerce of the Great Western Plains . . . (Kansas City,
1858; Reprint: Kansas City, Mo., Frank Glenn, 1950). Kansans
192 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
of 1858 were too much dominated by their prejudices to appreciate
that this book explained quite accurately the enduring position of
Kansas in relation to what was then called officially, the City of
Kansas, Missouri, as a "Metropolitan center." 3
The structure of Kansas history, as it was being shaped in the
myopia of the dominant antislavery present of the 1850's, was
quite different from the larger view of these Missouri neighbors,
Gilpin and Spaulding, or of that remarkable newspaper editor of
the City of Kansas, R. T. Van Horn of the Enterprise, renamed the
Journal of Commerce, whose ideas are in the files of his paper in-
stead of in a formal book.
The traditional view of Kansas territorial history makes slavery
the single issue. The fragmented aspect of Kansas territorial his-
tory embraced in that narrow frame of reference falls naturally
into three periods: (1) the single issue of Free-State versus Pro-
slavery control, 1854-1859; (2) the single issue of Republican party
control, 1859 and later; (3) the battle for honors and credits in
Kansas history — who and what policy made Kansas free? — 1870's
and later.
Within this single issue frame of reference, a limited list of topics
is compiled for somewhat systematic comparative treatment as
they appeared in the histories under review. The criterion for
selection is primarily the importance they were assigned because of
the battle for honors and credits. Who was responsible for the
Kansas-Nebraska act: Sen. Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois, the slav-
ocracy, or the Missourians? Who was the aggressor, Proslavery or
Free-State forces? Did leadership in the Free-State resistance
movement center in Leavenworth or in Lawrence? WTiat was the
role of the New England Emigrant Aid Company? The Robinson-
Lane rivalry? The Wood-Abbott rivalry? Of Jones and Lecompte
in the "Sack of Lawrence?" Of John Brown in the Wakarusa War,
the Pottawatomie Massacre, and the southeastern Kansas war? Was
the issue of prairie environment recognized?
PHILLIPS, Conquest of Kansas by Missouri
A discussion of the historical aspects of all of these books about
Kansas is not practicable in this article, but William A. Phillips' The
Conquest of Kansas, by Missouri and Her Allies. A History of the
Troubles in Kansas, From the Passage of the Organic Act Until the
3. James C. Malin, The Grassland of North America: Prolegomena to Its History
(Lawrence, 1947), especially pp. 177-192; Grassland Historical Studies, v. 1, Geology
and Geography (Lawrence, 1950), especially pt. 2, "Early History of the Town of
Kansas. . . ."
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 193
Close of July, 1856 is of such importance to the problem that it must
be considered in some detail. William Addison Phillips (1824-
1893), a Scot by birth, arrived in the United States at the age of 12.
In 1855, at the age of 31, he was sent to Kansas by the New York
Tribune as "Our Special Correspondent in Kansas." His persistence
in gathering facts, even though they were highly colored by his radi-
cal position on the slavery question, soon resulted in securing recog-
nition for him as the ablest letter writer in the Kansas field. The year
1856, a presidential campaign year, saw Phillips committed to the
newly organized Republican party, and in the late summer his letters
to the Tribune afforded the basis for this partisan campaign book
which was announced in The Daily Tribune, October 11, 1856. The
title claimed that the book was^a history, but if so, it was "current
history," or more properly "current events." The book was im-
portant, however, in providing a formula or mold for those which
were to follow, both in polemic literature and in history. Because
of his far-reaching influence, the structure of his thought and the
organization of material must be analyzed.
His preface poses a question that is critical to any historian: Are
truth and impartiality attainable and compatible? His answer was
in the negative, that they were not necessarily the same thing or
even compatible. He confessed that he made no "elaborate asser-
tion of impartiality," yet he offered his book "as the simple truth."
In this case, he did not consider impartiality "as very creditable" —
in fact he insisted that he could not conscientiously "purchase a
doubtful reputation for impartiality at the sacrifice of a truthful
record." Having made this abstract commitment, as governing his
concept of the historian's function, it is important to relate it to his
view of the nature of the Kansas question.
Phillips' discussion of the theory and practice of territorial gov-
ernment (pp. 65-69) was fundamental to his book as history. This
fact has never been recognized in the use made of the book in the
writing either of the general history of the United States or of Kan-
sas. It provided the theoretical framework for his interpretation of
Republican party political philosophy, as he understood it, as well as
for his attack upon the Douglas theory of popular or squatter sov-
ereignty. Thus, in stating in positive terms the working theory of
territorial status Phillips asserted that: "Our general government
is one of conceded rights; our state governments rest on reserved
rights. ... A territory has conceded nothing and reserved
nothing. It has no right to the advantage of a compact, for it is a
party to no compact." He postulated: (1) that a territory cannot
194 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
set itself up independently of the Union; (2) that it cannot thrust
itself upon the Union as a state; (3) that congress has the right to
fix the terms of its admission. Without naming them as background,
these propositions referred back to the Northwest ordinance of 1787
and the constitution, drafted in the same year, but they may be
viewed as corollaries drawn from his premise, that the authority over
the territories was acquired by the sword, and would be maintained
in the same manner. Relinquishment of authority, by the same
token, could come only by consent or by conquest. The Kansas-
Nebraska act did not relinquish authority: "As a nation we claim to
have authority over the national domain, and we suppose we mean to
exercise it."
This was a grim view of the problem, but Phillips thought of him-
self as a realist: "Governments are not theories, but facts." He had
admitted earlier in his exposition, that:
A territorial government is something contradictory in our history. It is
unknown to our constitution, and foreign to the spirit of our institutions. The
system has grown up and been tolerated by necessity. The theory of our gov-
ernment is simply that it shall be formed by the people among whom it obtains;
shall be dependent upon them, and thus express the popular sentiment. A
territorial government is something very different from this, and it is so of
necessity. The blunder, if there was any, lay in the acquirement of the territory
at first. This has been done, however; and, judging from the popular feeling,
it will be done again.
In Phillips' exposition the recurrence of the word "necessity" is
significant; also the fact that he did not attempt to show how it was
necessary. In his whole discussion of theory, he used the word "con-
stitution" only once, and that was in the context just quoted. In view
of the legalistic character of most of the argument of the 1850's over
the issues at stake, Phillips' form of argument is worthy of note —
a parade of the theoretical, tailored to the requirements of practical
politics — as he put it: "Governments are not theories, but facts."
The body of philosophical and ethical ideas known as pragmatism
supposedly had not been formulated until the 20th century, but
Phillips' insistence that he was facing facts, in reality a rationalized
opportunism in political and ethical theory and practice, with its
parade, nevertheless, of moral idealism, bears many resemblances.
He called it eclecticism. Certainly, his thought was not character-
ized by the absolutes that the 20th century subjective relativists at-
tributed to the 19th century. As in the case of most ad hoc justifica-
tions of any age, emotional commitments supplied the absolutes.
In the territories, Phillips asserted, civil rights, but not political
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 195
rights were guaranteed; the rights "of preservation of life and prop-
erty" assured to all citizens of the United States anywhere "through-
out the world." Of course, Phillips evaded the fact that no consti-
tutional definition of citizenship existed prior to the 14th amendment,
and differences over this very matter were at the heart of the whole
issue of slavery and the status of the Negro as a race.
Again, in describing the power of congress over the territories,
Phillips asserted that "as a nation we own them/' and the authority
might be expressed in the term "national sovereignty" or any other
equivalent. On this basis, the territories had "no political power
but such as Congress concedes to them."
So much for the power. Phillips appealed to the people not to
abuse that power: "Having introduced a feature foreign to our
republican institutions, it is our duty, as the next best thing we can
do, to make it conform to republicanism as much as possible." By
this he did not mean republicanism as a political party faith, but as
a form of popular government. In the 1850's the word democracy
was little used for that purpose.
Again and again, in this dissertation upon the nature of govern-
ment in the United States, Phillips used the terms nation and na-
tional and not the terms federation and federal. Even in differenti-
ating "conceded" and "reserved" rights, he coupled it in the next
sentence with a reference to "the national compact," meaning the
constitution. But after using such terminology, Phillips denied the
right of a majority of the nation to determine the territorial institu-
tions, because the people of the states were no more residents of the
territories than the reverse.
How could republicanism be best preserved in the territories?
Phillips insisted that: "The moment that Congress is satisfied that
a majority of these people have decided in favor of such an un-
objectionable form of state government, it will be conceded, by
every honorable and correct mind, that it is their duty to restore
them to their rights as American citizens" — that is, admit them into
the Union as states.
The Phillips formula contained several jokers, particularly the
words "majority" and "unobjectionable." He admitted that the
decision upon the word "majority" must be arbitrary; not "three or
four irresponsible buccaneers," federal appointees under squatter
sovereignty, but: "We cannot escape the dilemma by fixing any
number of settlers as a point where principle interferes in favor of
their rights. At what point of aggregation do men become capable
196 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
of, and entitled to, self-government? We can neither escape the
point nor its responsibility." Phillips himself, however, did evade
the responsibility, and provided no solution. The answer to the
question raised by the second word appeared to have been given
in the denial of the right of a territory to "thrust itself into the Union
with all the evils and impolicy of slavery, or polygamy, or cannibal-
ism, . . . [or] Russian autocratism. . . " The logic of the
argument on this point would seem to be a denial of the right of
congress to admit any slave state, or any state cursed with any of
the evils enumerated, regardless of the will of a "majority" of its
people.
Phillips denied the right of national majorities to determine the
institutions of a territory, but accepted the claim of right of congres-
sional majorities to determine whether the territory, in offering itself
as a state, be accepted or rejected on the ground of objectionability
of its constitution as voted by its own people. But the Missouri
Compromise was a congressional determination of the institutions
of territories and of the states to be formed from them. Republican
denunciation of the repeal of this restriction was a reassertion of
that alleged right, and was the cornerstone of the new Republican
party in behalf of which his book was written. How could these
contradictions be reconciled legislatively, theoretically, or practi-
cally? Phillips did not attempt to reconcile them, unless his dictum
be accepted in that light, when he wrote:
Governments are not theories, but facts. We have territories. . . . We
assume their governments; having it, it is our duty to take care of them. Having
introduced a feature foreign to our republican institutions, it is our duty, as the
next best thing we can do, to make it conform to republicanism as much as
possible.
Phillips' argument has been analyzed at some length because
he was the ablest journalist present on the scene in Kansas, wielding
great influence and unlike the other letter-writers, remained in Kan-
sas not only through the whole territorial period, but made it his
permanent home. He was particularly clever at the art of propa-
ganda, and therefore the form of presentation of his argument must
be broken down and restated. Only by breaking the mold and re-
assembling the parts in a different sequence can the implications,
logical inconsistencies, and omissions of his rationalizations be ex-
posed. He was a master in the practice of using language as a
device to conceal thought, yet to influence people, effectively,
through their emotions.
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 197
Having described the Republican party view of territorial govern-
ment as Phillips interpreted it, the next task is to restate his version
of the Douglas or National Democratic theory of popular sover-
eignty. Phillips referred to squatter sovereignty as merely a "dodge":
Douglas pretended this [squatter sovereignty] was the design of the bill; but
Douglas knew better. Had he been sincere, he would not have dared to frame
a bill by which the executive of the territory and the judiciary were simply
the appointees of the President, and, it might be, the tools of a faction. Taking
the position he pretended to take, he would have known that this was a gross
imposition on men's rights.
Phillips charged specifically that the provisions "allowing the Presi-
dent to appoint corrupt officers [to enforce the laws], have pre-
vented the people from having any means of remedy against the
abuse of power on them, except in revolution." His conclusion was
that: "It should require no logic to show that there was not much
sovereignity of the people in this."
Phillips' argument was a curious mixture of facts and falsehood.
The form of the Kansas territorial government was traditional in
all respects. The same provisions for redress of grievances pre-
vailed as in other territories, together with a procedure expressly
prescribed under the squatter sovereignty principles, for judicial
determination of constitutional questions that might arise out of
the issue of slave property. Phillips' charge that there was no
remedy for abuse of power, "except in revolution," was false. One
of the most peculiar aspects of the whole Kansas controversy, and
one that has never received direct attention from historians, is the
fact that appeal to judicial determination of any of the controversies
arising out of the Kansas question was never resorted to by the Free-
State forces. For reasons best known to themselves, the Free-State
men in Kansas, and the Republican party on the federal level, chose
to pretend that they had no remedy but the right of revolution.
In defending Judge Samuel D. Lecompte, James A. Stewart, in
congress, challenged them point blank to bring a test case in the
courts, but they ignored him. They merely continued their cam-
paign of villification. Stewart and Lecompte reminded them also
of another unused remedy which was available — impeachment pro-
ceedings.4
It was the fashion of the day to accuse Douglas of insincerity,
duplicity, and worse. Constant repetition had conditioned the anti-
slavery public to accept such charges at face value without proof.
4. James C. Malin, "Judge Lecompte and the 'Sack of Lawrence/ May 21, 1856,"
Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 20 (August, November, 1953), pp. 465-494, 553-597, at
488, 491.
198 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
That the Republicans were hostile to the Douglas version of popular
sovereignty, Phillips made amply clear, but he was sufficiently skill-
ful as a controversialist to divert attention successfully from the fact
that the Republican position was even more hostile to territorial
self-government in principle as well as practice. The emotional
force of the moral issue of slavery, associated with the Missouri Com-
promise restriction and opposition to its repeal, was used effectively
to make that opposition appear to be a virtue. Or, to word the
dilemma differently, in order to sharpen its point, Phillips' task was
to denounce the Douglas doctrine as an intolerable abuse of self-
government without revealing the fact that the Republican doctrine
permitted much less freedom for self-government. And in accom-
plishing this objective the more effectively he was obliged to make
this restriction upon self-government appear as a moral asset. The
issue of national power to which the Republican party was dedicated
— centralized national power — meant that it could not make a com-
mitment to self-government in the territories in any form, popular
sovereignty or otherwise. The party's antecedents were antislavery-
ism, abolitionism, and nativism. Each of these isms, for its effective
realization in action, meant centralized national power — a denial of
the freedom of local self-government. The logic of nationalism, in
contrast with federated power, meant power wielded on the basis of
national majorities. The general principle was little understood, if
at all, in its full implications when implemented for action, but its
character was fundamental to the whole situation developing during
the 1850's. The peculiar sectional character of slavery, together with
the emotional impact of the moral issue, paralyzed intellectual proc-
esses and reasoning from facts. Abhorrence of one form of slavery
delivered the whole federation to another form of slavery. The issue
was made to appear to be one in which freedom from chattel slavery
could be achieved only through the sacrifice of freedom or local self-
government. That was a phoney issue. The mere assertion that this
was the only alternative to freedom from chattel slavery did not
make it true.
That any appearance of any subjective rationalization in this mat-
ter, by the present author, may be removed, attention is directed to
the transitional paragraph which Phillips employed (p. 69) in pass-
ing from the several pages of theoretical discussion to the more
strictly historical narrative of the action taken by Governor Reeder
early in 1855: "We have been thus particular in placing the matter
in what we deem its true light, in order that what follows may be
more clearly understood."
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 199
In his introductory chapter Phillips set the stage for proving the
validity of his book title: "In the fall of 1853 the plot for the con-
quest of Kansas matured/' He then identified the plotters as western
Missouri men and cited Dr. J. H. Stringfellow. According to Phil-
lips, Stringfellow admitted that the "Eastern Emigrant Aid Societies"
threw the first doubt upon the success of the scheme. Following this
pattern, Douglas was not given the title role; the Missourians were
the first invaders, and the objects of their concern were the "Yankee
settlements" in the valley of the Kaw. Thus, he argued, slavery was
established in Kansas by Missourians organized through secret socie-
ties and by federally appointed judges. After the March, 1855, elec-
tion, Kansas was to be "kept conquered." The result, a reign of
terror.
The initiation of the Free-State movement was treated with re-
markable brevity. The Big Springs convention of September 5,
1855, which launched the Free-State party and the delegate elec-
tions received five pages, the most of which was absorbed in printing
the resolutions. The Topeka state government movement was as-
signed a chapter. Possibly the most remarkable fact about these
narratives was that the story was told without any reference to per-
sonal leadership in the proceedings. At the end were a group of
character sketches, and an introduction to James H. Lane, president
of the convention, and Charles Robinson — "they have been the two
most prominent men in the territory." Phillips assigned Lane the
role of Democratic, and Robinson of Republican leadership in the
constitutional convention, and described them as sharply contrasting
personalities: "Robinson is cool-headed, cautious, and calculating;
just the man to plan and direct. Lane is hot-headed, rash, regardless
of consequences, but not wanting in bravery; just the man to carry
out the plans and directions." There was much more to the word pic-
tures, but nothing to suggest that the men were bitter rivals for
dominance in Free-State affairs. The word pictures seemed de-
signed to convey the impression that the differences in talent served
to compensate and render their combined efforts the more effective.
The rescue of Branson was an episode preliminary to the Waka-
rusa war. Phillips handed out the honors with an even hand among
S. F. Tappan, J. B. Abbott, and S. N. Wood. There was no intimation
of the quarrel over honors which was to develop later. The Waka-
rusa war itself was treated as the second invasion of Kansas by
Missouri, the first, according to his formula had been the challenge
issued to the first Emigrant Aid Party at Lawrence, August 10, 1854.
Of course, this formula made Lawrence, rather than Leavenworth,
200 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
the heart and center of Free-State resistance. Furthermore it was
planting in Kansas history the basis of the myth that Kansas was the
child of New England.
In describing the "Sack of Lawrence" May 21, 1856, he declared
flatly that "Jones told them [his alleged posse] that he had orders,
from the First District Court of the United States for Kansas ( Judge
Lecompte), to demolish the hotel and destroy the printing offices
[p. 296]." 5 This allegation was false, but it served as effective cam-
paign propaganda.
John Brown appeared unheralded in the pages of Phillips' book at
the time of the Wakarusa war. The role assigned to him was that
of a questioner about the terms of the peace treaty and a protestant
against any concession concerning the bogus laws. Without ex-
plaining the reason, Phillips indicated that "a desire was manifested
to prevent his speaking."
After the "Sack of Lawrence," John Brown again is found in
Phillips' pages, the references to him being elliptic. The Pottawa-
tomie massacre was described as "stern and remorseless," and as
"wrapped in profound mystery," but the victims were "violent,
bad men." Allegedly, Free-State men were ordered to leave the
community, etc.: "Such was the provocation, — how the rest hap-
pened God in heaven only knows." John Brown was not mentioned
in this connection, but 16 pages later he was described as
stern-looking, hard-featured and resolute, . . . not to be trifled with
. . . practical . . . inexorably inflexible . . . fanatic
Christian . . . stern disciplinarian ... a regular martinet.
He is a strange, resolute, repulsive, iron-willed, inexorable old man. He is
like a solitary rock in a more mobile society, a fiery nature, and a cold temper,
a cool head, — a volcano beneath a covering of snow, . . . but he was re-
garded as a participator, if not leader, in the Pottawatomie affair. . . .
[p. 332].
Subsequent knowledge about the evidence concerning John
Brown's guilt and that the proofs came from Free-State men and
were fully known at the time to Free-State men, puts Phillips in a
most embarrassing position. Knowing his diligence in collecting
facts, any assumption that he was unaware of the facts is scarcely
credible.6 Without laying himself open to the charge of deliberate
falsehood, he was remarkably successful in conveying the conclusion,
without saying so explicitly, that John Brown was innocent.
5. Ibid., pp. 589-592.
6. James C. Malin, John Brown and the Legend of Fifty-six (Philadelphia, American
Philosophical Society, 1942); "The Hoogland Examination: The United States v. John
Brown, Jr.," The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 7 (May, 1938), pp. 133-153; "Identification
of the Stranger at the Pottawatomie Massacre," ibid., v. 9 (February, 1940), pp. 3-12.
X
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NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 201
As time passed, Phillips' sympathies were more clearly identi-
fied with the Lane and the Brown elements of the ultras who opposed
each step proposed for abandonment of the Free-State "do-nothing"
policy of refusing recognition to the "bogus" territorial government,
and of refusing to vote. Robinson and G. W. Brown were among
the promoters of the voting policy, taking this position in the spring
of 1857. The territorial legislature was captured in October, 1857,
and the office of the Lecompton state government on January 4,
1858. Under these circumstances, a G. W. Brown editorial in the
Herald of Freedom, February 6, 1858, is particularly applicable.
The name of the editorial, "An Unfortunate Title," referred to the
name of Phillips' book The Conquest of Kansas by Missouri. . . .
After writing this book, Brown charged, "all of Phillips' subsequent
letters to the N. Y. Tribune seem to have been influenced by that
position, and the critical reader readily discovers that he is laboring
to make the title to his book truthful; to make it appear that Kansas
is indeed a conquered province. . . ." In this title Phillips had
acquired a precious grievance which he capitalized upon by "con-
stant repetition that we were overcome by border ruffians, that all
hopes of redress for our grievances were cut off. . . ." But
Brown contended, "What nation ever regained lost rights by con-
tinually harping upon its defeat, and telling that it was a conquered
province?" Instead, do something positive, "to ensure a speedy
triumph of the right." Brown's contention was that Phillips had a
vested interest in perpetuating the title to his book, to sacrifice his
most precious grievance would deprive him of his principal stock-
in-trade. He had spent two years trying "to make his title page a
reality" by his "masterly inactivity" policy.
In conclusion of this commentary upon the Phillips book, the
reader should recognize that Brown's indictment of Phillips and his
book is appropriate also if applied to most of the writing of the
first century about Kansas history. The abolition of this form of
slavery is long overdue. Other themes are more important and
meaningful to the general history of Kansas.
But even within the framework of the slavery emphasis in Kansas
history, the "conquered province" formula was in reality only an
unfortunate consequence of the presidential campaign of 1856.
The spirit of the fifty-fiver had not permitted the defeatism attrib-
uted by Phillips to the fifty-sixer. In his Herald of Freedom of Au-
gust 18, 1855, G. W. Brown had insisted that "We are an outraged,
but not a subjugated people." And on the Fourth of July, 1855,
14_4663
202 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
S. N. Wood shouted his defiance: "We have been oppressed, but not
conquered/' 7
AUGUSTUS WATTLES, "Complete History of Kansas"
Augustus Wattles' "A Complete History of Kansas" was never
published in book form, but was printed as installments in the
Herald of Freedom between January 17, and November 21, 1857.
The "complete history" covered the period from the French explora-
tions to May, 1856, when further writing was interrupted by the
explosive effects of contemporary events during the winter of 1857-
1858. The author was born in Connecticut, August 7, 1807, and
had been at Lane Theological Seminary in Cincinnati where he was
interested in Negro education. He did not move to Oberlin with the
other seceders, the radicals who broke with the Lyman Beecher
regime at Lane, but devoted himself to activities in behalf of the
Negro. In 1855 Wattles came to Kansas, arriving at Lawrence, May
7, and settling in Douglas county. On May 22 he was "elected" to
the legislature on the Free-State ticket at the special election called
by Governor Reeder.
During the spring of 1857, he and other members of the Wattles
family removed to the Moneka community.8 During the winter
of 1856-1857, he was associated with G. W. Brown's revived Herald
of Freedom. In January, 1857, when the printing of his history
began, he was listed on the masthead as assistant editor, but August
22, Brown and Wattles were represented as coeditors. Near the
end of November, Wattles went to Moneka, supposedly for a short
stay, but did not return. This left the history unfinished. Sharp
differences between the editors developed during the crisis of De-
cember, 1857, over the issue of voting in the Lecompton officers elec-
tion of January 4, 1858, along with those associated with the early
stages of the southeastern Kansas war. In the Herald of Freedom,
January 16, 1858, an announcement was made that Wattles was no
longer connected with the paper.
In retrospect, the teaming up of these two men appears unusual
and predestined to failure, but too little is known for certain about
the state of Wattles' mind at that time to warrant generalizations.
During the year 1857 the Free-State party reversed itself on the
7. Herald of Freedom, Lawrence, July 7, 1855.
8. Mrs. O. E. Morse [Emma Wattles, a daughter], "Sketch of the Life and Work of
Augustus Wattles," Collections of the Kansas State Historical Society, v. 17 (1926-1928),
pp. 290-299. This sketch is particularly weak on the aspects of Wattles' career most critical
to the present study of his "Complete History of Kansas." On the removal to Linn county,
sec the Herald of Freedom, April 11, 25, May 16, July 11, 1857. The town of Moneka was
established in the spring of 1857. An advertisement announcing its merits appeared in the
Herald of Freedom, April 11, 1857, among them, that it was on Little Sugar creek, near
the center of Linn county.
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 203
voting policy, with Robinson and G. W. Brown in the vanguard.
Brown's challenging editorial of July 4, 1857, was printed prior to
the advancement of Wattles, August 22, to the status of coeditor.
The inference to be drawn, reasonably, from those facts would be
that whatever differences existed between them over this funda-
mental reversal of policy, they were not considered irreconcilable.
The available facts do not prepare the reader for the violence of the
break that occurred the following midwinter.9 The history was writ-
ten and printed, however, prior to this disastrous controversy, and
when the relations between the two men were apparently friendly.
But on the other hand, the composition occurred during the first
phase of the revolution in Free-State policy. Although not clearly
apparent in all its implications in 1857, this reversal was to lead to
the abandonment of both the Topeka state government, and the Free-
State party as political organizations, and in that sequence. The
quarrel between the two men came in part over the issue of aban-
doning the Topeka movement.
Wattles spent the first five of his 22 completed chapters on back-
ground, mostly on matter relating to the Indians of the region. This
fact in itself is worth recording as a feature of the work even though
he made no really significant contribution in either subject matter
or interpretation. In chapter six, he arrived at the creation of the
territory of Kansas by the Kansas-Nebraska act, along with the repeal
of the Missouri Compromise, "that ancient land-mark of freedom.
. . ." This was "the work of slaveholders," operating in congress,
done "with the indecent haste of crime. . . ." According to this
secret conspiracy theory, Missouri fitted into the plot merely as the
tool. Wattles' allegation of "the indecent haste of crime" was re-
peated for emphasis in different language — "suddenly thrown open
to settlement by the slave-holding party for their own aggrandise-
ment. . . ." But "after the passage of the bill, the party of
freedom immediately organized," and he sketched the beginnings
of organization to promote emigration to Kansas, giving particu-
lar attention to the Emigrant Aid Company that founded Lawrence,
the first party arriving August 1. Ignoring Leaven worth's or other
claims to priority, he asserted that Lawrence "was the first town in
Kansas." At Lawrence, on August 10, he related, the Missourians
immediately challenged Free-State continuance in the territory —
the first invasion of Kansas, according to the Phillips formula. For
9. The external record of the steps leading to the public break may be followed in the
Herald of Freedom, November 21, 28, December 5, 26, 1857, January 9, 16, 1858. A
Wattles letter, probably in the Lawrence Republican, January 14, 1858, missing from the
file, gave his side.
204 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
the convenience of this theory, all activity in Kansas between April
and August 1 in the way of settlement and town-site promotion was
ignored.
The only reference Wattles made to peculiarities incident to
prairie settlement was the allegation that as soon as it became
known that a company of Eastern emigrants had arrived, the Mis-
sourians marked the timber claims along the streams, and then sold
them to Easterners and later harassed them: "It was this violence
to isolated persons which induced people to form companies and
seek safety in numbers. . . ." This was the occasion for his
introduction to the Emigrant Aid Company and its six parties sent
out in 1854. That the chronology did not fit the sequence of his
narrative, and was a violation of historical reality, seems to have
escaped Wattles' attention.
In his criticism of squatter sovereignty, Wattles adopted a line of
attack similar to that of Phillips, but used material from the con-
gressional debates: ". . . the new doctrine of Squatter Sov-
ereignty was promulgated as a popular catchword. By this, a few
settlers who might first inhabit a territory, could establish its present
and future domestic and political institutions/' Thus, "leading men
in Missouri passed over into the Territory early in June [1854], held
squatter meetings, passed resolutions, and then returned home.
. . . During the summer and fall, many Free State emigrants
arrived, who supposed the vote of the squatters would determine
the question of slavery at some future day."
Wattles used William E. Seward's senate speech, challenging the
slave-holding South: "Is it a privilege, then, to establish slavery?
If so, what a mockery are all our constitutions, which prevent the
inhabitants from capriciously subverting free institutions. . . ."
Wattles then summarized Salmon P. Chase's maneuver, who,
in order to test the sincerity of the majority in their new-born zeal for individual
rights, and Squatter Sovereignty, introduced an amendment to the bill that the
inhabitants of the Territory should be permitted to choose their own Governor
and other officers. This was voted down. Every fair arrangement for a free
government was rejected, and all was left in the hands of those who expected
to make it a slave State.
Wattles then quoted from N. P. Banks' speech in congress in which
the latter insisted that the "pretended doctrine of popular sover-
eignty" was not
really established there. . . . The American idea of popular sovereignty is,
that a people should have, and has, the right to institute government, to alter it,
and to abolish it. Have the people of Nebraska or Kansas this power under
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 205
this act? Can they institute government? Can they alter it? Can they abolish
it? Not at all.
Instead, the people have
no rights, no power, but that which Congress confers.
I grant what is claimed, that there is an extension of political rights compared
with earlier territorial governments. But have the people here power to govern?
I deny it. My reading of the theory of politics is not extensive, but I have imag-
ined that the American doctrine at least was, that a majority of the people should
have the attributes of government.
I ask any gentleman upon this floor to point me to one single solitary power
that is here conferred upon a majority of the people!
Can they elect a Governor, or an executive officer? Can they appoint their
judges? Can they pass a legislative act, or obtain a judgment in the territorial
courts, without the supervision and assent of the National Government, acting
through its own appointees, who are forever irresponsible to the people there?
Never! . . . And this is called "non-intervention"! . . . You admit
theoretically a right, but practically you deny all power. And this is called
"sovereignty" — not American, but "squatter sovereignty."
It would seem that if there was any logic in Wattles' procedure,
he would have undertaken to show how the Republican party theory
of territorial status was sincere in offering a larger measure of self-
government than Democratic squatter sovereignty. But such a
Republican substitute for squatter sovereignty was not and could
not be forthcoming. His was the technique of making a sweeping
charge against the opponent and then repeating it again and again.
Wattles gave special attention to Governor Reeder's arrival in the
territory, the attempt of the Proslavery element from Missouri to
take control of him and his defiance of them in refusing to call an
early election of the legislature. The governor's letter was printed
in full, and Wattles' evaluation of the episode is important: "Gov.
Reeder's reply is worthy to be preserved as it is characteristic of
the man, and the key to all his subsequent difficulties." Then
Wattles condemned Reeder's next step, his failure to repudiate out-
right the delegate election of November 29, a fatal resort to ex-
pediency. Wattles made loyalty to principle the acid test of a man!!!
But what principle?
The organization of the opposition to the legislature elected March
30, 1855, was traced in much more detail than by Phillips. Charles
Robinson did not appear in this account of the first steps. Instead,
the men named in connection with the Free-State convention at
Lawrence, June 8, were John Speer, M. F. Con way, J. Hutchinson,
S. N. Wood, E. D. Ladd, R. G. Elliott. Special attention was given
to Conway, who came to Kansas a National Democrat, pledged to
206 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
squatter sovereignty, who after seeing it in action, repudiated it "as
an outrage upon popular rights. . . ."
Other episodes given emphasis, which later historians passed over
lightly or omitted altogether, were the altercation between Gen. B.
F. Stringfellow and Reeder at Shawnee Mission, where Stringfellow
was alleged to have knocked Reeder down with a chair; and the
proposal in the legislature of 1855 by Dr. J. H. Stringfellow of a bill
to authorize a state government and application for admission into
the Union. This was the first Kansas move for statehood. The com-
mittee to which the bill was referred reported adversely on the
grounds: (1) that it was premature without calling an election to
test the desires of the people for statehood; (2) that it was pre-
mature because of the excitement that would be aroused, aggravated
by the charge which would be made of insufficient population, " — a
charge which cannot be statistically and officially refuted/' The
substitute proposed by the committee, that the sentiment of the
people be tested on the matter of statehood, was passed.10
In telling the story of the Big Springs and the Topeka conventions
of September 5 and 19 respectively, Wattles began by crediting the
preparatory Lawrence convention of August 14, 15 to the initiative
of the expelled members of the legislature. At this Lawrence con-
vention, Charles Robinson was chairman of the business committee,
and the report of that body came under sharp fire. It had rejected
resolutions endorsing military companies and a state government
which were then championed on the floor by C. K. Holliday and
G. W. Smith respectively. Conway and Lane objected to the state
government and Lane took a conservative position expressing con-
fidence in the good intentions of President Pierce. Charles Foster
reviewed Lane's allegedly shifting position over a period of ten days,
charging that Lane had declared that "on certain conditions he was
in favor of making Kansas a slave State." Lane objected, insisting
that all that he had said was "that he would rather see Kansas a
slave state, in preference to seeing it an abolition State." The lan-
guage quoted here is Wattles' language as he summarized what
each was supposed to have said. Space does not permit discussion
of the implications of this summary except to point out that it was
substantially different from the version that later became traditional.
Wattles did contribute to the making of a myth, however, in assign-
10. Journal of the House of Representatives of the Territory of Kansas, 1855, pp. 213,
218, 238, 244, 262, 280, Appendix 26; Atchison Squatter Sovereign, August 28, 1855; Stat-
utes of the Territory of Kansas; passed at the First Session of the Legislative Assembly,
One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty-five. (Shawnee Manual Labor School, 1855), ch.
25, pp. 172, 173.
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 207
ing to the Lawrence convention the credit of calling the Big Springs
convention for the purpose of declaring a Free-State platform.
Wattles emphasized the division over the race question, at Big
Springs, because "on the great question of resistance to Missouri
aggression, there was but one sentiment. . . ." His view of the
geographical basis of the division over race equality was too sweep-
ing in its generalization, yet is important in emphasizing that the
outcome was not dictated by one man, or even by a few individuals:
The people from New England, New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, were in
favor of recommending a State Constitution which should not discriminate in
the application of the great principles of justice and equity, to the different
classes and races of the human family. Those from the more Western and
Southern States were in favor of a stringent "black law." The Convention
finally adopted a platform, very unsatisfactory to those who had enlarged views
of human rights . . .; but to a large majority it was considered a grand
platform, on which all could unite. . . .
In view of the actual wording of the Big Springs platform, this is a
remarkable statement of the case, but so far as Wattles was con-
cerned, he revealed clearly his personal position as an ultra on the
Negro question. In fact, both the Big Springs platform, of Septem-
ber 5, 6, and the Topeka state government resolutions, of September
19, 20, were substantially anti-Negro as well as antislavery. This
conflict between his personal position and his evaluation of the Big
Springs platform indicates that Wattles was somewhat less than can-
did in his history.
The Wattles treatment of the Topeka statehood movement is of
particular importance to several aspects of the writing of Kansas
history. The business committee of the Big Springs convention
reported unfavorably, but was overruled by the convention, thus
committing the Free-State party to the statehood proposition.
Wattles was explicit in saying that the majority of the settlers
"preferred trying another election, before experimenting with a State
Constitution." In private this was the position of Reeder, also.
Once the commitment was made at Big Springs and at Topeka,
however, Wattles emphasized the subordination of private views
to the general decision, although there was little expectation of suc-
cess in terms of admission into the Union.11 In this Wattles was re-
markably candid. Would that the same could be said about some
other aspects of this part of his history.
In telling the story of the Topeka convention of September 19,
11. V/attles, "Complete History of Kansas," chs. 13, 14, Herald of Freedom, August 29,
September 5, 1855. Wattles told substantially the same story on this point in both chs. 13
and 14.
208 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
20, 1855, Wattles did not make clear the fact that the statehood
movement was being launched as a People's movement, without
respect to party. To be sure, it had been endorsed by the Free-
State party at Big Springs, which was a party convention. That
battle over nonpartisan sponsorship of the statehood movement had
been fought to a finish at the Lawrence conventions of August 14,
15. To make it a Free-State party measure would have damned it
at its birth, and would have forfeited all possibility of favorable
action of congress upon admission under a Topeka constitution.
But whatever the inner motive in launching the movement might
have been, the publicly announced procedure required a spon-
taneous outpouring of the people as a whole. In that frame of refer-
ence, the Topeka movement could not be represented to the public
even as having the object of making Kansas a free state. In theory,
the Topeka movement might result in Kansas being a slave state.
The verdict must rest with the people.
But a further defect in the Wattles history was his suppression
of all mention of the origins of the Topeka statehood plan. The
original promoter of the statehood idea was Dr. John H. Stringfellow,
Proslavery editor of the Atchison Squatter Sovereign, and speaker of
the house of representatives of the bogus legislature of 1855. He
had started writing about it in the first issue of his paper dated
February 3, 1855, and his statehood bill, which Wattles had re-
corded, was enacted into law. In the referendum election, October
6, 1856, statehood was endorsed, and the Lecompton constitution
movement of 1857 was the direct product of that mandate. Also,
an attempt had been made by Proslavery men, under the principles
of popular sovereignty, to elect a governor March 30, 1855, to replace
Reeder, under the assumption that the President would accept the
mandate and appoint him. The movement led to a canvass of the
pros and cons of such proceedings in all their bearings of success
or of failure.12 In these two movements, the fact stands out clearly,
that the Proslavery men had done the original thinking in both
political theory and in practice as applied to the novel aspects of
the situation presented by the territory of Kansas. The Free-State
men who took over the statehood idea in the series of conventions
from July 11 to September 19, 1855, were following paths already
rather extensively explored.
This conclusion is reinforced quite explicitly by specifying the
concrete origin of the Topeka statehood plan in June, 1855. It did
12. See especially Kansas Free State, May 7, 1855, Miller editorial on the Kickapoo
Pioneer warning.
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 209
not originate at Lawrence or with the Lawrence group. The plan
was written out by John Butler Chapman, at that time of Leaven-
worth county,13 and submitted to Josiah Miller, one of the editors
of the Kansas Free State at Lawrence, in June, 1855. Chapman had
been a candidate for delegate to congress in November, 1854, as a
National Democrat, had cultivated both Proslavery and Free-State
connections, and each accused him of belonging to the other party.
Miller gave Chapman's plan to Charles Robinson. Both men, as well
as others consulted, disapproved the plan. Robinson presented it
in part to a convention in Lawrence, probably the one of June 25,
and it was referred to the Free-State executive committee of which
Robinson was chairman. It appeared next at the convention of
July 11. Between July 11 and August 14, the idea took hold, with
the results already related. On August 14, Stringfellow introduced
his bill into the legislature.
In the meantime, on July 14, G. W. Brown, editor of the Herald of
Freedom, published an article alleging a Proslavery plan to annex
the Platte Purchase of Missouri to Kansas. The argument was that
this would secure for Kansas a population adequate for statehood,
and that it would guarantee a Proslavery majority. Whether or not
this report had any validity is probably beside the point for present
purposes, as well as Brown's motive in publishing the story at this
particular time and in perpetuating the controversy about it over the
next few months. In any case, the wrangle stimulated rivalry be-
tween Free-State and Proslavery proponents of statehood for priority
of action.
As intermediaries, between Proslavery and Free-State men of the
more extreme persuasion, as well as originators of ideas in their own
right, a particular tribute is due Josiah Miller and his partner in
the Kansas Free State, Robert G. Elliott, both men of 26 years of
youth. They were among the originators of the idea of the Free-
State party, and were the particular promoters of the Sand Bank
convention of July 17, 1855, which called the Big Springs convention,
as well as the channel through which Chapman's concrete plan for
the Topeka statehood movement was introduced to the Lawrence-
Topeka group of Free-State men.
In conclusion of this brief discussion, certain points must be made
in explicit form. There is reason to believe that Wattles knew the
main facts of the origin of both the Big Springs Free-State party
convention, and of the Topeka statehood convention, but that he
chose to suppress those facts. Also, he was depending too much,
13. Josiah Miller in the Kansas Free State, August 20, 1855, and February 18, 1856.
210 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
for refreshment of memory of the events of 1855, upon the biased
record contained in the Herald of Freedom. Miller warned through
the Kansas Free State, September 24, 1855, that the statehood move-
ment was "Stringfellow's favorite bill," although he was under the
erroneous impression that it had not passed the legislature. Wattles
made the explicit admission twice in his history that the Topeka
statehood movement was considered, not as an end, but only as a
means to the end of making Kansas eventually a free state. These
chapters of his history were written and printed in August and
September, 1857, but by December, 1857, and January, 1858, when
he discontinued his history after his quarrel with G. W. Brown
over the Topeka and Lecompton statehood movements, and became
involved deeply in the southeastern Kansas war of 1857-1859, ap-
parently he had become captive to the idea that the Topeka consti-
tution was the "Blood-stained Banner" that could not be lowered
without dishonor — that it was not merely a means, but that it was
itself the primary end of the whole Free-State movement.14 Thus
the Lecompton movement and the southeastern Kansas war of 1857-
1859 were of major importance in their contribution to the fastening
upon Kansas historical tradition of an interpretation of the Topeka
statehood movement that was historically false.
The intense heat generated over the Lecompton constitution in
congress is impossible to explain except in terms of this confusion
of means and ends as an introduction. Why could not the Free-
State party of 1858, after capturing the Lecompton constitution
movement in the election of January 15, 1858, accept it as a sub-
stitute for the Topeka state government? The Big Springs platform
of September, 1855, upon which the Topeka plan was launched,
agreed to protect masters against loss for slaves already in the
territory, to exclude free Negroes, and to prohibit slavery in the
territory. The Lecompton constitution with the promised amend-
ment abolishing slavery was very nearly the equivalent. The
major difference was in the origins of the two constitutions, not in
their substance as bearing upon the issues of the Negro.
The murder of Charles W. Dow, by F. M. Coleman, in November,
1855, was represented by Wattles as a link in the execution of a
preconceived secret Missouri plot, not as the result of a claim
quarrel, nor as an act of passion. Allegedly other Free-State men
would have been treated likewise upon some convenient pretext.
The leaders in the rescue of Branson were given, in the order of
14. A more comprehensive study, by the present author, of these problems of the Free-
State party and the Topeka statehood movement will be presented elsewhere.
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 211
their appearance, as S. F. Tappan, S. N. Wood, and J. B. Abbott.
The deliverance scene at Abbott's house dramatized Wood and
Abbott. At Lawrence, the following day, Wood was featured:
"S. N. Wood was chosen chairman. He then gave a full account
of the transaction, and declared his complicity in the rescue of Bran-
son. The meeting was unanimous in approving of his course, as
it was the position assumed by the Free State party at the Big
Springs." Wood was reported by Wattles as saying that if arrested
on a warrant of the United States court he would go into court
and test the right of Missouri to make the laws for Kansas, and
was anxious to have the issue carried to the supreme court. Wattles
did not explain that Wood left the territory, thus evading the dra-
matic opportunity then, and thaj: later, on April 19, 1856, when he
returned, Jones did attempt to arrest him.
Wattles did not explain the source of his story, but it was a
letter written to him by S. N. Wood himself for the history, and
dated August 29, 1857. Charles Robinson printed the letter in
full in his book The Kansas Conflict (New York, 1892, Reprint
1898), pp. 184-186. In the letter, Wood made himself appear as the
leader in the rescue by relating that upon Wood's inquiry how they
should proceed, Abbott replied "y°u are tne leader; just what you
say." In his own version in later years, Abbott, and others, gave
a different account of the responsibility for leadership.15
The above story was told in chapter 15 of the "complete history,"
but the next week, in chapter 16, Wattles retold a part of the story,
and with different effect:
The day after his rescue he [Branson] appeared at a public meeting in
Lawrence, and spoke calmly, yet feelingly, of his friend Mr. Dow ... he
[Branson] knew he was singled out for destruction, for he had received threaten-
ing letters advising him to leave the country ... if the safety of Law-
rence demands it, I will go home and die in my own defense.
If a process had issued from a Court which the people could recognize as
having a legal existence they would have advised Mr. Branson to have de-
livered himself up, or to have given bail for his good behavior; but they felt
that they could not consistently with their oft repeated resolves sanction any
movement coming from that body, any more than the fathers of the revolution
could consent to pay a trivial tax on tea. It was the principle involved, not
the extent of personal injury, which would accrue.
15. The original of the Wood letter to Wattles is in the possession of the Kansas State
Historical Society; Cf. Charles Howard Dickson, "The True History of the Branson Rescue,"
Collections, K.S.H.S., v. 13 (1913-1914), pp. 280-298, at p. 288, footnote 5. J. R. Kennedy
and S. F. Tappan gave statements in 1880 and 1890, referred to in footnotes 10 and 11
of Dickson, pp. 292 and 293. Wattles did not credit Tappan by name, but S. F. Tappan's
and S. C. Smith's accounts are the sources for the identification of Tappan as the man who
discovered the Jones party at Blanton's bridge on their mission to arrest Branson, and re-
ported that fact to Abbott, Wood, Smith, and others assembled at Abbott's house.
212 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
However, Mr. Branson and his rescuers left Lawrence, so that no prejudice
might be created, or excuse made for harassing that town.
Wattles then proceeded to denounce Sheriff Jones for not secur-
ing a warrant for the arrest of Wood, and thus following proper
legal procedure, but instead, Jones appealed to Governor Shannon
for militia aid in executing processes already procured. Wattles
thus confused the issue. A warrant for Wood, secured by Jones,
as sheriff of Douglas county, would have issued from a justice of
the peace court, and would have occupied the same legal status as
the justice warrant he already had for Branson, who had been
rescued by force from his custody. A warrant from the U. S.
District Court would have been served by the U. S. marshal,
not by the sheriff of Douglas county. An appeal from the justice
court, either by Branson or by Wood, would have gone to the
U. S. District Court, Justice Lecompte presiding, and if decided
adversely, would have gone eventually to the U. S. Supreme Court.
A united Free-State effort could have forced the issue to the em-
barrassment of the Pierce administration and of the federal judicial
system. For reasons best known to himself and Free-State leaders,
Wattles confused the issue at this point and later.
The events of the Wakarusa war were related by Wattles in some
detail; and casually, among the military companies that rallied to
the aid of Lawrence, a mention was made that "old Capt. John
Brown and his four sons came with arms and ammunition." In
chapter 18, dealing with the peace treaty of Saturday, December
8, the public announcement was recounted, along with Shannon's
and Lane's speeches, then:
Old Capt. Brown made a short address, hoping the people would listen to no
concessions to the bogus laws.
General Robinson assured the people that no concessions had been made. —
With his assurance the people retired, but were dissatisfied that they could not
know the terms of the treaty, which for prudential reasons were for a time
withheld.
During the night a rumor spread that the Missourians had broken
the truce and were going to attack Lawrence. Governor Shannon
was induced to authorize Robinson and Lane to take measures to
defend themselves. Wattles told the story without any hint about
the ugly charge made, that the whole threat of attack was a hoax
perpetrated upon the governor to secure the military authorization.
But Wattles related in some detail, and in another setting, the un-
explained issue of a test case at court: "On Sunday [December 9],
by agreement of the parties, Samuel C. Smith, and Samuel F. Tap-
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 213
pan, Jr., were arrested by 'Sheriff Jones/ and taken to Lecompton."
These particular men were not rescuers of Branson, but joined the
rescue party afterwards, which Wattles said made them of secondary
importance. The purpose was "to carry the whole of the ruffian
proceedings in Kansas before the United States [Supreme] Court.
/' The prisoners were examined Monday before a justice of
the peace, but did not give bail. Instead they
insisted on an immediate trial. This was during the regular term of Court.
Judge Lecompte being indisposed, did not make his appearance, and the Court
was adjourned over. Hugh Hutchinson, Jones and two others of the rescuers
were arrested and examined and admited to bail. . . . Smith and Tappan
were retained until 22d of Dec., when they were released on parole of honor
for three months. At the expiration of that time, all the prisoners appeared
before Lecompte, and their cases wefe postponed until the next term of Court,
since which nothing has been done about it.
As the laws were not valid, according to Free-State theory, Wattles
concluded that "Judge Lecompte by suffering the cases to go by, and
hundreds of others like them, performed the most commendable
deed of his life. In fact the only one in Kansas which can be
looked upon with approbation/'
Wattles' commentary is confusing. If the arrests were made by
consent of the parties in order to provide test cases, then prompt
prosecution of the cases would further that end, while indefinite
postponement served to defeat that Free-State purpose. Was not
Wattles' personal view of policy confusing his writing of history?
The verdict just recorded appeared in chapter 19 of Wattles' history,
and was printed October 17, 1857, after the Free-State men had
voted for the territorial legislature and captured it. With this suc-
cess to their credit, the debate was in progress over the next step.
The course Wattles took in writing about December, 1855, has the
appearance at least of reflecting his ultra Free-State position of non-
co-operation, in other words, refusing to vote or otherwise recognize
the territorial government October-December, 1857. It was upon
this issue as applied to the Lecompton officer election of January 4,
1858, that Wattles and G. W. Brown quarreled, in December, 1857,
and in consequence of which Wattles abandoned the completion of
the history.
The chapter on the "Sack of Lawrence" was the last one printed,
but in this Wattles continued his formula that its destruction was de-
termined upon in secret Missouri conclave. In order to save them-
selves from harm, however, the method decided upon by the plotters,
according to Wattles, was for the United States officers to institute
214 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
legal proceedings. "In harmony with this arrangement the Grand
Jury of the U. S. Court at Lecompton found bills of indictment
against the Free-State Hotel, the Herald of Freedom, and the Kansas
Free State, published at Lawrence." 16
The next chapter of the "complete history" should have told the
story of the Pottawatomie massacre. The manner of telling of that
crime would have revealed more fully Wattles' personal views on
the policy conflicts within the Free-State party. But the Wattles
answer was not given in that manner. He was committed to the
ultra position and to making southeastern Kansas history of 1858,
along with James Montgomery and John Brown, and writing it in
blood, rather than writing in ink, the history of 1856.
FICTION
One of the books of 1856 was a novel by an unidentified author,
Western Border Life; or What Fanny Hunter Saw and Heard in
Kansas and Missouri. In 1859 the Herald of Freedom printed
another work that pretended to be fiction, "The Jay-Hawker; a Tale
of Southern Kansas," by P. P. Fowler. If the first book is called
historical fiction, without much history, the latter may be labeled
fictionized history with very little fiction. The leading characters,
Gerrit Smith, of New York, John Brown, Jim Lane, James Mont-
gomery, William A. Phillips, Richard J. Hinton, and others, were
thinly disguised. These men were charged with plotting the
southeastern Kansas border war, and with designs to involve the
whole country. This was written and published prior to the Har-
pers Ferry affair. Although overdrawn, the main lines of the story
were remarkably suggestive as a forewarning of events to come.17
A book edition of "The Jay-Hawker" was promised but was not forth-
coming. Also, the author promised another tale, "The Forest
Flower," to cover the first part of Kansas history. This also failed
to materialize. Among other things, financial difficulties overtook
G. W. Brown, and his Herald of Freedom expired at the end of the
year 1859, and with it, any possibility of these publications appear-
ing as books.
THE CONSPIRACY FORMULA
These early attempts at the history of Kansas had much in com-
mon. Both Phillips and Wattles used the formula of a secret con-
spiracy, but differed in emphasis upon the origin. Phillips preferred
16. For a critical discussion of this false charge, see James C. Malm, "Judge Lecompte
and the 'Sack of Lawrence,' May 21. 1856," The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 20 (August
November, 1953), pp. 465-494, 553-597.
17. The present author has prepared an annotated edition of "The Jay-Hawker" for
publication, along with essays related to the theme.
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 215
charges against Missouri, while Wattles assigned to the slave-hold-
ing states the first responsibility. Neither gave much attention to
Douglas, except to charge insincerity. The secret-plot formula is a
well-known stereotype of resistance movements and whether or not
they had convinced themselves of its truth, it was an effective propa-
ganda device. That it was completely out of character did not seem
to concern these writers. The history of the slave states, including
Missouri, is a vivid revelation of the inability of those states, or of
their people, to unite upon any plan of action and execute it ac-
cording to a schedule. The unanimity, the precision of planning
and execution attributed by the antislavery writers just could not
have happened, secret or otherwise. The undisciplined individual-
ism of the people concerned hadjbecome almost proverbial. An in-
timate knowledge of western Missouri people amply documents the
conflict of opinion and action, as well as inaction. The composition
and cultural outlook of western Missouri people were little different
from the rank and file of those who settled in Kansas from the Ohio
valley both north and south of the Ohio river — antislavery and anti-
Negro so long as the two could be linked together. If these two
features were separated, then differences appeared; some would be-
come Proslavery as the next best alternative, and only with reluc-
tance would any but the more ultra antislavery men accept the free
Negro among them.18
The Free-State writers made another tactical blunder of major
proportions in picturing Missourians and Proslavery men generally
as stupid, whisky-soaked ruffians and illiterates. In the first place
the quantity of whisky allegedly drunk could not have been avail-
able to so many, nor transported under the conditions described.
The people in question included a fair share of men of ability as
well as of education. Secondly, in this caricature, the Free-State
writers did antislavery men a disservice, because there was no honor
or evidence of superiority in victory over such debauched and de-
graded opponents as they were represented to be. Excesses in the
use of liquor were altogether too prevalent among Free-State men
as well as among Proslavery men. A larger number of men on both
sides than has been generally admitted were men of talents whose
careers were blighted by the fact that they were alcoholics. That
was a type of slavery that was not peculiar to one party alone.
Neither would it be safe to generalize that the proportion was
larger in one party than in the other.
18. James C. Malin, John Brown and the Legend of Fifty-six (Philadelphia, American
Philosophical Society, 1942), ch. 25; The Nebraska Question, 1852-1854 (Lawrence, 1954),
chs. 14-16.
216 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Irresponsible name calling was a conspicuous characteristic of
the people of the 1850's, as well as of the 1950's, especially where
controversial questions were concerned. Slavery aroused emotions
more violently than any other aspect of the Kansas question. Any
difference of opinion was likely to be expressed by classifying and
labeling the opponent with the offensive names, Abolitionist or
Proslavery, regardless of the truth of the matter. Not all Northern-
ers were Abolitionists, nor all Southerners Proslavery Fire-eaters.
In fact, the great majority occupied some one of a variety of posi-
tions between those extremes. Many were not concerned one way
or the other about slavery, and were interested only in being left
alone to pursue their own interests.
Another very large group, possibly if not probably the largest,
occupied different shades of opinion best described as free white
state — antislavery and anti-Negro. To extremists of the proslavery
end of the spectrum all who were not Proslavery Fire-eaters were
Abolitionists. Likewise, to extremists at the antislavery-abolitionist
end of the spectrum, all who did not share their ultra antislavery
and pro-Negro sentiments were convicted of guilt by association and
name calling as Proslavery. Quantitatively the Northerners were
more guilty than the Southerners because they wrote more books.
These books about Kansas, and these early attempts at writing
Kansas history, fixed the characteristic intemperate contemporary
labels so firmly in the literature that they have not, even after a
century, been replaced generally by more accurate and discriminat-
ing usage. In fact, there are no words available that describe ac-
curately the several shades of opinion. The names Antislavery, Pro-
slavery, and Free-State, must always be used with the reservations
and qualifications in mind that have just been described.
Another aspect of the Kansas question associated with the con-
spiracy formula was the charge that the action of congress in
organizing the Indian country was sudden, taking the people of the
states by surprise. In this allegation, Phillips and Wattles were
again doing their cause a disservice. This action upon organization
of the territories was not taken suddenly, and to represent it in that
light was to reflect adversely upon knowledge of contemporary
affairs on the part of the public, if not also upon public intelligence.
Possibly this inference that Eastern antislavery men in particular
were ill-informed about Western matters was more truthful than
was comfortable to admit, but neither author intended to make such
a confession. Of course, there was nothing sudden about the organi-
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 217
zation of Nebraska, a proposal that had been agitated under that
name for ten years. Even the question of division was not new —
the creation of two or more territories had been suggested, and the
eventual creation of two or more states out of the area had been
taken for granted. Furthermore, the application of the principle of
popular sovereignty had been discussed extensively for at least two
years.19
THE POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY CONTROVERSY
Both Phillips and Wattles were representing popular sovereignty
as a fraud. The method of argument was to use as the standard of
measurement an extreme theoretical definition of sovereignty as an
absolute. Except for purposes of systematic argument about pure
theory, conducted by political scientists or philosophers, no one
would have subscribed for a moment to such a concept of absolute
sovereignty. In the evolution of international law, publicists had
recognized the practical limitations upon sovereignty, that must sub-
sist within the family of nations. These realistic principles of juris-
prudence were accepted as commonplace. Furthermore, according
to any theory of compact within the federal union, the several states
were subject to limitations upon their sovereignty as the price of
union. The Northwest Territory was claimed originally by the
states and ceded to the general government as common property.
The conditions under which the area was held made politically im-
possible the relinquishment by congress of all control. Additional
land had been acquired by purchase or other means. The relations
of congress to these new areas followed in general terms the same
pattern. Congress could not grant, withhold, or relinquish power
it did not have. These facts imposed practical limitations upon any
discussion of sovereignty and government either in the states or
territories. In this perspective, the theoretical discussions of sover-
eignty as an absolute were tactical and diversionary. Only by con-
fusing the issues could the squatter sovereignty of the Compromise
measures of 1850 and of the Kansas-Nebraska act be made to appear
as something sinister. Neither Phillips nor Wattles were advocating
the actual adoption of the principle of absolute sovereignty as ap-
plied to the territories. Quite the contrary.
Douglas was not a systematic or theoretical thinker. During the
early 1850's no one else came forward with an effective exposition
of squatter sovereignty. Possibly no one dared to undertake it be-
cause the Democratic party was too badly divided upon the basic
19. Malin, The Nebraska Question, 1852-1854.
15_4663
218 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
issues. John C. Calhoun's doctrine of state rights was the ablest
literature on political theory produced in the mid-19th century
America. The Douglas doctrine and the Calhoun doctrine were
incompatible. Furthermore, the controversy over the Douglas bill
in congress demonstrated that formidable minorities in the party
were committed to the theory of the complete power of congress
over the territories, although the Northern and Southern extremists
took opposite positions about what action congress should take on
the subject of slavery there.
Thomas H. Benton compared the territories to minor children,
and the general government to the parent. According to that simile,
admission to statehood was equivalent to coming of age and control
of their own households. Under these circumstances, the least said
about the theoretical aspects of squatter sovereignty the better for
Democratic party unity. The Republicans, accordingly, adopted
as their theory of warfare that the best defense is attack. By keeping
always on the offensive, and being out of power, no opportunity
was given for effective counter-attacks, and therefore they were not
called upon to explain their own position — one less favorable to self-
government in the territories than the Douglas doctrine of popular
sovereignty. The Republican position stood upon the absolute
power of congress over the territories, and that it should be used to
prohibit the extension of slavery even against the consent of the
governed.
At the practical or history-making level there were aspects of these
controversies that require some analysis. To be objective, the same
tests must be applied impartially to all participants. Regardless
of the principle of popular sovereignty as a political theory, the
pioneer settling-in process had always involved a conflict of interest
between early and later comers. Primarily, the controversies related
to possession and eventual ownership of particular pieces of land.
But, in any case, the outcome of such land-claim contests was related
to the matter of political control which fell into the hands of the
successful claimants. Those controversies date back to British
colonial history. One outcome of that prolonged controversy had
been the enactment in 1841 of the pre-emption act, supposedly in
the interest of first comers. Even in that perspective, much the
same questions arose as later plagued the proponents of popular
sovereignty as a self-government formula. How could right of early
comers be determined; what constituted a right; could rights be
transferred; was actual and continuous residence necessary; was
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 219
declaration of intent, either without or coupled with some token
overt act, all that was necessary? Organized action to circumvent
the laws was commonplace. Although these questions about the
land system had been pending for more than a century under British
and under American political control, no satisfactory answers had
been provided. Abuses in the operations of the land disposal
system were primary and continuous.
The first Emigrant Aid Company party arrived on the site which
became Lawrence on August 1, 1854. This little group organized an
association and attempted to monopolize their advantage as first
comers against the more numerous second party which arrived a
few days later. Also, they had marked claims for friends who were
coming later. The second party, being the more numerous, how-
ever, compelled the first party to disgorge, to cancel alleged claim
rights of friends who had not arrived, and to admit them ( the second
party) upon an equal basis. Close upon the heels of the first two
parties came a third, but the first two were strong enough to stand
out against the admission of the third party on an equal basis. John
Doy, a member of the first party nursed his grievance against the
later parties, and in his pamphlet, published in 1860, declared:
"Thus we were for the first time cheated in Kansas." Yet, by his
own admission, Doy was not a first comer, but bought out a claimant
already on the ground.20
Some early comers to the Lawrence town site refused to sell out or
to yield possession to the later comers, the Emigrant Aid Company
parties. This situation precipitated controversy that took on the
color of a proslavery-antislavery conflict and was made to appear as
a phase in the Missouri conspiracy formula so widely publicized by
Phillips and other antislavery writers.
In terms of political control of the territory, the same basic issues
were at stake in the continuous chain of newer comers. At what
point could this continuous turnover of population be "frozen" for
purposes of determining the character of its institutions? Phillips
declined to commit himself about the number necessary. Each new
annual legislature should produce theoretically a different answer,
and the adoption of a constitution, together with an application for
statehood, did not either sanctify the decision contained in it, nor
immobilize the composition of the population to be governed. The
changes in institutions would be numerous and continuous until the
population was relatively stabilized. Yet, even then, changes would
20. John Doy, The Narrative of John Doy, of Lawrence, Kansas, pp. 8-10.
220 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
always be introduced in consequence of the introduction of new
cultural technology. In a practical sense, the so-called doctrine of
"popular sovereignty" made little difference in the basic issues. The
parties to the Kansas controversy were inconsistent in their applica-
tion of "principles," either to the land question or to government,
and each appealed to "principles" in such a manner as to afford a
show of justification for his own side in each particular controversy.
To mid-20th century historians the emphasis here upon the prin-
ciples of government in relation to the theory and practice of popular
sovereignty may appear strange and disproportionate. But in the
perspective of the source materials, in contrast with the traditional
mode of writing American history, this emphasis is only a return
to the realities of the 1850*8. Again and again the editors and speech
makers expounded the matter, even though usually in the form of a
vicious circular logic controlled by political prejudice. At times,
however, someone struck out independently.
THE CHANGE OF 1857: NATIONALISM
The change that came over Kansas territory and the Kansas ques-
tion in the states after 1857 was fundamental to both local and na-
tional history. Probably it is reflected more accurately and basically
in the changed characteristics of Kansas books than has been appre-
ciated.
In Kansas, after the October, 1857, election of a territorial legisla-
ture by Free-State men, the basic question of slavery had been
settled, although neither side was willing to accept the verdict
of popular sovereignty in action and rest its case. The Kansas
agitation had proved too potent a propaganda weapon at the
federal level for either to be willing to forego its perpetuation.
More than ever, that is, more even than in the presidential campaign
of 1856, Kansas was useful in politics at the federal-state level, which
was rapidly crystallizing into an intolerant new spirit of national-
ism fundamentally different from both state rights and federalism.
Implicit in the new nationalism was the concept designated in the
1850's by several terms, the chief of those used by the opposition
probably being the "consolidated state" or the "imperial state." The
full significance of the more general usage during the 1850's of the
words nation and national escaped general notice then, by contem-
poraries, and since, by historians. But in any case, the more im-
portant fact is not the words used, but the substance, the crystallizing
spirit of nationalism in the modern Western European sense, which
infused a new meaning even into the old words. Of course, this
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 221
process had been a long time in the making, and Webster had given
it theoretical expression, but the culminating steps moved swiftly.
Possibly the most potent and tangible but little recognized factor
in precipitating this new spirit of nationalism, was the nativist move-
ment throughout the federation, irrespective of the presence or
absence of slavery. Native-born Americans against foreign immi-
grants and foreign influence! Anglo-Saxons against other races,
including the Negro! Nativism was both political and nonpolitical
in a party sense. At any rate, the power of nativism has not been
adequately evaluated. It was nonpolitical before it became a politi-
cal party, and was probably more potent in that form than when
it organized as a political party. Nativist organizations enlisted both
Whigs and Democrats as members. The very nature of the empha-
sis, when the American or Know-Nothing party was launched as
a rival of the Whigs and Democrats, is important, because the party
placed nativism above the slavery question. When, in 1856, the
American party split on the slavery question and the Northern wing
went into the new Republican party, the nationalistic sentiment pre-
vailing in the Southern wing of the party was not destroyed, only
diverted to a different channel. The ensuing controversy obscured
the nationalistic character of Southern sentiment. There has been
much confusion on this point, compounded by terminology. The
nationalism which is the subject of the present discussion is an
emotional attachment to the United States as a nation, and not to a
Southern nationalism, or a sectional nationalism separate or distinct
from the common heritage. Yet, it is true also that many who
went into the Confederate States of America were firmly convinced
that they were devoted to the preservation of the true American
nationalism, and that it was being perverted or destroyed by the
North. Anyone who would understand the decade of the 1850's
must somehow fit the Kansas question into this large and complex
pattern of developments.
Locally, the southeastern Kansas war perpetuated the tradition of
"Bleeding Kansas." "Nationally/* the Dred Scott case, the Lecomp-
ton constitution in congress, and the Lincoln-Douglas debates raised
to the federal level the dispute over federal power in the territories.
Yet, what territory after 1857, even Kansas, was really debatable ex-
cept to partisans, bent on making political capital? The Indian ter-
ritory might be opened, New Mexico admitted, and Texas sub-
divided to provide more free states. But north of Kansas, there was
no reasonable possibility of a slave state. In Utah, the issue was
Mormonism. Why all the agitation, ostensibly, about Kansas, where
222 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
the issue was really settled, and about slavery in the remaining ter-
ritories? There was more, much more involved than meets the eye.
The theoretical debate over the power of congress in the terri-
tories, carried on in the Lincoln-Douglas debates, in the newspapers
and magazines during 1858 and 1859, and in congress, so far as it
could apply to any future territory, was primarily a theoretical dis-
cussion in a vacuum. It was in the nature of a post-mortem; an
attempt to formalize or systematize thought after the event. That
was the meaning of the Harper's Magazine article of Douglas in
1859, and of the book by S. G. Fisher, The Law of the Territories.
Two possible contingencies, however, might inject a new life and
reality into the dead theory; an antislavery drive into the country
south of 36° 30', or the annexation of new territory. Does the consti-
tution follow the flag into contiguous territory or overseas? But
barring such new developments, the only fruit these abstract dis-
cussions could bear was a consolidation of thought about the nature
of the general government under the swelling, intolerant force of
nationalism, which was overriding both state rights and federalism.
Douglas and popular sovereignty, as applied to local self-govern-
ment, were on the losing side of that issue. As the Civil War demon-
strated, the national idea, a national popular sovereignty and the
issues identified with its dominant majority, possessed the power to
enforce that national idea. Thus not only local self-government and
state rights, but federalism were marked for liquidation.
THE HARVEST OF HATE
An effect of the Phillips formula, "The conquest of Kansas by Mis-
souri, and her allies," was to produce a bountiful harvest of hate. In
the southeastern Kansas border warfare, it helped to make history.
The "antislavery" Kansans were the aggressors against the so-called
"proslavery" party and Missouri. Revenge, not freedom, became
dominant, and the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 removed ap-
parently all inhibitions. In the writing of Kansas history, the Phil-
lips formula is still, after a century, a major characteristic, although
somewhat modified by other factors. The period of Kansas history
prior to 1857 was one of an enforced unity, the necessity of a united
front. Controversies among Free-State men existed in full measure,
but were suppressed or played down by the propaganda literature.
The "enemy" at the time was the so-called Proslavery "conquerer."
These facts are basic to the interpretation of the situation as history
and to an understanding of the contemporary "double-talk." Also,
that enforced unity of a public front belies the claim of the Free-
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 223
State party to an overwhelming majority of the actual settlers in Kan-
sas prior to 1857. Had they possessed a clear majority they should
have forced the issue of political control.
In 1857, and later, the situation was different. Free-State popula-
tion was unquestionably in the majority numerically, and there was
no longer any valid reason ( only an excuse ) for them not to assume
the dominant position, politically, in the Lecompton constitution
movement. The primary thing that stood in their way was their
own shortsightedness, selfishness, and factional jealousies over which
Free-State men should control. What the situation amounted to
was that the Free-State men preferred to perpetuate their precious
grievance of being a conquered province of Missouri, to asserting
themselves and to taking control, Hbut with the hazard to each faction
that an opposing faction or combination of Free-State factions would
govern them. In other words, they preferred to be governed by
alleged Proslavery men than by opposing factions of Free-State men.
Fowler's fictionalized history, "The Jay-Hawker," exposed important
aspects of the factional Free-State civil war.
The issue of the abandonment of the Topeka state government
during 1857-1858, and of the Free-State political party organization
in early 1859, each in turn precipitated a controversy over the rela-
tive effectiveness of rival policies, and over personal honors and
credits for making Kansas free. Of course, the assumption upon
which all such argument turned was the unproved formula that with-
out the Kansas crusade, Kansas would have been a slave state. But
these Kansans of the late 1850's were still engaged primarily in mak-
ing, not writing, history, and these quarrels of 1857, 1858, and 1859
were more a part of the substance of history than a phase in the
writing of history. The vicious second Kansas civil war, the one
over credits and honors, did not break out into a "shooting war"
until the late 1870's, and the 1880's. The day of the united front in
the presence of the conquering Missourians and their allies was then
past, and the old settlers were free to fight that war without restric-
tions or inhibitions.
Bypaths of Kansas History
No COFFEE BREAK IN 1855!
John Calhoun, surveyor general of Kansas and Nebraska in 1854-
1858, laid down the following rules for his office in Wyandotte ( now
a part of Kansas City, Kan. ) :
RULES
To be observed in the Surveyor General's Office
Office hours from 8& A. M. to 4}£ P. M. with one hour's intermis-
sion at noon, and if necessary to keep up the work, one hour may
be required in addition to the foregoing time.
Each clerk will be requested to report himself daily at the time
of commencing and leaving work giving the precise time.
No clerk will be allowed to absent himself from his desk unless it
is indispensably necessary during office hours, without first asking
and obtaining leave therefor.
No clerk having his work in one room will be allowed to spend
any more time in the other room than is actually necessary in
order to transact his business there.
No visitors will be admitted into the draughtsman's room with-
out permission.
No smoking will be allowed in either room during office hours.
No reading of books or newspapers during office hours.
No clerk having his duties assigned him will be allowed to trans-
fer his work to any other clerk without permission.
Any Books, Maps or papers taken from the files must be returned
to their proper places by the persons using them.
It is expected that every gentleman in the office will cheerfully
share with me in the responsibilities due the Government.
SURVEYOR GENERAL'S OFFICE J. CALHOUN
WYANDOTT, Dec. 15, 1855 Sur. Gen'l.
The rules were copied on pp. 1 and 2 of the surveyor general's
"Private Account Book," now in the archives of the Kansas State
Historical Society.
CHRISTMAS IN 1860
From the Topeka Tribune, December 29, 1860.
Whatever ideas our Eastern brethren may have formed as to the manner
in which we "acorn-fed and bark-clothed" people of Kansas would celebrate
Christmas this year, it is nevertheless a fact that so far as our observation ex-
tends it was not observed, either as a matter of choice or necessity, as a day
of fasting in Topeka. So far from this was the case that we venture the opinion
(224)
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 225
that the day in this city will long be remembered by most of our people as one
rendered socially pleasant and delightful, and so far as the "good things" were
concerned, so little below the time-honored standard of christmas sumptuousness
and epicurean indulgence as to lessen in no perceivable degree the conviviality,
fire-side mirth and general good feeling peculiar to christmas day in a Christian
land. The presence of sleighing, the bright, mellow sun-shine, the prospect
of the speedy admission of Kansas as a sovereign State, the strong hope of a
future crowned with Heaven's richest blessings and earth's abundance in this
our adopted land, the absence of famine, plague or unusual disease, and the
general good health and spirits of our citizens, altogether combined to render
it a cheerful, happy day, around which will linger in our recollections the most
fond and welcome memories.
It was a day long to be remembered by the printers of the Tribune Office.
For two long, weary years had their labors been without cessation, but upon
that day — that Christmas day — no "clicking of the types" broke the stillness of
our office, or "clanking of the press* proclaimed to the passers-by that "the
print-shop was at home." Vainly, upon that day, did exasperated creditors
wait for the latch string at our door. So far as we were personally concerned
we remained the guest of the sharer of our social, domestic bliss, and partook
of her hospitality, while the sharer of our pecuniary trial and sorrows wandered
away to the pleasant village of Tecumseh and was there kindly taken in and
cared for by our friend, E. B. Smith, Esq., and his excellent lady. Thus, the
day and the eve passed pleasantly away.
No "CLINGING VINES" HERE
From The Kansas Daily Commonwealth, Topeka, May 1, 1873.
The Wathena Reporter says women get off the cars as they go through
Brown county, without troubling the conductor to halt the train. One lady who
wanted to go to town lately, was fifteen minutes behind time, but set out on
foot with the determination to catch the train, and did so after traveling a couple
of miles. She maintained a steady trot the entire distance, and was almost
out of breath when she reached the train, but displayed her womanly courage
by bouncing upon the platform and into the car without waiting for "any man"
to politely hand her in.
EMPORIA AS DESCRIBED BY A NEIGHBOR
From the Garden City Paper, July 10, 1879.
The El Dorado Press says that Emporia is getting to be one of the best towns
in Kansas. They have a daily newspaper, nine whisky saloons, three railroads,
a church festival once a week, one street lamp, two drays, a democratic street
sprinkler, and thirteen fellows in jail.
Kansas History as Published in the Press
Early Marshall county history was the subject of an article in the
Frankfort Index, June 17, 1954. Included were brief histories of
Marys ville, Blue Rapids, Axtell, and Beattie.
Included in John Watson's "See Kansas" series in the Wichita
Evening Eagle in recent months were: "Buffalo Bill Cody Camped
at Natural Bridge Located Under Stone Arch East of Arkansas City/'
June 17, 1954; "Gunmen of Old West Once Fought Fierce Battles to
Death on Streets of Cattle-Town Caldwell," July 15; "Sod House
Standing on Colby Fairgrounds Recalls Hardships Undergone by
Pioneers to Make Homes," July 22; "Fort Riley Hall Stands as Me-
morial to Heroic Gen. Jonathan Wainwright," August 26; and "Iowa
Sac and Fox Mission Museum [at Highland] Stands on One of State's
Most Historic Sites," September 2.
A biographical sketch of John Taggart, by Frank Ferris, was
printed in the Nortonville News, June 18, 1954. One of the town's
earliest settlers, Taggart opened a store at Nortonville in 1872.
Articles of a historical nature have continued to appear in the
Hays Daily News and Ellis County News. Included in recent num-
bers of the Daily News were: "Business Growth of Hays City Rapid
During Early Years," June 20, 1954; "Birthday of Old Fort Hays,"
June 22; "Indians Camped on Big Creek Threatened Attack on
Hays" and "There Were Good Women as Well as Bad in Early
Days of Hays City," a biographical sketch of Anna M. Wilson, June
27; "German Settlers Worked Hard on Arrival in Ellis County," July
4; "[Charles F. Chase] Tells of Battling Indians on the Plains of
Western Kansas," July 11; "Custer's Island Is Really Buzzard's Is-
land and Not Camp of Custer at All," July 25; "It Took a Lot of
Talking to Get Flour Mill for Hays," and "Massacre of Six Germain
Sisters West of Ellis One of Worst Indian Atrocities," August 15;
"First Electric Street Lights Installed Here Fifty-Five Years Ago,"
August 22; and "Hickok Was Marshal at Abilene Two Years After
Leaving Hays," September 5. Articles in the Ellis County News
included: the article on German settlers in Ellis county, July 8;
Chase's story of Indian battles on the plains, July 15; " 'Boys' Ruled
Hays in 1900 and Did Good Job of It," August 5; the article on the
Hays flour mill, August 19; and the article on "Wild Bill" Hickok as
marshal of Abilene, September 9.
(226)
KANSAS HISTORY IN THE PRESS 227
Readers are taken for a tour of old Fort Larned by Frank Kelley
in his article "Ouster's Ghost Still Haunts Ft. Larned/' in the Hutch-
inson News-Herald, June 20, 1954. The fort was established in 1859
and was first called Camp Alert. On June 27 the News-Herald
printed an article on Fort Dodge by Paul Murphy. The post,
founded in 1864, is now the site of the Kansas Soldier's Home and
the Mother Bickerdyke Annex.
Historical articles of interest to Kansans published in recent issues
of the Kansas City (Mo.) Star included: "Kirwin, Kas., Ending 83rd
Year, Is Again Solomon Valley Key," June 20, 1954; "A Kansan's
[John J. Vanier of Salina] 75-Dollar-A-Month Job Grew Into Cattle
Empire," by John Alexander, August 1; "Town of Atchison and
Editor Ed Howe, 'Sage of Potato Hill,' Grew Up Together," by
Charles Arthur Hawley, August 7; "Fame and Near Disgrace in
Strange Life Story of Col. John M. Chivington," a biographical
sketch of the first master of Kansas' first Masonic lodge, by Floyd S.
Ecord, August 10; and "Saga of John Brown to Be Seen in Kansas
Pageant [in Osawatomie]," by John Alexander, September 19. Ar-
ticles in the Kansas City (Mo.) Times were: "Descendant of Coro-
nado [Don Alonso Cotoner y Cotoner of Mallorca] Takes Pride in
400-Year-Old Bond With Kansas," by Jonathan M. Dow, July 21;
"Freemasonry in Kansas Started the Year Present State Became a
Territory in 1854," by John Edward Hicks, August 10, "Buffalo
Slaughter Shameful Tragedy of American Greed and Wastefulness,"
a review of Mari Sandoz's The Buffalo Hunters, by Leslie D. Polk,
September 1; and "Pencil of Traveling Artist Adds Appeal to Kansas
Historic Lore," a review of Margaret Whittemore's Historic Kansas:
A Centenary Sketchbook, by Theodore M. O'Leary, September 8.
"Early Days in Valley Falls," is the title of a weekly series by E. J.
Stewart, Rogers, Ark., which began in the Valley Falls Vindicator,
June 23, 1954. Stewart is a native of Valley Falls.
A four-column history of the area around Hammer cemetery in
Lincoln county, by Arthur J. Stanley, appeared in the Lincoln Sen-
tinel-Republican, July 1, 1954. John Blount was reported to be the
first settler, arriving in 1869.
On July 1, 1954, the Johnson County Democrat, Olathe, published
a brief history of Gardner by Mrs. Arthur Pearce. The town was
platted in 1857.
Included in the centennial issue of the Perry Mirror, July 8, 1954,
228 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
were an article on the history of Perry by Raymond Gieseman, sev-
eral other short historical articles, and pictures of early Perry.
Fort Scott's historic Carroll Plaza was the subject of an article in
the Pittsburg Headlight, July 10, 1954, and the Pittsburg Sun, July
11. The plaza was the center of the military fortifications estab-
lished in 1842. The Fort Scott Lions club recently erected a sign at
the entrance, giving some of the fort's history. A biographical sketch
of Grant Whitlock, 91-year-old McCune resident, was published in
the Sun, July 11, and the Headlight, July 12.
In 1874 the first Catholic church was built at Kimeo, Washington
county, according to an article on the history of St. Michael's church
in the Greenleaf Sentinel, July 15, 1954. Work on the present build-
ing commenced in 1904.
Some of Jamestown's early history was printed in the Jamestown
Optimist, July 29, 1954. Although a post office served the area from
1871, the town was not incorporated until 1883. A short article on
the Mill bridge, near Jamestown, appeared in the same issue.
A history of the St. Boniface Catholic church of Sharon was pub-
lished in four installments in the Kiowa News, July 29, August 5, 12,
19, 1954. Formation of the church began in 1904 when the Rev.
Patrick Maloney arranged for Mass to be said at the Otto Winter
home.
An article by Fayette Rowe on the notorious Kate Bender and her
family was published in The Modern Light, Columbus, July 29,
1954, the Coffeyville Daily Journal, August 1, and the Oswego Demo-
crat, August 13. Known as the "Bloody" Benders, the family lured
travelers into their home on the Fort Scott-Independence trail and
murdered them. The fate of the Benders, after the discovery of their
crime, is still a mystery.
Articles in the Bulletin of the Shawnee County Historical Society,
Topeka, August, 1954, were: "Local History in the Making — 1953,"
by Earl Ives; "What Became of the Fountain [Used in the Kansas
Building at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, 1876]?" by
Nancy Veale Galloway; Part 1 of "Topeka and the Emigrant Aid
Company," by Russell K. Hickman; another installment of George
A. Root's "Chronology of Shawnee County"; and a continuation of
Charlotte McLellan's "Potwin Place People."
Names of Kansas counties which have been changed or have dis-
appeared were discussed by F. J. Cloud in the Kingman Journal,
August 10, 1954.
KANSAS HISTORY IN THE PRESS 229
Lane county, created by the legislature in 1873, which was first
settled in 1878 and organized in 1886, was the subject of a series
compiled by Mrs. Elmer Johnson and Nolen Yates, beginning in the
Dighton Herald, August 11, 1954.
Centennial editions were published by the Marysville newspapers
August 12, 1954, 72 pages by the Marshall County News and 76
pages by the Advocate. City and county histories, stories on the
birth and expansion of the city's institutions, organizations, and
business firms, and articles on the industry and agriculture of the
area made up the editions. Marysville's centennial celebration was
held August 17-19.
Lawrence history, as illustrated by a display in the Weaver De-
partment store in Lawrence before and during the city's centennial
celebration, September 23-28, was described by Ruth E. Love in
the Lawrence Journal-World, August 14, 1954.
A story on the Alexander Gardner collection of Kansas pictures
in the Kansas State Historical Society, by Frank Madson, Jr., ap-
peared in the Wichita Beacon, August 22, 1954. The pictures —
approximately 150 — were made in 1867. Several were reproduced
with the article.
Fayette Rowe, Columbus, reviewed the history of the Cherokee
county county-seat war in the Joplin ( Mo. ) Globe, August 22, 1954,
and the Girard Press, August 26. Baxter Springs built a courthouse
early in the 1870's in an effort to become the county seat, but it was
never occupied by the county offices, as Columbus won the fight.
The Council Grove Republican, August 24, 1954, published a his-
torical sketch of the Diamond Springs community by Lenora Rude
Drayer. Mrs. Drayer's grandfather, David Rude, was one of the
earliest settlers in the area.
A 24-page edition was published by the Mulvane News, August
26, 1954, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of
Mulvane. The edition was "designed to portray some of the events
of past years which have contributed to the development of the
city, as well as to picture Mulvane as it is today."
The Argonia Argosy has continued to print regularly the series of
historical reminiscences compiled by Frank Reals.
Installments of John S. Gilmore's diary, 1867-1870, have continued
to appear regularly in the Wilson County Citizen, Fredonia.
Kansas Historical Notes
Under the direction of their English teacher, Mrs. Louise Me-
Elroy, a group of high school students at Sedan have been engaged
in writing historical articles on Chautauqua county subjects. Be-
gun in January, 1954, the project has continued through the summer
months. The themes won first place in the miscellaneous division of
the contest for high school newspapers sponsored by the William
Allen White School of Journalism, University of Kansas, in April.
The Sedan Star-Times has published one of the stories almost every
week.
A reunion of the Dow Creek [Lyon county] community pioneers
and their descendants was held in Emporia, June 20, 1954. One of
the features of the program was the presentation of a history of the
community by John A. Scheel. The history was printed in the Em-
poria Gazette, June 22.
Principal speaker at the Lyon County Historical Society's July 4,
1954, luncheon was Mrs. O. D. Lewis, Shawnee, Okla., a member
of the Sac and Fox Indian tribe.
Judge Karl Miller and Heinie Schmidt, Dodge City, were speakers
at the organization of the Lane County Historical Society in Dighton,
July 16, 1954. Officers elected at the meeting included: Mrs. Robert
Jennison, president; Raymond Tillotson, vice-president; Mrs. Elmer
Johnson, secretary; and Mrs. R. G. Mull, Sr., treasurer. Members
of the board of directors are: Frank Vycital, Robert Jennison, Walter
Herndon, Minnie Moomaw, Tillotson, Le Roy Allman, Mrs. Grant
Hallbick, Mrs. William Shaffer, and A. L. Linden.
Larry Yost was recently named president of Boot Hill Museum,
Inc., Dodge City. Other new directors are: Gene Gurtner, vice-
president; Don Young, Jr., secretary; and Warren Speakman, treas-
urer. The museum is being operated by the Dodge City Junior
Chamber of Commerce. Added to the museum's collection during
the summer were an old Santa Fe locomotive and a large group of
articles from the Rev. Andrew D. Shore, including old-time nickel-
odians, guns, and many other antiques.
New officers of the Douglas Historical Society were recently an-
nounced as follows: Gladys Sherar, president; Walter Martin, vice-
president; Emma Elder, secretary; Turia Bolington, reporter; and
Viola Dennett, historian. The society's museum was moved to new
quarters during the summer.
(230)
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 231
George M. Miller was re-elected president of the Chase County
Historical Society at the annual meeting in Cottonwood Falls, Sep-
tember 4, 1954. Other officers chosen were: Henry Rogler, vice-
president; Clint A. Baldwin, secretary; George T. Dawson, treas-
urer; and Mrs. Helen Austin, chief historian. Members appointed
to the executive committee included: Mrs. Ruth Conner, chairman;
Mrs. Ida M. Vinson, vice-chairman; Mrs. Austin, Minnie Norton,
Ida Schneider, and Beatrice Hays.
Olathe's 56th annual Old Settlers' reunion was held September 10,
11, 1954. Joseph J. Hedrick, president of the Natural Gas Pipeline
Company of America and a native of Olathe, was the guest speaker
on the Saturday afternoon program. Officers elected for next year
were: Dale Dorst, president; G. A. Brink, vice-president; Mrs. Mil-
dred Dorst, secretary; and Gene Breiner, treasurer.
Downs published a 24-page historical pamphlet as a part of its
75th anniversary celebration, July 28-31, 1954. The town was in-
corporated December 17, 1879.
The history of Wyandotte Lodge No. 3, A. F. & A. M., Kansas City,
and biographical sketches of its early masters were recently pub-
lished in a 48-page pamphlet in observance of the lodge's cen-
tennial.
Two articles by Charles H. Dick were recently published by the
Lawrence Outlook in a 34-page pamphlet under the title Territory
Aflame, a survey of the Kansas situation in 1854-1856. The second
article was a brief history of the Santa Fe trail and the towns,
streams, and other points of interest along it.
Pioneer's Mission — The Story of Lyman Copeland Draper, a 384-
page volume by William B. Hesseltine, was published by the State
Historical Society of Wisconsin early in 1954. Draper, 1815-1891,
was one of the founders, principal promoter, and for years secretary
of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin.
A study of the organization and work of the Bureau of Catholic
Indian Missions during President U. S. Grant's Indian "Peace
Policy," by Peter J. Rahill, has been published by the Catholic Uni-
versity of America in a 396-page volume entitled The Catholic
Indian Missions and Grant's Peace Policy 1870-1884. It is No. 41
in Studies in American Church History, published by the Catholic
University of America and edited by Peter Guilday and John Tracy
Ellis.
232 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Life on the Santa Fe trail is re-created by John W. Tait in his
recently published 268-page novel, Fighting Wagons to Santa Fe.
The hardships and adventures of freighting on the plains, the
Indians, outlaws, and other features of the trail's history comprise
the story.
The escape of a slave in 1859 through the "underground railway"
from Fort Scott to Canada is the theme of a novel by Leonard
Nathan entitled A Wind Like a Bugle, published in 1954.
Josiah Gregg's Commerce of the Prairies has been edited by Max
L. Moorhead and recently republished in a 469-page volume by the
University of Oklahoma Press, Norman. The book, first published
in 1844, is Gregg's personal narrative, describing the Southern Plains
and giving an account of early Santa Fe trade.
A 183-page description and history of the Oregon trail by Fred-
erica B. Coons, is entitled The Trail to Oregon (Binfords & Mort,
Portland, Ore., 1954 ) . After taking an imaginary journey down the
trail with the emigrants bound for Oregon, the reader is given a
present-day itinerary for following the trail by automobile.
The Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis, recently published an
attractive 379-page volume entitled Walam Olum or Red Score —
The Migration Legend of the Lenni Lenape or Delaware Indians.
The "Walam Olum" is the tribal chronicle of the Delaware Indians,
relating their history from the creation to the coming of the white
man to North America. Part one of the book contains this document
and its translation; Part two consists of essays analyzing the "Walam
Olum."
THE
KANSAS HISTORICAL
QUARTERLY
Winter 1954
Published by
Kansas State Historical Society
Topeka
KIRKE MECHEM JAMES C. MALIN NYLE H. MILLER
Editor Associate Editor Managing Editor
CONTENTS
How NATURAL GAS CAME TO KANSAS Angela Scott, 233
With photographs of Lanyon Smelters Nos. 1 and 2 in 1908, and
the same area in 1945, facing p. 240; and Gas, Kan., about 1908
and 1945, facing p. 241.
AN INDIAN CAPTIVITY AND ITS LEGAL AFTERMATH Alan W. Farley, 247
With portraits of Mrs. Fanny Wiggins Kelly and Mrs. Sarah Luse
Larimer, -facing p. 248.
JOSEPH BECKER'S SKETCH OF THE GETTYSBURG CEREMONY,
NOVEMBER 19, 1863 Robert Taft, 257
With a reproduction of the drawing, facing p. 256.
NOTES ON THE WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES OF KANSAS:
Part Two: J. N. Holloway, History of Kansas (1868) . .James C. Malin, 264
With portrait of John Nelson Holloway, facing p. 280.
THE ANNUAL MEETING: Containing Reports of the Secretary, Treasurer,
Executive and Nominating Committees, Election of Officers, List of
Directors of the Society, and Sen. Andrew F. Schoeppel's Address at
the Dedication of the Kaw Mission Museum in Council Grove on May
12, 1954 288
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 312
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 313
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 317
The Kansas Historical Quarterly is published four times a year by the Kansas
State Historical Society, Topeka, Kan., and is distributed free to members. Cor-
respondence concerning contributions may be sent to the managing editor at the
Historical Society. The Society assumes no responsibility for statements made
by contributors.
Entered as second-class matter October 22, 1931, at the post office at To-
peka, Kan., under the act of August 24, 1912.
THE COVER
Abraham Lincoln, a photograph made by Alexander Gardner
of Washington on November 15, 1863, four days before the
speech at Gettysburg. Photo courtesy of F. H. Meserve, New
York City.
THE KANSAS
HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Volume XXI Winter, 1954 Number 4
How Natural Gas Came to Kansas
ANGELO SCOTT
IS is a story of the early adventures of natural gas in Kansas,
A of how reluctantly it was first accepted as a thing of worth,
of how haltingly it pushed its way forward, and of how amazingly
it made and broke a city before it finally grew up to be an adult
member of economic society.
The story begins with the curious fact that natural gas never
was "discovered" in Kansas — except, perhaps, by Indians of un-
known antiquity. It was here, seeping out of the ground, when
the white men came. They observed and identified it. They en-
countered it in the search for other things. They played with it
and talked about it. Finally they actively searched for it. But
there is no time, place, or event in the state's history that can be
identified as marking "the first gas well in Kansas" or even the first
written observation that this precious natural resource existed
within the state's boundaries.
People did note its existence and begin talking about it almost
immediately after the territory was opened to settlers. One of the
first curiosities they ran into were the "tar springs" and "oil springs"
of eastern Kansas, particularly those in Miami county. They no-
ticed that some of them bubbled. And they knew that the bubbles
were natural gas when they listened to semilegendary tales of great
Indian warriors who used to hold their councils around the light
of "burning springs."
But watching the bubbles and listening to the legends was as
far as the interest of these early observers went. The last thought
to cross their minds was the possibility that more wealth might lie
beneath these springs than in the six inches of good topsoil on the
acres surrounding them.
The next mentions of natural gas in Kansas — and they were
ANGELO SCOTT, president of the Kansas State Historical Society, 1953-1954, is editor and
publisher of the Tola Register. This article was his presidential address before the annual
meeting of the State Historical Society on October 19, 1954.
(233)
234 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
quite as casual as those remarking about the bubbling springs —
came in connection with the search for oil.
People were not quite so slow to recognize the potential worth
of oil as of gas. Skimming it off the occasional pools where it was
found floating on water, they discovered that it made a much
better wagon wheel lubricant than mutton tallow. A few were
imaginative enough to speculate that if small quantities of oil oozed
out of the surface of the ground, larger quantities might lie below.
Thus it happened that a certain Edwin L. Drake started pros-
pecting for oil near Oil creek, Pennsylvania, in 1859. He drilled
a hole in the ground that turned into the first commercial oil well
in history. Its capacity was a fabulous 20 barrels a day, enough
to lubricate more wagon wheels than you could dream of.
The news spread quickly. The very next year Dr. G. W. Brown
obtained one of the crude drilling rigs of the day and began pros-
pecting for oil in Miami county. He found none his first two or
three tries. And soon the Civil War stopped all activities. Yet in
1865, when drilling had started again here and there, the Kansas
Daily Tribune of Lawrence carried the following letter from a Fort
Scott driller to a friend:
"We struck oil on the evening of the 20th at a depth of 280
feet in oil-bearing sandstone. On the 21st we bored about ten
feet, with a large increase of oil and gas. . . . Gas is so strong
that a bucket will not pass through without weighting. . . ."
The casualness of this mention of gas can only indicate that the
encounter was neither surprising nor unexpected, that it must have
been commonplace in the experience of these earliest drillers. And
of course it became still more commonplace as drilling continued
because gas and oil always go hand in hand, and in eastern Kan-
sas, almost any hole punched in the ground is likely to encounter
a gas showing of some sort at some level.
But from the writing of this letter in 1865 until 1882, gas con-
tinued to be mentioned only casually, as a nuisance incidental to
oil drilling, as a freak of nature, or as an interesting sort of play-
thing. Natural gas never did walk into Kansas head up. It only
stumbled in on the heels of the search for oil, coal, and water.
Examples of that stumbling are interesting. One of the first
dates back to the late 1860's when a man living in the vicinity of
Fort Scott may well have become the first person in the United
States to utilize natural gas in his home. The late Judge Charles
E. Cory of Fort Scott, writing years later, gave this version of the
event:
How NATURAL GAS CAME TO KANSAS 235
Along in the sixties, immediately following the Civil war, John G. Stuart,
who was afterward mayor of Fort Scott, owned the land which is now Gunn
Park. ... As you go on the main driveway in Gunn Park westward
till you approach near the river, where the upper waterworks dam is, and
then turn southward, you will observe a pretty rolling mound rising from the
river. Right on the brow of that mound was the Stuart home. Down north-
westward toward the point where the dam now stands, Mr. Stuart bored a
well for water.
He got the water all right, but in addition he struck a strong flow of gas.
In those days the art of utilizing natural gas, or any other kind of gas, for
household or industrial purposes had not been developed, but Mr. Stuart, in
a crude way, confined a part of the flow and led it up to his house which was
a crude sort of pioneer shack.
He piped it into an ordinary old-fashioned coal cook stove and used it for
domestic purposes. He also installed some old-fashioned flat flame gas jets.
This was the first time that natural gas was ever utilized anywhere in the West.
The appliances were extremely crude but it was a great convenience for the
Stuart family. . . .
Along in the seventies and eighties, this gas well was allowed to run free
and was permitted to burn a large portion of the time, so that "The Burning:
Well" was a wonder spot for the people hundreds of miles around.
Natural gas has become so commonplace in recent years that it is difficult
for us now to understand what a marvel this place was. Older men and
women now living in Fort Scott could tell you gaudy stroies about the picnics
and outings, the dance parties and frolics that were had at the Burning Well.
It was not only a beautiful place for an evening picnic but the marvel of it
attracted wide attention.
The well has long since been clogged up and has ceased to flow, and lots of
people who remember, talk about The Burning Well. . . . The memory
of it is well worth preserving, both for its historic interest as the first place
where natural gas was utilized in the West and also as the site of a very
popular resort in the pioneer days.
Judge Cory might have added that it is also worth remembering
as an illustration of how blind the people of those days were to
the commercial possibilities of natural gas, even when an example
of actual household use was set before their eyes. In 1874 a
writer for the Fort Scott Monitor did have at least a momentary
flash of realization that there might be a future in gas. Concern-
ing this same well, he wrote:
The burning well on the farm of Mr. J. G. Stuart, which has long been
a great curiosity to our people and those visiting this county, is at last being
utilized. The gas is used for heating purposes. A furnace and boiler for
boiling food for stock has been constructed, and the gas when lighted fur-
nishes sufficient heat in a short time to boil the food. It seems that suffi-
cient heat from this burning gas could be generated, if it was distributed over
a large surface, to furnish steam for milling purposes. This would be a great
saving in fuel; in fact, no fuel at all would be required, would materially les-
sen the cost of running a manufactory of any kind.
236 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
But no such development ensued. No manufactory came to Fort
Scott. The well clogged up with dirt and was abandoned.
A second example of how natural gas stumbled into Kansas, un-
recognized as a resource of more than trifling value, occurred in
1873 when a well was drilled at the southwest edge of lola. Here
the search was for coal. But again gas was encountered, this time
at a depth of 736 feet.
The flow was an estimated 250,000 cubic feet per day. This is
the well which might have opened people's eyes, which might have
started the direct quest for still greater quantities of gas which
actually got under way a decade later. But by a quirk of chance,
the drill that bit into the gas sand simultaneously opened a vein
of mineral laden salt water. A sort of geyser resulted as the water
was thrown into the air at regular intervals, falling back into the
shaft. Col. Nelson F. Acres, president of the coal prospecting com-
pany, was deeply disappointed. The drilling operations were con-
tinued in other locations and the well was left to boil and spout for
the benefit of curiosity seekers.
It was not unnoticed. It was, indeed, a curiosity and there were
those who felt it must have a value of some sort. But the type
of speculation going on about what value it might have is illus-
trated by the following item from the Neosho Valley Register
(published in lola and predecessor to the lola Register) on March
29, 1873:
in the Lawrence Tribune we found an article headed: — "A
wonderful well in Allen county — Salt, oil, gas &c." which went on to tell of
the wonders of this well which throws a stream of water 100 feet high and is
accompanied by an inflammable gas, which when ignited, gives the strange
spectacle of a column of burning water, or geyser of fire.
The article also stated that "tests which have been made demonstrate that
this water contains salt sufficient to make it valuable as the basis of a salt
manufactory," all of which we most sincerely hope may prove true. Now the
fact is, we have watched this boring with considerable interest and we very
much doubt that any one would feel better pleased than ourself, if coal, or oil,
or even a paying salt well should result from all the labor and expense that
the people have been to, yet we fail to discover the great advantages to be
gained by making a huge noise about this undertaking until we are sure that
we have really found something that will prove a benefit to the people.
» . . False alarms seldom prove a benefit to any town.
A month later, April 26, 1873, the editor of the Register got to
thinking further about this well, and here was his estimate of what
might possibly be made of it:
. . . would it not be advisable to have some of the water from our
'.flowing well reduced and thus demonstrate to a certainty what amount of salt
How NATURAL GAS CAME TO KANSAS 237
it contains? A great deal has been said about our having a salt well that will
pay and also that the gas can be used to produce heat for evaporation, all of
which may or may not be true.
If, as has been claimed, the gas can be used for the purpose of evapora-
tion, then it would probably pay to make salt even if it took three or four
hundred gallons ... to make one bushel, as there would be no expense
whatever for fuel. . . . If we are fortunate enough to have anything of
value, why not apply the test and find it out? If we have not, the quicker
it is settled the better.
That editorial was apparently as near as anyone came to con-
sidering that the gas in this historic well might have value. But
the water still intrigued people. And Colonel Acres, owner of the
property, was the one who finally had imagination enough to turn
it to commercial use. It tasteoVso bad that he decided it must have
great therapeutic qualities, so he set aside the acreage into a park
and constructed a hotel-sanatorium where people could not only
drink the water but bathe in it. Mineral Well Park was a profitable
and popular spot for years.
A third example of how natural gas knocked at the door but was
refused admittance during these early days occurred in Wilson
county the next year. The Wilson County Citizen, Fredonia, of
June 12, 1874, gives the following account of what happened:
On Wednesday, May 27th, the usual quiet and repose of the village of
Guilford was startled by a report scarcely excelled by a heavy cannon, and
followed by a violent shaking of the earth, extending beyond the limits of the
valley.
The minds of the rural population were filled with doubts as to the cause
of this sudden alarm, but on visiting the mill pond of Akin & Bros., where a
party of well diggers were drilling for water, the cause of the shock became
evident, and no fears of a repetition of the recent manifestations in North
Carolina, were entertained.
The gentlemen engaged in drilling a stock well on the premises of the
above, having reached the depth of 120 feet, all at once noticed the drill
descend about six inches, evidently meeting with no obstructions, and at
once a deep rumbling sound, like heavy thunder, came forth from the well,
and drove the person who was tending the drill (at a depth of 27 feet, being
at the bottom of an excavated well,) to the surface, anticipating that a vein
of water had been struck, which would at once fill the well to overflowing.
Having reached the top, the drill was immediately withdrawn, but no
water becoming visible, the drill was again lowered, and a few strokes given,
but the noise became so terrific that all operations were suspended.
A slight odor was emitted from the well, and the conclusion that some-
thing inflammable was escaping, induced the gentlemen to test its burning
qualities. A match was at once lighted on the edge of the well, and had
hardly commenced to burn when the report and shock that has been described
took place, and the adventurous well digger, with whiskers, eyebrows and hair
238 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
missing, lay at some distance from the well, evidently meditating upon the
peculiarity of combustibles.
A solid column of flame shot up from the well at least 40 feet, and con-
tinued to burn, attended with that same rumbling sound that at first indicated
the presence of something escaping from the well. It continued to burn
brightly until extinguished by several buckets of water thrown in the well.
On visiting the spot the next morning the noise still continued, and another
application of a match, at a much greater distance from the well than at
first, was attended with similar results. A column of flame would burst
forth from the well from 30 to 40 feet in hight [sic] and be followed by a
shock that would be plainly felt at a distance of one hundred yards.
An idea of the rapidity that the gas was generated may be obtained from
the fact that every 15 minutes during the whole day, on lighting a paper and
throwing it towards the surface of the well, a similar report and shock took
place.
At last it took fire at the mouth of the drill hole and burned brightly until
extinguished by the heavy rain on Sunday night that followed. No water in
any quantity has appeared. The noise has ceased, and the usual quiet again
'"reigns around."
That seems to be as far as the record of this well goes. It made
a fine firecracker to play with. Apparently it never occurred to
anyone that what they found might be more valuable than the
water they were looking for.
These early experiences explain sufficiently why it is impossible
to identify "the first gas well" in Kansas. Nevertheless, a number
of writers have pretended to. The Newton Republican of October
5, 1888, for example, stated flatly that "The first gas well in Kansas
was bored at Wyandotte in searching for coal in 1870. The gas
blew the drill out at 737 feet and shot fifty feet into the air."
The Kansas City (Mo.) Star of January 18, 1903, declared:
"Wilson county was the scene of the first oil and gas development."
The Independence Daily Reporter said in 1905: "The first gas well
west of the Mississippi was drilled in by John Werner on July 25,
1882, east of Paola, Kansas." None of these statements is true.
But if it is impossible to pinpoint the first gas well in Kansas,
no such difficulty attends the identification of two other "firsts" in
the early history of the state's natural gas development.
The first wells put to commercial use were unquestionably those
which were drilled near Paola in 1882 and 1883 by John W. Wer-
ner, a hotelkeeper from Galveston, Tex., who had come there from
Pennsylvania and had been engaged in the oil business there.
The object of his search was oil. But he kept finding gas, and
in 1884 he obtained a franchise from Paola and piped gas into the
city for commercial and residential use. Paola was the first town
How NATURAL GAS CAME TO KANSAS 239
in Kansas to have gas lights; Werner's wells were the first to turn
gas from a novelty into a commodity of saleable value.
The other "first" which may be pinpointed is the discovery
which set off the first gas-fired industrial boom in Kansas. It hap-
pened in December, 1893, when Joseph Paullin and W. F. Pryor
drilled in the well that opened up the lola field — possibly the
largest in the world at the time of its maximum development some
15 years later.
This was not the first big well to tap the great mid-continent
field. That event occurred a year earlier when the firm of Brown,
McBride & Bloom brought in a 5-million-foot well near Coffeyville.
But it was the first to open a field large enough to supply the fuel
for a major industrial boom.
Here, for a change, the search was specifically for gas. And it
had been a discouraging one, covering a period of almost 20 years.
Shortly after the Acres well had been converted to bath house and
sanatorium use, a company of lola business men was formed for the
express purpose of prospecting for gas. It included Robert H.
Stevenson, William H. McClure, W. A. Cowan, George A. Bowlus,
H. L. Henderson, and others. They obtained a charter from the city
permitting them to pipe the city for the distribution of gas should
they find it.
Over a period of time, these men drilled four wells, all of which
were failures. Finally they sold their interests, including the city
franchise, to Paullin and Pryor with the stipulation that six wells
should be drilled before they abandoned the field. Five of these
were drilled in the west part of lola to depths of 250 to 450 feet,
none producing gas in any quantity. It was decided that the sixth,
to be located in the south center of town, should be a deep test,
going down 1,000 feet if necessary.
Drama attended the drilling of this final well — the one which set
off the boom that turned lola from a sleepy village to a roaring
industrial center. Two accounts of what happened appeared in
a historical supplement to the Register of May 13, 1907. The first,
written by Nelson F. Acres, simply records:
After drilling this well to a depth of about 800 feet and still failing to find
the long sought for sand, the drillers became greatly discouraged. A small
amount of coal was still left and it was decided to consume this coal before
the work was abandoned. This was done and before the coal had been con-
sumed, a depth of 850 feet had been penetrated, and the long hoped for gas
sand had been entered. . . . Whistles were blown and the entire popu-
lation of the village and country gathered to witness the phenomenon.
240 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
The editor of the Register, however, offered the following ver-
sion:
Finally Messrs. Pry or & Paullin . . . decided that they would risk
everything on one deep hole. And so passing through the shallow sand they
drilled on and on — until their money was all gone. It is worth recording as
an illustration of the narrow margin that sometimes lies between success and
failure, to state that only 12 hours before the deep sand was struck Mr. Pryor,
having exhausted his funds, tried in vain to mortgage his entire plant the work
of ten years, for $500. Finally a personal friend said to him, "Go ahead for
twenty-four hours and I will pay the bills." Within those twenty-four hours
real gas was struck, the plant which could not be mortgaged twenty-four
hours earlier for $500 was worth twenty times that sum and the transformation
of lola from a country village into a manufacturing city was assured.
But whatever the exact circumstance, the well was drilled in.
It showed a rock pressure of 320 pounds and an open flow of three
to four million cubic feet of gas per day. The lola gas boom was
on.
The news of the discovery spread rapidly, and in June, 1894, the
Palmer Oil and Gas company of Fostoria, Ohio, sent representatives
to lola and leased several thousand acres of land. They proceeded
at once to sink a number of wells, all of which produced from four
to fourteen million cubic feet a day. The field developed steadily,
finally measuring roughly eight miles long and four miles wide. In
1904, a new field was discovered a few miles to the north, about
half way between lola and Carlyle. Late in 1906 still a third
field was developed lying to the west of the north field, and wells
in this area were the biggest of all, many producing an open flow
of around 20 million feet.
Here was gas in previously undreamed of volume. And the
people who found it, having no experience to guide them, spent
it without restraint, as if it would last forever. Indeed, many of
them thought it might. Some "experts" of the day predicted the
lola fields would last "for hundreds of years to come." So down
the primrose path they went, writing into history one of the most
remarkable industrial booms ever experienced in Kansas.
Things really got going about 1896 when the Robert Lanyon
Zinc Smelter No. 1 was induced to move to lola through the offer
of free gas. Other industries quickly followed, more smelters,
cement plants, brick plants, and iron works, and various small
manufacturing plants and service establishments, including such
esoteric developments as an ice plant with a capacity of 18 tons
a day and a modern steam laundry with a capacity of 100 shirts,
100 collars, and 100 pairs of cuffs every 50 minutes.
I
il
i
B a
How NATURAL GAS CAME TO KANSAS 241
By 1898 lola's 1,500 population had doubled and the town was
straining at every seam. The lola Register had become a daily
newspaper, houses and store buildings were being built by the
score, new factories and enterprises were flowering at every turn.
Gas was at the heart of everything. The industries, according to
the Register of September 1, 1898, "located here for the reason that
they have been able to secure natural gas in unlimited quantities
absolutely free through the enlightened generosity of the citizens
of lola/' But the citizens were almost equally fortunate. The
Register quoted the following standard charges:
For cook stove in private home, $1.00 per month.
For heating stove in private home, $1.00 a month during winter
months only.
For Wellsbach burners, ten cents a month each for the first two
lights, five cents a month each for all additional lights in the same
house.
Stoves and lights could be burned 24 hours a day if desired.
There was no metering, no limitation.
"Is there any other town on earth in this latitude/' asked the
Register, "where the fuel bill is reduced to so small a sum?" In-
deed, there probably was not. Nor was there any other town will-
ing to give it to factories without charge or just burn it up for fun
if the occasion suggested itself.
Such an occasion was September 1, 1898, when lola entertained
an incredible 20,000 members of the Modern Woodmen of America
from eastern Kansas at their annual "Log Rolling."
Those who came by Missouri Pacific from the east were greeted
at LaHarpe, seven miles east of lola, by "a great arch made of
gas tubing and spelling in flaming letters the words, 'THERE ARE
OTHERS/ spanning the principal street of the village, flaring
torches in every door yard, and screaming whistles at the smelters."
At lola, the celebration day opened at 10 A. M. with a salute
blown on "a dozen . . . huge factory whistles, which require
from 100 to 200 pounds of steam to blow," but which, for this
occasion were connected to a 14-million-foot-a-day gas well. That
was just a starter. The entire square had been surrounded with
pipes with holes drilled in them at regular intervals. The well
was connected to them also. When the gas was turned on and
ignited, the park was surrounded by a wall of flames.
In addition, a "gas gun" the size of a huge cannon, was placed
near the square. The tongue of flame issuing from this gun, under
242 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
the 320-pound direct pressure of the gas well, was 50 feet high and
20 feet in diameter.
Said the Register,
The gas consumed . . . valued on comparison with coal at the rate
of $2.25 a ton, is worth one dollar a minute. [But] it should be remembered
that the whole display is made from one of about twenty similar wells in the
lola gas field, and that any number of additional wells of equal volume may
be had when they are wanted. In the meantime, it is a nice plaything and lola
wastes it unregrettingly when occasion justifies it.
lola continued to use and waste gas unregrettingly for the next
ten years. It also continued to grow amazingly. By 1907 its claim
to industrial pre-eminence in Kansas was undisputed. The boom
was at its height.
Its nine smelters, one of them the largest in the United States,
produced 60 percent of the nation's zinc spelter, 40 percent of
the world's. It possessed the only zinc rolling mill and the only
sulphuric acid plant west of the Mississippi river. The zinc in-
dustry centered in Allen county employed around 2,300 men
with an annual payroll of $1,500,000 and a capital investment of
$4,350,000. These last two figures would be at least quadrupled
if translated into today's dollars.
Two cement plants were producing 10,000 barrels daily and
four more were under construction. Three brick plants were op-
erating with a daily output of 170,000 bricks. Brass and iron cast-
ings to the amount of 34,000 pounds were manufactured daily,
sheet zinc to the amount of 450 tons monthly.
lola's iron foundry was one of the largest in the west. One of
its cement plants was the largest in the United States operating
as a single unit. One of its smelters was the largest in the world
with the single exception of the Ville Montaigne in Belgium. As a
freight point, it ranked third among all cities on the Missouri Pacific
system, handling 40,970 carloads of freight, in and out, during 1906.
The population of lola was in excess of 14,000; that of the whole
industrial area was around 20,000. lola bank deposits totaled over
16 million dollars compared with half a million in 1900. There
were 2,000 gas consumers and 1,200 telephones emanating from
three separate exchanges, the Bell, the Home, and the Rural Ex-
change.
There was an electric railway system connecting the industrial
complex and providing transportation for the workers. The main
line, about eight miles long, served lola and the little towns that
had sprung up to the east: Lanionville, Melrose, LaGrange, Gas,
How NATURAL GAS CAME TO KANSAS 243
and LaHarpe. Spurs aggregating another two and a half miles
took in Concrete and Bassett. The company used 14 cars, operated
24 hours a day, carried 40,000 to 60,000 passengers a month.
There was even an amusement area halfway between lola and
Gas called "Electric Park." It was a gay and sparkling affair,
offering, according to advertisements of the day, "bowling, tennis,
figure 8 roller coaster, laughing gallery, Japanese roller ball game,
dancing pavilion, electric fountain, boating, bathing, water tobog-
gan, zoo, clairvoyant, cafe, moving pictures, auditorium, and stock
company." It collected admissions from as many as 250,000 people
in a single summer.
This was the lola of 1907, the town that gas built, the industrial
metropolis of Kansas, the zinc smelting center of the world. No
town in Kansas had grown so fast; none seemed to have so bright
a future. Optimism was limitless. Wrote the editor of the Regis-
ter:
Its countless millions of cubic feet of gas, and its hundreds of thousands of
barrels of oil, [are] capable of being converted in the crucible of industry and
capital into a magic wand that, touching the city, will add thousands upon
thousands to its population, and millions upon millions to its wealth. It re-
quires only the effort of its citizens, the mere setting of the hands to the task.
. . . Faith is no longer a factor, the thing we know is this — that the future
is an open book, and we have only to turn the pages, to unfold the story that
is as easily a matter of common knowledge as history that is written and quite
as much a matter of foregone conclusion.
There seemed to be plenty of basis for the optimism. The gas
field at that time was probably the largest and strongest in the
world. There were 308 producing wells with a combined capacity
of 750 million cubic feet of gas every 24 hours. In addition, 13 new
wells had been brought in between March 1 and April 15 of that
year in the brand new field northwest of lola. These 13 wells
showed a combined open flow of 214 million cubic feet per day.
One had showed the incredible output of 32 million feet per day.
The limits of the new field were unknown. So here was a com-
bined proved potential production of a billion cubic feet of gas per
day with more wells coming in every month and no way of know-
ing how many entirely new producing areas might be discovered
as the drills kept moving from one location to another.
An additional element of optimism lay in the fact that along with
the development of gas immediately around the city of lola, there
had been important discoveries of oil near Humboldt. A refinery
of substantial proportions had been built there. From 10,000 to
15,000 barrels a month were being produced. And it was the view
244 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
of the operator of this refinery, C. D. Webster, that if the gas ever
did play out, oil could easily take its place. Webster was entitled
to be considered an "expert" in those days. Here was what he
wrote in a special by-lined story for the May 13 Register supple-
ment:
The life of the lola gas field has been variously estimated at from fifty to
one hundred years by gas experts who have made the subject a study. There
is no good reason, however, why lola should concern herself to any con-
siderable extent over this matter. In Allen county, in the vicinity of Hum-
boldt, is one of the richest oil fields in all the West. . . . The field is
capable of producing ... a thousand barrels a day is a reasonable esti-
mate. This oil lies at the door of lola and could be piped to the city almost
over night, and converted into fuel for the great manufacturing institutions
located at lola at a cost which would surprise those who are not familiar with
the cheapness of fuel produced in this way.
I am firmly of the opinion that natural gas could be manufactured from
Allen county oil at lola, and sold to consumers at from five cents to six cents
a thousand cubic feet. Figured on this basis, the fuel so produced would
be a good deal less than one-fourth the cost of coal.
Oil converted into gas is a cheaper fuel than oil burned under boilers direct.
. . . In lola a six-inch pipe line from the Humboldt field, eight miles away,
would bring the product to a gas plant at practically no cost after the first cost
of installing the pipe line. And the Humboldt oil field is practically inex-
haustible. The great lake of oil which underlies the field would make gas
enough to run lola manufacturing plants for generations. So lola, even if its
gas field were not good as the experts claim . . . has the oil field to fall
back on. It absolutely solves the fuel problem of this county beyond any
question.
In the light of today's knowledge, a statement like this is almost
unbelievable. It is hard to tell which was more fantastic — the
estimate that lola's gas reserves would last 50 to 100 years or the
"firm opinion" that gas could be manufactured from petroleum at
a cost of five or six cents per thousand cubic feet. Both, however,
are only a reflection of the lack of technical knowledge in these
early days of oil and gas development. Oil technology was still in
the kerosene stage. Gas technology in the matter of computing
underground reserves simply didn't exist for the reason that this
was the first exploitation of a major natural gas pool in history.
No similar pool had previously been drained to exhaustion. There
was no experience upon which to base even a plausible formula or
theory.
So it is not too surprising, perhaps, that tragic miscalculations
were made. After all, here was a measured potential flow of a
billion cubic feet of gas a day from these holes that had been
punched in the ground. Use was only 75 million cubic feet a day —
How NATURAL GAS CAME TO KANSAS 245
less than a hundredth part of the potential production. Such a
ratio must, indeed, have suggested an almost illimitable supply.
No one could have dreamed that two short years would see the
beginning of the end of the fabulous gas bubble that even now
was being stretched to the limit.
At least no one did. Late in this same year of 1907, the United
Zinc and Chemical Company, with its sulphuric acid plant and
three-block smelter, began construction of four additional blocks
of a more permanent character than any they had theretofore built.
Alas! These blocks had scarcely been completed when whispers
of falling pressures throughout the gas field began to be heard.
Within a year the whispers turned to shudders. Within two years
the first smelter had closed for lack of fuel. By the end of 1910,
six of the nine smelters in the area had shut down, including the
four United Zinc blocks built only three years before.
The boom was over. The bubble had burst.
Of course not everything faded at once. Three smelters operated
by the New Jersey Zinc Company managed to continue until the
close of World War I in 1918. Another smelter, closed in 1910,
was resuscitated in 1914 and it, too, was able to carry on until
1918. Of three brick factories operating in 1907, one closed in
1908, a second changed ownership and continued until 1940, the
third, the Union Brick Company, is still operating today under the
name of United Brick and Tile Co. and at the same location.
The Kansas Portland Cement Company operated at Concreto
until 1914. The lola Portland Cement Company became the
Lehigh Portland and continues today as lola's leading industry.
The United Iron Works of 1907 also remains, in part at least, as the
Walton Foundry of today, a small but prospering firm.
Thus the total liquidation of the boom was spread out over
many years and there was even a considerable salvage in the end —
enough to leave lola a solid town of 7,000 today instead of the
wayside village of 1,500 it might have remained if gas had never
been discovered there at all.
But the death of its original dream of becoming the industrial
metropolis of the state was swift and sure — as swift as the rush
of gas through a smelter jet, and as sure as the emptying of a
barrel of water when you turn it upside down. It happened in the
two short years between 1908 and 1910. That's how long it took
to discover that a pool of natural gas is not inexhaustible and that
300 wells will produce no more from it than 30 — just drain it ten
times as fast.
246 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
This is the end of my story about how natural gas came to
Kansas, about its crawling infancy, its stumbling childhood, and
its lusty, devastating adolescence. Because gas grew up in 1910;
it learned the lesson of its delinquent youth; it put on the overalls
of a man and went to work.
Today, natural gas wouldn't even recognize those overalls of
1910. It wears a full dress suit and a stovepipe hat. It has be-
come one of the most respected and powerful members of a great
industrial society, and it conducts itself with corresponding dig-
nity and decorum.
Even so, it must occasionally look back with secret longing upon
the ebullient days of its youth, because those were the days that
wrote one of the most surprising chapters in early Kansas history.
An Indian Captivity and Its Legal Aftermath
ALAN W. FARLEY
(Copyright, 1955, by ALAN W. FARLEY)
ALL along the course of the history of the American frontier
the native Indian tribes were ready to kill and plunder those
inquisitive pioneers who invaded or traversed their hunting do-
main, usually by taking advantage of some act of indecision or
weakness of the migrant. The feeble failure of our national au-
thority to regulate and suppress the tribes of the mountain and
the plain, or to protect its adventurous and restless argonauts, is
difficult for students of the welfare age to comprehend.
Neglect of the military establishment, remoteness of the trans-
Mississippi frontier, the sentimental writers who spoke for the
noble red man, and lack of a realistic policy by all departments of
our government, contributed to making the lot of those who came
into the power of the Indians extremely perilous. Often female
captives were "taken for squaws" by the tribesmen but it was quite
unusual for the Western Indians to take adult male captives. Men
were almost invariably tortured until death became a sweet re-
lease. Women became the wives of their captors, a "fate worse
than death." In Massacres of the Mountains, p. 429, the author,
J. P. Dunn, Jr., referred to the "treatment that no white woman
was ever known to escape at the hands of the plains Indians."
Many captive children seemed to adapt themselves readily to
Indian ways, and their foster parents often became truly respected.
But the principal passion of the nomadic tribes was to acquire the
white man's horses and other useful equipment. So, by carnage,
rape, and theft, a successful chief could travel the easy road to
importance and wealth in the currency of the Plains.
In volume ten of our supreme court Reports is found one of
the most fantastic cases in legal and literary history, and to the
best of my information, it is unique in its setting, for the two prin-
cipal parties had both been captives of the Sioux Indians, and the
suit was concerned with the theft of a manuscript account of that
captivity. This controversy was entitled "Fanny Kelly vs. Sarah
L. Larimer," and had three hearings in the supreme court, Mrs.
Kelly prevailing in the trial court and on every appeal, except the
ALAN W. FARLEY, an attorney of Kansas City, is a director of the Kansas State His-
torical Society. He is an outstanding authority on Western Americana.
(247)
248 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
first. I would like to review what I have learned about the case
and its background.
In May, 1864, Fanny Kelly,1 her husband, Josiah S. Kelly, her
adopted daughter, and two Negro servants joined with others in
emigrating from Geneva, Kan., to what is now Montana, then
Idaho territory. While on the road a few weeks later, they met
William J. Larimer and his wife, Sarah, whom they had known in
Allen county. The Larimers left their larger train and joined the
smaller party of which Mr. Kelly seems to have been the leader.
They had the ordinary experiences of travelers on the Oregon
trail along the Platte river up to Fort Laramie. On inquiry there,
they learned that there had been no trouble with the Indians and
so ventured on past Fort Laramie in a small group. All went well
until they reached the Little Box Elder creek some 80 miles be-
yond Fort Laramie when suddenly the roof fell in.
In order to understand the conditions on the Plains in 1864,
it must be remembered that in the summer of 1862, the hitherto
friendly Sioux Indians on the frontier of Minnesota completely
surprised the settlers and massacred great numbers, wiping out
several settlements and all of the isolated cabins, even attacking
Fort Ridgely. This treachery was severely punished by troops
under Gen. Henry H. Sibley. The Indians were defeated and
severely handled, and more than 300 captive women and children
were restored to their families. Thirty-eight chiefs who were im-
plicated in murders of the settlers were tried and hanged at Man-
kato, Minn. At the battles of Birch Coolie and Wood Lake the
Sioux were defeated by the soldiers and their artillery, and more
than 2,000 Indians hastened to throw themselves upon the mercy
of those to whom they had shown no mercy. The remainder of the
wily foe followed Chief Little Crow, fled to the Plains, and sought
protection among the kindred tribes of the West. In 1863 these
hostiles were driven far into Dakota and across the Missouri river,
and warriors captured by the troops were treated with barbarity
which matched even the Indian treatment of the settlers. So the
Sioux tribes fled west across the Plains into the very region through
which the Kelly-Larimer wagon train passed.
Both Mrs. Kelly and Mrs. Larimer wrote accounts of their ex-
periences as I shall detail later. The two accounts agree in the
general details of what occurred. In each book is an engraved
picture of these women, and both must have been quite attractive.
Mrs. Kelly was only 19 years of age at the time of her ordeal while
1. "Fanny" or "Fannie" Kelly. Mrs. Kelly signed her name both ways.
g-g
*~*z
I sll
fit el
8
PC
-
*3
AN INDIAN CAPTIVITY 249
Mrs. Larimer must have been considerably older, as her child was
then eight years old. Mrs. Kelly's book is the much more interest-
ing and reliable account of the events related here. It was in print
for years and a Canadian edition was even published in 1880, con-
taining explanatory notes not present elsewhere.
The 12th of July had been an extremely hot day and the little
caravan of five wagons and 11 persons passed the telegraph sta-
tion at Horse Shoe creek and toward evening approached the
timber that skirted the Little Box Elder creek some 80 miles be-
yond Fort Laramie. Suddenly a large party of Indians appeared
on the surrounding hills, discharged their guns into the air and
raised a loud war whoop. The startled emigrants corraled their
wagons and prepared to make the best defense they could. The
two women appeared to have insisted on appeasement instead of
defense and such policy was no more successful then than it is
today. The Indians who were Ogallala Sioux first wanted to
trade horses, then became bolder and asked for gifts and finally
insisted that the emigrants fix their meal. While the emigrants
were trying to prepare food for 250 hungry Indians, they were set
upon and four of the men were shot outright. Mr. Kelly and Mr.
Larimer escaped into the high grass and sagebrush along with one
of the colored servants, Larimer having been wounded in the leg
by an arrow.
Mrs. Kelly and her 5-year-old adopted daughter and Mrs. Lari-
mer and her 8-year-old son were captured and taken away after
the Indians had destroyed or appropriated everything in the
wagons. A mile behind the Kelly train a single wagon was travel-
ing along the trail accompanied by a man on horseback. The In-
dian chief sent a party to take this wagon, but by throwing out
all of its contents the driver was able to turn around and fight off
the raiders and escape to a larger train some eight miles east. The
horseman was killed by the Indians while trying to protect the
wagon. Kelly and his colored servant later also escaped to this
larger wagon train which immediately made preparations for de-
fense and was so alarmed that its leaders refused to do anything
to rescue the captives. The next morning, proceeding cautiously
along the trail, they found the Indians were gone, buried the muti-
lated corpses, and rescued Larimer who had hidden all night near
the trail.
The Indians took their captives away on horseback, traveling
northwesterly away from the trail, and with only short pauses rode
17-6817
250 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
all night and most of the following day. Sometime during the first
night, Mrs. Kelly set her small daughter down off the pony on
which she was riding and told her to walk back to the emigrant
road where she might have a chance to be rescued. Roving In-
dians soon located her alone on the prairie, and poor Mr. Kelly
later found her body transfixed by many arrows and scalped. Mrs.
Kelly also attempted to escape the same night. But the savages
spread out in a long line, sweeping the country-side near the trail,
and found her crouched in the brush.
The following night when the Indians had encamped for the
first time, Mrs. Larimer, curiously enough, was able to steal out
of the camp with her child, and after four days of wandering, in
which they suffered severely from thirst and hunger — hiding by
day and walking all night — they reached the emigrant trail near
Deer Creek telegraph station where two companies of soldiers
were camped, and where Mr. Larimer had been taken to recover
from his wound. When her husband could travel again, she and
her family returned to Fort Laramie and later eventually to Kan-
sas. Her experiences are narrated in a book called The Capture
and Escape; or, Life Among the Sioux. Her adventure occupies only
a few pages of this book, the balance is simply "filler" and is de-
voted to experiences of other captives, accounts of life among the
Indians and Indian customs. This book must not have sold well
for today it is very scarce.
Mrs. Kelly had a much more thrilling story to tell, for she was
among the Indians for five months. After the escape of Mrs. Lari-
mer from the Indian band, Mrs. Kelly was very closely watched
and suffered much from the cruel ingenuity of various Indians,
escaping death narrowly many times. The Indian leader appar-
ently claimed her as his property and saved her from death at the
hands of the other savages on several occasions. She suffered
greatly from the heat, from terrible beatings, and poor food. After
nine days of hard travel the war party reached the Indian village
on the Tongue river at a point in what is now southern Montana.
Mrs. Kelly had narrowly escaped death as a consequence of throw-
ing away the chief's pipe, which she was required to carry as part
of a large load of Indian possessions. Here the savages decked
themselves in all of the clothing they had stolen from the emi-
grants, and made their usual triumphal entry into the village
where the trophies and scalps were displayed in a course of scalp
dances and dog feasts. The war chief, Ottawa, or Silver Horn,
AN INDIAN CAPTIVITY 251
who claimed Mrs. Kelly, turned her over to the women of his
wigwam where some kindness was shown by his squaws.
In the summer of 1864 an army under the command of Gen.
Alfred Sully campaigned against the hostile Indians of Dakota and
at the same time escorted a large party of emigrants to Idaho.
This army built Fort Rice as a base in central Dakota on the Mis-
souri. As the soldiers proceeded westward scouts brought word
that the hostile tribes were concentrated in Deer Woods. Leaving
the emigrants entrenched and under guard and following a rapid
march, Sully surprised the Sioux camp on July 27 and destroyed
it. Some accounts call this action the battle of Killdeer Mountain.
Fanny Kelly was in the Indian camp, but her captors got her away
just before the assault. On August 8, the fighting men of the
whole Dakota nation disputed the passage of Sully's army near
the Bad Lands. Many were wild tribesmen who had seen little
of the white men but all were routed by the cannon fire of the
soldiers, who pursued the band to which Mrs. Kelly belonged be-
yond the Yellowstone river.
The attack and pursuit had cost the Indians all of their stores
of food and equipment and drove them into country where game
was scarce. Mrs. Kelly said the whole tribe almost starved in the
weeks to follow. Some tried to take revenge on the captive for
their misfortunes but the old chief, Ottawa, intervened to save her.
Mrs. Kelly wrote that she was to become the wife of the old
chief as soon as he recovered from a wound, but that he never got
well enough for the ceremony while she was with the Ogallalas.
The Indians seem to have been charmed by Fanny Kelly's beauti-
ful singing just as on many other crucial occasions savages have re-
sponded to musical talent. Perhaps this is a reason she was never
"taken as a squaw," for she always insisted she was not dishonored.
On September 5, the warriors went to battle against an emigrant
caravan crossing Dakota under the direction of Capt. James Lib-
erty Fisk, which they attacked some 200 miles west of Fort Rice.
This large train consisted of almost 200 men, women, and chil-
dren in 88 carts and wagons, and was accompanied by a guard of
50 troopers. It started from Fort Ridgely, Minn., journeyed west
through Dakota territory a few weeks after General Sully's army
had crossed the country ahead of them.
The danger of Indian attack was fully anticipated and the party
traveled in a military fashion, believing the size of the expedition
sufficient to overcome any threat. As they were about to enter
252 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
the badlands of western North Dakota, hostiles were observed, and
shortly thereafter while crossing a small but steep ravine, one of
the wagons upset. The rear guard and another wagon were left
about a half mile behind the rest of the train when the Indians
struck. This small guard was wiped out and the two wagons were
captured, a great windfall to the tribesmen, they being loaded with
tobacco, whisky, and ammunition. The main body of the wagon
train proceeded a short way and corraled, digging entrenchments
around the wagons.
After several attacks by drunken Indians smoking cigars had
been repelled a white woman was discerned among the Indians on
one of the near-by hills. This was Fanny Kelly with her captors,
and they left a message in a forked stick written by the captive
which the emigrants later brought in. In it the Indians demanded
provisions as the price for allowing the wagon train to proceed.
Mrs. Kelly was able also to inform Captain Fisk that she was with
the Indians as a captive, begged him to secure her release, and
warned him of their treachery. Captain Fisk refused to appease
the Indians but did offer three horses and some provisions as a
ransom for Mrs. Kelly. Several messages were exchanged but the
Indians finally moved away, taking Mrs. Kelly with them.
The wagon train was eventually rescued by 500 troops from
Fort Rice and was brought back to the fort under escort. This was
the end of Captain Fisk's expedition of 1864.
It is almost impossible to reconcile the two narratives of the
rescue of Mrs. Kelly. In 1908 Doane Robinson had an interview
with a Blackfoot Sioux Indian, then 77 years of age, named
"Crawler." Crawler insisted that he had been employed by Maj.
A. E. House, commander at Fort Sully, to rescue Mrs. Kelly. Ac-
cording to his story, he went to the camp where Mrs. Kelly was
held and forcibly took her away, leaving several horses to salve
the feelings of her former owner. Mrs. Kelly, whose account is
much more reasonable, says that she was sold by her owner to the
Blackfeet Sioux, who planned to use her as a decoy to get into
the fort, and she recounts hearing a speech by the chief who pur-
chased her, planning the capture of Fort Sully. She also claimed
to have warned the commander and saved the fort. At any rate,
the Blackfeet brought her to Fort Sully, she was conducted into
the fort, the gates shut, and then she was forcibly taken away from
her captors under the rifles of the soldiers.
It seems to me that Mrs. Kelly's book is the more valid account
of her rescue. She reproduced the testimony of an officer at the
AN INDIAN CAPTIVITY 253
fort and a number of soldiers stationed there, all of whom attest
to the accuracy of her narrative. One said that the day Mrs. Kelly
was brought into the fort was the coldest he had ever experienced.
That she was very poorly clad and her limbs, hands, and face were
terribly frozen and that she was confined to the Fort Sully Hos-
pital for nearly two months for treatment. Other officers and
members of the Sixth Iowa cavalry said that the Indians came up
to the fort in war paint and singing their war songs, but that as
soon as Mrs. Kelly was within the gates of the fort, all of the In-
dians, save those who had her directly in charge, were shut out-
side the fort and that their understanding was that Mrs. Kelly
occasioned such preparations as saved the fort from capture.
During her captivity Mr. Kelly had sent many messengers with
money and horses to ransom his wife and apparently had done
all that an anxious husband could do to rescue her, one Indian
coming into her camp well equipped with horses, even having her
husband's Bible in his possession as a mark of identification to
show that he was authorized to bring her away. She said he
made no real attempt to secure her release. When Mrs. Kelly was
finally released, her husband was at Fort Leavenworth trying to
raise an independent company to invade the Indian country; there
he received word of her arrival at Fort Sully, and it was a very
short interval before they were reunited and started to their former
home in Allen county.
Fort Sully was on the Missouri river some 300 miles from Sioux
City, and at Yankton, Sioux City, Council Bluffs, and St. Joe,
crowds of visitors flocked in to see the white woman who had been
a captive of the Indians. The Kellys returned to Geneva then
moved on west to Ellsworth where they operated a rooming house
until Mr. Kelly fell a victim of the cholera, on July 28, 1867. Mrs.
Kelly was also seriously ill, but recovered and eventually accepted
an invitation of the Larimer family to share the home in Cheyenne
where Mr. Larimer was a photographer. After remaining in
Wyoming a year, Mrs. Kelly went to Washington to urge a claim
from the government for restitution of her loss in the attack on
the emigrant train, for her service in attempting to save the Fisk
expedition in Dakota and for warning Fort Sully. The Kansas
State Historical Society has a photostatic copy of Mrs. Kelly's
petition. The narrative was presented to the government in fur-
therance of her claim, which was allowed April 12, 1870.
In October, 1870, Fanny Kelly commenced a suit against
Sarah Larimer and W. J. Larimer in the district court of Allen
254 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
county. Mrs. Kelly related the experiences of her captivity and
alleged that in December, 1865, she and Mrs. Larimer agreed to
prepare a joint memoir of their experiences in captivity and pub-
lish the same with the names of both appearing as the authors.
She stated that in May, 1869, when the narrative was nearly com-
pleted, Mrs. Larimer secretly took the manuscript to Philadelphia
and there had it published in her own name, as her own work,
thereby depriving Mrs. Kelly of the credit and reputation of such
authorship and of her share of the profits of such publication and
that Mr. Larimer conspired with Mrs. Larimer in thus defrauding
her. At the first trial Mrs. Kelly recovered a judgment for $5,000.
On appeal the court held that the amount of damages for breach
of the contract as shown in the petition should be one half of the
value of the manuscript at the time it was taken by Mrs. Larimer.
The second appeal concerned procedural matter with regard to
a demurrer to the reply of Mrs. Kelly in the trial court. The
supreme court affirmed the overruling of this demurrer.
The third appeal disclosed that upon trial in the Woodson dis-
trict court, where the case had been taken on a change of venue,
Mrs. Kelly recovered a judgment for $285.50. This judgment was
attacked on the ground that one of the jurors had become sick,
and the court allowed the jury to separate and go home until the
next morning, after the case had been submitted. The following
morning one of the jurors took a drink of intoxicating liquor.
After the court had convened the jury again retired and later
returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff for $285.50. This ap-
peal was based on the ground that the particular juror who had
imbibed was therefore disqualified as a juryman and that the
verdict should be set aside. The supreme court failed to sustain
this contention so the judgment for $285.50 was finally fixed as the
measure of damage to Mrs. Kelly for the loss of her manuscript.
This case was bitterly contested from start to finish and wit-
nesses were examined by the score. The court costs were enor-
mous for that day, amounting to almost $2,000 so that the loss of
the case carried with it the terrific burden of paying these costs.
The court files in this case have recently been discovered in the
courthouse at Ottawa. The file contains a number of affidavits
that recount Mrs. Larimer's experiences in publishing her book.
From the various depositions, it appears that a book by Mrs. Lari-
mer entitled, Mrs. Kelly's Experiences Among the Indians was pre-
pared by Claxton, Remsen and Haffelfinger, a publishing firm of
Philadelphia, was actually printed but never bound and apparently
AN INDIAN CAPTIVITY 255
all copies were destroyed. If a copy should turn up, it would cer-
tainly be a book collector's gem.
Helen Hosmer, of Philadelphia, deposed that the greater part
of Mrs. Larimer's manuscript was rewritten by her mother, Mar-
garet Hosmer, who wrote for the Presbyterian Board of Missions.
Inspection of Mrs. Larimer's book bears out this fact, for it reads
like a Sunday School tract, full of religious platitudes and ex-
pressions. A Willis P. Hazard, manager for Porter & Coates, pub-
lishers, testified that he recommended Mrs. Hosmer to Mrs. Lari-
mer, and advised her to have her manuscript entirely rewritten and
prepared for the press, also that the published work met with in-
different success.
Edmond D. Bensell told about preparing the designs for pic-
tures in the book at the instruction of Mrs. Hosmer. J. L. Camp-
bell, of lola, disclosed that he kept a hotel at Sherman Station,
Wyo., where Mrs. Larimer was writing on some manuscript. Mrs.
Kelly at that time told him that she had written all she could re-
member and sent her story to Washington, trying to get a claim
from the government. That in May, 1869, Mrs. Kelly told him
that Mrs. Larimer had her manuscript and was ready to go east
and have it published. That Mrs. Larimer wanted to go in part-
nership with her in this publication. Jonathan E. Luse, brother
of Mrs. Larimer, and a law student, testified that he knew Mrs.
Kelly at Sherman Station, Wyo., where she was a washerwoman.
That he had done some work on the manuscript, making correc-
tions and suggestions. That Mr. Larimer owned a saloon at Chey-
enne, but did not keep it.
A. E. House, the commanding officer at Fort Sully during No-
vember and December, 1864, deposed that he received informa-
tion from Mrs. Kelly to tell him that hostile Indians with whom
she stayed contemplated making an attack on Fort Sully. In
answer to a question, he stated that he made no arrangement or
preparation for defense of the fort in consequence of this infor-
mation, for it was his duty at all times to be prepared for attack
and he was so prepared.
The final chapter in this case indicates that a settlement was
arranged between the parties, for on August 29, 1876, the case
was dismissed at plaintiff's costs. Considerable effort was made to
recover these court costs which had become the principal item of
damage, but the files disclose that they were never paid.
On December 17, 1904, the lola Register published an account
of the death of Mrs. Kelly the preceding week at Washington,
256 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
D. C. Although this account has many inaccuracies concerning
the captivity, we learn that Mrs. Kelly still owned the old home-
stead in Allen county near Geneva, had been in Tola the previous
fall looking after her property, that Mrs. Kelly had been given a
place in the government service at Washington, had invested her
money wisely, and was a very wealthy woman at the time of her
death. It also stated that Mrs. Larimer was then still living in
Oklahoma.
One of the humorous sidelights of this lawsuit is disclosed by
a county history which refers to the case and tells that W. J. Lari-
mer was moved by his long association with litigation to study law
and be admitted to the bar as a result of his experiences in con-
testing Mrs. Kelly's case.
Joseph Becker's Sketch of the Gettysburg
Ceremony, November 19, 1863
ROBERT TAFT
/CONSIDERING the enormous interest and research in the life of
v^ Abraham Lincoln, and especially in the ceremony at Gettysburg
on November 19, 1863, it is astonishing that but little use has been
made of Joseph Becker's illustration of the Gettysburg ceremony
that appeared as a double-page spread in Frank Leslies Illustrated
Newspaper, New York, for December 5, 1863.
For example, the illustration has not been used in any of the 14
studies or accounts of the Gettysburg address, a number of them of
book length, listed by Robert Fortenbaugh in his very useful study
published in 1949. * Although the writer has by no means examined
all of the 3,958 items listed in the exhaustive Lincoln bibliography
prepared by Jay Monaghan,2 he has looked at a considerable num-
ber and has found no use made of the Becker illustration in those
he has examined.
No doubt part of this neglect arises from the fact that Becker's
illustration is a bird's-eye view of the complete scene made at some
distance from the speaker's stand. Individual figures are therefore
either very small or merely suggested by the artist and as a result
neither Lincoln nor any other figure on the speakers' stand is dis-
tinguishable. Nevertheless the illustration of one of the classic
events in American cultural history is of very real interest as it is
perhaps the only picture record of its kind. Photographs were made
of the event but these either have not survived or, as is the case of a
number of the Brady photographs, were so poor that they are
nearly valueless as illustrations.3 Under these conditions, therefore,
DR. ROBERT TAFT, of Lawrence, author and historian, is professor of chemistry at the
University of Kansas and editor of the Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science. He
is currently finishing a new illustrated history of the University of Kansas, soon to be off
the press.
1. Robert Fortenbaugh, Lincoln and Gettysburg (Gettysburg, 1949), p. 30.
2. Jay Monaghan, Lincoln Bibliography, 1839-1939 (Springfield, 111., 1943). vols.
31 and 32 of Collections of the Illinois State Historical Library, Springfield.
3. Josephine Cobb, chief of the still picture section, National Archives, wrote me in
part under date of December 8, 1954: "None of the photographs of the crowd [italics are
the writer's] in the Brady Collection are good enough to be copied." Two of them have
been reproduced in Francis T. Miller's The Photographic History of the Civil War (New
York, 1912), v. 9, p. 255. Other Brady photographs of Gettysburg are referred to later in
the text. That photographers were present, other than Brady, is recorded in various news-
paper reports of the ceremony. For example, the correspondent of the Daily Morning
Chronicle, Washington, D. C., November 21, 1863, p. 1, wrote that "a daguerreotypist
[i.e., photographer] placed at the outskirts of the main crowd, by the aid of the softly-glow-
ing, hazy sun, endeavors to snatch and forever preserve the animated foreground, rich in
eminent citizens." The photographer may have been Brady who was apparently present if
we may believe the negative records of the National Archives (see Footnotes 8 and 10) or
perhaps the Tyson Brothers of Gettysburg. I have not been able to prove that the Tysons
made photographs of the events of November 19, 1863, but it seems that they almost
surely would have been present. The Tysons made and offered for sale a number of photo-
graphs taken right after the Battle of Gettysburg in July, 1863 (see Adams Sentinel and
General Advertiser, Gettysburg, Pa., August 11, 1863, p. 2), and as the ceremony was at-
tended by Lincoln, and thousands of others, the enterprise of the firm would certainly
have suggested recording this event photographically. Perhaps the comment made by the
Chronicle reporter given above that there was a "hazy sun" explains the paucity of photo-
graphs of the ceremony; there just wasn't enough light to secure good photographs by slow
speed wet-plate photography.
(257)
258 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
the Becker illustration becomes of especial value and a considerable
study of its authenticity has therefore been made.
The illustration as reproduced in Leslies measures 6% by 20%
inches; these awkward proportions are probably another reason
why the illustration has not been used extensively since it was origi-
nally published. It is the main (and center) illustration of a two-
page spread, three smaller illustrations appearing above it and three
below. These six additional illustrations are: "Union Sold. Graves";
"Gettysburg, Pa." (i. e. the town seen from the cemetery); "Rebel
Graves"; "[General] Meade's Headquarters"; "Round Top Moun-
tain"; "Union Graves."
The legend below these illustrations reads: "From sketches by
our special artist, Joseph Becker." In the text which accompanied
the illustrations, the statement is made: "Of this interesting cere-
mony we present several sketches, that the whole country may in
spirit be present at it." 4 From this statement and the fact that the
illustrations were credited to the special artist, there is reasonably
good evidence that Becker was actually present at the scene on No-
vember 19, 1863. Many times during this period, Leslie's did not
credit illustrations, and occasionally when credit is given in the pic-
torial journals of the 1860's, it can be shown that the artist redrew
the scene depicted from photographs or from the sketches of others.
There is, however, no direct statement, other than reference to
special artist, that Becker was present. Becker in reminiscences of
his career published in 1905 does not mention the Gettysburg cere-
mony but stated that he was in the field as an artist for Leslie's be-
ginning with the Battle of Gettysburg (in July, 1863 ).5
Becker at the time he began his field career for Leslie's was a
young man 21 years of age. He later achieved a considerable repu-
tation for a group of excellent illustrations made on a Western trip
in 1869 and still later he became head of the Leslie publications art
department.6 As far as I have been able to determine, he was a com-
petent and reliable observer.
In the absence of direct proof, however, that Becker was actually
present we must judge the considerable evidence presented in the
4. Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, December 5, 1863, p. 171.
5. Ibid., December 14, 1905, p. 570. We have prepared a list of 62 additional Civil
War illustrations, credited to Joseph Becker, which appeared in vols. 18-20 (1864-1865)
inclusive of ibid. With one or two exceptions Becker is cited in these illustrations as
"special artist" and in most cases there can be little doubt but that Becker was actually
an eyewitness of the scene depicted.
6.- See the biographical account cited in Footnote 5 and my book Artists and Illustrators
of the Old West (New York, 1953), pp. 89-93, and the notes cited.
SKETCH OF GETTYSBURG CEREMONY 259
Becker illustration of the ceremony itself.7 For this purpose a trip
was made to Gettysburg, where I was present at the observance of
the 91st anniversary of the Gettysburg address.
With a copy of the Becker illustration before us, Dr. Frederick
Tilberg, historian of the National Park Service at Gettysburg, and I
compared the illustration with the view that was available on the
morning of November 19, 1954. The view was obviously sketched
from East Cemetery Hill not far from the large equestrian statue of
Gen. O. O. Howard. The view seen in the Becker illustration looks
west from East Cemetery Hill. The large arched structure (left of
center) is (and was) the entrance to Evergreen Cemetery, the local
(citizens') cemetery. The Soldiers National Cemetery lies to the
right of the arch and the two ^cemeteries are now separated by an
iron fence which extends south and west from (about) the large
tree appearing just to the left of center of the illustration.
At the present time, the Baltimore Turnpike (U. S. 140) runs
northwest and southeast about 25 or 30 feet in front of the arch. The
arch itself still stands but an addition has been built on its north side
(i. e., on the side to the right of the observer). The arch proper ap-
pears ( in 1954 ) much as it does in the illustration. The four upper
windows have arched tops ( as in the illustration ) , and the four lower
windows are rectangular in form ( as in the illustration ) . The orna-
ment on the center of the arch appears as it does in the illustration.
To the right of the arch in the illustration, appears a small frame
building, probably an "arbor." Although the arbor no longer ex-
ists, a contemporary Brady photograph in the National Archives
(B-5060) shows a close-up of the arch much as Becker depicted
it, with an arbor similar to that shown by Becker.8
Very nearly in the center of the illustration appears the stand
from which Lincoln and Everett spoke. The stand is properly lo-
cated by Becker in relation to the other features of the Becker illus-
7. In 1905, Becker stated that he had a number of his original Civil War sketches in
his possession. I have made extended effort at various times in the past ten years to locate
some descendant of Becker in the hope that these original sketches, including that of the
Gettysburg ceremony, could still be found. My efforts in this direction have, however, been
so far without success. The New York Public Library possesses an album of original Civil
War sketches by artists of the Frank Leslie publications but the Becker sketch of the
Gettysburg ceremony, the library recently wrote me, is not among them.
8. The National Archives has supplied me with a print made from this negative
(B-5060). Another print was also supplied by the National Archives from negative CN-
1809. This print also shows the arch although it was taken at a greater distance from the
arch than B-5060. According to the records of the National Archives, negative CN-1809
was made by T. H. O'Sullivan in July, 1863, and was copyrighted in 1865 by Alexander
Gardner. The two photographs (B-5060 and CN-1809), although showing slight differences
in detail, are essentially in agreement. CN-1809 has been reproduced in Frederick Tilberg,
Gettysburg National Military Park (National Park Service Handbook, Washington, 1952)
P. 13.
260 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
tration. The site of the stand from which Lincoln spoke is now
marked by the National Monument in the Soldiers National Ceme-
tery (the monument was erected during the years 1865 to 1869 and
was dedicated July 1, 1869 ).9
To the right of the speaker's stand (nearly across the square
formed by spectators) appears a very tall flagpole. The pole ap-
pears in a contemporary Brady photograph (B-4975) and was re-
ported in a local newspaper as erected for the ceremony on No-
vember 16, 1863.10
Dr. Tilberg believes that Becker's flagpole is out-of-proportion
(too tall) in the illustration. There appears to be no information
on the height of the pole, but a flagpole raised for the ceremonies
of November 19, 1863, on the town square of Gettysburg had a re-
ported height of 100 feet.11 This height would be considerable and
if the pole at the National Cemetery were of equal height it would
be a prominent landmark. It does seem probable, however, that
Becker had represented the flagpole somewhat out of proportion
with respect to the other features of the illustration. Dr. Tilberg
believes also that the soldiers graves shown on the extreme right
( center ) have been depicted too far to the right. Becker may have
9. Fortenbaugh, op. cit., p. 15, and Tilberg, loc. cit., p. 36.
10. A print of B-4975 was furnished me by the National Archives as well as a print
of SC-1 14820. The pole appears in both photographs; considerably more than half of the
pole in B-4975 and all of it in SC-1 14820. (SC-1 14820 was reproduced in part in F. T.
Miller, The Photographic History of the Civil War [New York, 1911], v. 9, p. 255. Not
all the flagpole is shown in the reproduction. In this picture the spectator is looking east,
rather than west as in the Becker illustration, and the flagpole therefore appears to the left
of the observer.) Oddly enough neither photograph indicates the presence of a flag. Jose-
phine Cobb, of the National Archives, wrote me under date of January 21, 1955, that the
flag "was half-masted and draped in mourning ribbons," but did not cite her source of in-
formation on this point. Neither of the above photographs and the Becker illustration would
support such a statement. It is, of course, possible that the photographs were taken before
the flag was raised and it may also be that the flag was allowed to fly free for a time.
Unlike photographs which would require only a few seconds to make, Becker must have
put in considerable time in making his sketch, especially when one considers the wealth of
detail shown. It is also possible, of course, that the flag was half-masted during the cer-
emony and Becker chose to represent it flying free.
Miss Cobb has made an extended study of photograph B-4975 and from enlargements
made from the original negative (whole plate size) has identified Governors Andrew Curtin
of Pennsylvania and David Tod of Ohio. Miss Cobb has also made tentative identification
of Lincoln (see General Services Administration, Washington, Press Release for Thursday
morning, February 12, 1953, GSA-199). Tilberg, loc cit., p. 40, reproduced another pho-
tographic view said to represent the Gettysburg ceremony which was credited to Bachrach.
Miss Cobb, however, reports that the Bachrach copy is probably a view of a different and
later occasion than the Gettysburg address. Perhaps the Bachrach copy may be of the dedi-
cation of the National Monument on July 1, 1869. The point certainly needs further study.
Dr. Tilberg of the National Park Service at Gettysburg has supplied me with a photo-
graph which bears the legend "353 — Soldiers National Monument in course of erection."
Dr. Tilberg thinks it probable that the photograph was made by Tyson Brothers of Gettysburg.
From its legend and the nearness of completion of the monument, it was probably taken
about 1868. The important feature of this photograph for our purpose, however, is the
fact that it shows a very tall flagpole standing to the right and behind the monument, which
would correspond to the location of the flagpole in the Becker illustration. It seems prob-
able that the flagpole of 1863 was still standing in 1868.
Mention of the flagpole at the National Cemetery will be found in the local (i. e., Gettys-
burg) newspaper, Adams Sentinel and General Advertiser, November 17, 1863, p. 2. I am
indebted to Editor Paul Roy of the Gettysburg Times for permission to examine his office
file of the Sentinel.
11. Adams Sentinel, Gettysburg, November 17, 1863; Gettysburg Compiler, November
16, 1863. The Compiler, also in the office of the Gettysburg Times, was kindly examined
for me by Prof. Robert Fortenbaugh of Gettysburg College.
SKETCH OF GETTYSBURG CEREMONY 261
purposely distorted this portion of the picture in order to represent
clearly the graves, as no doubt the crowd of observers present would
have obscured the view of the graves. It is to be observed, how-
ever, that the reburial of soldiers who fell during the Battle of
Gettysburg was far from complete at the time of the dedication
ceremony.
To the left of the arch, appear gravestones in Evergreen Cemetery.
Two of the gravestones in the illustration are taller and more prom-
inent than the others. A close-up examination of the gravestones in
1954 shows that Becker may have represented stones still standing.
The large stone farthest to the left may have been the McClellan
family marker. In the illustration ( if the assumption concerning the
marker is correct ) the McClellan family plot is fenced in. At pres-
ent, this plot is not fenced but stones outline the plot in much the
same manner as the fence depicted in the Becker illustration. The
large monument to the right (and rear) of the McClellan marker
and to the left of the arch was perhaps the McPherson family
marker which still stands in 1954. A less likely possibility is that it
was (and is) the Winrott family marker.12
The line of trees and slight elevation that runs north and south
(i. e., horizontally) through the center of the entire illustration de-
picts correctly Seminary Ridge, which during the Battle of Gettys-
burg, in July, 1863, was the main Confederate battle line. It would
be about three-quarters of a mile from the point where Becker made
his sketch (East Cemetery Hill). In the background of the illustra-
tion appear South Mountains (about eight miles distant), the
outlines of which correspond approximately with those observable
on a clear day in 1954. The Becker illustration also shows, it will
be noted, a number of trees still retaining their foliage in mid-
November. Residents of Gettysburg have informed me that fall
weather in southern Pennsylvania varies considerably from year
to year. I did notice on my visit to Gettysburg on November 19,
1954, a number of trees in the National Cemetery that still retained
their foliage although the leaves were rapidly falling and the bril-
liant coloring of the leaves had given way to various shades of
brown.
12. Dr. Frederick Tilberg of Gettysburg very kindly sought information on the three
markers mentioned in the text above. He has examined the records of Evergreen Cemetery
and he also consulted a great grandson of the McPherson family. Dr. Tilberg wrote me:
I have found that John Bayard McPherson bought four lots in 1856 in the location where
we examined [on November 19, 1954] the McPherson plot. John B. McPherson died Jan-
uary 4, 1859. The great grandson does not know when the monument was erected. Since
a shaft appears rather prominently in the [proper] location in the Becker sketch, it is possible
that the shaft in the Becker sketch is the McPherson monument and that it was erected some-
time between the death of John B. McPherson in 1859 and the time the sketch was made
late in 1863. I have been unable to obtain definite information concerning the McClellan
plot or the Winrott plot, beyond the date of purchase which was also in 1856."
262 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Newspaper accounts of the events of November 19, 1863, also
furnish other details which are of use in studying the Becker illus-
tration. The illustration, it can be seen, shows that the crowds of
people were not all congregated about the speakers stand. Report-
ers, also, made note of scattered crowds. "Crowds, unable to hear
the prayers and speeches wandered in every direction over the
battle-ground," wrote a reporter for the Philadelphia Press and simi-
lar comment was made by the reporter for the Washington
Chronicle: "Around, far off, scattered over the landscape, were
crowds of people who, despairing of a near approach to the stand,
the centre of interest, were satisfying the curiosity and enjoying the
scene apparently apart from it." 13
The Chronicle reporter was particularly observant of detail in
that classic event of 91 years ago and he made two additional obser-
vations that are especially pertinent in our study of the Becker
illustration. It will be noted in the illustration that the observers
form a square in front of the speaker's stand. The Chronicle re-
porter stated: "The crowd upon the ground were kept in the form
of a hollow square, within which while these things were pro-
ceeding, the procession had filed and the various companies forming
it had taken up a position around the platform, while those who
had tickets took their seats upon it [the platform]."
Examination of the Becker illustration also shows a number of
tables among the nearer crowds ( right-foreground and in front of
the arch). The Chronicle reporter observed ". . . little tables
set out with relics, for sale, of the terrible struggle, in the form of
bullets and every kind of projectile, as well as fragments of shells
. . ." 14 No doubt, too, at some of the tables the good ladies of
Gettysburg churches sold food to the hungry throng, as the eating
houses of Gettysburg could not hope to cope with the crowd of
15,000 to 20,000 reported to have been present.
As a result of this study, the agreement in general outline as well
as in many details of the sketch with those recorded by other
methods contemporary with the day (i. e., by newspaper reports
and by photographs), the agreement furnished by comparing the
sketch with features still observable today, we may conclude that
the Becker illustration is a reasonably correct transcription of the
13. Philadelphia Press, November 21, 1863, p. 2; Daily Morning Chronicle, November
21, 1863, p. 1.
14. Both the quotations in the text above are from the Daily Chronicle, Washington,
November 21, 1863, p. 1. It should be said that the Chronicle reporter observed the tables
(upon which were displayed and offered for sale relics of the battle) on the streets of Gettys-
burg, but if there were tables along Gettysburg streets there surely must have been similar
tables where the concentration of crowds was greatest.
SKETCH OF GETTYSBURG CEREMONY 263
Gettysburg ceremony of November 19, 1863. It may be, perhaps,
the best record of all in our attempts to brush away the veil of
years and recreate again the general scene which attended one of
the most notable events in the life of one of our most notable and
best-loved Americans.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
In the course of this study I have become indebted for aid and for courtesies
extended both in my visit to Gettysburg and in subsequent correspondence
to Dr. Frederick Tilberg of the National Park Service and to Prof. Robert
Fortenbaugh of Gettysburg College. Their kindness is hereby acknowledged
with sincere thanks. Thanks should be extended to Josephine Cobb of the
U. S. National Archives for her time and patience in consulting notes and
records of the Gettysburg ceremony. I am also indebted to a grant from
the General Research Fund of th». University of Kansas which made this
detailed study possible.
Notes on the Writing of General
Histories of Kansas
JAMES C. MALIN
PART Two: J. N. HOLLOW AY, History of Kansas (1868)
INTRODUCTION
DOES Kansas history have a structure? If so, what is it?
How and why did it take shape? The answers to these
questions are not easy or simple. John Nelson Holloway (1839-
1887), who wrote the first book that could qualify strictly as a
history of Kansas, found himself under the necessity of formu-
lating some kind of an answer.
Local history always presents to a prospective author some
rather special problems. Because it is local history, certain pre-
sumptions are inherent; a limited market, and the probability that
no established publishing house exists in the area that could or
would assume the responsibility for publication. Even if a pub-
lisher were available, who would control what went into the book,
the publishing organization, whatever its form, or the author?
In any case, could the potential market for a local history be en-
larged by tying it into a framework larger than the locality im-
mediately concerned? But before Holloway's personal response
to his problems can be considered, the man himself must be intro-
duced.
HOLLOWAY, THE MAN
Holloway left a manuscript journal covering a part of his career.
It would scarcely qualify as a diary, because the entries were
intermittent, beginning May 1, 1861, with intervals between entries,
sometimes of many months, filled in briefly from memory.1 His
declaration of purpose in keeping the record is revealing. Al-
most through college, he felt called to the ministry: "I want to
live for heaven. . . . Life is transient. ... I want to ac-
complish some good in the world, and will strive to if my life is
spared." His sense of sin might be described, almost, if not quite,
as a morbid obsession, and the diary he set out to keep was de-
DR. JAMES C. MALIN, associate editor of The Kansas Historical Quarterly, is professor
of history at the University of Kansas, Lawrence.
1. A biographical sketch by a grandson, George Whittier Johnston, reproduced parts
of the journal, Collections of the Kansas State Historical Society, v. 13 (1913-1914),
pp. 80-90. The original journal is owned by the Kansas State Historical Society.
(264)
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 265
signed as an instrument for the self-discipline of which he felt
so much in need.
He taught school and lectured to finance his education and
undertook, unsuccessfully, to establish himself in his chosen pro-
fession. In the entry of January 1, 1866, written at South Bend,
Ind., he summarized what had happened since the previous entry
of April 15, 1865. The presiding elder of his district had told him
that he would not be assigned and gave as the reason that his
sermon delivery was not satisfactory. The verdict was demoraliz-
ing, and he recorded candidly: "From that time to this I have
never been able to preach a bit/' During the following months
he finally accepted the conclusion that for some five years he
had mistaken the call to preach.
At Centralia 111., as superintendent of schools, December 30,
1870, Holloway recorded another landmark in his personal develop-
ment:
I am greatly changed from what I was four years ago. I am no longer
anxious about my future success. I expect to be an unknown man while I
live and hence am not so solicitous about becoming distinguished. I am
seeking now to pass life off pleasantly, to repair as far I can (easily), the er-
rors of the past, but am constrained to yield quietly to the drift of events
and cheerfully adapt myself to circumstances.
In respect to religion I am very much changed. I once was settled and
established in the orthodox faith; but now I am somewhat unsettled. I once
thought I enjoyed religion, but I am quite sure I do not now and am
disposed to doubt the religion I once had. I feel that I am drifting in opinion
towards Deism. It does seem to me if ever any one wanted [to] be a good
christian in word and deed it was I in my earlier years. Yet I know of none
who have [sic] made so great a failure. I am not now trying to live conscien-
cious[ly?] and I believe I have succeeded] in living nearer correct than I
used to. Still I have not abandoned altogether the faith of my boyhood and
would never have doubted it but it seemed first to fail me.
In September, 1866, or during the interval between these entries
of 1866 and 1870, Holloway came to Kansas and found employment
as principal of the public schools at Ottawa. In orienting himself
in his new environment, he inquired about a history of Kansas and
was met with the reply that there was none, but somebody
should write one: "I continued to muse the idea," he wrote April
15, 1868, "to examine the features of Kansas history, whether
such a book would pay, and especially whether I could succeed
in writing and publishing such a book. I finally decided, as my
way in other directions seemed hedged up to make the attempt
and run the risk."
18-6817
266 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
And thus Holloway was off on a fresh venture before having
proved himself in his new position at Ottawa. He had arrived in
Kansas late in September, alone, and about eight weeks after
establishing himself at Ottawa, sent for his family, in the mean-
time building a house. Thus the Holloways were scarcely settled
in their new home in December when he resigned, effective with
the termination of the fall term of school before the Christmas
holidays.2
In his journal entry of February 16, 1867, written at Topeka,
Holloway brought his story to date:
In three weeks at the close of the term I concluded to write a history of
this state. So I came up here and spent two weeks gathering material.
I found that most of my time for the next year or two would be spent here
so I determined to move my family up. In one week more we are all here
in the basement of a house — a very pleasant place. For two weeks now I
am hard at work gathering material for my history.
He began the actual writing about June 1, and finished about
October 1, of the same year, completing ten to fifteen pages of
original matter per day. The elapsed time from January 1, to
October 1, was nine months, a remarkable record of accomplish-
ment. But there had been interruptions. According to his journal
entry of April 15, 1868, he had $25.00 when be began. He had
taken time out to move his family, he had spent five weeks in the
vicinity of Lexington, Mo., trying to sell life insurance but did not
make expenses. He financed his year with money borrowed from
members of his family and by mortgaging his Ottawa home. Other
time out must be allowed for travel necessary for interviews with
old settlers, and search for materials in Leavenworth, Atchison, and
Lawrence. But he was a vigorous young man of 28, more than
six-feet-two and broadening with age.
Publication and sale were his next problems. After correspond-
ence with publishers, he decided that he must issue the book him-
self. He returned to Indiana, and with further financing from his
family, the book was printed at Lafayette, Ind., and was ready for
distribution about December 15. The copyright date was 1867,
although the imprint was 1868. His figures for the cost totaled
$3,464 but he did not indicate the number of copies printed, nor the
distribution of numbers among the three bindings referred to in the
advertisements. He was not out of debt until 1872 when he had
liquidated his obligations out of his salary as a school teacher.
2. Western Home Journal, Ottawa, January 3, 1867, advertisement for a principal
the next term of school to begin January 14.
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 267
THE STRUCTURE OF KANSAS HISTORY
Obviously, Holloway was not a trained historian. When he began
his work there is no reason to assume that he had more than the
general concept of Kansas current among educated Northern people
of his generation, except, possibly, an outlook on moral questions
associated with his intense religious convictions. About methods
of gathering and evaluating material, and organization and interpre-
tation of Kansas history, he had to find his own way and make his
own decisions. He insisted that "I have had but one idea to guide me
. . ., and that is Truth. By this I have sought to test every word
and sentence. ... I have labored to describe events exactly as
they transpired, without underrating them or coloring them."
The general scope of the book was indicated by the full title:
History of Kansas From the First Exploration of the Mississippi
Valley, to Its Admission Into the Union: Embracing a Concise Sketch
of Louisiana; American Slavery, and Its Onward March; the Con-
flict of Free and Slave Labor in the Settlement of Kansas, and the
Overthrow of the Latter, With all Other Items of General Interest;
Complete, Consecutive and Reliable.
The distribution of the subject matter of the 51 chapters was:
two chapters on the Louisiana Purchase; three chapters on the
establishment and triumph of slavery in the United States; two
chapters on the Kansas-Nebraska act; one chapter called the an-
tiquities of Kansas, tracing the history of the area during the 18th
and early 19th centuries; four chapters in chronological order on
the year 1854; 11 chapters on 1855; one chapter on the winter of
1855-1856; 14 chapters on the year 1856; one chapter on the winter
of 1856-1857; four chapters on the year 1857; one chapter on the
winter of 1857-1858; two chapters on southeastern Kansas troubles,
1854-1858; one chapter on political parties; one more chapter on
southeastern Kansas; one chapter on "Various Items," including the
Wyandotte constitution; one chapter on the drought of 1860; and a
final chapter, "Various Items," which included admission.
Thus the scope of the book went much beyond a history of the
seven years of territorial Kansas. Six of the chapters dealt with
material belonging to general American history, particularly, a
slavery interpretation of that history in extreme form. This fixed
conspicuously an arbitrary "frame of reference" which distorted
the whole, but it provided the setting for his Kansas history.
As Holloway had explained in his journal, before making his
decision to write a history of Kansas, he had investigated "whether
268 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
such a book would pay." In his preface he wrote that the Kansas
troubles were but "the outgrowth and culmination" of slavery aggres-
sion upon freedom in the United States, and for that reason, "I have
. . inserted a short sketch of that Institution." And, having
lost Kansas, the "Slave propagandists . . . turned in their wrath
upon the General Government. . . ." In this manner, Holloway
identified Kansas history with national history, the moral crusade
against the "aggression" of slavery, and with the triumph of the
Union over slavery in the American Civil War.
No doubt Holloway believed what he wrote, but at the same time,
there was good reason, in terms of marketing the product, for
enlarging the scope and interpretation of the book far beyond what
was strictly Kansas history. That aspect of the matter is emphasized
further by a different approach to the problem.
In his preface, Holloway urged as one of his qualifications for
writing the history, that as he had been "Totally unconnected with
the Territorial difficulties, without any political or personal prefer-
ments, my judgment has been wholly free from prejudice and parti-
ality." True, Holloway had arrived on the Kansas scene more
than seven years after the admission of Kansas into the Union.
As a newcomer, with no roots whatever in Kansas, what interest
could he have had in the earlier seven years of Kansas territorial
troubles, terminated, definitely, by Kansas statehood in 1861? To
answer that question for himself would answer it also for most of the
Kansans of 1868 who would be his potential customers — newcomers.
In his chapter on political parties (p. 536) he interpreted the
role of newcomers in 1858: "Newcomers arriving, knew nothing
about the old organizations, and readily fell in with the new. In
fact, by the spring of '58 there were more new emigrants [immi-
grants] than those who were here during the troubles." He was
correct in that statement both as to facts and interpretation, and
the principle involved was even more important to an understanding
of Kansas in 1868 than a decade earlier. The American Civil War
was an experience common to all, and to appeal to the largest possi-
ble number, Kansas history must be identified with it.
Holloway had stumbled upon something here that was more im-
portant than he knew. The first comers of 1854 included in its
composition a large contingent, probably a majority, of "professional
squatters" who followed the opening of new territory to settlement
wherever it might be found, seized upon desirable sites, and sold
out their extra-legal priority rights, primarily at their nuisance value,
to later comers. Possessory (rights) were the major issue, and that
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 269
fact was high-lighted in the election of a territorial delegate to
congress, November 29, 1854. Slavery was not supposed to be
the issue.
The year 1855 was different. The new increment of settlers dif-
fered largely in character, and as the year wore on, the single issue
of slavery became paramount, first among Proslavery men, belatedly
among Free-State men. Largely the first comers of 1854 had moved
and fifty-fivers overwhelmed the remaining handful of settlers of
fifty-four vintage.
In 1856 came another complement of newcomers, stimulated
conspicuously by the abnormalities of the agitation accompanying
the presidential campaign, with "Bleeding Kansas" as the chief issue.
With the election of a president settled there was no further reason
for Kansas to bleed. The spring of 1857 brought another large com-
plement of newcomers motivated more largely by homemaking
than stimulated by campaign politics. But the fifty-sixers, and the
surviving handful of earlier comers, had convinced themselves that
their participation in the Kansas Civil War of 1856 had conferred
upon them a special status. Jealousies and bitter political rivalries
between fifty-sixers and later comers ensued. The young radical
contingent among the newcomers, baptised into the Republican
party during its first campaign, refused to yield to the claims of the
fifty-sixers. These, together with some older radicals who crossed
the line, made up the element that came to be referred to as "The
Boys," who exploited the new area of civil war in southeastern
Kansas as a means of attempting to seize control of all of Kansas.
Holloway gave his interpretation of the newcomers of 1858 and
their contribution to the break-up of old and realignments into new
political parries for Kansas.
As time passed, and accumulating numbers of stable settlers in-
creased, the annual increments however large comprised a succes-
sively smaller and smaller proportion of the total population at any
given time. Correspondingly, in theory, the new population could
wield a lesser and lesser relative influence politically. In practice,
however, established oldsters might retain a disproportionate vested
power. Even in relatively stabilized older communities, the turn-
over of population persisted, and in a demographic sense new-
comers behaving much as pioneers did, though their impact upon
the community was relatively less influential.3
The American Civil War and the years immediately following had
3. James C. Malin, "The Turnover of Farm Population in Kansas," The Kansas His-
torical Quarterly, v. 4 (November, 1935), pp. 339-372; The Grassland of North America:
Prolegomena to Its History (Lawrence, The author, 1947), chs. 16-20.
