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THE
Kansas Historical
Quarterly
NYLE H. MILLER, Managing Editor
KIRKE MECHEM, Editor
JAMES C. MALIN, Associate Editor
Volume XXIII
1957
(Kansas Historical Collections)
VOL. XL
Published by
The Kansas State Historical Society
Topeka, Kansas
331378
72288
Contents of Volume XXIII
Number 1 Spring, 1957
THE INVENTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE DIAL TELEPHONE: The Con-
tribution of Three Lindsborg Inventors Emory Lindquist, I
With portraits of John Erickson, Charles J. Erickson and Frank A. Lund-
quist, facing p. 8, and photographs of early dial telephones, between
pp. 8, 9.
MANHATTAN'S OLDEST HOUSE WAS BUILT BY DAVID A. BUTTERFIELD,
C. W. McCampbell, 9
With photographs of Poyntz avenue, Manhattan, in 1860, between pp.
8, 9, and the David A. Butterfield residence, Manhattan, facing p. 9.
THEATRE IN KANSAS, 1858-1868: Background for the Coming of the Lord
Dramatic Company to Kansas, 1869 (Part One, Leavenworth ) ,
James C. Malin, 10
THE ANNUAL MEETING: Containing Reports of the Secretary, Treasurer,
Executive and Nominating Committees; Address of the President, PECK'S
BAD BOYS, the Story of the 35th Infantry Division in World War I,
by Wilford Riegle; Election of Officers; List of Directors of the Society, 54
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY,
Compiled by Alberta Pantle, Librarian, 85
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 104
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED EM THE PRESS 105
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES . 108
Number 2 Summer, 1957
A SURVEY OF HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES IN KANSAS 11&
With photographs of Allen county jail, lola; Gen. Frederick Funston home,
near lola; officers' quarters, old Fort Scott; "Fort Blair" blockhouse,
Fort Scott; birthplace of Amelia Earhart, Atchison; birthplace of Arthur
Capper, Garnett; Pawnee Rock, Barton county; boyhood home of Dwight
Eisenhower, Abilene; Irvin Hall, Highland Junior College, Highland;
Constitution Hall and Lane University, Lecompton; Iowa, Sac and Fox
Presbyterian Mission, near Highland; Old Castle Hall, Baldwin; "Cathe-
dral of the Plains," Victoria; Fort Harker guardhouse, Kanopolis; boy-
hood home of Walter Chrysler, Ellis; Fort Hays blockhouse, Hays;
Santa Fe trail ruts, near Dodge City; "Tauy" Jones house and Silkville
colony, Franklin county; Shawnee Methodist Mission, Fairway; covered
bridge, Leavenworth county; Mark W. Delahay and Fred Harvey homes,
Planters' House, Leavenworth; Point of Rocks, Morton county; "Last
Chance" Store and Kaw Methodist Mission, Council Grove; Potta-
watomie Baptist Mission building, near Topeka; Fort Larned, Pawnee
county; cabin of Dr. Brewster Higley, Smith county; El Quartelejo
monument, Scott county; Brookville Hotel, Saline county; "Cowtown
Wichita," Sedgwick county; birthplace of Damon Runyon, Manhattan;
Fort Wallace cemetery marker, Wallace county; First territorial capitol,
Fort Riley; Pond creek stage station, Wallace county; cave in Battle
canyon, Scott county; Hollenberg ranch Pony Express station, Washing-
ton county; Moses Grinter house, Wyandotte county, and Beecher Bible
and Rifle Church, Wabaunsee, between pp. 144, 145.
A FREE-STATER'S "LETTERS TO THE EDITOR": Samuel N. Wood's Letters
to Eastern Newspapers, 1854 Edited by Robert W. Richmond, 181
THEATRE IN KANSAS, 1858-1868: Background for the Coming of the Lord
Dramatic Company to Kansas, 1869 (Part Two, Atchison, Lawrence
and Topeka) Concluded James C. MaUn, 191
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 204
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 211
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 221
(iii)
Number 3 Autumn, 1957
PAGE
THE LECOMPTON CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION: An Analysis of Its Mem-
bership Robert W. Johannsen, 225
With picture of Gen. John Calhoun, facing p. 240, and photograph of
portion of first page of the Lecompton constitution, facing p. 241.
THE ORIGINAL LECOMPTON CONSTITUTION RETURNS TO KANSAS AFTER
100 YEARS 244
THOMAS BENTON MURDOCK AND WILLIAM ALLEN WHITE,
Rolla A. Clymer, 248
With portraits of Thomas Benton Murdock and William Allen White, facing
p. 256.
THE STORY OF FORT LARNED William E. Unrau, 257
With a sketch of Fort Lamed (1867) and a photograph (1886), facing
p. 272, and a facsimile of first page of The Plains, an 1865 Fort Lamed
newspaper, facing p. 273.
NOTES ON Two KANSAS IMPEACHMENTS: Josiah Hayes, 1874, and Theo-
dosius Botkin, 1891 Cortez A. M. Etoing, 281
TRAVELING THEATRE IN KANSAS: The James A. Lord Chicago Dramatic
Company, 1869-1871. (In two installments, Part One),
James C. Malin, 298
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 324
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 326
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES . 333
Number 4 Winter, 1957
PAGE
AN ARMY HOSPITAL: From Dragoons to Rough Riders
Fort Riley, 1853-1903 George E. Omer, Jr., 337
With photographs of the hospitals of Fort Riley in 1854, 1865 and 1889;
main post dispensary, 1889; hospital ambulance, 1900; the medical
detachments of 1870 and 1900, and portraits of Medical Officers Joseph
K. Barnes, James Simons, William A. Hammond and Bernard J. D.
Irwin, between pp. 352, 353.
A KANSAS REVIVAL OF 1872 William E. Berger, 368
THE KIOWA AND COMANCHE CAMPAIGN OF 1860 AS RECORDED IN THE
PERSONAL DIARY OF LT. J. E. B. STUART,
Edited by W. Stitt Robinson, 382
TRAVELING THEATRE IN KANSAS: The James A. Lord Chicago Dramatic
Company, 1869-1871 Concluded James C. Malin, 401
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 439
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 441
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 445
ERRATA AND ADDENDA, VOLUME XXIII 448
INDEX TO VOLUME XXIII 449
(iv)
THE
KANSAS HISTORICAL
QUARTERLY
Spring 1957
Published by
Kansas State Historical Society
Topeka
NYLE H. MILLER KIRKE MECHEM JAMES C. MALIN
Managing Editor Editor Associate Editor
CONTENTS
THE INVENTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE DIAL TELEPHONE: The Con-
tribution of Three Lindsborg Inventors Emory Lindquist, 1
With portraits of John Erickson, Charles J. Erickson and Frank A. Lund-
quist, facing p. 8, and photographs of early dial telephones, between
pp. 8, 9.
MANHATTAN'S OLDEST HOUSE WAS BUILT BY DAVID A. BUTTERFIELD,
C. W. McCampbell, 9
With photographs of Poyntz avenue, Manhattan, in 1860, between pp.
8, 9, and the David A. Butterfield residence, Manhattan, facing p. 9.
THEATRE IN KANSAS, 1858-1868: Background for the Coming of the Lord
Dramatic Company to Kansas, 1869 (Part One, Leavenworth)
James C. Malin, 10
THE ANNUAL MEETING: Containing Reports of the Secretary, Treasurer,
Executive and Nominating Committees; Address of the President, PECK'S
BAD BOYS, the Story of the 35th Infantry Division in World War I,
by Wilford Riegle; Election of Officers; List of Directors of the Society, 54
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY Compiled by Alberta Pantle,
Librarian, 85
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 104
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 105
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES . . . 108
The Kansas Historical Quarterly is published four times a year by the Kansas
State Historical Society, 120 W. Tenth, Topeka, Kan., and is distributed free to
members. Correspondence concerning contributions may be sent to the manag-
ing 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 Alexander Gardner photograph of 1867 which he titled:
"U. S. Express Overland Stage Starting for Denver From Hays
City, Kansas."
THE KANSAS
HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Volume XXIII Spring, 1957 Number 1
The Invention and Development of the Dial
Telephone: The Contribution of
Three Lindsborg Inventors
EMORY LINDQUIST
THE Smoky valley in central Kansas, peopled by Swedish im-
migrants in the 1860's, has made a distinctive contribution
to the best tradition of fine music and art. The Lindsborg "Messiah"
chorus and the great artistry of the late Birger Sandzen have greatly
enriched the cultural life of the Plains area. This valley also fur-
nished the setting for the careers of three people of Swedish ances-
try, whose creative ability was turned into inventions. They were
two brothers, John and Charles J. Erickson, and Frank A. Lund-
quist. These men shared their talent primarily in making substan-
tial contributions to the invention and development of the dial tele-
phone. 1
The story had its beginning on the Erickson homestead, three
miles northeast of Lindsborg, where Anders Erickson and his wife,
Anna Maria, settled in 1869. They came in April of that year from
Varmland, Sweden, to share in founding the Lindsborg com-
munity. 2 Anders, the father, had unusual talent as a mechanic;
he was recognized in the entire area for his skill as a blacksmith, and
as a fine craftsman, working in metal and wood. The sons watched
their father perform difficult tasks with simple equipment. With the
passing of the years, a shop measuring 14 by 9 feet was provided for
DR. EMORY KEMPTON LINDQUIST, a former president of Bethany College, Lindsborg, is
dean of the faculties at the University of Wichita. He is author of Smoky Valley People
(1953).
1. John Erickson was born in Langbanshyttan, Sweden, January 25, 1866. He died
on October 18, 1943. Charles J. Erickson was born at Lindsborg on July 23, 1870. He
died on September 28, 1954. Frank A. Lundquist was born in Galva, 111., June 23, 1868.
He died on April 6, 1954. Biographical information on the Ericksons is found in
Svenska Nyheter, Chicago, July 19, 1904.
2. The Anders Ericksons came prior to the 250 Swedes, who immigrated from
Varmland in May, 1869, under the leadership of Rev. Olof Olsson. About one-half of the
group came to the future Lindsborg community. Emory Kempton Lindquist, Smoky
Valley People. A History of Lindsborg, Kansas (Lindsborg, 1953), pp. 5-16.
2 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
the brothers, adjoining that of their father. Here they dreamed,
planned, and worked.
In an account written by Charles Erickson, the younger of the
two brothers, is found a description of their early activities and their
relationships with Frank A. Lundquist, a friend and associate. 3 The
brothers knew no limits to their plans for inventions. Charles
pointed out that their first project was to solve the perpetual motion
problem! They worked on it for three years, but were forced like
countless others to abandon it. They next turned toward the inven-
tion of a "horseless buggy" to be driven by gas explosion. The en-
gine functioned, but it did not generate adequate power. The crea-
tive spirit continued to challenge the youthful inventors as described
by Charles:
John and I stuck to the old game and were busier than ever. Our workshop
on the farm was a busy place day and night during the Winter months and
whenever opportunity presented itself in the Summer, and the dusky kerosene
lamp gleamed until midnight almost every night. At the time we were struck
by the automatic brain storm. We had many irons in the fire, a printing tele-
graph, a new principle for a phonograph to store the sound without mechanical
engraving and an automatic piano player. We had a connection in Denver that
financed the work as far as paying for the material and patents, if we should get
that far. The tools and machinery we made ourselves, such as lathes, gear
cutting machines, and drill presses. 4
The careers of the Ericksons and Lundquist were influenced
greatly by the residence which the latter established in Chicago,
where he worked for the Chicago Telephone Company for six
months. Lundquist was interested in an invention relative to the
telephone. The development of his ideas based upon a visit to a
hotel in Salina, where he observed the operation of the telephone
exchange, has been described by him as follows : "The idea occurred
to me then that some day those connections would be made auto-
matically. I loitered around the hotel lobby and made a regular pest
of myself examining that switchboard and revolving that thought in
my mind. Then I went back home and began to figure and tinker
away with the idea/' 5 Lundquist had a little shop in the loft of an
old red barn at his home in Lindsborg, where he tried to translate his
3. Letter, Charles J. Erickson to Carl L. Olson, April 2, 1932. Lundquist was the
son of Mr. and Mrs. N. F. Lundquist, who came to the Lindsborg community from Illinois
in 1870.