270 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
disturbed the orderly development of this pattern. Kansas popula-
tion in 1860 was 107,206; in 1865, 135,807; but in 1870, 364,399. In
view of the fact that probably less than half of the population of
1860 was still present in 1870, the newcomers at the end of the
decade would outnumber the old-settler territorial population by
seven or more to one. Thus whether Holloway was thinking in terms
of population facts and historical interpretation, or in terms of
market appeal for his book, newcomers were overwhelmingly domi-
nant in 1868.
Had Holloway followed this population principle to its logical
conclusion, even in the incomplete form evident to him, he could
have laid the foundation of a structure for Kansas history of endur-
ing value. Instead, he imposed upon this population principle and
upon Kansas history the presentist frame of reference common to
his dominant Civil War generation. Thus the structure given to his
history of Kansas could have meaning only to the generation
identified with the American Civil War, and with the slavery inter-
pretation of American history. Subsequent attempts at general his-
tories of Kansas have not been successful in breaking the Civil War
mold, although not because they were following Holloway. Never-
theless, to the extent that this population principle of the relation
of the newcomer to the old settler entered in its own right into his
interpretation, Holloway 's work was distinctive. He used it most
effectively in his chapter 47, "Political Parties," making that chapter
the most significant in his book.
Holloway's comments in his preface and in the bibliographical
essay in the appendix reveal that he was well aware that the writer
of a history of Kansas was confronted with more than the ordinary
obstacles. In fact, he showed a better grasp of the dimensions and
the complexities of his problem than is usual with amateur historians.
Obvious, of course, was the assertion that "there is no complete and
consecutive history of Kansas Territory," only books covering short
periods and partial accounts, highly colored as campaign docu-
ments. He realized that
The history of Kansas is a difficult one to write, [because] facts were so
perverted and differently represented by contemporary writers, that the searcher
for truth is often lost and puzzled in his investigations. Much, too, of the his-
tory of Kansas has never been written. The designs and motives of each
party, and many of their plans, can not be found on paper [so] . . . must
be gathered from men who are still living. . . .
The collection of the necessary material, he reported, was more
difficult than the actual writing of the book:
In a few years this work could not have been done. Documents would have
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 271
been lost, families moved away, and thus some of the most essential items in
the history of Kansas become oblivious [sic].
The UNWRITTEN history of Kansas could never be WRITTEN so well as at
the present time, while most of the actors in the early troubles of the Territory
are still living. The author has visited those, made their acquaintance, whom
he has ever found open and communicative on all subjects. . . .
In his bibliographical essay in the appendix, Holloway returned to
this aspect of the problem: "Much has been gathered from living
witnesses, and participants in events — much that has never before
been published of a secret and party character."
Holloway was making substantial claims. Did his book bear him
out? The answer is no. Of course, he found difficulty in gathering
material, because no agency had yet been established for collecting
such things. There is no important document in his book, however,
but what is readily available elsewhere. So far as his interviews, or
revelations of matter of "a secret and party character," was con-
cerned, the verdict would seem to be similar. He did render some
unusual decisions about facts and interpretations, but he did not
identify the origin of individual statements. Without information
about the authority for such deviations they cannot be accepted at
face value, especially when documentary evidence runs to the con-
trary.
Holloway's bibliography included most of the major governmental
documents, manuscripts in the various state departmental archives,
and printed federal documents, and most of the propaganda books
about Kansas. He recognized much of the deficiencies of the latter.
He described the leading newspapers published during the terri-
torial period: The Herald of Freedom (Lawrence), the Squatter
Sovereign (Atchison), the Kansas Weekly Herald ( Leavenworth ) ,
the Kansas Territorial Register (Leavenworth), The Kansas Free
State (Lawrence), The Kansas Freeman (Topeka), the Tribune
(Lawrence and Topeka), the Republican (Lawrence), and the
Kansas Pioneer (Kickapoo). All of these, he said, he "had before
him while writing this book." All of these have been preserved,
with the exception of the Kickapoo Kansas Pioneer. Apparently
the file of that paper was in the Leavenworth Mercantile Library
which burned January 31, 1868. The loss of that paper as historical
material, was serious, but unfortunately, Holloway had made prac-
tically no use of the Kansas Pioneer, so his book did not make good
any part of it.
Holloway listed in his preface, by way of acknowledgment for
aid received, the men he had interviewed, or who had made ma-
terial available. His list included state officers who had per-
272 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
mitted him to use the manuscript records on file in their de-
partment archives. None of these were men who had been
leaders during the territorial period. In the latter category,
Holloway's list included, in the order named: Dr. A. Hunting,
G. W. Smith, Joel Grover, C. K. Holliday, J. A. Halderman,
Charles Robinson, James Montgomery, J. A. Wakefield, George
Hilly er, John Ritchie, and James Christian. Only two of these,
Halderman and Christian, had been identified with the so-called
Proslavery party, and in commentary upon James Christian, Hollo-
way remarked that he had "the most valuable library in the
Territory."
Among the territorial leaders omitted, but who were still present
in Kansas, were J. B. Abbott, George A. Crawford, of Fort Scott,
R. G. Elliott and Josiah Miller, who had edited the Kansas Free
State, H. Miles Moore, Marcus J. Parrott, Mark W. Delahay, William
A. Phillips, John Speer, T. Dwight Thacher, Samuel Walker, and
S. N. Wood. These names would seem to comprise a minimum
list on the Free-State side. Gen. Benjamin F. Stringfellow and
Judge S. D. Lecompte might have been interviewed to represent
the Proslavery side. Among Free-State men omitted, special
emphasis should be placed upon Miller and Elliott, and their
Kansas Free State. Failing an interview with either of the men
concerned, Holloway should have given careful attention to
their paper, which he virtually ignored. Thus he was without
any effective antidote to the New England and Eastern in-
terpretation of events. More than that, he omitted completely
the Sandbank convention of July 17, 1855, and the bearing of
its supporters upon the Big Springs convention and the origins
of the Topeka statehood movement.4 Holloway did refer in his
bibliography to the Augustus Wattles "Complete History of
Kansas. . . .," published in- the Herald of Freedom, but without
mention of the author's name. Apparently he did not appreciate
the relation of Wattles to the southeastern Kansas wars.
THE CONTENT OF HOLLOWAY'S
History of Kansas
The content of Holloway's history may be indicated by using
the same list of questions employed in reviewing the Phillips and
Wattles histories in part one. Stephen A. Douglas received little
space (p. 67), but his behavior in connection with the Kansas-
4. Cf. part one of this series, The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 21 (Autumn, 1954).
pp. 184-223: "The Topeka Statehood Movement Reconsidered: Origins," Territorial
Kansas: Studies Commemorating the Centennial (University of Kansas Publications,
Social Science Studies, 1954).
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 273
Nebraska bill, including the repeal of the Missouri Compromise,
was represented as having as its object a service to the South
that "could only be rewarded by placing him in his long sought
for position — the Presidency." This interpretation of Douglas
was grossly in error, but was essential to the logic inherent in
the structure he had imposed upon Kansas history. The thesis
of chapter 2 was the "Introduction and Establishment of African
Slavery in the United States Against the Wishes of the People";
and the next three chapters, the "triumph of slavery" in succession,
in the Missouri Compromise of 1820, the annexation of Texas,
and in the Kansas-Nebraska act. The logic was then carried
into the years immediately following in the form of the conquest
of Kansas by "the slavery propagandists" through the instrumen-
tality of the Missourians and the South, supported by the general
government. This approach resembled more nearly the Wattles
than the Phillips structure, but was not necessarily either one,
because the point of view was well established by 1867, in such
books as Horace Greeley's American Conflict. In fact, it was essen-
tially the orthodox interpretation by the North of the American
Civil War.
Popular sovereignty was recognized only as a device of the
slavery propagandists : "But its success on the field of practice was
prevented by its own friends and itself rendered ridiculous before
the world [p. 137]." As has been pointed out already, Holloway
bungled the account of the Free-State party and the Topeka state-
hood movement. On the issue of Leavenworth or Lawrence leader-
ship in the Free-State cause, he made no explicit commitments, but
in his narrative alternated approximately Leavenworth (including
northeastern Kansas) and Lawrence events. Thus he did in fact
recognize that the Lawrence area did not have a monopoly on the
Free-State cause. That in itself can be urged in Holloway's favor
as one of the merits of his book.
In the treatment of the Wakarusa war, Holloway was quite sketchy
about its origins, or background. Had he interviewed S. N. Wood
and J. B. Abbott, he would have found sharp differences between
them about what had happened and which one deserved the credit.5
His account of the sack of Lawrence was pinned on D. R. Atchison
and his alleged grand jury indictments.6 The ubiquitous problem
of Charles Robinson and James H. Lane gave Holloway trouble, but
5. Charles Howard Dickson, "The True History of the Branson Rescue," Collections,
K.S.H.S., v. 13 (1913-1914), pp. 280-298.
6. James C. Malin, "Judge Lecompte and the 'Sack of Lawrence'," The Kansas His-
torical Quarterly, v. 20 (August, November, 1953), pp. 465-494, 553-597.
274 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
he attempted to evade the main issue. Instead of treating them as
rivals for power, his character sketches of the two men were con-
structed in contrasts; Robinson the sagacious planner (p. 259),
and Lane the man of action. But Holloway made clear where his
own sympathies lay by admonishing Kansas youth to "practice his
[Lane's] untiring energy and unfaltering perseverance, but let them
flee from the way of the ungodly, which perisheth [p. 262] ."
Holloway evaded the complexities of the southeastern Kansas
wars, and admitted it frankly. He organized that struggle around
the activities of James Montgomery who assumed heroic proportions
in his account. The Doy rescue was not assigned to the leadership
of J. B. Abbott. John Brown appeared as the martyred hero, ac-
cording to the legend that had been established. The blood of the
Pottawatomie massacre was washed from his hands by representing
him as not present, although afterwards approving the murders ( ch.
33).
Holloway's history was not all bad. The high point was chapter
47, "Political Parties," the only major portion that has, in any sub-
stantial manner, stood the test of time. Probably here is to be found
the sobering influence of two men, Halderman and Christian, mod-
erate Proslavery men, both Democrats. Holloway opened with an
emphasis on Gov. Robert Walker's new policy, inaugurated in the
spring of 1857, as contributing to the breakup of the early Proslavery
and Free-State party alignment and paving the way for the Demo-
cratic-Republican party system which took form in 1859. In this
connection, Holloway admitted that: "The mass of the pro-slavery
party, who never had been pecuniarly interested in making Kansas
a slave State, readily abandoned the contest and became the fol-
lowers of Walker [p. 528]."
Another important concession to the conservative point of view
was the admission that in the spring of 1858: "It was now generally
conceded that the Topeka Constitution was but a temporary ex-
pedient to afford a rallying point and shelter to free state men while
contending against slavery and oppression; that the emergency for
which it had been framed, was past [sic], and it had better be
abandoned, ... [p. 530]." But he pointed out that in turn the
conservatives in the Free-State party "who most strongly condemned
the adherents of the Topeka Constitution were themselves the
tenacious adherents of the free state party," resisting the new party
alignment (p. 536).
The new party system required Kansans to make fresh choices.
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 275
Holloway generalized that the moderate Proslavery men became
Democrats, along with many conservative Free-State men, and that
the radical Free- State men went into the new Republican party.
The problem was not so simple as that however, and he qualified his
interpretation in an important manner:
There was but little difference in the platforms of the different parties.
. . . The organization of these parties was the inauguration of that con-
fusion and personal bitterness that had always characterized Kansas politics.
Her early troubles attracted to her soil men of talent and ambition. Never
could a new Territory boast of so many able and enthusiastic young men. The
troubles had made them querulous; then these had subsided each one was
ready to cast everything aside that stood in the way of his aspirations. No
party nor principle could carry them through, for there was little distinction in
parties; they were but in their infancy. Office-seeking, therefore, became a per-
sonal strife, an individual contest- between men of equal merit and ability
[p. 537]."
Holloway subscribed to the conviction of the old settlers in Kansas
about the peculiar importance of Kansas history. His preface opened
with the declaration that "Kansas has a history which is common
with no other State in the Union." The reason assigned was that
here supremacy of "Free Labor in Kansas" over the onward march
of slavery "was finally settled." Then, illogically, he asserted that
having lost in Kansas the "Slave propagandists . . . turned in
their wrath upon the General Government. . . ." If, "finally
settled" in Kansas, then why was the Civil War fought? Holloway
was not alone in his difficulty. His reviewers revealed also a com-
mitment to a similar determining role of Kansas in American history.
SALES AND CONTEMPORARY EVALUATIONS
Having printed his book privately, the job being completed about
December 15, 1867, Holloway was obliged to arrange for marketing
it. J. Nichols & Company of Topeka became his general agent, and
they appointed agents throughout the state. The first of their adver-
tisements found appeared in the Atchison Daily Champion, Decem-
ber 15, 1867. It was short, announced the book, a "Complete, Con-
secutive and Reliable History of Kansas. ... A STANDARD
WORK of great interest and value to the people of Kansas." They
emphasized that it would be sold "only on subscription, and an
Agent will soon visit this city to canvass for it." The Topeka Kansas
State Record, December 18, carried a long advertisement, announc-
ing that the book was "now before the public." After an outline of
the contents the advertisement continued:
The book presents facts in a very life-like and entertaining manner. Mr.
276 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Holloway has clothed his thoughts in the most classical language, and given
to his writings a charm which never fails to interest and absorb. His style is
terse, simple and animating without the show of display or effect.
A virtue was made of the fact that Holloway had not participated
in the Kansas troubles, permitting him to take an unbiased attitude:
"Kansas has justly been entitled the historic State of the Union. —
Scarcely an acre of her eastern soil can be found which has not
witnessed some daring deed or frightful rencounter. Her Terri-
torial Conflict attracted the attention of the world. . . ."
The exaggeration was not greater than book publishers usually
indulge in, and the blurb closed with the assurance that "the whole
is beautifully illustrated with engravings, from original designs by
the author." Three bindings were listed: muslin at $5.00; sheep at
$5.50; and Turkey Morocco (full gilt) at $6.50.7
From Lawrence the "news" came soon that the agent there, G. W.
Hunt, had sold 50 copies the first two days: "Agents can make
money at those rates." In February, the report from Ottawa said
that Holloway had sold 75 copies in a short time, and that over one
thousand copies had been sold over the state "during the past
month." A discordant note came from Atchison about the same
time, admonishing Holloway that if he wished to sell his book, he
should provide the press with copies for review. Later the sales
campaign was extended to northeastern Kansas, the White Cloud
Kansas Chief received a copy, but no review has been found from
John A. Martin of the Champion.8
In his journal, Holloway did not reveal the machinery set up for
handling his book, but made it appear that he had done the promo-
tion and sales mostly by himself and agents. He emphasized there
how he had concentrated on Topeka during the session of the legis-
lature in January and February, 1868, and then had gone out with
horse and buggy to sell through the country during the summer,
returning to Indiana in the fall.9
The first review that has been found appeared in the Topeka
Leader, December 26, 1867, and certainly did not convey the good
will of the Christmas season. It was written apparently by the
editor, J. F. Cummings, who had been, in 1855, the printer for E. C.
K. Garvey's Kansas Freeman. Although pronouncing the typog-
u "£* A, !il£ilar long advertisement appeared in the Western Home Journal, Ottawa, Decem-
Tirr 7?' r 6V an£ elsewkere. A third form of the advertisement appeared in the Topeka
Weekly Leader, December 19, 1867.
on 8rf- K%nsa,s %"te Record, Topeka, January 8; Western Home Journal, Ottawa, February
20; Freedom s Champion, Atchison, February 6; White Cloud Kansas Chief, April 16, 1868.
9. Journal entries for April 15, 1868, and January 11, 1869; Johnston, loc cit., p. 85.
Apparently Johnston did not know about the Nichols agency as the selling organization,
depending alone on his grandfather's journal.
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 277
raphy excellent, the woodcuts were "of such a character as to make
us thankful there were not more." On the last point all will agree.
Although admitting that examination of the book had been "but a
cursory" one: "What we have seen, however, has not impressed us
favorably. The book lacks several necessary points. It has no
pathos, no humor, no system, and is far from accurate in its details."
The editor thought Holloway had "failed to become acquainted
with those who could give him correct and necessary information."
In dealing with Judge Lecompte Holloway was accused of giving
opposite opinions, "so that the reader, who pays his money, takes
his choice. . . ." Among other things challenged, the editor
ridiculed the account of the Marais des Cygnes massacre which rep-
resented Montgomery as having advance information about Hamil-
ton's plans yet permitted the tragedy to happen. If Holloway
offended on that score, many others have done likewise since. The
treatment of Charles Robinson, James H. Lane, and S. N. Wood,
did not suit the Leader, especially the last named — he was willing
to wager that Sam Wood would buy ten copies, and never pay for
them. Referring to the acknowledgments in the preface the reviewer
insisted that the list included "several noted wags," which led "to
the very painful conclusion that the author has, in several instances,
been hoaxed. . . ."
New Year's Day, the Kansas State Record, Topeka, gave Holloway
a courteous notice, but by no means a complimentary review. The
authorship is not certain; either S. D. McDonald, or F. P. Baker.
In either case, the reviewer would be a man who had had no part
in the Kansas troubles. He explained that he had looked through
only about half of the book, that Holloway was a resident of Topeka,
and that he had given his attention entirely to collection of material
for the book, so had made few acquaintances. Holloway was
credited with good intentions about fairness, but the reviewer
himself admitted that he was not sufficiently acquainted with the
seven years of territorial history to pronounce judgment about ac-
curacy: "The time has however come that a history should appear.
. . . If there are errors, there are plenty of actors still living who
will make the proper corrections." . . . Exception was taken
in general terms, nevertheless, to the treatment given Robinson
and Lane: "We do not wish to open old sores, and would rather
bury in oblivion the quarrel between these early champions of
Kansas, but we cannot let pass the grave charge that Lane was
'reckless and cowardly,' or that lie shaped his action by the signs of
the times.' Gen. Lane is gone and the people of Kansas owe to him
278 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
a debt that they do not to any other man." In these disagreements,
the reviewer gave assurance that he did not wish to appear to
belittle the work: "Old residents will want it to see how it agrees
with their remembrances, new settlers will want it so as to know
about the early history of the state/'
The next review to be considered is that of the Rev. Isaac S.
Kalloch, editor of the Western Home Journal, Ottawa, printed Janu-
ary 23, 1868. Kalloch was a notorious antislavery preacher in Boston
during the 1850's, who at one time was charged with adultery, and
underwent a sensational trial which resulted in a hung jury. In
1860 he had been sent to Leavenworth under the auspices of the
Home Missionary Society to minister to a small Baptist congregation
without a meeting house. Van Horn, of the Journal of Commerce,
Kansas City, Mo., was contemptuous of both Leavenworth and
Kalloch, commenting May 10, "If Leavenworth likes his style, all
right." He had become involved in land speculation, railroad pro-
motion, journalism, and politics, and in 1868 was nearing the climax
of his Kansas career, bearing the doubtful reputation of "the sorrel
stallion of the Marais des Cygnes." At the time of his assassination
in San Francisco, in 1879, S. S. Prouty wrote in the Junction City
Union, August 30: "His best forte is preaching, though he indulges
in the hallucination that he was born for a statesman. As a pulpit
orator he has no superior in the United States. He possesses a
handsome figure, a very large head, classical features and would
be recognized as a man of mark anywhere." 10
Although Kalloch assured his readers that he intended only to
thank Holloway for the complimentary copy sent to him, the duty
note ran on and on to one and a half columns:
No state in the American Union has such a history as ours. . . . This
will be the verdict of the future. It will then be seen and recorded that the
experiment of consolidating the various States into one homogeneous Repubb'c
was prosecuted with varying success, but still with increasing hope, the one
great element of evil and precursor of disaster being the existence of slavery in
some of the States, and the growing antagonism to it in the remainder. . . .
in the Kansas conflict . . . the fate of slavery, and the future of the
Republic were decided in Kansas.
Lest the reader's indoctrination in the slavery interpretation of
the history of Kansas and of the United States mislead him in the
reading of the foregoing portion of Kalloch's argument, the summary
is interrupted to make a check on his premise, or the base from
10. Others said much worse things about him, and for a hostile biography, see John H.
Shimmons, The Shame and Scourge of San Francisco, or, an Expose of the Rev. Isaac S.
Kalloch. . . . n. p. (1880).
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 279
which he started, and the direction of his thought. To Kalloch,
slavery or freedom per se, was neither the base nor the goal; slavery
was only the obstacle in the way "of consolidating the various States
into one homogeneous Republic." The success of freedom in Kansas
assured the victory of unitary nationalism (not federalism) over
state rights in the American Civil War. This was the American
counterpart of similar wars of national unification taking place in
Germany and Italy during the same period of time.
Kalloch clinched his argument about the outcome of both the
Kansas conflict and the Civil War by introducing the "if" alterna-
tive. If slavery had won in Kansas, and the Civil War deferred,
"we should have had a slave Republic." In other words, not a
federation of states, but a unitary "nation." But if the Civil War
had not been deferred
the geographical position of Kansas was such that her position in the conflict
might have turned the scale which so often and fearfully trembled. . . .
Kansas like a huge breakwater between contending seas, was able to say:
Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further. . . . They fought the battle
for the world when they fought for freedom in their State.
If Kalloch's argument were true, then indeed, the little handful
of Kansas Free-State men of the middle 1850's were a "chosen
people" who changed the course of world history.
. . . never . . . braver men or truer women than those who "inarched
along," to the music of old John Brown's majestic spirit. . . . They were
few in numbers. . . . [but] God is stronger than armies — stronger than
parties — stronger than majorities — stronger than all the councils and combina-
tions of the wicked — stronger even than the universe which he made and is able
to destroy.
Facts or logic to support Kalloch's bursts of rhetoric there were
none, but these quotations from his resounding periods may convey
to the reader something of his capacity to evoke emotional reactions
by means of words that made Kalloch, and make others like him
any time or place, such a power in society.
But, back to Holloway's book that set off Kalloch's pyrotechnics.
He pointed out Holloway's misuse of words and other literary
deficiencies, error in facts about the admission of Kansas, but a
point that irritated him particularly was Holloway's closing compli-
ment to a Democrat, "James Christian who has the most valuable
library in the Territory." Some of the choice political wisecracks of
that era turned on the dicta that a Democrat could not read.
Charitably, Kalloch qualified his disapproval of Holloway's his-
tory: "If it were, what perhaps it aims to be, an exhaustive and
280 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
final 'History of Kansas/ we should feel it our duty to criticise it un-
sparingly as utterly unworthy the magnitude of the theme/' As a
stopgap "It will be a valuable aid to the historian of the future.
. . . we trust he will be duly rewarded for it. The 'History of
Kansas/ however, remains to be written." But when would the
time come?
The Kansas conflict is among the unwritten histories of men. Partisan
prejudice and passion are not yet ready to hear or believe the truth. But
when these unholy passions have subsided; when the actors in the tragedy
have been gathered to their fathers; when the love of patriotism swallows
the love of party, and sympathy with treason to sympathy with truth; that
history will be written.
But for Kalloch, the rhetorician, there was still another qualifi-
cation to which, in modesty, he deferred: "To write such a history
will require a master of the art. The time has not come to write
it yet/'
O. H. Browne, a former Proslavery man challenged the accuracy
of Holloway's documentation of the bills passed by the "Bogus"
legislature, and offered $100 to any one who could produce one
document. The Kansas State Record advised Browne that he
could save his money by coming to Topeka where Holloway
would gladly and without pay show him the document in question
in the archives of the department of state where it had been copied
for the book.11
The Leavenworth Commercial appraised Holloway's history as
"the only book yet published worthy to be entitled a 'History of
Kansas/ . . . However much we may differ from the author
in his conclusions . . ., we must yet accord him praise for
giving us so good a history of Kansas/'12
The canvassing for the book in the southeastern part of the state
came late in the spring, the Fort Scott Monitor noticing it May 20,
"the work which has been creating such a wonderful sensation
in the northern part of the State. ... All other States in the
Union have had their history written in book form; but Kansas —
the most historical of all — has not until now had a record of her
stirring events given." The Monitor called attention to the promi-
nence of Fort Scott in three chapters of the history, but pronounced
no judgments, except recommending it to every family, and com-
mending the author for his great service.
The most vicious of the reviews was one in the form of a letter
11. Kansas State Record, February 19, 1868.
12. Reprinted in the Western Home Journal, March 12, 1868. The file of the Com-
mercial for this date has not survived.
JOHN NELSON HOLLOWAY
(1839-1887)
Author of the first general
history of Kansas (1868).
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 281
to the editor, printed by the Topeka Leader, April 30, 1868, over
the initials "H. B. A.," devoted mostly to ridicule of what the
author thought were its literary and organizational deficiencies.
Actually, however, he was using those shortcomings, real or im-
aginary, as a cover for his disagreements on subject matter and
interpretation. Having seen a notice of the publication of Hollo-
way's book "'a reliable History of Kansas in the most classical
language/ " when
A stray copy . . . having come into my hands I sat down to enjoy this
classical feast. I think, however, that Mr. Holloway's ideas of the classics
and mine differ. I found the volume made up of a strange medley of things.
Solecism after solecism abounds throughout the entire work. Words have
broken loose from their ordinary moorings, and seem to be drifting in every
direction. The parts of speech seem to be on a general rampage. . . ,
Sentences coil around each other like serpents about Laocoon and his sons
in the temple of Neptune. . . . The grossest blunders in language, num-
bering from one to five, occur on almost every page. If the book were a
skeleton it would need immediately to be wired together to keep it from
falling to pieces.
Only a few samples of "H. B. A.'s." criticisms can be included
here:
. . . the good Saxon word "amidst" takes on its poetic form and whirls on
its toe "amid the darkness." On the same page he says, "The pro slavery men
from other houses began to bang away at — they scarcely knew what." "Bang
away" is a choice expression worthy of Macaulay. On the next page he speaks of
a large force assembling "on Bull Creek, about twelve miles east of where
Baldwin City now stands." There must be another "bull" here besides the
creek. "Of where" is worthy of an "A. M.," Magister Asinorum.ls
At another place the reviewer went on by citing Holloway's state-
ment:
"The people were poor, and scanty of pecuniary means." To be poor is bad
enough, but in addition to be "scanty of pecuniary means" is a classic phrase,
and a distressing calamity.
I am happy to state that one grammatical sentence has been discovered
in the book, but I must add that on further examination it proved to be quoted
from Bancroft the historian. There is one thing, however, to be commended
about the book — it has a strong binding; this was thoughtful on the part of the
publishers, as it has a tendency to keep together the shattered sentences.
True, Holloway's grammar and literary usage left something to be
desired, but the adverse criticism focusing on that aspect of his book
cannot be taken at face value. Other things were involved. Hol-
13. On the title page of his history, Holloway had listed himself as J. N. Holloway, A. M.
The available biographical data do not indicate when or where he had earned the academic
degree of Master of Arts.
19-6817
282 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
loway was not as completely bilingual in the provincial American
sense as his critics. They used a spoken slanguage which, no doubt
violated rules of grammatical construction, but employed a quite
different written language — artificial and formal — such as no person
used for common oral communication. Holloway's written language
was rather closer to the spoken language of Indiana and Illinois,
than to the literary language of New England. Much of what the
adverse critics complained had its origins in the natural idiom of
the spoken word, the oral tradition, rather than in the artificialities
and formalism of the written tradition, which they thought they
were following as a standard of excellence.
"H. B. A." cited the English historian Macaulay, and the New
England historian George Bancroft. Those who had been raised on
the colloquial speech of the Indiana-Illinois area, or Ohio and Ken-
tucky, found themselves very much at home with Holloway's written
language. Kalloch objected strenuously to Holloway's phrase "per-
sonal preferments," which he insisted should have read "personal
preferences." The word "preferment" is in good standing in all
dictionaries of the English language. Furthermore, Holloway used
it correctly, although Kalloch was in accord with the prevailing
literary form in his "preference." 14
Much of what appeared as defects in Holloway's book was merely
the result of inexperience in writing for publication and in book-
making. Holloway's journal shows that his printer was also without
much, if any, experience in these matters, was not adequately
equipped, and did not execute the contract in what Holloway
thought was a workmanlike manner. His adverse critics who ap-
peared in print, were mostly men who wrote only for newspapers,
and were experienced only in that medium. By and large the most
intolerant in these matters are those with the least experience in their
own right. As he had no source of income, and the whole project
was being financed with borrowed money, even his living for himself
and his family, the urgency of completion as the only means of
liquidation of his debts, excluded imperatively any quibbling about
perfectionism. If these aspects of the enterprise are kept in per-
spective, the truly remarkable thing about die episode is not the
shortcomings, but that the book turned out so well.
14. The word "preferment," as Holloway used it, is classified as obsolete by The Oxford
English Dictionary, Being a Re-issue . . . of a New English Dictionary on Historical
Principles . . ., edited by James A. H. Murray, and others (Oxford, England, Uni-
versity Press, 1933), v. 8, p. 1269. The latest example cited was dated 1754. As late as
1910, however, the Webster's Collegiate Dictionary of the English Language
(Springfield, Mass., G. and C. Merriam Co., 1914 [cl910]), gave priority to the following
meaning: "1. A preferring; state of being preferred." The most recent editions of the
leading unabridged dictionaries (1949, 1950) do not list the Holloway usage.
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 283
Holloway had not sold books on promises in advance of the
writing and publication, thus no element of misrepresentation or
fraud entered into his operations. The completed book was offered
for sale on its merits and subject to the criticism of newspaper com-
mentary, advance copies being supplied for that purpose. In the
Kansas of 1868, the only book-review medium available was the
newspapers. He had the courage and tenacity, not only to write
the book, and to make his own interpretations, but to publish and
market it, and in doing so to shoulder personally all the hazards.
The one reviewer that stands out above all others found by the
present writer, is that of James Hanway of Lane (Dutch Henry's
crossing ) . He was the only "old settler," active in the Kansas troubles
of the middle 1850's, who reviewed Holloway's book, and the only
reviewer who dealt with it on the intellectual level of legitimate
historical criticism.15 Living in the John Brown country, and within
a short distance of the site of the Pottawatomie massacre, Hanway
was deeply concerned about anything dealing with John Brown.
Although a loyal admirer of "the Old Hero," Hanway was in sharp
disagreement with the form taken by the legend about John Brown,
Of particular concern in his communication in correction of Hollo-
way's history, was the question of Brown's participation in the mas-
sacre. Holloway had followed one version of the legend which
insisted Brown had not been present and was not responsible.
Hanway was otherwise minded, and marshalled his facts carefully
and presented them logically in proof of his contention about
both John Brown's presence and responsibility. On the main issue
he was correct, although in error on some details, but he was a rare
example of a Free-State man in Kansas who had the courage to
stand out against the most flagrant falsifications of the John Brown
legend.16
Holloway and his general agent, J. Nichols & Company, avoided
any controversy over the adverse reviews, but late in January re-
leased a number of favorable testimonials: Gov. S. J. Crawford, ex-
Gov. Charles Robinson, Secretary of State R. A. Barker, State Au-
ditor J. R. Swallow, Adj. Gen. J. B. McAfee, Superintendent of Public
Instruction P. McVicar, and G. W. Smith. All gave the book
guarded praise. Governor Robinson, and McVicar admitted only
"cursory examination." Two, Swallow and McAfee, qualified their
approval by a form of limitation: "so far as my own knowledge or
15. Western Home Journal, Ottawa, April 16, 23, 1868. The former is a preliminary
letter to the editor explaining the review article that was to follow, and which was printed
the next week.
16. James C. Malin, John Brown and the Legend of Fifty-six (Philadelphia, American
Philosophical Society, 1942), ch. 12, "Hanway's Challenge. . . ."
284 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
recollection extends," and "so far as I am personally acquainted."
All agreed on Holloway's desire to present his facts accurately and
fairly. Only two of the group had really been major actors in the
Kansas troubles. Governor Robinson congratulated Hollo way "on
your success, in furnishing to our people so valuable a work. . . .
I regard it as by far the most complete and reliable work yet pub-
lished on that subject." G. W. Smith wrote without evasion:
I was an ardent participator in the early events of our State, and was a
member of about all important Free State conventions.
In detailing the political movements, in presenting a correct and impartial
account of the conventional proceedings in the Territory of Kansas, Mr. Hol-
loway's "History of Kansas" is very accurate. The spirit of the work is candid
and manifests a disposition on the part of the writer to do justice to all parties
and persons. I hope that it will, as it should, find a place in every library in
Kansas.
Of course, Smith did not say that he agreed with everything
Holloway had written, only that the historian had shown "a dispo-
sition . . . to do justice," and that "the spirit of the work is
candid."
The Nichols company had attributed the unfavorable notices of
the book to "a few petty and aspiring politicians . . . simply
because it says nothing about them, or presents them in their real
light," and "Notwithstanding the hard times no book has ever met
with such a wonderful sale in Kansas. . . ."
In May, 1868, mention has been found of plans by Holloway for
a second volume.17 As the book published had covered seven years
of territorial history, a second volume on the seven years of state-
hood was quite reasonable. But, in spite of the glowing claims of
the Nichols company about sales, Holloway's journal revealed that
they were relatively small.
In June an announcement came out about a second edition; appar-
ently the same material with only an additional chapter. The
explanation was that this edition was designed for circulation in
other states, and for that purpose another chapter had been prepared
dealing with the country's resources and prospects. The Topeka
real estate firm of Mills and Smith secured an advance copy of this
new chapter which was published in full in their trade paper, The
Real Estate Advertiser, June, 1868.18 Holloway's journal recorded
his return to Indiana to sell his books there during the fall or early
17. Kansas Central, Olathe, May 6, 1868. One of the editors of this paper, W. F.
Goble, was agent for the book in Olathe. A price reduction of 75 cents was announced.
The rival Olathe Mirror did not mention the book, or Holloway's visit in behalf of sales.
18. The chapter was reprinted in the Kansas State Record, the weekly for June 10,
and the daily for June 11, 1868.
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 285
winter. His entry of January 11, 1869, referred to difficulties with
his printer about bindings, which he considered damaged the sale
of books, more than their cost, and to his doubt about getting more
books until his debt to the printer was settled. Anticipating a suit to
compel settlement, Holloway retired to Illinois and taught school the
remainder of the winter. He was determined, if suit was brought,
to file claims for damages in excess of the cost of binding. The
journal entry is so vague that specific conclusions about the second
edition cannot be drawn. Possibly, not all of the printed sheets
had been bound, and his plan before leaving Kansas had been to
have the additional chapter printed and bound with the remaining
original sheets for sale in the East. If so, the inference from the
entry of January 11 would be that the plan did not materialize. At
any rate, the present author has not found a record of any copy of the
history containing the additional chapter. All bibliographical list-
ings are for a volume of 584 pages, the original number.
A CRITIQUE
When W. D. Wilder compiled his Annals of Kansas (1875, 1885)
he listed Holloway's History of Kansas under the date line of De-
cember 30, 1867:
Like the other histories [of Kansas], it has no index; the important facts pub-
lished in it are badly arranged, and it is not easy to find any special subject in
regard to which the reader may want information. The opinions, the grammar,
and the spelling, especially of proper names, might be criticized. The author
was a non-resident, and it is really surprising that the book is so complete.
. . . Mr. Holloway has not received the credit which his industry justly
entitled him to.
In his adverse criticisms of Holloway, Wilder revealed himself
through the standard of measurement he imposed upon another:
"no index . . . badly arranged . . . not easy to find." Was
that a fair yardstick? These unfavorable judgments turned on the
assumption by Wilder that the primary purpose of a history was
its effectiveness for ready reference. As a newspaper editor, that
point of view is understandable. To serve best that purpose a his-
torical work must take one of two forms; that of a topical encyclo-
pedia arranged alphabetically, or a chronology accompanied by a
voluminous index. Wilder had chosen for himself the latter.
Did he have a right to impose that test upon Holloway?
Implicit in Holloway's history is a different conception of the use
to which a history was to be put. For Holloway, the primary pur-
pose of history was to be read as a whole. To read Wilder through
would be much like reading a large dictionary from A to Z. It could
2S6 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
be done, but not many have tried, and fewer have succeeded. The
theory of history is not at stake here; only the practical question of
the functional effectiveness of different methods of presentation of
history for particular limited purposes. Neither Wilder nor Hol-
loway would have served their generation satisfactorily as classroom
textbooks for the public schools. Neither met the test of Literature,
with a capital L.
In agriculture, the choice of a breed of cattle depends upon the
purpose for which it is included in the individual producers pro-
gram; beef, dairy, or dual purpose. At the strictly functional level,
histories may be written for specialized purposes. The confusion
about histories, in contrast with cattle, arises out of the unreasonable
demands so often imposed upon histories. They are expected to
be, not merely dual-purpose books, but multiple-purpose miracle
works. To change the metaphor, to pretend such an accom-
plishment of functionalism would put history in the same class of
commercial frauds as the old-fashioned cure-all patent medicines.
In the practical sense the organization given a particular history
depends upon the choice of methods made by the author and the
reason therefor.19 Holloway was an amateur historian, and hit upon
the chronological form of presentation, with modifications. Why?
he did not explain. Possibly, because it presented fewer practical
difficulties. The choice had its merits, however, in this particular
case, regardless of whether or not the decision was largely a matter
of accident. Had he capitalized fully upon the idea of the annual
increment of newcomers dominating the changing historical scene
in successive years or periods, he would have had something of
outstanding importance in his favor as a justification for his choice.
As it was, whether or not his interpretation worked out unconsciously
and accidentally as he wrote, or whether he sensed the significance
of the principle before writing began, but did not succeed in making
himself articulate in what he set out to do, the idea did emerge
significantly in his distinctive chapter 47, "Political Parties." Un-
fortunately, he did not place that chapter at the end as the climax
of the book. The four chapters which followed were an anticlimax,
which obscured and for most readers obviously eclipsed the basic
idea.
Wilder was correct when he told his readers that Holloway had
not received the credit he deserved. But Wilder stands convicted
19. The problem of the theory of history as an abstract question, with its philosophical
implications, is discussed elsewhere. See James C. Malin, On the Nature of History: Essays
About History and Dissidence (Lawrence, 1954), and an earlier volume, Essays on His-
toriography (Lawrence, 1946).
NOTES ON WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 287
under his own indictment. Holloway's book, even though it had
had an index, did not stand the test as an accurate reference work
for details of facts and interpretation. It is astonishing how many
professional historians, who should know better, cite Holloway as
an authority in this particular category where his work is least reli-
able. It did serve an important purpose in collecting (not saving
from destruction) for his generation important but otherwise widely
scattered documents under the cover of one book for reference.
The really significant feature of the book has escaped attention
altogether; that of the role of the annual increment of newcomers.
That principle was valid, not only for Kansas, but for the pioneer
stage in particular, or settling-in-process, in all newly settled areas.
The Annual Meeting
THE 79th annual meeting of the Kansas State Historical Society
and board of directors was held in the rooms of the Society on
October 19, 1954.
The meeting of the directors was called to order by President
Angelo Scott at 10 A. M. First business was the reading of the
annual report by the secretary:
SECRETARY'S REPORT, YEAR ENDING OCTOBER 19, 1954
At the conclusion of last year's meeting, the newly-elected president, Angelo
Scott, appointed Frank Haucke and reappointed Charles M. Correll and Robert
C. Rankin to the executive committee. The members holding over were John
S. Dawson and T. M. Lillard.
During the past year death took four members of the Society's board of
directors: Jess C. Denious, John M. Gray, W. H. Montgomery, and Robert
C. Rankin. Their passing is recorded with sincere regret. Mr. Rankin, in addi-
tion to long service as a member of the executive committee, was president of
the Society in 1939, and Mr. Denious was president in 1946.
THE TERRITORIAL CENTENNIAL
This year, the 100th anniversary of the organization of Kansas territory, has
been an unusually busy and gratifying one for the Society. When Gov. Edward
F. Arn appointed a centennial committee in December, 1952, to make recom-
mendations and co-ordinate plans for state-wide observances, he named Dr.
Robert Taft of Lawrence, then president of the Society, as its chairman.
Charles M. Correll of Manhattan, a member of the Society's executive commit-
tee and a former president, was named vice-chairman, and 26 other Kansans,
nearly half of them members of the Historical Society, were also appointed.
The Society has co-operated in many ways with the centennial committee.
It has supplied accounting and bookkeeping services for administration of the
Kansas centennial celebration fund which was appropriated by the 1953 legis-
lature. Members of the committee recommended to the legislature that its
funds be limited to $10,000, with the idea that interested state agencies and
others from their own resources might aid in every possible way. The Historical
Society was glad to be able to contribute among other things nearly $2,500,
most of it for salaries of committee employees.
Perhaps the most noteworthy single undertaking of the Society's staff on
behalf of the centennial observance was to plan and install exhibits in a railroad
coach, obtained by Dr. Taft from the Santa Fe. Designed as a traveling
museum, the displays were intended to tell the story of Kansas up to 1861.
Most of the objects used were from the Society's collections. The coach left
Topeka on February 16, and under the direction of Dr. Taft and the Santa Fe,
and with the assistance of other co-operating lines, has been on the road ever
since. It will conclude its tour in December, after covering every county in
the state. As of September 30, 75,000 persons had visited the car.
(288)
THE ANNUAL MEETING 289
Beginning in April, the Society has sent out each month to the newspapers
of the state a series of releases, telling the story week by week of Kansas terri-
tory 100 years ago. Many of you have seen these in your local newspaper.
Most of the accounts have been taken from early-day newspapers, and have
dealt with such topics as the Kansas-Nebraska act, slavery, Indian problems,
the opening of the territory, the founding of towns, the first newspapers, and
many other related subjects which combine to sketch the beginnings of Kansas.
More than 300 newspapers over the state are now receiving these monthly re-
leases, and they will continue to be sent out as long as they are desired. Our
president, Angelo Scott, himself a newspaperman, assisted in the planning of
the project and has contributed greatly to its success.
Individual members of the staff have aided the observance of the centennial
by doing research and supplying information for the use of local committees,
by assisting in the writing of books and pamphlets, and by making talks.
Pictures and articles were furnished for many purposes, and especially for the
April-May issue of To the Stars, a magazine published for general distribution
by the Kansas Industrial Development Commission, which was devoted to the
centennial.
Several of the staff and members attended a Kansas centennial history con-
ference at Lawrence on April 30 and May 1, sponsored by the University of
Kansas. The Kansas Association of Teachers of History and the Historical
Society were among the cosponsors.
The Society also participated in a joint meeting with the Nebraska State
Historical Society at Falls City, Neb., on May 9, in observance of the 100th
anniversary of the organization of the twin territories — Kansas and Nebraska.
Many of our members were present. The principal speakers at this meeting
were Dr. Robert Taft of the University of Kansas and Dr. Roy F. Nichols of
the University of Pennsylvania.
The territorial centennial year will soon be over. However, the centennial
of the territorial period will continue for six years, culminating in 1961 with
the 100th anniversary of the admission of Kansas to the union as a state. This
anniversary, for Kansas as a whole, will have greater significance in the minds
of many people than the territorial centennial. For the Historical Society it
presents an opportunity to enlarge our activities in both scholarly and popular
endeavors, and to increase our usefulness to the people of Kansas.
This year we published an illustrated brochure, copies of which were sent
to all members, summarizing the varied work of the Society. It has been well
received, and several thousand have already been distributed. Consideration
is now being given to the preparation during the next few years of several major
works. An illustrated history of Kansas, of booklet length, written for the
general reader, would have wide appeal, and if planned for completion by 1960
would be available for publication as a 1961 centennial souvenir. A list of state
officers for the past 100 years is being assembled, and its publication would
benefit students, newspapermen, and others. Another important reference tool
that should be put into printed form is our "List of Dead Towns."
Work has already begun on a project of great value: a master index to all
the Society's publications — the Collections, the Quarterlies, the old Biennial
Reports, and the special Publications. This is a tremendous undertaking, but
such an index will make the store of information in these volumes more acces-
290 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
sible than ever before. Five volumes of the Collections have already been
indexed, and nearly 10,000 entries have been made. Publications of this char-
acter can be important and beneficial contributions by the Society pointing to
the 1961 centennial.
We have learned at least one valuable lesson in 1954: that the Society
should not expect to schedule any major work of its own during the 1961 cen-
tennial year. The time of the staff has been so taken up this year by countless
calls for aid from communities and individuals, in addition to the routine daily
work that must be kept up, that special projects could not be given adequate
time. It is essential, therefore, that all our activities of more than ordinary
scope be planned and executed in advance. And that, of course, is simply a
matter of good business.
If the Society's members approve, and will help to obtain covering appro-
priations from the legislature, these publications can be scheduled for issue
within the next six or seven years. The 1955 session is being asked for funds to
publish volume two of the current Annals series. Each succeeding legislature
can be asked for appropriations for one or more of the other works which have
been mentioned. An expression from our members as to the worth and feasi-
bility of these projects will be appreciated. If they meet your approval, your
recommendations to your legislators may provide the impetus needed to achieve
these goals.
BUDGET REQUESTS
Appropriation requests for the next biennium have been filed with the state
budget director. In addition to the usual items for salaries and maintenance,
funds have been requested to permit the employment of a cataloger to care for
the Society's large and steadily increasing collection of maps and photographs,
and an additional attendant to help in the museum. An increase of $3,000 per
year was asked for printing, which, if granted, will make possible the restoration
of the Quarterly to its former size and will also permit the occasional publication
oi" historical leaflets and booklets.
Requests for partial rewiring and replacement of obsolete electrical fixtures,
and for installation of steel stack floors, which were denied by the 1953 legisla-
ture, are repeated in the current budget. As mentioned in the reports of the
last two years, these items are necessary for proper maintenance of the building.
Such protective measures should not be delayed. Funds have also been asked
for painting, plumbing, elevator repairs, and insulation of steam lines.
The largest single item in the budget is $44,000 for air conditioning. A few
years ago such a request might have seemed out of place. Today, air condi-
tioning is generally accepted as a necessity of modern life, and business insti-
tutions which lack such improvements are finding their personnel problems
intensified. The Society has not yet received resignations from staff members
because of the heat, but there is little inducement to working in a building
where the temperature reaches 120° or higher — as it did in our museum on 35
days during last July and August.
To install electric lighting in the First Capitol at Fort Riley $750 has been
asked, and for a new roof, of old-style hand-split shingles, $1,500. Museum
cases are also needed, and $1,200 has been requested for their purchase.
At Old Shawnee Mission several items of equipment are needed, including a
three-gang lawn roller, new portable picnic tables and chairs, a display case for
THE ANNUAL MEETING 291
the museum, and a drinking fountain. Purchase of a pickup truck, long needed,
has also been requested, and on the recommendation of the local fire depart-
ment funds have been asked for an underground gasoline storage tank and
pump to replace present storage in the garage. These requests total, in round
figures, $4,000. The most essential item for maintenance is tuckpointing and
waterproofing of the West and North buildings, for which $3,500 has been
budgeted. Other important requests include $5,000 for enlarging the garage
to hold the truck and lawn roller and to provide additional space for storage
and work rooms, $3,500 to erect a chain link fence across the north property
line, $3,000 to enlarge the basement of the West building and install a concrete
floor, $1,500 to reinforce the first floor of the West building and $3,000 for
exterior painting on all of the buildings.
The Kaw Mission at Council Grove, which was purchased by the state in
1951, is now operating successfully as a museum. Plans are being made to
convert the large stone garage adjoining the mission building into living quar-
ters for the caretaker, so that the second floor rooms of the mission may be used
for museum purposes. The state architect's office has estimated that $6,000
will be required for this work. In addition, $1,575 has been requested to con-
struct a new frame garage, large enough to include storage for tools and supplies.
LIBRARY
During the year 3,910 persons have done research in the library. This
number — 693 more than the previous year — is the highest in the history of the
department, and is almost certainly accounted for by the increased interest in
Kansas history caused by the territorial centennial. Of these patrons, 1,650
worked on Kansas subjects, 1,393 on genealogy and 867 on general subjects.
Many inquiries were answered by letter and telephone, and 146 packages on
Kansas subjects were sent out from the loan file. A total of 5,808 clippings
were mounted, and 1,463 pages from early volumes of clippings were re-
mounted. Ten daily newspapers were read and clipped regularly, and approxi-
mately 1,400 single issues of other Kansas newspapers were also read and
clipped.
Important gifts which have enriched our genealogical department are
microfilm copies of the United States census of 1850 for North Carolina, re-
ceived from the State Society of Sons of the American Revolution; for South
Carolina, from the Thomas Jefferson Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution;
for Virginia, from the State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolu-
tion; and for Kentucky, from Mr. and Mrs. Frank Helm of Topeka. The
Daughters of American Colonists contributed $100 toward the purchase of the
Illinois census. The 1850 census was the first census to list all the names in
every family. From May through September, 1954, these records have been
used by 190 persons, which proves their value to genealogists.
Gifts have also been received from the Smoky Hill chapter, the Emporia
chapter, and the Eunice Sterling chapter of the Daughters of the American
Revolution; the National Society United States Daughters of 1812; the National
Society Children of American Colonists; Margaret Dunning chapter, Daughters
of American Colonists, and the Woman's Kansas Day Club. Kansas books and
genealogies have been received from individuals, including 13 volumes of
genealogical works given by Mrs. Guilford Dudley.
292 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
To our collection of Kansas music several gifts have been added: Sunflower
Song, by Edna Becker and Rebecca Dunn; Topeka, the City of My Dreams,
by Franz Steininger; Topeka, by Elizabeth Van Ness Hutton; The Voice of the
Piairie, by Irma Doster and Esther Clark Hill; Cheers for Kansas, by Duff E.
Middleton and Robert R. Jones; In the Twilight Rays, by James B. Inscho, and
seven songs by S. O. Oyler. Some of these were inspired by the centennial.
Several books and pamphlets which are in poor condition have been micro-
filmed: History of the Town of Hingham, Mass., Vols. 2 and 3; Wyman,
Thomas Bellows, Genealogies and Estates of Charlestown, . . . Mass.; Newton,
G. W., Sketch of Comanche County [ca. 1885]; Sharpe, A. T., Franklin
County, . . . 1893; and Davy Map and Atlas Company, Atlas of Elk County
[ca. 1885].
The following items were lent the Society for microfilming: Pioneer Kansan
club of Morris county, "Records, 1927-1944," lent by Mrs. A. W. Musgrave,
secretary, through Neosho Fredenburg; Slechta, Don B., "Dr. John R. Brinkley,
a Kansas Phenomenon," M. A. thesis, Fort Hays Kansas State Teachers College,
1952, lent by the author; and Hayes, Jennie Lorene, "Kansas Cow Towns,
] 865-1885," M. A. thesis, University of Oklahoma, 1938, lent by the University
library.
PICTURE COLLECTION
During the year 330 photographs and paintings have been added to the
picture collection. From the children of Addison W. Stubbs, an interpreter to
the Kaw Indians, a collection of 37 photographs was received, 23 of Indians,
ten of the Stubbs family, and four early scenes of Garden City. Tracy F. Leis
presented pictures of his father, George Leis, and his mother, Lillian (Ross)
Leis, daughter of U. S. Sen. Edmund G. Ross.
Use of the collection by authors and publishers in need of early pictures
for illustrations has continued heavy. In addition, hundreds of the Society's
photographs have been reproduced in historical pamphlets and special editions
of newspapers during this centennial year. Costume and scenery designers for
parades and pageants also visited the Society to consult old photographs in
order to make their work more authentic.
ARCHIVES DIVISION
Public records from the following state departments have been transferred
during the year to the archives division:
Source Title Dates Quantity
Adjutant General's
Department Correspondence Files .... 1932-1945 19 transfer
Agriculture, Board of . . Statistical Rolls of Counties, 1947 1,670 vols.
Population Schedules of
Cities and Townships . . 1953 3,960 vols.
Governor's Office Correspondence Files .... 1952, 1953 5 transfer
cases
Grain Inspection
Department Correspondence Files .... 1942-1945 16 transfer
cases
THE ANNUAL MEETING
293
Source
Industrial Development
Commission
Title
Dates
Quantity
and Re-
Planning
Photo-
Insurance Department
Secretary of State
Correspondence
ports, State
Board
Scrapbooks and
graphs
Climatological Data
* Annual Statements
* Admission Statements . .
* Certificates of Authority,
* Tax Statements and Fire
Marshal Statements ....
Official Lists
Applications, Certificates of
Authority
County Officers' Signatures,
Record of Commissions and
Bonds, Notaries Public . .
Legislature : House and
Senate Dockets
1934-1941
1947
1947
1947
1947
1947
1947
1889-1900
1940-1945
1941-1951
2 transfer
cases;
3 letter file
boxes
49 vols.
1vol.
1vol.
1 vol.
1vol.
1 vol.
12 vols.
16 vols.
48 vols.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Service, State Board for
Vocational Education, Closed case
[samples]
* Microfilmed and originals destroyed.
file folders
1941-1945 6 folders
Annual reports were received from the Director of Alcoholic Beverage
Control, the Budget Department, the Entomological Commission, the Horti-
cultural Society, the State Treasurer, and the Workmen's Compensation Com-
missioner for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1953, and from the State Printer
and the Board of Engineering Examiners for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1954.
The correspondence files of the Adjutant General's Department and the
Grain Inspection Department will be screened for important material and the
remainder will be discarded.
Some additions were made to the territorial archives during the past year.
Three volumes of the records of the First District Court, 1859-1862, were ob-
tained from Leavenworth county; Dr. Frank Schaeffer, McLouth, gave four
commissions issued by the governor's office to Jefferson county elective officials,
1857 and 1858; and from Frank Reeder, Jr., of Easton, Pa., through Dr. Robert
Taft, came 20 documents from the papers of his grandfather, Andrew Reeder,
first governor of Kansas territory. These items are of particular interest during
this centennial year.
MANUSCRIPT DIVISION
The papers of the late Jess C. Denious, Dodge City, given by the Denious
family, form the largest single collection received during the year. Because
294 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
of the prominence of Mr. Denious in the newspaper field, in Republican poli-
tics, and in affairs of Southwestern Kansas, it undoubtedly will offer rich
returns to researchers. Mr. Denious received early training as a journalist under
Henry J. Allen. He purchased the Dodge City Globe in 1910 and was pub-
lishing this newspaper at the time of his death in 1953. He was elected to
the state senate in 1932 and again in 1936; served as lieutenant governor,
1943-1947; and was a member of the first legislative council in 1933. He was
equally active as a civic leader. An estimated count of the papers is 15,000.
Single accessions and small groups of papers number 540; and 22
manuscript volumes were received.
A group of 300 papers, 1880-1916, was received from the estate of James
W. F. Hughes, adjutant general of Kansas, 1905-1909.
Mrs. Andre Baude, Topeka, gave a copy of the diary of her grandfather,
Enoch O'Brien, for the years 1868-1869. Mr. O'Brien was a Montgomery
county settler.
Charlotte McLellan, Topeka, presented the complete manuscript of her
study of Potwin Place, Shawnee county. A portion of this was published in the
Bulletin of the Shawnee County Historical Society for December, 1953.
Eight registers of the Hanover House, oldest hotel in Hanover, Washington
county, 1873-1890, were given by Charles W. Munger through Leo Dieker
of Hanover.
The children of Addison W. Stubbs presented 70 manuscripts from their
father's papers: letters, radio talks, and articles. Addison Stubbs and his
father, Mahlon Stubbs, were agents, teachers and interpreters to the Kansas
Indians, and much of the material relates to the Indians.
Annie B. Sweet, Topeka, gave personal account books of her father, Timothy
B. Sweet. One volume contains tax information on land owned by the Topeka
financier, and the other is an account of income and disbursements, 1869-1875.
Four volumes of business records of the firm of H. Wentworth & Co., Russell,
were given by E. R. Wentworth of that city.
Edward M. Beougher, Grinnell, presented a photostatic copy of a report by
Capt. John M. Hamilton, Co. H, 5th U. S. cavalry, dated Fort Wallace, Novem-
ber 16, 1875, describing an engagement with hostile Indians near the Smoky
Hill river.
Rena Reinhart, Chanute, gave five manuscript volumes written by her
father, entitled "Life and Recollections of Herman Francis Reinhart." These
reminiscences cover 50 years, 1832-1882. Herman Reinhart was born in Ger-
many and came to America with his family as a boy. After active and colorful
years in various parts of the country, he settled in present Chanute in 1870.
Howard C. Raynesford gave an article on George Ellis, first lieutenant, Com-
pany I, 12th Kansas infantry, with his original commission. The town of Ellis
and Ellis county were named for Lieutenant Ellis.
Other donors were: Monroe Billington, H. E. Breed, Mrs. Lalla M.
Brigham, Berlin B. Chapman, Mrs. H. C. Foster, R. S. Fowler, Thomas M.
Galey, Mrs. Ira E. Harshbarger, Paul Henderson, Mrs. Minnie Jacobs, George
Jelinek, C. W. Kanaga, Myra Summers Keeler, Marie Kelley, Mrs. Charles
Lane, James C. Lysle, Lea Maranville, Clifford Marcell, Sister Mary Mark,
Dr. Karl A. Menninger, Morrill Free Public Library, L. A. Ormsby, Mrs. Eu-
nice Batch Rash, Mary J. Rees, J. C. Ruppenthal, Mrs. W. B. Sadilek, Charles
THE ANNUAL MEETING 295
W. Sargent, A. L. Shultz, Dolph Simons, Carroll D. Smith, Harriet E. and Harry
W. Stanley, Marguerite Stevenson, Grace Tear, Mrs. Elmer Wegman, Dean
Earl Wood, E. K. Wharton, and Mrs. B. W. Woodward.
Several manuscripts and other records were lent to the Society for micro-
filming. Included among these were the following:
Records of the Protestant Episcopal Church, Diocese of Kansas, with a minute
book of the trustees of the College of the Sisters of Bethany, Topeka, 1861-1926;
minute book, trustees of Christ's Hospital, Topeka, 1882-1902; and papers per-
taining to Grace Cathedral, 1879-1917. The originals were lent by the Rt. Rev.
Goodrich R. Fenner.
Excerpts from the journal of John H. Forsyth, 1849, lent by D. M. Ward,
Peabody.
Recollections of the Battle of the Blue, by John Kemp, lent by Mrs. Minnie
Kirkwood.
"Cat-Wagon Trails," by W. G. Clugston, lent by the author.
Account book of Moses Grinter, 1855-1882. Grinter operated a ferry across
the Kansas river about eight and one half miles west of the Kansas-Missouri
line. This was the earliest ferry established on the Kansas river. The book
is the property of Anna Stevens and was brought to the Society by Mrs. Harry
Hansen.
Three volumes of Russell county records: Wisconsin colony minute book,
1871-1884; Russell townsite company, secretary's book, 1871; Northwest
company and Russell townsite company, ledger, 1871-1874, lent by the Russell
Public Library.
Journal of Donald McKay, trip from Des Moines to Marion, Kan., 1870,
lent by Edward Weilepp, Topeka.
Introduction to the Study of Indian Languages, by J. W. Powell, given by
the children of Addison W. Stubbs.
Memoirs of the Butler wagon train to Oregon, 1853, by G. M. West, and
letters, 1850-1862, lent by Mrs. Hazel Woodmansee, Dunlap.
"I Crossed the Plains in the '50's," reminiscences of James C. Carpenter,
lent by Mrs. Lewis R. Chase.
MICROFILM DIVISION
In its eight years of operation the microfilm division has made nearly
3,500,000 photographs, about 300,000 of them during the past year. More
than 250,000 were of newspapers, 35,000 of archives, and the balance were
library and manuscript materials.
Filming of the Arkansas City Daily Traveler was completed for the period
October 30, 1929-September 29, 1951, a total of 126 rolls of film containing
more than 85,000 exposures. The Wichita Morning Eagle was continued from
April 5, 1948, and the Evening Eagle from January 1, 1948, both runs ending
with the issues of August 31, 1953, a total for these two papers of 145 rolls
with 93,000 exposures. The Topeka State Journal, 1941-1942, and the Coffey-
ville Daily Journal for the period June 16, 1893-December 30, 1899, were also
filmed.
Other newspapers microfilmed during the year were: Abilene Gazette, May
3, 1878-November 30, 1889; Barbour County Mail, Medicine Lodge, and
Medicine Lodge Cresset, May 21, 1875-December 28, 1894; Cheney Blade,
January 20, 1888-October 12, 1890; Cheney Journal, March 1, 1884-January
296 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
22, 1887; Coffeyville Weekly Journal, October 30, 1875-January 8, 1920; Em-
poria Democrat, August 16, 1882-December 19, 1889; a second Emporia
Democrat, June 24, 1898-January 26, 1900; Kanzas News, Emporia, June 6,
1857-August 6, 1859; Emporia News, August 13, 1859-May 1, 1890; Cultivator
and Herdsman, Garden City, May, 1884-March 5, 1887; Garden City
Sentinel, July 30, 1884-December 29, 1900; Kansas Chief, White Cloud and
Troy, June 4, 1857-December 28, 1899; Kansas Gazette, Enterprise and Abilene,
April 27, 1876-April 26, 1878; Kansas State Record, Topeka, October 15, 1859-
April 28, 1875; North Topeka Times, March 16, 1871-December 28, 1883;
Topeka State Record (a short-lived Populist newspaper), July 20, 1899- January
4, 1909; and the Topeka Weekly Leader, December 7, 1865-November 4, 1876.
For the archives the division microfilmed records of the state insurance
department for 1947, and a series of daily weather maps and forecasts, 1900-
1948, which were received a year ago from the Topeka office of the United
States Weather Bureau.
NEWSPAPER AND CENSUS DIVISIONS
The steady increase in the number of persons making use of materials in the
newspaper and census divisions which has been noted in past years is continu-
ing. These divisions this year served a total of 5,540 patrons who used 6,893
single issues and 5,022 bound volumes of newspapers, 1,593 reels of microfilm,
and 22,913 census volumes.
Demand for certified copies of census records remains high. A total of
10,775 certifications was issued during the year, most of them to persons seeking
proof of age and place of birth for delayed birth certificates, social security,
railroad and other retirement benefits. These certifications are furnished by
the Society without charge.
Nearly all Kansas newspapers are received regularly for filing. They include
55 dailies, one triweekly, 11 semiweeklies, and 292 regular weeklies. The
Society's files of original Kansas newspapers totaled 56,059 bound volumes, as
of January 1, 1954, in addition to over 12,000 volumes of out-of -state newspa-
pers, dated from 1767 to 1954. The Society acquired 606 reels of newspapers
on microfilm this year, and the film collection now totals 4,827 reels.
Several publishers are regularly contributing microfilm copies of current
issues of their newspapers. They include: Oscar Stauffer and Rex Woods, the
Arkansas City Daily Traveler; Angelo Scott, lola Register; W. A. Bailey,
Kansas City Kansan; Dolph Simons, Lawrence Daily Journal-World; Daniel R.
Anthony, III, Leavenworth Times; and Henry Blake, Milton Tabor, and Leland
Schenck, Topeka Daily Capital
One of the most interesting gifts came from Charles A. Knouse of the
Osawatomie Graphic-News. Mr. Knouse donated four copies of the Southern
Kansas Herald of Osawatomie, dated January 16, April 24, May 1, and August
7, 1858. The Society had known that the Herald began publication about that
time, but heretofore none of its early issues had been received.
The Society was able to obtain a photostatic copy of The Kansas Freeman,
Topeka, for September 26, 1855, through the kindness of Annabel Garvey,
Topeka, granddaughter of the publisher, E. C. K. Garvey. This issue is Vol. 1,
No. 2, and was the first issue of any newspaper ever to be printed in Topeka.
The Freeman's first number had been printed in Lawrence before a press could
be brought to Topeka.
THE ANNUAL MEETING 297
Other donors of miscellaneous older newspapers include: Annie B. Sweet,
Clif Stratton, Mrs. Thomas A. Lee, City Library, Mrs. Lee Conwell, Marion
Beatty, and the Rev. Ernest Tonsing, all of Topeka; Jim B. McWilliams, Great
Bend; Morrill Free Public Library, Hiawatha; J. C. Ruppenthal, Russell;
Clifford E. Marcell, Minneapolis, Minn.; Charles C. Calnan, Troy; Frank
Hodges, Olathe; and the children of A. W. Stubbs.
MUSEUM
Attendance for the year in the museum was 41,137, an increase of nearly
3,000 over the preceding year. There were 45 accessions, comprising 300
objects.
One of the most important of several large collections was received from the
King estate, Junction City, through the generosity of the heirs, Robert Callen
King, Washington, D. C., and Adelaide King West, Healdsburg, Cal. The
collection was obtained through the assistance of Charles M. Correll and
included a selection of women's clothing dating from the 1860's to the 1920's,
an assortment of toys made around the turn of the century, and a variety of
early furniture, glass, and household items.
A large collection of homespun linens and clothing was received from the
A. E. Crandall estate, Jewell county, through Mrs. Hubert C. Andrews, Inde-
pendence. Adelaide Bolmar, Topeka, gave her father's wedding suit, made in
1875, an early Quaker dress and cap, a homespun coverlet, and an embroidered
carriage robe. E. K. Wharton, Powhattan, donated several handmade car-
penter's tools, dating from the 1870's, and the children of A. W. Stubbs gave a
large group of Indian objects and early household items.
Perhaps the most unusual accession was an old "jail," made of native walnut
planks, which was built and used at Burlingame in the 1860's. During the
city's centennial celebration it .was displayed, and again used, on the main
street. From there, with local assistance, it was "stolen" by some gentlemen
from Mission, later returned, and after the celebration was presented by the
city to the Historical Society.
Other items of interest acquired during the year included: a hunting knife
of Osa Johnson's, received from her mother, Mrs. Belle Leighty, through the
Woman's Kansas Day Club; an early quilting frame from Mrs. Duane McQueen
Ward, Peabody; a trunk which belonged to Avery Washburn, from Mrs. Caston
Washburn Royer, Topeka; a sod plow used in Tecumseh in 1856, from A. B.
Cusic, Topeka; a leather license plate from a 1911 Stafford car, from Mrs. C. A.
Wolf, Topeka; and from John Eisenhower, Topeka, a buggy yoke used by
Charles Curtis when he drove a hack to earn money for his education.
Modernization of the museum is continuing. Displays have been rearranged,
cases and large exhibits have been regrouped to facilitate the movement of
visitors through the galleries, walls have been painted, and many objects have
been cleaned, repaired, and relabeled.
Special displays in connection with the territorial and Topeka centennials
have been arranged in the main lobby and museum gallery. Of particular
interest is a collection of items which belonged to Cyrus K. Holliday, one of the
founders of Topeka, lent for the centennial year by his granddaughters, Mrs.
Frank Smithies and Mrs. George W. Burpee of New York.
20-6817
298 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
ANNALS OF KANSAS
The first volume of the new Annals of Kansas, 1886-1910, featuring 64 pages
of pictures, is before you today. The extensive photograph collections of the
Society were searched for suitable pictures of the period, and personal letters
and notices in newspapers brought in many more from over the state and nation.
Final selection of photographs to illustrate the first volume was made in July.
Cuts and captions were finished in August. The first completed volumes were
delivered by the state printing plant early this month.
Manuscript for the second volume, 1911-1925, has been revised, rechecked,
and two thirds of it retyped. Approximately half is ready for the printer.
Publication of this second volume, which will contain the index for both, must
of course await authorization by the 1955 legislature.
SUBJECTS FOR RESEARCH
Extended research during the year included the following persons and
subjects: Chester I. Long; Samuel N. Wood and the Stevens county-seat
fight; Dr. John R. Brinkley; Waconda Springs; Fort Zarah; Fort Harker;
Riley county history; histories of Hartford, Perry, and other Kansas towns;
territorial history for centennial celebrations and publications; Tennessee town
kindergarten, Topeka; Jewish colonies in Kansas; history of Topeka and
Leavenworth schools; editorial opinion concerning the Spanish-American War;
irrigation in western Kansas; Negro exodus to Kansas in 1879; early oil
explorations in Oklahoma; history of Crested Butte, Colo.; Kansas newspapers
printed in German; Kansans who have received the Congressional Medal of
Honor; Kansas Freedman's Relief Association; history of the Kansas State
Department of Public Instruction; campaign songs; Cyrus K. Holliday house
in Topeka; Kansas homestead act; history of woman suffrage in Kansas; Kansas
during the Civil War; Fascism in Kansas; linguistic survey in Kansas; promo-
tional publicity put out to bring settlers to Kansas; American toys.
ACCESSIONS
October 1, 1953, to September 30, 1954
Library:
Books 1,033
Pamphlets 1,693
Magazines (bound volumes) 216
Archives:
Separate manuscripts 128,500
Manuscript volumes 5,763
Manuscript maps None
Reels of microfilm 45
Private manuscripts:
Separate manuscripts 540
Volumes 22
Reels of microfilm 2
Printed maps, atlases and charts 171
Newspapers (bound volumes) 629
Reels of microfilm 606
Pictures 330
Museum objects 300
THE ANNUAL MEETING 299
TOTAL ACCESSIONS, SEPTEMBER 30, 1954
Books, pamphlets, newspapers (bound and microfilm reels), and
magazines 459,890
Separate manuscripts (archives) 1,943,811
Manuscript volumes (archives) 70,688
Manuscript maps (archives) 583
Microfilm reels ( archives ) 807
Printed maps, atlases, and charts 10,282
Pictures 26,871
Museum objects 33,872
THE QUARTERLY
Due to the reduced printing appropriation, The Kansas Historical Quarterly
will continue to be issued with fewer pages during 1954 and 1955. Volume 20r
consisting of the 1952 and 1953 numbers, was distributed early this year.
Volume 21 will be made up of issues appearing in 1954 and 1955. This winter
the legislature will again be asked to restore the cut in printing funds.
During the next six years appropriate centennial articles will appear in the
Quarterly. In 1954 several of this nature have been or will yet be published^
including: "The Appearance and Personality of Stephen A. Douglas," by
Pobert Taft; articles by James C. Malin on housing in Lawrence in 1854 and
1855, and on the general histories of Kansas; "The Bishop East of the Rockies
Views His Diocesans, 1851-1853," by J. Neale Carman; and "Atchison's First
Railroad," by the Rev. Peter Beckman, O. S. B.
An unusual article dealing with another era is appearing in the Autumn
number of the Quarterly, soon to be off the press. It is a story by Monroe
Billington of Susanna Madora Salter of Argonia, the first woman to be elected
mayor of an American city.
Dr. Malin's valuable assistance in reading and evaluating articles submitted
for publication is again gratefully acknowledged.
OLD SHAWNEE MISSION
During the year visitors registered from 25 states, the District of Columbia
and the Marshall Islands. Many school and scout groups visited the Mission.
Shawnee Mission is listed in many tourist guide books, and U. S. Highways
50 and 69, only a block away, are marked with signs directing the way to
the Mission. This, no doubt, accounts for a large number of the visitors.
New metal markers have replaced the old wooden signs at each building,
and a new flagpole has been erected. The exterior brick walls of the East
building were tuckpointed and waterproofed last fall, and the interior was
completely redecorated. Some exhibits were rearranged, and the displays
generally have been made more attractive. A new accession is a hymnal in the
Shawnee Indian language, published in 1859. It was presented by Mrs. W. W.
Higbee, whose father was a member of the Shawnee tribe.
The annual pilgrimage of the Kansas department, Daughters of the Ameri-
can Revolution, was held at the Mission as usual on Constitution Day, Septem-
ber 17. Approximately 125 members from over the state attended the meeting
and picnic.
The Society is indebted to the state departments of the Colonial Dames, the
300 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Daughters of American Colonists, the Daughters of the American Revolution,
the Daughters of 1812, and to the Shawnee Mission Indian Historical Society
for their continued assistance at the Mission.
THE KAW MISSION
Attendance at the Kaw Mission, Council Grove, during the past year — its
second full year of operation — was 5,716, more than four times that of 1953.
Visitors came from 37 states and nine foreign countries.
A formal dedication was held May 12 in connection with Council Grove's
centennial celebration, and on that day 867 persons registered. Several hundred
others visited the Mission without registering. Mr. and Mrs. Frank (Chief)
Haucke were active on the local arrangements committee and the "Chief" was
master of ceremonies for the dedicatory services which featured Sen. Andrew
Schoeppel as the principal speaker. [Senator Schoeppel's dedicatory address
is printed on pp. 308-311 of this Quarterly.} Several Indians of the Kaw tribe,
and at least two Cherokees, were among the guests. Three Kaw Indian women
from Lawrence had their pictures taken with the portrait of Charles Curtis
which hangs in the Mission. Asked if they were interested in Mr. Curtis, one
of them remarked: "He was my Uncle Charley." Then, seeing another portrait
of an Indian in native costume, she added: "That is my grandfather,
Washunga."
A four-page leaflet on the Kaw Mission, with a list of ten other historic sites
in the Council Grove area, was printed by the Society for free distribution.
Reconstruction of the old Indian building on the Mission grounds by the
Council Grove Rotary club, which was mentioned in last year's report, has been
completed. The building is a gift of the club to the state. A flag pole for the
grounds was donated by the Nautilus club of Council Grove.
Approximately 90 articles were added to the museum displays during the
year. Donors were Harold Anker, B. R. Berkihizer, Gene Block, Mrs. Lalla M.
Brigham, the Council Grove Library Board, Mrs. R. R. Cross, Mrs. L. S. Harris,
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Haucke, Mrs. John Jacobs, Johnson Brothers, Orval Ken-
dall, Hattie Mack and John Quiett, Georgia Nicholson, Allen Nixon, Mrs. W. H.
Pierce, Andrew and R. C. Porter, G. G. Puryear, Mrs. Quinter Sample, R. O.
Scott, and the Stubbs family.
THE FIRST CAPITOL
Next year is the centennial of the First Capitol. The first territorial legisla-
ture met in the building July 2, 1855, in accordance with Governor Reeder's
proclamation, but adjourned on the 6th to meet at the Shawnee Methodist
Mission. Antagonism was rife between the Proslavery legislature and the
Free-State inhabitants of Pawnee, as this short-lived town was called. A resi-
dent wrote that during the session occurred the first and only Fourth of July
ever celebrated in Pawnee, and that it was "of such a tempestuous nature that
no inhabitant of that city ever desired to see another celebration of the day."
Plans axe being made to install new and attractive displays in the hope that
visitors, particularly from out-of-state, will be interested in seeing the building
-even though the principal highway now by-passes the Fort Riley reservation.
There were 4,890 visitors at the Capitol this year, an increase of more than 25
per cent over 1953.
THE ANNUAL MEETING 301
THE MITCHELL BEQUEST
Last year the board of directors moved to accept the gift of land which
William I. Mitchell bequeathed to the Society, and the property has now been
formally transferred. This 30-acre tract of hill pasture, known as Mount
Mitchell, is about two miles east of the town of Wabaunsee. In accordance
with the terms of the bequest a historical marker or monument will be designed
and placed on the summit of the hill as a tribute to the Connecticut Kansas
colony, which settled in Wabaunsee county nearly 100 years ago. Since the
centennial of the colony's arrival in Kansas will occur in 1956, it seems appro-
priate that the erection and dedication of the monument be planned for the
fall of 1956.
THE STAFF OF THE SOCIETY
The many accomplishments listed in this report of a year of special achieve-
ment are due largely to the Society's fine staff members. Their loyalty and co-
operation, which have been mentioned so often in these annual reports, are
responsible this year, as in the past, for the success of our undertakings. That
the public shall be served first and well is our basic policy, and I believe the
staff sincerely tries to make it effective. For this I am personally grateful.
Although it is impossible here to name every individual on the staff, the
work of each is deeply appreciated. I should like to mention particularly Edgar
Langsdorf, assistant secretary, and the heads of the departments: Mrs. Lela
Barnes of the manuscript division, who is also treasurer of the Society; Helen
M. McFarland, librarian; Robert W. Richmond, archivist; Forrest R. Blackburn
of the newspaper division; Mrs. Joan B. Foth, acting director of the museum;
and Jennie S. Owen, annalist.
Custodians of historic sites under the Society's management, whose work week
is a full seven days, deserve special commendation for their loyalty and devotion.
It is a pleasure, therefore, to acknowledge the Society's gratitude to Mr. and
Mrs. Harry A. Hardy, at Shawnee Mission; Mr. and Mrs. Elwood Jones, at
Kaw Mission; and John Scott, at the First Capitol.
Respectfully submitted,
NYLE H. MILLER, Secretary.
At the conclusion of the reading of the secretary's report, Wilford
Riegle moved that it be accepted. Motion was seconded by James
M alone and the report was accepted.
President Scott then called for the report of the treasurer, Mrs.
Lela Barnes:
302 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
TREASURER'S REPORT
Based on the post-audit by the state division of auditing and accounting
for the period September 12, 1953, to July 31, 1954.
MEMBERSHIP FEE FUND
Balance, September 12, 1953:
Cash $5,901.95
U. S. savings bonds, Series G 8,700.00
$14,601.95
Receipts:
Membership fees $756.00
Interest on bonds 177.50
William I. Mitchell bequest 200.00
1,133.50
$15,735.45
Disbursements: $1,167.76
Balance, July 31, 1954:
Cash $5,867.69
U. S. savings bonds, Series G 8,700.00
$14,567.69
$15,735.45
JONATHAN PECKER BEQUEST
Balance, September 12, 1953:
Cash $84.48
U. S. treasury bonds 950.00
$1,034.48
Receipts:
Bond interest $27.25
Savings account interest 2.38
29.63
$1,064.11
THE ANNUAL MEETING 303
Disbursements:
Books $49.20
Balance, July 31, 1954:
Cash $64.91
U. S. treasury bonds 950.00
$1,014.91
$1,064.11
JOHN BOOTH BEQUEST
Balance, September 12, 1953:
Cash $111.72
U. S. treasury bonds 500.00
$611.72
Receipts:
Bond interest $14.42
Savings account interest 1.20
15.62
$627.34
Balance, July 31, 1954:
Cash $127.34
U. S. treasury bonds 500.00
$627.34
THOMAS H. BOWLUS DONATION
This donation is substantiated by a U. S. savings bond, Series G, in the
amount of $1,000. The interest is credited to the membership fee fund.
ELIZABETH READER BEQUEST
Balance, September 12, 1953:
Cash (deposited in membership fee fund) $958.69
U. S. savings bonds, Series G (shown in total bonds,
membership fee fund) 5,200.00
$6,158.69
Receipts:
Interest (deposited in membership fee fund) 65.00
$6,223.69
Balance, July 31, 1954:
Cash $1,023.69
U. S. savings bonds, Series G 5,200.00
$6,223.69
304 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
STATE APPROPRIATIONS
This report covers only the membership fee fund and other custodial funds.
It is not a statement of the appropriations made by the legislature for the main-
tenance of the Society. These disbursements are made through the state de-
partment of administration. For the year ending June 30, 1954, these appropria-
tions were: Kansas State Historical Society, $163,880; Memorial Building,
$5,900; Old Shawnee Mission, $15,180; Kaw Mission, $4,026; First Capitol
of Kansas, $4,342.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS. LELA BARNES, Treasurer.
On motion by T. M. Lillard, seconded by Kirke Mechem, the
report of the treasurer was accepted.
President Scott next called for the report of the executive com-
mittee on the audit of the Society's funds by the state division of
auditing and accounting. The report was read by T. M. Lillard:
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
October 15, 1954.
To the Board of Directors, Kansas State Historical Society:
The executive committee being directed under the bylaws to check the
accounts of the treasurer, states that the state department of post-audit has
audited the funds of the State Historical Society, the Old Shawnee Mission, the
First Capitol of Kansas and the Kaw Mission from September 12, 1953, to
July 31, 1954, and that they are hereby approved.
T. M. LILLARD, Chairman,
C. M. CORRELL,
WILLIAM T. BECK,
JOHN S. DAWSON.
On motion by Robert Taft, seconded by Charles M. Correll, the
report was accepted.
The report of the nominating committee for officers of the Society
was read by T. M. Lillard, chairman:
NOMINATING COMMITTEE'S REPORT
October 15, 1954.
To the Board of Directors, Kansas State Historical Society:
Your committee on nominations submits the following report for officers of
the Kansas State Historical Society:
For a one-year term: F. D. Farrell, Manhattan, president; Wilford Riegle,
Emporia, first vice-president; Rolla Clymer, El Dorado, second vice-president.
For a two-year term: Mrs. Lela Barnes, Topeka, treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
T. M. LILLARD, Chairman,
C. M. CORRELL,
WILLIAM T. BECK,
JOHN S. DAWSON.
THE ANNUAL MEETING 305
The report was referred to the afternoon meeting of the board.
President Scott then addressed the board on the subject of a
revised dues schedule which had been under consideration by the
executive committee. It was his belief and that of the committee
members that this Society should increase its rates to meet more
nearly those of other leading societies. T. M. Lillard presented the
recommendation of the executive committee that dues be increased.
A general discussion followed. After careful consideration of the
recommendation, it was the consensus that the cost of life member-
ship should be changed from $10 to $20; the cost of annual mem-
bership from $2 to $3; and that a new annual sustaining member-
ship at $10 be established. James Malone moved the adoption of
the proposed schedule. Alan W. Farley seconded the motion and
the schedule was adopted.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY
The annual meeting of the Kansas State Historical Society was
called to order at 2 P. M. President Angelo Scott delivered his
address, "How Natural Gas Came to Kansas," which is printed in
its entirety as the lead article in this issue of The Kansas Historical
Quarterly.
Following the president's address, Alan W. Farley recounted the
story of a legal battle which resulted from an Indian captivity, "Kelly
vs. Larimer." This, also, is printed in this issue of the Quarterly.
Certificates of merit, conferred on Robert Taft and James C. Malin
by the American Association for State and Local History, were pre-
sented by the secretary. The awards were made for outstanding
contributions in the field of historical writing: Artists and Illus-
trators of the Old West, Taft; and The Nebraska Question, Malin.
The Society's new publication, the Annals of Kansas, 1886-1910,
was discussed by Kirke Mechem, editor. Mr. Mechem told briefly
of the working plan for compiling the Annals and introduced the
annalist, Jennie S. Owen, and her assistant, Jim Sallee.
The report of the nominating committee was called for, and
presented by T. M. Lillard:
306 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTORS
October 15, 1954.
To the Kansas State Historical Society:
Your committee on nominations submits the following report and recom-
mendations for directors of the Society for the term of three years ending in
October, 1957:
Bailey, Roy F., Salina. McArthur, Mrs. Vernon E.,
Beezley, George F., Girard. Hutchinson.
Bowlus, Thomas H., lola. McCain, James A., Manhattan.
Brinkerhoff, Fred W., Pittsburg. McFarland, Helen M., Topeka.
Campbell, Mrs. Spurgeon B., Malone, James, Gem.
Kansas City. Mechem, Kirke, Lindsborg.
Cron, F. H., El Dorado. Mueller, Harrie S., Wichita.
Docking, George, Lawrence. Murphy, Franklin D., Lawrence.
Ebright, Homer K., Baldwin. Philip, Mrs. W. D., Hays.
Farrell, F. D., Manhattan. Rogler, Wayne, Matfield Green.
Hall, Fred, Dodge City. Ruppenthal, J. C., Russell.
Hamilton, R. L., Beloit. Simons, Dolph, Lawrence.
Harger, Charles M., Abilene. Stone, Robert, Topeka.
Harvey, Mrs. A. M., Topeka. Taft, Robert, Lawrence.
Haucke, Frank, Council Grove. Templar, George, Arkansas City.
Hodges, Frank, Olathe. Townsley, Will, Great Bend.
Lingenfelser, Angelus, Atchison. Woodring, Harry H., Topeka.
Long, Richard M., Wichita.
Respectfully submitted,
T. M. LILLARD, Chairman.
On motion by Will T. Beck, seconded by Wilford Riegle, the
report of the committee was accepted and members of the board
were declared elected for the term ending in October, 1957.
Reports of county and local societies were called for. Wilford
Riegle presented the report of the Lyon County Historical Society,
and Charles Correll announced plans for a celebration of the 40th
anniversary of the founding of the Riley county society.
Mrs. Burns H. Uhrich, daughter of D. W. Wilder, was introduced
by Will T. Beck.
The meeting was asked by T. M. Lillard to recognize the death of
Robert C. Rankin, one-time president of the Society and for many
years a member of the executive committee. The secretary was
instructed to convey to Mr. Rankin's family an appreciation of his
services and the sympathy of the membership.
There being no further business, the annual meeting of the Society
adjourned. Refreshments were served to members and visitors in
the Society's office.
THE ANNUAL MEETING
307
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The afternoon meeting of the board of directors was called to
order by President Scott. He asked for a rereading of the report of
the nominating committee for officers of the Society, which was
read by T. M. Lillard. James Malone moved that it be accepted.
Frank Haucke seconded the motion and the report was accepted.
The following were elected:
For a one-year term: F. D. Farrell, Manhattan, president;
Wilford Riegle, Emporia, first vice-president; Rolla Clymer, El
Dorado, second vice-president.
For a two-year term: Mrs. Lela Barnes, Topeka, treasurer.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
DIRECTORS OF THE KANSAS STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
AS OF OCTOBER, 1954
DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDING OCTOBER, 1955
Barr, Frank, Wichita.
Berryman, Jerome C., Ashland.
Brigham, Mrs. Lalla M., Pratt.
Brock, R. F., Goodland.
Charlson, Sam C., Manhattan.
Correll, Charles M., Manhattan.
Davis, W. W., Lawrence.
Denious, Jess C., Jr., Dodge City.
Godsey, Mrs. Flora R., Emporia.
Hall, Mrs. Carrie A., Leavenworth.
Hall, Standish, Wichita.
Hegler, Ben F., Wichita.
Jones, Horace, Lyons.
Lillard, T. M., Topeka.
Lindquist, Emory K., Wichita.
Maranville, Lea, Ness City.
Means, Hugh, Lawrence.
Norton, Gus S., Kalvesta.
Owen, Arthur K., Topeka.
Owen, Mrs. E. M., Lawrence.
Patrick, Mrs. Mae C., Satanta.
Payne, Mrs. L. F., Manhattan.
Richards, Walter M., Emporia.
Riegle, Wilford, Emporia.
Rupp, Mrs. Jane C., Lincolnville.
Scott, Angelo, lola.
Sloan, E. R., Topeka.
Smelser, Mary M., Lawrence.
Stewart, Mrs. James G., Topeka.
Taylor, James E., Sharon Springs.
Van De Mark, M. V. B., Concordia.
Wark, George H., Caney.
Williams, Charles A., Bentley.
DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDING OCTOBER, 1956
Aitchison, R. T., Wichita.
Anderson, George L., Lawrence.
Anthony, D. R., Leavenworth.
Baugher, Charles A., Ellis.
Beck, Will T., Holton.
Blake, Henry S., Topeka.
Chambers, Lloyd, Clearwater.
Chandler, C. J., Wichita.
Clymer, Rolla, El Dorado.
Cochran, Elizabeth, Pittsburg.
Cotton, Corlett J., Lawrence.
Dawson, John S., Topeka.
Euwer, Elmer E., Goodland.
Farley, Alan W., Kansas City.
Knapp, Dallas W., Coffeyville.
Lilleston, W. F., Wichita.
Lose, Harry F., Topeka.
Malin, James C., Lawrence.
Mayhew, Mrs. Patricia Solander,
Topeka.
Menninger, Karl, Topeka.
Miller, Karl, Dodge City.
Moore, Russell, Wichita.
Motz, Frank, Hays.
Rankin, Charles C., Lawrence.
Raynesford, H. C., Ellis.
Reed, Clyde M., Jr., Parsons.
Rodkey, Clyde K., Manhattan.
Shaw, Joseph C., Topeka.
Somers, John G., Newton.
Stewart, Donald, Independence.
Thomas, E. A., Topeka.
von der Heiden, Mrs. W. H., Newton.
Walker, Mrs. Ida M., Norton.
308 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDING OCTOBER, 1957
Bailey, Roy F., Salina. McArthur, Mrs. Vernon E.,
Beezley, George F., Girard. Hutchinson.
Bowlus, Thomas H., lola. McCain, James A., Manhattan.
Brinkerhoff, Fred W., Pittsburg. MeFarland, Helen M., Topeka.
Campbell, Mrs. Spurgeon B., Malcne, James, Gem.
Kansas City. Klechem, Kirke, Lindsborg.
Cron, F. H., El Dorado. Mueller, Harrie S., Wichita.
Docking, George, Lawrence. Miirohy, Franklin D., Lawrence.
Ebright, Homer K., Baldwin. Philip, Mrs. W. D., Hays.
Farrell, F. D., Manhattan. Rogler, Wayne, Matfield Green.
Hall, Fred, Dodge City. Ruppenthal, J. C., Russell.
Hamilton, R. L., Beloit. Simons, Dolph, Lawrence.
Harger, Charles M., Abilene. Stone, Robert, Topeka.
Harvey, Mrs. A. M., Topeka. Taft, Robert, Lawrence.
Haucke, Frank, Council Grove. Temolar, George, Arkansas City.
Hodges, Frank, Olathe. Townsley, Will, Great Bend.
Lingenfelser, Angelus, Atchison. Woodring, Harry H., Topeka.
Long, Richard M., Wichita.
Sen. Andrew F. Schoeppel's Address
at the Dedication of the Kaw Mission Museum
in Council Grove on May 12, 1954
Chairman Haucke, Distinguished Guests, Members of the Senate
and House of Representatives of the great Jayhawker State, and my
fellow Kansans:
Thanks for this invitation, Chief, to come to Council Grove on
this great occasion to share with you and with our friends this mo-
mentous event — the dedication of this important link on the Santa
Fe trail, the Old Kaw Mission.
To those members of the state legislature and to all who had the
idea, I want to say a word of genuine appreciation and commenda-
tion for your part in preserving, protecting, and perpetuating struc-
tures such as these. Their significance and importance will increase
through the years for those of us who were not yet here during
that era.
I realize how privileged I am today to return to my home state
to visit with you and to see portrayed and to relive some of the
events that happened in this historic spot.
Kansas this year is celebrating in many ways, the centennial.
Here in the city of Council Grove, historic landmarks are brought
to our attention and view. I am thinking that here, as was men-
tioned awhile ago by your chairman and a number of the speakers,
was signed the first treaty with the Indians that permitted the
white man to travel unmolested, and to survey and mark this
THE ANNUAL MEETING 309
historic Santa Fe trail. Approximately 780 miles had to be traversed
between these points — miles of hopeful expectation, of hardship,
of hunger, privation, suffering, and many times death.
Almost every mile of it was marked by a contest, many times
against great odds. But woven together, out of it all was spelled
the old Santa Fe trail.
Here before our eyes today is a landmark that played a very
important part. Historians tell us that at least 700 years ago native
peoples traded and traveled up and down the Arkansas river from
its mouth to the Rocky Mountains, and it is also recorded that the
first European to pass over any considerable part of this trail was
the Spanish explorer Coronado, who followed the Arkansas river on
the way back from his unprofitable journey to Quivira in 1541. This
was more than 50 years before the first English settlers established
their homes in Virginia.
Since today we are living again in the past it is well for us to
recall that President Thomas Jefferson acquired the Louisiana ter-
ritory from France in 1803, and Americans began to stir, so that in
1825 our congress authorized the survey and the marking of the
Santa Fe trail. Westport officially became a depot on this trail
in 1833.
Those were the beginnings of the days and years when the Santa
Fe trail was kept open, and your city of Council Grove played an
important part in this era of colorful, unfolding drama.
In this immediate vicinity grew the great oak grove near the
shallow ford across the Neosho river, and recorded, at least in
legend, the note that Coronado and his Spaniards used that ford.
You have commemorated with proper ceremony — and I speak of
officials of our state, the DAR and those other appropriate organiza-
tions— the event that took place many years ago under that council
oak, and it is to the credit of these organizations that they are help-
ing to protect and preserve for posterity, those landmarks.
I shall not recount for you today during this short dedication
ceremony of the Old Mission the old landmarks in your city. It is
sufficient to say that as traffic flowed over this trail through your
city, so was developed the great West with its vast potentialities.
So this great Republic of ours began to unfold.
Up and down this trail, and within the shadow and the influence of
this trail, grew the traditions that we revere and respect as guide-
posts — guideposts to tie to for the development of a stable
civilization.
310 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
The West was glamorized despite the hardships which the early
settlers of this Southwestern area went through, and overcame, as
they passed through.
Here were practiced the homey philosophies and virtues. Here
a man's word, once given, was stronger than bonds of steel.
Here faith in the future never dimmed, and here the early pioneers
developed a faith and a belief in the Divine Creator that was
genuine, true, and sustaining. I repeat — it was sustaining, it was
comforting, and from this precarious beginning, recorded within
these four walls which we here dedicate, are treasures to be pre-
served and to spur us on.
We are the benefactors, my friends, although we may look all
too lightly upon what brought all of this progress into being.
Let us investigate and search our souls today as we dedicate this
historic Mission which houses within its four walls reminders of the
distant past — reminders of what our pioneer forefathers endured
that we might enjoy the blessings of a free people in the great state
of which we are a part.
Oh yes, we enjoy our churches, our schools, our hospitals, our
social advances, our inventions — all of these things make life more
pleasant and more easy.
But these developed from very simple, homey and arduous
beginnings. As I said, we are beneficiaries of a rich heritage. It is
all too easy to forget. In the rush and the jam to get ahead, and
sometimes to keep up with the Joneses, we become engrossed in our
pleasures and methods of easy living, so that I fear sometimes we
have lost, or are losing, some of the hardihood of our forebears —
by reason of our carelessness and unappreciativeness of some of the
fundamental cornerstones that carved out this great, free Republic.
We are a liberty-loving, peace-loving people, living in a world that
has shrunk to such an extent that whereas we formerly took months
to travel the length of this Santa Fe trail, in the yesterdays — it now
takes only a few hours.
The tragedy is that many people in our world today have not been
as universally blessed as has been this great, free Republic of which
we are a part. So, let us rededicate ourselves in the shadow of
this great Mission, as today we link ourselves to the hardships of the
past, to the possibilities of tomorrow.
Let us learn to live together as human beings in a troubled,
distorted world. It is going to take patience and understanding,
yes, and a rededication on our part, to the principles practiced and
THE ANNUAL MEETING 311
lived by the pioneers who have gone before and left something for
us to emulate.
Here we enjoy the blessings of liberty and freedom. Here, under
God, men are not pawns of a state, but individuals whose rights and
privileges are protected, and we are proud that we can house those
things that typify those beginnings in this museum.
Unfortunately, this happy state does not exist in too many places
in the world, and how are we going to keep it, my friends? First,
by a firm faith in God, upon which the precepts left by the founding
fathers were founded; by loyalty to our nation and what it stands
for; and a willingness to be ever vigilant, come what may, to protect
and preserve the theories and philosophies of a government that has
made this all possible for us.
And so, my friends, as we dedicate this Mission, this shrine to the
past, let us rededicate ourselves to a system and a philosophy of
living represented by a great Republic of free men. Let us be honest
men, fearless men, who put principle above expediency.
And let us hope that at the end of the next 100 years there can
be enshrined in appropriate places within this state and nation,
alongside of these, evidences that your generation and mine have
kept the faith for those who come after us — not only to be inspired
thereby, but to improve upon and continue to live nobly thereby.
Thank you, and good afternoon.
Bypaths of Kansas History
WHEN CULTURE CAME TO KANSAS
From the Kansas Weekly Herald, Leavenworth, September 29,
1854.
For lack of other amusement, our citizens have organized a debating society
which is held every night on the Levee in front of the Herald office. They have
no light on the subject except that of the stars and the various camp fires.
Notwithstanding, a lively interest is manifested and their proceedings are in a
high degree orderly and respectable.
BESIEGED BY A BUFFALO
From The Sumner County Press, Wellington, July 23, 1874.
Last Monday afternoon, while Messrs. Jones, Bowyer and Cies were engaged
in digging a well near the house of the former, nine miles southwest of this
city, a wild buffalo suddenly appeared upon the scene, not fifty yards away, with
trailing horns and tail erect, charging down upon the party. Mr. Cies retreated
into the house where Mr. Jones was also compelled to take refuge. Mr. Bowyer
was in the well. This was the situation of affairs when the buffalo took up posi-
tion between the well and the house and actually held the inmates of both in a
STATE OF SIEGE.
Mrs. Bowyer, who was in the house, climbed to the rafters and enjoyed the
situation. The gentlemen had only a shot gun loaded with bird shot. To shoot
him with this would only add to his rage, and they didn't shoot. Finally com-
prehending that he was master of the situation, his buffaloship coolly laid down
between the house and well, keeping an eye out for both. The situation becom-
ing rather monotonous, Mr. Cies escaped by way of a window, and procuring
the assistance of Capt. Wright and a Winchester rifle, the two returned mounted,
to find the besieged and besieger in the same relative positions in which Mr. Cies
had left them. A shot from the Winchester brought Mr. Buffalo to his feet and
a realizing sense of his danger, and he scampered off, pursued by both gentle-
men who were joined by Bowyer as soon as he could get out of the well. The
chase was continued for a mile or more, when a well directed shot terminated
the unequal contest. He was a noble fellow, in fine condition, and now the
luscious steaks from the well dressed carcass, grace the board of the lately
beleaguered family, while they laugh over the incidents of the novel siege.
A "DEAR JOHN" LETTER OF 1882
From the Caldwell Post, August 3, 1882.
"DARLING JOHN: — Come back; all is forgiven! Pa kicked the wrong man;
he did not know it was you," was the way a pink-tinted, rose-scented little
epistle read that was picked up on Market street last Sunday.
(312)
Kansas History as Published in the Press
A history of the Anthony Methodist church was published in the
Anthony Republican, September 9, 1954. On March 15, 1879, the
organization of the church was completed and the first sermon was
preached by the Rev. J. W. Anderson.
J. F. Santee's reminiscences of early Labette county history were
published in the Oswego Independent, September 10, 1954, and re-
printed in the Edna Sun, September 16. On November 11 the Sun
published a history of the Edna Methodist church compiled by V. L.
Sedoris. The church was organized in 1879.
A series on the history of Dorrance, by J. C. Ruppenthal, began
appearing in the Russell Daily N&ws, September 14, 1954.
Historical articles of interest to Kansans in recent issues of the
Kansas City (Mo.) Star included: "Saga of John Brown to Be Seen
in Kansas Pageant [at Osawatomie]," by John Alexander, September
19, 1954; "Ghosts on Halloween May Get a New Look at Boot Hill
[Cemetery, Dodge City]/' by Dwight Pennington, and "Mother of
William Allen White Was Early-Day Fighter Against Segregation
in Kansas School/' by Everett Rich, October 24; and "Whittier Ad-
vised a Future Governor of Kansas [Lorenzo Dow Lewelling]
Against a Literary Career/' by Charles Arthur Hawley, November 9.
Among articles in the Kansas City (Mo.) Times were: "Site of
Indian Legend [Waconda Springs] Proposed as First National
Monument in Kansas," by Lelia Munsell, October 1; "First of
Kansas's 'First Ladies' Was an Eye- Witness of QuantrilTs Raid," by
Jane Carey Plummer, October 2; "Last Raid of the Daltons Recalled
by Opening of Coffeyville Museum," by W. W. Baker, October 5;
"Two Retired Deans of Music [Dr. Samuel A. Hirschler of the
College of Emporia and Dr. Walter McCray of Kansas State
Teachers College, Pittsburg] Pioneered in Creating Kansas Musical
Tradition," by Clyde B. Neibarger, November 1; "Indians, Wolves,
Snow and Illness Encountered in Covered- Wagon Journey [Across
Plains and Mountains in 1887]," by Cora Ann Pearson, November
11; "Colorful Kansas Lives Again in New Compilation of Her Years
up to 1911," a review of the Annals of Kansas, by John J. Doohan,
December 3; and "Indians Observe 120- Year-Old Religious Customs
on Reservation Near Horton, Kas.," by H. E. Bruce, December 18.
The final installment of the diary of John S. Gilmore, Sr., was
published in the Wilson County Citizen, Fredonia, September 20,
21-6817 (313)
314 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
1954. Taking the place of the diary in the Citizen are excerpts from
the editorial columns of that newspaper of 1870 when Gilmore was
the editor.
W. G. Curtis, Ashland, was the subject of a biographical sketch by
Ruth McMillion in the Clark County Clipper, Ashland, September
23, 1954. Curtis came to the Ashland area in 1884.
As a part of Osawatomie's centennial celebration the Osawatomie
Graphic-News published a centennial "extra" October 2, 1954. A
biography of John Brown and a history of the Missouri Pacific rail-
road were among the articles, which covered many phases of
Osawatomie history.
An article on the Kansas State Historical Society, by Frank
Madson, Jr., was printed by the Wichita Beacon, October 3, 1954.
Madson sketched the Society's history briefly and described some
of the material in its files and a few of the exhibits on display.
On September 7, 1879, the First Presbyterian church of Kingman
was organized under the direction of the Rev. A. E. Garrison, ac-
cording to a brief sketch of the church in the Kingman Journal,
October 5, 1954.
Work on the first Congregational church building of Downs was
begun late in 1879, according to an article in the Downs News,
October 7, 1954. On October 14, the News printed a history of the
Zion Lutheran church of Tipton, also organized in 1879.
A history of Boyd, Barton county, by John Frazier, was published
in the Great Bend Tribune, October 10, 1954. Boyd was established
as a post office in the 1870's and was at first called Maherville.
Historical articles in the Clearwater News, October 14, 1954, in-
cluded: "A 'Thumbnail' History of Clearwater," by Mrs. John
Poehner; a history of the Clearwater Christian church now cele-
brating its 70th year; and a history of the Clearwater Baptist
church, organized in 1876.
Some of the history of the Andover Lutheran church, Windom,
was included in an article in the Hutchinson News-Herald, October
17, 1954. The congregation was organized in December, 1879, at
the home of Andrew Swenson. The News-Herald, October 30,
printed a history of the Grace Episcopal church of Hutchinson. In
the autumn of 1879 this church was organized by the Rev. James
Newman.
Recollections of the Dalton family by J. R. Williams, Houston,
KANSAS HISTORY IN THE PRESS 315
Mo., were the basis of an article by Jim Colegrove in the Coffeyville
Daily Journal, October 18, and the Wichita Beacon, November 7,
1954. Williams was a neighbor of the Daltons for about three years
near Coffeyville.
Among Harold O. Taylor's articles in the Pittsburg Headlight
recently were: "History in Hosey Hill Cemetery Site [Near Weir]/'
October 18, 1954; "Old [Railroad] Time Table Reveals History,"
October 25; and "Wear Out Two Schools [Lone Star, Near
Pittsburg] in 80 Years," November 1.
In observance of the 75th anniversary of St. Catherine's Catholic
church of Dubuque, Russell county, a history of the church appeared
in the Claflin Clarion, October 21, 1954.
A brief history of Derby was published in the Derby Star, October
21, 1954. The town was founded as El Paso, which is still its legal
name, but the post office was changed to Derby to avoid confusion
with El Paso, Tex.
Mildred Karber's series, "History of Gypsum Valley," has con-
tinued to appear in the Gypsum Advocate. Floods have been her
principal topic in recent months. The Advocate, October 21, 1954,
published a short history of the Roxbury Methodist church.
McPherson county.
"The First Half Century of Randolph, Kansas, and Community,"
by Floyd Wendell Nyquist, began appearing in installments in The
Blue Valley News, Randolph, October 21, 1954.
QuantrilTs raid at Baxter Springs, October 6, 1863, was reviewed
by Fayette Rowe in The Modern Light, Columbus, September 30,
the Fort Scott Tribune-Monitor, October 22, the Chanute Tribune,
November 11, and the Chetopa Advance, November 25, 1954. A
small body of Federal troops under Gen. James G. Blunt was
caught in the open and massacred, with only the general and a few
soldiers escaping.
The Arkansas City Daily Traveler published a 56-page special
edition October 26, 1954, as a part of Arkansas City's 23d annual
"Arkalalah" celebration. Several historical articles recalled pioneer
days in the area.
A letter written in 1854 by Father Maurice Gailland, Jesuit mis-
sionary to the Pottawatomie Indians in Kansas, to Father Franz
Xavier Huber of Rome, was published in the October, 1954, number
of Mid-America— An Historical Review, Chicago. A seven-page
316 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
introduction to the letter was written by Hubert Jacobs, S. J. The
territory of Kansas, the Indians, and the Pottawatomie mission are
among the subjects covered by Father Gailland.
A history of the Kennekuk School, District No. 58, Atchison
county, now consolidated with another district, appeared in the
Horton Headlight, November 1, 1954.
Some early history of the Cawker City area appeared in an article
in the Cawker City Ledger, November 4, 1954. Settlers began arriv-
ing in the vicinity about 1870.
A five-column history of the Swedish colony in Marshall county,
by Mrs. G. V. Johnson, was printed in the Axtell Standard, November
4, 1954. The first Swedish settler was Peter Froom, who arrived in
1858, according to the article. A shorter history of the colony
appeared in the Frankfort Index, October 28.
Several historical papers which were given before the 1954 meet-
ing of the Dickinson County Historical Society were printed in the
Abilene Reflector-Chronicle. Included were: "Bethany Church
Was Begun in Probasco School House," by Mrs. E. J. Browning,
November 16, 1954; "Chronister School Was Begun in 72," by Mrs.
E. E. Chronister, November 17; and "First Business in Village
of Buckeye Was Cheese Factory," by Mrs. Ray Livingston,
November 26.
Articles in the December, 1954, number of the Bulletin of the
Shawnee County Historical Society, Topeka, included: "Shawnee
County's Centennial— 1854-1954," by Milton Tabor; "Pioneer Days,"
by Mrs. J. C. Gordon; part 2 of Russell K. Hickman's "Topeka and
the Emigrant Aid Company"; "Some Reminiscences of Early Days
in Topeka," by Mrs. S. R. Remington; "Robert Simerwell: Pioneer
Educator of Shawnee County," by Lena Baxter Schenck; letters
written by Avery Washburn from Topeka, 1857-1878; "Old Build-
ings in Auburn, Kansas," by Virgil Brobst; and "The Story of the
Land [Potwin Place]," by Charlotte McLellan.
A biographical sketch of Belle Starr, famous woman outlaw of the
Indian territory, Kansas, and Missouri during and following the
Civil War, by Fayette Rowe, was published in The Modern Light,
Columbus, December 2, 1954.
By 1879 the Almena Methodist church was on a regular weekly
circuit and in 1888 it received its first minister, according to an
article by Mrs. Minnie Sebelius, in the Almena Plaindealer, Decem-
ber 2, 1954.
Kansas Historical Notes
Mrs. Arthur W. Wolf is the new president of the Shawnee Mission
Indian Historical Society, of Johnson county. Other officers include:
Mrs. Kenneth Carbaugh, first vice-president; Mrs. Harry Meyers,
second vice-president; Mrs. William Yager, recording secretary;
Mrs. John Blake, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Lee J. Smith, treas-
urer; Mrs. Mahlon Delp, historian; Mrs. R. D. Grayson, curator;
and Mrs. Clifton Shepard, member-in-waiting. Mrs. David M.
Huber was the retiring president.
Osawatomie observed its centennial October 3-7, 1954, with a
celebration featuring an outdoor pageant based on the history of
the Osage valley. Other activities included a parade, an old-time
style show, a "Faith and Freedom'* program, Indian tribal cere-
monies, and a barbecue.
The Dalton Defenders Historical Museum at Coffeyville was
opened to the public October 5, 1954, exactly 62 years after the
Dalton raid on the town. Lon Hopkins is custodian of the museum,
which features relics of the Dalton raid and exhibits relating to
Wendell Willkie and Walter Johnson.
Nearly 300 persons attended the annual Kiowa county pioneer
celebration in Greensburg, October 7, 1954. Included on the pro-
gram were pioneer reminiscences by Mrs. Harve Scott of Haviland
and a resume of early Kiowa county history by Mrs. Sam Lanier,
Haviland.
O. F. Grubbs was elected president of the Crawford County
Historical Society at a meeting in Pittsburg, October 8, 1954. Other
officers named were: Paul Wilbert, vice-president; Mrs. Mae
Stroud, secretary; and Mrs. Oscar Anderson, treasurer. Dr. Dudley
T. Cornish spoke on the history of Fort Scott.
All officers of the Hodgernan County Historical Society were re-
elected at a meeting in Jetmore, October 23, 1954. They are: L. W.
Hubbell, president; Mrs. O. W. Lyman, vice-president; E. W.
Harlan, secretary; and Mrs. C. W. Teed, treasurer.
The annual meeting of the Dickinson County Historical Society
was held at the Buckeye Church of the Brethren, October 29, 1954.
Mrs. Ray Livingston was elected second vice-president. Officers
re-elected and holding over include: B. H. Oesterreich, president;
(317)
318 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Mrs. Viola Ehrsam, first vice-president; Elsie Koch, secretary; Mrs.
W. Wilkins, treasurer; and Marion Seelye, historian.
The annual gathering of the old settlers of Labette county was
held in Oswego, November 6, 1954. Officers elected were: Dr.
D. B. Fordyce, president; Mrs. John D. Brader, vice-president; and
Mrs. Winnie Grain, secretary-treasurer. Mrs. Alma Pfaff-Piper was
the retiring president.
Speakers at the annual meeting of the Comanche County His-
torical Society in Coldwater, November 9, 1954, included John H.
Connaughton, Washington, D. C., whose subject was "Yesterday,
Today and Tomorrow," and Ray Pierce of the High Plains Journal,
Dodge City, who spoke on how to keep family records. Roy W.
Ellis was elected president, and the following officers were re-
elected: Warren P. Morton, vice-president; Mrs. Ben Zane, secre-
tary; and F. H. Moberly, treasurer.
Mrs. Nina Broadie was elected president of the Clark County
Historical Society at the annual meeting in Ashland, November 13,
1954, and Chester L. Zimmerman was named vice-president. Paul
Randall was the retiring president.
Douglass observed its 75th anniversary and the Kansas territorial
centennial with an all-day celebration November 24, 1954, sponsored
by the Douglass Historical Society. Featured were a parade, a
program honoring pioneer families and 90-year-olds, a talk by
Dr. L. D. Wooster, president emeritus of Fort Hays Kansas State
College, and visits to the Douglass Museum, Copeland Memorial
Library, and the Kansas territorial centennial car.
The Leavenworth County Historical Society was organized at a
meeting in Leavenworth, December 6, 1954, with 44 charter mem-
bers. Officers were elected as follows: John Feller, president;
Helen Yoakum, first vice-president; Mrs. Walter Lambert, second
vice-president; Lula K. Baum, secretary; Homer D. Cory, treas-
urer; and D. R. Anthony, III, Byron Schroeder, and Sen. E. Bert
Collard, directors. Nyle H. Miller, secretary of the Kansas State
Historical Society, spoke at the meeting.
The Marion county courthouse in Marion will be the temporary
location of the county's historical museum while the search continues
for permanent quarters.
Three talks given at the luncheon of the annual meeting of the
William Allen White Foundation, February 10, 1954, were printed
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 319
in a 17-page pamphlet: "Past and Future . . . Kansas Press at
Century Mark," by Rolla Clymer; "Senior Contemporary," the pres-
entation address of the Foundation's award for journalistic merit to
Charles Moreau Harger, by Fred W. Brinkerhoff; and "Down the
Long Years," Harger's response to the award.
The New England Emigrant Aid Company and its role in the
struggle over the extension of slavery into Kansas form the theme
of The Battle Cry of Freedom, a 357-page book recently published
by the University of Kansas Press. The book was written by
Dr. Samuel A. Johnson, of Kirkwood, Mo. Dr. Johnson, a former
Kansan, is now professor of history at Harris Teachers College in
St. Louis.
I*.
Volume 2 of the History of Finney County, Kansas, was recently
published by the Finney County Historical Society. Subjects of the
304-page well-illustrated book include: the Historical Society, some
early homes, history of Finney county, organizations, biographical
sketches, portraits, and schools. Ralph Kersey is historian of the
society.
The first issue of American Heritage, New York, the "Magazine
of History," in book format was published in December, 1954. The
new hard-cover publication, edited by Bruce Catton and published
by James Parton, is sponsored jointly by the American Association
for State and Local History and the Society of American Historians,
Inc. The first number contains 120 pages of generously illustrated
articles.
Westward the Way is the title of a 280-page volume edited by
Perry T. Rathbone and published in commemoration of the 150th
anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase by the City Art Museum of
St. Louis, in collaboration with the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis.
Containing 225 pictures, the book is a pictorial history of the "win-
ning of the West after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803." A chapter
on the history and character of the Louisiana territory is by
Frederick E. Voelker.
Main Street on the Middle Border, a 423-page book by Lewis
Atherton, was published in 1954 by the Indiana University Press,
Bloomington. According to the author it is a "cultural and economic
history of midwestern country towns from 1865 to 1950." He de-
fines "Middle Border" as including eastern Kansas.
Fourteen stories of persons who were held captive by the Indians
320 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
have been compiled by Howard H. Peckham and published in a
238-page book called Captured by Indians (Rutgers University
Press, New Brunswick, N. Y., 1954).
Biographies of J. B. "Texas Jack" Omohundro and his wife,
Mile. Guiseppina Morlacchi, by Herschel C. Logan, were published
recently by the Stackpole Company, Harrisburg, Pa., in a 218-page
book entitled Buckskin and Satin. Texas Jack was a Confederate
scout, Indian fighter, and plainsman. Mile. Morlacchi was a popular
dancer and actress. Mr. Logan, who lives in Salina, Kan., is an
authority on firearms.
An account of the outlaws of the Old West and the law enforce-
ment officers who fought them, by James D. Horan and Paul Sann,
has been published in a 254-page volume entitled Pictorial History
of the Wild West (Crown Publishers, Inc., New York, 1954).
Two volumes of 310 pages each have been compiled and recently
published by Dr. Margaret Long of Denver: The Santa Fe Trail
and The Oregon Trail The trails, stage stations, and other land-
marks are located in relation to points and distances on present-day
highways.
D
KANSAS HISTORICAL
QUARTERLY
Spring 1955
Published by
Kansas State Historical Society
Topeka
KIRKE MECHEM JAMES C. MALIN NYLE H. MILLER
Editor Associate Editor Managing Editor
CONTENTS
THE FIRST CAPITOL OF KANSAS Robert W. Richmond, 321
BUILDING THE MAIN LINE OF THE MISSOURI PACIFIC
THROUGH KANSAS A. Bower Sageser, 326
With a map of Missouri Pacific railroads
in Kansas in 1888, facing p. 328.
NOTES ON THE WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES OF KANSAS:
Part Three — The Historical and Philosophical Societies:
Repositories of the Material of History and of Science . . James C. Malin, 331
With portraits of William Walker, William Hutchinson,
Lucian Johnson Eastin and William I. R. Blackman,
facing p. 352, and Samuel Austin Kingman, Lawrence
Dudley Bailey, Brinton Webb Woodward and George
Addison Crawford, facing p. 353.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY,
Compiled by Helen M. McFarland, Librarian, 379
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 394
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 395
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES . . 398
The Kansas Historical Quarterly is published four times a year by the Kansas
State Historical Society, Topeka, Kan., and is distributed free to members. Cor-
respondence concerning contributions may be sent to the managing editor at the
Historical Society. The Society assumes no responsibility for statements made
by contributors.
Entered as second-class matter October 22, 1931, at the post office at To-
peka, Kan., under the act of August 24, 1912.
THE COVER
The First Capitol of Kansas at the old town of Pawnee. The
first territorial legislature of Kansas met in this building July
2-6, 1855, before adjourning to reassemble at the Shawnee Meth-
odist Mission in present northeast Johnson county. The Pawnee
capitol, located on the main highway through the Fort Riley res-
ervation, is now a state museum. The photograph was taken by
Russell W. Walker of St. John.
THE KANSAS
HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Volume XXI Spring, 1955 Number 5
The First Capitol of Kansas
ROBERT W. RICHMOND
ON April 16, 1855, Gov. Andrew H. Reeder issued a proclamation
calling the territorial legislature to meet in the town of Pawnee
on July 2. Governor Reeder had earlier informed the Pawnee Town
Association, of which he was a member, of his intention to convene
the session there, provided that a suitable building would be avail-
able.
Pawnee had been laid out in the fall of 1854 on land adjoining the
Fort Riley military reservation. Col. William R. Montgomery, then
the commanding officer at the fort, was one of the chief promoters
of the new town, which was small in size and of little importance
except for its location on a well-traveled military road. When news
of the governor's plans for Pawnee became known, however, immi-
gration increased and a "boom" was soon underway. A letter
written from Pawnee, February 19, and printed in the Herald of
Freedom, Lawrence, March 24, 1855, stated:
The Pawnee Association have . . . men at work on a warehouse . . .
to be built of stone. Two saw-mills are about being put into operation. A
hotel is in course of erection. ... It will be a mammoth structure . . .
built of stone taken out of the hill right- above it.
There is a great demand for laborers here, and good wages will be paid them;
but none ought to come at this time unless they have the means of accommo-
dating themselves for some time in the way of bed-clothes, &c.
This warehouse was to serve as the first territorial capitol. Warren
Beckwith, who was engaged in the construction, wrote to H. Miles
Moore on March 9: "I have about thirty men at work on the ware-
house & we are getting along very well. It will be done in time for
the first session of the Legislature." Beckwith also wrote that two
houses were finished in Pawnee — a boarding house and a hotel —
and that a Catholic and an Episcopal church would be built during
the year.
ROBERT W. RICHMOND, a member of the staff of the State Historical Society, is state
archivist of Kansas.
(321)
322 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Beckwith was apparently overconfident concerning the completion
of the building, judging by the following letter by John String-
fellow, printed in the Squatter Sovereign, Atchison, July 17, 1855:
On arriving at Pawnee, I must acknowledge I was disappointed in not finding
more improvements, especially as Gov. Reeder thought this the most eligible
place for holding the session of the Legislature. The building designed for
the Legislative Hall, is a large stone warehouse, which when we arrived on
Saturday, had neither floor nor roof, but by working all day Sunday and Sunday
night, the roof and floor was finished, but the doors were not completed while
we stayed — so we had to legislate with open doors.
The two-story structure, with approximate dimensions of 40 by 80
feet was built of native stone. It was rudely furnished although the
governor said that it was well provided with seats and writing
tables.1 The lower floor was used as the house chamber and the
council or senate occupied the second floor.
Most of the legislators who came to Pawnee were sympathetic to
the Proslavery cause. They had been elected on March 30, 1855,
with the aid of many Missourians who had crossed the border to
vote. The election had been contested by the Free-State partisans
but the fraudulent votes helped to overwhelm them. Because of
this illegal selection of representatives, the legislature became known
to antislavery Kansans as the "Bogus Legislature'* and the laws it
passed were called the "Bogus Laws."
The legislature was described by the Kansas Free State, Lawrence,
in the following account, printed July 16, 1855:
This redoubtable body met at Pawnee on Monday the 2nd of July. It is
composed of a mass of material as heterogeneous as were ever thronged together.
Its main ingredients are fire-eating residents of Missouri, of whom there are
three, equally hot headed residents of Kansas, many of them of Northern origin,
and still hotter renegades from the Free Soil Party. The members generally
arrived a day or two previously to convening. The pro-slavery portion ex-
hibited a determination to be dissatisfied with everything done by the Governor,
and especially with his convening them at Pawnee.
On the other hand, Lucian J. Eastin, editor of the Proslavery
Kansas Weekly Herald, Leavenworth, took an opposite view. His
comment, printed in the July 14 issue of the Herald, said:
Thus far everything has passed off smoothly and quietly, without any dis-
turbance or difficulty. Those gentlemen who anticipated a row, have been
disappointed. They have found the pro-slavery party to be composed of men
actuated and governed by principle and justice.
Most of the members came prepared to camp out. They brought
tents, food, cooking utensils, and an ample supply of whisky. They
1. The Old Pawnee Capitol (Kansas State Historical Society, Topeka, 1928), pp. 3, 4.
THE FIRST CAPITOL OF KANSAS 323
arrived on horseback and in wagons, and their clothing ranged from
buckskins to frock coats. Some brought slaves with them to do
their personal work and practically all of them were armed.
The session opened on July 2, 1855, with Daniel Woodson, the
Proslavery territorial secretary, presiding at the organization of both
houses. John H. Stringfellow of Atchison was elected speaker of
the house and J. C. Anderson of Fort Scott speaker pro tern. The
Rev. Thomas Johnson, superintendent of Shawnee Methodist Mis-
sion, was elected president of the council and R. R. Rees, Leaven-
worth, president pro tern.
Members of this first legislature were young men. Only five of the
39 were over 50 while 11 were under 30. One, Alexander Johnson,
was a native of Kansas — a real rarity in 1855. He was a son of the
president of the council, and had been born at Shawnee Methodist
Mission in 1832. Only two members were listed as being outside
the Proslavery party. A lawyer named Chapman from Lawrence
was on the record as a Democrat, while Samuel D. Houston, a resi-
dent of Pawnee, was a Free-Soiler. It is interesting to note that the
one Free-State legislator called the capital his home, and that on July
23 he resigned his position, thus leaving the body with no Free-State
members.
On the morning of July 3 the governor's message was read to
both houses, but it was not well received and his remarks concerning
slavery were completely ignored by the legislators. On that day
the Squatter Sovereign, Atchison, a strong Proslavery newspaper,
had the following comment to make about Governor Reeder: "Nine-
tenths of the citizens of Kansas would rather see him hanging to a
tree, than filling the gubernatorial chair/'
The primary objective of the legislature was to have the seat of
government moved to the eastern part of the territory. Since most
of the members were from the border towns with interests in Mis-
souri they wanted the administrative center located where their
strength lay. On July 4 the legislature passed a bill providing for
the temporary establishment of the capital at the Shawnee Methodist
Mission in present Johnson county. The bill also stated that the
governor and secretary were to maintain their offices there until a
permanent capital could be decided by law. The bill was vetoed
by Reeder on July 6 on the grounds that the legislature was acting
outside the power conferred upon it by congress. However, both
houses promptly passed it over his veto and then adjourned to
meet at Shawnee Mission on July 16. It was also on July 6 that
324 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
John T. Brady, Tecumseh, was elected public printer and it was
he who supervised the printing of the "Bogus Laws."
Immediately following adjournment the legislators gathered up
their belongings, saddled their horses, hitched up their teams and
headed east. Pawnee was no longer the capital of Kansas territory
and the capitol building was put to various uses. The lower story
was used as a combination carpenter shop and lodging place. Half
of the second floor was used as a residence and a bachelors* club
occupied the other half. Church services were occasionally held
in the building too. In September, 1855, an election was held
there and again Missourians invaded the town and tried to control
the voting. A poll tax was levied on the spot but the Free-State
men refused to pay and held their own election on the following
day.
The town declined rapidly after its abandonment as the territorial
capital. The War Department had ordered a new survey made of
the boundaries of the Fort Riley reservation and when they were
readjusted the townsite came within them. In September, 1855,
United States troops arrived with orders to see that the settlement
was vacated. Many of the residents strenuously objected to being
moved out of their homes but their objections were to no avail.
By October 10 only a few families remained. These were forcibly
evicted by the army and those buildings still standing were razed.
The capitol was the only one left intact and it was put into service
as an army storehouse.
In 1877 the roof was torn off by a windstorm and the interior of
the building suffered from the weather for many years afterwards.
Roofless, and with no whole windows or doors, this once important
structure was almost forgotten until 1900 when some Kansans be-
gan working for its preservation. In 1907 Samuel F. Woolard of
Wichita started a fund raising campaign, the proceeds of which
were to be used by the Kansas State Historical Society for the restor-
ation of the walls. The money collected through Woolard's efforts
was enough to replace the missing stone in the walls, to repair the
windows and doors, and to reinforce the walls.
Nothing more was done until 1927 when the legislature appropri-
ated $1,000 for strengthening and repairing walls and for cleaning
up the grounds. The Union Pacific railroad, on whose right of way
the building partly stands, became interested in the restoration and
expressed a desire to aid in the work. Under the guidance of the
Historical Society the Union Pacific spent approximately $20,000 to
reconstruct the capitol so that it resembled as nearly as possible the
THE FIRST CAPITOL OF KANSAS 325
original of 1855. Fifty-foot beams, two-inch plank flooring, old-
fashioned iron nails and wooden pins, and hand forged hardware
all went into the restoration and the interior was furnished with
items representative of the territorial period.
At the time the restoration was arranged for, the Historical Society
applied to the War Department for a revocable license to enter and
occupy the land on which the capitol stands and to maintain the
building. The license was granted and is in effect for an indefinite
period.
On August 1, 1928, the restored first Kansas capitol was formally
presented to the state of Kansas by the Union Pacific railroad, and
the Kansas State Historical Society, as trustee for the state, now
operates it as a museum. »
Building the Main Line of the Missouri Pacific
Through Kansas
A. BOWER SAGESER
^HERE is little doubt that the Missouri Pacific Railway Company
•*• became one of the giant companies in Kansas in the 12-year
period ending in 1892. Although it had made a modest entry into
Kansas several years earlier when it leased the Missouri River
Company line from Kansas City to Leavenworth, the Missouri
Pacific's big expansion program began in 1880 with the purchase
of the Missouri River road. By July 1, 1882, this line was completed
to Omaha, Neb.
Prior to 1879 Jay Gould and his associates had secured control of
several Western railroads that had fallen into receivership during the
panic of 1873. For a few years Gould held a directorship in the
Union Pacific and with his associates owned the Central Branch of
the Union Pacific, the Kansas Pacific, and the Missouri, Kansas and
Texas. However, the Missouri Pacific was his chief interest. By
1878 he had sold his interests in the Union Pacific and the Kansas
Pacific, but retained control of the Central Branch of the Union
Pacific and the Missouri, Kansas and Texas. Later these two roads
were leased to the Missouri Pacific as feeder lines. Rival companies
also sought to lease smaller lines to strengthen their empires. This
story has been repeated by historians of the state's railroads.1 How-
ever, when the practice of leasing did not produce the desired re-
sults the officials of the Missouri Pacific decided to build a main line
across the state. To the knowledge of the writer, the speed with
which the main line was constructed and the methods used in its
financing have not been recorded.
The railroad was planned so that it would split the prosperous
trade territory of the Santa Fe and the Kansas Pacific. The line
would be operated from Kansas City to Pueblo, Colo. From Pueblo
connections would be made with the Denver and Rio Grande
system, thereby reaching important points in Colorado, Utah, and
on the Pacific coast. The area of southern Colorado and the Pan-
handle of Texas could be served through the Denver, Texas and
Gulf Railway Company.2
DR. A. BOWER SAGESER is professor of history at Kansas State College, Manhattan.
the State of Kansas (Chicago, 1883),
e Last Frontier (Norman, Okla., 1952),
1. A. T. Andreas and W. G. Cutler, History of the State of Kansas (Chicago, 1883),
pp. 251-252; Vincent V. Masterson, The Katy and the " ~
pp. 214-218, 222-225.
2. Seventh Annual , -. -„,
1889 connections were also made with the Texas and Fort
(326)
2. Seventh Annual Report of the Missouri Pacific Railway Company, 1887, p. 25. By
MISSOURI PACIFIC THROUGH KANSAS 327
The promoters of the main line could hold out the promise of a
competing line to the citizens of the state. By 1886 some towns
were enjoying the services of two railroad companies and some
three.3
The construction and financing of the main line followed a fixed
pattern. Almost without exception, small companies were organ-
ized as subsidiaries of the Missouri Pacific. These small companies
brought in local men to conform with the corporation laws of Kansas.
Usually these companies secured rights of way, sold bonds to local
residents and acquired whatever local aid and gifts were possible.
Compared to earlier decades of railroad building in Kansas, the
amount of local aid was small. Most of the financial support
came from Jay Gould, his friends and financial associates in the Mis-
souri Pacific, who received in return the capital stock and bonds
of the subsidiaries. Later, in some cases, the Missouri Pacific ex-
changed its stock for subsidiary stock. Once a segment of the main
line was completed it was turned over to the Missouri Pacific for
operation.4
The pressure was for speed in construction. The subsidiary
companies built with a speed that rivaled that of the Rock Island
lines.5 Speedy construction was possible since the most difficult
lessons in railroad building had been learned earlier. By 1885
grading, tracklaying, and bridge building were much easier than
in the 1860-1870 era. When the Missouri Pacific promoters de-
manded speedy construction, it could be obtained.
In 1880 the Missouri Pacific put into operation the line between
Paola and Ottawa that had been built by the St. Louis, Kansas and
Arizona Railway Company. At the same time a connection to
the company's main line was opened between Paola and Holden,
Mo., via a previous lease from the Missouri, Kansas and Texas.
This was the first entry for the main line into Kansas. The con-
struction of the main line started from the two towns of Ottawa
3. Fifth Biennial Report of the Kansas State Board of Agriculture, 1885-1886 (Topeka,
1887), pt. 2, pp. 128, 129, reports a total of 5,323 miles of track in Kansas by November 1.
1886.
4. Information on the method of financing was furnished by Ray Maxwell, director of
publicity and advertising for the Missouri Pacific lines in a letter to the author, dated
January 11, 1954. Leonard W. Thompson, The History of Railway Development in Kansas
(unpublished Ph.D. thesis, University of Iowa, 1942) shows more of the details of fi-
nancing. The role of the parent company is also shown in the Ottawa Republican, January
21, 1886, and the Greeley County News, Horace, September 29, 1887. In addition see
Sixth Annual Report of the Missouri Pacific Railway Company, 1886, p. 29.
5. The speedy development of the Rock Island Line is told in William E. Hayes, Iron
Road to Empire: The History of the Rock Island Lines . . . (New York, 1953), pp.
113-120.
328
KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
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MISSOURI PACIFIC THROUGH KANSAS 329
and Council Grove.6 The total mileage of track from Ottawa to
Pueblo was to be 540 miles.
The chart, on page 328, shows the plan and development of the
main line.7
It was well known that the parent company was backing each
of its subsidiaries. The editor of the Ottawa Republican, January
21, 1886, pointed out that the proposed road to Council Grove "is
backed and will be operated by the Missouri Pacific of which it is
in fact an extension." As each subsidiary completed its section of
the track the Missouri Pacific took over the operation of the rail-
road. There is considerable evidence that most of the building
materials for the main line were furnished by the parent company.
The progress of the main line was followed with enthusiasm by
the local editors along the route. Under the heading of "Our New
Boom," the Kansas Cosmos, Council Grove, reported that the con-
struction train from the east had arrived on November 24. The
last rail had been laid and the last spike driven "forty days" before
the time named by the company for the completion of the work.
The editor declared that this was a connection which "before the
smoke of a locomotive could be seen on the eastern horizon had
paid for the right of way to the farmers . . . more money
than the bonds voted to aid it. . . ." Council Grove's prosperity
would now be increased. The city had the M. K. T. division and
the "much loved, but coy," Santa Fe was constructing "two trunk
lines" of railway in Morris county, and "one of them to Council
Grove." 8
The year 1886 was indeed a boom year for railroad building in
Kansas. The secretary of state reported on December 2, 1886, that
453 railroad companies had been chartered in the state during the
year.9
By the fall of 1886 the citizens of Salina were seeking the loca-
tion of a railroad division and machine shops. Charles F. Adams,
president of the Union Pacific Railway Company was sufficiently
interested in the area that he visited Salina in September to ex-
amine a proposal for moving the company's shops there from
6. Council Grove Republican (Supplement), January 1, 1886; Ottawa Republican,
January 21, 1886. The entrance of the Missouri Pacific into Ottawa is described in the
Republican, April 15 and 22, 1880.
7. Compiled from the annual reports of the board of railway commissioners in Kansas.
The Sixth Report, 1888, pp. 314, 315, gives dates of operation. See, also, Sixth Annual
Report of the Missouri Pacific Railway Company, 1886, p. 21; Seventh Annual Report,
1887, p. 25; and Eighth Annual Report, 1888, pp. 2, 3.
8. Kansas Cosmos, Council Grove, November 26, 1886.
9. Salina Herald, December 2, 1886.
330 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Brookville.10 By this time the tracks of the Kansas and Colorado
had been laid 50 miles west from Salina. By October 15, 85 miles
of track were ready for traffic and a section was turned over to the
Missouri Pacific. Jay Gould and his son, George, visited Salina
on October 13. The citizens of the city pressed the Goulds to make
Salina a division point for the Missouri Pacific. The visit was
described in the Salina Herald under the heading, "The Gould
Party: The Great Railroad Builder and Wrecker Visits Salina."
The editor indicated that if the city received the Missouri Pacific's
shops, the citizens would have to put up the money for them.11
During 1887 the construction of the main line was completed
to Pueblo, Colo. On February 21, 1887, service was opened to the
east line of Ness county. From this point the Denver, Memphis
and Atlantic built the road to the Colorado state line. Service
was opened to the state line on December 15, 1887. Meanwhile
the Pueblo and State Line had built from the Kansas state line
to Pueblo and the road was opened on December 2, 1887. The
citizens of Pueblo raised $5,000 for a banquet held in honor of the
arrival of the construction train on December 1, 1887. The Greeley
County News of Horace, described the celebration at Pueblo and
declared that the completion of the road "gives us direct communi-
cation from ocean to ocean" and the line of railroad now completed
"is destined to be one of the most traveled and best lines in the
state." 12
Both the Denver, Memphis and Atlantic and the Pueblo and
State Line were turned over to the Missouri Pacific for operation.
On December 24, 1887, the Ness County News reported that after
January 1, 1888, the Missouri Pacific would put into operation a
fast passenger train from Denver to St. Louis. In January, 1888,
the company completed the last link in the main line from Paola
to Cecil, Mo., a suburb of Kansas City.13 Thus in less than two
years, the parent company had successfully invaded Kansas to be-
come a great competitor to the powerful Santa Fe and Kansas
Pacific lines.
10. Ibid., September 30, 1886.
11. Ibid., October 14, 1886.
12. Greeley County News, December 8, 1887. See, also, issue of November 24.
13. Eighth Annual Report of the Missouri Pacific Railway Company, 1888, p. 29.
Notes on the Writing of General
Histories of Kansas
JAMES C. MALIN
PART THREE: THE HISTORICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL
SOCIETIES: REPOSITORIES OF THE MATERIAL OF
HISTORY AND OF SCIENCE
INTRODUCTION
DID you ever drop a pebble into a deep well and not be able to
see or hear it hit the bottom? Holloway's history, reviewed in
the preceding paper, fits such a metaphor. From the ranks of the
leading participants, no one cheered and no one damned. The ad-
verse criticisms that were offered did not touch essentials in any
material way. Neither did the faint praise. With little exception,
the comments were written by relative new-comers or by men who
had little or nothing to do with the Kansas troubles of the early
years. Positive or violent reactions to historical writing came only
with the passing of years and the organization of "Old Settlers" to
commemorate the past. Along with this came "refreshment" of
memories already faded. The "refreshment" process often resulted
in engrafting legends and hindsight upon the atrophied memories.
As all Free-State men were united in their verdict on the Pro-
slavery cause, with few exceptions, their differences in interpretation
were over credits and honors applied to men and measures. The
lost cause did not write history. That conclusion is emphasized by
the examples of Judge Samuel D. Lecompte and James Christian,
neither of whom wrote in vindication of the Proslavery cause as
such, but rather in defense of individuals against unjust charges.
Three attempts, 1855, 1859, and 1867, were made to organize an
effective state historical society before success was attained in the
fourth trial, beginning in 1875. Why did these attempts fail, while
a substantial number of other institutions succeeded: schools,
churches, the agricultural society, etc.? It was partly a case of first
things first; partly it was a reflection of the cultural background.
The making of history took precedence over the collection of ma-
terials and the writing of history. This statement, however, over
simplifies the situation. A substantial minority of those engaged in
the activities of the 1850's and 1860's were convinced that they were
DR. JAMES C. MALIN, associate editor of The Kansas Historical Quarterly, is professor of
histoiy at the University of Kansas, Lawrence.
(331)
332 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
participating in a momentous cause that would characterize a his-
torical era. Although all generations probably feel that way, more
or less, many of this early Kansas generation were more than ordi-
narily captive to such self-deception. To them, the preservation of
the records of their side of the controversy was thought essential to
the enlightenment of future generations. A state historical society
was the chosen instrument for this end.
A number of obstacles stood in the way of the realization of this
dream. Some were more or less common to pioneer communities,
while others were unique to Kansas and to the geographic area from
which it was carved. Pioneer life was always conspicuously un-
stable and insecure. Movement was its outstanding characteristic.
Of the people present in a given community, according to the census
of 1855, for example, very few would probably be there five years
later, still fewer in 1865, and 1875. A similar principle would apply
to the newcomers of 1860 or of 1865, only possibly in less drastic
proportions.1 This principle applied both to the total population
from which a membership of a historical society could be drawn,
and to the initial groups which instituted the successive societies.
Also, in proportion to population, Kansas had a surplus of "profes-
sional" men — lawyers, doctors, ministers, or at least men who an-
swered to such labels — and "speculators." A very sizeable propor-
tion of these "doubled" in "professional competence" as politicians.
Any legitimate movement undertaken by the people was likely to
be taken over by these professional people and used or dropped as
it served their peculiar purposes. As early as January 13, 1855,
G. W. Brown complained in his Herald of Freedom that Lawrence
had already nearly a dozen each of lawyers, doctors, and clergy, but
what was needed were farmers, mechanics, "or any class of persons
relying upon labor for support. . . ." And he explained further
that "The truth is the learned professions are over-supplied every-
where, and new countries seem a sort of safety valve to which they
invariably resort, with the hopes of growing up with the country.
Many do so . . .; but the great masses sink into obscurity and
are forgotten."
By coincidence the early years of Kansas settlement were a period
of weather as well as political extremes, especially 1854 and 1860,
although only one year of the first eight, 1859, was generally favor-
able to most crops. Kansas was visited by excesses of drought and
1. James C. Malin, "The Turnover of Farm Population in Kansas," The Kansas Historical
Quarterly, v. 4 (November, 1935), pp. 339-372; The Grassland of North America: Pro-
legomena to Its History (Lawrence, the author, 1947), chs. 16-18.
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 333
moisture, heat and cold. Many of the failures and much suffering
chargeable to these factors were blamed on the Kansas troubles,
making Proslavery men, or Missourians, or South Carolinians the
scapegoats.
Upon entering Kansas in 1854 the population was meeting an
environment strange to them. Eastern people were forest dwellers.
Wood was utilized for most of their needs, whether housing, fenc-
ing, tools, and equipment of all kinds, with a minimum of metal, or
fuel. Only Western people from parts of Illinois, Kentucky, and
Tennessee east of the Mississippi river, and from the states of Iowa,
and Missouri west of that stream, had made acquaintances in any
substantial manner with the prairie. Kansas was not only prairie,
but rainfall followed a decidedly seasonable pattern, and westward
the amount diminished rapidly to a point critical to the successful
production of the accustomed crops of the East-— corn, oats, etc., and
many of the fruits and vegetables. Relatively, the prevailing culture
emphasized to a high degree a subsistence economy. This accus-
tomed way of life was challenged by the years of extremes in east-
ern Kansas, and by "normal" years farther west. New crops, tillage
methods, and machinery were necessary, as well as more economical
utilization of scarce and expensive wood for buildings, fencing and
fuel, and a resort to rock and brick for construction, and to coal for
fuel. In addition to the traditional concern for fertile soil as a
natural resource, attention was directed sharply to other resources
of the earth — to coal, salt, and gypsum, and later to oil. The geology
of the area took on a new significance. Of course, the wider utiliza-
tion of coal and iron was taking place in the older parts of the
country, and in Europe, but the relative importance had a sharper
impact upon the people of the prairie than of the forest. How were
these supplies to be purchased from the outside and paid for? The
answer was money crops sent to markets at population centers.
This requirement emphasized further the necessity of shifting from
subsistence to commercial agriculture, and imposed upon the people
of Kansas an understanding of the necessity to find cheap transporta-
tion. In a grass country, where water was scanty, the answer was
steam railroads.
At the time the Nebraska agitation was under way, 1844-1854, for
the organization of the grassland which was to become Nebraska
and Kansas territories, the age of steam, coal, and iron was already
changing American culture in the East. One large factor in this
transformation was the exhaustion of forests within economical
334 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
transport distances. In Kansas, that condition faced the settlers
from the beginning. The search for mineral substitutes had been
begun in a systematic way by state geological surveys east of the
Mississippi river. In 1849 Sen. Stephen A. Douglas proposed a grant
of land in the public land states to aid them in financing surveys.
Missouri took a particular interest in his bill of 1849, along with
proposals for a Pacific railroad, and the organization of Nebraska.
Missouri's geological survey had been organized in 1853 with
George C. Swallow in charge. One of his first objectives was to
determine whether coal-bearing geological formations existed in
western Missouri. He concluded that the northwestern part of
Missouri and the adjoining parts of Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas
were of the Upper Carboniferous age — the coal measures.
Through Frederick Hawn, one of his subordinates in the geologi-
cal survey of Missouri, who was employed in the Kansas linear land
surveys, Swallow became involved in Kansas geology. Hawn col-
lected fossils in Kansas, which he could not identify adequately and
sent part of them to Frederick Meek and part of them to Swallow.
Both men, in early 1858, announced their conclusions that these
fossils were Permian in geological age, the first identification of that
geological horizon in the United States. Just as coal was associated
in the public mind with the Upper Carboniferous rocks, so salt and
gypsum were associated with the Permian rocks. Thus coal, salt,
and gypsum, as well as other minerals, and limestone, sandstone, and
clay for building purposes, were resources already recognized in
territorial Kansas.2
The critical role of transportation may be illustrated by two clear-
cut examples. In January, 1862, just as the first year of the Civil
War was drawing to an end, and on the eve of the legislative session
at which the Kansas State Agricultural Society was chartered, an
editorial raised the question: "Does it pay to raise corn?" The an-
swer was "No," but the reasons are the important point for present
purposes.
The editorial admitted that: "The staple production of Kansas up
to the present, is corn. . . ." The following unpleasant facts
were pointed out however: "Corn in the raw, when the Eastern
markets are best, will scarcely pay its transportation. Take out 75
to 80 cents per bushel as such charge and nothing remains to the
2. James C. Malin, Grassland Historical Studies: Natural Eesources Utilization in a
Background of Science and Technology, v. 1, Geology and Geography (Lawrence, the author.
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 335
producer." 3 The disadvantage was only partially remedied by sell-
ing it as cattle and hogs, or as beef and pork.
This fact was not a new discovery, but its proximity to the charter-
ing of the State Agricultural Society has some significance. Charles
Robinson had discussed the whole subject in 1859 in a more elab-
orate and pertinent form, as well as for the particular purpose of ex-
plaining his Kansas career.4 At the time his letter was written, the
Free-State party was breaking up and the Republican and Demo-
cratic parties were being organized, as in the states. Robinson's
reaction to this new situation was to announce a decision not to
participate in any political convention, not even the Wyandotte con-
stitutional convention:
In the first place I am not a politician, never was, and, so long as I have my
reason, never mean to be. It is true I voted for Harrison for President [1840],
because I thought the Whigs honest and the Democrats corrupt. Since that
time I could see but little difference between them, and have voted for
no Presidential candidate, but have occasionally joined in popular move-
ments.
With the defeat of the English bill in 1858, he insisted that the
slavery question was settled, and it was time for the politicians to
enter the field, and for all others to retire, and
From that time I have avoided all political gatherings and turned my attention
more particularly to the development of the material interests of the territory.
Kansas . . ., has, probably, less commercial advantages than any State in
the Union. Her lands, so rich and beautiful, must lie unimproved and com-
paratively valueless without the means of getting their products to market.
Robinson pointed out that in ordinary seasons corn sold at Mis-
souri river towns at 25 cents per bushel, but at Lawrence it was
worth nothing because the freight from Lawrence to the river was
30 cents per bushel; "Should things remain as they are, and no rail-
roads be built, the land in the Missouri river counties will increase
in value, while the lands of the interior cannot rise above the price
of grazing lands, or from one to five dollars an acre. So with the
towns. . . . the interior towns will lose even their present trade."
Realizing this situation, Robinson related that he had attended the
last three sessions of congress, 1856-1857, 1857-1858, and 1858-1859,
in order to use the influence which his prominence in early Kansas
affairs had bestowed upon him, to promote land grants for a system
of railroads for Kansas. He insisted further that at the last session
"a grant would probably have been made had not the political
demagogues interfered. That system would have given five, if not
3. Kansas State Journal, Lawrence, January 9, 1862. Hovey E. Lowman, editor.
4. Herald of Freedom, Lawrence, May 7, 1859.
336 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
six roads to Lawrence, and would have increased the value of every
lot in town ten fold, every farm in the county four fold, and every
acre of land east of Fort Riley, on an average, two fold/'
Robinson placed the blame for defeat of railroads upon M. F.
Conway, elected to congress under the Leavenworth constitution,
who resorted to "libel, slander, and lying/' unequalled in the annals
of Tammany Hall politics.
Should the land sales come off as advertised, there will be but little, if any,
land in Eastern Kansas for road purposes, and we can, in [the] future, lie
supinely on our backs, hugging the delusion that certain men are great bene-
factors of Kansas, and especially Lawrence.
In the perspective of the traditional histories of the period, the
most remarkable aspect of Robinson's blame for the defeat of the
railroad system was that he placed it, not upon the Proslavery men,
the Democrats, or the Buchanan administration, but upon the Kan-
sas antislavery radicals — the same men who were trying to seize
control of the Republican party which was to be launched at Osa-
watomie a few days later. Repeatedly during the spring of 1859
Robinson warned that the political party of the future that he would
work with depended upon circumstances, and positions on issues.
But these differences over a particular group of measures must
not divert attention from the fundamental principles which under-
lay Robinson's argument about the significance of railroads. Those
principles were the important historical fact, regardless of how the
railroads were built or who received the credit. The analysis of the
geographical setting of Kansas history in relation to the communica-
tions, as presented in this letter, was fundamental. When Robinson
himself had arrived at this understanding of the relationship of rail-
roads and land-mass in the grassland environment of the continental
interior is not clear. Certainly not when the site of Lawrence was
selected in 1854. Possibly the important thing is that he had arrived
at all. So many, both then and since, never did grasp this basic
concept.
About the same time, Lucian J. Eastin, editor since 1854 of the
Weekly Kansas Herald of Leavenworth was expounding his views
of what was of "immediate and urgent importance" in Kansas. He
was a Democrat and had been rated a Proslavery man. Although
the writers of Kansas history have either ignored or denounced
Eastin for opinion's sake, he was among the ablest journalists on
the Kansas scene. His editorial entitled "Conservatism" was pub-
lished February 26, 1859. He decried the radicalism that was dis-
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 337
turbing the country, and then proceeded to differentiate the con-
servative from the radical:
No man can be a conservative, unless he has the spirit of submission to
authority fully developed in his nature. He must premise that his judgment
is not infallible, and that his reasoning faculties are as apt to be warped by his
feelings as those of other men. He must know how to make the proper dis-
tinction between firmness and obstinacy, and when superior authority has
stamped the ideas of his opponents with the impress and sanction of the law,
he must subject his private opinion to public statutes. This may be done with-
out abating his original convictions, and if it is not done, cheerfully and
promptly, the refractory individual becomes, in our estimation a radical.
Again he must form his opinion from deliberate and dispassionate investi-
gation, and not permit the thought to be offspring of the wish. . . . Tol-
eration is also absolutely requisite in the composition of a conservative.
Still other qualifications specified that: "He must be an inde-
pendent thinker. . . . He must demand proof. . . . He
must be frank and candid. . . . And above all other essentials,
he must be kind-hearted and amiable." As related to the political
scene: "He must be a national man. . . . To be truly conserv-
ative a man must be just, sincere and patriotic. . . ."
Of course, as a newspaper editor, writing for his subscribers in
Leaven worth and the territory of Kansas in 1859, Eastin was not in-
dulging himself in abstract social philosophy in a vacuum. He ap-
plied his principles of conservatism to American politics — to Kansas
and to the general government. He was preparing his reader with
criteria by which to deal with first things first:
Time has arrived when the great sectional issue is settled upon a firm basis,
and we must direct our attention to topics of more immediate and urgent im-
portance.
What were these topics, as of February, 1859, that should come
first?—
Kansas must be developed: her rich alluvial [soil] . . .: her mines . . .:
her cities . . ., and the whole body politic welded with the iron ribs of
public improvement. . . . And when the undertaking is vigorously com-
menced, and citizens of all shades of politics work side by side for the common
good, the paltry abstractions which separate man from man will sink into in-
significance by comparison with the importance of the great work in which they
are now engaged. Passion will cool down — reason regain her sway, and men
will laugh over the olden time when neighbors essayed to cut each other's
throats upon matters in which they themselves were so little interested.
Even those Kansans who might agree with Eastin up to this point,
might balk at his conclusion that "the great mission ... of the
Democratic party [was] — to harmonize — to pacify and conserva-
tize." But again difference over political party preferences as to the
23—7073
338 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
instruments to be used must not divert attention from the evalua-
tion of what things come first.
A change in editorship of the Leavenworth Herald, late in the
same year, did not modify the view held in Leavenworth about "Our
own Interest." This title appeared over four separate editorials in
the issue of December 17, 1859, while the excitement about John
Brown at Harpers Ferry was at its height. The front page editorial
insisted that: "The true course is plain. We want a direct Railroad
communication with the East, and we must have it soon. . . ."
The three articles on the editorial page proper developed the same
theme as applied to the country to the west, even to the Pacific
coast.
Although each city was looking at the problem from the stand-
point of rivalry with competitors, the principles involved were basic
to the new age of steam railroads. River traffic in the interior had
been oriented upon New Orleans, but rail traffic was being oriented
eastward by way of the Great Lakes and the Ohio river to the At-
lantic coast cities. The full impact of that revolution was receiving
a belated recognition. The railroad was the key to the future, not
only of cities but of the agricultural development of the interior.
The railroad and the telegraph became the channels by which the
interior was bound to the East in all aspects of communication, in-
tellectual, artistic, or material.
The Kansas troubles of the 1850's and the Civil War, in their re-
lation to slavery and to the Negro, were not the single issue in Kan-
sas, in spite of the fact that the Free-State party and the Proslavery
party were organized supposedly upon that single issue of freedom
or slavery. Even these phenomena, had they been as dominant as
tradition has represented them, had to be subordinated to the mak-
ing of a living. Kansas could not indefinitely be supported by "aid"
and "relief" and new capital brought in by immigrants and the
general government. Sooner or later Kansas must assume respon-
sibility for paying its own way. How long did Kansas operate on
a deficit economy? Certainly until the later 1870's! And how much
longer? The answer is important to the writing of Kansas history.
On the basis of first things first, it would seem to be laboring the
obvious if the foregoing discussion had no more bearing on the sub-
ject of this paper than to conclude that a historical society was not
among the first things. The goal in the writing of history is to re-
construct so far as possible historical reality, and the function of a
historical society is to serve as a repository for the materials from
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 339
which history may be written. The obstacles to be mastered by the
pioneers in the settlement of Kansas were but an index to the range
of the historical reality, to the variety of materials that should be col-
lected for the use of the historian and to the scope of that history
when it is to be written adequately.
In view of the fact that such a comprehensive view of the in-
terests of Kansas was so clearly recognized at the time, why was the
history of Kansas written upon the narrow basis so evident in all the
printed histories? Why this wide split between historical reality
and written history?
THE HISTORICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY OF KANSAS
The bare narrative of the origins of the Historical and Philosophi-
cal Society of Kansas, initiated in 1855, attributed the leadership to
William Walker, of the Wyandotte Nation. He was a one-eighth
Wyandotte Indian, and principal man in the Nation, resident in
what is now Wyandotte county. He had received some education
at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio. On August 1, 1855, in the council
of the "Bogus" legislature, Lucian J. Eastin, editor of the Leaven-
worth Kansas Weekly Herald, "asked leave to present a memorial
from William Walker and others, praying for an act to incorporate
a Historical and Philosophical Society in Kansas Territory, in which
memorial were mentioned some of the beneficial results to be ex-
pected from such a Society, and the expediency of incorporating it
at the earliest possible period/' A bill accompanied the memorial,
which Eastin presented. He then moved a suspension of the rules
to permit an immediate second reading and reference to the commit-
tee on education. The council Journal recorded no further action,
but the bill, as passed by that body, was messaged to the house the
same evening. Action in the house was not taken upon it until
August 22 and 24, when it was passed.5
In the statute the organization was named the Historical and
Philosophical Society of Kansas Territory, located at the seat of
government of the territory. The nine incorporators were William
Walker, D. A. N. Grover, David Lykins, John Donaldson, James
Kuykendall, Thomas Johnson, William A. M. Vaughan, Lucian J.
Eastin, A. J. Isaacs, and their associates. The conception held by
these incorporators of the function of such a society was stated thus :
. . . the object of said society shall be the collection and preservation of
5. Journal of the Council of the Territory of Kansas . . ., 1855, p. 95; Journal of
the House of Representatives of the Territory of Kansas . . ., 1855 pp. 149 291
308, 309.
340 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
a library, mineralogical and geological specimens, historical matter relating to
the history of this territory, Indian curiosities and antiquities, and other matters
connected with and calculated to illustrate and perpetuate the history and set-
tlement of our territory.6
Two other items dealing with history came before the council.
On July 5, D. A. N. Grover, of Kickapoo City, gave notice of a bill
he proposed to introduce to incorporate at Kickapoo City the "His-
torical Society of Kansas Territory/' Apparently, however, he
dropped the matter, and instead, on July 21, in anticipation of
Eastin's bill, moved that the president of the council be authorized
to appoint a committee of three members to memorialize congress
for a donation of one section of land to the Historical and Philo-
sophical Society of Kansas Territory. The council agreed and the
committee was composed of Grover, David Lykins, and H. J.
Strickler.7
A word more is in order about the name of this society and the
meaning of that name in relation to the scope of the program pro-
posed. In the 18th century the words philosophy, philosopher, and
philosophical were still used generally in the comprehensive sense
which carried over from the medieval and early modern usage.
Philosophy was: "The love, study, or pursuit of wisdom, or of
knowledge of things and their causes, whether theoretical or prac-
tical." The "three philosophies" of the Medieval university were
natural, moral, and metaphysical. The modem academic degree,
Doctor of Philosophy, preserves this meaning. The "natural philoso-
phy" included within this context meant science, both theoretical
and applied.8 Benjamin Franklin was among those instrumental in
founding "The American Philosophical Society held at Philadelphia
for promoting useful knowledge," often designated as America's
most distinguished scientific organization. This so-called Proslavery
legislature in the Kansas of 1855 was using the word "philosophical"
in this historic sense as including science, but the name of the so-
ciety was more comprehensive than if it had been written "The
Historical and Scientific Society of Kansas Territory."
The incorporators of this venture were men of representative
quality for any segment of American society of the 1850's. Their
charter did not become effective, but the reasons for the default lay
not so much with the individuals involved as with the times. Fur-
6. The Statutes of the Territory of Kansas; Passed at the First Session of the Legislative
Assembly One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty-five . . ., ch 56, pp. 831, 832.
7. Journal of the Council, 1855, pp. 23, 193.
8. The Oxford English Dictionary . . . a Corrected Re-issue ... on Histori-
cal Principles (Oxford, 1933), v. 7, pp. 779-782.
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 341
thermore, they had undertaken their enterprise before the structure
of the history they proposed to commemorate had taken shape.
Other abortive attempts must be recorded before success was at-
tained.
THE KANSAS SCIENTIFIC AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
In consequence of the election of October, 1857, political control
of the territory of Kansas fell into the hands of the Free-State party,
and that party not only governed, but wrote its history. After the
defeat of the Lecompton constitution in August, 1858, T. Dwight
Thacher expounded "The Need of a Historical Society in Kansas."
Educated for the ministry at Union College, Schenectady, Thacher
in the spring of 1857, at the age of 25, became editor of the Law-
rence Republican. Among Free-State men, he was a radical, young
newcomer, and that fact was reflected clearly in his editorial on
history and a historical society. In distinguishing the two, he as-
signed to history an aggressively functional role. Quoting Lord
Bolingbroke, he asserted:
'History is philosophy teaching by example/ It takes of the various de-
velopments of the human race, its laws, languages, customs and religions, —
and from them draws many a lesson of interest and profit to place before the
student of after times. Races have their histories, and States have theirs.
It is not always necessary that a people should have existed for a long time
in an organized society, to enable them to have a history. . . . Indeed, the
great eras of history, those which stand as landmarks upon the boundless field
of time, are generally the record of only a few years.
As were so many of his generation, Thacher was convinced that
he was an actor in one of those great eras and that Kansas history
was an important part of it. He feared that posterity would con-
sider the facts of the struggle between freedom and slavery too in-
credible in their enormity to believe that they "ever did or could
have occurred. . . . Even the careful historian, fifty years hence,
will be apt to look back and strike the difference between the actual
truth, on the one hand, and the suppressed, mutilated, prejudiced
and perverted accounts, on the other, which it has been the interest
of our enemies continually to send forth to the world."
Thacher was insistent that the facts of Kansas history should be
established:
All the important events . . . are now capable of verification by living
eyewitnesses, actors, and participators, and by original documents. ... If
something is not done, many . . . will be irrecoverably lost. . . .
The basis of all right history is facts. It is the province of a Historical So-
ciety to discover, collect, and preserve these facts. . . .
342 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Thus to Thacher, history and a historical society were social in-
struments to be used for molding society:
The history of Kansas is yet to be written. The oppression and tyranny
exercised on our people is to be treasured up for the scorn of coming ages. The
patience, forbearance under wrong, wisdom, and eternal fidelity of those who
have won the great battle, shall be commemorated forever, for the encourage-
ment and warning of those who shall live after us. The graves of our martyrs
shall be kept green in the affections of our children, and the truthful pen of
History shall erect an enduring monument to their fame.
Here was the doctrinnaire young radical, consumed by the fire of
his own intolerant conviction that no one could be right but himself
and his partisans. How different, by contrast, from the views of
Eastin and of Charles Robinson quoted earlier, which were written
in February and May respectively of the year immediately follow-
ing Thacher's August 19, 1858, editorial.
Free-State men made their move for a historical society in Janu-
ary, 1859, applying to the territorial legislature in session at Law-
rence. The charter bill was introduced into the house of repre-
sentatives, January 22, by Charles H. Branscomb and reported back
from committee and passed on January 28. In the council it was re-
ferred to the committee on education, January 28, and reported back
the following day with a recommendation that it pass, but the com-
mittee was "not wholly satisfied that the incorporation of a society
intended for the general benefit of the entire Territory should all be
residents of the city of Lawrence. . . ." The incorporators did
not take the broad hint, however, and the bill passed without amend-
ment February 4, and became law February 7, 1859, by the ap-
proval of the governor.9
The bill was conceived in the same particularistic spirit as Grover's
proposed bill of 1855, which specified Kickapoo City as the seat of
the society, regardless of the location of the capital or of the interest
of the territory as a whole. Not only were the incorporators Law-
rence men, but the seat of the society was Lawrence. In 1855
Grover had yielded his ambition for Kickapoo, but the Lawrence
group of 1859 were stiff-necked, and the legislature yielded to the
Lawrence monopoly. At the same time the New England element
in Kansas secured the incorporation of "The New England Society
of Kansas," mostly also a Lawrence monopoly.10 The student who
would understand Kansas history must give heed to these signs in-
9. Journal of the House of Representatives of the Territory of Kansas . . ., 1859,
pp. 138, 186, 293; Journal of the Council . . ., 1859, pp. 174, 181, 224, 237.
10. Private Laws of the Territory of Kansas . . ., 1859, ch. 54. Approved Feb-
ruary 7, 1859.
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 343
dicating the direction being given so deliberately to the shaping of
major Kansas legends.
The act "to Incorporate the Scientific and Historical Society of
Kansas/' approved February 7, 1859, named 12 incorporators: Ed-
ward Clark (1854), Charles H. Branscomb (1854), R. G. Elliott
(1854), William Hutchinson (1855), Charles Robinson (1854),
W. I. R. Blackman (1855), Samuel C. Harrington (1854), B. W.
Woodward (1855), Melancthon S. Beach (?), James Blood (1854),
J. S. Emery (1854), E. S. Lowman (?), and associates.11
A call was issued promptly for a meeting, February 12, to organize
under the charter.12 For the temporary organization, J. S. Emery
occupied the chair, with William Hutchinson as secretary, only
seven of the 12 incorporators being present. The other five present
were Elliott, Harrington, Branscomb, Blackman, and Woodward.
After accepting the charter, the seven incorporators present voted
into the organization 11 associates, most of whom were not Law-
rence residents. A committee of five was then appointed by the
chair: Elliott, Branscomb, F. N. Blake, J. P. Root, and J. C. Douglas,
the last three being out-of-town associates, to frame a constitution
and bylaws. The meeting then adjourned to 7 P. M.
At the evening session, Emery was absent, five more associates
were elected, the constitution was drafted, and a temporary treas-
urer appointed to receive the fee. Seventy-two associates were then
elected. Incorporators and clergymen were excused from payment
of fees. An election of officers was held. For president, Lawrence
D. Bailey of Emporia, was chosen on the second ballot. The five
vice-presidents were J. C. Douglas of Leavenworth, J. B. Wheeler
of Palermo, F. N. Blake of Junction City, J. P. Root of Wyandotte,
and E. Nute of Lawrence. The remaining officers, the working staff,
were all Lawrence incorporators: B. W. Woodward, treasurer;
William Hutchinson, corresponding secretary; Edward Clark, re-
cording secretary; and S. C. Harrington, librarian. The executive
committee of five included W. R. Griffith, Fort Scott; O. C. Brown,
Osawatomie; J. L. McDowell, Leavenworth; and two Lawrence
men, Josiah Miller and W. I. R. Blackman. The housing problem
was solved as follows, on motion of Hutchinson:
Resolved, That the Literary and Scientific Club of Lawrence shall be al-
lowed the right of free access to the library, cabinet, and collection of antiq-
11. Ibid., ch. 41. A manuscript draft of the bill in William Hutchinson's handwriting
is in the William Hutchinson "Papers," Kansas State Historical Society. The dates in the
parenthesis indicate when each of these men came to Kansas.
12. Lawrence Republican, February 10, 24, 1859. The Leavenworth Wcckhj Times,
February 19, 1859, gave an abbreviated report of the meeting, based upon the Republican
report.
344 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
uities, &c, of this Society; and as a consideration for the same, the said Club
shall provide a room for the safe keeping of said library and other property,
without charge to the Society.
The final business transacted was the appointment of 12 standing
committees of three members each: geology, botany, zoology,
meteorology, mineralogy, fine arts, local history, aboriginal history,
ecclesiastical history, biographical history, history of events, and
finance.
By actual count, there were 12 incorporators and 88 elected as-
sociates, and one man appears on the committee list, the Rev. John
G. Pratt, of the Baptist Mission, Quindaro, who was not on the list
of associates elected, making a grand total nominal membership of
101 men — no women. Of these, 24 were known to be clergymen,
17 physicians, and an unknown number of 'lawyers." The amount
of the initiation fee was not publicized, but during the first year only
$42 was collected. Bearing in mind that 12 incorporators and 24
clergymen did not pay fees, the financial burden of the society
would fall upon the very small paid-up membership — if one dollar
per year — 42; if three dollars — 14 members. There is no evidence
that more than a few of the associates elected were present. Prob-
ably the election was really in the nature of an invitation which
would not be effective unless responded to by the fee. If the roll
of completed memberships were known, a number of aspects of this
organization would be easier to interpret.
Of the nine newspapers available for 1859, only two really re-
ported the organization meeting, and one other noticed the fact that
it was held. The Leavenworth Times gave pointed attention to the
operating staff of officers: "All of whom will keep their offices in
Lawrence."
Again, one of the significant aspects of this organization was in-
dicated by the name Scientific and Historical Society, and the stand-
ing committee structure carried out that broad coverage, on paper
at least. Although the organization of 1855 had used the word
Philosophical, and this one of 1859 the word Scientific, probably
there was in this usage as little real difference in meaning between
Proslavery and Free-State men as in most other aspects of their
cultural outlook. Both looked upon science and history as fully
compatable and complementary in rounding out their orientation
of knowledge about the Kansas geographical environment.
The annual meeting of the Scientific and Historical Society was
held in Lawrence, January 19, 20, 1860. Again, virtually the only
source of information about the meeting is the Lawrence Republican
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 345
which published in full the proceedings of the meeting and the re-
port of the executive committee.13
The annual meeting opened on the morning of January 19, 1860,
at its rooms, with President Bailey, of Emporia, in the chair. After
the reading and approval of the minutes of the organization meeting,
the first motion was one presented by William Hutchinson, cor-
responding secretary, that a committee of three be appointed on
amendments to the constitution. This was carried, and the chair
appointed Hutchinson, Woodward, and Lyman Allen, all of Law-
rence. This question of amendment appeared to have been the
bone of contention throughout the two-day session, but the minutes
did not reveal the issues at stake. After the treasurer reported on
finances, $42 receipts from fees, and $49.10 expenditures, an ad-
journment was had to 2 P. M.
At the afternoon session the librarian, Dr. S. C. Harrington, re-
ported on the receipt of 244 books, listing the donors; pamphlets;
maps and lithographs, nine; and one photograph of John Brown,
who had been executed in Virginia some six weeks earlier. Prob-
ably the most important part of the library report was that relating
to newspapers, the society having solicited editors to contribute their
papers regularly for preservation and binding. Fourteen papers
were listed:14
Southern Kansas Herald, Osawatomie
*Fort Scott Democrat, Fort Scott
*Elwood Free Press, Elwood
Linn County Herald, Mound City
*Emporia News, Emporia
*Kansas State Record, Topeka
*Topeka Tribune, Topeka
Olathe Herald, Olathe
* Lawrence Republican, Lawrence
Kansas Statesman, Junction City
*Leavenworth Herald, Leavenworth
Daily State Register, Leavenworth
*Atchison Union, Atchison
*Western Argus, Wyandotte.
The reports of the standing committees were the subject of
facetious remarks by the secretary which have for their background
13. Lawrence Republican, January 12 (the call by the executive committee), 26 (pro-
ceedings), February 2 (report of the executive committee); Freedom's Champion, Atchison,
February 11, 1860 (the proceedings); Weekly Leavenworth Herald, February 4, 1860
(summary only of the proceedings).
14. The Kansas State Historical Society now owns files for 1859-1860, some incomplete,
of nine of the papers on this list, marked with the asterisk, as well as several not repre-
sented here. Cf. "Kansas Territorial Newspapers Available at the Kansas State Historical
Society," in A List of Kansas Newspapers and Periodicals Received by the Kansas State
Historical Society, July, 1942.
346 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
the intense political excitement of the winter of 1859-1860, high-
lighted for Kansans by the Harpers Ferry raid, and the trial and
execution of John Brown, along with the forebodings about the
presidential campaign of 1860 already taking shape:
Reports of standing committees were called for, but as there was no com-
mittee on the state of the Union, and as the chairmen of all the committees sup-
posed themselves better acquainted with political science than with any of the
obscure sciences, no reports were forthcoming.
The committee on amendments to the constitution reported, and
its suggestions were adopted. The amendments obviously did not
go far enough to suit Lyman Allen, one of the committee members,
because he then moved a committee of three on revision of the con-
stitution to report at the next meeting, but his motion was lost.
Next came another item of controversial business upon which the
minutes reported as follows :
B. W. Woodward, Esq., offered the following resolution: That all editors
who shall contribute the files of their papers to this Society for two years shall
be constituted members of this Society. Discussed and laid on the table.
New members were then elected, but again the secretary was un-
informing as to either names or numbers. Adjournment followed,
until 7 P. M., when the evening session would convene at the Meth-
odist church for the formal addresses. L. D. Bailey delivered his
address as retiring president, "upon the objects and success of the
Society," and Justice S. A. Kingman gave the annual address, "upon
the physical causes and development of civilization." The meeting
then adjourned to convene the following morning, 9 A. M., at
Miller s Hall.
On Friday morning the controversial issues of Thursday's sessions
were fought again. Josiah Miller proposed a change in the method
of electing members — he moved a bylaw that members propose new
members by letter from the applicant. Mayor James Blood pro-
posed a substitute that a committee of five be authorized to receive
applications from new members. Carried. The Rev. Charles Reyn-
olds' motion to elect members by ballot was then carried.
Lyman Allen entered the lists again in the interest of reorganiza-
tion of the society, proposing a committee of five on a new con-
stitution and bylaws. Woodward, who had been a member of the
committee of the previous day, moved to strike out the word "con-
stitution" from the motion. Debate followed and Reynolds moved
that the question be made a special order at 3 P. M., and that the
society proceed to the election of officers. Carried.
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 347
The president elected for 1860 was Thomas Ewing, Jr., of Leaven-
worth. The five vice-presidents were S. A. Kingman of Hiawatha,
F. N. Blake of Junction City, Augustus Wattles of Moneka, J. P.
Root of Wyandotte, and Lyman Allen of Lawrence. The secretaries,
treasurer, and librarian were re-elected. Two members of the exec-
utive committee were retained, McDowell and Miller. These, to-
gether with Bailey, the retiring president, James Blood of Lawrence,
and D. W. Houston of Emporia, completed the panel.
At the evening session, the newly-elected president, Thomas
Ewing, Jr., took the chair. The constitution question was reviewed,
Woodward withdrew his amendment, and then Allen's motion was
adopted. Hutchinson moved that the executive committee be in-
structed to prepare a code of bylaws for immediate use, to be
ratified at the next quarterly meeting. Carried. This was the first
mention of quarterly meetings. Possibly they had been provided
for by the amendments that had been adopted. At any rate, before
the session adjourned, the quarterly meetings were delegated au-
thority to transact all business except election of officers. The
structure of the organization was further changed by adding two
new standing committees, making a total of 14: agriculture and
horticulture, and commerce.
Another election of members was held, and then the fireworks
began. Augustus Wattles took the floor, and this time, for a change,
the secretary summarized the substance of the debate in some de-
tail. The subject was the momentous woman question — the secre-
tary referred to them as "ladies/' Wattles, and in fact the whole
Wattles tribe, who had settled at Moneka in Linn county in 1857,
after two years in Douglas county, were radicals adhering to most
of the fashionable "isms" of the day. They were not only advocates,
but reportedly, practitioners of women's rights, including the wear-
ing of bloomers. Wattles proposed the names of several "ladies"
as members. But permit the secretary to tell the story in his own
way:
Rev. C. Reynolds [minister of the Lawrence Protestant Episcopal church]
hoped that a vote upon those names would not be passed; that the admission
of ladies to such societies was a new thing, and feared it might prove injurious
to the Society. Mr. A. Wattles considered this a matter of brains against
prejudice. Mr. William Hutchinson said those ladies had applied for ad-
mission, and for one he would vote for them. Mr. E. Clark said that it was
universally acknowledged that woman was more eminent in the social and
domestic departments of life than man, and he had yet to find the man who
would be unwilling to place a lovely woman at his fireside. It was the life
dream of every man. Great men universally refer to a mother or a wife as
348 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
the foundation of their greatness. We were willing they should form the minds
of our children — acknowledged their equality, physically, morally, socially and
in every other respect. Why not admit them intellectually to full fellowship
with us? Mr. Kingman said that in this litigation, this contest of brains against
prejudice, he was in favor of brains, and that prejudice must eventually go
down. Mr. Reynolds said that he nevertheless wished to consider this matter,
and moved the names be referred to the Committee on Applications.