4. Ibid.
5. Lindsborg News-Record, July 6, 1923.
INVENTION AND DEVELOPMENT, DIAL TELEPHONE 3
ideas into reality. He subscribed to one scientific magazine, whose
contents he studied carefully. 6
Lundquist, according to Charles Erickson's account, continued
to emphasize his interest in an automatic telephone and told the
brothers that someone in Chicago was trying to develop this system.
The basic patent on the telephone was obtained by Alexander
Graham Bell in 1876. Three years later, in 1879, an automatic
switching system was devised by David Connolly, T. A. Connolly,
and J. T. McTighe, although it was not practical. The reference
by Lundquist was undoubtedly to the device created by Almon B.
Strowger in 1889, which developed into a successful automatic
switching system. On November 3, 1892, the first exchange, which
accommodated about 75 subscribers, was opened at La Porte, Ind. 7
The response of the Erickson brothers to the possibility of de-
veloping an automatic telephone is recorded by Charles as follows:
After John and I thought the problem over for a few minutes we saw that
it could be done on somewhat the same principle as the printing telegraph we
had underway. After we had explained to Frank how we saw it possible,
he was up in the air with enthusiasm and said that if we could produce such
a system it would be a gold mine and worth more than all the inventions we
were working on. He became very insistent that we tackle the problem and lay
all our work aside for the time being. . . . This happened about the 1st
of November, 1892, and by the New Year we had a model completed with
a capacity of one hundred contacts or lines. We also had a calling device
finished to operate the switch with. 8
Financial support for the new project was secured by Lundquist
from Gust and John Anderson, grain dealers in Lindsborg and
Salina. The kerosene lamp burned far into the night in the small
shop on the Erickson homestead near Lindsborg as the invention
was redesigned and perfected.
The time had come when the trio decided that their automatic
telephone should be presented to the world. The place chosen
was Chicago. On March 14, 1893, Carl O. Pearson, a friend and
neighbor, brought the Ericksons and their precious invention in a
6. Capper's Weekly, Topeka, July 28, 1923.
7. These early developments are discussed in R. B. Hill's "The Early Years of the
Strowger System," Bell Laboratories Record, New York, v. 31 (1953), pp. 95, 96; R. B.
Hill, "Early Work on the Dial Telephone Systems," Bell Laboratories Record, New York,
v. 31 (1953), pp. 22, 23. Strowger was a mortician in Kansas City, Mo., before entering
the field of telephonic inventions. He left the Strowger Company for reasons of health in
1896. He died in St. Petersburg, Fla., in May, 1902.
8. Charles J. Erickson to Carl L. Olson, April 2, 1932. When Mr. C. M. Candy, chief
patent attorney for Associated Electric Laboratories, Inc., presented the Talbot G. Martin
award to Charles J. Erickson at Chicago on December 15, 1938, he exhibited an auto-
matic switch made by the Erickson brothers before they came to Chicago in 1893. Tele-
phony Magazine, Chicago, February 4, 1939, p. 32.
4 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
spring wagon to the Lindsborg railroad station for the beginning
of the fateful journey to Chicago. Upon arrival in Chicago, an
old store front was rented as a workshop and equipped with neces-
sary tools and machinery, including a foot-power lathe. Money
was scarce and other employment could not be obtained. This
was a time of real hardship for the eager Lindsborg inventors. A
group of Chicago Swedes became interested in the proposed auto-
matic telephone, but this was a precarious venture, and adequate
financial support was not available.
The pattern changed, however, toward the end of 1893, when
two men, A. E. Keith and A. B. Strowger, contacted the Linds-
borg inventors and requested a conference with the objective of
discussing the automatic telephone. Charles Erickson has described
the situation as follows:
Previous to our time in this field, about a year earlier, a company was
organized in Chicago for the purpose of developing an automatic telephone
system, namely the Strowger Automatic Telephone Exchange Company, and
as a last resort we invited this company to look into what we had developed.
As for having anything in the shape of an automatic telephone system they were
in much worse shape than we were. They realized their own weakness and
were as close to throwing up the sponge as we were, so they gladly and quickly
accepted our invitation, and the following morning two of the company's
engineers appeared on the scene and introduced themselves as Messrs. A. E.
Keith and A. B. Strowger. After a couple of hours's discussion and exhibiting
they were pretty well spirited up with enthusiasm and admitted that what we
had was quite a bit further advanced than their own. The result was that they
made us a proposition to join their company. . . . This took place at the
close of the year 1893, and so ended our first year of pioneering work in quest
for gold on the inventor's rocky road on unexplored ground. Up to this time
we had designed three types of switches, two in Chicago and one in Kansas." 9
When the Lindsborg inventors joined the Strowger Company, the
latter had a small exchange at La Porte, Ind., which required five
lines to every telephone. The automatic telephone was advertised
at that time as the "girl-less, cuss-less, and wait-less telephone."
The Erickson's invention required only two lines. Strenuous efforts
were made to improve the system. Charles has pointed out that the
first product was a system with one hundred line capacity, but
soon this proved inadequate. The capacity was increased substan-
tially from time to time. The inventors worked steadily and imagina-
tively. In 1895 application was made for a patent, which became
No. 638,249, issued to A. E. Keith and the Erickson brothers in
9. Charles J. Erickson to Carl L. Olson, April 2, 1932.
INVENTION AND DEVELOPMENT, DIAL TELEPHONE 5
1899. It recognized a type of switch quite similar to the modern
step-by-step switch. 10
The most important developments with which the Erickson
brothers were associated received the finishing touches in the sum-
mer of 1896. The future of the automatic telephone was limited
by the number of lines required. Keith and the Ericksons worked
steadily on a new system "employing the trunking or transfer prin-
ciple in order to remove the limitation on the size of an automatic
exchange imposed by the necessity of multiplying all of the sub-
scribers lines to each switch." n The patent for the 1,000-line trunk-
ing system by Keith and Ericksons was applied for on June 23, 1897,
and Patent No. 672,942 was granted on April 30, 1901. Charles has
described the background factors as follows :
John and I had long before this time decided on the one and only principle
to follow to success. We realized at the start how impractical and impossible
the principle was that we had started on and that all others had followed in their
attempt to develop an automatic system. The second principle entertained by
John and myself remained quite hazy for a long time. The problem of dis-
persing the mist was hard and seemed impossible at times, but the hobby for
unsolved problems still lived in us and the will that always finds a way drove us
on, and as the work went on a spark now and then dislodged some of the doubt
and between hope and dispair we paved the way to the crowning day of our
labor. Three years passed by before we saw the way clear to give the prin-
ciple a test and on June 6, 1896, we put the finishing touch on the most im-
portant model ever built in the field of automatic telephone engineering, and
after a few demonstrations, the work was pronounced a success. The doors
were now open to a field of great possibilities of which the boundaries have not
yet been explored. 12
Lundquist, who had left the Strowger company in 1896, received
Patent No. 776,524 in 1904 for the automatic selection of an idle
trunk. 13
The most dramatic contribution of the Ericksons in telephony is
associated with the invention and development of the dial telephone.
Application for the patent was made by Keith and the Ericksons on
August 20, 1896, and Patent No. 597,062 was granted on January 11,
1898. The dial method was based upon a finger wheel dial instead
of the push buttons, which were cumbersome and impractical. The
dial method, with the switching and trunk systems, provided full
10. Hill, "The Early Years of the Strowger System," loc. cit., p. 96; Hill, "Early
Work on Dial Telephone Systems," loc. cit., p. 28.
11. Hill, "The Early Years of the Strowger System," loc. cit., pp. 99, 100.
12. Charles J. Erickson to Carl L. Olson, April 2, 1932.
13. Hill, "The Early Years of the Strowger System," loc. cit., p. 100.
6 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
access to the vast resources of a telephone exchange. R. B. Hill,
an authority in telephony, has described this important development
as follows: "Dialing a number wound up a spring whose tension,
when the finger was withdrawn, caused the dial to return to its
normal position. The return rotation was limited to a moderate
speed by an escapement mechanism, and, during the return, the re-
quired number of circuit interruptions took place to control the
movement of the central office apparatus." 14 C. M. Candy, chief
patent attorney for Associated Electric Laboratories, Inc., at a tes-
timonial dinner for Charles in Chicago in December, 1939, described
the invention: "This dial was circular like the present dial but in-
stead of holes, it had lugs on a finger plate, which were finger ^holds'
rather than holes." 15 This invention was a distinctive and unique
development; the principle has not been superceded. The inventors
from the Smoky valley, who had always placed themselves on the
line of discovery, saw a further realization of their hopes and dreams.
The Erickson brothers continued their association with the Strow-
ger Automatic Telephone Exchange Company until 1901, when the
Automatic Electric Company was organized at Chicago. They be-
came development engineers and remained with that organization
until time of retirement. The handful of men, including A. B. Keith,
Almon B. Strowger, Charles J. and John Erickson, and Frank A.
Lundquist, the last three from Lindsborg, shared in the development
of a great industry. The Automatic Electric Company, Chicago,
now employs 6,000 men and women. 16 Strowger-type equipment
serves more telephones in the United States and throughout the
world than all other automatic systems. The system was introduced
abroad for the first time in 1898 by the use of a 200-line switchboard
in London. A 400-line system was established in Berlin in 1899.
The system was later installed in Canada, Cuba, Australia, Argen-
tina, Hawaii, New Zealand, India, and South Africa, and elsewhere
in the Far East and Europe. 17 Leslie H. Warner, a graduate of
14. Ibid., pp. 98, 99. It is important to identify this basic fact. While the principle
of the automatic telephone was known prior to this time, the important invention of the dial
telephone, with its unique features, resulted from the patent issued to Keith and the
Ericksons.
15. Telephony Magazine, February 4, 1939, pp. 32, 33. The first dial telephones
were installed at Albion, N. Y., in 1896. "The Story of the Automatic Electric Company"
(Chicago, N. D., mimeograph), p. 10.
16. John and Charles J. Erickson were the sixth and seventh employees of the original
company and its first two development engineers. Telephony Magazine, February 4,
1939, p. 32.
17. "The Story of the Automatic Electric Company," p. 7.
INVENTION AND DEVELOPMENT, DIAL TELEPHONE 7
Wichita High School East and the University of Wichita, is presi-
dent of the Automatic Electric Company.
The Erickson brothers and Lundquist established an enviable pat-
tern in the field of inventions. John was credited with 115 patents.
Charles had a total of 35 patents. The latter was characterized by
a philosophical type of mind, exploring theoretically the laws of
nature. He was often called upon by company associates to solve
complicated problems and met with great success. Both men re-
ceived the Talbot G. Martin award for distinguished service in tele-
phony. The award was made to John in 1936 and to Charles in
1938. The record of their achievement is impressive. Outstand-
ing contributions were made by them in the invention of the dial
telephone, the piano wire switch, the automatic selection of an idle
trunk, the pay stations for automatic subscriber lines, the preselec-
tion of trunk lines, etc. 18 Lundquist applied for more than 100
patents on the automatic telephone. 19
The pattern of development from the first experiments on the
homestead north of Lindsborg until the day of triumph has been
described by Charles Erickson as follows:
From that early frosty dawn of March 14, 1893, that brought the hours of
parting from the peaceful prairies of Kansas to the momentous day of June 6,
1896, when the finishing touches were put on the most important model ever
produced in the automatic telephone field, there were cloudy and stormy days
in which [we] pioneered in unexplored grounds of research. But now and again
there came a ray of sunlight to inspire new hopes, to encourage [us] to continue
to struggle. And the day that served to crown [our] achievement did arrive,
the queen of communication, "The Machine Girl," was completed; then to be
abused and ridiculed in infancy; now adopted and praised by all nations. 20
In May, 1951, dial telephone service was installed in Lindsborg
by the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. 21 The grandchil-
dren of the Swedish pioneers became once again the beneficiaries of
the vision and energy of an earlier generation. Millions of people
throughout the world share daily in the convenience of the dial
telephone, which owes so much to the dreams and hopes of these
young Kansans in the Smoky valley.
While the pattern of life brought fame to the Erickson brothers
18. Telephony Magazine, February 4, 1939, pp. 32, 33; Capper's Weekly, Topeka,
July 2o, 1923.
19. Capper's Weekly, July 28, 1923.
20. Lindsborg News-Record, February 2, 1939.
21. Ibid., May 10, 1951.
8 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
in distant places, there was for them across the decades a fond re-
membrance of the early days in Kansas. Charles described his feel-
ings on the occasion of a testimonial dinner in 1939:
A sheltered nook in the Smoky Valley of Central Kansas today preserves the
crumbling and forgotten monument to the model that substituted brains and
fingers of iron for the human the workshop that cradled the "Machine Girl."
Forgotten that monument may be, but there linger therein many and sweet
memories of happy days of long ago for two who began their work there. 22
22. Ibid., February 2, 1939. The small frame building in which the Ericksons
worked is located on the farm of Carl O. Pearson northeast of Lindsborg.
Q
CO
CO
Manhattan's Oldest House Was Built by
David A. Butterfield
C. W. McCAMPBELL
A SEARCH of several years has revealed the fact that the oldest
*-~JL residence in Manhattan is the stone house at 307 Osage St.,
shown in the accompanying photograph. It is still in good condition
and occupied. Two frame rooms have been added since the orig-
inal structure was built. It is now owned by A. W. Torluemke.
The exact age of the house is not certain. The original owner,
David A. Butterfield, bought the site from the Manhattan Town
Association on July 18, 1857, for $50. On July 8, 1858, he mortgaged
it to John Mails for $400, with interest at 20 percent. The mortgage
includes this statement: "Lot 150, Ward 2 ... meaning and
intending the lot on which David A. Butterfield now lives." The
house therefore was built between July 18, 1857, and July 8, 1858.
Several publications dealing with early Manhattan state that
William Goodnow built the first and David A. Butterfield the second
stone house in Manhattan. The Goodnow house was torn down
some years ago. Earlier frame houses have passed out of existence.
David A. Butterfield was born at Jay, Maine, 1834, and came to
Kansas in 1856. He was elected sheriff of Riley county in 1857. The
records of the New England Emigrant Aid Company contain
references to Butterfield's operation of its mill at Manhattan in
1857 and 1858. By the middle of 1858, however, he may have been
in the process of transferring his work and residence to Junction
City, for a letter from a correspondent of that city published in the
Herald of Freedom, Lawrence, on June 26, 1858, reported: "Mr.
D. A. Butterfield of Manhattan, has purchased a steam saw mill,
has it now in town, and is being put up as rapidly as possible. In
connection with the saw mill, he will have a grist, shingle and lath
mill."
Butterfield moved to Denver in 1862 and returned to Kansas,
at Atchison, in 1864. He organized that year Butterfield's Overland
Dispatch, a famous freighting concern which operated between
Atchison and Denver. It failed in 1866 and Butterfield moved to
Mississippi. Later he located in Hot Springs, Ark., where he
established a horse-drawn street car line. He was killed there on
March 28, 1875, in a quarrel with an employee.
DR. C. W. MCCAMPBELL is a professor of animal husbandry emeritus at Kansas State
College, Manhattan.
25869 (9)
Theatre in Kansas, 1858-1868: Background
For the Coming of the Lord Dramatic
Company to Kansas, 1869
JAMES C. MALIN
I. INTRODUCTION: LEAVENWORTH, THE METROPOLIS
history of theatre in Kansas begins, for all practical pur-
J- poses, with the decade 1858-1868. Attempts at dramatic en-
tertainment prior to 1858 were isolated, but that year brought some
semblance of orderly development and continuity. Furthermore,
that decade possessed an approximation of unity, characterized by
the tradition of the resident theatrical company and the "star" sys-
tem. The condition which marked the coming of the Lord Dramatic
Company to Kansas, in the season of 1869-1870, indicated a sharp
break away from the earlier general theatrical practices in the coun-
try as a whole one that crystallized in this particular area during
the late 1860's. A comparatively detailed historical treatment is re-
quired to differentiate the decade 1858-1868 from everything that
was to come after, and to explain how the change came about that
introduced James A. and Louie Lord, and road shows like them.
A number of factors were involved in so complex a transition, both
as related to the country as a whole and to the local area, but among
the Missouri river elbow cities and the interior towns of Kansas,
the advent of railroads was critical.
For practical purposes, also, the history of this decade of theatre
in Kansas is virtually the history of Leavenworth theatre, 1858-
1867. But it is related in a major fashion to St. Joseph, St. Louis,
Cincinnati, and New Orleans. Necessarily the population of Kan-
sas towns afforded something of an index of the ability of each to
support theatrical production of any kind, but the theatrical history
of each was different. Until the late 1880's Leavenworth was easily
the metropolis of Kansas. The only challenge to that generalization
would be to consider within the Kansas context the Greater Kansas
City metropolitan area, which was mostly on the Missouri side of the
line.
In the appended table the population figures are compiled for ten
Kansas towns. The first four are important only to the first period
DR. JAMES C. MALIN, associate editor of The Kansas Historical Quarterly, is professor
of history at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, and is author of several books relating
to Kansas and the West.
(10)
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868
11
of theatre, but all are pertinent to the second. By 1880 Atchison, the
second city of 1860, appeared to be about to challenge Leavenworth,
but leveled off to a condition almost static. The changing relative
positions of Lawrence and Topeka between 1860 and 1880 are im-
portant to the story. As the state capital, Topeka emerged rapidly
from a village into a substantial city with a population structure
peculiar to its political character. Lawrence, which had occupied
a prominent role during territorial days, declined relatively in status
and became very nearly static. Theatrewise, it was rated a poor
show town. Fort Scott, the fifth city in 1870, had been too small in
1860 to be listed separately in the federal census. It was too small
to support a resident theatre, either with or without the star system,
in both periods, although the attempt was made in 1870, spring and
fall, immediately after the advent of the first railroad from Kansas
City. Even with the rail connections, it was relatively isolated from
other large towns in either Kansas or Missouri that could provide
receipts to meet high time and money costs incident to travel.
POPULATION OF TEN KANSAS TOWNS, 1860-1890
1860
1870
1875
1880
1885
1890
Leavenworth
7,429
17,873
15,136
16,546
29,268
19,768
Atchison
2,616
7,054
10,927
15,105
15,599
13,963
Lawrence
1,645
8,320
7,268
8,510
10,625
9,997
Topeka
759
5,790
7,272
15,452
23,499
31,007
Fort Scott
4,174
4,572
5,372
7,867
11,946
Emporia
2,168
2,194
4,631
7,759
7,551
Junction City
'217
2,778[?]
1,782
2,684
3,555
4,502
Salina
918
980
3,111
4,009
6,149
Wichita
2,580
4,911
16,023
23,853
Wyandotte (After
1886 Greater
K. C. Kansas)
2,940
4,093
3,200
12,086
38,316
The 10th Census of the United States, 1880, left Junction City, blank, indicating
that the figure given by the preceding census was not accepted as valid. Possibly the figure
should have been 1,778.
II. BUILDINGS USED FOR THEATRICAL PURPOSES
Prior to 1870 Leavenworth's theatrical history had been associated
primarily with four different buildings, essentially successive struc-
tures. Although not specifying in what building, on November 29,
1856, the Kansas Weekly Herald reported that Gabay's Theatricals
had been playing that week to crowded houses. The editor went on
to point out that Leavenworth needed "a TOWN HALL for Concerts,
Theatricals, Public Meetings, &c. Who will take the lead in this
matter . . . ?" Although not designated as a theatre, Melo-
deon Hall served in that capacity in April, 1858, and later. Not
until March, 1858, was the Varieties or Union Theatre provided.
12 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
BURT'S UNION (MARKET BUILDING) THEATRE
The announcement was made in March, 1858, that H. T. Clark
& Company, apparently the owners, "are fitting up the large hall on
the corner of Delaware and 3rd streets for a Theatre. It is being
fitted up in real city style. . . . The stage and scenery are in
perfect order. The floor is elevated, and good seats so arranged
that those in the rear can see as well as those in front. About 500
persons can be comfortably seated." On March 23 the theatre
opened and continued until April 16, when it was closed for repairs
and preparation of new scenery. The newspaper accounts were
not explicit about the situation, but some inferences appear to be
reasonable. Probably the first opening was a trial run and a
calculated risk in which no more money was invested than was
absolutely necessary to test out the possibilities.
The experiment had proved sufficiently successful, apparently,
to justify a heavier expenditure and some substantial changes in
management. George Burt, who had been identified with St.
Joseph theatre, had been engaged as stage manager as well as actor,
was a scene painter, and was credited with being the architect of
the Smith Theatre of St. Joseph. He was now made manager of
the operating company, which was a local group. The seats were
cushioned, and the aisles matted:
The scenery has been remodelled and renewed generally; but the best feature
of the late improvement is the "drop curtain," designed and executed by Mr.
Burt. It represents the "National Flag" falling in waving folds of "Red, white
and blue" upon a marble pavement. Upon the pavement is the word "Union,"
in large letters of gilt. The design is worthy of the author, the execution
artistic in the highest degree, and the effect is charming.
Thus the Varieties Theatre became the Union Theatre. In this
fashion, even the theatre in Leavenworth, a city Democratic in
politics and reputedly Proslavery in sentiment, reflected the critical
political issue of the day. Also, Burt announced explicitly that
there would be no barroom either in or about the theatre. This
was in deference to "the ladies [who] can in future feel no repug-
nance in visiting the Theatre. . . ."
For two and a half months the Union Theatre carried on with
apparent success, when fire burned it and both sides of Third street
eastward from Delaware street until it had destroyed 35 buildings.
The loss was estimated at $250,000. In describing the fire loss, the
best available account of the setting of the Union Theatre emerged.
The building was known as Market Hall. The basement was oc-
cupied by a billiard and bowling saloon; the first or ground floor by
the City Market; the second floor by the city recorder's and the
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 13
marshal's offices and the Union Theatre. In view of this descrip-
tion of the basement occupants of the building, one is left to wonder
how Hurt's assurance about the elimination of the barroom atmos-
phere was implemented. With the burning of their own building,
the Union company fell back, temporarily, upon Melodeon Hall
where a benefit performance was given for the relief of fire victims. 1
THE NATIONAL THEATRE
Within a week of the Union Theatre fire, a move was made to
build a new theatre to be ready for operation by September 15.
In fact, the opening of the National Theatre did not occur until
the second week in November. Burt and Hunter promoted the
enterprise and designed and painted their own scenery. Emphasis
was placed upon the point that this building was constructed for
a theatre, with stage, private boxes, dress circle, orchestra, par-
quette, gallery, and other arrangements. In fact, Leavenworth
insisted that it was the only "theatre" west of St. Louis; at the
entrance was the box office and on either side were two large
doors. The building was 40 by 100 feet, and the stage was 35 feet
deep and 28 feet wide. Although not explicit, the description im-
plied that this was a ground floor theatre, not a second or third floor
hall above business establishments. The location was Shawnee and
Fifth streets. 2
Theatrical operating companies kept the theatre in active use
with substantial continuity for about two years, or until mid-
September, 1860, after which it experienced a checkered career.