The president here decided that all elections that evening were
out of order.
To clear the air G. W. Hutchinson moved, and it was carried, that
all names proposed for membership be referred to the committee on
elections. The president, Ewing of Leaven worth, appointed an all-
Lawrence committee: James Blood, S. C. Smith, R. G. Elliott, Rev.
C. Reynolds, and Rev. William Bishop. Thus whatever the commit-
tee decided on the woman question it was a Lawrence family quar-
rel.
One important, if not prophetic decision on membership, how-
ever, was recorded. During the first afternoon session, Woodward
had proposed that a two-year contribution of papers by a newspaper
publisher constitute him a member. That had been tabled. Now
an unnamed member proposed the following, which was adopted:
Moved and carried, that all editors who shall contribute the files of their
papers to this society shall be constituted members hereof, and that their initia-
tion fees be remitted in consideration of such contribution.
The unpleasant question of membership and dues would not
down, and the all but final action of the meeting was a resolution
instructing the corresponding secretary to notify delinquent mem-
bers of their status. After announcing the membership of the 14
standing committees, the meeting adjourned at 11 P. M.
The report of the executive committee of the Scientific and His-
torical Society was published separately.15 It emphasized that the
subject of first importance in launching a new organization was a
sound beginning, and argued that this task was more difficult than
keeping it in motion afterward. In their first year, they boasted of
unexpected success, but the next item of business did not exactly
bear out that optimism. They regretted the large list of members
who had not paid dues; but they went further in indicating the
source of revenue that they considered essential to success — state
aid:
No society of this character can secure full benefits provided for in this act of
incorporation, while dependent solely upon private aid, or the receipts for
15. Lawrence Republican, February 2, 1860.
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 349
initiation. Other States have usually made appropriations of money in annual
installments, for the benefit of similar societies, by which they are enabled to
erect fire proof buildings. . . .
Also such funds would provide salaries. Only by such aid could the
society's "true development" be achieved.
This report of the executive committee admitted frankly that the
library department was the most prosperous aspect of the society.
Except for one newspaper inadvertently overlooked, every publisher
in the territory had been solicited to contribute his paper regularly,
but "only about half of them have complied with the request."
Other measures taken toward building the library were summar-
ized. As Woodward was visiting Philadelphia, he was authorized
to solicit learned societies for books, as well as to arrange for the
seal of the society "showing the Goddess of Liberty standing on a
mounted cannon, with a book in one hand and leaning upon an
anchor with the other." The Smithsonian Institution of Washington
had contributed, and Parrott, the territorial delegate to congress,
had secured over 100 public documents. The Wisconsin and Penn-
sylvania historical societies had sent volumes, and others had in-
dicated willingness to co-operate. Library policy required some-
thing more, however, than what had been acquired thus far:
A mere miscellaneous library is not so essential to the success of a Kansas
Historical Society as a judicious collection of all works and material facts re-
lating to Kansas — her laws, legislation, aboriginal and modern history, geog-
raphy, statistics of vegetable and mineral productions, growth, progress, in-
ternal improvements and literary institutions. In these departments, but little,
comparatively, has been done. . . .
They looked forward to statehood as holding greater promise,
probably the hope of state support. And then as so often with Kan-
sas pioneers in contemplating the future of Kansas, they elaborated
upon the significance of its geographical setting and the peculiar
problems attending the establishment of habitations in this central
plain of the continent:
Our central location upon the arena of a great continent, with a pleasing
diversity of mountain, plain and river scenery, peopled with an Anglo Saxon
race of the purest blood and highest culture, who appreciate the transcendent
advantages that here surround the physical man, are all characteristics of which
we may well be proud. . . . It is well remembered, in looking back over
the school day period, when the books taught us that this central plain we now
occupy, was a portion of the great American desert. . . . But we are now
dotting all over that page, heretofore blank, with the daily marks of free labor
and the monuments of industrial, intelligent toil, opening its mineral beds, and
erecting towns and cities where natives have heretofore held supreme dominion.
The abundant supply of historic facts so readily furnished, especially in re-
350 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
gard to the rapid innovations of science and art, will contribute perpetual
stimulus to our Society to glean from the passing events matter that would
otherwise be lost to the future historian. It becomes especially gratifying,
therefore, to know that steps have been taken at so early a period in our civil
history, to preserve the incidents of the most interesting period in our country's
history since the Revolution.
This was indeed an excellent conception of history and philosophy
of history, as of the mid-19th century, with which to inspire a
library policy. Possibly, in retrospect, more can be seen in their
vision than they were aware of. There was no incongruity, within
this comprehensive view, in combining the scientific ( or as the men
of 1855 worded it, the philosophical) and history in one society.
Whether or not they were clearly conscious of what they had done
is not evident, but they had come to think of all this as the material
of historical reality within the realm of history, and referred to their
organization in their report simply as a Kansas historical society,
and the library they hoped to build as one for the use of "the future
historian." How different, and how sharp the contrast of views rep-
resented in this report, when set down beside the editorial of T.
D wight Thacher as of 1858! No clue has been found as to who
wrote the report, or was primarily responsible for its philosophy
and substance, except that it appeared over the joint signatures of
the five members of the executive committee that had functioned
during 1859.
However remarkable the activities of this Scientific and Historical
Society may appear in the perspective of nearly a century, the press
of 1860 gave it slight publicity; in fact few newspapers mentioned
it at all. The Freedoms Champion, February 11, 1860, printed the
proceedings, with a tribute to Kingman: "Kansas has no abler or
more eloquent man . . .," and commended the suggestion that
his address was to be published.16 Thacher's Republican, printed
the proceedings and the report of the executive committee and com-
mented on "The Historical Society and the Women/' January 26,
1860. As a professional radical, Thacher, of course, took the side
of the women:
We think it was most appropriately termed [by Wattles] a question of
"brains vs. prejudice." When we reflect that one of the best of the histories of
Kansas is the work of a Kansas woman, Mrs. Gov. Robinson, and that the
women of Kansas have sustained as noble a part as the men, in the deeds that
go to make up that history, we must confess to our wonder that any man should
wish to exclude them. . . .
16. No publication of the text of Kingman's address has been located. The theme was
the progress "of civilization and distribution of wealth as controlled by climate, soil, and
scenery." — Lawrence Republican, January 26, 1860.
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 351
The question of quarterly meetings of the society was of concern
to the president, Thomas Ewing, Jr. As he had seen nothing in the
paper about the first quarterly meeting, he wrote to Secretary
Hutchinson, April 14, reporting that on account of court duties he
might not be able to attend. He had the promise of a contribution
from Frederich Hawn on the geology of Kansas, and promises from
others. Also, he proposed two contributions of his own — "not essays."
But he asked for information, and the historians still ask. Quarterly
meetings there may have been, but no record of them has been
found.
When the time came for the annual meeting in January, 1861,
many things were competing for attention: secession of the Southern
states, attempts to find a compromise that would restore harmony,
the admission of Kansas as a state in the Union, the inauguration
of Lincoln, the meeting of the last territorial legislature and the
convening of the first Kansas state legislature, the organization of
state government, the election of two United States senators, and
drought relief following the disaster of 1860. Hutchinson prepared
a notice dated January 9, 1861, published in the Republican the fol-
lowing day, announcing a postponement of the annual meeting
until February 3. Again, January 24, the Republican carried a no-
tice of another postponement to February 7. Further adjournments
on account of the fact that admission cut short the territorial legis-
lature and focused attention on the coming state legislature finally
resulted in the date, Friday, March 22, preceding the meeting of the
latter March 26, being fixed upon.17
An elaborate program had been prepared for the annual meeting:
addresses by Col. William Gilpin of Independence, Mo., S. O.
Thacher of Lawrence, and the address of the retiring president,
Thomas Ewing, Jr. The repeated postponements changed the
plans. The meeting was convened at Miller Hall on the morning of
March 22, to transact business. No report of the proceedings was
published, nor any information about the new corps of officers
elected. The evening program consisted only of the address by
S. O. Thacher on "The Duty of Government." The press report on
this effort was brief — that the duty of government was to preserve
freedom and prepare citizens for broader liberty; the perfect gov-
ernment was that which ruled least and under which the citizens
were least conscious of being ruled. The only commentary in the
press about the meeting was that: "The attendance was not large,
7. Lawrence Republican, February 14, March 21, 1861; Kansas State Journal, Law-
, March 21, 1861.
17.
rence,
352 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
no doubt owing to the general absorption of the people in the politi-
cal excitement of the times," but the audience that heard Judge
Thacher was of "much more than average quality," and "needless
to say that the address was eloquent.18 President Ewing's absence
was not explained, but a reading of the Leavenworth papers, The
Daily Times, pro-Ewing, and the Daily Conservative, pro-Parrott,
revealed a particularly bitter fight between those two Leavenworth
men for the senatorship. Among the issues was old settler against
newcomer. Parrott had arrived in 1855, and Ewing in 1857. D. W.
Wilder was leading the Parrott forces while J. Kemp Bartlett was
supporting Ewing. Referring to Bartlett, Wilder wrote in the Con-
servative, February 27, 1861: ". . . we don't see how the poor
silly animal that wears the collar inscribed Tm Tom Ewing's dog/
is to get any relief, immediate or remote." The week end on which
the Scientific and Historical Society met must have seen Lawrence
virtually deserted by politicians.
After the capital of Kansas had been removed from Lecompton,
that town had been referred to derisively as "the Lonely Widow on
the Kaw." Lawrence had been virtually the capital beginning with
Free-State control of the legislature in January, 1858. Now that
Kansas was a state, the capital was the village of Topeka and for
some time Lawrence joined Lecompton as the second "Lonely
Widow on the Kaw." Just how small Topeka was, actually and
relatively, is emphasized by the census of 1860: Leavenworth, 7,429;
Atchison, 2,616; Lawrence, 1,645; Topeka, 759. The Conservative,
March 24, had been correct in referring to Topeka as "the political
Mecca of Kansas," toward which the politicians from every part of
Kansas turned their faces. How long, if at all, the Scientific and
Historical Society survived, rooted as exclusively as it was in Law-
rence, cannot be determined. It just was not on the cards for such
a Lawrence institution to receive state support. No subsequent ref-
erence to its activities has been found in the press or in private
papers.
W. I. R. BLACKMAN PAPERS
The account of the Scientific and Historical Society just presented
is the first to bring together so much of the documented record.
Formerly, the most detailed story of the organization was that of
W. W. Admire, of 1889, based largely upon information furnished
by Kingman and Hutchinson.19 According to Admire as derived
18. Ibid., March 28, 1861; Lawrence Kansas State Journal, March 28, 1861.
19. W. W. Admire, "The Kansas State Historical Society and Its Founders," Magazine
of Western History, New York, v. 9 (February, 1889), pp. 407-420.
WILLIAM WALKER
1800-1874
WILLIAM HUTCHINSON
1823-1904
LUCIAN JOHNSON EASTIN
1814-1876
WILLIAM I. R. BLACKMAN
1824-1882
SAMUEL AUSTIN KINGMAN
1818-1904
LAWRENCE DUDLEY BAILEY
1819-1891
s
BRINTON WEBB WOODWARD
1834-1900
GEORGE ADDISON CRAWFORD
1827-1891
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 353
supposedly from Kingman, the society was founded February 1,
1860, Kingman being present quite by accident. He was going to
Lecompton, but losing his way near nightfall, stopped at Lawrence
for the night. Hutchinson, learning of Kingman's presence, asked
him to address a meeting being held that evening to organize a
historical society. Admire attributed to Kingman the statement:
"I am quite certain that Mr. Hutchinson constituted all there was of
the society. . . . I never heard of any other meeting."
A letter of December, 1888, from Hutchinson supposedly supplied
other aspects of Admire's story. When Hutchinson moved from
Lawrence to Washington in 1861 he deposited his historical papers
relating to the society with its library, as well as books and papers.
Admire used a copy of the report of 1860 by the executive commit-
tee, supplied to him by Hutchinson, which he mistook for a report
of 1861. Admire reported also that the library (the books, news-
papers, manuscripts, etc. ) of the society were destroyed on August
21, 1863, by the Quantrill raid.
The printed record of the historical society is conclusive evidence
that Admire's version was in error. The date of February 1, 1860,
for the organization meeting is impossible because the legislature
of 1859 passed a charter act, and the organization meeting under it
was held pursuant to a published call. Kingman addressed the meet-
ing of 1860, but that also was pursuant to an invitation and a pub-
lished announcement. If there was a kernel of truth in the Admire
version, the date must have been early January, 1859. That a meet-
ing was held preliminary to the introduction of the charter bill in
the legislature by Branscomb January 22 is possible. Such an ex-
planation of the Admire version, however, would rob it of its pictur-
esque quality.
The story of the burning of the library of the society in the Quan-
trill affair requires further discussion. W. I. R. Blackman wrote
F. G. Adams, May 23, 1878, that his personal historical collection,
begun in 1856, had been burned at the time of the Quantrill raid.
James F. Legate had testified during the Lecompte-Anthony libel
hearings of 1874-1875 that the records of the United States court
were burned at the same time. In that he was proved mistaken.20
Possibly some error entered also into one or both of the other in-
stances, if perchance they were not one and the same thing. The
Kansas State Historical Society acquired two installments of the
Blackman "Collections" containipg material dated prior to the Quan-
20. James C. Malin, "Judge Lecompte and the 'Sack of Lawrence'," The Kansas His-
torical Quarterly, v. 20, pp. 589, 590.
24—7073
354 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
trill raid: a newspaper collection in 1898, and a manuscript collec-
tion in 1929, a part of which had been the property of the Scientific
and Historical Society.
The first correspondence between F. G. Adams, secretary of the
Kansas State Historical Society, and Blackman began in 1878.21 Be-
sides the statement that his collection had been burned August 21,
1863, Blackman wrote Adams on May 28 that at Blackman's request
Edward Hoogland had sent him a list of the Free-State prisoners
held at Lecompton November 12, 1856. This was shortly prior to
Hoogland's death in 1862. Thus they would have been in Black-
man's possession on August 21, 1863. After several earlier attempts,
in 1898 Adams purchased the newspaper collections from the Black-
man family. Among others, the files secured were the Lawrence
Republican, 1857-1862, and the Lawrence Kansas State Journal,
1861-August 13, 1863.22 Both of these newspaper files represented
the period prior to August 21, 1863, and were not destroyed in the
Quantrill raid.
After several more attempts by Adams, and G. W. Martin, all of
which came to nothing, in 1929, M. W. Blackman voluntarily de-
posited a collection of manuscripts with the Kansas State Historical
Society in the name of his father, who, he remarked, was "a great
man to hoard all sorts of things of this character/' 23 All of these
manuscripts originated prior to August 21, 1863, and were not de-
stroyed in the Quantrill raid. How is the survival of these news-
papers and mansucripts to be accounted for, regardless of whether
in the possession of the historical society or Blackman personally on
August 21, 1863? In the case of the newspapers, the probability is
that they were Blackman's personal file, not that of the historical
society, because each issue had his name as though marked by the
publisher for delivery to him as subscriber. The case of the manu-
scripts is different.
One group of the manuscripts included the proceedings of the
Leavenworth Constitutional Convention of 1858, in the handwriting
of M. F. Conway, a secretary to the convention. The documents
had come to Blackman, supposedly through a family connection.
21. W. I. R. Blackman to F. G. Adams, May 23, 1878, Kansas State Historical Society,
"Incoming Correspondence," v. 3, pp. 188, 203; F. G. Adams to Blackman, May 25, 1878,
K. S. H. S., "Letterpress Book," v. 3, pp. 143, 144.
22. F. G. Adams to Mrs. T. A. [W. I. R.] Blackman, April 30, 1898, K. S. H. S.,
"Letterpress Book," v. 52, p. 112; K. S. H. S., "Accession Record E," May 5, 1898, p. 126.
23. "Correspondence" of Kansas State Historical Society, Blackman to the secretary
of the K. S. H. S., June 18, July 8, 1929.
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 355
His mother, Thomas Anna Amoss, was the stepdaughter of M. F.
Conway's brother, Jefferson B. Conway.24
Another group of papers related to judicial proceedings before
Edward Hoogland, United States commissioner for Kansas territory,
arising out of the John Brown massacre excitement on Pottawatomie
creek in 1856. Hoogland had deposited these with the historical
society at Lawrence, his letter of presentation reading as follows:
Tecumseh, Kansas, January 28th 1861.
To the President and Members of the Kansas Scientific and Historical So-
ciety. Gentlemen: As a member of the Committee on "Events" it would
afford me pleasure to furnish for your Archives a labored composition on some
topic if I supposed, under present circumstances, the reading of the same would
be edifying to you or ultimately of interest to the Historian. But as I suppose
the evening will be occupied advantageously by others, I ask permission to dis-
charge the duties of my appointment by contributing some original papers re-
lating to the Public and General History of the Territory, which may sometime
be considered interesting if not valuable.
This paragraph was followed by an inventory of the papers in
five groups, and at the end appeared Hoogland's signature.
An endorsement was added, apparently in the hand of W. I. R.
Blackman: "Papers of interest read before the Scientific and His-
torical Society of Lawrence, Kansas, and afterward presented to
W. I. R. Blackman by Edward Hoogland." The wording makes
unmistakable that Blackman's was not a contemporary endorsement,
but an afterthought.
The element of contradiction in these two inscriptions suggests
that there was a question about title of ownership. There was no
release of ownership by officers of the society in which Hoogland's
letter had explicitly vested title. Had the society broken up in part,
or wholly, and the property been dispersed to individuals who had
an interest in parts of it? Or had the library been placed in trust to
Blackman pending a possible future revival, or a successor society?
This latter alternative had been the device used by the Kansas State
Agricultural Society of 1857: "The library was placed by the Secre-
tary in the hands of Hon. E. D. Ladd, of Lawrence, and subse-
quently was placed in the Kansas State Library by Hon. Lawrence
D. Bailey." 25 If such had been the case with the library of the his-
torical society, Blackman did not record the arrangement in the
24. M. W. Blackman to G. W. Martin, secretary of the K. S. H. S., July 8, 1908.
— ibid. Biographical sketch of W. I. R. Blackman in Portrait and Biographical Record
of Leavenworth, Douglas and Franklin Counties (Chicago, Chapman Publishing Company,
1899), pp. 790-792.
25. A. T. Andreas-W. G. Cutler, History of the State of Kansas (Chicago, 1883), p. 258.
356 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
above endorsement, nor in his letter to F. G. Adams in 1878 when
referring to these papers. If he was one of the officers of the society
elected in the final unreported meeting of March 22, 1861, and thus
responsible in an official capacity for the property of the society he
did not record that either. As of 1861, when Hoogland was on the
committee on history of events, and presented the papers to the
society, Blackman was a member of two committees, botany and
meteorology.
W. I. R. Blackman was born in Ohio in 1824, and educated in the
Troy, Ohio, schools. He enlisted for the Mexican War and upon his
return entered the furniture business with his father. In 1855 he
settled in Lawrence and opened his own furniture business which
he operated until the Quantrill raid, when most of his stock was
burned. In 1862 he bought railroad land four and one half miles
north of Lawrence. In August, 1863, he was visiting in Ohio, thus
escaping the Quantrill raid. In 1864, at the age of 40, he married.
At some time after 1863, apparently, he established his home on
the farm, where he died March 2, 1883.26 According to his letter
of May 23, 1878, to F. G. Adams, he began his personal collection
of historical documents in 1856.27 The biographical sketch reported
that most, not all, of his furniture stock was burned. Possibly his
historical collections were partly saved, and part of the historical
society's library which came into his personal possession. Whatever
the explanation of their survivals, the newspaper files and manu-
scripts as described in the two acquisitions from the Blackman
family are now in the possession of the Kansas State Historical
Society, in spite of Quantrill and without any physical evidence of
fire damage.
THE LEAVENWORTH MERCANTILE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION,
1859-1873
While Lawrence was undertaking to carry on the Scientific and
Historical Society, nominally on a territory-wide basis, but in reality
on little more than a city basis, in conjunction with its "Literary and
Scientific Club," Leavenworth established its Mercantile Library
Association.
Of course, Leavenworth did not pretend to be establishing a his-
torical library, but the differences between the Historical and Philo-
sophical Society idea and the Mercantile Library Association idea
26. Biographical sketch (1899), op. cit. The date is given erroneously 1882. The
Lawrence Daily Kansas Herald, March 12, 1883; Daily Journal, March 4, 1883. The
Western Home Journal and the Gazette did not record it. Except for the Herald, no obituary
was printed by the Lawrence newspapers.
27. Kansas State Historical Society, "Incoming Correspondence," v. 3, p. 188.
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 357
were not as real as the names and recent traditional assumptions
about such things might suggest. Without any deliberate intention
of doing so, the Leavenworth institution might serve the cause of
Kansas history better than a weak historical society. It is the effec-
tiveness of an institution, not the name it bears that is inportant.
To deal adequately with the history of historical writing about Kan-
sas, with the history of the facilities that could serve the historian,
and with the history of the Kansas State Historical Society would
mean virtually to write a history of intellectual activity in Kansas.
This series of essays makes no pretense of such completeness, but
nevertheless it does constitute a substantial introduction to such an
enterprise. In a territory and state where even so-called history was
at most only current events not yet more than a decade old, that
fact should be apparent in any case. The reasons include other
things as well, because these men were close enough to all aspects
of the problem of living in Kansas for many of them to think of
history as dealing with the past as a whole. And furthermore, spe-
cialization of skills, and its counterpart, fragmentation of culture,
had not yet become an issue.
In territorial Kansas, even before statehood, as soon as intellect
as distinguished from emotionalism had an opportunity to operate,
Leavenworth, the largest concentration of population, with the
greatest volume of business of all kinds, and the greatest newspaper
circulation, took the leadership and held it well through the first
quarter century. Kansas City, in Missouri, was its only rival. With
the population record before the reader, it should be easier to under-
stand the basis for such a conclusion.
CITIES OF KANSAS
1860 1865 1870 1875 1880
Leavenworth . . . 7,429 17,873 15,136 16,546
Atchison 2,616 7,054 10,927 15,105
Lawrence 1,645 8,320 7,268 8,510
Topeka 759 1,310 5,790 7,272 15,452
In territorial Kansas, each legislature, Proslavery and Free-State,
incorporated its quota of institutions of learning, and, except for the
first Free-State legislature, that of 1858, its quota of societies de-
signed to promote other intellectual, literary, professional, and social
interests. The legislature of 1858 chartered nothing in the latter
category.28 The Leavenworth Lyceum of 1857 was a joint-stock
28. The record of the several legislatures for institutions of learning (universities, col-
leges, seminaries, etc.) was 1855, four; 1857, nine; 1858, eleven; 1859, eight; 1860, nine.
Most of these were paper institutions associated with townsite speculations. Three became
realities: Baker University at Baldwin, still in operation under one continuous management,
358 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
enterprise, designed to raise funds for a city library. Among the in-
corporators was Tiffin Sinks, M. D., who was active in later Leaven-
worth literary and scientific interests. The lyceum venture failed
for want of support, but October 14, 1858, the agitation was taken
up by Champion Vaughan, editor of the Times. He argued that
with the approach of winter the time had come to provide a library
as a place where young men could spend their evenings — something
besides "haunting saloons." Vaughan wanted a mercantile library
association:
The young men's mercantile library association has become a National In-
stitution. There is scarcely a town of any magnitude in the country that has
not its branch organization.
We do not want any country Lyceums or school-boy debating clubs which
go off like squibbs and end in smoke, but we do want a regular mercantile
library association, patterned after those in the East. . . .
Vaughan invited letters to the editor. He got at least one re-
sponse: "It is one of the great and urgent necessities ... of
Leavenworth," — young men, away from home and religious ties,
needed facilities that would rescue them from temptation.29
Before proceeding further with the Leavenworth Mercantile Li-
brary Association agitation, the general background of the M. L. A.
movement should be explained briefly in order that the several Kan-
sas library charters bearing that name may be placed in perspec-
tive. For convenience, libraries serving the public may be classed
in four general groups, recognizing that individual examples may
not fit exactly into any category and may embody some of the char-
acteristics of two or more kinds. The subscription library followed
in the main the precedents found in Benjamin Franklin's plan in
Philadelphia in 1731, and served only subscribers. This type of
library was on the decline by 1820, when two other types came upon
the scene, the mechanics' or workmen's and the mercantile libraries.
The mechanics'-apprentices' libraries reflected a humanitarian out-
look in which employers sought to benefit their workers by provid-
ing libraries, reading rooms and lectures. Not only would the work-
ers improve themselves in an educational sense, but the libraries
Blue Mont, Manhattan, and Highland, both of which underwent successful transformations.
The record for the second category was: 1855, two (lyceums at Tecumseh and Wyandotte);
1857, one (lyceum at Leavenworth); 1858, none; 1859, five; 1860, ten. Of the five
societies chartered in 1859, three involved libraries: the Wyandotte Mercantile, the Leaven-
worth Literary Association, and the Scientific and Historical Society, Lawrence. Of the
ten societies of 1860, Lawrence had a "Law Institute" (bar association), and a music
association, Atchison a Turnverein, Paola a mercantile library. At Leavenworth the legis-
lature incorporated the Law Library Association, the Mercantile Library Association, the
City Museum, and the Turnverein. The same legislature chartered two other organizations
whose locations were not designated, both of which involved the establishment of libraries.
Of the charters granted in 1860, nine involved libraries.
29. Leavenworth Daily Times, October 28, December 11, 1858.
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 359
would offer competition to the saloons and other places that bid for
their leisure hours. The movement grew out of the workingmen's
lecture idea of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1760. The first important
American examples of libraries on this principle were established in
1820 and later, in Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and elsewhere.
The mercantile library association movement reflected the in-
terests of young clerks and merchants on-the-make, to provide facili-
ties for self -improvement in their commercial careers. In the United
States this type of library paralleled closely in time the mechanics'-
apprentices' type, but in its pure form was self-financed and con-
trolled, not depending upon the patronage of philanthropy. Both
movements lasted well past the middle of the 19th century when the
public library, supported from .public funds and open to the public,
began to emerge.30
The Leaven worth M. L. A. reflected a little of the last three types
of library movements, but mostly it was of the mercantile character,
and in any event it was an adventure in adult education.
Vaughan did not get a mercantile library the winter of 1858-1859,
but Leavenworth men did secure a charter for the Leavenworth
Literary Association.31 Its objects were to diffuse "useful knowl-
edge among its members," and to "found a library and reading room,
collect a cabinet of minerals and natural curiosities and specimens
in the various departments of sciences, institute a system of literary
and scientific lectures, and such other appliances of education, not
inconsistent with the general design of said association/' The point
should be noted carefully that this statement of objects specified in
the charter, except for the omission of the word history, was very
similar to that of the Scientific and Historical society, with offices at
Lawrence, chartered by the same legislature. Among the incor-
porators of the Leavenworth Literary Association were Henry J.
Adams, brother of F. G. Adams, and J. L. McDowell.
With the approach of another winter, Champion Vaughan re-
turned to the lists battling for a library at Leavenworth. His Weekly
Times editorial, October 29, 1859, urged again that the citizens, "the
young men especially," act. He tried to shame the native born
Americans in Leavenworth into action:
Our German friends, true to those instincts for which their nationality ever
has been distinguished, have taken the initiative in the right direction. Besides
30. This account is based particularly upon S. H. Ditzion, "Mechanics and Mercantile
Libraries," Library Quarterly, Chicago, v. 10 (April, 1940), pp. 192-219. For the history
of several individual libraries, New York, Philadelphia, St. Louis, etc., consult the index,
Library Literature.
31. Private Laws of the Territory of Kansas . . ., 1859, ch. 40. Approved Feb-
ruary 7, 1859.
360 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
the Turnverien and Sangerbund, [which included literary activities and lectures]
. . ., they have also organized an exclusively Literary Association, under the
name of "The Harmonic Library Association."
Vaughan reminded his readers that the earlier library plan had come
to nothing: "Will not our young men move in the matter?" Lectures
could be provided from local talent as had been suggested a year
earlier: "The public library, the debating club and the lyceum desk
are, today, among the most potent educational forces of the nation."
Possibly Vaughan's editorial and the action of friends were re-
sponsible for stimulating the old venture into life. At any rate the
incorporators of the Leavenworth Literary Association met on
Christmas Eve to organize under their charter.32 This was the last
that was heard, however, of this organization. The sequences are
confused, but soon the library movement emerged under a new
name.
Out of a series of preliminary meetings, on January 6, 1860, a
Young Men's Mercantile Library Association was born by the adop-
tion of a constitution and bylaws and the election of officers: Samuel
A. Drake, president; George W. Gardiner, and John A. Halderman,
vice-presidents; Champion Vaughan, corresponding secretary; Lewis
L. Weld, recording secretary; D. R. Anthony, treasurer; William C.
McDowell, Thomas Ewing, Jr., Samuel A. Stinson, A. Carter Wilder,
Edward C. Jacobs, directors. A committee on preliminary business
was appointed (Vaughan, Sinks, and Weld) to report plans to the
directors. The initiation fee was one dollar, and annual dues three
dollars.33 The lectures arranged, with an admission of 25 cents,
were not well attended, and the series was abandoned. Before this
outcome was painfully evident, however, the legislature had granted
a charter to this ambitious group of young men under the title:
Leavenworth Mercantile Library Association. The incorporators
were A. Carter Wilder, John A. Halderman, Champion Vaughan,
William C. McDowell, Lewis L. Weld, E. C. Jacobs, Samuel A.
Drake, Thomas Ewing, Jr., Samuel A. Stinson, David H. Bailey, and
George W. Gardiner. The objects stated were "the improvement of
its members, establishing a permanent library, and such other mat-
ters and things as may be for the benefit of said corporation," and
the property of the association being "for the purpose of mental
culture, shall be free from all taxation whatever." 34
32. Daily Times, December 24, 1859.
33. Ibid., January 4, 9, 10, 1860. Association activity in perfecting plans was reported
further, January 11, 19, 26; February 6, 8, 13, 14, 17, 18, 1860.
34. Private Laws of the Territory of Kansas . . ., 1860, ch. 182. Approved Feb-
ruary 18, 1860.
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 361
In 1861 a new recruit for the M. L. A. movement arrived on the
Leavenworth scene. A publishing house under the title of D. W.
Wilder and Company, composed of six stockholders among whom
were D. R. Anthony and D. W. Wilder established The Daily Con-
servative, edited by Wilder. The first number appeared January 28,
1861, and the issue of February 5, relayed the question asked by a
young man who had paid his three dollars membership dues to the
Mercantile Library Association — where is it? In view of the fact
that Anthony was the treasurer of the library association as well as
a business associate of Editor Wilder, the question would seem to
have been purely rhetorical. On December 10, however, the ques-
tion was repeated, and this time followed up with vigor. He called
out a group of leading men by name:
If such men as Gen. Delahay, Thos. Carney, Capt. Drake, Robert J. Brown,
Henry Deckelman, Judge McDowell, James McCahon, and S. A. Stinson, will
interest themselves in such a movement, it can speedily become a source of
profit and pride to our city.
Also, Wilder had another gimmick that he thought would stimu-
late interest: "We are the more urgent about the matter because our
friend Artemus Ward wants to come to Leavenworth and because
we have ourselves prepared one of the most racy, juicy and gay
lekters ever listened to by American freemen. It can't be delivered
before nobody. There must be an Association." Wilder used his
friend Charles F. Brown, alias Artemus Ward, one of the most noted
of American humorists, for all he was worth: "Unless our people are
absurdly foolish they will form a Mercantile Library Association and
have Artemus Ward here to lecture." 35
According to previous announcement, the Leavenworth Mer-
cantile Library Association was organized December 12, 1861. C. A.
Logan, M. D., was temporary chairman of the meeting, and D. W.
Wilder stated the object of the gathering. The officers elected were
Thomas Carney, president; Samuel A. Drake, vice-president; Lucian
Scott, treasurer and librarian; David J. Brewer, secretary; and
among the board of directors was Dr. C. A. Logan.36 This was in-
deed a distinguished panel of men. Carney operated a large whole-
sale house, and was soon to be elected the second governor of Kan-
sas. Drake was one of the leading members of the association until
its demise in 1873. Lucian Scott was the head of the Leavenworth
Coal Company. Brewer was later to become justice of the United
35. Leavenworth Daily Conservative, December 12, 1861. Three separate paragraphs
appeared in behalf of the organization meeting held that evening.
36. Ibid., December 13, 1861.
362 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
States Supreme Court. Dr. Logan, and his teammate Dr. Tiffin
Sinks, were to be the mainsprings in the Kansas Medical Association.
This action was in the nature of a reorganization under the origi-
nal charter of February, 1860, but as the constitution and bylaws of
that date had been burned new ones were adopted December 14,
1861. Membership was open to "any person" upon approval of the
board of directors and receipt of the fee of four dollars per year,
payable quarterly. Life memberships were available for $50. Gen-
eral management of the association lay with the board of directors:
"No card playing, drinking, smoking, profane swearing, boisterous
conduct, or loud talking, shall be allowed in the rooms of the As-
sociation." Rooms were to be obtained, newspapers and periodicals
ordered, books bought, and a librarian employed. The first life
memberships were subscribed by Carney and Scott, and within the
first week there were 10 others.37 In this manner sufficient money
was raised, together with what Anthony turned over from the
treasury of the previous organization 38 to order and pay for the fol-
lowing dailies: New York Herald, Tribune, Times, and World;
Washington Star and National Intelligencer; Philadelphia Press,
Chicago Tribune, Cincinnati Commercial, Milwaukee Sentinel, Bos-
ton Post, St. Louis Democrat and Republican; Weeklies: Harpers,
London Times, Vanity Fair, Home Journal, Scientific American, Al-
bany Evening Journal, London Illustrated News; Reviews: Atlantic,
Knickerbocker, London Quarterly, Westminster, North British
Blackwoods, Harpers, and the Dublin University Magazine. Bd The
rooms of the library were furnished and opened for use January 4,
1862. Books were solicited from members. Carney contributed a
set of the Encyclopedia Britannica (21 volumes). Leavenworth
claimed a larger list of newspapers and periodicals than the
Rochester, N. Y., library.40
The next step was to plan a series of lectures. The first year of
the American Civil War was closing and the Lane Southern expedi-
tion was highly advertised for 1862. Lane was expected in Leaven-
worth. If any man could draw a crowd willing to pay admission
fees, it was Lane and he did his best on January 27. Wilder was
enthusiastic.41 His heroes at this time were Lane, Anthony, Jenni-
son, and Montgomery. The next on Wilder's list of lecture candi-
37. Ibid., December 17, 22, 24, 25, 1861.
38. Alonzo Callahan, Catalogue of the Leavenworth Mercantile Library, Together With
a History of the Association, Constitution, By-Laws, etc., etc. (Leavenworth, 1869), p. 5.
39. Daily Conservative, December 22, 1861.
40. Ibid., January 4, 5, 11, 17, 1862.
41. Ibid., January 22, 28, 29, 1862.
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 363
dates was Artemus Ward, and for five months he tantalized the
Leavenworth public with the imminence of his visit, announcing
May 4 that Ward was expected that day.42 Apparently Ward never
came.
During the spring of 1862, regardless of the war and of the ab-
sence of Artemus Ward, the M. L. A. seemed to thrive. On Feb-
ruary 9, the Conservative announced that hereafter the library
would be open from 2 to 5 every Sunday afternoon, as well as week
days.
On March 8 a summary of the holdings of the library was pub-
lished, which was said to have 800 volumes, as well as the reference
works and the newspapers, and periodicals already indicated. A
membership of about 150 was claimed and a reading room capacity
of 100. The library hours were 8:30-12 A. M., 2-5:30 P. M., and
6:30-10 evenings, and the Sunday hours previously announced. At
this time an innovation was recorded casually which was anything
but casual. Memberships for women were listed at $2.00, payable
annually or semiannually. No record is available specifying how
this change in the bylaws came about. It should be remembered
that at Lawrence the Scientific and Historical Society had limited
membership to men, and then, under the new president, Thomas
Ewing, Jr., of Leavenworth, the issue had been evaded by reference
to a committee. The Leavenworth M. L. A. had been launched as
a young men's movement, among other things, to provide a sub-
stitute for the saloon. Publicly, at that time, no one seemed con-
cerned about the young women. Apparently the admission of
women paid off, because the history of the organization indicated
that they were active in various entertainments offered to the public
in connection with fund raising drives. In 1869 a list of the 69 life
members included five women, only one of them married.43
In late 1867 the M. L. A. was out of debt, claimed over 4,300
volumes, and over 100 newspaper and periodical subscriptions.44
Information has not been turned up to indicate how many of the
newspapers and periodicals received were bound for preservation.
This was the largest library in the state and one of the few accessible
to J. N. Holloway when he was writing his History of Kansas dur-
ing that year. The Leavenworth M. L. A. did, therefore, make some
direct contribution to the writing of Kansas history. His acknowl-
edgment was to "J- A. Halderman of Leavenworth, through whose
42. Ibid., January 5, April 25, 1862.
43. Callahan, op. cit., "Sketch of the Mercantile Library."
44. Ibid.; Daily Conservative, February 8, 1867.
364 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
influence I obtained access to the Mercantile Library of that city,
and the use of its excellent files of old papers. . . ." Unfortu-
nately the list of such old files has not been found, but two files on
his list, the Leavenworth Herald, and the Kickapoo Kansas Pioneer,
must have been available there as they were not credited else-
where.45
It is important to emphasize the status of the M. L. A. as of 1867,
because on the morning of January 31, 1868, fire destroyed every-
thing. If there is any moral to the story of these Lawrence and
Leavenworth library enterprises, it would seem to be that the more
historical material that is gathered in one place, the bigger the fire.
In other words, if truly fireproof storage cannot be provided, it may
not be wise to collect unique material in one, or even a few, central
repositories.
In reporting the fire, the Conservative, February 1, 1868, stated
that before noon, of the day of the fire, the president of the associa-
tion, F. C. Eames, had rented a room, and had started assembling a
new library. By February 7 the Conservative reported the dona-
tion of over 500 volumes. A year later, in writing the sketch of the
M. L. A. for his Catalogue of the new library, Callahan said:
By nine o'clock the same morning, while the flames were still raging and the
engines playing upon them, President Eames had already rented the present
rooms, and was canvassing the streets with a subscription paper appealing to
the citizens for another Library. ... in less than a week the Library was
in full blast, with one thousand volumes on its shelves.46
In both versions the credit went to President Eames. The li-
brarian of the early period was Henry White, who resigned in Feb-
ruary, 1867. Mrs. Marion O. Wright was White's successor and
remained through 1871, the data being lacking on the last years.
Full information would be desirable on this process of reconstituting
the library, because the Callahan Catalogue of 1869 revealed a most
remarkable success in the selection of books. So sound an acquisi-
tion policy could not have resulted from the mere chance of the
voluntary contributions assembled the week after the fire. The new
library had arisen indeed like a Phoenix from the ashes of the old,
but even a Phoenix requires some intelligent direction, and at this
juncture the M. L. A. had it. With justice, Leavenworth again could
claim the best library and "the largest one for general use in the
State/' Also in 1871, the city government appropriated $1,000 for
the library, and for the first time the reading room was opened to
45. J. N. Holloway, History of Kansas (Lafayette, Ind., 1868), preface and appendix.
46. Callahan, op. cit., p. 13.
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 365
others than the regular members.47 Apparently, this contribution
from the city was not continued.
As the years passed, control changed hands, and in 1873 the
M. L. A. ran into difficulties by employing a so-called "Gift Concert"
scheme as a means of raising money — in plain United States lan-
guage, a lottery promising a pool of $332,555, the highest gift to be
$50,000, tickets $2.00 each, or 60 for $100. The management proved
dishonest, the president of the M. L. A. resigned in protest against
the scheme, and finally it was abandoned, the directors undertaking
to refund the money on tickets sold. That appears to have been the
last of the M. L. A.48 It may be that the breakup of the M. L. A.
in the midst of the panic of 1873, the drought years of the 1870's,
and the consolidation of railroads, is a significant index of a redis-
tribution of power among the towns of eastern Kansas and western
Missouri, but that story lies outside the scope of present considera-
tions.
THE KANSAS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
While unsuccessful efforts were being expended for historical and
philosophical ends, the people of Kansas, who were mostly farmers
or directly dependent upon agriculture, made a solid beginning of
an agricultural society. An interesting, and an important aspect of
this venture was that a number of the same men were involved in
both the agricultural and the historical societies, and the interests
of some of them overlapped still other enterprises. Thus in a very
real sense all of these men and organizations became an integral
part of the story of historical society enterprise. This interrelation
of interests and events is critical to an understanding of the Kansas
State Historical Society and to the writing of the general history of
Kansas.
Again, the first attempt to inaugurate an agricultural society in
Kansas occurred in the "Bogus" legislature of 1855, when a territorial
agricultural society was incorporated.49 Another abortive under-
taking was inaugurated at Topeka, July 16, 1857. On March 5,
47. Callis, Lynch <b- Edge's Leaven-worth City Directory and Business Mirror for the
Years of 1871-72 ( Leavenworth, 1871), pp. 6, 7.
48. Leavenworth Daily Times, January 7, March 30, May 11, 13, 17, 22, July 2, 4,
1873. The M. L. A. lottery advertisement ran in the Times until July 4, the day the
directors announced the refunding operations. Lottery advertisements were a common thing
during these years, the Times carrying its full share of them. Congress finally closed the
mails to them in 1890, and interstate commerce in 1895.
A new charter for the M. L. A. was taken out in 1873, executed January 11, and filed
May 20, 1873, legalizing lottery operations — "Corporation Charters (official copybooks from
office of secretary of state, now in Archives division, Kansas State Historical Society)," v. 5,
pp. 226, 227.
The Leavenworth Public Library Association was chartered September 5, 1896. — Ibid.,
v. 55, p. 84.
49. Statutes of the Territory of Kansas . . ., 1855, ch. 58, pp. 834-836.
366 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
1862, success was achieved. F. P. Baker, then of Nemaha county,
was in the chair as temporary presiding officer, and F. G. Adams was
on the committee appointed to draft the constitution and bylaws.
Adams also drafted the charter bill introduced into the legislature.
Among the permanent officers for the first year, 1862, was F. G.
Adams, as secretary, and F. P. Baker, as a member of the executive
committee. In 1863 L. D. Bailey became president, Adams was con-
tinued as secretary, and F. P. Baker was elected treasurer. The
Kansas Farmer, was authorized to be edited by Adams, the first
issue being dated May 1, 1863. In 1864 Bailey and Adams were re-
elected and R. G. Elliott became treasurer. Bailey served four terms
and then declined another re-election. Elliott became a member of
the executive committee in 1865, and Adams dropped out as secre-
tary.
Two new names, worth noting for present purposes, appeared on
the executive committee of 1866: H. J. Strickler and Alfred Gray,
and before the year was out Strickler became secretary and was con-
tinued in 1867, with Elliott as president. In 1868 the officers were
re-elected, and Josiah Miller appeared on the executive committee.
In 1869 the officers were again re-elected, and Alfred Gray reap-
peared on the executive committee. In the election of officers in
October, 1870, Gray became secretary, a position he held until his
death in 1880. In 1872 the legislature created the State Board of
Agriculture out of the agricultural society, thus making of it a self-
governing quasi-public corporation.
Five conclusions are to be made in connection with the names
selected for emphasis in the preceding account. L. D. Bailey was
the principal driving force during the first years of the Agricultural
Society, unless F. G. Adams deserved that distinction. This is the
same Bailey who had been president of the Scientific and Historical
Society, and his name will appear again in connection with the Kan-
sas Historical Society of 1867. Secondly, in the launching of the
State Agricultural Society, F. P. Baker, and F. G. Adams worked
together as a team for the first time, and in 1875 and 1876 this team
staged virtually a repeat performance in organizing the Kansas State
Historical Society. Thirdly, the emergence of Alfred Gray as secre-
tary of the Agricultural Society prepared another man for a niche in
later historical work. Fourthly, attention should be called to the
recognition given R. G. Elliott and Josiah Miller. They had played
a key role in the critical year of 1855, but historically became "for-
gotten men," victims in part at least of the New England myth and
the feud that raged so fiercely over the merits of Robinson, Lane,
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 367
and John Brown. Lastly, but not least, is the case of H. J. Strickler,
a Proslavery Democrat, who had been a high officer in the territorial
militia before Lawrence in the Wakarusa War. As a representative
of the lost cause, he had no place in the historical societies. Yet, he
was a man of distinguished ability whose only fault was a difference
of opinion with the winning side in the slavery controversy. He was
one of a substantial number of former Proslavery men whose talents
were largely neglected. Fortunately for Kansas, the Agricultural
Society afforded an opportunity for Strickler to serve his state when
most other activities were closed to him on account of prejudice.30
THE KANSAS GEOLOGICAL SURVEY QUESTION
The interest of Kansas pioneers in geology, and something of the
reasons for it, has already been discussed. Looking backward, the
proposal of Stephen A. Douglas, in 1849, to provide federal aid for
the establishment of geological surveys in the Western states affords
background. The territorial historical and philosophical societies of
1855 and 1859 had contemplated geological activities as within their
scope of operations. After admission as a state, if there were a
serious desire for a geological survey, the responsibility lay with the
state legislature. The campaign started almost before the ink was
dry on the bill admitting Kansas to the Union. The establishment
of a geological survey meant a more specialized geological organiza-
tion than was involved in the earliest organizational efforts, and the
separating out of that specialized interest from the general interest
and from the general societies, both historical and agricultural.
Richard Mendenhall, the Quaker missionary to the Indians, who
had come to Kansas in 1846, wrote the Lawrence Republican,
March 11, 1861, in the interest of the geology of Kansas. He wanted
to stimulate private activity but his letter called out another, dated
April 10, from a reader who signed himself "M," and insisted upon a
geological survey conducted by the state government. The writer
was interested not only in soil as an agricultural resource, and coal
and other minerals, but especially in oil deposits such as had been
discovered in western Pennsylvania and in eastern Ohio in 1859 and
later.51
50. Gen. Benjamin F. Stringfellow found an employment of his talents as a promoter
of the city of Atchison, and of its railroad interests.
See James C. Malin, On the Nature of History (Lawrence, the author, 1954), chapter
on "The Nature of the American Civil War: The Verdict of Three Kansas Democrats"; Peter
Beckman, O. S. B., "Atchison's First Railroad," The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 21 (Au-
tumn, 1954), pp. 153-165. Something of Judge Samuel D. Lecompte's story is presented in
Malin, ibid., and in "Judge Lecompte and the 'Sack of Lawrence ," ibid., v. 20 (August,
November, 1953), pp. 465-494, 553-597.
51. Mendenhall's letter was published first in the Lawrence Republican, March 21,
reprinted in the Kansas State Record, Topeka, April 6, 1861. The letter from "M" was
printed in the Republican, April 11, 1861.
KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
For a state just setting up for itself under the handicaps of 1861,
with an empty treasury and no means of filling it except by borrow-
ing without collateral, and no certain prospect of being able to pay,
a geological survey must have appeared to most men as an unneces-
sary luxury. Yet the legislatures of 1864 and 1865 were induced to
appropriate money for a state geologist, and two years of survey
activities. B. F. Mudge and G. C. Swallow respectively headed
these two exploratory surveys. Associated with the Swallow regime
were two men who have already been introduced and reappear here
as old friends: C. A. Logan, M. D., who reported on sanitary rela-
tions of Kansas, and Tiffin Sinks, M. D., who did likewise for the
climatology of Kansas.
THE KANSAS MEDICAL SOCIETY, 1859
The Kansas Medical Society was chartered by the legislature of
1859. The incorporators, 29 in number, were widely distributed
over the territory. In this respect it contrasted sharply with the
Scientific and Historical Society chartered at the same time. The
first meeting, to organize under the charter, was set to convene at
Lawrence. Apparently, this completion of organization did not oc-
cur until February 23, 1860, when a constitution and bylaws, and the
National Code of Ethics were adopted. Another session, proforma
in character, took place in February, 1861, but not until after the
Civil War did the society become effective. At the time of this
reorganization, April, 1866, Dr. C. A. Logan became president. His
presidential address of April 3, 1867, pointed to the principal func-
tion of this professional organization during its early years — to
eliminate quacks of which Kansas had an oversupply, and to reg-
ularize professional ethics. Logan and Tiffin Sinks founded the
Leavenworth Medical Herald, June, 1867. With the April, 1871,
issue, Logan withdrew, leaving Sinks as editor until 1875 when the
journal was terminated.52
THE KANSAS ACADEMY OF SCIENCE
After the Civil War the tendency toward specialization and com-
partmentalization of knowledge became conspicuous. Instead of
reviving the Scientific and Historical Society, the naturalists dis-
cussed among themselves the possibilities of an organization of
52. An incomplete file of the Medical Herald is in possession of the Kansas State His-
torical Society. For a short period, from May, 1871, to June, 1872, inclusive, the scope
was enlarged and the magazine was titled the Leavenworth Medical Herald and Journal
of Pharmacy.
Logan entered the diplomatic service, representing the United States successively in
Chile, Guatemala, and again in Chile, 1873-1883.
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 369
their own. As a result a letter was published in The Kansas Educa-
tional Journal, Emporia, April, 1868, to test out opinion. The re-
sponses were sufficiently favorable to encourage the publication of
a call in July for an organization meeting at Lincoln College (Wash-
burn) on September 1 to organize the Kansas Natural History So-
ciety. Among the names associated with this society were Peter
McVicar, president of Lincoln College, and J. R. Swallow, both of
whom will be met again in another connection.
In 1871 the society was reorganized to include the physical as
well as the biological science: "every line of scientific exploration
and observation," and a new name was adopted: The Kansas
Academy of Science. By an act of the legislature approved March
6, 1873, the Kansas Academy of -Science was declared "a co-ordinate
department of the State Board of Agriculture," to become effective
upon compliance by the academy. Thus the organization, while re-
maining essentially self-governing on the model of the State Board
of Agriculture, became a quasi-public corporation subsidized from
the state treasury.
Although the purpose of the academy was to specialize in science,
it is important for the present purpose to review the program of this
body in order to clarify the scope of its activities as practiced under
that label, as well as the personnel who participated. In 1869 one
lecture was devoted to the mound builders; in 1872 papers were
presented on the Cherokee language, on the sources of the English
language, and on the artist in society. Again in 1874 there was a
paper on the English language. In 1876 a commission on ethnology
was established. In 1876 F. G. Adams, secretary of the Kansas State
Historical Society, presented a paper on "How to Popularize Sci-
ence," in 1877 one on "Kansas Mounds," and in 1878 he was ap-
pointed to the commission on anthropology. During the three years
1877-1879 there was great interest in anthropology, but the interest
in language, during the same period declined. In any case, these
were fields that overlapped other specializations that tended in turn
to set up for themselves.
THE KANSAS HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 1867-1868
Prior to the action of the naturalists in setting up for themselves,
men interested in history had launched a Kansas Historical Society.
The society was organized at Topeka, March 2, and the charter filed
March 4, 1867. The incorporators included George A. Crawford,
Dr. D. W. Stormont, who had been one of the incorporators of the
25—7073
370 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Kansas Medical Society, L. D. Bailey, who had been one of the
leading men in the Kansas Agricultural Society, and Samuel A.
Kingman, who had participated in the Scientific and Historical
Society. The objects of the society were specified as "the collec-
tion, preservation, arrangement and publication of facts pertaining
to the history of Kansas, together with such powers and privileges
as usually belong to similar Societies/' In the second of the bylaws
adopted March 2, was a repetition of a provision from the earlier
society: "Editors and Publishers of newspapers in the State shall be
exempt from the payment of a fee of membership." 53
The officers of the society were S. A. Kingman, president; C. K.
Holliday, vice-president; Dr. D. W. Stormont, treasurer; Andrew
Stark, librarian; Prof. S. D. Bowker, corresponding secretary; and
George A. Crawford, recording secretary.54
Supposedly, the society was to meet May 30, the anniversary of
the signing of the Kansas-Nebraska bill, but no record of such a ses-
sion has been found. The annual meeting was called for February
4, 1868, at Topeka. The program consisted of the address of the
retiring president, the annual address by Charles Robinson, a paper
by George A. Crawford on the candle-box fraud, and one by Hoyt,
of John Brown notoriety. The new officers elected were Kingman,
president; J. R. Swallow, vice-president; George H. Hoyt, recording
secretary; George A. Crawford, corresponding secretary; Dr. Stor-
mont, treasurer, and Prof. Peter McVicar, librarian.55 A canvass of
these lists of names indicates two conclusions: the overlapping in
personnel of this and other organizations reviewed, historical and
scientific; and the fact that this Kansas Historical Society was
virtually a Topeka monopoly. The movement did not strike fire.
For reasons difficult to account for adequately, the time was not yet
ripe for Kansas history. Holloway was gathering the material for
his history during 1867, and was selling the book during 1868. The
chronology of the society and of the book were parallel, but each
appeared to be completely isolated from the other. The state was
apathetic to both.
One aspect of the Kansas Historical Society is important enough,
possibly, to justify the effort, and that is the presidential address of
Kingman on the objects of the society, the full text of which was
53. The constitution and bylaws of March 2, 1867, were printed as a circular, a copy
of which is on file in the library of the Kansas State Historical Society.
54. From a printed form of notice of election to membership, dated March 4 1867 in
the library of the Kansas State Historical Society; Topeka Tribune, March 8, 1867.
55. Kansas State Record, Topeka, January 29, February 5, 1868; Topeka Weekly
Leader, February 6, 1868; Leavenworth Daily Conservative, February 6, 1868; Junction
City Weekly Union, March 7, 1868.
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 371
printed in the Weekly Leader, February 6, 1868. Kingman ( 1818-
1904), was Massachusetts born, and was educated in common
schools and academy until his formal schooling ended at 17. In
1838, at the age of 20, he moved to Kentucky for 18 years where he
became a lawyer and held county office and sat in the legislature.
In 1856 he went to Iowa for one year, and thence to Brown county,
Kansas, in 1857, practicing law in Hiawatha. Elected associate
justice of the supreme court in 1859, he served 1861-1864, and was
elected chief justice in 1866, re-elected in 1872, resigning on ac-
count of ill health in 1877. Whig, Free-State, and then Republican
in politics, he was a man of moderation and tolerance on slavery
and other issues. Kingman not only held a judicial office, he pos-
sessed a judicial mind. This fact is conspicuous in his address :
The leading primary object of the society is to collect from all quarters
every attainable fact connected with the early settlement of Kansas. Not only
those facts that will throw light upon our history, but such as will show those
who come after us the labors and struggles necessarily attendant upon the
settlement of a new country, and the organization of society in the wilderness.
We wish to gather every fact that will illustrate the manner of life, the style
of living, the habits of thought, the motives of action — of every kind and class
of people who sought homes on the great American desert. We desire to ob-
tain the details of every enterprise, whether educational or commercial, moral
or religious, that has served in any way to develop, shape or modify the in-
stitutions of our State or affect its character. We propose to secure a minute
history of every settlement within our bounds, telling the story of its prog-
ress, the causes that have aided therein, and the impediments that have re-
tarded. . . .
How did Kingman come by this concept of history? Would that
the materials were available upon which to reconstruct the biog-
raphy of his mind. With the minimum of formal schooling, King-
man had developed that mind through his own initiative and ex-
perience. Comparisons are invidious. Kingman did indicate one
example to illustrate the direction of his thought, but important as
it was, it explained only in part his theory of history:
Those who have read the brilliant pages of Macawley's history 56 will prob-
ably recall with vivid interest the memorable 3d chapter in which that most
skillful writer has sketched a picture of the material situation, the conditions
of society and the manners and habits of the people of England at the time of
the accession of James the Second. How he sought in every old letter, in every
scrap of gossipping journalism, in every broadside, in every account of a pub-
lic meeting, in the local records and public archives, for every fact and incident,
56. Thomas Babington Macaulay, History of England From the Accession of James II
[1685-1697] (five volumes published, 1849-1861).
This commentary of Kingman's was focused upon chapter three and the question of
materials and method. There is no indication whether or not he realized how partisan
Macaulay's history was — much more so than Kingman's own idea of Kansas history.
372 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
for every expression of thought, or declaration of purpose that would in any
way enable him to exhibit the manners, habits, and condition of that age.
So when this now infant community shall have grown into the great central
State of the continent, we wish to preserve for the use of some future Macauley,
the materials out of which his beautiful fabric may be woven.
Kingman was keenly aware of how presentism tends to distort the
perspective of history and in discussing the problem, cited a poet to
illustrate his ideas about history:
It is never easy — it may never be possible for any contemporary to delineate
truthfully the movements of society in his own age.
We plant the acorn, we know that the growth must be an oak — . . . .
[but what will happen to it is not known] — We must wait for the centuries to
unfold the result. . . . We know but little of the present because it is but
the beginning of what never ends.
Every age,
Through being beheld too close, is ill-discerned
By those who have not lived past it. We'll suppose
Mount Athos carved, as Alexander schemed,
To some colossal statue of a man.
The peasants, gathering brushwood in his ear,
Had guessed as little as the browsing goats
Of form or feature of humanity
Up there, — in fact, had travelled five miles off
Or ere the giant image broke on them,
Full human profile, nose and chin distinct,
Mouth, muttering rhythms of silence up the sky
And fed at evening with the blood of suns;
Grand torso, — hand, that flung perpetually
The largesse of a silver river down
To all the country pastures. *T is even thus
With times we live in, — evermore too great
To be apprehended near.57
The concept of history and of the materials essential to the writing
of the history of Kansas as Kingman was outlining them did not
come necessarily from Macaulay and Mrs. Browning. His ideas
went much beyond anything contained in these citations. In fact
the use of them does not mean that he was influenced by them in a
cause-and-effect sense. His ideas may have been formed independ-
57. From Elizabeth Barrett Browning, "Aurora Leigh," Poetical Works (five volumes,
New York: Dodd, Mead and Company, 1885), v. 5, pp. 180, 181.
Why did not Kingman continue and apply to the historian the following? —
"But poets should
Exert a double vision; should have eyes
To see near things as comprehensively
As if afar they took their point of sight,
And distant things as intimately deep
As if they touched them. Let us strive for this."
The text of the extract given here is from the collected poems rather than the one
Kingman read, which was imperfectly printed in the Leader. A first edition of Mrs.
Browning's poem is not conveniently available from which to make corrections of that
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 373
ently, in which case his selection of these particular illustrations
would be in consequence of conclusions already formed and would
serve only as convenient illustrations familiar to his hearers, and
chosen for that reason to facilitate presentation to his audience.
Whether or not the synthesis had been original with him, the pro-
gram recognized Kansas as a special case — it had features similar
to other transfers of cultures to a wilderness, but it was different.
He specified two elements of geographical setting that in them-
selves rendered it unique: the location at the center of the continent,
and the modifications of Eastern culture as they must necessarily be
adapted to the so-called "great American desert." He was thinking
of history as a reconstruction of the past as a whole, and came very
near to calling for the collection of materials of the whole past.
There was no defeatism in Kingman's use of this poetic illustra-
tion: "But if we may not grasp the present in all its broad sig-
nificance, we may still exercise the humbler power we do possess,
in gathering up the facts that transpire around us. . . ." Never-
theless, Kingman did share with many of his contemporaries some
positive presentist convictions and he was candidly aware of their
subjective nature:
There are certain periods which always draw to themselves a strong and
enduring interest. There are eras in history so marked and so peculiar — hav-
ing such powerful significance and seeming to exercise upon the course of
events that follow them — so strong an influence that we involuntarily pause
and look back with earnest attention upon them. We gather up every frag-
ment connected with [them], treasure them in our minds, reflect and ponder
upon them, and as the passing years throw over them the softening tints of
time, leaving something for the imagination to act upon, we array them in all
their brightest colors, and, with becoming grandeur, and our hearts kindle at
the contemplation; we exult at success; we mourn at misfortune, and live over
again in spirit as if in very fact the deeds in which we feel so deep an interest.
We feel that the events are connected with us, that they form part of our
greatness by being so connected with our race and the fate of the world.
The settlement of the territory of Kansas, it is believed, is one of those
epochs.
There are great mountain ridges in the history of the world which catch the
eye early and far off and hold it long. We think we have just passed one of
those great mountain ridges — . . . . Whatever may be the fortunes of the
future, the past, with all its glorious memories; the stern lessons that it taught;
the exalted devotion that it evoked, is safe.
The history of Kansas is intimately and indissolubly blended and connected
with that great struggle [ — the American Civil War]. Whether we consider it
[the history of Kansas] as a minature of that great contest, or as the acorn that
produced so large a tree, or but the great rumbling mutterings that precede the
earthquake, it was so intertwined and connected with it that no history of the
one can be written that does not hold within its grasp the other.
374 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Therefore the history of Kansas is not simply the story of the settlement of
a new state — the planting of the institutions and organizations of civilized
society in the wilderness — with somewhat more than ordinary turmoil and
conflict — of struggle and triumph. It is a necessary link with the great chain
of mighty events.
Whatever Kingman's personal commitments might be upon Kan-
sas and the Civil War, and even John Brown, he was first of all
possessed of a judicial mind, and that quality of intellectual ob-
jectivity asserted itself:
This is no partisan society, its leading object is the truth, the WHOLE TRUTH.
If those who were successful in the struggle committed errors, or were
guilty of wrongs, let it so appear; they were human — and if the merits they
showed will not bear the weight of such errors as they committed, let them
bear the odium — nothing will be changed by falsehood. If Old John Brown
were alive to-night, he would scorn the man who sought to enhance his good
name by the concealment of one iota of truth, or the utterance of the slightest
falsehood. . . .
And here let me in the name of the society, invite contributions from those
who belonged to the losing side in the contest for supremacy in our infant
state. The most that has been written, has been in the interest of the winning
side. You ought not to let judgment go by default. History records her
verdicts on men and measures, and before her arbitrament becomes final, you
ought to be heard.
This society invites your contributions either in the way of facts or criticism.
It will safely preserve what you may present, and in the future will deal justly
with it as with all others. . . . Our purposes are different [from other
organizations] . . . — we want the truth, and all the truth, not to subserve
partisan ends or personal advancement. . . . This is a free country, and
this is a free institution, where each may testify as to facts, and we hope to find
in the multitude of witnesses the TRUTH.
We aim to procure and safely keep the history of every village, town, city
and county, every church, school and college, every bank, manufactory and
railroad, and bring them here to one common centre, when they can be ar-
ranged and preserved for future use. This work must be done now. ... If
we want to preserve the present to our minds we must photograph it as it
passes. [The society's] mission will be finished only when all history is ended.
In taking leave of Kingman, it is necessary to come down out of
the stratosphere of historical idealism into which he had ascended
and return to the rugged realities of Kansas as of 1868. The Kansas
Agricultural Society was to meet the following day under the
presidency of R. G. Elliott, one of the forgotten Free-State men as
Kansas history was then being written. And at the head of the page
upon which Kingman's address was printed appeared an editorial
welcoming T. Dwight Thacher back to the editorship of the Daily
Republican: "Of course the Republican will be radical/' and quot-
ing from Thacher's salutatory: "We have no new confession of faith
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 375
to make. The principles which we avowed more than ten years
ago, when the first number of this paper was issued, are still
cherished by us with an intensity of conviction to which time and
experience have only added renewed and increasing strength."
Thacher's views on history and on a historical society have already
been reviewed — as instruments to be used in molding society: "The
oppression and tyranny exercised on our people is to be treasured
up for the scorn of coming ages."
CONCLUSION
The serious student of Kansas history is entitled to some analysis
of why the inadequacies in the written history of Kansas exist.
Partly, the reasons lie in thefc larger setting of so-called Western
culture, and what happened to it during the 19th and 20th cen-
turies. Partly, peculiar local circumstances, material, and personal,
made of the Kansas situation a special case. To some readers this
study may appear to be overly complicated, to others oversimplified.
If this description of the split between theory and practice, and be-
tween science and history is not adequate, the reason is that to make
it so would involve a larger setting than these essays on Kansas
historiography permit.
The historian and the scientist may utilize much of the same
material. The scientist uses it by classification with respect to like-
ness and difference in order to derive a law of the behavior of mat-
ter or the basis for a functional application. The scientist does not
always use his material to establish laws. When he operates as an
ecologist, studying organisms living together, he finds that unique-
ness is the peculiar characteristic of every ecological situation, both
in space and time. So far as he may have occasion to undertake to
establish ecological laws, they must apply only as approximations,
even when dealing with plants and animals as material. They can-
not apply to man as history.
The historian may use science and much of the same material as
the scientist, but not to establish laws. Each historical situation in
space and time is different. His use of these materials is to enable
him to describe more adequately the unique setting of history, to aid
him in broadening the base upon which to reconstruct unique his-
torical reality. So far as man is involved, he does not follow laws
in his behavior, because, within limits, he possesses the power of
choice. If for no other reason, his action is unique, because he
possesses this power of choice. If that property is denied man,
376 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
either in the aggregate, or in the individual human person, he loses
his freedom, becoming merely a cog in a universal machine.
About the time of the settlement of Kansas and of the American
Civil War, Western culture was entering upon an era of specializa-
tion. The subdivision of knowledge and the setting up of compart-
ments was done to promote a specialization that seemed necessary
to make human intelligence effective in dealing with its problems.
The separation of history and science, and the splitting up of science
into many sciences, mark one of the many differences between the
late 19th century, and the world of Benjamin Franklin and the
American Philosophical Society. The early history of Kansas lies
in this transition period. But, without losing sight of the advantages
and even the necessity of specialization, the admission must be made
candidly, that it was done at a price — a loss of perspective and a loss
of an adequate comprehension of interrelationships that were es-
sential to a unity of Western culture — and possibly to its vitality
short of some new synthesis of a new order of magnitude.
In the early days of Kansas, regardless of Free-State and Pro-
slavery differences, the historical and philosophical society idea of
1855 and of 1859 represent essentially the same cultural tradition.
Too much stress has been given to the single factor of slavery as a
criterion of difference, because even in the slave states probably
about 80 per cent of the white population had no direct participation
in slavery. Both north and south of the dividing line between free
states and slave holding as an institution there was a substantial
unity among white people on the race question — white supremacy,
even Anglo-Saxon domination. In the story of historical and philo-
sophical societies just told, the executive committee report of 1860
to the Scientific and Historical Society at Lawrence made that idea
explicit. The promoters of these organizations were looking at the
body of knowledge more as a whole than later, when specilization
and its counterpart, fragmentation of knowledge and of the cultural
pattern, became increasingly conspicuous.
The best introduction to what was happening to Western culture,
with emphasis upon the United States at the federal level, is that
of Roy F. Nichols, in his book The Disruption of American De-
mocracy (New York, 1948), pp. 20-40. In that connection he
emphasized "cultural federalism" rather than a federation of states
as being characteristic of American society of the 1850's. People
belonged to groups in society, often without any relation to any
recognized political boundary lines. These cultural groups made
commitments to different, even conflicting attitudes, and as people
WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES 377
joined two or more groups they found themselves united within
particular groups but sometimes in conflict with relatives, friends,
and neighbors connected with another group or groups. As the new
communications system widened geographical horizons, both the
unifying and the divisive ramifications of these permeating phe-
nomena were reconstructing the nature of society. The artificial
geographical boundaries established for political purposes — towns,
counties, states — no longer served the purposes for which they were
created. Public opinion was molded more and more through the
instrumentalities of these cultural groups. Yet for political pur-
poses, the old machinery was used and was expected to function
effectively in a cultural situation for which it was not adapted.
As applied to the problem in hand, in the early days in Kansas
the men named in this study could have been, and often were, mem-
bers of one or at most, a few organizations that covered their range
of interests. By the late 1860's, and more conspicuously later, if a
man was to follow intellectual interests, he must be a member of
several specialized organizations — so many and so exacting in spe-
cialization that most men dropped out. The demands made by so
many specializations were too great for a single individual to follow
all.
Still another aspect of the internal reconstruction of society may
aid in understanding the changing role of the several towns of Kan-
sas. Leavenworth's pre-eminence as a population center, and there-
fore its bid for leadership in early Kansas, not only in business, but
in the intellectual field as well, was founded upon its river position
and the fact that the communications system of that time was still
dependent upon water navigation. The orientation was toward the
mouth of the Mississippi river and New Orleans. The change from
water navigation to steam railroad and electric telegraph communi-
cations reoriented the interior of the continent upon the Atlantic
coast cities of New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. They are
enumerated in that order, because already, when Kansas was or-
ganized, New York's rail system was on the way to giving it the
leadership over Philadelphia and Boston. In the publishing field,
the historic Philadelphia book house of the Carey family dynasty
was no longer pre-eminent. New York was also taking over the
publishing business of Boston. These facts are more important to
the intellectual history of Kansas than those associated with the
slavery controversy per se.
The new communications system was not only redistributing
power among Atlantic coast cities, it was contributing similarly to
378 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
redistribution of power among Kansas and neighboring towns.
Leavenworth, Atchison, and St. Joseph on the upper Missouri river,
and Lawrence in the interior, all bidders for leadership, were elimi-
nated from any hope of first rank positions. The fact that Topeka
won the prize of being the state capital worked to its advantage,
but, except in a restricted sense of local politics, it did not possess
the resources requisite to make it the Metropolis of Kansas or of the
region between St. Louis and the Rocky Mountain continental divide.
Greater Kansas City, mostly on the Missouri side of the state line,
won that prize. All these factors have a bearing upon the intel-
lectual history of Kansas, working against a decisive Metropolitan
concentration of energy within the state that could find expression
during a railroad age in either a state-wide or a regional unity,
whether in a restricted intellectual sense, or in the more compre-
hensive cultural context.
Recent Additions to the Library
Compiled by HELEN M. MCFARLAND, Librarian
IN ORDER that members of the Kansas State Historical Society
and others interested in historical study may know the class of
books we are receiving, a list is printed annually of the books acces-
sioned in our specialized fields.
These books come to us from three sources, purchase, gift and
exchange, and fall into the following classes: Books by Kansans
and about Kansas; books on the West, including explorations, over-
land journeys and personal narratives; genealogy and local history;
and books on the Indians of North America, United States history,
biography and allied subjects which are classified as general. The
out-of-state city directories received by the Historical Society are
not included in this compilation.
We also receive regularly the publications of many historical so-
cieties by exchange, and subscribe to other historical and genea-
logical publications which are needed in reference work.
The following is a partial list of books which were added to the
library from October 1, 1953, to September 30, 1954. Federal and
state official publications and some books of a general nature are
not included. The total number of books accessioned appears in
the report of the secretary in the Winter, 1954, issue of the Quarterly.
KANSAS
ALLEN, O., Aliens Guide Book and Map to the Gold Fields of Kansas 6- Ne-
braska and Great Salt Lake City. Washington, R. A. Waters, 1859. 68p.
(Mumey Reprint, 1953.)
ANGERMUELLER, MINA (WAMPLER), Flames of Life. New York, Exposition
Press [c!952]. 144p.
August 16-17-18-19, 1954, 100th Anniversary of Marysville, Kansas, a Century
of Progress. N. p., 1954. [85]p.
BAILEY, JEAN, Rod's Dog. New York, Abingdon Press [c!954]. 192p.
BIEHLER, J. E., One Hundred Years in Rock Creek Valley, a History of the St.
Joseph Parish at Flush, Kansas . . . [Topeka, Central Press, 1954.]
149p.
BOSTWICK, A. C., Groping; Selections From the Events in the Life of a Boy as
Seen Through the Eyes of That Same Boy When Past Middle Age . . .
New York, Vantage Press, Inc. [c!953]. 175p.
BREIHAN, CARL W., The Complete and Authentic Life of Jesse James . . .
New York, Frederick Fell, Inc. [c!953]. 287p.
BURTIS, WINNIFRED JANE (BROWN), Growing Up With Kansas. N. p., c!953.
Mimeographed. 156p.
(379)
380 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
BUTLER, THOMAS AMBROSE, The State of Kansas and Irish Immigration. Dublin,
McGlashan and Gill, 1871. 37p.
CALLENDER, HAROLD, Fun Tomorrow, the Story of an Artist and a Way of Life.
New York, Privately Printed, 1953. 164p.
CARSON, L. B., Introduction to Our Bird Friends. [Topeka, Capper Publica-
tions, Inc., c!954.] 25p.
CAWTHRA, LILLIAN, Lure of the West. New York, Vantage Press, Inc. [1954].
238p.
CONFERENCE ON MENNONITE EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL PROBLEMS, Pro-
ceedings of the Ninth Conference, Held at Hesston College, Hesston, Kansas,
June 18-19, 1953. [North Newton, The Mennonite Press, 1953.] 127p.
CORRELL, CHARLES M., A Century of Congregationalism in Kansas, 1854-1954.
[Wichita, The McCormick-Armstrong Company, c!953.] 207p.
CRIMMINS, HAROLD JOHN, A History of the Kansas Central Railway, 1871-1935.
Emporia, Kansas State Teachers College, 1954. 34p. (The Emporia State
Research Studies, Vol. 2, No. 4. )
Cross Reference Directory, Topeka, July, 1954. Independence, Kan., City Pub-
lishing Company, 1954. Unpaged.
CRUMBINE, SAMUEL JAY, A Few Highlights in the History of Sanitation. (Re-
printed from Modern Sanitation, April, 1954. ) lOp.
DALLAS, DAVID, Comanche Lives Again. [Manhattan, The Centennial Publish-
ing Company, c!954.] 16p.
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, EUNICE STERLING CHAPTER, WICH-
ITA, Index Revolutionary Ancestors of Members, Eunice Sterling Chapter,
D. A. R., From Time of Organization, October 21, 1896. N. p., 1954.
Typed. 26p.
DIEKER, LEO E., A Brief Historical Sketch, Hollenberg Ranch, Pony Express
Station, Hanover, Kansas. [Hanover, Hanover News, 1954.] [7]p.
DUNCAN, KUNIGUNDE, The Tether, Una Grey's Story. Boston, L. C. Page and
Company [c!953]. 394p.
DYKSTRA, R. R., Veterinary Medicine in Kansas. N. p., 1952. llOp.
EITZEN, D. C., History of the Ebenfeld Mennonite Brethren Church, 1951.
No impr. [8]p.
EMERY, CURTIS RAY, Modern Volleyball. New York, The Macmillan Company,
1953. 144p.
FARROW, TIERA, Lawyer in Petticoats. New York, Vantage Press, Inc. [c!953].
214p.
FISHER, DOROTHY CANFIELD, Vermont Tradition, the Biography of an Outlook
on Life. Boston, Little, Brown and Company [c!953]. 488p.
FREEMAN, EDWARD A., The Epoch of Negro Baptists and the Foreign Mission
Board. Kansas City, Kan., The Central Seminary Press, 1953. 301p.
CARD, WAYNE, The Chisholm Trail. Norman, University of Oklahoma Press
[1954]. 296p.
GATES, PAUL WALLACE, Fifty Million Acres: Conflicts Over Kansas Land
Policy, 1854-1890. Ithaca, Cornell University Press [c!954]. 31 Ip.
GENTLEMAN, AVA B., The Waconda Story, the First History of Waconda
Spring. [Beloit, The Beloit Daily Call, c!954.] 30p.
GRAHAM, WILLIAM ALEXANDER, The Custer Myth, a Source Book of Custer-
tana. Harrisburg, Pa., The Stackpole Company [c!953]. 413p.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 381
GREENE, LAURENCE, The Raid, a Biography of Harpers Ferry. New York,
Henry Holt and Company [c!953]. 246p.
HAYS, AGNES D., The White Ribbon in the Sunflower State, a Biography of
Courageous Conviction, 1878-1953. [Topeka, The Woman's Christian Tem-
perance Union, 1953.] 124p.
HENNESSEY, LOLA, Tecumseh, Kansas, 1854-1954, Centennial. No impr.
Mimeographed. 19p.
HIBBARD, CLAUDE W., A New Pliocene Vertebrate Fauna From Oklahoma. No
impr. [20]p. (Papers of the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Let-
ters, Vol. 39, 1954, pp. 339-359.)
HILL, EVERETT WENTWORTH, Light Across the Valley . . . Litchfield, 111.,
The Sunshine Press [c!951]. 92p.
History of First Presbyterian Church, WaKeeney, Kansas, Diamond Jubilee,
1878-1953. No impr. 80p.
HUGGINS, ALICE MARGARET, Day of the False Dragon. Philadelphia, The West-
minster Press [1953]. 160p.
HYDER, CLYDE KENNETH, Snow of Kansas, the Life of Francis Huntington
Snow With Extracts From His Journals and Letters. Lawrence, University
of Kansas Press, 1953. 296p.
JACKSON, DELMAR, The Cut of the Ax. New York, Harcourt, Brace and Com-
pany [c!953]. 315p.
JOHNSON, LUTHER R., Enduring Dreams. Emory University, Ga., Banner Press
[c!953]. lOlp.
, The Gates of Havilah. Emory University, Ga., Banner Press [c!951].
97p.
JONES, PAUL, Blue Feather, a Story of Prehistoric Indian Life Based on a
Navajo Legend. Lyons, Prairie Publishers [c!953]. 169p.
KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED DEALERS ASSOCIATION, Kansas Official Directory,
1954 . . . Hutchinson, Association, 1954. 268p.
Kansas Territorial Centennial, Emporia, Kansas, May 28, 1954. N. p. [1954].
20p.
KNOUSE, CHARLES A., comp. and ed., A Town Between Two Rivers, Osawa-
tomie, Kansas, 1854-1954. Osawatomie, Osage Valley Centennial, Inc.,
1954. 96p.
LEAVENWORTH HISTORICAL -PROGRAM COMMITTEE, Leavenworth Centennial,
1854-1954, June 6-12. N. p. [1954]. 55p.
LEIBMAN, JERRY P., Press Freedom and Libel as Defined by Kansas Case Law.
Emporia, Kansas State Teachers College, 1954. 24p. ( The Emporia State
Research Studies, Vol. 2, No. 3. )
MALIN, JAMES CLAUDE, Man, the State of Nature, and Climax: as Illustrated
by Some Problems of the North American Grassland. ( Reprinted from The
Scientific Monthly, Vol. 74, No. 1, January, 1952.) 8p.
, The Nebraska Question: a Ten-Year Record, 1844-1854. (Reprinted
from Nebraska History, Vol. 35, No. 1, March, 1954.) 15p.
, The Nebraska Question, 1852-1854. [Ann Arbor, Edwards Brothers,
Inc., c!953.] 455p.
, Soil, Animal, and Plant Relations of the Grassland, Historically Re-
considered. (Reprinted from The Scientific Monthly, Vol. 71, No. 4, April,
1953.) [13]p.
, Thomas Jefferson Sutherland, Nebraska Boomer, 1851-1852. (Re-
printed from Nebraska History, Vol. 34, No. 3, September, 1953.) [33]p.
3S2 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
MARSHALL, EFFIE LAWRENCE, Sunflower Gold, a Novel of Western Kansas.
New York, Exposition Press [c!953]. 278p.
MEHDEVI, ANNE (SINCLAIR), Persian Adventure. New York, Alfred A. Knopf,
1953. 272p.
MOORE, LOUISE, and others, Downs, Kansas, 75th Annual Celebration. [Cawker
City, Ledger, 1954.] 24p.
MORRISON, HELEN (ROSEN), ed., Topeka' s 100 Years of Inspired Leadership.
[Topeka] n. p. [1954.] [29]p.
NATHAN, LEONARD, A Wind Like a Bugle. New York, The Macmillan Com-
pany, 1954. 282p.
NICHOLS, ALICE, Bleeding Kansas. New York, Oxford University Press, 1954.
307p.
OGDEN CENTENNIAL, INC., Ogden Centennial, 1854-1954. No impr. 40p.
Our Golden Heritage; Fifty Years of P. E. O. in Kansas, 1903-1953. N. p.
[1953]. 294p.
Folk's Topeka (Shawnee County, Kansas) City Directory, 1954, Including
Shawnee County Taxpayers . . . Kansas City, Mo., R. L. Polk and
Company, c!954. [1197]p.
PORTER, WILLIAM EARL, The Lawbringers. New York, Appleton-Century-
Crofts, Inc. [c!954]. 209p.
POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY, HISTORICAL RESEARCH COMMITTEE, Early History
of Pottawatomie County, Centennial Edition, 1854-1954. N. p., 1954. 40p.
POTTER, DON, comp. and ed., 1854-1954, Lawrence, 100 Years of History Sig-
nificant to Kansas. [Lawrence, Lawrence Centennial Corporation, 1954.]
60p.
REDPATH, JAMES, and RICHARD J. HINTON, Hand-Book to Kansas Territory and
the Rocky Mountain Gold Region . . . New York, J. H. Colton, 1859.
177p. (Mumey Reprint, 1954.)
REED, JOHN THOMAS, Kansas City Kit, a Study of Thought and Adventure. New
York, Exposition Press [c!953]. 122p.
REES, GILBERT, Respectable Women. New York, Random House [c!954].
342p.
ROBERTS, G. HAROLD, A History of the Disciples of Christ and First Christian
Church in Atchison, Kansas, 1869-1954. [Atchison, Krusemark Printing
Company, 1954.] 24p.
ROBINSON, LIZZIE KUNKEL, The Story of My Life, Nearly a Century of Personal
History. Written in 1945-1949 at Lawrence, Kansas. No impr. 32p.
ROE, CATHERINE, and BELL ROE, comps., Atchison Centennial, June 20-26,
1854-1954. A Historic Album of Atchison, Kansas. [Atchison, The Lock-
wood Company, Inc., 1954.] 64p.
RUNYON, DAMON, JR., Father's Footsteps. New York, Random House [c!953].
181p.
SANDOZ, MARI, The Buffalo Hunters, the Story of the Hide Men. New
York, Hastings House [c!954]. 372p.
See Kansas, 24 Naturechrome Scenic and Historic Views With Stories, We
Hope You'll Always Remember Kansas. [Wichita, Civic Advertising Coun-
selors, Inc., c!953.] Unpaged.
SNYDER, RALPH, We Kansas Farmers; Development of Farm Organizations and
Cooperative Associations in Kansas as Gleaned From a Lifetime of Ex-
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 383
perience and Contact With Them. [Topeka] F. M. Steves and Sons [1953].
155p.
STAUFFER, OSCAR S., Story of First Christmas . . . Following in Steps of
Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. N. p. [1953]. Unpaged.
STREETER, FLOYD BENJAMIN, and HELEN DANNEFER FRANCIS, The Phantom
Steer. New York, Ariel Books [c!953]. 154p.
TAFT, ROBERT, Early Science in Kansas, the Kansas Gold Region. (Reprinted
from Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science, Vol. 57, No. 2, June,
1954.)
TAIT, JOHN W., Fighting Wagons to Santa Fe! A Tale of Adventure and
Romance on the Old Trail to the Southwest. New York, Vantage Press,
Inc. [c!954], 268p.
TAYLOR, JOSEPH ARTHUR, A Study of the Methods of Local Newspaper Cover-
age and Production Employed by Twelve Daily Newspapers During the
Great Eastern Kansas Flood of July, 1951. [A Thesis] Submitted to the
William Allen White School of Journalism and Public Information and the
Faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Kansas in Partial Ful-
fillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts. N. p., 1952.
Typed. 152p.
Trrus, RALPH, Ralph Titus Writes Life Story at Request of His Children. No
impr. 42p.
TOPEKA BOARD OF EDUCATION, Expanding: the Decade of the "Fifties" Will
Be Known as a Period of Expansion Without Precedent in the History of
the Public Schools of Topeka. N. p. [1953]. Unpaged.
TRACY, LESTER L., JR., Life and Educational Contributions of Joseph D. Elliff.
[Columbia, Mo., University of Missouri, 1953.] 144p.
U. S. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, Kansas and Nebraska, Centennial of the Territories,
1854-1954; an Exhibition in the Library of Congress, Washington D. C.,
February S, 1954 to April 26, 1954. Washington, n. p., 1954. 71p.
WAKEMAN, FREDERIC, Mandrake Root. New York, The Dial Press, 1953. 245p.
WARD, MAY WILLIAMS, Wheatlands, Poems 6- Block-Prints. [Wellington] n. p.
[c!954]. 64p.
WEDEL, PETER J., The Story of Bethel College. North Newton, Bethel College,
1954. 632p.
WEDEL, WALDO R., Some Aspects of Human Ecology in the Central Plains.
(Reprinted from American Anthropologist, Vol. 55, No. 4, October, 1953.)
WELLMAN, PAUL ISELIN, The Female, a Novel of Another Time. Garden City,
N. Y., Doubleday and Company, Inc., 1953. 492p.
WHITTEMORE, MARGARET, Historic Kansas, a Centenary Sketchbook. Law-
rence, University of Kansas Press, 1954. 223p.
WILCOX, DON, David's Ranch. New York, Julian Messner, Inc. [c!954]. 62p.
WOLFE, CARMIE, Centennial Celebration Kansas Congregational Churches; the
Days of Our Years, a Pageant in Four Parts, Lawrence Plymouth Church,
May 4, 1954. No impr. 15p.
WOLFE, EDGAR, Widow Man. Boston, Little, Brown and Company [c!953].
178p.
384 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
THE WEST
CHASE, CHARLES MONROE, The Editors Run in New Mexico and Colorado
. . . [Montpelier, Vt., Argus and Patriot Steam Book and Job Printing
House, 1882.] 233p.
CLINKINBEARD, PHILURA ( VANDERBURGH ) , Across the Plains in '64, by Prairie
Schooner to Oregon . . . New York, Exposition Press [c!953]. 97p.
DAHLQUIST, LAURA, "Meet Jim Bridger," a Brief History of Bridger and His
Trading House on Black's Fork. N. p. [c!948]. 38p.
HAFEN, LE ROY REUBEN, and ANN (WOODBURY) HAFEN, Old Spanish Trail:
Santa Fe to Los Angeles . . . Glendale, Cal., The Arthur H. Clark
Company, 1954. 377p. ( The Far West and the Rockies Historical Series,
1820-1875, Vol. 1.)
HALEY, J. EVETTS, The KIT Ranch of Texas and the Early Days of the Llano
Estacado. Norman, University of Oklahoma Press [c!953]. 258p.
HAMMOND, GEORGE PETER, and AGAPITO REY, Don Juan de Onate, Colonizer of
New Mexico, 1595-1628. [Albuquerque] University of New Mexico Press,
1953. 2 Vols.
HIXON, ADRIETTA (APPLEGATE), On to Oregon! A True Story of a Young
Girl's Journey Into the West. [Weiser, Idaho, Signal-American Printers,
1947.] 48p.
LEWIS, MERIWETHER, and WILLIAM CLARK, The Journals of Lewis and Clark,
Edited by Bernard De Voto. Boston, Houghton Mifflin Company, 1953.
504p.
MCCALEB, WALTER F., The Conquest of the West. New York, Prentice-Hall,
Inc. [c!947]. 336p.
MORGAN, DALE LOWELL, Jedediah Smith and the Opening of the West. Indi-
anapolis, The Bobbs-Merrill Company, Inc. [c!953]. 458p.
STEGNER, WALLACE, Beyond the Hundredth Meridian; John Wesley Powell and
the Second Opening of the West. Boston, Houghton Mifflin Company,
1954. 438p.
STUART, ROBERT, On the Oregon Trail, Robert Stuart's Journey of Discovery.
Norman, University of Oklahoma Press [c!953]. 192p.
WATERS, WILLIAM, A Gallery of Western Badmen. [Covington, Ky., Ameri-
cana Publications, c!954.] 33p.
WESTERNERS, DENVER, Brand Book, 1952. Denver, The Westerners [c!953].
297p.
, Los ANGELES, Brand Book, Book 5. Los Angeles [The Los Angeles
Westerners, c!953]. 180p.
GENEALOGY AND LOCAL HISTORY
ABBE, TRUMAN, and HUBERT ABBE HOWSON, Robert Colgate, the Immigrant,
a Genealogy . . . New Haven, Conn., The Tuttle, Morehouse and
Taylor Company, 1941. 464p.
ALBEMARLE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, The Magazine of Albemarle County
History, Vol. 13, 1953. Charlottesville, Albemarle County Historical So-
ciety, 1953. 71p.
[ALLEN, MARY RICHMOND (BAYLIES)], Reminiscences of the Baylies and Rich-
mond Families. No impr. 29p.
AMERICAN CLAN GREGOR SOCIETY, Year Book Containing the Proceedings of
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 385
the 1953 Annual Gathering. Washington, D. C., The American Clan Gregor
Society [c!953]. 79p.
American Genealogical-Biographical Index . . . Vols. 4-8. Middletown,
Conn., Published Under the Auspices of an Advisory Committee Represent-
ing the Cooperating Subscribing Libraries . . . 1953-1954. 5 Vols.
ATKINSON, GEORGE W., and ALVARO F. GIBBENS, Prominent Men of West Vir-
ginia, Biographical Sketches . . . Wheeling, W. Va., W. L. Callin,
1890. 1022p.
BABCOCK, CHARLES ALMANZO, Venango County, Pennsylvania ... a Gen-
eral History of the County. Chicago, J. H. Beers and Company, 1919. 2
Vols.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, First Records of Baltimore Town and Jones' Town,
1729-1797. Baltimore, n. p., 1905. 108p.
, Records of the City of Baltimore (City Commissioners) 1797-1813.
Baltimore, City Library, 1906. 3QOp.
, Records of the City of Baltimore. Eastern Precincts Commissioners,
1812-1817, Western Precincts Commissioners, 1810-1817. Baltimore [Press
of King Brothers], 1909. 287p.
, Records of the City of Baltimore (Special Commissioners) 1782 to
1797. [Baltimore, Press of Meyer and Thalheimer] 1909. 347p.
Records of the City of Baltimore (Supplement) 1729-1813. List of
Levels and Establishments, Extracts of Minutes of City Commissioners.
Baltimore [Press of Meyer and Thalheimerl, 1909. 52p.
BARNES, MRS. EMILY RIPLEY, Narratives, Traditions and Personal Reminis-
cences Connected With the Early History of the Bellows Family and of the
Village of Walpole, New Hampshire. Boston, George H. Ellis, 1888. 383p.
BENSON, ARTHUR T., comp., Jacob Benson, Pioneer, and His Descendants
. . . Poughkeepsie, N. Y., The A. V. Haight Company [1915]. 130p.
Biographical Review of Dane County, Wisconsin. Chicago, Biographical Re-
view Publishing Company, 1893. 639p.
BODDIE, JOHN BENNETT, Virginia Historical Genealogies. Redwood City, Cal.,
Pacific Coast Publishers, 1954. 384p.
BOLTWOOD, Lucius M., comp., History and Genealogy of the Family of Thomas
Noble of Westfield, Massachusetts . . . Hartford, Conn., Press of the
Case, Lockwood and Brainard Company, 1878. [870]p.
BOSTONIAN SOCIETY, Proceedings, Annual Meeting, January 19, 1954. Boston,
Society, 1954. 55p.
BOWEN, ELIZA A., The Story of Wilkes County, Georgia. Marietta, Ga., Con-
tinental Book Company, 1950. 192p.
BOYD, WILLIAM P., History of the Town of Conesus, Livingston County, N. Y.
. . . Conesus, Boyd's Job Printing Establishment, 1887. 176p.
BOYS, SAMUEL EVAN, and CHARLES EDWARDS BOYS, The Boys Family. N. p.,
1953. 52p.
BROCKMAN, WILLIAM EVERETT, The Brockman Scrapbook . . . and Re-
lated Families. N. p., 1952. 442p.
BRUMBAUGH, GAIUS MARCUS, and JOHN GARNER FOUSE, Genealogy of the De-
scendents of Theobald Fouse (Fauss) Including Many Other Connected
Families. Baltimore, Williams and Wilkins Company, 1914. 289p.
BUCK, WILLIAM J., ed., Account of the Buck Family of Bucks County, Penn-
26—7073
386 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
sylvania, and of the Bucksville Centennial Celebration Held June llth,
1892 . . . Philadelphia, Printed for the Family, 1893. 142p.
CHAPMAN, JACOB, Edward Chapman of Ipswich, Mass., 1642-1678, and His
Descendants. Concord, N. H., Republican Press Association, 1893. 139p.
CONRAD, HOWARD Louis, ed., History of Milwaukee County From Its First
Settlement to the Year 1895. Chicago, American Biographical Publishing
Company, n. d. 3 Vols.
COOCH, FRANCIS ALLYN, Little Known History of Newark, Delaware, and Its
Environs. Newark, Del., The Press of Kells, 1936. 297p.
COPE, GILBERT, [A Record of the Cope Family, as Established in America by
Oliver Cope . . . Philadelphia, King and Baird, Printers, 1861.]
[251 ]p. Typed Copy.
DASHIELL, BENJAMIN J., comp., Dashiell Family Records. Baltimore [The
Sun Printing Office], 1928-1929. 2 Vols.
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, HAZARD CHAPTER, History of Perry
County, Kentucky, Compiled by Eunice Tolbert Johnson. Hazard, Ky.,
Hazard Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution [c!953]. 286p.
DINGS, MYRON, comp., The Dings Family in America, Genealogy, Memoirs and
Comments. Chicago, n. p., 1927. 182p.
DRUMMOND, JOSIAH HAYDEN, John Rogers of Marshfield and Some of His De-
scendants. West Hanover, Mass., Rhoda B. Ellis, n. d. 194p.
DURANT, SAMUEL W., History of Ingham and Eaton Counties, Michigan, With
Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Their Prominent Men. Phila-
delphia, D. W. Ensign and Company, 1880. 586p.
DUTCH SETTLERS SOCIETY OF ALBANY, Yearbook, Vols. 28-29, 1952-1954.
Index Issue. Albany [Society, 1954]. 77p.
DUTCHESS COUNTY [NEW YORK] HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Year Book, Vol. 37,
1952. N. p. [c!954]. 87p.
EDDY, CHARLES, Genealogy of the Eddy Family. Brooklyn, N. Y., Nolan
Brothers, 1881. 180p.
EMISON, JAMES WADE, JR., The Emison Families, Origin and History of the
American Emisons. Vincennes, Ind., n. p., 1947. 243p.
FOSDICK, RAYMOND B., Annals of the Fosdick Family. New York, The American
Historical Company, Inc. [c!953]. 189p.
FOTHERGILL, AUGUSTA BRiDGLAND ( MiDDLETON ) , Peter Jones and Richard Jones
Genealogies. Richmond, Va., Old Dominion Press, Inc., 1924. 363p.
Fox, CYRUS T., ed., Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania, a History. New
York, Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc., 1925. 3 Vols.
GILCHREST, GRANVILLE BRUCE, History of the Richard Gilchrest Family of
Dublin, N. H. Peterborough, N. H., n. p., 1907. 8p.
GILLESPIE, C. BANCROFT, An Historic Record and Pictorial Description of the
Town of Meriden, Connecticut, and Men Who Have Made It
Meriden, Conn., Journal Publishing Company, 1906. [1226]p.
HAMMOND, CHARLES, The History of Union, Conn., Founded on Material
Gathered by Rev. Charles Hammond . . . Compiled by Rev. Harvey
M. Lawson. New Haven, Conn., Press of Price, Lee and Adkins Company,
1893. 508p.
HANSON, J. W., History of the Old Towns Norridgewock and Canaan, Compris-
ing Norridgewock, Canaan, Starks, Skowhegan, and Bloomfield, From Their
Early Settlement to the Year 1849. Boston, Author, 1849. 371p.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 387
HESSELTINE, WILLIAM B., Pioneer's Mission, the Story of Lyman Copeland
Draper. Madison, The State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1954. 384p.
HILDRETH, SAMUEL PRESCOTT, Genealogical and Biographical Sketches of the
Hildreth Family, From the Year 1652 Down to the Year 1840. No impr.
335p.
Historical and Genealogical Researches and Recorder of Passing Events of Merri-
mack Valley . . . Vol. 1, No. 1, April, 1857. Haverhill, Alfred Poor,
1857. 76p.
History of Allen County, Indiana, With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches
of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers . . . Chicago, Kingman
Brothers, 1880. 170p.
History of Clinton County, Iowa, Containing a History of the County . . *
Biographical Sketches . . . Chicago, Western Historical Company, 1879.
817p.
History of Harrison County, Iowa, Containing . . . Biographical Sketches
of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County . . . Chicago,
National Publishing Company, 1891. [1138]p.
History of Lorain County, Ohio, With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of
Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers. Philadelphia, Williams Brothers,
1879. 373p.
History of Macomb County, Michigan . . . Chicago, M. A. Leeson and
Company, 1882. 914p.
History of Winona County [Minnesota] Together With Biographical Matter
. . . Chicago, H. H. Hill and Company, 1883. 966p.
HITCHCOCK, FREDERICK LYMAN, History of Scranton and Its People. New York,
Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1914. 2 Vols.
HOLLAND, LYDIA, and MARGARET LEAF, Greenwich Old and New, a History
. . . Greenwich, The Greenwich Press, 1935. 164p.
HOOKER, EDWARD, The Descendants of Rev. Thomas Hooker, Hartford, Connec-
ticut, 1586-1908. Rochester, N. Y. [E. R. Andrews Printing Company],
1909. 558p.
HOUGHTON, JOHN WESLEY, The Houghton Genealogy, the Descendants of Ralph
and John Houghton of Lancaster, Massachusetts . . . New York, Fred-
erick H. Hitchcock [c!912]. 582p.
HOUSTON, MARTHA Lou, Marriages of Hancock County, Georgia, 1806 to 1850.
Washington, D. C., n. p., 1947. 79p.
, 600 Revolutionary Soldiers and Widows of Revolutionary Soldiers Liv-
ing in Georgia in 1827-28. Washington, D. C., n. p., 1932. 22p.
HUGUENOT SOCIETY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Transactions, No. 58. Baltimore,
Waverly Press, Inc., 1953. 56p.
HURLBUT, HENRY HIGGINS, The Hurlbut Genealogy, or, Record of the Descend-
ants of Thomas Hurlbut of Saybrook and Wethersfield, Conn. . . . Al-
bany, Joel Munsell's Sons, 1888. 545p.
JACOBUS, DONALD LINES, Index to Genealogical Periodicals, Vol. 3, Together
With "My Own Index." New Haven, D. L. Jacobus, 1953. 72p.
JAMES, ROBERT LESLIE, Distinguished Men, Women and Families of Franklin
County, Alabama. No impr. Hip.
JOHNSTON, WILLIAM PRESTON, The Johnstons of Salisbury, With a Brief Supple-
ment Concerning the Hancock, Strother and Preston Families. New Orleans,
L. Graham and Son, Ltd., 1897. 216p.
388 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
JOSSERAND, GERTRUDE (CLEGHORN), Kentucky Descendants of Thomas N orris
of Maryland, 1630-1953, and Allied Families. [Ann Arbor, Edwards Broth-
ers, Inc., 1953.] 135p.
KNAPP, ALFRED AVERILL, comp., Nicholas Knapp Genealogy. Winter Park, Fla.,
n. p., 1953. 900p.
MCCAIN, PAUL M., The County Court in North Carolina Before 1750. Durham,
N. C., Duke University Press, 1954. 163p. (Historical Papers of the Trinity
College Historical Society, Series 31.)
McCLiNTOGK, JOHN N., History of New Hampshire. Boston, B. B. Russell,
1888. 698p.
MARSHALL, JOSEPH B., Marshall Family of Pennsylvania, Records, 1650-1952.
N. p., 1952. Mimeographed. 33p.
MOFFITT, GRACE E., Our Family Album, a History of the John Nixon Family.
Salem, Ore., Your Town Press, 1953. 24p.
MOUNT VERNON LADIES' ASSOCIATION OF THE UNION, Annual Report, 1953.
Mount Vernon [The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, c!954].
lOOp.
MUNSON, MYRON ANDREW, The Munson Record, a Genealogical and Biographical
Account of Captain Thomas Munson (a Pioneer of Hartford and New Haven)
and His Descendants. New Haven, Printed for the Munson Association,
1895. 2 Vols.
MURRAY, WILLIAM HENRY, Memoirs of Governor Murray and True History of
Oklahoma . . . Boston, Meador Publishing Company [c!945]. 3 Vols.
NEW CANAAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Annual, June 1954. New Canaan, Conn.,
The New Canaan Historical Society, 1954. [84]p.
NEWTON, J. H., ed., History of Venango County, Pennsylvania . . . Co-
lumbus, Ohio, J. A. Caldwell, 1879. 651p.
Old Dutch Burying Ground of Sleepy Hollow in North Tarry town, New York,
a Record of the Early Gravestones and Their Inscriptions. [Boston, The
Rand Press] 1953. 175p.
OTIS, WILLIAM A., A Genealogical and Historical Memoir of the Otis Family
in America. Chicago, n. p., 1924. [726]p.
PALMER, WILSON, Reminiscences of Candia. Cambridge, Mass., The River-
side Press, 1905. 343p.
Panhandle-Plains Historical Review, Vol. 26. Canyon, Tex., Panhandle-Plains
Historical Society, 1953. 92p.
PENDLETON, EVERETT HALL, comp., William Holloway of Taunton, Mass., in
1637 and His Descendants, 1586-1949 . . . N. p., Privately Printed,
1950. 356p.
Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, Index, Vols. 1-75 (1877-1951).
Philadelphia, The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1954. 1170p.
POWER, RICHARD LYLE, Planting Corn Belt Culture; the Impress of the Up-
land Southerner and Yankee in the Old Northwest. Indianapolis, Indiana
Historical Society, 1953. 196p. (Indiana Historical Society Publications,
Vol. 17.)
REDMER, MYRTLE (POSTLETHWAITE), The Postlethwaite and Mowry History.
No impr. 60p.
REEVES, LE ROY, Ancestral Sketches. Lynchburg, Va., J. P. Bell Company,
1951. 113p.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 389
RIXFORD, ELIZABETH M. LEACH, Families Directly Descended From All the
Royal Families in Europe (495 to 1932) and Mayflower Descendants. Bur-
lington, Vt., Free Press Printing Company, 1932. 175p.
, Three Hundred Colonial Ancestors and War Service, Their Part in
Making American History From 495 to 1934. Rutland, Vt., The Turtle
Company, 1934. 367p.
RUNNELS, MOSES THURSTON, A Genealogy of Runnels and Reynolds Families
in America . . . Boston, Alfred Mudge and Son, 1873. 354p.
SCARBOROUGH, JEWELL DAVIS, Southern Kith and Kin, a Record of My Children's
Ancestors, Vol. 1, the Locketts. Abilene, Tex., Abilene Printing Company
[c!951]. 250p.
, Southern Kith and Kin, a Record of My Children's Ancestors, Vol. 2,
the Davis Family and Their Connections. Abilene, Tex., Abilene Printing
Company [c!952]. 270p.
SCROLL, MELVIN, Arnewood, the Story of an Iowa Dairyman. Iowa City, The
State Historical Society of Iowa, 1954. 189p.
SCOTT, HATTIE MARSHALL, comp., Scott's Papers: Kentucky Court and Other
Records . . . Frankfort, Kentucky Historical Society, 1953. 251p.
SCOTT, STANLEY RICHMOND, Family History of John Bishop of Whitburn, Scot-
land . . . John Scott of Ireland . . . With Some Account of Re-
lated Families . . . Ann Arbor, Edwards Brothers, 1951. 148p.
SEAVER, J. MONTGOMERY, Bell Family Records. Philadelphia, American His-
torical-Genealogical Society, 1929. 36p.
SHEPHERD, HENRY ELLIOT, ed., History of Baltimore, Maryland, From Its
Founding as a Town to the Current Year, 1729-1898 . . . N. p., S. B.
Nelson, 1898. 1060p.
SHOPTAUGH, LAURA ALTA (DAVIS), comp. and ed., Some Descendants of Jonas
Hoisted (1610-1682) and Some Allied Families. [Oakland, Gal, Piedmont
Press, c!954.] 206p.
SILLERS, FLORENCE (WARFIELD), History of Bolivar County, Mississippi. Jack-
son, Miss., Hederman Brothers [c!948j. 634p.
SINNETT, CHARLES NELSON, Sketch of Chesterfield, N. H., "Township No.
One," and History of the Congregational Church From 1770 to 1900.
Haverhill, Mass., C. C. Morse and Son, 1902. 14p.
SMITH, HENRY PERRY, History of the City of Buffalo and Erie County . . ^
Syracuse, N. Y., D. Mason and Company, 1884. 2 Vols.
SMITH, HORACE J., Historical Study of Some Aspects of the Early Settlements
in the Lower Genesee Valley in New York, 1790-1830. A Thesis Presented
to the Faculty of the Department of History, the University of Southern
California. N. p., 1949. Typed. 164p.
SOCIETY OF COLONIAL WARS IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS,
Year-Book for 1900. Boston, Printed for the Society, 1901. 14 Ip.
SOCIETY OF COLONIAL WARS IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND, Genealogies of the
Members and Records of Services of Ancestors. Baltimore [The Frieden-
wald Company], 1905. 160p.
SOCIETY OF INDIANA PIONEERS, Year Book, 1953. Published by Order of the
Board of Governors, 1953. 128p.
SOUTH DAKOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Collections and Report, Vol. 26, 1952.
Pierre, South Dakota Historical Society, 1953. 567p.
390 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
STANARD, W. G., Some Emigrants to Virginia, a Reprint of the Second Edition,
Enlarged . . . Baltimore, Southern Book Company, 1953. 94p.
STOCKER, RHAMANTHUS MENVILLE, Centennial History of Susquehanna County,
Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, R. T. Peck and Company, 1887. 851p.
[SUTPHEN, WILLIAM GILBERT VAN TASSEL], The Sutphen Family, Genealogi-
cal and Biographical Notes on Nine American Generations, Together With
Pre-American Data and Many Notes on Allied Families. New York, n. p.,
1926. llOp.
TIBBALS, ALMA OWENS, comp., A History of Pulaski County, Kentucky. Bag-
dad, Ky., Grace Owens Moore, 1952. 272p.
TILTON, GEORGE HENRY, A History of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, Its History
for 275 Years, 1643-1918 . . . Boston, Author, 1918. 417p.
U. S. CENSUS, 1850, Illinois, 1850 Census Population Schedules. Microfilm.
24 Vols. on 22 Reels.
, Kentucky, 1850 Census Population Schedules. Microfilm. 20 Vols.
on 7 Reels.
, North Carolina, 1850 Census Population Schedules. Microfilm. 16
Vols. on 6 Reels.
-, South Carolina, 1850 Census Population Schedules. Microfilm. 8
Vols. on 3 Reels.
, Virginia, 1850 Census Population Schedules. Microfilm. 27 Vols. on
9 Reels.
VINTON, JOHN ADAMS, The Richardson Memorial, Comprising a Full History
and Genealogy of the Posterity of the Three Brothers, Ezekiel, Samuel, and
Thomas Richardson . . . Portland, Me., Brown Thurston and Com-
pany, 1876. 944p.
VIRGINIA, COUNCIL, Journals, Vol. 3, December 1, 1781-November 29, 1786.
Richmond, The Virginia State Library, 1952. 699p.
WATERS, THOMAS FRANKLIN, Ipswich in the Massachusetts Ray Colony. Ips-
wich, The Ipswich Historical Society, 1905. 586p.
WHITE, WILLIAM, A History of Belfast [Maine] With Introductory Remarks
on Acadia. Belfast, E. Fellows, 1827. 119p.
WHITTEMORE, HENRY, History of the Sage and Slocum Families of England
and America, Including the Allied Families . . . New York, n. p.,
1908. [94]p.
WILCOXSON, WILLIAM HOWARD, History of Stratford, Connecticut, 1639-1939.
Stratford, The Stratford Tercentenary Commission, 1939. [825]p.
WILSON, SAMUEL M., Catalogue of Revolutionary Soldiers and Sailors of the
Commonwealth of Virginia to Whom Land Bounty Warrants Were Granted
by Virginia for Military Services in the War for Independence. Baltimore,
Southern Book Company, 1953. 84p.
WTINGFIELD, MARSHALL, An Old Virginia Court, Being a Transcript of the Rec-
ords of the First Court of Franklin County, Virginia, 1786-1789 . . .
Memphis, The West Tennessee Historical Society, 1948. 258p.
WRIGHTNOUR, JOHN SPRATT, The Frampton Family, With Especial Reference to
William Frampton, Register General, Province of Pennsylvania, 1686, and
His Descendants. No impr. 208p.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 391
GENERAL
AMERICAN ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY, Proceedings at the Annual Meeting Held in
Worcester, October 21, 1953. Worcester, Mass., Society, 1954. [110]p.
, Proceedings at the Semi- Annual Meeting Held in Boston, April 15,
1953. Worcester, Mass., Society, 1953. 274p.
Americana Annual, an Encyclopedia of the Events of 1953. New York, Ameri-
cana Corporation [c!954]. 844p.
AYER, N. W., AND SON'S, Directory of Newspapers and Periodicals, 1954. Phila-
delphia, N. W. Ayer and Son, Inc. [c!954]. 1509p.
BARNHART, JOHN D., Valley of Democracy, the Frontier Versus the Plantation
in the Ohio Valley, 1775-1818. Bloomington, Indiana University Press, 1953.
338p.
BEATTY, WILLARD W., Education for Cultural Change; Selected Articles From
Indian Education, 1944-51. [Washington, D. C.I U. S. Bureau of Indian
Affairs, 1953. 512p.
BLACK ELK, The Sacred Pipe, Black Elk's Account of the Seven Rites of the
Oglala Sioux, Recorded and Edited by Joseph Epes Brown. Norman, Uni-
versity of Oklahoma Press [c!953]. 144p.
BORAH, WOODROW WILSON, Early Colonial Trade and Navigation Between
Mexico and Peru. Berkeley, University of California Press, 1954. 170p.
( Ibero- Americana: 38. )
BOTKIN, BENJAMIN ALBERT, and ALVIN F. HARLOW, eds., A Treasury of Rail-
road Folklore, the Stories, Tall Tales, Traditions, Ballads and Songs of the
American Railroad Man. New York, Crown Publishers, Inc. [1953]. 530p.
BRADY, CYRUS TOWNSEND, JR., Commerce and Conquest in East Africa, With
Particular Reference to the Salem Trade With Zanzibar. Salem, The Essex
Institute, 1950. 245p.
BUEL, JAMES WILLIAM, "Glimpses of America," a Pictorial and Descriptive
History of Our Country's Scenic Marvels . . . New York, Langan and
Brother [c!894]. 350p.
BURTON, PATRICIA OWENS, Clarence Monroe Burton, Detroit's Historian, a Bio-
graphical Sketch. Detroit, Burton Abstract and Title Company [c!953].
77p.
CARSON, GERALD, The Old Country Store. New York, Oxford University Press,
1954. 330p.
CHASE, SALMON PORTLAND, Inside Lincoln's Cabinet, the Civil War Diaries of
Salmon P. Chase, Edited by David Donald. New York, Longmans, Green
and Company, 1954. 342p.
CLELAND, ROBERT GLASS, A History of Phelps Dodge, 1834-1950. New York,
Alfred A. Knopf, 1952. [329]p.
COLLIER, JAMES E., Geography of the Northern Ozark Border Region in Mis-
souri. Columbia, The Curators of the University of Missouri, 1953. 105p.
( The University of Missouri Studies, Vol. 26, No. 1. )
Columbia Lippincott Gazeteer of the World. New York, Columbia University
Press, 1952. 2148p.
DENSMORE, FRANCES, The Collection of Water-Color Drawings of the North
American Indian by Seth Eastman in the James Jerome Hill Reference Li-
brary, Saint Paul St. Paul, James Jerome Hill Reference Library, 1954.
51p.
392 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Encyclopedia of American Biography. New Series, Vol. 24. New York, The
American Historical Company, Inc., 1954. 303p.
FISHER, MILES MARK, Negro Slave Songs in the United States. Ithaca, Cornell
University Press [c!953]. 223p.
GRAHAM, GERALD S., ed., The Walker Expedition to Quebec, 1711. Toronto,
The Champlain Society, 1953. 441p. (Publications of the Champlain
Society, Vol. 32.)
JEFFERSON, THOMAS, Papers, Vol. 8, 25 February to 31 October 1785. Prince-
ton, Princeton University Press, 1953. 687p.
, Papers, Vol. 9, 1 November 1785 to 22 June 1786. Princeton, Prince-
ton University Press, 1954. 669p.
JOHNSTON, HENRY S., Speech Before the Chicago Democratic National Con-
vention, Nominating William H. Murray for President of the United States.
No impr. 7p.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, Author Catalog, a Cumulative List of Works Represented
by Library of Congress Printed Cards, 1948-1952. Ann Arbor, J. W. Ed-
wards, 1953. 24 Vols.
LIEUWEN, EDWIN, Petroleum in Venezuela, a History. Berkeley, University of
California Press, 1954. 160p. (University of California Publications in
History, Vol. 47.)
LOWIE, ROBERT HARRY, Indians of the Plains. New York, McGraw-Hill Book
Company, Inc. [c!954]. 222p.
National Cyclopaedia of American Biography, Vol 38. New York, James T.
White and Company, 1953. 639p.
NEVINS, ALLAN, The Statesmanship of the Civil War. New York, The Mac-
millan Company, 1953. 82p.
New York Times Index for the Published News of 1953. New York, The New
York Times Company, c!954. 1227p.
NEWSOM, J. A., The Life and Practice of the Wild and Modern Indian, the
Early Days of Oklahoma . . . N. p. [c!923]. 220p.
PARRY, J. H., The Sale of Public Office in the Spanish Indies Under the Haps-
burgs. Berkeley, University of California Press, 1953. 73p. (Ibero-
Americana: 37. )
Pattersons American Education, Vol. 51. Wilmette, 111., Educational Direc-
tories, Inc. [c!9541. [715]p.
PENDERGAST, ANTHONY W., and W. PORTER WARE, Cigar Store Figures in
American Folk Art. [Chicago, The Lightner Publishing Corporation, c!953.]
[76]p.
RAHILL, PETER JAMES, The Catholic Indian Missions and Grant's Peace Policy,
1870-1884. Washington, The Catholic University of America Press, 1953.
396p. (Studies in American Church History, Vol. 41.)
RANNEY, AUSTIN, The Doctrine of Responsible Party Government, Its Origin
and Present State. Urbana, The University of Illinois Press, 1954. 176p.
(Illinois Studies in the Social Sciences, Vol. 34, No. 3.)
RICHARDS, ALLAN R., War Labor Boards in the Field. Chapel Hill, The Uni-
versity of North Carolina Press, 1953. 281p. ( The James Sprunt Studies
in History and Political Science, Vol. 35. )
SANDERS, IRWIN TAYLOR, Balkan Village. Lexington, The University of Ken-
tucky Press, 1949. 291 p.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 393
SANDOZ, MARI, Cheyenne Autumn. New York, McGraw-Hill Book Company,
Inc. [c!953]. 282p.
SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL, The Social Sciences in Historical Study,
a Report of the Committee on Historiography. New York, Council [c!954].
181p.
SPICER, EDWARD H., Potam, a Yaqui Village in Sonora. [Menasha, Wis.]
American Anthropological Association, 1954. [234]p. ( Memoirs, No. 77. )
STREIT, CLARENCE K., Freedom Against Itself. New York, Harper and Brothers
[c!954]. 316p.
TAYLOR, CARL C., The Farmers' Movement, 1620-1920. [New York] American
Book Company [c!953]. 519p.
Union List of Serials in Libraries of the United States and Canada, 2d Edi-
tion, 2d Supplement, January 1944-December 1949. New York, The H. W.
Wilson Company, 1953. 1365p.
U. S. SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS, United States Government Publica-
tions, Monthly Catalog, Decennial Cumulative Index, 1941-1950. Wash-
ington, United States Government Printing Office, 1953. 1848p.
VERRILL, A. HYATT, The Real Americans. New York, G. P. Putnam's Sons
[c!954]. 309p.
VUCINICH, WAYNE S., Serbia Between East and West, the Events of 1903-1908.
Stanford, Cal., Stanford University Press, 1954. 304p. (Stanford Uni-
versity Publications, University Series, History, Economics and Political
Science, Vol. 9.)
Who's Who in America, Vol. 28 [1954-1955]. Chicago, A. N. Marquis Com-
pany [c!954]. 3242p.
WOLFE, Louis, Adventures on Horseback. New York, Dodd, Mead and Com-
pany, 1954. 207p.
World Almanac and Book of Facts for 1954. New York, New York World-
Telegram, c!954. 896p.
Bypaths of Kansas History
HATCHET WOMEN BEFORE CARRY NATION
From The Sumner County Press, Wellington, April 9, 1874.
Down in Burlingame they have the whisky war. The ladies meet in the
Methodist church every day, very much as their metropolitan sisters do, and
organize raids on the liquor dealers.
Mrs. A and Mrs. W , of that town, have drunken husbands.
When their husbands get drunk they disturb the furniture and mash the
mirrors.
Mesdames W and A thinking the saloon keepers needed some
other kind of suasion than prayer, procured a little hatchet apiece, and grow-
ing impatient at the delay of their sisters, sallied forth on their blessed mission.
They approached Mr. Schuyler's saloon. Mrs. W , a little woman
weighing less than a hundred pounds, stepped up to the bar and said; "Mr.
Schuyler, I have come down to show you how my husband acts when he comes
home drunk with your whiskey;" and suiting the action to the word, she
brandished her little tomahawk and commenced smashing the magnificent
mirrors, delicate decanters, and gorgeous glassware of the drinking booth.
Mrs. A joined in, and whether the crusade can be recorded in history
as a success, it is plain that the effects of the raid were visible when the ladies
retired. The hatchet movement has this advantage: You can tell where the
ladies have been.
BUSY CALDWELL
From The Sumner County Press, Wellington, May 28, 1874.
Seven buffalo paced through the principle business street of Caldwell one
day last week.
A GOOD WORD FOR KANSAS
From the Newton Kansan, April 22, 1875.
H. Buck, an intelligent gentleman of Illinois recently made an extensive tour
through this State, and in a letter to the Decatur Tribune, sums up his im-
pressions of Kansas as follows:
Many speak and write discouragingly in reference to the future of Kansas.
Let all such barrel up their tears to be poured out for those sections which may
need them. Kansas will not be among the number. God made Kansas as he
made Illinois, to be a grainery of exportations of food, not of importations. A
few decades, more, when Kansas shall be brought into as good a state of culti-
vation as even Illinois, and she will be able to furnish food for all the colonies
of grasshoppers in the west, as well as for the "rest of mankind" in the east.
Her resources in all the natural elements that go to make up the development
of an empire state are simply immense. The products of the Arkansas Valley
alone, will be equal, eventually, to the supply of food for the million. Manhood,
in physical, mental and moral perfection, will yet culminate in the high alti-
tudes— the pure, healthy and bracing atmosphere — in the mild and genial
climate and the rich and varied productions, the educational and religious
culture of this young giant State.
(394)
Kansas History as Published in the Press
"What's the Matter With Kansas" by Kenneth S. Davis, was pub-
lished in the New York Times Magazine, June 27, 1954. Davis points
out the state's colorful history but feels Kansas is now hog-tied by
conservatism.
An article on Belle Starr by Fayette Rowe was printed in the
Independence Daily Reporter, December 12, 1954. On January 30,
1955, the Reporter published a six-column history of Kansas, Mont-
gomery county, and Independence, by Mrs. Fred Colburn.
Among historical articles published during the winter by the
Abilene Reflector-Chronicle were: "Early County [Pleasant Valley
Union] Sunday School Held in Cabin," by Hazel Bryson, December
19, 1954, and "Earlyday Marshals Were Well Paid by Abilene,"
January 27, 1955.
Robert G. Sprague, San Angelo, Tex., presents another slant on
the history of the Quantrill guerrilla band in an article in the Cherry-
vale Republican, December 28, 1954. He says "William Clark Quan-
trill . . . never at any time was leader of the officially accepted
'Quantrill's Guerrilla Band/ " and he attributes the leadership to an
"Uncle John," a distant relative of Spr ague's.
In 1857 John Brown and three of his sons camped for two days
near present Nortonville according to an article by Frank Ferris
in the Nemaha County Journal-Leader, Centralia, January 6, 1955,
and in the Nortonville News, January 14. One of Brown's sons cut
his initials and the date in a rock near by.
The history of early Horton was recalled by Jules Bourquin in a
talk before the Horton Kiwanis club, January 3, 1955, and printed in
the Horton Headlight, January 6.
Historical articles by Gordon S. Hohn appearing in late issues of
the Marysville Advocate included: "50 Years Ago in Marysville —
1905 Opened as Prosperous Year," January 6, 1955; "Only One Sur-
viving Member of City's Oldest Band, Organized 70 Years Ago,"
and "Rare Group Picture of Last Civil [War] Veterans Found in
Burned Studio," January 20. On January 13 the Advocate printed a
history of the now deserted Marshall county town of Schroyer.
The Council Grove Republican is publishing a series of local his-
torical stories. Included have been biographical sketches of the
(395)
396 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
following: David Head family, January 7, 1955; Henry Axe family,
January 14; C. E. Skinner, January 18; Samuel Bowman family,
January 26; Joseph Rogers family, February 11; and Emmanuel
Sanford, February 24. On January 25 the Republican printed from
the diary of Sam Wood the account of a journey along the Santa Fe
trail in 1854.
Recent historical articles in the Hays Daily News included:
"Bustling Young Hays City Wins Incorporation in 1885," January 9,
1955, "Early Woman Settler [Mrs. Louis Plath] Murders Hays Hus-
band by Administering Strychnine/' January 23; a biographical
sketch of the Martin Allen family, February 6; "Buffalo Bill Cody's
Widow Tells Her Story of Early Life Here," February 13; "['Cal']
Bascom Recalls Colorful Happenings of Early Days," February 20;
and "[Jennie Martin] Relates Tragedy of Jordan Massacre of Ellis
Family in Early County Days," February 27. The Martin Allen story
appeared in the Ellis County News, Hays, February 10.
Articles by Dick Long in the Wichita Eagle recently were:
"Wrong Man Lynched for Pioneer Wellington Slaying," the story
of the hanging of John D. Lynch by a mob in 1872 for the murder of
D. H. Maxfield, January 9, 1955; and "First Home [Munger House]
Built in Wichita 86 Years Ago Restored," now on display in Wichita's
Cow Town, January 23. An article by Charlotte Offen in the Eagle,
January 30, was entitled "Grim Hand in the Night Sought Pioneers'
Treasure," the story of an attempted robbery on the trail. J. Alex
Martin's article, "Was Cowardly Murder [of Bennie Allen] on 7-Bar-5
Ranch Avenged?" appeared in the Eagle, February 27.
Some of Lane county's early history, by Willetta Dickinson, was
printed in the Dighton Herald, January 19, 1955.
A review of Zebulon Pike's visit to the Pawnee Republic in 1806
when the U. S. flag was raised in present Kansas for the first time,
appears in a letter by R. G. Nystrom, published in the Belleville
Telescope, January 20, 1955.
Historical articles appearing in the Emporia Gazette in recent
months included: "School Days in Early Americus," by Clarence A.
Grinell, in two installments, January 21, 25, 1955; another article by
Grinell, "The Old Lyceum Reigned Supreme," February 3; also in
two parts, a history of Emporia by E. T. Lowther, based on inter-
views with Mrs. L. J. Buck, a native of Emporia now in her 80's,
February 10, 11; and an article by Tom S. Howell on the establish-
ment of Breckenridge (now Lyon) county, February 23.
KANSAS HISTORY IN THE PRESS 397
Oberlin's First Presbyterian church was organized January 11,
1880, according to a brief history of the church in the Sah'na Journal,
January 21, 1955. Founder of the church was the Rev. John Wilson.
Historical articles of interest to Kansans in recent issues of the
Kansas City (Mo.) Star included: "They Have a Way of Getting
Things Done in Highland/' the story of Ben Allen's support of com-
munity enterprises and a historical sketch of the area, by Howard
Turtle, January 23, 1955; "Troy, Kansas, Recalls Incidents of Lin-
coln's Visit There in 1859," by Turtle, February 6; and "Kansas Has
Unique Monument in the Stone Fenceposts of the Smoky Hills,"
by Sarah Peters, February 8. Articles appearing in the Kansas City
(Mo.) Times included: "Stricken Kansas Farmers Were Aided in
1890's by the Mother of Harry KT Thaw," by Charles Arthur Hawley,
January 13; "Amelia Earhart's Home Town [Atchison] Hails Idea
of Stamp Honoring the 'Tomboy,' " by Agnes Elizabeth Fay, Febru-
ary 21; "Dusty Journal [of Wyandotte City Council Meetings] in
Kansas City, Kansas, Tells of Early Days of Old Wyandotte," by
John DeMott, February 23; "New Johnson County High School Will
Bear Name of Pioneer Catholic Priest [John Baptist Miege],"
by John J. Doohan, March 3; and "Stalwart Faith of River Brethren
in President's Religious Background," by Vivian Aten Long, March
11.
Clarence W. Moody's reminiscences of life in Ottawa in the early
1900's were published in the Ottawa Herald, January 27, 1955.
Moody, now editor of an Iowa newspaper, grew up in Ottawa.
Included in the February, 1955, issue of American Heritage, New
York, was "An Eyewitness Describes the Hanging of John Brown,"
by Boyd B. Stutler: a lost article written in 1859 by "Porte Crayon"
for Harper's Weekly is printed with an introduction by Stutler, who
discovered the original manuscript.
An article by Fayette Rowe on Abraham Lincoln's visit to Kansas
in 1859 appeared in the following newspapers on the dates indicated:
Girard Press, February 3, 1955; Columbus Daily Advocate, February
5; Wichita Eagle, Independence Reporter, and Joplrn (Mo.) Globe,
February 6.
A brief sketch of the Alta Vista Baptist church was printed in the
Alta Vista Journal, February 10, 1955. The church had its origin
in 1872 under the leadership of the Rev. John Fechter, but formal
organization did not take place until 1880.
Kansas Historical Notes
The basement of the Falls township library in Cottonwood Falls
has been leased for a museum by the Chase County Historical
Society, and the collection of suitable articles has begun. George
M. Miller is president of the society.
Ray Pierce, Dodge City, spoke on preserving county history at
a meeting of the Lane County Historical Society in Dighton, January
3, 1955.
Mrs. C. C. Webb, of Highland, was elected president of the North-
east Kansas Historical Society at a meeting January 12, 1955. Other
officers elected include: Fenn Ward, vice-president; C. C. Webb,
business administrator; and Mrs. Fenn Ward, secretary-treasurer.
Harry Connell, caretaker of the Highland Mission state museum,
managed by the society, reported 4,386 visitors registered at the
museum during 1954.
Orville W. Mosher was re-elected president of the Lyon County
Historical Society for his fifth term at a meeting in Emporia, Janu-
ary 27, 1955. Other officers are Harold Trusler, first vice-president;
Catherine H. Jones, second vice-president; Mrs. C. A. Moore, secre-
tary; Warren Morris, treasurer; and Mrs. F. L. Gilson, Lucina Jones,
and Mabel H. Edwards, historians.
G. Clay Baker, Topeka, and Nannie Bingham, Sabetha, were
named presidents of the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas at
the 37th annual meeting in Topeka, January 28, 1955. Other officers
of the Native Sons are: Jim Reed, Topeka, vice-president; Charles
N. McCarter, Wichita, secretary; and Cleo Norris, Dodge City, treas-
urer. Mrs. J. B. McKay, El Dorado, was elected vice-president of the
Native Daughters; Mrs. George Marshall, Basehor, secretary; and
Mrs. Hobart Hoyt, Lyons, treasurer. Mrs. Lelia Munsell, Hering-
ton, was the winner of the factual story contest sponsored by the
Native Sons and Daughters.
The 48th annual meeting of the Woman's Kansas Day Club was
held in Topeka, January 29, 1955. Mrs. Earl C. Moses, Great Bend,
president, told of the experiences of her pioneer parents and grand-
parents. The theme, featured in talks, decorations, and songs, was
"Pioneer Education in Kansas." Interesting reports from the several
districts were given to the Kansas State Historical Society. Officers
elected at the business session were: Mrs. J. L. Jenson, Colby,
(398)
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 399
president; Mrs. E. L. Hazlett, Topeka, first vice-president; Mrs.
Edna Peterson, Chanute, second vice-president; Mrs. Loleto M.
Troup, Kansas City, secretary; Maude Haver, Douglass, treasurer;
Mrs. Lucile Rust, Manhattan, historian; Mrs. Paul H. Wedin,
Wichita, registrar; and Mrs. Robert A. Douglas, Topeka, auditor.
District directors elected were: Mrs. Harry A. Chaff ee, Topeka,
first district; Mrs. Lloyd Thomas, Fort Scott, second district; Mrs.
C. W. Spencer, Sedan, third district; Mrs. Ruth Hibbard, Wichita,
fourth district; Mrs. Paul Randall, Ashland, fifth district; and Mrs.
John Porter, Concordia, sixth district.
Jennie Owen, annalist for the Kansas State Historical Society,
was the speaker at the meeting of the Riley County Historical As-
sociation in Manhattan, February 1, 1955. The compiling and pub-
lishing of volume 1 of the Annals of Kansas, 1886-1910, together
with a review of the progress and changes in Kansas since the days
of the covered wagon, were her subjects.
Garden City and Finney county history was portrayed in several
skits at the annual dinner of the Finney County Historical Society
in Garden City, February 8, 1955. The following were elected to
the society's board of directors for two-year terms: Gus S. Norton,
J. E. Greathouse, Albert Drussel, Mabel Brown, William Fant, Chet
Reeve, Mrs. Ella Condra, Frederick Finnup, Mrs. Louis Kamp-
schroeder, Guy B. Norris, and Mrs. Kate Smith.
Dr. Robert Taft, of the University of Kansas, spoke on "Abraham
Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address," at a meeting of the Leaven-
worth County Historical Society in Leavenworth, February 12, 1955.
Another feature of the program was the presentation of centennial
medallions to the winners of a historical essay contest sponsored
by the Kiwanis club and several women's organizations in Leaven-
worth. John Feller is president of the society.
Mrs. C. M. Cooper read a paper prepared by Mrs. Rodney St.
Clair, reviewing the history of Baxter Springs, at a meeting of the
Crawford County Historical Society in Pittsburg, February 17, 1955.
O. F. Grubbs is president of the society.
Judge William H. McCamish and Ellen Lees were speakers at a
meeting of the Wyandotte County Historical Society in Kansas City,
February 24, 1955. The society voted to undertake to make Huron
cemetery a national shrine.
400 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Mrs. Guy Wooten was re-elected president of the Ford Historical
Society at a meeting March 11, 1955. Other officers elected were:
Mrs. Harold Patterson, vice-president; Mrs. I. L. Plattner, secretary-
treasurer; Mrs. Lyman Emrie, historian; and Mrs. W. P. Warner,
custodian and reporter. The group voted to support Dodge City
in its attempt to secure the proposed cowboy hall of fame.
Dr. James C. Malin's latest book is On the Nature of History, a
290-page volume of "Essays about history and dissidence," litho-
printed by Edwards Brothers, Inc., Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1954. It
is distributed in Kansas by the Rowland College Book Store, 1241
Oread St., Lawrence.
Silkville: a Kansas Attempt in the History of Fourierist Utopias,
1869-1892 is the title of a 29-page recently published pamphlet by
Garrett R. Carpenter on the Franklin county colony founded in 1869
by Ernest Valeton de Boissiere upon the social and economic ideas
of Charles Fourier. It comprises the December, 1954, number of
The Emporia State Research Studies, Emporia.
James C. Olson, superintendent of the Nebraska State Historical
Society, is the author of a 372-page volume entitled History of Ne-
braska ( University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln, 1955 ) . In his preface
Dr. Olson says: "There has long been need for a one-volume
general survey of the history of Nebraska. . . . This book repre-
sents an effort to meet that need."
Doc Holliday is the title of a 287-page biography of John Henry
"Doc" Holliday by John Myers Myers, recently published by Little,
Brown and Company, Boston and Toronto.
D
THE
KANSAS HISTORICAL
QUARTERLY
Summer 1955
Published by
Kansas State Historical Society
Topeka
KIRKE MECIIEM JAMES C. MALIN NYLE H. MILLER
Editor Associate Editor Managing Editor
CONTENTS
ORIGIN OF THE NAMES OF TRIBUTARIES OF THE KANSAS
RIVER Aubrey Diller, 401
NOTES ON THE WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES OF KANSAS:
Part Four — The Kansas State Historical Society:
Repository of the Material of History James C. Malm, 407
With portraits of Franklin George Adams, Zu Adams, Richard Baxter
Taylor and Floyd Perry Baker, facing p. 432, and Daniel Webster
Wild?r, Alfred Gray, George Washington Martin and Noble Lovely
Prentis, facing p. 433.
MARRIAGE NOTICES FROM KANSAS TERRITORIAL NEWSPAPERS,
1854-1861 Compiled by Alberta Pantle, 445
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 487
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 488
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES . . 492
The Kansas Historical Quarterly is published four times a year by the Kansas
State Historical Society, Topeka, Kan., and is distributed free to members. Cor-
respondence concerning contributions may be sent to the managing editor at the
Historical Society. The Society assumes no responsibility for statements made
by contributors.
Entered as second-class matter October 22, 1931, at the post office at To-
peka, Kan., under the act of August 24, 1912.
THE COVER
An act of the 1955 legislature of Kansas named the buffalo the
official state animal of Kansas. Millions of head once roamed the
plains of Kansas until exterminated by hunters in the 1870's and
the 1880's.
The cover picture — a 1907 water color by Samuel J. Reader,
pioneer of Shawnee county — recalls a hunting expedition in No-
vember, 1857, "on the headwaters of Chapman's creek," north-
west of Fort Riley. Reader wrote that he "was nearly unhorsed
by a wounded bull, and that night got lost in a furious snow-
storm. It was enough."
The Reader diary, now the property of the State Historical
Society, is in 16 volumes and covers most of his Kansas life from
1855 until his death in 1914.
THE KANSAS
HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Volume XXI Summer, 1955 Number 6
Origin of the Names of Tributaries of the
Kansas River
AUBREY DILLER
ERE has been some speculation from time to time on the origin
-L and meaning of the names of the rivers of the Great Plains.1 It
is natural to try to explain such familiar, but often odd, things as
the "names on the land."2 However, this speculation, as regards
the rivers, has often been somewhat unscientific, relying more on
hearsay and guesswork than on good evidence. After the names
of the native tribes, the names of the rivers are likely to be the
oldest in the land because of the role the rivers played in the
earliest exploration. Barring later changes, the origin of the name
quite often coincides with the discovery of the river and is a record
of the discovery. For lesser rivers there is often no other document,
and the name is the only record. It is interesting, therefore, to
trace the name of a river as far back as possible in an effort to
approach the first moment in its history, if not to find the origin
and meaning of the name itself.
The names of the tributaries of the Kansas river appeared in print
for the first time in Pike's Expeditions, published in Philadelphia in
1810.3 After visiting the Osage village (north of Nevada, Mo.)
in August, 1806, Pike proceeded west and north to the Pawnee Re-
public (located along the present Kansas-Nebraska border) and
then returned to the Arkansas (at present Great Bend) in order
to explore its sources on the borders of New Mexico. His route
DR. AUBREY DILLER, a native of Nebraska, is professor of Greek at Indiana University,
Bloomington.
1. George A. Root, in a series of articles on "Ferries in Kansas," The Kansas Historical
Quarterly, v. 2 (1933)-v. 6 (1937), has touched on the origin and meaning of the names
of several rivers in Kansas.
2. See George R. Stewart, Names on the Land (New York, 1945); and Names: Journal
of the American Name Society, Berkeley, Cal., March, 1953, to date.
3. Maj. Z. M. Pike, An Account of Expeditions to the Sources of the Mississippi and
Through the Western Parts of Louisiana . . . (Philadelphia, 1810).
(401)
402 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
thus crossed the western branches of the Kansas twice,4 and he
names five of them, after a fashion, in his journals. The Republican
fork and Solomon's fork are so named several times by both Pike
and James Wilkinson, his subordinate.5 However, Pike was uncertain
at first in his identification of these streams, as he first calls the Solo-
mon the Republican fork and then "a large fork of the Kans river,
which I suppose to be the one generally called Solomon's ( Septem-
ber 22, 23 ) . This shows that he did not make up these names himself.
He distinguishes the Saline river from Salt creek correctly, but Wilk-
inson places the Grand Saline north of the Small Saline. The Smoky
Hill is mentioned without name except once, by Pike, where the
text is corrupt, "the east fork of the Kanses, or la Fourche de la Cote
Bucanieus" (October 12 ).6
Pike's Expeditions is accompanied by several maps, two of which
form a "Chart of the Internal Part of Louisiana." This chart names
nine tributaries of the Kansas river: Warreruza R., Head R., Full
River, Blue Earth River, Republican Fork, Solomon's Fork, Little
Saline, Grand Saline, and Smokyhill Fork. There are also several
small unnamed affluents downstream. The Solomon and the Saline
are shown as emptying into the Republican instead of the Smoky Hill.
Since Pike's route lay well above the junctions, the lower part of the
river and its tributaries must be from an alien source, and in fact
the cartouches on the maps say so in plain words. They inform us
that the maps were "laid down from the notes of Lieut. Z. M. Pike by
Anthony Nau," 7 and corrected and supplemented by Nicholas King
from other sources, in particular, "The Missouri from the mouth of
the Osage to the entrance of La Platte by Captain M. Lewis."
In these words Nicholas King is referring to a previous work of
his own, that is, the well-known Lewis-Clark-King map of 1806,
which was drawn by Wm. Clark at Fort Mandan (in North Dakota)
in the winter of 1804-1805 and sent to Washington with other re-
ports by Meriwether Lewis, where fair copies of it were made
for various branches of the government by Nicholas King. Copies
were presented to both houses of congress by Jefferson with his
4. Theo. H. Scheffer, "Following Pike's Expedition From the Smoky Hill to the Solo-
mon," The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 15 (August, 1947), pp. 240-247.
5. Pike, op, cit., appendix II, pp. 20-32.
6. "Cdte Boucaniere" in the London edition of 1811. The readings of this edition
are independent of the Philadelphia edition of 1810; see Elliott Coues, The Expeditions of
Zebulon Montgomery Pike (New York, 1895), v. 1, pp. xxxv-xl.
7. The manuscript copy of the Pike-Nau map of the Mississippi river, preserved in the
National Archives, is published in photograph by Sara Jones Tucker, Indian Villages of the
Illinois Country, Atlas (Springfield, 1942), plate XXXII. The cartouche states that Anthony
Nau was "Sworn Interpreter of the French language, Territory of Louisiana," and Pike
stated (appendix III, p. 61 ) that Nau had helped him with the reports of his first expedi-
tion in St. Louis in 1806.
TRIBUTARIES OF THE KANSAS RIVER 403
message of February 19, 1806. The War Department copy is now
in the National Archives, and a photograph of the State Department
copy is in the map division of the Library of Congress.8 These
two copies are the only ones known today; the map was not printed
at the time because of its provisional character. If we compare
the printed Pike-Nau-King map of 1810 with the two manuscript
copies of the Lewis-Clark-King map of 1806, we see that the lower
part of the Kansas river with its tributaries is very similar on both
maps and that the earlier must be the source of the later.
Lewis and Clark evidently made quite an effort to collect infor-
mation about the Missouri Valley from the French and Indians in
St. Louis and on their route. Clark's map gives a wealth of material
that is not known from previous documents and is also beyond the
range of his own observation. Another presentation of the same
material is found in an essay by Lewis entitled "Lewis's Summary
View of Rivers and Creeks, Etc.," also written, apparently, at Fort
Mandan in the winter of 1804-1805. Lewis gave a list of tributaries
of the Kansas river with their distance, breadth, and direction, as
follows:
The three rivers, near each other and
about the same size 10 [Igs] 20 [yds] N.
The St[r] anger's wife river 15 35 N.
Bealette's Creek 18 22 N.
Wor-rah-ru-za river 19 40 S.
Grasshopper Creek 21 25 N.
Heart river 31 30 N.
Full river 45 50 S.
Black-paint river 72 38 N.
Blue water river 80 60 N.
Me-war-ton-nen-gar Creek 85 18 N.
War-ho-ba Creek 88 15 S.
Republican river 103 200 N.
Solomon's Creek 115 30 N.
Little salt Creek 125 30 N.»
The Smoky Hill is omitted because it was counted as a continua-
tion of the main stream, not a tributary. Little Salt creek emptying
into the Kansas river seems to be a confusion of Saline river and
and Salt creek, Pike's Grand Saline and Little Saline. Lewis adds
special mention of another Salt creek 60 leagues up the Republican
on the west side, which looks like still another error for the actual
8. Tucker, op. cit., plate XXXI. The State Department copy (unknown to Tucker)
is sometimes better; it has the name of the Full river, omitted on the War Department copy.
9. R. G. Thwaites, The Original Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (New
York, 1905), v. 6, p. 36.
404 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Salt creek on the Solomon. He does not share the error of the
Pike-Nau-King map in making the Solomon and Saline empty into
the Republican. Lewis' list is a fuller and earlier statement of the
tributaries of the Kansas river than either of the maps we have
considered. If we compare it with the maps, moreover, we find
that the unnamed affluents of the lower part of the river shown
on both of the maps correspond closely to tributaries named by
Lewis, so that it is clear that Clark's map is based on the information
contained in Lewis' essay. Since Lewis and Clark merely passed
by the mouth of the Kansas river on their way up the Missouri,
their information must be secondhand.
No source has been preserved, or found, earlier than Lewis and
Clark and Pike that names the tributaries of the Kansas river as
fully as they do, but several of the names are mentioned incidentally
in a few earlier documents. Among the papers that were taken
from Pike during his detention by the Spanish authorities in Santa
Fe and Chihuahua and, after lying in Mexican archives for over a
century, were returned to Washington in 1910,10 there is a rough
sketch of the route followed by a certain trader from the Grand
Panis on the Platte to Santa Fe in 1797. The sketch and the ac-
companying brief text in the first person are said to be in Pike's
handwriting; they may represent an interview of Pike with the
trader.11 The sketch names four tributaries of the Kansas crossed
by the route, all stated to be navigable by canoe: L'eau bleu,
Republic Fork, Solomons Fork, Fork of the Hill Buckaneuse. In
1793 Pedro Vial followed a similar route on his return from St. Louis
to Santa Fe, but in his account all the tributaries of the Kansas
are anonymous.12 The map of the Missouri river drawn by Antoine
Soulard in St. Louis in 1795 shows four tributaries of the Kansas
corresponding to the Blue, the Republican, the Solomon, and the
Smoky Hill, but only one of them is named, R. eau bleue.13
These are the earliest documents, so far as I know, that mention
the tributaries of the Kansas river by name. They suggest that
the nomenclature of these streams dates from the last decade of
10. Pike, op. cit., appendix III, pp. 80-82; Herbert E. Bolton, "Papers of Zebulon M.
Pike, 1806-1807," The American Historical Review, New York, v. 13 (July 1908) DP
798-827; W. E. Hollon, "Zebulon Montgomery Pike's Lost Papers," The Mississippi Valley
Historical Review, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Lincoln, Neb., v. 34 (September, 1947), pp.
265-2/3.
11. Bolton, loc. cit., p. 827, gives the text. I have photographs of the text and map,
now preserved in the National Archives.
12. Alfred B. Thomas, "The First Santa Fe Expedition, 1792-1793," Chronicles of
Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, v. 9 (June, 1931), pp. 195-208.
13. A. P. Nasatir, Before Lewis and Clark (St. Louis, 1952), v. 1, between pp 4647-
Aubrey Diller, "Maps of the Missouri River Before Lewis and Clark," Studies in Honor
of George Sarton (1946), pp. 505-519.
TRIBUTARIES OF THE KANSAS RIVER 405
the Spanish regime. The origins of the individual names are be-
yond our ken, lost in the prehistory of the Louisiana Purchase. But
the early sources do throw some light on the original forms of the
names and bring us so much nearer to the actual origins. Let us
see what we gain in this direction from our canvass of the docu-
ments.
Stranger river is called the Stranger's wife river by Lewis.
Wakarusa river is called Wor-rah-ru za river by Lewis, War-re-ru-
za river by Clark and King.
Delaware river is called Grasshopper creek by Lev/is. The upper
part of it is still so called.
Soldier creek is called Heart river by Lewis and Clark, but on
the Pike-Nau-King map it is called Head river, probably by mistake.
Mill creek is called Full river by Lewis and Clark.
Vermillion creek is called Black-paint river by Lewis. There
is also a Black Vermillion creek, but it is a tributary of the Blue
river.
Blue river is called L'eau bleue or Blue Water by Soulard in
1795, Pike's informant in 1797, and Lewis in 1804. On the existing
copies of the Lewis-Clark-King map of 1806 it is not named, but
on the Pike-Nau-King map of 1810 it is called Blue Earth river,
and this name was copied by Lewis and Clark in 1814, Arrowsmith
in 1815, Long in 1823, and others. In spite of this wide currency,
due merely to priority in print, I think the early sources prove that
Blue Earth is a mistake on the part of Nicholas King and that the
true name was Blue Water.
Republican fork, as the early sources call it, was named after
the Pawnee Republic situate upon its banks, which is mentioned in
documents of the Spanish regime in St. Louis as early as 1777 14
and was much frequented by traders from St. Louis and even Santa
Fe. I do not know why this Indian tribe deserved the fair name
of Republic.
Solomon river is called Solomon's fork or creek by Lewis, Pike,
and Wilkinson. The possessive form shows that Solomon was a
man's name, perhaps Solomon Petit, a trader on the Missouri who
appears in J. B. Truteau's "Journal" of 1794.15
The Salines and Salt creeks mentioned by Lewis, Pike, and
Wilkinson are stated by them to be impregnated with salt or to
have deposits of salt on their banks. At the time of the Louisiana
14. Waldo R. Wedel, An Introduction to Pawnee Archeology (Bureau of American
Ethnology, Bulletin 112 [1936], Washington), pp. 14 ff, 32.
15. Nasatir, op. cit., pp. 287-294.
406 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Purchase there was talk of a whole mountain of salt somewhere in
the unknown interior of the vast territory.16
Smoky Hill river is called Smokeyhill fork on the Pike-Nau-
King map. The name is doubtless a translation of the French name
given in the journals as La Fourche de la Cote Bucanieus (or Bou-
caniere) and on the sketch of 1797 as Fork of the Hill Buckaneuse.
This strange word is probably an adjective from the noun boucan
(buccan or barbecue), and cote buccaneuse would be hill of the
buccans or barbecues. The word apparently stumped Pike, who
had taught himself French, and he hesitated to translate it. He
at last produced Smokey Hill, a poor translation, which has mislead
modern speculation of the origin of the name. Smoking Hill would
have been better. The French name gives quite a different meaning
from those heretofore proposed on the basis of Pike's translation.17
16. President Jefferson's message to congress, November 14, 1803.
17. See The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 4 (February, 1935), pp. 3 ff.
Notes on the Writing of General
Histories of Kansas
JAMES C. MALIN
PART FOUR: THE KANSAS STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY;
REPOSITORY OF THE MATERIAL OF HISTORY
THE organizations antecedent to the creation of the Kansas State
Historical Society in 1875-1879 have been reviewed in the pre-
vious essay. Those earlier approaches carried the story of the main
currents of historical and scientific activity into the decade of the
1870's, where the present essay -begins. The many differences be-
tween the two periods produced sharp contrasts, but certain under-
lying continuities persisted.
FACTORS IN THE BACKGROUND, 1875
The story of the organization of the Kansas State Historical So-
ciety is exceedingly complex and therefore it is appropriate at the
outset to provide a sort of guide to the labyrinth. For this purpose
factors in the problem are grouped under seven headings. First,
the persistence of a devoted group of men with F. P. Baker and F. G.
Adams at the head of the list. Possibly one woman should be in-
cluded, even in this story of the founding years, as of 1876, a 17-
year-old high school girl, Zu Adams.
The second of the factors was the interest of old settlers in their
own history; the manifold experiences, not of heroes, but of common
folk, who had carried the daily burdens of making their homes in a
new state. These people functioned first in the setting of their own
communities and their own contributions to them, but not con-
sciously as having anything to do with history as usually defined.
Their meetings were social gatherings, primarily of old settlers with
a common community experience.
The third factor was the controversy over heroes, and the legends
that had arisen about them. Some background for this hero phi-
losophy is in order. In May, 1840, Thomas Carlyle, a major figure
in the English literary world of the mid-19th century, had delivered
a series of six lectures which were published under the title On
Heroes, Hero-Worship and the Heroic in History. In the first of
DH. JAMES C. MALIN, associate editor of The Kansas Historical Quarterly, is professor
of history at the University of Kansas, Lawrence.
(407)
408 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
these Carlyle's theory of history was stated: "universal history, the
history of what man has accomplished in this world, is at bottom
the history of the great men who have worked here/' After survey-
ing the different kinds of heroes, Carlyle devoted his final lecture
to "The Hero as King," and of the hero as political ruler; by whatever
name he was called he was
The Commander over Men; he to whose will our wills are to be subordinated,
and loyally surrender themselves, and find their welfare in doing so, may be
reckoned the most important of Great Men. He is practically the summary for
us of all the various figures of Heroism; Priest, Teacher, whatsoever of earthly
or of spiritual dignity we can fancy to reside in a man, embodies itself here, to
command over us, to furnish us with constant practical teaching, to tell us for
the day and hour what we are to do. He is called Rex, Regulator, Roi: our own
name is still better; King, Konning, which means Can-ning, Able-man.1
Manifestly Carlyle was hostile to popular government. In 20th
century language his hero as King, might be called Dictator, or
Administrator.
American transcendentalism, centering upon New England, dur-
ing the same period, in spite of its pretentious talk about the indi-
vidual, was committed extensively to the "Hour and the Man" theory
of history, with its repudiation of the capacity of popular govern-
ment to operate effectively. When mediocre men, according to this
view, had muddled hopelessly, only the intervention of a hero could
set things to rights. From another point of view, that of outsiders,
the extreme individualism of transcendentalism made a commitment
to a practical condition approximating anarchism, in which the only
means of resolving the stalemate of individual differences which
prevented a majority decision, was the intervention of the hero —
dictator. At any rate, after the Harpers Ferry episode, and the
execution of John Brown, he became the particular hero of a large
segment of that transcendental cult.
In Kansas William A. Phillips, who boasted of his radicalism,
proclaimed at Lawrence, in a lecture January 20, 1860: "Mediocrity
has no immortality. ... I have shown that history of the ages
was but the history of a few men. Each recorded age has its man.
He is the lesson of its history. This age has its man . . . [John
Brown].2
Twenty-three years later, when the controversy over John Brown
was nearing the climax of bitterness, F. B. Sanborn, in the Spring-
1. The edition of On Heroes, Hero-Worship and the Heroic in History used here is the
Oxford World's Classics, Oxford University Press (1935).
2. For a more extended discussion of this phase of the question, see James C. Malin,
John Brown and the Legend of Fifty-six (Philadelphia, The American Philosophical Society,
1942), chs. 10 and 11, but especially pp. 289-292.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 409
field (Mass.) Republican, November 18, 1883, declared that for
every emergency God provided a superman to set right what ordi-
nary mortals failed to accomplish. In the Pottawatomie massacre
of May 24-25, 1856, according to Sanborn, "The hour and the man
had come," and Kansas was saved.3
In Kansas John Brown was not the only hero. There was James
H. Lane, whose dramatic passing by suicide during the summer of
1866 invited many attempts at evaluation of his controversial career.
Charles Robinson and others of the New England Emigrant Aid
Company group were still on the scene, and insisted upon their
share of credits and honors as heroes.
But the factors listed here as number two and three became inter-
mingled upon occasion, with .the general result that where that
occurred, the bitterness of controversy over heroes tended to involve
everybody and to divert attention largely, if not altogether, from the
legitimate history of Kansas as a whole. Old settler organization
was sporadic and no pretense is made here of systematic compilation
of the data necessary for its formal history. A few samples must
suffice. In the Osawatomie and Pottawatomie creek area, an organi-
zation was formed in 1859 to remove the bodies of the "martyrs" of
the battle of Osawatomie, August 30, 1856, to a single site on the
"battlefield." During the 1870's the John Brown question became
confused with the movement to erect a monument to the five martyrs
reburied in 1859. In the meantime the old settlers of Franklin
county, independently of either of these other phases of local history,
organized on September 25, 1875, the specification for membership
being residence in Kansas prior to 1860 and a resident of Franklin
county at the time of application for membership.4
This old settler organization, representative of the rank and file
settler, did not survive, but the monument movement at Osawatomie
was completed and the dedication occurred August 30, 1877. By
this time the John Brown idea had taken over even the monument
movement, his name appeared on the marble shaft, along with the
five martyrs of the Battle of Osawatomie, and in fact the monument
was usually referred to, not as a monument to these five men buried
at its base, but as the John Brown monument. The dedication cere-
mony also became a landmark in the precipitation of the bitter
controversy over Kansas hero worship. This episode epitomizes
more sharply than anywhere else, the impossibility of keeping sepa-
rate the general old-settler history idea and the narrower hero-idea.
3. Ibid., p. 411. For the context of the controversy, see especially chs. 17 and 18.
4. Ottawa Triumph, October 1, 1875.
410 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
In Lawrence the old settlers organized in 1870, and held meetings
annually until 1878. In 1877 a decision was reached to omit the
annual meeting of 1878 and concentrate upon that of 1879 as a
state-wide quarter-centennial celebration.5 This move had wider
repercussions than anyone at the time could have foreseen, because
Lawrence sponsorship tended to revive and to fasten upon Kansas
historical tradition the idea that the history of Lawrence and of
Kansas were virtually synonymous.
In Leavenworth county the old settlers association was organized
August 8, 1874.6 Topeka and Shawnee county did not organize
until December, 1875, the 21st anniversary of the founding of
Topeka.7
Ever present in these pioneer communities were the differences
between old and new settlers. The Franklin county association had
restricted membership by the requirement of residence prior to 1860.
In 1878 at Lawrence "The Settlers of '54" organized, and at the
supper October 15, Charles Robinson voiced the point of view of
the group by insisting that the settlers of the first year were entitled
to some credit.8 A committee was appointed to plan for another
meeting in 1875. Somewhat later at Lawrence "The Fifty-sixers"
organized.9 At Manhattan, February 22, 1878, the "Old Settlers"
met at one hotel, and the "New Settlers" celebrated separately the
same day at another hotel.10
In politics the same issue of old against new arose from time to
time. In the previous essay, attention was called to the rivalry of
M. F. Conway and Thomas Ewing, Jr., for the senatorship. D. W.
Wilder raised the issue against Ewing although the difference in
time of arrival between the two men was but two years, 1855 and
1857. To the Fifty-sixer or earlier settler, the newcomer of 1857 had
not fought, bled, and suffered for freedom in Kansas. In Edwards
county in 1887 a tenderfoot candidate protested "that unless a man
ran wild with the buffalo . . ., he is not eligible to office," but
on that basis three fourths of the voters were also tenderfeet.11
The Kansas Editors' and Publishers' Association is fourth on the
5. Charles Gleed (editor), The Kansas Memorial (1880), presented in printed form the
proceedings of that meeting at Bismarck Grove.
6. H. Miles Moore "Journal," August 8, 1874, Coe Collection, Yale University Library;
microfilm, Kansas State Historical Society.
7. Topeka Daily Commonwealth, October 3, 10, 13, 1875. Hereafter cited as Common-
wealth.
8. Daily Kansas Tribune, Lawrence, October 16, 1874.
9. The story of "The Fifty-sixers" has not been compiled but September 13, 1902,
R. G. Elliott read his paper, "The Big Springs Convention," before them. — Collections, Kan-
sas State Historical Society, v. 8 (1903-1904), pp. 362-377.
10. Topeka Commonwealth, February 26, 1878.
11. Kinsley Mercury, November 3, 1887.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 411
list of background factors. An early attempt at an editorial organi-
zation occurred October 2-8, 1863. D. H. Bailey had presided as
president, and F. P. Baker as secretary. The officers chosen for the
following year included John Speer as president, D. H. Bailey as
secretary, and D. W. Wilder as treasurer. Apparently no further
meetings were held. After the war, the leadership was assigned to
Richard Baxter Taylor, of the Wyandotte Gazette, for promoting a
meeting at Topeka January 17, 1866, to effect an organization, and
at which he presided, with John A. Martin of the Atchison Champion
as secretary. Thereafter, except for 1869, apparently, the association
met annually. In 1868 Taylor was president, and in 1870 he de-
livered the annual address which was devoted to a history of the
press in Kansas, but more of -that later. As will be seen subse-
quently, this body endorsed or sponsored a succession of enterprises :
a history of Kansas newspapers, the Kansas Magazine, and the Kan-
sas State Historical Society. In other words, the association not only
recorded Kansas history daily and weekly, but made Kansas history
in its own right.
The first substantial literary aspirations of these early Kansans
found tangible form in the Kansas Magazine for which preparations
were completed during the last months of 1871. The historical and
philosophical society movements and the library movements in their
several forms placed the first emphasis upon the collection of ma-
terials for study, the facilities for reading, and eventually these
would yield productive writing. The Kansas Magazine group was
convinced that the state then possessed a literary talent sufficient
to justify a medium of publication that, in turn, would stimulate
further productivity. What was more natural than for the major
organization of professional writers, if not the only one in the state,
to provide the background for launching this venture?
At a meeting of the Editors' and Publishers' Association, conven-
ing that year at Lawrence, October 24, 1871, D. W. Wilder explained
the plan, which received the endorsement of the association. On
November 8 the Kansas Magazine company was incorporated by
nine men. The list included S. S. Prouty, Henry King, D. W. Wilder,
and John A. Martin. The first number of the magazine appeared
January, 1872, and was issued from the Commonwealth office under
the editorship of Henry King. In December, 1872, Capt. James W.
Steele (Deane Monahan) became editor. The project terminated
with the October number, 1873, two months short of a two-year life.
The panic of 1873 had just occurred as a climax to Kansas drought.
412 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
The story would not be complete, either as pertaining to the
Kansas Magazine, or to the larger theme of this study of historical
societies, without an introduction to the Commonwealth, a daily and
weekly newspaper, founded at Topeka, May 1, 1869, by S. S. Prouty
and J. B. Davis, with Ward Burlingame as chief editor. Prouty was
an old settler and a radical of early Free-State party days. He sold
out to Henry King, August 17, 1873. Somewhere along the line,
probably after the fire of October 20, 1873, which burned the Com-
monwealth plant, George W. Veale became proprietor, with King
as editor. On March 7, 1875, the Commonwealth announced a new
editor and proprietor, F. P. Baker, with N. L. Prentis as local and
news editor. Baker had arrived in Kansas in 1860. Prentis came in
1869, associated with Henry King. During the years when Prouty,
King, and Baker controlled the policy of the Commonwealth, it was
active in supporting intellectual enterprise. It contributed free
publicity in the form of favorable news coverage to the enterprises
in which its editors were interested. The financial accounts of the
company are not available, but there is a suspicion that they would
have revealed price concessions equivalent to a subsidy for printing
costs.
The Kansas Magazine admitted to its pages literary productions
of all types. Quite naturally the writers reflected in a substantial
manner their identification with the West. Many of the articles on
public questions of the day discussed those which were of special
concern to their Kansas present: land, money, Indians, and the
plains. A few, but surprisingly few, recounted aspects of the slavery
controversies of territorial Kansas. To conclude that historical
papers were not submitted, would be unwarranted. At least one,
of which there is record, was offered and not printed.12 Charles
Robinson's "Ad Astra per Aspera," appeared in May, 1873. It had
been read on February 4, 1868, before the Kansas Historical Society.
In printing it, an editorial made an issue of Robinson's paper, ask-
ing whether or not the historical society still lived, and if so, it should
give more frequent proofs of its existence. The Wisconsin Historical
Society was referred to as an example of what might be done. The
editorial closed with an appeal for a Kansas State Historical Society,
adequately financed by legislative appropriations.13
The decade of the 1870's marked the centennial anniversary of
12. George W. McLane's letter to D. R. Anthony, printed in Leavenworth Daily Times,
May 4, 1873. Not knowing Prouty's relation to the Kansas Magazine, McLane said: "It
dished up 'Samuel' pretty lively, and of course I assigned that as the reason." Cf. James C.
Malin, On the Nature of History (Lawrence, the author, 1954), ch. 5, "The Case of H.
Miles Moore."
13. The Kansas Magazine, v. 3 (May, 1873), p. 483.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 413
the opening of the American Revolution, with the Declaration of
Independence of 1776 as the focal date. Preparations were begun
definitely in 1871, when congress enacted the first legislation. In
1874 the Kansas legislature responded with appropriate action. The
agency created — a board of centennial managers — was new, so its
story will emerge in due course, the centennial operations constitut-
ing the fifth of the background factors.
The sixth factor on the list was one that had already accumulated
some history in its own right. The Kansas State Board of Agriculture
was designated as the local agency through which Kansas admin-
istered participation in the centennial exposition in Philadelphia.
Several considerations entered into this decision. Necessarily a cen-
tennial celebration meant that af least a nominal historical character
must be given to the exposition. Kansas had little history; she was
making it, and the most insistent aspect of that process was the
encouragement of immigration to the state. An immigration agency
had been set up at the close of the Civil War and when the State
Board of Agriculture was created, in 1872, out of the State Agri-
cultural Society, the major emphasis in the Annual Reports of that
board was the promotion of immigration. These reports were pri-
marily immigration documents. No other state agency was in being
in 1874 as a going concern that could better assume the responsi-
bility that Kansas participation in the centennial exposition de-
manded. Thus Alfred Gray, secretary of the State Board of
Agriculture, found himself cast in a role that turned out to be
important to the writing of Kansas history.
Last upon the list of background factors, but certainly not least
among them, was D. W. Wilder and his Annals of Kansas. Born in
1832 in Massachusetts, graduated from Harvard College in 1856,
Wilder had come to Kansas first in 1857, but he did not remain long
in any one place. On three occasions 1860, 1865-1868, 1876-1882,
he had left Kansas, only to return. After about a year as editor of the
Fort Scott Monitor, in 1872 he was elected state auditor. This led
to a political storm, his first annual report revealing gross irregulari-
ties in the management of the state's finances. State Treasurer J. E.
Hayes gave way to Samuel Lappin, and after a second round of
irregularities in 1875, John Francis was installed to clean up. The
year 1873 had also been the climax of senatorial scandal which
drove both Kansas senators, Pomeroy and Caldwell, out of the state.
The Annals was conceived, written, and issued during this period
of political upheaval. Wilder was quite realistic about the condition
414 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
of Kansas political life, but he was not driven to extremes as were
many other Kansans during the drought, grasshopper, and depres-
sion years of 1873 and 1874. Wilder had first thought of a Kansas
history of some sort as early as 1869.14 Not, however, until Decem-
ber, 1872, did he do anything positive about it. About that time he
became aggressive in accumulating a library of Kansas books.15
During the process of collection, he became acquainted with the
holdings of other Kansans who had done, or were then, collecting:
W. H. Smallwood, H. D. McCarty, John Martin, S. A. Kingman,
George W. Smith, James Christian, R. B. Taylor, John B. Dunbar,
Frank A. Root, Joel K. Goodin, David Dickson, R. G. Elliott.16
Kansans have come to take the Annals of Kansas for granted. A
book like that doesn't just happen by some magic of spontaneous
generation. In a diary entry of March 29, 1874, Wilder wrote: "I
began to think in 1869 of writing a History of Kansas. In Dec. '72
made some citations & quotations for it. Now believe that I should
go to work upon it and call it Outlines of a History of Kansas."
After the start made in December, 1872, he had an idea for another
book, probably not a substitute for the history but additional or
supplemental to it — a documentary history. The diary entry June 6,
1873, recorded it and made an indirect acknowledgment of the
source of the inspiration for this particular kind of book: "Found
yesterday, in [Secretary of State W. H.] Smallwood's office, the
Executive Minutes of the Territory, letters, appointments, proclama-
tions &c of Govs. & Secys. — Looked over one of the two books to-day.
Should like to use it in getting up a documentary history of K. T.
King says he will make an estimate of the cost of 1000 copies of a
600 page book." No further mention was made of the project, the
inference being that the cost decided the issue in the negative. Ob-
viously, Wilder was correct that one of the most valuable projects
that could have been undertaken was to publish the manuscript
records and thus make them generally available for historical pur-
poses. That is exactly what was done later in the early volumes of
the Collections of the Kansas State Historical Society.
The original plan for a history was continued in a desultory
fashion through 1874. On August 12, Wilder wrote in his diary:
"Have 20 years of 'Annals' ready." The use of the word "Annals" in
this entry may be prophetic, but to jump at conclusions that he had
adopted a new name for the book would be an error. On March 19,
14. D. W. WUder, "Diary," March 29, 1874; November 26, 1875.
15. Ibid., March 29, 1874.
16. Ibid., January 6, 30, March 16, AprU 3, 19, 1873; May 4, 5, 6, 9, 18, 21, 26, 27,
June 18, 1875.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 415
1875, Prentis commented in the Commonwealth on Wilder's project
referring to it as "a political history, or rather hand-book. . . ."
In his diary entry for the same day Wilder quoted this description
with apparent approval, but overnight came an inspiration, and the
diary entry for March 20 read: "In bed last night thought of Annals
as the name and way of writing my book." In that inspiration of the
night came a decision that was momentous. Thus far Wilder had
been floundering. Two good reasons can be assigned. The time
was not ripe for a formal history of Kansas because the materials
had not been assembled and evaluated, and for Wilder to undertake
such a task single handed and as an extra private enterprise outside
a full-time job as state auditor just was not practicable. Further-
more, whatever talents Wilder possessed, they did not include those
of historian in the formal sense. No one realized that fact more
clearly than Wilder himself, and he pronounced his verdict upon
himself in a diary entry for June 12, 1875. He had been reading
the files of the Leavenworth Daily Conservative which he had edited
1861-1864, and it was in this context that he wrote: "In the Con-
servative for '62 & on I did just the historical itemizing that I am
doing now. — Whether good or bad, the notion was born in me."
Wilder had the good sense to recognize where his talent lay and
to capitalize upon it rather than to persist in something for which
he was quite unsuited. Once Wilder had found himself the progress
of his work on his book was amazingly rapid. In spite of all the
preliminary work and thought that he had already expended on
the project prior to the fateful March 20, or rather the night of
March 19-20, he later came to date his book from that day. May
21, 1875, he wrote in his diary: "Have worked on book seven
weeks . . .," but in the Annals entry for March 20, 1875, he was
more explicit: "First page of the 'Annals of Kansas' written."
All these factors ran concurrently and interacted upon each other.
Each has been singled out from the others for purposes of individual
identification. The next task is to trace as simply as possible,
through the years of 1875-1879 inclusive, the story as a whole of the
founding of the Kansas State Historical Society, where necessarily,
all these factors were intermingled.
THE CENTENNIAL AND KANSAS HISTORY
Not in isolation, but within this background, publicity was focused
conspicuously during 1875 on the activities of the centennial mana-
gers. Publicity was their business, but it should not be permitted
to distort history at the expense of the other themes that did not
416 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
possess an advertising machine. Kansas history became a minor
aspect of the program of centennial activities, and it came about in
this fashion. The act of congress of 1871 authorized conditionally
the centennial exposition at Philadelphia for 1876 and a commission
which should include a representation from each state and territory.
Further legislation in 1872 completed the organization, with addi-
tional state representation.17
Under the first of these statutes, the governor of Kansas nominated
John A. Martin, of Atchison, national commissioner for Kansas, and
George A. Crawford, of Fort Scott, as alternate. These men were
then appointed by the President. The governor's recommendation
of 1872 brought no response from the legislature, but in 1874 action
was taken. To add to the troubles of 1873, a drought year, a world-
wide financial panic broke late in the year, so when the legislature
undertook in 1874 to authorize Kansas participation in the centennial
exposition, the economic outlook was gloomy indeed. Five state
centennial managers were authorized to be appointed by the gov-
ernor, and they were to use space in the room in the capitol assigned
to the State Board of Agriculture.18 The two commissioners to-
gether with the five centennial managers were commissioned March
30, 1874, and constituted the first state board of centennial managers.
On April 24, 1875, Alfred Gray, secretary of the State Board of
Agriculture, was commissioned to fill a vacancy, and was promptly
designated secretary also of the centennial managers. In 1876 a
reorganization took place, most of the managers being replaced, but
Gray continued in his double secretarial capacity.
The year 1874 was another drought year in Kansas, accompanied
by the locust plague of August. A special session of the legislature
met to provide limited relief, and in addition private aid for Kansas
was collected in the East to relieve drought and grasshopper vic-
tims. Under the shadow of cumulative disasters the legislature of
1875 was called upon to make its decisions.
Necessarily, under any circumstances, a pioneer state must oper-
ate under a deficit economy until local productivity can meet
requirements of a relatively self-sustaining existence. The only
question at issue during the deficit era was the sources from which
the deficit would be met — new capital introduced by settlers, federal
government financing of services, and private and public credits.
17. 16 U. S. Statutes at Large, 470, 471; 17 17. S. Statutes at Large, 203-211.
18. As most of these official documents dealing with the centennial were reprinted in
the "Report of the Centennial Managers . . ." which was incorporated into the Fifth
Annual Report of the Kansas State Board of Agriculture . . . 1876, they may be con-
sulted there, unless otherwise designated.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 417
During territorial status, federal funds met much of governmental
expense. A major penalty of early statehood was the cutting off of
that source of financing. All state and local governmental costs for
improvements and current expenses were met either by local taxes
or by borrowing; mostly the latter, and at all but prohibitive costs.
The centennial managers put the alternative bluntly; high taxes
paid by a scanty population, or a lower rate spread over a large
population induced by immigration. The centennial exposition at
Philadelphia was welcomed as an opportunity that should be capi-
talized upon as far as possible to induce immigration to Kansas and
thus to spread the tax burden among a larger number. The eco-
nomic disasters of 1873 and 1874 only emphasized the need of heroic
measures. The legislature was^at least partially convinced.