It became the American Concert Hall in July, 1861, and by early
1863, was operated as the Varieties Theatre. Attempts were made
on different occasions to burn it. In August, 1863, a grand jury had
returned an indictment against the "Moral Show" (its familiar ap-
pelation), as a public nuisance. After being unoccupied for some
time the first attempt to burn the building occurred in November,
1863. In August, 1869, the show was finally closed out "a relic of
infamy gone." Partly burned in June, 1870, the comment was sig-
nificant, that although the fire was extinguished nobody "cared in
particular whether the filthy old concern was reduced to ashes
or not." At one time, and possibly throughout its history, this
building was owned by a Philadelphian. 3
1. Kansas Weekly Herald, Leavenworth, March 13, 20, 27, April 17, 24, May 1,
July 17, 24, 1858.
2. Ibid., July 24, October 16, 23, 30, November 13, 1858.
3. Leavenworth (Daily) Conservative, July 7, 10, September 18, December 28, 1861;
March 23, June 14, November 19, December 9, 1862; July 25, August 9, 20, November
13, 1863; Daily Times, Leavenworth, July 26, August 9, 13, 1863; Times and Conserva-
tive, Leavenworth, August 3, 1869; June 15, 1870.
14 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
THE UNION (STOCKTON HALL) THEATRE
Stockton Hall at the southwest corner of Delaware and Fourth
streets was built late in 1858 and advertised as available after
November 22 "for Balls, Parties, Concerts, Lectures, &c., &c."; a
"NEW AND SPACIOUS HALL, THE LARGEST AND FINEST IN THE WESTERN
COUNTRY. . . ." In the winter of 1861-1862, when amusement
for the military personnel became important to Leavenworth, the-
atrical activity revived. The Melodeon Concert Hall was refitted
for operation, but more important was the conversion of Stockton's
Hall into a theatre. Under the circumstances, the Daily Times,
January 24, 1862, was convinced "a well managed theatre will pay."
On March 20 George Burt and his wife Agnes opened it as the
Union Theatre. Under changing management, operation was con-
tinuous under that name until the building burned January 25,
1864. The Union Theatre was a second floor affair, at the time
of the fire the ground floor was occupied by a drug store, a saloon,
and a wholesale liquor store, while the basement accommodated a
pork-packing establishment. At the time of the fire the property
was owned by a Cincinnati man. 4
THE NEW UNION THEATRE
Soon after the burning of the Union Theatre ( Old Stockton Hall )
a new building was undertaken, to be opened in September, 1864.
It was located upon the old site at Delaware and Fourth streets,
48 feet on Delaware and 90 feet on Fourth street, two stories, the
theatre occupying the second floor. The ground floor was occupied
by two of the same tenants, the drug store and the wholesale liquor
business, who had used the former building, and a new saloon. At
the time of the opening of the new theatre the description of this
saloon made it appear as attractive as possible: "A perfect little
bower of beauty mirrors and marble, crystal and coral, decanters
and demijohns, is the New Theatre Saloon on Fourth Street." The
main entrance to the theatre itself, on the second floor, was also
from Fourth street, while the gallery entrance was from Delaware
street. The stage of the theatre was 30 by 40 feet, with green
room and dressing rooms under the stage, and an entrance from
Fourth street. The theatre capacity was 700. When reporting
progress in April, the Daily Times, April 21, consoled itself that
when completed the metropolis of Kansas would again enjoy legiti-
mate drama. The opening occurred September 10, 1864, with
4. Daily Times, Leavenworth, November 22, 1858, February 5, April 23, 1859,
January 24, March 20, 1862, January 26, 1864.
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 15
Sheridan Knowles' play "The Hunchback" presented by the resident
company.
Only five years later the Times and Conservative lamented that
the old building was misnamed an Opera House its acoustics were
bad, its condition filthy, and it was dangerous because the old exit
from the gallery had been removed. In November of the same
year, when the tenor Brignoli had offered an operatic concert, the
editorial comment was even more blunt: "We received many com-
plaints and would not speak of it but that there is always something
wrong with it [the Opera House]. If the proprietors cannot keep
it in good order they should not rent it. The community are getting
tired of going into a hog pen unless it is warmed." 5 The conclusion
to be drawn from these candid indictments was unmistakable a
new theatre was necessary. Not until 1880, however, was the new
Opera House a reality on Shawnee between Fifth and Sixth
streets, with a capacity of 900. Thus in December, 1869, when
James A. and Louie Lord first visited Leavenworth and revived
theatrical activity, in spite of the disparagement about its acoustics,
filth, and danger, they played in the old (five years old) Opera
House.
Leavenworth had other public halls which were used for enter-
tainment, special events, and meeting places for organizations. The
most pretentious of these was Laing's Hall, over business establish-
ments, located on the northwest corner of Delaware and Fourth
streets. It was described as being designed to accommodate 1,000
persons in comfortable arm chairs, and was dedicated April 12,
1864, by the Leavenworth Musical Association. Apparently it was
not equipped for theatrical performances until sometime during the
1870's. 6
III. THEATRE MANAGEMENT
RESIDENT COMPANIES
The term "theatre" was used, during the 1850's and 1860's, two
ways. It was applied interchangeably to either the building or to
the company of actors who performed there, often leaving to the
reader the task of discriminating from the context in each particular
case which was meant. The exact character of the chain of business
relations involved between the owner of the building and the actor
on the stage is seldom available to the historian, and cannot be
5. Times and Conservative, Leavenworth, August 1, November 11, 1869.
6. Daily Times, Leavenworth, December 10, 1863; May 7, June 22, 1864; Leavenworth
Daily Conservative, April 10, 23, June 23, 1864.
16 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
dealt with in the present essay except in the most general terms. The
preceding section has described something of the buildings used
for theatrical purposes in Leavenworth. The present section deals
in general terms with the management of theatrical production,
but even this simplified approach is sufficiently complicated to con-
fuse anyone.
When transportation was slow, unreliable, and expensive (Mis-
souri river navigation was closed by ice about three months of every
year) theatrical operations had to be geared to the realities of the
situation. Whether in the Missouri river cities, or further east, the
resident theatre (theatrical troupe or company) was one possible
answer. When Gabay's Dramatic Troupe visited Leavenworth
early in November, 1856, the Herald comment reflected this situa-
tion: "We learn Mr. Gabay proposes at some future time making
permanent arrangements for a theatre in this place. We need a
Town Hall for Concerts, Theatricals, Public Meetings, &c." Such
a "permanent . . . theatre" would require continuity of pro-
prietorship and management as well as a company of actors who
would prepare a long list of plays permitting a change of bill each
night without too frequent repetitions. To avoid monotony several
leading actors would be required and further diversification could
be achieved by bringing in stars from time to time on short engage-
ments who might feature plays not on the home list, the resident
company playing the other parts, providing support for such stars.
The resident theatre might make outside engagements, leaving the
home theatre building vacant from time to time or permitting its
use on such occasions by other forms of entertainment. The St.
Joseph Theatre, the Union Theatre at Leavenworth, and as late as
1870 the Olympic Theatre at Fort Scott undertook to function upon
such a basis.
The use of the term stock company as applied to the Kansas
theatre of this period has been purposely avoided. Although it was
the technical term used in the profession for certain types of theatre,
sometimes being substantially the equivalent of the Leavenworth
situation, yet both the meaning of the term and the status of the
Leavenworth Theatre were quite variable and the application to the
Kansas theatre might serve only to confuse further the history that
is being presented. The term resident theatre has among other
things the virtue of being descriptive of the nature and objective of
the institution as Leavenworth and Atchison saw it. Also, the term
resident theatre has the further merit of contrasting sharply with the
term traveling theatre, a difference which is the focus of this study.
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 17
In other words, this is not a treatment of the changing internal struc-
ture of the acting profession in its own right, but a presentation of
the relations of theatre as an institution to the changes taking place
in the structure of society under the influences of technology, par-
ticularly the displacement of water communications by mechani-
cally-powered land communications, together with a recognition of
all that this meant to the individual and to the community in relation
to entertainment.
The success of the resident theatre system depended upon more
than a population large enough to meet theoretical support require-
ments. In some respects continuity in management and soundness
in long range planning were more important than the continuity of
acting personnel. Yet a measure of stability for the membership
was desirable to attract good actors who might also be good citizens.
Actors and the public might soon tire of each other. Mutual re-
spect between the actors and the public both on professional and
personal bases was peculiarly necessary in small cities. For those
actors who did have families, the resident theatre could be made at-
tractive. Not only did theatre face these problems, the schools and
churches had many of the same difficulties. To meet the problem
of the minister and his congregation tiring of each other, the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church made annual appointments, and usually
limited reappointments. Theatre had no overhead organization to
administer such an approach. In a sense, it was near the opposite
extreme in its lack of any organized institutions.
For the decade of Leavenworth theatrical history, 1858-1867,
under review, the principal proprietorships of the acting companies
centered successively around four men; a theatrical association for
which George Burt was manager, April, 1858, irregularly to 1860 ( ? ) ,
1862; A. S. Addis, a local photographer, March, 1862, to January,
1864; W. H. Coolidge, druggist, April, 1864, to May, 1866; and
George D. Chaplin, actor, August, 1866, to November, 1867.
Addis and Coolidge were local business men, not actors; Burt and
Chaplin were actors as well as operators and depended upon finan-
cial support from others not named. For two years, 1867 to 1869,
Leavenworth had no theatre. In the sense of permanent resident
theatre, a statement of conclusions would seem almost superfluous.
Yet a more intimate view of the workings of Leavenworth theatre
are revealing and rewarding.
The operating association for the Leavenworth Varieties Theatre
of 1858 secured the services of George Burt and his "talented and
charming wife" Agnes. His specialty was "low comedy," and in
18 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
addition he was a scene painter. Mrs. Burt played the leading
feminine roles of lighter nature usually, and she sang and danced.
Burt's major responsibility at the start, however, was that of stage
manager. After the trial run of March and April, 1858, and the reor-
ganization, Burt became the manager of the theatre, under the new
name Union Theatre. In his announcement to the public he insisted
that "The 'Varieties' [Union Theatre] is emphatically a local institu-
tion the first regular Theatre in Kansas (owned by an association
of well-known men, who have used every exertion for its advance-
ment) and as such will be supported and protected by our citizens."
The Herald, whose editor, L. J. Eastin, was a theatre patron, took
similar ground "the Theatre' is now a fixed institution of Leaven-
worth." 7
Scott's Theatre, playing at Melodeon Hall in April and May,
1858, was operated by a man-and-wife team, Mr. and Mrs. D. L.
Scott. Late in May, J. C. Thome was brought to the theatre, and
after mid-June C. R. Thorne was manager of the Union Theatre.
The C. R. Thorne family, father, mother, and two sons "chips off the
old block" were well known in the west. The fire of mid-July
closed their career at this Union Theatre. 8
The project for a new theatre, which became the National, was
promoted by Burt and Hunter. When the National Theatre opened
September 10, 1858, Mr. and Mrs. Burt were still favorites, but
another man-and-wife team, well known to the river towns, Mr. and
Mrs. C. F. Walters, were hired to sustain the heavy characters. The
National's management changed rapidly; Burt and Coutra, April,
1859; Conrad and Haun, June, 1859; Langrishe and Allen, Novem-
ber, 1859; Thorne and Burt, December, 1859; and Burt again in
April, 1860. Its management during its last months is not clear.
The Daily Times gave theatre its editorial support and when the
outlook appeared discouraging, September 8, 1859, wrote of the
role of theatre as follows:
The question of whether we are to have some standard place of amusement
is being freely canvassed. The old National looks "like a banquet hall deserted."
As the evenings grow longer, and the time gradually approaches for overcoats
and fires, our "homeless" and restless citizens are growing exceedingly anxious
and restive. We have a host of unmarried folk in Leavenworth who would
patronize most anything in the theatrical line, and we cannot see why a
theatre well conducted would not be well supported.
During the winter of 1861-1862, with military personnel to enter-
7. Kansas Weekly Herald, Leavenworth, March 13, 20, 27, AprU 3, 10, 17, 24, May
1, 15, 1858.
8. Ibid, April 24, May 22, June 5, 12, 19, July 10, 17, 1858.
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 19
tain, George Burt and George Gosling had remodeled Stockton Hall
as a theatre, but Addis bought into the Union (Stockton Hall)
Theatre in March, 1862. He was listed as manager, but the staging
of shows fell to Burt at first and then to John Templeton who
quarreled with Burt and dismissed him in July, 1862. Templeton's
control under the Addis regime lasted until July, 1863, when he and
a group of the company resigned, in protest of their treatment, and
founded a traveling company under Templeton's management.
George D. Chaplin became manager of the Union Theatre under
Addis in July, 1863, continuing until January, 1864, when the com-
pany broke up in a quarrel with Addis over salaries. This theatre
building burned and Addis' theatrical career as promoter ended.
The new "Leavenworth Theatre" in the rebuilt Stockton Hall
opened in September, 1864, under Coolidge as manager as well as
proprietor, with Henry Linden as acting and stage manager. With
some modifications in the proprietorship, this management con-
tinued until May, 1866. The Chaplin Opera House ( Stockton build-
ing ) opened in August, 1866, and operated under his control during
the season ending in June, 1867; and in reality his management
continued from September to November, 1867, when the company
broke up in a scandal. For this misfortune the blame did not rest
directly upon Chaplin, but lacking adequate financial resources
apparently he had found it necessary to make an arrangement that
later brought disaster to his enterprise. In the briefest terms, a
Leavenworth business man invested in an actress, Susan Denin,
making her manageress, with Chaplin as stage manager. The
company opened September 7, 1867, running until late October
when an engagement in Kansas City took them out of town for
several days, reopening in the home theatre November 5. Two
days later, without notice, the company went to St. Joseph where
they played between two and three weeks, again disappearing
without notice the company had collapsed when the sponsor de-
cided not to continue paying deficits. Possibly the sponsor and
Susan had quarreled. In a lawsuit which followed, the main facts
became public property. 9
During the winter seasons of 1867-1868 and 1868-1869 Leaven-
worth had no theatre, although the "Varieties" flourished until closed
August, 1869. This fulfilled the lament and prophecy of the
Conservative, November 24, 1867:
9. Daily Times, Leavenworth, September 6, 10, 1864, June 27, September 9, 10,
1865, August 19, 1866, August 7, September 7, October 23, 1867; Daily Conservative,
November 2, 3, 5, 8, 12, 27, 28, 1867.
20 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Our people have very generally concluded that they are to have no theatre
to entertain them this winter. Many of them even regret not having encouraged
Manager Chaplin, while he was here, and as they are at a loss to know how to
pass the long evenings, would probably be willing to go now and see Julia Dean,
Mrs. Gladstane, or some of the other artists of ordinary ability, who have ap-
peared in our city to $50 audiences during the past year. On the whole, we are
inclined to think the pleasure seekers of Leavenworth don't want a theatre.
They will probably be gratified, for a time at least.
Indeed the winter of 1869-1870 was well along before a break came.
Early in November, 1869, the tenor Brignoli, en route to California,
stopped for two days, November 9, 10. He presented an operatic
concert the first night, which included the first act of "Lucia di
Lammermoor" and the third act and garden scene from "Faust," and
on the second night came Rossini's "Barber of Seville." It was fol-
lowing the Brignoli performances that the Times and Conservative,
November 11, rendered its blunt verdict that: "The community are
getting tired of going into a hog pen unless it is warmed." Between
that time and the appearance of the Lords, December 20, the opera
house had been the scene of a minstrel show from St. Louis, and a
tragedian who read a number of dramatic roles and poems. 10 Of
course, this did not mean that Leavenworth had no entertainment of
any kind; only that there were no theatrical performances. From
time to time the opera house and other public halls had many kinds
of amusements and lectures, some good, and some very bad.
THEATRE CIRCUITS
Not only was theatre in the west in a state of flux, such was its
conspicuous characteristic elsewhere. One of the innovations was
the theatre circuit in some form. Thus whatever the origin of the
shows, they were assured a place in the offerings of the member
theatre in each city in the circuit.
H. R. Camp, of Kansas City, was reported to have arranged. for
a circuit including Leavenworth to begin in January, 1864. Ap-
parently this was premature. 11 In 1871 the Western Star circuit,
including Kansas City, Leavenworth, St. Joseph, and Omaha, was
under the management of J. A. Stevens of Kansas City, Mo., where
he headed a theatrical company. Apparently this circuit was based
upon stock companies and stars. In November, 1872, Stevens took
his company to Topeka for an experimental two-night engagement to
test out the feasibility of including Topeka in the circuit. The fol-
io. Times and Conservative, Leavenworth, November 4, 9-11, 14, 22-28, December
9, 1869.
11. Daily Times, Leavenworth, October 27, 29, 1863.
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 21
lowing year reference is found to a Missouri river circuit, which
included Omaha, Lincoln, St. Joseph, Leavenworth, Topeka, and
Kansas City. It provided billing among member theatres for travel-
ing dramatic companies. 12 In the West these projects were con-
spicuously experimental and transitional, and were introductory to
more stabilized practices of the 1880's, if anything in theatre can be
properly termed stabilized.
IV. THE ACTORS
THEATRE BEGINNINGS, 1858-1860
In dealing with the management of theatres and dramatic com-
panies, necessarily something about the actors who appeared on
the stage has been included. Several of the managers were actors
in their own right. The story of George and Agnes Burt is the first
and most conspicuous case in point. When they came to Leaven-
worth in March, 1858, Mrs. Burt was given a special introduction
through the medium of a letter from St. Joseph where she was well
known. The writer defended the theatre in general but in particular
declared:
In view of a vulgar prejudice which has obtained to a great extent in the
towns of this region, I will add that Mrs. Burt's course in this city, has been
such as to gain for her the respect and esteem and love of all who have become
acquainted with her, and such as proves her title to move, as she always has,
in the best social circles. Of her abilities as a talented and sprightly actress,
you will not say I have spoken too enthusiastically when you have witnessed
them.13
Some days later, and on the basis of her Leavenworth perform-
ances, the verdict was that: "This talented and accomplished actress
and lady has obtained for herself in this community an enviable
reputation. She plays, sings and dances well, and so far has given
universal satisfaction." A few nights later her "Castinet Dance"
was said to have been "perfectly bewitching," and she was presented
with a gift by a number of gentlemen, headed by Judge G. W.
Purkins.
Additions were made from time to time to the original Burt
company. Among them, in June, 1858, were Mr. and Mrs. Pennoyer,
and in November Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Walters. 14 The wives in both
of these man-and-wife teams were distinctly the better halves.
Also during this first period in Leavenworth's theatrical history the
12. Ibid., September 26, 1871, February 6, 1873, February 3, 1875; Leavenworth Daily
Commercial, September 28, 1871, February 7, 1873; The Kansas Daily Commonwealth
Topeka, November 28, 1872.
13. Kansas Weekly H-erald, Leavenworth, March 20, 1858.
14. Ibid., June 5, 12, November 13, 1858.
22 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
beginnings of the star system were introduced, although not so
labeled. This is of some importance because at a later time Addis
was credited with this innovation. 15 Among the several stars,
Eliza Logan must be mentioned in particular. She appeared in
April, 1859, for two weeks, beginning April 11, the plays including
"Ingomar," "Evadne," "Lucretia Borgia," and "Romeo and Juliet."
In introducing her it was said: "Her name may be found on the
brightest page of American Drama. Miss Logan is not a glaring
meteor, flashing through the histrionic world; but she is a sweet
morning star, whose chaste and mellow light gives assurance of its
immortality." 16 Not only did she impress the scribe of the Herald,
but Mr. and Mrs. Burt named one of their daughters Eliza Logan
Burt. Another daughter was named Clara, possibly for Clara
Walters. 17
One of the points made in the press when Burt first arrived in
Leavenworth was that he was "determined to elevate the character
of the Stage in this upper country, and place it upon a proper
basis." Upon occasion the Herald featured the evaluations of out-
siders who were supposedly more objective than local critics. One
of these strangers who attended the theatre during a brief visit to
the city, commented favorably upon a number of the actors by
name, particularly the Burts in "The Lady of Lyons," "Ingomar,"
"The Maniac Lover": "In a word, the Union Theatre has a company
of professional artists, the majority of whom are competent to
appear on the boards of any theatre ... in elevating the stand-
ard of the legitimate drama, and in establishing an institution that
should meet with the hearty support of every lady and gentleman
in Leavenworth of scholarly attainments, refinement and intelli-
gence." On the same day the Herald editor commented that: "The
stock of performers is everything that it should be, embracing actors
of every variety, and well capable to fill the characters of any play,
however numerous."
Nearly a year later the Times admitted that: "Our neighbors of
St. Joseph and Kansas City laugh at us, and call us sneeringly, the
'Cottonwood town/ So be it. Let those laugh who win." Again a
stranger was quoted: "despite your newness, and the suddenness
of your being, yours is the only place which imitates which has the
15. Daily Times, Leavenworth, December 8, 1863.
16. Eliza Logan (1829-1872) was a member of the Cincinnati theatrical family of
Logans, and sister of Dr. C. A. Logan, the distinguished Leavenworth physician, who had
located at Leavenworth in 1857. She married George Wood, theatrical manager in her
home town, later in 1859 and retired from the stage.
17. Kansas Weekly Herald, Leavenworth, April 9, 16, 23, 1859; Daily Times, April
11-23, 1859, December 20, 22, 1866.
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 23
air and look of a metropolis." Also, Leavenworth was still proud
of George and Agnes Burt because they were held "in the highest
esteem by our citizens, not only for the interest they contribute to
the stage, but for their social qualities." 18
The Thorne family played at Scott's Theatre in May and stayed
to perform at the Union Theatre, C. R. Thorne beginning in "The
Wife," June 2, and later playing "Richard III," and "Othello." Mrs.
C. R. Thorne played Amelia in the last named play. In July Thorne
was in charge of the Union Theatre. When the National Theatre
opened in November, 1858, Mr. and Mrs. Burt were on hand for the
lighter parts and Mr. and Mrs. Walters for the heavier parts. In
November, 1859, the Thornes took over the National and the next
month the Thornes, Burts, and J. R. Aliens worked together for a
time. Burt became ill, and the Thornes and Aliens went to St.
Joseph. Burt, who had been having reverses, became involved in
lawsuits, but in April, 1860, the Times reported he had been vindi-
cated "Burt is indomitable . . . and we may soon expect to
see the National again in its glory." Conditions were against the
theatre during the next months, the year of the great drought, and
the National closed in September leaving Leavenworth without a
theatre until 1862. Not at the National, but at Stockton's Hall, a
benefit was scheduled for Burt on September 1, 1860. The Time's
urged: "Let all who can scare up a quarter, invest it in making him
a bumper. He has fought hard here for his honorable profession,
and as the pioneer of Leavenworth histrionics should never be
slighted by our people." 19
During these trying years of beginnings, the Burts, the Thornes,
and the Aliens were closely identified with the area, particularly
with St. Joseph and Leavenworth. The elder Thornes retired from
the stage in 1862 and settled in California. 20 Part of the personnel of
these early years carried over into the second period beginning in
1862, but most of it in the later years was new.
BEN WHEELER AND AMERICAN CONCERT HALL, 1861
When the National Theatre suspended in September, 1860, Leav-
enworth was left without any regular place of amusement other than
the saloons, billiard halls, and places of a still lower order that did
not advertise or receive locals notice. Nevertheless a vacuum tends
18. Kansas Weekly Herald, Leavenworth, March 27, May 22, 1858 March 26 1859-
Leavenworth Weekly Times, April 23, 1859.
19. Kansas Weekly Herald, Leavenworth, May 22, 29, June 5 12 19 July 10 No-
y 10 No-
ber * 17 '
20. Daily Times, Leavenworth, May 2, 1862.
24 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
to be filled by something, and such was the case in Leavenworth.