While the necessary measures were pending a recommendation
was received from A. T. Goshorn, director-general at Philadelphia,
dated January 30, 1875, which went beyond the matter of physical
exhibits, introducing the subject of history:
Another department that should be inaugurated and prepared under the
auspices of the State governments is that which may be termed the "historical
and statistical." Unless done by official authority, there will not be a complete
presentation of such matters as the history of the early settlement of the State,
its physical features, climate, geographical position, government, law and pun-
ishments of crime, system of State and municipal taxation, revenue and expendi-
ture, benevolent institutions and charities, education, scientific, industrial,
commercial, learned and religious societies, agricultural and manufacturing
interests, the extent and effects of railroads and other means of transportation,
the history and growth in population and wealth of the State. All these sub-
jects, among others, ought to be represented, so as to afford a summary view
of the history, progress and present condition of every State. Unless this is
accomplished, the Exhibition will seriously fail in that part of its purpose which
contemplates a representation of the nation's growth during the first century
of its existence.
The importance of official action in the premises was further
stressed as the only means that could secure results:
A collective representation of this character will not only be interesting as
illustrating the prosperity of the country, but will also be of inestimable value
for preservation in the archives of the nation, as a correct history of the birth
and progress of the several communities that have contributed during the
century to the growth and strength of the Union of States.
Among other things this recommendation reflected a remarkably
naive conception of the methods requisite for the writing of history,
but when history was recognized as having a place in a historical
celebration, that fact in itself calls for commendation. The Kansas
28—9137
418 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
legislature accepted the suggestion about history, which appeared
in the following form as section 2 of the act of March 6, 1875:
Said managers shall also prepare and have printed for distribution at the
exposition, a complete, condensed history of the state, showing its physical
features; its early settlement; its birds, fishes and animals; climate, geographical
position; educational, religious and charitable institutions; agricultural and man-
ufacturing industries; streams and water powers; railroads and other means of
transportation; growth in population and health; character and habits of the
people, and any other matters which will aid in making up a summary view
of the birth, progress and present condition of the state.
While reflecting the national recommendation as to content, the
legislative instruction about history was substantially in the Kansas
tradition which began with the Bogus legislature of 1855 in au-
thorizing the Historical and Philosophical Society.19 This fact is a
reminder that during the 1870*8 the separation of science into a
special compartment of knowledge had not yet been completed.
Personal responsibility for authorship of particular documents and
for the content of policy cannot be traced satisfactorily, and prob-
ably it is not important. The centennial managers were explicit in
trying to avoid the jealousies that would result from specific personal
credits, and announced in their report that all matters of policy were
decided after full discussion and represented in fact as well as form
their joint action.
SPECIFIC STEPS TOWARD A HISTORICAL SOCIETY
March and April, 1875, were momentous for the launching again
by specific steps a movement for a state historical society. The cast
of principals in this act were the Commonwealth, the Editors' and
Publishers' Association, D. W. Wilder, this time associated in the
public mind with a project for a history of Kansas in progress, F. G.
Adams, back in Topeka again as clerk in the office of state treasurer,
and the legislative requirement for a condensed history of Kansas
for the centennial at Philadelphia.
On March 7, 1875, as mentioned previously, the Commonwealth
passed into the hands of Floyd P. Baker as proprietor and editor,
with N. L. Prentis as local and news editor. Baker was born in
Washington county, New York, and was educated in the common
schools. By 1860 he had arrived on a farm in Nemaha county,
Kansas, after many changes which had taken him to Wisconsin,
New Orleans, California, the Hawaiian Islands, and return by way
of the Isthmus route, and Missouri. He entered Kansas politics as
19. This matter of the theory of history and its content has been discussed at some
length in the previous essay in this series.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 419
a member of the legislature in 1861, and in early 1863 bought an
interest from F. G. Adams in the Topeka Kansas State Record which
he retained as part or sole owner until 1871. After a period in
Denison, Tex., he was back in Kansas journalism again in March,
1875.
Noble Lovely Prentis (1839-1900), although born in Illinois, from
his tenth to his 18th year was reared by an uncle in Vermont. After
learning the printer's trade in Connecticut, he worked in Illinois,
and in Missouri, besides serving during the Civil War in an Illinois
regiment. Henry King induced him to come to Kansas to work on
the Kansas State Record. He arrived in Topeka, November 10,
1869. Later he was with the Commonwealth, the Lawrence Journal,
the Junction City Union, which he edited for G. W. Martin, and now
in March, 1875, was with Baker on the Commonwealth.
Both Baker and Prentis were men of more than ordinary talents,
and both made significant contributions to Kansas history. The
Commonwealth, during the next few years, was the most active
promoter and publicity medium for the movement to inaugurate a
state historical society and to make it a success after it was organized.
Just who was responsible for Commonwealth editorials is not always
clear. Of course Baker was actively sympathetic from the beginning
of his ownership. Within this general framework of policy Prentis
probably wrote the early editorials, and Wilder was a close confi-
dent. Until June 9, according to Wilder's diary, Baker was not
altogether free from his Texas connections. S. S. Prouty was on
the paper until about the middle of June. Wilder made it clear
that until this time, Prentis had carried the real burden of editorship.
For the later period, December, 1875, and later, Wilder, in his
presidential address before the Society January 17, 1888, credited
the Commonwealth editorials in support of the Kansas State His-
torical Society to Baker.20 By December, 1875, F. G. Adams was
definitely one of the society group.
The editorials of March 19, and June 20, and November 29, 1875,
on the theory and nature of history, were probably the work of
Prentis, and they contained truly distinctive thinking about history.
The one of March 19, "A History of Kansas," used as a text the
second section of the statute enacted by the legislature relative to a
"condensed history" of Kansas to be distributed at the centennial
exposition at Philadelphia. As the time was short none was to be
lost, an editor or board of editors should be chosen and the work
20. Collections, K. S. H. S., v. 4 (1886-1890), pp. 241-243.
420 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
commenced, but the editorial did not stop with generalities. The
history should include, according to the Commonwealth, all that
was known of the country prior to the coming of the white man;
accounts of churches, each denomination being responsible for its
own history, military history, county and city histories, Indian his-
tory, treated by the missionaries associated with the tribes, sum-
maries from the military post archives, accounts of explorations and
surveys, recollections of army officers, R. B. Taylor's history of the
press which had not been printed, descriptions of the physical fea-
tures of the state by scientists, and the reports of the state board of
agriculture condensed and made available. In closing, a challenge
was thrown out that such a presentation at Philadelphia "can lay
before the world a history of what civilized man had done in Kan-
sas in twenty years." It was a pretentious program, but also, it
represented a broad and comprehensive conception of history.
The Kansas Editors' and Publishers' Association held its annual
meeting at Manhattan April 7-8, 1875, after which many members
went on an excursion to Galveston, Tex. At Manhattan, April 8,
two important resolutions were adopted; one dealing with news-
paper history and the other with a state historical society. By the
terms of the first of these resolutions a committee was appointed,
consisting of R. B. Taylor, T. D. Thacher, and D. W. Wilder, to
prepare a history of the Kansas press. The designation of Taylor
as chairman was in recognition of the history he had compiled in
1869 as the basis of his annual address of January, 1870.
The second of the resolutions was presented by D. W. Wilder:
Whereas, All efforts to establish an active and efficient State Historical
Society have been failures; and
Whereas, Such an organization is imperatively demanded for the purpose of
saving the present and past records of twenty-one years of eventful history:
therefore,
Resolved. That this Association respectfully requests that F. P. Baker, D. R.
Anthony, John A. Martin, Sol. Miller and G. A. Crawford act as a committee to
organize such a Society, and ask of the Legislature an appropriation of not less
than $1,000 annually, to pay for subscriptions and for the binding of every
newspaper published in the State, and for such other historical records as can
be secured.
About this time the key figure in the cast of characters was added
to the scene. F. G. Adams had been in Topeka at an earlier time as
has been noted. During the winter of 1874-1875, when F. P. Baker
was negotiating for the Commonwealth, one of his plans of mid-
January, 1875, had included F. G. Adams as editor.21 When the deal
21. WUder, "Diary," January 14, 15, 22, 1875.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 421
was completed in March, however, Prentis, not Adams, was brought
in as local and news editor. Later in March, Adams was appointed
as a clerk in the office of the state treasurer, and had moved to
Topeka by April I.22 It was in this capacity as clerk in the treas-
urer's office that Adams was to function, and make his living until
1879 when the legislature belatedly appropriated money sufficient
for a real salary as secretary of the state historical society.
During the decade of absence from the Topeka scene, Adams had
founded and edited the Atchison Free Press, served as Indian agent
to the Kickapoo Indians, published the Waterville Telegraph, a
book: the Homestead Guide (1873), and engaged in farming. Dur-
ing 1875 the state grange made him chairman of its educational
committee. But almost immediately after his arrival in Topeka in
April, 1875, Adams published in the Commonwealth, April 13, 14,
a two-part paper on "Old County Names." Although printed anon-
ymously, the Commonwealth identified the author, April 16, in
printing a second letter in correction of the Adams' articles. In
this connection the editor observed: "Not the least valuable thing
connected with sketches like those by Judge Adams, is the bringing
out of information on Kansas history from all quarters."
THE CONDENSED HISTORY
During the year 1875 the board of centennial managers was active
in organizing, planning, and collecting materials for the Kansas
exhibit at Philadelphia: collections were assembled representing
Kansas geology, native and domestic animals and plants, crops, etc.
A special issue was made of a number of things. A systematic
photographic program was planned — "landscape views of scenes
of natural beauty or historic interest." As was explained: "These
views are desired as pictorial illustrations of the present appearance
of the State, and are designed for permanent preservation in the
interest of historical accuracy." 23 Also the board declared that as
"Corn is the staple of Kansas," special premiums were offered for
the best specimens, the preparation of which when selected was to
be managed by the board itself. And state pride was involved also
in another way: "It is intended that all work done in preparing for
the Centennial shall be by Kansas men." 24
In August, 1875, the board of centennial managers concluded the
"blocking out of the plan of the history of the State called for by
22. Ibid., March 21, April 1, 1875.
23. Commonwealth, July 11, 1875.
24. Ibid., August 3, 1875.
422 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
the statute." 25 They decided upon six short papers: D. W. Wilder
on political history; John A. Anderson on agriculture; T. Dwight
Thacher on railroads; B. F. Mudge on geology; F. H. Snow on
natural history; John Fraser on education. Although scarcely meas-
uring up to the ideal of a history of Kansas, it served the purpose
for which it was intended, and the six papers were printed in the
Fourth Annual Report of the Kansas State Board of Agriculture
. ' . . 1875. For the purpose of centennial distribution, the legis-
lature of 1876 authorized a second or abridged edition of the Fourth
Annual Report, called the centennial edition, in which were printed
only three of the so-called historical papers: those of Wilder, Ander-
son and Thacher, along with the section called "Industries by
counties/' together with county maps. In the First Biennial Report
of the Kansas State Board of Agriculture . . . 1877-8, these
county sketches, with the co-operation of the state historical society,
were given a substantial historical character. This First Biennial
Report went through three editions and stands as probably the most
important immigration document published by the state of Kansas.
The pronounced historical character of the volume is explained by
the foregoing background. Several years were to pass before the
state historical society was in a position to begin a publication
program of its own. The circulation of the Fourth Annual Report
and the First Biennial Report was enormous because they were
given away.
WILDER'S Annals of Kansas
It is time now to return to 1875 and Wilder, to provide some
glimpses into the process by which the Annals of Kansas took shape,
and to notice some of the by-products. Although Wilder had been
actively assembling a library of Kansas materials since December,
1872, his collection was still deficient and gaps became evident that
he had not suspected. Having settled on the Annals form, he went
through the books in his collection for material that could be dated
and arranged chronologically. On April 21 he had 120 pages of
copy. He began April 27 on the manuscript materials in the ar-
chives of the secretary of state, Smallwood. In May he turned
actively to newspapers. He found that G. W. Smith, and James
Christian, of Lawrence, had partial files of the Herald of Freedom.
He took the matter up with S. A. Kingman who was president of
the Kansas Historical Society, inactive since 1868, and with whom
he had discussed the historical society question as early as April 19,
25. Ibid., August 14, 1875.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 423
1873. Kingman responded to his new appeal and Wilder acted as
intermediary in the purchase, for $25, of Smith's file for Kingman
and the historical society. Similarly, he acted for David Dickinson,
librarian of the state library, in purchasing, for $30, the James
Christian file, but as Dickinson had only $25, Wilder made up the
difference out of his own pocket.26
Wilder had a file of the Elwood Free Press, 1859, and part of the
St. Joseph ( Mo. ) Free Democrat, 1860, which he had edited. Those
he proposed giving to Kingman for the historical society.27 He bor-
rowed the Quindaro Chindowan from Frank Root, the Leavenworth
daily papers, the Conservative, and the Times, from D. R. Anthony.
In Topeka he borrowed the files of the Freeman, the Kansas State
Record, the Leader, the Commonwealth, the Tribune, and the Law-
rence Republican. In nine weeks, May 6 to July 14, he had closed
out most of his work on newspapers. Next came legislative journals,
statutes, and state documents.28 Also by this time he had located
books dealing with Kansas not formerly known to him.
After finishing his work on the newpapers, Wilder felt that he was
through the worst but: "There is still much to do. I hesitate to
begin final revision and exam." That was on July 16. On July 19
he assorted the copy, and on July 22 he "wrote & finished the first
four pages of copy. . . . Must entirely finish a little copy every
day now, besides reading & filling in more recent events. . . ."
By July 26 all copy was ready to 1854, and July 29 the year 1854
was arranged: '1 have still a month's work before me." On August
2 he finished 1857, and had 205 pages of manuscript. Printing re-
sponsibilities were assumed by George W. Martin, who was also
state printer. E. P. Harris was the foreman with whom Wilder
worked, and on August 4, 32 pages of copy carrying the story to
1853 were turned over to him.
On August 10 Frank B. Swift, the typesetter, insisted that Wilder
must insert data on the Indian tribes and Wilder agreed. Two days
later the Indian material, prior to 1853, was added, and the next
day, August 13, the remainder to 1859. Fortunately for Wilder's
methods, his annals style permitted the scissors and paste method
of revising copy and that procedure accounted for the rapidity with
which he revised, rearranged, and added to his manuscript as he ac-
cumulated new material. Wilder's task from this point on was to
keep ahead of the typesetter. Proofreading with Harris, and index-
26. Wader, "Diary," April 19, 1873; May 5, 7, 9, 10, 24, 27, 28, 1875.
27. Ibid., May 12, 1875.
28. Ibid. Nearly every daily entry between these dates had something on the subject
of his work on newspapers.
424 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
ing were soon added duties, that were kept up to date besides the
further reading, writing, and preparation of copy. This hand-to-
mouth procedure, operating under high pressure, continued until
November 2, when Wilder decided to cut the book at the end of
1874. The next day Gray turned over the data from the 1875
census, which closed the book. On November 9 the last proof was
returned and the following day the press work was completed. A
copy was taken to George W. Crane to bind, and at 1:30 P.M.,
November 11, Wilder had this advance bound copy in his hands.
At this point, he took out $2,000 worth of insurance on the books.29
On November 26 Wilder's diary entry contained the succinct com-
ment: "Threw away the manuscript/'
When Wilder began on the Annals of Kansas, it is evident that
he had no idea of the magnitude of the task he had undertaken.
Probably it was best that way, or he would not have committed
himself. The realization of how formidable the project really was
unfolded gradually. On May 20 he thought he should be finished
on July 1. On June 13 he admitted he should have another year
which would include a trip east to do the book justice. Five days
later he recorded the news of R. G. Elliott's holdings of Kansas ma-
terials but admitted: "I am too much worn out to go after them.
This book will be big enough. If another edition is called for, will
get everything." Already Wilder was complaining of backache and
headaches. The headaches became worse. By September 17 he
weighed 121 pounds and on September 21 he limited himself to one
cigar a day, and had not chewed tobacco for four days. September
22 he "Sat still ten hours indexing— 176 pp." Besides that he read
proof both before and after the indexing. By November 2 he con-
fided that "I feel as if my work, and annoyance on the book and
elsewhere might end in a fever — a crazy one. . . ." The factor
in his regime that kept him going was his routine established gradu-
ally soon after his return to Topeka in 1873 of taking evening walks.
During the long ordeal over the book he walked nearly every even-
ing, combining exercise with conversation with a walking com-
panion, Prentis more frequently than any other. His reference to
annoyances elsewhere referred especially to his conviction that
there were irregularities in the treasurer's office which his own, the
auditor's office, was not able to verify.
In the course of his selection and arrangement of the Annals
Wilder made a number of revaluations of aspects of Kansas history.
29. Ibid., November 10, 1875.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 425
His reading of the files of the Herald of Freedom convinced him, by
May 6, that "[G. W.] Brown was a man of good political judgment.
I have always thought otherwise." His criticism of his own editorial
work on the Leavenworth Conservative during the Civil War elec-
tion of 1864 was severe: "Am ashamed of the record made then,
though glad I opposed Lane." This capacity to revise opinions as of
1875 was noteworthy. Under these circumstances it was unfortunate
indeed that Wilder decided not to get the R. G. Elliott material,
especially the files of the Kansas Free State published at Lawrence
during 1855 and early 1856 by Josiah Miller and Elliott. Already
their role in the Free-State party and the Topeka statehood move-
ment had been lost out of such Kansas history as had been written.
Wilder might have restored the perspective, and had he done so
in 1875, prior to the outbreak of the bitter controversies of later
years, the whole course of Kansas history writing would have been
different. By 1886, when the second edition of the Annals appeared,
it was too late for Wilder to change his mind.
Early in the course of the writing of the Annals one element of
pessimism crept into the work. Although only 43 years of age, the
shock of the attempted assassination of D. R. Anthony, May 11,
prompted the comment about the Annals: "It is already a history
of those who are dead or who have left Kansas, and my work today
has been more melancholy than ever." Although difficult to evalu-
ate, that elusive sense of the uncertainty of life and the hazards of
time hovered over the Annals of Kansas. Still another reaction to
his project is important to an understanding of the members of the
generation who were founding a historical society in 1875. Upon
finishing with the Civil War period, Wilder wrote, August 27:
"Copy now has lost interest, war being over." Although applying
literally only to himself, the psychological state reflected in this
comment was pervasive.
The size and cost of the Annals of Kansas grew with Wilder's re-
sponse to the magnitude of his task. When discussed with Martin
on the Galveston excursion of April 9, a two-dollar book was in
contemplation. On May 24, Martin estimated that a 1,200 copy
edition of a 400-page book, allowing 150 gratis copies, could be
produced at one dollar each, possibly 80 cents, and would be sold
at two dollars. Wilder suggested that it be printed in Brevier type,
to which Martin agreed. On June 19 Martin suggested a two-
column format. On July 20 Harris estimated that the manuscript
would make a 400-page book, Wilder's figure was 500, The evening
426 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
walk for August 7 was taken with Martin who thought that if the
book reached 500 pages the price would have to be three dollars
in order to pay out, without any expectation of profit. Martin's
estimate of cost as of November 8, was $2.03, and the price was
set at five dollars — "600 copies will pay him — that would leave 700
copies for me/'
On behalf of the board of centennial managers, George T.
Anthony and John A. Martin had approached Wilder, June 3, to
write the historical sketch for the centennial volume. Wilder de-
clined at first, but took it under advisement. He could not do any
work on it for months. On October 1, he tried to secure a release
from his promise, "but Gray said nobody else had the facts and 20
pages would do; made a beginning." A little more work was done
October 6 and 7. On October 21 John A. Anderson called on Gray
relative to what he was to write. On November 10 Wilder was
ready to resume his centennial sketch, and again November 19 he
confessed that it would be chiefly "a puff for Kansas." The finished
product went to Gray, November 24, but pictures were desired and
a revision was resubmitted December 1. The printing and binding
of the volume was done in Chicago, not in Kansas, where the board
of centennial managers had insisted earlier that all work on the
centennial should be done.
Publicity about Wilder's forthcoming book had been practically
continuous from the time Prentis had first referred to it in his edi-
torial of March 19. Because the two men were so close personally,
Prentis' frequent references were the most authentic and were
widely copied. According to Prentis in the Commonwealth, June
20, 1875, "the real historian" was the newspaper man. This verdict
came from Wilder after he had been at work about five weeks on
the newspapers: ". . . in Kansas newspapers has after all been
preserved the fullest and fairest history of Kansas." The content
of the papers thus described was intended to include editorials,
locals, and advertisements, everything — "no man ever yet looked
over a yearly file of a newspaper without learning much of the so-
ciety of human beings among which that newspaper is published."
The moral of this editorial is that editors should remember that they are
writing, not for to day or to morrow, but for all time; and that the more
faithfully they portray the phases of daily life of the community in which
they are published, neglecting far-off, remote and abstruse matter, the more
faithfully they will be fulfilling their vocations as writers of history.
Apparently Martin turned out the first lot of complete books on
November 25, Thanksgiving day. The first books distributed to the
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 427
public were review and gift copies sent out by express November 26,
Friday. The Commonwealth and the Leavenworth Times had no-
tices of it on Sunday, November 28. On Tuesday, November 30,
a baby boy, Samuel, was born to the Wilders. Thus momentous
were these last days of November, 1875.
On November 28 the Commonwealth returned to the theme of
"newspapers as history," with the assertion that the bulk of the
Annals of Kansas "was gleaned from common newspapers files" with-
out which "it would have been difficult, if not impossible" to have
presented such "an accurate and connected account of the events
that have transpired in the State. It is a matter worth thinking
about that the Kansas newspapers, with all their waywardness and
all their weaknesses, are yet the fount from which the historian of
our stormy and checkered career draws" his material. Also, Wilder
was complimented for his discretion in "having sedulously sup-
pressed the volumes of foolish and spiteful and contemptible things
we have written. . . ."
The more important reactions to Wilder's Annals of Kansas were
the private comments and responses. He had difficulty in making
his friends understand the kind of book he was writing. Thus on
May 4 he explained that "my book would be a collection of facts,
a book of reference, & not a stately history." On September 11,
Kingman called and read the first 48 printed pages: "it was not
what he expected." A week later his friend and frequent walking
companion, William H. Rossington, commented: "Seems to me it
is a Kansas Encyclopedia." When Prentis, in the Commonwealth,
November 16, called it "a Diary," Wilder echoed "good." On
December 3 Wilder noted that "Almost every Kansas paper has a
notice & there is not a single unfavorable word. It is wonderful.
But I see the book can only be sold by personal solicitation." "The
sale of the book was slow" was the comment on December 7, and
just how slow was revealed by the frank admission that an agent
in Topeka did not sell any on his first afternoon. Wilder began to
cast about for some arrangement by which Martin could get his
money out of the venture. Further discouragement came with the
breaking of the Lappin bond forgery scandal. Lappin resigned De-
cember 20, and John Francis was made state treasurer the follow-
ing day to clean up the mess. Thus there was much point to
Wilder's bitter comment of December 4: "Martin & I gain immor-
tality: nothing else." At five dollars a copy Wilder's Annals could
not compete in circulation with free copies of the Fourth Annual
428 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Report and the First Biennial Report of the State Board of Agricul-
ture.
Full justice must be done G. W. Martin in the Annals enterprise
because he underwrote the cost before he knew how big the book
would be, and did the printing. Without his participation and the
co-operation of his men, Harris and Swift, on the mechanical side,
there would have been no book. If Wilder had found it necessary
to produce a completed manuscript, and have a clean copy made,
and then negotiate in the market for a publisher, there would have
been no Annals of Kansas. Only devoted friends and loyal printers
who were willing to work together unselfishly all hours of the day
and night, without any idea of profit, could have produced this book
and have done it so promptly. The book had defects, but the most
important fact about it was that it was done.
TAYLOR'S NEWSPAPER HISTORY
During 1875 R. B. Taylor's committee on a "history of the Kansas
press," was not heard from, but the background for his project
should be brought up to date as of January, 1876. On October 2,
1869, in order to accumulate the data for his annual address to the
Editors' and Publishers' Association to be held in Topeka, January
17, 1870, Taylor explained his purpose in his Wyandotte Gazette.
The theme was a history of the press of Kansas, but the editors
would have to co-operate. Each one would have to provide the
necessary information about himself and the paper he was editing.
Under the date November 4, he sent out a printed circular specify-
ing the data to be supplied by each. The response was rather
better than might have been expected. One major defect of Taylor's
procedure, however, was that he could reach effectively only those
still operating in the state.
Even under these circumstances the volume of material accu-
mulated during the next two months was too great to be summar-
ized in one annual address, so his presentation upon that occasion
represented only a sampling. But it was an impressive sample.
That compilation represented the winter of 1869-1870 and the his-
tory of the press had neither been completed nor published, yet
the Taylor collection was the most extensive body of information
about Kansas journalism that had ever been gathered anywhere.
The resolution of April 8, 1875, creating the new committee, with
Taylor as chairman, was designed to stimulate action. Unlike the
centennial volume of the State Board of Agriculture, and Wilder's
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 429
Annals of Kansas, Taylor's history was not ready at the close of
1875. Taylor died in 1877 without completing the work. All the
materials he had assembled were deposited by his family with the
historical society, and the abstracts as he had prepared them were
published in the Collections of the society.30
LAUNCHING THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
In spite of all this historical activity of 1875, the committee ap-
pointed April 8 to organize a historical society had not found a spot
in the news. In his "Diary," September 17, Wilder noted that F. P.
Baker, chairman of the committee, insisted that action must be
taken as a demonstration of good faith prior to the meeting of the
legislature in January, 1876, when an appropriation was hoped for.
Baker elaborated upon this strategy in an editorial in the Common-
wealth, December 16: "It is believed that if the society can show
the Legislature that it has made a beginning, that it will be ready
to co-operate and build up an institution that will be a credit to
Kansas." It was performance that Baker wanted, not just more talk.
Baker called a meeting of his committee, together with other
men, in the Commonwealth office, December 14, 1875. Only three
of the five committee members were present: Baker (Topeka),
Martin (Junction City and Topeka), Crawford (Fort Scott). The
additional personnel on hand, although the basis of their presence
was not explained, were M. W. Reynolds (Parsons), Kingman
(Topeka), Prentis (Topeka), Taylor (Wyandotte), and Prouty
(Topeka). Kingman was chosen chairman, with Baker as secre-
tary. The business transacted was simple: the adoption of a reso-
lution to form a historical society; the naming of a committee
(Kingman, Baker, and Crawford) to prepare a charter, procure
signatures of the necessary incorporators, and file it with the secre-
tary of state; and the naming of nine men to the board of directors:
Kingman, Baker, Crawford, Martin, Miller (Troy), Wilder, An-
thony (Leaven worth), Prouty, and Taylor. The meeting then ad-
journed.
The charter committee acted with dispatch, the charter being
filed the following day with six named incorporators: Martin,
Crawford, Prouty, Kingman, Reynolds, and Taylor. The board of
directors then met and perfected organization under the charter,
electing Kingman president, Crawford vice-president, Martin treas-
30. R. B. Taylor, "History of the Kansas Press," K. S. H. S., Ms. volume 68; Abstracts
of letters to Taylor on the history of the Kansas press, Collections of the K. S. H. S., v. 1-2,
pp. 164-182.
430 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
urer, and Baker secretary. With this done the board adjourned
subject to call by the president.31
The persons missing from the lists just enumerated were im-
portant to such a project, and the reasons for their absence were
not apparent. Wilder was in southern Kansas about this time.32
F. G. Adams was soon to take over the key position in the Society.
No one was in attendance nor was named to the board of directors
from Lawrence, Manhattan, Emporia, or Osawatomie, the old radi-
cal strongholds of the days of the territorial wars of 1856 and
earlier. Only Prouty was a fifty-sixer. Immigrants of 1857 included
Anthony, Crawford, Kingman, Martin, Miller, and Wilder. Taylor
arrived in 1858, Baker in 1860, Reynolds in 1865, and Prentis in
1869. Relatively, they were newcomers. Although they were all
antislavery, and most of them had Civil War military records, but
few of them had been active participants in territorial radicalism.
In other words, the controversies that were to be waged so bitterly
during the next decades over credits and honors were not at issue
with these men as of 1875. And furthermore, so far as these men
did become partisans in the later controversies, they had to depend
altogether upon hearsay, except as to events of 1857 or later.
The importance of having something in hand that was tangible
Baker made the basis of an appeal in connection with his editorial
of December 16 announcing the organization of the Society:
31. The original records of these transactions are represented by two sheets of manu-
script minutes, apparently kept by Baker. These were copied at some later date into
"Record A," pp. 1, 2, a manuscript record book of proceedings of the board of directors of
the Kansas State Historical Society, Manuscript division, K. S. H. S. The record of action
as written on the two sheets did not distinguish the proceedings of the two different days,
and the material was copied in that form. At a later date corrections were inserted in the
book, between the lines and in the margin. A summary of action, with Baker's explanatory
comment, was printed in the Commonwealth, December 16, 1875.
For some unexplained reason errors of dating found their way into the original notes
of proceeding. The figure 13 was written first, then (12), and later both were struck out
and 14 was inserted above the line. Most of the printed accounts of the historical society
use the date December 13 for the organization meeting. There is little question that the
correct date was December 14. The Commonwealth, December 16, 1875, indicated that
the meeting was on December 14, the charter signed on the 14, filed with the secretary of
state the 15, and the officers elected on the 15. Furthermore, a corroboration of the correct-
ness of the 14 as the date is found in the Commonwealth locals December 15, which
reported R. B. Taylor of Wyandotte had arrived the day before, and would go to Emporia
the 15. Taylor was present at the organization meeting. In "Record A," p. 1, the date
of the organization meeting was changed by erasure and insertion of 14.
Still another difficulty is found in the membership of the board of directors. The original
minutes of the organization meeting and as copied into "Record A," listed nine members.
The Commonwealth, December 16, 1875, listed only seven, omitting the last two: Prouty
and Taylor. The charter as filed with the secretary of state specified seven directors.
Possibly, if not probably, the list of nine were named prior to an agreement on seven by
the charter committee. Why the lesser number was specified in the charter and what
method of elimination of the two extras afterward as enumerated by the Commonwealth has
not been determined. The text of the charter was copied into "Record A," pp. 2-4. The
original is in K. S. H. S. manuscripts. But the Commonwealth, December 16, 1875, may
have been in error or may have taken liberties with the conflict of authority which was
unmistakable. However, Adams' pamphlet of April 28, 1877 — "A list of the collections
. . ." did not help matters any by adding a tenth name, that of M. W. Reynolds, of
Parsons.
32. Wilder, "Diary," December 10, 18, 19, 20, 1875.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 431
In order to get started, and show that business is meant, the secretary would
suggest to newspaper publishers throughout the State to aid in inaugurating
this society. He knows of but one way to do it; that is for them to donate for
say three months, their papers to the Society. If they would do so, the Secre-
tary agrees to see that they are preserved at any rate and hopes to secure a
room and place them on file. But they shall all be preserved in a shape to file
and be bound when the society gets into regular operation.
Besides newspapers, Baker solicited donations of books, pamphlets
and documents relating to Kansas history.
In the Commonwealth, January 5, 1876, Baker announced that
the Kansas State Historical Society was "now fully organized." By
this he meant that a change in personnel had taken place, that the
organization had a temporary location, and that it had in fact be-
come a repository of historical^ materials. F. G. Adams was intro-
duced as the new secretary of the society with this explanation: "As
Mr. Baker who was first elected Secretary, is too full of his own
business to give it the attention it deserves, the board of direc-
tors has accepted his resignation, and appointed Hon. F. G.
Adams in his place/' As for a home for the infant society the an-
nouncement was made that: "He [Adams] has procured a book-
case, and for the present it is in the Auditor's [Wilder's] office."
It was in this case that all books, documents, and newspapers con-
tributed to the society were being kept. Baker hoped that all news-
papers being received would be paid for soon — meaning that a
legislative appropriation was expected for that purpose and to bind
them: "We don't believe that the State Historical Society will die
this time. . . . We trust within the next thirty days a copy of
every paper published in the State will be sent to the 'Historical
Society.' Let them all commence with the first issue of 1876."
There was much more in these summaries than met the eye.
First was the status of Adams. He had come to Topeka in April as
a clerk in the state treasurer's office. The Lappin bond forgery
scandal broke in mid-December. Wilder, the state auditor, learned
the facts December 18, on his way back to Topeka from Fort Scott.
Lappin resigned December 20. John Francis agreed, December 21,
to take over the office.33 In the cleanup what would become of
Adams? No doubt several men were interested, but Wilder's diary
entry for December 29 read: "Francis keeps Frank Adams for
[Governor] Osborn & me." That throws some light on the fact that
on January 4, 1876, the diary entry recorded that the "Bookcase
for Historical Soc. Library moved into office," — that is, into Wilder's
33. Ibid., December 18, 20, 21, 1875.
432 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
department, the auditor's office space. The implication of this
language is that the decisions had been reached prior to January 4,
and other data tend to corroborate that conclusion. In the second
edition of his Annals of Kansas, Wilder dated Adams' tenure as
secretary as beginning January 1, 1876. It is even possible that
Adams was in fact the acting secretary prior to that date. The con-
clusion would seem reasonable that Baker and friends had already
decided upon Adams as his successor as secretary of the society,
and that the Lappin scandal threatened to disrupt those plans.
Having secured Francis' confirmation of security for Adams in the
treasurer's office the transfer was then completed and announced
January 5 in the Commonwealth.
Another difficulty in the historical record is of a different char-
acter. The Commonwealth, January 5, 1876, had announced as an
accomplished fact the resignation of Baker, its acceptance by the
board of directors, and the appointment of Adams. Yet the manu-
script "Record A" of the Society, containing the "official" minutes
of proceedings of the board record those events as occurring Feb-
ruary 4, 1876. Obviously, the contemporary record of the Common-
wealth, January 5, 1876, prepared and printed by Baker himself,
and Wilder's diary must take precedence over the "official" minutes.
If the date of that portion of the official minutes which deals with
these points was changed from February 4 to January 4, all would
be straight. Another possibility must not be overlooked, however,
and that is, the board may not have actually met "officially" on
January 4 or some earlier date to make the decisions. Among this
small group of friends, working together in intimate harmony, the
decision could have been made informally through separate con-
sultations, and then the proceedings of February 4 would repre-
sent merely the perfecting of the official record with respect to
actions already taken less formally. Whichever view is taken of the
official record, the facts remain the same so far as they bear upon
the momentous event in the history of the Society, the advent of
F. G. Adams as secretary. The point should be kept in mind quite
clearly that these men were friends, and they trusted each other,
and were determined to make this historical society enterprise a
success. The formalities were not important to them so long as the
job was actually being done.
Another unresolved problem is that of the memorial to the legis-
lature for an appropriation, and again the accuracy of the proceed-
ings in the "official" minutes of the board entered as February 4
1
FRANKLIN GEORGE ADAMS
1824-1899
Zu ADAMS
1859-1911
RICHARD BAXTER TAYLOR
1822-1877
FLOYD PERRY BAKER
1820-1909
DANIEL WEBSTER WILDER
1832-1911
ALFRED GRAY
1830-1880
GEORGE WASHINGTON MARTIN
1841-1914
NOBLE LOVELY PRENTIS
1839-1900
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 433
is at stake. The statement was made there that "the Secretary was
directed to draw up a memorial to the legislature asking for an
appropriation of fifteen hundred dollars for the use of the Society.
. . ." In the Commonwealth report of the meeting of the board
on February 4, the language read "a memorial was adopted.
. . ." Strictly interpreted the first was prospective, a directive,
while the second implied the adoption of the memorial after it had
been drafted. Baker advanced his arguments in support of state
aid by pointing out that:
More than twenty years have gone by since the Territory was organized, and
not a dollar has been contributed for the preservation of our history. . . .
We are behind every Western State. The Wisconsin Society is celebrated not
only all over this country but throughout the civilized world. It has a library
of more than twenty-five thousand volumes, and has received from the State
more than one hundred thousand dollars. Kansas does not expect to equal
Wisconsin.
In the minutes of the board meeting of February 4, 1876, ap-
peared for the first time a copy of the bylaws of the Society:
The object of the Society shall be to collect, embody, arrange and preserve
a library of books, pamphlets, maps, charts, manuscripts, papers, paintings,
statuary, pre-historic relics and other materials illustrative of the history and
the antiquities of the state; to rescue from oblivion the memory of its early
pioneers, and to obtain and preserve narratives of their exploits, perils, hardy
adventures and patriotic achievements; to exhibit faithfully the past and
present conditions and resources of Kansas; and to take proper steps to promote
the study of history, by lectures and other means for the diffusion of informa-
tion relative to the history and resources of the state.
The bylaws defined four kinds of members, corresponding and
honorary, selected by the board of directors, and two paying classes,
life and annual members, citizens of the state, assessed $20 and $2
respectively.
The statement of objects as given in the bylaws was an elabora-
tion upon the simple formulation of the charter: "to secure past
and future records of the state of Kansas, and to adopt such means
as may be available to preserve the same in the future."
The campaign of solicitation for materials of Kansas history as
carried on in January, 1876, and later by Baker in the Common-
wealth and Adams by mail, yielded results in current newspapers
and in books and documents. Judge Kingman, the president of
this as well as of the defunct Kansas Historical Society of 1867-1868,
made the first gift, one of books, January 7, 1876, according to
Wilder's diary. The entry did not elaborate and the "Accession
Record A" of the Society did not indicate whether these were from
29—9137
434 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
his private library or from the earlier organization. Later, two
files of newspapers, the Herald of Freedom, were contributed by
David Dickinson, the state librarian. The description of these,
one 1855-1859, and the other 1855, seems to justify the inference
that these were the files Wilder had bought for Kingman in the
name of the Kansas Historical Society, and for Dickinson for the
state library, from G. W. Smith, and James Christian, respectively.34
Apparently after Wilder had used them during the summer of
1875 for the Annals, he had turned both files over to the state li-
brary. Prouty contributed the Freeman's Champion, 1857, and
the Burlington Patriot, 1864-1867, and Wilder the Elwood Free
Press and the St. Joseph Free Democrat. The "Accession Record"
of the society listed meticulously all these gifts. On March 7,
1876, the first anniversary of his editorship of the Commonwealth,,
Baker summarized the year's accomplishments, an impressive show-
ing for one year of historical activity in 1875 under the several
stimuli that have just been reviewed.
Baker was not disposed to permit a letting down of activity.
On March 12 he wrote that the society must not be permitted to
die of neglect. He regretted what he called the unwise action of
the legislature in not appropriating money, but proposed a mem-
bership drive. At the moment Adams was on a trip West, but when
he returned Baker hoped
that the society will be called together and a circular issued appealing to citi-
zens to become members. . . . Meanwhile we hope the newspapers of the
State will unite in bringing it to the notice of their readers. Let them continue
to send the papers and have the amount applied on membership. We believe
enough money could be raised to keep it on its feet.
Another point might have been made but was not, that the legisla-
ture could hardly have been expected to appropriate money for
an organization without members. If the record of the board meet-
ing of February 4 was correct, the action of that day for the first
time defined the conditions of membership.
Possibly the failure of the appropriation was a blessing in dis-
guise. At any rate a meeting of the board was held in the auditor's
office March 30 that initiated an aggressive policy, although, ac-
cording to Wilder's diary and the official minutes, only four men
were present: Kingman, Baker, Adams, and himself. In effect,
these four were the Historical Society. Wilder moved and it was
adopted "that the secretary be directed to send to the editor of each
34. Kansas State Historical Society, "Accession Record A," Nos. 227, 228. For other
l-^c8 ^ecCommonwealth, January 12, 20, February 15, 1876; First Biennial Report of the
K. o. H. o., pp. 26, 27.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 435
of the newspapers of the state a certificate of annual membership
with the request that it be accepted in lieu of the subscription price
of the paper, and that the paper be still furnished the society for
filing during the year." Another resolution directed the secretary
"to prepare a circular of general information as to the objects and
present status of the Society, and to procure its publication as far
as practicable in the newspapers of the state." The third item of
business was the presentation to the society by Adams of Indian
artifacts, and a proposal which was adopted that the collection of
such material of prehistoric vintage be included among the objects
of the Society. The fourth and final act was a directive to the presi-
dent and to the secretary to present certificates of membership "in
consideration of such donations as may be deemed worthy."35
In reporting this meeting, the Commonwealth, April 1, added
the comment that, "The society is producing among other good
results, the effect to stimulate the writers for Kansas press to the
contribution of much more than the usual amount of historical
matter." Also, the report on newspapers being received by the
Society was brought up to date in giving the number at "about
fifty." This column, as printed in the Commonwealth, was re-
printed on 12-inch slips of paper with a heading requesting other
newspapers to copy the Commonwealth story. In this manner, and
at a minimum cost, the secretary was enabled to fulfill his directive
to provide one circular. Another circular was printed on sheets five
inches by eight inches, dated March, 1876, in explanation to news-
paper men of the status of their relations with the society — annual
membership in exchange for files — and closed with an appeal to the
recipient to act as an agent of the Society in securing annual mem-
bers at two dollars each.36
The activity of Secretary Adams was reflected also in solicitation
for historical material from outside the state and for the establish-
ment of regular relations for exchange of publications with other
institutions — state historical societies, learned institutions, geologi-
cal survey, federal departments, and railroad companies.37
THE CENTENNIAL, THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, AND LOCAL HISTORY
The subject of county histories had received some attention in
1868 when the Burlington Patriot and the Olathe Central had each
sponsored a history. John Speer had taken notice of these efforts
35. Kansas State Historical Society, "Record A," pp. 6-8.
36. Copies of these documents are preserved in the Ka
ary.
37. Kansas State Historical Society, "Incoming Correspondence," v. 1 passim.
36. Copies of these documents are preserved in the Kansas State Historical Society
436 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
in the Lawrence Daily Tribune April 26, 1868, and urged that "the
plan [be] adopted by every county paper of the State. . . .
Such histories would form a valuable basis for a history of the
State, and would be more full and complete than anything of the
kind out yet." No survey has been undertaken to determine how
many such histories of whole counties or of communities were
printed that year or for other years, but many such accounts of
varying merits were published by newspapers, especially of the
newer counties. If for no other reason, these were compiled and
printed as an aspect of booming for immigration into their area.
In its report to the governor in January, 1876, the board of cen-
tennial managers had admitted the indifferent success of its efforts
to stimulate organization of the counties to assume responsibility
for exhibits for Philadelphia. In connection with the statutory re-
quirement for a "condensed history" of Kansas, it pointed to the
papers in the Fourth Annual Report of the State Board of Agricul-
ture. But for 1876 and the actual celebration it recommended the
delivery on July 4, 1876, at each county seat in the state of "an ad-
dress, which shall be a synopsis of the history of the county." Town
and township histories could also be preserved in that way. On
April 25, Governor Osborn issued a centennial proclamation, in-
corporating the joint resolution of congress, calling upon citizens
of counties, cities, and towns to assemble on the Fourth of July
next to listen to a history of the city, town, or county, as the case
may be.38 The Commonwealth offered suggestions for implement-
ing the program in each locality, among them, to "combine the
duties of the historian and the orator . . .," and to season it
"with as much spread eagle, red fire, and star spangled banner as
can be conveniently worked in."
In order to be assured of such benefits as might accrue from
these Fourth of July local histories, the Historical Society sent out
printed postal cards under the date line June 21 asking for copies,
whether in pamphlet or in newspaper form for permanent preserva-
tion: "Thus the entire history of the State will be revised and
brought up to the present time." 39 Adams reported that 75 news-
papers had published histories, but several were behind schedule,
"notably Leavenworth, Douglas and Doniphan."40 The Common-
wealth published two important editorials on the subject: one
July 13, describing the celebrations in many different parts of the
38. Commonwealth, April 25, 1876.
39. Copies of the postal cards are in "Kansas State Historical Society Circulars, Blanks,
etc.," in library, K. S. H. S. The Commonwealth, June 23, 1876, reprinted the request.
40. Ibid., July 25, 1876.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 437
state, and one of July 25 interpreting the significance of the occasion
to Kansas:
The good name of Kansas will be more dear to us hereafter, and those who
cast a stain upon it will be more severely reprobated. In our formative period
we were 'fleckers" and 'movers/ there was the inevitable laxity in the demands
made upon public officers. That day has gone by. Whoever steals, bribes,
robs or swindles Kansas now, has struck a blow at each of us. We are here
to stay, and will not submit to insult, outrage, or wrong doing.
In the perspective of subsequent events this was somewhat opti-
mistic, but after two senatorial scandals in 1873 and two treasury
scandals of still more recent date, there was good reason for wish-
ful thinking about the future.
The Historical Society may justly be said to have prospered dur-
ing its first year of actual operation. On July 1, 1876, or later, Adams
moved the Society's belongings from the auditor's office into new
quarters assigned in the state house — a room occupied exclusively
by the Society under the stairway to the senate gallery.41 Under
the date line October 6, 1876, a new circular was printed: "For
the information of those inquiring as to the objects and condition
of the Kansas State Historical Society. . . ." It contained a
brief statement of the origins, the organization meeting, the names
of the officers, the objects of the organization as stated in the by-
laws, and a note was made of the Society's location, with a descrip-
tion of the materials assembled. Noted particularly were 140 news-
papers regularly received and preserved for binding, and more than
100 county and local histories, "more or less elaborately written,"
and published in the papers during the year "relating to nearly
every portion of the State. Not a little of the public interest which
has led to the compilation of so many newspaper histories has un-
doubtedly grown out of the work of this Society." The circular
closed by calling attention to the annual meeting which would
occur in January, 1877.42
CONSOLIDATING POLICIES
The first annual meeting of the Kansas State Historical Society
was held in Union Hall, Topeka, January 25, 1877. In the absence
of President Kingman, Vice-President George A. Crawford pre-
sided. The annual address for that occasion was to have been
delivered by Crawford on the subject "Early History of Kansas."
•r 41' /W«i^r's diary recorded the completion of the move July 14. The Annals of
Kansas (1886) said July 1.
42. In the Kansas Historical Society library. This circular was printed on a single
sheet of paper, five and one-half inches by eight inches.
438 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
On account of ill health he had not been able to prepare for the
occasion. An address was given by Isaac Sharp, of Council Grove,
on the "ethnological views of the native Indian tribes of the western
plains." Adams then recapitulated the activities of the Society in
much the same language as the circular of October 6. Thirty-five
bound volumes of Kansas newspapers and periodicals, 1855 to date,
were held by the Society.
A board of directors was then elected: T. H. Cavanaugh, G. A.
Crawford, Sol Miller, J. A. Martin, John Francis, F. P. Baker, T.
Dwight Thacher. This brought into the roster of officials three
names new to the society; Cavanaugh, of Salina, Secretary of State
Francis, and Thacher. Cavanaugh was born in Indiana and came
to Kansas in 1869. The inclusion of Thacher, incidentally, brought
into the official group for the first time a Lawrence man and an
immigrant of 1857. Francis was English born, migrating to the
United States and Kansas in 1858. The board of directors met in
the office of the secretary of state, where the new officers were
elected: G. A. Crawford, president; John A. Martin, vice-president;
John Francis, treasurer; and F. G. Adams, secretary. A decision
was reached to arrange a series of historical lectures, and a com-
mittee composed of Cavanaugh, Francis, and Adams was given the
responsibility. A vote of thanks was given to Hugh Cameron, of
Lawrence, for an 1855 file of the Kansas Free State, which had
been published in Lawrence by Josiah Miller and R. G. Elliott. Also:
"The President and Secretary were directed to employ a canvasser
to solicit membership to the Society and gather historical mate-
rial." 43 In reporting the meeting the Commonwealth, January 26,
added a comment about the audience at the annual meeting — "the
greater portion . . . were ladies" — which may or may not be
a matter of significance. The Society of 1859 had denied them
membership.
The historical lecture series for 1877 was arranged by the com-
mittee: N. L. Prentis, "Pike of Pike's Peak," February 19; Charles
Robinson, "Kansas Political Events, 1854-1858," February 26; N. F.
Handy, "New Mexico and Her People," March 26; Sidney Clarke,
"Lane of Kansas," April 9; S. S. Prouty, "The Kansas Emigrants of
1856," April 23; and S. N. Wood, "Early Kansas," May 14.44 All
the lectures were held at night in the Presbyterian church. So far
as they dealt with Kansas topics they were generally in a eulogistic
or moderate vein. Charles Robinson's appearance as lecturer was
43. Kansas State Historical Society, "Record A," pp. 8-13.
44. Ibid., proceedings of the board of directors, pp. 13-16.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 439
the first time his name was connected with the Historical Society,
and he treated his controversial subject with tact and moderation.
Clarke went all out in glorification of Lane, "the Garibaldi of our
politics." 45 In view of the stormy record of S. N. Wood and some
remarks made in the correspondence arranging his lecture, Adams'
misgivings were aroused as to what Wood might say. His letter of
admonition to Wood was a masterpiece, and revealed more effec-
tively probably than anything else that can be cited the ideals and
policy that actuated Adams throughout his long career as secretary
of the Society, 1876-1899:
You say your lecture will be a kind of 'autobiography.' The Society will not
dictate what shall be the character of lectures delivered by those who are in-
vited to lecture before it. But it is. obvious that the usefulness of the Society
would be impaired by the introduction of such matters in these lectures as
should arouse animosities among those who should cooperate for the sole ob-
ject of recording and perpetuating the memories of history.46
The legislature of 1877 appropriated $3,000 for the Historical
Society, for the biennium, $1,000 of which was ear-marked for the
purchase of the "Thomas H. Webb Collection" of manuscripts and
scrapbooks. Incidental to the appropriation was an important en-
largement of the objects of the Society. The money was authorized
for the collection of material "illustrative of the history and progress
of Kansas in particular and the west in general." That principle
that Kansas history could not be studied effectively in a vacuum,
was to become fundamental to the policy of making the Society a
repository of materials for the history of "Kansas in particular and
the west in general." 47 A called meeting of the board of directors
was held March 13 to decide matters "growing out of the appropri-
ation made ... by the state [legislature]."48 Six members
were present.
Appropriately, the first expenditure authorized out of the state
money was a salary for Secretary Adams — $25 per month to be
retroactive to January 1, 1877.49 Of course, Adams' major income
was still his salary as clerk in the treasurer's office, and his services
to the Society were performed on borrowed time — either from the
state or from his private life. Also, the Commonwealth, August 12,
1877, performed an act of justice in explaining to the public how
45. Commonwealth, April 10, 1877.
46. F. G. Adams to S. N. Wood, May 3, 1877, "Correspondence" of K. S. H. S.,
"Outgoing," v. -1, p. 23.
47. State of Kansas, The Session Laws of 1877 . . ., ch. 36, approved March 6,
18 I i •
48. Commonwealth, March 14, 1877.
49. Kansas State Historical Society, "Record A," p. 14.
440 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
part of the work was done: "Mr. Adams, or rather his daughter
[Zu Adams], working without pay, files all papers. . . ." Just
when Zu Adams began this work for her father was not stated, but
probably soon after her 17th birthday anniversary, which was
January 13, 1876. She died in the service of the Society in 1911.
At the second annual meeting, January 22, 1878, the financial state-
ment accounted for only $237.50 paid for the services of the secre-
tary during 1877. For 1878 he received his full $300, and his as-
sistant, Zu Adams, $130.50 Still another subsidy to the Society came
from certain railroads. The M. K. & T., the Santa Fe, the Kansas
City, Fort Scott & Gulf, and the Leavenworth, Lawrence & Gal-
veston companies granted Adams passes for official business. The
Commonwealth, September 20, 1877, was disposed to advance this
fact in evidence that "Corporations have souls — some of them at
least."
In view of the success of the lectures at Topeka during the early
months of 1877 the Society initiated a much more elaborate pro-
gram for the winter of 1877-1878. A four-page leaflet was printed
in October explaining the plan to take the historical lectures to the
state. The early history of Kansas, the argument ran, rested on
memories of living persons: "These persons are vanishing with
each succeeding year, and the facts within their knowledge will be
lost forever, unless committed to paper and preserved." The So-
ciety made an issue of the point that "it is not merely in respect to
political affairs that important matters in Kansas history remain
unwritten. . . . The wonderful activity and strife in political
affairs in early times obscured the history of many events less ex-
citing and yet of great importance as concerned the material, social
and moral founding of the State." A list of suggested topics was
printed which illustrated effectively the possibilities of historical
writing other than political. The manuscripts of all lectures were
to become the property of the Society. The arrangements in each
town were to be in the hands of local committees. Either the cir-
cular itself or summaries of it were published throughout the state.51
While the emphasis was upon lectures, the program included
historical papers to be filed with the Society. The Commonwealth,
December 30, reported a list of 50 men and their subjects already
committed for delivery either as lectures or deposited as papers.
Later this list was expanded to 70 promised, and the Common^
50. First Biennial Report of the K. S. H. S., 1879, pp. 54, 56.
51. Atchison Daily Champion, October 21; Topeka Commonwealth, October 24, 1877,
are examples. An original copy of the leaflet is in the library, K. S. H. S.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 441
wealth, January 22, 1878, on the eve of the second annual meeting
reported 79. Of course not all of these commitments were fulfilled,
probably only a small proportion, but a definite impetus was given
to the writing out of historical stories.
The second annual meeting of the Society was held January 22,
1878. The board of directors elected included George A. Crawford,
F. P. Baker, John A. Martin, F. G. Adams, John Francis, C. K.
Holliday, and Charles Robinson. The last two named were the
members new to the official roster of the Society. Both were of
the settler vintage of 1854. The new board elected officers for the
ensuing year: John A. Martin, president; F. P. Baker, vice-presi-
dent; John Francis, treasurer; and F. G. Adams, secretary.
Before the third annual meeting, the board of directors decided
upon a constitution for the Society, a luxury it had thus far forgone,
and revised the bylaws. A board meeting December 26, 1878, ap-
proved a draft constitution prepared by the secretary "modeled
after that of the Wisconsin Historical Society." It was adopted at
the third annual meeting, January 21, 1879. The board of directors
was enlarged from seven to thirty-six, each serving two-year terms,
half renewed each year. Editors and publishers contributing their
paper became active members during the continuance of such
contribution. The annual meeting ordered another series of his-
torical lectures. The new board of directors elected as officers:
Charles Robinson, president; Holliday and Anthony, vice-presi-
dents; Francis, treasurer; and Adams, secretary. At a meeting of
the board, January 31, 1879, Adams was allotted a salary of $1,500
annually, and an executive committee of five was authorized, to be
selected from the board.52
The legislature of 1879 appropriated $1,000 for the remainder of
the fiscal year, and $2,500 each for the next two years. Also an act
was passed designating the Society as trustee for the state, and re-
defining its duties. Particularly;
It shall be the duty of the society to collect books, maps, and other papers
and materials illustrative of the history of Kansas in particular, and of the west
generally; to procure from the early pioneers narratives of events relative to
the early settlement of Kansas, and to the early explorations, Indian occupancy
and overland travel in the territory and the west; to procure facts and state-
ments relative to the history and conduct of our Indian tribes, and to gather
all information calculated to exhibit faithfully the antiquities and the past and
present conditions, resources and progress of the state. . . ." 53
52. Kansas State Historical Society, "Record A," pp. 31, 32.
53. State of Kansas, The Session Laws of 1879 . . ., p. 59, ch. 167, pp. 325-327.
442
KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
CONCLUSION
By these events it may be fairly said that the Kansas State His-
torical Society was founded as a going concern, but a few points
should be reviewed by way of recapitulation. The accompanying
chart may aid in visualizing perspective about the original organiz-
ing group in the Historical Society, the 12 organizers plus F. G.
Adams, to whom they entrusted their Society. Conspicuously,
these were not old men who had outlived their usefulness, with
nothing to do but relive in memory past strife. Only three Massa-
chusetts educated men were in the group, and only three were col-
lege men. Nine of the 13 had no formal education except what
they received in the common school, in some cases supplemented
by some academy experience. The two who were the product of
Massachusetts common schools, Kingman and Taylor, were any-
thing but what are usually thought of as New England Yankees.
Four were the product of New York common schools, and two of
Pennsylvania schools, and to each of these states one from the col-
lege men, must be credited for his common schooling. Conspicu-
ously, the controversial characters who had played the leading roles
in early territorial days were not among the founders. They were
practical men of affairs centering in Topeka, at that time the in-
tellectual as well as the political capital of Kansas.
KSHS
Organizing Born
Group
'4
Ige, 187
5
State
of
Birth
Education
D.R.Anthony.. ..1824
51
New York
F. P. Baker 1820
55
New York
George A. Crawford. . . 1827
48
Pa.
8. A. Kinsman 1818
G.W.Martin 1841
"34
57
Mass
Pa.. .
Common schools
John A. Martin 1839
Sol Miller 1831
36
44
Pa
Ohio
Common schools
N. L. Prentis 1839
S. S. Prouty 1835
36
40
Til. . .
New York
111., Vt. common schools
M. W. Reynolds 1833
R. B. Taylor 1822
D. W. Wilder 1832
42
"43"
53
New York
Mass
Mass
University of Michigan
Common schools
Harvard college
F.G.Adams 1824
51
New York
Common schools
The newspaper membership idea dated from 1860 when it was
adopted by the Kansas Scientific and Historical Society.54 It was
incorporated into the Kansas Historical Society of 1867. Wilder's
proposal of April 8, 1875, that newspaper subscriptions be paid for
out of legislative appropriations was the deviation from the tradi-
tion. The denial of the first request for an appropriation threw the
54. C/. Part III of the present series, The Kansas Historical Quarterly, Spring, 1955,
pp. 331-378.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 443
new Society back upon the earlier principle, and one which bound
the Kansas press and the Historical Society together in mutual sup-
port and service.
A third theme that needs pointing up is that of the scope and ob-
jects of a Historical Society. The philosophical society idea has
been traced through the antecedent organizations. Also, the tend-
ency to divide the body of knowledge into compartments. The
Kansas Academy of Science had set up for itself claiming jurisdic-
tion over the science area, but it had extended its activities into
social areas such as linguistics and anthropology. The Kansas State
Historical Society, 1876, persisted in many aspects of the phil-
osophical society tradition. The Goss Collection of birds is a con-
spicuous example. Also, the -Historical Society included in its ob-
jectives the collection of material on antiquities (anthropology).
Adams was a member and an active contributor to that subject in
the Kansas Academy of Science. He made a gift of his collection
of artifacts to the Kansas State Historical Society on February 4,
1876, and his proposal to include that subject within the scope of
the Society's activities was adopted. One thing that had stimulated
so much interest in the prehistoric inhabitants was a study made of
materials excavated near Parkville, Mo.55
The type of historical material collected by the Society may be
traced briefly. In amplification of the definitions incorporated in
the charter, the bylaws of 1876, and the statutes of 1877 and 1879,
the Society issued a series of circulars. One of the earlier of these,
undated, divided material desired by the Historical Society into
seven classes : ( 1 ) every book, on any subject . . . relating to
Kansas; (2) "pamphlets of all kinds" enumerating publication of
educational, religious, and social institutions; (3) newspapers and
magazines; (4) manuscripts; (5) maps, drawings, engravings,
photographs, paintings, and portraits connected with Kansas his-
tory; (6) curiosities of all kinds: coins, medals, paintings, statues,
and war relics; (7) Indians, contemporary and prehistoric. In
the next of the series of circulars, section 1 was broken down into
three, by making separate sections of matters relating to cities, and
to laws, and manuscripts were combined with the first section.
Educational and other institutions were given a separate section.
A still later version of the circular, in ten sections, separated manu-
scripts from the first section making it the second section. These
lists are ample testimony to the purpose of the organizing group
55. Although earlier excavations near Parkville had been made in 1853, they had been
forgotten. At that time G. C. Swallow had estimated the age of the ruins at about 1,000
years.— St. Joseph (Mo.) Gazette, November 9, 1853.
444 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
and especially to the secretary, Franklin G. Adams, who so largely
guided policy making. He wished to avoid controversies; for him
the Society was not a battleground for either individuals or causes.
As he told S. N. Wood, so candidly, "the sole object" was "recording
and perpetuating the memories of history." And as he emphasized
in the circular of October, 1877, political affairs were not the whole
story of Kansas; "strife in political affairs in early times obscured
the history of many events less exciting and yet of great importance
as concerned the material, social and moral founding of the State."
If the present writer has been at all successful in reconstructing
the point of view of the founders of the Kansas State Historical
Society, and their evaluation of what was central to its functions, a
rereading of the successive Biennial Reports prepared by the secre-
tary should take on a fresh meaning. Adams tried persistently to
put first things first. The Third Biennial Report restated with em-
phasis (p. 16): "the chief and essential feature of a historical so-
ciety is its library work," and by that he meant to place first the
newspaper collections, and after them reports of societies, and in-
stitutions, pamphlets, maps, manuscripts, pictures, antiquities, etc.,
all of which he had evaluated in some detail in the First Biennial
Report. The first major group of manuscripts acquired had been
the Thomas H. Webb and the Thaddeus Hyatt collections.
True, the historical atmosphere was changing rapidly. Already
the Lecompte-Anthony libel suit had been heard at Leavenworth.56
The Osawatomie monument was dedicated in 1877, and the Towns-
ley confession was published late in 1879, thus reopening on a new
basis the whole John Brown controversy. In spite of Franklin G.
Adams, the Historical Society was soon to be turned more and
more into a battleground,57 but through all that unpleasantness he
persisted in his central objective that the function of a Historical
Society was to serve as the repository of historical materials, pre-
served in trust for use in the future.
56. James C. Malin, "Judge Lecompte and the 'Sack of Lawrence,' May 21, 1856,"
The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 20 (November, 1953), pp. 553-580.
57. James C. Malin, John Brown and the Legend of Fifty-six, chs. 14-21.
Marriage Notices From Kansas
Territorial Newspapers, 1854-1861
Compiled by ALBERTA PANTLE
INTRODUCTION
THE following list of marriages is a continuation of the vital
statistics gleaned from the territorial newspaper collection of
the Kansas State Historical Society. Previously published was
"Death Notices From Kansas Territorial Newspapers, 1854-1861,"
which appeared in the August and November, 1950, issues of The
Kansas Historical Quarterly. The same general principles have
been followed in this compilation as in the list of death notices.
When a marriage was not performed in the community where the
newspaper, in which the notice appeared, was published, the place
of marriage is listed if known. Not all announcements included the
site of the ceremony.
The files of the Historical Society's territorial newspapers are
remarkably complete, however in some instances there are only
scattered issues. This fact and negligence in reporting marriages
to the newspapers necessarily cause this list to be incomplete, but it
does bring together marriage records from all parts of territorial
Kansas for the first time.
The recording of marriages has been required of the counties of
this state since the start of county government in 1855, and many of
them have such records from their beginning. One notable excep-
tion is Douglas county where records were destroyed in the Quan-
trill raid of August 21, 1863. Since 1913 marriages have also been
recorded in the division of vital statistics of the state board of health
at Topeka.
THE MARRIAGE NOTICES
ABBOTT, EPHRAIM, JR., formerly of Wyandotte, and Annette M. Wood, Spring-
field, 111., mar. Sept. 14, 1858, at Springfield. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, Oct. 9. )
ABERNATHY, J. J., and Lizzie Martin, formerly of Keokuk, Iowa, mar. Sept. 2,
1859, at the residence of Dr. Davis, by the Rev. J. G. Reaser. (Leaven-
worth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Sept. 3. )
ACKERLY, GODELOPE, and Elizabeth A. Goodrick, both of Stanton, mar. Dec. 22,
1859, at Osawatomie, by the Rev. Z. Baker. (Leavenworth, Daily Times,
Jan. 13, 1860.)
ALBERTA PANTLE is acting librarian of the Kansas State Historical Society.
(445)
446 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
ADAMS, LUCIAN R., of Wellington, Ohio, and Harriet G. Lord, of Litchfield,
Conn., mar. Oct. 21, 1857, at Burlingame, by the Rev. G. W. Paddock.
(Lawrence, Republican, Nov. 26.)
ADDIS, ALFRED S., late of Pennsylvania, and Sarah H., dau. of T. J. Short, for-
merly of Lexington, Mo., mar. Mar. 27, 1856, by the Rev. L. B. Dennis.
(Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Mar. 29.)
ADKINSON, WILLIAM W., and Ruth A. McClenning, mar. Jan. 1, 1856, at house
of John Adkinson, by the Rev. John Evans. (Atchison, Squatter Sovereign,
Jan. 22.)
ALLEN, LUTHER, and Jane Nugent, mar. April 24, 1859, at the Chase House, by
the Rev. L. Bodwell. ( Topeka, Kansas Tribune, April 28. )
ALLER, A. L., Leavenworth, and Jennie E. Winchester, mar. Mar. 24, 1859, at
Allen's Prairie, Mich., by the Rev. N. Fassett. ( Leavenworth, Weekly Times,
April 9.)
ALLER, W. H., and Eliza H. Perkins, mar. Mar. 24, 1859, at Allen's Prairie,
Mich., by the Rev. N. Fassett. (Leavenworth, Weekly Times, April 9.)
ALTHEN, HENRY G., of St. Louis, Mo., and Amelia M. Randolph, of Lawrence,
mar. Nov. 3, 1857, by the Rev. G. W. Hutchinson. (Lawrence, Herald
of Freedom, Nov. 14.)
ALTON, CYRUS D., and Frances C. Stewart, of Monrovia, mar. Sept. 5, 1858, at
the Exchange Hotel, by the Rev. J. F. Collins. ( Atchison, Freedoms Cham-
pion, Sept. 18.)
ANDERSON, G. W., and D. M. Graham, mar. May 24, 1860, by G. W. Barr, Esq.
(Elwood, Free Press, May 26.)
ANDERSON, DR. JOSEPH, and Mary C. Clements, mar. Mar. 20, 1860, at Tecum-
seh, by the Rev. C. M. Callaway. ( Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Mar. 24. )
ANDREWS, R. S., and L. A. Ensign, mar. Nov. 12, 1859, by P. P. Wilcox, Esq.
(Atchison's Freedom's Champion, Nov. 19.)
ANSTEY, SIMEON, and Elizabeth Wise, Brown county, mar. Aug. 26, 1858, by
J. W. Wilhoit. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Aug. 26.)
ANTHONY, J. MERRITT, and Mary Luther, Kingston, N. Y., mar. April 2, 1858.
(Osawatomie, Southern Kansas Herald, April 24.)
ARNOLD, NOAH, and Julia M. Graham, both of Douglas county, mar. Feb. 8,
1860, by the Rev. H. H. Moore. (Lawrence, Republican, Feb. 9.)
ARTERBERRY, THOMAS, and Caroline Anderson, mar. Aug. 13, 1857, near Frank-
lin, by the Rev. L. B. Dennis. ( Lawrence, Republican, Aug. 27. )
ASHLEY, DR. A. F., of Forest City, Mo., and Angie R. Longley, Hartford, Madi-
son county, Kan., mar. Jan. 1, 1860, at Hartford, by S. J. Mantor, J. P. (Em-
poria, Kansas News, Jan. 14. )
ATCHISON, WILLIAM, of Clay county, Mo., and Sarah, dau. of Dr. William Rob-
ertson, formerly of Kentucky, mar. Nov. 26, 1857, in Buchanan county, Mo.
(Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Jan. 23, 1858.)
ATKINSON, WILLIAM, formerly of Peoria, 111., and Mary Davenport, of Indian-
apolis, Ind., mar. Feb. 16, 1858, by the Rev. R. C. Brant. (Lawrence, Re-
publican, Feb. 18. )
ATWOOD, B. W., and Elizabeth S. Badley, both of Whitewater, Otoe county,
Kan., mar. April 1, 1860, at Chelsea, Butler county, by the Rev. J. S. Saxby.
( Emporia, Kansas News, April 28. )
MARRIAGE NOTICES 447
BACON, HENRY R., and Ellen Brittan, both of Burlington, Kan., mar. Feb. 7,
1858, at Burlington, by the Rev. P. Remer. (Prairie City, Freemen's
Champion, Feb. 25. )
BACON, S. S., and Ellen R. Moore, mar. Aug. 24, 1859, by the Rev. Richard
Cordley. (Lawrence, Republican, Oct. 13.)
BAILEY, F. A., and Hattie A. Haskin, mar. Dec. 10, 1857, by the Rev. S. Y. Lum.
( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Dec. 12. )
BAKER, EPHRAIM, and Mrs. Elmira McCartney, mar. July 22, 1860, by the Rev.
C. M. Callaway. (Topeka, Kansas State Record, July 28.)
BAKER, PETER H., and Margaretta Sebra, mar. Jan. 11, 1858, at Bloomington,
Kan. ( Lawrence, Republican, Jan. 28. )
BAKER, VALENTINE, and Mary Litch, late of Lee county, Iowa, mar. April 6,
1858, by Mayor H. J. Adams. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, April
10.)
BALDWIN, HENRY, and Ann E. Cosley, mar. Mar. 8, 1859, by the Rev. L. B.
Dennis. (Lawrence, Republican ,^Mar. 24.)
BALDWIN, JAMES O., and Jane Vetteto, both of Le Roy township, Coffey county,
mar. Sept. 20, 1860, by the Rev. E. Phillips. (Burlington, Neosho Valley
Register, Oct. 10.)
BANKHEAD, ASCHER, and Mary Annabelle, dau. of the late Col. A. B. Chambers,
St. Louis, Mo., mar. June 10, 1857, at Oakland, near Bowling Green, Mo.,
by the Rev. Mr. Worthington. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald,
June 20.)
BARKER, INGLE, of Lawrence, and Frances R. Joy, of Akron, Ohio, mar. Oct. 30,
1858, at Akron, by the Rev. A. Joy. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Nov.
20.)
BARNES, DR. EDWARD A., and Susan J. Albin, mar. , 1855, by the Rev.
C. H. Lovejoy. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Dec. 1.)
BARNEY, JOSEPH M., of Brimfield, 111., and Sarah C. T., dau. of Deacon John
T. Farwell, of Fitchburg, Mass., mar. Oct. 4, 1855, at Fitchburg, by the Rev.
E. W. Bullard, of Royalston, Mass. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Oct.
27.)
BARTLETT, J. KEMP, of Leavenworth Times, and Virginia, dau. of E. Cowgill,
Talbot county, Md., mar. Oct. 12, 1858, at a Friends ceremony in presence
of Mayor Henry. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Oct. 23. )
BATCHELLER, J. W., and Anna E. Wade, both of Oregon, Mo., mar. Feb. 28,
1858, by the Rev. Edward Lambkin. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Mar. 11. )
BATES, DANIEL, editor of the Evangelist, Fort Madison, Iowa, and Mrs. Martha
Ann B. Whyte, relict of D. M. Whyte, mar. Dec. 15, 1858, at New Bloom-
field, Callaway county, Mo., by Elder A. Rice. (Leavenworth, Kansas
Weekly Herald, Jan. 8, 1859.)
BATES, COL. J. M., senior editor of Kansas City ( Mo. ) Metropolitan, and Mattie
T., dau. of Moses Prewett, Columbia, Mo., mar. Oct. 26, 1858, by the Rev.
X. X. Buckner. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Nov. 20. )
BAY, HUGH, of Atchison, and Melinda Comstock, Jefferson county, mar. May 1,
1860, by the Rev. J. B. McAfee. ( Lawrence, Republican, May 17. )
BAYNE, THOMAS R., and Susannah Hatton, both of Jefferson county, mar. Feb.
1858, by the Rev. William Wilson. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald,
April 10.)
448 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
BEAGLE, F. M., and California Hailey, mar. Nov. 18, 1855, in Kickapoo City,
by T. Shaler. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Dec. 1.)
SEEDING, W. A., Parkerville, Mo., and Martha R. Walker, Wyandotte, mar. Aug.
27, 1857, at house of William Parker, by the Rev. Nathan Scarritt. ( Leaven-
worth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Sept. 5. )
BEERS, A. H. and Ann Elizabeth Minter, mar. Jan. 29, 1860, at residence of R.
M. Smith, by the Rev. J. Spencer. (Atchison, Union, Feb. 4.)
BELZ, JOHN, and Sophia Binde, mar. Nov. 10, 1859, by the Rev. L. R. Stauden-
mayer. (Atchison, Union, Nov. 12.)
BENEDICT, WILLIAM F., and Eliza H. Walton, both of Douglas county, mar.
Oct. 6, 1859, by the Rev. H. H. Moore. ( Lawrence, Republican, Oct. 13. )
BENJAMIN, HENRY, and Betsy Baysinger, mar. May 27, 1858, on Ottawa creek,
by the Rev. Mr. Ingels. ( Prairie City, Freemen's Champion, June 17. )
BENNETT, G. W. C., Platte county, Mo., and Sallie, dau. of David and Eliza-
beth Black, Buchanan county, Mo., mar. Dec. 1, 1859, by the Rev. O. C.
Steele. (Atchison, Union, Dec. 10.)
BENZ, JOHN J., Leavenworth and Louisa M. Cole, Weston, Mo., mar. April 30,
1857, at Weston, by Jeremiah Woods, Esq. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, May 16.)
BERKAU, PAUL H., of near Bloomington, and Lizzie Jonson, Cambridge City.,
Ind., mar. Jan. 18, 1857, at Cambridge City. (Lawrence, Herald of Free-
dom, Feb. 21.)
BETTON, FRANK H., and Susannah Mudeater, mar. Mar. 8, 1860, by the Rev.
Wm. Barnett. ( Wyandotte, Western Argus, Mar. 14. )
BIRCH, MICHAEL, of Weston, Mo., and Mary Frances Combs, mar. May 25,
1856, by the Rev. W. G. Caples. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald,
May 31.)
BLACKSTONE, W. C., of Mapleton, and Anna E. Enlow, of Brooklyn, mar.
May 10, 1860, at the Hildreth House, Mound City, by the Rev. M. D.
Tenney. ( Lawrence, Republican, May 24. )
BL ANTON, N. B., and Harriet Crosby, formerly of Warren county, 111., mar.
, 1857, near Neosho City, by the Rev. Benoni Wheat. (Lawrence,
Republican, Aug. 27.)
BLEVINS, WILLIAM, and Martha Chandler, both of Jeiferson county, mar. Oct.
25, 1860, at residence of Richard Chandler, by the Rev. H. H. Hedgpeth.
(Oskaloosa, Independent, Oct. 31.)
BLISS, HARMON J., Quindaro, and M. Elizabeth, dau. of Alvin Plumb, West-
field, N. Y., mar. Sept. 1, 1857, at Westfield, by the Rev. Charles Mussey.
(Quindaro, Chindowan, Sept. 19.)
BONIFANT, BENJAMIN, Weston, Mo., and Tillie Leachman, Platte county, Mo.,
mar. Oct. 29, 1855, by the Rev. O. C. Steele. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, Nov. 17.)
BOTHEL, ADAM R., and Elvira Whitney, formerly of Pennsylvania, mar. Feb. 14,
1860, at the Bratton House, Burlingame, by the Rev. A. M. Thornton.
( Emporia, Kansas News, Mar. 10. )
BOTTS, GEORGE W. D., and Mrs. Elizabeth Fales, recently of Boston, Mass.,
mar. Jan. 29, 1855, at Juniata, Kan., by the Rev. C. E. Blood. (Lawrence,
Herald of Freedom, Feb. 17. )
BOWLES, L. S., and Miss Peteet, mar. , 1855, by the Rev. Thomas Allen.
(Atchison, Squatter Sovereign, Sept. 18.)
MARRIAGE NOTICES 449
BOWMAN, CHRISTIAN, formerly of Millerstown, Pa., and Mary E. Sutliff,
formerly of Fairhaven, Vt, mar. Aug. 15, 1860, at the residence of bride's
brother, William E. Sutliff, by the Rev. Richard Cordley. (Lawrence,
Republican, Aug. 16. )
BOYD, A. G., Weston, Mo., and Lizzie J. Beagle, mar. Jan. 24, 1856, by the
Rev. W. G. Caples. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Feb. 9.)
BOYER, JOHN W., of Topeka, and Emily P., dau. of Anson Eddy, of Mission
creek, mar. July 15, 1860, by the Rev. J. T. Holliday. (Lawrence, Re-
publican, July 26.)
BOZELL, WILLIAM, and Rebecca W. Winsett, mar. Mar. 20, 1860, in Fremont,
by the Rev. Calvin Meadows. (Emporia, Kansas News, Mar. 24.)
BRADFORD, WARD, and Mary E. Simpsons, mar. Nov. 15, 1857, by the Rev.
B. C. Dennis. ( Sumner, Gazette, Nov. 20. )
BRAMHILL, JOHN, and Elizabeth Courtney, mar. Sept. 20, 1860, at Waterloo,
Breckinridge county,1 Kan., by John Wayman, J. P. (Emporia, Kansas
News, Sept. 29.)
BREWER, MONTREVILLE, and Mrs. Mary Moody, mar. Aug. 2, 1858, by the
Rev. E. Nute. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Aug. 7. )
BRITTON, JOSEPH, and Mary Ellen Bacus, mar. Sept. 2, 1856, by P. P. Wilcox.
(Atchison, Squatter Sovereign, Sept. 2.)
BROMLEY, MARTIN, and Tobiatha Berry, both of St. Joseph, Mo., mar. Mar. 2,
1860, at the Great Western Hotel, Elwood, by the Rev. E. Whitney. (El-
wood, Free Press, Mar. 24. )
BROOKE, DR. C. B., of Lecompton, and Jennie Mockbee, of Westport, Mo.,
mar. May 5, 1859, at home of bride's father, near Westport, by the Rev.
Mr. Simonton. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, May 28. )
BROOKS, P. R., and Mary A. Boughton, mar. Oct. 3, 1858, by Charles Reynolds.
( Lawrence, Republican, Oct. 7. )
BROWN, ALONZO J., and Clara M. Ingerson, mar. Oct. 29, 1857, by the Rev.
G. W. Hutchinson. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Nov. 7. )
BROWN, HON. B. GRATZ, editor of the St. Louis, Mo., Democrat, and Mary,
dau. of Calvin Gunn, of Jefferson City, Mo., mar. Aug. 12, 1858, by the
Rev. S. D. Loughead. (Lawrence, Republican, Aug. 26.)
BROWN, GEORGE, and Maria Likins, both of Franklin, mar. Dec. 28, 1857, by
S. N. Wood, Esq. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Jan. 2, 1858.)
BROWN, IRA, and Emma Woodward, mar. May 8, 1860, by the Rev. R. Cord-
ley. ( Lawrence, Republican, May 17. )
BROWN, SAMUEL W., and Mrs. Sarah A. Mahon, both of Johnson County,
mar. April 26, by the Rev. William Bishop. (Lawrence, Republican,
April 28.)
BROWN, WARREN, Fort Leavenworth, and Olivia N. Byrn, mar. Oct. 18, 1859,
at residence of J. C. Dawley, by the Rev. J. G. Reaser. (Leavenworth,
Daily Times, Oct. 20. )
BROWNE, ORVILLE H., and Mrs. Caroline Steiner, both of Douglas county, mar.
Mar. 27, 1858, by the Rev. William Wilson. ( Lecompton, Kansas National
Democrat, April 1.)
1. Also spelled Breckenridge, e. g., The Statutes of the Territory of Kansas .
1855, p. 207, where the county's boundaries were first defined. However, as the county
was named for Vice-President John Breckinridge, and almost all later publications use
Breckinridge, that spelling has been followed in this compilation.
30—9137
450 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
BROWNING, ASAPH, and Abbie Copeland, both of Fitchburg, Mass., mar. ,
1856, by the Rev. C. E. Blood. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Jan. 26.)
BRUNER, SAMUEL, and Joanna Maria Chapman, mar. April 12, 1859, at Amer-
icus, by the Rev. George Perkins. (Emporia, Kansas News, April 16.)
BUCK, GILES B., and Mollie E. Whelan, mar. Aug. 7, 1860, at St. Joseph, Mo., by
the Rev. Mr. Nichols. (Atchison, Freedom's Champion, Aug. 11.)
BUCKLEY, JAMES, and Mollie Adair, late of Kentucky, mar. Nov. 9, 1858, at
residence of E. M. Rankin, by the Rev. Jonas Dodge. ( Leavenworth,
Kansas Weekly Herald, Nov. 20.)
BUDINGTON, GEORGE E., and Anne E. Shepherd, late of Albany, N. Y., mar.
Nov. 11, 1858, at Quindaro, by the Rev. L. D. Storrs. (Lawrence, Republi-
can, Nov. 25.)
BULL, T. J., and Mrs. Agnes Kirkpatrick, mar. Jan. 14, 1856, at residence of
Mr. Nickerson, by the Rev. Mr. Martin. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, Jan. 19.)
BULL, DR. W. D., and Sue R. Brown, mar. Jan. 20, 1858, by the Rev. Leander
Ker. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Jan. 23. )
BULLEN, J. H., and Alma E., dau. of Nathaniel Greenwood, Farmington, Me.,
mar. Nov. 5, 1857, by the Rev. Mr. Henderson. (Leavenworth, Weekly
Times, Nov. 6.)
BUNKER, J. G., and H. A. Hartwell, mar. Jan. 1, 1857, by the Rev. L. Bodwell.
(Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Jan. 12.)
BURLEY, RUFUS B., of Sugar Mound, Linn county, and Sarah A. Flanders, of
Northport, Me., mar. Oct. 5, 1857, at Belfast, Me., by Timothy Chase, Esq.
(Lawrence, Republican, Nov. 5.)
BURR, RICHARD, and Jennie Vandever, mar. Oct. 2, 1858, near Le Roy, by J. R.
T. Shull, J. P. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Nov. 20.)
BURROUGHS, EDGAR C., and Mary J. Houghton, both of Wakarusa, mar. Oct.
29, 1860, by the Rev. W. H. Hickox. ( Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Nov. 3. )
BUSHMAN, CHARLES, and Maria Codd, mar. July 12, 1860, at Burlington, by
the Rev. Peter Remer. ( Burlington, Neosho Valley Register, July 28. )
CALVERT, FRANK, Kansas territory, and Beattie, dau. of Lewis Calvert, Platte
county, Mo., mar. Dec. 3, 1857, by the Rev. J. B. Wright. (Leavenworth,
Kansas Weekly Herald, Jan. 9, 1858.)
CAMPBELL, ALEX. M., and Christina A. Phillips, both of Salina, mar. Nov. 6,
1858, at Riley City, by Judge Gordon. ( Lawrence, Republican, Dec. 9. )
CAMPDORAS, DR. MARIE ANTONINE EUGENE JACQUES, and Eliza M. Reader,
mar. Feb. 22, 1858, at residence of bride's uncle, Indianola, by the Rev. J. T.
Holliday. (Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Feb. 27.)
CARPENTER, C. HOWARD, and Sarah E. Jones, recently of Keene, N. H., mar.
April 5, 1855, by the Rev. H. B. Burgess. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom,
April 7.)
CARR, ALEXANDER, and Mary L. Smoot, mar. Jan. 22, 1858, by the Rev. G. W.
Hutchinson. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Jan. 23. )
CARR, JOHN, and Patscilla Staly, Easton, mar. Jan. 13, 1857, at Easton, by S. H.
Oliphant. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Jan. 31.)
CARRIER, MILO, and Almira Fox, mar. Jan. 30, 1858, at home of bride's father,
H. Fox, Brownville, Kan., by the Rev. J. E. Moore. ( Prairie City, Freemen's
Champion, Mar. 18.)
MARRIAGE NOTICES 451
CASE, DEXTER, and Mary Jane Ayers, both formerly of Ohio, mar. Dec. 6, 1859,
at Spring Hill, by the Rev. R. P. Duval. ( Lawrence, Republican, Dec. 15. )
CASE, LAWRENCE, of Prairie du Chien, Wis., and Emily F. Avery, of Clinton,
Douglas county, mar. Sept. 7, 1859, by the Rev. E. Nute. (Lawrence,
Herald of Freedom, Sept. 10.)
CASPER, A., and Dorethea Luedeman, mar. Nov. 22, 1860, by the Rev. I. S.
Kalloch. ( Leavenworth, Daily Times, Nov. 26.)
CATTERSON, JOHN L., and Ellen Bundren, mar. May 30, 1860, by the Rev. J. C.
Fraker. (Emporia, Kansas News, June 2.)
CHADWICK, W. W., of Hamilton county, Ohio, and R. M. Williamson, of Stan-
ton, Kan., mar. Oct. 12, 1859, at Stanton, by the Rev. G. W. Hutchinson.
(Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Nov. 26.)
CHALLIS, GEORGE T., and Florence Imogene Bennett, mar. Nov. 13, 1856, by
the Rev. Thomas Hoagland. (Atchison, Squatter Sovereign, Nov. 22.)
CHASE, JACOB E., and Augusta L. Stewart, mar. Jan. 23, 1859, at El Dorado,
by Rev. G. Perkins. (Emporia, Kansas News, Jan. 29.)
CHESTNUT, JAMES, and Lydia A. Benedict, mar. Feb. 23, 1857, near Ottumwa,
by the Rev. John Earnheart. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Mar. 14. )
CHRISTIAN, M. A., and Letitia H., dau. of William H. Gage, mar. Dec. 13, 1857,
near Tecumseh. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Jan. 23, 1858.)
CHUMLEY, HENRY J., and Mary A. Roberts, both of Wathena, mar. Sept. 9,
1858, by the Rev. E. Alward. (Elwood, Kansas Weekly Press, Sept. 11.)
CLARK, HENRY S., and H. Maria Felt, mar. Jan. 1, 1860, by the Rev. John S.
Brown. (Lawrence, Republican, Jan. 12.)
CLARKE, RICHARD W., and Cassa F. Kirkbride, mar. Aug. 7, 1860, at residence
of bride's father in Wyandotte, by the Rev. William Barnett. (Lawrence,
Republican, Aug. 16.)
CLARKE, SIDNEY, and Henrietta Ross, mar. Nov. 29, 1860, by the Rev. Richard
Cordley. (Lawrence, Republican, Dec. 6.)
CLAYTON, G. WASHINGTON, of Denver City, Kan., and Letitia E. Myers, of Phila-
delphia, Pa., mar. Sept. 12, 1860, by the Rev. C. D. Cooper. (Leaven-
worth, Daily Times, Sept. 27.)
CLAYTON, GEORGE E., of Caytonville, Kan., and Mary Caswell, Upper Alton,
111., mar. June 11, 1857, in St. Louis, Mo., by the Rev. Washington Barn-
hurst. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, June 20.)
CUNE, JACOB K., Brown county, and Mary Ann Devolt, Doniphan county, mar.
Aug. 7, 1859, in Brown county, by Isaiah P. Winslow, Esq. (White Cloud,
Kansas Chief, Aug. 11.)
COAT, G. W., of Mason county, 111., and Elizabeth M. Baldwin, of Lawrence,
mar. July 1, 1857, by the Rev. G. W. Hutchinson. (Lawrence, Herald of
Freedom, July 11.)
COBERD, ELIAS, and Hannah Crone, both of Jefferson county, mar. Oct. 24,
1860, by the Rev. S. Brooks. (Oskaloosa, Independent, Oct. 24.)
COE, HENRY L., and Eliza M. Gifford, both formerly of Aurora, 111., mar. May
12, 1858, by the Rev. R. C. Brant. (Prairie City, Freemen's Champion,
May 13.)
COE, J. M., of Lawrence, and Mary M. Wood, of Homer, Mich., mar. Sept. 2,
1858, at Homer, by the Rev. Mr. Faucher. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom,
Oct. 9.)
452 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
COLE, JOHN F., and Hettie Foncannon, both of Topeka, mar. May 10, 1860, at
the Auburn Hotel, Auburn, by the Rev. F. P. Montfort. (Topeka, Kansas
Tribune, May 12.)
COMPTON, JOHN, and Emily Breese, mar. Mar. 24, 1858, at Hickory Grove.
(Prairie City, Freemen's Champion, April 1.)
CONKLIN, ENSIGN, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Anna D. C. Bowers, of Rock Island,
111., mar. June 7, 1860, at residence of Henry J. Bowers, Rock Island, by the
Rev. Mr. McMasters. ( Lawrence, Republican, June 7. )
CONNER, THOMAS H., and Mary A. McClelland, both of Willow Springs, mar.
Mar. 15, 1860, at Willow Springs, by the Rev. R. Cordley. (Lawrence, Re-
publican, Mar. 29.)
COOK, HENRY N., of Columbia, Mo., and Hattie Scott, of Arrow Rock, Mo., mar.
Mar. 9, 1859, at Arrow Rock. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Mar.
26.)
COOK, J. W., and Mrs. E. A. Granniss, Evansville, Wis., mar. Jan. 1, 1861, at
Evansville, by the Rev. C. M. Morehouse. (Elwood, Free Press, Jan. 12.)
COOPER, WILLIAM, Oskaloosa, and Mrs. Almira Anderson, Lecompton, mar.
Sept. 22, 1860, at Lecompton, by Mr. McKinney, J. P. (Oskaloosa, Inde-
pendent, Sept. 26.)
CORDLEY, THE REV. RICHARD, and Mary Ann Cox, of Hamburg, Mich., mar. May
19, 1859, at Hamburg, by the Rev. D. L. Eaton. (Lawrence, Republican,
May 26.)
COREY, ALFRED, and Martha Hoover, both of Pleasant Hill, Kan., mar. Dec. 25,
1855, by Elder William Hicks. ( Lawrence, Kansas Free State, Jan. 7, 1856. )
CORLEW, HENRY AUSTIN, and Zorelda Bledsoe, mar. April 3, 1855, at the resi-
dence of Judge John Curtiss, by J. K. Goodin, Esq. (Lawrence, Herald of
Freedom, April 14.)
CORRELL, JAMES, and Susan McGee, mar. Aug. 20, 1857, by the Rev. S. S.
Snyder. (Lawrence, Republican, Sept. 3.)
CORUM, JOHN L., and Sarah Ann Harrod, mar. April 26, 1859, by the Rev. D.
Bolles. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, April 30. )
COUTANT, JAMES W., and Louisa Wolford, mar. Jan. 15, 1860, at residence of
Mr. Clough, by the Rev. Mr. Hale. (Fort Scott, Democrat, Jan. 19.)
Cox, JAMES, and Cathrine Glascock, mar. Dec. 25, 1856, near Troy, by Capt.
A. Heed. (Doniphan, Kansas Constitutionalist, Jan. 7, 1857.)
CRACKLIN, CAPT. JOSEPH, and Emily Dunlap, formerly of New Boston, N. H.,
mar. Mar. 30, 1858, by the Rev. G. W. Hutchinson. ( Lawrence, Herald of
Freedom, April 10. )
CRAIGHILL, SAMUEL J., formerly of Jefferson county, Va., and Sallie C., dau. of
William D. Barrow, mar. Feb. 24, 1859, near Doniphan City, by the Rev.
J. E. Ryan. (Elwood, Kansas Press, Mar. 5.)
GRAIN, S. E., and Martha M. Cody, mar. Feb. 7, 1858, at residence of Mrs. Cody
on Salt creek, by the Rev. B. C. Dennis. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, Feb. 13.)
CRAM, HIRAM, and Mary Brero, both of Franklin, mar. June 10, 1855, at the
Union Hotel, Lawrence, by the Rev. G. W. Hutchinson. ( Lawrence, Herald
of Freedom, June 16. )
CRANE, DR. DAVID R., and Caroline Wright, mar. Sept. 30, 1857, at Kickapoo,
by the Rev. H. Stone. (Leavenworth, Weekly Times, Oct. 9.)
MARRIAGE NOTICES 453
CRANE, JOHN L., and Mary Ann Hill, of North Brookfield, Mass., mar. ,
1858, at Brookfield, Mass. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Sept. 18.)
CRAWFORD, CHARLES T., and Sarah E. Large, mar. Aug. 18, 1855, at Delaware
City, by the Rev. David Z. Smith. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Territorial Regis-
ter, Aug. 25.)
CRAWFORD, MEREDITH BROCK, and Mary Ann O'Neal, mar. Jan. 25, 1860, by
the Rev. J. T. Holliday. (Topeka, Kansas State Record, Jan. 28.)
CHESSMAN, W. H., and Tillie E. Streeter, mar. Oct. 18, 1860, by the Rev. A. W.
Pitzer. (Leavenworth, Daily Times, Oct. 19.)
CRICKET, CHARLES H., and Mrs. Ellen M. Fisk, mar. Sept. 30, 1860, by the Rev.
William Bishop. (Lawrence, Republican, Oct. 4.)
CROCKER, EDWIN, and Caroline Barrett, both of Madison county, Kan., mar.
Oct. 7, 1860, by the Rev. P. Remer. (Burlington, Neosho Valley Register,
Oct. 10.)
CROCKETT, ALLISON, Kansas City, Mo., and Lizzie J. Bennett, Wyandotte, mar.
June 12, 1860, at residence of Dr.~J. E. Bennett, by the Rev. William Bar-
nett. (Lawrence, Republican, June 21.)
CRUMP, JEREMIAH, and Jemima King, both Negroes, mar. June 2, 1858, at Quin-
daro House, by P. T. Colby, Esq. ( Quindaro, Chindowan, June 5. )
CUNDIFF, MAJ. JAMES H., junior editor of the St. Joseph (Mo.) Gazette, and
Celia C. Keedy, mar. Oct. 11, 1855, at St. Joseph, Mo., by the Rev. Thomas
Hoagland. (Atchison, Squatter Sovereign, Oct. 16.)
CURRY, WILLIAM A., Jefferson City, Mo., and Jennie Smith, Fauquier county,
Va., mar. Nov. 12, 1857, in St. Mary's Church, Fayette, Mo., by the Rev.
T. L. Smith. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Dec. 5. )
CURTISS, ALFRED, and Clara Haskins, both of Clinton, Kan., mar. Mar. 16,
1859, by the Rev. T. J. Ferril. ( Lawrence, Republican, Mar. 24. )
CUTLER, DR. G. A., formerly of Nashville, Tenn., and Hattie A., dau. of C. C.
Tuttle, formerly of Beloit, Wis., mar. Jan. 31, 1858, at the Garvey House,
by the Rev. James Holliday. (Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Feb. 20.)
DAKE, CHARLES, of Americus, and Elizabeth Anderson, of El Mendaro, Madison
county, Kan., mar. June 7, 1859, at Americus, by Wesley Thompson, Esq.
(Emporia, Kansas News, June 18.)
DA LEE, A. G., and Martha A. Lamon, mar. April 1, 1860, at Ford's Hall, by
the Rev. W. O. Thomas, pastor First Baptist Church. ( Lawrence, Republi-
can, April 5.)
DARLING, THOS. J., and Ellen O'Brien, of Leavenworth, mar. Dec. 15, 1860,
by the Rev. A. W. Pitzer. (Wyandotte, Commercial Gazette, Dec. 22.)
DARN ALL, JAMES T., and Annie E. Simmons, mar. Oct. 17, 1855, by the Rev.
W. G. Caples. ( Atchison, Squatter Sovereign, Oct. 23. )
DARNALL, RICHARD T., and Sue E. Benight, mar. May 23, 1860, at residence
of bride's brother, Easton, Mo., by Isaiah Williams. (Leavenworth, Kansas
Weekly Herald, June 2. )
DAVIDSON, JOHN R., and R. C. Phillippay, of Massillon, Ohio, mar. Aug. 7, 1860,
by the Rev. T. J. Ferril. ( Lawrence, Republican, Aug. 16. )
DAY, JOHN W., and Mary J. Fairholm, formerly of Waynesville, Ohio, mar.
Dec. 8, 1859, at Oskaloosa, by the Rev. William R. Ward. (Leavenworth,
Daily Times, Dec. 15.)
DEACON, GUSTAVUS, proprietor of the St. Charles, and Mrs. C. McCarty, mar.
Feb. 8, 1857, by J. M. Taylor, Esq. ( Leavenworth, Weekly Journal, Feb. 12. )
454 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
DEAN, HOMER L., formerly of Worcester county, Mass., and Marie E. Richard-
son, formerly of Westmoreland, Oneida county, N. Y., mar. July 4, 1860, at
Hiawatha, by the Rev. G. Rice. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief, July 19.)
DEGNER, FERDINAND, and Mrs. Marie Waibel, mar. Sept. 21, 1856, by John M.
Taylor, J. P. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Sept. 27.)
DE LONG, W. H., and Maggie Carriger, mar. Dec. 8, 1857, at residence of
bride's father, Elliott Carriger, near Brownville, by the Rev. F. P. Montfort.
( Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Dec. 19. )
DENISON, THE REV. JOSEPH, P. E. of Manhattan district, Kansas and Nebraska
Conference, and Mrs. Frances A. Dennis, Baldwin City, mar. Nov.
21, 1859, by the Rev. L. B. Dennis. (Burlington, Neosho Valley Register,
Dec. 13.)
DENNIS, THE REV. B. C., and Melissa Earnheart, late of Greencastle, Ind., mar.
Sept. 6, 1857, at Ottumwa, Kan., by the Rev. Mr. Fenimore. (Lawrence,
Herald of Freedom, Sept. 12.)
DENNIS, JOHN H., and Nancy Thompson, both of Nemaha county, mar. May 14,
1857, by C. Dolman, Esq. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, June 6.)
DE NOYER, CHAS., and Ellen E. Grant, mar. May 17, 1860, by the Rev. Father
Heimann. ( Leavenworth, Daily Times, May 18. )
DfiWoLF, EDWARD P., and Juliana Hall, both formerly of Illinois, mar. Oct. 15,
1856, at Topeka, by the Rev. H. B. Burgess. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom,
Nov. 8.)
DICKSON, SAMUEL, and Mary Frances Turner, of Platte county, Mo., mar. Dec.
7, 1856, in Platte county, by the Rev. Philip J. Burrus. (Atchison, Squatter
Sovereign, Dec. 23.)
DIESBACH, HEINRICH, and Louise Leu, mar. Dec. 18, 1859, by the Rev. L. R.
Staudenmayer, rector of St. Mary Magdalene's Church. (Atchison, Union,
Dec. 24.)
DINE, Louis, and Minnie Sessler, mar. Dec. 28, 1857. (Sumner, Gazette, Jan.
2, 1858.)
DISBROW, EBENEZER, and Bethiah Bryan, mar. Dec. 19, 1858, at home of bride's
father, by the Rev. L. B. Dennis. ( Lawrence, Republican, Dec. 23. )
DISBROW, SAMUEL G., and Mrs. Harriet Larkin, both of Tecumseh, mar. Sept.
12, 1860, by the Rev. James S. Griffing. (Topeka, Kansas State Record,
Sept. 15.)
Dix, RALPH C., and Bridgett Graham, late of Freeport, 111., mar. May 29, 1859,
by the Rev. S. Y. Lum. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, June 4.)
DODD, JOHN P., and Mrs. Eliza J. Brunner, mar. Jan. 8, 1860, at Osawatomie,
by the Rev. L. C. Conrey. ( Leavenworth, Daily Times, Jan. 13. )
DONAHUE, HENRY W., and Polly, youngest dau. of Joseph H. Killbuck, mar.
June 3, 1855, at Shekomeko (Moravian mission), three miles from Leaven-
worth, by the Rev. David Z. Smith. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald,
June 8. )
DONIPHAN, JUDGE JAMES, and Kate Doss, Weston, Mo., mar. Aug. 9, 1857, at
Weston, by the Rev. W. H. Saxton. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald,
Aug. 15.)
DONOHO, DAVID, and Mary E., dau. of George W. and Ann C. Gist, mar. Jan.
24, 1856, at residence of Wm. H. Adams, by the Rev. H. P. Johnson.
(Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Jan. 26.)
MARRIAGE NOTICES 455
DOOLITTLE, BENSON E., Coal creek, Kansas, and Vancy A. Weaver, Pioneer,
Ohio, mar. Dec. 11, 1859, at Pioneer, by the Rev. C. M. Crossland. (Law-
rence, Republican, Jan. 5, 1860. )
DOOLITTLE, L. T., and Adalissa H. Taylor, mar. Mar. 8, 1857, by W. W. Backus.
( Leavenworth, Weekly Journal, Mar. 12. )
DOOLITTLE, LEWIS, and Naomi Beenpole, both of Hunter county, Kan., mar.
July 20, 1860, on Walnut creek, by the Rev. G. Cosgrove. (Emporia,
Kansas News, Aug. 11.)
DOTY, HENRY S., and Lodusky Huested, mar. Dec. 31, 1857, by the Rev. M. A.
Fairchild. (Osawatomie, Southern Kansas Herald, Jan. 16, 1858.)
DOUGHERTY, WILLIAM A., and Mary Ann Vallandigham, mar. Jan. 3, 1856, by
the Rev. H. P. Johnson. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Jan. 5. )
DOUGLASS, JOHN C., and Ellen R., dau. of Willard Robinson, mar. Nov. 1, 1860,
at Attleborough, Mass., by the Rev. Mr. Chase. (Leavenworth, Daily
Times, Nov. 13.)
Dow, SIMON, and Jane M. Kinsley* both of Wilmington, Wabaunsee county,
mar. Dec. 25, 1859, at Elmdale, Breckinridge county, Kan., by J. R.
Swallow, J. P. (Leavenworth, Daily Times, Jan. 13, 1860.)
DOWELL, JOHN A., White Cloud, and Mary L. Northern, mar. Nov. 11, 1858,
at the City Hotel, by Giles A. Briggs. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief,
Nov. 18.)
DOWNEY, JOHN G., and Mary, dau. of Tice Yocum, mar. Feb. 14, 1860, by
the Rev. L. A. Alderson. (Atchison, Union, Feb. 25.)
DOWNS, FRANCIS H., late of Woodbury, Conn., and Julia Ann Pry or, mar.
Oct. 29, 1858, at Padonia, Brown county, by Isaiah P. Winslow. (White
Cloud, Kansas Chief, Nov. 4. )
DOWNS, JAMES S., and Mary E. Yoakum, mar. Mar. 10, 1859, by the Rev.
A. W. Pitzer. (Leavenworth, Daily Times, Mar. 11.)
DOWNS, W. F., of Wyandotte City, and Louisa Kridle, mar. Sept. 17, 1857,
at Fremont, Ohio, by the Rev. E. Bushnell. (Sumner, Gazette, Oct. 17.)
DOYLE, MICHAEL J., Atchison, and Matilda, dau. of Edward and Sarah Dunn,
of Salt creek, Kan., mar. June 10, 1858, at the Catholic church, by the Rev.
Father Duffie. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, June 19.)
DOZIER, DR. JOHN, Oregon, Mo., and Ursula Briggs, mar. Oct. 11, 1859, at
Oregon. ( White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Oct. 20. )
DRAKE, CHARLES, and Mary Grimsley, mar. Jan. 1, 1859, by the Rev. G. Per-
kins. ( Emporia, Kansas News, Jan. 29. )
DUANE, MARTIN, Atchison county, and Eliza A. Hays, mar. April 5, 1859, at
the residence of Judge S. M. Hays, by the Rev. E. J. Owen. (Sumner,
Gazette, April 23. )
DUFFEE, Louis, and Margaret Sowash, mar. Jan. 31, 1860, at Mr. Pierson's,
eight miles west of Lawrence, by the Rev. L. B. Dennis. (Lawrence,
Republican, Feb. 9.)
DUNN, JOHN T., and Mary Ann Gilchrist, mar. April 19, 1857, by Bishop Miege.
( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, May 9. )
EARL, GEORGE F., and Jennie L. Crittenton, mar. Nov. 23, 1857, at the home
of A. H. Mallory, by the Rev. G. W. Hutchinson. (Lawrence, Herald of
Freedom, Nov. 28.)
EDWARDS, C. L., and Susie R. Powers, of North Hadley, Mass., mar. Oct. 4,
1860, at residence of bride's father, North Hadley, by the Rev. W. H. Bea-
man. (Lawrence, Republican, Oct. 18.)
456 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
EDWARDS, R. R., St. Joseph, Mo., and Nannie, dau. of Hon. G. W. Waterson,
Doniphan county, mar. Dec. 24, 1857. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, Jan. 23, 1858.)
EELS, HORACE, and Cordelia A., dau. of John A. Kimball, mar. Sept. 27, 1860,
by the Rev. J. Paulson. ( Manhattan, Kansas Express, Sept. 29. )
EGLEHOFF, JOHN MICHAEL, and Mrs. Mona Hemphill, mar. April 16, 1855, by
the Rev. S. S. Snyder. (Lawrence, Kansas Free State, April 21.)
ELLSWORTH, FREDERICK B., and Annie L. Metcalf, formerly of Sydney, Aus-
tralia, mar. July 14, 1859, at St. Mark's church, by the Rev. J. E. Ryan.
(Elwood, Free Press, July 16.)
EMBRY, G. H., and Josephine A. Johnson, mar. Oct. 31, 1860, at the Johnson
House, Lawrence, by the Rev. R. Cordley. (Topeka, Kansas Tribune,
Nov. 3.)
EMMONS, THOMAS H., Ontonagon, Mich., and Elvira Mitchell, Neosho Falls,
mar. Oct. 9, 1859, by the Rev. R. Mowry. (Burlington, Neosho Valley
Register, Nov. 29. )
EMORY, FRED, and Emma, dau. of Capt. Simon and Elvira S. Scruggs, mar.
May 26, 1857, by the Rev. Leander Ker. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, May 30.)
ENNIS, WILLIAM S., Walnut creek, and Susan H. Peterson, Machiasport, Me.,
mar. Nov. 15, 1857, at residence of Noah Hanson, by William G. Sargent.
(White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Nov. 26.)
FAHOLA, JOHN, and Mrs. Mary Canary, both of Quindaro, mar. Sept. 30, 1860,
by Joseph Speck. (Wyandotte, Commercial Gazette, Oct. 6.)
FARIER, C. W., and Mary Jessee, mar. Jan. 22, 1860, at Bloomington, at the
residence of the bride's father, William Jessee, by Elder J. Elliott, of Illinois.
(Lawrence, Republican, Feb. 2.)
FARNHAM, REUBEN H., and Frances E., dau. of the late Hector Humphreys,
Batavia, N. Y., mar. Oct. 3, 1859, at Batavia, Genesee county, N. Y., by
the Rev. Richard Radley. (Lecompton, National Democrat, Oct. 13.)
FARNSWORTH, JOHN W., and Nelly Jacobs, both of Topeka, mar. Mar. 4, 1858,
by the Rev. C. M. Callaway. (Tecumseh, Kansas Settler, Mar. 10.)
FAULHABER, GEORGE L., and Lillie Grimshaw, of Jefferson City, Mo., mar.
Jan. 2, 1861, by the Rev. J. Regier. (Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Jan. 19.)
FAUX, JOSEPH, and Mary Ann Keener, mar. Oct. 29, 1958, in Johnson county,
by J. D. Allen, Esq. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Nov. 13. )
FINK, KASSIMER JOHANNES, and Maria Dora Haguer, both of Diamond Springs
creek, Chase county, mar. Mar. 27, 1860, at Americus, by S. S. Chapman,
Esq. (Lawrence, Republican, April 12.)
FISHER, T. F., of Buffalo, N. Y., and Ann A. Kendall, of Worcester, Mass., mar.
Feb. 8, 1860, at Buffalo, by the Rev. Dr. Heacock. (Leavenworth, Daily
Times, Feb. 24.)
FISHER, WILLIAM, and Fanny Franklin, both of Burlington township, mar.
July 16, 1860, by A. Holland, Esq. (Burlington, Neosho Valley Register,
Aug. 11.)
FISHERO, DR. SERINO, and Mary Phillips, mar. June 23, 1860, at residence of
bride's father, by the Rev. Strange Brooks. (Oskaloosa, Independent,
July 11.)
FISHMAKER, C. T., and Pocahontas Hattan, mar. May 5, 1855, at Delaware,
Kan., by the Rev. T. J. Ferril. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, May 5. )
MARRIAGE NOTICES 457
FITCH, EDWARD P., and Sarah A. Wilmarth, mar. April 19, 1857, by the Rev.
S. Y. Lum. (Lawrence, Republican, May 28.)
FITZPATRICK, JAMES, Topeka township, and Lucy Almira Woods, Trunau,
Shawnee county, mar. Aug. 8, 1860, by the Rev. J. S. Griffing. (Topeka,
Kansas State Record, Aug. 25.)
FLETCHER, SAMUEL H., and Anna M. Nance, mar. Sept. 29, 1859, at the house
of John Jackson, by J. C. Miller. (Topeka, Kansas State Record, Oct. 1.)
FLOWERS, D. A. G., and Lizzie Withers, both of Delaware City, mar. May 16,
1858, by the Rev. W. Thomas. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald,
May 22.)
FOARD, WILLIAM F., and Buckie Johnston, Platte county, Mo., mar. Oct. 5,
1859, by the Rev. S. F. Johnson. (Leavenworth, Daily Times, Oct. 11.)
FOGG, JOSHUA, St. Louis, one of the proprietors of Barnum's Hotel, and Jose-
phine L., dau. of Merritt Brooks, Rome, N. Y., mar. Feb. 16, 1858, at Rome,
by the Rev. N. Barrows. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Mar. 13. )
FOLEY, DUDLEY, Lecompton, and Nancy Amanda Huddleson, of Buchanan
county, Mo., mar. Dec. 13, 1857, in Platte county, Mo. (Leavenworth,
Kansas Weekly Herald, Jan. 23, 1858.)
FOLTZ, CYRUS, and Helen M., dau. of Chester Thomas, mar. July 4, 1860, by
the Rev. John E. Moore. (Topeka, Kansas State Record, July 7.)
FORD, E. N., and Mary Norton, mar. Oct. 28, 1858, by the Rev. Charles
Reynolds. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Nov. 6.)
FOSTER, FREEMAN R., of Topeka, and Martha E. Bowman, of Spring, Pa., mar.
Aug. 13, 1857, at Spring, by Elder Jesse E. Church. (Lawrence, Herald of
Freedom, Sept. 5.)
FOSTER, WILLIAM, formerly of Greencastle, Ind., and Mrs. Mary B. Myers, mar.
April 14, 1858, by the Rev. A. W. Pitzer. (Leavenworth, Weekly Times,
April 17.)
FRAZER, ROBERT L., and Mollie A. Jewett, of St. Albans, Vt., mar. Nov. 10,
1859, at St. Albans, by the Rev. William N. Frazer. ( Lawrence, Herald of
Freedom, Nov. 26.)
FREDERICK, SOLOMON Z., and Irenia Vandeventer, mar. Oct. 10, 1858, at
Waterloo, Kan., by J. R. Swallow, Esq. (Emporia, Kansas News, Oct. 16.)
FRENCH, JAMES GARY, and Emily C. Haskell, mar. Dec. 10, 1860, in Dover
precinct, by Jacob Haskell, Esq. (Topeka, Kansas State Record, Dec. 22.)
FRENCH, SAMUEL T., and Elizabeth Brindle, mar. Feb. 27, 1859, by E. B. Kirk-
endall, J. P. ( Emporia, Kansas News, Mar. 5. )
FROSS, CHARLES, Topeka, and Nellie M. Campbell, mar. Aug. 17, 1860, at
Tecumseh. (Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Aug. 25.)
FRY, JOHN, and Mary B. Anderson, mar. Oct. 29, 1857, near Franklin, by the
Rev. L. B. Dennis. (Lawrence, Republican, Nov. 5.)
FULKS, JOHN, and Harriett McKinney, both of Butler county, mar. July 30, 1860,
at Walnut creek, by the Rev. G. Cosgrove. (Emporia, Kansas News, Aug.
11.)
FULKS, PHENIS, and Barbara Maloy, both of Butler county, mar. July 28, 1860,
at Walnut creek, by Israel Scott, Esq. (Emporia, Kansas News, Aug. 11.)
FULLER, JOSEPH A., and Mildred S. Payne, mar. May 16, 1860, by the Rev.
G. C. Morse. (Emporia, Kansas News, May 19.)
FULLER, WATSON, and Emma Evans, mar. June 13, 1860, by R. Bigsby, Esq.
(Emporia, Kansas News, June 16.)
458 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
FURNISH, JAMES THOMAS, and Angelina Butler, mar. Aug. 7, 1859, in Brown
county, by Isaiah P. Winslow, Esq. ( Lawrence, Republican, Aug. 25. )
GAMBELL, W. P., Leavenworth, and Joanna A. Putnam, Adrian, Mich., mar.
Oct. 15, 1857, at Adrian, by the Rev. Geo. C. Curtis. (Wyandotte, Citizen,
Nov. 14.)
GANT, SAMUEL, and Martha Ann, dau. of P. L. Hudgens, Savannah, Mo., mar.
Jan. 24, 1858, by Elder Jordan Wright. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, Feb. 27.)
GARDNER, F. C., and Ella Adair, mar. Sept. 28, 1857, at residence of H. F. C.
Harrison, Independence, Mo., by the Rev. Mr. Tilford. (Topeka, Kansas
Tribune, Oct. 10.)
GARDNER, HENRY W., and Clarinda Kirkendall, mar. April 29, 1858, at residence
of bride's father, by the Rev. G. C. Morse. (Emporia, Kansas News, May 1.)
GAYLORD, M. L., of Atchison, and Lizzie Edwards, Southampton, Mass., mar.
, 1858, at Alton, 111., by the Rev. Mr. Taylor. (Atchison, Freedom's
Champion, Nov. 27.)
GIBBS, WESLEY, and Mary Judge, Ozawkee, mar. Sept. 21, 1860, by the Rev. J.
Schacht. (Topeka, Kansas State Record, Sept. 29.)
GIBSON, JOHN, and Lucinda Jones, mar. April 1, 1860, by J. W. Cook, acting
mayor. (Elwood, Free Press, April 7.)
GILLMORE, SAMUEL J., and Mary Ann Saltsman, both of Osage Mission, mar.
Sept. 6, 1859, at the Western Hotel, by the Rev. Mr. Thompson. (Fort
Scott, Democrat, Sept. 8.)
GILMORE, THOMAS M., and Annie J. Wright, mar. Sept. 19, 1859, by the Rev.
R. C. Brant. (Lawrence, Republican, Sept. 22.)
GIRT, NATHAN, and Ellen W. Brander, mar. June 6, 1860, by Judge Dow. (To-
peka, Kansas State Record, June 9. )
GLASS, GEORGE A., and Elizabeth A. Carter, of Oregon, Mo., mar. June 21, 1857,
by the Rev. Mr. Fulton. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief, June 25.)
GLEICH, JOHN P., and Mrs. Catherine Terrass, mar. April 16, 1857, at Mill creek,
by the Rev. H. Jones, of Wabaunsee. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom,
May 2.)
GODWIN, WILLIAM H., and Frances Park, mar. July 25, 1857, at the Shawnee
House, by the Rev. D. T. Holmes. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald,
Aug. 1.)
GOODHUE, WALTER B., of Iowa, and Mary Halstead, mar. July 26, 1859, by the
Rev. J. T. Holliday. ( Topeka, Kansas Tribune, July 28. )
GORDON, DAVID S., and Nannie E. Hughes, mar. April 27, 1859, at the residence
of the bride's father, by the Rev. A. W. Pitzer. ( Leavenworth, Daily Times,
April 28.)
GORDON, J. C., and Mrs. Mary Fellows, mar. Aug. 4, 1857, at the Topeka House,
by the Rev. C. M. Callaway. (Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Aug. 8.)
GORDON, W. L., and Sarah Smith, Belmont, N. Y., mar. Nov. 15, 1860, at Bel-
mont. (Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Dec. 1.)
GRAHAM, JAMES H., and Mrs. Amanda Hollis, mar. Dec. 26, 1859, at El Man-
daro, Madison county, Kan., by J. A. Williams. (Emporia, Kansas News,
Jan. 14, 1860.)
GRAHAM, JAMES M., and Amanda, dau. of Robert Gingry, St. Joseph, Mo., mar.
Feb. 21, 1860, by the Rev. E. G. Nicholson. (Atchison, Freedom's Cham-
pion, Mar. 3.)
MARRIAGE NOTICES 459
GRAHAM, JOHN H., and Mrs. Betsy Killum, mar. Oct. 25, 1859, by H. H. Moore.
(Lawrence, Republican, Oct. 27.)
GRAUSER, CHARLES O., and Julia Rowe, mar. Sept. 27, 1857, at Germantown,
Ohio. ( White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Nov. 5. )
GRAYUM, JOHN J., and Martha Thomas, formerly of Platte county, Mo., mar.
June 10, 1855, at Shekomeko (Moravian mission), three miles from Leaven-
worth, by the Rev. David Z. Smith. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald,
June 15.)
GREEN, H. M., and Margy Manoge, both of Douglas county, mar. Jan. 26, 1860,
by the Rev. J. Copeland. ( Lecompton, National Democrat, Feb. 23. )
GREEN, ISRAEL J., and Nancy Griffing, mar. Mar. 21, 1857, by the Rev. J. S.
Griffing. ( Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Mar. 30. )
GREEN, JOEL C., and Gussie E. Winters, mar. April 6, 1860, at Washington,
D. C. ( Council Grove, Kansas Press, April 30. )
GREEN, DR. WILLIAM T., of West Point, Ind., and Helen Marion, dau. of Hon.
Otis Thacher, of Hornellsville, N". Y., mar. Sept. 14, 1858, at Hornellsville,
by the Rev. F. Graves. ( Lawrence, Republican, Oct. 7. )
GRIFFING, THE REV. JAMES S., and J. Augusta, dau. of Silas Goodrich, mar. Sept.
13, 1855, at Owego, N. Y., by the Rev. G. H. Blakeslee. (Lawrence, Herald
of Freedom, Sept. 29. )
GRIFFITH, DAVID, JR., and Mary Catherine Lobingier, both of Ottawa, mar. Nov.
16, 1859, by Nelson Merchant. (Burlington, Neosho Valley Register, Nov.
29.)
GRIFFITH, JOSHUA, and Mary Santer, mar. Sept. 9, 1858, at Greeley, Kan., by
the Rev. William C. McDow. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Sept. 25.)
GRIMES, MOSES E., and Emily S., dau. of William A. Ela, of Hampton, mar.
April 15, 1858, at Hampton, by the Rev. Rodney Paine. ( Lawrence, Herald
of Freedom, May 1.)
GRIMES, MOSES E., and Mrs. Frances A. Packard, both of Avon township, Coffey
county, mar. Nov. 7, 1860, by the Rev. Peter Remer. (Burlington, Neosho
Valley Register, Nov. 14. )
GRISWOLD, DANIEL, of Burlingame, and Betsey Simons, of Dryden, N. Y., mar.
Dec. 16, 1857, at Dryden, by the Rev. W. G. Hubbard. (Lawrence, Repub-
lican, Jan. 7, 1858.)
GRISWOLD, DR. J. F., and Helen M. Hewitt, late of Minnesota, mar. May 8,
1859, by the Rev. S. Y. Lum. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, May 14.)
GROVER, JOEL, and Emily Jane Hunt, mar. Oct. 13, 1857, by the Rev. E. Nute.
( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Oct. 17. )
HAAS, CAPT. H. C., and Barbara Herbaltshermer, mar. , 1858. ( Leavenu-
worth, Weekly Times, July 10. )
HACKLEY, SAMUEL A., and Laura High, mar. Jan. 9, 1861, by Jos. W. Robinson,
Esq. (Elwood, Free Press, Jan. 12.)
HADDOX, WM., and Matilda Hurst, mar. Feb. 5, 1857, by P. P. Wilcox. (Atchi-
son, Squatter Sovereign, Feb. 10. )
HAFNER, MELCHIOR, and Annie Gruebel, mar. Mar. 6, 1860, by Joseph Speck,
Esq. (Wyandotte, Western Argus, Mar. 21.)
HAIR, JONAS, and Alice Jane Robbins, mar. Oct. 1, 1860, by the Rev. C. E. Blood.
( Manhattan, Kansas Express, Oct. 6. )
HALING, JOHN, and Mary Curtis, both of Riley county, mar. April 28, 1860, at
Manhattan, by the Rev. C. E. Blood. (Lawrence, Republican, May 17.)
460 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
HALL, GEORGE, and Sally Bryan, mar. June 25, 1857, at Wathena. (Leaven-
worth, Kansas Weekly Herald, July 11.)
HALL, ROBERT, and Anna McClure, both of Cass county, 111., mar. Nov. 10,
1859, at residence of A. J. Petifish, Esq., by the Rev. Mr. Spencer. (Atchi-
son, Union, Nov. 12)
HALLADAY, ALBERT, formerly of New York, and Elizabeth Fitzhenry, formerly of
London, England, mar. Oct. 27, 1859, at Lecompton, by the Rev. William
Wilson. (Topeka, Kansas State Record, Nov. 12.)
HALYARD, WM., and Kate I. Westerfield, all of Platte county, Mo., mar. ,
1854, near Weston, by the Rev. O. C. Steele. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, Dec. 8.)
HAMMOND, THOMAS J., and Mrs. M. A. Long, mar. Feb. 17, 1855, at the Osage
and Pottawatomie fork, by the Rev. A. Finch. (Lawrence, Kansas Free
State, Feb. 24.)
HAMPSON, JOSEPH F., sheriff of Doniphan county, and Angeline Bashford, both
of Troy, mar. June 17, 1860, at the Great Western Hotel, by the Rev. J. E.
Ryan. ( Elwood, Free Press, June 23. )
HAMPTON, SILAS, Washington, D. C., and Mag. H. Steele, mar. Oct. 1, 1860,
by the Rev. J. A. Steele. ( Topeka, Kansas State Record, Oct. 6. )
HANCOCK, JOHN, and Mrs. Mary D. Dudley, both of Alexandria, Va., mar. Sept.
24, 1855, by the Rev. John C. Smith. (Atchison, Squatter Sovereign, Sept.
25.)
HANCOCK, JOHN, and Mrs. Rhoda Adamson, mar. May 30, 1857, by the Rev.
E. Nute. (Lawrence, Republican, June 11.)
HANSCOM, O. A., and Anna Tappan, mar. Oct. 13, 1857, by the Rev. S. Y. Lum.
( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Oct. 24. )
HARDEN, DAVID, and Minerva Ann Harris, both of Ottumwa, mar. June 28,
1860, at Ottumwa, by the Rev. William Butt. (Burlington, Neosho Valley
Register, June 30. )
HARDING, JOHN L., from Roxbury, Mass., and Phebe A. Thurston, from Lowell,
Mass., mar. Jan. 2, 1856, at Lawrence, by the Rev. William W. Hall. ( Law-
rence, Herald of Freedom, Jan. 12.)
HARMON, DANIEL, and Mary Jane Sandling, mar. Feb. 26, 1857, on Pottawa-
tomie creek, by the Rev. William C. McDow. (Lawrence, Herald of Free-
dom, April 11.)
HARPER, J. D., merchant of Weston, Mo., and Sallie Keller, of Clay county,
mar. Oct. 30, 1855, by Elder Moses Lard. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, Nov. 17.)
HARPOLE, ALFRED, and Jane Miller, both of Chase county, mar. Dec. 20, 1859,
by John P. Wentworth, J. P. (Emporia, Kansas News, Jan. 21, 1860.)
HARRIS, E. P., and Sarah A. F. Davidson, mar. Oct. 22, 1860, by the Rev.
Richard Cordley. (Lawrence, Republican, Oct. 25.)
HARRIS, LINDLEY, and Amanda Harden, mar. June 28, 1860, at Ottumwa, by the
Rev. William Butt. ( Burlington, Neosho Valley Register, June 30. )
HARRISON, BENJAMIN F., and Mattie Wilson, mar. April 7, 1859, by the Rev.
John M. Byrd. (Atchison, Freedom's Champion, April 16.)
HARRISON, THOMAS T., and Ruth T. Robbin, both of Platte county, Mo., mar.
April 1, 1858, by the Rev. H. Williams. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, April 10.)
MARRIAGE NOTICES 461
HART, HENRY, of Lawrence, and Mary Churchill, of Burlingame, mar. July,
1859, at Burlingame. ( Lawrence, Republican, Sept. 8. )
HASKELL, J. G., Lawrence, and Lizzie Bliss, Wilbraham, Mass., mar. Dec. 22,
1859, at Wilbraham, by the Rev. J. P. Skeele. (Lawrence, Republican,
Jan. 19.)
HASSLER, CHARLES C., and Mary A. Morehead, mar. Jan. 26, 1860, at residence
of bride's father, four miles northwest of Emporia, by the Rev. E. Phillips.
( Emporia, Kansas News, Jan. 28. )
HATHAWAY, N. B., of Clinton, and Kate Osterhout, of Vermillion, N. Y., mar.
Mar. 10, 1859, at Vermillion. (Lawrence, Republican, April 21.)
HATHAWAY, RIAL A., and Anne Salome French, Mission creek, mar. Mar. 24,
1859, by the Rev. J. T. Holliday. (Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Mar. 31.)
HAVENS, P. E., and Tillie Moore, mar. Dec. 18, 1860, at residence of bride's
father, by the Rev. Jacob Boucher. ( Oskaloosa, Independent, Dec. 19. )
HAWKINS, H. C., and Susanna, dau. of John Wormley, Marshall, Mich., mar.
June 12, 1860, at residence of bride's father, Marshall, by the Rev. S. S.
Chapin. (Topeka, Kansas Tribune, June 23.)
HAY, CHESTER A., and Louisa Cosley, both of Kanwaca, mar. June 9, 1859, at
Kanwaca, by the Rev. L. B. Dennis. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, June
H.)
HAYDEN, WILLIAM B., and Eliza Havens, both of Prairie City, mar. Jan. 22,
1857, at Prairie City, by the Rev. Harvey Jones. (Lawrence, Herald of
Freedom, Feb. 7.)
HEATH, IVAN D., and Marcia Allis, of Beloit, Wis., mar. Dec. 31, 1860, at resi-
dence of S. A. Cobb, by the Rev. R. D. Parker. (Wyandotte, Commercial
Gazette, Jan. 5, 1861.)
HEITZMAN, JOHN, and Mrs. Mary Creavy, both of Little Wakarusa, mar. Oct. 7,
1857, near Lawrence, by the Rev. E. Nute. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom,
Oct. 10.)
HELLER, ABRAHAM, and Sallie Hemphill, mar. May 17, 1859, by the Rev. L. A.
Alderson. (Atchison, Freedom's Champion, May 21.)
HELM, T. C., and Louisa Conway, both of Bourbon county, mar. Aug. 26, 1860,
at Lath branch, by William Margrave, Esq. ( Fort Scott, Democrat, Sept. 1. )
HENDERSON, JOHN D., and Amelia Halstead, mar. Nov. 22, 1857, at residence of
Dr. Hathaway, by the Rev. Leander Ker. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, Nov. 28.)
HENRY, WILLIAM, and Mary Ann Richards, mar. Mar. 4, 1858, by the Rev. S.
Y. Lum. (Lawrence, Republican, Mar. 18.)
HERRING, FREDERICK, and Mary J. Woolman, mar. Nov. 16, 1860, at Neosho
Falls, Woodson county, by Russell Austin. (Lecompton, Kansas National
Democrat, Dec. 13.)
HERRIOTT, SAMUEL C., and Ada Shaffer, mar. Sept. 10, 1860, at residence of
bride's father, near Milburn, Ballard county, Ky., by the Rev. Mr. Chenant.
(Topeka, Kansas State Record, Sept. 22.)
HICKS, A. D., and Maria C. Vetteto, both of Le Roy township, Coffey county,
mar. Oct. 14, 1860, at Le Roy, by the Rev. B. Wheat. ( Burlington, Neosho
Valley Register, Oct. 24. )
HICKS, SOLOMON S., and Mrs. Charlotte E. Saunders, mar. Nov. 18, 1857, by
the Rev. G. W. Hutchinson. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Nov. 28. )
462 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
HIGBY, LEWIS H., and Kate H. Channel, Newark, Ohio, mar. Sept. 9, 1859, at
the Mobley Hotel, Rushville, Mo., by the Rev. James Banton. (Atchison,
Freedom's Champion, Sept. 17.)
HIGDON, ALLEN, and Sarah J. Miller, both of Le Roy, mar. Sept. 30, 1860, at
LeRoy by Wm. McMahon, J. P. (Burlington, Neosho Valley Register,
Oct. 10.)
HIGHLEY, WILLIAM, and Hannah T. Blair, mar. Sept. 26, 1858, in Doniphan
county. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Oct. 9. )
HILL, FORRESTER, and Mary Pearson, mar. , 1856, by the Rev. T. J. Fer-
ril. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, April 5. )
HILL, THOMAS C., Council Grove, and Mrs. Lucy A. Goddard, Rock Creek,
mar. Oct. 3, 1858, by the Rev. G. C. Morse. (Emporia, Kansas News,
Oct. 16.)
HILTY, JOSEPH, late of California, and Barbury Senn, of Leavenworth, mar.
April 19, 1860, at Grasshopper Falls, by J. B. Bliss. (Leavenworth, Kansas
Weekly Herald, May 19.)
HOAG, BENJAMIN W., and Mrs. Polly M. Monroe, mar. July 13, 1858, by the
Rev. G. W. Hutchinson. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, July 17.)
HODSON, GIDEON F., and Clara Rowe, both of Osawatomie, mar. Sept. 14. 1857,
by the Rev. S. L. Adair. (Lawrence, Republican, Oct. 1.)
HOLBROOK, WILLIAM H., Rulo, Neb., and Virginia Ware, mar. Jan. 1, 1861,
at Rulo, by A. F. Forney, Esq. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Jan. 17.)
HOLLOWAY, J. C., and M. E. Roy, both of Breckinridge county, Kan., mar.
Aug. 12, 1860, by the Rev. J. C. McAnulty. (Emporia, Kansas News,
Aug. 25.)
HOLMES, JAMES H., and Julia A. Archibald, both of Emporia, mar. Oct. 9,
1857, near Bloomington. ( Emporia, Kansas News, Oct. 17. )
HOLMES, Lucius M., and Carlin F. Adams, mar. Jan. 1, 1860, in Fremont
township, Breckinridge county, Kan., by Noah Bixler, J. P. (Emporia,
Kansas News, Jan. 7. )
HONNELL, HENRY WILSON, and Marinda Jane Moore, both of Kickapoo Mission,
mar. , 1857, at Kickapoo Mission, near Lodiana City, Brown county,
by the Rev. Wm. H. Honnell. ( Atchison, Squatter Sovereign, Feb. 24. )
HOPKINS, THOMAS, and Sarah Agnes Caffrey, mar. Nov. 6, 1856, by the Rev.
L. B. Dennis. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Nov. 22. )
HOPPER, B. F., and Nancy A. Miller, mar. April 1, 1856, near Lawrence, by
the Rev. T. J. Ferril. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, April 5. )
HOPPER, DAVID R., and Letitia Matney, mar. Feb. 23, 1860, at Williamsport,
Shawnee county, by A. J. Huntoon, Esq. (Topeka, Kansas State Record,
Feb. 25.)
HOUGHTON, CHARLES S., of Worcester, Mass., and Mary, dau. of Deacon Wil-
liam B. Richardson, of Sterling, Mass., mar. Dec. 22, 1858, at Sterling, by
the Rev. William Miller. ( Lawrence, Republican, Feb. 17, 1859. )
HOUSTON, CHARLES W., of Saline, Mo., and Frances A. Fackler, mar. Oct. 12,
1858, by the Rev. H. Stone. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald,
Oct. 15.)
HUBBARD, JOHN L., Highland, and Sarah A. Busey, White Cloud, mar. Feb. 15,
1859, by the Rev. C. Graham. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Feb. 24.)
HUBBELL, P. HANFORD, Grasshopper Falls, and Sophia Still, mar. Oct. 23, 1860,
at Leavenworth, by the Rev. A. W. Pitzer. (Oskaloosa, Independent,
Oct. 31.)
MARRIAGE NOTICES 463
HUBBELL, WILLARD O., and Maria Gleason, mar. April 15, 1860, at the Baptist
Hall, by the Rev. W. O. Thomas. (Lawrence, Republican, April 19.)
HUESTED, EPHRAIM, and Clarinda Goodwin, mar. Jan. 3, 1858. (Osawatomie,
Southern Kansas Herald, Jan. 16. )
HUFFMAN, EDWARD, and Margaret Mekeel, both recently from Pike's Peak,
mar. Aug. 9, 1860, by Giles A. Briggs. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief,
Aug. 16.)
HUGHES, GRAHAM L., and Mary Ann Murphy, both of St. Louis, mar. Jan. 23,
1856, at St. Louis, by the Rt. Rev. Archbishop Kenrick. ( Leaven worth,
Kansas Weekly Herald, Feb. 16. )
HULL, JOSEPH L., and Mrs. Julia Ann Rowe, mar. Sept. 10, 1857, on Coal
creek, by the Rev. L. B. Dennis. (Lawrence, Republican, Oct. 1.)
HUNGERFORD, SIMEON R., and Nancy Ann Tolle, both of Franklin, mar. May 13,
1858, by the Rev. William Wilson. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom,
June 5.)
HUNT, CHARLES W., and Addie L. Shnmonds, of Detroit, Mich., mar. Dec. 8,
1859, at Lawrence, by the Rev. Richard Cordley. (Lawrence, Herald of
Freedom, Dec. 10.)
HUNTER, W. J., and Susan Aldingham, mar. April 11, 1860, by the Rev. C. E.
Blood. (Manhattan, Kansas Express, April 14.)
HUTCHINSON, JOSIAH, and Luticia Caroline Whitlock, both of Wakarusa, mar.
Feb. 18, 1855, by the Rev. L. B. Stateler. (Lawrence, Kansas Free State,
Feb. 24.)
HYDE, REUBEN M., and Mary E. Cavender, both of Auburn, mar. May 24,
1860, by the Rev. F. P. Montfort. (Topeka, Kansas State Record, May 26.)
JACKSON, WADE M., and Mrs. Hannah A. Conner, of Boone, mar. Jan. 22, 1856,
by Elder N. Flood. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Feb. 16.)
JACOBS, CAPT. WILLIAM M., and Amelia McCoun, mar. Jan. 30, 1855, in Ray
county, Mo. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Feb. 23. )
JAVENS, HENSON, and Tryphosa, dau. of the Rev. James Witten, mar. Aug. 2,
1856, by the Rev. Werter R. Davis. ( Lawrence, Republican, Aug. 9. )
JENKINS, JAMES B., of Kentucky, and Georgia, dau. of Judge J. M. and Nancy
Reed, mar. Oct. 1, 1857, by the Rev. Leander Ker. (Leavenworth, Kansas
Weekly Herald, Oct. 3.)
JENNINGS, SAMUEL L., and Maggie Moore, mar. June 11, 1860, by Giles A.
Briggs. ( White Cloud, Kansas Chief, June 14. )
JESTER, GEORGE W., and Martha A. Pullam, mar. Oct. 25, 1857, at Oregon, Mo.,
by Mr. Renfro. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Nov. 5.)
JOHNSON, A., and E. S. Taylor, both of Lake county, 111., mar. Nov. 20, 1860, in
Fremont, 111., by the Rev. Mr. Freeman. (Wyandotte, Commercial Gazette,
Nov. 21.)
JOHNSON, B. F., Johnson county, and Sarah Armstrong, Wyandotte, mar. Oct.
17, 1855, by the Rev. William Barnett. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, Oct. 27.)
JOHNSON, JAMES W., Lexington, Ky., and Sadonia A. Eastin, Columbia, Mo.,
mar. Mar. 14, 1858, at Boonville, Mo., by the Rev. A. M. Painter. (Leaven-
worth, Kansas Weekly Herald, April 3. )
JOHNSON, MORRIS B., printer of Middleton, Pa., formerly of this office, and
Caroline Martin, Sanford, Mass., mar. July 26, 1857, at the First Methodist
Church, St. Louis, Mo., by the Rev. C. B. Parsons. (Leavenworth, Kansas
Weekly Herald, Sept. 5.)
464 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
JOHNSON, PETER, and Maria Anderson, both of Whitewater, Otoe county, Kan.,
mar. April 1, 1860, at Chelsea, Butler county, by the Rev. J. S. Saxby.
( Emporia, Kansas News, April 28. )
JONES, ISAIAH, and Sarah Ann Bennett, mar. Dec. 20, 1860, by W. F. Cloud.
( Emporia, Kansas News, Dec. 29. )
JONES, L. L., and Harriet E., dau. of the Rev. J. C. Beach, mar. Jan. 12, 1860,
at Olathe, by the Rev. Mr. Beach. ( Lawrence, Republican, Jan. 19. )
JONES, T. M., Pittsburgh, Pa., and Annie E., dau. of Gen. William Larimer, mar.
June 24, 1857, by the Rev. W. W. Backus. ( Leavenworth, Weekly Times,
July 3.)
JONES, WASHINGTON, St. Joseph, and Bettie Cunningham, mar. , 1855, at
Westport, Mo. (Atchison, Squatter Sovereign, Sept. 4.)
JUDD, HENRY, and Anna Hunt, mar. May 15, 1860, by the Rev. C. M. Callaway.
(Topeka, Kansas Tribune, May 19.)
JUDSON, CHARLES O., and Annie E. Johnston, both of Fort Scott, mar. Nov. 21,
1860, at residence of Dr. Melich, Vernon county, Mo., by the Rev. S. W.
Mitchell. (Fort Scott, Democrat, Dec. 1.)
KASTOR, J. H., and J. Berry, mar. Oct. 30, 1859, by the Rev. Mr. Davidson.
(Leavenworth, Daily Times, Oct. 31.)
KATHRENS, CHARLES JAMES, JR., "border ruffian of Atchison," and Sophia
Agnes Robidoux, St. Joseph, Mo., mar. Sept. 24, 1856, at St. Joseph, by the
Rev. Joseph Scanlon. (Atchison, Squatter Sovereign, Oct. 14.)
KAUCHER, WILLIAM, and Sarah Ellen, dau. of Judge Samuel Watson, Oregon,
Mo., mar. Sept. 26, 1858, by the Rev. Joshua Bowman. (White Cloud,
Kansas Chief, Sept. 30. )
KAY, THOMAS, and Catherine Cottier, Holt county, Mo., mar. Mar. 8, 1860, by
the Rev. W. R. Fulton. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Mar. 22.)
KEATING, R. H., formerly of Indiana, and Charlotte Norton, later of Lowell,
Mass., mar. , 1857, at Manhattan, by the Rev. C. E. Blood. (Law-
rence, Herald of Freedom, Jan. 24. )
KEELER, CAPT. JULIUS, of Moneka, formerly of Norwalk, Ohio, and Annie
Davenport, formerly of Indianapolis, Ind., mar. Feb. 4, 1859, in Kansas
Lodge of I. O. of G. T., by the Rev. R. C. Brant. (Lawrence, Republican,
Feb. 10.)
KEENEY, GEORGE M., Oregon, Mo., and Sarah M. Pierce, Doniphan county,
mar. Dec. 13, 1860, by the Rev. Mr. Kelly. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief,
Dec. 27.)
KELCH, WILLIAM P., and Elizabeth Deweese, both of Atchison county, mar.
Mar. 14, 1858, at Mt. Pleasant, by the Rev. B. C. Dennis. ( Sumner, Gazette,
April 8.)
KELLAM, CHARLES C., and Martha S. Damon, Milwaukee, Wis., mar. ,
1857, at St. James Church, Milwaukee, by the Rev. J. P. T. Ingraham.
(Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Aug. 22.)
KELLEY, COL. ROBT. S., editor of Squatter Sovereign, and Mary Foreman,
Doniphan, mar. Dec. 23, 1856, at Doniphan, by the Rev. Thomas Hoagland.
(Atchison, Squatter Sovereign, Jan. 6, 1857.)
KELLEY, THOMAS D., and Parmelia Bell, of Lecompton, mar. Dec. 23, 1858, by
the Rev. S. Y. Lum. ( Lawrence, Republican, Jan. 6, 1859. )
KELLOGG, GEORGE M., and Mary Swainhart, both of Geary City, mar. Aug. 24,
1859, by the Rev. Julius Spencer. (Atchison, Union, Sept. 17.)
MARRIAGE NOTICES 465
KELLY, MICHAEL, and Mary Campion, mar. Oct. 11, 1857, by Bishop Miege.
( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Oct. 17.)
KELLY, WASHINGTON D., and Helen F. Lattin, mar. July 22, 1857, by the Rev.
H. Stone. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, July 25.)
KELSOE, JOHN R., and Phebe Hellard, mar. Jan. 10, 1861, at house of Mr.
Hellard. (Fort Scott, Democrat, Jan. 12.)
KENNEDY, OLIVER P., and Martha M. Woodruff, both of Douglas county, mar.
Aug. 12, 1860, by the Rev. F. R. S. Byrd, minister of United Brethren.
(Lawrence, Republican, Aug. 16.)
KENNEDY, THOMAS H., and Martha E. Nolen, mar. Sept. 11, 1859, by the Rev.
A. W. Pitzer. (Leavenworth, Daily Times, Sept. 13.)
KERR, JOHN, of firm of Iselt, Brewster & Co., and Sue E. Haines, Rockford, 111.,
mar. April 1, 1858, at residence of bride's brother, at Rockford. (Leaven-
worth, Kansas Weekly Herald, April 10.)
KETCHUM, JACOB W., and Eliza H. Shockley, mar. Dec. 18, 1857, on Eagle
creek, Madison county, by the Rev. George Perkins. (Emporia, Kansas
News, Jan. 2, 1858.)
KILBY, JAMES M., Andrews county, Mo., and Ann Elizabeth Corum, of Leav-
enworth county, mar. Jan. 21, 1856, by the Rev. H. P. Johnson. (Leaven-
worth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Jan. 26. )
KILLOUGH, CARVALHO OGILVIE GILBERT, and Mary D. Belyou, both of Missouri,
mar. Sept. 22, 1860, at residence of Thomas D. Killough, White Cloud, by
Giles A. Briggs. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Sept. 27. )
KING, B. H., and Mary E., eldest dau. of Hiram McConnell, both of Neosho
Falls, Woodson county, mar. Nov. 14, 1860, by Russell Austin. ( Lecompton.
Kansas National Democrat, Dec. 13.)
KING, DR. CHARLES, and Maggie Jackson,, mar. Aug. 11, 1859, by Judge J. C.
Miller. (Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Aug. 18.)
KITCHINGHAM, WILLIAM, of Douglas county, and Lucy Conser, of Blair county,
Pa., mar. July 5, 1859, by the Rev. E. Nute, Jr. (Lawrence, Herald of
Freedom, July 16.)
KITTRIDGE, T., Chicago, and E. M., dau. of Deacon J. Hinkle, mar. April 2,
1860, at Eckford, Mich., by the Rev. Mr. McCorkle. (Elwood, Free Press,
April 14.)
KLEINHANS, A. J., and Mary J. Coffman, mar. May 5, 1859, in Jefferson county,
by the Rev. C. R. Rice. (Emporia, Kansas News, May 28.)
KLINE, DAVID, and Rosa Sands, mar. Oct. 14, 1860, at residence of bride's
brother. (Leavenworth, Daily Times, Oct. 16.)
KNUTESON, KNUTE, and Mary Olson, mar. June 14, 1858. (Sumner, Gazette,
June 19.)
KULLAK, HUGO, and Mary Ann McAffrey, mar. Oct. 4, 1860, at residence of
the Rev. C. M. Callaway. (Topeka, Kansas State Record, Oct. 6.)
KUPPER, JOHN F., and Ella Jane Gilbert Gough Taylor, mar. July 16, 1860, at
the home of J. M. Crowell, by the Rev. L. D. Price. (Atchison, Freedom's
Champion, July 21.)
LADD, ERASTUS D., ESQ., and Mary W. Tribou, of Middleborough, Mass., mar.
Nov. 10, 1855, at Middleborough, by the Rev. Thomas P. Rodman. (Law-
rence, Herald of Freedom, Dec. 15.)
31—9137
466 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
LADD, ERASTUS D., and Eliza Jane Blackford, mar. Oct. 24, 1858, by the Rev.
E. Nute. (Lawrence, Republican, Oct. 28.)
LAMB, HON. A. W., Hannibal, Mo., and Mary J. McDannald, Natchez, Miss.,
mar. Oct. 15, 1856, at the Second Presbyterian Church, St. Louis, by the
Rev. D. Rice. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Oct. 25.)
LANTER, JOHN T., Anderson county, and Elizabeth H. Baldwin, Franklin
county, mar. Sept. 27, 1860, at residence of bride's father, by the Rev. Mr.
Green, Garnett. (Lawrence, Republican, Oct. 11.)
LAPPIN, SAMUEL, Seneca, and Amanda C. Beilharz, mar. Feb. 28, 1860, at
residence of bride's father, Bridgewater, Mich. ( White Cloud, Kansas Chief,
Mar. 8.)
LARZALERE, WILLIAM P., and Sue Davis, Missouri, mar. Sept. 26, 1858. at
residence of bride's father, by the Rev. Thomas Hoagland. (Atchison,
Freedom's Champion, Oct. 2.)
LASHER, WILLIAM H., Osawatomie, and Cornelia S. Babcock, of Wisconsin,
mar. July 22, 1860, by the Rev. A. L. Downey. ( Leavenworth, Daily Times,
July 24.)
LAWHORN, JOHN D., and Sarah Osborn, both of Doniphan, mar. April 15, 1856,
by Thos. W. Waterson, Esq. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, April
19.)
LENOIR, DR. WALTER T., and Fannie, dau. of President James Shannon, Co-
lumbia, Mo., mar. May 29, 1856, at Columbia, by Elder A. M. Proctor.
(Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, June 21.)
LEONARD, LOT, and Juletta Lane, mar. Feb. 4, 1860, at Bazaar, Chase county,
by J. F. R. Leonard, Esq. (Emporia, Kansas News, Feb. 25.)
LEONARD, DR. M. J. F., Louisville, Ky., and Mrs. R. A. Hodges, dau. of the
late Judge Harvey Griswold, Marthasville, Warren county, Mo., mar. Oct.
14, 1856, at residence of Mrs. M. Griswold, Marthasville, by the Rev.
William Newland. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Nov. 8.)
LESTER, EDMOND, and Mrs. Mary M. Graham, mar. , 1860, at residence of
bride's father near Baldwin City, by the Rev. Dr. W. R. Davis. ( Lawrence,
Republican, April 26.)
LEU, JACOB, and Hester Squires, mar. June 12, 1859, by P. P. Wilcox, Esq.
(Atchison, Freedom's Champion, June 18.)
LEVERMORE, WILLIAM, and Louisa F. Dickson, mar. Sept. 30, 1860, at resi-
dence of Deacon Dickson on the Wakarusa, by the Rev. Richard Cordley.
(Lawrence, Republican, Oct. 11.)
LEWIS, ELIPHALET, and Laura Kennedy, mar. April 22, 1858, at Ohio City,
Kan., by P. P. Elder, Esq. (Lawrence, Republican, May 6.)
LEWIS, DR. ISAIAH M., and Sarah W. Goss, mar. Jan. 1, 1861, at residence of G.
F. Killam, by the Rev. Mr. Perkins. ( Lawrence, Republican, Jan. 3. )
LEWIS, JOHN H., Lecompton, and Emily H. Dryden, Frankfort, Ky., mar. Nov.
1, 1860, in Frankfort, by the Rev. Mr. Hudricks. (Lecompton, Kansas Na-
tional Democrat, Nov. 15.)
LEWIS, STERLING, and Tabitha Davis, both of Greenwood county, mar. Feb.
26, 1860, in Greenwood county, by Wm. H. Stevens, Esq. (Burlington,
Neosho Valley Register, Mar. 13.)
LINK, ADAM R., and Emma E. Quiett, both of Tecumseh, mar. Aug. 22,
1858, at home of Esley Quiett, father of the bride, by the Rev. F. P. Mont-
fort. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Sept. 4. )
MARRIAGE NOTICES 467
LINN, JAMES M., ESQ., of Osage Nation, K. T., and Sarah Frances Linn, of
Sangamon county, 111., mar. , 1857, at Springfield, 111., by the Rev. A.
Hale. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Nov. 14. )
LIVERMORE, WILLIAM, and Louisa F. Dickson, mar. Sept. 30, 1860, at residence
of Deacon Dickson on the Wakarusa, by the Rev. Richard Cordley. (Law-
rence, Republican, Oct. 11.)
LLOYD, A. J., of Burlingame, and A. E. Woodley, of New Castle, Canada West,
mar. July 1, 1858, at Brownville, Kan., by the Rev. John E. Moore. (Law-
rence, Herald of Freedom, July 17. )
LLOYD, S. W., of the Kansas and Nebraska Conference, Methodist Episcopal
Church, and Mary C. Dunn, teacher of the preparatory department of
Baker University, mar. Mar. 8, 1860, at residence of bride's father near
Baldwin City, by the Rev. W. R. Davis. ( Leavenworth, Daily Times,
Mar. 15.)
LOCKERMAN, NICHOLAS, and Sarah F. Davis, mar. Jan. 29, 1860, near Emporia,
by Benjamin T. Clark. ( Emporia, Kansas News, Feb. 4. )
LOEB, BERNHARD, and Regina Weil, Cincinnati, Ohio, mar. May 10, 1858, by
the Rev. Mr. Wise. ( Leavenworth, Weekly Times, May 22. )
LONG, DAVID, and Mary J. Walker, both of Brown county, mar. June 24, 1859,
at residence of B. F. Killey, Hiawatha, by Hon. W. G. Sargent. (WThite
Cloud, Kansas Chief, July 7. )
LOUGHBOROUGH, JAMES M., St. Louis, Mo., and Mary, dau. of Dr. A. W. Web-
ster, mar. Nov. 10, 1857, at Carondelet, Mo., by the Rev. John F. Cowan.
( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Dec. 5. )
LOVEJOY, CHARLES JULIUS, and Sarah Barricklow, mar. Dec. 3, 1857, at home
of Henry Barricklow, Esq., Palmyra, Kan., by the Rev. C. H. Lovejoy.
( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Dec. 5. )
LUCE, B. T., and Mary J. Purdy, mar. Mar. 14, 1859, by the Rev. R. D. Parker.
(Leavenworth, Daily Times, April 19.)
LUCE, ROBERT M., and Mary J. Young, both of Topeka, mar. Mar. 10, 1859,
at Lawrence, by the Rev. E. Nute. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom,
Mar. 19.)
LUNDY, PASCHAL F., Brown county, and Missouri Catron, Holt county, Mo.,
mar. April 28, 1859, by the Rev. D. C. O'Howell. (White Cloud, Kansas
Chief, May 5.)
LUSK, WILLIAM H., proprietor of the Jefferson, Mo., Inquirer, and Abbie, dau.
of J. B. Burgess, Buchanan county, Mo., mar. Oct. 2, 1856, by Elder J. J.
Wyatt. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Oct. 18. )
LYLE, JAMES M., formerly of Madison county, Ky., and Martha A. Bonnell,
Delaware City, Kan., mar. Jan. 29, 1857, by the Rev. G. W. Nevill.
( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Feb. 7. )
LYMOND, JAMES, and Jenette Scott, mar. Nov. 3, 1857, by the Rev. H. Stone.
( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Nov. 7. )
LYON, CHARLES C., and Harriet Adams, mar. Mar. 11, 1860, by the Rev. Ira
Blackf ord. ( Topeka, Kansas State Record, Mar. 17. )
MCBRATNEY, ROBERT, and Mary E. Harbine, Zenia, Ohio, mar. Dec. 4, 1860, at
St. Joseph, by the Rev. John G. Fackler. (Atchison, Freedom's Champion,
Dec. 8.)
MCCAMISH, RICHARD, and Mary Elizabeth Rogers, mar. Oct. 22, 1857, at
McCamish by the Rev. G. Seymour. (Lawrence, Republican, Nov. 5.)
468 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
McCLELLAN, JOHN A., and Rosa Millspaw, both of Marysville, mar. May 20,
1860, at residence of bride's father, by the Rev. W. M. Robbins. (Leaven-
worth, Kansas Weekly Herald, June 2. )
McCLENNiNG, JOHN N., and Ellen Gettis, mar. Jan. 1, 1856, at house of John
Adkinson, by the Rev. John Evans. (Atchison, Squatter Sovereign, Jan. 22.)
McCLiNTOCK, JAMES, and Polly E. Wells, mar. May 24, 1855, by the Rev.
C. F. Hammond. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, June 1.)
McCoMBS, JOHN, and Esther Jordan, both of Ottumwa, mar. Nov. 5, 1859,
by the Rev. John Earnheart. ( Burlington, Neosho Valley Register, Nov. 29. )
MCCONNELL, ALFRED, and Mary Holmes, mar. Sept. 25, 1860, at Le Roy by the
Rev. B. Wheat. ( Burlington, Neosho Valley Register, Oct. 10. )
McCooK, JUDGE DANIEL, and Julia E. Tebbs, Platte City, Mo., mar. Dec. 5,
1860, at residence of A. Sidney Tebbs, Platte City. (Leavenworth, Daily
Times, Dec. 7.)
McCoRMiCK, JOHN, and Mary Nott, both of Ottumwa, mar. Dec. 22, 1859,
at Ottumwa, by the Rev. William Butt. (Burlington, Neosho Valley
Register, Jan. 17, 1860.)
MCDONALD, BENJAMIN P., and Emma A. Johnston, both of Fort Scott, mar.
Nov. 21, 1860, at residence of Dr. Melich, Vernon county, Mo., by the
Rev. S. W. Mitchell. (Fort Scott, Democrat, Dec. 1.)
MCDONALD, F. M., editor of the Southern Democrat, and Mary Taylor, Eliza-
ville, Ky., mar. Feb. 21, 1856, at residence of Col. W. H. Summers, Park-
ville, Mo., by Elder S. Maguire. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald,
Mar. 22.)
McGiNNESs, WILLIAM E., and Rebecca Frances Hunt, mar. Nov. 7, 1860, at
Hartford, by the Rev. S. Harris. (Burlington, Neosho Valley Register,
Nov. 14.)
MACK, JOHN, and Sarah Ann Lyon, mar. Nov. 23, 1857, at home of A. H.
Mallory, by the Rev. G. W. Hutchinson. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom,
Nov. 28.)
McLANE, T. A., and Ann Hammond, mar. Mar. 15, 1857, at residence of Elder
S. W. Jackson, by Elder Jackson. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald,
Mar. 21.)
McNETT, SAMUEL, and Catherin Chambau, mar. April 26, 1860, by G. W. Barr.
(Elwood, Free Press, April 28.)
MCREYNOLDS, JOHN, of Osawatomie Herald, and Sallie Louisa, dau. of P. Gaugh,
Lexington, Ky., mar. June 28, 1858, at residence of bride, Bloomington, 111.,
by the Rev. Wesley Lamphier. ( Sumner, Gazette, July 17. )
MACY, DR. H. F., and Mrs. Rebecca Jane Easley, mar. Oct. 23, 1859, by the
Rev. C. Graham. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Oct. 27.)
MAJORS, ALEXANDER, Westport, Mo., and Susan Wetzel, mar. Mar. 23, 1857, at
residence of Geo. D. Foglesong, Esq., Westport, Mo., by the Rev. C. A.
Davis, of Lexington, Mo. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, April 4. )
MANDELL, C. L., and M. A. M. Brown, mar. Feb. 9, 1856, by the Rev. Thomas J.
Ferril. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Feb. 16. )
MANOR, JAMES A., and Eveline Hakin, both of Linn county, mar. July 30, 1859,
at Mound City, by the Rev. Mr. Beedlove. ( Lawrence, Republican, Aug. 11. )
MARION, WILLIAM J., and Miss Ogden, mar. April 17, 1860, by the Rev. J. H.
Byrd. (Atchison, Freedom's Champion, May 21.)
MARRIAGE NOTICES 469
MARLOW, ENOCH, and Ann Connell, both of Ft. Leavenworth, mar. Dec. 27,
1855, by R. R. Rees, Esq. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Jan. 5,
1856.)
MARONEY, RICHARD, and America Berryhile, both of Missouri, mar. Jan. 12,
1861, at Elwood, by Jos. W. Robinson, Esq. (Elwood, Free Press, Jan. 12.)
MARTIN, CHARLES, Holt county, Mo., and S. E. Northern, Doniphan county,
mar. Aug. 26, 1857, at Iowa Point, by Daniel Flinn. (White Cloud, Kansas
Chief, Aug. 27.)
MARTIN, DR. JAMES F., and Carrie James, mar. Sept. 23, 1858, at residence of
the Messrs. Harrison, by the Rev. J. F. Collins. ( Atchison, Freedom's Cham-
pion, Sept. 25.)
MARTIN, JOHN, and Caroline Clements, mar. Nov. 12, 1860, at Tecumseh, by
the Rev. A. A. Wilson. (Topeka, Kansas State Record, Nov. 17.)
MARTIN, LEANDER, of Osawatomie, and Bertha E. Blake, formerly of Greens-
boro, Vt, mar. , 1859, at Mapleton, Kan., by the Rev. J. W. Stewart.
(Lawrence, Republican, July 14.)
MARTIN, MACK C., and Hattie O. Dodd, mar. , 1859, at Forest Hill, Breck-
inridge county, Kan., by Alex. Bailey, Esq. (Topeka, Kansas Tribune,
Jan. 27.)
MARTIN, DR. WILLIAM D., and Cornelia J. Clayton, mar. Aug. 5, 1860, at resi-
dence of bride's father, Dr. William Clayton, Baldwin, by the Rev. Werter
R. Davis. (Lawrence, Republican, Aug. 9.)
MATHEWS, J. W., and Amanda E. Baldwin, mar. July 30, 1857, by the Rev. S. S.
Snyder. ( Lawrence, Republican, Sept. 3. )
MATHIAS, WILLIAM G., and Lizzie Watkins Miller, Weston, Mo., mar. April 8,
1857, at Weston, by the Rev. T. A. Bracken. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, April 11.)
MAUCK, FERDINAND, and Jane, dau. of James F. Forman, mar. June 23, 1859,
by G. A. Briggs, Esq. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief, June 30.)
MAVIS, G. W., and Jane Fulks, both of Butler county, mar. July 28, 1860, at
Walnut creek, by Israel Scott, Esq. (Emporia, Kansas News, Aug. 11.)
MAVITY, WILLIAM, and Scynthia Ann Hall, mar. Aug. 11, 1858, at Spring Hill,
Kan., by Parson D. F. Dayton. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Aug. 21.)
MAYER, Louis, and Mary Deversy, of Madison, Ind., mar. June 3, 1858, in
Madison, by the Rev. Leonhard Brandt. ( Sumner, Gazette, June 19. )
MEADE, GEORGE W., and Sallie K. Callaway, both of Virginia, mar. May 4,
1858, by the Rev. C. M. Callaway. (Topeka, Kansas Tribune, May 29.)
MEADOWS, JOHN, and N. S. Williams, both of Madison county, Kan., mar. Nov.
17, 1859, at Elmandaro, by the Rev. J. C. Fraker. (Emporia, Kansas News,
Nov. 26.)
MECHAM, JAMES, and Adulph Rose, mar. Feb. 2, 1860, by L. Dow, Esq. (To-
peka, Kansas State Record, Feb. 2. )
MERKLE, JOHN, and Mary Rhinehart, mar. April 25, 1859, by P. P. Wilcox, Esq.
(Atchison, Freedom's Champion, April 30.)
MERRYMAN, JOSEPH, attorney-at-law, and "Lizzie, dau. of David Hunt, mar.
Mar. 16, 1858, at residence of bride's father, Platte county, Mo., by T. F.
Campbell. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, April 3.)
MILLER, ASA K., editor of St. Joseph (Mo.) Journal, and Mary Ann Hays,
Boone county, Mo., mar. Oct. 29, 1857, by the Rev. B. F. Johnson. (Leav-
enworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Nov. 28.)
470 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
MILLER, THE REV. JOHN P., of Baldwin City, and Mary M., dau. of the Rev.
Jacob Feisel, mar. Sept. 3, 1860, by the Rev. George Schaz. (Wyandotte,
Commercial Gazette, Sept. 8.)
MILLER, WILLIAM H., Parkville, Mo., and Mollie Adorns, Weston, Mo., mar.
Oct. 18, 1855, at Weston, by the Rev. Mr. Irish. (Atchison, Squatter
Sovereign, Oct. 23.)
MITCHELL, COL. A. M., St. Joseph, Mo., and Mrs. Mary Hibbard, Chicago, 111.,
mar. May 11, 1857, at Chicago. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald,
June 13.)
MOLKE, PAUL, and Angeline Howell, mar. Mar. 1, 1860, by the Rev. E. Whitney.
(Elwood, Free Press, Mar. 3.)
MOON, SILAS, and Mary A. Hammond, mar. Dec. 24, 1860, by the Rev. G. C.
Morse. (Emporia, Kansas News, Dec. 29.)
MOORE, H. MILES, and Linna F. Kehoe, Hannibal, Mo., late of Washington,
D. C., mar. Sept. 15, 1857, at the Shawnee House, by the Rev. T. Holman,
rector of St. Paul's Parish, Weston, Mo. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, Sept. 19.)
MOORE, HENRY J., and Catharine Johnston, mar. Mar. 26, 1860, by the Rev.
Ira Blackford. (Topeka, Kansas State Record, Mar. 31.)
MOORE, J. P., and Catharine Brandage, mar. Mar. 24, 1857, at Prairie City, by
the Rev. A. Still. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, April 11.)
MOORE, MAHLON K., and Lizzie Learned, both of Douglas county, mar. Jan. 1,
1860, at the Methodist church, by the Rev. H. H. Moore. (Lawrence,
Republican, Jan. 5.)
MOORE, ROBERT M., and Mollie E. Bent, mar. April 3, 1860, at the residence of
Col. William W. Bent, Westport, Mo., by the Rev. R. S. Symington. (Law-
rence, Republican, April 12.)
MOORE, WILLIAM S., formerly of Rockford, 111., and Bertha R. Case, late of
Watertown, Wis., mar. Jan. 10, 1860, at the Merchants Hotel, by the Rev.
Charles Fisher. (Leavenworth, Daily Times, Jan. 12.)
MORE, JOHN, and Juliette McKinney, mar. July 30, 1857, at Springfield, Kan.,
by the Rev. S. Y. Lum. (Lawrence, Republican, Aug. 6.)
MORRIS, DAVID T., and Mary Lewis, Emporia township, Breckinridge county,
mar. Aug. 16, 1860, at home of the bride's father, D. T. Lewis, by the Rev.
W. E. Evans. (Emporia, Kansas News, Aug. 18.)
MORRIS, ROBERT, Kansas, and Mary Truex, Andrew county, Mo., mar. Oct. 25,
1856, by Elder W. R. Trapp. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald,
Nov. 8.)
MORRISON, JOHN, ESQ., Bath, Grafton county, N. H., and Emma S. Burritt,
formerly of Vergennes, Vt., mar. Mar. 24, 1860, at Cottage Hill, near
Moneka, Linn county, by the Rev. W. R. Long. (Lawrence, Republican,
April 5.)
MOYS, WILLIAM, and Emily J. Tabor, of Sumner township, county, mar.
June 5, 1859, in Sumner township, by the Rev. G. W. Hutchinson. (Law-
rence, Herald of Freedom, June 11.)
MUELLER, FREDERICK, and Catharine Grund, mar. June 3, 1855, at Shekomeko
(Moravian mission), three miles from Leavenworth, by the Rev. David Z.
Smith. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, June 8.)
Mum, JAMES, and Abbie M. Wilcox, both of Salina, mar. Aug. 21, 1860, at
Junction City, by Mayor R. C. Whitney. (Topeka, Kansas State Record,
Aug. 25.)
MARRIAGE NOTICES 471
MUNCY, MILTON M., and Susan S. Gilman, mar. Oct. 27, 1859, by the Rev.
E. Whitney. (Elwood, Free Press, Oct. 29.)
MURPHY, H., Glenwood, Iowa, and Lucy Ann O'Toole, Kan., mar. Sept. 2,
1855, at the residence of M. H. Wash, Esq., St. Joseph, Mo., by Elder J.
Wyatt. (Atchison, Squatter Sovereign, Sept. 18.)
MYERS, HENRY, and Mary Rostock, mar. June 18, 1857, at Oregon, Mo. (White
Cloud, Kansas Chief, June 25.)
MYERS, JOHN, of Leavenworth, and Ellen M. Smith, of Wyoming, N. Y., mar.
Oct. 6, 1859, at Chicago, 111. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Oct. 22.)
NACE, WILLIAM M., and Mary A. Hickox, mar. Oct. 30, 1859, by the Rev.
William Wilson. (Lecompton, Kansas National Democrat, Nov. 3.)
NEAL, CLEM, and Fanny Fulton, mar. Sept. 6, 1859, at St. Joseph, Mo., by the
Rev. Thomas Hoagland. (Atchison, Union, Sept. 10.)
NEALLEY, D. H., and Elizabeth Angell, mar. May 31, 1860, at residence of
Byron Jewell, by the Rev. John M. Moore. (Topeka, Kansas State Record,
June 2.)
NEET, GEORGE W., and Sarah E. A., dau. of Col. D. S. Leach, Platte county,
Mo., mar. Dec. 14, 1854, by the Rev. O. C. Steele. ( Leavenworth, Kansas
Weekly Herald, Dec. 29.)
NELSON, PETER, and Lavicia Lyle, formerly of Rochester, Mo., mar. July 23,
1857, at the parsonage, by the Rev. R. P. Duvall. (Quindaro, Chindowan,
July 25.)
NICHOLS, WILLIAM G., and Mrs. Hester Ann Dart, both of Greeley, mar. Nov.
29, 1857, by the Rev. William C. McDow. (Lawrence, Republican, Dec. 3.)
NORMAN, JAMES, and Mary Campbell, mar. Feb. 17, 1860, by the Rev. J. E.
Ryan. (Elwood, Free Press, Feb. 18.)
NUTT, OWEN, and Caroline Brindle, mar. Nov. 28, 1858, by Elijah Kirkendall,
J. P. (Emporia, Kansas News, Dec. 11.)
OAKLEY, WALTER, Topeka, and Louise Thompson, Leavenworth, mar. Mar. 27,
1859, by the Rev. B. L. Baldridge. (Leavenworth, Daily Times, Mar. 30.)
OFFUTT, WILLIAM L., and Lavina Dorland, mar. Nov. 15, 1857, at White
Cloud, by the Rev. A. L. Downey. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Nov. 19.)
OGDEN, GEORGE, and Josephine Barnes, both of Missouri, mar. Nov. 9, 1856, by
Justice Alexander E. Mahew. (Atchison, Squatter Sovereign, Nov. 22.)
OLIVER, JAMES H., DeKalb, Mo., and Elizabeth, dau. of Peter Boyle, Atchison
county, mar. May 12, 1859, by the Rev. L. A. Alderson. (Atchison, Free-
dom's Champion, May 21.)
OLIVER, WILLIAM H., and Louisa Hopper, mar. April 29, 1855, by the Rev.
William W. Hall. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, May 12. )
OTT, WILLIAM J., and Emma D. Davis, both of Gardner, mar. April 21, 1859,
by O. B. Gardner, Esq. ( Lawrence, Republican, April 28. )
OWEN, ELLIS, Emporia, and Catherine Morris, mar. Oct. 4, 1860, at the Eastern
House, by the Rev. Richard Cordley. (Lawrence, Republican, Oct. 11.)
OWENS, DR. JOHN A., recently of South Carolina, and Mary Anne Martin, mar.
Oct. 9, 1856, by the Rev. Mr. Cline. (Atchison, Squatter Sovereign,
Nov. 22.)
PALMER, ALPHEUS, and Martha Harris, mar. Dec. 25, 1859, in Tranaur town-
ship, county, by the Rev. H. P. Robinson. ( Topeka, Kansas Tribune,
Dec. 31.)
472 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
PALMER, N., and Mary White, both of Hunter county, Kan., mar. July 20,
1860, on Walnut creek, by Israel Scott, Esq. (Emporia, Kansas News,
Aug. 11.)
PARHAM, ROBERT, JR., of Emporia, and Caddie A. Fryer, of Philadelphia, Pa.,
mar. Nov. 12, 1860, at Philadelphia, by the Rev. Joseph H. Kennard.
( Emporia, Kansas News, Dec. 1. )
PARK, COL. GEORGE S., of Parkville, Mo., and Mary Louise, dau. of William W.
Holmes, formerly of New York City, mar. July 12, 1855, at Magnolia, 111.,
by the Rev. Mr. Dunn. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Aug. 4. )
PARK, THE REV. J. S., of Tennessee, and Mary C. Steele, of Topeka, mar.
Oct. 1, 1860, by the Rev. J. A. Steele. (Topeka, Kansas State Record,
Oct. 6.)
PARKER, NATHANIEL, and Mrs. Sarah Gregory, both of Madison county, Kan.,
mar. Jan. 24, 1858, by the Rev. S. G. Brown. (Emporia, Kansas News,
Feb. 6.)
PARKS, WILLIAM, and Irene Randall, both of Douglas county, mar. Oct. 27,
1859, by the Rev. W. Bishop. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Nov. 5. )
PARMENTER, WALTER, formerly of Vermont, and Sarah Elizabeth Jones,
formerly of Ohio, mar. , 1860, near Holton, Jackson county, at resi-
dence of bride, by the Rev. Martin Seiler. ( Leavenworth, Daily Times,
Feb. 23.)
PARMETAR, JAMES A., of Olathe, and E. J. Gray, of McCamish, mar. Oct. 13,
1859, at McCamish, Johnson county, by the Rev. J. P. Campbell. (Law-
rence, Herald of Freedom, Oct. 22. )
PARSONS, JOHN U., and Anna Kent, both of Ogden, mar. May 15, 1860, by
the Rev. W. A. McCollum. ( Manhattan, Kansas Express, May 19. )
PARSONS, WILLIAM B., and Julia W. Kinzie, mar. Nov. 13, 1860, at residence
of bride's father, R. A. Kinzie, by the Rev. William H. Hickox, of Lawrence.
( Burlington, Neosho Valley Register, Nov. 14. )
PASCHEL, LUTHER, and Elizabeth Burke, both of Paola, mar. June 7, 1860, at
Paola, by Thomas Totten. (Lawrence, Republican, June 21.)
PEARSON, JOHN, and Amary Amanda Green, mar. Jan. 18, 1855, at house of
Allen Pearson, on the Wakarusa, by J. R. Goodin, Esq. (Lawrence, Kansas
Tribune, Jan. 24.)
PEARSON, RICHARD N., and Mary Rosela Harris, mar. Feb. 22, 1857, at Prairie
City, by the Rev. S. S. Snyder. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Mar. 14.)
PENCE, E. F., and Jennie Bozarth, mar. Sept. 29, 1859, at residence of Colonel
Burnes, by the Rev. E. L. Owen. (Leavenworth, Daily Times, Oct. 5.)
PENNOCK, CHARLES, and Mrs. Ann Soper, mar. Mar. 30, 1858, at Oskaloosa,
Jefferson county. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, April 10.)
PERRY, ALBERT, and Millie Leland, both of Troy, mar. Dec. 16, 1860, at Troy,
by the Rev. E. Whitney. ( Elwood, Free Press, Dec. 22. )
PERRY, ERASMUS, and Margaret E. Dale, all of Weston, Mo., mar. June 10,
1856, by J. B. Wright. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, July 19. )
PERRY, WILLIAM, and Lucy A. Barrett, both of Emporia, mar. June 1, 1858,
at Johnson House, Lawrence, by the Rev. E. Nute. (Lawrence, Herald of
Freedom, June 5.)
PHELPS, EDWIN C., and Mary Irish, West Bloomfield, Mich., mar. June 16,
1858, at West Bloomfield, by the Rev. E. Mather. ( Emporia, Kansas News,
July 24.)