Starting operations in Melodeon Hall, on Cherokee street, Ben
Wheeler, a flamboyant local "character," launched the American
Concert Hall during the winter of 1860-1861. On April 9, 1861,
the Daily Conservative, D. W. Wilder, editor, either as a "local" or
as an unidentified advertisement, reported on the nature of the at-
tractions: "Miss Fannie Gilmore in her songs and dances, Ben.
Wheeler in his Irish comicalities, Pendergrast in the 'Happy Land
of Canaan/ and Carroll and Lynch in their negro eccentricities, are
unapproachable, and present an array of talent unequaled in the
West." In this "varieties" type of entertainment "stars" came and
went and the composition of the company changed with some per-
sonalities persisting over a substantial period of time.
When the American Concert Hall moved to the old National
Theatre, July 10, 1861, the features stressed were songs, dances,
plays, and burlesques "never before produced in this city." Further-
more, the advertisement boasted that the price had been reduced
"from one dime to 10 cents." Of the opening it was said that "the
elephant 'Columbus' was hugely ludicrous, and the operatic bur-
letta, 'Oh hush/ was immense." The following week came the
"Orphan Girl," and the "Masquerade Ball," and the source of income
to supplement the reduction of price "from one dime to 10 cents"
was revealed to the historian who otherwise might be naive and
might worry about how so low an admission fee could finance a
show advertising at least a half dozen named stars: " 'Major John'
at the bar contributes to the comfort of the spiritually inclined."
Possibly some sense of the degradation involved was reflected in a
paragraph in which a parallel was drawn:
The old National Theater, wherein Hamlet and Romeo were wont to be
murdered, and Shakespear's [sic] ghost haunted the grim-visaged representa-
tives of his fertile brain, is now the nightly scene of Afric's fair sons excentricities
[sic], interspersed with a variety of entertaining amusement.
But the burden of the article in which the above paragraph oc-
curred was praise of the merits of the current show and its particular
star:
Miss Gilmore is gifted with rare musical talent, and in to all of her melodies
she throws her whole soul, imbuing each with a touching pathos, and feeling
that strikes the heart, and like sweet melody lingers to please the people of
Leavenworth, and they can properly show their appreciation by attending her
benefit on Saturday night.
With a change of bill the following week the public was assured:
"No plays will be introduced that need shock the nerves of the most
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 25
fastidious." Sure the American Concert Hall was well on its way to
earning its ironic appellation the "Moral Show." 21
The opening of the Civil War in April, 1861, inaugurated a fever-
ish activity of military preparations. These were momentous weeks
of decision for everybody. The selfish, the insincere, the charlatan
had an opportunity, and many made the most of it. Ben Wheeler,
colonel, if you please, went to St. Louis to see Fremont about
military matters and reported satisfactory arrangements for his
military company, the Fusileers, which would appear soon on dress
parade at the American Concert Hall. Soon the Conservative began
to ask what had become of them had they gone south to join the
Confederacy? They did not appear in the mayor's parade, and
the Conservative inquired again about the mystery. The excuse
given was that they were too busy preparing the next play: "He
Would Be a Son of Malta," which opened September 10. The
Fusileers were called to meet at the theatre September 18. The
following evening a new program was presented, including "The
Omnibus" featuring Ben Wheeler and others: ". . . those who
thirst will be attended to promptly by the lady waiters, or by 'J onn>
at the bar. The utmost order and decorum is preserved in every
part of the house, and everything is conducted with the strictest
regard to propriety." And so it went "rich, rare and racy" into
the winter of entertainment for soldiers and others that season of
1861-1862. But what became of Ben and the Fusileers is not clear.
The management of the Concert Hall changed rapidly.
In July, 1862, a facetious paragraph referred to both the American
and Fusileers, but without giving much tangible information:
The Ancient and Honorable Fusileers, Col. Ben Wheeler, commanding,
J. R. O'Neil Captain and A. G. G. G. (awful glorious, great gun), have con-
sented to come out, march and show themselves on the Fourth. Since last
year's festivities they have seen much action in the tented, contented and dis-
contented field. Persons wishing to unbend and recreate themselves should go
to the meeting at 4 o'clock this afternoon, at the American, when recruits will
be received. Under the new law half the bounty will be paid on enlistment.
In December, 1862, Maj. Ben Wheeler was reported to have
opened a saloon "in the lately remodelled and renovated Moral Show
building." Apparently his venture did not last long, because the
notorious "Varieties" took over under different management during
the winter of 1862-1863, and in spite of encounters with the law sur-
vived until its final closing in 1869. 22
21. Leavenworth Daily Conservative, AprU 9, July 7, 9, 10, 11, 16, 21, 25, 28, 1861.
22. Ibid., August 27, 28, 31, September 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 18, 19, October 30, No-
vember 10, 13, December 1, 5, 10, 12, 28, 1861, March 23, 25, June 14, 26, 27, July
1, 3, 20, 22, 31, November 19, December 9, 1862, July 25, 26, August 9, 1863; Dotty
Times, March 23, 25, 30, April 1, 2, 4, May 12, June 10, 1862.
35869
26 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
BURT AT THE UNION THEATRE, 1862
As actor, in differentiation from his career as manager, George
Burt's reception was cordial when he undertook, in February, 1862,
to operate the Union ( Stockton Hall ) Theatre. Before regular pro-
ductions began a benefit for Mrs. Burt was announced for March 20.
The play was to be "Honey Moon." The "local" of the Conserva-
tive pronounced Burt "the best theatrical manager in the West"
The house will be crowded and the crowd will be delighted. Manager
Burt, we are glad to state, has opened the Union on an entirely different
principle from that which has heretofore governed our theatrical representa-
tions. It will be strictly fastidious and our best people will favor it with their
patronage.
The Times "local" agreed that the heading "Mrs. Burt's Benefit" was
enough to attract all play goers: "Many of our citizens remember
and appreciate her good qualities as a woman and actress, and will
fill the house . . . Burt will be on hand with his usual budget of
fun."
The Conservative, March 21, announced sadly:
Burt has postponed that Benefit. He says he has lived here five years and
always brought a drenching storm whenever he advertised a Benefit. In the
fall of '59 he left the stage for other pursuits; hence that unprecedented
Drought [of I860]. We think it will pay those who drive over the prairies to
get up a purse and send Burt out of the State, to be brought back by the
farmers on the first indication of a dry season.
The Times continued, March 22, that despite the weather, Burt
was determined to satisfy the fun-loving people of the city by open-
ing the Union Theatre: ". . . we will not be responsible for
damaged vest buttons and buckles, when Burt opens his budget
of fun."
Again a benefit for George Burt was announced on April 3, for
that very evening "Benefit of George Burt (The Aquarius of
Kansas)." Three comedies constituted the bill: "Toodles," "Merry
Cobler," and "Ellsworth Tableau." But the "local" of the Conserva-
tive commented: "Go early and get a good seat, it will be a gay
old time 'if it don't rain'." The Times version reported that:
"Burt, by special request of many of our citizens, will open Union
Theatre Hall to-night, and entertain his many friends for an hour
or two . . . assisted by his ^better half. . . ." Also, several
young men had volunteered to take part. The plays listed by the
Times were "He Had a Brother," "Why Don't She Marry?," "Merry
Cobler," and "Toodles." Neither paper reported next day upon
the show. Not explicit in these notices was the fact that Burt had
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 27
not assembled a complete company and was not yet producing
plays. That accounted for the reference to volunteers who were
making a show possible.
When the announcement came, March 26, that Addis had bought
the Gosling-Collins interest in the Union Theatre, making Burt
manager, the Conservative observed:
The well established character of this gentleman as manager, and the high
popularity he has attained as a comedian will make the "Union" the chief at-
traction of the city. As an artist, Burt stands pre-eminent in his profession.
His National drop curtain would grace any theatre in the country, and is a
work of art of which our citizens should be proud. Burt has struggled through
hard times, ruinous law suits and numerous opposition to establish a good
theatre in Leavenworth, and he is justly entitled to the encouragement and
support of our citizens.
On April 5 the Conservative announced a benefit for Mr. and Mrs.
Kent and again took advantage of the occasion to elaborate upon the
debt owed to Burt:
The efforts of Mr. Burt to revive the drama in this city have been perfectly
successful. He has succeeded in producing fine pieces and making a place of
amusement fitted for the enjoyment of the best class of people. Our community
is indebted to his exertions for this privilege, and they have shown their ap-
preciation of his services by full houses every night of the new season. 23
But about a month later, in alarm (?), the Conservative asked:
"Where is Burt? We must send for him and have him get up a
Benefit. He is now at Fort Riley and they have showers there every
day. Burt is the only man equal to the dry emergency and must
be obtained at any cost." The occasion for the absence of Burt and
Addis was the troop movements of April and May, 1862. A May 25
local reported that "Mr. Addis, Deguereotype Artists, has returned
from an extensive and profitable trip through the State. . . ."
Thus Burt and Addis had been reported at Lawrence where the
show business was good on account of the troop assignments there.
Early in May they moved on to Topeka, and later came the report
quoted from Fort Riley. The next major movement of military per-
sonnel came the last week of May when named Wisconsin and Kan-
sas regiments were marched to Fort Leavenworth for transport by
steamboats. A soldier writing from Fort Riley, May 22, reported:
"Fort Riley is ours! Yesterday the 'Home Guards' evacuated the
Fort, 'retreating in good order/ and save the bedbugs and gray-backs
who hold a life lease on the place, we are the undisputed possessors."
As no one seemed to understand the purpose of the marching and
23. Daily Times, Leavenworth, January 24, March 20, 22, April 3, 1862; Daily Con-
servative, February 4, March 19, 20, 21, 26, April 3, 5, 1862.
28 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
counter-marching, or of the unpredictable transfers of officers, or
of the merits and status of the quarrel between Gov. Charles Robin-
son and the Lane faction about who controlled Kansas regiments,
morale was very low. Apparently, the soldier badly needed amuse-
ment that would relieve his mind even temporarily of troubles.
The return of Burt and Addis to Leavenworth near the end of May
was thus geared to the military situation. Also, the makeshift
theatrical company had served its purpose. Addis went east for
photographic equipment and to engage a new theatrical company.
Burt remained in Leavenworth to keep the show going, opening
May 27 with a four-play bill: "Kiss in the Dark/' "Yankee in Kan-
sas," "Brown's a Brick," and "Irish Assurance." Interspersed, of
course, were songs and dances. 24
In view of this background, the events of the following weeks
are particularly difficult to accept. The new Union Theatre com-
pany brought in Misses Julia and Lola Hudson, Miss Helena,
and Mr. Wilson, but most important to this story John Temple-
ton as stage manager and leading man. Mr. and Mrs. Burt re-
mained, Burt being listed as manager. The opening occurred
June 17 with "The Avenger" and "Honey Moon." The second night
the plays were "The Stranger" and "The Limerick Boy," on the third
night, "Black Eyed Susan" and "The Rough Diamond," on the fourth
night, "Camille," and on the fifth night, "The Taming of the Shrew"
and "Family Jars." Though hot were the summer days, every seat
was reported taken; then special ventilation was improvised to in-
sure greater comfort. Both the Times and the Conservative were
generous in their praise of the venture, the latter emphasizing that
it is "a first class place of amusement where persons of refinement
can go and be delightfully entertained;" "It is an orderly and com-
fortable place." The Times observed that "A well patronized
theatre is an evidence of unusual prosperity or depression, as in the
latter instance people will go to drive off the Iblues/ and in the
former because they want amusement, and think they can afford it."
The dramatic critics were less generous with individuals. Temple-
ton cast himself and Miss Helena in the leading roles for most of
the plays and he was pronounced only "fair," or "Templeton did
better, much better, than we anticipated as William* [in "Black
Eyed Susan"] night before last, and as 'Armand' [in "Camille"]
last evening . S ; . a really fine actor." Miss Helena received
the best press although that may be a reflection of a male bias in
24. Daily Times, Leavenworth, April 12, May 7, 1862; Daily Conservative, May 15,
25, 27, 28, 1862.
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 29
an age which was peculiarly a man's world she "took the house
by surprise on Friday evening by her correct and spirited rendition
of 'Camille'." The play "Camille" was repeated twice soon there-
after. The Times commented that: "The play is one of those which
may be termed terribly sensational and wholly French. . . ."
The Burts got few good parts during these opening days of the
season. When the comedies "The Serious Family," and the "Two
Gregories" were to be presented, the Conservative local said: "We
want to see Burt's 'Aminadab' for we think he will do it to per-
fection." This was the same day that the Times pronounced
Templeton's playing in "Camille," the previous night's offering, as
only "fair" while saying that: "Burt's Izak was a happy conception
well rendered, as are all his comedy parts. . . ." And Miss Hud-
son was referred to as "refreshing" in the role of "Marie." 25
Trouble was brewing and quickly came to a climax. In the
papers for July 4 the advertisement of the Union Theatre changed
form, dropping Burt's name from the position of manager. The
Burt benefit announced for July 16 met the usual Burt luck, rain and
poor receipts. In the controversy Burt was dismissed. Friends
of the Burts met at the Planters' House, July 25, to try to arrange
a proper benefit, but apparently failed. Templeton issued a card
July 27 stating his side of the case and alleging that Burt had had
no financial interest in the Union Theatre since Addis had bought
control, and worked on a salary basis, had managed nothing, his
listed position as manager of the Union Theatre having been merely
a courtesy title. Whatever the merits of the controversy, for the
time being, the Burts were again eliminated from Leavenworth
theatre activities. Although out of sequence, perspective may be
better focused to quote the Conservative's compliment to the Burts
in announcing their benefit with the comedies "Asmodeus," "Lottery
Ticket," and "Omnibus." "Mr. and Mrs. Burt take a Benefit to-night
at the Theatre. Unless Burt's usual luck of a rainy night follows him,
the house will be packed to overflowing. . . . The public are
more indebted to Mr. Burt than to any other person for having a
Theatre here, and his long and successful labors should meet with
a substantial reward from his hosts of admiring friends." 26
Replacements were brought to the Union Theatre in July and only
about four weeks prior to summer closing, August 19, Mr. and Mrs.
C. F. Walters who were already known to Leavenworth, and Henry
25. Daily Times, Leavenworth, June 17-22, 24, 25, 1862; Daily Conservative, June 17-
22, 24-28, 1862.
26. Leavenworth Daily Conservative, July 16, 25, 1862; Daily Times, July 16, 17,
25, 27, 1862.
30 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
(Harry) Jordan, and Mr. Charles. They appeared for the first time
in Sheridan Knowles' "Hunchback/' The Conservative, July 23,
took exception to the conduct of Jordan: "Jordan ought to be told,
and we think we will do it, that profanity and vulgarity are not wit."
Other personal comment on the company pronounced Mrs. Walters
as "a good actress and sings finely," and except for Eliza Logan,
Miss Helena was the best actress to visit Kansas.
The impression Mrs. Walters made on the Times critic, as of
August 5, 1862, was expressed freely on the occasion of her benefit,
when she played in "Ireland as It Is" (Judy OTrot), and "A Loan
of a Lover": "The bill might be more attractive, perhaps, or at least
not so stale, but she has friends enough to fill the Hall, just for the
pleasure of hearing her sing 'Annie of the Vale/ and the 'Flag of
the Free'; and besides no one would tire of her inimitable rendition
of 'Judy O'Trot'." She was scheduled to sing other songs, one of
which was "I Have No Money," in the second play. After the
event, the Times continued August 7:
Mrs. Walters' benefit on Tuesday night was a perfect triumph, which she
must be proud of as long as her recollection of it lasts. She has made an
impression during her engagement here, and given us a sparkling and vivacious
originality which months of cut and dried conventionality will fail to extinguish.
On the occasion of the closing of the summer season, the Times
August 17 undertook to sum up the high points of the theatrical
situation, evaluating several personalities by name, apparently con-
demning others by silence, but paying respects adversely to one in
forthright terms. Addis was complimented as "successful" in his
role of manager, "earning the good will of the entire company."
Burt and his friends would have dissented. Miss Helena and Mrs.
Walters were linked: "Both favorites with our play goers, it would
be difficult, perhaps, to say which has made the deepest impression.
The former has charmed all by her very natural and correct style
of acting, while the latter, as an actress and vocalist, has taken a
new lease of admiration of our citizens." Templeton came in for
praise as "an indefatigable worker and fully competent manager.
... As an actor he has made himself many friends. . . ."
Jordan was rated as a number one comedian. And O'Neil: "What
would they do without . . . [him], who not only gets up the
scenery in a truly artistic manner, but plays everything from 'Bra-
bantio' to 'Lady Creamley.' He is at home in anything among the
'wings'." No mention was made of Mr. Walters. Apparently his
habits had made him a controversial subject, and as will come out
later, most unpopular. But, as with a bee, the sting of the Times
summary was in its tail:
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 31
Wright cannot consider his visit to Leavenworth as either a pleasant or
agreeable episode in his latter day experience. Well, we are a stupid set, thus
to ignore the presence of live genius; unable to distinguish between excellent
and execrable; which reflection may, in a measure, console the aforesaid for any
chagrin at his lack of success here.
THE TEMPLETON REGIME, 1862-1863, AND
MRS. WALTERS' PEOPLE'S THEATRE
The fall theatre season of 1862 got off to a slow start. Templeton
was retained by Addis as manager because, as the Conservative,
September 14, put it, he "gave such universal satisfaction last sea-
son." With a short company the opening came September 16 with
"The Stranger" and "Irish Lion." On the fourth night "Camille."
Templeton and Miss Helena took the leads, with Mr. and Mrs.
Jordan in secondary and comedy roles. A new danseuse, Mile.
Aubrey, was announced October 4, "said to be skilled in the 'poetry
of motion/" and the reappearance of Mr. and Mrs. Walters came
October 6. The following day the Conservative reported that they
drew an unusually large audience: "The Union has now an efficient
company, and can do up the 'legitimate drama/ as well as the farce,
the song and the dance in good style." But the Conservative, of
which D. W. Wilder was the editor, had not been satisfied with
some things:
We have thought for some time that we would make a friendly suggestion to
the manager of the Union Theatre, but have deferred it for some time. We pro-
pose to do so now. He must have noticed that the conduct of a large portion
of the audience, particularly those who occupy the rear of the building, is not
such as should be allowed in places where ladies and gentlemen are expected to
be present. Yelling, blasphemy and vulgarism, will do more to break down the
institution than the best artistes in the country can do to build it up. We be-
lieve that this accounts for the fact that fewer of the best portion of our people
attend the Theatre of late than formerly. We do not attribute blame to the
manager or proprietor, and believe they will see that the fault is corrected.
Others must have been dissatisfied and less tactful, because a later
note reported that: "Mr. Templeton, Manager of the Union Theatre,
still survives, all rumors to the contrary notwithstanding."
In spite of the unusual reception given to Mrs. Walters upon her
first appearance in October, she was not cast for important roles or
given prominence in billing. Principally, she was mentioned as
featuring ballads and the favorite songs of the day. Eventually,
on December 4, she was allowed a benefit, taking her turn as a sec-
ondary member of the company, but the Conservative gave her a
very special notice on the preceding day:
Of Mrs. Walters hardly too much can be said in this city, where her appear-
32 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
ance upon the stage is always a signal for applause, where she has never sung
a song that was not encored, and where her versatile talents and irrepressible
mirth have won for her, from first to last, the hearty good will of the whole
community. She deserves a house crowded from dome to foundation, and she
will have it, and hundreds will snarl at Addis and at Leavenworth because
there is not a house here big enough to hold them.
The following day the praise continued:
She has labored long and faithfully to please the Leavenworth public, and
render the Theatre a pleasant and attractive evening resort, and has so far
succeeded as to excite rounds of applause at her appearance each evening. We
hope to see the house well filled.
The Conservative was no doubt sincere in its praise of Mrs.
Walters, but the editor was also propagandizing for a new theatre
building, which he said was "greatly needed." One of the leading
business firms was understood to be planning a new building at
the corner of Delaware and Third streets, its dry goods business
on the first floor with a theatre above.
A final round of benefits occurred at year's end and the first
days of January, 1863, before the season closed January 17. Tem-
pleton led off and afforded the Conservative an opportunity to say
kind things: ". . . no man ever worked harder or more suc-
cessfully to please his patrons, and render our Theatre a first class
one. . . ." In this reference was made both to his managerial
function and to his "proving himself an actor of uncommon merit."
Mrs. Walters' second benefit came January 16, 1863, in "Wandering
Boys," and "Irish Diamond." 27
MRS. WALTERS AND THE PEOPLE'S THEATRE
The reasons are not clear why a long vacation was taken by the
Union Theatre from January 17 to March 11, 1863, when a new
company was assembled. Actors had to eat the same as other
people, so the members got up a series of shows of their own for
which Addis permitted the use of the Union Theatre. But he made
the matter plain to the public: "The vacation exhibitions given now
are got up by the company for their own benefit. Mr. Addis has
sent Mr. Templeton East to engage a new company, and does not
wish to have it understood that the present performances are his
regular Theatre. . . ." This was printed February 4, the day
before Mrs. Walters' benefit was scheduled. The series of shows
had opened February 3, and the Conservative reported that: "This
institution opened as successfully as ever last night. A good audi-
27. Leavenworth Daily Conservative, September 14-20, October 3-5, 7, 8, 21, De-
cember 3-5, 24, 28, 1862, January 16, 17, 1863.
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 33
ence was in attendance and everything passed off nicely." Diffi-
culties developed from another direction. Mr. Walters had not
been mentioned in the theatre reports which praised Clara Walters
so generously, but obviously he was unpopular as the following
notice makes only too evident:
Owing to the threats against Mr. Walters, by some rowdies in town, that
gentleman will not appear to-night at Mrs. Walters' benefit. . . . This
change will preclude the possibility of any trouble, and no one need have
fear of a disturbance. An efficient police force will be present and if any
rowdie interrupts the performance, he will be instantly arrested.
Five days later, February 10, but whether or not the threat of
difficulties at the theatre was a manifestation of general conditions
or strictly personal is not clear, the commanding officer of the
Military District of Kansas, Brig. General Blunt, proclaimed martial
law in Leavenworth. Mrs. Walters was personally popular with
the military people at the Fort, and presented a musical entertain-
ment there February 26, postponed from the previous night on
account of a storm. Early in March she accepted an invitation from
citizens to present a musical and dramatic entertainment at the
German Theatre Hall, March 4, but the public was assured that the
saloon operated in connection with the hall would be closed. She
was assisted by other members of the company. As the number
of chairs available was not sufficient, Mrs. Walters tried to rent
additional chairs from the Union Theatre, but Addis refused per-
mission. This led to a public controversy in which she proved
Addis untruthful, but also deprived herself of employment when
Addis reopened. 28
The new company secured by Templeton for Addis was only
partly new: George D. Chaplin, Frank Roche, Harry and Anne
Stone, Mr. and Mrs. Wildman, Mary McWilliams, Miss Miller, and
Mr. Smith. Seven of the old company were retained, including
Miss Helena, and Mile. Aubrey. Chaplin and the Stones were the
important additions, especially Chaplin, formerly of the New York
Winter Garden. After his second appearance he was rated "the
best actor who has ever visited Leavenworth." The Conservative
protested his playing female parts, insisting that he was too good
for that. On March 18 he played "Othello" to Templeton's "lago."