MARRIAGE NOTICES 473
PHENIS, JAMES H., and Mrs. Sebrah Way, mar. Dec. 10, 1859, by James
Newlin, Esq. ( Emporia, Kansas News, Dec. 17. )
PHILLIPS, GEORGE, and Maria Sweet, mar. Aug. 2, 1857, at Cole creek, by the
Rev. Mr. Ely. ( Prairie City, Freeman's Champion, Sept. 3. )
PHILLIPS, ROBERT M., and Mary Ladd, both of St. Joseph, Mo., mar. Nov. 20,
1860, by the Rev. G. W. Barr, Esq. (Elwood, Free Press, Nov. 24.)
PHILLIPS, DR. SAMUEL, and Annie Russell, mar. Sept. 28, 1858, at residence of
Wm. H. Russell, by the Rev. E. S. Dulin. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, Oct. 9.)
PIERCE, HENRY, and Myriam Jane Faucett, mar. Feb. 28, 1860, at residence of
bride's father, two miles from Emporia, by the Rev. S. G. Brown. (Em-
poria, Kansas News, Mar. 3. )
PILES, SAMUEL, and Mary Jane McCanlis, mar. Mar. 1, 1860, at Bellemont, by
J. T. Braidy, Esq. (Elwood, Free Press, Mar. 17.)
PIPHER, JOHN W., formerly of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Mary A. Wisner, of
Batavia, 111., mar. Sept. 10, 1857* at Manhattan, by Elder M. L. Wisner.
(Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Sept. 19.)
PLUMMER, WILLIAM S., and Fannie Clayton, mar. Oct. 9, 1860, at residence of
bride's father, by the Rev. L. D. Price. (Leavenworth, Daily Times, Oct.
10.)
POE, ELISHA W., Clay county, Mo., and Nancy Strange, Kan., mar. April 8,
1858, by the Rev. A. L. Downey. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief, April 15.)
POLLARD, HENRY, and Julia E. Williams, Washington, D. C., mar. Sept. 3, 1857,
at Baltimore, Md., by the Rev. Mr. Abbott. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, Sept. 19.)
POLLEY, JOHN, and Mrs. Mary Flinn, both of Osage county, mar. June 4, 1860,
at Burlingame, by J. R. Stewart, Esq. (Topeka, Kansas State Record,
June 9.)
POND, DAVID, and Martha Hardin, mar. July 25, 1858, at Iowa Point, by the
Rev. C. C. McKain. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief, July 29.)
POTTER, FREDERICK W., of Burlington, and Laura A. Stone, of Lawrence, mar.
Dec. 18, 1859, at Lawrence, by E. D. Ladd, J. P. (Lawrence, Herald of
Freedom, Dec. 17.)
POULET, ALIXIS, Iowa Point, and Rebecca Acton, mar. Oct. 14, 1860, at resi-
dence of Bolivar Beeler, on Cedar creek. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief,
Oct. 25.)
POWELL, JOSEPH A., ESQ., and Mollie Byler, mar. Mar. 4, 1858, by the Rev. L.
B. Stateler. (Tecumseh, Kansas Settler, Mar. 10.)
POWER, FRANCIS M., and Caroline Jane Jordan, mar. June 27, 1858, by the Rev.
M. M. Haun. (Lawrence, Republican, July 15.)
PRATT, C. H., Jackson township, and Mary Myers, Emporia township, mar. Oct.
31, 1860, by the Rev. G. C. Morse. (Emporia, Kansas News, Nov. 3.)
PREEDY, PETER W., and Sarah Jane Huyett, mar. June 19, 1859, by the Rev.
H. H. Moore. ( Lawrence, Republican, June 23. )
PRICE, JOSEPH, and Penelope, dau. of Judge Samuel Palmer, all of McDonald
county, Mo., mar. Nov. 27, 1859, by the Rev. James Huffman, Jr. (Fort
Scott, Democrat, Dec. 8.)
PRICHETT, THE REV. J. H., of the Kansas Mission conference, and Mary J.
Johnson, mar. April 9, 1857, by the Rev. W. Bradford. (Lecompton, Union,
April 18.)
474 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
PROCTOR, A. G., Emporia, and Eliza B., dau. of John C. Calef, Gloucester,
Mass., mar. July 10, 1860, at Gloucester, by the Rev. Robert Rogers.
(Emporia, Kansas News, July 21.)
PROSSER, DR. LEWIS S., Brunswick, and Orien Shepard, Fayette, mar. Oct. 22,
1856. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Nov. 8.)
PROUTS, PARIS, and Hattie V. Cundiff, both of St. Joseph, Mo., mar. May 8,
1855, at St. Joseph, by the Rev. T. S. Reeve. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, May 25.)
PROUTY, SALMON S., publisher of Freemen's Champion, and Hannah M.
Whitehead, both of Prairie City, formerly of Aurora, 111., mar. May 31, 1858,
at the Johnson House, Lawrence, by the Rev. William Wilson. (Prairie
City, Freemen's Champion, June 3.)
PRYOR, STEPHEN, late of Monroe county, Ohio, and Margaret Woodward, mar.
Dec. 6, 1857, by Giles A. Briggs. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Dec. 10.)
PUTNAM, BENNET, and Maria Dunmire, mar. Dec. 24, 1857, on Elm creek,
Breckinridge county. ( Emporia, Kansas News, Jan. 2, 1858. )
QUIMBY, D. J., and Frances Signer, mar. Jan. 30, 1858, at Brownville, by the
Rev. J. E. Moore. (Prairie City, Freemen's Champion, Mar. 18.)
RADKEE, JOHN, and Mrs. Frederica Gaviere, mar. Jan. 6, 1856, at residence of
Mr. Hoagner, by R. R. Rees. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Jan.
12.)
RANDALL, DUDLEY, and Ellen Chamberlin, formerly of McHenry county, 111.,
mar. July 2, 1860, at the Congregational church, Emporia, by the Rev. G. C.
Morse. ( Lawrence, Republican, July 12. )
RANDALL, WILLIAM HENRY, and Mrs. Emetine Oliver, mar. Sept. 28, 1857, by
the Rev. E. Nute. (Lawrence, Republican, Oct. 8.)
RANDOLPH, JOSEPH V., and Anna M. Watson, mar. Dec. 22, 1859, by the Rev.
G. C. Morse. (Emporia, Kansas News, Dec. 24.)
RANDOLPH, P. H., and Mrs. Kate C. Malone, mar. Feb. 2, 1859, at Minneola,
by the Rev. Warren Mayo. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Feb. 5. )
RAPELYEA, WILLIAM C., of Palermo, and Susan Ann, dau. of Judge Dougherty,
mar. Feb. 16, 1860, by the Rev. J. E. Ryan. (Elwood, Free Press, Feb. 18.)
RATZ, CHRISTIAN, and Henriette Menger, both of Franklin, mar. Aug. 23, 1858,
at Franklin, by the Rev. William Wilson. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom,
Sept. 4.)
RAWLINGS, EDWARD H., and Lattia C. Martin, Hannibal, Mo., mar. May 11,
1858, by the Rev. H. Stone. ( Leavenworth, Weekly Times, May 15. )
RAYNAIKE, CHARLES, Kan., and Catharine Lanear, Mo., mar. , 1858.
(Doniphan, Kansas Crusader of Freedom, Mar. 6.)
REDFIELD, J. C., of Geneva, Allen county, and Hannah A. Nichols, of Twins-
burg, Ohio, mar. Oct. 13, 1859, at Twinsburg, by the Rev. Mr. Monks.
(Lawrence, Republican, Oct. 27.)
REED, JAMES, and Polly Jane McKinney, mar. Nov. 6, 1856, by the Rev. L. B.
Dennis. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Nov. 22. )
REES, SETH, of Copper Harbor, and Eugenia Melinda, dau. of J. S. Livermore,
mar. Dec. 23, 1857, at Fort Wilkins, Lake Superior, by J. S. Livermore.
( Lawrence, Republican, Jan. 28, 1858. )
REID, JOHN M., formerly of Liberty, Mo., and Martha Boshman, Tecumseh,
mar. Dec. 4, 1856, at residence of Thomas N. Stinson, Tecumseh, by the
Rev. Mr. Rice. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Dec. 20. )
MARRIAGE NOTICES 475
REID, SAMUEL G., and Clara M. Gerald, mar. Jan. 3, 1861, at Montgomery,
Ala., by the Rev. James Heard. ( Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Jan. 26. )
REYNOLDS, THOMAS T., and Caroline James, mar. , 1856, near Lawrence,
by the Rev. S. S. Snyder. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Jan. 12.)
RICE, H. D., and Mary A. Bennett, Tecumseh, mar. Aug. 29, 1860, at Tecum-
seh, by the Rev. L. Bodwell. (Topeka, Kansas State Record, Sept. 22.)
RICE, M. HENDERSON, Linn county, Kan., and Susan Randolph, Jackson county,
Mo., mar. Jan. 6, 1858, at house of Christopher Deskins, by the Rev. L. M.
Carter. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Jan. 23. )
RICE, JEFFERSON, and Cassidonia Young, both of Hunter county, Kan., mar.
July 20, 1860, at Walnut creek, by the Rev. G. Cosgrove. (Emporia,
Kansas News, Aug. 11.)
RICE, JOHN E., formerly of Roxbury, Mass., and L. J. Zeigler, formerly of
New Waterford, Ohio, mar. Feb. 10, 1856, by the Rev. E. Nute. (Law-
rence, Herald of Freedom, Feb. 23. )
RICH, JAMES, Mission creek, Wabaurisee county, and Mrs. Medina Pitts, Oska-
loosa, mar. July 29, 1860, at Oskaloosa. (Topeka, Kansas State Record,
Aug. 4.)
RICHARDS, DAVID, and Ruth S. Haworth, mar. Mar. 6, 1860, in Cahola town-
ship, Breckinridge county, by Samuel S. Chapman. (Emporia, Kansas
News, Mar. 17.)
RICHARDS, JOHN F., Leavenworth City, and Mat. A. Harrelson, of Sibley, Jack-
son county, Mo., mar. June 16, 1857, by the Rev. Mr. Palmer. (Leaven-
worth, Kansas Weekly Herald, June 27. )
RICKABAUGH, JOSEPH, and Lucinda Burns, mar. July 4, 1858, at residence of
bride's father, by the Rev. G. C. Morse. ( Emporia, Kansas News, July 24. )
RIFINBURG, W. G., and Louisa E. Suits, mar. Dec. 7, 1859, at Columbus, by
the Rev. James Skinner. ( Elwood, Free Press, Dec. 10. )
RITCHEY, J. H., and Sallie Maretts, mar. Nov. 27, 1859, by the Rev. H. H.
Craig. ( Council Grove, Kansas Press, Dec. 5. )
ROBERTS, C. EDWARD, and Elizabeth Hays, mar. May 8, 1859, at Lebanon,
Bourbon county, by David R. Jackman, J. P. (Lawrence, Republican,
May 12.)
ROBERTS, DAVID E., and Clarissa A. Winship, mar. May 8, 1859, at Lebanon,
Bourbon county, by David R. Jackman, J. P. (Lawrence, Republican,
May 12.)
ROBERTSON, THE REV. ELI H., and Mrs. Caroline E. Evans, dau. of George
Randolph, mar. June 26, 1860, at residence of George Randolph, on the
Big Blue, Riley county, by the Rev. J. Denison. (Manhattan, Kansas Ex-
press, June 30. )
ROBINSON, DR. J., Oregon, Mo., and Agnes Canon, Uniontown, Pa., mar. ,
1857, at residence of Judge R. S. Canon, Holt county, Mo., by the Rev. W.
Fulton. ( White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Dec. 3. )
ROBITAILLE, Louis EUGENE, and Elizabeth Robitaille, mar. Sept. 26, 1860, by
Esquire Hudson. ( Wyandotte, Commercial Gazette, Oct. 6. )
ROGERS, CHARLES L., St. Louis, Mo., and Victoria, dau. of Col. Lewis Barnes,
Weston, Mo., mar. Mar. 26, 1856, at Weston. (Leavenworth, Kansas
Weekly Herald, April 12.)
ROGERS, DARIUS, and Rose Carpenter, both of Osage City, mar. Oct. 17, 1860.
(Lawrence, Republican, Oct. 25.)
476 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
ROLINGS, W. C., and Mrs. Mary Withers, both of Delaware City, mar. Aug. 21,
1856, at residence of William Perry, by John Taylor. ( Leavenworth, Kansas
Weekly Herald, Aug. 30.)
ROSE, WILLIAM, and K. Peterson, St. Joseph, Mo., mar. Sept. 27, 1859, at St.
Joseph, Mo., by the Rev. E. Whitney. (Elwood, Free Press, Oct. 1.)
ROSENBAUM, WILLIAM E., and Maggie Phillips, mar. April 19, 1860, by the
Rev. A. W. Pitzer. ( Leavenworth, Daily Times, April 20. )
ROSENQUIST, JOHN, and Rachael Vangundy, mar. Dec. 22, 1859, by the Rev.
W. Bradford. ( Emporia, Kansas News, Jan. 24, 1860. )
Ross, ABNER L., Ohio City, Kan., and L. Virginia Burdick, Baltimore, mar.
Dec. 22, 1857, at Baltimore, by the Rev. Dr. Case, of Grace church.
( Prairie City, Freemen's Champion, Feb. 18, 1858. )
Ross, W. W., ESQ., of the State Record, and Julia Whiting, mar. Aug. 13, 1860,
at residence of bride's father, by the Rev. John A. Steele. (Topeka, Kansas
Tribune, Aug. 18. )
Row, C., and Mary J. Dunning, both of Doniphan county, mar. Jan. 15, 1856,
by T. W. Waterson. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Feb. 9. )
RUCKER, JAMES S., Lecompton, and Nannie S., dau. of Thomas H. Scott,
Campbell county, Va., mar. Oct. 21, 1857, at Washington City, by the Rev.
Dr. Cummings. (Lecompton, Kansas National Democrat, Nov. 5.)
RUSSELL, EDWARD, and Ionia Blackiston, mar. Sept. 27, 1859, by the Rev. J. E.
Ryan. ( Elwood, Free Press, Oct. 1. )
RUSSELL, JOHN, and Nancy Jane How, both of Douglas county, mar. Dec. 31,
1857, at Bloomington, Kan., by H. Burson, J. P. (Lawrence, Republican,
Jan. 28, 1858.)
RUSSELL, JOHN W., and Julia A. McCormick, mar. Sept. 28, 1858, in Atchison
county, by the Rev. E. S. Dulin. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald,
Oct. 9.)
RUSSELL, S. C., and Rose Jenkins, mar. May 19, 1859, by the Rev. S. Y. Lum.
(Lawrence, Republican, May 26.)
ST. JOHN, EPHRAIM, JR., and Romania B. Parsons, mar. Oct. 13, 1860, by the
Rev. C. E. Blood. (Manhattan, Kansas Express, Oct. 20.)
SANDERS, JOHN, and Sarah Ann Schrimpf, mar. Oct. 25, 1860, on Little Stranger
creek, by I. S. Kalloch, Esq. (Leavenworth, Daily Times, Oct. 27.)
SANDLING, GILES, and Eliza Harmon, mar. Feb. 26, 1857, on Pottawatomie
creek, by the Rev. William C. McDow. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom,
April 11.)
SANDS, JAMES G., and Susie E. Brown, mar. April 8, 1860, at the Congregational
church, by the Rev. R. Cordley. (Lawrence, Republican, April 12.)
SARDOU, CHARLES, and Barbee Etice, mar. Feb. 13, by M. C. Brewster, J. P.
(Tecumseh, Kansas Settler, Feb. 24.)
SAWIN, FRANKLIN O., and Lydia M. Smith, mar. Nov. 17, 1858, at residence of
Mrs. Elizabeth Sawin, Hamlin, Brown county. ( White Cloud, Kansas Chief,
Dec. 2.)
SCHITTZ, JOSEPH, and Adah Uligh, mar. Nov. 19, 1860, by Judge Wheeler.
(White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Nov. 29.)
SCHMIDLING, FRANCIS, and Maria L. Bundren, mar. April 4, 1860, by the Rev.
E. Phillips. (Emporia, Kansas News, April 7.)
SCHOFIELD, C. C., and Mary E. Norton, both of Clinton, mar. April 7, 1859,
at Clinton, by the Rev. J. Copeland. ( Lawrence, Republican, April 14. )
MARRIAGE NOTICES 477
SEARL, A. D., and Susie J. Clapp, of Southampton, Mass., mar. Nov. 9, 1857,
at Southampton, by the Rev. David Strong. (Lawrence, Republican,
Nov. 26.)
SEIGRIST, CHARLES, and Emilia Simon, mar. Dec. 27, 1860, by Jos. W. Robinson.
( Elwood, Free Press, Dec. 29. )
SEYBOLD, FREDERICK, and Sarah McCarty, mar. Mar. 5, 1856, at residence of
Mr. Richardson, by Hon. William E. Murphy, mayor. ( Leavenworth,
Kansas Weekly Herald, Mar. 8. )
SEYMOUR, WILLIAM H., and Nancy Culbertson, both of Linn county, mar. Jan.
6, 1858, at house of Christopher Deskins, by the Rev. L. M. Carter. (Leav-
enworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Jan. 23. )
SHANKS, GEORGE W., and Sabera J. Sneid, both of St. Joseph, Mo., mar. Dec.
27, 1860, at Elwood, by Jos. W. Robinson. (Elwood, Free Press, Dec. 29.)
SHARPE, ISAAC B., and Nettie Bennett, both of Wyandotte, mar. June 12, 1860,
at residence of Dr. J. E. Bennett, by the Rev. William Barnett. (Lawrence,
Republican, June 21.)
SHELDON, E. P., M. D., and S. Matilda Schuyler, both of Burlingame, mar.
Sept. 26, 1860, by the Rev. G. W. Paddock. (Wyandotte, Commercial Ga-
zette, Sept. 29.)
SHELDON, HON. HENRY C., Council City, K. T., and Elizabeth Piper, Seneca,
Ontario county, N. Y., mar. Sept. 8, 1857, at the Shawnee House, by the
Rev. G. W. Paddock. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Sept. 12.)
SHERMAN, MAJ. W. T., U. S. artillery, and Mary H., dau. of Hon. Wilson Shan-
non, ex-governor of Kansas territory, mar. Aug. 4, 1858, by the Rev. C. M.
Callaway. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Aug. 28. )
SHIRE, H., and C. A. Reppart, both of Grasshopper Falls, mar. Mar. 7, 1860, at
Grasshopper Falls, by the Rev. Josiah B. McAfee. (Leavenworth, Daily
Times, Mar. 15. )
SHROYER, WILLIAM A., and Phebe M. Furgeson, both of Lawrence, mar. Sept. 9,
1857, at the Harris House, Westport, by the Rev. Nathan Scarritt. (Law-
rence, Herald of Freedom, Sept. 19.)
SHULTZ, ABSALOM, and Mary Jane Lovell, both of Burr Oak bottom, Kan., mar.
Mar. 9, 1856, at Columbus, K. T., by the Rev. L. B. Dennis. (Lawrence,
Herald of Freedom, Mar. 29. )
SIMPSON, WILLIAM F., and Julia Holmes, Shawnee, mar. April 4, 1860, at
Shawnee, Johnson county, by the Rev. J. Spencer. (Wyandotte, Western
Argus, April 7. )
SINEX, JACOB, and Pamelia Doy, both of Lawrence, mar. April 2, 1860, by the
Rev. John S. Brown. (Lawrence, Republican, April 19.)
SINGER, JOHN M., and Hannah McCombs, both of Ottumwa, mar. Oct. 23,
1860, by the Rev. J. W. Leard. (Burlington, Neosho Valley Register Oct.
24.)
SKINNER, JAMES W., and Elizabeth Cornman, mar. June 16, 1857, by the Rev.
M. M. Haun. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, July 18. )
SLAUSEN, WILLIAM LYSANDER, Onondaga county, N. Y., and Dorcas Nesbitt,
Weedsport, N. Y., mar. Mar. 3, 1859, at Weedsport. (White Cloud, Kansas
Chief, Mar. 24.)
SLOAN, JOSEPH W., and Ellen M. Hill, both of Leavenworth county, mar. Sept.
20, 1860, by the Rev. F. M. Williams. (Leavenworth, Daily Times, Sept.
29.)
478 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
SLOANE, STERLING B., and Mary, dau. of Cornelius Borland, mar. Jan. 16, 1859,
by Giles A. Briggs. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Jan. 20.)
SMILEY, ROBERT W., and Victoria N. Roberts, mar. Dec. 15, 1858, by the Rev.
E. Alward. (Elwood, Free Press, Dec. 18.)
SMITH, ADOLPHUS, Lawrence, and Sophia Anne Osmer, of Chase county, mar.
Jan. 7, 1860, by J. M. Pherson. (Emporia, Kansas News, Jan. 21.)
SMITH, ALLEN B., and Eliza J. Phillips, mar. Jan. 8, 1861, by the Rev. S. G.
Brown. (Emporia, Kansas News, Jan. 12.)
SMITH, CHARLES, and Elizabeth Eger, both of Wakarusa, mar. July 31, 1856, at
Wakarusa, by the Rev. S. Y. Lum. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Jan. 3,
1857.)
SMITH, CHARLES W., and Lucretia B. Cook, of Lowell, Mass., mar. Mar. 10,
1855, by the Rev. Mr. Foster. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, April 7. )
SMITH, FRANK B., of Manhattan, and Lucy F., youngest dau. of Capt. Freeman
Maybury, of Dighton, Mass., mar. July 25, 1857, at Dighton, by the Rev.
Mr. Sandford. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Aug. 8.)
SMITH, GILES, and Ellen Esther Martin, mar. April 2, 1857, by the Rev. E. Nute.
(Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, April 25.)
SMITH, HARVEY, and Lucy E., dau. of Jacob Creath, all of Palmyra, Mo., mar.
, 1856, by the Rev. John Leighton. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, Nov. 1.)
SMITH, J. T., and Cristena Wallace, both of Freedom township, Bourbon
county, mar. Sept. 28, 1859, by G. Stockmyer. (Fort Scott, Democrat,
Oct. 6.)
SMITH, DR. JOSEPH F., and Lavina Wood, mar. Jan. 25, 1857, by the Rev.
Hiram Stone. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Jan. 31.)
SMITH, MICHAEL, and Emeline Blanden, mar. June 11, 1860, at home of A. W.
Dole, by D. E. Bowen, Esq. (Lawrence, Republican, June 21.)
SMITH, T. B., and Sarah Ann Greenwood, both of Blue Mound, mar. Dec. 25,
1856, near Blue Mound, by the Rev. A. L. Downey. ( Lawrence, Herald of
Freedom, Jan. 24, 1857. )
SMITH, WILLIAM H., and Roxy Beardsley, mar. Aug. 13, 1857, by the Rev. R. C.
Brant. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Aug. 22.)
SMITH, WILLIAM W., and Emeline Rice, both of Coffey county, mar. Oct. 23,
1859, at residence of Dr. Manson, by H. N. Bent, Esq. (Burlington,
Neosho Valley Register, Oct. 25.)
SNYDER, E., and Harriet, dau. of John O'Neal, mar. Dec. 28, 1858, by the
Rev. C. Graham. ( Highland, Weekly Highlander, Jan. 1, 1859. )
SNYDER, ISRAEL, Richland county, Ohio, and Mary A., dau. of George C.
Scrafford, Iowa Point, mar. Dec. 31, 1857, by the Rev. C. C. McKain.
(White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Jan. 7, 1858.)
SNYDER, JAMES A., and Belle Perrine, both of Blue Mound, mar. Oct. 27, 1857,
at Blue Mound, by the Rev. S. S. Snyder. ( Lawrence, Republican, Nov. 5. )
SODEN, WILLIAM T., and Frances Jane McCormick, both of Pike township,
Breckinridge county, Kan., mar. May 18, 1860, by B. T. Clark, Esq.
(Emporia, Kansas News, June 2.)
SPATZIER, NATHAN, and Mrs. Mary N. Hayman, mar. Feb. 21, 1860, at the
home of the bride, by Judge M. S. Adams. (Leavenworth, Daily Times,
Feb. 23.)
MARRIAGE NOTICES 479
SPAULDING, A. J., and Rosanna Harris, mar. Feb. 26, 1860, by the Rev. Wm. W.
Backus. ( Leavenworth, Daily Times, Feb. 27.)
SPEER, JUDGE J. L., and Mrs. C. A. Newland, both of Jefferson county, mar.
Mar. 17, 1859, at Leavenworth, by the Rev. A. W. Pitzer. (Lawrence,
Republican, Mar. 24.)
SPENCER, THE REV. JOAB, Shawnee, Johnson county, and Mary C. Munkres,
Council Grove, mar. Aug. 20, 1860, at home of the bride's mother, by the
Rev. H. H. Craig. (Council Grove, Kansas Press, Aug. 25.)
SPERRY, LEVI, and Nancy Jane Anderson, mar. Aug. 13, 1857, near Franklin,
by the Rev. L. B. Dennis. (Lawrence, Republican, Aug. 27.)
SPICER, ARTHUR H., and Lucinda F. Gee, mar. May 23, 1860, at Franklin, by
J. B. Gilliland, Esq. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, June 2. )
SPITLER, MARION L., Indiana, and Mary Emily Burnham, Maine, mar. June 28,
1859, at Padonia, Brown county, by Isaiah P. Winslow. (White Cloud,
Kansas Chief, July 7. )
SPIVEY, JOHN GILL, Oskaloosa, and Lucy F. Wilkerson, Boone county, Mo., mar.
Sept. 6, 1857, by Elder E. E. Chrisman. (Lecompton, Kansas National
Democrat, Sept. 29.)
SPIVEY, JOHN GILL, and Marietta L. Havens, mar. Jan. 1, 1861, by the Rev.
Nelson Alvord. (Oskaloosa, Independent, Jan. 2.)
SPRAGUE, JAMES, and Susan McKelvy, both of Jefferson county, mar. Dec. 30,
1860, at residence of Mr. McCleny, by the Rev. J. S. Kline. (Oskaloosa,
Independent, Jan. 2, 1861.)
STALEY, EDWIN, and Sarah Frances, dau. of Elder S. G. Brown, mar. July 10,
1860, by Elder W. E. Evans. (Emporia, Kansas News, July 21.)
STALON, JAMES, and Cyntha A. McClintock, mar. Jan. 30, 1858, at residence of
bride's father in Sumner, by the Rev. B. C. Dennis. ( Leavenworth, Kansas
Weekly Herald, Feb. 13.)
STANISFIELD, JOHN M., and Harriet Reese, mar. , 1859, at home of bride's
brother. ( Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Jan. 13. )
STARK, ANDREW, Moneka, and Sue M., dau. of Capt. William Swingley, mar.
Dec. 24, 1860, at residence of bride's father, Mansfield, Linn county, by the
Rev. Mr. Hobbs. (Lawrence, Republican, Dec. 27.)
STAUDENMAYER, THE REV. L. R., and Elizabeth Lilly, dau. of Henry W. Conner,
Esq., Charleston, S. C., mar. Nov. 16, 1858, at St. Michael's church,
Charleston, by the Rev. P. T. Keith. (Atchison, Freedom's Champion,
Dec. 4.)
STEPHENS, GEORGE W., of Burlington, and Carry M. Thurston, of Providence,
R. I., mar. May 29, 1858, at Burlington, by the Rev. P. Remer. (Lawrence,
Republican, July 8. )
STEPHENS, JOHN W., late of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Margaret A. Henry, late of
Allegheny county, Pa., mar. June 21, 1855, at Pleasant Grove, Kan., by
the Rev. William Butts. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, July 14. )
STEPHENS, JOHN W., and Leonah Johnston, both of Le Roy, mar. Sept. 20,
1860, at Le Roy, by the Rev. E. Phillips. (Burlington, Neosho Valley
Register, Oct. 10.)
STEVENS, S. N., and Emily Coffin, Bangor, Me., mar. , 1856, at Bangor,
by G. W. Snow. ( Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Dec. 22. )
STEVENS, WILLIAM, formerly of Rockport, Mo., and Mary Will Griffin, mar.
May 25, 1857, at Rockport, by Elder T. N. Gaines. (Leavenworth, Kansas
Weekly Herald, June 20.)
480 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
STEVENSON, THOMAS, and Sophia C. Spinning, mar. Oct. 12, 1858, by the
Rev. S. M. Irwin. (Highland, Weekly Highlander, Jan. 1, 1859.)
STEWART, CAPT. GEORGE H., U. S. Army, and Maria H. Kinzie, mar. Jan. 14,
1858, at Ft. Leavenworth, by the Rev. H. Stone. ( Leavenworth, Kansas
Weekly Herald, Jan. 23.)
STOKES, EDWIN, and Malvena A. Berkaw, mar. Sept. 20, 1857, at Bloomington,
by the Rev. E. Nute. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Sept. 26.)
STONE, A. D., of 2nd artillery, U. S. A., and Kate, dau. of Col. H. Rich, sutler
at Ft. Leavenworth, mar. Oct. 6, 1859, at Ft. Leavenworth, by the Rev.
Hiram Stone. ( Leavenworth, Daily Times, Oct. 8. )
STONE, AUGUSTUS D., and Narcissa Kate Shields, mar. July 6, 1860, at Baldwin
City, by the Rev. W. R. Davis. ( Lawrence, Republican, July 19. )
STONE, JAMES M., and Lucretia A. Bradley, mar. Mar. 3, 1859, at Randolph.
( Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Mar. 24. )
STONE, JESSE, and Sarah C. Packard, mar. Jan. 8, 1857, by the Rev. L. Bodwell.
( Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Jan. 12. )
STONE, THE REV. M. W., and Mariah D. Doty, both formerly of New York,
mar. Dec. 25, 1854, at the Baptist Mission, Kan., by the Rev. Francis Barker.
( Lawrence, Kansas Free State, Jan. 3, 1855. )
STONE, WILLIAM, and Catherine Casebere, both of Clinton, Kan., mar. Dec. 10,
1857, by the Rev. M. R. Clough. (Lawrence, Republican, Dec. 17.)
STUART, JOHN, and Elizabeth Harbin, of Bourbon county, mar. Nov. 17, 1859,
at Fort Scott, by the Rev. Elijah Freeman. (Lawrence, Piepublican,
Nov. 24.)
STUART, JOHN G., and Melissa Dillon, mar. July 19, 1860, by the Rev. John
Hale, of Deerfield, Mo. ( Fort Scott, Democrat, July 21. )
STUART, LT. JAS. E. B., and Flora, eldest dau. of Col. P. St. George Cooke,
U. S. dragoons, mar. Nov. 14, 1855, at Ft. Riley, by the Rev. D. Clarkson.
(Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Dec. 1.)
SULLIVAN, JOHN M., chief bugler, 2nd dragoons, and Malinda J. Collins, Ft.
Leavenworth, mar. Oct. 25, 1855, by the Rev. L. Ker. (Leavenworth,
Kansas Weekly Herald, Nov. 17. )
SULLIVAN, MICHAEL, and Sarah Ann Spittle, mar. Dec. 7, 1856, at Lawrence,
by the Rev. C. H. Lovejoy. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Dec. 20.)
SWARTZ, ISAAC, and Matilda Hamlin, mar. May 5, 1859, at Uniontown, Johnson
county, by Dillon Pickering, Esq. (Atchison, Freedom's Champion,
May 28.)
SWATZEL, JOHN, and Catherine Donnelson, mar. July 5, 1858, by the Rev.
G. Seymour. ( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, July 24. )
SWISHER, F. M., of Prairie City, Kan., and Mattie E. Calwell, of Lawrence
county, Pa., mar. Sept. 1, 1857, at Pittsburgh, Pa., by the Rev. J. L. Read.
( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Sept. 19. )
TAYLOR, E. L., and Mollie A. McGrath, both of Moneka, Linn county, mar.
June 30, 1859, by the Rev. Josiah Lamb. ( Lawrence, Republican, July 14. )
TAYLOR, ELLIOT, and Anna J. Johnston, mar. Dec. 25, 1860, in Manhattan, by
the Rev. C. E. Blood. ( Manhattan, Kansas Express, Dec. 29. )
TEGART, JAMES, and Virette Vincent, both of Topeka, mar. Nov. 8, I860, by
the Rev. J. Griffing. (Topeka, Kansas State Record, Nov. 10. )
TELFER, DR. JAS., America, Kan., and Mary J. Jackson, formerly of Carrolton,
Ohio, mar. July 27, 1859, at the Mansion House, by the Rev. Hiram Stone.
( Leavenworth, Weekly Times, July 30. )
MARRIAGE NOTICES 481
TEMPLETON, J. N., and Margaret A. Hawkins, both of this city, mar. Mar. 9,
1860, at Shawnee, by the Rev. Wm. Holmes. (Wyandotte, Western Argus,
Mar. 14.)
TERRILL, CHAUNCEY L., and Martha E. Clark, mar. Dec. 29, 1858, at home of
bride's mother, by the Rev. Joel Kneeland. (Topeka, Kansas Tribune,
Jan. 13, 1859.)
THACHER, T. DWIGHT, ESQ., of Lawrence, and Kate Faulkner, eldest dau. of
Jesse Angell, Esq., mar. Sept. 9, 1857, at Dansville, N. Y., by the Rev. S. M.
Campbell. (Lawrence, Republican, Oct. 1.)
THOLEN, WILLIAM, and Hannah Brown, mar. Nov. 10, 1860, at residence of
bride's mother, by the Rev. I. S. Kalloch. ( Leavenworth, Daily Times,
Nov. 20.)
THOMAS, S. J., ESQ., and Harriet N. Kurd, both of Spring, Crawford county,
Pa., mar. May 24, 1855, at residence of John Long, Kan., by the Rev. G. H.
Poole. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, June 2.)
THOMAS, S. M., of firm of Thomas & Lines, and Cornelia M., dau. of C. B. Lines,
mar. Dec. 23, 1857, at Wabaunsee, Kan. (Lawrence, Republican, Jan. 28,
1858.)
THOMAS, WILLIAM H., and Martha LaHay, mar. Feb. 12, 1857, at Bloomington,
by the Rev. T. J. Ferril. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Feb. 21.)
THOMPSON, DANIEL, and Emily T. Garrison, mar. June 6, 1860, at home of
bride's father near Topeka, by the Rev. John A. Steele. (Topeka, Kansas
State Record, June 9. )
THOMPSON, GEORGE S., of Lawrence, and Mary A. R., dau. of Levi Farwell, of
Lancaster, Mass., mar. May 31, 1859, at Lancaster, by the Rev. George F.
Jenks. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, July 9.)
THOMPSON, COL. R. T., and Hattie M. Pilcher, both of Humboldt, mar. May
6, 1860, at Humboldt, by the Rev. Isaac Knott. (Lawrence, Republican,
May 17.)
THOMPSON, S. P., and Mrs. Phebe M. Adams, mar. April 18, 1860, by J. C.
Miller, Esq. (Topeka, Kansas Tribune, April 21.)
THOMPSON, WILLIAM P., and Emily C. Young, both of Topeka, mar. Mar. 10,
1859, at Lawrence, by the Rev. E. Nute. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom,
Mar. 19.)
THRESHER, CHARLES A., and Sarah Frances Welker, mar. Mar. 11, 1860, by the
Rev. Ira Blackford. (Topeka, Kansas State Record, Mar. 17.)
TIPTON, WILLIAM, and Mary Oliver, both of Stanton, mar. Sept. 24, 1857, at
Stanton, Lykins county, Kan., by L. D. Williams. (Leavenworth, Kansas
Weekly Herald, Oct. 17.)
TODD, RILEY, and Rebecca Kelly, mar. Oct. 25, 1858, by Elder S. W. Jackson.
(Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Oct. 30.)
TODHUNTER, EVAN, and Landora Luman, mar. Aug. 28, 1859, by the Rev. Mr.
Campbell. (Lecompton, Kansas National Democrat, Sept. 1.)
TODHUNTER, JAMES D., and Rachael Jane Coulter, both of Lecompton, mar.
Sept. 5, 1857, at Lawrence, by the Rev. E. Nute. (Lawrence, Herald of
Freedom, Sept. 12.)
TOLLES, FRANCIS O., late of Perkinsville, Vt., and Mary B. Stone, late of Wil-
braham, Mass., mar. Jan. 1, 1856, at Lawrence, by the Rev. L. B. Dennis.
(Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Jan. 12.)
32—9137
482 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
TOLLES, DR. L. C., and Caroline A. Wilbor, of Little Compton, R. I., mar.
Mar. 1, 1857, at Little Compton, by the Rev. James B. Weeks. (Lawrence,
Herald of Freedom, April 18.)
TONTZ, JOHN, and Elizabeth Taylor, mar. April 6, 1858, in Johnson county, by
the Rev. G. Seymour. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, April 17.)
TORREY, R. U., Seneca, Nemaha county, and Frank M. Ranson, of Belleville,
Jefferson county, N. Y., mar. Aug. 23, 1859, at Belleville, by the Rev. Daniel
Rona. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Sept. 1.)
TREAT, L. S., ESQ., and Mary Dorothea, dau. of Hon. Joseph Cooper, Frankfort,
Ky., mar. Aug. 6, 1858, at Atchison, by Mayor Samuel C. Pomeroy. (Atchi-
son, Freedom's Champion, Aug. 7. )
TRICKAY, E. L., formerly of St. Louis, Mo., and Julia M., dau. of Gen. C. A.
Partens, Jefferson City, Mo., mar. Oct. 22, 1857, by the Rev. Mr. Longherd.
( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Nov. 28.)
TRUAXE, JOSEPH, and Emeline Whitaker, both of Atchison county, mar. [April
25], 1858, by the Rev. Pardee Butler. (Sumner, Gazette, May 1.)
TULL, WILLIAM, and Mary A. Harmon, mar. Feb. 15, 1857, on Pottawatomie
creek, by the Rev. William C. McDow. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom,
April 11.)
TURNER, JAMES, Chillicothe, Mo., and Andalusia W., dau. of Thornton Myers,
Princeton, Mo., mar. Jan. 27, 1855, at Princeton, by R. B. Ballew, Esq.
( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Feb. 23. )
TWOMBLY, BENJAMIN H., and Mrs. Augusta A. Runyon, late of Auburn, N. Y.,
mar. Oct. 21, 1855, by the Rev. D. Z. Smith. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, Oct. 27.)
UMBARGER, GEORGE W., and Rosaltha Hazeltine, both of Bloomington, mar.
Aug. 6, 1857, near Bloomington, by the Rev. E. Nute. (Prairie City, Free-
men's Champion, Aug. 20.)
UPHAM, DAVID, and Sarah Gaskins, both of Hunter county, Kan., mar. July 30,
1860, at Walnut creek, by the Rev. G. Cosgrove. (Emporia, Kansas News,
Aug. 11.)
VANCIL, ISAAC C., and Mary E. Wood, both of Clinton, mar. April 3, 1859, by
the Rev. D. J. Woodward. ( Lawrence, Republican, April 28. )
VAN FOSSEN, C. H., Lafayette, Ind., and Carrie Armstrong, Wyandotte City,
mar. Dec. 1, 1857, by the Rev. W. Barnett. (Wyandotte, Citizen, Dec. 5.)
VAN HORN, H. C., and Emily Humphrey, both of Forest Hill, mar. Dec. 20,
1858, by the Rev. G. C. Morse. ( Emporia, Kansas News, Jan. 22, 1859. )
VAN NESS, PETER, and Eliza C. Spencer, mar. Sept. 9, 1860, at Dragoon creek,
by Allen Hodgson, J. P. (Emporia, Kansas News, Sept. 29.)
VANSKIKE, DANIEL, Shelby county, Mo., and Tabitha Eastin, Bloomington,
Macon county, Mo., mar. Jan. 15, 1856, by the Rev. Dr. S. C. Ruby.
( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Feb. 16. )
VANSLYCK, A. N., and Hannah Farnsworth, both of Avon township, Coffey
county, mar. Jan. 30, 1860, by the Rev. Rodney Paine. ( Burlington, Neosho
Valley Register, Feb. 14. )
VANSLYKE, J. M., and Mrs. Matilda Morgan, mar. June 11, 1857, "between
a hazel thicket and the wagon" in Crawford county, Mo., by the Rev. E. H.
Headlee. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, June 27. )
VANSYCKLE, S. B., and Mrs. Harriet Reynolds, mar. June 26, 1860, at Lawrence,
by the Rev. H. H. Moore. (Lawrence, Republican, June 28.)
MARRIAGE NOTICES 483
VANSYCKLE, S. B., and Susan Pascal Fish, mar. Sept. 9, 1856, on the Shawnee
reserve, by the Rev. S. Y. Lum. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Jan. 3,
1857.)
VAUGHAN, CHAMPION, and Elizabeth Nickles, mar. Mar. 3, 1860, at the resi-
dence of the bride, by the Rev. J. G. Reaser. ( Leavenworth, Daily Times,
Mar. 5.)
VELSOR, J. N., Delaware, and S. Annie Saunders, Platte county, Mo., mar.
Oct. 21, 1857. ( Delaware, Kansas Free State, Oct. 31. )
VIEAU, Louis, and Mary Louise Jonnies, both of Pottawatomie county, mar.
, 1860, by the Rev. Pastor of St. Mary's Mission. (Manhattan,
Kansas Express, Sept. 29. )
VOGHT, JOHN, and Josephine Vinot, mar. July 17, 1859, by J. Miller, J. P.
( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, July 23. )
VREDENBURG, FRANK, and Mary Spicer, both of Geneva, mar. Dec. 25, 1859,
at Geneva, Allen county, by the Rev. G. S. Northrop. (Leavenworth, Daily
Times, Jan. 31, 1860.)
WALKER, A. P., and Bennie Gorman, Tuscaloosa, Ala., mar. May 24, 1860,
at home of bride's father, by the Rev. Robert B. White. (Lecompton,
Kansas National Democrat, June 28. )
WALKER, R. E., and Viola L. Jones, mar. Aug. 30, 1857, by the Rev. S. Y.
Lum. ( Lawrence, Republican, Sept. 3. )
WALKLING, ORLANDO, and Susie, dau. of T. A. Hill, Willow creek, Greenwood
county, mar. Sept. 18, 1860, in Greenwood county, at residence of bride's
father, by the Rev. Rodney Paine. (Burlington, Neosho Valley Register,
Sept. 29.)
WALLING, W. B., and Louisa C. Clough, mar. Nov. 22, 1857, by the Rev.
M. R. Clough. ( Lawrence, Republican, Dec. 17. )
WARD, CHANDLER H., and Christina Mclntyre, mar. Feb. 28, 1859, by the
Rev. E. Nute. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Mar. 5.)
WARD, CHRISTOPHER, and Louesa Brown, mar. Dec. 1, 1859, at Fremont, by
the Rev. G. Perkins. ( Emporia, Kansas News, Dec. 10. )
WATSON, FRANK, and Rebecca Denham, both of Ottumwa, mar. Sept. 29, 1859,
at Ottumwa, K. T., by the Rev. H. H. Johnson. (Burlington, Neosho
Valley Register, Nov. 29.)
WATSON, JOHN H., Columbus, Miss., and Melissa Payne, of the Junction, mar.
Sept. 7, 1858, by the Rev. G. C. Morse. (Emporia, Kansas News, Sept. 11.)
WATSON, JOHN W., and Georgia Harmon, Rushville, Mo., mar. April 19, 1858,
by the Rev. Horace Herandon, Port Williams. (Atchison, Freedom's
Champion, May 15.)
WATSON, S., and Mrs. M. White, both of Doniphan county, mar. Dec. 13, 1855,
by T. W. Waterson. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Feb. 9, 1856. )
WATSON, THOMAS, and Barbary Coulter, mar. May 9, 1858, at home of J. D.
Todhunter, by the Rev. William Wilson. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom,
May 22.)
WAYMAN, JOHN, and Sarah Jane Putnam, both of Waterloo township, Breckin-
ridge county, Kan., mar. Sept. 15, 1860, by J. R. Swallow. (Emporia,
Kansas News, Oct. 8. )
WEAVER, JOHN W., and Mary Jane Burns, mar. Mar. 22, 1860, at residence of
bride's father, near Emporia, by the Rev. G. C. Morse. (Lawrence, Repub-
lican, Mar. 29.)
484 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
WEBSTER, THOMAS F., and Mrs. M. Picker, mar. Feb. 28, 1860, by the Rev.
A. W. Pitzer. ( Leavenworth, Daily Times, Feb. 29.)
WEED, DR. T. J., and Idalia, dau. of Lyman Scott, mar. Oct. 2, 1859, by the
Rev. R. D. Parker. ( Leavenworth, Daily Times, Oct. 4. )
WEILER, HENRY, and Amelia Fink, mar. Dec. 11, 1858, by the Rev. R. C. Brant.
(Lawrence, Republican, Dec. 16.)
WELCH, DR. J. W., and Mary A, Castleman, niece of Maj. B. D. Castleman,
Lecompton, both of Lincoln county, Mo., mar. Nov. 27, 1859, by the Rev.
T. G. Wright. ( Lecompton, Kansas National Democrat, Dec. 15. )
WELCH, S. K., and Mollie Ireland, both of Andrew county, Mo., mar. Sept. 17,
1857, by the Rev. William Price. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald,
Oct. 3.)
WELCH, WALTER J., Denver City, and Delilah Smith, Council Grove, mar.
Aug. 29, 1860, at the Gilkey House, by William M. Mansfield, Esq. (Coun-
cil Grove, Kansas Press, Sept. 1.)
WELLER, SOLOMON, and Mary E. Hill, both of Newmarket, Platte county, Mo.,
mar. Oct. 30, 1860, at the Renick House, Leavenworth, by the Rev. II. D.
Fisher. ( Leavenworth, Daily Times, Nov. 1. )
WELLINGTON, GEORGE Y., Pacific City, Iowa, and Sue, dau. of the late Jefferson
Schultze, Baltimore, Md., mar. July 29, 1857, in Baltimore, by the Rev.
George F. Adams. (White Cloud, Kansas Chief, Sept. 10.)
WETHERBEE, AMORY, and Mrs. Mary E. White, both formerly of Boston, Mass.,
mar. Mar. 11, 1856, by the Rev. E. Nute. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom,
Mar. 15.)
WHEADEN, A., and Miss Rodebaugh, of Wakarusa, mar. Aug. 20, 1857, by the
Rev. S. S. Snyder. ( Lawrence, Republican, Sept. 3. )
WHINERY, JASON, New Brighton, Jackson county, and Catherine Williams,
Brown county, mar. May 6, 1860, at residence of bride's father, by Esq.
Hodge. (Topeka, Kansas Tribune, June 9.)
WHISTLER, WILLIAM, and Sarah A. Goodell, Sac & Fox agency, mar. Dec. 28,
1859, at Minneola, by the Rev. Joseph Welsh. (Burlington, Neosho Valley
Register, Jan. 3, 1860.)
WHISTON, JESSE, and Louisa Bond, both of Washington creek, mar. Nov. 18,
1857, by the Rev. M. R. Clough. (Lawrence, Republican, Dec. 17.)
WHITE, GEORGE, Leavenworth, Kan., and Jennie Strode, mar. Oct. 16, 1855,
at St. Louis, Mo., by the Rev. Mr. Chevington. (Leavenworth, Kansas
Weekly Herald, Oct. 27.)
WHITE, HIRAM, and Malinda Rowsa, both of Wathena, mar. Oct. 23, I860, at
residence of bride's father, Wathena, by the Rev. O. B. Gardner. ( Elwood,
Free Press, Oct. 27.)
WHITE, THOMAS, and Eliza Bemis, both of Butler county, mar. April 24, 1860,
by Israel Scott, Esq. ( Emporia, Kansas News, May 5. )
WHITEHORN, SAMUEL, late of Michigan, and Juliet L., dau. of the Rev. C. H.
Lovejoy, mar. Feb. 19, 1856, at Manhattan, by the Rev. C. H. Lovejoy.
(Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Mar. 22.)
WHITESIDES, T. B., formerly of South Carolina, and Lizzie Moore, both of
Delaware City, mar. Jan. 28, 1858, by the Rev. W. Thomas. ( Leavenworth,
Kansas Weekly Herald, Feb. 6. )
WHITLOCK, WILLIAM, and Mrs. Mindful A. Anderson, mar. April 27, 1857, by
the Rev. L. B. Dennis. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, May 2.)
MARRIAGE NOTICES 485
WICKER, LEONARDO D., and Mrs. Arabella Z. Skidmore, both of Burlingame,
mar. April 17, 1859, at Burlingame, by John Drew, Esq. (Emporia,
Kansas News, April 23.)
WIELEY, DEXTER, and Amandy M. Haseltine, both formerly of Hamilton, Butler
county, Ohio, mar. Oct. 23, 1856, at Bloomington, by the Rev. Mr. Norton.
( Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Nov. 15. )
WILCOX, DR. JOHN, and Mag. H. Griffin, mar. May 25, 1857, at Rockport, Mo.,
by Elder T. N. Gaines. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, June 20. )
WILDER, JOHN H., and Mrs. Anna M. Legg, mar. Nov. 30, 1856, by the Rev. E.
Nute. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Dec. 27.)
WTILEY, ANTON F., and Margaret A. Spraggs, mar. July 4, 1860, at Springhill,
Johnson county, by James Parrish, Esq. (Lawrence, Republican, July 26.)
WILHITE, E. S., and T. A., dau. of Geo. W. Givens, mar. Aug. 18, 1857, at
Milton, Ky., by the Rev. Mr. Alexander. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly
Herald, Aug. 28.)
WILLIAMS, ADONIJAH, of Kansas Mission conference of the M. E. Church,
South, and Martha A. Dyer, Juniata, Kan., mar. May 26, 1857, by the Rev.
Nathan Scarritt. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, June 20.)
WILLIAMS, E. W., of Leavenworth, and Ida E. Tracy, of Elwood, mar. Jan. 3,
1858, at residence of bride's father in Doniphan county, by J. J. Wyatt,
judge at St. Joseph, Mo. ( Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Jan. 16. )
WILLIAMS, H. H., and Mary A. Carr, both of Osawatomie, mar. Feb. 23, 1859,
at Osawatomie, by the Rev. S. L. Adair. (Lawrence, Republican, Mar. 3.)
WILLIAMS, HENRY, Wakarusa, and Ruth Griffith, Wakarusa, mar. Dec. 13, 1855,
at Lawrence, by the Rev. S. Y. Lum. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Jan.
19, 1856.)
WILLIAMS, HUGH, and Annis W. Gleason, mar. Oct. 24, 1858, near Lawrence,
by Mr. Nettleton, Esq. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Oct. 30.)
WILLIAMS, JOHN S., and Abigail, dau. of Joseph H. Killbuck, mar. June 3, 1855,
at Shekomeko (Moravian mission), three miles from Leavenworth, by the
Rev. David Z. Smith. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, June 8.)
WILLIAMS, L. P., of Mississippi, and Lydia, dau. of John Ash, of Kentucky,
mar. Sept. 14, 1857, at Ft. Leavenworth, by the Rev. Leander Ker, chaplain,
U. S. A. (Leavenworth, Kansas Weekly Herald, Sept. 19.)
WILMARTH, LEWIS C., and Carrie Whiting, mar. Aug. 12, 1860, by the Rev.
Lewis Bodwell. (Topeka, Kansas State Record, Aug. 18.)
WILSON, JAMES T., Platte county, Mo., and Emily T. Wilson, late of Washington
county, Ky., mar. Mar. 21, 1856, in Calhoun county, Kan., by the Hon.
Judge Kuykendall. (Atchison, Squatter Sovereign, April 1.)
WILSON, JOHN L., probate judge of Pottawatomie county, and Mrs. Zoa E.
Ducharme, Louisville, mar. Dec. 26, 1860, at Louisville, by A. C. Rewell.
(Manhattan, Kansas Express, Jan. 5, 1861.)
WILSON, LEVI, and Mrs. Hedwig Thurman, both of Leavenworth, mar. Sept. 17,
1854, at Weston, Mo., by the Rev. Frederick Starr. (Leavenworth, Kansas
Weekly Herald, Sept. 22.)
WINANS, H. K., of Williamsport, Shawnee county, and Carrie S. Brooks, of
Florence, Ohio, mar. Aug. 9, 1858, at residence of bride's mother, at Flor-
ence, by the Rev. Mr. Van Waggoner. (Lawrence, Republican, Aug. 26.)
WINANTS, A., ESQ., and Mrs. P. Maria Adams, mar. Nov. 28, 1858, by the Rev.
C. M. Callaway. (Topeka, Kansas Tribune, Dec. 16.)
486 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
WINGET, JACOB, and Margaret L. Cloyd, both of Holt county, Mo., mar. April
23, 1860, at White Cloud, by Giles A. Briggs, Esq. (White Cloud, Kansas
Chief, April 26.)
WINTERS, M. S., and Mary E. Brooke, both of Lecompton, mar. Oct. 30, 1856,
at Brooke's Hotel, by the Rev. G. J. Rice. ( Lecompton, Union, Nov. 6. )
WINTON, JOHN R., and E. A. Dobbins, both of Prairie City, mar. Oct. 22, 1857,
by the Rev. G. W. Hutchinson. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Oct. 31.)
WOODWARD, BRINTON W., and Lucie M. Wilder, mar. Oct. 9, 1859, near
Lawrence by the Rev. E. Nute. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Oct. 15.)
WRIGHT, CHARLES W., and Anna A. Wright, Americus township, Breckinridge
county, Kan., mar. Aug. 11, 1860, at home of Benjamin Wright, by S. S.
Chapman, Esq. (Emporia, Kansas News, Aug. 25.)
WRIGHT, WILLIAM, of Ringgold county, Iowa, and Nancy Ann, dau. of William
Millsapps, Elwood, mar. Feb. 29, 1860, by the Rev. J. E. Ryan. (Elwood,
Free Press, Mar. 3.)
WRIGHT, WILLIAM, JR., Kickapoo City, and Jane Kilby, mar. Nov. 2, 1857, at
Elizabeth Town, Canada West, by the Rev. Joseph Bryant. ( Leavenworth,
Kansas Weekly Herald, Jan. 9, 1858.)
YOUNG, ROBERT, and Sarah Jane Hopper, mar. Mar. 20, 1856, near Lawrence,
by the Rev. S. Y. Lum. (Lawrence, Herald of Freedom, Mar. 29.)
YOUNG, WILLIAM, and Margaret H. Bell, Paris, 111., mar. Dec. 20, 1860, at
residence of bride's parents, by the Rev. A. W. Pitzer. (Leavenworth,
Daily Times, Dec. 21.)
ZIMMERMAN, JOHN CALVIN, and Catherine Lee, mar. May 25, 1860, at residence
of bride's father on Rock creek, by the Rev. J. E. Ryan. (Elwood, Free
Press, June 2.)
Bypaths of Kansas History
SIMPLE ADVICE FOR THE PREVENTION OF RAILROAD ACCIDENTS
From a newspaper bearing the name Santa Claus, published at
Leavenworth, Christmas, 1865.
Let an enclosed box be put in front of the Cowcatcher, and put the Presi-
dent or Vice President of the road in it.
A COME-ON FOR DELINQUENT SUBSCRIBERS
From the Seneca Weekly Courier, May 16, 1873.
The editor of the Marysville Newsls bound to hit some of his delinquents,
and hence states he will take any of the following articles on subscription:
"Wheat, oats, cross-eyed cats, old dogs, county seat petitions, bran, second
hand coffins, old shoes, defeated candidates, one cord of the candidates for
sheriff, county scrip, brass rings, knuckles, old barrels, shingles, checks of Frank
Schmidt's or Burtis, Powell & Burtis' banks, fish, buzzards, crows, cigars, to-
bacco, whisky, gin, cocktails, bustles, frogs, toads, hand organs, canes, John
Wells' kind of mules, garters, ladies' worn-out hose, old shirts, fish worms, hens'
teeth, board at hotels, hash, codfish balls, paper collars, fish hooks, old soldier
tobacco, one-eyed spectacles, cigar stumps, old boots with the straps off, black
cats, a limited number of shares in the Blue Rapids town company, castoff
toothpicks, pills, purgative quinine, rattlesnakes, rails, saw-logs, hand saws,
worn-out suspenders, pianos, woodchucks, coons, quail on toast, soft-shell
turtles, bull frogs, Credit Mobilier, maple sugar, old billiard balls, glass eyes,
second-hand false teeth, smeercase, cold beans, cross-cut saws, hoop poles,
rotten mackerel, sorghum, old clothes, second-hand nightcaps, old stockings and
socks, cold slap-jacks, and other luxuries."
SURPRISE! THIS WAS WRITTEN IN 1876
From the Ellis County Star, Hays City, May 18, 1876.
Every day we see long lists of names appearing in the accounts of the
proceedings of the divorce courts. What does it mean? It means that the
youth of this day are not properly reared. The daughters, especially, are not
taught any practical or useful knowledge that fits them to make a home what it
should be. No matter if you are as rich as Croesus, teach every one of your
girls the art of housekeeping. Teach them to bake, to cook meats, plain food,
to keep the house in order, and all else pertaining to housekeeping. Then when
father's or husband's wealth takes wings, your daughter may be able to
make two rooms as comfortable and homelike as that place was, in other days.
Also fit your girls for life, by teaching them some trade or profession, by which
they may, if need be, live independent of the aid of others.
(487)
Kansas History as Published in the Press
Dr. Robert Taft's series, "A Century of Kansas History," in The
Kansas Teacher, Topeka, began the 1954-1955 school year with
"Cyrus K. Holliday and the Founding of Topeka," in the September,
1954, issue. Articles appearing later were: "Emigrant Guides for
Kansas Settlers," October; "First Kansas Counties," November;
"Early Churches in Kansas," December; "Troubled Days," January,
1955; "Abraham Lincoln in Kansas," February; "'John Brown
Days/ " March; "Gold in Kansas Territory," April; and "Statehood,"
May.
The Columbus Advocate printed a history of the Spring River
Academy, Cherokee county, February 11, 1955. The school was
opened in 1880 and operated until 1912.
An article on the Grant Avenue Baptist church, Chanute, was
published in the Chanute Tribune, February 11, 1955. The church
was organized in May, 1869, as the First Swedish Baptist church
of Neosho county. The Rev. Arvid Johnson was the first pastor.
The visit of Abraham Lincoln to Kansas in 1859 was the subject
of articles by L. E. Valentine in the Clay Center Dispatch, February
12, 1955, and the Clay Center Times, February 17. The articles are
centered around his father's diary in which the elder Valentine re-
corded his impressions of Lincoln and his speeches in Kansas.
Some of the early history of Rossville was printed in the Rossville
Reporter, February 24, 1955. The site of the village was purchased
from Anthony Navarre and his Indian wife in 1871 by the town pro-
moters. In 1881 Rossville became a city of the third class.
Oswego's pioneer merchants and early history were the subjects
of an article by Wayne A. O'Connell in the Oswego Independent,
February 25, 1955, and in the Oswego Democrat, March 4.
The Coffeyville Daily Journal published its fourth annual progress
edition February 27, 1955. The 144-page issue traced "the progress
which has been made in Coffeyville and the trade territory which
it serves . . . during the last year."
In 1870 Dr. J. W. Kerr and two other men, all of Ottawa, located
the townsite of Longton, and later that year the first buildings were
erected, according to a history of Longton in the Longton News-
Reflector, March 10, 1955.
(488)
KANSAS HISTORY IN THE PRESS 489
E. D. Baugher, Kinsley, 100 years of age, has lived in Edwards
county 77 years. A biographical sketch by Everett Brown was
printed in the Great Bend Daily Tribune, March 13, 1955.
The Independence News published a 20-page "Historical-Prog-
ress" edition March 13, 1955, using the theme "Retail History Then
and Retail Business Now."
Hutchinson in 1889 was described by Albert Thomson in a col-
umn-length article in the Hutchinson News-Herald, March 14, 1955.
On April 10 the News-Herald printed an article by Bill Bork entitled
"Beautiful Rose Creek Influenced Kansas History." Over the water
from this Wallace county stream arose one of the first legal contro-
versies concerning water rights in Kansas. Another article by Bork
appeared in the News-Herald, April 24, "Ashland Hotel Decorated
With Kansas Historic Pictures." J. E. Godley's hobby is collecting
pictures illustrating Clark county's history and agriculture and dis-
playing them in his hotel lobby.
Recent historical articles in the Emporia Daily Gazette included:
"First Newspaper, the Kanzas News, Started in 1857," by Tom S.
Howell, March 15, 1955; "Children of a Pioneer [Cavallo J.
Andrews] Treasure His Old Yarns," by Mrs. John E. Gunkel,
April 22; "Tree Staters* Raided and Killed in Neosho Rapids,"
April 29; and "Old Stories Say Quantrell Had a Hand in Slaying
[of Judge A. I. Baker] at Agnes City," by Howell, May 26.
Historical articles continue to appear in the Hays Daily News.
Among recent ones were: "Fifty Dollars Bought 160 Acres Good
Land 1874 for Mrs. [E. H.] Mullen's Father [Henry Purdy]," and
"Hays Played Big Part in Founding of Dodge City Back in 1872,"
March 20, 1955; "Pioneer Plainsman [Joe Hurt] Told Tales of Wild
Bill's [Hickok] Shooting Feats," March 27; "Hays Once Lost College,
Station, Park but Got Them Back Again," and "Fabulous Plans for
Developing Victoria Made by George Grant," April 13; "Buffalo
Hunt for Hides, Bones Far From Good Sportsmanship," April 10;
"Alex Grant, Henry Knoche Used 1st Headers in 1881," April 24;
"Dick Parr Scouted for Generals Custer, Sheridan From Ft. Hays,"
and "Wild Bill' [Hickok] Was Real Two-Gun Lawman; Stories,
Movies Have Not Done Justice," May 1; "Antonio [Catholic] Church
Celebrates 50th Anniversary May 30," May 22; "Threshing Machine
Canyon Long Been Mystery as to Location," May 29. Parts of
Elizabeth Custer's book, Following the Guidon, were printed by the
Daily News, May 22, 29, June 5, 12. The Ettis County News, March
490 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
3, printed "Jordan Massacre One of Dark Spots in History of Early
Ellis County," and also published several of the articles listed above:
the article on the Hays college, station, and park, April 7; the story
on the first header, April 28; and the Antonio church history, May 26.
A 132-page Norton area progress edition was published by the
Norton Daily Telegram, March 26, 1955. Included were articles on
the development of the agricultural, mineral, business, cultural, and
recreational phases of the community.
One of the series of local stories currently being published by the
Council Grove Republican is a biographical sketch of the John
Schmidt family, printed March 29, 1955. The Schmidts moved to
Council Grove in 1864 from Junction City where they had settled
after Schmidt was discharged from the army at Fort Riley in 1856.
Recent historical articles in the Herington Advertiser-Times in-
cluded: a description of Herington 70 years ago, by Claudia Rose,
March 31, 1955; conditions in Herington in 1888 were recalled by
the city's first school head, F. D. Carman, May 5; "'Millionaire
Cowboy' [Grant G. Gillett] of Ws Had Colorful Career" and "M. D.
Herington [City's Founder] Believed in City's Destiny, Built Well/'
May 12.
On March 31, 1955, the Oskaloosa Independent began reprinting
articles on the history of Jefferson county from its early issues, the
Oskaloosa Times, and other early newspapers. The first was
from the Independent's initial issue, July 11, 1860, and dealt with
the history of Oskaloosa. The title of the series is "Early Days in
Jefferson County."
A history of the Amherst Evangelical church, Russell county, was
published by the Russell Record, March 31, 1955.
The Columbus Advocate, April 2, 1955, printed a biographical
sketch by Fayette Rowe of Harold Bell Wright, author of The
Shepherd of the Hills and other well-known books, who was pastor
of a small church in Pittsburg before he reached his fame as a writer.
Floyd Wendell Nyquist's "The First Half Century of Randolph,
Kansas, and Community," which began appearing October 21, 1954,
in The Blue Valley News, Randolph, ended with the issue of April
7, 1955.
Heinie Schmidt's column, "It's Worth Repeating," long a regular
feature in The High Plains Journal, Dodge City, included the follow-
ing stories in recent months: "Pioneer Southwest Kansan, Cousin of
KANSAS HISTORY IN THE PRESS 491
Wyatt Earp [George W. Earp], Tells of Old Ulysses," April 7, 1955;
"William Tell* Shooting Which Rocked the Frontier Retold by
George Earp," April 14; "Andy Myers Notes Interesting Sidelights
in Development of Ravanna, Kalvesta," April 21; "A. J. Myers Lo-
cates Some Ghost Towns in Early Day Ravanna Neighborhood,"
April 28; "Wild Range Bull Nearly Ruins Pioneer Family in Story
Told By John Van Riper," May 5; "Old Newspaper [Orwell Times]
Records the Pulse Beat of Orwell, Hodgeman County Ghost Town,"
May 12; "A Grandfather's Clock Makes Journey to Home on Ness
County Pioneer Claim," by Minnie Dubbs Millbrook, May 19; "Ness
County Pioneers Practice Thrift, Industry to Build Home in the
West," also by Mrs. Millbrook, May 26; and "Grant County
Pioneer [R. R. Wilson] Tells Stories of Early Day Struggles of the
Settlers," June 2, 9.
Two historic homes were recently featured in the Independence
Daily Reporter: "Funston Homestead May Become State Memo-
rial," by Estelle H. Funston, April 10, 1955; and "Old [Henry] Baden
Mansion Steeped in Family Memories," by Keith Noll, June 5.
Historical articles of interest to Kansans recently published in
the Kansas City (Mo.) Star included: "Frenchman's [Hilaire du
Berrier] Letter Debunks Stories About Sitting Bull and Buffalo Bill
[Cody]," by Marcel Wallenstein, April 12, 1955; "Manhattan 100
Years Old, Prepares a Big Celebration," by John Alexander, and
"Charlie Harger's Pen and Personality Leave a Heritage of Kansas
Stories to His Friends," by C. G. Wellington, April 24; "Celebration
of 100 Years Starts in Junction City Today," by John Alexander, May
1; "Dead of Early Border Skirmishes Lie in Fort Scott, Kas., National
Cemetery," by Charles S. Stevenson, May 30; and "The Great
American Heritage — An Intimate Story of the Eisenhower Family,"
by Bela Kornitzer, printed serially beginning June 26. "Little Re-
mains of Fort Wallace, Last Post in Kansas to Protect Route West,"
by Suzanne E. Trull, appeared in the Weekly Star Farmer, Kansas
City, Mo., April 6.
Several historical articles appeared in the April 14, 1955, issue of
the Frankfort Index: "History of Major Frankfort Floods," "Dis-
asters That Have Tried the Old 'Frankfort Spirit/" "Frankfort's
Early Day Merchants," and "Frankfort in 1880."
An article on Kellogg, a Cowley county community, by Alice L.
Mohler, was published in the Winfield Daily Courier, May 12, 1955.
The town was started in 1884 by D. D. and Anna D. Kellogg.
Kansas Historical Notes
Brace Helfrich was elected president of the Wichita Historical
Museum Association at the annual meeting March 17, 1955. Other
officers chosen were: Mrs. C. H. Armstrong, first vice-president;
Owen C. McEwen, second vice-president; Charles K. Foote, secre-
tary; and Dr. Harold Scheer, treasurer. Elected to the board of
trustees were: Dr. G. G. Anderson, Mrs. Schuyler Jones, R. M.
Long, Mrs. Frank Kline, Eva Minnich, Herman Quinius, Mrs. Effie
Parrott and McEwen. A building at 3751 E. Douglas will soon
house the museum, which has been located at the Forum.
At the annual meeting of the Augusta Historical Society March
29, 1955, the officers were re-elected for another year. They are:
Stella B. Haines, president; Mrs. J. E. Mahannah, vice-president;
Florence Hudson, secretary; and Mrs. H. H. Bornholdt, treasurer.
Officers re-elected by the Finney County Historical Society board
of directors at a meeting in Garden City in April, 1955, were: Gus
S. Norton, president; Kate Smith, first vice-president; C. L. Reeves,
second vice-president; Josephine Cowgill, third vice-president; Ella
Condra, secretary; Eva B. Sharer, treasurer; and Mabel Brown,
custodian. The only new officer was Jean Kampschroeder, historian.
The Hollenberg Ranch Pony Express Station, a state historical
museum near Hanover, will be open to the public from April 1 to
November 1 this year. The station received an appropriation from
the 1955 legislature for improvements.
L. D. Wooster, Hays, gave an illustrated talk at a meeting of the
Lane County Historical Society in Dighton, April 11, 1955. The
development of Kansas during the past 75 years was his subject.
Mrs. Robert Jennison is president of the society.
Several historical markers have been erected and dedicated by
the Manhattan centennial committee in recent months. On April
12, 1955, a marker in memory of H. A. W. Tabor, one of Riley
county's most colorful pioneers, was dedicated at Tabor Valley
school. A historical marker commemorating the landing of settlers
near Manhattan from the steamboat Hartford, June 1, 1855, was
dedicated April 28 on Bluemont Hill. A third monument was dedi-
cated May 8 at Wabaunsee, honoring the Beecher Bible and Rifle
Colony.
(492)
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 493
Mrs. E. G. Peterson was re-elected president of the Edwards
County Historical Society at its annual meeting in Kinsley, April 19,
1955. Other officers elected were: Lavina Trotter, first vice-presi-
dent; Harry Offerle, second vice-president; Mrs. Leonard Miller,
third vice-president; H. J. Daut, secretary; Mrs. Joe Vang, treasurer;
Mrs. Myrtle Richardson, historian; Mrs. Lloyd Britton, assistant his-
torian; Beulah Moletor, custodian; and A. G. Phillips, assistant cus-
todian.
The Northwest Kansas Historical Society was organized at a
meeting in Colby, April 21, 1955. Officers elected included: Mrs.
J. B. Kuska, president; Mrs. G. W. Beery, vice-president; and J. B.
Kuska, secretary-treasurer. The possibility of establishing a mu-
seum was discussed.
George Green, Oklahoma City attorney and son of a pioneer
Manhattan family, was the principal speaker at a centennial dinner
in Manhattan, April 27, 1955, sponsored by the Manhattan Cham-
ber of Commerce and the Riley County Historical Society. A brief
history of the historical society by C. M. Correll was published
in the Manhattan Mercury, April 27. The society was organized
May 28, 1914. Present officers are: Mrs. C. M. Slagg, president;
John Holmstrom, vice-president; William Koch, secretary; Sam
Charlson, treasurer; E. M. Amos, historian; and Carl Pfuetze,
curator.
Activities of the Wyandotte County Historical Society the past
several weeks include voting to incorporate, at a meeting, April 28,
1955, and conducting a tour of historic places in the county, June 5.
The society decided to incorporate as a step toward opening a
museum. A recent speaker was Alan W. Farley who presented a
paper on "The Delaware Indians of Kansas."
A business meeting of the executive committee, the township
directors, and other committees of the Clark County Historical
Society was held in Ashland, April 30, 1955. Among the projects
planned were the making of picture slides of historic places and
objects in the county and the rebuilding of the "living water
marker," a pile of stone with the top stone pointing to a well. The
marker was originally built by the Indians.
Junction City observed its centennial with a three-day celebra-
tion May 1-3, 1955. Highlights were a parade and the centennial
pageant, "Ten Nights in a Barroom." Other features included a
horse show, baseball game, square dance, and motion pictures.
494 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Charles E. Holman was elected president of the Shawnee County
Historical Society at the annual meeting of the board of trustees
in Topeka, May 4, 1955. Other officers named included: Roy A.
Boast, vice-president; Mrs. Harold Cone, secretary; and Mrs. Frank
Kamback, treasurer. Judge Beryl Johnson was elected a member
of the board.
Herington's diamond jubilee anniversary was celebrated May 13-
16, 1955. The town's history was reviewed in parades, window dis-
plays and the "prairiedrama," Herington's story in "pantomime,
action and song."
The Kansas State Historical Society was the subject of a talk by
its secretary, Nyle H. Miller, at a meeting of the Crawford County
Historical Society in Pittsburg, May 17, 1955.
Allen county observed its centennial with celebrations: at Els-
more, with Savonburg joining in, May 14, 1955; Humboldt, May 26;
Moran, May 27; and lola, June 2. Beginning June 2 with a centen-
nial ball, the six-day county-wide observance was held at lola. Fea-
tured event was the centennial pageant "Prairie Cavalcade," pre-
sented four times.
On May 29, 1955, the Ft. Wallace Pioneer Memorial Museum at
Wallace was opened to the public by the Ft. Wallace Memorial
Association. Officers of the association are: E. M. Beougher, Grin-
nell, president; Bill E. Pancake, Sharon Springs, vice-president;
John Lock, Wallace, secretary; Frank Madigan, Wallace, treasurer.
Directors are: R. F. Brock, Goodland; Harold Fleckenstein, Oakley;
Warren Pates, Sharon Springs; John Lucas, Wallace; Bill Ward,
Sharon Springs; and the officers listed above.
The sod house at Colby was opened to visitors June 1 for the
1955 season. Since it was first opened to the public in June, 1954,
over 10,000 persons have inspected it.
Ness county celebrated its 75th anniversary with a three-day
reunion June 1-3, 1955, at Ness City. Oldest old settler present was
91-year-old O. L. Lennon, of Ness City, who has lived in western
Kansas 77 years.
The Rev. F. W. Lange, a Lutheran missionary, preached the first
Lutheran sermon on Kansas soil, August 17, 1861, in the log-cabin
home of Christian F. Wetzel and his family near Junction City. On
June 5, 1955, the cabin was dedicated as a Lutheran memorial by
the Rev. W. H. Meyer of Topeka. The restoration of the cabin was
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 495
a project of the Kansas District, Lutheran Layman's League. The
league also formed the Kansas Lutheran Historical Society.
Helton's centennial celebration took place June 9-11, 1955. Fea-
tured events included a parade, the centennial pageant, "Ours to
Remember," and the centennial dance.
The Minnesota Historical Society has established the Solon J.
Buck Award, to be granted each year to the author of the best
article published in Minnesota History, the society's quarterly
magazine. The award carries with it a grant of $50 from a special
fund provided by a friend of the society. The winner for 1954,
Dr. Francis Paul Prucha of St. Marys, Kan., was selected by a com-
mittee of three, with Dean Theodore C. Blegen of the graduate
school in the University of Minnesota as chairman. Dr. Prucha was
thus honored for his article on "Minnesota 100 Years Ago as Seen
by Laurence Oliphant," which appeared in the Summer, 1954,
issue of the quarterly. In the future, all authors whose contribu-
tions appear in Minnesota History become eligible for the award.
Anyone writing in the field of Minnesota and Northwest history is
invited to compete. In naming the award for Dr. Buck, the Minne-
sota society appropriately honors the scholar who founded its quar-
terly magazine in 1915 while he was superintendent of the society.
Later he became archivist of the United States and was recently
retired from a position as assistant librarian of the library of con-
gress.
Ness Western County Kansas, by Mrs. Minnie Dubbs Millbrook,
recently printed by the Millbrook Printing Co., Detroit, Mich., is
a 319-page history of Ness county, beginning with the climate and
soil, progressing to the plants and animals, to the Indians, and
finally to the white settlers and their way of life as they built homes,
brought the soil under cultivation, started industries, and estab-
lished schools, churches, and government.
Territorial Kansas: Studies Commemorating the Centennial,
a 205-page paper-bound volume recently published by the com-
mittee on social science studies, University of Kansas, Lawrence,
is composed of the following essays: "Political Geographical As-
pect of Territorial Kansas," by Walter H. Schoewe; "The Kansas-
Nebraska Act and Territorial Government in the United States,"
by Robert W. Johannsen; "The Topeka Statehood Movement Re-
considered: Origins," by James C. Malin; "The Role of the Military
in Territorial Kansas," by W. Stitt Robinson, Jr.; "Some Phases of
496 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Currency and Banking in Territorial Kansas/' by George L. Ander-
son; "The Overland Trade and Atchison's Beginnings," by Peter
Beckman, O. S. B.; and "Continental Europeans in Rural Kansas,
1854-1861," by J. Neale Carman.
The Years on Mount Oread, by Dr. Robert Taft, published in
1955 by the University of Kansas Press, Lawrence, is a 228-page
revision and extension of Taft's Across the Years on Mount Oread,
published in 1941.
A 331-page volume entitled The Great American Heritage, by
Bela Kornitzer, was published by Farrar, Straus and Cudahy, New
York, in 1955. It is the story of the five Eisenhower brothers. The
author states that "this family is an example of the greatness of
the American heritage."
Published in May, 1955, by the League of Kansas Municipalities
was the sixth edition of Kansas Government — A Short Course, a
139-page booklet. This text on state and local government is re-
vised after each regular legislative session.
Ralph Richards' history of early Fort Scott, printed in the Fort
Scott Tribune serially, beginning in May, 1954, has been published
in a 76-page pamphlet entitled Headquarters House and the Forts
of Fort Scott. Headquarters House, completed in 1843, now houses
the Fort Scott Historical Museum.
A 16-page pamphlet by H. William Lieske entitled Log Cabin
Memorial — A Lutheran Historical Building was issued by the
Kansas Lutheran Historical Society in June, 1955. It is the story
of the log cabin where the Lutheran church, Missouri Synod, had
its beginning in Kansas, and of other early Lutheran endeavors in
the state.
KANSAS HISTORICAL
QUARTERLY
Autumn 1955
Published by
Kansas State Historical Society
Topeka
KIRKE MECHEM JAMES CXM^LIN NYLE H. MILLER
Editor Associate Editor Managing Editor
LETTERS OF THE REV. AND MRS. OLOF OLSSON, 1869-1873,
PIONEER FOUNDERS OF LINDSBORG,
Translated and Edited by Emory Lindquist, 497
With photographs of the Rev. and Mrs. Olof Olsson, and of Main street
in Lindsborg in the 1870's, facing p. 504; Sandzen's lithograph of
the Olsson homestead, and Malm's etching of the first church at
Lindsborg, facing p. 505.
A BIBLIOGRAPHY OF TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES
OF KANSAS Compiled by Lorene Anderson and Alan W. Farley, 513
THE OLD GHOST TOWN OF LINDSEY IN THE SOLOMON VALLEY,
Theo. H. Scheffer, 552
Reproduction of C. E. Hollingsworth's sketch of Lindsey as it appeared
in 1872, facing p. 552.
A ROBBERY ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL, 1827,
Edited by James W. Covington, 560
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 564
KANSAS HISTORY As PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 565
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES . . 568
The Kansas Historical Quarterly is published four times a year by the Kansas
State Historical Society, Topeka, Kan., and is distributed free to members. Cor-
respondence concerning contributions may be sent to the managing editor at the
Historical Society. The Society assumes no responsibility for statements made
by contributors.
Entered as second-class matter October 22, 1931, at the post office at To-
peka, Kan., under the act of August 24, 1912.
THE COVER
A school in Thomas county, Kansas, about 1900.
THE KANSAS H :; :;
HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Volume XXI Autumn, 1955 Number 7
Letters of the Rev. and Mrs. Olof Olsson, 1869-1873,
Pioneer Founders of Lindsborg
Translated and Edited by EMORY LINDQUIST
INTRODUCTION
to
THE history of Lindsborg is intimately associated with the Rev.
and Mrs. Olof Olsson, who came to the Smoky valley of central
Kansas with a large group of Swedish immigrants in June, 1869.1
Only a few Swedes had settled in the area when the Olsson party
arrived. On April 17, 1868, the First Swedish Agricultural Com-
pany of McPherson county had been organized in Chicago, 111., by
individuals who had been closely associated with Olsson in Sweden.
This company purchased land in southern Saline and northern
McPherson counties. Olsson was urged by the leaders of this com-
pany to come to Kansas and settle in the Smoky valley. Approxi-
mately 250 people from various parishes in Varmland joined the
Olsson party, although less than half of them finally settled in the
Lindsborg area.
Olsson was 28 years old when he arrived in the future Lindsborg
settlement. Mrs. Olsson was a little younger than her husband.
The young couple identified themselves completely with their people
and with pioneer life in Kansas. Olsson, a graduate of Uppsala
University in Sweden and a former student at Leipzig University
in Germany, was a man of many talents. He was a fine organist
and his devotion to music prepared for the establishment later of
the famous Lindsborg "Messiah" by Dr. and Mrs. Carl A. Swensson.
Olsson founded the Bethany Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church,
Lindsborg, on August 19, 1869. He served as the first superintend-
on. EMORY LINDQUIST, a former president of Bethany College, Lindsborg, is dean of
the faculties and dean of the Fairmont college of liberal arts and sciences at Wichita
University.
1. The original letters of the Rev. and Mrs. Olof Olsson, in Swedish, are in the posses-
sion of Karin Weinberg, Jonkoping, Sweden. Copies were supplied by Dr. Sam Ronnegard,
Carpenberg, Sweden. The letters were made available for publication by permission of
Hannes and Lydia Olsson, Rock Island, 111., a son and daughter of the Reverend and Mrs.
Olsson.
(497)
498 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
ent of public instruction of McPherson county and as a representa-
tive for two terms from McPherson county in the Kansas legislature.
He left Lindsborg in 1876 to become a professor at Augustana
College and Theological Seminary, Rock Island, 111., and later served
as president. Olsson had a distinguished career as an educator,
theologian, and writer. He died in 1900. Mrs. Olsson passed away
in 1887.2
THE LETTERS, 1869-1873
Salina, Saline Cy., Kansas, North America, via Hamburg,
September 11, 1869.
Brother C. W. Weinberg!
A letter from Mrs. Weinberg gave us much joy in providing news
from Sunnemo.3 I believe that my wife wrote to Mrs. Weinberg
about our trip. . . . The stay in New York was the worst of
the whole trip. I walked around one evening on the finest as well
as on the poorest streets. What scenes during that little journey! As
soon as I came out of New York, I began to breathe better. The
further I came into the West, the more pleasant I found it. The
West is best for the person who is seeking a home. The East's large
cities offer a rich field for clever money lovers. The West with its
large stretches of fertile, unclaimed land is a rich field for the in-
dustrious farmer, who is not afraid in the early years to subject
himself to toil and difficulties.
You should see our settlement out here.4 It is a beautiful sight.
Prairie and still more prairie. Here and there a line of green trees
on both sides of the winding Smoky Hill River or in the small valleys
where the water seeks an outlet. The view of the prairie is at the
outset dismal. Many who come, overwhelmed by this dreary prai-
rie, do not take time to dig a hole in order to observe the rich soil,
which nourishes the luxuriant grass. They turn back immediately,
or devote themselves to idle sorrow. The only thing they do is to
write long lamentations to Sweden. Others, with greater maturity,
stay over night where best they can, secure later a spade, dig a
cave, cover it as well as they can, secure some food for the family,
2. Ernst William Olson, Olof Olsson. The Man, His Work, and His Thought (Rock
Island, 111., 1941). This volume contains a full-length biography of Olsson.
3. Sunnemo is a village and parish in the province of Varmland, Sweden. The Rev.
Olof Olsson was serving as the pastor of this parish when the Olsson party immigrated to
Lindsborg in May, 1869. The letter designates Salina as Olsson's address since a post
office was not established at Lindsborg until December 1, 1869.
4. The First Swedish Agricultural Company of McPherson county, which was organized
at Chicago on April 17, 1868, had purchased 13,160 acres of land in the southern part of
Saline and in the northern part of McPherson counties. This land and available areas
under the Homestead act furnished the basis for the Lindsborg colony. — Emory Kempton
Lindquist, Smoky Valley People, a History of Lindsborg, Kansas (Lindsborg, 1953), pp.
33-39.
THE OLSSON LETTERS 499
leave them in the dugout, and go in search of work. If only they
keep well, it goes forward one year after the other. It has been
wonderful this summer to see the large seeded fields, which a few
years ago belonged to the buffalo and Indians. The crop in Kansas
has really been excellent this year, although our settlement has not
profited much from it, since all of us have just arrived.5
We are using Winter wheat here for the first time. Plowing and
harrowing are going on with all strength. Maize, which some
planted in the Spring on newly plowed soil, is wonderfully beauti-
ful. I stood one day and examined the soil, which my brother is
now plowing for the second time (it was broken for the first time
in May and June). It looks like a well-worked and fine garden plot.
Here houses are being built with all possible haste, and we all
heartily rejoice over all the neighbors' houses that we see. Thus we
work here, each in his own way, we meet often and encourage one
another with the Word of God, and consult together on various
mundane things. We do not dig gold with pocket knives, we do
not expect to become bountifully rich in a few days or in a few
years, but what we aim at is to own our own homes, where each
one has his own property, which with God's blessings will provide
him with the sustenance which he and his family need. We are
like the old Swedish yeoman in our freedom and independence
even with respect to a dwelling house and equipment. The ad-
vantage which America offers is not to make everyone rich at once
without toil and trouble, but the advantage is that the poor, who-
will and are able to work, secure a large piece of good land almost
without cost, that they can work up little by little and become after
a few years the owners of property, which rival large estates in.
Sweden when one takes into account the labor costs and income.
The difficulties at the outset are so great that not every person has
the courage to overcome them. The best plan is for several ac-
quaintances to settle in a tract, where they can encourage and help-
each other. That is the situation here.6
We have no fear of Indians here. It is not impossible that they
could attack, but if God protects us, we are without danger. More-
over, our settlement is so large and we are surrounded on all sides
by settlers, that the Indians will not gladly venture among us, es-
5. Olsson arrived in the Lindsborg community on June 27, 1869. The S. S. Columbia
of the Anchor line, on which the Olsson party booked passage from Scotland, arrived in
New York on June 8. Olsson spent some time in Chicago, Moline, and Rock Island, 111.,
before proceeding to Lindsborg. The majority of his party arrived in Lindsborg before the
middle of June.— Ibid., pp. 11, 12.
6. The Olsson party included many relatives and friends from various parishes in
Varmland. Entire family units immigrated to the Smoky valley. Included in the Olsson^
party were his parents and a brother. Carl.
500 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
pecially since there are riot many woods for a hiding place. We
live south of Salina. The massacre you read about in the news-
papers occurred many miles northwest of Salina in the outlying
districts, where they say that the Indians had been irritated by
buffalo hunting.7 The buffalo has not been seen where we are for
many years. Some friendly Indians used to come and beg in the
Autumn along the river. I haven't seen any yet. We see the river
as a green half -circle some few English miles away.8
My travelling companions from Sunnemo and Ransater went to
work in Missouri, since I did not venture to advise them to go to
Kansas immediately. There is now plenty of employment in Kan-
sas. They have taken land in Missouri. Land is expensive there.
They have had to pay money for land and have therefore had a hard
time during the first year. They would have done better to come
here in the Autumn and take homestead land. That was my intent
for them. They were in too big a hurry, I think, and were misled
by greedy land agents, who are a real plague in America. These
men praise their land in order to sell it and run down other places
for great damage to the immigrants. I haven't had time to visit
Missouri.9
Greet all. Write soon. How are my affairs in Sunnemo? You
can expect letters at the outset expressing dissatisfaction, but wait
a year and you will hear another song! America can be described
according to preference and taste. Here is much evil, but also
much good. Here are great difficulties, but also great advantages.
„ . . Greet Svanberg and tell him that I shall write to him.
With affection and esteem.
O. Olsson
Salina, Kansas. September,15, 1869.
Mrs. Ulrika Weinberg
Hearty thanks for the letter to Anna. Anna planned to write,
l>ut early this morning the Lord sent us a little, healthy girl, which
development hinders Anna from writing. Through the Lord's won-
derful mercy everything went especially well at the delivery, and
7. The Indian massacres referred to occurred in May, 1869, when 14 settlers, including
several Danes, were killed by Indians in Lincoln county about 40 miles northwest of Linds-
borg.— C. Bernhardt, Indian Raids in Lincoln County, Kansas, 1864 and 1869 . . .
(Lincoln, Kan., 1910), pp. 28-33, 53, 54.
8. The reference to "English miles" is to distinguish this unit of measurement from the
"Swedish mile," which is the equivalent of seven "English miles." The Olsson home was
.approximately three "English miles" from the Smoky Hill river.
9. The majority of the 250 members of the Olsson party failed to reach Lindsborg.
They settled in Linn county, north of Bucklin, Mo. It was planned that they should work
on the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad until autumn and then come to Lindsborg. Instead
they purchased land in the Bucklin area and settled there permanently. — Emory Lindquist,
"The Swedes of Linn County, Missouri," Missouri Historical Review, Columbia, v. 45
(1950-1951), pp. 138, 149.
THE OLSSON LETTERS 501
Anna is very well under the circumstances. Anna thrives especially
well here. We live for the time being in a two room stone house,
which Anna finds so pleasant that she does not want to move from
it. Meanwhile, we have now begun to build our own stone house
with three rooms and so high that we can have a gable room. The
kitchen is always built here next to the house proper, since the heat
in the summer makes a fire inside the rooms unbearable. We have
no plantings yet around our house, since we are surrounded on all
sides by what is called flat prairie, that is fields with long, luxuriant
grass. If we live until next year, we intend to plant trees and grow
flowers as much as possible. We have here the advantage that
everything grows with unusual haste. There are also found here a
mass of different kinds of trees and flowers, which encourages
planting. From the river, which lies a few English miles from our
place, we can bring home various kinds of trees for planting. Among
other things wild grapes and good plums grow here.
We find it really very pleasant here, although everything is still
in its beginning. The life of the pioneer is truly difficult in many
respects. His work-wagon is for a long time during the first year
his hotel, kitchen, salon, bedroom, and church. Such is often the
situation among the Americans. We Swedes are more comfortable.
One often sees a wagon covered with canvas going through the
towns or unoccupied tracts. Therein the pioneer transports his
family several hundred miles. There is never a question of renting
a house. He says like the philosopher: "All I own I take with me"
and thus he takes care of himself. Having arrived at his land he
places some logs, one upon the other, on which he places sod. This
he calls his home and lives there with his family many years.
I have seen many farmers with such extensive fields and such
large herds of cattle that one should be ready to say: "Here must
be a Count's estate," but when one looks for the castle, one finds
a house that Mrs. Weinberg would look upon at her farm as suitable
for a pig-sty at best. One might think that swinish men lived in
such swine houses, but that is not the situation. There one meets
often men with knowledge and refinement so that they hold a
position in the State's legislative assembly. People in Sweden look
upon the Americans as a crowd of wild men and barbarians. This
is an error. True, barbarians are found here, bandits of the first
class, but I have already met many Americans, for whom I hold the
highest respect as men. Although the real American is in his
manner forward and unceremonious, so is he nevertheless pleasant
and friendly in his associations. I have already enjoyed with many
502 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
an obliging hospitality which has astonished me. Always when
I ask Americans how they like it when so many other nationalities
come to their country, they answer in such a manner, that even in
this situation they wish to acknowledge the principle of equality.
America has its bright sides, but it also has its dark sides; now it
depends on opinion and degree of contentment which of these
things one paints black or white. There are few who can express
a moderate opinion. However, life in America is never so pleasant
under any circumstances as in a settlement where a man has good
friends and neighbors. Those who lack this advantage are terribly
lonesome at the beginning and wish to return home immediately,
that is some of them.
Whatever may be the situation relative to earthly advantages in
America or Sweden, there is one advantage which is equally great
in both countries, and that is the grace of Jesus Christ for poor
sinners. Without Jesus we are ruined, wherever we are in the
world, or however fortunate our outward circumstances may be.
Think what it is to be a poor, unworthy sinner, but at the same time
to be blessed and holy in Jesus Christ through grace. Who is there
that can compensate or pay back the reward of having a firm hope
of eternal blessedness, based on Jesus, Saviour? Hearty greetings
from all of us.
Affectionately.
O. Olsson
Adr. Lindsborg P. O. McPherson C, Kansas,
North America, via Hamburg, May 13, 1870
Esteemed Brother Weinberg!
Thanks for the letter, which I received a long time ago. I often
think of you and have many times planned to write, but I have
negligently delayed and delayed. Time goes so fast here, that I
hardly have time to turn around, as they say, before a month has
fled by. That situation is based largely upon the many occupations
which I have here. I am a clergyman, "farmer" — , yes, the enumer-
ation of my different activities should make an announcement just
as strange as the auction announcements that one many times has
the honor to read from the pulpit in Sweden.10
We have had a very beautiful winter here, dry, wherefore the
10. It was customary for pastors in Sweden to read many items from the pulpit. In-
cluded were official documents, auction announcements, declarations of intention to immigrate
to America, marriage bans, etc. It has been pointed out that these many announcements
were read so rapidly that the expression "as fast as the reading of an official announcement
in church" was in current usage. — George M. Stephenson, The Religious Aspects of Swedish
Immigration (Minneapolis, Minn., 1932), pp. 3, 4.
THE OLSSON LETTERS 503
general work could proceed almost without interruption. Occasion-
ally we have had a few days of the most penetrating north wind,
but most of the time the temperature has been about right so that
one is well dressed with a vest and coat. The Kansas climate is
really pleasant in the word's full meaning although certain days in
the Winter are highly unpleasant on account of the cold wind. The
Summer is warm with almost always a constant fresh breeze, the
evenings and nights pleasantly cool, the Autumn dry and clear with
cool air almost until Christmas, the Winter changeable with some
days of violent snow storms and several weeks of clear, calm, just
right cool air. The Spring is sometimes violently stormy with
enormous rain storms which you could not possibly imagine and
after the rain, delightful greenness. We have had the most favor-
able weather for the crop year. All the crops now have the most
promising prospects. What the Summer and harvest time will
bring, we naturally do not know yet. Rye is fully headed out by
the beginning of May. The Winter wheat now begins to show some
heads. The rye appears astonishingly beautiful. All the work we
do with it is to plow the virgin prairie in the Summer, plow it again
in September, seed, harrow, and roll.
What has been most distressing for me is that the majority of
my party stayed in Missouri, where a few bought railroad land and
paid 10 dollars an acre.11 Here they could still secure the most
beautiful land without woods for 20 dollars for 160 acres including
everything. My intention was that they should remain in Missouri
over the Summer, until I got established here in Kansas. Awful
rumors about Indians made it so I did not dare to advise them to
come here immediately. Meanwhile, predatory, greedy land agents
had fooled them to take railroad land in Missouri. The soil is un-
doubtedly good in Missouri, but the climate is not as good as here
and all that they had to pay for the land there they could put here
upon cultivation and similar things. Meanwhile, it will take much
more time in Missouri than it would here until they can get things
under control.
I must truthfully say that I view the prospects here as much
brighter than in Sweden, but in no case do I wish to persuade any-
one to come over here, since the trip and the first period here have
so many incalculable difficulties that weaker spirits can become
completely distraught. American life presents very many differ-
ences in contrast with life in Sweden. Since I have already partici-
11. The situation of Olsson's friends is described in Lindquist, "The Swedes of Linn
County, Missouri," loc. cit., pp. 140-143.
504 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
pated in several civic meetings (or should we call them political),
where equality prevails, Sweden should, if I returned there, seem
to me quite out of date relative to the question of the right to vote.
It seems very strange to me here to reflect on Sweden's election
meetings, where the votes must be counted with so much trouble.
One wonders how it is possible that such an enlightened country as
Sweden can retain such a monstrosity as in the troublesome, divi-
sive voting system. It will be interesting to hear the news that
every Swedish citizen is equal to every other one at the ballot box.12
Greet all heartily from me. Especially greet Brors family.
In brotherly friendship
O. Olsson
Lindsborg, August 11, 1870.
Dearly beloved Ulrika
It is now a long time since I have received a letter from Ulla, but
since we wrote on May 12 and sent it to Sweden, I thought that
the letters crossed, and if I should write again, perhaps I would
receive another letter. I think it is real fun to receive letters from
Ulla in Sweden and learn some news from dear Sunnemo. Ulla
wrote on May 11. I remember that sad day a year ago.13
Dear Ulla! Believe me, I have it very good here, and Olle even
better in one sense, namely, there is a brighter outlook for the
future for him here than in Sweden; but Sweden still lives in life-
like memory for me. Beautiful Sweden, whose forests, mountains,
and valleys, in a word, everything is more pleasant there than
here. . . .
I shall now tell you about the harvest we have had. Olle has had
seven acres of Winter wheat, but we haven't threshed it yet so I
do not know how much it will be, but it looks like it will be very
much. We had planted only one bushel of rye and we received
25 bushels which are threshed and some remains yet. We have had
many vegetables. The maize is now very tall, it is certainly ten
feet high. Did Ulla plant the corn which I sent? I have sent two
ears of corn to Ulla and one to Mrs. Louise Kolthoff and one to
Mamsell Jianna Geijer. I thought it was fun to show you how
large maize is. I asked an acquaintance who visited us last Spring
( he was from Orebro ) to take these ears to Sweden. He was a pro-
12. The reference is to the pattern of voting in Sweden, which by a decision in 1866
was granted to males only with an annual income of 800 crowns or more. Universal suf-
frage prevails today for adults 21 years of age and older. General suffrage for males was
introduced in 1909 and for females in 1921. The year 1909 witnessed the inauguration
of the system of proportional representation. In 1918 all property qualifications for local
suffrage were abolished.— Nordisk Familjebok, 1923-1937 (Stockholm, 1937), p. 830.
13. This reference is associated with the date of departure from Sunnemo for Kansas.
THE REV. AND MRS. OLOF OLSSON
McPherson County Pioneers and Founders of Lindsborg
MAIN STREET IN LINDSBORG IN THE 1870's
THE REV. OLOF OLSSON'S HOMESTEAD
A Birger Sandzen lithograph reproduced by courtesy
of Mrs. Birger Sandzen.
THE FIRST CHURCH AT LINDSBORG
This church was built in 1869 under the supervision of the Rev. Olof Olsson.
The etching, by G. N. Malm, is reproduced through the courtesy of Mrs. G. N.
Malm.
THE OLSSON LETTERS 505
fessing Christian and if any one wants to know how it goes for us
here, he would give a description which would be true. If Ulla
could meet Colporteur Nyvall, it might be possible that he had paths
to Orebro and could bring the ears of corn.14 The man who was
with us became much enthused about Kansas, and thinks of coming
here and take land. Dear Ulla! It is a time of unrest in Europe
now. Perhaps the Swedes will become involved in the war.15 If
times become full of anxiety I think that it is best to come here and
take land so perhaps I will thrive better, if my dear old friends and
neighbors come here!!!
I should surely tell you how we have it in our home. It hasn't
gone fast to get furniture. I do not yet have a chest of drawers,
but I hope to receive one soon. Windows and doors have been
painted a beautiful brown oak and the floor in Olle's room is even
painted, and all the floors are to be painted, since that will protect
the floors (which are so expensive), so that they don't need to be
scrubbed. I have asked Olle to get us a brick fire-place for our
living room, which would mean much to me, otherwise we use
stoves made of iron. Now I must close my careless letter for this
time. Hearty greetings from Olle and Christin.
Your devoted friend
Anna Olsson
I am waiting for a letter from Ulla!!! Greet Gerda when you meet
her, as well as Kolthoffs. Memory verse: David's Psalm 119. Olle
has now received a riding horse as a present so that he can ride
when he visits the members of his congregation. I now have 32
baby chicks together with 10 full-grown hens so I soon hope to get
some eggs.
Lindsborg, December 17, 1870
Dearly beloved Ulla
Hearty thanks, dear Ulla, for your most recent letter as well as
for the gifts of love which followed soon. It was altogether too
much dear friend to sacrifice so much work and trouble for us.
However, they have been of great value to us. Olle wears the
beautiful sweater every day of the week and it is not at all too
warm here in the Winter to have wool under the other clothes;
since it is very changeable weather here, one must be very careful
14. Colporteur Karl Johan Nyvall was an intimate friend of Olsson's in Sweden. They
were both Idsare (readers) in the pietist movement. Karl Johan Nyvall was the father of
the Rev. David Nyvall, well-known leader in the Evangelical Mission Covenant Church of
North America and a president of North Park College, Chicago. David Nyvall was presi-
dent of Walden College, McPherson, during the brief history of that institution under the
sponsorship of the Mission Covenant Church. — A description of the Idsare is found in
Stephenson, op. cit., pp. 24-48.
15. The Franco-Prussian War broke out on July 19, 1870.
506 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
when it comes to clothes. And my skirt, it is invaluable to me. It
was, I say, again, great joy for all of us when the letter and package
arrived; most of all because we see that we are not forgotten by
the dear friends in Sunnemo. How wonderful it would be if we
could see one another in this life. That should be my hearty wish.
Christin and I often talk about Sunnemo and how much fun it
would be if we could travel silently to that dear church. Thanks
be to the Lord for the time which has passed. He will not leave
us from this time forth is His promise.
It is now Sunday evening. Olle had thought of travelling to
Salina today (several Swedes live around there and he goes there
occasionally) but it snowed (for the first time this year) so much
that it was impossible to travel by wagon, and to ride was even
hard since the snow was the kind which stuck to the horses' hooves.
The snow has been on the ground for three days, it usually doesn't
last longer than 4-5 days so quickly does it melt away here. In-
stead he held a prayer meeting in the town which is an English
mile from here and later in the evening there is to be choir prac-
tice.16 They have started one here! and it appears that people are
very glad to participate in it. Do you still sing in Sunnemo? . . .
The 22nd. Now there is severe Winter here so that I have scarcely
known more severe in Sweden.
Affectionately
Anna Olsson
Lindsborg, June 28, 1871
Dearly beloved Ulla!
I should have written to you a long time ago, but I have always
been prevented from doing so, since we now have harvest time
and that involves a few more people. I also have only one young
girl to help me so I must share very much myself in the work.
Excuse my delay. My dear friend! I take this time the boldness
and will say "du" to Ulla.17 Ulla has herself suggested it, but I
have not looked upon it as being suitable for me to say "du" to Ulla.
I am really convinced of Ulla's friendship toward me, I rejoice over
it, and I wish now with this "du" more personally and heartily to
establish our bond of friendship. First of all I thank you so per-
sonally and heartily for all the gifts which you have sent all of us
through Gustaf Olson. He came here on June 9. Dear Ulla! What
16. Olsson was a fine musician and organist. Shortly after his arrival in the Smoky
valley a choir was organized. The great "Messiah" tradition at Lindsborg, which traces
its origin to 1881, was based on this early interest in music, which was developed by Olsson.
17. The Swedish language provides two terms — Ni and Du — for the English pronoun
you. Ni is a term of respect; Du is an intimate usage.
THE OLSSON LETTERS 507
does it mean that you sacrifice so indescribably much for old friends
who are so very far away? Oh dear, my eyes moisten with tears
of joy when I know that we are still remembered in the dear home-
land. In Ulla I have definite evidence of it. But I say once again,
you should not have given us so much — if it had only been a pair
of stockings this would likewise have been evidence that we were
still in your memory; but now such a large present, and it looks
as if it was all hand-made. I said when I saw the beautiful scarf
and stockings that if Ulla made all that herself, I think that she
hasn't had time to do anything more than work for us. A pair of
stockings have already been tried by Olle who thinks they are just
right. The red piece of goods was enough for dresses for both
Anna and Mia, and they wore- them for the first time on Midsummer
Day. The woolen goods will be just right if we live until Winter.
There is enough for both of them. I know also that you my dear
friend wish to share in the spirit which is motivated by love. Then
shall the Lord say to you as He did to Cornelius in the Acts of the
Apostles, Chapter 10.
I must tell you, praise the Lord, that we are in good health. The
small girls are well. Little Mia speaks as clearly as I do. Some-
time ago both she and I were in poor health but it was because I
was still nursing her. I decided then to wean her, but that was
not so easy, since she was so large. I didn't think that children
at that age had sorrow but I really got to see it with Mia. She
sorrowed so that at times she wrung her hands. On Sunday when
all were at church and the children and I were alone, Mia begged
me that I "take her a little." I took her and she had sorrow alright.
When I went away from her she said so distressingly: "Poor Baby!
Poor Baby!" (pronounced Bebi). The Americans call their children
"Baby." Since she is now weaned we are in good health.
You will want to know how it looks out here in Kansas. There
has been such ample rain that the soil is soaked so that this year
the grass is green and tall, but yet is not so tall as the first year we
were here, since then it was taller almost everywhere than I am,
but now it scarcely reaches to my stomach. Almost every day they
go past here with thousands of cattle from Texas. I wish that you
were here and could see a line which we saw an hour ago when
there was such a long stretch of cattle that it was more than an
English mile in length and wider than the main road at Sunnemo.
They went the route past here since they were driving the cattle
to the town of Ellsworth which is located 12 miles from here, in
508 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
order to ship them on the railroad.18 The maize is also very
beautiful and already much taller now than I am, you know it
gets so tall it looks like a large forest in the Summer where there
is maize and one is close to it. We have also planted "molasses
corn" or sugar-cane. We will see if we get much this year. One
presses such stalks when they are almost ripe and the juice is sweet,
and then it is cooked until it is well thickened and it is the same
as syrup in Sweden. I tell about this for fun because I can imagine
that you think it interesting to know how it is done, although one
does not grow such things in Sweden. I now have 37 chickens but
expect more soon. The other day we lost 16 chickens one night
presumably rats or snakes which are found on the prairie took them.
Do you know that I have been deceiving in one case when I
wrote a letter to you. I said in the first letter that we have 4 rooms
in addition to a kitchen but we have used one room for a kitchen;
but just now there is a man here who is building us a neat kitchen
out of boards, so that we can move out the stove since it is too
warm to have it inside in the Summer. Day before yesterday was
the warmest day we have had this Summer; one could really fear
getting sun stroke if one went outside. It is generally very warm
here in the Summer and almost impossible to go out in the middle
of the day. Olle went to Missouri a week ago today and will be
gone 14 days. He is going to travel around and preach. He is
going to call on the people from Munkfors who settled there.
,19
Pray the Lord to give us His grace, that we might once meet at
God's right hand, with those He has given us. I must now close my
letter with a hearty and warm greeting to all of you from all of us.
The Lord Jesus be our light and strength!
Your true friend
Anna Olsson
Last week they cut both Winter wheat and rye here and since
it is cut by machine many people are needed for binding and putting
up the crop. They help one another around here, so it goes quickly.
Excuse my poor writing.
18. Mrs. Olsson often was in error in reference to distances in Kansas. Ellsworth is
approximately 45 miles from Lindsborg.
19. Olsson carried on an extensive itinerant ministry in various parts of Kansas and
in some Swedish settlements in Missouri and Colorado. His "Baptismal Book," 1869-1876,
shows that he baptized 440 children during that period. The parents of only 159 were
members of the Bethany Lutheran church, Lindsborg, where Olsson was pastor. — Lindquist,
Smoky Valley People, pp. 53, 54.
THE OLSSON LETTERS 509
Undated letter20
Dearly beloved Ulla
Greet Mr. Weinberg and say that if he comes here he can join
in a buffalo hunt. The other day several people here went on a
buffalo hunt with several horses and wagons — they shot 12. Soon
they are going out again and my father and brother John will go
with them.
Kind Ulla! Write soon and tell me if Ulla has written to me and
if my letter was received (that of June 29). We have had beau-
tiful maize this year, enough so that we can amply feed horses,
hogs, and chickens. We have also had an abundant harvest of
wheat, rye, and oats.
They are now in process of building a water mill here so soon
we will not be forced to go so far to a mill.21 I have such poor
ink which accounts for such poor writing. Ulla will excuse me?
Olle has gone to a settlement called Mariadahl, where Swedes live
who have been there for 18 years.22 They say they are very rich.
Now I must close for this time. Hearty greetings from us.
Anna
Lindsborg, McPherson Co, Kansas, July 7, 1873
Dear brother Weinberg!
Having just arrived home after a journey of several weeks I have
just now read your welcome letters. Since the mail is just now
leaving, I must curtail my letter to just a few lines. I shall soon
write again. I shall send the newspapers next week.23 I will pay
the postage. You can believe how dear it was for us to hear some-
thing from you. I very often remind myself of Sunnemo. I must
also acknowledge that I experience a longing to see my old friends
again, but such weak feelings must be stricken away. Nevertheless
my heart experiences an inner joy, when I hear something from the
20. This letter was undoubtedly written in November or December, 1871. Another
letter under date of October 23, 1871, refers to an unanswered letter of June 29, so it must
have been after October 23, 1871. The reference to the age of the Mariadahl community
would make it in 1873. The earlier date is more likely on the basis of internal evidence.
21. Financial support for the mill project was apparently inadequate. On January 17,
1872, Olsson introduced house bill No. 116 in the Kansas house of representatives, "An Act
to Authorize Smoky Hill Township, McPherson County to aid a flouring mill." On February
16, 1872, it passed the house on third reading by a vote of 69 to zero, but no action was
taken in the senate. The closest mill was 20 miles away at Salina. — Lindquist, Smoky
Valley People, p. 157.
22. Mariadahl, near Cleburne, Kan., was founded by John A. Johnson on June 20,
1855. — Emory Lindquist, "The Swedes in Kansas Before the Civil War," The Kansas His-
torical Quarterly, Topeka, v. 19 (1951), pp. 255, 256.
23. The newspaper referred to was Nytt Och Gammalt (New and Old) which was
written, edited, and published by Olsson. The first issue of this religious publication of 30
pages appeared in April, 1873. Six issues were published from April to November, 1873.
It was printed in Salina, with German type. Nytt Och Gammalt was the first Swedish
journal to be published in Kansas. It was merged in 1873 with the Swedish religious
periodical Augustana, founded in 1868. — Olson, op. cit., pp. 93, 106.
510 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
district which is so dear to me. Meanwhile, I have a large field of
labor here and must by God's grace do something while it is still
day. You have assumed altogether too much trouble for my sake,
and it really disturbs me that I cannot show my gratitude, such as
I gladly would do. If my little paper would be of some little use
even in Sunnemo, that would truthfully be a great joy to me. It
cannot but give me joy that you still remember me. I wish to ac-
knowledge that such tokens of remembrance and love cause me to
feel a childish joy.
We are all in good health. Greet all heartily from us! I will
write more next time and my wife plans to write. We have often
spoken of you, after we last heard from you.
With friendship and love.
O. Olsson
Lindsborg, August 12, 1873
Dearly esteemed Friend!
The Lord is our light and strength!
For your last letter (which I received Midsummer's Eve) I wish
to thank you most heartily!24 ... I certainly have not forgotten
you dear friend, while I am always slow in writing; but I have often
written to you in my thoughts. Yes, we often speak about you here
and I wish that the distance was not so great but that we could see
one another sometime. Little Anna said once when we first arrived
here that it was 3 Swedish miles to Sunnemo. How wonderful if
that were true since then truly we could call on one another often.
If it is God's will we will get to see one another once in this life.
Nevertheless time rests in God's hand. You are welcome at our
home first!!! Then perhaps we will journey to dear Sunnemo and
call on you. If we live and God wills it. "With God nothing is
impossible."
I must now begin by saying that the Lord has by His grace led
and supported us to this hour. It goes nevertheless wonderful with
God's guidance toward us when I really think that it goes completely
against what I wish, but "God's ways are not our ways." I wish
to tell you especially that the Lord God gave us a healthy son Mid-
summer's Day a year ago. It was then our great joy to see this
dear child, since he showed himself to have good understanding and
I felt that I attached myself so much to him. He received in holy
24. Midsummer day, June 24, was a festive day in Sweden. It often was a point of
reference in dating events in that season of the year. The traditions associated with Mid-
summer day were maintained in the early period of Lindsborg's pioneer history. The origin
of Midsummer day is described in R. Chamber's, Book of Days (London and Edinburgh,
N. D.), v. 1, pp. 814-817.
THE OLSSON LETTERS 511
baptism the dear name Johannes (according to the day).25 But the
Lord loved him still more and took him to Himself when he was
only a month and two days old. I lacked so in judgment and
grieved so much that I became ill as a result. I had really wanted
to write to you about it, but I grieved so much that I could not
gather my thoughts and write. Later the girls became ill and I
really thought that the Lord would take little Maria from us since
she was in poor health the entire Autumn, but now both girls are
well and spry. The Lord be thanked and praised. . . .
I will now say that the Lord has not yet tired of us but we can
say that His mercy and grace are new over us every morning. We
are dealt with not as we deserve but we receive everything by
grace. If you dear friend will look up David's Psalm 103 you will
recognize that the Lord deals with us as it is stated in the Psalm.
Yes, now you will likely wish to hear something further how we
have it. Therefore I will tell about various things although it is
perhaps only in vanity.
We now have a new house built for us.26 Our former house was
cold and unpleasant, so we could not live there since it was so
poorly built. The congregation realized this and offered to build
a better house at their own expense. We now live in the new one
and it was finished a year ago. There are warmer and more pleasant
rooms in this house. It is the same size as the one at Noretorp,
exclusive of the hall, hence, 3 rooms and kitchen on the lower level
and one upper room (Olle's is ready) and so there will be such a
room in the other gable together with closets on the sides. We
also have an excellent basement under the house. You should
come here soon and call on us and see something here in America.
I mean it seriously! You would not regret it!!
This year it has rained much, so that everything which grows has
been very beautiful, the grass is very tall this year, but not so tall
as the first Summer. All the farmers here in Kansas have received
an abundant harvest of rye and wheat, and the maize (corn) is
very beautiful. I used to say I did not know why I was in America
before this year but now has the Lord blessed our crops and ani-
mals in all ways so I do not have great troubles as mistress of the
household. You will surely not make fun of me if I in all simplicity
25. The days of the year are given names in Sweden. For instance, January 16,
Hjalmar; January 17, Anton; January 18, Hilda, etc. June 24, the date of the birth of the
Olssons' son, was the day of John the Baptist, hence the name in Swedish, Johannes.
26. This house still stands on the southwest quarter of sec. 6, Smoky Hill township,
three miles northwest of Lindsborg. The late Dr. Birger Sandzen made a fine lithograph
of the house. It is reproduced in Charles Pelham Greenough, III, The Graphic Work of
Birger Sandzen (Manhattan, 1952), No. 69.
512 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
speak of how we have it here. We now have 3 milk cows ( 3 of our
best milk cows died 3 years ago when we lost 6 cattle from Texas
sickness ) but the 3 we now have milk easily, 3 pigs for butchering,
and 4 small ones, 3 dozen hens, so we got a score of eggs a day for
a long time and sometimes more but now we get only 10-12 a day.
We now have 47 chickens but we have had many more which have
died, but I have the luck to get many roosters. I want us to get
so many that we can butcher the year around since it is so cheap
to feed chickens here. Last year we pressed 52 gallons (a gallon
contains 3 stop in Swedish measurement) of molasses (syrup) out
of sugar cane so we do not plan to press any this year. You should
come here sometime and see how sugar-cane grows. I had a few
of several kinds of vegetables. Next year I think we will have
peaches. That is the same as "persikor" in Swedish. Our fruit
trees have grown quite beautifully.
The Lord guide us by His spirit in all truth to His heavenly
kingdom. Hearty greetings from Olle.
Anna
Write soon! I do not want to wait such a long time as this time.
Good-by!!!
A Bibliography of Town and County
Histories of Kansas
Compiled by LORENE ANDERSON and ALAN W. FARLEY
INTRODUCTION
SINCE an accurate and reasonably complete bibliography is a
necessary tool in any field of research or collecting, this list
should be of value to historians, collectors, writers, teachers,
librarians and genealogists who seek the representative books of
Kansas local history.
No attempt has been made to include all forms of local history
in this bibliography. Histories of individual clubs, schools, churches,
etc., have been omitted and emphasis has been placed on histories
of towns and counties. Even then much material has been arbi-
trarily excluded: such as reminiscences, theses and all typed ma-
terial, brief histories contained in city directories, magazine articles,
and purely descriptive and promotional pamphlets. Special news-
paper editions issued as pamphlets or books have been included,
but not histories appearing in regular newspaper form. The first
history of Wyandotte county, for example, appeared in the Wyan-
dotte Herald for July 6, 1876, as one of the stated projects urged
everywhere in celebration of the nation's centennial. The first
history of Johnson county is found in E. F. Heisler's Atlas Map of
Johnson County, Kansas (1874); it and other atlas histories have
been mentioned in the list of county atlases, which is a part of this
article.
Two important general histories of Kansas deserve special men-
tion: W. G. Cutler's History of Kansas, published by A. T. Andreas
in 1883, includes histories of the counties then organized, and
F. W. Blackmar's Kansas, a Cyclopedia of State History (1912)
gives a brief account of each county and town.
Unless otherwise stated all entries in this admittedly incomplete
list are a part of the collections of the Kansas State Historical So-
ciety. Exceptions are several additional histories to be found at
the University of Kansas (KU) and one which is owned by Alan
Farley. In cases where no history of a county was found, further
effort to locate one was made by writing to local newspaper editors.
LORENE ANDERSON is a cataloguer for the Kansas State Historical Society Library.
ALAN W. FARLEY, of Kansas City, an attorney, is a director of the Kansas State Histori-
cal Society.
(513)
34_8739
514 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
No new histories were unearthed in this brief checking, but the
Society would appreciate hearing from anyone who can help add
to its collection.
Localities which have no adequate printed histories should take
steps to collect and publish before local records become lost, and
while pioneer recollections are still obtainable. Several projects
in this field have been started and others are urged. The Historical
Society has many clippings, census records, newspaper files, archives,
manuscripts and other materials which will be of value to local
compilers whenever they are ready to undertake such work.
No doubt some of the following entries are rare and almost un-
obtainable, but an industrious search may uncover many of them
and possibly others of equal value.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES OF KANSAS
ALLEN
DUNCAN, LEW WALLACE, and CHARLES F. SCOTT, eds., History of Allen and
Woodson Counties, Kansas. lola, lola Register, 1901. 894p.
ANDERSON
CAMPBELL, JAMES Y., History of Anderson County, From the Earliest Period
of the Settlement of the County to the Centennial Year of 1876 . . .
[Garnett] Garnett Weekly Journal Print [1876?] 40p. On cover: First
History of Anderson County . . .
JOHNSON, HARRY, A History of Anderson County, Kansas. Garnett, The
Garnett Review Company, 1936. 383p.
JOHNSON, WILLIAM ALEXANDER, The History of Anderson County, Kansas,
From Its First Settlement to the Fourth of July, 1876. Garnett, Kauffman
& Her, 1877. 289p.
ATCHISON
BURBANK'S PRINTSHOP, comp., Industrial Souvenir, Atchison, Kansas, 1909.
Atchison, 1909. 71p. Cover title.
INGALLS, SHEFFIELD, History of Atchison County, Kansas. Lawrence, Standard
Publishing Company, 1916. 887p.
ROE, CATHERINE, and BILL ROE, comps., Atchison Centennial, June 20-26.
1854-1954. A Historic Album of Atchison, Kansas. [Atchison, The Lock-
wood Company, Inc., 1954.] 64p. Cover title.
BARBER
DYER, T. J., Old Kiowa, in History and Romance, a Partial History of the Old
Town, Established in 1874, Now Known as Old Kiowa. N. p., 1934. 25p.
Cover title.
BARTON
ELLINWOOD LEADER, comp., Twentieth Century Souvenir, December, 1901.
Ellinwood, 1901. [72]p. Cover title.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 515
GREAT BEND TRIBUNE, comp., Biographical History of Barton County, Kansas,
Great Bend, 1912. 318p.
SMYTH, BERNARD BRYAN, The Heart of the New Kansas. A Pamphlet His-
torical and Descriptive of Southwestern Kansas. Vol. 1. [Barton County.]
Great Bend, B. B. Smyth, 1880. 168p. No more published?
[TOWNSLEY, C. P.], ed., Barton County. Her Growth, People, Population,
Towns, Business Men, &c., &c. [Great Bend, Inland Tribune, 1879.] [12]p.
Caption title.
BOURBON
BARLOW, MARY L., comp., The Why of Fort Scott. N. p. [pref. 1921]. 117p.
COE, ELMER, Fort Scott as 1 Knew It. Fort Scott, Monitor Binding and Print-
ing Company, 1940. 94p.
CORY, CHARLES E., Place Names of Bourbon County, Kansas . . . [Fort
Scott, Whiteside Publishing Company, 1928.] 55p.
GOODLANDER, CHARLES WESLEY, Memoirs and Recollections of the Early Days
of Fort Scott, From April 29, 1858, to January 1, 1870 . . . Fort
Scott, Monitor Book & Printing Co., 1899. 79p.
, Memoirs and Recollections of the Early Days of Fort Scott, From
April 29, 1858, to January 1, 1870 . . . Fort Scott, Monitor Printing
Co., 1900. 145p.
HISTORICAL RECORDS SURVEY, KANSAS, Inventory of the County Archives of
Kansas . . . No. 6. Bourbon County (Fort Scott). Topeka, The Kan-
sas Historical Records Survey Project, 1940. 423p. Mimeographed.
ROBLEY, T. F., History of Bourbon County, Kansas, to the Close of 1865.
Fort Scott [The Monitor Book and Printing Co.], 1894. 210p.
WRITERS' PROGRAM, KANSAS, A Guide to Fort Scott, Kansas. Compiled by
Workers of the Writers' Program of the Works Project Administration in the
State of Kansas. Sponsored by Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce. Fort
Scott, Monitor Binding and Printing Co. [1940?] 16p. Cover title.
BROWN
[BURCH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY], Hand Book of Brown County, Kansas^
[Chicago, 1882.] 32p. Cover title.
HARRINGTON, GRANT W., comp. and pub., Annals of Brown County, Kansas,
From the Earliest Records to January 1, 1900. Hiawatha, 1903. 564p.
HORTON HEADLIGHT, comp., Golden Anniversary Edition, a Historical Souvenir.
Horton, 1936. [112]p. Cover title.
MORRILL, EDMUND NEEDHAM, History and Statistics of Brown Co., Kansas,
From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time . . . Hiawatha,
Kansas Herald Book, News and Job Office, July 4th, 1876. 82p.
, History of Brown County, Kansas, Giving Brief Sketches of the Early-
Settlement of the County . . . From First Settlement to Date. Hia-
watha, Herald News, Book and Job Office, July 10, 1876. 82p. Cover
title. Text same as above.
RULEY, A. N., A. N. Ruleys History of Brown County. [Hiawatha, The World,.
1930.] 416p. Cover title.
BUTLER
AUGUSTA JOURNAL, comp., Historical and Industrial Edition. Augusta, July 27,,
1900. [16]p. Cover title.
516 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
FISHER, RUSSELL HENRY, Biographical Sketches of El Dorado Citizens. El
Dorado, Thompson Brothers Stationery & Printing Company, 1930. 238p.
LEYDIG, BRUCE R., Historical Reminiscences of Early Days of That Nook of
Eden, Some Time a Part of Clifford Township, Butler County, Kansas. No
impr. [26]p.
MOONEY, VOLNEY PAUL, History of Butler County, Kansas. Lawrence Standard
Publishing Company, 1916. 869p.
MURDOCK, T. B., An Illustrated Hand Book. Compiled From the Official Sta-
tistics. Descriptive of Butler County, Kansas. Endorsed by the City of
El Dorado and Its Business Men, January, 1887. El Dorado, Daily and
Weekly Republican, 1887. 64p. Cover title.
STRATFORD, JESSIE PERRY, Butler County's Eighty Years, 1855-1935 . . .
[El Dorado, Butler County News, c!934.] 408p.
CHASE
CHASE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Chase County Historical Sketches. N. p.,
1940-1948. 2v.
CHAUTAUQUA
BARTLETT, C., Dawn of the Twentieth Century, Cedar Vale, Kansas. [Cedar
Vale, Jones & Bartlett, 1901?] [96]p.
BURCH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY, Hand-Book of Elk and Chautauqua Coun-
ties, Kansas. By the editor of The Dairy World. Chicago, 1886. 20p.
Cover title.
SEVERNS, WINNIE (LOOBY), Early History of Peru, Chautauqua County, Kan-
sas. N. p. [1928]. 17p.
THOMPSON, THOMAS E., Early Days in "Old Boston." Written for the Sedan
Reunion, Sept. 26, 1924. No impr. 15p. Caption title.
CHEROKEE
ALLISON, NATHANIEL THOMPSON, History of Cherokee County, Kansas, and
Representative Citizens. Chicago, Biographical Publishing Company, 1904.
630p.
Cherokee County, Kansas, in Pictures and Prose, Describing Its Resources, En-
terprises . . . and the Men Behind Them. N. p., 1923. 32p. Cover
title.
CALENA WEEKLY REPUBLICAN, comp., Illustrated Cherokee County, Kansas,
1866-1923. Galena, June 22, 1923. 56p. Cover title.
HISTORICAL RECORDS SURVEY, KANSAS, Inventory of the County Archives of
Kansas . . . No. II. Cherokee County (Columbus). Topeka, The
Kansas Historical Records Survey Project, 1940. 334p. Mimeographed.
CHEYENNE
CLARK
-CLARK COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE KANSAS STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Notes on
Early Clark County, Kansas. No impr. ( Reprinted from The Clark County
Clipper, July, 1939-August, 1945.) 4v.
LEADER-TRIBUNE, comp., Industrial Edition. Englewood, June 3, 1909. [40]p.
Cover title.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 517
CLAY
CHAPMAN, WILLIAM J., The Wakefield Colony, a Contribution to the Local
History of Kansas. Clay Center, The Times, 1907. 33p.
, The Wakefield Colony, a Contribution to the Local History of Kansas
[Revised Edition]. Topeka, State Printing Office, 1908. (Reprinted from
Kansas Historical Collections, v. 10.) 53p.
CLAY CENTER DISPATCH, comp., Clay County Illustrated. Clay Center, 1901.
73p. KHi.
, Industrial Edition. Clay Center, January 29, 1914. 112p.
Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties,
Kansas . . . Chicago, Chapman Bros., 1890. 1231p.
CLOUD
BURCH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY, Hand-Book of Concordia and Cloud
County, Kansas. Chicago, 1888. 31p. Cover title. KU.
GOOD, ROBERT, Souvenir, Jamestown, Kansas. [Jamestown, Kansas Optimist,
1905.] 24p. Cover title.
HAGAMAN, JAMES M., The Blade Annual and History of Cloud County, From
Its Earliest Settlement . . . Concordia, Blade Steam Printing House,
1884. [48], 32p. On cover: Annual for 1885.
, Cloud County, Her History, Resources and Population. [Concordia,
The Cloud Co. Blade, n. d.] 12, [14]p. Caption title.
HOLLIBAUGH, MRS. E. F., Biographical History of Cloud County, Kansas . . • •'
N. p. [1903]. 919p.
COFFEY
KELLEY, HARRISON, A Centennial Oration. Historical Address on Coffey
County, Kansas! Delivered on the Fourth Day of July, A. D. 1876, at
Burlington, Kansas. Burlington, The Burlington Weekly Patriot Book and
Job Office [1876]. 16p. Cover title.
WAVERLY GAZETTE, comp., Souvenir and Historical Edition. Waverly, Sep-
tember 20, 1902. 80p. Cover title.
COMANCHE
ELY, JAMES E., History, Resources and Opportunities of Comanche County,
Kansas. No. impr. 32p.
NEWTON, G. W., Sketch of Comanche County, Kans. Kansas City, Mo., Ramsey,
Millett & Hudson, n. d. 19p. Cover title.
COWLEY
Biographical Record . . . of Leading Citizens of Cowley County, Kansas.
Chicago, Biographical Publishing Company, 1901. 509p.
GREENE, ROY FARRELL, Arkansas City Illustrated. [Arkansas City] Cornish's
Photographic Studio, n. d. [87]p.
WINFIELD COURIER, comp., History of Cowley County, Kansas. By D. A. Mil-
lington up to 1882 and brought down to January 1st, 1901, by E. P. Greer.
Winfield, March 14, 1901. 129p. Caption title. On cover: Supplemental
Edition.
518 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
CRAWFORD
Twentieth Century History and Biographical Record of Crawford County,
Kansas, Chicago, Lewis Publishing Company, 1905. 656p.
WARNER, WILLIAM H., Historical Sketch of Crawford County, Read at the
Celebration of the Fourth of July, 1876, at Earles' Grove, Near Girard,
Kansas. Historical Sketch of Walnut Township, Read at the Celebration
of the Fourth of July, 1876, at Walnut Station, Kansas, by Edward Ballaine.
No. impr. 16p. Caption titles. Apparently printed as the appendix to
some longer work.
WRITERS' PROGRAM, KANSAS, A Guide to Pittsburg, Kansas. Sponsored by the
Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce. N. p., 1941. 24p. Cover title. Mimeo-
graphed.
DECATUR
BURGH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY, Hand-Book of Decatur County, Kansas.
Chicago [188-?] 36p. Title from other Burch handbooks. No copy
located.
COLDREN, E. M., Oberlin and Decatur County, Kansas, Illustrated. Denver,
Outdoor Life Publishing Co., 1900. [24]p.
OBERLIN OPINION, comp., Extra Edition. A Brief Description of the Queen
City of Northwest Kansas. By Casterline and Rathbone. Oberlin, February
11, 1888. [16]p. Cover title.
DICKINSON
BURCH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY, Hand-Book of Dickinson County, Kansas.
Chicago [188-?] 32p. Title from other Burch handbooks. No copy located.
CARPENTER, J. B., The Early History of Chapman. No impr. 32p. Microfilm
copy.
EDWARDS, JOHN BEACH, Early Days in Abilene. [Abilene] C. W. Wheeler
[1940]. 16p. Cover title.
HENRY, STUART, Conquering Our Great American Plains. A Historical De-
velopment. New York, E. P. Dutton & Co., Inc. [1930]. 395p.
Portrait and Biographical Record of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and Marion
Counties, Kansas . . . Chicago, Chapman Bros., 1893. 614p.
DONIPHAN
GRAY, PATRICK L., Gray's Doniphan County History. A Record of the Hap-
penings of Half a Hundred Years. Bendena, The Roycroft Press, 1905. 84,
166p.
MONTGOMERY, WALTER B., Illustrated Doniphan County, 1837-1916. Troy,
The Weekly Kansas Chief, 1916. 384p. Cover title.
R. F. SMITH, ed., Doniphan County, Kansas, History and Directory for 1868-9
. . . N. p., Smith, Vaughan & Co., 1868. 349p.
DOUGLAS
BIGSBY, MRS. GUY, Pioneer History of Kanwaka Township, Douglas County,
Kansas. [Lawrence, The Lawrence Democrat, 1936.] [18]p. Cover title.
CALDWELL, ELDIE FRANKLIN, A Souvenir History of Lawrence, Kansas, 1898.
Kansas City, Mo., Lawton & Burnap, 1898. [168]p.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 519
CHILDS, MRS. JOSEPH, and others, Lecompton Centennial, August 7, 1954. N. p.,
1954. 21p. Cover title. Mimeographed.
CORDLEY, RICHARD, A History of Lawrence, Kansas, From the First Settlement
to the Close of the Rebellion. Lawrence, Lawrence Journal Press, 1895.
, and others, The Lawrence Massacre by a Band of Missouri Ruffians
Under Quantrell, August 21, 186S. 150 Men Killed, Eighty Women Made
Widows and 250 Children Made Orphans . . . Lawrence, J. S. Bough-
ton [1885?] 36p. Cover title. KU.
, The Quantrell Raid! An Account of the Burning and Sacking of the
City of Lawrence, Kansas, and the Murdering of One Hundred and Fifty of
Her Citizens, by a Band of Ruffians Under Quantrell, August 21, 1863
. . . Lawrence, J. S. Boughton, 1884. 36p.
JEFFERSONIAN GAZETTE, comp., Lawrence — Past, Present and Future. Law-
rence, December 13, 1900. 48p. Caption title.
LAWRENCE DAILY JOURNAL- WORLD, comp., Lawrence — Today and Yesterday.
Lawrence, December 23, 1913. 132p. Cover title.
NORTH LAWRENCE Crvic ASSOCIATION, Early History of North Lawrence. [Law-
rence, 1930.] 18p.
Official Souvenir Program of the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the Founding of
Lawrence, Kansas, October 10, 11, 12, 1929. [Lawrence, The World
Company, 1929.] [32]p.
Portrait and Biographical Record of Leavenworth, Douglas and Franklin
Counties, Kansas . . . Chicago, Chapman Publishing Company, 1899.
845p.
POTTER, DON, comp. and ed., 1854-1954, Lawrence, 100 Years of History Sig-
nificant to Kansas. [Lawrence, Lawrence Centennial Corporation, 1954.]
60p. Cover title.
TUCKER, E. S., The Lawrence Memorial Album. [Lawrence] E. S. Tucker and
Geo. O. Foster [1895]. [68]p.
EDWARDS
KINSLEY, MERCURY, comp., Harvest Edition, 1900. Kinsley, December 9, 1900.
[52]p. Cover title.
ELK
BURCH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY, Hand-Book of Elk and Chautauqua Coun-
ties, Kansas. By the editor of The Dairy World. Chicago, 1886. 20p.
Cover title.
FLORY, FREDERICK C., comp., Pioneer Days; Interesting Incidents and History
of Early Days in Elk County. No impr. [48]p. Caption title. Appears
to lack one or more pages, but according to his son, Floyd Flory, it was
never completed.
MOLINE REPUBLICAN, comp., Supplement. Interesting Events Concerning
Moline and Moline People. Moline, July 2, 1897. 47p. Cover title.
ELLIS
DRErLiNG, B. M., Golden Jubilee of the German-Russian Settlements of Ellis
and Rush Counties, Kansas, August 31, September 1 and 2, 1926. [Hays,
EUis County News, 1926.] 128p.
520 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
HILL, W. A., Historic Hays. [Hays, News Publishing Company, 1938.] 81p.
-, Rome, the Predecessor of Hays, Founded by "Buffalo Bill" Cody. No
impr. [12]p.
"It Pays to Live in Hays" — Because. N. p. [1920]. [36]p. Cover title.
MARTIN, JENNIE (SMITH), A Brief History of the Early Days of Ellis, Kansas.
No impr. 20p.
MIDDLEKAUFF, MRS. J. H., and others, Ellis County Courthouses and Officers,
1867-1942. No impr. [26]p.
MOTZ, S., Historical and Biographical Sketches. Volume One. Old Settlers'
Association of Ellis County, Kansas. [Hays, 1899?] 34p.
ELLSWORTH
JELINEK, GEORGE, Ellsworth, Kansas, 1867-1947. Salina, Consolidated, 1947.
32p.
LYON, CHARLES J., Compendious History of Ellsworth County, Kansas, From
Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time . . . Ellsworth, Reporter
Office, 1879. 60p.
MATTES, MERRILL J., Project Report on Historical Aspects of Kanopolis Reservoir
on Smoky Hill River, Kansas, August, 1947. Prepared by Region Two,
National Park Service, Department of the Interior, for Kansas City District
Corps of Engineers, War Department. N. p., 1947. 34p. Cover title.
Mimeographed.
FINNEY
BLANCHARD, LEOLA HOWARD, Conquest of Southwest Kansas. [Wichita, The
Wichita Eagle Press, 1931.] 355p.
Directory of Finney County, Kansas, Containing ... a Short Descriptive
History of Finney County . . . First Biennial Volume, Salina, Kansas
Directory Company, 1886. 284p.
FINNEY COUNTY KANSAS HISTORICAL SOCIETY, comp., History of Finney County,
Kansas. [Garden City?] 1950-1954. 2v.
STOWELL, FRANK L., Year Book of Garden City, Kansas, and Biographical
Sketches of Leading Citizens. N. p., 1936. 95p.
FORD
BURCH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY, Hand-Book of Ford County, Kansas. By
the editor of The Dairy World, Chicago. Published for the Ford County
Immigration Society. Chicago, 1887. 28p. Cover title.
CAREY, HENRY L., The Thrilling Story of Famous Boot Hill and Modern Dodge
City. Dodge City, Herbert Etrick Printers, 1937. [27]p.
DODGE CITY TIMES, comp., A Business Review of Dodge City. Dodge City,
1888. [16]p. Cover title.
ETRICK, CARL F., Dodge City Semi-Centennial Souvenir. Dodge City, The
Etrick Company, 1922. [31 ]p.
LOWTHER, CHARLES C., Dodge City, Kansas. Philadelphia, Dorrance and Com-
pany [1940]. 213p.
SCHMIDT, HEINIE, Ashes of My Campfire; Historical Anecdotes of Old Dodge
City. Volume 1. Dodge City, Journal, Inc. [1952]. 72p.
VESTAL, STANLEY, Queen of Cowtowns, Dodge City. "The Wickedest Little
City in America" 1872-1886. New York, Harper & Brothers [1952]. 285p.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 521
WRIGHT, ROBERT M., Dodge City, the Cowboy Capital, and the Great South-
west in the Days of the Wild Indian, the Buffalo, the Cowboy . . .
[Wichita, Wichita Eagle Press, 1913.] 344p.
, Dodge City, the Cowboy Capital, and the Great Southwest in the Days
of the Wild Indian, the Buffalo, the Cowboy . . . [Reprint]. No
impr. 342p.
FRANKLIN
HISTORICAL RECORDS SURVEY, KANSAS, Inventory of the County Archives of
Kansas . . . No. SO. Franklin County (Ottawa). Topeka, The His-
torical Records Survey, 1939. 249p. Mimeographed.
Portrait and Biographical Record of Leavenworth, Douglas and Franklin Coun-
ties, Kansas . . . Chicago, Chapman Publishing Company, 1899. 845p.
GEARY (formerly DAVIS)
DAVIS COUNTY BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION, "The Land of Milk and Honey."
Kansas and Its County of Davisi Information for People Seeking Homes in
the West. Junction City, Junction City Union, 1878. 24p.
FREEMAN PUBLISHING COMPANY, Junction City, Kansas, Past and Present,
Progress and Prosperity. Souvenir. Junction City, Republic Print [1910].
28p. Cover title.
GREENE & BARTELL, Descriptive and Statistical. Davis County, Kansas. Junc-
tion City, Junction City Union, 1882. 48p. Cover title.
HAY, JOHN, Junction City, Kansas, die Mittel-Continental Stadt der Vereinigten
Staaten von America. Newton, The Newton Anzeiger Steam Printing House,
1889. 24p.
, Junction City, Kansas, la Ville Centrale Continental^ des Etats-Unis de
I'Amerique . . . Topeka, Reed-Martin Co., 1889. 20p.
, Junction City, Kansas, the Mid-Continental City of the United States of
America . . . Junction City, The Junction City Union Printing House,
1889. 24p.
GOVE
HARRINGTON, WYNNE P., History of Gove County, Kansas, to the Organization
of the County in 1886. Gove City, Republican-Gazette Office, 1920. [32]p.
Cover title.
, History of Gove County, Kansas. Gove City, Republican-Gazette Office,
1930. [70]p. Cover title.
HISTORICAL RECORDS SURVEY, KANSAS, Inventory of the County Archives of
Kansas. No. 32. Gove County (Gove City) . . . Topeka, The Kansas
Historical Records Survey, 1941. 172p. Mimeographed.
GRAHAM
HISTORICAL RECORDS SURVEY, KANSAS, Inventory of the County Archives of
Kansas . . . No. 33. Graham County (Hill City). Topeka, The His-
torical Records Survey, 1938. 224p. Mimeographed.
PEOPLE'S REVEILLE, comp., Graham County, Kansas, Location, Description,
Adaptation, Climate . . . Hill City [1904?] [41]p. Cover title.
GRANT
WILSON, ROBERT R., and ETHEL M. SEARS, History of Grant County, Kansas.
[Wichita, Wichita Eagle Press, 1950.] 278p.
522 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
GRAY
HISTORICAL RECORDS SURVEY, KANSAS, Inventory of the County Archives of
Kansas . . . No. 35. Gray County (Cimarron). Topeka, The Historical
Records Survey, 1939. 268p. Mimeographed.
GREELEY
GREENWOOD
BURGH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY, Hand-Book of Greenwood County, Kansas.
By the editor of The American Sheep Breeder. Chicago, n. d. 30p. Cover
title.
HISTORICAL RECORDS SURVEY, KANSAS, Inventory of the County Archives of
Kansas . . . No. 37. Greenwood County (Eureka). Topeka, The His-
torical Records Survey, 1938. 156p. Mimeographed.
HAMILTON
THOMPSON, LUCILE M., Souvenir Hamilton County and Syracuse, Kansas.
[Syracuse, Author, 1909.] 44p. Cover title.
HARPER
HARVEY
BURRTON GRAPHIC, comp., Burrtons 75th Anniversary, 1873-1948. Burrton,
September 23, 1948. [55]p. Cover title.
HALSTEAD INDEPENDENT, comp., A Souvenir Edition Reverting Back to the
Pioneer Days, Commemorating the Fiftieth Anniversary of Old Settlers
Picnic. Halstead, August 12, 1937. 32p. Cover title.
NEWTON KANSAN, comp., [Fiftieth Anniversary Edition.] Newton, August 22,
1922. 142p.
HASKELL
SUBLETTE MONITOR, comp., Supplement to The Sublette Monitor and The
Satanta Chief. History and Progress Edition. Sublette, June 12, 1930.
[96]p. Cover title.
HODGEMAN
BURCH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY, Hand-Book of Hodgeman County, Kansas.
By the editor of The American Sheep Breeder. Chicago, 1887. 30p. Cover
title.
NORMAN, H. C., [History of Hodgeman County, Kansas.] [Kinsley, 1941.]
[52]p. Mimeographed.
JACKSON
BARR, ELIZABETH N., Business Directory and History of Jackson County. N. p.,
Author, 1907. 88p.
CHRISMAN, J. H., and W. W. SARGENT, Holton, the County Seat of Jackson
County, Kansas. No impr. 48p. Cover title.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 523
HOAGLIN, W. S., History and Statistics of Jackson County, Kansas . . .
Holton, Recorder and Express, 1876. 31p.
LOWELL, JAMES H., The Romantic Growth of a Law Court. An Address De-
livered Upon the Occasion of the Dedication of the Court Room in the
New Jackson County Court House, Holton, Kansas, September 1, 1921. No
impr. [8]p.
Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Coun-
ties, Kansas. Chicago, Chapman Bros., 1890. 782p.
JEFFERSON
McLouxH TIMES, comp., Souvenir Edition. McLouth, November 25, 1898.
[100]p. Cover title.
Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Coun-
ties, Kansas. Chicago, Chapman Bros., 1890. 782p.
JEWELL
Ross, HARRY E., What Price White Rock? A Chronicle of Northwestern Jewell
County. Burr Oak, The Burr Oak Herald [1937]. 152p.
WINSOR, M., and JAMES A. SCARBROUGH, History of Jewell County, Kansas,
With a Full Account of Its Early Settlements and the Indian Atrocities Com-
mitted Within Its Borders . . . Jewell City Diamond Printing Office,
1878. 36p.
, Jewell County. No impr. ( Reprinted from Kansas Historical Collec-
tions, v. 17.) 21p. Same as above with some omissions.
JOHNSON
BLAIR, ED, History of Johnson County, Kansas. Lawrence, Standard Pub-
lishing Company, 1915, 469p.
HISTORICAL RECORDS SURVEY, KANSAS, Inventory of the County Archives of
Kansas . . . No. 46. Johnson County (Olathe). Topeka, The Kansas
Historical Records Survey, 1937. 115p. Mimeographed.
LARSEN, RICHARD ODELL, Shawnee "the Gateway of Kansas." [Shawnee,
Thomas Bros., Lithoprinters, 1948.] 8p. Cover title.
MICKEY, F. S., Souvenir Book of Olathe and Johnson County, Kansas. Olathe,
Olathe Mirror [1908?] [102]p.
KEARNY
KINGMAN
GOENNER, W. G., The History of Zenda. N. p. [1940?] 9p. Cover title.
KINGMAN COUNTY COLONIZATION COMPANY, Out There in Kansas, Kingman
County. Wichita, Eagle Press [1899?] 38p. Cover title.
, Out There in Kansas, Kingman County. Wichita, Eagle Press [1900?]
52p. Cover title.
Pioneer History of Kingman County, Kansas. No impr. 56p. Cover title.
Said to be written by Jesse Hamilton Lowe.
KIOWA
524 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
LABETTE
CASE, NELSON, History of Labette County, Kansas, and Representative Citizens.
Chicago, Biographical Publishing Company, 1901. 825p.
, History of Labette County, Kansas, From the First Settlement to the
Close of 1892. Topeka, Crane & Company, 1893. 372p.
CHETOPA ADVANCE, comp., Souvenir Edition, 1868-1893. Chetopa, 1893. 40p.
Caption title.
[CURRY, MRS. BELLE], Parsons, Labette County, Kansas, 'Years From 1869 to
1895 . . . [Parsons, Bell Bookcraft Shop, 1937.] 117p.
DEXTER & HAUCK, Parsons, Kansas, Merchants' and Manufacturers' Record
. . . [Parsons, The Foley Railway Printing Co., 1905.] [82]p.
Semi-Centennial Celebration Founding of Oswego, Kansas, July 4 and 5, 1916.
Oswego, Independent Print, 1916. [52]p. Cover title.
LANE
LEAVENWORTH
BURKE, WILLIAM S., and J. L. ROCK, The History of Leavenworth, the Metropo-
lis of Kansas, and the Chief Commercial Center West of the Missouri River
. . . Leavenworth, The Leavenworth Times Book and Job Printing Es-
tablishment, 1880. 84p. Another edition in KHi has [98]p.
HALL, JESSE A., and LEROY T. HAND, History of Leavenworth County, Kansas.
Topeka, Historical Publishing Company, 1921. 680p.
HAWES, A. G., A Historical Sketch and Review of the Business of the City of
Leavenworth, Kansas Territory . . . Leavenworth, Journal Book and
Job Office, 1857. 32p.
Leading Industries of Leavenworth, Kansas . . . Together With an His-
torical Sketch. Leavenworth, Commercial and Manufacturing Publishing
Company, 1883. 70p.
LEAVENWORTH HISTORICAL-PROGRAM COMMITTEE, Leavenworth Centennial,
1854-1954, June 6-12. N. p. [1954]. 55p. Cover title.
MOORE, HENRY MILES, Early History of Leavenworth, City and County . . .
Leavenworth, Sam'l Dodsworth Book Co., 1906. 339p.
Portrait and Biographical Record of Leavenworth, Douglas and Franklin
Counties, Kansas . . . Chicago, Chapman Publishing Company, 1899.
845p.
WRITERS PROGRAM, KANSAS, A Guide to Leavenworth, Kansas. Compiled
and Written by Kansas Writers' Project, Work Projects Administration, State
of Kansas. Sponsored by Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. Leaven-
worth, The Leavenworth Chronicle, 1940. 67p.
LINCOLN
BARR, ELIZABETH NICHOLS, A Souvenir History of Lincoln County, Kansas.
[Topeka, Kansas Farmer] 1908. 123p.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 525
LINN
MITCHELL, WILLIAM ANSEL, Historic Linn; Sketch of Notable Events in Its
First Settlements. No impr. ( Reprinted from Kansas Historical Collections,
v. 16.) pp. 607-657.
, Linn County, Kansas, a History. Kansas City, Mo., 1928. 404p.
LOGAN
HOAG, DAVID D., Oakley Had a Birthday September 15. N. p. [1931]. (Re-
printed from the Oakley Graphic, September 18, 1931.) [7]p.
LYON
COULTER & RAMALEY, Historical and Business Review of Emporia. Emporia,
The Ledger Printing House and Book-Bindery, 1880. 39p. Cover title.
FRENCH, LAURA M., History of Emporia and Lyon County. Emporia, Emporia
Gazette Print, 1929. 292p.
Memorial to Pioneers of Lyon County, 1855-1875. Emporia, Gazette [1876].
62p.
Memorial to Pioneers of Lyon County, 1855-1875. Emporia, Gazette, 1922.
62p.
STOTLER, JACOB, Annals of Emporia and Lyon County. Historical Incidents
of the First Quarter of a Century, 1857 to 1882. Emporia [1898?] lOOp.
McPHERSON
LINDQUIST, EMORY KEMPTON, Smoky Valley People, a History of Lindsborg,
Kansas. Lindsborg, Bethany College, 1953. 269p.
McPherson, Kansas, Past and Present, Progress and Prosperity. N. p., Freeman
Publishing Company, n. d. 24p. Cover title.
MCPHERSON REPUBLICAN, comp., New Century Pictorial Edition. McPherson,
March 1, 1901, and May 23, 1902. 2 parts.
MOUNDRIDGE JOURNAL, comp., Golden Jubilee Edition, 1887-1937. Mound-
ridge, October 7, 1937. [34]p. Cover title.
NYQUIST, EDNA, Pioneer Life and Lore of McPherson County, Kansas. Mc-
Pherson, The Democrat-Opinion Press, 1932. 184p.
Portrait and Biographical Record of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and Marion
Counties, Kansas . . . Chicago, Chapman Bros., 1893. 614p.
ROWLAND, JESSIE HILL, Pioneer Days in McPherson. McPherson, The Mc-
Pherson Junior Chamber of Commerce and Sponsoring Merchants of Mc-
Pherson [1947]. 24p. On cover: Diamond Jubilee.
MARION
BURCH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY, Hand-Book of Marion County, Kansas.
By the editor of The American Sheep Breeder, Chicago. Chicago, 1888.
32p. Cover title.
HOCH, E. W., All About Marion County, Kansas. Marion Centre, Marion County
Record, 1876. 24p.
Portrait and Biographical Record of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and Marion
Counties, Kansas . . . Chicago, Chapman Bros., 1893. 614p.
526 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
PRINTING BUREAU, Marion, Kansas. Shawnee, Okla., The Printing Bureau
1926. 44p.
WRITERS' PROGRAM, KANSAS, A Guide to Hillsboro, Kansas. Sponsored by
Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce. Hillsboro, The Mennonite Brethren
Publishing House, 1940. 91p.
MARSHALL
August 16-17-18-19, 1954, 100th Anniversary of Marysville, Kansas, a Century
of Progress. N. p., 1954. [85]p. Cover title.
BURCH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY, Hand-Book of Marshall County, Kansas.
Chicago [188-?] 32p. Title from other Burch handbooks. No copy located.
FORTER, EMMA E., History of Marshall County, Kansas, Its People, Industries
and Institutions . . . Indianapolis, B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc.,
1917. 1041p.
Portrait and Biographical Album of Marshall County, Kansas . . . Chicago,
Chapman Bros., 1889. 740p.
True Republican, comp., Illustrated Edition of Marysville, and Marshall County,
Kansas. [Marysville] Clark & Runneals [1890]. 92p. Pp. 3-80 lacking.
MEADE
FOWLER COMMUNITY CLUB, Fowler, Kansas, Presenting in a Brief Way Her
Farm Homes, Schools, Churches and Business Houses. [Fowler, The News,
1928?] [72]p. Cover title.
MEADE COUNTY COUNCIL OF WOMEN'S CLUBS, Pioneer Stories of Meade County.
[Marceline, Mo., Walsworth Brothers] 1950. 109p. Cover title.
SULLIVAN, FRANK S., A History of Meade County, Kansas. Topeka, Crane &
Company, 1916. 184p.
MIAMI
HIGGINS, GEORGE, comp., "The King of Counties." Miami County, Her Towns,
Villages and Business . . . Paola, Western Spirit Print, 1877. 32p.
KNOUSE, CHARLES A., comp. and ed., A Town Between Two Rivers, Osawatomie,
Kansas, 1854-1954. Osawatomie, Osage Valley Centennial, Inc., 1954. 96p.
Cover title.
MITCHELL
Cawker City and Vicinity Illustrated. No impr. 36p. Cover title.
MONTGOMERY
DRAKE, CHARLES CLAYTON, "Who's Who?" A History of Kansas and Montgomery
County . . . Coffeyville, Coffeyville Journal Press, 1943. 276p. On
cover: Who's Who in Cofeyville, Kansas, and Vicinity.
DUNCAN, LEW WALLACE, History of Montgomery County, Kansas. lola, lola
Register, 1903. 852p.
HISTORICAL RECORDS SURVEY, KANSAS, Inventory of the County Archives of
Kansas . . . No. 63. Montgomery County (Independence). Topeka,
The Historical Records Survey, 1938. 168p. Mimeographed.
TRIBUNE, comp., Second Illustrated Edition. Independence, July 24, 1901.
[40]p. Caption title.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 527
MORRIS
BRIGHAM, LALLA (MALOY), The Story of Council Grove on the Santa Fe Trail,
N. p., 1921. 168p. On cover: Second Edition.
BURCH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY, Hand-Book of Morris County, Kansas.
Chicago [188-?] 24p. Title from other Burch handbooks. No copy
located.
Hand-Book of Morris County, Kansas. Kansas City, Mo., Modern Argo Print
[1882?] 20p. Cover title. May have been printed as Burch Hand-Book
above.
HISTORICAL RECORDS SURVEY, KANSAS, Inventory of the County Archives of
Kansas. No. 64 Morris County (Council Grove). Topeka, The Kansas His-
torical Records Survey, 1942. 341p. Mimeographed.
MORTON
NEMAHA
CREVECOEUR, FERDINAND F., Old Settlers' Tales. Historical and Biographical
Sketches of tJie Early Settlement and Settlers of Northeastern Pottawatomie
and Southwestern Nemaha Counties, Kansas, From Earliest Settlement to
the Year 1877. [Onaga, Republican, 1902.] 162p.
TENNAL, RALPH, History of Nemaha County, Kansas. Lawrence, Standard
Publishing Company, 1916. 816p.
NEOSHO
DUNCAN, LEW WALLACE, History of Neosho and Wilson Counties, Kansas.
Fort Scott, Monitor Printing Co., 1902. 922p.
GALESBURG ENTERPRISE, comp., Souvenir Edition, Containing the History of
Galesburg, and Copy From the First Number of The Enterprise. Galesburg,
April 18, 1907. [39]p. Cover title.
GRAVES, WILLIAM W., Annals of Osage Mission. St. Paul, Author, c!935. 489p.
, History of Neosho County. St. Paul, Journal Press, 1949-1951. 2v.
ROSEBERRY & FROGUE, About Neosho County, Kansas, and Erie, the County
Seat. Erie [Record], 1912. [15]p. Cover title.
NESS
BURCH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY, Hand-Book of Ness County, Kansas. By
the editor of The Dairy World, Chicago. Chicago, 1887. 36p. Cover title.
MILLBROOK, MINNIE (DUBBS), Ness, Western County, Kansas. Detroit, Mich.,
Millbrook Printing Company [1955]. 319p.
PEMBLETON, LUKE, Ness City. [Ness City, Echo Print Shop] 1930. 18p.
NORTON
BOWERS, DARIUS N., Seventy Years in Norton County, Kansas, 1872-1942.
Norton, The Norton County Champion, 1942. 238p.
BURCH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY, Hand-Book of Norton County, Kansas.
Chicago [188-?] 32p. Title from other Burch handbooks. No copy located.
LOCKARD, F. M., The History of the Early Settlement of Norton County, Kansas.
[Norton] Norton Champion, 1894. 294p.
528 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
OSAGE
[BURLINGAME TOWN ASSOCIATION], Burlingame, Kansas Territory, Its Location,
Present Improvements and Future Prospects. Topeka, Ross Brothers, 1857.
16p.
GREEN, CHARLES R., Early Days in Kansas . . . Olathe, Author, 1912-
1914. 5v.
HISTORICAL RECORDS SURVEY, KANSAS, Inventory of the County Archives of
Kansas. No. 70. Osage County (Lyndon). Topeka, The Kansas Historical
Records Survey, 1941. 210p. Mimeographed.
OVERBROOK CITIZEN, comp., Christmas Souvenir of Overbrook and Surround-
ings. Overbrook, 1898. [70]p. Lacks cover.
OSBORNE
DOWNS TIMES, comp., Downs, Its Location, Advantages, History, Etc. Downs,
July 27, 1885. [32]p. Caption title.
HAND BOOK OF OSBORNE COUNTY, KANSAS. Kansas City, Mo., Junction Steam
Print [1884?] 57p. Cover title.
MOORE, LOUISE, and others, Downs, Kansas, 75th Annual Celebration. [Cawker
City, Ledger, 1954.] 24p. Caption title.
OTTAWA
OLNEY, C. C., & Co., Hand Book of Ottawa County, Kansas. [Minneapolis,
Solomon Valley Mirror, n. d.] 36p. Cover title. KU.
PAWNEE
FEDERAL WRITERS' PROJECT, KANSAS, The Lamed City Guide . . .
Lamed, Chamber of Commerce, 1938. 34p.
PAWNEE COUNTY IMMIGRATION BUREAU, Pawnee County, Kansas, a Statement
of Facts Concerning Its Resources, Conditions and Prospects . . .
Larned, Larned Printing Company, 1890. 32p.
TILLER AND TOILER, comp., 1919 Wheat Edition. Lamed, August 28, 1919.
[110]p. Cover title.
, Progress in Pawnee County; 80th Anniversary Edition. Larned, 1952.
[142]p. Cover title.
PHILLIPS
HISTORICAL RECORDS SURVEY, KANSAS, Inventory of the County Archives of
Kansas. No. 74. Phillips County (Phillipsburg). Topeka, The Kansas
Historical Records Survey, 1941. 208p. Mimeographed.
MATTES, MERRILL J., Historical Aspects of Kirwin Reservoir, North Fork,
Solomon River, Kansas, February, 1947. Prepared by Region Two, National
Park Service, Department of the Interior, for Bureau of Reclamation, Region
7, Denver, Colorado. N. p. [1947]. 18p. Cover title. Mimeographed.
PHILLIPS COUNTY POST, comp., Souvenir Edition. [Phillipsburg] July 12, 1906.
64p. Cover title.
PHILLIPS COUNTY REVDZW, comp., Progress and Historical Edition. Phillips-
burg, May, 1952. [40]p. Cover title.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 529
POTTAWATOMIE
BIEHLER, J. E., One Hundred Years in Rock Creek Valley; a History of the St.
Joseph Parish at Flush, Kansas. [Topeka, Central Press, 1954.] 149p.
BURGH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY, Hand-Book of Riley and Pottawatomie
Counties, Kansas. Chicago [188-?] 32p. Title from other Burch handbooks.
No copy located.
CREVECOEUR, FERDINAND F., Old Settlers' Tales. Historical and Biographical
Sketches of the Early Settlement and Settlers of Northeastern Pottawatomie
and Southwestern Nemaha Counties, Kansas, From Earliest Settlement to the
Year 1877. [Onaga, Republican, 1902.] 162p.
Hand-Book of Pottawatomie and Riley Counties, Kansas. No impr. 15p. Cover
title.
HILL, W. F., The Westmoreland Recorder. Railroad Edition. Westmoreland,
November 2, 1899. 56p.
HISTORICAL RECORDS SURVEY, KANSAS, History of Pottawatomie County. No
impr. 265p. Caption title. Mimeographed.
Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Coun-
ties, Kansas. Chicago, Chapman Bros., 1890. 782p.
POTTAWATOMIE, COUNTY, HISTORICAL RESEARCH COMMITTEE, Early History of
Pottawatomie County. Centennial Edition, 1854-1954. N. p., 1954. 40p.
Cover title.
PRATT
Historical Sketch of the First Presbyterian Church, Pratt, Kansas, 1884-1924.
N. p. [1924]. 124p. Cover title. Title is misleading. Contains county
history and biographical sketches.
RAWLINS
RENO
FEHR, JOSEPH ANTHONY, Arlington. [Wichita, The Wichita Eagle Press, 1937.]
93p.
HUTCHINSON NEWS, comp., [Twenty-First Anniversary Number.] Hutchinson,
July 4, 1893. 126p.
, History of the City of Hutchinson and Reno County, Kansas. Hutchin-
son [1896?] 126p. Cover title. Same as above except for omission of
first six pages.
PLOUGHE, SHERIDAN, History of Reno County, Kansas, Its People, Industries and
Institutions. Indianapolis, B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc., 1917. 2v.
VALDOIS, INEZ, History of Haven, Kansas, Its People, Industries and Institutions.
Haven, The Haven Booster Club, 1946. [54]p. Cover title.
WELSH, WILLARD, Hutchinson, a Prairie City in Kansas. [Wichita, McCormick-
Armstrong Co.] 1946. 166p.
REPUBLIC
SAVAGE, ISAAC O., A History of Republic County . . . From Its First Set-
tlement Down to June 1st, 1883 . . . Topeka, Daily Capital Printing
House, 1883. 106p.
35_8739
530 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
, A History of Republic County . . . From Its First Settlement
Down to June 1, '01 ... Beloit, Jones & Chubbic, 1901. 321p.
WARREN, ELLEN MORLAN, White Rock Historical Sketches. N. p., 1933. ( Re-
printed from The Superior Express, Superior, Neb.) [45]p.
RICE
BUSHTON NEWS, comp., A Special Edition Commemorating the Fiftieth Anni-
versary of the City of Bushton. Bushton, April 29, 1937. [72]p. Cover title.
JONES, HORACE, The Story of Early Rice County. [Wichita, Wichita Eagle Press]
1928. 135p.
Sterling, Kansas. The Actual Advantages and Resources of a Grand Young
Town Candidly Discussed. [Sterling, The Sterling Land & Investment Co.]
1887. 46p.
RILEY
BURCH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY, Hand-Book of Riley and Pottawatomie
Counties, Kansas. Chicago [188-?] 32p. Title from other Burch hand-
books. No copy located.
GRIFFIN, ALBERT, An Illustrated Sketch Book of Riley County . . . Man-
hattan, The Nationalist, 1881. 140p.
Hand-Book of Pottawatomie and Riley Counties, Kansas. No impr. 15p.
Cover title.
JONES, CAROLYN, The First One Hundred Years; a History of the City of Man-
hattan, Kansas, 1855-1955. [Manhattan, The Manhattan Tribune-News,
1955.] [96]p.
OGDEN CENTENNIAL, INC., Ogden Centennial, 1854-1954, July S, 4, 5. N. p.
[1954]. 40p. Cover title.
Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties,
Kansas . . . Chicago, Chapman Bros., 1890. 1231p.
RILEY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Log Cabin Days. [Manhattan, Artcraft
Printers] 1929. 88p.
ROOKS
RUSH
DREILING, B. M., Golden Jubilee of the German-Russian Settlements of Ellis
and Rush Counties, Kansas, August 31, September 1 and 2, 1926. [Hays,
Ellis County News, 1926.] 128p.
RUSSELL
SALINE
FEDERAL WRITERS' PROJECT, KANSAS, A Guide to Salina, Kansas. Salina, Ad-
vertiser-Sun [1939]. 55p.
Portrait and Biographical Record of Dickinson, Saline, McPherson and Marion
Counties, Kansas . . . Chicago, Chapman Bros., 1893. 614p.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 531
SCOTT
BURCH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY, Hand-Book of Scott County, Kansas.
By the editor of The American Sheep Breeder. Chicago, 1887. 16p. Cover
title.
SEDGWICK
BENTLEY, O. H., History of Wichita and Sedgwick County, Kansas . . .
Chicago, C. F. Cooper & Co., 1910. 2v.
Biographical Record . . . of Sedgwick County, Kansas. Chicago, Bio-
graphical Publishing Company, 1901. 474p.
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, KANSAS, EUNICE STERLING CHAP-
TER, WICHITA, Illustrated History of Early Wichita; Incidents of Pioneer
Days. [Wichita, The Grit Printery] 1914. [48]p.
Portrait and Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan. Chicago, Chapman
Bros., 1888. 1123p.
SEWARD
HISTORICAL RECORDS SURVEY, KANSAS, Inventory of the County Archives of
Kansas . . . No. 88. Seward County (Liberal). Topeka, The His-
torical Records Survey, 1938. 186p. Mimeographed.
SHAWNEE
BERRETT, HOWARD D., Who's Who in Topeka. Topeka, Adams Brothers, 1905.
139p.
BIOGRAPHICAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, The Blue Book of Topeka 1910. Topeka,
1910. 236p.
CONE, WILLIAM W., Historical Sketch of Shawnee County, Kansas . . .
Topeka, The Kansas Farmer Printing House, 1877. 16p.
CROW, ELAINE, A Community of Silver Lake Rural High School District. Sil-
ver Lake, Mirror Print [1925]. 80p.
[GILES, FRYE WILLIAMS], Historical Sketch of Shawnee County, Kansas. To-
peka, Commonwealth Steam Book and Job Printing House, 1876. 68p.
, Thirty Years in Topeka, a Historical Sketch. Topeka, Geo. W. Crane
& Co., 1886. 411p.
HENNESSEY, LOLA, Tecumseh, Kansas, 1854-1954, Centennial. No impr. 19p.
Cover title.
HISTORICAL RECORDS SURVEY, KANSAS, Inventory of the County Archives of
Kansas. No. 89. Shawnee County (Topeka). Topeka, The Kansas Historical
Records Survey, 1940. 655p. Mimeographed.
JACKSON, MARY ELLEN, Topeka Pen and Camera Sketches. Topeka, Geo. W.
Crane & Co., 1890. 192p.
KING, JAMES LEVI, History of Shawnee County, Kansas, and Representative
Citizens. Chicago, Richmond & Arnold, 1905. 628p.
Leading Industries of Topeka . . . Together With an Historical Sketch.
Chicago, Reed & Company, 1882. HOp.
MARKLEY, WALT, Builders of Topeka. Topeka, The Capper Printing Co., 1934.
368p.
MORRISON, HELEN (ROSEN), ed., Topeka 's 100 Years of Inspired Leadership.
[Topeka, 1954.] [29]p. Cover title.
532 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
OBER, DAY & Co., The Commerce of Topeka ... A Glance at the Past;
Impartial Pen-Picture of the Present, With Anticipations of Her Future Pros-
perity. Topeka, Commonwealth Steam Printing House, 1880. 29p. Cover
title.
REICHERTER, EMMA (CONES), A History of Silver Lake, Kansas. [Topeka,
Topeka Printing Co., 1910.] 19p.
Topeka Illustrated, Its Progress and Importance . . . Topeka, Illustrated
Publishing Co., 1887. 150p.
Who's Who in and Around Topeka. Kansas City, Mo., Continental Publishing
Co., 1926. 160p.
SHERIDAN
Early Northwest Kansas History, Written by People Who Lived It and in Their
Own Words. Selden, The Selden Advocate, n. d. [38]p.
SHERMAN
SHERMAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT, comp., A Brief History of Sherman County,
Kansas . . . Together With an Account of the Town of Goodland.
[Goodland] 1888. 21p. Cover title.
SHERMAN COUNTY IMMIGRATION ASSOCIATION, Sherman County, Kansas, an
Authentic Description of Its Natural Features, Resources and Prospects.
[Goodland, Stewart & Company, 1893.] 32p.
SMITH
BEARDSLEE, ETTA, Lebanon's Golden Jubilee, Fifty Years of Living in a Little
Kansas Town, 1887-1937. [Lebanon, Lebanon Times, 1937.] [20]p. Cover
title.
City of Gaylord, a Glimpse Into the Past, 1886-1936. [Smith Center, Pioneer
Printers, 1936.] [16]p.
SMITH COUNTY OLD SETTLERS HOMECOMING ASSOCIATION, Souvenir. Smith
Centre, 1912. [66]p.
STAFFORD
STANTON
STEVENS
SUMNER
CALDWELL NEWS, comp., Golden Anniversary Edition. Caldwell, March 23,
1937. [32]p. Caption title.
FREEMAN, GEORGE D., Midnight and Noonday; or, Dark Deeds Unraveled
. . . and Incidents Happening in and Around Caldwell, Kansas, From
1871 Until 1890. Caldwell, 1890. 406p. Alan Farley.
, Midnight and Noonday; or, The Incidental History of Southern Kansas
and the Indian Territory . . . and Incidents Happening in and Around
Caldwell, Kansas, From 1871 Until 1890. Caldwell, 1892. 406p.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 533
Portrait and Biographical Album of Sumner County, Kansas. Chicago, Chap-
man Bros., 1890. 458p.
THOMAS
REXFORD NEWS, comp., The Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Thomas County
and Its Neighbors. Rexford, August 23, 1935. 188p. Cover title.
[WORCESTER, EUGENE], A Brief Sketch of Thomas County, Kansas, and the
City of Colby. [Colby] Thomas County Cat, 1887. 92p.
TREGO
CLARK, MRS. HARRIET RIDGWAY, and MRS. NORAH YETTER TAWNEY, In Remem-
brance: Early Pioneer Settlers of Ogallah and Community, 1877-1881.
[WaKeeney, World Print, 1939?] [57]p. Cover title.
WARREN, KEENEY & Co., Trego County, Kansas: Its Soil and Climate . . .
Chicago, J. J. Spalding & Co. [1878]. 20p. Cover title.
, Trego County, Kansas: Its Soil and Climate . . . Third Edition.
Chicago, J. J. Spalding & Co. [i878]. 23p. Cover title.
WABAUNSEE
Business Directory and History of Wabaunsee County. Topeka, Kansas Direc-
tory Company, 1907. 104p. On cover: Wabaunsee County Folks.
MAGEE, R. SORREN, History of Wabaunsee County . . . Winchester, Argus
Job Printing Office, 1885. 15p.
THOMSON, MATT, Early History of Wabaunsee County . . . Alma, 1901.
368p.
WALLACE
MONTGOMERY, MRS. FRANK C., Fort Wallace and Its Relation to the Frontier.
No impr. (Reprinted from Kansas Historical Collections, v. 17.) 95p.
WASHINGTON
Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties,
Kansas . . . Chicago, Chapman Bros., 1890. 1231p.
WASHINGTON COUNTY REGISTER, comp., 70th Anniversary Edition. Washington,
September 16, 1938. 84p.
WICHITA
WILSON
BURCH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY, Hand-Book of Wilson County, Kansas.
By the editor of The Dairy World. Chicago, 1886. 40p. Cover title.
DUNCAN, LEW WALLACE, History of Neosho and Wilson Counties, Kansas. Fort
Scott, Monitor Printing Co., 1902. 922p.
STRANGE, LEW A., La Fontaine and Those Who Made It. Parker, Parker
Message, 1938. 95p.
WOODSON
BURCH, C. S., PUBLISHING COMPANY, Hand-Book of Woodson County, Kansas.
Chicago [188-?] 32p. Title from other Burch handbooks. No copy lo-
cated.
534 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
DUNCAN, LEW WALLACE, and CHARLES F. SCOTT, eds., History of Allen and
Woodson Counties, Kansas. lola, lola Register, 1901. 894p.
Hand Book of Woodson County, Kansas. No impr. 20p. Cover title. Possi-
bly published in Chicago by Modern Argo in 1883.
WYANDOTTE
COWICK, KATE L., The Story of Kansas City. [Kansas City] Central High
School Press, n. d. 30p.
HARRINGTON, GRANT W., Historic Spots or Mile-Stones in the Progress of Wyan-
dotte County, Kansas. [Merriam, The Mission Press] 1935. 360p.
MORGAN, PERL W., History of Wyandotte County, Kansas, and Its People. Chi-
cago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1911. 2v.
Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, Historical and Biographical. Chi-
cago, The Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1890. 895p.
THE COUNTY ATLASES OF KANSAS
As in the making of books, the making of maps has no end. Maps
have been made by primitive peoples and by skilled cartographers.
The oldest surviving maps are those of the ancient Babylonians.
Credit for giving the name "atlas" to a collection of maps is said
to belong to the geographer M creator, who used that term because
the picture of Atlas supporting the world usually appeared at the
front of the collections.
Atlas publishing in the United States began between 1790 and
1795. Probably the first state atlas to make its appearance was
Robert Mills' Atlas of the State of South Carolina ( 1825 ) . The first
state atlas of Kansas was published by L. H. Everts in 1887.
The publishing of county atlases began about the time of the
Civil War. L. Pagan's Map of Berks County, Pennsylvania, pub-
lished at Philadelphia by H. F. Bridgens in 1861, is the earliest
Icnown atlas of a county in the United States. The earliest known
Kansas county atlases are Frederick W. Beers' Atlas of Douglas
County (1873) and his Atlas of Shawnee County (1873).
A number of companies specialized in publishing county atlases,
which proved to be popular and attained a wide distribution.
Foremost among these publishers was the firm of George A. Ogle
& Co., Chicago, which is said to have produced some 500 county
atlases between 1893 and 1923. At least 90 of these were for
Kansas counties.
Because of their size and the difficulty of caring for them, county
atlases are of somewhat less interest to a collector than to a library,
where they form a vital part of the local history collection. In
recent times atlases have become simply small volumes of sur-
veyors' plats, but formerly they contained a wide variety of informa-
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 535
tion. In addition to maps of every unit, from the world down to
the smallest town in the county, one might find a historical sketch
of the county; biographical data; portraits of leading citizens; pic-
tures of farms, houses, etc.; directories of farmers, atlas patrons, or
businesses; and other useful information. Attention has been called
to the county histories found in the atlases in this list.
Entries for the atlas list have been obtained from three main
sources: the Kansas State Historical Society library, the library of
the University of Kansas, and a bibliography of United States
atlases published by the Library of Congress.1
The list contains several atlases not found in the Historical Library
(KHi) and there are 13 counties for which no atlas has been located.
The Society would be glad to hear from anyone who has or knows
the location of a county atlas which it does not own.
The following symbols have been used to indicate the location of
the atlases in this list:
CoD Denver Public Library
CtY Yale University
DLC Library of Congress
ICHi Chicago Historical Society
ICN Newberry Library
ICU University of Chicago
KHi Kansas State Historical Society
KWi Wichita Public Library
KU Kansas University
MiD Detroit Public Library
NIC Cornell University
NN New York Public Library
NNA American Geographical Society
NbHi Nebraska State Historical Society
ALLEN
IOLA DAILY REGISTER, pub., Atlas and Plat Book of Allen County, Kansas, Con-
taining . . . Also, History and Atlas of the World War and Allen
County Honor Roll and County War History. lola, 1921. 36, [52]p. Maps
by the Kenyon Company, Des Moines. DLC. KHi. KU.
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Allen County, Kansas. Com-
piled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Des Moines, 1906. 47p.
KHi. NIC.
ANDERSON
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Anderson County. Compiled
From County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn., 1901. 54p.
DLC. KHi.
1. United States Atlases. A Catalog of National, State, County, City, and Regional
Atlases in the Library of Congress and Cooperating Libraries, compiled by Clara Egh Le Gear.
Map division (Washington, Library of Congress, Reference Department, 1950-1953). 2r.
536 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
ATCHISON
ANDERSON PUBLISHING COMPANY, Atlas of Atchison County, Kansas, Containing
Maps of Townships of the County . . . Des Moines, 1925. 2v. in 1.
DLC.
BOOTH, R. C., ENTERPRISES, The 1949 Atlas of Atchison County, Kansas, With
Township Plats Corrected to December SO, 1948. Harlan, Iowa [1949].
33p. DLC. KHi.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Atchison County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1903. [61]p. KHi. KU. NN.
BARBER
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Barber County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1905. 67p. KHi.
, Standard Atlas of Barber County, Kansas, Including a Plat Book
. . . Chicago, 1923. 61p. DLC. KU.
BARTON
BARTON COUNTY DAILY DEMOCRAT, pub., Atlas and Plat Book of Barton
County, Kansas . . . Great Bend, 1916. 55p. Maps by the Kenyon
Company, Des Moines. DLC.
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Barton County, Kansas. Com-
piled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn., 1902.
67p. DLC. KHi. KU.
BOURBON
EDWARDS BROTHERS, An Illustrated Historical Atlas of Bourbon County, Kansas.
Philadelphia, 1878. 58p. Contains James H. Brown's "History of Bourbon
County, Kansas," pp. 9-12. DLC. KHi. KU.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Bourbon County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1920. 55p. DLC. KHi. KU.
BROWN
DUNHAM, J. R., Meacham's Illustrated Atlas of Brown and Nemaha Counties,
Kansas. Compiled by J. R. Dunham, Engineer and Surveyor. Sabetha,
J. H. Meacham, 1887. 127p. KHi. KU. MiD. NN.
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Brown County, Kansas. Com-
piled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn., 1904.
58p. DLC. KU.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Brown County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1919. 57p. DLC. KHi. KU.
BUTLER
McGiNNis, WALTER F., and I. C. THOMAS, Historical Atlas of Butler Co.,
Kansas ... El Dorado, 1885. 83p. Contains a brief history of Butler
County, p. 9. KHi.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Butler County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1905. 121p. DLC. KHi. KU.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 537
CHASE
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Chase County, Kansas. Minne-
apolis, Minn., 1901. 51p. KHi has microfilm of a copy in the possession
of George Miller, Cottonwood Falls.
CHAUTAUQUA
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Chautauqua County,
Kansas, Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1903. 67p. ICU. KHi.
KU.
, Standard Atlas of Chautauqua County, Kansas, Including a Plat Book
. . . Chicago, 1921. 75p. DLC. KHi. KU.
CHEROKEE
MISSOURI PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Cherokee County, Kansas. Com-
piled From County Records and Actual Surveys. N. p., 1902. 56p. NN.
CHEYENNE
BROCK AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Cheyenne County, Kansas, Including
a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1928. 57p. CtY. ICU. KHi. NN. NNA.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Cheyenne County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1907. 81p. KHi. KU.
CLARK
MACKEY, DICK, Plat Book of Clark County, Kansas. Ashland, 1909. 78p.
DLC. KHi.
CLAY
BIRD AND MICKLE MAP COMPANY, Historical Plat Book of Clay County, Kansas.
Chicago, 1881. 89p. Contains "History of Clay County," pp. 15-28. ICHi.
KHi.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Clay County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1900. 83p. ICU. KU.
, Standard Atlas of Clay County, Kansas, Including a Plat Book . . .
Chicago, 1918. 57p. KHi.
CLOUD
EDWARDS, JOHN P., Edwards' Atlas of Cloud County, Kansas. Quincy, 111., 1885.
69p. Contains W. E. Reid's "Historical Sketch of Cloud County, Kansas,"
pp. 7-11. DLC. KHi.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Cloud County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1901. 87p. KU.
, Standard Atlas of Cloud County, Kansas, Including a Plat Book . . .
Chicago, 1917. 93p. DLC. KHi.
COFFEY
EDWARDS BROTHERS, An Illustrated Historical Atlas of Coffey County, Kansas.
Philadelphia, 1878. 58p. Contains Burton L. Kingsbury's "History of
Coffey County, Kansas," pp. 9-11. DLC. KHi. KU.
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Coffey County, Kansas. Com-
piled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn., 1901.
58p. DLC. KHi.
538 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
OGLE, GEOBGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Coffey County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1919. 57p. DLC. KHi.
COMANCHE
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Comanche County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1909. 73p. ICU. KHi.
COWLEY
EDWARDS, JOHN P., Historical Atlas of Cowley County, Kansas. Philadelphia,
1882. 79p. Contains D. A. Millington's "History of Cowley County,
Kansas," pp. 7-10. KHi.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Cowley County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1905. 129p. DLC. KHi. KU.
CRAWFORD
EDWARDS, JOHN P., An Illustrated Historical Atlas of Crawford County. Phila-
delphia, 1878. 74p. No copy located.
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Crawford County, Kansas.
Compiled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Des Moines, 1906.
66p. ICU. NN.
DECATUR
NELLANS, GEORGE, Atlas of Decatur County, Kansas. Oberlin, 1949. 69p.
DLC. KHi.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Decatur County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1905. 85p. KHi. KU.
, Standard Atlas of Decatur County, Kansas, Including a Plat Book
. . . Chicago, 1921. 73p. DLC. KHi.
DICKINSON
BENSON, NOEL MILTON, Dickinson County Atlas; Property Owners and Rural
Routes. [Salina, Consolidated] 1950. [60]p. DLC. KHi.
MORSE, F. W., and others, Plat Book and Complete Survey of Dickinson County,
Kansas . . . Topeka, Arthur Capper, 1909. 63p. Maps by the Kenyon
Company, Des Moines. KHi. KU.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Dickinson County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1901. lOlp. CoD. KHi.
, Standard Atlas of Dickinson County, Kansas, Including a Plat Book
. . . Chicago, 1921. 73p. DLC. KHi.
DONIPHAN
ANDERSON PUBLISHING COMPANY, Atlas of Doniphan County, Kansas, Contain-
ing Maps of Townships of the County . . . Des Moines, 1927. 2v. in 1.
DLC. KHi.
BIRD, J. S., Historical Plat Book of Doniphan County, Kansas. Chicago, 1882.
94p. Contains "History of Doniphan County, Kansas," pp. 17-56. ICN.
KHi. KU. NIC.
BOOTH, R. C., ENTERPRISES, The 1949 Atlas of Doniphan County, Kansas, With
Township Plats Corrected to December 21, 1948. Harlan, Iowa [1949]. 29p.
DLC. KHi.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 539
HIXON, W. W., AND COMPANY, Plat Book of Doniphan County, Kansas. Rock-
ford, 111. [1931]. [12] maps. Cover title. KHi.
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Doniphan County, Kansas.
Compiled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn.,
1904. 56p. KHi.
DOUGLAS
ARMSTRONG, A. W., and D. B. M. SOUDEA, comps., Plat Work and Complete
Survey of Douglas County, Kansas. Published for Frank M. Shanklin. Des
Moines, The Kenyon Company, 1909. 50p. KHi. KU.
BEERS, FREDERICK W., Atlas of Douglas County, Kansas. New York, 1873.
68p. DLC. KHi. KU.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Douglas County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1902. 79p. KU.
, Standard Atlas of Douglas County, Kansas, Including a Plat Book
. . . Chicago, 1921. 73p. DLC. KHi. KU.
EDWARDS
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Edwards County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1906. 65p. KHi. NN.
ELK
[DAVY MAP AND ATLAS COMPANY], [Atlas of Elk County, Kansas.] [Chicago,
1885?] 61p. Title page missing. Contains R. H. Nichols' "Historical
Sketch of Elk County," pp. 7-9. KHi.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Elk County, Kansas, In-
cluding a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1903. 75p. NN.
OSBORN, FRED P., Osborn's Pocket Map of Elk County, Kans. 1921 Edition.
Howard, F. P. Osborn [1920]. [29], 12 maps. DLC.
ELLIS
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Ellis County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1905. 87p. KHi.
, Standard Atlas of Ellis County, Kansas, Including a Plat Book . . .
Chicago, 1922. 61p. DLC.
ELLSWORTH
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Ellsworth County, Kansas.
Compiled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn.,
1901. 55p. KHi. KU.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Ellsworth County, Kansas.
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1918. 59p. DLC. KHi.
FINNEY
None located.
FORD
DODGE CITY JOURNAL, pub., Atlas and Plat Book of Ford County, Kansas
. . . Dodge City, 1916. 78p. Maps by the Kenyon Company, Des
Moines. DLC. KHi. KU.
540 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Ford County, Kansas, In-
cluding a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1905-1906. 93p. DLC. KHi.
FRANKLIN
HIXSON, W. W., AND COMPANY, Plat Book of Franklin County, Kansas. Rock-
ford, 111. [1931]. [20] maps. Cover title. KHi.
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Franklin County, Kansas.
Compiled from County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn.,
1903. 51p. DLC. KHi. KU.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Franklin County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1920. 57p. DLC. KHi. KU.
GEARY
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Geary County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1909. 65p. KHi.
SCOTT, MARLIN E., and EDWIN L. WALKER, Property Map of Geary County,
Kansas . . . [Manhattan] 1938. 9p. DLC.
GOVE
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Gove County, Kansas, In-
cluding a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1907. 91p. ICU. KHi. KU.
GRAHAM
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Graham County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1906. 87p. DLC. KHi.
GRANT
None located.
GRAY
None located.
GREELEY
None located.
GREENWOOD
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Greenwood County, Kansas.
Compiled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn.,
1903. 75p. DLC. KHi. KU.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Greenwood County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1922. 67p. DLC. KU.
HAMILTON
None located.
HARPER
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Harper County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1902. 85p. KHi. NN.
, Standard Atlas of Harper County, Kansas, Including a Plat Book
. . . Chicago, 1919. 65p. DLC. KHi. KU.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 541
HARVEY
EDWARDS, JOHN P., Historical Atlas of Harvey County, Kansas. Philadelphia,
1882. 55p. Contains R. W. P. Muse's "History of Harvey County, Kansas/'
pp. 7-11. KHi.
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Harvey County, Kansas. Com-
piled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn., 1902.
47p. KU. NN.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Harvey County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1918. 59p. DLC. KHi. KU.
HASKELL
None located.
HODGEMAN
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Hodgeman County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1907. 77p. KHi. KU.
JACKSON
BIRD, J. S., Historical Plat Book of Jackson County, Kansas. Chicago, 1881.
98p. Contains "History of Jackson County," pp. 21-40. KHi. KU.
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Jackson County, Kansas.
Compiled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn.,
1903. 50p. DLC.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Jackson County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1921. 53p. DLC. KHi. KU.
JEFFERSON
ACME PUBLISHING COMPANY, Descriptive Atlas of Jefferson County, Kansas.
Chicago, 1899. No copy located.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Jefferson County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1916. 83p. DLC. KHi. KU.
JEWELL
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Jewell County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1908. 85p. KHi. KU.
WESTERN ADVOCATE, pub., Atlas and Plat Book of Jewell County, Kansas
. . . Mankato, 1921. 55, [52]p. Maps by the Kenyon Company, Des
Moines. ICN. NbHi. NN.
JOHNSON
HEISLER, E. F., and others, Atlas Map of Johnson County, Kansas. Wyandctte,
E. F. Heisler & Co., 1874. lOlp. Contains Oliver H. Gregg's "History of
Johnson County," pp. 9-87, interspersed with maps. KHi. KU. NIC.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Johnson County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1922. 71p. DLC. KHi.
SHOCKLEY ENGINEERING COMPANY, Atlas of Johnson County, Kansas, With
Official Township Zoning. Kansas City, Mo., 1940. 53 maps. DLC.
KEARNY
None located.
542 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
KINGMAN
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Kingman County, Kansas.
Compiled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn.,
1903. 56p. DLC. KHi. KU.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Kingman County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1921. 61p. DLC. KHi.
KIOWA
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Kiowa County, Kansas, In-
cluding a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1906. 75p. KHi. KU.
, Standard Atlas of Kiowa County, Kansas, Including a Plat Book . . .
Chicago, 1922. 49p. DLC.
LABETTE
EDWARDS, JOHN P., [Edwards' Atlas of Labette County, Kansas.] [Philadelphia,
n. d.j Mentioned in Edwards' Atlas of Saline Co., 1884. No copy located.
KENYON COMPANY, Atlas and Plat Book of Labette County, Kansas . . .
Compiled From the Abstract Records of C. A. Wilkin 6- Co. Des Moines,
1916. 51p. DLC. KHi.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Labette County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1906. 87p. DLC. KHi.
LANE
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Lane County, Kansas, In-
cluding a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1920. 49p. DLC. KHi. KU.
LEAVENWORTH
MISSOURI PUBLISHING COMPANY, Atlas Map of Leavenworth County, Kansas.
N. p., 1878. 44p. Contains Miles Moore's "History of Leavenworth
County, Kansas," pp. 6-10, and "Biographical Sketches," pp. 22, 24. KHi.
KU.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Leavenworth County,
Kansas, Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1903. 67p. DLC.
KHi. KU.
LINCOLN
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Lincoln County, Kansas.
Compiled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn.,
1901. 51p. DLC. KHi. KU.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Lincoln County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1918. 59p. DLC. KHi.
LINN
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Linn County. Compiled From
County Records and Actual Surveys. Des Moines, 1906. 66p. KU.
LOGAN
None located.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 543
LYON
EDWARDS BROTHERS, An Illustrated Historical Atlas of Lyon County, Kansas.
Philadelphia, 1878. 65p. Contains Jacob Stotler's "History of Lyon County,
Kansas," pp. 5, 8, 9, 11-14. DLC. KHi. KU.
, An Historical Plat Book of Lyon County, Kansas. Philadelphia, 1879.
49p. DLC.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Lyon County, Kansas, In-
cluding a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1901. 99p. KU.
, Standard Atlas of Lyon County, Kansas, Including a Plat Book . . .
Chicago, 1918. 77p. DLC. KHi.
McPHERSON
EDWARDS, JOHN P., Edwards' Atlas of McPherson County, Kansas. Quincy, 111.,
1884. 83p. Contains H. B. Kelly's "History of McPherson County, Kansas,"
pp. 7-9. KHi. KU. NIC. NN.
HIXSON, W. W., AND COMPANY, Plat Book of McPherson County, Kansas. Rock-
ford, 111. [1928]. [27] maps. Cover title. KHi.
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of McPherson County, Kansas.
Compiled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn.,
1903. 64p. DLC. KHi.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of McPherson County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1921. 73p. DLC. KHi.
MARION
DAVY MAP AND ATLAS COMPANY, Atlas of Marion County, Kansas . . .
Chicago, 1885. 87p. KHi.
HIXSON, W. W., AND COMPANY, Plat Book of Marion County, Kansas. [Rock-
ford, III, 1928.] 31p. KHi.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Marion County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1902. 103p. KHi. KU.
, Standard Atlas of Marion County, Kansas, Including a Plat Book
. . . Chicago, 1921. 77p. DLC. KHi.
MARSHALL
ANDERSON PUBLISHING COMPANY, Atlas of Marshall County, Kansas, Containing
Maps of Townships of the County . . . Des Moines, 1922. [70]p.
DLC. KHi.
MEADE
ICE, R. P., AND COMPANY, Plat Book of Meade County, Kansas. Ashland,
1909. 82p. DLC. KHi.
MIAMI
BROCK AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Miami County, Kansas, Including
a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1927. 77p. DLC. KU.
EDWARDS BROTHERS, An Illustrated Historical Atlas of Miami County. Phila-
delphia, 1878. 58p. Contains E. W. Robinson's "History of Miami County,
Kansas," pp. 9-12. DLC. KHi. KU.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Miami County, Kansas, In-
cluding a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1901. 83p. KHi.
544 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
MITCHELL
GILLEN & DAVY, Atlas of Mitchell County, Kansas. Chicago, 1884. 83p.
DLC. KHi.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Mitchell County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1902. [55]p. Contains "His-
torical Sketch of Mitchell County, Kansas," pp. 53-54. KU.
, Standard Atlas of Mitchell County, Kansas, Including a Plat Book
... Chicago, 1917. 61p. DLC. KHi.
MONTGOMERY
EDWARDS, JOHN P., Historical Atlas of Montgomery County, Kansas. Phila-
delphia, 1881. 45p. Contains Ebenezer E. Wilson's "History of Mont-
gomery County, Kansas," pp. 7-9. KHi. KU.
RICHMOND, H. J., Atlas and Plat Book of Montgomery County, Kansas . . .
Independence, 1916. 49p. KU. NN.
MORRIS
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Morris County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1901. 76p. KHi. NN.
, Standard Atlas of Morris County, Kansas, Including a Plat Book . . .
Chicago, 1923. 53p. KHi.
MORTON
None located.
NEMAHA
ANDERSON PUBLISHING COMPANY, Atlas of Nemaha County, Kansas, Containing
Maps of Townships of the County . . . Des Moines, 1922. [61]p.
DLC. KHi.
BOOTH, R. C., ENTERPRISES, The 1949 Atlas of Nemaha County, Kansas, With
Township Plats Corrected to February 11, 1949. Harlan, Iowa [1949].
43p. DLC. KHi.
DUNHAM, J. R., Meacham's Illustrated Atlas of Brown and Nemaha Counties,
Kansas. Compiled by J. R. Dunham, Engineer and Surveyor. Sabetha,
J. H. Meacham, 1887. 127p. KHi. KU. MiD. NN.
STINSON, A. R., Plat Book of Nemaha County, Kansas. Seneca, 1908. 49p.
KHi. KU.
NEOSHO
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Neosho County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1906. 79p. DLC. KHi. KU.
NESS
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Ness County, Kansas, In-
cluding a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1906. 93p. KHi. KU.
NORTON
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Norton County, Kansas. Com-
piled From County Records and Actual Surveys. [Minneapolis, Minn.]
1900. 59p. DLC. KU.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 545
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Norton County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1917. 59p. DLC. KHi.
OSAGE
EDWARDS BROTHERS, An Illustrated Historical Atlas of Osage County, Kansas.
Philadelphia, 1879. 64p. Contains James Rogers' "History of Osage County,
Kansas," pp. 7-10. DLC. KHi.
HENNESSEY BROTHERS, Descriptive Atlas of Osage County, Kansas. Chicago,
1899. Iv. KU. NN.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Osage County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1918. 77p. DLC. KHi.
OSBORNE
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Osborne County, Kansas.
Compiled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn.,
1900. 58p. DLC. KHi.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Osborne County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1917. 69p. DLC. KHi. KU.
OTTAWA
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Ottawa County, Kansas. Com-
piled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn.,
1902. 55 (i.e. 56 )p. DLC. KU.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Ottawa County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1918. 63p. DLC. KHi.
PAWNEE
TELLER AND TOILER, pub., Atlas and Plat Book of Pawnee County . . .
Lamed, 1916. 49p. Maps by the Kenyon Company, Des Moines. NN.
PHILLIPS
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Phillips County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1917. 67p. DLC. KHi. KU.
POTTAWATOMIE
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Pottawatomie County,
Kansas, Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1905. 93p. DLC. KHi.
ROHRBECK, L. F., The Onaga Courier's Sectional Township Map of Pottawa-
tomie County, Kansas. Supplement to the Onaga Courier, Sep. 14, 1899.
Onaga, 1899. [23] maps. KHi.
PRATT
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Pratt County, Kansas, In-
cluding a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1922. 53p. DLC. KHi. KU.
RAWLINS
BROCK AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Rawlins County, Kansas, Including a
Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1928. 61p. DLC. KHi.
36__8739
546 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Rawlins County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1906. 93p. KHi. KU.
RENO
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Reno County. Compiled From
County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn., 1902. 98p.
DLC. KHi. KU.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Reno County, Kansas, In-
cluding a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1918. lOlp. DLC. KHi. KU.
REPUBLIC
GILLEN AND DAVY, Atlas of Republic County, Kansas. Chicago, 1884. 85p.
KHi. KU.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Republic County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1904. 81p. DLC.
RICE
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Rice County, Kansas. Com-
piled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn., 1902.
67p. DLC. KHi. KU.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Rice County, Kansas, In-
cluding a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1919. 61p. DLC. KHi.
RILEY
BIRD AND MICKLE MAP COMPANY, Historical Plat Book of Riley County, Kansas.
Chicago, 1881. 80p. Contains "History of Riley County," pp. 15-34.
ICU. KHi.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Riley County, Kansas, In-
cluding a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1909. 89p. KHi.
ROOKS
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Rooks County, Kansas, In-
cluding a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1904-5. 87p. KHi.
RUSH
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Rush County, Kansas. Com-
piled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn., 1901.
50p. DLC. KHi.
RUSSELL
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Russell County, Kansas. Com-
piled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn., 1901.
58p. DLC. KHi.
SALINE
EDWARDS, JOHN P., Edwards' Atlas of Saline Co., Kansas. Philadelphia, 1884.
67p. Contains William Bishop's "History of Saline County, Kansas," pp.
7-9. KHi. KU.
NORTHWEST PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Saline County, Kansas. Com-
piled From County Records and Actual Surveys. Minneapolis, Minn., 1903.
50p. DLC. KHi. KU.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 547
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Saline County, Kansas, In-
cluding a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1920. 59p. DLC. KHi.
SCOTT
None located.
SEDGWICK
EDWARDS, JOHN P., Historical Atlas of Sedgwick County, Kansas. Philadelphia,
1882. 61p. Contains D. B. Emmert's "History of Sedgwick County, Kansas,"
pp. 7-11. DLC (incomplete). KHi. KWi. NN.
MUELLER AND COE, Atlas of Sedgwick County, Kansas. Record Data Furnished
by the Guarantee Abstract Company, Wichita, Kansas . . . Winfield,
1931. 102p. DLC. KWi.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Sedgwick County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1905. 127p. ICU. KU.
SEWARD
None located.
SHAWNEE
BEERS, FREDERICK W., Atlas of Shawnee County. New York, 1873. 67p.
DLC. KHi. KU.
KANSAS FARMER, pub., Plat Book, Directory and Survey of Shawnee County,
Kansas. Topeka, 1913. 44p. DLC. KHi. KU.
KANSAS FARMER AND MAIL AND BREEZE, pub., Atlas and Plat Book of Shawnee
County, Kansas . . . Topeka, 1921. 104p. Maps by the Kenyon
Company. DLC. KU.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Shawnee County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1898. 95p. DLC. KHi. KU.
SHERIDAN
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Sheridan County, Kansas>
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1906-7. 79p. DLC. KHi.
SHERMAN
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Sherman County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1907. 89p. KHi.
SMITH
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Smith County, Kansas, In-
cluding a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1917. 71p. DLC. KHi. KU.
STAFFORD
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Stafford County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1904. 79p. DLC. KHi. KU.
STANTON
None located.
STEVENS
None located.
548 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
SUMNER
EDWARDS, JOHN P., Historical Atlas of Sumner County, Kansas. Philadelphia,
1883. 87p. Contains Albert A. Richards' "History of Sumner County,
Kansas," pp. 7-10. DLC (incomplete). KHi.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Sumner County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1902. 85p. DLC. KHi. KU.
, Standard Atlas of Sumner County, Kansas, Including a Plat Book
. . . Chicago, 1918. 97p. DLC. KHi.
ROGERS ABSTRACT AND TITLE COMPANY, Land Ownership Atlas With Directory
of Names and Addresses Sumner County, Kansas. Compiled by Wilbert J.
Mueller. Wellington [1930]. 118p. KHi.
THOMAS
BROCK AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Thomas County, Kansas, Including a
Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1928. 61p. DLC. KHi.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Thomas County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1907. 92p. KHi.
TREGO
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Trego County, Kansas, In-
cluding a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1906. 79p. KHi. KU.
WABAUNSEE
GILLEN AND DAVY, Atlas of Wabaunsee County, Kansas. Chicago, 1885.
77p. DLC. KHi. KU.
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Wabaunsee County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1902. 81p. DLC. KHi. KU.
, Standard Atlas of Wabaunsee County, Kansas, Including a Plat Book
I . . Chicago, 1919. 83p. DLC. KHi. KU.
WALLACE
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Wallace County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1908. 71p. KHi.
WASHINGTON
BIRD, J. S., Historical Plat Book of Washington County, Kansas. Chicago, 1882.
90p. Contains "History of Washington County," pp. 19-42. KHi. KU.
BROWN-SCOVILLE PUBLISHING COMPANY, Plat Book of Washington County,
Kansas . . . Des Moines, 1906. 119p. Contains "Historical Sketch of
Washington County," pp. 101, 106-107, 112-113. KHi. KU.
WICHITA
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Wichita County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1920. 47p. DLC. KHi.
WILSON
EDWARDS, JOHN P., Historical Atlas of Wilson County, Kansas. Philadelphia,
1881. 55p. Contains John S. Gilmore's "History of Wilson County, Kansas,"
pp. 7-10. KHi. KU.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 549
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Wilson County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1910. 81p. DLC. KHi.
WOODSON
OGLE, GEORGE A., AND COMPANY, Standard Atlas of Woodson County, Kansas,
Including a Plat Book . . . Chicago, 1904. 61p. KU. NN.
WYANDOTTE
HOPKINS, GRIFFITH M., A Complete Set of Surveys and Plats of Properties
in Wyandotte County, and Kansas City, Kansas. Philadelphia, 1887. 23
plates. DLC. KHi.
RASCHER INSURANCE MAP PUBLISHING COMPANY, Atlas of Kansas City, Kansas,
Formerly Wyandotte, Kansas City, Kans. and Armourdale, Including Argen-
tine, Rosedale, Etc. Chicago, 1893. 150 (i. e. 151) maps. DLC. KHi.
COUNTY AND CITY DIRECTORIES OWNED BY THE STATE HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
The Historical Society wishes to add to its collection of directories
of the cities and counties of Kansas. Some directories contain town
or county histories; they are useful in locating names of individuals,
tracing histories of public buildings and providing records of busi-
nesses. Many city directories also include lists of some or all of the
county residents.
Farm, tax, business, telephone and other special directories have
not been included in this list for want of space, but they are of no
less importance than those listed.
There are many directories not in the Society's collection which
we would like to obtain. The Society would also welcome duplicates
to replace those in bad condition.
The following city and county directories were in the Kansas
State Historical Society library as of October, 1955:
ABILENE: 1904-05, 1906, 1926-27, 1928.
ALLEN COUNTY: 1901-02.
ARKANSAS CITY: 1898, 1906-07, 1925, 1930, 1932, 1936, 1938, 1952.
ATCHISON: 1859-60, 1860-61, 1865, 1870-71, 1872-73, 1876, 1878, 1880, 1882-
83, 1884, 1885, 1887, 1888, 1891, 1893-94, 1899-1900, 1903, 1906, 1910,
1913, 1917, 1926, 1928, 1941, 1947.
CALDWELL: 1941.
CHANUTE: 1903-04, 1905, 1929, 1931, 1936, 1938, 1949.
CHENEY: 1930.
CHERRYVALE: 1901, 1907.
CHETOPA: 1871.
CLAY CENTER: 1906.
COFFEYVILLE: 1900-01, 1918, 1925, 1930, 1933, 1935, 1937, 1939, 1941, 1949,
1951.
COLBY: 1949.
550 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
COLUMBUS: 1926.
CONCORDIA: 1906.
CRAWFORD COUNTY: 1901-02.
DAVIS COUNTY: 1883-84.
DICKINSON COUNTY: 1886-87.
DONIPHAN COUNTY: 1868-69.
ELDORADO: 1885, 1906, 1929, 1931, 1935, 1937, 1941, 1949, 1951.
ELK COUNTY: 1888.
ELLIS: 1931.
ELWOOD: 1860-61.
EMPORIA: 1883, 1885-86, 1887-88, 1890-91, 1896, 1900-01, 1926, 1930, 1932,
1934, 1936, 1938-39, 1940-41, 1949, 1951.
FINNEY COUNTY: 1886.
FORD COUNTY: 1920, 1924.
FORT SCOTT: 1865-66, 1869-70, 1875, 1879, 1885, 1888, 1889-90, 1891-92,
1896-97, 1898, 1902-03, 1905, 1925, 1930, 1938, 1948.
FRANKLIN COUNTY: 1895.
FRANKLIN AND DOUGLAS COUNTIES: 1920.
FREDONIA: 1925.
GALENA: 1900.
GARDEN CITY: 1927, 1952.
GEARY COUNTY. See Davis county.
GOODLAND: 1948.
GRAY COUNTY: 1920.
GREAT BEND: 1947, 1952.
HARPER: 1887.
HIAWATHA: 1892, 1900, 1903, 1908.
HUTCHINSON: 1900, 1924, 1935, 1939, 1941, 1949, 1951.
INDEPENDENCE: 1907-08, 1926-27, 1931, 1935, 1937, 1939, 1941, 1950, 1952.
JUNCTION CITY: 1905, 1908-09.
KANSAS CITY: 1886-87, 1894, 1922-23, 1927, 1930, 1932, 1934, 1936, 1938,
1940, 1942, 1945, 1950, 1952.
KINGMAN: 1887.
LABETTE COUNTY: 1901-02.
LAWRENCE: 1871, 1879, 1883, 1890-91, 1893-94, 1896, 1898, 1900-01, 1902-03,
1905, 1909, 1911, 1913-14, 1915, 1917, 1919, 1923, 1925-26, 1927-28,
1929-30.
LEAVENWORTH: 1859-60, 1860-61, 1862-63, 1863-64, 1865-66, 1866-67, 1870-
71, 1871-72, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875, 1876, 1877, 1878-79, 1879-80, 1880-81,
1882, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891-92, 1892-93,
1893-94, 1894-95, 1895-96, 1896-97, 1897-98, 1898-99, 1899-1900, 1900-01,
1902-03, 1903-04, 1905-06, 1907-08, 1909, 1911-12, 1913-14, 1915-16, 1925,
1930, 1934, 1936, 1938, 1940, 1949, 1952.
LIBERAL: 1948.
MCPHERSON: 1948-49.
McPHERSON COUNTY: 1881.
MANHATTAN: 1886, 1939, 1942, 1949, 1951.
MEDICINE LODGE: 1949.
MITCHELL COUNTY: 1898, 1899, 1907.
TOWN AND COUNTY HISTORIES 551
NEWTON: 1902, 1905-06, 1907-08, 1948, 1952.
NORTH TOPEKA: 1923.
OLATHE: 1908-09.
OSAGE CITY: 1887.
OTTAWA: 1900-01, 1926, 1933, 1936, 1938, 1941, 1950.
PARSONS: 1878, 1880, 1882, 1930-31, 1943.
PITTSBURG: 1896-97, 1926-27, 1930, 1933, 1936, 1938, 1940, 1942, 1949,
1951, 1953.
PRATT: 1926.
RELEY COUNTY: 1884-85, 1890-91.
RUSSELL COUNTY: 1920, 1936.
SALINA: 1898, 1915, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1931, 1933, 1935, 1937, 1939, 1941,
1943, 1946, 1950, 1952.
SALINE COUNTY: 1882, 1885.
SEWARD COUNTY: 1936.
SHAWNEE COUNTY: 1927, 1928.
SHAWNEE, WABAUNSEE AND OSAGE COUNTIES: 1887.
TOPEKA: 1868-69, 1870, 1871, 1872-73, 1874-75, 1876-77, 1877, 1878-79,
1880, 1882, 1883-84, 1885-86, 1887-88, 1888-89, 1890-91, 1893-94, 1896-97,
1899-1900, 1902, 1905, 1907, 1909, 1910, 1912, 1916, 1921, 1924 (Hall),
1924 (Radges), 1925 (suppl.), 1926, 1927-28, 1929-30, 1931, 1933, 1935,
1937, 1938, 1940, 1942, 1946, 1948, 1950, 1952, 1954.
WELLINGTON: 1886, 1900-01, 1907-08, 1929.
WICHITA: 1878, 1885, 1886, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892, 1894, 1896,
1898-99, 1900, 1902, 1903-04, 1904-05, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910,
1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1922, 1923,
1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935,
1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1946, 1949, 1951, 1952,
1953.
WINFIELD: 1906-07, 1929, 1931, 1933, 1935, 1937, 1939, 1941, 1943, 1946,
1948, 1950, 1953.
The Old Ghost Town of Lindsey
in the Solomon Valley
THEO. H. SCHEFFER
THE name of the town of Lindsey, unhappily, can be accounted
for only by reference to Cutler's history of Kansas, published
in 1883, in which he chronicles as follows:
In 1857-'58 the hunters and trappers who visited Solomon Valley gave names
to many of its creeks. For some unexplained reason these wayfarers left a
wagon-load of plunder behind them, just above Minneapolis, for the ownership
of which a lawsuit was subsequently tried in the District Court, at Junction
City. Judging from the evidence there produced, the "gentlemen" who gave
Fisher, Lindsey, Brown and Chriss creeks their names, were not the most savory
morsels of humanity in the world. Most of the names of these Solomon Valley
creeks have since been changed — in respect to the living.1
Not so brave a start for the pioneer town of Lindsey in Ottawa
county of the valley. Cloud county, adjoining, was apparently
stuck also with the name of one of these "gentlemen" — "Fisher"
creek, entering the Solomon near Glasco. Capt. Zebulon M. Pike
crossed the river there, September 23, 1806, on his way to the Paw-
nee Republic, of the Indian people.
The governor of Kansas territory signed the bill creating Ottawa
county — and two others — on February 27, 1860. Section 2 ap-
pointed county commissioners for these counties, to wit: ". . .
for the county of Ottawa, R. C. Whitney, Henry Martin, and
Branch, of Pike Creek/' (Probably Pipe creek as now known.) 2
Though thus created, the county of Ottawa was not formally or-
ganized until six years later, 1866. Ayersburg was designated as the
temporary county seat. However, on May 21, 1870, an election of
the local settlers on the river was held and the permanent county
seat was established at Minneapolis. (If they could make it stick,
which they eventually did.) Thereby hangs a tale of community
rivalry, which we may not recount here for lack of space. The
standard bearers of this conflict were the Solomon Valley Pioneer,
first published at Lindsey in September, 1870; editor, W. Goddard;
and its "mendaceous contemporary," the Minneapolis Independent,
first issued in October, 1870; editor, George Mackenzie. It may be
THEO. H. SCHEFFEH, formerly of Ottawa county, is a collaborator with the United States
Department of Agriculture. His present address is Puyallup, Wash.
1. A. T. Andreas and W. G. Cutler, History of the State of Kansas (Chicago, 1883),
p. 1425.
2. Laws of Kansas, 1860, ch. 44.
(552)
THE OLD GHOST TOWN OF LINDSEY 553
noted here that in the election just cited the vote had stood at 146
for Minneapolis and 139 for Lindsey, the small majority for Minne-
apolis being attributed to "Pipe creek vote."
Ayersburg, originally designated by the governor as the county
seat of Ottawa county, was a cabin in the fringe of timber on the
banks of Lindsey creek, some little distance west of the old stage
hotel in pioneer Lindsey. The site of this civic center, the Best
Hotel, may now be located by a large cement slab covering the old
brick-lined well at the hostelry, which once stood on the west side
of the north-south highway where it is intersected by the section-
line road coming down from the east.
A post office was established at Ayersburg on July 16, 1864, with
one John Boblett as first postmaster. He lasted a little more than
a year, when he was succeeded by Seymour Ayres, the only burger
of Ayersburg, on September 12, 1865. He, in turn, was replaced
by Thomas Waddell, of Lindsey, on July 5, 1867. And that was the
last of Ayersburg, so far as official recognition was concerned, though
the name appeared on Keeler's map of Kansas, in 1866-1867, and
on Colton's map in 1867. George Washington never slept there,
but we did, on a rainy night when fishing on the Solomon. The
cabin must have been pretty leaky then, for we could not find
enough dry material about or in the place to kindle a fire on the
hearth.
The Ayers family later moved up to Pipe creek on a farm, and
established there a neighborhood of descendants, in school district
No. 10. Lindsey was in school district No. 9. In the second issue
of the Solomon Valley Pioneer, September 17, 1870, appeared an
advertisement of the Ayers House, on Main street, Lindsey. This
advertisement was accompanied by a picture of the hostelry, which
Charlie Hollingsworth, still living at 95, says did not exist. He
ought to know, for he came there the next year, and has prepared
the sketch map of the old ghost town accompanying this story.
Probably the picture was a "stock cut," for photographers were
mighty scarce in those days.
A post office was established at Lindsey, on July 7, 1868, with
Harry Makee (McKee?) as first postmaster. This appointment
followed discontinuation of the office at Ayersburg cabin, little more
than a quarter of a mile away. The new community grew up about
the Lindsey House, as first advertised, a stage hostelry at the
intersection of two roads. This place was conducted by Francis W.
Best, and in later years by his widow, Mrs. O. B. Potter. It had
554 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
commodious livery barns across the road (Main street), and was
a relay and stopping place overnight on the stage run from Solo-
mon to Beloit.
The Lindsey village grew apace, as land-hungry settlers came in
to take up farms in the valley and on near-by uplands to the east;
some also to seek business opportunities. In the fall of 1870, John
Henry was advertising in the new local paper as a dealer in "dry
goods, clothing, hardware, groceries, and agricultural implements
of every description/' Richard (Dicky) Knight announced "Black-
smithery, in all its various branches." He had been flooded out in
his pioneer establishment at a dugout in Bennington. George W.
Shaw, harness maker, advertised "Double and single Harness
made to order."
There was an M. D. also at Lindsey; in fact two of them, one, J.
K. Osborn, with an office in the drug store on Main street. This
drug store was operated at the time by O. E. Martin, who had at
least a good line of "patented medicines" on his shelves. In the
spring of 1871, Erwin Hollingsworth came with his family into the
community and shortly established himself in the mercantile busi-
ness in the new Lindsey. The next year he purchased the farm,
just south of town, on which was the site of the settlers' Fort Solo-
mon, 1864-1865.
There were other establishments on Main street, of course, but
these given will serve to indicate early activity in business. C. C.
Olney, later a prominent realtor at Minneapolis, was doing a "land
office business" in Lindsey during its formative years. Many of
the advertisements in the local paper, the Pioneer, were of firms
and establishments at Salina and Solomon City, on the new Kansas
Pacific Railway ( U. P. ) which had headed through these budding
towns for Denver in 1867 — three years previously. Also, Easley,
Seymour & Co. were advertising a general store, at Delphos. And
somebody, outside the city limits of Lindsey, was ready to produce
sorghum molasses at his "Climax Cane Mill, one and a half miles
south of Corning and Dalrymple's Steam Saw Mill." This, at option,
on shares, or by the day.
We should mention here a suburb of Lindsey that was sprouting
across the creek toward its rival town Minneapolis. Eaton, on the
rising ground north of the Lindsey creek crossing, had a few homes
but no business establishments. Eaton was sponsored by a blind
minister, the Rev. T. C. Eaton, and others, who had dreams of a
compromise town there between Lindsey, and Minneapolis, two
THE OLD GHOST TOWN OF LINDSEY 555
miles farther up the river, at the Markley mill site. Eaton's own
statement concerning the founding of the town was published in the
Pioneer, March 4, 1871:
I was put under $6,000 bonds for the faithful appropriation of the money
awarded to my youngest daughter, (Grace) for injuries received on the New
York and Erie Railroad. . . . My bondsmen advised me to purchase
lands in some part of the West. ... I purchased with the funds two
hundred and forty acres, lying at the center of the County of Ottawa. . . .
Twenty acres are set apart for college grounds. . . . [There] is a public
square . . .; streets are ... one hundred feet wide lots
will be given to those who will erect business houses or residences.
And so we find the following in an issue of the Pioneer, dated
March 25, 1871: "We understand that the lumber is bought, and
the teams are engaged to haul it, for the erection of four large build-
ings at Eaton, and that some ten or twelve mechanics are engaged
to erect them forthwith. E. E. Eaton, Esq., and Mr. S. Y. Wood-
hull have each bought a fourth of the townsite." This issue of the
Pioneer carried cards of S. Y. Woodhull, attorney and counsellor,
at Eaton, and of Thomas Waddell, justice of the peace, "Office at
his new building in Eaton."
Again, in the Pioneer, April 15, 1871, "Mr. Eaton is now building
a large dwelling house in Eaton, which will probably be the largest
house in the county. He has gone to Solomon, to contract for lumber
to build a large Store at Eaton." The store never materialized. The
requiem: July 1, 1871, "Lindsey and Eaton have joined hands and
are united under one name — LINDSEY." This was a defense
merger in the county-seat conflict.
There had been a little pioneer log schoolhouse at the northeast
corner of the Hollingsworth homestead, on which the settlers'
"fort" was located. But when the writer came to the nearly aban-
doned Lindsey townsite in October, 1879, he matriculated in the
grades in a pretentious two-room building — only there were no
grades; and the smaller, wing-room, was not then used, though it
once had a teacher. As advertised for bids, in the Solomon Valley
Pioneer, Lindsey, March, 1871, the original school building was
to be 30 by 40 feet in dimensions. Charles Hollingsworth, who
attended school there from the first, relates that a few years later,
when A. B. Crosby was teacher, the school board added the wing-
room to the schoolhouse, to accommodate the smaller children.
Crosby's wife became assistant teacher.
Shorn of this wing-room, its porches, and the anteroom where we
ate frozen lunches in season, the schoolhouse took flight, in the
556 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
winter of 1898-1899, to a new site a half mile south. Here its flag
floated on the breeze — and on the county map — until 1910, when
the building was abandoned as a hall of learning and sold to a
farmer who moved it to the home premises of Vincent Pieschl,
where the Lindsey highway turns east toward Bennington, and here
it now serves as a granary, 30 feet by 40 feet as previously stated.
At the site whence this old schoolhouse took flight the second
time, a new building was erected, which served for school sessions
until 1945, when children of the community found their way to
classes at the county seat. This newer schoolhouse was struck by
lightning at one time, and in repairing the tower, the old bell —
probably the first to ring in the Solomon valley — fell to the ground
and was broken. The metal was sold for junk and the proceeds
were given to the 4-H club, which has fitted up the building for its
present quarters. The bell clapper, minus the ringbolt, is reported
in use for shot putting. It is now in the custody of Mrs. Vincent
Pieschl.
There was never any church edifice in Lindsey, although services
were held at one time or another in the schoolhouse. A minister
of the Luthern church dispensed the gospel there for a time in the
early 1880's, to a small band of that faith. This mission preacher
was the Rev. W. C. Seidell, who lived in Eaton at the time. His
manse, or parsonage, is the only residence still standing in that
little ghost suburb of Lindsey. The Presbyterian church undertook
to build at Lindsey in the late 1870's, but the framework of their
sanctuary was blown down twice in successive storms, and aban-
doned for construction in Minneapolis. Some zealous partisans
of another creed declared this "Act of God" was judgment for pro-
posals to raise money by sponsoring dances. We can't picture the
Rev. H. C. Bradbury, a pioneer missionary of the day, in this role.
Bradbury had come into the Lindsey community in March, 1872,
with the following "send-off" by the Solomon Valley Pioneer, March
23:
We are pleased to learn that the Rev. H. C. Bradbury, has this week
arrived, and in future will look after the spiritual wants of Lindsey and vicinity.
Mr. Bradbury comes under the auspices of the Presbyterian society and is to
reside at Lindsey, we hope to see much good done through his instrumentality.
We extend to the . . . gentleman a cordial welcome, and know we but
speak the sentiments of the entire community. On to-morrow Rev. Mr.
Bradbury in conjunction with Rev. Mr. Gary of Solomon, will hold services,
both morning and evening. Let there be a large turn-out.
THE OLD GHOST TOWN OF LINDSEY 557
The Presbyterian church had been organized in Lindsey as per
the following, appearing in the Pioneer, July 22, 1871:
NOTICE. There will be preaching in Odd Fellows' Hall, on Sunday the
30th July, at 11 a. m. by Rev. Mr. Carey of the Presbyterian Church, and
immediately after service the organization of the church will be completed
by the election of officers. All members of the church will please be present,
and all those who desire to unite with the church, either by letter or profession,
will have an opportunity to do so.
A community name is on most maps only so long as the name of
its post office is on government records. Following the brief tenure
of Harry Makee (McKee?) as previously recorded in this account,
John Henry, a pioneer merchant, took over as the second postmaster
at Lindsey, May 16, 1870. Then the office went to Ezra Crosby,
a druggist of the town, on September 3, 1872. After that, on April
14, 1874, Mrs. Mary G. Best (Potter) became postmistress at Lind-
sey. Mail was dispensed in the lobby of the old stage hotel until
May 9, 1881, when the mail bags were carried by M. C. Boyle to
his little store across the tracks from the box car that for a
time served as a "depot." That little store is still standing in the
weeds and in advanced stages of disrepair.
Hopes of the three rival communities, Lindsey, Eaton, Minne-
apolis, for county-seat honors continued to confuse the settlers'
minds, even into the later 1870's. Land owners of the Lindsey
community probably had the most at stake, for the three sites
were so close together that any trade center would serve all equally
well. To be nonpartisan, Minneapolis had the better site, in that
it was on higher ground, well drained, and with a topography that
lent itself to the construction of a dam for water power. Markley's
gristmill there was in fact a drawing card.
Business firms began to move out of Lindsey from time to time,
some to relocate in Minneapolis. John Henry established at the
county seat, in the brownstone building which later became the
Blue Store, illuminated in 1887, as facetiously reported, by both
"electric lights and Israelites." Arc lights were new in the town
that year, and boys were hoarding souvenir pieces of the discarded
carbon sticks. The Crosby drug store interests of pioneer Lindsey
were identified throughout the 1880*8, at least, by a similar establish-
ment in Minneapolis. George Shaw's harness shop also continued
to serve the public at the new county seat for many years. Godfrey
Schur, the shoemaker and cobbler of Lindsey, moved to a farm near
Sand creek and the present state lake, where his children and grand-
children have since figured prominently in the neighborhood and
558 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
beyond. The Hollingsworth family stuck to their farm interests
on the border of the Lindsey townsite and did not continue in mer-
cantile business elsewhere.
Uncle Dicky Knight was perhaps the last business man to hang
on at the ghost town of our story. When we came on the scene,
in the fall of 1879, he was still shoeing horses and setting wagon
tires at the old stand in Lindsey. But the railroad had come in
that year, and there was a revival of local interest in business down
by the tracks, a half mile south on "Main Street." Knight estab-
lished himself there for a time, but later abandoned the forge for
his farm, a mile or so east, at the source of a small branch of Lindsey
creek — the "Knight Ponds." Sometime in the 1890's, or thereabouts,
Uncle Dicky bought a long-barreled rifle and hit the Oregon trail,
by rail, for the Pacific Northwest. He had two sons out there.
Later a grandson, Henry G. Knight of Seattle, became chief of the
bureau of chemistry and soils, U. S. Department of Agriculture.
Before leaving this part of the ghost-town story, we may remark
that there had been a little pioneer cemetery at the first rise east of
Lindsey, on the farm of W. B. Bennett. We recall that the inter-
ments there were removed in the early 1880's; among them the
remains of Francis W. Best, proprietor of the old stage hotel, origi-
nally built by Seymour Ayres.
With the coming of the railroad, in 1878-1879, there was a revival
of business, down by the tracks, that for some years was quite
complimentary to this new community. This new Lindsey clustered
mainly about the Hollingsworth corners, where a short east-west
road led from "Main Street" to a bridge across the Solomon river,
quite near the old fort site. Lindsey was re-established there by
a transfer of the mail bags to that place, from the old stage hotel,
on May 9, 1881. Michael C. Boyle was the first postmaster, dealing
out news and communications of sorts from his little store, already
mentioned in this account.
In the early 1880's, Elias Kapp, relative of the Wolferspergers
who later purchased the Hollingsworth farm, built a large elevator
north and east of the tracks. To this he added later a grist mill and,
still later, a small saw mill. In a couple of years another grain
merchant, J. M. Smyser, built a second elevator across the Lindsey
highway, almost opposite the Kapp establishment. Smyser was
killed on his premises there in a railroad accident about Thanks-
giving time, 1885.
The Lindsey post office at this railroad site was discontinued on
THE OLD GHOST TOWN OF LINDSEY 559
March 7, 1896, and re-established in January, 1899, with Ida M.
Haddock as postmistress. She was succeeded by Jerome Hollings-
worth, who dispensed mail for a few months, when the office was
again discontinued, August 31, 1901. Once more the office was
revived, May 16, 1902, to live this time for some 40 years. During
this period ten office holders held forth, among them, Vesta Wolf-
ersperger, September 18, 1907, to January 3, 1910; and John N.
Wolfersperger, June 9, 1911, to March 29, 1916. This family lived
on the old Hollingsworth farm, which was the site of Fort Solomon,
alias Fort Podunck, in the middle 1860's. The last postmaster was
Donald Joseph Lane, who took over on November 28, 1936, and
held forth until June 30, 1942. Since then Lindsey has been, offi-
cially, only a memory. There is still, however, a flagstop at the
place, with a little cubicle for freight, and a designation on the
Union Pacific time table.
Only a few old-timers of the Minneapolis community will recall
disappearance of the ghost town's first and last landmark, the old
stage hostelry, which was burned in the late 1890's. And by these it
would be remembered only as one of the neighborhood's farm
premises. Its two-acre site, though submerged by wheat fields, still
holds proudly aloof on the county maps, at the extreme S. E. corner
of the S. W. X of Sec. 8, T. 11, R. 3, as added to the G. M. Hamilton
estate. The old town well, which also supplied the school for many
years, is still intact on this site, in an alfalfa field. But it has lost
its rope and buckets and is covered by a protective slab of concrete.
A Robbery on the Santa Fe Trail, 1827
Edited by JAMES W. COVINGTON
INTRODUCTION
A FTER William Becknell had led 21 men and three wagons
•**• from Missouri to Santa Fe in 1822 and reaped a rich harvest
on his second visit to the Mexican city, many traders were eager to
make the trip and exchange their supplies of dry goods for live-
stock, furs, silver, and gold. The market for the gloves, plain and
fancy prints, blue jeans, combs, looking glasses, scissors, and various
other articles, was one that was to expand for many years. The
amount of goods brought to Santa Fe from Missouri jumped from
$2,000 in 1823 to $65,000 in 1825.
There were some hazards attached to this very lucrative business.
Disasters could result from dangerous water supplies, prairie fires,
and attacks by wild Indians. The Santa Fe trail wound its way
through some of the most war-like tribes that could be found in
North America. These tribes included the Osages, Kiowas, Pawnees,
Comanches, and Apaches.
Many of the merchants hoped that the United States government
would encourage the trade by marking the route, making treaties
with the Indians, and the establishment of military posts in the
immediate neighborhood. Sen. Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri
introduced a bill in the senate which provided for the marking of
the Santa Fe trail and negotiation of treaties with the Indian tribes.
This measure was passed and became law on March 3, 1825. Ben-
ton had to overcome much opposition to his proposal because it
provided for the surveying and marking of a road which was partly
in non-American territory.
The task of surveying the road and making treaties with the
Indians was begun, and by 1826 the trail had been surveyed and
marked to Taos, N. Mex. Treaties were concluded with the Kansa
and Osage tribes of Indians.
Traffic moved along the marked route, but, soon other difficulties
arose. The Pawnees, Kiowas, and Comanches gave the traders
some trouble when the caravans moved through their respective
territories. The Pawnees were just as warlike as their neighbors,
the Kiowas and Comanches, but they did not make war against
JAMES W. COVINGTON is professor of history at the University of Tampa, Tampa, Fla.
(560)
A ROBBERY ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL 561
the white man. Instead, these astrologers and philosophers of the
Great Plains graded their station in life by the number of horses
that they could steal.
All of the Plains Indians were great horse stealers, but the Pawnees
were the masters. They knew every trick in the art of camouflage,
psychological warfare, sudden attack, and quick retreat with the
spoils.
The flow of horses, jacks, jennies, and mules on the Santa Fe trail
was a most tempting sight for the Pawnees. It was not long before
they began to attack the caravans and steal their Livestock. The
following letter is the story of how seven traders from Missouri
lost many of their animals to the Pawnees. They were among the
first traders to make the trip. along the surveyed road, and they
became so angry at being robbed on this government-built route
that they wrote a letter to the Congress of the United States.
THE LETTER
To the honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States in Congress assembled.1
The Petition of Thomas Talbot, Elisha Stanley, William Wolfskill, James
Collins, Edwin M. Ryland, James Fielding and Solomon Houck, all citizens of
the State of Missouri and of the United States, humbly represents, that your
Petitioners being desirous of participating with their fellow citizens in the
trade carried on between the citizens of the United States especially those of
Missouri, and the inhabitants and leading towns, and villages of Taos, Santa
Fe etc. in the province of New Mexico, in the Republic of .Mexico, did for
that purpose make outfits in lawful merchandize suited to said leading towns
and villages and having associated themselves together with sundry others
for the purpose of safe handling mutual assistance and self defense, whilst
passing from the State of Missouri Taos and Santa Fe through the Indian
Countries between Missouri and Mexico, your Petitioners in company with
a number of other traders left Fort Osage, a point on the Missouri River,
sometime in the month of August in the year of 1826, on their journey to
Taos and Santa Fe or for the purposes foresaid and pursued the beaten
trace along the route lately surveyed and laid out by George C. Sibley and
other commissioners of the United States, to survey and lay off a public road
from Fort Osage in Missouri to Santa Fe, without any material deviation from
the same.2 . . . And passing peaceably and quietly through all the
Indian tribes on the way your petitioners arrived safely with their mer-
chandize in Taos and Santa Fe, where they paid the duties imposed on im-
ported merchandize by the Government of Mexico, and bartered and sold
their said merchandize in Santa Fe, Taos, Sonora and other villages, to the
inhabitants and people of Mexico, for horses, mules, asses, and specie —
1. Petition of Talbot, et al., to the United States Congress (no date), National Archives,
Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, "Letters Received, Pawnee," 1928.
2. Fort Osage was located on the south side of the Missouri river in present Jackson
county, Missouri.
37_8739
562 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
That your petitioners after having spent near one year in said towns and vil-
lages in Mexico, having collected a large number of mules, asses, some horses
and specie, left Santa Fe on their journey homeward by the same surveyed
road by which they had traveled to Santa Fe etc. and that they arrived
safely with their stock at a certain point on said surveyed road, about twenty
five miles west from the place where said road crosses the Panis fork of the
river Arkansas 3 — where your Petitioners encamped with their said stock of
mules, asses, etc. during the night of the 12th October 1827 having taken the
usual precaution to secure their stock, by placing sundry sentinels to guard
near said stock, to prevent losses, your petitioners reposed in a short lived
security, based upon the known amicable relations existing between the
United States and the Indian tribe, particularly the tribe known by the name
of Panis, who sometimes hunt on the waters of the Arkansas where your
Petitioners then were, as your Petitioners have heard.4 And your Petitioners
represent that a band of Indians (then unseen and unknown impelled by their
love of plunder, and being regardless of the rights of American citizens with
whose government they professed to be in amity) amounting to about thirty in
number, about the middle of the night of the said 12th of October approached
the encampment of your Petitioners in a warlike and deadly manner, and when
within one hundred yards of the stock of your Petitioners the said Indians
fired several guns, supposed to have been aimed at your Petitioners and those
in company with them — that said Indians continued to approach said en-
campment and stock of your Petitioners until they came within some 25 or 30
yards of said stock, when they again fired several guns and raised an appalling
and well known war whoop and by divers strange noises with rattles and
shaking of Buffalo hides and the said Indians immediately succeeded in scaring
the stock of your Petitioners in such a manner as to cause them to run away
all together in a drove with great speed: and continued to scare and chase said
stock and whip the mules and asses with their bows and bowstrings in such
[unreadable] as to facilitate their speed greatly. And your Petitioners repre-
sent that being left with but three gentle animals tied and hobbled they were
unable, either by speed or foot, or physical force to detain or retake any part
of said stock in their pursuit of several miles and that said Indians succeeded
in capturing and carrying away during said night as foresaid the whole of
said stock ( three excepted ) amounting to one hundred and sixty-six in number.
And your Petitioners represent that they continued their pursuit after said
Indians and stock on the next day (October 13th) for several miles and until
your Petitioners lost the trail and deemed it unsafe to venture further in
their attempt to regain said stock. And your Petitioners represent that by
great good fortune they regained sixty -six head of said stock on the 13th
October which had been abandoned by, or had escaped from said Indians
during the chase, and that said Indians despoiled your Petitioners of one hun-
dred head of said stock which your Petitioners have never been able to regain.
And your Petitioners represent that said stock has been valued and proved by
witnesses, as by vouchers herewith presented with fully mentioned in a list
or schedule of the same hereunto annexed. And your Petitioners represent
3. The Panis fork of the Arkansas is the Pawnee river. The attack probably took place
on the north side of the Arkansas river in present Edwards county, Kansas.
4. The Pawnees or Panis signed a treaty of amity with the United States government in
1825.
A ROBBERY ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL 563
that the said band of Indians who have thus lawlessly and violently despoiled
and robbed your Petitioners as aforesaid, have since said robbery, been ascer-
tained to be of the tribe of the Pant's, who are said to inhabit the Platte and
Cow Rivers, and are in amity with the United States, which ascertainment has
been made by means of certain facts, pecularities and circumstances, which
are fully set forth in the affidavits of witnesses herewith presented. And
your Petitioners represent that they have sustained great damage in conse-
quence of said robbery, and inasmuch as your Petitioners believe that govern-
ment is able and willing, as well as bound in good faith to protect every
citizen's lawful rights and property, whether the same be found upon the
bosom of the ocean, or in the heart of the wilderness there lawfully taken and
possessed: And inasmuch as your Petitioners were at the time of said robbery
pursuing a lawful commerce between the United States and Mexico, upon a
highway laid out and sanctioned by the public authority of the government
of the United States and being unable to retrieve their losses in any other way,
your Petitioners humbly conceive that they are in justice and equity entitled
to relief, there being no act of Congress expressly authorizing enumeration for
losses sustained from Indians under circumstances like these.5 Wherefore
your Petitioners, replying your justice, and protecting care, humbly pray
relief in the [unreadable] by being allowed such sums as may be found just,
to be paid them respectively by authority of a law making an appropriation
in their behalf.6
[Signed by]
THOS. TALBOT ELISHA STANLEY EDWIN M. RYLAND
WILLIAM WOLFSKTLL JAMES COLLINS JAMES FIELDING
SOLOMON
HOUCK
5. Military escorts were infrequently provided and the traders soon learned how to pro-
tect themselves.
6. There is a penciled note on this request that it was denied by action of a committee.
Bypaths of Kansas History
FIGHT WITH A BUFFALO
From the Ellis County Star, Hays City, June 15, 1876.
We learn from Mr. H. C. Allen of this city the following facts concerning a
rough and tumble fight between W. N. Morphy, late of this city, and a nearly
full grown buffalo calf, which for cool daring beats any thing we have as yet
heard of. On Tuesday last, while Messrs. Allen and Morphy were driving
along the prairie between Buckner and the Saw Log a herd of buffaloes were
seen approaching. As soon as the animals came in sight a thirst for blood was
aroused within the minds of the two travelers. The only weapons in the outfit
were a thirty-two calibre revolver and a ripping knife. Morphy jumped on his
pony with the revolver, and struck out for the game, Allen following with the
ripping knife as soon as he could detach one of his horses from the wagon, and
secure the other. Morphy soon had a victim singled out and fired at him five
times; but the pony jumped up and down in such a manner that not one of the
shots took effect. Soon getting tired of running, the animal turned and charged
on the pony. He tried this several times, until the matter becoming somewhat
monotonous to the recipient of its attentions, he charged on the buffalo. They
collided, and pony, buffalo and Morphy were scattered all over the ground.
All three regained their footing at the same time, and each commenced busi-
ness: the buffalo to butting the pony, and Morphy to kicking the buffalo.
While busily engaged in this pleasing entertainment the animal, turning quickly,
made for Mr. M. The latter seized him around the neck in a loving embrace
and they went to the earth together, the man uppermost. Just at this stage of
affairs Mr. Allen arrived and while the bison was down thrust his knife into its
vitals, thus ending one of the most novel struggles ever heard of outside of a ten
cent novel.
THOSE DODGE CITIANS AT IT AGAIN
From the Dodge City Times, May 12, 1877.
Wm. Meyer, the boneologist, had a runaway last Wednesday. He had put
his shoulder to the wheel, as it were, and was hauling bones himself with a hired
team. The horses got frightened at some Russian remarks Mr. Meyer got off,
and started to run. At every jump they made Meyer sent a volley of Hessian
invectives after them, which only served to increase their speed. They
stopped a mile up the Arkansas, after running into the water. The wagon
was a total wreck, and Mr. Meyer says he is more than ever inclined to the
opinion that cheese made of milk is superior to that which grows on trees, and
has decided not to take stock in Dick Evans' bacon quarry. In fact, he has so
far lost faith in our Western institutions as to almost doubt the existence of
carpet tack trees and snuff mines.
(564)
Kansas History as Published in the Press
Included recently in Elizabeth Barnes' series, "Historic Johnson
County," in the Johnson County Herald, Overland Park, were an
article on the Lone Elm camping ground, April 14, 1955, and a
history of the Merriam post office, June 2. The Lone Elm camping
ground was an area on the Santa Fe trail southwest of Olathe where
travelers often spent the night. During the summer histories of the
following volunteer fire departments of Johnson county were fea-
tured: Lenexa, June 16, 1955; Lake Quivira, June 23; Shawnee, June
30; Mission No. 1, July 7; Merriam, July 14; and Mission No. 2, July
28.
A biographical sketch of Calvin W. Floyd, 82-year-old cattleman
and banker of Sedan, appeared in the April 17, 1955, issue of the
Coffeyville Daily Journal. The old iron bridge that spanned the
Neosho river near Oswego, built 69 years ago, was the subject of
an article in the Journal, June 7.
A history of the Pony Express mail service, established in April,
1860, and a brief description of the Hollenberg Ranch Pony Express
Station, near Hanover, were published in the Hanover News, April
18, 1955. This station is one of the historic sites now preserved by
the state.
On April 21, 1895, the Canton Christian church was organized
under the leadership of the Rev. P. H. Guy. In connection with the
celebration of its 60th anniversary, the history of the church was
printed in the Canton Pilot, April 21, 1955.
The Manhattan Mercury published a 100-page centennial edition
April 27, 1955. Included were historical articles on the town, the
surrounding community, Kansas State College, and other Manhattan
institutions.
A 64-page centennial edition was published by the Junction City
Union, April 29, 1955. Many articles on the events, persons and
institutions that make up Junction City history were included. Dur-
ing the months of March, April and May, the Union published doz-
ens of pictures illustrating the history of the city.
Mrs. Margaret Curry's part in guiding her son, John Steuart
Curry, toward success as an artist was the theme of "Portrait of a
Mother," by Oren Arnold, in the Farm Journal, Philadelphia, May,
1955. Curry is probably best known for his murals in the state
house and his painting "The Line Storm."
(565)
566 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
The story of Clay Center's two Negro churches, by L. F. Valentine,
was printed in the Clay Center Times, May 5, 1955. Methodist and
Baptist Negro congregations thrived in Clay Center 70 to 50 years
ago. Neither exist now.
A history of the post office at Park, Cove county, was printed in
The Gove County Advocate, Quinter, May 19, 1955.
The Ness County News, Ness City, printed an article by Ellen
Maguire on the history of Ness county, May 26, 1955. The News
published the reminiscences of the late J. W. Topping, June 2,
covering the period 1883-1888, when Topping was a Ness county
rancher.
A 68-page centennial historical edition was published by the Tola
Register, May 30, 1955. The publisher stated "that it contains a
substantial amount of original research revealing facts and pictures
never before published, and that it does represent a reasonably com-
prehensive summary of the highlights of Allen County's 100-year
history." One section was devoted to Humboldt and also appeared
as a part of the Humboldt Unions centennial issue, May 26.
The Holton Recorders 26-page issue of June 9, 1955, included
historical sections printed in observance of Helton's centennial.
Articles and pictures told the story of Helton's history.
Horton history is included in a report by J. W. McManigal in the
Horton Headlight, June 16, 1955, on a study of a photograph collec-
tion. The pictures are views of Horton in 1886 and 1887.
The life of Charles Alger, pioneer in the Douglass community, was
reviewed in the Douglass Tribune, June 16, 1955. Alger came to
Douglass in 1870 when he was two years old.
Bennett Cerf, publisher and columnist, took note in his syndicated
column, "The Cerfboard," recently, of the demise of the Dalton gang
in Coffeyville, October 5, 1892. His story was published in the
Coffeyville Daily Journal, June 16, 1955.
Among the many historical articles published in recent months
by the Hays Daily News were: "A Second Fight With 800 Chey-
ennes Came Shortly After Gen. Custer's Last Stand," June 19, 1955;
"Three Gun Salutes, Balloon Ascensions, 'Jolly Good Time' Filled
July 4th 1878," and "Gen. Custer Never Commanded Ft. Hays De-
spite Tradition," July 3; "Even the Most Vicious Bad Men of Early
West Had Some Hidden Redeeming Qualities," July 10; "H. P. Wil-
son Wrote Thrilling Story of Black Kettle's Last Raid," July 17; "D.
KANSAS HISTORY IN THE PRESS 567
C. Nellis Wrote First-Hand Early History of Hays in 1907," July 24,
31, August 7; and "Everyone Wants to Write About Nicodemus, Only
All-Negro Community in the State," by Mrs. Bernice Brown, July 31.
The early history of the Dow creek ( Lyon county ) community by
John A. Scheel was printed in the Emporia Gazette, June 22, 1955,
and the Weekly Gazette, June 30. Lorenzo Dow and R. H. Abraham
were the first settlers, arriving in 1855. The history was read at the
centennial celebration of the community's pioneers and descendants,
June 19, 1955.
"Battle of Indian Rock Played an Important Part in Salina's His-
tory," is the title of an article by Bob Chesky in the Salina Journal,
June 26, 1955. The information was compiled by G. S. Ripley, as-
sistant curator of the Saline County Historical Museum. Chesky
states that this fight in 1857 was between the "blanket," or more
civilized, Indians to the east and the wilder Indians to the west.
The "blanket" Indians were victorious.
Two articles about Mrs. Lalla Brigham were published in the
Council Grove Republican, July 1, 1955: a biographical sketch by
Mrs. R. R. Cross, and an autobiography entitled "My Story," written
in 1942. July 2 was "Lalla Brigham Day" in Council Grove, honor-
ing her on her 88th birthday. Another story about Mrs. Brigham, by
Ruby Osborn, was printed in the Pratt Daily Tribune, June 30. Mrs.
Brigham came to Council Grove in 1871 when her father, John Maloy
bought the Council Grove Democrat. She developed an interest in
history early in life and became the leader in the Council Grove
community in promoting historical monuments, celebrations, and ob-
servances. For years she served as the town's historian, writing ex-
tensively about the history of Council Grove and the Santa Fe trail.
Newspapers taking note of the 100th anniversary of the initial
meeting of the first Kansas territorial legislature, July 2-6, 1855, in
a stone building in the town of Pawnee, included the Junction City
Union, July 2, 1955, and the Manhattan Mercury, July 3, which pub-
lished accounts of the meeting.
Dodge City history found a place in a recent issue of Western
Mobile Home News, Long Beach. The article, written by Hal
Sackett, was reprinted in the Dodge City Daily Globe, July 4, 1955.
A series of articles on Olathe churches by Bill Miller was pub-
lished through the summer by the Johnson County Democrat, Olathe.
Included were: Episcopal church, July 7, 1955; First Methodist
church, July 21; Assembly of God, August 11; and Nazarene church,
August 18.
Kansas Historical Notes
A Fort Leavenworth Historical Committee has been preparing
plans to bring the story of Fort Leavenworth to the attention of the
nation. Among the results are a study of the post museum, designed
to improve the exhibits and gain additional space, and the recent
organization of the Fort Leavenworth Historical Society. At its
first meeting the society was addressed by John Feller, president of
the Leavenworth County Historical Society.
The commissioners of Sherman county have given the Sherman
County Historical Society permission to install display cases for pic-
tures and relics in the first-floor lobby of the courthouse. A small
grant was made to help finance the project.
Formal dedication of the Ft. Wallace Memorial Museum, at Wal-
lace, took place July 4, 1955, with a Western-type celebration, in-
cluding a rodeo and a chuck-wagon feed.
U. S. Sen. Frank Carlson was the principal speaker at the dedica-
tion and opening of the old Ft. Hays blockhouse and museum, July
4, 1955. The Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club of Hays had
been working for months renovating the historic building and start-
ing the museum.
Formation of the Capper Memorial Association was completed
July 11, 1955, with the granting of a charter by the secretary of state.
Purpose of the association is the restoration and preservation of the
house in Garnett where Arthur Capper was born, July 14, 1865. In-
corporators are: Gwinn G. Shell, Garnett, Leland H. Schenck, To-
peka, and Curtis Koch, Welda. Directors include: Shell, Schenck;
C. H. Oman, Marguerite Stevenson and Florine Velthoen, Garnett;
Fred Brinkerhoff, Pittsburg; and Jess Denious, Jr., Dodge City.
Officers of the Douglass Historical Society are: Mrs. Gladys
Sherar, president; Walter Martin, vice-president; Mrs. Viola Dennett,
secretary and treasurer; Mrs. Turia Bolington, reporter; and Mrs.
Eunice Martin, historian. The fifth annual report of the society ap-
peared in the Douglass Tribune, July 28, 1955.
The annual picnic of the Riley County Historical Society was
held in Manhattan August 3, 1955. Plans were made to decorate
and furnish a room in Manhattan's new auditorium for the society's
collection of records and museum pieces.
(568)
KANSAS HISTORICAL
QUARTERLY
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Winter 1955
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Published by
Kansas State Historical Society
Topeka
KIRKE MECHEM JAMES C. MALIN NYLE H. MILLER
Editor Associate Editor Managing Editor
CONTENTS
PATROLLING THE SANTA FE TRAIL: Reminiscences of John S. Kirwan,
Introduction by Merrill }. Mattes, 569
RANGE BALLADS John Clifford, 588
NOTES ON THE WRITING OF GENERAL HISTORIES OF KANSAS:
Part Five — The "Vanity" Histories (This is the concluding
article of the series which began in the Autumn, 1954,
number of the Quarterly) James C. Malin, 598
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 644
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 646
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 647
ERRATA AND ADDENDA, VOLUME XXI 650
INDEX TO VOLUME XXI . .651
The Kansas Historical Quarterly is published four times a year by the Kansas
State Historical Society, Topeka, Kan., and is distributed free to members. Cor-
respondence concerning contributions may be sent to the managing editor at the
Historical Society. The Society assumes no responsibility for statements made
by contributors.
Entered as second-class matter October 22, 1931, at the post office at To-
peka, Kan., under the act of August 24, 1912.
THE COVER
Forest Avenue (now Broadway) in Parsons on August 4,
1873, as sketched by Jules Tavernier. Parsons was then
about three years old. The original picture, in water colors,
is owned by the Kansas State Historical Society. For bio-
graphical information on Tavernier see The Kansas Historical
Quarterly, v. 14, pp. 1-35.
THE KANSAS
HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Volume XXI Winter, 1955 Number 8
Patrolling the Santa Fe Trail:
Reminiscences of John S. Kirwan
Introduction by MERRILL J. MATTES
E Kirwin reservoir project, on the North Fork of Solomon
J- river, in Phillips county, "Kansas, brings into prominence the
name of a soldier who fought valiantly in the Indian wars of the
Kansas frontier. In 1859-1861 Pvt. John S. Kirwan of Company
K, 4th U. S. cavalry, based at Fort Riley, helped to patrol the Santa
Fe trail. After an interruption of four years, occasioned by the
Civil War, Col. John S. Kirwan of the 12th regiment, Tennessee
Volunteer cavalry, returned to Kansas to deal once again with the
Indians, setting up a stockade on the North Fork of the Solomon
called Camp Kirwan. This encampment was obscure, short-lived,
and historically inconsequential, but it did inspire the naming (but
not the spelling ) of the new settlement of "Kirwin" in 1871.
Although Phillips county was created by the Kansas legislature
in 1867, Indian alarms deterred its settlement until 1870. In De-
cember of that year the townsite of Benton was located at the
mouth of Deer creek, on the left bank of Solomon river, by William
Swanson and John McBride. By June, 1871, prospective settlers
had appeared in numbers, the Kirwin Town Company was formed,
and a city of ambitious proportions, named for the abandoned army
camp across the river, was plotted. One of the earliest structures
was a log stockade, frequently used during a succession of Indian
'scares."
Kirwin is now a modest village ranking fourth in population in
Phillips county, behind Phillipsburg, Logan, and Agra. With many
large and sustantial abandoned buildings, it has obviously seen
better days. Indeed, despite the fact that Phillipsburg became
the county seat in 1872, Kirwin was for several years the largest
MERRILL J. MATTES is regional historian of Region Two, National Park Service, Omaha,
Neb.
(569)
570 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
town in the county, due to its capture of the government land
office in 1875 and the arrival of the Atchison, Colorado and Pacific
railroad (now a branch of the Missouri Pacific) in 1879. Its decline
began in 1887 when the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska (now the
Rock Island railroad) reached Phillipsburg. In 1893 the land
office was removed to Oberlin.1
Kirwin retains the distinction of being the first permanent settle-
ment in Phillips county and the locale of the Kirwin Chief, which
contained the earliest publication yet found of the immortal ballad
"Home on the Range." 2 The Kirwin reservoir project is restoring
growth and new prestige to the community.3
Construction of the Kirwin dam by the Bureau of Reclamation,
United States Department of the Interior, is part of an all-em-
bracing water control plan for the Missouri river basin, launched by
the Flood Control Act of 1944. The National Park Service, another
agency of the Department of the Interior, co-operates with the
bureau by making surveys of historical and archeological features
of proposed reservoir areas, by authority of the so-called historic
sites act of 1935. In the Missouri river basin this is the specific
responsibility of the history division of the Region Two office of
the National Park Service, at Omaha, Neb., in collaboration with
the Missouri river project, river basin surveys, Smithsonian Insti-
tution, headquartered at Lincoln, Neb.
In 1946 archeologists of the Smithsonian Institution reported
evidence of "a small military post" in the Kirwin reservoir area on
the edge of a low bluff on the south bank of the Solomon, about
one half mile above the mouth of Bow creek and one and a half
miles southwest of Kirwin village. In December of that year, the
writer made a field investigation, examining the site and obtaining
data from local residents who had a wealth of tradition but few
solid facts regarding "old Camp Kirwan." This was later supple-
mented by meager data from published sources available in the
libraries of the Kansas State Historical Society and the State His-
1. "Inventory of County Archives of Kansas, No. 74, Phillips County," Kansas Historical
Records Survey, W. P. A., 1941; Kirwin Kansan, September 26, 1940, and August 20, 1942;
Albert R. Greene, "U. S. Land-Offices in Kansas," Collections of the Kansas State Historical
Society, v. 8 (1903-1904), p. 11; Merrill J. Mattes, "Historical Aspects of Kirwin Reservoir
North Fork, Solomon River, Kansas," prepared by National Park Service for Bureau of
Reclamation, Region 7, Denver, Colo., February, 1947 (manuscript copy in files of Kansas
State Historical Society); Frank W. Blackmar, Kansas, a Cyclopedia (Chicago, 1912), v. 2,
pp. 77, 78; A. T. Andreas and W. G. Cutler, History of the State of Kansas (Chicago, 1883),
p. 1,514.
2. Kirke Mechem, The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 17 (November, 1949), p. 319.
Words of the song were published in the Kirwin Chief, February 26, 1876.
3. The reservoir behind Kirwin Dam will spare Kirwin but will inundate the site of
Camp Kirwan. Construction of the dam is tentatively scheduled for completion in December,
PATROLLING THE SANTA FE TRAIL 571
torical Society of Missouri, and disappointing but somewhat more
substantial data from the National Archives in Washington, D. C.
The discovery of Kirwan's reminiscences of adventures along
the Santa Fe trail in 1859-1861 was a by-product of efforts by the
National Park Service to gather data relating to the doomed site
of Camp Kirwan, 1865.
John M. Gray, citizen of Kirwin and an authority on local history,
informed the writer that on June 24, 1946, he was visited by John
S. Gregory of Lynwood, Cal., a great-grandson of Colonel Kirwan.
An inquiry directed to Mr. Gregory led to correspondence with his
aunt, a granddaughter of Colonel Kirwan, Mrs. M. Semiring, also of
Lynwood. After consultation with relatives living in Missouri,
Mrs. Schuring came up with "a copy of the autobiography that had
been made up out of a diary Colonel Kirwan kept in his youth and
written down some 50-odd or more years ago by one of the children."
The original diary itself is apparently missing.
The rather impressive career of John S. Kirwan is outlined in the
now scarce History of Laclede, Camden, Dallas, Webster, Wright,
Texas, Pulaski, Phelps and Dent Counties, Missouri.4
Kirwan was born in Lempster, Sullivan county, N. H., June 22,
1840. His parents, Hugh and Bridget (Hanigan) Kirwan, were
born in the counties of Galway and Rosscomon, Ireland, respectively,
and were the parents of ten children, five boys and five girls, John
being the eldest. John nearly missed being an American citizen
for it was not until May, 1840, that his father immigrated to America,
to engage in farming.
In 1851 Hugh Kirwan died, at age 65, and his widow and children
moved to Manchester, N. H., where John attended school and
worked part time in the factories. In 1855 he entered the dry goods
house of H. Doherty & Company, Boston, as a salesman, but in 1856
he returned to Manchester to act as a salesman for Wright & Gill,
and W. A. Putney & Company. In 1858, at age 18, John "ran away
from home" and enlisted in the regular army at Boston.5 He was
shortly sent to the school of instruction for cavalry, "the mounted
service," at Carlisle Barracks, Pa. His subsequent adventures as an
enlisted cavalryman on the Kansas frontier in 1859-1860 are the
theme of the appended reminiscences.
In the fall of 1861 his company was ordered from Fort Leaven-
4. The Goodspeed Publishing Company, Chicago, 1889. The writer is indebted to
Dr. Floyd C. Shoemaker of the State Historical Society of Missouri for a transcription.
5. The statement in the "reminiscences" that he was 19 at the time of his desertion is
apparently an error.
572 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
worth to campaign with Union armies in the South. Kirwan partici-
pated in many hard-fought engagements during the next few years.
He was colonel of the 12th Tennessee cavalry at Eastport, Miss.,
when ordered with his regiment to St. Louis, Mo., on May 1, 1865.
The 12th Tennessee cavalry left Eastport May 11 by steamer and
arrived at St. Louis May 17. The official report on the summer's
campaign is given in the report of Bvt. Brig. Gen. George Spalding,
regimental commander, who did not personally accompany the
expedition:
. . . The Regiment was remounted and refitted and sent to Fort Leaven-
worth to report to General Mitchell. Left St. Louis May 30th, and arrived at
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, June 7th. On the 18th the Regiment started as
an escort for a party of surveyors with orders to establish camp on the North
Fork of Solomon River, west of the 2d Guide meridian, which point it reached
July 10th, 1865. The Regiment furnished the surveyor's a sufficient escort
and the rest of the Regiment scouted the country through Southern Nebraska
and Northern Kansas, as far as the Colorado line. Sept. 3d, orders having been
received to return to Fort Leavenworth for muster out, the Regiment started
to Fort Leavenworth where it arrived Sept. 18th. Oct. 7th, the Regiment was
mustered out by Capt. Hubbard, 13th Mo. Cav., and A. C. M., and started to
Nashville Oct. 9th, where it arrived the 19th, and was finally paid and dis-
charged Oct. 24th, 1865.6
Relationship of the Kirwan expedition to the general military
strategy against the Indians is given in the November 1, 1865, report
of Maj. Gen. Grenville M. Dodge, Hdqts., U. S. Forces Kansas and
the Territories, Fort Leavenworth, to Bvt. Lieut. Col. Jos. McC.
Bell, Asst. Adj. Gen., Department of the Missouri, at St. Louis:
In forming my plans for the campaign my understanding was that the hostile
Indians were to be punished at all hazards, and this I intended to do, knowing
if I was allowed to press the campaign according to my plans that before an-
other spring a satisfactory and durable peace could be obtained. My general
plan of operations was marked out as follows, viz: General P. E. Connor,
commanding District of the Plains, was to move against the northern Indians
in three columns; General J. B. Sanborn, commanding District of Upper Arkan-
sas, to move with three columns against the southern Indians, and two separate
columns, small and light, were to move, respectively, up the Republican and
Smoky Hill Forks of the Kansas River, and keep the country between the Platte
and Arkansas Rivers free from Indians, and aid in keeping the great overland
routes unobstructed. In addition to these dispositions troops had to be kept
posted on the Platte stage and telegraph lines from Fort Kearny, via both
Denver and Fort Laramie to Salt Lake City and along the Arkansas route to
New Mexico. . . .
The column sent up the Republican was under Lieutenant-Colonel Kirwan,
6. Photostated excerpt from a published history of Tennessee during the Civil War
furnished by Mrs. John Trotvvood Moore, state librarian and archivist, State Department of
Education, Nashville. Tenn.
PATROLLING THE SANTA FE TRAIL 573
Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry, and was about 350 strong. It kept that country
clear of Indians during the entire summer, and protected the Government
surveyors who were employed in completing the work they were driven from
the year previous. The force sent up the Smoky Hill route under Major
Pritchard was about 250 strong. While scouting that country it at the same
time opened that route to Denver, which is now traveled with a daily stage,
and is about 100 miles nearer to Denver from all points south of Saint Joseph
than the Platte route. . . J
In a report of several pages, given over mainly to the unsuccessful
"Powder river expedition" under General Connor, the sortie "up the
Republican" is thus revealed as a minor operation, but an essential
part of the grand strategy designed to suppress the Sioux, Cheyenne,
Comanche, and their allies who had been staging a rebellion of their
own out on the Plains while the Civil War was in progress.
Three related documents from the National Archives will serve
to throw light on the hitherto obscure history of Camp Kirwan, the
focal point of Colonel Kirwan's campaign "up the Republican":
Head Quarters District North Kansas
FORT LEAVENWORTH June 12th, 1865
Special Order
No. 118
2 The commanding officer 12th Term. Cav. will detail two
Companies of his command to report to Lieut. Col. Heinrichs comdg. Post
Fort Leavenworth for duty with the garrison at this Post
3 The remaining companies of the regiment will proceed as
soon as the regiment is paid to the north Fork of Solomons Fork west of
the 2d Guide meridian and will under the command of the regimental
commander be encamped at such point as will enable the command to
carry its orders into execution
4 Three escorts will be furnished one to accompany surveying
party with Mr. Angett, one with party under charge of Mr. Chester Ruthruff
and with Mr. Hugh McKee
5 Hugh McKee will have general supervision over the surveying
parties and his suggestions and directions as to the movements of escorts
so far as they may relate to the movements of the surveying parties
6 The encampment of the command will be made at such
central point in the country to be operated and with such reserves as to
enable the detachment to concentrate if necessary for offensive or defensive
movements
7 The commanding officer will make the prescribed reports and
returns to these Head Qrs.
8 John W. Smith will be placed upon the Q. M. rolls as a scout
7. The War of the Rebellion: a Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and
Confederate Armies, series 1, v. 48, pt. 1 (Washington, 1896), pp. 335-348. See, also,
Frederick H. Dyer, Compendium of the War of the Rebellion (Des Moines, 1908), p. 1,641.
574 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
with compensation at the rate of six ($6) and one ration per diem from the
21st ult. and will accompany the 12th Tenn. Cav.
9 The commanding officer 12th Tenn. Cav. will furnish John
Smith Guide with a horse and equipments.
By Order of
Brig. Genl. ROBT. B. MITCHELL
Comdg Officer J. W. PRATT
12 Ten Cav 8 A. A. G.
Headquarters United States Forces,
Kansas and the Territories,
FORT LEAVENWORTH, July 30th 1865
Brig Genl C. J. Stalbrand
Com'dg District of Kansas.
Fort Leavenworth.
General:
I am directed by the Major General Commanding to instruct you to cause
the 12th Tennessee Cavalry to make a scout up the Republican and back on
the Solomon, watching close for any Indian signs, and whipping any party of
Indians there may be in that country. They will leave a sufficient force to take
care of their camp and protect surveying parties, which need not be very
large, as it is said there are no Indians near their present camp, and their
movement will attract the attention of any Band between Smoky Hill and
the Platte.
They should make a rapid march, and reconnoiter thoroughly, going beyond
Big Timbers on the Republican. On their return they will send to Kearney
and telegraph to the Commanding General, wherever he may be, the result
of their reconnaissance, and make their written report to you.
I have the honor to be, General,
Very Respectfully, Yr Ob Svt.
J. F. BENNETT
A. A. Genl »
Hd. Qrs 12th Tenn Cavy.
CAMP KIRWAN KAN Aug. 22d 1865
Captain
I have the honor to state that I received your dispatch Aug 6th inst and
proceeded according to instruction to the Republican up the Republican ten
miles above the Big Timber thence south to North Fork of Solomon thence
down Solomon to Camp
The only Indian signs I could see any where was at the Big Timber and
that appeared to be nearly a year old (about the time General Mitchell made
his scout last fall)
The command with me numbered one hundred and sixty strong. We were
8. Records of the War Department, Headquarters District of North Kansas.
9. Ibid., U. S. army command, letter of July 30, 1865, "K" 98 District of Kansas.
PATROLLING THE SANTA FE TRAIL 575
about sixteen days and marched a distance of three hundred and forty seven
miles
Very Respectfully Your Obt Servt
JNO. S. KIRWAN
Lt. Col. Comdg.
To
Cap John Pratt
A. A. G. 10
From these records it appears that Camp Kirwan was clearly a
temporary summer encampment from which the troops embarked
on patrols to scout out the country for Indian predators, and to
protect the surveyors.11 It seems equally clear that Indians were
scarce in that region, no engagements took place, and the surveyors
were unmolested. This documented picture is quite different from
the picture of "Fort Kirwan" based on a quite unreliable source
painted by Garfield in an early issue of The Kansas Historical
Quarterly:
Somewhat different from that of other forts in Kansas is the history of Fort
Kirwan. Built to meet the necessity of frontier defense, it failed to meet that
need and consequently was abandoned. The fort was established in 1865 by
Colonel Kirwin and a company of Tennessee volunteers who were sent to
protect the Kansas frontier. The site chosen was near the confluence of Bow
creek with the North Solomon river in what is now Phillips county. Colonel
John Kirwin, its builder, finding the country swarming with the hostile Indians,
judiciously decided to vacate. There were no settlers needing protection within
one hundred miles of the fort.12
Kirwan must have been favorably impressed with the Solomon
river valley, for immediately after being mustered out of service
with his regiment he filed on a homestead in Ottawa county, Kansas,
soon opening the first store in the budding community which be-
10. Ibid., U. S. army command, District of Kansas, K 123, 1865.
The regimental records for the year 1865 include the usual muster rolls and returns.
Ordinarily the returns would show the detailed movements of this regiment, but the "Record
of Events" column is not filled out. — Letter of August 14, 1952, to the writer from Richard
G. Wood, for Dallas Irvine, chief archivist, War Records Branch.
11. "Camp Kirwan" appears in the SE%, SE^4, Sec. 32, T. 4 S., R. 16 W., 6th P. M.,
original township plat issued by the surveyor general's office. Roads from Camp Kirwan to
Fort Riley and Fort Kearney are indicated.
Lyman H. Perkins, who originally homesteaded the quarter section which embraces the
"Camp," apparently respected the historic site for he refrained from cultivating it. Today
the shallow outline of a ditch or trench, roughly 65 feet square by actual measurement,
survives, bordered on the east by a grassy plateau, on the south by a cultivated field, on
the west by deep gully, and on the north by the cottonwood-lined Solomon river. Evidence
supports the theory that Camp Kirwan consisted only of a few tents within a stockade or
enclosure, probably composed of upright cottonwood poles. The site was well selected,
commanding an excellent view of the river and adjacent plain. Reconnaissance by a
Smithsonian Institution field party in 1953 failed to reveal further significant evidence.
The reputed near-by grave of a soldier who died of cholera in 1865 remains unconfirmed.
12. Marvin H. Garfield, "The Military Post as a Factor in the Frontier Defense of
Kansas, 1865-1869," The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 1 (November, 1931), pp. 58, 59,
whose source was Z. T. Walrond, "Annals of Osborne County, Kansas, 1870-1879" (a
bound volume of clippings in the library of the Kansas State Historical Society), p. 21.
576 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
came present Minneapolis. Again demonstrating qualities of leader-
ship, in 1866 he was elected a delegate from Ottawa county to the
state Republican convention at Topeka, and was there elected one
of the vice-presidents of that convention.
For reasons not made clear, Kansas must somehow have lost its
charm for Colonel Kirwan, for in 1867 he moved to St. Louis, Mo.,
and became a member of the police force of that city, first as a ser-
geant, then as a captain. In 1870 he resigned from the force and
took the stump with other liberal Republicans, in favor of the
enfranchisement of Confederate soldiers.
In 1871 he entered the St. Louis post office and worked there for
over 16 years, resigning on December 1, 1887. On January 1, 1880,
he purchased a farm near Raymondville, Mo.13 Here he died in
1908.14 His only child, Ella Cecelia Kirwan, married Benjamin
Osborn Holt of Raymondville, having four children, one of them
being Mrs. M. Schuring of Lynwood, Calif., to whom we are in-
debted for the following reminiscences of the Santa Fe trail in 1859-
1861.
REMINISCENCES OF JOHN S. KIRWAN
When I was a youngster, on the farm where I was raised on
Lempster Mountain, Sullivan County, New Hamshire, I read a novel
written by Charles Lever, called "Charles O'M alley, or the Irish
Dragoon." This fixed my ambition to become a soldier, when I was
old enough to be one.
My father died when I was eleven years old; my mother sold the
little farm and the family moved to Manchester, N. H. I worked in
the mills there for a short time, until a friend managed to place me
in a Wholesale & Retail Dry Goods House in Boston, Mass, where
I stayed for about a year. A member of the firm opened a store in
Manchester, N. H. and I was more than glad to return there with
him and be at home again. I remained there until I was nineteen
years old, when I ran away to Boston and enlisted in the Mounted
Service, U. S. Army.
Lt. Ramson [Hyatt C. Ransom] of the Mounted Rifles was re-
cruiting Officer and informed me, that he could not accept me,
unless I had my mother's consent. The recruiting Sergeant noticed
my disappointed looks and followed me out to the sidewalk. He told
me to come back the next day late in the afternoon as by that time
13. History of Laclede, Camden, Dallas, Webster, Wright, Texas, Pulaski, Phelps and
Dent Counties, Missouri. See Footnote 4.
14. From supplemental biographical data supplied by Mrs. M. Schuring, Lynwood, CaL
PATROLLING THE SANTA FE TRAIL 577
in the day Ransom would be so intoxicated, that he would not know
how old I was and that he (the Sergeant) would put my age down
as twenty two. I did not like the idea of the deception, but solaced
my conscience thinking the Sergeant was doing the deceiving.
In about ten days we had about twenty recruits and started for
Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. At New York and Philadelphia
we received quite a number of recruits and numbered over a hun-
dred on leaving Philadelphia. We arrived at Carlisle Barracks at
about 4 P. M. as hungry a set of boys as you ever saw. As we ar-
rived between meals there was nothing to be had but some hard
tack and cabbage soup and this did not agree with me. Some of the
boys were very much disappointed until the next day when they
found out that the regular fare was all right. After we rested a day
we were assigned to different squads and started to drill.
Carlisle Barracks at that time was the General Rendezvous for
recruits of the Mounted Service. Approximately 500 men were
there, divided into Companies of about 80 men each and lettered
alphabetically. The post was commanded by Lt. Col. [George B.]
Crittenden of the Mounted Rifles (who afterwards went with the
South). Among the Officers I remember were Capt. J. B. Gordon
[?], of the 1st Dragoons, 1st Lt. and Brevet Capt. McRea [Alexander
McRae?] of the Mounted Rifles, 2nd Lt. Joe Wheeler, Mounted
Rifles, 2nd Lt. Fitzhugh Lee of the Dragoons, and 2nd Lts. [An-
drew] Jackson [Jr. ?] and [Lunsford L.] Lomax of the 1st Cav-
alry, and several others that I cannot remember just now.
Lee, Wheeler, and Lomax appeared to be the brightest and most
athletic of the lot of young officers there and were foremost in pick-
ing up handkerchiefs from the ground, their horses on the run,
vaulting on and over their horses on a walk, trot, or gallop, and
cutting heads placed on posts on the drill grounds. We were drilled
constantly when the weather permitted during the fall and winter
of 1858 and '59. At this time the Army was composed of 5 Mounted
Regiments. (1st & 2nd Dragoons, the Mounted Rifles and 1st and
2nd Cavalry) 4 Regiments of Artillery, and 10 Regiments of Infan-
try.— Cavalry and Infantry, [comprised] 10 Companies to a Regi-
ment. [There were] 12 Companies in a Regiment of Artillery (2
Light Batteries and 10 Companies of heavy Artillery). The heavy
Artillery were drilled in infantry tactics. [I] do not remember the
name of the Colonel of the 1st Dragoons; Col. Philip St. George
Cookfe], commanded the 2nd Dragoons; Col. [William W.] Loring,
Mounted Rifles; Lt. Col. Crittenden, 1st Cavalry (now 4th); and
578 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Col. E. V. Siimner and Lt. Col. Jos. E. Johnston, Wm. H. Emory,
Senior Major and John Sedgwick, Junior Major [also with 1st
cavalry]. The 2nd Cavalry (now the 5th) had Albert Sidney John-
ston, Colonel; Robert E. Lee, Lt. Colonel; Earl Van Dorn, Senior
[Junior?] Major and Geo. H. Thomas, Junior [Senior?] Major.
About the 1st of May 1859 about 50 recruits were assigned [to]
4 Companies of the 1st Cavalry, stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas Terri-
tory; Lt. Ransom of H Company of that Regiment was in command
of the squad, and we travelled by rail to St. Louis and from there
by steamboat "War Eagle" to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. We had
to foot it from Leavenworth to Fort Riley, 125 miles and arrived
there very footsore and tired on the last day of May. There we were
divided among the four Companies F, G, H and K. I was assigned
to K. They were all ready to go on the plains and only had awaited
our arrival to start, which we did the following morning, June 1st,
1859.
The different Companies of the Regiment were located as follows:
F, G, H and K at Fort Riley, Kansas, E and D at Fort Smith, Arkan-
sas, C and I at Fort Arbuckle, Indian Territory and A and B at Fort
Cobb, Indian Territory. The Officers of the 1st Cavalry were Col.
E. V. Sumner, commanding the Department of the West, Head-
quarters at St. Louis, Mo., Lt. Col. Joseph E. Johnston, detailed as
Quartermaster General of the Army, Washington, D. C., Sr. Major
Wm. Emory, Bvt. Lt. Col., Jr. Major John Sedgwick. The line
Officers were:
Co. A Wm. Beal [1] Captain of Va.
B [Delos B.] Sackett [Sacket] " North
C Thos Woods [Wood] North
D [James M.] Mclntosh Miss.
E [Samuel D.] Sturgis North
F [W. D.] Desasuer [De Saussure] " S. C.
G [William S.] Walker " Fla.
H [Edward W. B.] Newby North
" I Eugene Carr " North
" K Geo. H. Stuart [Steuart] " Maryland
The First Lieutenants that I can remember were [George?] Bell of
K; D.[avid] Stanley of C; J. E. B. Stuart of G; Ransom of H; Elmer
Otis of F; [Philip] Stockton of B; [Oliver H.] Fish of I. As the
Regiment was never to-gether before the war it is hard to remember
all the names but I remember the following Second Lieutenants:
Joe Taylor of K; [George D.] Bayard of G; [John A.] Thompson of
F; Eli Long of H; [Edward] Ingraham of I; Lomax of D; Ives
[Alfred Iverson?] of C; Jackson was at Ft. Arbuckle in A or B
PATROLLING THE SANTA FE TRAIL 579
Company. Some of these names became very well known during
the war.
Leaving Fort Riley we crossed the Kaw River near the Fort and
marched in a Southwesterly direction until we reached the Santa Fe
trail at Lost Springs; and followed this to the Big Bend of the
Arkansas River. As you will remember '59 was the year of the
discovery of gold at Pike's Peak. There were two routes that the
Peakers followed, the Northern one from Omaha along the Platt
River and the other from Independence, Mo., along the Santa Fe
Trail to the Arkansas River and along the north side of that river to
the Raton Crossing, thence north by way of Pueblo to the new
town of Denver. We were ordered to the Arkansas Valley to pro-
tect the emigrants going that. way, from any Indian attacks, as there
were five tribes of them roaming through that country, viz: The
Kiowas, Comanches, Cheyennes, Arapahoes and Apaches. All were
supposed to be at Peace or said to be, and we had very little to do
during the summer, moving camp short distances as the grass was
fed short, and for sanitary reasons.
We remained there until the latter part of September when we
started back to Fort Riley. Everything appeared lovely and we all
anticipated a nice comfortable time the following winter at the
Fort. We reached the Little Arkansas River on the evening of
September 30th. About 2 A. M. the 1st Sergeant laid his hand on
my shoulder and whispered in my ear: "Get up quick and make
no noise, the Indians have broken loose and killed Peacock and
burned his ranch"; this ranch was about 30 miles back on the road
we had just travelled, at the point where the Santa Fe Trail crossed
Walnut Creek a short distance from the Arkansas River. Two of
the Companies G and K, were started at once; the other two F and
H were to start at daylight. We made the 30 miles in two hours,
and found the ranch partially burned up and the contents scattered
everywhere. After killing Peacock, they scalped him, and three
or four men employed by him ran away.15 It was one of them that
rode to where we were and informed us of the murder.
We found one Indian only and he was so beastly drunk he could
not get away and his pony was standing near him, apparently as
sound asleep as its master. Just as day was breaking that Indian
seemed to raise from the ground as if by magic, jumped on his
pony and started away for the Bluffs. No one waited for a com-
mand but jumped on his horse and took after him. We thought
15. Although George H. Peacock's trading post was attacked September 20, 1859,
no one was killed. However, a year later, on September 9, 1860, Peacock was killed
there by the Kiowa chief Satank. — Western Journal of Commerce, Kansas City, Mo.,
October 13, 1859; Emporia News, September 22, 1860.
580 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
that he had gotten away from us when suddenly Lt. Bayard came
through the crowd like a whirlwind on a racer, that his uncle
Senator Bayard had sent him before leaving Fort Riley. Bayard
gradually lessened the distance between him and the Indian until
he got within range of him, when he fired two shots over his head
to stop him. This however seemed to put fresh energy in the pony,
who made a fresh burst of speed. The Indian evidently thought
Bayard was not a good shot; he leaned forward on his pony and
slapped his back with his hand in derision. Just as he straightened
up again, Bayard put a bullet in his back between the shoulders
and he dropped off his pony, dead.
We immediately started back to the ranch, about 5 miles distant.
We knew that an Indian war was now certain, as an Indian had
been killed and from all appearances a chief of considerable prom-
inence. Capt. Desasuer, who was in command, called a Council
of his officers and it was decided to immediately hunt for the Indi-
ans. A guard was detailed for the wagons and we took 3 days
rations in haversacks. We started over the Bluffs and after scouting
for four days we were unable to overtake them and found that we
were then only about 15 miles from Peacock's ranch, as the trails
crossed and recrossed in every direction. After returning to the
ranch we found that Major [James] Longstreet, Paymaster of New
Mexico had camped there for the night with his escort, and I saw
him the next morning. He was then a man of middle age, large and
fine looking, and he left us the following day. [The next time Mr.
Kirwan saw Major Longstreet was at the Banquet of the Military
Order of the Loyal Legion, at the Planters Hotel, 1892.]
It was decided that the command should return to Fort Riley
as instructed. Just as we were ready to start, the monthly mail
for Santa Fe and Albuquerque came up; they had a covered
wagon drawn by four mules which made the distance from Inde-
pendence, Mo. to Santa Fe, approximately 800 miles in an average
time of 16 days. There were three men with the wagon, Larry
Smith, the conductor and his brother Mike, the driver and an extra
hand by the name of Cole. They wanted to go through without
an escort, but Capt. Desasuer would not allow them as he did not
consider it safe and decided to send an escort with them part of
the way or until Smith thought he was out of danger. A detail
was made up of seven men from each Company, one commissioned
officer, Lt. Otis, and two non-commissioned Officers, Sgt. Caven-
dish and Corporal Richmond, a total of thirty. I was one of the
PATROLLING THE SANTA FE TRAIL 581
detail of my Company and the next morning as the command
started East towards Fort Riley, we went West with the mail. We
passed Pawnee Rock (about 15 miles) at 10.30 A. M. and reached
a creek called Pawnee Ford at 2 P. M. where we made camp for
the night. Smith was very impatient at the slow travelling and
said he didn't believe there was an Indian in the country. Otis
tried to reason with him but to no avail and at 4 P. M. the mail
pulled out. That was the last time we saw Larry and Mike Smith
alive.
The next morning, just as we were ready to start back, a man
bareheaded and covered with blood rode into camp. We at once
gathered around him and found that it was Cole, the extra hand,
who was with the mail wagon, the day before. He was weak from
the loss of blood and suffering intense pain from wounds. His
shoulder and arm were broken and the top of his head was nearly
scalped. He told us, that as they crossed a dry run called Jones
Dry Fork about six miles from where we were, the Indians came
out of the dry creek bed and surrounded them, crying: "wano
Americano/' The wagon was stopped and conductor Smith ordered
Cole to get out and give them whatever they wanted; he gave them
a large box of sugar crackers, coffee, bacon, hams and some flour.
After they had eaten what they wanted, the chief or the one acting
as such, motioned for Cole to get up behind him on the pony. When
Cole refused to do so, two of them jumped off their ponies, grabbed
him and tried to force him to get on the pony. He jerked loose
and ran around to the other side of the wagon and climbed in. In
the mean time the Smiths had been turning the wagon around and
got ready to start back towards our camp, but just then they opened
fire, killing both brothers at the first volley. Larry was shot and
killed with arrows, one going right through his heart, Mike was
shot through the head.
When Cole got into the wagon, he picked up the lines from the
dead man's hands and started the team. Just then he was shot
and although suffering terribly, he held the lines with his right hand.
The firing frightened the horses and they ran a good gait. One
Indian tried several times to run in front of them but failed in the
attempt and Cole decided to shoot him the next time he tried. The
mules kept up the pace until they passed the bottom of the dry
creek, when they came to a walk and as they got on top of the bank,
the same Indian rushed forward again, but just as he got in front of
the mules Cole fired his Sharp's carbine, killing him. He rolled off
582 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
his pony in front of the mules, which caused them to turn from the
road and make a curve towards a large cottonwood tree standing
near the creek. By this time it was getting dark and as the team
turned, Cole jumped out of the wagon and laid flat on the ground.
No one had seen him jump and when the Indians got up on the
bank of the creek, they did not follow the curved tracks made by
the wagon wheels, but went straight from the creek bed to the
cottonwood tree, where the mules stopped. They undoubtedly ex-
pected to find the bodies of the Smiths and Cole in the wagon and
their disappointment at not finding the latter was plainly told by
their howls. Two of them started back on the trail of the wagon
wheels, while the others scalped poor Smith and plundered the
wagon. The two on the trail of the wagon wheels kept together
until about two hundred feet from where Cole was, when one
circled to the right and the other to the left, leaving him in the
middle between them. They met on the road and followed it down
into the creekbed. Cole from his prone position could see them,
while they on their ponies could not see an object on the ground
and naturally supposed that he had hid somewhere along the bank
of the creek.
As soon as they [the Indians] disappeared down the creek bank,
Cole commenced dragging himself along on the ground, by catching
the Buffalo grass with his good hand. He kept this up until he
fainted from pain and loss of blood. How long he laid there he does
not know, but the pain of his wounds and the cold night air caused
him considerable suffering. He crawled up on his feet and looked
around but could not tell where he was. He had seen a campfire a
long ways off and thinking it was our campfire started in that di-
rection until after a long wearisome tramp he got near enough to it,
to hear dogs barking. He nearly fainted again, as he knew, that
there were no dogs in the soldiers camp and that it must be an
Indian camp. He immediately turned back to get as far away from
that campfire as possible, and trudged along reaching the Santa Fe
trail a little before daylight, where he was lucky enough to meet a
party of returning Pike's Peakers, consisting of 15 wagons, 21 men,
16 women and 10 children, to whom he told what had happened.
They dressed his wounds as well as possible and as he knew we
were to start back in the morning, he insisted that they let him have
a mule and rode as fast as he could to reach us.
Lt. Otis decided to proceed to Jones' Creek, bury the Smith boys
and escort the Pike's Peakers back to the settlements. He picked
PATROLLING THE SANTA FE TRAIL 583
two men with best and fastest horses to take a dispatch to Capt.
Desasuer to report what had happened. These two men rode 90
miles that day and overtook the command at Cow Creek, where it
went into camp to wait for us. We went on to Jones Creek and
met the Peakers, who had made camp near a waterhole in that
creek. We borrowed some picks and shovels from them and they
helped us dig a wide deep grave and buried the Smiths. We then
made another start for the command. The Peakers all had small
rifles and plenty of ammunition; the women also had small rifles
and were not afraid to use them, making in all over 60 carbines and
rifles, besides each cavalry man had a heavy revolver and a saber,
so we felt perfectly safe.
When we got to Ash Creek about 5 miles East of Pawnee Fork,
we saw an Indian talking to a greaser, who was jerking Buffalo
meat, but as soon as the Indian spied us he galloped off. One of
our men could talk Mexican and the greaser told him the Indians
were massed on the ridge or bluff running from Ash Creek to
Pawnee Rock, about ten miles distant, where the road ran parallel
to and about a quarter mile from the bluff. We placed the wagons
in the center and moved on; the women or larger children drove,
while the men walked on the side of the next bluffs and the cavalry
front and rear of them. The women were brave and even the chil-
dren were plucky; poor Cole, whom we had placed in a wagon
insisted that he would fight too, so we propped him up on a bed,
with his Sharp's carbine which was found at the place where he
jumped out of the mailwagon. This was the same kind of carbine,
we were using.
Pretty soon we came in sight of the Indians scattered along the
bluff as far as we could see, moving up and down the sides of the
slope. They did everything possible to draw us on, and away from
the wagons, but Otis gave positive orders, that we were not to fire
a shot unless attacked and under no circumstances to leave the
wagons. They did not attack us and we moved along as rapidly as
possible, until we arrived at a crescent-shaped pond about 5 miles
East of Pawnee Rock, where we made Camp for the night. The
wagons were placed so as to make a barricade from one point of
the crescent-shaped pond to the other, making a pretty good de-
fensive position in case we were bothered.
The next day we reached the Big Bend of the Arkansas River and
the day thereafter found our command at Cow Creek, where K
Company awaited us, the other Companies having gone to Fort
584 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Riley. Lt. Otis and the men of the other Companies left us the
next morning, taking Cole with them to the Hospital at the Fort
where he eventually recovered, and the Peakers went on to the
settlements. We remained until the 27th of November, guarding
the mail between Cow Creek and Fort Union, New Mexico (600
miles), when we were relieved by Lt. Bell and a detail of 40 men,
who made their headquarters at Pawnee Fork, and started to build
Fort Larned.
We reached Fort Riley on the 29th and the next day I was detailed
for guard duty. The guardhouse was a two-story building and like
all the buildings there was built of rock, the lower story being used
as a guardhouse while the upper part was an Assembly-room for
the reserve guards, reached by a wide stairway. I was placed on
Post number One and part of my duties were to guard a couple of
soldiers, who were sentenced to walk in front of number one and
carry a knapsack with 30 pounds of brick in it for 30 days. One of
them asked to be allowed to take off his knapsack and draw a
bucket of water from the well at one end of the Post, and as the
day was cold, I did not want to call any of the men out, so allowed
him to do as he requested.
They had their drink and just as he was putting on the knapsack,
the officer of the Day, Capt. Nathaniel Lyon, came in sight, so I
called out: "Turn out the Guard, Officer of the day." He answered,
angrily and sharply: "Never mind the Guard," so I called out:
"Never mind the Guard" and came to a proper salute. He paid no
attention to the salute, but walked straight up to me and asked:
"How long have you been in the service, sir?"
You learn fast in the Army, and quick as a flash it occurred to me,
that a batch of recruits had arrived at the Fort about two weeks
before and some of them were assigned to K; so I answered: "A
little over two weeks sir." He asked the Sergeant of the Guard,
Lon Stokes, who belonged to K if that was true and he promptly
lied like a gentleman for me and said it was. He then turned to
me and said: "It is a good thing for you, that you are a recruit, or
I would punish you properly, sir, for letting that prisoner take off
his knapsack, sir."
This was the first time I had seen the Captain, but I knew of him
well by reputation and that was, that he was the most tyrannical
officer in the Army. It was reported of him, that one time a batch
of recruits came to his Company and he got them in line and com-
menced with the man on the right as follows: "How long have you
been in the service, sir?" The man would tell him. "Have you
PATROLLING THE SANTA FE TRAIL 585
ever been punished, sir?*' The man said "No." "Well, I will
punish you, sir, I will punish you properly, sir/' The next one told
him he had been punished, and Lyon said: "You were not punished
properly, sir, I will punish you properly, sir," and so on. Every one
had to be punished and no one knew how to punish properly ex-
cepting Captain Lyon himself. His after career showed, that he
was fitted for a large command, not a small one, and his patriotism
showed bright when the opportunity offered. He never had the
softening influence of a home, as he was an old bachelor and
therefor cranky. But issues raised by the War gave his brain
sufficient material to work on and made him a great General. I
at least had no cause for complaint, as I considered I got off easy.
Lyon commanded B Company and Capt. and brevet Major
[Henry W.] Wessel[l]s, commanded G Company, 2nd Infantry.
Lyon and his Company were sent to St. Louis Arsenal in April of
1860 and Wessels to the new Fort Larned. Colonel F. W. Schaurte
was then 1st Sergeant of Wessels Company G.
Preparations were made for a general crusade against the Indians
as soon as the grass started, as our horses as well as the Indians'
had to subsist on it. There were two columns put in the field; our
4 Companies of the 1st Cavalry and two Companies of the 2nd
Dragoons, commanded respectively by Capt. [William] Steel [e]
and Lt. [Francis C.] Armstrong. 2nd Lt. Merell [Lewis Merrill]
was also with them. Major John Sedgwick, 1st Cavalry in com-
mand. The other column was composed of the six Companies of
the 1st Cavalry, stationed at Fort Smith, Ancheta and Cobb, under
command of Capt. Sturges.
We left Fort Riley about the 1st of May 1860, marched to Fort
Larned and there completed our outfitting with pack mules; we
did not take any wagons, except an ammunition wagon and one
ambulance. We crossed the Arkansas River near Fort Larned and
struck for the North Fork of the Canadian River. We scouted
through that country for some time, stopping now and then for a
few minutes to allow the men to get off their horses and stretch, as
is the custom. My horse had a sore back and I was riding a pet
mule we had. At one place where we stopped to stretch, I dropped
the reins on the mule's neck, lazily swung my carbine over my
shoulder, and placed my right foot on the ground. My spur caught
in the coil of the lariat rope as I drew my foot from the stirrup,
and as I stooped to release it, the carbine slipped off my shoulder
and struck the mule. This made her jump, which drew my foot
39_1430
586 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
in the coil of rope and threw me on my back. The mule seeing
me fall, became frightened and ran, dragging me behind her. The
carbine was fastened to my shoulderbelt by a swivel and every now
and then gave me a whack on the head. Lt. J. E. B. Stuart hollered
out: "Stop that mule, or she'll drag that pack to pieces." About
that time, the ring holding the lariat broke and I was released, but
I never forgave Stuart for his joke.
We moved through part of New Mexico, called the Salt or Sand
desert and recrossed the Arkansas River at Anberry's [Aubrey's]
Crossing, Colorado Territory. Company G was sent scouting while
the remainder stayed on the river bank to rest the horses, as they
were pretty well fagged out. Company G struck the trail of a band
of the Kiowas about 40 miles North of the Arkansas. Lieutenants
J. E. B. Stuart and Bayard immediately charged them and had a
running fight until they reached a creek, called Black Water. The
Indians were hampered with their squaws and children and were
compelled to make a stand. Stuart charged again, killing about
twenty. The Indians broke, leaving their squaws, teepees and a
hundred ponies. Lt. Bayard was hit by an arrow in the cheekbone
just below the eye. Sergeant Ockleston was shot in the left arm
and two privates slightly wounded. Two days later they returned
to camp. About the same time Sturges caught up with their main
body on the Republican River above where Concordia, Kansas,
now stands and gave them battle, killing a large number. Their
chiefs then sued for peace.
The Government appointed a commission to meet the five tribes
at Bents Fort, 60 miles above Anberry's [Aubrey's] Crossing. At
this point the Government decided to establish Fort Wise, named
in honor of Governor Wise of Virginia. Major Sedgwick was as-
signed as commander and our four Companies as a garrison. We
used Bents old Fort as a quartermaster department and erected
the officers and Company quarters, about one-half mile above.
We remained there until the latter part of October 1861, when we
were ordered to Fort Leavenworth.
There was an intense political feeling, especially among the
officers who were nearly all democrats; the enlisted men had little
to say, but the officers talked freely, especially those from the South,
who predicted that Breckenridge [Breckinridge] would surely be
elected. As we received our mail only once a month and sometimes
six weeks, the result of the election was not received until about
the middle of December I860, and it caused considerable consterna-
PATROLLING THE SANTA FE TRAIL 587
tion among the officers. The southerners talked treason while the
northern ones commenced to hedge. In the early part of 1861,
several of them got leave of absence and returned to the States.
Among them Major Sedgwick and Capt. Geo. H. Stuart.
In the latter part of May a large party of traitors came through
from New Mexico, officers and their families from the Mounted
Rifles. They had twelve ambulances and fifteen Government
wagons, with an escort of 50 men from the mounted rifles, all sup-
plied with Government provisions. They were royally received by
our officers and as they marched on to the parade ground, our band
was ordered to play "Dixie" for them. They remained two days
to rest up and then went on to attempt to destroy the Government
and Flag, they had sworn te protect, using Government troops,
ambulances, wagons and provisions in doing so. J. E. B. Stuart ac-
companied them for which the enlisted men were not sorry. Major
Sedgwick went East shortly after the election and the command
devolved on Capt. Desasuer of South Carolina, an ardent rebel.
Some of us were afraid, that he would start with the Companies
south to Texas and surrender us. The feeling among the enlisted
men was intensely loyal and some of each Company got together
and organized a lodge of "Good Templars/' sworn to secrecy, osten-
sibly for the promotion of temperance, but really to capture
Desasuer, should he attempt to take us South. He must have sus-
pected something like that for he never made the attempt, and for
the honor of the old 1st Cavalry, not one of the enlisted men ever
went South or left the flag to my knowledge. On leaving Fort Wise,
K Company had only 36 enlisted men and of these 10 were com-
missioned in the regulars or volunteers.
When the traitor, General [David E.] Twiggs, surrendered the
Department of Texas, the six Companies of the 1st Cavalry in the
Indian Territory were included, but the noble, loyal Captain Sturgis,
who was in command, disregarded the order, gathered his scattered
Companies together and marched from Fort Cobb in the Ancheta
Mountains, 800 miles to Leavenworth, taking over 200 six-mule
wagons loaded with Commissary and quartermaster stores, 25 am-
bulances and $300.000. [sic] — in gold. Of our officers who remained
loyal and gained distinction were General Sedgwick, General Thomas
Wood, General David Stanley, General W. H. Emory, General Eli
Long and General Bayard (Gettysburg, only one killed). Of those
who went South are General J. E. B. Stuart, who was killed by
Sheridan's troops, General Lomax, whom Sheridan licked so badly
in Virginia and Generals Jackson and Ives.
Range Ballads
JOHN CLIFFORD
THE absence of sophistication, so essential to the production
of an indigenous balladry, certainly obtained in that vast region
where there was no law west of Dodge City and no God west of
Fort Worth. In this raw, harsh land, during the latter part of the
19th century a distinctive type of American folk music was born.
It owes its origin to no dim time in the past when history slides
off into legend. The image of its creator is indistinct — a composite
— the only thing of which we can be sure is that he has both feet
in oxbow stirrups and a good Texas pony under him as he sings
his lonesome cattle call.
Probably no figure in American history has been so thoroughly
enveloped in the mists of romanticism as the cowboy. Years after
the last long drive has ended his latter day counterpart rides ma-
jestically on to glory through media of fiction, radio, television,
and screen; generally bedecked in trappings that would have
astounded his authentic predecessor and often to the accompani-
ment of a musical tribute to the glories of the Old West.
Frederic Remington's cowhand thundered Hell-for-leather across
30 years of the history of the West before the changing times re-
duced him to a drab rider of line fences and a farmer cutting hay
for winter feeding. In a sentimental nation the memory of his
robust years lingers on. By 1924 Charlie Siringo, grown old and
saddle weary, waiting, as he said for "Gabriel to toot his horn"
could look around him at Hollywood's version of the cowboy and
find little faithful representation except the never-changing land-
scape of his beloved Southwest.1 In 1934 "Boots and Saddles"
was the year's most popular song; a few years later "Stagecoach"
won the motion picture industry's highest award. In mid-20th
century pseudo-cowboy songs capture the public fancy and are
broadcast across the nation by "name" bands. The folk music
crowd tend to lump the "hill-billy" ballad and the Western song
together and present the two types from a stage cluttered with
performers garbed to fit their respective repertoires.
Stage and screen have given the American public a nostalgic
DR. JOHN CLIFFORD is a cataloguer in the library of the State University of Iowa, Iowa
City.
1. Charles A. Siringo, Riata and Spurs (Boston, 1927), pp. 274, 275.
(588)
RANGE BALLADS 589
version of cowboys grouped around a dying campfire, singing in
harmonious though untrained voices the incomparable songs of
the Old West. However fetching this illusion may be, it has little
foundation in fact. When his long day in the saddle was over the
cowboy was prone to build a few smokes around the campfire and
tell a few tales of another drive before rolling into his blankets. He
liked to hear the faint strains of some old song sung by some less
fortunate hand who rode his lonesome guard around the herd.2
As long as he heard singing the cowhand knew all was well with
the cattle.
In uncommon circumstances, however, such as when several
herds grouped close together waiting to cross a swollen stream
and consequently there was little work to be done, songs might
be sung around the campfire. While half a dozen herds waited
to cross the flooded Canadian river the cowhands not on night
herd visited around other campfires, renewing friendships and lis-
tening to the newest verses added to some favorite old tunes.8
At the end of the trail, with the cattle sold, the cowboy sought
release for his pent-up feelings and the satisfaction of appetites
long denied. In the saloon, with the trail dust cut from his throat
by proper refreshment, he was anxious to offer for the approval
of his comrades and acquaintances the old trail ballads with what-
ever modification or addition he might have learned since their
last meeting, and willing to listen to an unfamiliar song from
either friend or convivial stranger.
Back on the home range, any near-festive occasion might pro-
duce its share of vocal effort. The spring roundup, when possibly
a hundred men from far and wide might gather and renew friend-
ships before the actual work began, offered an opportunity for
the exchange of ballads. On a Kansas ranch, when winter came
and there was little work to be done outside, the hands "pile-d up
the blazing logs, s-a-ng songs, and forg-o-t the weather outside." 4
Much of the singing on the trail was done by the night guard.
Partly to keep themselves awake, and partly for its lulling effect
on the herd, the riders sang as they swung their slow arc around
the bedded down cattle. A rider on one side of the bed ground
sang a verse of a familiar song, then his partner on the other side
added the next. When the existing verses were exhausted, it was
2. I. H. Elder, "Listened to the Chant of the Night Songs," p. 524, in John Marvin
Hunter, Trail Drivers of Texas, 2d ed., rev. (Nashville, 1925): T. Frank Dobie, Vaquero of
the Brush Country (New York, 1929), p. 91.
3. Charles A. Siringo, A Lone Star Cowboy (Santa Fe, 1919), p. 44.
4. Reginald Aldridge, Ranch Notes in Kansas, Colorado, the Indian Territory and
Northern Texas, 2d ed. (London, 1884), pp. 158, 159.
590 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
only natural that the singers should add lyrics to the extent of
their inclination and ability. If we are to accept the verdict of
one who made many long drives, the singer's enthusiasm often
made up for lack of ability, for he says that in all his years on the
trail he never heard a really good singing voice.5
Not only were the cattle soothed by songs, but instrumental per-
formances occasionally took place. One old-timer relates with
gusto how, while a comrade led his horse, he "agitated the catguts,"
and a very reassuring spectacle he must have been to a bedded-
down herd. At any rate, he solemnly assures us that "those old
long-horned Texas steers actually enjoyed that old-time music/'6
Coming, as many cowboys did, from the more thickly settled
portions of the country, it was natural that they brought along the
songs they had sung in their former surroundings. Such old favor-
ites as "My Bonny Lies Over the Ocean" and "When You and I
Were Young, Maggie" permitted the singer to linger lovingly over
each well remembered phrase. Hymns, whose cadence meshed
with the rhythm of a slowly walking horse, were particular favor-
ites. One widely known lad was dubbed "the Pilgrim" because his
repertoire consisted of the old favorite "I'm a Pilgrim and a Stran-
ger."7
Parodies of existing songs enjoyed a wide popularity. "Back-
ward, Turn Backward" appeared as a revamped version of Eliza
Akers Allen's "Rock Me to Sleep." 8 One of the best known of all
cowboy ballads, "Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie," bears a sharp
similarity to a sailor chanty "The Ocean Burial," which appeared
about 1850. The resemblance is striking and one of the best-known
authorities has commented at length on the connection between
the two.9 At least it poses the interesting possibility that even the
balladry of the West got its bit of the salty tang that flavored
Western vocabulary.
Some of the songs may have been brought from Europe by young
men eager to share in the fantastic West. These importations,
whether from Europe or from some near-foreign Eastern news-
paper, underwent the same transformation to provinciality. They
were sung to some well-known tune, or to one created by some
5. E. C. Abbott ("Teddy Blue") and Helena Huntington Smith, We Pointed Them
North (New York, 1939), p. 262; Jo Mora, Trail Dust and Saddle Leather (New York,
1946), p. 149.
6. Lake Porter, "Played the Fiddle on Herd at Night," Hunter, op. tit., p. 838.
7. Will C. Barnes, Tales From the X-Bar Horse Camp (Chicago, 1920), p. 63.
r 8'J' Evetts Haley, "Cowboy Songs Again," pp. 203, 204, in Texas and Southwestern
Lore, No. 6, J. Frank Dobie, ed. (Austin, 1927).
9' J' Frank Dobie, "Ballads and Songs of the Frontier Folk," Texas and Southwestern
Lore, No. 6, pp. 174, 177-183.
RANGE BALLADS 591
gifted but nameless composer. A great many of the songs exhibit
a fine disregard for the niceties of grammar and poetic metre, but
here and there a song shows that the composer must have had more
than a nodding acquaintance with the schoolroom.
Some dramatic or amusing incident often provided the stimulus
for a new song. A trail crew in Denver to "whoop 'er up Liza
Jane" was prevented from seeing a stage show because someone
stole the leading lady's tights, a catastrophe which forced the
theater to suspend performances. A wit in the group composed
a song "There'll Be No Show Tonight," unprintable, of course,
but shortly popular from Texas to the Canadian border.10
A singular feature of the authentic cowboy ballad is that it deals
with things in the immediate time and surroundings of the com-
poser, or projects itself into the future. Paul Bunyan dwelt and
performed his deeds in some mystic past and remote region, but
cowboy ballad heroes like Cole Younger and Sam Bass were con-
temporaries of many trail cowboys. Though impossible to prove
except by a process of rationalization, it seems reasonable to sup-
pose that this immediacy stemmed from the fact that the cowboy
lived an extremely precarious and nomadic life within a given geo-
graphical area.
Beneath the cowboy's traditional swagger and bravado there
always lurks the spectre of a haunting loneliness which occasionally
breaks to the surface, as in
I'm a poor lonesome cowboy
And a long ways from home.11
With family ties severed, the cowboy's thoughts easily wandered
back to his old home. Especially on the long night herd did he
have opportunity to compare his present existence with the one
he had deserted to come to the cattle country.
Imbedded deep in the cowboy's songs is the knowledge of the
ever-present probability of violent death. While the cowhand,
with his thigh-riding Colt's Peacemaker, was indeed an itinerant
arsenal, his longevity was by no means contingent on his ability to
defend himself from his fellows similarly armed. Every time he
mounted one of those skittish, half-broken horses, he did so at
jeopardy of life and limb. In the branding pens a misstep or an
incautious moment might be paid for by a rip from an enraged
beast's horn.
10. Dobie, A Vaquero of the Brush Country, p. 172.
11. "Poor Lonesome Cowboy," ]
Other Frontier Ballads (New York, 1
ll._"Popr Lonesome _. Cowboy," pp. 32, 33, in John A. Lomax, Cowboy Songs and
592 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Trail accidents were commonly commemorated in song. Of
these, the worst feared were plunging headlong to death over a
cutbank, or being pitched under the hooves of a running herd
when a horse put a foot in a prairie dog hole. An English visitor
who had been particularly impressed by an impromptu rendition
of "The Cowboy's Lament" mentions that the singer shortly met
death in just such a fashion.12
Will James probably gave voice to a general attitude towards
outlaws, at least that expressed in ballads, when he said "To my
way of thinking, anybody with a lot of nerve is never real bad all
the way." 13 Certainly Sam Bass, Jesse James or Cole Younger
do not appear as vicious and cold blooded killers who took human
life to satisfy sadistic appetites. Bob Younger, brother of Cole, is
described as anxious to return to his homeland to fight against the
"anti-guerrillas until the day we die."14 The ballad describes a
train robbery in Nebraska and says that "the crimes done by our
bloody hands bring tears into my eyes." Jesse James is described
as "a man a friend to the poor," and it was "that dirty little coward
that shot Mr. Howard [and] laid poor Jesse in his grave." 15
Possibly the cowboy, aware of his own risks, appreciated un-
bridled daring in others. Again, the outlaws were contemporaries
of the composers, and many a cowboy claimed unabashed acquaint-
ance with the whole formidable roster. From the many who later
came forward to claim familiarity with the various outlaws, one
begins to suspect something akin to the host of oil field hands of
another generation who volubly attest to their personal friendship
with "Pretty Boy" Floyd when he was an Oklahoma oil field rough-
neck. Unkind criticism might imply that the cowboy tended to
identify himself with the heroic deeds of the miscreants. Certainly
the 20 or 30 dollar-a-month cowhand had little reason to fear for
the safety of his own purse, and was sufficiently impressed with
the outlaw's reputation as a gunfighter to prudently refrain from
a test of his own skill unless suffering acute alcoholic hallucinations.
A corollary to the Robin Hood treatment of outlaws is the cycle
of wrongdoing, retribution, and admonition often times expressed.
Even so virile a character as the cowboy did not refrain from an
occasional flyer at moralizing. The unfortunate, dying on the
streets of Laredo, and realizing the approach of the penalty for his
misdeeds, rhythmically warns others of the folly of wrongdoing.
12. Mary A. Jaques, Texan Ranch Life; With Three Months Through Mexico in a
Prairie Schooner" (London, 1894), p. 229.
13. Will James, Cowboys North and South (New York, 1924), p. 76.
14. "Cole Younger," in Lomax, op. cit., pp. 106, 107.
15. "Jesse James," ibid., pp. 27-[31].
RANGE BALLADS 593
After detailing the circumstances of the shooting affray, the ex-
piring man pleads with his hearers to
Go gather around you a crowd of young cowboys
And tell them a story of this my sad fate;
Tell one and the other before they go further
To stop their wild roving before 'tis too late.16
In other instances the cowboy exhibited a studied indifference
to formalized religion. The itinerant clergyman, with his incon-
gruous clothing and fervent promises of Hell-fire-and-damnation
was apt to receive short shrift at the hands of these boisterous
nomads — a circumstance which often hastened the preacher's de-
parture for the East, there to add the weight of the cloth to the
belief that here on the Western Plains dwelt a race of men as wild
as the horses they rode and the cattle they herded.
This indifference towards religion was frequently expressed.
Charlie Siringo's dying mother pleaded with him to make peace
with his God, a plea he says he was too busy to heed.17 "Teddy
Blue" Abbott had no use for preachers "hollering hell-fire and
brimstone," but adds that during those long nights in the saddle
"you get to thinking of those things." 18
Some other cowhand did not only think of those things but ex-
pressed them in a manner profound in its simplicity as
Last night as I lay on my pillow
And looked at the stars up above
I wondered if ever a cowhand
Had gone to that great land above.19
In terms of his own provincialism he pondered goodness and justice
and expressed man's eternal speculation on the afterlife, when the
"Boss of the Riders" will make a tally on that final roundup day.
Faced abruptly with a situation which transgressed his tangible
grasp, the cowhand often fell back on a song to bridge the gap.
Searching for cattle lost in a stampede, a trail crew came unexpect-
edly upon the body of a cowboy who, together with his horse, had
perished in last night's wild melee. Awed by the stark circum-
stances, and in the absence of any religious services, the rough and
tumble crew uncovered while that one amongst them with the best
singing voice, sang "Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie" before the
nameless unfortunate was lowered into an unmarked grave.20
So, where the visible symbols of institutionalized religion were
16. "The Cowboy's Lament," ibid., pp. 74-76.
17. Siringo, A Lone Star Cowboy, p. 37.
18. Abbott and Smith, op. cit., p. 33.
19. "The Cowboy's Dream," Lomax, op. cit., pp. 18, 19.
2/L A^"od Iverson (Babe) Moye, "Buried a Cowboy in a Lonely Grave on the Prairie,"
pp. 457, 458, in Hunter, op. cit.
594 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
virtually absent, and while many of the vocal principals expressed
an indifference to it, the cowhand seems to have carried his share of
moral precepts which often found expression in his balladry.
In a section so predominately masculine it is not surprising to find
women in an honored place in the ballads, even though contem-
porary wits claimed there were only two things a cowboy was afraid
of — a decent woman and being set afoot. In the songs of sufficiently
refined taste to be printed, the women mentioned are of the immedi-
ate family or a comely young lady, vaguely identified as "another."
Mother, as is to be expected, is surrounded with the tenderest of
sentiments, whether she is still living in a distant land which the
cowboy dreams of revisiting, or is no longer living. The "old cow-
puncher . . . dressed in rags" told a "group of jolly cowboys,
discussing plans at ease"
I'm going back to Dixie once more to see them all
Yes, I'm going to see my mother when the work's all
done this fall. . . .
My mother's heart is breaking, breaking for me
that's all,
And with God's help I'll see her when the work's all
done this fall.2*
Certain it is that there was no surer way to arouse the full measure
of the cowhand's fury than by an injudicious reference to one's
immediate female ancestor. It is easy and in some measure prob-
ably justifiable to attribute these tender expressions to "Momism,"
supposedly a peculiar trait of Americans. But it must also be ad-
mitted that part of this reverent attitude towards mother might
well stem from the extreme youth of many lads who worked cattle
on the home range and made the long drive. Responsible accounts
claim that many a boy went up the trail to Abilene when he was no
more than 12, 14, or 16. In the early 1880's one of the most experi-
enced of the trail bosses, represented as having been many, many
times along the way, was then "about thirty." 22
The sister at home is the recipient of generous compliments on her
beauty and purity; and gratefully remembered as a congenial play-
mate in a now remote past. The ranger, dying far "from his home
in Texas," recalled
A fair young girl, my sister,
My only joy, my pride,
She was my friend from boyhood,
I had no one left beside.23
21. "When the Work Is All Done This Fall," Lomax, op. cit.t pp. 53-55.
22. Jack Potter, "Coming Up the Trail in 1882," Hunter, op. cit., p. 66.
23. "The Dying Ranger," Lomax, op. cit., pp. 214-[218].
RANGE BALLADS 595
On occasion the cowboy ballad spins a golden dream about
"another," upon whom fond remembrance has bestowed the utmost
in charm and beauty. These delicate, wistful, and indeed bashful
references reveal still another facet of this fleeting horseback trouba-
dor.
There is another whose tears may be shed
For one who lies on a prairie bed.
There is another more dear than a sister
She'll weep when she hears I am gone.24
Again, in a light and bantering vein, he warns the Mississippi girls
not to marry those Texan boys, and in a painfully realistic manner
recounts the privations which will be their due when deposited as
brides in log shacks on the live oak prairie. "They will take you
out to live on a live oak hill," wiiere
They live in a hut with a hewed log wall,
But it ain't got any windows at all;
With a clap board roof and a puncheon floor,
And that's the way all Texas o'er.25
Not all cowboy ballads are permeated with the shadows of sorrow
or wistful memories of dear faces. The rider with "his hat . .• *
throwed back and his spurs ... a jinglin'" exuded his full
measure of the gusto and zest for life which Frederic Remington
and Charlie Russell have so admirably perpetuated in paint and
bronze.26 Though surrounded by grim and often harsh realities, his
effervescent animal spirits found welcome release in some of his
most attractive ballads. There was always the state of Texas, to
whose glories the glass could always be proudly lifted high. His
peculiar clothing and accoutrements set the cowhand apart from
the plodding plowman and pedestrian townsman with whom he
occasionally came into contact, and whose fears and suspicions he
was not above fanning with a wholesale recounting of cowboy
characteristics. Small wonder the shopkeeper looked to his shutters
when informed
I'm a howler from the prairies of the West.
If you want to die with terror look at me.
I'm chained lightning — if I ain't, may I be blessed.
I'm the snorter of the boundless prairie. . . .
I'm the snoozer from the upper trail!
I'm the reveler in murder and gore!
I can bust more Pullman coaches on the rail
Than anyone who's worked the job before.27
24. "The Dying Cowboy," ibid., pp. 3-8; "The Cowboy's Lament," ibid., pp. 74-76.
25. "Mississippi Girls," ibid., pp. 108, 109.
26. "Whoopee Ti Yi Yo, Git Along Little Dogies," ibid., pp. 86-[91].
27. "The Boozer," ibid., p. 304.
596 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Even when he
Popped my foot in the stirrup and gave a little yell,
The tail cattle broke and the leaders went to hell,
he very soon added that he didn't "give a damn if they never do
stop."28
With a wink and many a broad nod it has been widely suggested
that the best and most characteristic of all cowboy ballads are those
of such shocking obscenity that they could never be printed. That
many were probably of this variety can be partially accounted for
because in so virile a society so wholly lacking in respectable female
complement, a great deal of the talk turns on sex. The obscenity
of some may be attested to by anyone who has ever heard a rendi-
tion of "The Pride of the Prairie," whose lyrics are well calculated
to burn the ears of the most calloused dance hall queen. To lull
such intriguing suspicion, J. Frank Dobie, certainly qualified to give
an opinion, reports that the finest of all cowboy ballads are those
most thoroughly printable.29 While the cowhand scattered his
obscenity and profanity with abandon, it usually fell on impersonal
objects. He might refer to a "damned cowhand," but never to a
friend as a "damned cowboy."
Strangely enough, the cowboy seldom memorialized his horse.
Without pausing to detail the quarrel that constantly brews over
how well the rider treated his horse, it is sufficient to observe that
when the mount does enter the ballad, the horse is relegated to a
position subsidiary to the main thread of the story. The exception
to the rule is "My Bonny Black Bess," an English importation which
eulogized the feats of a famous mare and her outlaw master.30
The range cowhand has disappeared. In his place an overdressed
fop caters to the whims of dudes. The range pony has crossed
equine social barriers and become the world's finest polo pony. The
longhorn steer is now usually found indoors, where his horns adorn
the backbar of every saloon worthy of the name between El Paso
and Calgary. Even the cowboy ballad has suffered adulteration
and is played over the air from records made in New Jersey or sung
by a singer whose connection with the West is confined to his sar-
torial affectations.
When the musical "Oklahoma!" received critics' acclaim the
Western theme slipped from the celluloid horse opera into new
28. "The Old Chisholm Trail," ibid., pp. 58-[63].
29. Dobie, "Ballads and Songs of the Frontier Folk," loc. cit.
30. "Bonny Black Bess," Lomax, op. cit., pp. 194-196.
RANGE BALLADS 597
areas of respectability. To be sure, no star of that production sang
any authentic ballad of the trail. But the essential dramatic and
emotional elements of the Western did appear, albeit in a light vein.
The themes for the classical music of any people have evolved from
the simple annals of its folk music.
Inherent in the cowboy ballads are the elements of an indigenous
American musical tradition. For the cowboy brought the songs of
his homeland, refashioned them to his new surroundings, and finally
generated a song peculiar to his occupation and land — resounding
with the hoofbeats of flying cattle and horses; sobered by the
death of a peerless comrade. Over much of the music hangs the
pall of sorrow and loneliness, only to be relieved by the cowboy's
bubbling gusto and joy of living.
Notes on the Writing of General
Histories of Kansas
JAMES C. MALIN
PART FIVE: THE "VANITY" HISTORIES
INTRODUCTION
financing of history is always a problem, but the costs of
•*• local history, because of the limited audience of readers, makes
its publication through conventional channels very nearly prohibi-
tive. Some types of books using more or less of historical material
may sell on the commercial market in a volume sufficient to pay
for themselves. Highly popularized history, thrillers, or sensational
fictionalized stories of several varieties, seldom are good history,
and more often are not history at all. Of course, history may be
subsidized, but that presents problems also. When interested parties
provide the costs, they usually control the results.
The experience of Holloway and Wilder, related in earlier essays
in this series, is the fate that overtook most projects of serious local
history launched independently regardless of quality. In spite
of the artificial enthusiasm about history during the centennial cele-
bration agitation of 1875 and 1876, and all of the friendly publicity
provided gratuitously by Wilder's fellow journalists, few of his
friends and admirers proved their interest in Kansas history to the
extent of the five dollar purchase price of the Annals of Kansas.
One method devised for financing local history was found in
what is sometimes called "Vanity" histories, sometimes called sub-
scription histories. The latter term is not exact, because Holloway
had announced that his history was sold only on subscription. By
that he meant only that it was marketed by agents or canvassers
who sold it by personal house-to-house calls. His agents offered for
sale, on its merits, a printed book. The procedure of the vanity
histories was different. Whether a single volume or several vol-
umes, such a project included two categories of material; history
and biography. The feature of special interest here is the biog-
raphies. The persons included were not selected upon the basis
of their importance to the area whose history was being presented,
but on the test of whether or not they placed an order for the
DR. JAMES C. MALIN, associate editor of The Kansas Historical Quarterly, is professor
of history at the University of Kansas, Lawrence.
(598)
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 599
history. With a few possible exceptions, the only biographical
sketches included were those of contracting purchasers. The prin-
cipal attraction offered to convince a prospect that he should place
his order for the forthcoming history was that the purchaser would
see his own biographical sketch in print. As a further inducement
to appeal to his vanity, at an additional price, his portrait might
appear also. On account of this feature, the derisive name "Mug
Books" was often applied. So far as the history proper was con-
cerned the purchaser was contracting only for a promised history,
of unknown quality, to be delivered at some future date and to
be paid for in full on or before delivery. Details about conditions
and payments varied with the several projects. Whether the history
would be of any value as history depended upon the reliability of
the company promoting the enterprise. In any case, the outcome
must be judged upon individual merits, but as highly speculative
commercial ventures, the companies that produced them must of
necessity place the profit motive first.
I. TUTTLE'S History of Kansas
In Kansas the first venture in the vanity type of history was that
of Charles Richard Tuttle, A New Centennial History of the State
of Kansas, Being a Full and Complete Civil, Political and Military
History of the State. According to the title page, it was published
at Madison, Wis., and Lawrence, Kan., in 1876, by the Inter-State
Book Company. However, it was stereotyped, printed, and bound
at Madison. The exact date when the first copies were delivered
to subscribers is uncertain, as are many other of the basic facts
about the production and marketing of the book.
THE AUTHOR
Among other things, Tuttle represented himself as a professor and
as a minister, apparently of the Methodist denomination, born in
1848. The Library of Congress card catalogue includes 24 book
titles under his name, in a few cases in admitted joint authorship.
Another title, not found in this catalogue, is a History of Indiana,
which must be added, or 25 in all. These books included eight
histories of states, of regions, or of the United States, 1873-1876.
Among the state histories were Michigan, 1873; Wisconsin, 1875;
Indiana, 1875; Iowa, 1876; and Kansas, 1876. Besides the Iowa and
Kansas books, two other histories were issued under the date 1876.
Another group of historical and descriptive works were four deal-
ing with Canada, 1877-1897, and one with Alaska, 1914. Five
600 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
inspirational and reform books appeared between 1878 and 1896.
During the early years of the 20th century Tuttle became interested
in the Oriental cult "Yang," or "new idea" philosophy, and produced
four books in seven editions, 1904-1908. "Yang" represents the
male principle or good, while "Yin" stands for the female or evil
principle in Chinese philosophy from which the cult was derived.
In 1916, Tuttle produced a book on World War I, and then in 1917
and 1918 two books on co-operatives.
Additional information about Turtle's background and intentions
was alleged by the Madison (Wis.) State Journal, October 6, 1875,
upon the eve of the distribution of his History of Wisconsin: "He
left the position of managing editor of the Boston Daily News, five
years ago, to undertake the project of bringing out a history of the
United States, in state volumes, and the end of the present year will
carry him to the end of the fifth volume, making one volume a
year . . .," besides other works.1
As Colorado was admitted in 1876 as the centennial state, 38th
state in the Union, Tuttle had 33 volumes, still ahead of him in
order to complete the projected series of state histories credited to
him by the State Journal story. This summary of publications and
announced intentions is somewhat indicative of the type of man
whose name appeared on the Tuttle, History of Kansas. Further
details will emerge in due course.
THE CHRONOLOGY OF THE HISTORY PROJECT
The earliest mention found thus far of a Kansas history eminating
from Madison, is an entry in D. W. Wilder's diary July 17, 1875:
"[Governor] Osborn received a letter from one Davis, in Madison,
Wis., who proposes to publish an illustrated history of Kan. & bio-
graphical dictionary of Kansas men. Such books will sell better
than mine."2 Scattered references to Tuttle and his History of
Kansas leave much to be desired as to the chronology of the project.
In his Annals of Kansas ( 1886 ) Wilder recorded under a date line
of January 19, 1876, that the "Rev. Charles R. Tuttle comes to Kansas
from Wisconsin to write a Kansas history." This entry was not
accurate, as other records show, and besides the body of the history
must have been written already. The reasons for this last conclusion
will develop later.
The first explicit evidence found of Turtle's activities in Kansas is
1. Reprinted in the Leavenworth Daily Times, January 11, 1876.
2. D. W. Wilder, "Diary," manuscript division, Kansas State Historical Society, Topeka.
A search of Governor Osborn's official correspondence, in the K. S. II. S. archives division,
has not turned up such a letter.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 601
a letter to Gov. Thomas Osborn dated September 18, 1875. It was
written on the printed letterhead of B. B. Russell & Company, pub-
lishers, which listed many histories by Prof. Charles R. Tuttle. With-
out any of the usual formalities of salutation, the letter ran as follows:
Dr Sir: I desire to secure the services of a man in your state in connection
with my History, to travel from town to town, not to canvass, but to talk business
to leading men. He must be a man of influence, generally known in the state,
and exceedingly energetic —
I write this letter to you, hoping you can place it in the hands of such a
person. To the right kind of a man I will pay $200 per month. An ex-congress-
man did the work for me in Mich. It is a chance for some man of influence
who can spare the time to travel through the state for a few months to make
a $1000— or more, in a work that is in every way pleasant and suited to the
tastes and scruples of the most particular.
You may have a friend or an acquaintance that you can aid by putting him
in correspondence with me.
Please excuse the liberty,
Yours etc.,
C. R. Tuttle.
There must have been an enclosure or another communication not
mentioned, because the governor's private secretary, Ward Burlin-
game, replied October 6 on two points. First, the governor had no
suitable person in mind. Secondly, a memorandum of material for
a biographical sketch and the photograph requested were enclosed.
Furthermore, the rather indiscreet permission was granted to put
the data in such a form as Tuttle might think proper.8
What happened next is not clear, but on January 11, 1876, the
Leavenworth Times carried a story about a new "History of Kansas,"
saying:
We were shown yesterday a prospectus copy of the new "Illustrated History
of Kansas," by Prof. C. R. Tuttle, author of several state histories. The work
is being published by R. S. Peale & Co., who, for the purpose of extending the
work of canvassing the State, have opened an office in Leavenworth, at 236
Delaware street. Prof. Tuttle is now in the city, making his headquarters at
the above office. He is collecting materials for the completion of the Kansas
history, which will be ready for delivery to subscribers in about sixty days.
In the same "news" story the Times quoted the State Journal
(Madison, Wis.) account of the History of Wisconsin, by Tuttle,
assisted by D. S. Durrie, of the Wisconsin Historical Society and
published by B. B. Russell & Company. The Kansas volume was
to be similar to the Wisconsin book, but there was no explanation
about the difference in the name of the publisher, or of the fact
3. Tuttle to Osborn, September 18, 1875. — Governor Osborn's incoming correspondence;
reply, Governor Osborn's letterpress books, v. 5, p. 491, K. S. H. S. archives division.
40—1430
602 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
that Turtle was using B. B. Russell & Company stationery which
represented his History of Kansas as one of its books.
As already explained Turtle had failed in his effort to maneuver
Governor Osborn into a position of appearing to sponsor his history.
Why Turtle established his headquarters in Leavenworth instead
of in Topeka during the legislative session is not clear. It could
have been because Leavenworth was the metropolis of Kansas at
the time, but other factors may have operated. Apparently he had
arrived during the first week of January, because, on Sunday, Jan-
uary 9, he occupied the pulpit of the First Methodist church, of
which the Rev. Dr. T. H. Phillips was pastor. He assisted Phillips
in the services of January 16, preached the evening sermons on
January 23 and 30, and after an absence from the city, again on
February 20. On Sunday, January 30, the Times printed a sermon
on "Preachers and Preaching," which apparently he had delivered
earlier.4
In the "Personal" news column of the Times for February 1, 1876,
two paragraphs appeared separately, one reporting that: "Rev.
Charles R. Turtle, who is at present engaged in writing a history of
Kansas, went to Topeka yesterday." The second stated that the
Rev. T. H. Phillips, pastor of the Methodist church had gone to
Topeka yesterday (Monday) for about a week. He was in his
pulpit, however, Sunday, February 6. The Times, February 15,
reported that: "Prof. C. R. Turtle, the Kansas historian, has gone to
Madison, Wis., to move his family to this place to complete his
history. He will be here about Saturday next." He was in the
pulpit of the Methodist church Sunday evening, February 20, but
no information is available about his family. This was his last
appearance in Kansas for some time.
During the first week of February, while he was in Topeka,
Turtle apparently made the most of his opportunities, probably with
the aid of the Rev. Dr. Phillips who was in a position to introduce
him. Just what did occur must be drawn inferentially from a few
authentic documents. His return to Madison, which the Times had
reported, afforded the background for a letter to Governor Osborn,
dated Madison, February 9, 1876, relative to the reprinting of ma-
terial from the Fourth Annual Report of the Kansas State Board of
Agriculture:
4. The church news appeared each week in the Times in the Sunday and the Tuesday
issues, if reported to the paper in time. Often the Tuesday reports summarized some of
the sermons. If a report for any church did not appear, it was assumed that the data was
not furnished by the interested parties.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 603
Gov. Thos A. Osborn
Sir:
Please send me an order from the proper authorities worded about the same
as the enclosed
We shall bring out the first edition of Kansas in about 6 weeks and I would
like the order as soon as possible as I wish to return to Ks before the legislature
adjourns, and desire to attend to the printing of whatever matter we take from
the Report before I leave. I think now of embodying all the Co. sketches and
all the engravings in my work. I would not trouble you in the matter but feel
confident that notwithstanding the state should issue even 100000 copies of the
report, further benefit will arise from its partial republication in my work. I
will give the proper credit both to the Board of Agrl, and to the contributors to
the work in every particular. Please confer with Mr Gray and get me the
order as soon as you can Truly yours
C. R. TUTTLE.
P.S. Called on Rand McNally & Co in Chi. They have no objection.
The draft of the order asked was as follows:
Mrs Rand McNally & Co.
Gentlemen
Please give C. R. Tuttle permission to have electrotype plates made from
any or all pages of the Kansas Fourth Agricultural Report, including engrav-
ings or letter press, and also permit him to make such changes in said plates in
electrotyping them as will show that they have been incorporated in his work,
and will give the proper credit to the Board of Agriculture: or print for him
in any quantity he may desire from any or all plates, with such changes as he
may indicate. Provided in all cases, however that no expense or cost shall be
made against the state of Kansas or the Board of Agriculture, etc.
The endorsement entered on the back of the letter was dated
February 12, 1876— -"referred to Hon. Alfred Gray/' but the heading
of the entry indulged in a bit of facetiousness — "Prof (?) Turtle."
Under the same date as his letter to Osborn, Tuttle wrote one to
Alfred Gray, secretary of the State Board of Agriculture:
I have written Gov. Osborn in relation to an order for the use of those
plates. Please confer with him on the subject, and send me an order as soon
as you can oblige.
In all places proper credit [?] to you and to the Board
Please send me in a letter to this office, your photo, and data for a sketch
and autograph. I will send you proofs of portrait and sketch before they are
finally printed. There will be no cost to you whatever for the portrait or
sketch. Please let me have them soon. I obtained all the other state officers
photos before I left, but did not get to see you again.
If I did not believe that it was for the interests of the state of Kansas,
to have those plates in my book I would not ask for them. I have concluded
to make Kansas my home and want to make the book the best one as it will
probably be. truly Yours,
CHARLES R. TUTTLE.
604 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Gray did not respond to Turtle's letter, who wrote again:
March 2, A.D. 1876
Mr Gray
As I have had no response from you, I write again to ask you now, if
you will send me an order on Rand McNally & Co. to permit me to have them
make electrotype plates for me from the engravings of the cities, and towns
only [?] Please send me this order at once.
Truly yours
C. R. TUTTLE.
PS. Am not I to have your portrait and sketch.
What conferences were held between Osborn and Gray are not a
matter of record, but all of the correspondence was filed with the
governor, and no record has been found of replies.
The correspondence has been presented in full that the reader
may gauge for himself what the Rev. Prof. Tuttle recorded by his
own hand. The kindest thing that can be said about these letters
is that they revealed him as inept and tactless. In view of the man's
experience in the world, however, it is difficult to be so charitable.
Further light on Turtle's mission to Kansas is derived from To-
peka sources. The Daily Commonwealth, February 1, 1876, re-
ported that Tuttle was spending the week in Topeka "in the inter-
est of his new history of the state of Kansas. . . . upon which
he has been engaged for some time. ', / « ." According to this
story the publisher was to have been the Chicago house of H. S.
Peale, and the book was to have been issued in March. This was
in accord with the story printed in the Leavenworth Times, Janu-
ary 11. Again Wilder's diary supplies important clues. On Febru-
ary 1, 1876, the diary recorded that he "Refused picture to Turtle."
Apparently he reconsidered the following day: "Photo to Tuttle.*
On February 9 the entry read: "Photo taken." Later, May 3, an
entry read: "Sent $20 to Phillips & Tuttle, Kan History." The Phil-
lips referred to in this entry was the Methodist minister at Leaven-
worth.5
Three points emerge from the foregoing evidence about Turtle's
activities in Kansas during these early months of 1876. The office
opened in Leavenworth was the base from which the subscription
campaign was being conducted for a book not yet completed. The
correspondence addressed to Osborn and Gray demonstrates that
the county sketches were to be derived from the Fourth Annual
Report of the State Board of Agriculture. As the necessary per-
mission was not forthcoming, those had to be written. Lastly, the
5. Leavenworth Dotty Times, May 4, 1877.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 605
solicitation of Gray and Wilder shows that material for the bio-
graphical sketches and the photographs were still being collected.
As printed, the History of Kansas contained 708 pages, 581 of
which were text of the history. The county sketches covered 78
pages, and the biographical sketches 49 pages. The photographs
were inserted and were not assigned page numbers. It is possible
that the prospectus copy shown the Times in January contained the
581 pages of text and a dummy layout for the remainder as planned
for a proposed 800 page volume. At any rate, the main text must
have been in type and printed soon thereafter. Otherwise the six
weeks specified within which the books were to be delivered would
not allow time to prepare the county biographical sketches and
photographs and print such additional pages. In any case, the
timetable was not met.
In his diary entry for May 30, 1876, Wilder wrote: "Saw Turtle's
History of Kansas, now nearly completed; it is Holloway over again
& to [too ?] a very poor affair — but will sell." This comment would
imply that Wilder either saw the manuscript of the book, or a
dummy prospectus copy. In 1886 the Annals of Kansas, under the
same date line, May 30, 1876, recorded: "Rev. Chas. R. Tuttle's
History of Kansas, comes out . . ." There can be little question
but that this entry was an error, and that the diary entry was correct.
On June 3, and following, the Daily Commonwealth carried an
advertisement for the Inter-State Book Company, Lawrence, solicit-
ing agents to sell histories of South America, of America, and of
Kansas. On June 4, the Daily Commonwealth reported that the
agent of Tuttle's History of Kansas was soliciting orders: "It is a
book that will be much sought after and often referred to." Again,
note should be made of the wording which read only that the agent
was soliciting orders for the book. Tuttle's preface was dated
Madison, April, 1876, which would suggest also that the book was
not yet ready for delivery in Kansas in either May or June of 1876.
Thus far the present writer has not established a date for the "publi-
cation" of the books; that is, the actual delivery to subscribers of
the completed volume.
On May 4, 1877, the Turtle History of Kansas exploded into a
scandal, reported by the Leavenworth Daily Times:
That's a bad story that comes to us from Wisconsin about our good Brother
Tuttle — the clerical, literary, historical genius who flashed like a pious meteor
across the moral horizon of Leavenworth about a year ago. You remember
him, don't you? Brother Phillips, who was Pastor of the Methodist church
at that time, will remember him if you don't — he will remember him, probably,
KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
about five hundred dollars' worth. If we might be permitted to speak of Bro.
Tuttle in the same terms usually applied to the unregenerated, under the same
circumstances, we should say he is a fraud, of the first water.
Apparently the exposure of Turtle's financial dealings had been
precipitated by the arrival in Leavenworth of a man from Wisconsin
to sell the book for which Tuttle had been securing data the year
before, who found that the latter "had drawn against the work
pretty largely in advance" at $35 each for biographies and portraits.
Some bills had been left with Phillips as security for a loan of $500,
part of which Phillips had collected. Only three or four biographies,
according to the Times story, had been reported to the publisher
and had appeared in the book. Under the circumstances Phillips
was called upon to reimburse the victims.
Furthermore, Turtle's dishonesty extended also to authorship, the
Charge being made that the History of Kansas had been written by
Charles E. Jones, of Chicago. Also, Tuttle was charged with ap-
propriating Jones' lectures which he delivered as sermons at the
church where he was assistant pastor. The charges against Tuttle
had been heard by his church. Turtle's alleged defense in the
matter of the history was that as he had gathered most of the data
and had superintended publishing it, he thought he was entitled to
put his name on it as author. As for the sermons, Tuttle declared
before his congregation that he had never plagiarized Jones' lec-
tures, and Jones had withdrawn the charges. But the Times story
asserted that the sermon Tuttle had delivered in Leavenworth the
year before and which the Times had published — "Preaching and
Preachers" — had been "borrowed" from Jones' desk and "read in the
pulpit from Jones' own manuscript!" In addition, the Times story
declared that Jones was not a Christian, but a Huxley Materialist,
and thus the sermon palmed off on the Leavenworth congregation
by Tuttle was the work of an infidel.
The effect, if any, of the exposure of the Tuttle scandal is a puzzle.
Even in Leavenworth, where the Times told the tale, there is no
evidence of the effect upon the principals in the case, nor upon the
sale of the history. The newspapers of other Kansas towns appear
to have ignored the whole matter. Although supposedly the book
had been published in Madison and Lawrence, the papers of the
latter city seem to have been blind to the whole episode.
No explanation is available about the several company names in-
volved as publisher of the Tuttle history. He had used the printed
letterheads of B. B. Russell & Company, which advertised his sev-
eral histories, including the History of Kansas. The new stationery
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 607
upon which the letters of February and March, 1876, were written,
contained also a photograph of Tuttle himself. At the same time,
Turtle's publicity given out to the Leavenworth Times and to the
Topeka Commonwealth had credited the publication responsibility
to R. S. Peale & Company. The book was actually issued under the
imprint of the Inter-State Book Company of Madison and Lawrence,
with the copyright held in Turtle's own name.8 In view of Turtle's
financial involvements, this last named firm may have been set up
for the occasion.
CONTENTS OF THE TUTTLE HISTORY
In Wilder's Annals of Kansas (1886) the entry of May 30, 1876,
which announced the supposed publication of the Tuttle History of
Kansas continued by alleging that on page 29 Turtle said: "The
forest must be cleared to make room for the cornfield. For the
accomplishment of this the pioneer prepares his axe, and day after
day he toils on. Tree after tree bows its lofty top." Apparently,
Wilder intended this supposed extract to stand as a self-evident con-
demnation of the competence of Tuttle as author and of the re-
liability of the history of Kansas, a grassland state. If the quotation
had been accurate it would have accomplished that purpose, but
the facts appear otherwise. No such statement appeared on page
29, has not been found in the book, and is out of harmony with the
text of the history, which recognized fully the prairie setting of
Kansas history. The problem becomes not one of condemnation of
Tuttle, but one of explaining how Wilder made such a blunder.
Regardless of who authored the text of the history, probably
Tuttle wrote the preface or introductory statement. In this he as-
serted in language similar to 20th century relativism: "The writer
has striven to avoid prejudice in preparing these sheets for the
press, but every man is a partisan in some degree, and with his
utmost efforts cannot prevent his constitutional leanings finding
utterance in his written and spoken words, when his feelings as
well as his judgment become interested." Tuttle explained further,
and in a contrasting philosophical spirit, his attitude toward his task:
"History should be for society and man ... a faithful presen-
tation of every fact and feature. . . ." But he confessed that:
"Such a design could not be fulfilled for Kansas, except in a rudi-
mentary and incomplete way at the present era. . . [p. 3]."
6. Confusion exists in the bibliographical data available about Turtle's other publications.
The American Catalogue, 1876, of books in print lists the Peale firm of Des Moines, Iowa,
and Dan S. Durrie is given as publisher of the Wisconsin history.
608 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
In recognizing the importance of the physical setting of history,
Turtle asserted that:
It is . . . of some importance that our readers should know that Kansas
contains none of the precious metals, and that its geological formation forbids
the expectation of any such discoveries. It is of greater significance for the
industrial future of the state that coal and lime and building stone abound, that
salt springs are numerous, that layers of pure salt can be found embedded
among the strata, and that the soil is rich in just such principals as will con-
tinue for a long time to keep this region in the front rank among the most
fertile agricultural countries of the world. Gypsum, alum and native sulphur,
brown hematite and petroleum, porcelain clay and fire clay, indicate wide
fields of enterprise which will not fail to build up a great community. . . .
Besides a brief description of the drainage system of the state,
located in the center of the United States, Tuttle asserted that
"nearly 95 per cent of its area is prairie. . . ." He commended
as a whole the climate, admitting that a limited knowledge was
available of the laws of atmosphere, but repudiated the great
American desert myth. The first two chapters of the history, or 70
pages, were devoted to these matters of the setting of history. Al-
though in the spirit of the day, prolix and ornate in language, the
most of the material of these two chapters was intelligently chosen
and presented. To be sure, the boomer spirit was conspicuous, and
there was a commitment to the erroneous idea of favorable climatic
change in response to settlement, the planting of trees, and the
stoppage of prairie fires. On the last point, the role of fire, some-
thing more should be said. Possibly the author's relatively high
batting average on this subject was pure accident, but however
that may be, mid-20th century ecologists will go a long way with
the Tuttle history in the evaluation of prairie fires.
The red man had allowed fires to sweep over the country year after year
unchecked, if not caused by his operations, denuding the prairies of every
tree and bush and blade of grass . . . Examine a patch of grass under
your feet and you will find not only grass, but shrubs of a thousand kinds, in
miniature, trying to find room for expansion . . . The white man assists
nature, because he has a home to protect ... He bends all his energies
to avoid conflagrations . . . Then from the willing soil the earth once
again gives out its teeming forests. . . . [pp. 38, 39.]
Of course, the extent to which this role of fire was correct was
limited to the eastern or tall grass area. The book scored other hits
also. While most agricultural evaluations of Kansas were empha-
sizing that "Corn is King" in Kansas, the Tuttle book said: "The
special fitness of Kansas for the growth of winter wheat is one of
the established facts [p. 30]." Furthermore, on the spine of the
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 609
cover, a bundle of wheat was shown. Too much must not be made
of these more favorable aspects of the book, because the general
lack of discrimination in the work as a whole created a distinctly
unfavorable impression of the author's adequacy of information
and soundness of judgment.
Chapters 3-22 recounted the political and military history of
territorial Kansas and of the American Civil War in much the con-
ventional extreme antislavery-abolition spirit. Chapter 23 was de-
voted to education; chapter 24 was a catchall, and chapter 25 told
the story of "The Plague of Locusts." Chapter 26 was "County
Sketches" and chapter 27 was "Biographical Sketches," 21 in all.
The photographs were not indexed and were scattered indiscrimi-
nately throughout the text as- unnumbered inserts. Six of the
biographies were without portraits; S. S. Benedict, H. C. St. Clair,
C. G. Bridges, George W. Fox, Byron Judd, and Brev. Maj. Gen.
Carr. Nine photographs appeared without biographies of their
subjects: S. C. Blanchard, R. W. P. Muse, M. C. Willis, W. P.
Barnes, George H. Weaver, Sam R. Peters, N. D. Ingraham, H. D.
McCarty, and Josiah Kellogg. All these are virtually unknowns
so far as Kansas history is concerned, and illustrate in that sense
the "vanity" aspect of the Tuttle enterprise. The book was provided
with a few illustrations, but as a reviewer remarked in the case
of the Holloway illustrations, they were of "such a character as to
make us thankful there were not more."
The literary padding of the narrative ranged all over the area of
Biblical history, classical ancient history, modern history, Shake-
speare, Robert Burns, and other literary figures. Anything was
called upon except a systematic statement of the facts of Kansas
history. Had this padding been eliminated, the history instead of
708 pages would have been a very slender volume indeed, and its
inadequacy as history would have been more apparent. The claim
of authorship as between Tuttle and Jones was no compliment to
either man.
Some specific points of fact and interpretation should be recorded.
The Tuttle book denounced the Democratic party as the tool of
the slavocracy, and the Whig party as "afraid to express an opinion
of any kind on a question so debatable. . . . The men who
formed the free soil party were alone consistent, but they were as
yet only a handful. . . . [p. 84.]" This commentary was applied
to the period of the Kansas-Nebraska act. David R. Atchison was
the one man singled out for particular vituperation in connection
610 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
with the history of the organizing legislation. In early territorial
Kansas, Secretary Daniel Woodson was the principal target (p.
246). The Branson rescue was credited to S. F. Tappan rather
than to S. N. Wood, or James B. Abbott, the usual rivals for that
honor (pp. 255-259). The secret society of Free-State men, the
Kansas Legion, was represented as not "inimical to good govern-
ment. ... [p. 248.]" The whole Wyandotte constitution move-
ment was covered in one page (pp. 436, 437), and no account was
given of the admission of Kansas into the Union, or of the organiza-
tion of the state government. James H. Lane and Charles Robinson
were given scant attention, and of Robinson as governor the book
said: "Gov. Robinson's term in office was very brief, and the war
record [of Kansas] mainly arose during the rule of his successor,
Gov. Thomas Carney. ... [p. 449.]"
The hero of Turtle's History of Kansas was John Brown. Three
chapters (14-16 inclusive) were devoted to "John Brown's War,"
which dealt with a part of the years 1856-1857. Of the Pottawatomie
massacre of May 24, 1856, it was written (pp. 340-342) that:
The belief was common that the whole settlement, and the Browns more
particularly, would be destroyed by an act of simultaneous assassination. [A
war council of Free-State men decided, supposedly, upon a plan whose execu-
tion awaited more specific evidence of provocation.] On the 24th of May,
1857 [1856], during the absence of the leader [John Brown] of the little band,
five men . . . [who] had committed outrages . . . were . . .
killed. The event was one of the shocking incidents of a warlike time, and it is
not easy to determine where the blame primarily belonged. . . . Apart
from the criminality of this cold blooded line of conduct, it was a blunder,
because it cooled the ardor of their own best friends, . . . and infused
greater rage into the hearts of the dominent faction. . . . It is however
only fair to the participants in those executions to say that old Capt. Brown,
who was absent at the time, fully indorsed the action of his command when he
returned. . . .
The foregoing account is an example of the legend about John
Brown that had been constructed, dependent particularly, without
specific credit, upon James Redpath's biography of John Brown
published in 1860. Turtle had in his possession a far more reliable
account of these events from James Hanway, but did not modify the
text account in that direction. The biographical sketch of Han-
way (pp. 677-681) contained a version of his account already in
print since 1868. The Turtle version read (p. 679), that Hanway
"gives it as his opinion, contrary to the received versions, that John
Brown was the commander on the expedition out of which the
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 611
massacre grew . . . that he was present at the time, and gave
the orders necessary for the execution of those men." 7
Why did the Turtle history attract so little attention? It was
neither praised nor condemned as history, and except for the
Leavenworth Times expose, the questionable business practices of
the publishers were ignored. A major conclusion would seem to be
unavoidable, that few people in Kansas were actively interested in
the history of the state. That verdict is based, not only upon the
apathy shown toward the Turtle project, but was evident in relation
to Wilder's Annals of Kansas, to the centennial history agitation,
and to the organization of the Kansas State Historical Society, all
of which paralleled each other in time 1875-1877.
II. United States Biographical Dictionary:
Kansas Volume
The second book of the vanity type in Kansas history was The
United States Biographical Dictionary: Kansas Volume, Containing
Accurately Compiled Biographical Sketches, Into Which Is Woven
the History of the State and Its Leading Interests (Chicago and
Kansas City: S. Lewis & Company, Publishers, 1879). It was illus-
trated by steel-plate portraits. Although no editor was indicated,
contemporaries always credited the task to John Speer of Lawrence.
A further fact should be noted, that although the main title specified
biography, and the contents bore out that description, the explana-
tory sub-title made a bid for reader interest by alleging that the
history of the state was actually told through the medium of biog-
raphy. This point of view was elaborated further in the publisher's
preface which quoted seven prominent writers on the subject of
biography as history. The argument was extended in the following
context:
A new era, a new civilization has sprung up, which furnishes a different
material for history. There has been enough written of kings, feudal barons,
and the turbulence of unbridled power. It is the social condition of the people
that makes the history of the United States. . . .
The interests of the United States demand that her history should be modeled
after her institutions, and viewed from that stand-point, honor should be given
to those who have made the country great. A man is a constituent of a com-
munity. So is the history of an individual a constituent of the history of a
country; and that history which best represents the lives of prominent indi-
viduals, will best represent the social condition of a country.
A contrasting literature written for another type of civilization was
7. For James Hanway's long campaign for revision of the Pottawatomie massacre story,
see James C. Malin, John Brown and the Legend of Fifty-six (Philadelphia, 1942). ch. 12.
812 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
particularly in the writer's mind, dealing with monarchy, aristocracy,
and privilege, such "a European literature is not an unalloyed bless-
ing." The United States required something different, and the
publishers insisted that:
The BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY will furnish this material. It is purely an
American idea, and is in the direction of assimilating American literature with
American civilization. A sound public opinion is essential to the permanency
of a stable government. ... A national literature must represent the
national sentiment; should be in accordance with the principles and a support
to the institutions of the country.
The publishers then proceeded to explain their interpretation of
the basis used in the selection of biographees "who would be rep-
resentatives of the various interests of the State." If they had failed,
they alleged that the fault lay with those who for various reasons had
not co-operated, "thereby accepting the humiliating position of being
supernumeraries in society, who have no share in the common intel-
lect. . . ." Furthermore, the allegation was made "that not one
cent has been asked or received from the parties, whose biographies
have been given to this work; nor has it been intended to pander
to the vanity of the weak. . . . We have aimed to seek out
merit. . . ."
The business side of the Biographical Dictionary was handled
from Kansas City and from Topeka. To this end blank contracts
on pink and green paper were printed, the pink for purchase of a
copy of the book at $25, and the green for the steel-plate engraving
from a photograph at $175. The wording of the contracts is im-
portant, and should not deceive anyone. The form of the purchase
agreement made one party "The Publishers of the U. S. Biographical
Dictionary and Portrait Gallery, Kansas Volume, Kansas City and
Topeka." No firm name or officer was specified. The Eastern
office was designated as New York. The book of about 600 pages
was described and the publishers were directed to "deliver to my
address _ copies of the above named work, and I will pay to
you or your order the sum of twenty-five dollars per copy." The
paper was to be signed and dated by the purchaser.
The portrait contract was more subtle:
Gentlemen:
Please execute for me, a STEEL PLATE ENGRAVING, from Photograph furnished,
and upon receipt of fifty impressions from the plate as good as the average
samples shown, I agree to pay to you or your order One hundred and Seventy-
five Dollars; and I hereby authorize you to print, copyright and insert the
required number of impressions in the U. S. Biographical Dictionary and Por-
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 613
trait Gallery published in "Parts," and complete in one volume, after which
send the plate to my address.
On its face the subscriber was merely buying 50 prints of the
steel engravings made from his own photograph. But the essential
part of the arrangement was the "permission" to "print, copyright
and insert the required number of impressions in the U. S. Biographi-
cal Dictionary and Portrait Gallery. . . ." The condition was
not specified in the contract, but obviously the privilege of inserting
the portrait was contingent upon the purchase of a copy of the book
at $25, and the inclusion in it of the biographical sketch to accom-
pany the portrait.
The occasion for these printed contracts being preserved is that
the Kansas State Historical Society was a prospective client, and in
fact did subscribe, August 6, 1877, for a copy of the Dictionary.
Just prior to this the publisher's representative had prepared a special
contract covering a prospective order for three group engravings, a
copy of the Dictionary, and 100 copies of the "Part" containing the
engravings and their accompanying biographical sketches bound as
pamphlets. The three engravings were to be composed of groups
of men: six governors of the territory, four acting-governors, and
six governors of the state. A biographical sketch of each of the
governors, 1,000 to 3,000 words in length, was to be prepared and
printed. The cost to the society was set at $564 for each engraving
if all three were ordered, or $575 each for two. This offer was
made to the board of directors of the Kansas State Historical Society
in behalf of the publishers on August 2, 1877, under the authority
of J. W. Hodge, managing editor, and was signed by William F.
Gordon, for the company. The proposition was declined by the
society, and only the order for one copy of the dictionary was au-
thorized. The form of the special contract made explicit what was
omitted from the printed pink and green contracts and left to in-
ference. The order for the book, the biographical sketches, and
the portraits were linked together as a "package" deal. The indi-
vidual biographee might have his sketch included at the purchase
price of $25, and his portrait for an additional $175.
In all, about 750 names were included in the Dictionary, mostly
singly, but the Kennedys appeared as a family group. A number
of Missourians were included. No women found a place in their
own right. The question must remain unanswered whether this
represented prejudice on the part of men against women, or whether
it meant that women were less vain than men. Fifty-six of the men
614 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
were represented by the full-page steel engravings, two, James H.
Lane, and John Brown, being among the dead who were thus hon-
ored. There is no way to determine whether or not any living
person was included in the Biographical Dictionary who did not
subscribe. The omissions of important persons then living were
conspicuous, and included two Kansas governors, Carney, and
Osborn. A number of men who were dead were included, but
upon what terms they were chosen has not been established. The
inclusion of James H. Lane and John Brown would appear obvious.
Josiah Miller was present, but his living partner in the Kansas Free
State newspaper enterprise of 1855, R. G. Elliott, was omitted.
JOHN SPEER, EDITOR
In view of the fact that John Speer was credited by contempo-
raries with the editorial responsibility for the Biographical Diction-
ary, he must be given particular attention. No manuscript evidence
has been found relating to his agreement with the publishers of the
book, S. Lewis & Company, and to the extent of responsibility
entrusted to him. Under such conditions, all conclusions about his
editorial role are circumstantial.
John Speer (1817-1906) was of Scotch-Irish descent, born in
Pennsylvania, educated in a printing office, and for a large part of
his career followed journalism. With his brother Joseph he came
to Kansas and established a Free-State newspaper, the Kansas
Tribune at Lawrence during the winter of 1854-1855. After many
vicissitudes he was again editor of a paper of the same name at
Lawrence from October, 1875, to March, 1877, when he resigned
to engage in "literary pursuits/' according to the account in his own
biographical sketch in the Dictionary. This was about the time
that the Lewis company launched the Biographical Dictionary, and
the implication of the sequence of events is that Speer's editorship
began at that point.
During the agitation of 1876 about local history, John Speer had
undertaken what appears to have been his first extended writing of
Kansas history. This is all the more important as a key date, because
he had not been represented in the several prior history and his-
torical society enterprises. Yet, Speer had been among the prom-
inent men of Kansas from the time of his first arrival, and his career
in Kansas politics had been stormy. In the series of historical
articles which he published in the Daily and Weekly Tribune during
June and July, 1876, his major commitments on Kansas history were
clearly in evidence, although not yet in their extreme form; his
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 615
admiration for James H. Lane, and his own personal tragedy suffered
in the Quantrill raid on Lawrence. Both of these subjects became
virtual obsessions that warped and embittered his whole outlook
and eventually made him vindictive. Besides these, other personal
bereavements of 1876 added to his gloom. His son-in-law was killed
in a railroad accident in April, and his wife died, October 9, of
cancer after a long period of suffering.
In the Quantrill raid of August 21, 1863, two of Speer's sons,
John M., aged 19, and Robert, aged 17, were killed. The extent to
which this tragedy weighed upon him is indicated somewhat in the
fact that he mentioned the boys four times in the course of his
own biographical sketch in the Dictionary. In later years, when he
came to look upon himself as a -guardian of Kansas history, he made
bitter attacks upon Prof. F. H. Hodder for the historical introduc-
tion to his little book, The Government of the People of Kansas
(1895), and upon Frank W. Blackmar for his biographical work on
Charles Robinson. It was in connection with the latter incident, in
particular, that he wrote to F. G. Adams, September 2, 1898: "I
cannot let a history go to the world undisputed which dooms my
children to everlasting condemnation as justly put to death/' 8 Of
course, such a conclusion drawn from the work of either Hodder
or Blackmar was quite unwarranted, but it is an index to the depth
of the emotion that dominated John Speer and others like him as
they came to relive in their memories the days of the Kansas
troubles.
Chronologically, the editorial work on the Biographical Diction-
ary lay between the time of Speer's writing of the articles of 1876
and his embittered tirades of 1898. The articles of 1876 revealed
clearly that during two decades of political and journalistic activ-
ities his memory of early events had become impaired, and he had
not kept records necessary for its refreshment. Consequently both
factual statements and interpretations were faulty, and so seriously
so as to do himself an injustice. Also, between 1876 and 1879, the
John Brown controversy was entering a new phase. The quarter
centennial celebration of the organization of the territory of Kansas
had been held at Bismarck Grove, Lawrence, September 15, 16,
1879. The tension between the Emigrant Aid Company group and
8. Speer's public attack upon Hodder was read before the Kansas State Historical Society,
January 18, 1898, "Accuracy in History," and printed, Collections of the Kansas State His-
torical Society, v. 6, pp. 60-69. See, also, James C. Malin, "Frank Heywood Hodder, 1860-
1935," The Kansas Historical Quarterly, y. 5 (1936), pp. 115, 116. The Blackmar article,
"A Chapter in the Life of Charles Robinson, First Governor of Kansas," to which Speer
objected was published in the Report of the American Historical Association, 1894, pp. 213-
226. In 1898 Blackmar was engaged in writing the biography of Charles Robinson under
the supervision of Mrs. Robinson.
616 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
the combined Lane-Brown admirers was becoming more and more
strained. Speer's devotion to Lane, even if no other considerations
had been involved, put him in the John Brown camp also. These
were the years when the editorial work on the Biographical Diction-
ary was being done, the book being issued in September, 1879.
Between September and December, 1879, when the so-called
Townsley confession was published, the Brown controversy ex-
ploded. Among other things, the Speer-Robinson feud was aired
in the public prints, and both men demonstrated the frailty of
human memory. These men hated with a virulence that was ap-
palling.9 Of course, prior to this last unfortunate turn of events
the Biographical Dictionary was already in print.
CONTENTS
The opening biography in the Biographical Dictionary, or
position of honor, was assigned to Charles Robinson, the first state
governor of Kansas, as well as governor-elect under the Topeka
constitution during territorial days. The authorship of the sketch
is unknown, but it did more than justice to its subject. The second
position was assigned to the current governor of Kansas, John P.
St. John. The remainder of the personal sketches followed no
determinable plan.
The biography of James H. Lane was brief, but also in the hero
spirit. In view of Speer's unrestrained worship of Lane, a question
arises about the moderation and generality of the sketch. The
Tribune article of July 4, 1876, had made Lane the hero of the
Sandbank convention of July 17, 1855, but without specifying the
date. Only a vague reference, and not by name of the event or
date appeared in the Dictionary. Neither the Lane nor the Robinson
biographies attracted particular attention from the public. In view
of the circumstances already explained, it was the references in the
Biographical Dictionary to John Brown that virtually monopolized
attention.
The sketch of John Brown was one of the longest in the book
and was written in the heroic tradition, but made unusual admis-
sions. The "Pottawatomie tragedy" was utterly repudiated by Free-
State men, and was generally believed to have been perpetrated by
John Brown; but his immediate Free-State neighbors justified it as
a necessity "for the preservation of their own lives." An eyewitness,
a Mr. T [Townsley] was quoted as repeating John Brown's justi-
fication, and then the writer asked the rhetorical question: "Who
9. Malin, John Brown and the Legend of Fifty-six, chs. 15, 16.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 617
can say that the freedom of a race . . . did not hang upon that
very act?" Thus, in this sketch the admission of John Brown's re-
sponsibility was strongly suggested, but without making the matter
explicit.
James Hanway's biographical sketch was probably written by
himself, with little if any editorial revision because the language
is what he had used. He made an issue of John Brown's responsi-
bility, but justified the deed as necessary — a matter of striking first.
The fullest treatment of the Pottawatomie massacre was attached,
however, to the biographical sketch of Johnson Clark, who insisted
that "John Brown planned and executed the killing, and was present
and a participant." In support of this view Clark submitted a
detailed statement based upon the story of a Mr. T who was a
member of the John Brown party and in whose wagon all but one
of them rode on that eventful night. These three challenges of
the legend of John Brown's innocence in the matter of the Potta-
watomie massacre contributed to forcing the issue which resulted
in James Townsley admitting publicly that his wagon carried the
John Brown party and that the "Old Hero" was present, was in
command, and participated in the murders.
In view of John Speer's position in the Kansas controversies, there
was a strange irony indeed in the fact that a book, supposedly under
his editorship, should have played the unpremeditated role in pub-
licly establishing John Brown's guilt. If Speer actually exercised full
editorial authority, he imposed upon himself a most unusual re-
straint in publishing these accounts of Brown and the laudatory
sketch of Robinson. Furthermore, there was no attempt to reconcile
direct contradictions in the conflict of claims for credits and honors.
For instance, the James B. Abbott biography claimed the credit for
Abbott in the Branson rescue which S. N. Wood claimed in his
biographical sketch.
III. ANDREAS-CUTLER
History of the State of Kansas
INTRODUCTION
In 1891 N. L. Prentis chose to give the Andreas-Cutler History of
the State of Kansas a facetious though complimentary notice in his
Kansas City Star column. His story revealed that a substantial
legend about the book had accumulated during the eight years
since it was first published. After summarizing the main facts
41—1430
618 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
which emphasized the great size and cost of the work, Prentis
continued humorously:
But when the book was ready and the publisher should have gathered in his
sheaves, Kansas took a freak and suddenly landed on the great book with both
feet. The frisky commonwealth turned on "Andreas's History of Kansas," just
as she has turned on several "favorite sons," and on one occasion on a favorite
political party. The agreed price of the book — which it was well worth — was
$12. A country justice of the peace decided that it was worth $3, and the
decision was heralded all over the state. But this was not last nor worst;
somebody attached to the great work the name of "The Kansas Herd Book" and
the joke "took." When anything is made ridiculous in Kansas its day is done.
In Kansas men have been "pilloried," and "ventilated" and "nailed to the
counter," and all that, but the man who is laughed at is lost. The state is a
trifle wild on the question of fun. It is doubtful if in any other state a
burlesque syllabus would have been preserved in the supreme court reports.
At any rate it was moved and seconded that the biggest and most elaborate
book ever published about Kansas be called the "Herd Book," and the motion
carried.
In the loud guffaw that rolled over Kansas on the adoption of the motion the
sale of the book by any publisher seems to have ceased . . . Justice
travels with heavy shoes, but her arrival can be safely calculated upon. The
merits and value of the book with the unlucky nickname are being recog-
nized . . .
Prentis' reputation as a humorist and literary artist betrayed him
in several ways. People came to expect him to be funny regardless
of the occasion or subject, and he felt obliged not to disappoint
his public. Also, his facility with words misled him into over-
emphasis upon literary form. Under the impulsion of these drives,
Prentis lost sight of the primary importance of accuracy in facts
and interpretation. For contemporaries, what Prentis wrote so
entertainingly, was accepted as true. In cold print, separated by
two thirds of a century from the charm of the Prentis personality,
there is reason to ask some questions, and to test his allegations
against verifiable facts.
THE PREPARATION
The History of the State of Kansas, or "Herd Book," was published
by the Western Historical Company, of which Alfred Theodore
Andreas (1839-1900) was proprietor. Andreas had embarked upon
a formidable program of preparation and publication of state and
other local history. This was in the early 1880's after some ex-
perience in a related field. His Western Historical Company was
the outgrowth of the Andreas Atlas Company, which among other
things had published in 1874 An Illustrated Historical Atlas of the
State of Minnesota, and in 1875 a similar one of Iowa. Also, he
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 619
published several county histories of Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and
Michigan. The first enterprise of the state history series was a
History of the State of Nebraska . . . issued in 1882, a quarto
book of 1,506 double-column pages in minion type, with notes and
documents in nonpareil, a still smaller font.10 The History of the
State of Kansas ... in 1883 came next, and then a History of
Chicago in three volumes in 1884-1886, a total of 2,304 pages using
the same page format.
The editor in charge in the field and the principal author of the
Nebraska enterprise was William G. Cutler. Upon completion of
that work he was assigned to Kansas, arriving in Topeka during the
first days of February, 1882, to organize his work. After some ne-
gotiations, the board of directors of the Kansas State Historical
Society, at a special meeting February 8, at which time Cutler
presented his program, granted him permission to make use of the
materials owned by the Society under such regulations as the secre-
tary might direct.11
Cutler's staff of assistants mostly recruited in Kansas, but includ-
ing his son, H. G. Cutler, was put to work under uniform instructions
preparing county histories and interviewing subscribers for their
biographical data. Cutler and his wife, Mary, with some additional
help, worked intensively from February to December, 1882, study-
ing, taking notes from manuscripts, newspapers, and public docu-
ments assembled there, and in public offices in the Statehouse, and
writing the general history of the territory and state of Kansas. The
quantity of work done and the degree of thoroughness with which
it was performed in approximately 11 months in Kansas was all
but incredible. The task the Cutlers had performed in Nebraska
had provided some background for their Kansas work, but so far
as Kansas itself was concerned, in February, 1882, they had virtually
started from scratch. Necessarily, working under such pressure over
so short a time, they had little choice but to follow essentially the
beaten paths. Time did not permit original thinking and the in-
vestigations essential to its verification even where the source
materials calling for such revision were met at every turn.
In the general state history section a few biographies appeared.
One group was the state governors since admission of Kansas as a
state. Another group, 14 in number, were listed under the head-
10. These are the type sizes specified by the Daily Kansas State Journal, Topeka, July
27, 1883, in its review of the Kansas history, which was in the same format. In current
20th century terms these would be approximately, if not the exact equivalents of, six point
and eight point. Both were set solid without leading.
11. "Proceedings" of the board of directors, K. S. H. S., "Record A," pp. 56, 57.
620 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
ing: "In Memoriam," most of whom were entitled to inclusion in
any moderately extensive list of distinguished Kansans. The ques-
tion that was disturbing was why some of these were chosen to
the exclusion of others obviously more important. One word more
is in order: Kansas was so young as were most of its leaders, that
the majority were still present, and many were actively and acri-
moniously disputing honors and credits. To make a selection for
distinction among them was hazardous.
The theory of history under which the Andreas enterprises were
operating and rationalizing their activities requires some attention.
The word history as defined by "the acknowledged authorities, quite
imperfectly defines the scope of an American history of to-day,**
is the dictum found in the preface to the Nebraska history. Among
the reasons listed for the change in meaning were "the widespread
dissemination of intelligence; the marvelous increase in printed
records . . . ; the quick . . . growth of States," and the
fact that under American conditions the whole history of a state
might lie within the lifespan and memory of living persons, "to be
subject to the hot and merciless criticism of the still living survivors,
whose lives make the page.'*
More was involved in this definition than might be apparent,
because it provided the transition to a justification of the role of
biography, invoking the authority of Carlyle and Macaulay in sup-
port of the dictum that: "True history is biography."
In consequence, the Andreas creed was represented in the boast
that:
We have undertaken, for the first time in the annals of literature, to cover
the entire domain of history, and to publish a history of a Commonwealth,
embracing its full scope as to time and detail . . . even down to the
present time. . . . Never before has a work of like magnitude been under-
taken and performed. It combined the labor of more than a single life, and
has required the investment of more capital than was ever before risked in a
single literary enterprise of its kind in this country.
In conclusion emphasis was placed upon the fact that the county
sketches were written by different authors under uniform instruc-
tions. This gave to them a status supplementary to the general
state history although in bulk overshadowing it.
The Kansas history was similar in plan to the Nebraska history,
but proved even more elaborate, 1,616 pages. Again the claim
could be made that: "It is the most complete and exhaustive history
of a single State ever published . . . ," as well as the most
expensive, in the United States. But Kansas was represented as
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 621
being a special case: "Kansas is richer in historic lore than any
other region of the Great West. Its traditions go back to the time
of the Montezumas and the Spanish conquest of Mexico." Included
were the French, the Indian, and the America relations. Also, in
the spirit of the day, the American Civil War was reviewed as a
conflict between two types of American civilization: "In Kansas
the war was begun; and there the first victories, presaging the full
triumph of Liberty, were won." In telling this story, especially of
the territorial period, "the editors were not embarrassed from lack
of material so much as overwhelmed by a superabundance of
conflicting and often untruthful accounts. . . ." Andreas dif-
ferentiated three principal categories. First,
each tale, as now read through the perspective of retreating time, shows most
plainly the tinge of that subtle yet mischievous form of falsehood which comes
from an unconscious perversion of facts on the part of the earnest writers. In
addition to this, unscrupulous newspaper correspondents, instructed to write
only for the northern or southern political markets, sent broadcast over the
country, contradictory or false reports of every new phase of the exciting
contest as it developed. [Third,] Many books on Kansas affairs were pub-
lished during the territorial troubles, some of great merit and of rare historic
value, as furnishing corroborative testimony; but of the whole, it is not be-
lieved that a single volume is now acknowledged as authoritative, or even
approximately accurate, in a historic sense.
Against these adverse factors, however, Andreas enumerated
"advantages" which he insisted "were not inconsiderable." First,
Wilder's Annals of Kansas provided a chronology of events 1854-
1875. Second, the Kansas State Historical Society's materials on
Kansas and the West was "more varied and complete . . . than
can be found in the repository of any like society in the Great West."
The co-operation of Secretary F. G. Adams was acknowledged.
Next mentioned, were the Kansas State Library, the Biennial Re-
ports of the Kansas State Board of Agriculture, and other state
agencies, and for military history, the archives of the state adjutant
general. Defects in the history, the readers were assured, derived
from other considerations, and it "is only so far complete as to point
the way to future historians."
The relation of the county histories and the biographies to the
general history received more specific attention than in the preface
to the Nebraska volume:
The County histories are supplementary. They have been written by
historians who have visited each county, and are made up more directly from
the remembrance of old residents, and less from documentary sources than
is the general State history. They have been written by different authors,
622 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
each having his peculiar style, but all working under one general supervision.
No attempt has been made to force a correspondence or agreement between
the statements concerning the same general occurrences as detailed in the
general history and the sketches of the counties. . . . Where differences
appear they should be attributed to the different sources from which the
information has been obtained, and treated as two honest versions of the same
story, rather than reviewed as a proof of the unreliability of the whole work.
In all cases the proof-sheets or manuscripts of the County histories have been
submitted for revision and correction to old and reliable citizens of the County
before going to press.
The subject of the biographies, was given special attention and
theoretical justification, but without any admission that primarily
they were limited to subcsribers to the history. "The data from
which they were written/' Andreas insisted, had been "gathered
from personal interviews with the subjects of the sketches, or from
their immediate relatives." To insure accuracy, "the biographies of
Kansans still living" were "submitted for revision ... to those
most interested. . . ." He argued that they showed "what man-
ner of men make up the population, from whence they came, and
what experiences or circumstances drove, drifted or lured them
thither. ... It matters little that many of them are poor, or
that a few of them are rich." A history of Kansas, "containing no
record of their lives, would be incomplete indeed." Of course, this
fit into the Andreas theory of history, and of the manner in which
American history differed from European — a history of the people
themselves in the whole of their range of interests. In a new state
this meant that history dealt not only with the remote past, but was
brought down in time to the present including the people whose
stories were told by the biographies.
The arrangement of the biographical sketches of subscribers is
important to an understanding of the adverse criticism at the time
of publication. They followed in each case the historical sketch of
the locality, city, town or township, with which the subscriber was
identified. Thus the history of the locality and of the individual
biographee were linked. That association was in accord with the
Andreas theory of history and of the relation of biography to history.
It is clear that Andreas as publisher determined the policies and
wrote the prefaces to both the Nebraska and the Kansas histories,
explaining his point of view. Cutler's role was that of managing
editor and chief author in charge of the execution of the writing
program. In spite of these essential functions, Cutler's name did
not appear on either book.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 623
THE RECEPTION GIVEN "THE BIG HISTORY"
At the end of 1882 Cutler and his wife returned to the home office
of the Andreas establishment in Chicago where the manuscript was
put into final form, the type set, the proof read, and the book
printed, the typesetting and printing being divided among three
printing companies listed on the reverse of the title page. The
final revision of the county histories during the early months of
1883 was done in co-operation with local people, although the ef-
ficiency of the operation varied with the personal equation.12
The task of delivering the Andreas history began in July and
appears to have been completed during October or November,
1883. In the northeastern counties, the most heavily populated
area, the first releases occurred .simultaneously on or about July 25,
notices occurring in the daily papers of Atchison, Leavenworth,
Lawrence, and Topeka, July 25, 26, and 27 or soon thereafter.13
The range of delivery expanded west, southwest, and south. In
early September, deliveries were made in Bourbon, Riley, and
McPherson counties; and by early October, in Crawford, Mont-
gomery, and Sedgwick counties. By November 1, the job must
have been practically complete.
In order to sample the reception given the Andreas history a spot-
check has been made of 54 newspapers, representing nearly every
county in the eastern one third of the state, but including also cities
as far west as Salina, McPherson, and Wichita. After the range of
delivery dates was established, the papers in question were surveyed
for that period, July-October, inclusive. In the course of determin-
ing the range of delivery dates and of testing out special problems
involved, several papers were studied for the whole of 1882, 1883,
and part of 1884. Only 25 of the 54 papers noticed the publication
of the history. Of these 25, four were neutral or noncommittal, eight
were hostile, and 13 commended the enterprise as worth while
although not every aspect of it. Regardless of the verdict on the
history proper, the biographies of subscribers usually called forth
some adverse remarks.
Appropriately, the feature of the book most commented upon
was its size, it was "immense/' and the most frequent comparison
was with Webster's unabridged dictionary. In his Hiawatha
12. Sol Miller in the Troy Kansas Chief, August 23, 1883, described his participation.
The revision by H. Miles Moore of the Leavenworth county history was acknowledged p. 420,
Footnote.
13. The Leavenworth Times, July 24, announced it was being delivered but did not
review it. The Topeka Daily Capital, July 20, announced that A. T. Andreas had visited
Topeka August 19, and that F. G. Adams, at the Kansas State Historical Society, had re-
ceived notice that the history was ready.
624 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
World, August 9, Wilder named it 'The Big History'* and that
name was the most widely adopted nickname among other re-
viewers, but also he referred to it as "an imperial volume ' and
this phrase had some following.
Of the four newspapers noticing the book that have been classi-
fied as noncommittal, or neutral,14 the Leavenworth Times merely
announced that it was being delivered; the Coffeyville Journal
disqualified itself to judge the historical part but pronounced the
biographies "a lot of gush," and not representative of its com-
munity; the Cherokee Sentinel printed only a paragraph reference
to an allegation that the history of Cherokee was a reprint of the
one compiled by the Sentinel the first of the year; and the Fort
Scott Daily Monitor made no comment of its own but reprinted,
August 11, a most favorable review by the Hiawatha World, er-
roneously credited to the Hiawatha Herald, and September 9, an
extreme denunciation by "A Victim."
The North Topeka Times was the only one of the Topeka papers
to condemn the Andreas History of Kansas: "A Fool and his money
are soon parted. . . . — A 'History of the Humbugged' would be
a more appropriate title." The editor recognized that "much of
it is authentic," but he insisted also that "a good deal of it is the
product of somebody's fertile imagination." The feature of the
book that irked him most was the biographies of the subscribers.15
Sol Miller of the Troy Kansas Chief had a grievance because he
did not receive his copy paid for by advertising: "Besides, we gave
their men the use of our files, and spent some time giving them
information in person, and afterwards read and corrected a large
amount of proof relating to this County." To the Chase County
Leader: "The new history, of which so much was promised by
the publishers, is not very satisfactory."
In downright denunciation, the letter of "A Victim" in the Fort
Scott Daily Monitor, September 9, outdid the North Topeka Times:
MR. EDITOR: — It is not sweet to be called a fool, nor nice to be looked
upon as an idiot, but when, way down in his inmost soul a man knows he is
both — he feels, well, he feels just exactly as those feel who subscribed for
the above named book. In an unlucky hour they signed their names and then
the blessedness of forgetfulness kindly hid their liability until in an hour
still more inauspicious was delivered the History of Kansas. This botched
14. Leavenworth Daily Times, July 24; Fort Scott Daily Monitor, August 11, September
9; Coffeyville Journal, October 13; Cherokee Sentinel, January 18, 1884.
15. North Topeka Times, August 3, 1883. The other newspapers that condemned the
book were the Wyandotte Gazette, August 10; The Weekly Kansas Chief, Troy, August 23;
the Cottonwood Falls Chase County Leader, August 30; the Manhattan Republic, September
14; the Marion Record, September 21; the Manhattan Industrialist, September 22; and The
Smelter, Pittsburg, November 3, 1883.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 625
up mess of compilations, statistics, hideous photographs and ridiculous bio-
graphical sketches, in little type and poorly bound. This is what some crank
recently called an "imperial volume." It is a bulky, cumbersome nuisance
and a most humiliating monument to the assininity of the victims who thought-
lessly subscribed for what they supposed would be a valuable work. I feel
rather free to express myself, for I am one of the unfortunates. Misery loves
company and is not a bit lonely just now.
Indeed, it does seem that running through the American character is a
vein of greenhornism that is ineradicable. Our New England fathers bought
wooden nutmegs and basswood pumpkin seeds — and we buy the history of
Kansas. The book agent is a standing joke— our eyeteeth were cut long ago —
we warn the unsophisticated to beware of him, we write jokes and read puns
about him and look upon him as a fraud and a snare — and yet we buy the
history of Kansas.
Sometimes, after reading the last stanza of Burns' "Address to the Deil,"
I feel as if I could forgive the devil for most anything except for creating
and scattering abroad the itinerant book agent. But since I have thought it
over, I believe I can freely forgive him for that, if he will agree to forgive
me for signing for the history of Kansas. A VICTIM.
The Manhattan Republic recognized "much valuable historical
reading matter" but insisted that the book was "too big to be
handy/' and that it would have been better if "consolidated one-
half." E. W. Hoch, in the Marion Record, reported that "a sicker
lot of book-buyers you never saw."
The two most notorious episodes came late in the season. At
Manhattan, the Industrialist was a weekly paper published by the
Kansas State College of Agriculture and edited by the faculty,
E. M. Shelton, managing editor. At the head of the editorial
column of the issue of September 22, and without any heading,
appeared the following paragraph:
"The herd-book" is what the irreverent call the big history. But for the
fact that every man wrote his own autobiography, we should have suspected,
in looking over the pedigrees, that some of the remarkable careers here
blocked out, must have given a thrill of astonishment, as well as joy, to
the subjects of these biographical sketches.
Note should be made of the fact that Shelton did not claim
that either he or his associates had originated the name. The in-
ventor has not been identified, but, so far as the present investi-
gation has been able to determine, the Industrialist was the first to
make the term a matter of record in print. Nevertheless, the agri-
cultural college animal breeding interests afforded a suggestive
atmosphere for such a label and possibly also "the irreverent."
In reprinting September 28, the Industrialist paragraph, the Mar-
ion Record commented: "That big history business is creating a
626 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
good deal of fun for the newspaper boys all along the line." Of
the newspapers included in this survey, however, only one other
picked up the "Herd Book" tag,16 yet over the years it stuck. The
second edition of Wilder's Annals of Kansas (1886) reported (p.
1,031 ) that the Andreas History of Kansas "soon comes to be called
the 'Herd Book/ and the 'Stud Book/ " Probably the Wilder per-
petuation of the "tag" rather than the original printing in the
Industrialist was responsible for its survival. Neither Wilder nor
Prentis identified the origin, and the first printing of the term by
the Industrialist was discovered in the present investigation only
after a long search that lent realism to the proverbial quip about
hunting for a needle in a haystack.
The lawsuit over payment for the Andreas History of Kansas
occurred in Crawford county, November 1, 1883. The first hint of
any difficulties of such a drastic nature that has been found was a
note in the Chase County Leader, September 20, about the publisher
of a history of St. Louis bringing suit against a subscriber who
objected to biographies instead of a history of the city. The Leader
believed, erroneously, that the publisher was Andreas. Such a
suit was, however, brought by a representative of Andreas in justice
of the peace court (Justice J. P. Hamlin) in Pittsburg and heard
November 1, the defendant being W. H. Larimore, a farmer and
stockman. The Pittsburg Smeltery November 3, reported that a
number of prominent men were in the city on that case: "The boys
are having plenty of fun over this history business." The verdict
was not reported by that paper. The Girard Press, November 8
said: "The plaintiff got judgement, but the jury assessed the value
of the book at $3.00, which is quite a reduction from $12.50." 17
The time has come now for an appraisal of the Prentis story of
1891. The two leading incidents related by him, but without date
or place, did occur, the application of the "Herd Book" tag and the
lawsuit. But what about the conclusions or interpretation of those
facts? The Industrialist paragraph using the term "Herd Book"
was not published until September 22. By that time the deliveries
of the book had been completed in all the more populous counties.
The Fort Scott Daily Monitor, September 12, reported completion in
Bourbon county. The lawsuit occurred November 1, when de-
liveries were completed in most of the more distant counties. Even
16. Chase County Leader, Cottonwood Falls, October 25, 1883, January 3, 1884. The
Topeka papers, the Capital, the State Journal, and the Commonwealth did not pick up the
term.
17. The Smelter, Pittsburg, November 17, 1883, reprinted the Press paragraph, and so
did the Chase County Leader, January 3, 1884. Larimore's biography is found in the
history, p. 1,125.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 627
in Crawford county there were no reports of other "incidents."
Prentis' allegation seems unwarranted, that as a result of these facts
"the sale of the book by the publisher seems to have ceased. . . ."
Furthermore, there is no evidence that Kansas failed to appreciate
with a fair degree of accuracy both the merits and weakness of
"The Big History." Wilder's verdict in the Annals (1886, p. 1,031)
was an ever-present reminder: "The completeness of the work is
amazing. Without a full index, the true value of the History will
be known only to the few who really read it." But the strictly con-
temporary record of reviewers who took the more favorable side
must be given full consideration.
Although not chronologically first, Wilder's review is entitled to
first place.18 In introducing "The Big History" August 9 he asserted
that:
Nobody will ever read it through, but whoever wants to know anything and
everything about Kansas will find it here. . . . The book can be com-
pared to nothing but itself. It is all of Kansas, 200 miles wide and 400 miles
long, and all here. We are overcome with wonder and give up the attempt
to write a notice of such an imperial volume.
The following week confirmed the first impression: "No one can
examine this work without admitting that it is the most complete
history that we have." In adverse criticism, Wilder called attention
to a Massachusetts state history in which each writer of a section
in a co-operative work was
eminent in his department — a real historian. . . . The object of that
work is to make the best history, by the best men living at the time. The
purpose of the Big History is to make money for the publishers. The biog-
raphies are put in to float the volume. And yet the publisher has not sought
to distort history, to misrepresent or conceal facts ... its real history
could be condensed into one-tenth of the space and one-twentieth of the type,
with no loss; with a real gain. That is what the real historian will do within
twenty years, taking this book, and all of its predecessors, with the newspapers
of the day, as his ample repository of facts.
Wilder was concerned about the anonymity of authorship and
rendered his own verdict on where he thought credits belonged:
No credit is given in the Big, for any writer of the Big, and this is hardly
fair. But the army of writers were doubtless well paid. We judge, from in-
ternal evidence, that the State history proper was written by Judge F. G.
Adams and Col. S. S. Prouty, and two more competent men could not have
been selected. The history of the Indian tribes, most admirably done, we
18. Atchison Daily Champion, July 25; Topeka Daily Capital, July 26; Topeka Dotty
Commonwealth, July 26; Topeka Daily State Journal, July 27; Emporia Weekly News, August
2; Hiawatha World, August 9, 16; Junction City Union, August 25; Lawrence Daily Kansas
Herald, August 1; Marion County Democrat, Marion, August 30; McPherson Republican,
September 6; Girard Press, October 11; Girard Herald, October 11; Wichita Beacon,
October 17, 1883.
628 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
credit to Adams. The Territorial Conflict is Prouty-Adams, the Erckmann-
Chatrian, of the Big. The picture of Lane, and the great speech in Chicago,
is Prouty's, of course, and is the first worthy laurel placed upon the tombstone
of the Grim Chieftain by any Kansas writer. And yet Lane's Chicago triumph
was only one of a hundred similar Jim Lane victories and ovations. Looking
the matter all over we can understand very well why we were a "Lane" and
not a "Robinson man" up to 1864 — when we ratted, and went over to the
Opposition.
Wilder's speculation about the authorship of the principal part of
"The Big History" brought a prompt denial, August 17, from F. G.
Adams, the letter being printed in full in the World, August 30:
You are not correct in your surmises. ... I did not . . . prepare
any part of the book, and there is no writing of mine in it. [The authorship
of the general history was credited to William G. Cutler, of Milwaukee, Wis.]
By him or under his direction all investigations were made, and by him, ac-
cording to the best of my information, most of the writing was done, though
he was constantly assisted while here, by his wife, a lady of excellent literary
ability. They resided here in Topeka, for about ten months, from February to
December 1882. Mr. Cutler was assisted more or less by Colonel Prouty and
J. C. Hebbard, who I think, assisted somewhat on the general history, as they,
and many others did upon county and local work.
Credit for the planning and financing of the Kansas history project
was given, of course, to A. T. Andreas, the publisher, who told
Adams, upon his visit to Topeka July 19 that the cost was $90,000.
Adams then summarized the story of the relations of Cutler with the
Kansas State Historical Society and himself in connection with the
whole episode. When Cutler arrived in Topeka in February and
first approached Adams the latter disapproved, but Adams should
tell of this in his own way:
As it was to be a mere business enterprise, and the book necessarily to
contain in part matter which would be of interest only to subscribers, the
directors of the State Historical Society, when asked for the use of its library
and materials in its preparation, looked upon the undertaking with disfavor
and sought to discourage it. It was hoped that the materials collected by the
Historical Society would be first used by some competent citizen of our own
State in the preparation of a history of Kansas; of a book which would be free
from the taint of commercial jobbery; ... he was told very frankly that
the Society did not wish the result of its labors to be used as he proposed,
and that he could not expect any encouragement from the Society. Such effort
as could be was immediately made to head him off by getting a Kansas man at
such a work. Colonel Prouty was consulted, and urged to undertake it, as he
of all other competent persons, seemed to have the leisure, and the requisite
knowledge of book-making, and book-publishing. He gave the matter careful
consideration and decided against it. A meeting of such of the directors of
the Society as were in Topeka was held, and Mr. Cutler was invited to come
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 629
before the meeting and explain his project, which he did. The following is
the entry upon the records of the Society, concerning the meeting:
"After a consultation had in the Society's room, February 8, 1882, the fol-
lowing officers and members were present, namely: Gov. J. P. St. John, Hon.
P. I. Bonebrake, Hon. James Smith, Hon. John Francis, Hon. F. P. Baker, Hon.
T. D. Thacher, Hon. C. K. Holliday, Col. S. S. Prouty and the Secretary."
Adams stated the object of the meeting and Cutler presented his
plans. After deliberation the decision was made and entered in the
minutes of the board of directors as of February 8, 1882. Adams
related that: "It was informally decided that Mr. Cutler should be
given access to the library of the Society in such a manner, and
under such restrictions as the Secretary might determine."19 In
accord with this permission the library was opened freely to Cutler
who promised that the work would be well done, "and the promise,
it seems to me, has been amply fulfilled/' Adams testified that
of course he took an interest in what was being done, but no com-
pensation had ever been offered or received for his time taken by
the project.
The Atchison Champion, John A. Martin, editor, wrote: "There
can be no complaint on the score of quantity" because it was "cer-
tainly one of the largest volumes ever printed in the English lan-
guage." He pointed out that the general state history occupied
about 300 pages, the county histories and the biographies accounted
for the remainder:
The feature of the book which will be most criticised — and read — is the
biographical, containing sketches longer or shorter, of Kansas citizens, some well
known; . . . and others unknown. But the sketches have, many of them,
genuine historical value, and the others are of interest to individuals and fami-
lies, and will have [value] in the future to the historian, the seeker in the field
of geneology, and others.
And in conclusion, applying to both the general history and the
county histories and the biographies: ". . . this book . . .
is of great value, and, in that respect it is a happy disappointment."
The verdict of the Topeka Capital was that:
The completeness and accuracy of the book will be a pleasant surprise to
the subscribers. The editor, Mr. Andreas, has fulfilled every promise he made
his subscribers, and given them the most comprehensive history of Kansas
ever made of a State in one book. . . . The book is unlike most histories
. . . gotten up to sell by subscription, in being really a meritorious work.
. . . The matter it contains is of value to-day and will continue to be
of increasing interest for its historical and biographical data for generations to
come.
19. The official action is recorded in "Record A," "Proceedings" of the board of
directors, K. S. H. S., pp. 58, 57.
630 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
The Topeka Commonwealth said: "Its contents, which will of
course be criticized, are carefully compiled, great attention having
been paid, apparently, to genuine history." The Lawrence Daily
Kansas Herald, said: "So far as the work goes it is grand. . . .
Yet as an authentic history it is sadly lacking in many points."
Especially the Herald objected to the biographies. The Emporia
News thought it "will undoubtedly be consulted almost as much as
Wilder's Annals." The Hiawatha World insisted that: "The book
can be compared to nothing but itself. It is all of Kansas, 200
miles wide and 400 miles long, and all here. We are overcome
with wonder and give up the attempt to write a notice of such an
imperial volume." All of these evaluations were printed during the
last days of July and the first days of August, 1883, and all were
by major Kansas dailies and weeklies.
Political partisanship was not conspicuous in the reactions to
"The Big History." A letter to the editor of the Marion Democrat,
signed "Patriot," had possible political implications. He quoted
Wilder's World review on one point: "Many matters are fully
and correctly brought out in the Big that have not been well
understood before, and the chief of these are the Pottawatomie
murders." Instead of undertaking to justify John Brown as most ad-
mirers had done after the Townsley confession of December, 1879,
"Patriot" spoke his Democratic mind: "At last men are beginning
to admit that 'Old John Brown' instead of being a Christian and a
patriot, was a thief and a murderer. John Brown did this dia-
bolical work. And yet men refer to him as a saint." This was
giving the Andreas history an approval not exactly in the ortho-
dox vein, but nevertheless the minority of otherwise minded in
Kansas found something of merit in the cracks shown in the mono-
lithic structure of antislavery-abolition Kansas historiography.
Among the later reviews the McPherson Republican pointed out
that: "Unlike most works of the kind, there is not a bit of padding
or stuffing in it. No thick leads, wide margins, blank pages, and
spongy paper to make a little matter fill a big book." The im-
mense labor involved in the county histories was emphasized: "the
force engaged in gathering the facts seems to have ransacked the
country pretty thoroughly." In conclusion it was said that: "the
work has been done well and faithfully. The value of this history
to the Kansan who takes pride in his state, is beyond estimation."
The Republican went beyond the scope of comment usual to
these review notices. One point made was that:
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 631
The book has also another peculiar value. It preserves in permanent form
the history of events which hitherto have never been recorded. Kansas is
a peculiar state. She has had her share of announcements, proclamations
and other performances common to what may be styled, statesmanship on
paper. But here the people have gone further. With the early Kansan, think-
ing was followed by acting and often so quickly that it was not easy to tell
which came first. A real or fancied grievance, an indignation meeting, a raid,
a fight, that was the way in early times. But the participants in these affairs
never troubled themselves with writing. . . . Kansas may be grateful that
before these memories have perished from earth, they have been gathered and
recorded.
The writer did not assume that history as found in such a book
was final: "That all of this matter is not equally important is true,
but this book will be a treasure house for future historians/' In
one respect the Republican was more discriminative than most
people of that day who would have agreed with Andreas about
the relation of Kansas to the American Civil War: "In Kansas the
war was begun. . . ." Instead, the Republican observed: "What
influence Kansas has had on national affairs cannot be estimated
at present. ... To those who in the future years shall attempt
the task, this book will be of inestimable value/'
After a first look at "The Big Book," weight 14 pounds, the
Girard Press admitted that it was too long to read in the time avail-
able, so the editor did not commit himself on its literary merits:
The state history, we notice, contains much that has not hereto-
fore been collected, and is valuable, at least, in furnishing data
that will be of value to the student." He was troubled by the
biographies. The Girard Herald admitted that when the agent
called and outlined the scope of the history he thought it "too
collossal, would take too much time, means and research, and al-
together ... too much like the many dreams that are dis-
cussed by impracticable people. . . ." But when the agent de-
livered the book:
Imagine our surprise [that it was] in no way inferior to the declaration of
purposes. . . . That it is a perfect piece of work, such as could be gotten
up by the same parties after ten years labor instead of eighteen months, only,
we would not have inferred, but we do not hesitate to say that the work done
in that time by the author, agents, printers, binders is well done.
The editor regretted the limited edition because he wished that
it might be accessible to "every boy growing up in Kansas." Ap-
parently girls didn't count in such a context!
One of the strangest aspects of the review notices of the Andreas
history was the generally favorable judgments on the physical
632 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
aspects of the book, the department where experienced printers
have been not only qualified to speak, but sensitive as a matter of
professional pride. With few exceptions the paper and binding
were commended. In perspective those were the two most serious
physical defects of the book. A wood-pulp paper was used and the
binding was totally inadequate for a 14-pound volume. As of the
mid-20th century only a relatively few surviving copies can be
rebound successfully because the paper is too brittle.
The prediction of John A. Martin may be taken as the means
of introducing some consideration of the problem presented by the
biographies in "The Big History": "The feature of the book which
will be most criticized — and read — is the biographical. . . ."
The unanimity of the reviewers, both those hostile to the project
and those appreciative of the general history, leaves no room for
disagreement with Martin on that point. But merely to denounce
the printing of the biographical sketches of the subscribers did not
then and does not in perspective meet adequately the challenge in-
volved. A number of contemporaries recognized the unpleasant
facts and said as much.
Less objection would have been aroused apparently had sub-
scription not been the sole criterion for inclusion of biographies in
the county section. Apparently few would have objected to the
inclusion of the subscribers as such providing others had been se-
lected upon some reasonable standard of merit for the state as a
whole or for the counties as a whole. The North Topeka Times
asserted that:
It is well enough to write the biography of every early settler, and of prom-
inent men of the state, and to embellish the book with their faces. They made
the history of Kansas and we love to read of them, and look at their pictures.
But we protest against making up such a book, of promiscuous biographies
of anybody who would pay for it, leaving out of the work so many prominent
and worthy names and calling it a "History of Kansas."
The omissions irked the Lawrence Herald which stated the matter
thus: "unfortunately very many men whose lives formed a prom-
inent part of the history of Kansas were not subscribers. . . ."
The objections of the Wyandotte Gazette and of the Chase
County Leader were based also upon the wording of some of the
biographical sketches which converted them into advertising. After
analyzing the composition of the group in the Coffeyville section,
the Journal of that place insisted that they were not representative
of the community.
Two papers came nearer than the others to stating the issues
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 633
adequately. The Girard Press, as did several others, asserted that
the biographies were written by the subjects themselves. Possibly
some of them were, but the usual formula was that the subjects
supplied the data which was written or revised by the editors and
submitted for approval. Some were modest, said the Press, "but
some have given the histories of their families (real or imaginary)
from the time of the revolution, and boiled over in gushing eulogy
of their own attainments. This is the disgusting part of the book —
but as this was the publisher's source of profit, could not well be
avoided in a work of this kind." The Atchison Champion was
quoted as saying: "We really cannot understand what the critics
expected. The biographies are as full and accurate as the parties
contributing them would give."20
None of the reviewers distinguished clearly the two-fold character
of the problem of biography involved. First, some provision should
have been made for selection of nonliving persons for biographical
mention upon a basis of merit. Second, besides the subscribers,
some categories of living persons could have been included. That
no provision was made for persons no longer living was the omission
that was hardest to understand or defend. Strictly speaking there
was no possible justification. That omission violated the theory of
history and biography formulated by Andreas himself, and laid
him open to the cynical accusation so often leveled at all subscrip-
tion or vanity histories of this sort, that they were purely commer-
cial ventures operated solely for profit.
Pertaining to the limitations of the second group, the living per-
sons, to subscribers there is an aspect that should be suggested for
serious consideration. In any study of the structure and character-
istics of a given society, criteria of selection must be set up. As
every person in the state or county could not be described, a sam-
pling technique must be adopted. Without rationalizing it as such,
had not willingness to subscribe to a promised but unwritten history,
on the assurance of a canvasser acting for an unknown publisher,
achieved a fair sample of one sort of cross section of the total popu-
lation of Kansas? Did not a similar principle operate also in ex-
plaining acceptance of political and social panaceas as well as
patent medicines and book agents? If one were to be completely
candid, just how far did this criterion deviate from the representa-
tive or average citizen of Kansas or any other state?
20. Chase County Leader, October 25, 1883.
42—1430
634 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
AUTHORSHIP AND THE ADAMS-CUTLER CORRESPONDENCE
On August 8, 1883, soon after receiving his personal copy of the
History of Kansas, F. G. Adams wrote to Cutler reporting that he
had tested it out for reference:
It contains a vast store of information. If it contains errors, I have yet to
find them. I speak of the general history and may say the same of the local
history, so far as I have examined . . . those sections with whose history
I am more familiar. In regard to the general work, I know of the methodical
and laborious care with which you and your excellent lady pursued your in-
vestigations. The arrangement and putting in print of your work is not less
admirable.21
Seeing a copy of Adams' letter to Wilder about authorship, Cutler
wrote Adams, September 13:
I merely want to thank you for the very truthful and frank letter which
appeared in Wilder's paper of the 20th ult. You did what you could to put
me and yourself right. Now, if you think it valuable, in a historic sense, to have
deposited in your archives the list of writers of the "Big History," I will send
you the whole thing. Of course, you can see that the reliability of the different
parts of the "Big" must depend somewhat on its authorship, and, I consequently
thought you, if nobody else, might desire to know exactly who wrote the book.
. . . I managed, in writing the history of Kansas, to get more than a passing
interest in your work. It is plain that the history of the State is not yet written.
The biographical portion — really the most important, has scarcely been touched.
The great bulk of what appears in "The Big" as Wilder calls it, should be put
into good school history form. Nobody could do that better than you and
Wilder. Then, the Annals should be continued, and the second volume would,
I think, sell largely and make the first invaluable. To you, I suggest that you
use my history for the future rather than for the past. Note each error as you
discover it, so that whoever looks at the book may see the latest — not only the
history as compiled by me, but every revision and correction that you can make.
In that way, it seems to me, you might make the over bulky volume valu-
able. . . .
In acknowledging Cutler's letter, September 17, as would be
expected, Adams replied: "I shall be very glad to receive from you
for our archives a list of the writers of the Big History. It will be
very valuable, and always of interest as a part of the literary history
of the State." Later in the same letter, Adams expressed his thanks
for the suggestion about "noting corrections, if any need be, in the
text of your history; also as to the school history. I shall heed both
suggestions/' 22
Following an exchange of letters in January, 1884, relative to the
nondelivery of a copy of the history to a niece, Adams added a per-
sonal note to his letter of January 25: "The best critics speak well
21. Extract from K. S. H. S., "Outgoing Correspondence," v. 7, pp. 468, 469.
22. Ibid., v. 8, p. 29.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 635
of your book. In every instance of adverse criticism so far as I re-
member, it has come from those whose biographies were left out.
This is human nature of course." 23
A decade of silence was broken by Adams who wrote Cutler in-
quiring about authorship. Difficult to understand is the apparent
lapse of memory on the part of Adams about the earlier correspond-
ence on that subject and his failure to refresh his memory by con-
sulting his letter files. Adams' letter was dated May 5, 1894, and
Cutler, then in the wool business, replied May 8:
Your letter of May 5 has just reached me, and I am glad you appreciate the
historical work we did. I can only testify to your full cooperation and help,
after we knew each other. You remember that, quite early, you tried to head
me off — but, the cordial way in which you and your daughter treated us after-
wards, and the warm friendship which followed, leaves that, to me, only as a
joke, to laugh at.
My wife died 3 yrs ago. I leave to day, for a Western trip, on wool business,
so far personal.
In regard to your inquiries regarding the History of Kansas:
(1) I was the Editor in Chief, with head-quarters at Topeka —
( 2 ) The entire body of the STATE HISTORY was written by myself and wife.
Also all the biographies of historical characters like John Brown, Lane, Robinson
and others.
My wife, MARY W. CUTLER, wrote the early history, including that of the
Indians; Coronado &c. She was a better, and, I think a more conscientious
writer of history than I could ever be.
The county and town histories, which were subordinate, were written by,
perhaps, a dozen different writers; all their manuscripts being revised, before
sent to press, by myself and wife.
My son, H. G. Cutler, was at Leavenworth, Atchison, and Wyandotte.
S. S. PROUTY wrote the County, perhaps more than one, south of Topeka,
where he formerly lived, and gave us much valuable information of his early
days in Kansas, which was digested by us, and went into the general history;
NOBODY WROTE ANY OF THE GENERAL HISTORY OF KANSAS, AS A STATE OR TER-
RITORY, EXCEPT MYSELF AND WIFE.
MR. J. C. HEBBARD assisted in several county histories, and, I think, wrote
one or two entire, and sent me the copy, after I returned to Chicago. He
was most excellent help to me, also, in gathering local statistics and historic
facts about the county in which Topeka is (I have no map by me, and don't
remember the name of the county). There was another Kansas man, who
knew something about the Indian fights out west: I forget his name, who I
hired to write a county out where he seemed acquainted.
I think the A. T. Andreas pay-roll would give you the author of every
county history. I have written all that comes to my mind, with no written
data to which I can refer. —
I send my warmest regards to you & daughter. If you ever have a World's
Fair in Topeka, and I visit it, I shall see you, if you are alive. . . .
23. Ibid., v. 8, p. 308.
636 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
In a postscript Cutler reminded Adams: "Soon after the History
was published I sent you [a] list of writers on it. It is probably put
away in some pigeon-hole." On the authority of this notation the
present writer had the co-operation of the staff of the Kansas State
Historical Society in a futile search for the missing list of writers.
In his acknowledgment of July 8, Adams again revealed a striking
deficiency in observation or in memory. He thanked Cutler for the
information about:
the authorship of the different portions of your great history of Kansas, 1883.
. . . I did not know, however, of the full part taken in your work by your
wife. I did observe that she was a most patient and attentive helper, but I
so little cultivated an acquaintance with her, and saw so little of your work
in your rooms that I would not know of the important and valuable help which
your wife rendered, and which you so gratefully seem to remember.
I look upon the period of your work here with pleasant remembrance. You
did a good work. Your great book is a collection of the materials of Kansas
history which will be consulted to the latest day.24
Little additional information about authorship of the county
histories has been collected, but more will be found from time to
time in the newspaper files of the several counties. In addition to
Atchison, Leavenworth, and Wyandotte counties, the son, H. G.
Cutler, assisted in McPherson county, accompanied by Robert P.
Dey.25 The Marion Graphic, April 27, 1883, credited the writing
of that county to Hubbard [Hebbard?]. Sol Miller's contribution
on proof reading, etc., has been mentioned for Doniphan county,
and similarly revision by H. Miles Moore for Leavenworth county.
James Hanway contributed to the Franklin county history.
EVALUATION IN RETROSPECT
The contemporary reviews of "The Big History" were quite gen-
eral in substance. Few Kansas editors of 1883 possessed the knowl-
edge of the details of Kansas history sufficient to have undertaken
specific criticism. Except for a few points, even Wilder did not
undertake to evaluate particular facts and interpretations. At no
time since then has anyone assumed the task of detailed examina-
tion. Such a project is scarcely appropriate now, but some rather
general commentary is in order for two reasons. First, because the
perspective of nearly three quarters of a century affords a basis for
testing the soundness of Cutler's work. Second, in spite of 70-odd
years, no single book or even limited number of books are available
which displace it altogether. For the period really covered, the
24. Ibid., v. 38, p. 324.
25. McPherson Independent, November 22, 1882.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 637
Andreas-Cutler history, with all its shortcomings, is still the least
objectionable longer book available.
Of the shorter books, L. W. Spring's Kansas, The Prelude to the
War for the Union (Boston, 1885) still holds a similar qualified
position.26
By the end of 1882 when Cutler and his wife completed their
sojourn in Topeka, the Kansas State Historical Society had made
substantial progress in collecting historical materials of all kinds,
but especially newspapers, manuscripts, and public documents,
both state and national. From the first three Biennial Reports of the
Society, covering the years 1877-1883, it is possible to reconstruct
quite accurately just what was^ actually available to the Cutlers at
that time. For example, the Society had received the following
collections of manuscripts, either substantially complete or major
installments of what are now found in those groups under the fol-
lowing names: Eli Thayer, Thaddeus Hyatt, George L. Stevens,
Thomas H. Webb, W. B. Taylor, James Hanway, Isaac McCoy,
Robert Simerwell, John G. Pratt, Joel K. Goodin, James B. Abbott,
S. N. Wood, James Montgomery, John Brown, James M. McFarland,
and William Clark.
The Cutlers were the first to make use of these resources for
systematic historical purposes, and they used them intelligently.
As has been said earlier, in general Cutler followed substantially the
traditional framework, but at this point the additional observation
is in order, that he filled it in from these new materials in an au-
thentic fashion that gave to Kansas history a substance not formerly
present.
The preliminary material in the Andreas-Cutler history dealing
with the setting of Kansas history, based upon the inadequate
knowledge available in 1882, has been superceded almost alto-
gether. Recent geological knowledge is available in the publica-
tions of the State Geological Survey of Kansas, but of particular
relevance here is John C. Frye and A. Byron Leonard, Pleistocene
Geology of Kansas ( 1952 ) . The geographical picture in modern form
is found in Walter H. Schoewe, "The Geography of Kansas."27
The anthropological and archeological background of the prairie
and plains between the Mississippi river and the Rocky mountains
26. Spring's book has been placed in its historic perspective in Malin, John Brown and
the Legend of Fifty-six, chs. 19, 20.
27. In three parts (four installments), Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science,
Lawrence, v. 51, pp. 253-288; v. 52, pp. 261-333; v. 54, pp. 263-329; v. 56, pp. 131-190.
638 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
may be most effectively introduced for Kansas readers by the work
of Waldo R. Wedel.28
The Coronado story has undergone several transformations since
Cutler wrote, using the J. H. Simpson version as his guide. The
most recent revaluation is that of H. E. Bolton, Coronado, Knight
of Pueblos and Plains ( New York, 1949 ) .
The ecological setting of the grassland and the manner in which
the Eastern American forest men met this environment, which was
strange to them, receives attention in several works by the present
writer.29
The writing of the history of the United States has changed sub-
stantially since Cutler wrote his section on the national background
of Kansas. That revision as it related to Kansas history owes much
to the work of Frank Heywood Hodder (1860-1935), a professor
at the University of Kansas, 1891-1935.30 Focusing his reinter-
pretation of American history upon the career of Stephen A. Doug-
las, Hodder showed that his controlling interest was the organiza-
tion of Western territory "as an indispensable necessity to the
development of the country." Douglas sensed the revolutionary
importance of steam railroads to the interior communications of
a large continental landmass such as the United States, and urged
the construction of a railroad to the Pacific ocean by a central
route. The accomplishment of that objective required the organ-
ization and settlement of the Indian country along the route.
Douglas campaigned for those objectives from 1844 to 1854. Also,
Douglas advocated local self-government and co-operation of states
in regional affairs as an offset to the growing tendency toward
national centralization of power. He insisted that popular govern-
ment was grounded in the locality. These principles provided the
background for the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, with its "Popular
Sovereignty" clause, and for Douglas these principles, not slavery,
were the real issues of the day.31 The newer point of view ap-
28. Waldo R. Wedel, "Some Problems and Prospects in Kansas Prehistory," The Kansas
Historical Quarterly, v. 7, pp. 115-132; "Prehistory and Environment in the Central Great
Plains," Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science, v. 50, pp. 1-18; "Environment and
Native Subsistence Economies in the Central Great Plains," Smithsonian Miscellaneous Col-
lections, v. 101, No. 3; "Culture Chronology in the Central Great Plains," American Antiq-
uity, Salt Lake City, v. 12, pp. 148-155.
29. Malin, The Grassland of North America: Prolegomena to Its History (Lawrence:
The author, 1946); Grassland Historical Studies . . . ; Volume I, Geography and Geol-
ogy (Lawrence: The author, 1950); Winter Wheat in the Golden Belt of Kansas (Lawrence:
The University of Kansas Press, 1944). The first chapters of the last named book were first
published in The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 11, pp. 370-398; v. 12, pp. 58-91, 156-189.
30. The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 5, pp. 115-121; v. 8, pp. 227-237.
31. For a further development of these principles, see James C. Malin, The Nebraska
Question, 1852-1854 (Lawrence: The author, 1954).
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 639
plied to the administrations of Pierce and Buchanan, 1853-1861,
is treated best in Roy F. Nichols, Franklin Pierce (Philadelphia and
London, 1931 ) , and The Disruption of American Democracy ( New
York, 1948).
Kansas history proper, as differentiated from background, began
in the Cutler book at page 81. The story was told in a factual
manner, with the liberal reprinting of original documents or extracts
from them, and with the minimum of personal interpretation. In
accordance with the prevailing point of view the territorial story
was told almost exclusively from the Free-State side. Leavenworth,
for instance, was sacrificed to Lawrence even for the Free-State
story. The convention era of 1855 during which the Free-State party
and the Topeka statehood movement were launched ignored im-
portant factors. This story needs revision to recognize the role of
J. Butler Chapman, J. H. Stringfellow, Josiah Miller, and R. H.
Elliott. Also the Topeka Constitution needs re-evaluation.32
The Lecompton Constitution movement and the English bill have
been reinterpreted by F. H. Hodder, showing that the bribery story
is untenable.33 The admission of Kansas into the Union and the or-
ganization of the state government under Charles Robinson as gover-
nor, is told in modern form in G. R. Gaeddert, The Birth of Kansas
(Topeka, 1940). The John Brown story is told in Malin, John Brown
and the Legend of Fifty-six, based upon altogether new manuscript
material as the point of departure from the traditional factual struc-
ture of the activities of Brown. In this new context the Pottawatomie
massacre was political assassination.
IV. BLACKMAR, Kansas, a Cyclopedia of State History
The set of books called Kansas, a Cyclopedia of State History
. . . was published in 1912 in three volumes, but volume 3 was
in two parts each as large as either of the first two volumes (Chi-
cago: Standard Publishing Company ). The first two volumes were
called history, but arranged topically in alphabetical order as is
customary in an encyclopedia. Thus, it was designed as a reference
work, not as one to be read consecutively. It was a vanity history,
but by this time custom in such matters had pretty well standardized
the procedure of printing the subscribers' biographies and pictures
32. Cf., the short statement on these points in the first essay in this series, The Kansas
Historical Quarterly, v. 21, pp. 205-210. A longer version is in James C. Malin, "The
Topeka Statehood Movement Reconsidered: Origins," in Territorial Kansas: Studies Com-
memorating the Centennial (Lawrence: The University of Kansas Publications, Social Science
Studies, 1954). Other essays in this volume, Territorial Kansas, each by a different author,
deal with topics that received scant if any attention from Cutler.
33. F. H. Hodder, "Some Aspects of the English Bill for the Admission of Kansas,"
Collections of the K. S. H. S., v. 10, pp. 224-232.
640 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
in volumes separate from the history, but the whole work was sold
of course as sets. The two-part volume 3 contained the subscribers'
biographies. The promoters of the enterprise tried, unsuccessfully,
to persuade F. H. Hodder to permit the use of his name on the title
page as editor, offering him compensation in the four-figure range.34
The exact conditions under which Frank W. Blackmar, professor
of sociology and dean of the graduate school of the University of
Kansas, accepted the role assigned to him on the title page as editor
are not known. Although he wrote some articles, the work as a
whole was written by a staff of writers, partly regular company
personnel, and partly local people resident in Topeka. The details
of this writing enterprise have been summarized in a written state-
ment by Martin J. Flannery, October 11, 1933, supplemented by
George Root, a long-time member of the staff of the Kansas State
Historical Society.35 According to these informants, Thomas J.
Hudson, Indianapolis, the managing editor, wrote most of the
territorial and state history; Charles and William Jackson, Valpa-
raiso, Ind., were in charge of outside activities. Martin J. Flannery
wrote most of the biographical articles, and George Root most of the
articles on rivers, springs, express routes, and landmarks. Elizabeth
N. Barr (Mrs. C. B. Arthur, later publisher of the Overland Park
Herald), contributed to the county histories. A number of others
made lesser contributions. Most of the work was compiled and
written in the rooms of the Kansas State Historical Society, 1910-
1912.
V. THE CONNELLEY HISTORIES
Two sets of vanity histories were issued under the name of W. E.
Connelley, secretary of the Kansas State Historical Society, as
author and compiler; each in five volumes, in each case two being
history and three being biographies principally, if not altogether, of
subscribers. The first set was entitled A Standard History of Kansas
and Kansans, and was issued by the Lewis Publishing Company,
Chicago and New York, 1918. The second was entitled History
of Kansas, State and People. ... In the latter case the title
page indicated that the biographies were by a special staff of writers.
The publisher was The American Historical Society, Inc., Chicago
and New York, 1928. This organization should not be confused
with the American Historical Association, the professional organ-
ization of historians in the United States.
34. Professor Hodder told the present writer the story of these negotiations.
35. K. S. H. S., manuscript division.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 641
Except for the three volumes of biographies in each set, the two
histories were substantially one and the same thing. Neither the
copyright notice of 1928 nor the preface of the same date gave
any hint that the material had been published before. In the
1928 edition of the history, a new chapter one had been added
and the following chapters renumbered accordingly and retitled.
New chapters were added to cover the period between 1918 and
1928, the administrations of Governors Allen, Davis, and Paulen.
Among the special articles three were new. A page by page colla-
tion of the texts of the two histories show that they are identical
except an occasional sentence, paragraph, or section.36
The most of the history in these volumes was actually written
by Connelley. The other chapters were published under the names
of each of the contributing authors, but most of them were super-
ficial. The major interest centers in Connelley's interpretation of
Kansas and national history. He had no formal training in such
matters and had followed his own bent in cultivating only those
aspects of history that were of interest to him personally. Also,
he was a man of strong likes and dislikes. In his earlier days he
had been in the thick of the feuding over John Brown, Jim Lane,
and Charles Robinson, and had written biographies of Lane ( 1899 ) ,
and Brown (1900), as well as a bitter attack on Robinson under
the title Appeal to the Record. By the time he wrote Kansas and
Kansans his views had moderated somewhat, but they colored his
treatment of Kansas history which was unduly favorable to Lane
and Brown. To Connelley, history was peculiarly personal. His
interest in Indians resulted in an undue amount of space being de-
voted to that subject, particularly the Wyandotte Nation. His in-
sistence upon the Wyandotte background for the Kansas-Nebraska
bill, and the major roles of Abelard Guthrie and William Walker
distorted that whole subject. His contention ignored what was
going on in the United States as a whole, and in effect, made the
tail to wag the dog. That type of exaggeration is one of the pitfalls
of local historians when zeal for their own area loses touch with
background. Another special interest with Connelley was the
military history of the American Civil War, which resulted in six
chapters on the Kansas aspects of military operations. Kansas
history after the Civil War was written by several hands. The
work as a whole lacked organization and coherence; a collection
of historical articles arranged roughly in a chronological order
rather than a history.
36. In reviewing the 1928 edition in the American Historical Review, New York (v. 34,
pp. 663, 664), F. H. Hodder pointed out the main facts about the two histories.
642 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
CONCLUSION
Conclusions appropriate to close this series of essays fall under
three heads, which emphasize the wide split between theory and
practice. First, the conception of history conspicuous throughout
the course of agitation for a state historical society had emphasized
that history included the whole range of human activity. King-
man's presidential address before the Kansas Historical Society in
1868 had held up a worthy ideal. Kansans of that era were not
only familiar with Macaulay's history, but also J. R. Green's his-
tories— the Larger History of the English People, sold in 1882 for
65 cents.37 The emphasis in Green's work was on "the history
of the people, rather than that of the kings only. . . ." The
Andreas-Cutler book made a bid for some such conception of
history, but fell short.
Explanations for the continued emphasis upon political and mili-
tary history were grounded upon fundamental considerations even
where the practice was deficient. In modern times responsible gov-
ernment was held up as the ideal. Such a concept of government
could not be successful, nor could it be defended, unless the people
of such a society were politically minded — which is only another
way of saying government conscious. Under such a system, history
must give attention to facts, activities, and ideas that were involved
in political action. And so long as the final arbiter among nations
was war, military history must necessarily occupy a role comparable
to the historical reality which it is the function of historical study to
reconstruct.38 Some discrimination must be exercised, however,
in deciding the relative emphasis upon the several aspects of society.
It is one thing to give due emphasis to political and military history,
it is quite another to write political and military history to the ex-
clusion of all else, or social history without politics and war. Also,
care must be exercised with the concept of what is political. In a
society operating under the principles of popular responsibility the
term political may be as comprehensive as the scope of society.
Decisions about the boundaries of government action, broad or
limited, are political judgments. Thus, it is clear that in the third
quarter of the 19th century, whether in the England of Green, or
the New York of Dana, or the Chicago of Andreas, or the Kansas
which is the subject of these essays on history, similar issues were at
37. Troy Kansas Chief, May 18, July 6, 1882, a series of advertisements. Green's
Shorter History of the English People had been published in England in 1874, and had been
immensely popular there. It was reprinted in the United States by Macmillan at $3.50,
and by Harpers at $1.75. The author of the biographical sketches in the Dictionary of
National Biography, v. 23 (1890), pp. 46-49, remarked: "What Macaulay had done for a
period of English history, Green did for it as a whole." The Larger History of the English
People was issued in England in four volumes, 1877-1880.
38. These issues were discussed bluntly in an editorial by William B. Dana, Merchant's
Magazine, New York, v. 63 (1870), pp. 241-246.
NOTES ON GENERAL HISTORIES 643
stake in the theory and practice of history. Pioneer Kansas was not
operating in a vacuum of isolation.
The second conclusion has to do with the declining role of locality,
the state, county, and towns and other subdivisions. The point has
been made that Douglas was a proponent of local self-government
and co-operation among states on a regional basis as an antidote
for the trend toward national centralization. The American Civil
War was a war of national unification by "blood and iron" com-
parable to the wars of unification of Germany and Italy during the
same decade. Or, put in the converse, it was a war against the
states and locality. The several series of state histories planned
during the 1870's and 1880's were in one of their aspects a continua-
tion of prewar devotion to locality, or reactions against the emphasis
on nationalism. Turtle and Andreas prepared series of state his-
tories, but for different reasons neither plan was carried far. The
conservative publishing house of Houghton, Mifflin and Company
in Boston did execute their program for a Commonwealth Series,
edited by Horace B. Scudder. The authors were drawn, so far as
possible, from the academic world, and the books were very small.
Spring's Kansas (1885), was a number in that series. The Andreas-
Cutler history went further than most state histories in providing
not only county histories, but divided the counties into their
component parts and sketched the history of each. In contrast, the
Connelley histories did not even recognize counties. Locality had
evaporated from state history as completely as the state had been
eliminated from the history of the union of states called the United
States of America.
Lastly, what had become of the individual and his biography as
history? In the Andreas-Cutler book the biographies, arranged
alphabetically, were associated with the history of their respective
localities. In the Blackmar and Connelley sets the biography vol-
umes had no relevance whatever to the history volumes, except as a
commercial transaction they must be purchased together. The
biographies of the subscribers were not even arranged alphabetically
for purposes of reference. The pretense that biography was history
lost all semblance of any relation to the subject matter of the history.
In spite of the trends revealed here, state and local history are
essential even to the writing of a sound history of the United States.
Thus far national history has been written too much from the top
down. And furthermore, local history is significant in its own right,
when adequately framed in a larger setting of region or of nation
or of other background for the achievement of perspective.
Bypaths of Kansas History
MARRIAGE AND BIRTH NOTICES IN
EARLY-DAY NEWSPAPERS
From the Southern Kansas Herald, Osawatomie, April 24, 1858.
OFF FOR KANSAS. — Last evening, one of our loveliest girls left our city in
the 9:40 train, on her way for the far-off Kansas. Although all alone, her brave
heart faltered not, nor did the bright roses on her cheek turn pale; and if the
tears dimmed her dark eyes, it was not from fear but the thoughts of leaving
her many warm friends. But that strongest of all earthly ties formed in child-
hood and strengthened by five years of unchanging affection cheered her on.
Strong in faith and love, and high in hope, she left her own good region to
meet the trials of a home within the new, and we hope, prosperous territory.
Success and happiness, and all God's choicest blessings attend thee, my stout
hearted and darling Mary Luther, when you meet your Merrit, may he love you
as I do, and you need have no fears for the future; and well we know he does
love you far better, and for this I will bless him; and pray for him.
A TRUE FRIEND TO MARY.
We publish the above by request; so we are not responsible for making public
"Mary's" adventure in search of a husband! But we may be indulged in saying
that if all the girls should manifest such pluck and equal devotedness, fewer old
maids would disfigure the census tables. A thousand blessings on you, Mary! —
Rochester ( N. Y. ) Union 6- Advertiser.
The brave hearted young lady alluded to in the above article, arrived safely
in Osawatomie on the evening of the 2d inst., and ere the lapse of two hours
was united with "the silken tie that binds two willing hearts" to the beau ideal
of her dreams, and for whom she left home, friends, and all the fond endear-
ments that cluster around youthful associations. We can assure "Mary's true
friend," that her happiness has been exalted, and her strong-hearted devotion of
love and fidelity will ever be cherished by the object of her love, who is one [of]
our most respectable and worthy young men. A life of happiness and prosperity
is in store for them, and long may they live to enjoy it.
From The Sumner County Press, Wellington, January 8, 1874.
The following unique marriage ceremony was pronounced by a Cottonwood
Falls 'Squire, who was taken unawares by an anxious couple presenting them-
selves, but who proved himself equal to the emergency. We give it upon the
authority of the Chase County Leader, and if it is not strictly true, then may
the Lord have mercy on Morgan's soul:
"Therefore, by virtue of the authority invested in me by the laws of the State
of Kansas, and the rules and regulations governing the land office at Salina, I
hereby pronounce you man and wife. Whoever I have joined in wedlock let no
man part asunder. I charge you to be true to each other. True love is as scarce
in Kansas as honest men in our legislature. Be always true and loving to each
other, take a homestead or a piece of railroad land with a spring on it, (my
(644)
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 645
partner, Bill Smith, knows where there is a good piece,) and you will be com-
paratively happy. Happiness in this world consists of a man and wife loving
each other and playing checkers. It is a pity there is so much deception; but
if your hearts beat in unison, and laborers receive two dollars a day, you can
consider yourselves in luck. Amen.
From ibid., July 30, 1874.
A couple came from Ohio, arriving in Leavenworth a few days since, and
were married about noon. At 8 o'clock in the evening a bouncing boy weighing
ten and a half pounds, was born to the blooming bride of less than ten hours.
This is only another evidence of the fertility of Kansas, and a proof that the
drought is not so general and fatal in its effects as some of our eastern friends
suppose.
From the Dodge City Times, June 15, 1878.
BORN— To Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Overley, June 11, 1878, a daughter.
It is unnecessary to state that the old gentleman, who is bordering on 60, is
very proud of this masterly streak of luck.
AN AGE-OLD QUESTION
From the Solomon Valley Pioneer, Lindsey, February 15, 1873.
They are discussing in the Solomon Literary Society the question whether
"there is more pleasure in married or single life." We are on the affirmative,
and deem those on the negative decidedly green.
EXCITING DRAMA AT SENECA
From the Seneca Weekly Courier, March 13, 1874.
Seventeen pair of corset clasps were swept out the next morning after the
last drama. It would be well to leave the whole thing at home next Tuesday
night.
WESTWARD WITH A HAND CART
From the El Dorado Press, June 26, 1879.
Last week a family of emigrants passed through town pulling a hand cart,
in which was placed their portable earthly effects. They were all the way from
North Carolina and were bound for Sun City, Barbour county.
TRANSPORTATION AT NORTON IN 1880
From the Norton County People, Norton, August 5, 1880.
A load of hay was brought to town on Monday, on a wagon drawn by four
cows.
Kansas History as Published in the Press
Articles appearing in the July, 1955, issue of the Bulletin of the
Shawnee County Historical Society, Topeka, included: "History in
the Making," a review of Shawnee county events of 1954, by Earl
Ives; "The First Days at the Kansas River Mission," by Lena Baxter
Schenck; "QuantrelTs Massacre," by the Rev. Lewis Bodwefl, first
published in the Kansas Telephone, Manhattan, August, 1883;
"Memories of Burning of Topeka High School [May 18, 1935]," by
C. C. Nicholson; letters of Calvin Holman from Topeka to his
family in New Hampshire in 1869; and die second installment of
the "History of Potwin," by Charlotte McLellan.
In 1864 a refuge from raiding Indians was built on the Solomon
river near Undsey. An article on this fort by Theo. H. Scheffer,
was published in die Minneapolis Messenger, July 7, 1955. Maps of
the period called it Fort Solomon but it was known locally as "Fort
Podunk."
Gen, George Custer's last stand at the battle of Little Big Horn
was reviewed by Clyde K. Rodkey in the Manhattan Tribune-News,
July 7, 1055,
Greensburg's Methodist church observed its 70th anniversary
July 10, 1955. A history of die church was published in The Kiowa
County Signal, Greensburg, July 1. The church site was donated by
the town company in June, 1885, and a building was immediately
erected. The Rev. C. R. Robinson was the first pastor.
In celebration of die 50th anniversary of the dedication of die
first church building, special services were held at die Cleveland
(Kan.) Mediodist church July 17, 1955. A history of die church
was printed in the Kingman Journal, July 12,
Early Abilene and die Chisholm trail were die subjects of an
article by Ellery A, Myers in die Digbton Her old, July 13, 1955.
Bethel Mediodist church, near Strawn in CoflFey county, cele-
brated its 60th anniversary July 24, 1955. A sketch of ifr early
history was printed in the Daily Republican, Burlington, July 27.
John W. Homer and A, S. Corey brought a printing press to
Chetopa in 1868, and die first issue of die Chetopa Advance appeared
die first week of 1869. On July 28, 1955, the Advance printed a brief
history of Chetopa newspapers by Rael F. Amos.
1946)
Kansas Historical Notes
Eight historic sites in Kansas were recently inspected by Merrill
J. Mattes, of Omaha, regional historian, National Park Service, as
possible locations for national monuments or parks. Mattes' visit
resulted from the introduction of bills in congress by Sen. Frank
Carlson proposing that national monuments or parks be located in
Kansas. Ten sites are under consideration.
Jefferson county's centennial anniversary was celebrated at Oska-
loosa, August 14-20, 1955. Features of the program included talks
by Fred W. Brinkerhoff, Pittsbprg, and Sen. Frank Carlson; four per-
formances of the Jefferson county "Centurama," a pageant; and die
publication by the Oskaloosa Independent, of a 50-page illustrated
historical booklet entitled The First Hundred Years of Jefferson
County Kansas.
A conference on the nature and writing of history was held at the
University of Kansas, Lawrence, August 14-25, 1955. The lecturers
and discussion leaders included: Robert E. Brown, Michigan State
University, Ann Arbor; Thomas LeDuc, Oberlin College, Oberlin,
Ohio; James C. Malin, University of Kansas, Lawrence; David Low-
enthal, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.; William A. Williams,
University of Oregon, Eugene; Allan Bogue, State University of
Iowa, Iowa City; Larry Cara, Eureka College, Eureka, 111.; and For-
rest McDonald, American History Research Center, Madison, Wis.
George L. Anderson, University of Kansas, was conference director.
Atwood observed its 75th anniversary with a celebration August
17-21, 1955. The program included a barbecue, the 4-H and FFA
fair, sports events, dances, a parade, and a rodeo.
A reorganization meeting of the Doniphan County Historical
Society was held in Troy, August 19, 1955. Officers elected were:
Tom Van Bebber, president; C. C. Calnan, vice-president; and
Margaret Larzelere Rice, secretary-treasurer. Plans were made to
observe Troy's centennial with celebrations in the autumn of 1955
and the spring of 1956.
Officers elected by the Chase County Historical Society at its
:M.st annual meeting in Cottonwood Falls, September 10, 1955, were:
Andrew H. Drummond, president; Henry Rogler, vice-president,
Clint A. HaUKvin, secretary; George T« Dawson, treasurer;
(647)
648 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Mrs. Helen Austin, historian; and Mrs. Ruth Conner, assistant his-
torian. The executive committee includes: Mrs. Conner, Mrs. Ida
M. Vinson, Mrs. Austin, Mrs. Paul B. Wood, Ida Schneider, and
Beatrice Hays.
Biography of the First Baptist Church, El Dorado, Kansas is the
title of a recently published 148-page book by Corah Mooney Bul-
lock. The church was organized in April, 1871, under the guidance
of Elder T. D. Grow.
In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the First Methodist
church of Manhattan, a 64-page history of the church was published
in June, 1955. Members of the historical committee, which prepared
the pamphlet, were E. M. Amos, Louis H. Limper, and Sam C.
Charlson.
Our First 100 "Years is the title of a new 44-page booklet on the
history of the First Congregational church of Topeka, compiled by
Mrs. Charles A. Gait. Nine persons meeting in a cabin organized
the church October 14, 1855.
James C. Malin is the author of a new 436-page volume entitled
The Contriving Brain and the Skillful Hand, lithoprinted by Ed-
wards Brothers, Inc., Ann Arbor, Mich. In his preface Dr. Malin
says: "In a sense . . . this book rounds out the main outlines,
but does not complete the body of thought about history and
philosophy of history that has been developed over a long period
of time." It has been designed as background material for the
forthcoming second volume of the author's Grassland Historical
Studies.
Kansas' border troubles before and during the Civil War are in-
cluded in a new 454-page history by Jay Monaghan entitled Civil
War on the Western Border, 1854-1865 (Little, Brown and Company,
Boston and Toronto, 1955).
The story of the Great Plains during the period of its settlement
is told in picture and narrative by Martin F. Schmitt and Dee
Brown in The Settlers' West (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons,
1955). Three hundred pictures are included in the 258-page vol-
ume.
A 320-page biography of William F. Cody entitled Buffalo Bill:
King of the Old West, by Elizabeth Jane Leonard and Julia Cody
Goodman, and edited by James Williams Hoffman, was published
recently by Library Publishers of New York. Mrs. Goodman, a
sister of Cody, prepared the manuscript before her death in 1928.
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 649
Columbia University is preparing for publication a new and
complete edition of the papers of Alexander Hamilton. The editors
wish to locate any letters to or from Hamilton and any other Ham-
ilton documents that are in private hands. If any one possesses
such documents, the editors will greatly appreciate any information
on their whereabouts and availability.
The Story of Chaplain Kapaun (Emporia: Didde Publishers,
c!954), by Father Arthur Tonne is the biography of Father Emil
Joseph Kapaun, Kansas priest, who died in 1951, a prisoner of war
in a Chinese Communist hospital in Korea. Father Kapaun was
born and raised near Pilsen in Marion county.
A 256-page biography of A. Q. Miller, Sr., Jayhawk Editor, com-
piled and edited by James D. Callahan, was recently published by
the Sterling Press, Los Angeles. Miller, who now lives at Salina,
has been publisher of the Belleville Telescope since 1904.
A new history of the Pony Express by Lee Jensen is entitled The
Pony Express (New York: Grosset & Dunlap, c!955). The 154-page
volume is highly illustrated with drawings and historical pictures.
Strike the Tents — the Story of the Chautauqua, a 204-page book
by Charles F. Homer, was recently issued by Dorrance and Com-
pany of Philadelphia. The first Chautauqua was founded on the
shore of Lake Chautauqua, New York, in 1874, by Bishop John H.
Vincent and Lewis Miller. The Chautauqua's great popularity be-
gan about 1907, reached its peak in the early 1920's, but declined
rapidly in the late 1920's.
4S— 1430
Errata and Addenda, Volume XXI
Page 68, line 11, Frederic Hawn should read Frederick Hawn.
Page 77, line 27, C. W. Correll should read C. M. Correll.
Page 90, last line, page 91, line 3, and page 92, line 11, Seth J. Child should
read Seth I. Child.
Page 104, line 8, J. B. Mason should read T. B. Mason.
Page 145, line 21, H. B. Oesterreich should read B. H. Oesterreich.
Page 170, Footnote 15, Donaldson should read Donalson.
Page 172, Footnote 20, Phillip St. George Cooke should read Philip St.
George Cooke.
Page 210, six lines from bottom of page, F. M. Coleman should read F. N.
Coleman.
Page 227, line 6, 1864 should be 1865.
Page 285, line 17, W. D. Wilder should read D. W. Wilder.
Page 399, line 2, Mrs. Loleto M. Troup should read Mrs. Loleta M. Troup.
Page 414, line 11, David Dickson should read David Dickinson.
Page 449, eight lines from bottom of page, the date 1859 should follow
April 26.
Page 476, 11 lines from bottom of page, the date 1858 should follow Feb-
ruary 13.
Page 480, line 2, Rev. S. M. Irwin should read Rev. S. M. Irvin.
Page 488, line 18, L. E. Valentine should read L. F. Valentine.
Page 489, five lines from bottom of page, and page 490, line 4, Antonio
should read Antonino.
Page 494, seven lines from bottom of page, O. L. Lennon should read O. L.
Lennen.
Page 565, line 19, April 18 should read April 8.
(650)
Index To Volume XXI
Abbott, Ephraim, Jr., marriage, noted, 445
Abbott, James B 199, 211, 274, 610
— biographical sketch, noted 617
Abell, Col. Peter T 153, 154, 159
Abernathy, J. J., marriage, noted 445
Abilene, article on, noted 646
— Eisenhower museum opening, note
on 150
— marshals, article on, noted 395
— public library, note on 80
Abilene Gazette, microfilmed 295
Abilene Reflector-Chronicle.. 73,316,395
Abraham, R. H., Lyon co 567
Ackerly, Godelope, marriage, noted. . . ,445
Acres, Col. Nelson F., at lola 236
237, 239
Acton, Rebecca, marriage, noted 473
Adair, Ella, marriage, noted 458
Adair, Mollie, marriage, noted 450
Adair, Rev. S\ L 462, 485
Adams, Carlin F., marriage, noted. . . 462
Adams, Charles F., U. P. Railway Co.
president 329
Adams, Franklin G. . 353,354,356, 366
369, 407, 418-421, 430, 621, 627, 628
— Historical Society secretary, 431-441, 444
—notes on 420, 421, 431, 432
— photograph facing 432
— quoted, 1883 628, 629, 634, 635
Adams, Harriet, marriage, noted 467
Adams, Henry J., Leaven worth . . 359, 447
Adams, Lucian R., marriage, noted. . . 446
Adams, Judge M. S., Leavenworth. . . . 478
Adams, Mrs. P. Maria, marriage,
noted 485
Adams, Paul, Topeka 54
— articles by, noted 70
— memorial to, noted 70
Adams, Mrs. Phebe M., marriage,
noted 481
Adams, William H., Leavenworth 454
Adams, Zu 407, 440
— photograph facing 432
Adamson, Mrs. Rhoda, marriage,
noted 460
Addis, Alfred S., marriage, noted 446
Adkinson, John, Atchison 446, 468
Adkinson, William W., marriage, noted, 446
Admire, W. W 352, 353
Adorns, Mollie, Weston, Mo., marriage,
noted 470
Agriculture, 1869, notes on 499
Aitchison, R. T., Wichita 64, 66, 307
Alabamians, in Kansas, 1856 171
Albin, Susan J., marriage, noted 447
Alderson, Rev. L. A 455, 461, 471
Aldingham, Susan, marriage, noted. . . . 463
Aldrich, Sarah 167
Alexander, John, articles by, noted. . . . 227
313, 491
Alger, Charles, Douglass, article on,
noted 566
Allen, A. C 91
Allen, Mrs. Asahel G., diary, quoted. . . 91
Allen, Ben, Highland 397
Allen, Bennie, murder, article on, noted, 396
Allen, H. C., Hays City 564
Allen, J. D., Johnson co 456
Allen, Luther, marriage, noted 446
Allen, Lyman, Lawrence 345- 347
Allen, Martin, family, article on, noted, 396
Alien, Rev. Ihomas, Atchison. . . . 448
Allen, William F 91
Allen county, centennial celebration in,
notes on 494
— Electric Park, note on 243
— electric railway system 242, 243
— gas boom in 240- 245
— history, articles on, noted 566
— Mineral Well Park, note on 237
— natural gas found in 236, 237
Allen County Courant, lola, microfilmed, 55
Ailer, A. L., Leavenworth, marriage,
noted 446
Allis, Marcia, Beloit, Wis., marriage,
noted 461
Allman, Le Roy 230
Almeiia, Methodist church, article on,
noted 316
Almena Plaindealer 316
Alta Vista, Baptist church, article on,
noted 397
Alta Vista Journal 397
Althen, Henry G., St. Louis, marriage,
noted 446
Alton, Cyrus D., marriage, noted 446
Alward, Rev. E 451, 478
American Heritage, note on 319
Americus, articles on, noted . 73,141, 396
— early-day press of, given Historical
Society 56
Amos, Ed M., Manhattan ... 77, 493, 648
Amos, Rael F., Chetopa, article by,
noted 646
Anderson, Mrs. Almira, marriage, noted, 452
Anderson, Caroline, marriage, noted . . 446
Anderson, Elizabeth, marriage, noted. . 453
Anderson, Dr. G. G., Wichita 492
Anderson, G. W., marriage, noted . . . 446
Anderson, Dr. George L., Lawrence. . . 64
66,307, 647
— articles in Your Government by,
noted 68
— essay by, noted 496
Anderson, J. C., Fort Scott, in 1855
legislature 323
Anderson, Rev. J. W., Anthony 313
Anderson, John A 422, 426
Anderson, Dr. Joseph, marriage, noted, 446
Anderson, Lorene, and A. W. Farley,
bibliography of town and county his-
tories of Kansas compiled by. .513- 551
— note on 513n
Anderson, Maria, marriage, noted 464
Anderson, Mary B., marriage, noted . . . 457
Anderson, Mrs. Mindful A., marriage,
noted 484
Anderson, Nancy Jane, marriage, noted, 479
Anderson, Oscar, Farlington. 76
Anderson, Mrs. Oscar, Farlington ... 317
Andreas, Alfred Theodore, publisher 618
622, 628
Andreas-Cutler, History of Kansas, dis-
cussed 617- 637
Andrews, Cavallo J., Lyon co., article
on, noted 489
Andrews, Mrs. Hubert C., Independ-
ence, donor 297
Andrews, R. S., marriage, noted 446
Angell, , surveyor, 1860's 573
Angell, Elizabeth, marriage, noted . . . 471
(651)
Errata and Addenda, Volume XXI
Page 68, line 11, Frederic Hawn should read Frederick Hawn.
Page 77, line 27, C. W. Correll should read C. M. Correll.
Page 90, last line, page 91, line 3, and page 92, line 11, Seth J. Child should
read Seth I. Child.
Page 104, line 8, J. B. Mason should read T. B. Mason.
Page 145, line 21, H. B. Oesterreich should read B. H. Oesterreich.
Page 170, Footnote 15, Donaldson should read Donalson.
Page 172, Footnote 20, Phillip St. George Cooke should read Philip St.
George Cooke.
Page 210, six lines from bottom of page, F. M. Coleman should read F. N.
Coleman.
Page 227, line 6, 1864 should be 1865.
Page 285, line 17, W. D. Wilder should read D. W. Wilder.
Page 399, line 2, Mrs. Loleto M. Troup should read Mrs. Loleta M. Troup.
Page 414, line 11, David Dickson should read David Dickinson.
Page 449, eight lines from bottom of page, the date 1859 should follow
April 26.
Page 476, 11 lines from bottom of page, the date 1858 should follow Feb-
ruary 13.
Page 480, line 2, Rev. S. M. Irwin should read Rev. S. M. Irvin.
Page 488, line 18, L. E. Valentine should read L. F. Valentine.
Page 489, five lines from bottom of page, and page 490, line 4, Antonio
should read Antonino.
Page 494, seven lines from bottom of page, O. L. Lennon should read O. L.
Lennen.
Page 565, line 19, April 18 should read April 8.
(650)
Index To Volume XXI
Abbott, Ephraim, Jr., marriage, noted, 445
Abbott, James B 199, 211, 274, 610
— biographical sketch, noted 617
Abell, Col. Peter T 153, 154, 159
Abernathy, J. J., marriage, noted 445
Abilene, article on, noted 646
— Eisenhower museum opening, note
on 150
— marshals, article on, noted 395
— public library, note on 80
Abilene Gazette, microfilmed 295
Abilene Reflector-Chronicle.. 73,316,395
Abraham, R. H., Lyon co 567
Ackerly, Godelope, marriage, noted. . . 445
Acres, Col. Nelson F., at lola 236
237, 239
Acton, Rebecca, marriage, noted 473
Adair, Ella, marriage, noted 458
Adair, Mollie, marriage, noted 450
Adair, Rev. S. L 462, 485
Adams, Carlin F., marriage, noted. . . 462
Adams, Charles F., U. P. Railway Co.
president 329
Adams, Franklin G. . 353,354,356, 366
369, 407, 418-421, 430, 621, 627, 628
— Historical Society secretary, 431-441, 444
—notes on 420, 421, 431, 432
— photograph facing 432
— quoted, 1883 628, 629, 634, 635
Adams, Harriet, marriage, noted 467
Adams, Henry J., Leavenworth. . 359, 447
Adams, Lucian R., marriage, noted. . . 446
Adams, Judge M. S., Leavenworth. . . . 478
Adams, Mrs. P. Maria, marriage,
noted 485
Adams, Paul, Topeka 54
— articles by, noted 70
— memorial to, noted 70
Adams, Mrs. Phebe M., marriage,
noted 481
Adams, William H., Leavenworth 454
Adams, Zu 407, 440
— photograph facing 432
Adamson, Mrs. Rhoda, marriage,
noted 460
Addis, Alfred S., marriage, noted 446
Adkinson, John, Atchison 446, 468
Adkinson, William W., marriage, noted, 446
Admire, W. W 352, 353
Adorns, Mollie, Weston, Mo., marriage,
noted 470
Agriculture, 1869, notes on 499
Aitchison, R. T., Wichita 64, 66, 307
Alabamians, in Kansas, 1856 171
Albin, Susan J., marriage, noted 447
Alderson, Rev. L. A 455,461, 471
Aldingham, Susan, marriage, noted .... 463
Aldrich, Sarah 167
Alexander, John, articles by, noted. . . . 227
313, 491
Alger, Charles, Douglass, article on,
noted 566
Allen, A. C 91
Allen, Mrs. Asahel G., diary, quoted. . . 91
Allen, Ben, Highland 397
Allen, Bennie, murder, article on, noted, 396
Allen, H. C., Hays City 564
Allen, J. D., Johnson co 456
Allen, Luther, marriage, noted 446
Allen, Lyman, Lawrence 345- 347
Allen, Martin, family, article on, noted, 396
Alien, Rev. Ihomas, Atchison 448
Allen, William F 91
Allen county, centennial celebration in,
notes on 494
— Electric Park, note on 243
— electric railway system 242, 243
— gas boom in 240- 245
— history, articles on, noted 566
— Mineral Well Park, note on 237
— natural gas found in 236, 237
Allen County Courant, lola, microfilmed, 55
Ailer, A. L., Leavenworth, marriage,
noted 446
Allis, Marcia, Beloit, Wis., marriage,
noted 461
Allman, Le Roy 230
Almena, Methodist church, article on,
noted 316
Almena Plaindealer 316
Alta Vista, Baptist church, article on,
noted 397
Alta Vista Journal 397
Althen, Henry G., St. Louis, marriage,
noted 446
Alton, Cyrus D., marriage, noted 446
Alward, Rev. E 451, 478
American Heritage, note on 319
Americus, articles on, noted . 73,141, 396
— early-day press of, given Historical
Society 56
Amos, Ed M., Manhattan . . 77, 493, 648
Amos, Rael F., Chetopa, article by,
noted 646
Anderson, Mrs. Almira, marriage, noted, 452
Anderson, Caroline, marriage, noted . . 446
Anderson, Elizabeth, marriage, noted. . 453
Anderson, Dr. G. G., Wichita 492
Anderson, G. W., marriage, noted . . . 446
Anderson, Dr. George L., Lawrence. . . 64
66,307, 647
— articles in Your Government by,
noted 68
— essay by, noted 496
Anderson, J. C., Fort Scott, in 1855
legislature 323
Anderson, Rev. J. W., Anthony 313
Anderson, John A 422, 426
Anderson, Dr. Joseph, marriage, noted, 446
Anderson, Lorene, and A. W. Farley,
bibliography of town and county his-
tories of Kansas compiled by. .513- 551
— note on 513n
Anderson, Maria, marriage, noted 464
Anderson, Mary B., marriage, noted . . 457
Anderson, Mrs. Mindful A., marriage,
noted 484
Anderson, Nancy Jane, marriage, noted, 479
Anderson, Oscar, Farlington 76
Anderson, Mrs. Oscar, Farlington .... 317
Andreas, Alfred Theodore, publisher 618
622, 628
Andreas-Cutler, History of Kansas, dis-
cussed 617- 637
Andrews, Cavallo J., Lyon co., article
on, noted 489
Andrews, Mrs. Hubert C., Independ-
ence, donor 297
Andrews, R. S., marriage, noted 446
Angell, , surveyor, 1860's 573
Angell, Elizabeth, marriage, noted . . . 471
(651)
652
GENERAL INDEX
Anker, Harold, donor
300
, , ...............
Annals of Kansas, review by J. J.
Doohan, noted .................. 313
Anstey, Simeon, marriage, noted ...... 446
Antelope, and deer, on Saline river. ... 69
Anthony, Daniel R .......... 360, 420, 423
425,429,430, 442
Anthony, Daniel R., Ill, Leaven-
worth ............... 64, 66, 307, 318
— donor ...................... 55, 296
Anthony, E., and Co., New York, pho-
tographers ................. 26, 27, 29
Anthony, George T ................. 426
Anthony, J. Merritt, marriage, noted . . 446
Anthony, Susan B., in Kansas, 1887. . 182
Antonino, Catholic church, article on,
noted ..................... 489, 490
Archeological excavations, Blue river
valley, paper on, noted .......... 150
Archibald, John Christie, Lawrence pio-
neer .......................... 38
Archibald, Julia A., marriage, noted . 462
Architecture, 1850's, discussed . . 100, 101
104-106,112- 118
Ard, H. H., Portland, Tenn .......... 54
Argonia, articles on, noted ........ 69, 70
— history, notes on ................ 173
— Mrs. S. M. Salter mayor of ..... 173- 183
Argonia Argosy, articles in, noted. . . . 69
70, 229
Arkansas City, articles on, noted ... 70, 141
Arkansas City Daily Traveler, "Arka-
lalah" edition, 1954, noted ........ 315
— articles in, noted ................ 70
—microfilmed ............. 55, 295, 296
Armstrong, Mrs. C. H., Wichita ...... 492
Armstrong, Carrie, marriage, noted. . . 482
Armstrong, Lt. Francis C., in Kansas,
1860 ......................... 585
Armstrong, Sarah, marriage, noted. . . . 463
Arn, Gov. Edward F., . . 4, 50, 149, 151, 288
Arnold, Noah, marriage, noted ....... 446
Arnold, Oren, article by, noted ...... 565
Arterberry, Thomas, marriage, noted. . 446
Arthur, Elizabeth N. (Mrs. C. B.) ____ 640
Ash, Lydia, of Kentucky, marriage,
noted ........................ 485
Asherville, history, noted ............ 73
Ashland, article on, noted .......... 143
— hotel, article on, noted ........... 489
Ashley, Dr. A. F., Forest City, Mo.,
marriage, noted ................. 446
Atchison, David R ................. 609
Atchison, William, Clay co., Mo., mar-
riage, noted ................... 446
Atchison, articles on, noted ...... 144, 227
— centennial celebration, note on ..... 5
— early-day transportation problems,
paper on, noted ................ 150
— historical booklet, note on ........ 152
— Oregon trail roadhouse, article on,
noted ......................... 142
— parade, June, 1860, account of. ... 153
— rechartered, 1858 ............... 155
Atchison and Pike's Peak railroad, 160, 162
Atchison and St. Joseph railroad, article
on ....................... 153- 165
Atchison Champion .... 153, 156-159, 163
Atchison, Colorado and Pacific railroad, 570
Atchison county, Kennekuk School, ar-
ticle on, noted .................. 316
— Round Prairie church, article on,
noted ......................... 144
Atchison Daily Globe .............. 71
— April 1, 1954, edition, note on ..... 144
"Atchison's First Railroad," article by
the Rev. Peter Beckman ...... 153- 165
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad,
coach, centennial exhibits displayed
in ............................ 288
Athearn, Robert G., note on book by. . 80
Atherton, Lewis, Main Street on the
Middle Border by, note on ........ 319
Atkinson, William, marriage, noted . . . 446
Atlases, of Kansas counties, bibliog-
raphy ..................... 534- 549
Atwood, B. W., marriage, noted ...... 446
Atwood, 75th anniversary, note on. ... 647
Aubrey's Crossing, 1860, note on ..... 586
Auburn, article on, noted ............ 316
Augusta, newspaper, note on ......... 182
Augusta Historical Society, 1954 meet-
ing, note on .................... 149
— 1955 meeting, note on ........... 492
Auld, Charley, article on, noted ...... 141
Austin, Mrs. Helen, Chase co ..... 231, 648
Austin, Russell, Neosho Falls ..... 461, 465
Austin, W. P., Chase co ............. 76
Avery, Emily F., marriage, noted ..... 451
Avery, Rachael Foster, in Kansas, 1887, 182
Axe, Henry, family, Morris co., article
on, noted ..................... 396
Axtell Standard ................... 316
Ayers, Mary Jane, marriage, noted. ... 451
Ayersburg, Ottawa co., history. . . .552, 553
Ayres, Seymour, Ottawa co ....... 553, 558
B
Babcock, Carmi W., census-taker,
1855 ......... ... 97
Babcock, Cornelia S., of Wisconsin,
marriage, noted ................ 466
Backus, Rev. W. W ......... 455, 464, 479
Bacon, Henry R., marriage, noted. . . . 447
Bacon, S. S., marriage, noted ........ 447
Bacus, Mary Ellen, marriage, noted. . . 449
Baden, Henry, home, article on,
noted ........................ 491
Badley, Elizabeth S., marriage, noted. . 446
Bailey, Alex., Breckenridge co ........ 469
Bailey, David H ............... 360, 411
Bailey, F. A., marriage, noted ....... 447
Bailey, Lawrence Dudley, Emporia. . . 343
345, 346, 355, 366, 370
— photograph ............... facing 353
Bailey, Roy F., Salina ....... 65, 306, 308
Bailey, W. A., donor ............... 296
Bair, Mrs. Homer ............... 65, 76
Baker, Judge A. I., death, article on,
noted ........................ 489
Baker, Ephraim, marriage, noted ..... 447
Baker, Floyd Perry. . .366,407,411, 412
420, 430, 432, 434, 438, 441
— Historical Society organizer .... 429- 434
—note on ................... 418, 442
............... facing 432
Topeka .......... 79,
398
Baker, Peter H., marriage, noted ..... 447
Baker, Valentine, marriage, noted ..... 447
Baker, W. W., article by, noted ...... 313
Baker, Rev. Z., Osawatomie ......... 445
Baker University, Baldwin, articles on,
noted .................... 72
Baldridge, Rev. B. L ............... 471
Baldwin, Amanda E., marriage, noted, 469
Baldwin, Clint A., Chase co.. .76,231, 647
Baldwin, Elizabeth H., marriage, noted, 466
Baldwin, Elizabeth M., marriage,
noted ........................ 451
Baldwin, Henry, marriage, noted ..... 447
Baldwin, James O., marriage,
noted ........................ 447
Baldwin City Cemetery, new gates dedi-
cated, note on .................. 151
Baldwin Ledger .................. 151
Ball, Mrs. Steadman, Atchison ....... 79
Bankhead, Ascher, marriage, noted. . . . 447
Banks, N. P ...................... 204
Barbour County Mail, Medicine Lodge,
microfilmed ................... 295
Bardsley, Charley, Ellis co .......... 69
Barker, Rev. Francis ............... 480
GENERAL INDEX
653
Barker, H. E., Los Angeles 14
Barker, Ingle, marriage, noted 447
Barker, W. W., article by, noted, 145, 146
Barnes, Dr. Edward A., marriage,
noted 447
Barnes, Elizabeth, articles by,
noted 70, 565
Barnes, Josephine, of Missouri, mar-
riage, noted 471
Barnes, Mrs. Lela 301, 307
— treasurer's report on Historical So-
ciety, 1952-1953 60- 62
1953-1954 302- 304
Barnes, Col. Lewis, Weston, Mo 475
Barnes, Victoria, Weston, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 475
Barnett, Rev. William, Wyandotte . . 448
451,453,463, 477
Barney, Joseph M., Brimfield, 111., mar-
riage, noted 447
Barnum, Phineas T., in Hays. . . 69
Barr, Elizabeth N 640
Barr, Frank, Wichita 66, 307
Barr, G. W., Elwood 446, 468, 473
Barrett, Caroline, marriage, noted. . . . 453
Barrett, Lucy A., marriage, noted. . . . 472
Barricklow, Henry, Palmyra 467
Barricklow, Sarah, marriage, noted . . . 467
Barrow, Sallie C., marriage, noted. . . . 452
Barrow, Vernon, donor 55
Barrow, William D., Doniphan co. 452
Bartlett, J. Kemp 352
— marriage, noted 447
Barton county, golden weddings, article
on, noted 147
Bascom, "Gal," Hays, recollections of,
noted 396
Bashford, Angeline, marriage, noted. . 460
Bassett, Allen co 243
Basye, Ruby, articles by, noted 70, 147
Batcheller, J. W., Oregon, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 447
Bates, Daniel, Fort Madison, la., mar-
riage, noted 447
Bates, Col. J. M., Kansas City, Mo.,
marriage, noted 447
Baude, Mrs. Andre, donor. . . 294
Baugher, Charles A., Ellis ... 64, 66 307
Baugher, E. D., Kinsley, biographical
sketch of, noted 489
Baughman, Elizabeth, Chicago Histori-
cal Society 24, 25, 31n, 33n
Baum, Lula K., Leavenworth co 318
Baumgartner, Mrs. Karl, Goodland. ... 79
Baxter, Jay, article by, noted 145
Baxter Springs, paper on, noted 399
—Quanta-ill's raid, article on, noted. ... 315
Bay, Hugh, marriage, noted 447
Bayard, Lt. George D., in Kansas, 1859-
1860 578,580, 586
Bayne, Thomas R., marriage, noted. . . . 447
Baysinger, Betsy, marriage, noted 448
Beach, Harriet E., marriage, noted 464
Beach, Rev. J. C. 464
Beach, Melancthon S 343
Beachy, Mrs. J. K., donor 54
Beagle, F. M., marriage, noted 448
Beagle, Lizzie J., marriage, noted 449
Bealette's creek 403
Beall, Capt. William 578
Beals, Frank, Argonia, articles by,
noted 69, 70, 229
Beardsley, Rpxy, marriage, noted 478
Beatty, Marion, donor. .... 297
Beck, Will T., Holton, 64, 66, 304, 306, 307
Becker, Edna, and Rebecca Dunn, song
by, noted 292
Becker, Joseph, note on 258
— sketch of the Gettysburg ceremony,
1863 between 256, 257
Robert Taft's article on 257- 263
Beckman, Rev. Peter, Atchison 150
— articles by, noted ISO, 496
— "Atchison's First Railroad," article
by 153- 165
Becknell, William 560
Beckwith, Warren, at Pawnee 321, 322
Beecher Bible and Rifle Colony, histori-
cal marker, notes on 63, 301
— marker to, at Wabaunsee, noted. . . 492
Seeding, W. A., Parkerville, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 448
Beedlove, Rev. 468
Beeler, Bolivar, Doniphan co 473
Beenpole, Naomi, marriage, noted 444
Beers, A. H., marriage, noted 448
Beery, Mrs. G. W. 493
Beezley, George F., Girard ... 65, 306, 308
Beilharz, Amanda C., Bridgewater,
Mich., marriage, noted 466
Seine, Robert F., death, noted 50
Bell, Mrs. Charles R., donor 56
Bell, Lt. George 578
Bell, Margaret H., Paris, 111., marriage,
noted 486
Bell, Parmelia, marriage, noted 464
Belle Plaine, article on, noted 71
Belle Plaine News 71, 146
Belleville Telescope 396
Beloit, articles on, noted 152
— history, noted 73
Beloit Call, articles in, noted 73
Beloit Daily Call 151
Belyou, Mary D., marriage, noted 465
Belz, John, marriage, noted 448
Bemis, Eliza, marriage, noted 484
Bender family, article on, noted . . . 144, 228
Benedict, Lydia A., marriage, noted . . 451
Benedict, William F., marriage, noted, 448
Benight, Sue E., Easton, Mo., marriage,
noted 453
Benjamin, Henry, marriage, noted 448
Bennett, Florence Imogene, marriage,
noted 451
Bennett, G. W. C., Platte co., Mo., mar-
riage, noted 448
Bennett, Dr. J. E., Wyandotte 453, 477
Bennett, Lizzie J., marriage, noted. . . . 453
Bennett, Mary A., marriage, noted. . . . 475
Bennett, Nettie, marriage, noted 477
Bennett, Sarah Ann, marriage, noted . 464
Bennett, W. B., Ottawa co 558
Bensell, Edmond D 255
Bent, H. N., Coffey co 478
Bent, Mollie E., Westport, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 470
Bent, Col. William W., Westport, Mo. . . 470
Benton, Thomas Hart, of Missouri, 218, 560
Benton, Phillips co., note on 569
Benz, John J., marriage, noted 448
Beougher, Edward M., Grinnell 494
—donor 54, 294
— talks by, noted 150
Berkau, Paul H., marriage, noted 448
Berkaw, Malvena A., marriage, noted . . 480
Berkihizer, B. R., donor 300
Berry, J., marriage, noted 464
Berry, Tobiatha, St. Joseph, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 449
Berrylrle, America, of Missouri, mar-
riage, noted 469
Berryman, Jerome C., Ashland . . . 66, 307
Best, Francis W., Lindsey. . 553 558
Best, Mrs. Mary G., Lindsey 557
Bethany College, Lindsborg, books and
pictures of, given Historical Society, 52
Bethel Methodist church, Coffey co.,
article on, noted 646
Betton, Frank H., marriage, noted. . . . 448
Bibliography, Kansas town and county
histories 513- 551
Big Blue rive, Juniata crossing 87
Big Hill, Osage village. . . 85
654
GENERAL INDEX
Big Springs convention, 1855 199
206,207, 209
Bigsby, R., Emporia 457
Billington, Monroe, donor 294
— note on 173
— "Susanna Madora Salter — First
Woman Mayor," article by. . . .173- 183
Binde, Sophia, marriage, noted 448
Bingham, Nannie, Sabetha 398
Birch, Michael, Weston, Mo., marriage,
noted 448
Births, and marriages, newspaper items
on 644, 645
Bishop, Rev. William . . . 348, 449, 453, 472
Bixler, Noah, Breckinridge co 462
Black, Sallie, Buchanan co., Mo., mar-
riage, noted 448
Black Kettle's raid, article on, noted . 566
Black-paint river 403, 405
Blackburn, Forrest R 301
Blackford, Eliza Jane, marriage, noted, 466
Blackford, Rev. Ira 467, 470, 481
Blackiston, Ionia, marriage, noted . 476
Blackman, M. W. (son of W. I. R.). . 354
Blackman, William I. R 343
— note on 356
— papers, discussed 352- 356
—photograph . facing 352
Blackmar, Frank W 615
— Kansas, a Cyclopedia of State His-
tory edited by, discussed 639, 640
Blackston, W. C., marriage, noted .... 448
Blair, Hannah T., marriage, noted. . . . 462
Blake, Bertha E., marriage, noted. . . . 469
Blake, F. N., Junction City 343, 347
Blake, Henry S., Topeka. . ."64, 66, 79, 307
— donor 55, 296
Blake, Mrs. Henry S., Topeka, donor, 52
Blake, Mrs. John 317
Blake, W. O., history of slavery by,
note on 190, 191
Blanden, Emeline, marriage,' noted. . . . 478
Blanton, N. B., marriage, noted 448
Bledsoe, Zorelda, marriage, noted 452
Bleeding Kansas, by Alice Nichols, note
on 152
Blegen, Theodore C., of Minnesota. . . 495
Blevins, William, marriage, noted. . . . 448
Bliss, Harmon J., marriage, noted. . 448
Bliss, J. B., Grasshopper Falls 462
Bliss, Lizzie, Wilbraham, Mass., mar-
riage, noted 461
Blizzard, 1886, article on, noted 69
Block, Gene, donor 300
Blood, Bernard D., New York, donor, 52
Blood, Rev. Charles E 91,448, 450
459,463,464,476, 480
Blood, James 343, 346- 348
Blount, John, Lincoln co. pioneer. . . . 227
Blue river, bridge at Juniata, notes on, 88
— name origin, notes on 403- 405
Blue river valley, archeological work
in, paper on, noted 150
Blue Valley News, The, Randolph, arti-
cles in, noted 315, 490
Bluejacket, Roy F., Independence .... 58
Blunt, Gen. James G., at Baxter
Springs 315
Blythe, L. J., donor 54
Boast, Roy A 494
Boblett, John, Ayersburg 553
Bodwell, Rev. Lewis 446, 450
475,480, 485
— article by, noted 646
Bogart, John, Wichita, article on,
noted 142
Bogue, Allan, Iowa City, la 647
"Bogus Laws" 322, 324
"Bogus Legislature" 322,339, 365
Boissiere, Ernest Valeton de 400
Bolington, Mrs. Turia, Douglass. .230, 568
Bolmar, Adelaide, Topeka, donor 297
Bolton, H. E., work on Coronado,
noted 638
Bond, Louisa, marriage, noted 484
Bonifant, Benjamin, Weston, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 448
Bonnell, Martha A., marriage noted. . . 467
Books, added to Historical Society li-
brary, 1953-1954 379- 393
Boot Hill Museum, Inc., Dodge City,
note on 230
Border troubles, 1854-1858 . . 2, 3, 166- 172
Bork, BiU, articles by, noted 489
Bornholdt, Mrs. Henry H.,
Augusta 149, 492
Boshman, Martha, marriage, noted. . . . 474
Bothel, Adam R., marriage, noted. . . . 448
Botts, George W. D., marriage noted . 448
Botts, Jay, Coldwater 78
Boucher, Rev. Jacob 461
Boughton, Mary A., marriage, noted. . 449
Bourquin, Jules, talk by, noted 395
Bowen, D. E., Douglas co 478
Bowers, Anna D. C., Rock Island, 111.,
marriage, noted 452
Bowker, Samuel D 370
— article on, noted 74
Bowles, L. S., marriage, noted 448
Bowlus, George A., lola 239
Bowlus, Thomas H., lola 65, 306, 308
Bowman, Christian, marriage, noted. . . 449
Bowman, Rev. Joshua 464
Bowman, Martha E., Spring, Pa., mar-
riage, noted 457
Bowman, Samuel, family, Morris co.,
article on, noted 396
Bowyer, , Sumner co 312
Boyd, A. G., Weston, Mo., marriage,
noted 449
Boyd, Henrietta, articles by, noted. .73, 142
Boyd, W. L., article by, noted 72
Boyd, Barton co., article on, noted. . . . 314
Boyer, John W., marriage, noted 449
Boyle, Elizabeth, marriage, noted 471
Boyle, Michael C., Lindsey 557, 558
Boyle, Peter, Atchison co 471
Boynton, C. B., and T. B. Mason 104, 106
A Journey Through Kansas by,
noted 185
Bozarth, Jennie, marriage, noted 472
Bozell, William, marriage, noted 449
Bradbury, Rev. H. C., Ottawa co 556
Brader, Mrs. John D., Labette co 318
Bradford, Rev. W 473, 476
Bradford, Ward, marriage, noted 449
Bradley, Lucretia A., marriage, noted. . 480
Brady, John T., public printer, 1855 . . . 324
Brady, Mathew B., collection of nega-
tives, notes on 32
— Douglas photographs by, noted . . 20, 21
27, 28
— photographs of Gettysburg by, 1863,
note on 257n, 259
Braidy, J. T 473
Brainard, Charles H., Boston, pub-
lisher 32, 33
Bramhill, John, marriage, noted 449
Branch, , commissioner, Ottawa
co 552
Brandage, Catharine, marriage, noted. . 470
Brander, Ellen W., marriage, noted .... 458
Branscomb, Charles H 26, 342, 343
Branson rescue, discussed. . . .210-212, 610
Brant, Rev. R. C., Lawrence. .446,451, 458
464,478, 484
Breckenridge county, article on, noted. . 396
Breed, H. E., donor 294
Breese, Emily, marriage noted 452
Breiner, Gene, Olathe 231
Brero, Mary, marriage, noted 452
Brewer, David J., Leavenworth 361
Brewer, Joe, Wichita, article by, noted . 149
GENERAL INDEX
655
Brewer, Montreville, marriage, noted . . 449
Brewerton, G. D., The War in Kansas
by, note on 186
Brewster, M. C., Tecumseh 476
Breyfogle, John W., Jr 55
Brick kiln, Lawrence, 1855 114
Bricks, as building material 117
Briggs, C. W., The Reign of Terror in
Kansas, noted 186
Briggs, Giles A., White Cloud .... 455, 463
465,469,474,478, 486
Briggs, Ursula, marriage, noted 455
Brigham, Mrs. Lalla M., Pratt 66, 307
— articles by, noted 567
— donor 294, 300
— note on 567
Brindle, Caroline, marriage, noted .... 47 1
Brindle, Elizabeth, marriage, noted . . . 457
Brink, C. A., Olathe 231
Brinkerhoff, Fred W., Pittsburg . 65, 306
308, 568
— moderator 150
— on Annals committee 57
—talks by, noted 149, 319, 647
Brinkley, Dr. John R., D. B. Slechta's*
thesis on, noted 292
Brittan, Ellen, marriage, noted 447
Britton, Joseph, marriage, noted 449
Britton, Mrs. Lloyd 493
Broadie, Nina (Mrs. Virgil),
Clark co 78, 318
Broadstreet, Leslie, Marion 77
Brobst, Virgil, article by, noted 316
Brock, R. F., Goodland 66, 307, 494
— speeches by, noted 151
Bromley, Martin, St. Joseph, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 449
Bronson, Elsie, Topeka 145
Brooke, Dr. C. B., marriage, noted . . 449
Brooke, Mary E., marriage, noted . . . 4«6
Brookens, John, Westmoreland 79
Brooks, Carrie S., Florence, Ohio, mar-
riage, noted 485
Brooks, Josephine L., Rome, N. Y.,
marriage, noted 457
Brooks, P. R., marriage, noted 449
Brooks, Rev. S 451
Broughton, Mrs. Jennie, article by,
noted 71
Brown, Alonzo J., marriage, noted. . . , 449
Brown, B. Gratz, St. Louis, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 449
Brown, Mrs. Bernice, article by, noted, 567
Brown, Dee, co-author The Settler's
West 648
Brown, Everett, article by, noted 489
Brown, Dr. G. W., oil prospecting of,
1860 234
Brown, George, Franklin, marriage,
noted 449
Brown, George W., Lawrence. . . .201, 332
— comment on 169, 171
— editorial on W. A. Phillips' book,
quoted 201
— Herald of Freedom editor 49,97- 120
passim, 202,203,209,210,213, 214
— Wilder's opinion of, noted 425
Brown, Hannah, Leavenworth, mar-
riage, noted 481
Brown, Ira, Lawrence, marriage, noted, 449
Brown, J. B., family, Wilson co., book
on, note on 152
Brown, John, article on, noted 227
— biographical article on, noted 314
— controversy, notes on 408, 409
615-617, 630
— figure in Osawatomie pageant 313
— hanging, article on, noted 397
— hero, in Tuttle's history of Kansas. . 610
— in Jefferson co., article on, noted . . . 395
— Pottawatomie massacre perpetrator . 166
190,200, 283
Brown, John, Robert Taft's article on,
noted 488
— statue at Western University 78
— W. A. Phillips' description of 200
— Wakarusa war 212
Brown, John, Jr., prisoner 166
Brown, Rev. John S. 451, 477
Brown, Louesa, marriage, noted 483
Brown, M. A. M., marriage, noted . . . 468
Brown, Mabel, Finney co 399, 492
Brown, Myra Lockwood, article by,
noted 142, 146
Brown, Orville C., Osawatomie 343
Brown, Robert E., Ann Arbor, Mich. . 647
Brown, Rev. S. G 472, 473, 478, 479
Brown, Samuel W., Johnson co., mar-
riage, noted 449
Brown, Sarah Frances, Emporia, mar-
riage, noted 479
Brown, Sue R., marriage, noted 450
Brown, Susie E., Lawrence, marriage,
noted 476
Brown, Warren, Fort Leavenworth,
marriage, noted 449
Brown, McBride & Bloom, drillers .... 239
Browne, Mrs. K. S 76
Browne, Orville H 280
— marriage, noted 449
Browning, Asaph, marriage, noted .... 450
Browning, Mrs. E. J., Dickinson co.,
article by, noted 316
Bruce, H. E., Horton, articles by,
noted 142, 313
Bruner, Samuel, marriage, noted 450
Brunner, Mrs. Eliza J., marriage, noted, 454
Bryan, Bethiah, marriage, noted 454
Bryan, Sally, marriage, noted 460
Bryson, Hazel, article by, noted 395
Buck, Giles B., marriage, noted 450
Buck, Mrs. L. J., Emporia 396
Buckeye, cheese factory, article on,
noted 316
Buckley, James, marriage, noted 450
Buckmaster, Nathanial, of Illinois. ... 21
Buckner, Rev. X. X. 447
Budington, George E., marriage, noted, 450
Buffalo, fight with a, 1876 564
— pioneers beseiged by a 312
Buffalo hunt, article on, noted 489
— S. J. Reader's water color of. .facing 400
Bull, T. J., marriage, noted 450
Bull, Dr. W. D., marriage, noted 450
Bullen, J. H., marriage, noted 450
Bullock, Corah Mooney, book by, note
on 648
Bumgardner, Dr. Edward, death, noted, 50
Bundren, Ellen, marriage, noted 451
Bundren, Maria L., marriage, noted. . . 476
Bunker, J. G., marriage, noted 450
Burcham, Riley, Lawrence 149
Burdick, L. Virginia, Baltimore, mar-
riage, noted 476
Burgereau, Francis, election judge,
1854 90
Burgess, Abbie, Buchanan co., Mo.,
marriage, noted 467
Burgess, Rev. H. B., Lawrence. . .450, 454
Burke, Elizabeth, marriage, noted 472
Burke, M. Joseph, Medicine Bow, Wyo., 54
Burley, Rufus B., marriage, noted. . . . 450
Burlingame, Ward 412
Burlingame, article on, noted 143
— "jail," given Historical Society. . . . 297
— Schuyler's saloon, hatchet attack on, 394
Burlingame Enterprise-Chronicle 143
Burlington, The Daily Republican. . . . 146
Burnes, Col. , Leavenworth 472
Burnett, Abram, cane, given Historical
Society 56
Burnett, Lee and Tawana, donors. ... 56
656
GENERAL INDEX
Burnham, Mary Emily, of Maine, mar-
riage, noted 479
Burns, Lucinda, marriage, noted. . . . 475
Burns, Mary Jane, marriage, noted. . 483
Burpee, Mrs. George W., New York. 297
Burr, Richard, marriage, noted 450
Burritt, Emma S., marriage, noted. . . 470
Burroughs, Edgar C., marriage, noted. . 450
Burson, H., Bloomington 476
Burtis, Mrs. Winifred Jane, book by,
note on 152
Busey, Sarah A., marriage, noted 462
Bushman, Charles, marriage, noted. . . 450
Bushton News 144
Butler, Angelina, marriage, noted. . . . 458
Butler, Rev. Pardee 482
Butler Free-Lance, El Dorado 141
Butler wagon train, 1853, note on. ... 295
Butt, Rev. William 460, 468
Butts, Rev. William 479
Byler, Mollie, marriage, noted 473
"Bypaths of Kansas History" . 67, 140, 224
225, 312, 394, 487, 564, 644, 645
Byrd, Rev. F. R. S. . . . 465
Byrd, Rev. J. H 468
Bym, Olivia N., marriage, noted 449
Caffrey, Sarah Agnes, marriage, noted, 462
Calamity Jane, mentioned 69
Caldwell, as cattle town, article on,
noted 226
Calef, Eliza B., Gloucester, Mass., mar-
riage, noted 474
Calhoun, John, surveyor general of
Kansas and Nebraska, office rules of, 224
Callaway, Rev. C. M. . . 446, 447, 456, 458
464,465,469,477, 485
Callaway, Sallie K., of Virginia, mar-
riage, noted 469
Calnan, Charles C., Troy 647
— donor 297
Calvert, Beattie, Platte co., Mo., mar-
riage, noted 450
Calvert, Frank, marriage, noted 450
Calvert, Lewis, Platte co., Mo 450
Calwell, Mattie E., Lawrence co.. Pa.,
marriage, noted 480
Cameron, Hugh 438
Camp Kirwan, history of 569- 575
Camp Sackett, Free-State prison
camp 167, 169, 171
Campbell, Alex M., marriage, noted. . 450
Campbell, J. L., lola 255
Campbell, Rev. J. P 472
Campbell, Mary, marriage, noted 471
Campbell, Nellie M., marriage, noted . 457
Campbell, Mrs. Spurgeon B., Kansas
City 65, 306, 308
Campdoras, Dr. Marie Antonine
Eugene Jacques, marriage, noted. . . 450
Campion, Mary, marriage, noted 465
Canary, Mrs. Mary, marriage, noted. . . 456
Canon, Agnes, Uniontown, Pa., mar-
riage, noted 475
Canon, Judge R. S., Holt co., Mo 475
Canton, Christian church, article on,
noted 565
Canton Pilot 565
Caples, Rev. W. G., Leavenworth ... 448
449, 453
Capper Memorial Assn., formed, note
on 568
Carbaugh, Mrs. Kenneth 76, 317
Carbutt, John, Chicago,
photographer 30, 31
Carey, Rev. , Solomon 556, 557
Carey, James C., article by, noted . 150
— "Juniata: Gateway to Mid-Kansas,"
article by 87- 94
Carey, James C., note on. .
— talk by, noted
Carlson, Sen. Frank
87
77
4, 568, 647
— talks by, noted 151, 647
Carman, F. D., article by, noted .... 490
Carman, J. Neale, essay by, noted. . . . 496
— note on 81
— "The Bishop East of the Rockies
Views His Diocesans. 1851-1853,"
article by 81- 86
Carmean, Landy Dison, article by,
noted 146
Carmen, townsite, mentioned 182
Carney, Thomas, Leavenworth . . .361, 362
Carpenter, A. 0 45-47, 103, 109
Carpenter, Chapin Howard, marriage,
noted 450
Carpenter, Davis, Jr., of Missouri . . . 158
160, 161, 163, 165
Carpenter, Garrett R., Silkville by,
note on 400
Carpenter, James C., reminiscences,
microfilmed 295
Carpenter, Rose, marriage, noted 475
Carr, Alexander, marriage, noted. . . . 450
Carr, Clark E., work on S. A. Douglas
by, noted 31
Carr, Capt. Eugene 578
Carr, John, marriage, noted 450
Carr, Mary A., marriage, noted 485
Carrier, Milo, marriage, noted 450
Carriger, Elliott 454
Carriger, Maggie, marriage, noted. . . . 454
Carroll, Mrs. Ella Child 92
Carter, Mrs. Byrl, Clearwater 71
Carter, Elizabeth A., Oregon, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 458
Carter, Rev. L. M 477
Carver, Dr. George Washington, Ness
co. marker for, notes on 76, 77
Case, Bertha R., marriage, noted 470
Case, Dexter, marriage, noted 451
Case, Lawrence, marriage, noted 451
Case, Rosse B., Marion 77
Case and Getchell, Boston, photog-
raphers 29, 30
Casebere, Catherine, marriage, noted. . 480
Casement, Dan Dillon 88n
Casement, Gen. John Stephen 88n
Casper, A., marriage, noted 451
Castleman, Maj. B. D., Lecpmpton . . 484
Castleman, Mary A., marriage, noted 484
Caswell, Mary, Upper Alton, HI., mar-
riage, noted 451
"Cat-Wagon Trails," by W. G. Clug-
ston, microfilmed 295
Catholic Indian missions, P. J. Rahill's
book on, noted 231
Catlin, George^ article on, noted 75
Catron, Missouri, Holt co., Mo., mar-
riage, noted 467
Catterson, John L., marriage, noted 451
Cavanaugh, T. H 438
Cavender, Mary E., marriage, noted . 463
Cavendish, Sgt. , in Kansas, 1859, 580
Cawker City, article on, noted 316
— history, noted 73
Cawker City Ledger 142, 316
Census, 1855, first district, notes on 99
Centennial, 1876, plans for 415- 418
435, 436
"Centennial, The Kansas Territorial,"
article on 1- 7
Centennial Leavenworth, 1854-1954,
note on 152
Cerf, Bennett 566
Chadwick, W. W., marriage, noted. . . 451
Chaffee, Mrs. Harry A., Topeka 399
Challis[s], George T., marriage, noted, 451
Chambau, Catherin, marriage, noted. . 468
Chamberlin, Ellen, marriage, noted . . . 474
Chambers, Col. A. B., St. Louis, Mo.. . 447
GENERAL INDEX
657
Chambers, H. L., article by, noted. ... 74
Chambers, Lloyd, Clearwater . . 64, 66, 307
Chambers, Mary Annabelle, marriage,
noted 447
Chandler, C. J., Wichita 64, 66, 307
Chandler, Martha, marriage, noted. . . 448
Chandler, Richard 448
Channel, Kate H., Newark, Ohio, mar-
riage, noted 462
Chanute, Grant Avenue Baptist
church, article on, noted 488
Chanute Tribune 315, 488
Chapman, Berlin B., donor 294
Chapman, Edward, in 1855 legislature, 323
Chapman, Edward, Wilson killed by,
1856 167, 170
Chapman, Joanna Maria, marriage,
noted 450
Chapman, John Butler, History of Kan-
sas and Emigrant's Guide by, noted, 185
— Topeka statehood plan originator. . . 209
Chapman, Samuel S 456, 475
Charles, Mrs. Cora Coppinger, article
by, noted 143
Charlson, Sam C., Manhattan 66, «77
307,493, 648
— donor 54
Charlton, F. L., article by, noted 147
Chase, Charles F., recollections, noted, 226-
Chase, Jacob E., marriage, noted 451
Chase, Mrs. Lewis R 295
Chase, Salmon P 204
Chase county, courthouse history article,
noted 71
Chase County Historical Society, mu-
seum, note on 398
— 1953 meeting, note on 76
— 1954 meeting, note on 231
— 1955 meeting, note on 647, 648
Chase County Leader-News, Cotton-
wood Falls and Strong City 71
Chautauqua, history, by C. F. Horner,
note on 649
Chautauqua county, articles on, noted . . 230
Cheney Blade, microfilmed 295
Cheney Journal, microfilmed 295
Cheney Sentinel 142
Cherokee county, Bird school, article on,
noted 71
— county-seat war, article on, noted. 229
Cherokee strip, articles on, noted ... 69, 70
Cherryvale Republican 395
Chesky, Bob, article by, noted 567
Chestnut, James, marriage, noted 451
Chetopa, newspapers, article on, noted, 646
Chetopa Advance, articles in, noted 74
141, 315
— note on 646
Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska rail-
road 570
Chicago Tribune, editorial comment on
S. A. Douglas, 1861 12, 13
Child, Seth I. [not "J"], Juniata post-
master 90- 92
Children of American Colonists,
donors 52, 291
Chilocco Indian School, article on,
noted 142
Chisholm trail, and Abilene, article on,
noted 646
Chisholm Trail, The, by Wayne Card,
note on 152
Chivington, John M., article on, noted . . 227
Chrisman, Elder E. E 479
Christian, James 331, 414,422, 423
Christian, M. A., marriage, noted 451
Christmas, in Topeka, 1860 224, 225
Chronister, Mrs. E. E., article by, noted, 316
Chumley, Henry J., marriage, noted. . . 451
Churches, early-day, Robert Taft's
article on, noted 488
Churchill, Mary, marriage, noted 461
Cies, , Sumner co 312
Cincinnati houses 112, 113
City, and county directories, Kansas,
list of 549- 551
Civil War on the Western Border, 1854-
1865, by J. Monaghan, note on. ... 648
Claar, Mrs. Lawrence, Rexford 150
Claflin Clarion 315
Clapp, Susie J., Southampton, Mass.,
marriage, noted 477
Clark, Benjamin T., Lyon co 467, 478
Clark, Edward 343, 347
Clark, Henry S., marriage, noted 451
Clark, Johnson, biographical sketch,
noted 617
Clark, Martha E., marriage, noted 481
Clark, Pickering, railroad official 165
Clark, William 80
Clark county, pictures of, noted 489
Clark County Clipper, Ashland . .143, 314
Clark County Historical Society, 1953
meeting, note on 78
— 1954 meeting, note on 318
— 1955 meeting, note on 493
Clarke, Mary, Lawrence 149
Clarke, Richard W., marriage, noted . 451
Clarke, Sidney, lecture by, noted 438
— marriage, noted 451
Clarkson, Rev. D., Fort Riley 480
Clarkson, Matt, Hays 69
Clay Center, articles on, noted 69
— Negro churches, article on, noted . . . 566
Clay Center Dispatch 69
Clay Center Times 488, 566
Clayton, Cornelia J., marriage, noted. . 469
Clayton, Fannie, marriage, noted 473
Clayton, G. Washington, marriage,
noted 451
Clayton, George E., marriage, noted . . 451
Clayton, Dr. William, Baldwin 469
Clearwater, article on, noted 314
— churches, articles on, noted 314
— T. J. McLaughlin's reminiscences of,
noted 71
Clearwater News 71, 314
Clem, Henry Groves, Cherokee co.
pioneer 74
Clements, Caroline, marriage, noted . . 469
Clements, Mary C., marriage, noted. . . 446
Cleveland, Watson A., Abilene pioneer, 73
Cleveland Methodist church, article on,
roted 646
Clifford, John, note on 588n
— "Ran<re Ballads," article by. . . .588- 597
Cline, Rev. , Atchison 471
Cline, Jacob K., marriage, noted 451
Cloud, F. J., article by, noted 228
Cloud, W. F., Emporia 464
Clough, Louisa C., marriage, noted . 483
Clough, Rev. M. R 480, 483, 484
Cloyd, Margaret L., Holt co., Mo.,
marriage, noted 486
Clugston, W. G., "Cat-Wagon Trails"
by, microfilmed 295
Clymer, Rolla, El Dorado . 55, 64, 66
79,304,307, 319
Coat, G. W., Mason co., 111., marriage,
noted 451
Cobb, Josephine, Washington, D. C. . . 33n
257n, 260n, 262n
Cobb, S. A., Wyandotte 461
Coberd, Elias, marriage, noted 451
Cochran, Elizabeth, Pittsburg 64, 66, 307
Codd, Maria, marriage, noted 450
Cody, Martha M., marriage, noted . . . 452
Cody, William Frederick (Buffalo
Bill), articles on, noted 69,226, 491
— Leonard-Goodman book on, noted . . 648
Cody, Mrs. William Frederick, story
by, noted 398
Coe, Henry L., marriage, noted 451
Coe, J. M., marriage, noted 451
658
GENERAL INDEX
Coffey county, article on, noted
— Bethel Methodist church, article on,
noted
Coffeyville, Dalton raid, 1892, article
on, noted 68,
— First Presbyterian church, article on,
noted
— historical museum, article on, noted,
notes on 149,
— natural gas field near
Coffeyville Daily Journal 68, 69,
228, 315, 565,
— microfilmed 55,
— progress edition, 1954, noted . .
1955, noted
Coffeyville Weekly Journal, microfilmed,
Coffin, Emily, Bangor, Me., marriage,
noted
Coffman, Mary J., marriage, noted . .
Colburn, Mrs. Fred, article by, noted. .
Colby, J. T., Quindaro. ...
Colby, sod house, article on, noted. . .
— opened to public
Cole, "Billy," escape from Indians,
1859, related 580-
Cole, Albert M., papers of, given His-
torical Society
Cole, John F., marriage, noted
Cole, Louisa M., Weston, Mo., marri-
age, noted
Colegrove, Jim, articles by, noted, 141,
Coleman, Franklin N., slayer
of Dow 171
Collard, Sen. E. Bert, Leavenworth co.,
College of the Sisters of Bethany, To-
peka, records, microfilmed. . . .
Collins, Rev. J. F., Atchison 446,
Collins, James, of Missouri 561,
Collins, Jane, Mitchell co., article on,
noted
Collins, Joe, and B. Heffridge, train
robbers
Collins, Malinda J., marriage, noted!
Collins, Tom, Kansas City ....
Colonial Dames 59
Colorado, gold rush, article on, noted'
Colton, J. H. and Co., guide books by,
note on
Columbus Dotty Advocate. .'.'.'.'.'
397, 488,
Comanche county. Union church his-
tory microfilmed
Comanche County Historical Society,
19o3 meeting, note on
— 1954 meeting, note on
Combs, Mary Frances, marriage, noted,
Commonwealth, Topeka, notes on, 418-
Compton, John, marriages, noted.
Comstock, Melinda, marriage, noted
Concrete, as building material. . . 115-
Concreto, Allen co £43
Condra, Mrs. Ella, Finney co. . . . 399'
Cone, Mrs. Harold
Congregational Church, centennial
article on, noted
Conklin, Ensign, Cincinnati, Ohio, mar-
riage, noted
Connaughton, John H., Washington,
!-/• 0»
Connecticut Kansas Colony, historical
marker for, note on 63,
Connell, Ann, marriage, noted
Connell, Harry, Highland .'.'.' .'
Connelley, William Elsey, Kansas his-
tories by, discussed 640
Connelly, Mrs. Chester, Rexford.
Conner, Elizabeth Lilly, Charleston,
S. C., marriage, noted
Conner, Mrs. Hannah A., marriage
noted
Conner, Mrs. Ruth, Chase co.. . . .231,
Conner, Thomas H., marriage, noted. .
146
646
142
313
317
239
141
566
295
75
488
296
479
465
395
453
226
494
582
54
452
448
315
210
318
295
469
563
73
69
480
73
299
146
189
74
490
54
78
318
448
421
452
447
117
245
492
494
141
452
318
300
469
398
641
150
479
463
648
452
Conrey, Rev. L. C., Osawatomie 454
Conser, Lucy, Blair co., Pa., marriage,
noted 465
Contriving Brain and the Skillful Hand,
The, by J. C. Malin, note on 648
Conway, Jefferson B 355
Conway, Louisa, marriage, noted 461
Conway, Martin F 205,206,354, 410
— blamed for railroad defeat 336
Conwell, Mrs. Lee, donor 297
Cook, Henry N., Columbia, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 452
Cook, J. W., Elwood 458
— marriage, noted 452
Cook, Lucretia B., marriage, noted. . 478
Cooke, Plora, marriage, noted 480
Cooke, Col. Philip St. George 480
— and troops, at Lecompton, 1856 . . 172
Coombs, Eugene, Wichita 149
Coons, Frederica B., The Trail to Ore-
gon by, note on 232
Cooper, C. M., Cherokee co., article by,
noted 71
Cooper, Mrs. C. M 399
Cooper, Mary Dorothea, Frankfort, Ky.,
marriage, noted 482
Cooper, William, Oskaloosa, marriage,
noted 452
Cooper Memorial College, Sterling,
article on, noted 73
Copeland, Abbie, marriage, noted. . . . 450
Copeland, Rev. J 459
Copeland, Ted 76
Corby, John, of Missouri 163
Cordley, Rev. Richard, marriage, noted, 452
— marriages performed by, noted . 447, 449
451, 452, 456, 460, 463, 466, 471, 476
Corey, A. S., Chetopa 646
Corey, Alfred, marriage, noted 452
Corlew, Henry Austin, marriage, noted, 452
Corning, , Ottawa co 554
Cornish, Dr. Dudley T., talk by, noted, 317
Cornman, Elizabeth, marriage, noted . 477
Coronado, Francisco Vasquez de, de-
scendant, article on, noted 227
Coronado's expedition, works on, noted, 638
Coronet, Kansas article in, noted 147
Correll, Charles M 63, 65, 66, 77, 297
304,306, 307
— A Century of Congregationalism in
Kansas by, noted 6
— article by, noted 493
— on Historical Society executive com-
mittee 50, 62, 288
Correll, James marriage, noted 452
Cortim, Ann Elizabeth, marriage, noted, 465
Corum, John L., marriage, noted 452
Cory, Charles E., story of natural gas
by 234, 235
Cory, Homer D., Leavenworth co. 318
Cosgrove, Rev. G. 455, 457, 475
Cosley, Ann E., marriage, noted 447
Cosley, Louisa, marriage, noted 461
Cottier, Catherine, Holt co., Mo., mar-
riage, noted 464
Cotton, Corlett J., Lawrence . ... 64, 66, 307
Coulter, Barbary, marriage, noted 483
Coulter, Rachael Jane, marriage, noted, 481
Coultis, John, Jr., Wichita 149
Council Grove, article on, noted 142
— celebration, 1954, noted 5
— centennial, article on, noted 145
— First Baptist church, article on, noted, 74
— Kaw Mission, dedicated as museum,
note on 151
— Nautilus club 300
— railroads, notes on 329
Council Grove Democrat, note on 567
Council Grove Library Board, donor. . . 300
Council Grove Republican, articles in,
noted 74, 229, 395, 396, 490, 567
Council Grove Rotary Club, project,
note on . . . 300
GENERAL INDEX
659
Counties, articles on, noted 228, 488
County, and city directories, Kansas, list
of 549- 551
— and town histories, Kansas, bibliog-
raphy 513- 551
County atlases, Kansas, bibliog-
raphy 534- 549
Courtney, Elizabeth, marriage, noted. . 449
Coutant, James W., marriage, noted. . . 452
Cover, Mrs. Leon, reminiscences of,
noted 144
Covington, James W., 1827 letter edited
by 560- 563
Cow towns, Kansas, thesis by J. L.
Hayes on, noted 292
Cowan, W. A., lola 239
Cowgill, Josephine, Finney co 492
Cowgill, Virginia, marriage, noted 447
Cowley county, 1953 progress, survey
of, noted 75
Cox, James, marriage, noted 452
Cox, Mary Ann, Hamburg, Mich., mar-
riage, noted 452
Cracklin, Joseph, marriage, noted. . . . 452
Crafton, Prof. Allen, "Free State For-
tress" by, note on 147
Craig, Rev. H. H. 475, 479
Craig, Lulu S., article by, noted 147
Craighill, Samuel J., marriage, noted. . 452
Grain, S. E., marriage, noted 452
Grain, Mrs. Winnie, Labette co 318
Cram, Hiram, marriage, noted 452
Crandall, A. E., estate, gifts from, to
Historical Society 297
Crane, Dr. David R., marriage, noted, 452
Crane, George W 424
Crane, John L., marriage, noted 453
Craven, Avery, book by, noted 6
Crawford, Charles T., marriage, noted, 453
Crawford, George Addison .369, 370, 416
420, 429, 430, 437, 438, 441, 442
— photograph facing 353
Crawford, Meredith Brock, marriage,
noted 453
Crawford county, articles on, noted. . . 315
Crawford County Historical Society,
1953 meeting, note on 76
— 1954 meetings, notes on 149, 317
— 1955 meeting, note on 399
Creath, Lucy E., Palmyra, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 478
Creavy, Mrs. Mary, marriage, noted. . . 461
Cressman, W. H., marriage, noted. . . . 453
Creswell, note on 141
Crevecoeur, Ferdinand F., book by,
noted 52
Cricket, Charles H., marriage, noted . 453
Crittenton, Jennie L., marriage, noted, 455
Crocker, Edwin, marriage, noted 453
Crockett, Allison, Kansas City, Mo.,
marriage, noted 453
Cron, F. H., El Dorado 65, 306, 308
Crone, Hannah, marriage, noted 451
Crosby, A. B., Lindsey 555
Crosby, Ezra, Lindsey 557
Crosby, Harriet, marriage, noted 448
Cross, Mrs. R. R., Council Grove,
article on, noted 567
— donor 300
Crow, Charles, Garden City, article on,
noted 147
Crowell, J. M., Atchison 465
Crump, Jeremiah, marriag~, noted . . . 453
Culbertson, Nancy, marriage, noted . . 477
Cultivator and Herdsman, Garden City,
microfilmed 296
Cummings, J. F., Topeka 276
Cundiff, Hattie V., St. Joseph, Mo.,
marriage, noted 474
Cundiff, Maj. James H., St. Joseph,
Mo., marriage, noted 453
Cunningham, Bettie, marriage, noted. . 464
Cunningham, Mary Elsie, article by,
noted 74
Cunningham, article on, noted 144
Cunningham Clipper 144
Curfman, L. E. 76
Curry, Jim, Hays, article on, noted. . . 69
Curry, John Steuart 565
Curry, Mrs. Margaret, article on, noted, 565
Curry, William A., Jefferson City, Mo.,
marriage, noted 453
Curtin, Andrew, Pennsylvania gover-
nor 260n
Curtis, Charles 297, 300
— painting of, given Historical Society . . 52
— relics of, given Historical Society . 52
54, 56
Curtis, Mary, marriage, noted 459
Curtis, W. G., Ashland, biographical
sketch, noted 314
Curtiss, Alfred, marriage, noted 453
Curtiss, Judge John, Lawrence 452
Cusic, A. B., Topeka, donor 297
Custer, Mrs. Elizabeth, Following the
Guidon by, note on 489
Custer, Gen. George Armstrong, articles
on, noted 69, 566, 646
Cutler, Dr. G. A., marriage, noted . . . 453
Cutler, H. G 619, 635, 636
Cutler, Mary W. (Mrs.
William G.) 619, 635
Cutler, William G., editor of the An-
dreas-Cutler History of Kansas 619
622,628, 629
—letters, quoted 634, 635
D
Daiker, Virginia, Washington,
D. C 21, 33n
Daily Missouri Republican, St. Louis,
S. A. Douglas described in
1855 23, 24
Daily Republican, Burlington 646
Dake, Charles, marriage, noted 453
Dale, Margaret E., Weston, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 472
Da Lee, A. G., marriage, noted 453
Dallas, David, Manhattan 92n
Dalrymple, , Ottawa co 554
Dalton Defenders Historical Museum,
Coffeyville, notes on 149, 317
Dalton family, Montgomery co., article
on, noted 314, 315
Dalton gang, Coffeyville raid, articles
on, noted 68, 69, 313
notes on 149, 566
Damon, Martha S., Milwaukee, Wis.,
marriage, noted 464
Darling, Thomas J., marriage, noted. . . 453
Darnall, James T., marriage, noted. . . . 453
Darnall, Richard T., marriage, noted . 453
Dart, Mrs. Hester Ann, marriage, noted, 471
Daughters of American Colonists. . .59, 300
— donor 52, 291
Daughters of 1812 59, 300
Daughters of the American Revolu-
tion 59, 299, 300
— donor 52, 291
Daut, H. J., Edwards co 493
Davenport, Annie, marriage, noted . . . 464
Davenport, Mary, Indianapolis, Ind.,
marriage, noted 446
Davidson, Rev. , Leavenworth . . . 464
Davidson, John R., marriage, noted . . . 453
Davidson, Sarah A. F., marriage, noted, 460
d'Avignon, F., portrait of S. A. Doug-
las by, noted 33
Davis, Dr. , Leavenworth 445
Davis, Emma D., marriage, noted. ... 471
Davis, J. B., Topeka 412
Davis, Kenneth S., article by, noted . . 395
660
GENERAL INDEX
Davis, Sarah F., marriage, noted 467
Davis, Sue, of Missouri, marriage,
noted 466
Davis, Tabitha, marriage, noted 466
Davis, W. W., Lawrence 66, 307
Davis, Rev. Werter R 463,466, 467
469, 480
Dawley, J. C, Leaven worth 449
Dawson, George T., Chase co., 76, 231, 647
Dawson, John S. . . . 60, 62-64, 66, 304, 307
— on Historical Society executive com-
mittee 50, 62, 288
Day, John W., marriage, noted 453
Dayton, Parson D. F 469
Deacon, Gustavus, marriage, noted. . . . 453
Dean, Homer L., marriage, noted 454
Deer and antelope, on Saline river 69
Degner, Ferdinand, marriage, noted. . . 454
Deitzler, George W., prisoner 170
Deitzler and Shimmons, Lawrence, 110, 111
Delaware Indians, book on migration
legend of, noted 232
Delaware river, note on 405
Delaware station, early post office at. . 78
Dellinger, Mrs. O. P. . 76
De Long, W. H., marriage, noted 454
Delp, Mrs. Mahlon 76, 317
DeMott, John, article by, noted 397
Denham, Rebecca, marriage, noted. . . . 483
Denious, Jess C., Dodge City 66
— biographical note 293, 294
— death, noted 288
— papers, given Historical Society . . 293, 294
Denious, Jess C., Jr., Dodge City. .307, 568
Denison, Rev. Joseph 475
— marriage, noted 454
Dennett, Mrs. Viola, Douglass .... 230, 568
Dennis, Rev. B. C 499,452,464, 479
— marriage, noted 454
Dennis, Mrs. Frances A., marriage,
noted 454
Dennis, John H., marriage, noted . . 454
Dennis, Rev. L. B. . . 446, 447, 454, 455, 457
461-463, 474, 477, 479, 481, 484
De Noyer, Charles, marriage, noted ... 454
Denver, Memphis and Atlantic railroad, 330
Derby, article on, noted 315
Derby Star 315
De Saussure, Capt. W. D., in Kansas,
1859-1860 578, 580, 583
Deskins, Christopher, Linn co 477
Deversy, Mary, Madison, Ind., marriage,
noted 469
Devolt, Mary Ann, marriage, noted .... 451
Deweese, Elizabeth, marriage, noted . . 464
DeWolf, Edward P., marriage, noted 454
Dey, Robert P 636
Diamond Springs community, article on,
noted 229
Dick, Charles H., articles by, noted '. '. '. 231
Dickinson, David 414, 423 434
Dickinson, Willetta, article by, noted . 396
Dickinson county, articles on,
noted 145, 316
— Lyona Methodist church, history,
noted 72
— Pleasant Valley Union, article on,
noted 395
Dickinson County Historical Society. . 316
— donor 54
— 1954 meeting, note on 317
— 25th anniversary meeting, notes on, 77
Dickson, Louisa F., marriage,
noted 466, 467
Dickson, Samuel, marriage, noted. . . . 454
Dieker, Leo, Hanover 294
Diesbach, Heinrich, marriage, noted . . 454
Dighton Herald 229, 396, 646
Diller, Aubrey, note on 401n
— "Origin of the Names of Tributaries
of the Kansas River," article by, 401- 406
Dillon, Melissa, marriage, noted 480
Dimond, W. W. and wife, diaries,
microfilmed 54
Dine, Louis, marriage, noted 454
Disbrow, Ebenezer, marriage, noted . . . 454
Disbrow, Samuel G., marriage, noted. . 454
Disney, Mrs. Mary, Ellis pioneer 69
Dix, Ralph C., marriage, noted 454
Dobbins, E. A., marriage, noted 486
Dobie, J. Frank 596
Docking, George, Lawrence 306, 308
Dodd, Hattie O., marriage, noted . . . 469
Dodd, John P., marriage, noted 454
Dodge, Maj. Gen. Grenville M., 1865
report, quoted 572, 573
Dodge, Rev. Jonas, Leavenworth 450
Dodge City, articles on, noted 489, 567
— Boot Hill, article on, noted 313
see, also, Boot Hill Museum Inc.,
Dodge City.
Dodge City Daily Globe 142, 567
Dodge City Globe Republican,
microfilmed 55
Dodge City Junior Chamber of
Commerce 230
Dolan, Dianna, article by, noted 144
Dolbee, Cora, articles by, noted 185n
Dole, A. W., Douglas co 478
Dolman, C 454
Donahue, Henry W., marriage, noted. . 454
Donaldson, John 339
Doniphan, Judge James, marriage,
noted 454
Doniphan County Historical Society,
1955 meeting, note on 647
Donnelson, Catherine, marriage, noted, 480
Donoho, David, marriage, noted 454
Doohan, John J., articles by, noted, 313, 397
Doolittle, Benson E., marriage, noted . 455
Doolittle, Lewis, marriage, noted 455
Dorland, Cornelius, White Cloud . . . 478
Dorland, Lavina, marriage, noted. . . . 471
Dorland, Mary, marriage, noted 478
Dorrance, J. C. Ruppenthal's articles
on, noted 313
Dorsey, Mrs. Sidney 78
Dorst, Dale, Olathe 231
Dorst, Mrs. Mildred, Olathe 231
Doss, Kate, Weston, Mo., marriage,
noted 454
Doster, Irma, and Esther Clark Hill,
song by, noted 292
Doty, Henry S., marriage, noted 455
Doty, Mariah D., marriage, noted . . . 480
Dougherty, Susan Ann, marriage, noted, 474
Dougherty, William A., marriage, noted, 455
Douglas, J. C., Leavenworth 343
Douglas, Mrs. Robert A., Topeka 399
Douglas, Robert M., son of Stephen A., 21
Douglas, Stephen A. 367
— Allan Nevins' description of 9, 10
— contemporary descriptions of .... 10- 13
— for Kansas-Nebraska bill 1, 2
— G. F. Milton's description of 10
— photographs facing vi
between 32, 33
catalogue of 18- 33
— portraits of, discussed 14- 17
— role in Western development 638
"Douglas, Stephen A., The Appearance
and Personality of," article by Robert
Taft 8- 33
Douglas, Douglas co., Proslavery town, 109
Douglas county, historical observances,
1954, noted 151
Douglass, John C., marriage, noted . . . 455
Douglass, 75th anniversary, note on . 318
Douglass Historical Society . .230, 318, 568
Douglass Tribune 566, 568
Dow, Charles W., murdered,
1855 171n, 210, 211
GENERAL INDEX
661
Dow, Jonathan M., articles by,
noted 75,142, 227
Dow, L., Topeka 469
Dow, Lorenzo, in Lyon co 567
Dow, Simon, marriage, noted 455
Dow creek (Lyon co.) community,
article on, noted 567
Dowell, John A., marriage, noted 455
Downey, Rev. A. L 466,471,473, 478
Downey, John G., marriage, noted . 455
Downs, Francis H., marriage, noted. . . 455
Downs, James S., marriage, noted. 455
Downs, W. F., marriage, noted 455
Downs, Congregational church, article
on, noted 314
— pamphlet on, noted 231
—75th anniversary, noted 231
Downs News 314
Downum, Mrs. J. A., Topeka, donor. . 54
Doy, Dr. John 103, 105
—data from 1854 letters of 42, 45
— narrative of, noted 187
— rescue, article on, noted 145
Doy, Pamelia, marriage, noted 477
Doyle, Michael J., marriage, noted 455
Dozier, Dr. John, Oregon, Mo.,
marriage, noted 455
Drake, Charles, marriage, noted 455
Drake, Edwin L., of Pennsylvania 234
Drake, Samuel A., Leavenworth 360, 361
Draper, Lyman Copeland, book on,
noted 231
Drayer, Mrs. Lenora Ride, article by,
noted 229
Drew, John, Burlingame 485
Driscoll, Charles B., scrapbooks, given
Historical Society 52
Drummond, Andrew H 647
Drussel, Albert, Finney co 399
Dryden, Emily H., Frankfort, Ky.,
marriage, noted 466
Duane, Martin, marriage, noted 455
du Berrier, Hilaire, letter, note on .... 491
Dubuque, St. Catherine's Catholic
church, article on, noted 315
Ducharme, Mrs. Zoa E., marriage,
noted 485
Dudley, Mrs. Guilford, donor 291
Dudley, Mrs. Mary D., marriage,
noted 460
Duffee, Louis, marriage, noted 455
Duffie, Rev. Father 455
Dulin, Rev. E. S 473, 476
Dunbar, Hank 168, 170
Dunbar, John B 414
Duncan, , Lawrence 109
Dunlap, Emily, marriage, noted 452
Dunmire, Maria, marriage, noted 474
Dunn, Edward and Sarah, Salt creek, 455
Dunn, John T., marriage, noted 455
Dunn, Mary C., marriage, noted 467
Dunn, Matilda, marriage, noted 455
Dunn, Rebecca, and Edna Becker,
song by, noted 292
Dunnell, Horace L., pioneer 116n
Dunning, Mary J., marriage, noted . 476
Duval, Rev. R. P. 451
Dyche, Ruth, Lawrence 149
Dyer, Abraham
Dyer, Enoch 88
Dyer, James 88, 91
Dyer, Jane
Dyer, John
Dyer, Lydia 88
— marriage, noted «£
Dyer, Martha Ann 08
— marriage, noted 485
Dyer, Mary
Dyer, Pamelia (Mrs. Samuel D.)
Dyer, Samuel D 87, 88,90- 93
—election judge, 1854 90
— family of 88
Dyer, Sarah 88, 93
Dyer, William 88, 90, 91
— marriage, noted 91
Dyer's Town 87, 90
E
Eagle Springs, Doniphan co., article on,
noted 73
Eames, F. C., Leavenworth 364
Earhart, Amelia, article on, noted. . . . 397
Earl, George F., marriage, noted 455
Earnheart, Rev. John 451, 468
Earnheart, Melissa, marriage, noted. . . 454
Earp, George W., recollections, noted, 491
Earp, Wyatt 491
— arrest by, noted 72
Easley, Mrs. Rebecca Jane, marriage,
noted 468
Easley, Seymour & Co., Delphos 554
Eastin, Lucian Johnson 106, 322
336,337, 339
— photograph facing 352
Eastin, Sadonia A., Columbia, Mo.,
marriage, noted 463
Eastin, Tabitha, Bloomington, Mo.,
marriage, noted 482
Eaton, E. E., Ottawa co 555
Eaton, Rev. T. C., Ottawa co 554, 555
Eaton, Ottawa co., history of 554, 555
Ebright, Homer K., Baldwin 65, 306, 308
— and T. A. Evans, articles by,
noted 72
— speech by, noted 151
Ecord, Floyd S., article by, noted. . . . 227
Eddy, Anson, Mission creek 449
Eddy, Emily P., marriage, noted 449
Edmiston, Evalina, articles by, noted, 141
Edna, Methodist church, history, noted, 313
Edwards, C. L., marriage, noted 455
Edwards, Lizzie, Southampton, Mass.,
marriage, noted 458
Edwards, Mabel H., Lyon co. 398
Edwards, R. R., St. Joseph, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 456
Edwards County Historical Society. . . 76
— 1955 meeting, note on 493
Eels, Horace, marriage, noted 456
Eger, Elizabeth, marriage, noted 478
Eglehoff, John Michael, marriage,
noted 456
Ehrsam, Mrs. Viola, Enterprise. . . .77, 318
Eisenhower, Pres. Dwight D., article
on, noted 397
Eisenhower, John, Topeka, donor 297
Eisenhower, Dr. Milton 150
Eisenhower family, B. Kornitzer's book
on, notes on 491, 496
Eisenhower museum, Abilene, opening,
note on 150
Ela, Emily S., marriage, noted 459
Ela, William A., Hampton 459
Elder, Emma, Douglas 230
Elder, Peter Percival 466
El Dorado, First Baptist Church, book
by C. M. Bullock on, noted 648
El Dorado Times 146
Elliott, Robert G., Lawrence,
editor ... 40, 96, 108, 109, 205, 209, 343
348, 366, 374, 414, 424, 425
Ellis, George, article on, given Histori-
cal Society 294
Ellis, Roy W., Comanche co 318
Ellis county, articles on, noted 141
Ellis County News, Hays, articles in,
noted . . 69, 141, 226, 396, 489
Ellsworth, Frederick B., marriage,
noted 456
Ellsworth county, St. Paul's Evangeli-
cal Lutheran church, histories, noted, 72
Ellsworth Messenger 72
Ellsworth Reporter 72
GENERAL INDEX
El Paso, Sedgwick co., note on 315
Elwell, Charles, estate, gift from, noted, 56
Ely, Rev. • 473
Embry, G. H., marriage, noted 456
"Emergency Housing at Lawrence,
1854," article by James C. Malin, 34- 49
Emery, J. S 343
Emigrant Aid Co. ... 35-40, 45, 46, 95- 121
passim, 203, 204
— 1854 parties, notes on 35-40, 101
105, 219
— sawmill, Lawrence, notes on 42- 46
109, 110
Emigrant guides, Robert Taft's article
on, noted 488
Emmons, Mrs. C. W., Manhattan 77
Emmons, Thomas H., Ontonagon, Mich.,
marriage, noted 456
Emory, Fred, marriage, noted 456
Emory, Maj. William 578, 587
Emporia, Christian church, article on,
noted 73
— 1879, comment on 225
— historical pamphlet, note on 152
— history, article on, noted 396
Emporia Democrat, microfilmed 296
Emporia Gazette, articles in,
noted . . .73, 79, 141, 230, 396, 489, 567
Emporia News, microfilmed 296
Emporia Weekly Gazette 141
Emrie, Mrs. Lyman, Ford co 400
Enlow, Anna E., marriage, noted 448
Ennis, William S., marriage, noted. . . . 456
Ensign, L. A., marriage, noted 446
Esping, K. O., article by, noted 74
Etice, Barbee, marriage, noted 476
Euwer, Elmer E., Goodland ... 64, 66, 307
Evans, Mrs. Caroline E., marriage,
noted 475
Evans, Emma, marriage, noted 457
Evans, Rev. John, Atchison 446, 468
Evans, T. A. and H. K. Ebright, articles
by, noted 72
Evans, Rev. W. E 470, 479
Everett, John, letter, 1856, quoted ... 99
Ewart, Mrs. F. C 33n
Ewing, John H., review of diary by,
noted 146
Ewing, Thomas, Jr 347,348,351,352
360,363, 410
Fackler, Frances A., marriage, noted . . . 462
Fager, Maurice E., Topeka 79
Fahola, John, marriage, noted 456
Fain, W. P., U. S. marshal 168
Fairchild, George, Atchison 163
Fairchild, Rev. M. A 455
Fairholm, Mary J., marriage, noted. . . . 453
Fales, Mrs. Elizabeth, marriage, noted, 448
Fant, William, Finney co. 399
Farier, C. W., marriage, noted 456
Farley, Alan W. 64, 66, 305, 307
— "An Indian Captivity and Its Legal
Aftermath," article by 247- 256
— co-compiler, bibliography of town
and county histories of Kansas. .513- 551
— notes on 247n, 513n
— talk by, noted 493
Farm Journal, article in, noted 565
Farnham, Reuben H., marriage, noted. . 456
Farnsworth, Hannah, marriage, noted. . 482
Farnsworth, John W., marriage, noted . 456
Farrell, F. D 60, <•'**. '
— president, Historical Society. . .304, 307
— vice-president, Historical Society. ... 63
Farwell, John T., Fitchburg, Mass 447
Farwell, Levi, Lancaster, Mass 481
Farwell, Mary A. R., Lancaster, Mass.,
marriage, noted 481
Farwell, Sarah C. T., Fitchburg, Mass.,
marriage, noted 447
Fassett, Samuel M., Chicago, photog-
rapher 29, 30
Faucett, Myriam Jane, marriage, noted, 473
Faulhaber, George L., marriage, noted, 456
Faulkner, Kate, Dansville, N. Y., mar-
riage, noted 481
Fauntleroy, Col. , of Virginia, 158, 159
Faux, Joseph, marriage, noted 456
Fay, Agnes Elizabeth, article by, noted, 397
Fechter, Rev. John, Alta Vista 397
Feisel, Rev. Jacob, Wyandotte 470
Feisel, Mary M., marriage, noted 470
Feller, John, Leavenworth 318, 399
— talk by, noted 568
Fellows, Mrs. Mary, marriage, noted. . 458
Felt, H. Maria, marriage, noted 451
Feiiceposts, of stone, article on, noted, 397
Fenimore, Rev. , Ottumwa 454
Fenner, Rt. Rev. Goodrich R 295
Ferguson, Mrs. A. E., donor 56
Ferguson, Jim, stage driver 74
Ferrell, Eva 76
Ferril, Rev. T. J.. .453, 456, 462, 468, 481
Ferris, Frank, articles by, noted . . . 226, 395
Ferris, Jacob, book by, noted 190
Fielding, James, of Missouri 561, 563
Fifty Million Acres . . ., by Paul W.
Gates, note on 80
Finch, Rev. A 460
Fink, Amelia, marriage, noted 484
Fink, Kassimer Johannes, marriage,
noted 456
Finley, Tom, Thomas co. experiences,
article on, noted 143
Finney county, newspapers, article on,
noted 147
Finney County Historical Society, 1955
meetings, notes on 399, 492
Finney County, Kansas, History of, vol-
ume 2, note on 319
Finnup, Frederick, Finney co 399
First capitol of Kansas (Pawnee), pho-
tograph facing 320
"First Capitol of Kansas, The," article
by R. W. Richmond 321- 325
First District Court, early records, note
on 293
First Swedish Agricultural Co. of Mc-
Pherson county 497, 498n
First U. S. cavalry, at Ft. Riley, 1859-
1860 578- 585
First woman mayor, article on .... 173- 183
Fish, Susan Pascal, marriage, noted. . 483
Fisher, Rev. Charles 470
Fisher, Rev. H. D 484
Fisher, Mrs. Jesse C., Wichita 79
Fisher, S. G., The Law of the Terri-
tories by, noted 187, 188, 222
Fisher, T. F., Buffalo, N. Y., marriage,
noted 456
Fisher, William, marriage, noted 456
Fisher creek, Cloud co 552
Fishero, Dr. Serino, marriage, noted . . . 456
Fishmaker, C. T., marriage, noted. . . . 456
Fisk, Mrs. Ellen M., marriage, noted . 453
Fisk, James Liberty, emigrant train of,
attacked 251, 252
Fitch, Edward P., Lawrence school of,
1855, noted 48
— marriage, noted 457
Fitzhenry, Elizabeth, marriage, noted. . 460
Fitzpatrick, James, marriage, noted. . . 457
Flanders, Sarah A., Northport, Me.,
marriage, noted 450
Flannery, Martin J. 640
Fleckenstein, Harold, Oakley 494
Flenniken, R. P. 92
Fletcher, Samuel H., marriage, noted. . 457
Fletcher, Thomas C., governor of Mis-
souri 162
Flick, Mrs. John, Manhattan 88n
89, 91
GENERAL INDEX
663
Flinn, Daniel, Iowa Point 469
Flinn, Mrs. Mary, marriage, noted .... 473
Flint, H. M., book on S. A. Douglas
by, noted 28
Flint, Margaret, 111. State Historical Li-
brary 24, 33n
Flood, N 463
Flor nee, St. Patrick's Catholic parish,
article on, noted 143
Florence Bulletin 143
Flowers, D. A. G., marriage, noted ... 457
Floyd, Calvin W., biographical sketch,
noted 565
Foard, William F., marriage, noted. . . 457
Fogg, Joshua, St. Louis, Mo., marriage,
noted 457
Foley, Dudley, marriage, noted 457
Folk music. See "Range Ballads."
Foltz, Cyrus, marriage, noted 457
Foncannon, Hettie, marriage, noted 452
Foote, Charles K., Wichita 492
Foote, Conie, Kansas City, Mo 54
Ford, E. N., marriage, noted 457
Ford county, rural teachers, articles on,
noted 145
Ford Historical Society, 1955 meeting,
note on 400
Fordyce, Dr. D. B., Labette co 318
Foreman, Mary, marriage, noted 464
Forman, James F., White Cloud 469
Forman, Jane, marriage, noted 469
Forsyth, John H., journal, 1849, micro-
filmed 295
Fort Dodge, article on, noted 227
Fort Hays, articles on, noted 226, 566
— blockhouse and museum, dedicated. . 568
— guardhouse, converted to museum. . . 80
'"Fort Kirwin." See Camp Kirwan.
Fort Lamed, article on, noted 227
— 1860, notes on 585, 586
Fort Leavenworth, first post office in
Kansas, note on 4
Fort Leavenworth-Fort Riley military
road 87
Fort Leavenworth Historical Society,
note on 568
Fort Leavenworth Museum, note on. . . 78
"Fort Podun(c)k" 559, 646
Fort Riley, article on, noted 146
— 1st U. S. cavalry troops at, 1859-
1860 578- 585
— Wainwright memorial hall, article on,
noted 226
Fort Scott, Carroll Plaza, article on,
noted 228
— history by Ralph Richards, note on. . 496
— national cemetery, article on, noted. . 491
— natural gas used at 235
Fort Scott Historical Museum, article
on, noted 146
Fort Scott Lions club 228
Fort Scott Monitor 235
Fort Scott Tribune, microfilmed 55
Fort Scott Tribune-Monitor 146, 315
Fort Solomon, article on, noted 646
— data on, noted 68
— note on 554, 559
Fort Sully, Mrs. Fanny Kelly at ... 252, 253
Fort Wallace, article on, noted 491
— telegrams from, 1871-1880, given
Hist. Society 54
Fort Wallace Pioneer Memorial Mu-
seum, Wallace, dedicated 568
— opening, noted 494
Fort Wise, Colo., notes on, 1860,
1861 586, 587
Fortenbaugh, Robert, Gettysburg, Pa.. .263n
— Lincoln and Gettysburg by, noted . . . 257
Foster, Ambrose, Portland, Wis 117
Foster, Freeman R., marriage, noted. . . 457
Foster, Mrs. H. C., donor 294
Foster. William, marriage, noted 457
Foth, Mrs. Joan B 56, 301
Fowler, O. S., book on octagon houses
by, noted 114
Fowler, P. P., "The Jay-Hawker," book
by, notes on 214, 223
Fowler, R. S., donor 294
Fox, Almira, marriage, noted 450
Fox, H., Brownville 450
Fraker, Rev. J. C., Emporia 451, 469
Francis, John, state treasurer. .413, 427, 431
432,438, 441
Frankfort, articles on, noted 491
Frankfort Index, articles in, noted . . 226
316, 491
Franklin, Fanny, marriage, noted 456
Fraser, John 422
Frazer, Robert L., marriage, noted. . . . 457
Frazier, John, article by, noted 314
Fredenburg, Neosho 292
Frederick, Solomon Z., marriage, noted, 457
Fredricks, Charles D., and Co., photog-
raphers 29
Free-State conventions, 1855, notes
on 205- 209
"Free State Fortress," by Allen Crafton,
note on 147
"Free-State Man in Kansas, 1856, Let-
ters of a" 166- 172
Free-State movement 199
Free-State party, mentioned 3
Free-State prisoners 212, 213
Freeman, Rev. Elijah 480
Freemasonry, in Kansas, article on,
noted 227
Freemasons, Wyandotte Lodge No. 3,
history, noted 231
French, Anne Salome, marriage, noted, 461
French, James Gary, marriage, noted. . 457
French, Samuel T., marriage, noted. . . 457
Friends, academy, in Mitchell co.,
article on, noted 142
— Argonia a village of 173
— in Cherokee county, note on 71
Froom, Peter, Marshall co. pioneer. . . . 316
Fross, Charles, marriage, noted 457
Fry, John, marriage, noted 457
Frye, John C. and A. B. Leonard, Pleis-
tocene Geology of Kansas by, noted 637
Fryer, Caddie A., Philadelphia, mar-
riage, noted 472
Fulks, Jane, marriage, noted 469
Fulks, John, marriage, noted 457
Fulks, Phenis, marriage, noted 457
Full river 403, 405
Fuller, Joseph A., marriage, noted 457
Fuller, Watson, marriage, noted 457
Fulton, Fanny, marriage, noted . 471
Fulton, RPV. W. R ' 464
Funston, Estelle H., article by, noted. . 491
Funston homestead, lola, article on,
noted 491
Furgeson, Phebe M., marriage, noted . 477
Furnish, James Thomas, marriage,
noted 458
Gabbert, Mrs. H. B 78
Gaeddert, G. Raymond, The Birth of
Kansas by, noted 6, 639
Gage, Letitia H., marriage, noted. . 451
Gage, William H., Shawnee co 451
Gailland, Father Maurice, 1854 letter
by, noted 315, 316
Galey, Thomas M., donor 294
Galloway, Nancy Veale, article by,
noted £28
Gait, Mrs. Charles A., booklet by,
noted ' 648
Gambell, W. P., marriage, noted 458
Gann, Dolly Curtis, estate, gift from,
noted 52, 54, 56
GENERAL INDEX
Gant, Samuel, marriage, noted 458
Gara, Larry, Eureka, 111 647
Card, Wayne, The Chisholm Trail by,
note on 152
Garden City, article on, noted 147
— early-day photographs, noted 292
Garden City Daily Telegram, 1954
historical issue, noted 147
Garden City Irrigator, microfilmed. ... 55
Garden City Sentinel, microfilmed . . . 296
Gardiner, George W., Leavenworth. . . 360
Gardiner, William M., Winchester
pioneer 143
Gardner, Alexander, article on photo-
graphs by, noted 229
Gardner, F. C., marriage, noted 458
Gardner, Henry W., marriage, noted. . 458
Gardner, Rev. O. B 471, 484
Gardner, article on, noted 227
Garnett, E. B., article by, noted 145
Garnett, Arthur Capper home, note on, 568
Garraghan, Gilbert J 8 In, 82
Garrett, A. A. 91
Garrett, Norb 55
Garrett, Richard A., article by, noted. . 68
Garrison, Rev. A. E., Kingman 314
Garrison, Emily T., marriage, noted. . . 481
Garvey, Annabel, Topeka 296
Garvey, E. C. K., newspaperman 296
Gas (town), Allen co 242, 243
— photographs facing 241
Gas, natural, in Kansas, Angelo Scott's
article on 233- 246
Gaskins, Sarah, marriage, noted 482
Gates, Paul Wallace, book on Kansas
land policy by, noted 6, 80
Gaugh, Sallie Louisa, Bloomington, HI.,
marriage, noted 468
Gaviere, Mrs. Frederica, marriage,
noted 474
Gaylord, M. L., marriage, noted 458
Geary county, Brookside school, article
on, noted 146
Gee, Lucinda F., marriage, noted 479
Gentleman, Ava B., Waconda Spring
history by, note on 1
Geography, of Kansas, work on, noted, 637
Geological survey of Kansas, notes
on 367, 368
Geology, of Kansas, Frye and Leonard's
book on, noted 637
Gerald, Clara M., marriage, noted. . . . 475
Germain (German) family, attacked by
Indians, article on, noted 226
German organizations, Leavenworth,
noted 359, 360
Germans, in Ellis co., article on, noted, 226
Gettis, Ellen, marriage, noted 468
Gettysburg, Pa., ceremony, 1863,
J. Becker's sketch of. . .between 256, 257
Gibbs, Mrs. Frank, Topeka, donor .... 54
Gibbs, Wesley, marriage, noted 458
Gibson, John, marriage, noted 458
Gieseman, Raymond, article by, noted, 228
Gifford, Eliza M., marriage, noted. . . . 451
Gihon, John H., author of Geary and
Kansas 5, 187
Gilchrist, Mary Ann, marriage, noted. . 455
Gillett, Grant G., article on, noted. . . . 490
Gilliland, J. B., Franklin 479
Gillmore, Samuel J., marriage, noted. . 458
Gilman, Susan S., marriage, noted .... 471
Gilmore, John S., Sr., diary, noted. .74, 229
313. 314
— editorials, noted 314
Gilpin, William, Independence, Mo.. . . 351
— The Central Gold Region by, note on, 191
Gilson, Mrs. F. L., Emporia 65, 398
Gingry, Amanda, marriage, noted. . . . 458
Girard Press 229, 397
Girt, Nathan, marriage, noted 458
Gist, George W. and Ann C 454
Gist, Mary E., marriage, noted 454
Givens, T. A., Milton, Ky., marriage,
noted 485
Gladstone, Thomas H., author of book
on Kansas 5, 187
Glascock, Catherine, marriage, noted . . 452
Glass, George A., marriage, noted 458
Gleason, Annis W., marriage, noted. . . 485
Gleason, Maria, marriage, noted 463
Gleich, John P., marriage, noted 458
Glen Elder, history noted 73
Goddard, Mrs. Lucy A., marriage,
noted 462
Goddard, W., Lindsey 552
Godin, Mrs. Ethel, Wamego 79
Godley, J. E., Clark co., article on,
noted 489
Godsey, Mrs. Flora R., Emporia . ... 66, 307
Godwin, William H., marriage, noted . 458
Gold, in Kansas territory, Robert Taft's
article on, noted 488
Goode, Rev. William, pioneer preacher, 151
Goodell, Sarah A., marriage, noted . . . 484
Goodhue, Walter B., of Iowa, marriage,
noted 458
Goodin, J. R. 472
Goodin, Joel K 414, 452
Goodman, Julia Cody, co-author Buffalo
Bill . . ., note on 648
Goodnow, Isaac T 92- 94
Goodrich, J. Augusta, marriage, noted, 459
Goodrick, Elizabeth A., marriage,
noted 45
Goodwin, Clarinda, marriage, noted. . . 463
Gordon, David S., marriage, noted. . . . 458
Gordon, Garbet Fisher, Riley City. . . . 450
Gordon, J. C., marriage, noted 358
Gordon, Mrs. J. C., article by, noted. . 316
Gordon, W. L., marriage, noted 458
Gorman, Bennie, Tuscaloosa, Ala.,
marriage, noted 483
Goss, Sarah W., marriage, noted 466
Gould, George (son of Jay) 330
Gould, Jay, railroad interests of,
notes on 326, 327, 330
Gove County Advocate, The,
Quinter 148, 566
Graham, Bridgett, marriage, noted 454
Graham, Rev. C 462, 478
Graham, D. M., marriage, noted 446
Graham, James H., marriage, noted. . . 458
Graham, James M., marriage, noted. . . 458
Graham, John H., marriage, noted. . . . 459
Graham, Julia M., marriage, noted. . . . 446
Graham, Mrs. Mary M., marriage,
noted ••. 466
Graham county, county-seat fight, arti-
cle on, noted 147
Granniss, Mrs. E. A., Evansville, Wis.,
marriage, noted 452
Grant, Alex, Ellis co 489
Grant, Ellen E., marriage, noted 454
Grant, George, article on, noted 489
Grasshopper creek, name origin, notes
on 403, 405
Grass-thatched shelters, 1854, note on, 102
Grauser, Charles O., marriage, noted . 459
Gray, Alfred 366, 413, 416
424,426,603- 605
— photograph facing 433
Gray, E. J., marriage, noted 472
Gray, J. Rufus, note on 147
Gray, John M., Kirwin 65, 571
— death, noted 288
Grayson, Mrs. R. D 317
Grayum, John J., marriage, noted 459
Great Bend Herald-Press, 50th anni-
versary edition, notes on 147
Great Bend Tribune 314
Great Man (1'Homme Grand), Osage
chief ... 85
GENERAL INDEX
665
Greathouse, J. E., Finney co 399
Gri en, Rev. , Garnett 466
Green, Amary Amanda, marriage,
noted 472
Green, George, Oklahoma City, talk by,
noted 493
Green, H. M., marriage, noted 459
Green, Israel J., marriage, noted 459
Green, Joel C., marriage, noted 459
Green, Dr. William T., West Point,
Incl., marriage, noted 459
Greene, Max, The Kanzas Region by,
noted 186
Greenleaf Sentinel 228
Greensburg, Methodist church, article
on, noted 646
Greenwood, Alma E., marriage, noted, 450
Greenwood, Sarah Ann, marriage,
noted 478
Gregg, Josiah, Commerce of the Prai-
ries, new edition of, noted 232
Gregory, John S., Lynwood, Cal 571
Gregory, Mrs. Sarah, marriage, noted. . 472
Grellet Academy, Mitchell co., article
on, noted 142
Griffin, Mag. H., marriage, noted 485
Griffin, Mary Will, Rockport, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 479
Griffing, Rev. James S., 454,457,459, 480
— marriage, noted 459
Griffing, Nancy, marriage, noted. . . 459
Griffing, Ward, Manhattan 77
Griffith, David, Jr., marriage, noted. . . 459
Griffith, Joshua, marriage, noted 459
Griffith, Ruth, marriage, noted 485
Griffith, W. R., Fort Scott 343
Grimes, Moses E., marriages, noted . . 459
Grimshaw, Lillie, Jefferson City, Mo.,
marriage, noted 456
Grimsley, Mary, marriage, noted 455
Grinell, Clarence A 54
— articles by, noted 396
Grinell, Clarence A., and Harold,
donors 56
Grinell, D. C., papers, microfilmed . . . . 54
Grinter, Moses, account book, micro-
filmed 295
— note on 295
Grinter House, Wyandotte co 77, 78
Grinter s ferry landing, early post of-
fice at 77, 78
Griswold, Daniel, marriage, noted. . . . 459
Griswold, Judge Harvey, Warren co.,
Mo 466
Griswold, Dr. J. F., marriage, noted. . 459
Gross, Rhea 78
Grover, D. A. N 339, 340, 342
Grover, Joel, marriage, noted 459
Grow, Elder T. D., El Dorado . . 648
Grubbs, O. F., Crawford c© 317, 399
Gruebel, Annie, marriage, noted 459
Grund, Catharine, marriage, noted . . . 470
Guide books, notes on 187- 189
Guilford, Wilson co., natural gas found
at 237, 238
Gunkel, Mrs. John E., article by, noted, 489
Gunn, Mary, Jefferson City, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 449
Gurney and Son, New York, photog-
raphers 26
Gurtner, Gene, Dodge City 230
Guthrie, Abelard 641
Guy, Rev. P. H., Canton 565
Gypsum Advocate 141, 315
Gypsum valley, articles on, noted, 141, 315
Haas, Capt. H. C., marriage, noted . . 459
Hackley, Samuel A., marriage, noted. . 459
Haddock, Ida M., Lindsey 558
44—1430
Haddox, William, marriage, noted 459
Hadsell, L. L., Marion 77
Hafner, Melchior, marriage, noted .... 459
Haguer, Maria Dora, marriage, noted. . 456
Hailey, California, marriage, noted .... 448
Haines, Stella B., Augusta . . 149, 183, 492
Haines, Sue E., Rockford, 111., mar-
riage, noted 465
Hair, Jonas, marriage, noted 459
Hakin, Eveline, marriage, noted 468
Halderman, John A 94, 360
Hale, Rev. , Fort Scott 452
Hale, Edward Everett, Kanzas and Ne-
braska by, noted 5, 185
Haling, John, marriage, noted 459
Hall, Mrs. Carrie A., Leavenworth. .66, 307
Hall, Fred, Dodge City 76, 306, 308
Hall, George, marriage, noted 460
Hall, Juliana, marriage, noted 454
Hall, Robert, Cass co., 111., marriage,
noted 460
Hall, Scynthia Ann, marriage, noted. . . 469
Hall, Standish, Wichita 66, 307
Hall, Willard P., governor of Mis-
souri 161, 162
Hail, Rev. William W 460, 471
Halladay, Albert, marriage, noted 460
Hallbick, Mrs. Grant 230
Halliday, Dr. J. S., Coldwater 145
Halstead, Amelia, marriage, noted. . . . 461
Halstead, Mary, marriage, noted 458
Halyard, William, Platte co., Mo., mar-
riage, noted 460
Hamilton, Alexander, papers of, note on, 649
Hamilton, G. M., Ottawa co 559
Hamilton, Capt. John M., 1875 report
by, note on 294
Hamilton, R. L., Beloit 65, 306, 308
Hamlin, J. P., Pittsburg 626
Hamlin, Matilda, marriage, noted 480
Hammers, Clyde C., article by, noted. . 74
Hammond, Ann, marriage, noted 468
Hammond, Rev. C. F 468
Hammond, Mary A., marriage, noted. . 470
Hammond, Thomas J., marriage, noted, 460
Hampson, Joseph F., marriage, noted. . 460
Hampton, Silas, Washington, D. C.,
marriage, noted 460
Hancock, John, marriage, noted 460
Hancock, John, Alexandria, Va., mar-
riage, noted 460
Handy, Charles, stage driver 74
Handy, N. F., lecture by, noted 438
Hanna, Melissa Jane, marriage, noted. . 91
Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad . . 156, 161
Hanover, Hanover House registers, given
Historical Society 294
Hanover News 565
Hanscom, O. A., marriage, noted .... 460
Hansen, Mrs. Harry 295
Hanson, Mrs. Harry, Wyandotte co. . . . 77
Hanway, James 610
— comment on Hollo way's history by. . 283
Harbin, Elizabeth, marriage, noted. . . . 480
Harbine, Mary E., Zenia, Ohio, mar-
riage, noted 467
Harden, Amanda, marriage, noted .... 460
Harden, David, marriage, noted 460
Hardin, Martha, marriage, noted 473
Harding, John L., marriage, noted 460
Hardy, Mr. and Mrs. Harry A 301
Harger, Charles Moreau, Abilene .... 65
306, 308
— article on, noted 491
— talk by, noted 319
Harlan, E. W., Hodgeman co 78, 317
Harmon, Daniel, marriage, noted 460
Harmon, Eliza, marriage, noted 476
Harmon, Georgia, Rushville, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 483
Harmon, Mary A., marriage, noted. . . 482
Harper, Mrs. J. C 78
666
GENERAL INDEX
Harper, J. D., Weston, Mo., marriage,
noted 460
Harpole, Alfred, marriage, noted 460
Harrelson, Mat. A., Sibley, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 475
Harrington, Dr. Samuel C 343
Harris, E. P. 423, 428
Harris, E. P., marriage, noted 460
Harris, Mrs. L. S., donor 300
Harris, Lindley, marriage, noted 460
Harris, Martha, marriage, noted 471
Harris, Mary Rosela, marriage, noted . . 472
Harris, Minerva Ann, marriage, noted . . 460
Harris, Rosanna, marriage, noted 479
Harris, Rev. S 468
Harrison, Benjamin F., marriage, noted, 460
Harrison, Thomas T., Platte co., Mo.,
marriage, noted 460
Harrod, Sarah Ann, marriage, noted. . . 452
Harshbarger, Mrs. Ira E., donor 294
Hart, Henry, marriage, noted 461
Hartwell, H. A., marriage, noted 450
Harvey, Mrs. A. M., Topeka ... 65, 306, 308
Harvey, Perce 64
Harvey County News, The, Newton. ... 151
— microfilmed . 55
Has^ltine, Amandy M., marriage, noted, 485
Haskell, Emily C., marriage, noted. . . 457
Haskell, J. G., Lawrence, marriage,
noted 461
Haskell, Jacob, Shawnee co. 457
Haskin, Hattie A., marriage, noted. . . . 447
Haskins, Clara, marriage, noted .... 453
Hassler, Charles C., marriage, noted. . . 461
Hathaway, Dr. , Leavenworth. . . 461
Hathaway, N. B., marriage, noted 461
Hathaway, Rial A., marriage, noted . . 461
Hattan, Pocahontas, marriage, noted. . 456
Hatton, Susannah, marriage, noted . . 447
Haucke, Frank 63, 65, 306- 308
— on Historical Society executive com-
mittee 288
Haucke, Mr. and Mrs. Frank, donors . 300
Haun, Rev. M. M 473, 477
Haun, T. S., Jetmore founder 142
Havens, Eliza, marriage, noted 461
Havens, Marietta L., marriage, noted, 479
Havens, P. E., marriage, noted 461
Haver, Maude, Douglass 399
Hawkins, H. C., marriage, noted 461
Hawkins, Margaret A., marriage, noted, 481
Hawley, Charles Arthur, articles by,
noted 227,313, 397
Hawn, Frederick, geologist 68, 334
Haworth, Ruth S., marriage, noted. . . . 475
Hay, Chester A., marriage, noted 461
Hayden, William B., marriage, noted. . 461
Hayes, J. E., state treasurer 413
Hayes, Jennie Lorene, thesis on Kan-
sas cow towns, noted 292
Hayman, Mrs. Mary N., marriage,
noted 478
Hays, Beatrice, Chase co 231, 648
Hays, David, Cedar creek pioneer, 89, 1
Hays, Eliza A., marriage, noted 455
Hays, Elizabeth, marriage, noted 475
Hays, Mary Ann, Boone co., Mo., mar-
riage, noted 469
Hays, Robert 91
Hays, Judge S. M., Atchison co. ... 455
Hays, articles on, noted 69, 141, 226
396, 489, 490
— centennial celebration, note on .... 5
—criminal cases, article on, noted 69
—fire, 1895, article on, noted 69
—flour mill, article on noted 226
—Fourth o/ July, 1878, article on,
noted • °66
Hays Chamber of Commerce ........ 568
Hftvs DfliJv News, articles in, noted . . . 69
141,226,396,489,566, 567
Hays Lions Club 568
Hazard, Willis P 255
Hazeltine, Rosaltha, marriage, noted . . . 482
Hazlett, Mrs. Emerson L., Topeka, 79, 399
Head, David, family, Morris co., article
on, noted 398
Headlight, The, Augusta, note on 182
Healy, George P. A., painting by,
noted 14n
Heart river 403, 405
Heath, Ivan D., marriage, noted 461
Hebbard, J. C., work on Andreas-Cut-
ler history noted 628, 635, 636
Hedgpeth, Rev. H. H 448
Hedrick, Joseph J., at Olathe 231
Heed, Capt. A., Doniphan co. 452
Heffridge, B., and Joe Collins, train
robbers 69
Hegler, Ben F., Wichita 66, 307
Heimann, Rev. Father 454
Heitzman, John, marriage, noted. . .461
Helfrich, Brace A., Wichita 149, 492
Hellard, Phebe, marriage, noted 465
Heller, Abraham, marriage, noted ... 461
Helm, Mr. and Mrs. Frank, Topeka,
donors 291
Helm, T. C., marriage, noted 461
Hemphill, Mrs. Mona, marriage, noted, 456
Hemphill, Sallie, marriage, noted 461
Henderson, Rev. , Leavenworth. . 450
Henderson, H. L., lola 239
Henderson, John D., marriage, noted 461
Henderson, Paul, donor 294
Hennessey, Lola, Tecumseh history
compiled by 151
Henry, John, Lindsey 554, 557
Henry, Margaret A., marriage, noted . 479
Henry, T. C., relic of, given Abilene li-
brary 80
Henry, William, marriage, noted 461
Herald of Freedom, Lawrence,
96-121 passim
Herbaltshermer, Barbara, marriage,
noted 459
"Herd Book" 618, 625, 626
Herington, M. D., article on, noted. . . 490
Herington, articles on, noted 144, 490
— diamond jubilee, note on 494
H< rington Advertiser-Times, articles in,
noted 72, 144, 145, 490
Herndon, Walter 230
Herring, Frederick, marriage, noted ... 461
Herriott, Samuel C., marriage, noted. . 461
Hesler, Alexander, Chicago, photog-
rapher 31, 32
Hewitt, Helen M., marriage, noted. . . . 459
Hibbard, Mrs. Mary, Chicago, 111., mar-
riage, noted 470
Hibbard, Mrs. Ruth, Wichita 399
Hickman, Russell K., articles by,
noted 74,228, 316
Hickok, James Butler (Wild Bill), arti-
cles on, noted 226, 489
Hickox, Mary A., marriage, noted 471
Hickox, Rev. W. H 450
Hicks, A. D., marriage, noted 461
Hicks, John Edward, article by, noted . . 227
Hicks, Solomon S., marriage, noted. . . . 461
Hicks, William, Pleasant Hill 452
Higbee, Mrs. W. W., donor 299
Higby, Lewis H., marriage, noted 462
Higdon, Allen, marriage, noted 462
High, Laura, marriage, noted 459
High Plains Journal, The, Dodge City,
articles in, noted 144, 145,490, 491
Highland, article on, noted 397
Highland Mission state museum, notes
on 226, 398
Highland Station. See Sparks.
Highland Vidette 73
Highley, William, marriage, noted 462
Highway, U. S. 40, article on, noted. . . 75
GENERAL INDEX
667
Highwayman, The, issues given His-
torical Society 56
Higley, Dr. Brewster, cabin, restored . 149
Hildebrand, H. N., Montezuma resident, 145
Hill. Ellen M., marriage, noted 477
Hill, Esther Clark, and Inna Doster,
song by, noted 292
Hill, Forrester, marriage, noted 462
Hill, Hiram, Lawrence 113
Hill, Howard, Jr 79
Hill, Mary Ann, N. Brookfield, Mass.,
marriage, noted 453
Hill, Mary E., Newmarket, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 484
Hill, Susie, marriage, noted 483
Hill, T. A., Greenwood co 483
Hill, Thomas C., marriage, noted 462
Hill City, article on, noted 147
Hill City Times 73, 147
Hilty, Joseph, marriage, noted 462
Hinkle, E. M., marriage, noted 465
Hinkle, Guild & Co., Cincinnati,
Ohio 112, 113
Hirschler, Dr. Samuel A., article on,
noted 313
Historic sites, Kansas, inspection of,
noted 647
Historical and Philosophical Society of
Kansas Territory, history of . .339- 341
Historical markers, erected by Manhat-
tan centennial committee, note on ... 492
—work on, 1953, noted 51
Historical societies, of Kansas,
1850's 339- 356
— of Kansas and Nebraska, joint meet-
ing, 1954, note on 4, 5
Histories of Kansas, J. C. Malin's
articles on . . 184-223, 264-287, 331- 378
407-444,598- 643
History conference, at K. U., note on. . 647
Hoag, Benjamin W., marriage, noted. . 462
Hoagland, 170
Hoagland, Rev. Thomas, Atchison .451, 453
464,466, 471
Hobbs, Rev. , Linn co. . . 479
Hoch, Edward Wallace 625
Hoch, Wharton, Marion 77
Hodder, Frank Heywood, historian . 615
638, 639
Hodgdon, Linwood L., article by, noted, 150
— work of, noted 87
Hodgeman County Historical Society,
1953 meeting, note on 78
— 1954 meeting, note on 317
Hodges, Frank, Olathe 65, 306, 308
— donor 297
Hodges, Mrs. R. A., Marthasville, Mo.,
marriage, noted 466
Hodgson, Allen, justice of the peace. . . 482
Hodson, Gideon F., marriage, noted. . . 462
Hoffman, James Williams, editor 648
Hohn, Gordon S., articles by, noted. . . 395
Holbert and Davis, Atchison 154
Holbrook, William H., Rulo, Neb., mar-
riage, noted 462
Holland, A., Burlington 456
Hollenberg Ranch Pony Express Station,
notes on 149, 492, 565
Holliday, Cyrus K 152, 206, 370, 441
— relics display, noted 297
— Robert Taft's article on, noted 488
Holliday, Rev. J. T., 449, 450, 453, 458, 461
Holliday, John Henry "Doc," J. M.
Myers* book on, noted 400
Hollingsworth, C. E., Denver, letter by,
noted 68
Hollingsworth, Charlie, Lindsey . . . 553, 555
Hollingsworth, Erwin, Lindsey . . .554, 555
Hollingsworth, Jerome, Lindsey 558
Hollingsworth family, Ottawa co. 558
Hollis, Mrs. Amanda, marriage, noted. . 458
Holloway, J. C., marriage, noted 462
Holloway, John Nelson, biographical
data 264- 268
— History of Kansas, J. C. Malin's
article on 264- 287
— photograph facing 280
Holman, Calvin, Topeka, letters, 1869,
note on 646
Holman, Charles E., Topeka 494
Holman, Charles E., II, Topeka 54, 56
Holmes, Rev. D. T 458
Holmes, James H., marriage, noted . . . 462
Holmes, Julia, marriage, noted. . . . 477
Holmes, Lucius M., marriage, noted . 462
Holmes, Mary, marriage, noted 468
Holmes, Mary Louise, Magnolia, 111.,
marriage, noted 472
Holmes, Rev. William 481
Holmstrom, John 493
Holt, Mrs. Benjamin Osborn, of
Missouri 576
Holton, centennial celebration, note on, 495
— history, articles on, noted 566
Holton Recorder, centennial issue,
1955, noted 566
"Home on the Range," note on 570
Homer, Winslow, portrait by, noted. . . 14n
Honnell, Henry Wilson, marriage,
noted 462
Honnell, Rev. William H. 462
Hoogland, Edward 354
— letter, 1861, quoted 355
Hoover, Martha, marriage, noted 452
Hope, Dickinson co., articles on,
noted 72, 143
Baptist church, article on, noted 143
Hope Dispatch 72, 143
Hopkins, Lon, Coffeyville 317
Hopkins, Thomas, marriage, noted ... 462
Hopper, B. F., marriage, noted 462
Hopper, David R., marriage, noted . . . 462
Hopper, Louisa, marriage, noted 471
Hopper, Sarah Jane, marriage, noted 486
Horan, James D. and Paul Sann, book
by, noted 320
Hornecker, Mrs. Anna, reminiscences,
noted 73
Horner, C. F., Chautauqua book by,
note on 649
Horner, John W., Chetopa 646
Horseless Carriage Club, booklet of,
note on 152
Horton, articles on, noted 395, 566
Horton Headlight 316, 395, 566
.Hosmer, Helen, Philadelphia 255
Hosmer, Mrs. Margaret, Philadelphia . 255
Hotten, Alfred P., article by, noted 146
Houck, Solomon, of Missouri 561, 563
Houghton, , at Lawrence, 1854 102
Houghton, Charles S., Worcester, Mass.,
marriage, noted 462
Houghton, Mary J., marriage, noted . . 450
House, Maj. A. E., Fort Sully
commanding officer 252, 255
Housing, at Lawrence, 1854, J. C.
Malin's article on .34- 49
1855, J. C. Malin's article
on 95-121
— in prairie-plains region, J. C. Malin's
papers on noted 34n
Houston, Charles W., Saline, Mo.,
marriage, noted 462
Houston, D. W., Emporia 347
Houston, Samuel D 91
— election judge, 1854 90
— in 1855 legislature 323
Houts, Mrs. Hale, donor 56
How, Nancy Jane, marriage, noted . . 476
Howard, William A., and others, report
on Kansas troubles, noted 186, 188, 189
Howe, Art, article by, noted 71
Howe, Edgar Watson, articles on,
noted 74, 227
GENERAL INDEX
Howe, Henry, Historical Collections of
the Great West by, notes on .... 189, 190
— The Great West by, notes on. .190, 191
Howell, Angeline, marriage, noted .... 470
How ell, Tom S., articles by, noted, 396, 489
Howes, Cecil, on Annals committee. ... 57
Hoxie Sentinel 70, 144
Hoyt, George H 370
Hoyt, Mrs. Hobart, Lyons 398
Hrdlicka, Ales, anthropologist 18n
Hubbard, John L., marriage, noted . . 462
Hubbell, L. W., Hodgeman co 78, 317
Hubbell, P. Hanford, marriage, noted. . 462
Hubbell, Willard O., marriage, noted. . 463
Huber, Mrs. David M 77, 317
Huddleson, Nancy Amanda, Buchanan
co., Mo., marriage, noted 457
Hudgens, Martha Ann, Savannah, Mo.,
marriage, noted 458
Hudson, Florence, Augusta 149, 492
Hudson, Thomas J., Indianapolis 640
Huested, Ephraim, marriage, noted. . . 463
Huested, Lodusky, marriage, noted. . . 455
Huffman, Edward, marriage, noted. . . 463
Huffman, Rev. James, Jr 473
Hughes, Rev. Francis J., article by,
noted 143
Hughes, Graham L., St. Louis, Mo.,
marriage, noted 463
Hughes, James W. F., papers, given
historical society 294
Hughes, Nannie E., marriage, noted. . . 458
Hull, Joseph L., marriage, noted 463
Humboldt, oil field at 243, 244
Humboldt Union 74
— centennial issue, 1955, noted 566
Humphrey, Emily, marriage, noted. . . . 482
Humphreys, Frances E., Batavia, N. Y.,
marriage, noted 456
Hungerferd, Simeon R., marriage,
noted 463
Hunt, , Lawrence 1
Hunt, Anna, marriage, noted 464
Hunt, Charles W., marriage, noted. . . 463
Hunt, Emily Jane, marriage, noted. . . . 459
Hunt, G. W., Lawrence 276
Hunt, Howard, article by, noted 146
Hunt, Lizzie, Platte co., Mo., marriage,
noted 469
Hunt, Rebecca Frances, marriage,
noted 468
Hunter, W. J., marriage, noted 463
Hunter, history, noted 73
Huntoon, A. J., Shawnee co 462
Hurd, Harriet N., Spring, Pa., marriage,
noted 481
Hurst, Matilda, marriage, noted 459
Hutchinson, Rev. George W., Lawrence,
marriages performed by, noted 446
449-452, 455, 461, 462, 468, 470, 486
Hutchinson, Hugh, admitted to bail,
1856 213
Hutchinson, John 205
Hutchinson, Josiah, marriage, noted . 463
Hutchinson, William 343, 351- 353
— photograph facing 352
Hutchinson, Grace Episcopal church,
article on, noted 314
— in 1889, article on, noted 489
Hutchinson News-Herald, articles in,
noted 72, 143, 227, 314, 489
Hutchison, Walter, article by, noted ... 141
Hutt, Joe, plainsman 489
Hutton, Elizabeth Van Ness, song by,
noted 292
Huyett, Sarah Jane, marriage, noted. . . 473
Hyatt, Thaddeus, a founder of Win-
throp 157
Hyde, Reuben M., marriage, noted . . . 463
Hyder, Clyde, article by, noted 74
Independence Daily Reporter 395
397, 491
Independence News, historical-progress
edition, 1955, noted 489
Indian battle (Saline co.), 1857, arti-
cle on, noted 567
Indian campaign, 1860, notes on 585
"Indian Captivity and Its Legal After-
math, An," article by A. W. Far-
ley 247- 256
Indian chief, funeral of, article on,
noted 145
Indian depredations, 1859 579- 583
— 1872 (Jordan family), article on,
noted 396, 490
— 1874, article on, noted 226
Indian missions, Catholic, P. J. RahilTs
book on, noted 231
Indian raids, 1871-1880, note on 54
Indianola 87
Indians, Cheyenne, article on, noted . . 566
— Delaware, logs supplied to Lawrence
by 109
— fight with, 1875, note on 294
— in Kansas, 1954, articles on,
noted 142, 313
— Iowa, Sac and Fox, Mission museum,
article on, noted 226
— Kansas, 1860-1862 material on, ac-
quired 54
Methodist mission, Council Grove,
dedicated as museum, note on ... 151
— Kiowa, Lt. J. E. B. Stuart's attack
on, 1860 586
— native tribes, noted 1
— Osage, Bishop Miege's description
of . ... 84- 86
— Pawnee, 1826 robbery on Santa Fe
trail by 560- 563
— photographs, given Historical Society,
noted 292
— Pottawatomie, at St. Mary's,
1851 82, 83
celebration, 1851, described. .82, 83
half-breeds, note on 83
in 1854, note on 315, 316
— protective measures against, north-
west Kansas, 1865 572- 575
— Shawnee, hymnal of 1859, at Shaw-
nee Mission 299
—Sioux, account of, 1862-1864 '. 248
Fanny Kelly and Sarah L. Lari-
mer captives of 247- 256
Kelly-Larimer train attacked
by 248, 249
— Wyandotte 641
Indians, Captured by, note on. . .319, 320
Ingels, Rev. 448
Ingerson, Clara M., marriage, noted. . . 449
Inscho, James B., song by, noted 292
lola, articles on, noted 566
— brick factories 240, 242, 245
— celebration, 1898, described. . .241, 242
— cement industry 240, 245
— centennial celebration, notes on. ... 494
— gas boom, account of 239- 245
— industrial center 240- 245
— iron foundry 242, 245
— natural gas found at 236, 237
— zinc smelters, notes on 240- 245
photographs facing 240
lola Register, a daily in 1898. . . .241- 244
— centennial edition, 1955, noted 566
Iowa, Sac and Fox Mission museum,
article on, noted 226
Ireland, Mollie, Andrew co., Mo., mar-
riage, noted 484
Irish, Mary, W. Bloomfield, Mich., mar-
riage, noted 472
GENERAL INDEX
Irvin, Rev. Samuel M 480
Irwin, , freighter 153
Isaacs, A. J 339
Ise, John, Lawrence, donor 54
Ives, Earl, articles by, noted 228, 646
J
Jackman, David R., Bourbon co 475
Jackson, Charles and William, Val-
paraiso, Ind 640
Jackson, Maggie, marriage, noted 465
ackson, Mary J., marriage, noted .... 480
ackson, Elder S. W 468, 481
ackson, Wade M., marriage, noted . . . 463
acobs, Edward C 360
acobs, Hubert, S. J. . 316
acobs, Mrs. John, donor 300
acobs, Mrs. Minnie, donor 294
acobs, Nelly, marriage, noted 456
acobs, Capt. William M., marriage,
noted 463
ames, Caroline, marriage, noted 475
ames, Carrie, marriage, noted 489
ames, Will, quoted 592
amestown, article on, noted 228
amestown Optimist 228
ainison, George, marriage, noted 91
avens, Henson, marriage, noted 463
'Jay-Hawker, The," by P. P. Fowler,
notes on 214, 223
Jayhawk Editor, comp. by J. D. Calla-
han, note on 649
Jefferson county, articles on, noted. . . . 490
— centennial celebration, note on 647
— historical booklet, 1955, note on .... 647
Jelinek, George, donor 294
Jenkins, James B., of Kentucky, mar-
riage, noted 463
enkins, Rose, marriage, noted 476
ennings, Samuel L., marriage, noted. . 463
ennison, Robert 230
ennison, Mrs. Robert 230, 492
ensen, Lee, The Pony Express by, note
on 649
enson, Mrs. James L., Colby 79, 398
essee, Mary, marriage, noted 456
essee, William, Bloomington 456
ester, George W., marriage, noted. . . . 463
esuits, at St. Mary's Mission, notes
on 81- 83
Jewell, Byron, Topeka 471
Jewett, Mollie A., St. Albans, Vt., mar-
riage, noted 457
Jim Kansan, article on, noted 74
Johannsen, Robert W., essay by, noted . . 495
Johns, Mrs. Laura M., suffragist . . . 178, 181
Johnson, A., Lake co., 111., marriage,
noted 463
Johnson, Alexander S., in 1855 legis-
lature 323
Johnson, Rev. Arvid, Chanute 488
Johnson, B., Lawrence 121
Johnson, B. F., Johnson co., marriage,
noted 463
Johnson, Judge Beryl 494
Johnson, Mrs. Elmer, Dighton 230
— articles by, noted 229
Johnson, Mrs. G. V., Marshall co., article
by, noted 316
Johnson, Rev. H. H 483
Johnson, Rev. H. P., Leavenworth. . . 454
455, 465
Johnson, James W., Lexington, Ky.,
marriage, noted 463
Johnson, Josephine A., marriage, noted, 456
Johnson, Mary J., Lecompton, marriage,
noted 473
Johnson, Morris B., printer, marriage,
noted 463
Johnson, Mrs. Osa, notes on 79, 297
Johnson, Peter, Otoe co., marriage,
noted 464
Johnson, Rev. S. F 457
Johnson, Dr. Samuel A., The Battle Cry
of Freedom by, note on 319
Johnson, Rev. Thomas 323, 339
Johnson, Walter, exhibit, Coffeyville,
noted 317
— note on 149
Johnson Brothers, Council Grove, donors, 300
Johnson county, archives, in Historical
Society 53
— articles on, noted 565
Johnson County Democrat, Olathe, 227, 567
Johnson County Herald, Overland
Park 70, 565
Johnston, Anna J., marriage, noted .... 480
Johnston, Annie E., marriage, noted. . . 464
Johnston, Buckie, Platte co., Mo., mar-
riage, noted 457
Johnston, Catharine, marriage, noted. . 470
Johnston, Emma A., Fort Scott, mar-
riage, noted 468
Johnston, Lt. Col. Joseph E 578
Johnston, Leonah, marriage, noted. . . . 479
Jones, , Sumner co 312
Jones, Catherine H., Lyon co 79, 398
Jones, Charles E., Chicago 606
Jones, E., Wilberham, Mass 113
Jones, Elwood, and wife, Council Grove, 301
Jones, Rev. Harvey Jones, Wabaun-
see 458, 461
Jones, Horace, Lyons 66, 307
Jones, Isaiah, marriage, noted 464
Jones, Mrs. Ivan Dayton, Lyons 79
Jones, L. L., marriage, noted 464
Jones, Lucina, Emporia 398
— article by, noted 141
Jones, Lucinda, marriage, noted 458
Jones, Robert R., and D. E. Middleton,
song by, noted 292
Jones, Samuel J., sheriff, Douglas co., 121
170, 211- 213
Jones, Sarah E., marriage, noted 450
Tones, Sarah Elizabeth, marriage, noted, 472
Jones, Mrs. Schuyler, Wichita 492
Jones, T. M., Pittsburgh, Pa., marriage,
noted 464
Jones, Viola L., marriage, noted 483
Jones, Washington, St. Joseph, Mo.,
marriage, noted 464
Jonnies, Mary Louise, marriage, noted . 483
Jonson, Col. 171
Jonson, Lizzie, Cambridge City, Ind.,
marriage, noted 448
Joplin (Mo.) Globe 229, 397
Jordan, Caroline Jane, marriage, noted, 473
Jordan, Esther, marriage, noted 468
Jordan, Mrs. Neal D., donor 52
Jordan massacre, 1872, article on,
noted 396, 490
Journals of Lewis and Clark, The, edited
by B. DeVoto, note on 80
Joy, Frances R., Akron, Ohio, marriage,
noted 447
Judd, Henry, marriage, noted 464
Judge, Mary, Ozawkee, marriage, noted, 458
judson, Charles O., marriage, noted . 4
Junction City, articles on, noted 146, 565
— centennial celebration, article on,
noted 491
notes on 5, 493
— pictures, note on 565
Junction City Union 145, 567
— centennial edition, 1955, noted .... 565
Juniata, name origin 88
— settlement of 88- 91
— talk on, noted 77
"Juniata: Gateway to Mid-Kansas,"
article by J. C. Carey 87- 94
670
GENERAL INDEX
Kalloch, Rev. Isaac S., his review of
Holloway's history, discussed. .278- 280
— marriages performed by,
noted 451, 476, 481
— note on 278
Kalvesta, article on, noted 491
Kamback, Mrs. Frank 494
Kampschroeder, Jean (Mrs.
Louis ) 399, 492
Kanaga, C. W., donor 294
Kane, J. O., New York, photographer. . 29
Kansan, Jim, article on, noted 74
Kansas (territory), books and articles
on, listed 5- 7
— centennial, article on 1- 7
plans for, noted 50, 51, 64
commemorative stamp, note on . 4
— essays on aspects of, noted 495, 496
— establishment of 1, 2
— legislature, 1855, at Pawnee. . .322, 323
Kansas, beauty of, 1857 67
— books about, 1854-1860, bibliogra-
phy 185- 187
— first 100-year highlights, article on,
noted 74
— flag, article on, noted 71
— histories of, J. C. Malin's articles
on 184-223; 264-287; 331- 378
407-444; 598- 643
— history, Milt Tabor articles on, noted, 74
— legislative war, 1893, paper on,
noted 150
— rivalry for capital, article on, noted, 142
— statehood, Robert Taft's article on,
noted 488
— southwest, articles on, noted 145
"Kansas, What's the Matter With," K.
S. Davis' article on, noted 395
Kansas Academy of Science, notes
on 368, 369
— Transactions, articles in, noted . . 68
Kansas Association of Teachers of His-
tory and Related Fields, 1954 meet-
ting, notes on 4, 150, 289
Kansas Centennial History Conference,
Lawrence, notes on 150
Kansas Chief, White Cloud and Troy,
microfilmed 296
Kansas City Kansan 78
— microfilmed 55
Kansas City, St. Joseph and Council
Bluffs railroad 165
Kansas City (Mo.) Star, articles in,
noted 74, 145, 227, 313, 397, 491
Kansas City (Mo.) Times, articles in,
noted . 74, 75, 145, 146, 227, 313, 397
Kansas Editors' and Publisher's Asso-
ciation, notes on ... 410, 418, 420, 428
Kansas Equal Suffrage Association,
1887, note on 181, 182
Kansas Farmer, note on 366
Kansas Free State, Lawrence,
96-121, passim
Kansas Freeman, The, Topeka, early is-
sues, note on 296
Kansas Gazette, Enterprise and Abilene,
microfilmed 296
Kansas Government — A Short Course,
note on 496
"Kansas Historical Notes" 76-80, 149- 152
230-232, 317-320, 398- 400
492-496,568,647- 649
Kansas Historical Quarterly, The, report
on, 1952-1953 58
1953-1954 299
Kansas Historical Society, 1867-1878,
notes on 369, 370
"Kansas History as Published in the
Press" 68-75, 141-148, 226- 229
313-316, 395-397, 488-491, 565-567, 646
Kansas Home Demonstration Council,
contest by, noted 144
Kansas Legion, mentioned 610
Kansas Library Association 150, 151
Kansas Lutheran Historical
Society 495, 496
Kansas Magazine, 1872-1873, history
of 411, 412
— 1954, articles in, noted 74
Kansas Medical Society, note on 368
Kansas Natural History Society 369
Kansas-Nebraska act, article on, noted, 75
— notes on 1, 2, 4
Kansas Portland Cement Co., Concreto, 245
"Kansas River, Origin of the Names of
Tributaries of the," article by Aubrey
Diller 401- 406
Kansas State Agricultural Society, notes
on 365
Kansas State Board of Agriculture . . . 413
Kansas State Historical
Society 149, 150, 325
— accessions statistics, 1952-1953 57, 58
1953-1954 298,299
— Annals of Kansas report, 1952-
1953 56, 57
1953-1954 298
— annual meeting, 1953, proceed-
ings 50- 66
1954, proceedings 288- 308
— appropriations, 1952-1953 51
— archives division report, 1952-
1953 52, 53
1953-1954 292,293
— article by F. Madson, Jr., on,
noted 314
— background and history, by J. C.
Malin 407- 444
— brochure, 1954, noted 289
— budget requests, 1955-1956. . .290, 291
— connection with Andreas-Cutler his-
tory, noted 619, 628, 629
— executive committee report, 1953 . . 62
1954 304
— Elizabeth Reader bequest . . 61, 62, 303
— First Capitol report, 1952-1953 . . 59
1953-1954 300
— John Booth bequest 61, 303
— joint meeting with Nebraska society, 289
— Jonathan Pecker bequest 61, 302
— Kaw Mission, maintained by. . .151
report, 1952-1953 59
1953-1954 300
— library, books added to, 1952-
1953 122- 139
1953-1954 379- 393
report, 1952-1953 51, 52
1953-1954 291, 292
— manuscript collections, note on ... 637
— manuscript division report, 1952-
1953 54
1953-1954 293-295
— microfilm division report, 1952-
1953 55
1953-1954 295, 296
— museum report, 1952-1953 . 56
1953-1954 297
— news release articles, 1954, noted. . . 7
— newspaper and census divisions re-
port, 1952-1953 55, 56
1953-1954 296, 297
— nominating committee report,
1953 63, 64
1954 304
— picture collection report, 1952-1953, 52
1953-1954 292
— Quarterly. See Kansas Historical
Quarterly.
— research subjects, 1952-1953 . 57
1953-1954 298
— secretary's report, 1952-1953 . . 50- 60
1953-1954 288- 301
GENERAL INDEX
671
Kansas State Historical Society, Shaw-
nee Mission report, 1952-1953 . . 58, 59
1953 58, 59
1953-1954 299, 300
— territorial centennial, participation
in 288
plans for 50, 51
— Thomas H. Bowlus donation . . .61, 303
— treasurer's report, 1952-1953 ... 60- 62
1953-1954 302- 304
— W. I. Mitchell bequest to 63- 301
Kansas State Journal, Lawrence, note
on file of 354
Kansas State Record, Topeka, micro-
filmed 296
Kansas Teacher, The, Dr. Robert Taft's
articles in, noted 488
"Kansas Territorial Centennial, The,"
article on 1- 7
Kansas Tribune, Lawrence 614, 616
Kanzas News, Emporia, article on,
noted 489
— microfilmed 296
Kapaun, Father Emil Joseph, biography
of, note on 649
Kapp, Elias, Lindsey 558
Karber, Mildred, articles by, noted, 141, 315
Kastor, J. H., marriage, noted 464
Kathrens, Charles James, Jr., marriage,
noted 464
Kaucher, William, marriage, noted ... 464
Kaw Mission, Council Grove, dedication
as museum, notes on 151, 300
Kay, Thomas, marriage, noted 464
Keating, R. H., marriage, noted 464
Keating, Mrs. Sam, donor 56
Keedy, Celia C., St. Joseph, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 453
Keeler, Capt. Julius, Moneka, marriage,
noted 464
Keeler, Myra Summers, donor 294
Keener, Mary Ann, marriage, noted. . . 456
Keeney, George M., Oregon, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 464
Kehoe, Linna F., Hannibal, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 470
Keighley, Butler co., article on, noted . 146
Kelch, William P., marriage, noted . . 464
Kellam, Charles C., marriage, noted . 464
Keller, Sallie, Clay co.. Mo., marriage,
noted 460
Kelley, Frank, article by, noted 227
Kelley, Marie, donor 294
Kelley, Col. Robert S., marriage, noted, 464
Kelley, Thomas D., marriage, noted. . . 464
Kellogg, D. D. and Anna D., Kellogg
founders 491
Kellogg, George M., marriage, noted. . . 464
Kellogg, Cowley co., article on, noted, 491
Kelly, Mrs. Fanny Wiggins, book by,
notes on 248, 249
— death, noted 255
— Indian captive, account of . . 247- 256
—photograph facing 248
Kelly, Josiah S., death, noted 253
— and emigrant party, attacked by
Indians 248, 249
Kelly, Michael, marriage, noted 465
Kelly, Rebecca, marriage, noted 481
Kelly, Washington D., marriage, noted, 465
Kelly vs. Larimer, account of 253- 256
— case file microfilmed 54
Kelsey, C. C., Chicago, daguerreo-
tVPist 23, 24
Kelso, C. P 76
Kelsoe, John R., marriage, noted 465
Kemp, John, recollections, microfilmed, 295
Kemper, Mrs. Lee, Garden City 79
Kendall, Ann A., Worcester, Mass., mar-
riage, noted 456
Kendall, Orval, donor 300
Kennedy, Laura, marriage, noted . . 466
Kennedy, Oliver P., marriage, noted. . . 465
Kennedy, Dr. T. A., Lawrence 149
Kennedy, Thomas H., marriage, noted . . 465
Kent, Anna, marriage, noted 472
Ker, Rev. Leander. Leavenworth. .450, 456
461,463,480, 485
Kerr, Dr. J. W., Longton founder 488
Kerr, John, marriage, noted 465
Kersey, Ralph, Finney co 319
Ketchum, Jacob W., marriage, noted. . 465
Keystone View Company, New
York 19, 22, 33n
Kilby, James M., Andres co., Mo., mar-
riage, noted 465
Kilby, Jane, Elizabeth Town, Canada
West, marriage, noted 486
Killam, G. F., Lawrence 466
Killbuck, Abigail, marriage, noted . . . 485
Killbuck, Joseph H 454, 485
Killbuck, Polly, marriage, noted 454
Killey, B. F., Hiawatha 467
Killough, Carvalho Ogilvie Gilbert, mar-
riage, noted 465
Killough, Thomas D., White Cloud. . . . 465
Killum, Mrs. Betsy, marriage, noted .... 459
Kimball, Cordelia A., marriage, noted. . 456
Kimball, John A., Manhattan 456
Kimball brothers, Lawrence 108
Kimeo, St. Michael's church, article on,
noted 228
Kimple, Genevieve, article by, noted. . . 145
King, B. H.. marriage, noted 465
King, Dr. Charles, marriage, noted. . . . 465
King, Henry 411, 412, 419
King, Jemima, marriage, noted 453
K'ng, Nicholas, map maker .... 402, 405
King, Robert Callen, Washington, D. C.,
donor 297
King estate, Junction City, gifts from,
to Historical Society 297
Kingman, Samuel Austin 346-348, 352
353,370,414,422, 423
429,430,434, 442
— biographical note 371
— Historical Society president 433
— photograph facing 353
— speech, 1868, quoted 371- 374
Kingman, First Presbyterian church,
article on, noted 314
Kingman county, article on, noted , 144
Kingman Journal 228, 314, 646
Kinsey, Oliver, Argonia mayor 173
Kinsey, Terissa Ann (Mrs. Oliver) .... 173
Kinsley, Jane M., marriage, noted 455
Kinsley, articles on, noted ... 76
— 80th anniversary celebration, notes
on 76
Kinsley Mercury 76
Kinzie, Julia W., marriage, noted ... 472
Kinzie, Maria H., marriage, noted ... 480
Kinzie, R. A 472
Kiowa county, pioneer celebration,
1954, note on 317
Kiowa County Signal, The, Greensburg, 646
Kiowa News 228
Kirkbride, Cassa F., marriage, noted . 451
Kirkendall, Clarinda, marriage, noted 458
Kirkendall, Elijah B., Emporia . 457, 471
Kirkpatrick, Mrs. Agnes, marriage,
noted 450
Kirkpatrick, Dr. H. L., Topeka . ... 54, 145
Kirkwood, Mrs. Minnie 295
Kirwan, Ella Cecelia, of Missouri 576
Kirwan, John S., biographical data
571- 576
— reminiscences of 576- 587
Kirwin, article on, noted 227
— history, notes on 569, 570
— name origin 569
Kirwin Chief 570
Kirwin reservoir project, notes on, 569, 570
Kirwin Town Company 569
672
GENERAL INDEX
Kitchingham, William, marriage, noted, 465
Kittridge, T., Chicago, marriage, noted, 465
Kleinhans, A. J., marriage, noted 465
Kline, David, marriage, noted 465
Kline, Mrs. Frank, Wichita 492
Kline, Rev. J. S 479
Klingberg, Dr. Frank J., letter, noted . . 143
Kloehr, J. B., Coffeyville 149
Knapp, Dallas W., Coffeyville . . 64, 66, 307
Kneeland, Rev. Joel 481
Knight, Henry G., Seattle, Wash. ... 558
Knight, Mrs. Mary C., letter, 1887,
quoted 180
Knight, Richard (Dicky), Lindsey, 554, 558
Knight, T., Douglas portrait by, noted, 21
Knight, Mrs. Webster, II, Providence,
R. I., donor 52
Knoche, Henry, Ellis co 489
Knott, Rev. Isaac, Humboldt 481
Knouse, Charles A., donor 296
Knuteson, Knute, marriage, noted .... 465
Koch, Curtis, Welda 568
Koch, Elsie, Hope 77, 318
— article by, noted 72
Koch, William 493
Kohler, Lucille, article by, noted 145
Kohler, Mrs. Phyllis, article by, noted . . 144
Kornitzer, Bela, The Great American
Heritage by, notes on 491, 496
Krause, Adam, Great Bend, recollections
of, noted 147
Kridle, Louisa, Fremont, Ohio,
marriage, noted 455
Krumsick, Mrs. Anna, article by, noted, 143
Kuhn, Warren, article by, noted 144
Kullak, Hugo, marriage, noted 465
Kupper, John F., marriage, noted 465
Kuska, J. B 493
Kuykendall, Judge , Calhoun co., 485
Kuykendall, James 339
Labette, hotel, removed to Parsons,
1872 67
Labette county, J. F. Santee's reminis-
censes of, noted 313
— old settlers meeting, 1954, note on. . 318
— place names, articles on, noted . . 74, 141
— Star school, Dist. No. 50, article on,
noted 68
Ladd, Erastus D. 104, 205, 473
—data from 1854 letters of 39-44, 48
— marriages, noted 465, 466
Ladd, Mary, St. Joseph, Mo., marriage,
noted 473
LaGrange, Allen co 242
LaHarpe, Allen co 243
LaHay, Martha, marriage, noted 481
Lake Quivira, fire dept., article on,
noted 565
Lamb, A. W., Hannibal, Mo., marriage,
noted 466
Lamb, Rev. Josiah 480
Lambert, Mrs. Walter, Leav. co 318
Lamon, Martha A., marriage, noted. . . 453
Lancaster, Presbyterian church, history,
noted 71
Landon, John Cobb, article by, noted . 70
Lane, Mrs. Charles, donor 294
Lane, Donald Joseph, Lindsey 559
Lane, James H 273, 274, 277, 409, 610
— at 1855 Free-State convention 207
— biographical sketch noted 616
—described 199, 274
— Free-State militia leader 171, 172
— Leavenworth lecture, 1862, noted. . . 362
Lane, Juletta, marriage, noted 466
Lane county, articles on, noted 229
Lane County Historical Society, 1954
meeting, note on 230
— 1955 meetings, notes on 398, 492
Lane University, Lecompton, article on,
noted . 142
Lanear, Catharine, of Missouri, mar-
riage, noted 474
Lange, Rev. F. W., Lutheran missionary, 494
Langsdorf, Edgar 301
Langworthy, 170
Lanier, Mrs. Sam, Haviland, talk by,
noted 317
Lanionville, Allen co 242
Lanter, John T., marriage, noted 466
Lanyon, Robert, zinc smelters, lola. . . . 240
— — photographs facing 240
Lappin, Samuel, marriage, noted 466
— state treasurer 413,427,431, 432
Large, Sarah E., marriage, noted 453
Larimer, Annie E., marriage, noted. . . . 464
Larimer, Mrs. Sarah Luse, book by,
notes on 248, 250, 254, 255
— Indian captive, account of 247- 256
— photograph facing 248
Larimer, Gen. William 464
Larimer, William J., lawyer 256
— and emigrant party, attacked by
Indians 248, 249
— and family, in Wyoming 253
Larimer vs. Kelly, case file microfilmed,
noted 54
Larimore, W. H 626
Larkin, Mrs. Harriet, marriage, noted. . 454
Larson, Lucile 76
Larzalere, William P., marriage, noted, 466
Lasher, William H., marriage, noted. . . 466
Lasseur (Lussier), P., paintings by,
noted 14n
Lattin, Helen F., marriage, noted 465
Lawhorn, John D., marriage, noted. . . . 466
Lawrence, Amos A., articles on,
noted 74, 75
— Emigrant Aid Co. leader 3
— gift to Free-State prisoners, noted . 172
Lawrence, article on, noted 74, 229
—brick kiln, 1855 114
— centennial celebration, note on 5
— Deitzler and Shimmons saw-
mill 110, 111
— emergency housing, 1854, article by
James C. Malin 34- 49
— Emigrant Aid Co. hotel, 1855 109
119- 121
— history, by Allen Crafton, note on. . . 147
—Hunt mill Ill
— Meeting House, notes on 42, 43, 47
— pen sketches by J. E. Rice
between 48, 49
— Pioneer Boarding House, notes on 42, 43
47- 49
— Quantrill's raid 353
articles on, noted 313, 646
— sawmills, 1854-1855, notes on. 42- 46
109- 111
— settlement of, 1854 34- 41
— sketch of, 1856 facing 112
— Smith, Green & Co Ill
—view of [1860] facing 80
— views, 1867 between 112, 113
Lawrence Building Assn. 119
"Lawrence Community, 1855, Housing
Experiments in the," article by J. C.
Malin 95- 121
Lawrence Daily Journal-World . . 147, 229
Lawrence Historical Society, 1954 meet-
ing, note on 149
Lawrence Outlook 231
Lawrence Republican, note on file of. 354
Lawrence (Town) Assn., 1854 activi-
ties of 37- 40
Lay, John K., Jr., article by, noted. ... 72
Leach, Col. D. S., Platte co., Mo 471
Leach, Sarah E. A., Platte co., Mo.,
marriage, noted 471
GENERAL INDEX
673
Leachman, Tillie, Platte co., Mo., mar-
riage, noted 448
League of Kansas Municipalities 496
Leard, Rev. J. W 477
Learned, Lizzie, marriage, noted 470
Leavenworth, centennial celebration,
note on 5
— Cincinnati houses in 113
— 1860, drawing of facing 201
— Fifth Street, photograph, 1857, facing 152
— Front Street, 1856, drawing of, facing 200
— German organizations in, noted, 359, 360
— historical booklet, note on 152
— Planters' House, article on, noted. . . 142
Leavenworth Constitutional Convention,
proceedings, note on 354
Leavenworth County Historical Society,
1954 meeting, note on 318
— 1955 meeting, note on 399
Leavenworth Herald 106
Leavenworth Literary Assn. 359, 360
Leavenworth Lyceum, 1857 357, 358
Leavenworth Mercantile Library Assn.,
history of 356- 365
Lecompte, Samuel D 167, 961
— defense of, note on 197
Lecompton, Free-State prisoners
held at 166- 172
Lecompton constitution movement. ... 210
LeDuc, Thomas, Oberlin, Ohio 647
Lee, Catherine, marriage, noted 486
Lee, Mrs. Thomas A., donor 297
Lees, Ellen, talk by, noted 399
Legate, James F 353
Legg, Mrs. Anna M., marriage, noted. . 485
Lehigh Portland Cement Co., lola. . 245
Leighty, Mrs. Belle, Chanute 79
— donor 297
Leis, George and Lillian (Ross), pho-
tographs given Historical Society. . 292
Leis, Tracy F., donor 292
Leland, Millie, marriage, noted 472
Lenexa, fire dept., article on, noted. . . 565
Lennen, O. L., Ness City 494
— article by, noted 77
— recollections, noted 145
Lenoir, Dr. Walter T., marriage, noted, 466
Leonard, A. Byron, co-author of work
on Kansas geology 637
Leonard, Elizabeth Jane and J. C.
Goodman, Buffalo Bill . . .
by, note on 648
Leonard, J. F. R., Bazaar 466
Leonard, Lot, marriage, noted 466
Leonard, Dr. M. J. F., Louisville, Ky.,
marriage, noted 466
LeRoy Reporter 146
Lester, Edmond, marriage, noted 466
Leu, Jacob, marriage, noted 466
Leu, Louise, marriage, noted 454
Levermore, William, marriage, noted 466
LeViness, W. Thetford, article by, noted, 145
Lewelling, Lorenzo Dow, article on,
noted 313
Lewis, D. T., Breckinridge co 470
Lewis, Eliphalet, marriage, noted . 466
Lewis, Dr. Isaiah M., marriage, noted . 466
Lewis, John H., marriage, noted 466
Lewis, Mary, marriage, noted 470
Lewis, Meriwether 80
Lewis, Mrs. O. D., Shawnee, Okla 230
Lewis, Sterling, marriage, noted . 466
Lewis and Clark, maps, notes on 402- 405
— journals, edited by B. DeVoto, note
on 80
Liberty (Mo.) Weekly Tribune,
microfilmed 55
Lieske, H. William, pamphlet by,
noted 496
Ligon, Mrs. A. N., Pittsburg 76
Likins, Maria, Franklin, marriage,
noted 449
Lillard, Thomas M., Topeka 63, 66
304- 307
— on Historical Society executive
committee 50, 62, 288
Lilleston, W. F., Wichita 64, 66, 307
Lillie, Maj. Gordon W., article on,
noted 70
Limper, Louis H., Manhattan 648
Lincoln, Abraham, bibliography, by
J. Monaghan, noted 257
— Gardner photograph of facing 232
— in Kansas, articles on, noted 142
397, 488
— photographic studies of, discussed. . 18n
Lincoln College, Topeka, records,
microfilmed 54
Lincoln county, Hammer cemetery area,
article on, noted 227
Lincoln Sentinel-Republican 227
Linden, A. L. 230
Lindquist, Emory K., Wichita 66, 307
— donor 52
— note on 497n
— Olsson letters trans, and ed. by, 497- 512
Lindsborg, bosks and pictures of,
given Historical Society
— first church, etching facing 505
• — main street, 1870's, photograph,
facing 504
— Swedish settlement of 497
Lindsey, Ottawa co., article by T. H.
Scheffer on 552- 559
— C. E. Hollingsworth's sketch of,
between 552, 553
— dead town 68
Lines, C. B., Wabaunsee 481
Lines, Cornelia M., marriage, noted. . . 481
Lingenfelser, Angelus, Atchison 65
306, 308
Link, Adam R., marriage, noted 466
Linn, James M., marriage, noted 467
Linn, Sarah Frances, Sangamon co., 111.,
marriage, noted 467
Litch, Mary, marriage, noted 447
Literary and Scientific Club of
Lawrence 343
Livermore, Eugenia Melinda, marriage,
noted 474
Livermore, William, marriage, noted. . . 467
Livingston, Mrs. Ray, Dickinson co. . 317
— article by, noted 316
Lloyd, A. J., marriage, noted 467
Lloyd, S. W., marriage, noted 467
Lobingier, Mary Catherine, marriage,
noted 459
Lock, John, Wallace 494
Lockerman, Nicholas, marriage, noted 467
Loeb, Bernhard, marriage, noted . . 467
Log Cabin Memorial ... by H.
W. Lieske, note on 496
Log cabins, 1850's, notes on 100, 101
104- 106
Logan, Dr. C. A., Leavenworth
362, 368
Logan, Herschel C., Buckskin and Satin
by, note on 320
Lone Elm camping ground, article on,
noted 565
Long, David, marriage, noted 467
Long, Mrs. M. A., marriage, noted 460
Long, Dr. Margaret, Denver, books by,
noted 3
Long, Richard M., Wichita 65, 306
308, 492
—articles by, noted 396
Long, Vivian Aten, article by, noted . . 397
Long, Rev. W. R 470
Longley, Angie R., marriage, noted 446
Longren, A. K., papers, given Historical
Society 52
Longren, E. J., donor 52
674
GENERAL INDEX
Longstreet, Maj. James, on Santa Fe
trail, 1859 580
Longton, history, article on, noted. . . . 488
Longton News-Reflector 488
Lorant, Stefan, work on Lincoln
photographs discussed 18n, 22
Lord, Harriet G., marriage, noted 446
Lorson, Elizabeth, article by, noted .... 72
Lorsy, Elizabeth, New York 33n
Lose, Harry F., Topeka 64, 66, 307
Lotteries 365
Loughborough, James M., St. Louis,
Mo., marriage, noted 467
Love, Ruth E., article by, noted 229
Lovejoy, Rev. Charles H.f Lawrence. . . 447
480, 484
Lovejoy, Charles Julius, marriage, noted, 467
Lovejoy, Juliet L., marriage, noted. . . . 484
Lovell, Mary Jane, marriage, noted. . . 477
Lowenthal, David, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., 647
Lowman, E. S 343
Lowther, E. T., article by, noted 396
Lucas, John, Wallace 494
Lucas, banks, article on, noted 148
Luce, B. T., marriage, noted 467
Luce, Robert M., marriage, noted .... 467
Luebkermann, Rev. A., Sedgwick co. . . 142
Luedeman, Dorothea, marriage, noted. 451
Lum, Rev. S. Y., frame house of, 1854,
notes on 43
— marriages performed by, noted. .447, 454
457,461,464,470, 476
478,483,485, 486
Lundy, Paschal F., marriage, noted . . . 467
Luse, Jonathan E 255
Lusk, J. H., articles by, noted 73
Lusk, William H., Jefferson, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 467
Luther, Mary, Kingston, N. Y., mar-
riage, noted 446
Lutheran Layman's League, Kansas Dis-
trict 495
Lutheran memorial, Geary co., notes
on 494, 496
Lykins, David 339, 340
Lyle, James M., marriage, noted 467
Lyle, Lavicia, marriage, noted 471
Lymond, James, marriage, noted 467
Lynam, Mrs. O. W., Hodgeman co. . .78, 317
Lynch, John D., lynched 396
Lynching, 1872, article on, noted 396
Lyon, Charles C., marriage, noted. . . . 467
Lyon, Capt. Nathaniel, J. S. Kirwan's
reminiscences of 584, 585
Lyon, Sarah Ann, marriage, noted 468
Lyon county, Dow creek community,
articles on, noted 230, 567
— tombstone inscriptions, note on 52
Lyon County Historical Society, 1953
meeting, note on 78, 79
— 1954 meeting, note on 230
— 1955 meeting, note on 398
Lyona Methodist church, Dickinson CO.,
history, noted 72
Lysle, James C., donor 294
M
McAfee, Rev. Josiah B 477
McAffrey, Mary Ann, marriage, noted '. '. 465
McAnulty, Rev. J. C 462
MacArthur, Mrs. Vernon E., Hutchin-
sgn 65,306, 308
McBratney. Bobert, marriage, noted . . 467
McBride, Earl, Lakeland, Fla., donor. . 54
McBnde, John, Phillips co 569
McCain, James A., Manhattan 306, 308
McCamish, Richard, marriage, noted . . 467
McCamish William H., talk by, noted. . 399
McCampbell Dr C. W., Manhattan ... 77
McCanhs, Mary Jane, marriage, noted, 473
McCarter. Charles N., Wichita 398
McCartney, Mrs. Elmira, marriage,
noted 447
McCarty, Mrs. C., marriage, noted. . . . 453
McCarty, H. D. 414
McCarty, Sarah, marriage, noted 477
McCasland, Mrs. Charles 78
McClellan, John A., marriage, noted . . 468
McClelland, Mary A., marriage, noted, 452
McClenning, John N., marriage, noted . . 468
McClenning, Ruth A., marriage, noted . . 446
McCleny, , Jefferson co 479
McClintock, Cyntha A., marriage, noted, 479
McClintock, James, marriage, noted. . . 468
McClure, Anna, Cass co.. 111., marriage,
noted 460
McClure, James R 91
McClure, William H., lola 239
McCollum, Rev. W. A 472
McCombs, Hannah, marriage, noted. . . 477
McCombs, John, marriage, noted 468
McConnell, Alfred, marriage, noted. . . . 468
McConnell, Hiram, Neosho Falls 465
McConnell, Mary E., marriage, noted. . 465
McCook, Judge Daniel, marriage,
noted 468
McCormick, Frances Jane, marriage,
noted 478
McCormick, John, marriage, noted. . . . 468
McCormick, Julia A., marriage, noted, 476
McCoun, Amelia, marriage, noted .... 463
McCray, Dr. Walter, article on, noted, 313
McCreath, Mrs. David, Lawrence 79
McCrum, Mrs. Douglas I., Fort Scott . 79
McDannald, Mary J., Natchez, Miss.,
marriage, noted 466
McDonald, Benjamin P., marriage,
noted 468
McDonald, F. M., marriage, noted . . . 468
McDonald, Forrest, Madison, Wis 647
McDow, Rev. William C 459, 471
476, 482
McDowell, James L., Leavenworth . . . 343
347, 359
McDowell, William C., Leavenworth. . 360
McElroy, Mrs. Louise, teacher 230
McEwen, Owen C., Wichita 149, 492
McFarland, Helen M., Topeka ... 65, 301
306, 308
— librarian, Historical Society ... 122, 379
McGee, Susan, marriage, noted 452
McGinness, William E., marriage,
noted 468
McGrath, Mollie A., marriage, noted. . 480
McGuire, May J., column by, noted. . . 78
Mclntosh, Lt. James M 578
Mclntyre, Christina, marriage, noted . . 483
Mclntyre, William E., journal of,
noted 145
Mack, Hattie, donor 300
Mack, John, marriage, noted 468
McKain, Rev. C. C 473, 478
McKay, Donald, journal, 1870, micro-
filmed 295
McKay, Mrs. James B., El Dorado . 79, 398
McKee, Hugh, surveyor 1860's 573
McKeen, Walter 91
McKelvy, Susan, marriage, noted 479
Mackenzie, George, Minneapolis 552
McKinney, , Lecompton 452
McKinney, Harriet, marriage, noted. . . 457
McKinney, Juliette, marriage, noted . . . 470
McKinney, Polly Jane, marriage, noted, 474
McLane, T. A., marriage, noted 468
McLaughlin, Levi, Sedgwick co.
pioneer 71
McLaughlin, T. J. (Wad), Clearwater
reminiscences of, noted 71
McLellan, Charlotte, Topeka, donor . 294
— Potwin history by, noted 70, 228
316, 646
McMahon, William, Le Roy 462
GENERAL INDEX
675
McMillion, Ruth, articles by,
noted 143, 314
McNair, Mrs. John, Jetmore, donor. . . 54
McNamara, John, book by, note on. . . 186
McNett, Samuel, marriage, noted 468
McPherson, John Bayard, monument,
note on 261
McPherson county, Swedish settlement
of 497- 512
McReynolds, John, marriage, noted. . . 468
McVey, William D., talk by, noted 72
McVicar, Peter 369
McWilliams, Jim B., Great Bend,
donor 297
Macy, Dr. H. F., marriage, noted 468
Madigan, Frank, Wallace 494
Madison county, article on, noted. . . . 141
Madson, Frank, Jr., articles by,
noted 229, 314
Maguire, Ellen, article by, noted 566
Mahannah, Mrs. J. E., Augusta. . .149, 492
Maherville, Barton co., note on 314
Mahew, Alexander E., Atchison 471
Mahon, Mrs. Sarah A., Johnson CO.,
marriage, noted "449
Majors, Alexander, Westport, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 468
Makee (McKee?), Harry, Lindsey, 553, 557
Malin, James C., Lawrence 63, 64
66,307, 647
— articles by, noted 68
— award to, note on 305
— The Contriving Brain and the Skill-
ful Hand by, note on 648
— "Emergency Housing at Lawrence,
1854," article by 34- 49
— essay by, noted 495
— "Housing Experiments in the Law-
rence Community, 1855," article
by 95- 121
— John Brown and the Legend of Fifty-
six by, note on 6
— The Nebraska Question, 1852-1854
by, notes on 6, 80, 143
— "Notes on the Writing of General
Histories of Kansas," articles
by 184-223, 264- 287
331-378, 407-444, 598- 643
— on Annals committee 57
— On the Nature of History by, note
on 400
— works by, noted 638n. 639
Mallory, Anson H 455, 468
Malm, G. N., etching by, repro-
duced facing 505
Malone, James 62, 63, 65, 305- 308
Malone, Mrs. Kate C., marriage, noted, 474
Maloney, Rev. Patrick 228
Maloy, Barbara, marriage, noted 457
Maloy, John, Council Grove 567
Mandell, C. L., marriage, noted 468
Manhattan, articles on, noted 565
— Bluemont Hill, historical marker on,
noted 492
— centennial, article on, noted 491
committee, work of, noted 492
— First Methodist church, history, note
on 648
— history, note on 146
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. . 493
Manhattan Mercury 493. 567
— centennial edition, 1955, noted .... 565
Manhattan Tribune-News 646
Mann, H. A., Woodson co., article by,
noted 144
Manoge, Margy, marriage, noted 459
Manor, James A., marriage, noted. . . . 468
Mansfield, William M., Council Grove, 484
Manson, Dr. , Coffey co 478
Mantor, S. J., Hartford 446
Maps, 1795-1810, notes on 401- 406
Maranville, Lea, Ness City 66, 307
— donor 294
Marcell, Clifford E., Minneapolis,
Minn., donor 294, 297
Maretts, Sallie, marriage, noted 475
Margrave, William, Bourbon co 461
Mariadahl settlement 509
Marion, William J., marriage, noted . 468
Marion, Kiwanis Club history project,
notes on 77
Marion county, historical museum,
note on 318
Marion County Historical Museum
Committee, notes on 77
Markham, Dr. W. C., Baldwin 151
Marlatt, Mrs. F. A., Manhattan 77
Marlow, Enoch, marriage, noted 469
Maroney, Richard, of Missouri,
marriage, noted 469
"Marriage Notices From Kansas Terri-
torial Newspapers, 1854-1861," com-
piled by Alberta Pantle 445- 486
Marriages, and births, newspaper
items on 644, 645
Marsh, Edward S., Brandon, Vt., work
on S. A. Douglas, noted 27
Marshall, Mrs. George, Basehor. . . .79, 398
Marshall county, articles on, noted, 226, 229
— Swedish colony, article on, noted. . . 316
Marshall County News, Marysville,
centennial edition, noted 229
Martin, Rev. , Leavenworth 450
Martin, Caroline, Sanford, Mass.,
marriage, noted 463
Martin, Charles, Holt co., Mo.,
marriage, noted
Martin, Ellen Esther, marriage, noted
Martin, Mrs. Eunice, Douglass
Martin, George Washington. .
— photograph
's Annals printed by
— photogn
— Wilder's
469
478
568
.354, 429
430, 442
facing 433
... 423
425- 428
Martin, Henry, commissioner, Ottawa
co 552
Martin, J. Alex, article by, noted 396
Martin, Dr. James F., marriage, noted, 469
Martin, Jennie, article by, noted 396
Martin, John, marriage, noted 469
Martin, John A., Atchison .411,414, 416
420, 426, 438, 441, 442, 629
Martin, Mrs. K. M., Hoyt, donor 54
Martin, Lattia C., Hannibal, Mo.,
marriage, noted 474
Martin, Leander, marriage, noted 469
Martin, Lizzie, marriage, noted 445
Martin, Mack C., marriage, noted 469
Martin, Mary Anne, marriage, noted. . . 471
Martin, O. E., Lindsey 554
Martin, Walter, Douglass 230, 568
Martin, Dr. William D., marriage,
noted 469
Mary Mark, Sister, donor 294
Marysville, articles on, noted 229, 395
— centennial celebration, note on 5
Marysville Advocate 395
— centennial edition, noted 2
Marysville and Elwood railroad 157
Mason, J. B., and C. B. Boynton . . 104, 106
Massachusetts Emigrant Aid Co.,
publications by, noted 185
Mathews, J. W., marriage, noted .... 469
Mathewson, William (Buffalo Bill),
monument to, advocated 142
Mathias, William G., marriage, noted . 469
Matney, Letitia, marriage, noted 462
Mattes, Merrill J., introduction to T. S.
Kirwan reminiscences by 569- 576
— Kansas historic sites inspection trip
by, noted 647
— note on 5o9n
Mauck, Ferdinand, marriage, noted. . 469
676
GENERAL INDEX
Mavis, G. W., marriage, noted 469
Mavity, William, marriage, noted 469
Maxfield, D. H., Wellington, murdered, 396
Maxton, Frank, Columbus 74
Maxton, Mrs. Rosie Clem, booklet by,
noted 74
Maybury, Lucy F., Dighton, Mass.,
marriage, noted 478
Mayer, Louis, marriage, noted 469
Mayhew, Mrs. Patricia Solander,
Topeka 64, 66, 307
Mayo, Rev. Warren 474
Mead, A. J., 1855 pioneer 146
Meade, George W., of Virginia,
marriage, noted 469
Meadows, Rev. Calvin, 449
Meadows, John, marriage, noted 469
Means, Hugh, Lawrence 66, 307
Mecham, Tames, marriage, noted 469
Mechem, Kirke, Lindsborg 65, 304
306, 308
— Annals of Kansas editor 57, 305
Medical Herald, Leavenworth, note on, 368
Medicine Lodge Cresset, microfilmed . 295
Meek, Frederick, geologist 334
Mekeel, Margaret, marriage, noted .... 463
Melrose, Allen co 242
Mendenhall, Richard, 1854 letter,
quoted 106
— interest in Kansas geology, noted. . . 367
Menger, Henriette, marriage, noted .... 474
Menninger, Dr. Karl A., Topeka 307
—donor 54, 294
Merchant, Nelson 459
Merkle, John, marriage, noted 469
Merriam, fire dept., article on, noted. . 565
— post office, article on, noted 565
Merrill, Lt. Lewis, in Kansas, 1860 . . . 585
Merrill, O. N., True History of the
Kansas Wars by, note on 186
Merryman, Joseph, marriage, noted . . . 469
Meserve, F. H 22, 25-29, 33n
— work on Lincoln photographs
discussed 18n
Messiah, Lindsborg 497, 506n
Metcalf, Annie L., marriage, noted . . . 456
Metz, Charles, article on, noted 71
Meyer, Rev. W. H., Topeka 494
Meyers, Mrs. Harry, Johnson co 317
Miami county, articles on, noted. . .73, 143
— oil prospecting in 234
Mid- America, article in, noted 315
Middlekauff, Dr. J. H., article on,
noted 69
Middleton, Duff E. and R. R. Jones,
song by, noted 292
Middleton, E. C., Cincinnati, Ohio. , 25
Miege, Jean Baptiste 455, 465
— among the Indians 81- 86
— school named for 397
Milburn, Rev. William H., S. A.
Douglas described by 11
Mill creek 405
Millbrook, Minnie Dubbs, articles by,
noted 491
— Ness county history by, note on . 495
Miller, A. Q-, Sr., biography of, note on, 649
Miller, Asa K., St. Joseph, Mo.,
marriage, noted 469
Miller, Bill, Olathe, article by, noted . . 567
Miller, Clyde W., Mahaska, donor 54
Miller, George M., Chase co. . 76,231, 398
Miller, J., Lawrence, justice of the
peace 483
Miller, J. C., Topeka 457, 481
Miller, Jane, Chase co., marriage, noted, 460
Miller, Rev. John P., marriage, noted. . 470
Miller, Josiah, Lawrence, editor 40
96-98, 108, 109, 209, 210
343,346,347,366, 425
Miller, Judge Karl, Dodge City . . 64, 66, 78
230, 307
Miller, Mrs. Leonard, Edwards co. . . 493
Miller, Lizzie Watkins, Weston, Mo.,
marriage, noted 469
Miller, Nancy A., marriage, noted 462
Miller, Nyle H,, secretary, Historical
Society . . 63, 65
report, 1952-1953 50- 60
1953-1954 288- 301
— talks by, noted 318, 494
Miller, Sarah J., marriage, noted . . 462
Miller, Sol 420, 429, 430, 438
442, 623n, 624, 636
Miller, William H., Parkville, Mo.,
marriage, noted 470
Millspaw, Rosa, marriage, noted 468
Milton, George Fort, book on S. A.
Douglas by, noted ... 6, 14-17, 24, 25
Mineral Well Park, Allen co., note
on 237, 239
Minneapolis, Ottawa county seat
contender 552, 554, 557
Minneapolis Independent 552
Minneapolis Messenger 68, 646
Minnesota Historical Society 495
Minnich, Eva, Wichita 492
Minter, Ann Elizabeth, marriage, noted, 448
Mission, fire depts., article on, noted . . 565
Missouri Historical Review, articles in,
noted 144
Missouri Pacific railroad, A. B. Sageser's
article on 326- 330
— article on history of, noted 314
— in Kansas, 1888, map . . .facing 328
Missouri Valley railroad, 1867 164
Missourians, on Stranger creek,
1856 171, 172
Mitchell, Col. A. M., St. Joseph, Mo.,
marriage, noted 470
Mitchell, Elvira, marriage, noted . . . . 456
Mitchell, Brig. Gen. Robert B., 1865
order by, quoted 573, 574
Mitchell, William L, bequest by. . .63, 301
— Wabaunsee co. pioneer 63
Mitchell county, history, articles on,
noted 73. 152
Moberly, F. H., Wilmore 78, 318
Mobly, C. R 91
Mockbee, Jennie, Westport, Mo.,
marriage, noted 449
Modern Light, The, Columbus 228
315, 316
Modern Woodmen of America, Log
Rolling, 1898, note on 241
Moffette, Joseph F., The Territories of
Kansas and Nebraska by, noted, 185, 186
Mohler, Alice L., article by, noted. ... 491
Moletor, Beulah 493
Molke, Paul, marriage, noted 470
Monaghan, Jay, Civil War on the West-
ern Border, 1854-1865 by, note on . 648
— Lincoln Bibliography by, noted 257
Monahan, Deane. See Steele, James W.
Moneka, Linn co., note on 202
Monroe, Mrs. Polly M., marriage, noted, 462
Montfort, Rev. F. P 452, 454, 463, 466
Montgomery, James 277
Montgomery, W. H., Salina 64, 66
— death, noted 288
Montgomery, Col. William R.,
commanding officer at Fort Riley . . 321
Montgomery county, article on, noted . 395
— county-seat fight, article on, noted . . 142
Moody, Clarence W., Ottawa,
reminiscences, noted 397
Moody, Mrs. Mary, marriage, noted. . . 449
Moomaw, Minnie 230
Moon, Silas, marriage, noted 470
Moore, Mrs. C. A 79, 398
Moore, Ellen R., marriage, noted 447
Moore, Rev. H. H., Lawrence . 446, 448
459,470.473. 482
GENERAL INDEX
677
Moore, H. Miles 623n, 636
— marriage, noted 470
Meore, Henry J., marriage, noted 470
Moore, J. P., marriage, noted 470
Moore, Rev. John E 450, 457, 467, 474
Moore, Rev. John M., Topeka 471
Moore, Lizzie, marriage, noted 484
Moore, Maggie, marriage, noted 463
Moore, Mahlon K., marriage, noted. . . 462
Moore, Marinda Jane, marriage, noted, 462
Moore, Robert M., marriage, noted. . . . 470
Moore, Russell, Wichita 64, 66, 307
Moore, Tillie, marriage, noted 461
Moore, William S., marriage, noted. . . 470
Moore, William T 78
Moravian mission, Leavenworth co.,
marriages at, noted . . . 454, 459, 470, 485
More, John, marriage, noted 470
Morehead, Mary A., marriage, noted. . . 461
Morgan, J. F., Sheridan co. history by,
noted 70
Morgan, Mrs. Matilda, marriage, noted, 482
Morlacchi, Mile. Guiseppina, biography
of, noted -320
Morphy, Merlin, article by, noted. ... 68
Morphy, W. N., Hays City 564
Merrill Free Public Library Hiawatha,
donor 294, 297
Morris, Catherine, marriage, noted. ... 471
Morris, David T., marriage, noted. . . . 470
Morris, Robert, marriage, noted 470
Morris, Warren, Lyon co 79, 398
Morris county, Clark's creek settlement,
article on, noted 144
— pioneer records, note on 292
Morrison, John, marriage, noted 470
Morse, Rev. G. C., Emporia . . 457, 458, 462
470,473-475,482, 483
Morse, Mrs. John, Mound City 79
Morton, Warren P., Coldwater. . . .78, 318
Moses, Mrs. Earl C., Great Bend 79
—talk by, noted 398
Mosher, Orville W 78, 398
Mott, John 168, 170
Mott, John, Jr 168
Motz, Frank, Hays 64, 66, 307
Mount Mitchell, Wabaunsee co., be-
queathed to Historical Society. . .63, 301
Mount Oread, The Years on, by Dr.
Robert Taft, note on 496
Mountain lion, in Ellis co 69
Mowry, Rev. R 456
Moys, William, marriage, noted 470
Mudeater, Susannah, marriage, noted. . 448
Mudge, Benjamin Franklin, geolo-
gist 368, 422
— note on 68
Mueller, Frederick, marriage, noted. . . 470
Mueller, Harrie S., Wichita ... 65, 306, 308
Muir, James, marriage, noted 470
Mull, Mrs. R. G., Sr. 230
Mullen, Mrs. E. H 489
Mullinville, new church, article on,
noted 147
Mulvane News, 1954 special edition,
noted 229
Muncy, Milton M., marriage, noted. ... 471
Munger, Charles W., donor 294
Munkres, Mary C., marriage, noted. . . 479
Munsell, Mrs. Lelia, Herington 398
— articles by, noted 145, 313
Murphy, Franklin D., Lawrence 65
306, 308
Murphy, H., Glenwood, Iowa, marriage,
noted 471
Murphy, Mary Ann, St. Louis, Mo.,
marriage, noted 463
Murphy, Paul, article by, noted 227
Murphy, William E., Leavenworth. . . . 477
Musgrave, Mrs. A. W 292
Music, Kansas, given Historical Society, 292
Myers, Andalusia W., Princeton, Mo.,
marriage, noted 482
Myers, Andrew J., Ford co 491
Myers, Ellery A., article by, noted 646
Myers, Henry, marriage, noted 471
Myers, John, Leavenworth, marriage,
noted 471
Myers, John Myers, Doc Holliday by,
note on 400
Myers, Letitia E., marriage, noted 451
Myers, Mary, Lyon co., marriage, noted, 473
Myers, Mrs. Mary B., marriage, noted . . 457
N
Nace, William M., marriage, noted. . . . 471
Names, geographical, Kansas river tribu-
taries, article on 401- 406
Nance, Anna M., marriage, noted 457
Nance, Ward D., donor 54
Nathan, Leonard, A Wind Like a Bugle
by, noted 232
Nation, Mrs. Carry A., notes on. . .52, 182n
National cemetery, Fort Scott, article on,
noted 491
Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas,
1954 meeting, note on 79
— 1955 meeting, note on 398
Natoma-Luray Independent 148
Natural gas, in Kansas, Angelo Scott's
article on 233- 246
Navarre, Anthony, Rossville on land of, 488
Neal, Clem, marriage, noted 471
Nealley, D. H., marriage, noted 471
Nebraska History, J. C. Malin articles in,
noted 68, 143
Nebraska Question, The, by Dr. J. C.
Malin, notes on 80, 143
Nebraska State Historical Society, joint
meeting with Kansas society 289
Neet, George W., marriage, noted 471
Neibarger, Clyde B., article by, noted. . 313
Nellis, D. C., Hays history by,
noted 566, 567
Nelson, Peter, marriage, noted 471
Nemaha County Journal-Leader, Cen-
tralia 395
Neosho Rapids, Free-State raid in,
article on, noted 489
Neosho river, bridge, near Oswego,
article on, noted 565
Neosho Valley Register, lola 236, 240
— microfilmed 55
Nesbitt, Dorcas, Weedsport, N. Y., mar-
riage, noted 477
Ness City News 77
Ness county, articles on, noted. . . .491, 566
— Carver monument inscription 77
— 75th anniversary celebration, noted. . 494
Ness County Historical Society, of-
ficers, 1953-1954 76
— work of, noted 76
Ness County News, The, Ness City. . . . 566
Ness Western County Kansas, by Mrs.
M. D. Millbrook, note on 495
Nevill, Rev. G. W 467
Nevins, Allan, address by, noted. . . .4, 150
— article on S. A. Douglas by, noted, 25
— books by, noted 6, 22
New England Emigrant Aid
Company 3, 108
— S. A. Johnson's book on, noted 319
New England Society of Kansas, note
on 342
New Jersey Zinc Co., lola 245
New York Times Magazine 395
Newby, Capt. Edward W. B 578
Newland, Mrs. C. A., marriage, noted, 479
Newlin, James, Emporia 473
Newman, Rev. James, Hutchinson ... 314
Newspapers, Kansas, article on, noted, 70
Kansas territory, notes on 345
678
GENERAL INDEX
Nichols, Alice, Bleeding Kansas by,
note on 152
— review of her Bleeding Kansas
noted 145, 146
Nichols, Mrs. C. I. H 96, 102
—data from 1854 letters of 42- 46
Nichols, Dr. Foy F., of Pennsylvania,
speech by, noted 289
Nichols, Hannah A., Twinsburg, Ohio,
marriage, noted . 474
Nichols, J., & Co., Topeka . . . 275, 283, 284
Nichols, Roy F., address by, noted. ... 5
— books by, noted 6, 639
— The Disruption of American Democ-
racy by, note on 376
Nichols, William G., marriage, noted . 471
Nicholson, C. C., article by, noted . . 646
Nicholson, Georgia, donor 300
Nickerson, Leavenworth 450
Nickles, Elizabeth, marriage, noted . . 483
Nicodemus, articles on, noted, 69, 71, 567
Nixon, Allen, donor 300
Nolen, Martha E., marriage, noted. . . 465
Noll, Keith, article by, noted 491
Nonchalanta, articles on, noted 145
Norman, James, marriage, noted 471
Norris, Cleo, Dodge City 398
Norris, Guy B., Finney co 399
North Topeka Times, microfilmed ... 296
Northeast Kansas Historical Society,
1955 meeting, note on 398
Northern, Mary L., marriage, noted . . . 455
Northern, S. E., marriage, noted 469
Northrop, Rev. G. S 483
Northwest company, Russell co., rec-
ords, microfilmed 295
Northwest Kansas Historical Society,
organization, note on 493
Norton, Rev. , Bloomington 485
Norton, Charlotte, marriage, noted . . 464
Norton, Gus S., Kalyesta, 66, 307, 399, 492
Norton, Mary, marriage, noted 457
Norton, Mary E., marriage, noted. . . 476
Norton, Minnie, Chase co 76, 231
Norton, articles on, noted 490
Norton Daily Telegram, progress edi-
tion, 1955, noted 490
Nortonville News 395
Nossaman, Mrs. Jessie, article by,
noted 144
Nott, Mary, marriage, noted 468
Nugent, Jane, marriage, noted 446
Nunemacher, Mrs. W. R 78
Nute, Rev. Ephraim, Lawrence . . . 170, 343
— marriages performed by, noted .449, 451
459-461, 466, 467, 472, 475, 478- 486
Nute, Rev. Ephraim, Jr 465
Nutt, Owen, marriage, noted 471
Nyquist, Floyd Wendell, articles by,
noted 315, 490
Nystrom, R. G., letter by, noted 396
Nytt Och Gammalt, Salina, note on. . 509n
Oakley, Walter, marriage, noted 471
Oberlin, First Presbyterian church,
article on, noted 397
— Kirwin land office, removed to 570
O'Brien, Ellen, marriage, noted 453
O'Brien, Enoch, Montgomery co., diary,
note on 294
Ochs, F. E 78
Ockleston, Sgt. , in Kansas, 1860, 586
O'Connell, Wayne A., articles by,
noted 74, 141, 488
O'Dell, Arlene, article by, noted 144
Oesterreich, B. H., Woodbine 77, 317
— article by, noted 145
Oesterreich, Herman, Dickinson co., pio-
neer 145
Offen, Charlotte, article by, noted ... 396
Offerle, Harry 493
Offutt, William L., marriage, noted. . . . 471
Ogden, , Douglas co., pioneer .... 105
Ogden, Miss , marriage, 1860,
noted 468
Ogden, George, of Missouri, marriage,
noted 471
Ogden, centennial celebration, note on, 5
Oil, Russell area, article on, noted 68
Oil discovery, Russell co., plaque com-
memorating, notes on 50, 68
Oil field, Humboldt area 243, 244
Olathe, churches, articles on, noted .... 567
— Old Settlers' reunion, 1954, note on. . 231
Olathe Mirror, microfilmed 55
Olathe Weekly Herald, microfilmed .... 55
Old settlers' organizations, 1870's, notes
on 409, 410
O'Leary, Theodore M., book review by,
noted 227
Oliphant, S. H., Easton 450
Oliver, Mrs. Emeline, marriage, noted. . 474
Oliver, James H., DeKalb, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 471
Oliver, Mary, marriage, noted 481
Oliver, Mordecai, congressman 186
— minority report, 1856, noted . .188- 190
Oliver, William H., marriage, noted. . . 471
Olney, C. C., Lindsey 554
O'Loughlin, Mrs. J. H., story on Hays,
noted 69
Olson, James C., History of Nebraska,
note on 400
Olson, Mary, marriage, noted 465
Olsson, Rev. and Mrs. Olof, biographical
note 497, 498
— homestead, lithograph by Sandzen
facing 505
—letters, 1869-1873 497- 512
— photograph facing 504
Oman, C. H., Garnett 568
Omohundro, J. B. "Texas Jack," biog-
raphy of, noted 320
O'Neal, Harriet, marriage, noted 478
O'Neal, John, Highland 478
O'Neal, Mary Ann, marriage, noted . 453
Oregon trail, history of, noted 232
Oregon Trail, The, by Dr. Margaret
Long, noted 320
Ormsby, L. A., donor 294
Orwell, article on, noted 491
Orwell Times 491
Osage Mission (Neosho) 82
Osawatomie, articles on, noted 314
— battle of, monument, note on 409
— centennial celebration, notes on 317
— pageant, 1954, articles on,
noted 227, 313
Osawatomie Graphic-News, centennial
"extra," noted 314
Osborn, Dr. J. K., Lindsey 554
Osborn, Ruby, article by, noted 567
Osborn, Sarah, marriage, noted 466
Osborn, Gov. Thomas A. 602, 604
Osborne, Col. William, of Missouri, 158, 160
161, 163
Oskaloosa, article on, noted 490
— centennial celebration at, note on 647
— women officials for, 1888, note on. . 179
Oskaloosa Independent, articles in,
noted 144, 490
— historical booklet by, note on 647
Oskaloosa Times 490
Osmer, Sophia Anne, marriage, noted. 478
Osterhout, Kate, Vermillion, N. Y., mar-
riage, noted 461
Oswego, history, article on, noted 488
Oswego Democrat 488
Oswego Independent 141, 313, 488
Otis, Lt. Elmer, in Kansas, 1859 . . 578
580-582, 584
O'Toole, Lucy Ann, marriage, noted. 471
GENERAL INDEX
679
Ott, William J., marriage, noted 471
Ottawa (Silver Horn), Sioux chief, 250, 251
Ottawa county, organization, notes
on 552, 553
Ottawa Herald 397
Otte, Jean, essay by, noted 147
Our Golden Heritage, P. E. O. history,
note on 80
Overland journey (s), 1850's, noted... 295
1887, article on. noted 313
Owen, Arthur K., Topeka 66, 307
Owen, Rev. E. J 455
Owen, Rev. E. L 472
Owen, Mrs. E. M., Lawrence 66, 307
Owen, Ellis, marriage, noted 471
Owen, Jennie 57, 301, 305
— talk by, noted 399
Owen, William H., letter, noted 142
Owens, Dr. John A., marriage, noted. . . 471
Oyler, S. O., songs by, noted 292
P. E. O., in Kansas, history, note on ... 80
Packard, Mrs. Frances A., marriage,
noted 459
Packard, Sarah C., marriage, noted . . 480
Paddock, Rev. G. W., Burlingame, 446, 477
Page, Mrs. Ben, Kansas City, speeches
by, noted 150
Page, Mrs. Euphemia B., article by,
noted 70
Paine, Rev. Rodney 459, 482, 483
Palmer, Alpheus, marriage, noted 471
Palmer, Hiram, 1855 pioneer 146
Palmer, N., Hunter co., marriage, noted, 472
Palmer, Penelope, McDonald co., Mo.,
marriage, noted 473
Palmer, Mrs. T. H., article by, noted . . . 143
Palmer Oil and Gas Co., of Ohio 240
Palmetto pnd Roseport railroad 157
Pancake, Bill E.. Sharon Springs .... 494
Pantle, Alberta, "Marriage Notices From
Kansas Territorial Newspapers, 1854-
1861," compiled by 445- 486
— note on 445n
Paola, first town with gas lights 238, 239
Paola Western Spirit 143
Pargeter, Fred V., article on, noted . . 143
Parham, Robert, Jr., marriage, noted . 472
Paris, Clark, Pittsburg 76
Park, Frances, marriage, noted 458
Park, Col. George S., Parkville, Mo.,
1854 report by, quoted 106
— marriage, noted 472
Park, Rev. J. S., of Tennessee, mar-
riage, noted 472
Park, Gove co., post office, article on,
noted 566
Parker, A. S., Atchison 154
Parker, Nathan Howe, Kansas and Ne-
braska book by, noted 187
Parker, Nathaniel, marriage, noted . . 472
Parker, Rev. R. D. 461, 484
Parker, William, Leavenworth 448
Parks, William, marriage, noted 472
Parmenter, Walter, marriage, noted . 472
Parmetar, James A., marriage, noted. . 472
Parr, Dick, scout, article on, noted . . . 489
Parrish, James, Springhill 485
Parrott, Mrs. Effie, Wichita 492
Parsons, John U., marriage, noted 472
Parsons, Romania B., marriage, noted, 476
Parsons, William B., marriage, noted. . 472
Parsons, Forest Avenue (Broadway),
view of facing 568
— Labette hotel removed to, 1872 ... 67
Partens, Gen. C. A., Jefferson City,
Mo ... 482
Partens, Julia M., marriage, noted. . . . 482
Partridge, 168
Paschel, Luther, marriage, noted. . . 472
Patchett, Andy, recollections, noted. . . 69
Pates, Warren, Sharon Springs . 494
Patrick, Mrs. Mae C., Satanta ... 66, 307
Patterson, Mrs. Harold, Ford co 400
Paullin, Joseph, driller 239, 240
Paulson, Rev. J 456
Pawnee (town), notes on 321, 324
Pawnee Bill. See Lillie, Maj. Gordon W.
Pawnee capitol, articles on, noted . 567
— photograph facing 320
— R. W. Richmond's article on. . 321- 325
Pawnee Rock Herald 147
Pawnee Town Assn., notes on 321
Payne, Mrs. L. F., Manhattan 66, 307
Payne, Melissa, marriage, noted 483
Payne, Mildred S., marriage, noted . . 457
Payne, Olive Eastin, article by, noted . . 146
Peacock, George H 579
Pearce, Mrs. Arthur, article by, noted, 227
Pearlette, article on, noted 145
Pearlette Call 145
Pearson, Allen 472
Pearson, Cora Ann, article by, noted. . 313
Pearson, John, marriage, noted 472
Pearson, Mary, marriage, noted 462
Pearson, Richard N., marriage, noted. . 472
Peckham Howard H 320
Peery, Mary, article on, noted 74
Peine, Mrs. Arthur, donor 56
Pence, E. F., marriage, noted 472
Pennington, Dwight, article by, noted, 313
Pennington, Mrs. George, article by,
noted 144
Pennock, Charles, marriage, noted . . . 472
Perkins, , Lawrence, attack on,
1856, noted 167, 168
Perkins, Rev. George 450,451, 455
465,466, 483
Perrine, Belle, marriage, noted 478
Perry, Albert, marriage, noted 472
Perry, Erasmus, Weston, Mo., marriage,
noted 472
Perry, Frances, donor 56
Perry, Mrs. H. A., doll dishes of, given
Historical Society 56
Perry, William, Emporia, marriage,
noted 472
Perry, William, Leavenworth co 476
Perry, articles on, noted 228
— centennial celebration, note on 5
Perry Mirror, centennial issue, 1954,
note on 227, 228
Peteet, Miss , marriage, noted. . . 448
Peters, Judge Lorin T., pageant by,
noted 76
Peters, Sarah, article by, noted 397
Peterson, Mrs. Abbie I., article by,
noted 144
Peterson, Charles, Rice co. pioneer,
article on, noted 144
Peterson, Mrs. E. G., Edwards co 493
Peterson, Mrs. Edna, Chanute 79, 399
Peterson, K., St. Joseph, Mo., marriage,
noted 476
Peterson, Susan H., Machiasport, Me.,
marriage, noted 456
Peterson's Magazine, file, given Histori-
cal Society 52
Petifish, A. J., Atehison 460
Petit, Solomon, trader 405
Pfaff-Piper, Mrs. Alma, Labette co 318
Pfuetze, Carl, Manhattan 77, 493
Phelps, Edwin C., marriage, noted. . . . 472
Phenis, James H., marriage, noted. . . . 473
Pherson, J. M., Emporia 478
Philip, Mrs. W. D., Hays 60, 65, 80
306, 308
Phillippay, R. C., marriage, noted 453
Phillips, A. G., Edwards co 493
Phillips, Christina A., marriage, noted . . 450
Phillips, Rev. E.. Burlington 447, 461
476. 479
680
GENERAL INDEX
Phillips, Eliza J., marriage, noted 478
Phillips, George, marriage, noted 473
Phillips, Maggie, marriage, noted 476
Phillips, Mary, marriage, noted 456
Phillips, Robert M., St. Joseph, Mo.,
marriage, noted 473
Phillips, Dr. Samuel, marriage, noted. . 473
Phillips, Rev. Dr. T. H., Leavenworth . . 602
604- 606
Phillips, William Addison, The Con-
quest of Kansas by, noted. . 5, 186, 189
discussed 192- 202
— note on 193
— quoted on John Brown 408
Phillips county, history, notes on. .569, 570
Photographs, Robert Taft's discussion
of 18, 19
Picker, Mrs. M., marriage, noted 484
Pickering, Dillon, Uniontown 480
Pierce, Pres. Franklin, Kansas-Nebraska
bill signed by 1, 2
Pierce, Henry, marriage, noted 473
Pierce, Ray, Dodge City 318
—talk by, noted 398
Pierce, Sarah M., marriage, noted 464
Fierce, Mrs. W. H., donor 300
Pierceville, articles on, noted 70
Pieschl, Vincent, Ottawa co 556
Pike, Zebulon, in Kansas, 1806, letter
on, noted 396
Pike expedition maps, notes on. . . .401, 402
404- 406
Pike's Peak guide books, notes on . . 187, 188
Pilcher, Hattie M., marriage, noted .... 481
Piper, Elizabeth, Seneca, N. Y., mar-
riage, noted 477
Pipher, John W., Manhattan 91
— 1855 pioneer 146
— marriage, noted 473
Pitts, Mrs. Medina, marriage, noted. . . 475
Pittsburg, Mitchell co. See Tipton.
Pittsburg Headlight, articles in, noted. . 71
228, 315
Pittsburg Sun 228
Pitzer, Rev. A. W.. .453,455,457,458, 462
465,476,479,484, 486
Plath, Mrs. Louis, murderess 396
Platte Country railroad 159- 164
Platte County railroad 158, 159
Platte Valley railroad 155
Plattner, Mrs. I. L., Ford co 400
Plumb, M. Elizabeth, Westfield, N. Y.,
marriage, noted 448
Plummer, Jane Carey, article by, noted, 313
Plummer, William S., marriage, noted. . 473
Poe, Elisha W., Clay co., Mo., marriage,
noted 473
Poehner, Mrs. John, article by, noted. . . 314
Poker Alice, mentioned 69
Polk, Leslie D., article by, noted 227
Pollard, Henry, marriage, noted 473
Polley, John, marriage, noted 473
Pomeroy, Samuel C 93, 144, 153, 482
— Atchison interests of 155- 159
— Emigrant Aid Co. agent 3,42,113, 154
Pond, David, marriage, noted 473
Pony Express, article on, noted 565
Pony Express, The, by L. Jensen, note
on 649
Pony express station (Hollenberg
Ranch), note on 149
Ponziglione, Paul 81
Poole, Rev. G. H 481
Popular sovereignty. See Squatter
sovereignty.
Porter, Andrew and R. C., donors .... 300
Porter, Mrs. John, Concordia 399
Post office, at Grinter's ferry, note
on 77, 78
Pottawatomie Baptist Mission, article
on, noted 646
Pottawatomie Catholic Mission, St.
Mary's 81- 83
Pottawatomie county article on, noted. . 146
Pottawatomie massacre 616, 617
Potter, Frederick W., marriage, noted. . 473
Potter, Mrs. O. B., Lindsey 553
Potwin Place, Shawnee co., history by
C. McLellan, given Historical Society, 294
—noted 70, 316, 646
Poulet, Alixis, marriage, noted 473
Powell, J. W., Indian language study by,
microfilmed 295
Powell, Joseph A., marriage, noted. . . . 473
Power, Francis M., marriage, noted. . . 473
Powers, Susie R., N. Hadley, Mass.,
marriage, noted 455
Pratt, C. H., marriage, noted 473
Pratt, Mrs. Carl, Arkansas City, donor . . 54
Pratt, H. E., Illinois State Historical
Library 33n
Pratt, Jesse, Studley, donor 52
Pratt, Rev. John G 344
Pratt, articles on, noted 147
Pratt county, articles on, noted 147
Pratt Daily Tribune 567
— Pride issued by 147
Preedy, Peter W., marriage, noted 473
Prentis, Noble Lovely. .412,418,424, 426
429, 430, 442, 617, 618, 626, 627
— lecture by, noted 438
— note on 419
— photograph facing 433
— quoted on Andreas' History of
Kansas 618
Prewett, Mattie T., Columbia, Mo.,
marriage, noted 447
Price, John 165
Price, Joseph, marriage, noted 473
Price, Rev. L. D 465, 473
Price, Rev. William 484
Prichett, Rev. J. H., marriage, noted. . 473
Pride, Pratt publication, note on 147
Pritchard, Maj. , in Kansas, 1865, 573
Proctor, A. G., marriage, noted 474
Proslaverymen, 1856, notes on. . . .166- 168
Prosser, Dr. Lewis S., marriage, noted . . 474
Protestant Episcopal Church, Diocese of
Kansas, records, microfilmed 295
Prouts, Paris, St. Joseph, Mo., marriage,
noted 474
Prouty, Salmon S 411,412,419, 429
430,434, 442
— lecture by, noted 438
— marriage, noted 474
— work on Andreas-Cutler history,
noted 627, 628, 635
Prucha, Dr. Francis Paul, St. Marys. . . 495
Pryor, Julia Ann, marriage, noted 455
Pryor, Stephen, marriage, noted 474
Pryor, W. F., driller 239, 240
Pueblo and State Line railroad 330
Pullam, Martha A., marriage, noted. . . 463
Purdy, Henry, article on, noted 489
Purdy, Mary J., marriage, noted 467
Puryear, G. G., donor 300
Putnam, Bennet, marriage, noted 474
Putnam, Joanna A., Adrian, Mich.,
marriage, noted 458
Putnam, Sarah Jane, marriage, noted. . 483
Quaker Valley, Cherokee co., note on. . 71
Quakers. See Friends.
Quanta-ill, William C., articles on,
noted 147, 395, 489
Quanta-ill's raid, on Baxter Springs,
article on, noted 315
— on Lawrence 353
articles on, noted 313, 646
Quiett, Emma E., marriage, noted 466
Quiett, Esley, Tecumseh 466
GENERAL INDEX
681
Juiett, John, donor 300
)uimby, D. J., marriage, noted 474
)uindaro, article on, noted 78
Juinius, Herman, Wichita 492
Radkee, John, marriage, noted 474
Raffington, Mrs. Mabel 76
Railway development in Kansas, L. W.
Thompson's thesis on, noted 327n
Randall, Dudley, marriage, noted 474
Randall, Irene, marriage, noted 472
Randall, Paul, Ashland 78, 318
Randall, Mrs. Paul, Ashland 399
Randall, William Henry, marriage,
noted 474
Randolph, Amelia M., marriage, noted, 446
Randolph, George, Riley co 475
Randolph, P. H., marriage, noted .... 474
Randolph, Susan, Jackson co., Mo.,
marriage, noted 475
Randolph, articles on, noted 315, 490
"Range Ballads," article by John
Clifford 588- 597
Rankin, Charles C., Lawrence 307
Rankin, E. M., Leavenworth 450
Rankin, Robert C 63, 65
— death, noted 288
— on Historical Society executive
committee 50, 62, 288
Ransom, Lt. Hyatt C 576, 578
Ranson, Frank M., Belleville, N. Y.,
marriage, noted 482
Rapelyea, William C., marriage, noted, 474
Raser, Mrs. Margaret Haun 78
— article on, noted 142
Rash, Mrs. Eunice Batch, donor 294
Rathbone, Perry T., editor 319
Ratner, Payne 68
Ratz, Christian, marriage, noted 474
Ravanna, articles on, noted 142, 491
Rawlings, Edward H., marriage, noted, 474
Raynaike, Charles, marriage, noted. . . 474
Raynesford, Howard C., Ellis ... 64, 66, 307
— donor 294
Read, Lathrop B., Jr., Lawrence 149
Reader, Eliza M., marriage, noted. . . . 450
Reader, Samuel J., buffalo hunt water
color by facing 400
Reaser, Rev. J. G., Leavenworth 445
449, 483
Redfield, J. C., marriage, noted 474
Redmond, John, death, noted 50
Reed, Charles V., Hays 80
Reed, Clyde M., Jr., Parsons . . 64, 66, 307
Reed, Georgia, marriage, noted 463
Reed, Judge J. M. and Nancy,
Leavenworth 463
Reed, James, marriage, noted. . . 474
Reed, Jim, Topeka 79, 398
Reeder, Andrew H 205, 206, 207
— governor, 1855 321- 323
— papers of, note on 293
Reeder, Frank, Jr., Easton, Pa., donor, 293
Reefer, Martha, article by, noted 73
Rees, Mary J., donor 294
Rees, R. R., Leavenworth 469, 474
— in 1855 Council 323
Rees, Seth, marriage, noted 474
Reese, Harriet, marriage, noted 479
Reeve, Chet, Finney co 399
Reeves, C. L., Finney co 492
Regier, Rev. J 456
Reid, John M., marriage, noted 474
Reid, Samuel G., marriage, noted. . . . 475
Reinhart, Herman Francis, autobiog-
raphy, given Historical Society 294
Reinhart, Rena, Chanute, donor 294
Reiner, Rev. Peter, Burlington .... 447, 450
453,459, 479
Remington, Mrs. S. R., reminiscences,
noted 316
Reppart, C. A., marriage, noted 477
Republican party, 1856, comment
on 193- 198
Republican river, name origin, notes
on 402- 405
Rewell, A. C., Louisville 485
Rexford, Pioneer Day, 1954, note on. . 150
Reynolds, Rev. Charles . . 346-348, 449, 457
Reynolds, Mrs. Harriet, marriage,
noted 482
Reynolds, M. W., Parsons. . .429,430, 442
Reynolds, Thomas T., marriage, noted, 475
Rhinehart, Mary, marriage, noted 469
Rhoads, John T., Heizer, essay by,
noted 147
Rhymer, Mrs. Mary Frances,
Chicago 15, 33n
Rice, Rev. , Tecumseh 474
Rice, Rev. C. R 465
Rice, Emeline, marriage, noted 478
Rice, Rev. G., Hiawatha 454
Rice, Rev. G. J., Lecompton 486
Rice, H. D., marriage, noted 475
Rice, Jefferson, marriage, noted 475
Rice, John E., Lawrence, marriage,
noted 475
— pen sketches of Lawrence,
discussed 48, 49
Rice, M. Henderson, marriage, noted. . 475
Rice, Margaret Larzelere 647
Rice county, Salem Methodist church,
history, noted 72
Rich, Everett, article by, noted 313
Rich, Col. H., Ft. Leavenworth 480
Rich, James, marriage, noted 475
Rich, Kate, marriage, noted 480
Richards, David, marriage, noted 475
Richards, John F., marriage, noted. . . 475
Richards, Mary Ann, marriage, noted. . 461
Richards, Ralph, article by, noted. . . . 146
— Fort Scott history by, note on 496
Richards, Walter M., Emporia 66, 307
Richardson, Marie E., marriage, noted, 454
Richardson, Mary, Sterling, Mass., mar-
riage, noted 462
Richardson, Mrs. Myrtle 493
Richmond, Corp. , in Kansas,
1859 580
Richmond, Robert W 301
— donor 54
— "The First Capitol of Kansas,"
article by 321- 325
Rickabaugh, Joseph, marriage, noted . 475
Riegle, Wilford 62, 65, 66, 306, 307
— on Historical Society executive com-
mittee 50, 62
— vice-president, Historical Society. . . 63
304, 307
Rifinburg, W. G., marriage, noted. . . . 475
Riley County Historical Society 493
— 1953 meeting, notes on 77
— 1955 meeting, note on 399
— 1955 picnic, note on 568
Riner, Mrs. Nell, Protection 78
Ripley, G. S., Salina 567
Ritchey, J. H., marriage, noted 475
River Brethren, article on, noted 397
Rivers, tributary to the Kansas, notes
on 401- 406
Robbin, Ruth T., Platte co., Mo.,
marriage, noted 460
Robbins, Alice Jane, marriage, noted. . 459
Robbins, Rev. W. M 468
Roberts, C. Edward, marriage, noted. . 475
Roberts, Mary A., marriage, noted. . . . 451
Roberts, Victoria N., marriage, noted . 478
Robertson, Rev. Eli H., marriage, noted, 475
Robertson, Sarah, marriage, noted. . . . 446
Robertson, Dr. William 446
45—1430
682
GENERAL INDEX
Robidoux, Sophia Agnes, marriage,
noted 464
Robinson. Albert Earl, article by,
noted 74
Robinson, Rev. C. R., Greensburg .... 646
Robinson, Charles .. 203, 205, 206, 209, 211
212,273,274-277, 343
370,409,410,441, 610
— biographical sketch, noted 616
— described 199
— Emigrant Aid Co., agent 3, 109
111, 113
— historical paper by, noted 412
— lecture by, noted 438
— office of, burned, 1855 48
— president, Lawrence Assn 37, 42
— railroads for Kansas advocated by,
1859 335, 336
— treason prisoner 166, 168
Robinson, Doane 252
Robinson, Ellen R., Attleborough,
Mass., marriage, noted 455
Robinson, Dr. J., Oregon, Mo.,
marriage, noted 475
Robinson, Joseph W., Elwood .... 469, 477
Robinson, Mrs. Lizzie Kunkel, autobiog-
raphy, note on 151
Robinson, Mrs. Martha, Kansas City,
Mo 77
Robinson, Mrs. Sara T. D., article on,
noted 313
— author of Kansas, Its Interior and
Exterior Life 5, 186
Robinson, W. Stitt, Jr., articles by,
noted 68, 495
Robitaille, Elizabeth, marriage, noted . . 475
Robitaille, Louis Eugene, marriage,
noted 475
Rockwood, George, photographer 23
Rodebaugh, Miss , of Wakarusa,
marriage, noted 484
Rodkey, Clyde K., Manhattan. .63, 64, 66
77, 307
— article by, noted 646
Roe, Catherine and Bill, Atchison
booklet compiled by 152
Rogers, Charles L., St. Louis, Mo.,
marriage, noted 475
Rogers, Darius, marriage, noted 475
Rogers, Joseph, family, Morris co.,
article on, noted 396
Rogers, Mary Elizabeth, marriage,
noted 467
Rogers, Richard D., Manhattan, donor, 54
Rogler, Henry, Chase co 76, 231, 647
Rogler, Wayne, Matfield Green 65
306, 308
Rohrer, Mrs. Ed, Elmo 77
Rolings, W. C., marriage, noted 476
Roosa, Tunis 1 91
Root, Frank A 414, 423
Root, George, Shawnee co. chronology
by, noted 70, 228, 630
Root, J. P.. Wyandotte 343, 347
Ropes, Mrs. Hannah Anderson, Six
Months in Kansas by, noted 5, 187
Rose, Adulph, marriage, noted 469
Rose, Claudia, article by, noted 490
Rose, William, marriage, noted 476
Rose creek, Wallace co., article on,
noted 489
Rosenbaum, William E., marriage,
noted 476
Rosenquist, John, marriage, noted 476
Rosenthal, Robert, Chicago 33n
Ross, Abner L., marriage, noted 476
Ross, Henrietta, marriage, noted 451
Ross, W. W., marriage, noted 476
Rossville, history, article on, noted. . . . 488
Rossville Reporter 488
Rostock, Mary, marriage, noted 471
Row, C., marriage, noted 476
Rowan, Col. Andrew S., painting of,
given Historical Society 52
Rowe, Clara, marriage, noted 462
Rowe, Fayette, articles by, noted 228, 229
315,316,395,397, 490
Rowe, Julia, marriage, noted 459
Rowe, Mrs. Julia Ann, marriage, noted, 463
Rowsa, Malinda, marriage, noted 484
Roxbury, Methodist church, article on,
noted 315
Roy, M. E., marriage, noted 462
Royer, Mrs. Caston (Washburn),
Topeka, donor 297
Rubin, Roy T., Hope, donor 54
Rucker, James S., marriage, noted. . . . 476
Rude, David, Morris co., pioneer 229
Runyon, Mrs. Augusta A., marriage,
noted 482
Rupp, Mrs. Jane C., Lincolnville ... 66, 307
Ruppenthal, J. C., Russell .... 65, 306, 308
— articles by, noted 148, 313
— donor 54, 56, 294, 297
Ruse, F. A., Argonia 175
Russell, Annie, marriage, noted 473
Russell, Edward, marriage, noted 476
Russell, John, marriage, noted 476
Russell, John W., marriage, noted 476
Russell, S. C., marriage, noted 476
Russell, William H., Leavenworth 473
Russell, oil industry, article on, noted, 68
— townsite company records,
microfilmed 295
Russell county, Amherst Evangelical
church, article on, noted 490
— oil discovery plaque, notes on. . .50, 68
Russell Daily News 313
Rust, Mrs. Lucile, Manhattan 399
Ruthruff, Chester, surveyor 1860's . . 573
Ryan, Rev. J. E 452, 456, 460, 471
474,476, 486
Rydjord, John, Wichita 150
Ryland, Edwin M., of Missouri. . .561, 563
Sac and Fox Indians, 1860-1862
material on, acquired 54
Sacket, Capt. Delos B 578
Sackett, Hal, article by, noted 567
Sadilek, Mrs. W. B., donor 294
Sageser, A. Bower, "Building the Main
Line of the Missouri Pacific Through
Kansas," article by 326- 330
St. Clair, Mrs. Rodney, paper by,
noted 399
St. John, Ephraim, Jr., marriage, noted, 476
St. Joseph and Council Bluffs railroad . . 165
St. Joseph (Mo.) Herald and
Tribune 162, 163
St. Louis, Kansas and Arizona Railway
Co 327
St. Mary's Mission, 1851 81- 83
Salem Methodist church. Rice co.,
history, noted 72
Salina, article on, noted 567
Salina, Missouri Pacific railway at, 329, 330
Salina Journal 397, 567
Saline county, Swedish settlement in
498- 500
Saline County Historical Museum 567
Saline river, name origin, notes on
402- 405
Sallee, James 57, 305
S alter, Lewis Allison, children of,
listed 178n
—notes on 173, 175, 182
Salter, Melville J 173
Salter, Susanna Madora (Mrs. Lewis
J, M. Billington's article on. .173- 183
election notice, photograph
facing 176
GENERAL INDEX
683
Salter, Susanna Madora (Mrs. Lewis
A.), photographs facing 177
— W. K. D. Club plaque for 182, 183
Saltsman, Mary Ann, marriage, noted . . 458
Sample, Mrs. Quinter, donor 300
Sanborn, Franklin B., John Brown
partisan 408, 409
Sandburg, Carl, tribute to Lincoln by,
noted 74
Sanders, John, marriage, noted 476
Sandling, Giles, marriage, noted 476
Sandling, Mary Jane, marriage, noted. . 460
Sandoz, Mari, The Buffalo Hunters, re-
view, noted 277
Sands, James G., marriage, noted 476
Sands, Rosa, marriage, noted 465
Sandzen, Birger, lithograph by,
reproduced facing 505
Sanford, Emmanuel, family, Morris co.,
article on, noted 396
Santa Fe trail, article on, noted 145
— 1826 robbery on, letter, 1827, on
subject of 560- 563
— 1854 journey over, noted 396
— historical caravan trek on 5
— Indian depredations on, 1859. . .579- 583
— J. S. Kirwan's reminiscences of patrol-
ling on, 1859-1861 569- 587
— Lone Elm camp, article on, noted. . . 565
— novel on, noted 232
Santa Fe Trail, The, by Dr. Margaret
Long, noted 320
Santee, J. F., reminiscences of, noted. . 313
Santer, Mary, marriage, noted 459
Sardou, Charles, marriage, noted 476
Sargent, Charles W., donor 295
Sargent, William G. 456, 467
Saunders, Mrs. Charlotte E., marriage,
noted 461
Saunders, S. Annie, Platte co., Mo.,
marriage, noted 483
Savage, Joseph 102, 103
— recollections, notes on 37, 38, 42
Sawin, Mrs. Elizabeth, Hamlin 476
Sawin, Franklin O., marriage, noted. . . 476
Saxby, Rev. J. S., Chelsea 446
Sayers, William L., Hill City 65
Scarritt, Rev. Nathan, Leavenworth. . 448
477, 485
Schaeffer, Dr. Frank, McLouth, donor . . 293
SchaflFer, Raymond T., donor 56
Schaurte, Sgt. F. W., at Fort Lamed,
1860 585
Schaz, Rev. George, Wyandotte 470
Scheel, John A., article by, noted 230
Scheer, Dr. Harold, Wichita 149, 492
Scheffer, Theo. H., article by, noted . . . 646
— note on 552n
— "The Old Ghost Town of Lindsey in
the Solomon Valley," article by, 552- 559
Schenck, Leland H., Topeka 568
— donor 55, 296
Schenck, Lena Baxter, articles by,
noted 316, 646
Schittz, Joseph, marriage, noted 476
Schmidling, Francis, marriage, noted. . 476
Schmidt, Heinie, Dodge City 78, 230
—articles by, noted 144, 145, 490
Schmidt, John, family, Council Grove,
article on, noted 490
Schmitt, Martin F., and Dee Brown,
The Settlers' West by, note on 648
Schneider, Ida, Chase co. 76,231, 648
Schoeppel, Sen. Andrew F 4
—address, Kaw Mission, 1954 308- 311
Schoewe, Walter H., article by, noted . . 68
— essay by, noted 495
— "The Geography of Kansas," by,
noted 637
Schofield, C. C., marriage, noted 476
Schrimpf, Sarah Ann, marriage, noted . . 476
Schroeder, Byron, Leavenworth co 318
Schroyer, Marshall co., article on, noted, 395
Schultze, Sue, Baltimore, Md., marriage,
noted 484
Schur, Godfrey, Lindsey 557
Schuring, Mrs. M., Lynwood, Cal 571
Schuyler, Judge Philip C 169
Schuyler, S. Matilda, marriage, noted. . 477
Scientific and Historical Society of
Kansas, history 341- 356
Scott, Angelo, lola 66, 307
— donor 55, 296
— "How Natural Gas Came to Kansas,"
article by 233- 246
— note on 233n
— president, Historical Society 63, 288
304, 305
Scott, Mrs. Harve, Haviland, reminis-
cences, noted 317
Scott, Hattie, Arrow Rock, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 452
Scott, Idalia, marriage, noted 484
Scott, Israel 457, 469, 472, 484
Scott, Jenette, marriage, noted 467
Scott, John 301
Scott, Lucian, Leavenworth 361, 362
Scott, Lyman, Leavenworth 484
Scott, Nannie S., Campbell co., Va.,
marriage, noted 476
Scott, R. O., donor 300
Scottsville, history, noted 73
Scrafford, George C., Iowa Point 478
Scrafford, Mary A., marriage, noted. . . 478
Scruggs, Emma, marriage, noted 456
Scruggs, Simon and Elvira S 456
Searl, Albert D., Lawrence, marriage,
noted 477
— surveyor 88
Sebelius, Mrs. Minnie, article by, noted, 316
Sebra, Margaretta, marriage, noted . . 447
Sedan Star-Times, articles in, noted . 230
Sedgwick, Maj. John 578, 585- 587
Sedgwick county, St. Paul's Evangelical
Lutheran church, article on, noted. . 142
Sedoris, V. L., article by, noted 313
Seely, Marion, Dickinson co 318
Segregation issue, article, noted. . . 313
Seidell, Rev. W. C., Ottawa co 556
Seigrist, Charles, marriage, noted 477
Seiler, Rev. Martin 472
Seiler, William H., Emporia 150
Senn, Barbury, marriage, noted 454
Sessler, Minnie, marriage, noted. . . 454
Settlers' West, The, by M. F. Schmitt
and D. Brown, note on 648
Severance, Elbert, article by, noted. . . 73
Seward, William E., U. S. senator. . . . 204
Seybold, Frederick, marriage, noted. . . 477
Seymour, Rev. G 467, 480, 482
Seymour, William H., marriage, noted, 477
Shaffer, Ada, Ballard co., Ky., mar-
riage, noted 461
Shaffer, Mrs. William 230
Shaler, T., Kickapoo City 448
Shane, Job DeHaven, Graham co.
pioneer 73
Shanks, George W., St. Joseph, Mo.,
marriage, noted 477
Shannon, Fannie, Columbia, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 466
Shannon, Mary H., marriage, noted. . . 477
Shannon, Wilson 477
— comment on 169
Sharer, Eva B., Finney co 492
Sharon, St. Boniface Catholic church,
article on, noted 228
Sharp, Isaac, Council Grove 438
Sharpe, Isaac B., marriage, noted 477
Shaw, Rev. Anna, in Kansas, 1887 .... 182
Shaw, Fred, WaKeeney, note on 75
Shaw, George W., Lindsey 554, 557
Shaw, Dr. Joseph C., Topeka . . . 64-66, 307
Shawnee, fire dept., article on, noted, 565
684
GENERAL INDEX
Shawnee county, articles on, noted. . . . 646
— bridges, article on, noted 70
Shawnee County Historical Society,
Bulletins, articles in, noted 70, 228
316, 646
— 1955 meeting note on 494
Shawnee Methodist Mission, article on,
noted 142
Shawnee Mission Indian Historical
Society 59, 300
— officers, notes on 76, 317
Sheahan, James W., book on S. A.
Douglas by, noted 28
Sheel, John A., article by, noted 567
Shekomeko (Moravian mission), mar-
riages at, noted 454,459,470,485
Sheldon, Dr. E. P., marriage, noted. . . 477
Sheldon, Hon. Henry C., marriage,
noted 477
Shell, Gwinn G., Garnett 458
Shelton, E. M., Manhattan 625
Shepard, Mrs. Clifton 317
Shepard, Orien, marriage, noted 474
Shepherd, Anne E., marriage, noted. . 450
Sherar, Mrs. Gladys, Douglass 230, 568
Sheridan county, article on, noted. . . . 144
— J. F. Morgan's history of, noted. ... 70
— pictures, note on 52
Sherman, John, congressman 186
Sherman, Maj. William Tecumseh, mar-
riage, noted 477
Sherman County Historical Society,
project of, noted 568
Shideler, Mrs. Ralph 76
Shields, Narcissa Kate, marriage,
noted 480
Shields, Winifred, article by, noted 75
Shimmons, and Deitzler,
Lawrence 110, 111
Shire, H., marriage, noted 477
Shockley, Eliza H., marriage, noted . . . 465
Shoemaker, Floyd C., articles by, noted, 144
Shore, Rev. Andrew D., gifts by, noted, 230
Short, Sarah H., marriage, noted 446
Short, T. J., Lawrence 446
Shrewder, Mrs. R. V 78
Shroyer, William A., marriage, noted, 477
Shull, J. R. T., Coffey co 450
Shultz, A. L., donor 295
Shultz, Absalom, marriage, noted 477
Sibley, Gen. Henry H., Indian fighter . . 248
Signer, Frances, marriage, noted 474
Silkville, by G. R. Carpenter, note on . . 400
Simerwell, Robert, article on, noted. . . 316
Simmonds, Addie L., Detroit, Mich.,
marriage, noted 463
Simmons, Annie E., marriage, noted. . . 453
Simon, Emilia, marriage, noted 477
Simons, Betsey, Dryden, N. Y., mar-
riage, noted 459
Simons, Dolph, Lawrence .... 65, 306, 308
— donor 55, 295, 296
Simons, E., Kansas City 113
Simpson, J. H., work on Coronado,
noted 638
Simpson, Mrs. J. L., donor 56
Simpson, S. N., Lawrence ... 102, 120, 172
Simpson, William F., marriage, noted. . 477
Simpson, history, noted 73
Simpsons, Mary E., marriage, noted. . . 449
Sinex, Jacob, marriage, noted 477
Singer, John M., marriage, noted 477
Sinks, Dr. Tiffin, Leavenworth. . .358, 360
362, 368
Siringo, Charlie 593
Sitting Bull, article on, noted 491
Skidmore, Mrs. Arabella Z., marriage,
noted 485
Skinner, Alton H., Kansas City 65
Skinner, C. E., Morris co., article on,
noted 396
Skinner, James W., marriage, noted. . . 477
Skinner, Jim, article by, noted 143
Slagg, Mrs. C. M., Manhattan 77, 493
Slater, Harold M., Topeka, donor 54
Slausen, William Lysander, Onondaga
co., N. Y., marriage, noted 477
Slay, Mrs. Frank, Wichita museum
curator 149
Slechta, Don B., thesis on Dr. J. R.
Brinkley, noted 292
Sloan, E. R., Topeka 66, 307
Sloan, Mrs. Eldon, donor 56
Sloan, Joseph W., marriage, noted. . . . 477
Sloan, Walter B., Kansas and Nebraska
history published by, note on 186
Sloane, Sterling B., marriage, noted. . 478
Slocum, Thomas, first Leavenworth
mayor 152
Smallwood, W. H., secretary of
state 414, 422
Smasher's Mail, The, note on 52
Smelser, Mary M., Lawrence 66, 307
Smiley, Robert W., marriage, noted. . 478
Smith, Adolphus, marriage, noted 478
Smith, Allen B., marriage, noted 478
Smith, B. L., Herington, article by,
noted 144
Smith, Carroll D., donor 295
Smith, Mrs. Catherine H., portrait, note
on 56
Smith, Charles, of Wakarusa, marriage,
noted 478
Smith, Charles W., Lawrence, marriage,
noted 478
Smith, Rev. David Z 453,454, 459
470,482, 485
Smith, Delilah, marriage, noted 484
Smith, Ellen M., Wyoming, N. Y., mar-
riage, noted 471
Smith, Frank B., Manhattan, marriage,
noted 478
Smith, George W 170, 206, 414, 422
Smith, Harvey, Palmyra, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 478
Smith, Giles, marriage, noted 478
Smith, Ira H 54
Smith, J. T., Bourbon co., marriage,
noted 478
Smith, Jedediah Strong, note on D. L.
Morgan's book on 80
Smith, Jennie, Fauquier co., Va., mar-
riage, noted 453
Smith, John W., scout, 1865 573
Smith, Dr. Joseph F., Leavenworth,
marriage, noted 478
Smith, Mrs. Kate, Finney co 399, 492
Smith, Larry, killed by Indians,
1859 580, 581
Smith, Mrs. Lee J 76, 317
Smith, Lydia M., marriage, noted. . . . 476
Smith, Michael, Douglas co., marriage,
noted 478
Smith, Mike, killed by Indians,
1859 580, 581
Smith, Nathan, editor "Letters of a
Free-State Man in Kansas,
1856" 166- 172
Smith, R. M., Atchison 448
Smith, Mrs. R. M., Kansas City, Mo. . . 54
Smith, Samuel C 348
—prisoner 212, 213
Smith, Sarah, Belmont, N. Y., mar-
riage, noted 458
Smith, T. B., Blue Mound, marriage,
noted 478
Smith, Thayne, article by, noted 70
Smith, Justice William A., on Annals
committee 57
Smith, William H., Lawrence, marriage,
noted 478
Smith, William W., Coffey co., mar-
riage, noted 478
Smith Center Rotary Club, note on ... 149
GENERAL INDEX
685
Smith county, Dr. B. Higley cabin, note
on 149
Smith, Green & Co., Lawrence Ill
Smithies, Mrs. Frank, New York 297
Smith's ferry 87
Smoky Hill river, name origin, notes
on 402-404, 406
Smoot, Mary L., marriage, noted 450
Smyser, J. M., Lindsey 558
Sneid, Sabera J., St. Joseph, Mo.,
marriage, noted 477
Snow, Francis H. 422
Snyder, E., marriage, noted 478
Snyder, Israel, Richland co., Ohio,
marriage, noted 478
Snyder, James A., marriage, noted. . . . 478
Snyder, Rev. S. S., Lawrence. . . .452, 456
469,472,475,478, 484
Sod house, Colby, article on, noted. . . . 226
opened to public 494
Sod houses, discussion of 118, 119
— Lawrence, 1854, described 47
Soden, William T., marriage, noted. . . 478
Soldier creek 83, 405
Solomon river, name origin, notes on
402- 405
Solomon river valley, article on, noted, 227
Solomon Valley Pioneer, Lindsey, 552, 557
Somers, John G., Newton 64, 66, 307
Songs of the American Revolution,
donor 291
Soper, Mrs. Ann, marriage, noted 472
Soulard, Antoine, 1795 map of, noted, 404
Soule, William L. G 105
Soupene, H. W., Manhattan 89
Southern Kansas Herald, Osawatomie,
early issues, given Historical Society, 296
Sowash, Margaret, marriage, noted. . . . 455
Spalding, Bvt. Brig. Gen. George,
1865 report, quoted 572
Sparks, Doniphan co., article on, noted, 73
Spatzier, Nathan, marriage, noted 478
Spaulding, A. J., marriage, noted .... 479
Spaulding, C. C., Annals of the City of
Kansas by, note on 191, 192
Speakman, Warren, Dodge City 230
Speck, Joseph, Wyandotte 456, 459
Speer, Clara Aiken, article by, noted. . 75
Speer, Judge J. L., marriage, noted. . . . 479
Speer, John, Lawrence 205, 411, 435
— editor 17. S. Biographical Dictionary
614- 616
— notes on 614, 615
Speer, John M., killed in Quantrill raid, 615
Speer, Robert, killed in Quantrill raid. . 815
Speer-Robinson feud 616
Spencer, Mrs. C. W., Sedan 79, 399
Spencer, Eliza C., marriage, noted. . . 482
Spencer, Rev. Joab, marriage, noted. . 479
Spencer, Rev. Julius 448, 464, 477
Sperry, Mrs. Charles, biographical
sketch, noted 73
Sperry, Levi, marriage, noted 479
Spicer, Arthur H., marriage, noted. . . . 479
Spicer, Mary, marriage, noted 483
Spinning, Sophia C., marriage, noted. . 480
Spitler, Marion L., of Indiana,
marriage, noted 479
Spittle, Sarah Ann, marriage, noted. . . 480
Spivey, John Gill, marriages, noted . . . 479
Spooner, E. A., diary, 1849-1850,
microfilmed 54
Spraggs, Margaret A., marriage, noted, 485
Sprague, James, marriage, noted 479
Sprague, Robert G., San Angelo, Tex.,
article by, noted 395
Spring, L. W., Kansas history by, note
on 637
Spring River Academy, Cherokee co.,
articles on, noted 71, 488
Springfield, Mitchell co., history, noted, 73
Sproul, Clare A., Colorado Springs,
Colo., donor 54
Squatter sovereignty, A. Wattles
quoted on 204- 206
— controversy over 217- 220
— note on 2
-— W. A. Phillips' attack on 193- 198
Squatters, articles on, 1855, quoted, 96, 97
Squires, Hester, marriage, noted 466
Stage drivers, article on, noted 74
Staley, Edwin, marriage, noted 479
Stalon, James, marriage, noted 479
Staly, Patscilla, marriage, noted 450
Stamp, Kansas territorial commemora-
tive, notes on 4, 151
Stanisfield, John M., marriage, noted. . 479
Stanley, Arthur J., article by, noted . . . 227
Stanley, Elisha, of Missouri 561, 563
Stanley, Harriet E. and Harry W.,
donors 295
Stanley, W. E., death, noted 50
Stark, Andrew 370
— marriage, noted 479
Starr, Belle, articles on, noted . . .316, 395
Stars and Stripes, issues given Historical
Society 56
Stateler, Rev. L. B 463, 473
Staudenmayer, Rev. L. R.,
Atchison 448, 454
— marriage, noted 479
Stauffer, Oscar, donor 55, 296
Steamboat Hartford 113, 492
Steele, James W 411
Steele, Rev. John A., Topeka 460, 472
476, 481
Steele, Mag. H., marriage, noted 460
Steele, Mary C., marriage, noted 472
Steele, Rev. O. C 448
Steele, Capt. William, in Kansas, 1860, 585
Steiner, Mrs. Caroline, marriage, noted, 449
Steininger, Franz, song by, noted 292
Stephens, George W., marriage, noted, 479
Stephens, John W., marriage, noted. . . 479
Sterling Bulletin 73
Steuart, Capt. George H 578
Stevens, Anna 295
Stevens, Frank E., Dixon, 111. . . 21, 26, 29
Stevens, S. N., marriage, noted 479
Stevens, William, marriage, noted. . . . 479
Stevens, William H., Greenwood co. . . 466
Stevenson, Charles S., article by, noted, 491
Stevenson, Marguerite, Garnett 568
— donor 295
Stevenson, Myron G 78
Stevenson, Robert H., Iqla 239
Stevenson, Thomas, marriage, noted. . . 480
Stewart, Augusta L., marriage, noted. . 451
Stewart, Donald, Independence 64
66, 307
— article by, noted 74
Stewart, E. J., article by, noted 227
Stewart, Frances C., marriage, noted. . 446
Stewart, Capt. George H., marriage,
noted . . ... 480
Stewart, J. R., Burlingame 473
Stewart, Rev. J. W 469
Stewart, James A., defender of S. D.
Lecompte 197
Stewart, Mrs. James G., Topeka ... 66, 307
Stewart, Watson, article on, noted. ... 74
Still, Rev. Abram 470
Still, Sophia, marriage, noted 462
Stinson, Samuel A 360
Stinson, Thomas N., Tecumseh. . . . 15, 474
Stockmyer, G., Bourbon co 478
Stokes, Edwin, marriage, noted 480
Stone, A. D., 2d artillery, U. S. A.,
marriage, noted 480
Stone, Augustus D., marriage, noted . . . 480
Stone, Rev. Hiram, Kickapoo. . . .452, 462
465,467,474,478, 480
Stone, James M., marriage, noted 480
686
GENERAL INDEX
Stone, Jesse, marriage, noted 480
Stone, Laura A., marriage, noted 473
Stone, Rev. M. W., marriage, noted. . . 480
Stone, Mary B., marriage, noted 481
Stone, Robert, Topeka 65, 306, 308
Stone, William, marriage, noted 480
Stone, as building material,
1850's 102, 115
Stone fenceposts, article on, noted. . 397
Stormont, Dr. D. W 369, 370
Storrs, Rev. L. D., Quindaro 450
Stowe, Mrs. Harriet Beecher, S. A.
Douglas described by 11, 12
Strange, Nancy, marriage, noted 473
Stranger river, name origin, notes
on 403, 405
Stratton, Clif , donor 297
Streeter, Tillie E., marriage, noted. . . . 453
Strickler, H. J 340, 366, 367
Strike the Tents, by C. F. Homer, note
on 649
Stringfellow, Gen. Benjamin F. . . . 153, 206
— Atchison railroad interests of. . .160- 165
Stringfellow, Dr. John H 199, 206, 208
—House speaker, 1855 323
—letter, 1855, quoted 322
— promoter of statehood idea. . . .208- 210
Strode, Jennie, marriage, noted 484
Strong, Rev. David 477
Stroud, Mae (Mrs. Carl), Pittsburg, 76, 317
Stuart, James E. B., diary, 1860, micro-
filmed 54
—in Kansas, 1859-1860 578
— J. S. Kirwan's comments on. . . .586, 587
— marriage, noted 480
Stuart, John, marriage, noted 480
Stuart, John G., Fort Scott 235
— marriage, noted 480
Stubbs, Addison W., children of,
donors 294, 295, 297, 300
— family photographs, given Historical
Society 292
— manuscripts given Historical Society, 294
Stubbs, Mahlon 294
"Stud Book" 626
Stuekmann, Rev. Charles, Dickinson co.
pioneer 72
Sturgis, Lt. Samuel D 578, 585- 587
Stutler, Boyd B., article by, noted 397
Suits, Louisa E., marriage, noted 475
Sullivan, John M., 2d U. S. dragoons,
marriage, noted 480
Sullivan, Michael, marriage, noted. . . . 480
Sully, Gen. Alfred, Sioux defeated by. . 251
Summers, Col. W. H., Parkville, Mo. . . 468
Sumner, Col. Edwin V 578
Sumner county, Meeker School District,
article on, noted 146
Sutherland, Thomas Jefferson, article
on, noted 68
Sutliff, Mary E., marriage, noted 449
Sutliff, William E., Lawrence 449
Swainhart, Mary, marriage, noted. . . . 464
Swallow, George C., geologist. . . .334, 368
Swallow, J. R., Elmdale 369,370, 455
Swanson, William, Phillips co 569
Swartz, Isaac, marriage, noted 480
Swatzel, John, marriage, noted 480
Swedish colony, Marshall co., article
on, noted 316
Swedish settlements, in Kansas, notes
on 497-512 passim
Sweet, Annie B., donor 56,294, 297
Sweet, Maria, marriage, noted 473
Sweet, Timothy B., account books of,
given Historical Society 294
Swenson, Andrew, Windom 314
Swensson, Dr. and Mrs. Carl A 497
Swift, Frank B 423, 428
Swingley, Sue M., marriage, noted .... 479
Swingley, Capt. William, Mansfield... 479
S wisher. F. M.. marriage, noted 480
Tabor, Emily J., marriage, noted 470
Tabor, Horace A. W., marker to, noted, 492
Tabor, Milton, article by, noted 316
— column by, noted 74
— donor 55, 296
Tabor Valley school 492
Taft, Dr. Robert, Lawrence .... 63, 65, 304
306, 308
— "The Appearance and Personality of
Stephen A. Douglas," article by . .8- 33
— articles in The Kansas Teacher by,
noted 6, 7, 488
— award to, note on 305
— chairman of Kansas Territorial Cen-
tennial Comm 4, 8n, 50, 64, 288
— editorials by, noted 68
— Historical Society president . . 50, 60, 62
64, 65
— "Joseph Becker's Sketch of the
Gettysburg Ceremony, November 19,
1863," article by 257- 263
— note on 8n, 257n
— speeches by, noted 5, 289, 399
— The years on Mount Oread by, note
on 496
Taggart, John, biographical sketch,
noted 226
Tait, John W., Fighting Wagons to
Santa Fe by, noted 232
Talbot, Thomas, of Missouri 561, 563
Tappan, Anna, marriage, noted 460
Tappan, Samuel F 199, 211, 610
— 1854 letter quoted 38
— prisoner 212, 213
Tauromee, post office, 1856-1858 . . 92, 94
Tavernier, Jules, sketch by facing 568
Taylor, Adalissa H., marriage, noted. . . 455
Taylor, E. L., marriage, noted 480
Taylor, E. S., Lake co., 111., marriage,
noted 463
Taylor, Elizabeth, marriage, noted .... 482
Taylor, Ella Jane Gilbert Gough, mar-
riage, noted 465
Taylor, Elliot, marriage, noted 480
Taylor, Harold O., Pittsburg, articles by,
noted 315
Taylor, Iva 91
Taylor, James E., Sharon Springs. .66, 307
Taylor, John M., Leavenworth 453
454, 476
Taylor, Mrs. Manny, article by, noted, 145
Taylor, Mary, Elizaville, Ky., marriage,
noted 468
Taylor, Richard Baxter 411,414,420
429,430, 442
— newspaper history by, noted. . . .428, 429
— photograph facing 432
Tear, Grace, donor 295
Tebbs, Julia E., Platte City, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 468
Tecumseh, history pamphlet, note on. . 151
Teed, Mrs. C. W., Hodgeman co.. . .78, 317
Tegart, James, marriage, noted 480
Telfer, Dr. James, marriage, noted. . . . 480
Templar, George, Arkansas City 65
306, 308
Templeton, J. N., marriage, noted. . . . 481
Tennessee soldiers (12th cavalry), in
Kansas, 1865 572- 575
Tenney, Rev. M. D., Mound City 448
Terrass, Mrs. Catherine, marriage,
noted 458
Ten-ill, Chauncey L., marriage, noted. . 481
Territorial Kansas: Studies Commemo-
rating the Centennial, note on. .495, 496
Terry, E. E., Olathe, donor 54, 56
Thacher, Helen Marion, Hornellsville,
N. Y., marriage, noted 459
Thacher, Solon O., speech, 1861, note
on 351, 852
GENERAL INDEX
687
Thacher, Timothy Dwight 374, 420
422. 438
—1858 editorial quoted 341, 342
— marriage, noted 481
— note on 341
Thaw, Mrs. , aid to Kansans,
1890's, article on, noted 397
Thayer, Eh', Emigrant Aid Co. leader . . 3
Tholen, William, marriage, noted 481
Thomas, Chester, Topeka 457
Thomas, E. A., Topeka 64, 66, 307
Thomas, Helen M., marriage, noted. . . 457
Thomas, Mrs. Lloyd, Fort Scott 399
Thomas, Martha, Platte co., Mo., mar-
riage, noted 459
Thomas, S. J., Spring, Pa., marriage,
noted 481
Thomas, S. M., marriage, noted. . . 481
Thomas, Rev. W 457, 484
Thomas, Rev. W. 0 453, 463
Thomas, William H., marriage, noted. . 481
Thomas county, article on, noted 143
—school, ca. 1900, photograph facing 496
Thompson, Ben, arrested, note on *72
Thompson, Daniel, marriage, noted. . . 481
Thompson, George S., marriage, noted, 481
Thompson, Lt. John A 578
Thompson, Louise, marriage, noted. . . 471
Thompson, M. Jeff, St. Joseph, Mo.,
mayor 156
Thompson, Nancy, marriage, noted. . . 454
Thompson, Col. R. T., marriage, noted, 481
Thompson, S. P., Topeka, marriage,
noted 481
Thompson, W. F., Topeka, death,
noted 50
Thompson, William P., Topeka, mar-
riage, noted 481
Thomson, Albert, Hutchinson, article
by, noted 489
Thornton, Rev. A. M., Burlingame .... 448
Thresher, Charles A., diaries, given
Historical Society 54
— marriage, noted 481
Threshing Machine canyon, article on,
noted 489
Thurman, Mrs. Hedwig, marriage,
noted 485
Thurston, Carry M., Providence, R. I.,
marriage, noted 479
Thurston, Phebe A., marriage, noted. . . 460
Tidyman, Mrs. Bess, donor 54
Tilberg, Dr. Frederick, Gettysburg,
Pa 259-261, 263n
Tillotson, Raymond 230
Tilmore, Thomas M., marriage, noted 458
Tilton, Col. W. S., WaKeeney pioneer 75
Tipton, William, marriage, noted.. . 481
Tipton, history, noted 73
— Zion Lutheran church, article on,
noted 314
To the Stars, issues of, noted 141, 289
Tod, David, of Ohio 260n
Todd, Riley, marriage, noted 481
Todhunter, Evan, marriage, noted . 481
Todhunter, J. D., Lawrence 483
Tolle, Nancy Ann, marriage, noted 463
Tolles, Francis O., marriage, noted . . . 481
Tolles, Dr. L. C., marriage, noted ... 482
Tombaugh, Clyde, article on, noted. . . 145
Tomlinson, William P., Kansas book
by, noted 187, 188
Tonne, Father Arthur, bood by, note
on 649
Tonsing, Bob, Sr., article by, noted . . . 142
Tonsing, Rev. Ernest, Topeka, donor. . 297
Tontz, John, marriage, noted .... 482
Toothaker, Mrs. C. E., article by,
noted 144
Topeka, articles on, noted 148, 316
— centennial celebration, note on 5
Topeka, Christ's Hospital, records,
microfilmed 295
— fall festivals, article on, noted 70
— First Congregational church, history,
note on 648
— Grace Cathedral, records,
microfilmed 295
— Mills and Smith, realtors 284
— Potwin history, article on, noted . 70, 228
316, 646
Topeka Commonwealth, notes on. .418- 421
Topeka Daily Capital, Milt Tabor
column in, noted 74
— 75th anniv. ed., note on 148
Topeka High School, burning of, 1935,
article on 646
Topeka Public Library, donor 52, 297
Topeka State Journal, microfilmed . . 55, 295
Topeka State Record, microfilmed .... 296
Topeka statehood movement, Wattles'
treatment of 207- 210
Topeka Turnverein, article on, noted. . 70
Topeka Weekly Leader, microfilmed. . 298
Topeka's 100 Years of Inspired Leader-
ship, pamphlet, note on 152
Topping, J. W., Ness co., reminiscences,
noted 566
Toronto Republican 144
Torrey, R. U., marriage, noted 482
Totten, Thomas, Paola 472
Towanda, articles on, noted 141
Tower, Philo, Slavery Unmasked by,
noted 187
Town, and county histories, Kansas,
bibliography 513- 551
Townsley, James 616, 617, 630
Townsley, Will, Great Bend 306, 308
Tracy, Ida E., marriage, noted 485
Transportation, Kansas problem,
1850's-1860's 334- 338
Trapp, Elder W. R 470
Treat, L. S., marriage, noted 482
Tree planting, Hays, article on, noted. . 69
Trego county, article on, noted 75
— Banner church, article on, noted. . . . 148
Tribou, Mary W., Middleborough,
Mass., marriage, noted 465
Trickay, E. L., marriage, noted 482
Trotter, Lavina, Edwards co 493
Trotter, Mrs. R. L 76
Troup, Mrs. Loleta M.,
Kansas City 79, 399
Troy, centennial plans, noted 647
— Lincoln's visit to, article on, noted. . 397
Truaxe, Joseph, marriage, noted 482
True West, Austin, Tex., article in,
noted 144
Truex, Mary, Andrew co., Mo.,
marriage, noted 470
Trull, Susanne E., article by, noted. . . 491
Trusler, Harold 398
Tull, William, marriage, noted 482
Tully, Mrs. Kathryn, donor 56
Turner, James, Chillicothe, Mo.,
marriage, noted 482
Turner, Mary Frances, Platte co., Mo.,
marriage, noted 454
Turnverein, in Topeka, article on,
noted 70
Turpen, Moses, Keighley pioneer 146
Tursler, H. P 79
Turtle, Howard, articles by, noted, 145, 397
Tuskegee Institute 77
Turtle, Charles Richard, history of
Kansas by, discussed 599- 611
—letters by 601, 603, 604
— notes on 599- 607
Tuttle, Hattie A., marriage, noted .... 453
Twelfth Tennessee cavalry, in Kansas,
1865 572- 575
Twiggs, Gen. David E 587
688
GENERAL INDEX
Twombly, Benjamin H., marriage,
noted 482
Tyson Brothers, Gettysburg,
Pa 257n, 260n
U
Uhrich, Mrs. Burns H., donor 54
Uligh, Adah, marriage, noted 476
Ulysses, article on, noted 491
Umbarger, George WM marriage, noted, 482
Underground railway, novel on, noted, 232
Unglesby, Dr. Ina Hunter, article by,
noted 146
Union Church Edifice Society,
Comanche co., history microfilmed. . 54
Union Pacific railroad, Pawnee Capitol
restored by 324, 325
United Brick and Tile Co., Tola 245
United States, Library of Congress,
Kan.-Neb. exhibit, 1954 4
United States Biographical Dictionary:
Kansas Volume, discussed 611- 617
United Zinc and Chemical Co., Tola . . . 245
University of Kansas 289
— Dyche Museum, article on, noted. . . 70
— history conference, 1955, note on. . . 647
— Kansas Centennial History
Conference at 150
Upham, David, marriage, noted 482
Valentine, L. F., Clay Center, articles
by, noted 69, 488, 566
Vallandigham, Mary Ann, marriage,
noted 455
Valley Falls, article on, noted 227
Valley Falls Vindicator 227
Van Bebber, Tom 647
Vancil, Isaac C., marriage, noted 482
Van De Mark, M. V. B., Concordia, 66, 307
Vanderhoff, J. W., Salina 150
Vandeventer, Irenia, marriage, noted. . 457
Vandever, Jennie, marriage, noted . . . 450
Van Fossen, C. H., Lafayette, Ind.,
marriage, noted 482
Vang, Mrs. Joe 493
Vangundy, Rachael, marriage, noted. . 476
Van Horn, H. C., marriage, noted. . . . 482
Van Horn, R. T., Kansas City, Mo.,
editor 192, 278
Vanier, John J., Salina, article on,
noted 227
— Juniata ranch buyer 88n
Vannerson, J., Washington, D. C.,
daguerreotypist 32, 33
Van Ness, Peter, marriage, noted 482
Van Riper, John, story by, noted 491
Vanskike, Daniel, Shelby co., Mo 482
Vanslyck, A. N., marriage, noted 482
Vanslyke, J. M., marriage, noted 482
Vansyckle, S. B., marriages, noted, 482, 483
Vaughan, Champion, Leavenworth
358- 360
— marriage, noted 483
Vaughan, William A. M 339
Veale, George W 412
Velsor, J. N., marriage, noted 483
Velthoen, Florine, Garnett 568
Vermillion creek, note on 405
Vetteto, Jane, marriage, noted 447
Vetteto, Maria C., marriage, noted. . . . 461
Vial, Pedro, 1793 journey of, noted 404
Victor, history, noted 73
Victoria, Ellis co., article on, noted. . . . 489
Vieau, Louis, marriage, noted 483
Vincent, Mrs. Irwin, Topeka 79
Vincent, Virette, marriage, noted 480
Vinot, Josephine, marriage, noted 483
Vinson, Mrs. Ida M., Chase co 76
231, 648
Vital records. See "Marriage Notices
. . . 1854-1861."
Voelker, Frederick E 319
Voght, John, marriage, noted 483
Volk, Leonard W., Douglas statues by,
noted 18n, 25, 31
von der Heiden, Mrs. W. H.,
Newton 64, 66, 307
Vredenburg, Frank, marriage, noted. . 483
Vycital, Frank 230
W
Wabaunsee, Beecher Bible and Rifle
Colony marker at, noted 492
Wabaunsee county, Mount Mitchell in,
bequeathed to Historical Society. .63, 301
Waconda, article on, noted 73
Waconda Springs, A. B. Gentleman's
history of, note on 151
— articles on, noted 73, 313
Waddell, Thomas, Lindsey 553, 555
Wade, Anna E., Oregon, Mo., marriage,
noted 447
Waggener, B. P., Atchison mayor 165
Waibel, Mrs. Marie, marriage, noted . . . 454
Wakarusa river, name origin, notes on, 402
403, 405
Wakarusa war 212
WaKeeney, article on, noted 75
Wakefield, John A 92
Walbourn, Edwin J., El Dorado 150
— article by, noted 150
Walker, A. P., marriage, noted 483
Walker, Mrs. Ida M., Norton ... 64, 66, 307
Walker, Martha R., marriage, noted. . . 448
Walker, Mary J., marriage, noted 467
Walker, R. E., marriage, noted 483
Walker, Russell W., St. John, photo-
graph by facing 320
Walker, William, photograph .... facing 352
— Wyandotte leader 339, 641
Walker, Capt. William S 578
Walkling, Orlando, marriage, noted. . . 483
Wallace, Cristena, marriage, noted. . . . 478
Wallenstein, Marcel, article by, noted. . 491
Walling, W. B., marriage, noted 483
Walnut Valley Times, El Dorado, micro-
filmed 55
Walter, George, History of Kansas by,
noted 185
Walters, Ben, Hanover 149
Walton, Eliza H., marriage, noted 448
Walton Foundry, lola 245
Ward, Artemus, friend of D. W. Wilder, 361
363
Ward, Bill, Sharon Springs 494
Ward, Chandler H., marriage, noted . . . 483
Ward, Christopher, marriage, noted. . . 483
Ward, D. M., Peabody 295
Ward, Mrs. D. M., Peabody, donor 297
Ward, Fenn 398
Ward, Mrs. Fenn 398
Ward, Rev. William R., Oskaloosa 453
Ware, Virginia, marriage, noted 462
Wark, George H., Caney 66, 307
Warner, Mrs. W. P., Ford co 400
Washburn, Avery 297
— letters, 1857-1878, noted 316
Washburn College, Topeka, records, mi-
crofilmed 54
Washunga, descendant of, noted 300
Waterson, G. W., Doniphan co 456
Waterson, Nannie, marriage, noted. . . 456
Waterson, Thomas W 466,476, 483
Watkins, Ethel, article by, noted 142
Watson, Frank, marriage, noted 483
Watson, John, Wichita, articles by,
noted 71,142, 226
Watson, John H., Columbus, Miss 483
Watson, John W., marriage, noted. . . . 483
Watson, S., marriage, noted 483
GENERAL INDEX
689
Watson, Judge Samuel. Oregon, Mo. . . 464
Watson, Sarah Ellen, Oregon, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 464
Watson, Thomas, marriage, noted .... 483
Watson, William H.. Argonia mayor. . 175
Wattles, Augustus 347
— "A Complete History of Kansas ' by,
discussed 202- 214
— note on 202
Wattles family, comment on 347
Way, Mrs. Sebrah, marriage, noted . . . 473
Wayman, John, Emporia 449
— marriage, noted 483
Weather, in Kansas, 1952, article on,
noted 68
Weaver, Mrs. Benjamin 0 54, 78
Weaver, John W., marriage, noted. . . . 483
Weaver, Marietta, article by, noted. . . 147
Weaver, Vancy A., Pioneer, Ohio, mar-
riage, noted 455
Webb. C. C 398
Webb, Mrs. C. C., Highland 398
Webb, Thomas H., collection, note
on 439, 444
— Emigrant Aid Co. leader 3
Webster, C. D., refinery operator 244
Webster, Mary, Carondelet, Mo., mar-
riage, noted 467
Webster, Thomas F., marriage, noted . . 484
Wedel, Waldo R., writings of, noted, 638n
Wedin, Mrs. Paul H., Wichita 79, 399
Weed, Dr. T. J., marriage, noted 484
Wegman, Mrs. Elmer 295
Weil, Regina, Cincinnati, Ohio, mar-
riage, noted 467
Weilepp, Edward, Topeka 295
Weiler, Henry, marriage, noted 484
Welch, Dr. J. W 484
Welch, S. K., Andrew co., Mo., mar-
riage, noted 484
Welch, Walter J., Denver City, mar-
riage, noted 484
Weld, Lewis L., Leavenworth 360
Welker, Sarah Frances, marriage, noted, 481
Weiler, Solomon, Newmarket, Mo.,
marriage, noted 484
Wellington, C. G., article by, noted. . . 491
Wellington, George Y., Pacific City,
Iowa, marriage, noted 484
Wellington, lynching, 1872, article on,
noted 396
Wells, Polly E., marriage, noted.. . 468
Wells, T. R., Chase co 76
Wells, Thomas C 93
Wells, Velma, Great Bend, article by,
noted 147
Wells Fargo Express Co. chest, given
Historical Society 56
Welsh, Rev. Joseph, Minneola 484
Wentworth, E. R., Russell, donor 294
Wentworth, H., & Co., Russell, records,
given Historical Society 294
Wentworth, John P., marriage, noted . 460
Wentz, Charley, Hays, article on, noted, 69
Werner, John, driller. . . 238. 239
Wertz, William J., Topeka, donor 54
Wessells, Capt. Henry W., at Fort
Lamed, 1860 . 585
West, Mrs. Adelaide (King), Healds-
burg, Cal., donor 297
West, G. M., memoirs of Oregon trail
journey, 1853, microfilmed 295
West Hampton 73
Westerfield, Kate I., Platte co., Mo.,
marriage, noted 460
Western Border Life, novel, note
on 187, 214
Western Kansas World, WaKeeney,
75th anniversary edition, noted .... 75
Western Spirit, Paola, articles in,
noted 73
Western Times, The, Sharon Springs . . . 143
Western University, article on, noted . . 78
46—1430
Westerners Brand Book, The, note on, 72
Westmoreland, article on, noted 146
Westmoreland Recorder 146
Weston and Atchison railroad .... 158, 160
161. 164
Westward the Briton, by R. G. Athearn,
note on 80
Westward the Way, note on 319
Wetherbee, Amory, marriage, noted . . 484
Wetzel, Christian F., Geary co 494
Wetzel, Susan, marriage, noted 468
Wharton, E. K., Powhattan, donor, 295, 297
Wheaden, A., marriage, noted 484
Wheat, Rev. Benoni 448, 461, 468
Wheeler, J. B., Palermo 343
Whelan, Mollie E., marriage, noted. . . 450
Whinery, Jason, marriage, noted 484
Whistler, William, marriage, noted. . . . 484
Winston, Jesse, marriage, noted 484
Whitaker, Emeline, marriage, noted. . . 482
White, George, Leavenworth, marriage,
noted 484
White, Henry, Leavenworth 364
White, Hiram, marriage, noted 484
White, Mrs. M., marriage, noted 483
White, Mary, Hunter co., marriage,
noted 472
White, Mrs. Mary E., marriage, noted, 484
White, Mrs. Mary Hatton, article on,
noted 313
White, Rev. Robert B 483
White, Thomas, Butler co., marriage,
noted 484
White City Register 144
Whitehead, Hannah M., marriage, noted, 474
Whitehorn, Dr. Samuel, marriage, noted, 484
Whitehurst, , Douglas photograph
by, noted 16
Whitesides, T. B., marriage, noted. . . . 484
Whitfield, John W 92
Whiting, Carrie, marriage, noted 485
Whiting, Julia, marriage, noted 476
Whitlock, Grant, McCune, biographical
sketch, noted 228
Whitlock, Luticia Caroline, marriage,
noted 463
Whitlock, William, marriage, noted . . 484
Whitney, Rev. E., Elwood . . 449, 470- 472
Whitney, Elvira, marriage, noted 448
Whitney, R. C., Junction City mayor. . 470
Whitney, K C., Ottawa co. commis-
sioner 552
Whittemore, Margaret, Historic Kansas,
review, noted 227
Whittier, John Greenleaf, advice by,
noted 313
Whyte, Mrs. Martha Ann B., marriage,
noted 447
Wichita, article on, noted 142
— First Presbyterian Church, article on,
noted 142
— Munger House, article on, noted . . . 396
Wichita Beacon 68, 142, 229
314, 315
Wichita Eagle 149, 396, 397
Wichita Evening Eagle, articles in,
noted 71,142, 227
— microfilmed 295
Wichita Historical Museum, article on,
noted 68
Wichita Historical Museum Assn., 1954
meeting, note on 149
— 1955 meeting, note on 492
Wichita Morning Eagle, microfilmed. . 295
Wichita Public Library, donor 52
Wichita Sunday Beacon, progress edi-
tion, Feb., 1954, noted 75
Wichita Sunday Eagle 142
Wicker, Leonardo D., marriage, noted, 485
Wieley, Dexter, marriage, noted 485
Wight, Pearl, article by, noted 71
Wilbert, Paul, Crawford co 76, 317
690
GENERAL INDEX
Wilbor, Caroline A., Little Compton,
R. I., marriage, noted 482
Wilcox, Abbie M., marriage, noted 470
Wilcox, Dr. John, marriage, noted. . . . 485
Wilcox, P. P., Atchison 446, 449, 459
466, 469
Wild West, Pictorial History of the,
note on 320
Wilder, A. Carter 360
Wilder, Daniel Webster .352,361,410, 411
418, 420, 422, 429-431, 434, 442
— Annals of Kansas by, discussed, 413- 415
422- 428
notes on 598, 600, 605, 607, 627
— biographical note 413
— comment on Holloway's history . . 285, 286
— criticism of Andreas-Cutler history by, 62 1
— diary, quoted 600, 604, 605
— letters and diaries, given Historical
Society 54
— photograph facing 433
Wilder, John H., marriage, noted 485
Wilder, Lucie M., marriage, noted. ... 486
Wilder, Samuel, birth, noted 427
Wiley, Anton F., marriage, noted 485
Wilhite, E. S., marriage, noted 485
Wilhoit, J. W., White Cloud 446
Wilkerson, Lucy F., Boone co., Mo.,
marriage, noted 479
Wilkins, Mrs. W., Dickinson co 318
Wilkinson, James 402, 405
Willard, Frances E., letter, 1887,
quoted 181
WiUard, George O., letter quoted . 89, 90
William Allen White Foundation, 1954
meeting, note on 318, 319
William Jewell College, Liberty, Mo. . . 55
Williams, Adonijah, marriage, noted. . 485
Williams, Catherine, marriage, noted. . 484
Williams, Charles A., Bentley 66, 307
Williams, E. W., Leavenworth, mar-
riage, noted 485
Williams, Rev. F. M 477
Williams, Henry, Wakarusa, marriage,
noted 485
Williams, Henry H., Osawatomie, 1856
letters of 167- 172
— marriage, noted 485
— prisoner 166- 172
Williams, Hugh, marriage, noted 485
Williams, J. A., Madison co 458
Williams, J. R., Houston, Mo., recollec-
tions, noted 314
Williams, John S., marriage, noted. . . . 485
Williams, Julia E., Washington, D. C.,
marriage, noted 473
Williams, L. D., Stanton 481
Williams, L. P., of Mississippi, mar-
riage, noted 485
Williams, N. S., marriage, noted 469
Williams, William A., Eugene, Ore. . . . 647
Williamson, Hugh Pritchard, article by,
noted 75
Williamson, R. M., marriage, noted . . . 451
Willkie, Wendell, exhibit, Coffeyville,
noted 317
— note on 149
Wilmarth, Lewis C., marriage, noted ! . 485
Wilmarth, Sarah A., marriage, noted . . 457
Wilson, , killed by E. Chapman,
1856 167 170
Wilson, Andrew W., article by, noted .' 145
Wilson, Anna M., biographical sketch,
noted 226
Wilson, Mrs. Bertha, Rexford 150
Wilson, C. N 91
Wilson, Emily T., marriage, noted. . . 485
Wilson, H. P., story by, noted 566
Wilson, James T., Platte co., Mo. mar-
riage, noted 485
Wilson, Rev. John, Salina . . .397
Wilson, John L., Pottawatomie co.,
marriage, noted 485
Wilson, Levi, marriage, noted 485
Wilson, Mattie, marriage, noted 460
Wilson, R. R., Grant co., story by,
noted 491
Wilson, Rev. William . . 447, 449, 460, 463
471,474, 483
Wilson county, natural gas found in. . 237
238
Wilson County Citizen, Fredonia. . 74, 229
237, 313
Wilson family, Rush co. pioneers, article
on, noted . 145
Winans, H. K., marriage, noted 485
Winants, A., marriage, noted 485
Winchester, Jennie E., of Michigan,
marriage, noted 446
Winchester, article on, noted 143
Winchester Star 143
Windle, Mary Jane, S. A. Douglas de-
scribed by 12
Windom, Andover Lutheran church, ar-
ticle on, noted 314
Winfield, 1953 progress, survey of,
noted 75
Winfield Daily Courier 491
— Achievement edition, Feb., 1954,
noted 75
Winget, Jacob, Holt co., Mo., marriage,
noted 486
Winsett, Rebecca W., marriage, noted . . 449
W7inslow, Isaiah P., Padonia .... 451, 455
458, 479
Winter, Otto, Sharon 228
Winters, Gussie E., marriage, noted. . . 459
Winters, M. S., marriage, noted 486
Wintlirop, founded, 1858 157
Winton, John R., marriage, noted 486
Wisconsin colony, Russell co., minute
book, microfilmed 295
Wise, Elizabeth, marriage, noted . . 446
Wisner, Elder M. L., Manhattan 473
Wisner, Maiy A., marriage, noted 473
Withers, Lizzie, marriage, noted 457
Withers, Mrs. Mary, marriage, noted. . 476
Witten, Rev. James 463
Witten, Tryphosa, marriage, noted .... 463
Witwer, Samuel 0., article on, noted. . 141
Wohlgemuth, Elizabeth, article by,
noted 144
Woke, Christina, Ottawa 54
Wolf, Mrs. Arthur W., Johnson co., 76, 317
Wolf, Mrs. C. A., Topeka, donor 297
Wolfe, Mrs. W. O., Lawrence 79
Wolfersperger, John N., Lindsey 559
Wolfersperger, Vesta, Lindsey 558
Woltersperger family, Ottawa co 558
Wolford, Louisa, marriage, noted. . 452
Wolfskill, William, of Missouri.. 561, 563
Woman mayor, first in U. S., article
on 173. 183
Woman s Kansas Day Club, donor . . 52, 54
.QK. 291, 297
— 1954 meetmg, note on 79
— 1955 meeting, note on 398 399
— plaque to Mrs. S. M. Salter. . . .182, 183
Women, as mayors, 1888, note on. ... 179
— excluded from historical society,
1859, 1860 344, 347, 348, 350, 362
Wood, Annette M., Springfield, 111.,
marriage, noted 445
Wood, Dean Earl, donor ' 295
Wood, J. P., Lawrence 108
Wood, Mrs. James D 76
Wood, Lavinia, marriage, noted 478
Wood, Mary E., marriage, noted 482
Wood, Mary M., Homer, Mich., mar-
riage, noted 451
Wood, Mrs. Paul B '. 648
GENERAL INDEX
691
Wood, Samuel Newitt . .35, 199,202, 205
211,449, 610
— biographical sketch, noted 617
— diary, 1854, note on 396
— lecture by, noted 438
— part in Branson rescue discussed. ... 211
Wood, Capt. Thomas 578
Woodard, Mrs. Sarah (Dyer) 93
Woodhull, S. Y., Ottawa co 555
Woodley, A. E., New Castle, Canada
West, marriage, noted 467
Woodring, Harry N., Topeka . 65, 306, 308
Woodruff, Martha M., marriage, noted, 465
Woods, Harry L., Fulton, donor 54
Woods, Lucy Almira, marriage, noted, 457
Woods, Rex, donor 55, 296
Woodson, Daniel 610
— at Pawnee 323
Woodson county, article on, noted . 144
Woodward, Mrs. B. W., donor. . . 295
Woodward, Brinton Webb 343 346
347, 349
— marriage, noted 486
—photograph facing 353
Woodward, Emma, marriage, noted. . . 449
Woodward, Rev. D. J 482
Woodward, Margaret, marriage, noted, 474
Woolard, Samuel F., Wichita 324
Woolman, Mary J., marriage, noted 461
Wooster, Dr. L. D., Hays, talks by,
__ noted 318, 492
Wooster, Lorraine E., death, noted .... 50
Woolen, Mrs. Guy 400
Wormley, Susanna, Marshall, Mich.,
marriage, noted 461
Wright, Anna A., marriage, noted. . . . 486
Wright, Annie J., marriage, noted 458
Wright, Benjamin, Breckinridge co. . . 486
Wright, Caroline, marriage, noted. . . . 452
Wright, Charles W., marriage, noted . . 486
Wright, Harold Bell, article on, noted. . 490
Wright, Rev. J. B., Leavenworth. .450, 472
Wright, Mrs. Marion O., Leavenworth, 364
Wright, Oren "Bud," article by, noted, 141
Wright, Rev. T. G 484
Wright, William, Jr., marriage, noted . 486
Wyandotte, early days, article on,
noted 397
Wyandotte County Historical Society,
activities, noted 493
— 1953 meeting, note on 77
— 1955 meeting, note on 399
— note on 73
Wyandotte Lodge No. 3, A. F. & A. M.,
history, noted 231
Yager, Mrs. William 317
Yates, Nolen, Dighton, articles by,
noted 229
Yoakum, Helen, Leavenworth co. . . 318
Yoakum, Mary E., marriage, noted. . 455
Yocum, Mary, marriage, noted 455
Yocum, Tice, Atchison 455
Yost, Larry, Dodge City 230
Young, Mrs. Ada 76
Young, Cassidonia, marriage, noted 475
Young, Don, Jr., Dodge City 230
Young, Emily C., marriage, noted 481
Young, Mary J., marriage, noted 467
Young, Robert, Douglas co.,
marriage, noted 486
Young, William, marriage, noted 486
Your Government, university
publication, notes on 7, 68
Zane, Mrs. Ben, Protection 78, 318
Zeigler, L. J., marriage, noted 475
Zimmerman, Chester L., Clark co 318
Zimmerman, John Calvin, marriage,
noted 486
Zinc smelters, at lola 240- 245
photographs facing 240
PRINTED BY
FERD VOILAND. JR., STATE PRINTER
TOPEKA. KANSAS
1956
26-1430
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