On April 20, the star system made its appearance again; Mary Shaw
for two weeks, Cecile Rush for three weeks, C. W. Couldock and
daughter Eliza for nine days, and Kate Denin for two weeks. These
stars, together with the new members of the company, made possible
28. Ibid., February 4, 5, 7, 11, 25, 26, March 4, 8, 10, 1863.
34 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
the presentation of a number of plays seldom if ever offered in
Leavenworth. Cecile Rush was particularly popular in "Fanchion"
and played it five times during her visit; "Ida Lee" was played three
nights. On this and later visits Couldock and daughter played his
specialties, "Willow Copse," "Chimney Corner," "Richelieu," "Mer-
chant of Venice," "King Lear," "Romeo and Juliet," "Louis XI."
But Addis had not taken a true measure of the woman who was
Clara Walters, without a husband to complicate her life. She ar-
ranged for the remodeling of a hall on Delaware street, between
Fifth and Sixth streets, naming it the People's Theatre, of which she
was the sole lessee, with J. R. Healey of the former company as stage
manager, and Col. Lyman Eldridge as treasurer. She was the first
woman theatre executive in Leavenworth. The Conservative
greeted her venture cordially: "The company is said to be an ex-
cellent one, and under the energetic management of Mrs. Walters,
who is herself one of the best actresses and singers of the West, we
doubt not will draw crowded houses." This was April 10, and the
People's Theatre opened the following night.
The first regular performance, April 13, opened with a "Grand
Musical Olio" "The Battle Cry of Freedom" (new) by Mrs. Wal-
ters, "Robin Rough" (duet) by Mrs. Walters and Mr. Healey, a
ballad by Healey, and a ballad "Kathleen Mavourneen" by Mrs.
Walters. The featured play was Sheridan Knowles' "Hunchback"
and the afterpiece comedy, "The Irish Tutor." The company was
strengthened by new members as time passed, Arnold and Rogers,
both from Cincinnati, and April 29 the star of them all, Sophia,
the little daughter of Col. C. R. Jennison, jayhawker, saloon keeper,
gambler, horseman, and political boss of Leavenworth's third ward.
Her "Eva" played to Mrs. Walters' "Topsy" in "Uncle Tom's Cabin/'
George Aiken's version, was a smash hit. It ran four nights "Miss
Sophia Jennison's 'Eva' was superb." She showed "self possession
and grace" in her first appearance upon the stage. After May 6
Mrs. Walters took her show to Lawrence, returning at the end of the
month. On Saturday night, May 30, after the play was over she
collapsed and was unconscious until after daylight Sunday morn-
ing. The responsibilities of business management and acting had
proved too great a burden. 29
Apparently Clara Walters spent the month of June recuperating
her health, but possibly she had taught Addis a lesson. At any rate,
July 2, she was advertised to play Beatrice in "Much Ado About
Nothing" at the Union Theatre. The local observed that drama
29. Ibid, April 10 through May 6, June 2, 1863.
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 35
lovers would learn with pleasure of her return after so long a re-
tirement and predicted the largest audience ever to assemble in the
hall. Mrs. Walters was featured regularly during the next two
weeks when the theatre closed for the summer. Furthermore, she
had good parts, playing heavy roles not formerly associated with her
career, including Queen Elizabeth in a second Shakespearean play
"Richard III." The closing announcement listed the members of the
company who would be retained for the fall opening the two prin-
cipals were Mrs. Walters and George Chaplin whose theatrical
careers were to be closely linked for several years. 30
The return of Mrs. Walters, whether causal or casual is not cer-
tain, coincided with the publication, July 2, of a card by John
Templeton and six other members of the company, including Miss
Helena and Mile. Aubrey, announcing their resignations: "to pre-
serve ourselves from theatrical imposition, and to maintain the
decent dignities of ladies and gentlemen." Chaplin became both
acting and stage manager, combining Templeton's position of acting
manager with his own as stage manager. Chaplin's end-of-season
benefit came July 10: "With Mrs. Walters to support him as leading
lady, we should be glad to see Chaplin become a permanency in
our midst, for none who have played here have more friends among
our play goers/'
Evidently the affairs of the company were not functioning
smoothly because the Times, July 12, enigmatically explained:
"When Stone announced on Friday evening that the next would be
positively the last night of the season, he probably forgot the fact
that Mrs. Walters was justly entitled to an extra night in considera-
tion of her laborious efforts to amuse our play-going public." With
this apologetic introduction, the Times announced the farewell
benefit for Mrs. Walters to occur Monday, July 13, in the plays
"Ben Bolt" and "Grandmother's Pet," "with a pleasing interlude of
vocal music in which herself and Miss Shaw will appear. Give her a
bumper."
Having been with the company for only the last days of the season,
July 2-11, the announced closing date, nine show nights, a rigid ap-
plication of the custom of theatre, might not have recognized Mrs.
Walters' rights even though she had appeared as the leading lady.
Miss Helena, the season's leading lady had resigned. But, in any
case, the Times announcement gave the impression that the benefit
was probably only an oversight in publicity. The Conservative,
of the same date afforded a contrasting version of the situation; that
30. Ibid., July 2 through July 14, 1863; Daily Times, July 2 through July 14, 1863.
36 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
the benefit was tribute initiated independently of Addis if not ac-
tually in rebuke:
The patrons of the drama and the public generally will be pleased to learn
that Mr. Addis has given the use of the Theatre, and the old company of
favorites have volunteered their services for a farewell benefit to Mrs. Walters
tomorrow night. Never, since the first dramatic entertainment given in this city,
has an actress been upon Leavenworth boards, whose popularity has equalled
or been as long continued as that of Mrs. Walters. Stars from Eastern cities
have visited our city, who for a few nights have carried an expectant public by
storm, and after their departure the first appearance of the old favorite would
be more enthusiastically received than ever. In short, while she remains, no
other actress can usurp her hold upon the admiration of the patrons of the drama.
She has contributed more than any other member of the profession to the enter-
tainment of the theatre goers in the city, and on the occasion of her benefit
to-morrow night the hall should be filled as it never has been before.
Some people do not seem to learn easily. Others find it impossible
to learn any lesson well. Possibly the belated consideration of Mrs.
Walters' case, if the implications of the Times' version were true,
or permission for her friends to use the theatre, if the Conservative
interpretation was correct, reflected somewhat of a bad conscience
and a making of amends for the chair-renting incident, her omission
in the spring from the reorganized company, and her single-handed
challenge in launching the People's Theatre. Whatever may have
been the reasons, and the true inwardness of the affair may not have
found expression in the press: "Mrs. Walters' benefit was the largest
of the week, and one of the finest houses of the entire season. This
is the best evidence of the appreciation in which she is held by the
play going public." The season really did close the next night, with
the Ladies' Aid Society benefit from which Addis was reported to
have paid that organization $120 and possibly as much as $150.
In commenting on the close of the season the Times praised Addis,
and Chaplin since he "took the reins." The editor insisted that the
hall was not large enough and hoped for a new theatre by 1864. 31
During this long vacation Addis followed a policy rather different
from that of the earlier period. He announced a series of concerts,
beginning August 1, featuring Mrs. Walters. The second concert
was scheduled for August 15 but was postponed due to illness. On
August 21 came the Quantrill raid in Lawrence, and Addis arranged
an early extra performance of his new theatrical company for
August 28, the proceeds to go to the Lawrence victims. 32
31. Daily Times, Leavenworth, July 10, 12, 15, 1863; Daily Conservative, July 2-4, 7
through 15, 1863.
32. Leavenworth Daily Conservative, July 28, 31, August 15, 28, 29, 1863; Daily
Times, July 28, August 1, 25, 27, 1863.
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 37
THE CHAPLIN REGIME, 1863-1864
The regular fall theatrical season for the Union Theatre, 1863-
1864, opened August 29 with a few new faces in the company, and
Chaplin in the managerial role as leading man. Mrs. Walters and
a new member, Annie E. Dillingham, shared the feminine leads. In
the "Lady of Lyons," "Uncle Tom's Cabin," "Les Miserables" ( Fan-
tine and the grown-up Cosette), Mrs. Walters played the leads,
but Miss Dillingham played Juliet to Chaplin's Romeo. None of
the local company, however, had much opportunity for personal
publicity in print because the time was well filled with the passing
succession of "stars"; Ettie Henderson, C. W. Couldock and daugh-
ter Eliza, Mr. Neafie, Emily Thome, Carlotta Pozzoni, Jean Hosmer,
Cecile Rush, and J. Wilkes Booth. At first the local actor who
played the lead opposite the star was billed by name, next only
the local company collectively was listed, but quickly even that
recognition was usually eliminated, the star shining in lonely
splendor. Couldock had the advantage over the others listed
because his daughter always played the feminine lead.
Between stars, however, the local company carried on, and were
recognized for benefits. Mrs. Walters was so honored November
13. The Times took advantage of the occasion that day and the
next to pay her the highest compliments:
The favorite pre-eminent of the Leavenworth play-goers, Mrs. C. F. Walters,
has a benefit this evening at the Union. . . . Mrs. Walters has been among
us longer than any other lady on the boards. . . . [Exceedingly versatile
comedy and tragedy.] Whatever have been the "foreign" attraction [star]
the appearance of Mrs. Walters has always been the signal for the heartiest
applause. . . .
The critic's appraisal after the event was even more enthusiastic:
We like home feeling. There is truth in the old saying "The prophet has
no home in his own country," yet, if rightly applied, there is no justice in it
the home man and the home feeling should be first.
Theater goers like "stars" so de we. But these stars should not blind
us to home worth. Yet they do, and often when they should not.
Of course, stock-actors are always the subject of abuse. We are so familiar
with them that we do not acknowledge their worth. This is wrong. Stand
by home men wherever they are, and by home talent wherever it shows itself.
We make these remarks especially in reference to Mrs. Walters. She is
always equal to her part. She is rarely inferior to the "stars" who shine around
her. The glitter of her coronet is as bright as the brightest we have seen in
those who are called or considered "above her." See her where you may be
Mrs. Walters in an ordinary or extraordinary part let her appear as she may
still, she is always excellent always acts well, and does well.
One characteristic marks her, and it is a shining one telling alike upon
38 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
actor and audience life. She is full of spirit; she never lags; the fire of the
heroine she represents is in her, and she flashes it out. That fire is in her song.
It is in all she does and says and, hence, she is, and should be, a favorite
of the public.
Her reception last night proves the truth of all we say. It was stirring and
earnest. It proved that the home actress of Leavenworth is appreciated.
For some reason not clearly apparent the editor of the Times,
December 8, saw fit to discuss the star system, prefacing his com-
ments by a theatrical interpretation of an index of prosperity of a
city. As a general rule, he argued, "the best criterion we can have
of the prosperity of a city is the extent of patronage bestowed upon
amusements. To be sure there are exceptions to this rule" people
may wish to escape from trouble they "may wish to obliterate the
blues or find a temporary relief from anticipations of bankruptcy."
But the editor insisted that such exceptions did not apply to Leav-
enworth. Credit for the high position of the theatre in Leaven-
worth was assigned to Addis "and to no other can be accredited the
introduction of the 'star system' which while it may be decried in
certain quarters, is the present policy of the stage." He insisted that
only this system had made possible "those dramatic 'luxuries,' Fan-
chon, Chimney Corner, Evadne, &c., as performed by the first artists
in the country, and produced in a style that would be creditable
. . . to any theatre in the West." Of course, this led up to a plea
for a new theatre building suited to the metropolitan position of
Leavenworth.
All this was a strange preface to what followed. The same issue
of the Conservative, January 3, 1864, that reported the joint curtain
call an enthusiastic audience had given Mrs. Walters and Chaplin
for their acting in "Black Eyed Susan," reported the alterations in
the heating system that assured patrons that the theatre would be
"thoroughly heated." Then came the turn of fate. On the .night
of January 5 the gas gave out leaving the theatre dark. By January
10 apparently substitute lighting had been provided or the gas had
been restored, but the audience was dismissed because of differ-
ences between the management and the actors about salaries.
Mary Gladstane, the star who should have played January 4, was
snowbound and did not arrive until January 13 after the salary
quarrel had closed the theatre. Announcement was made, how-
ever, that the theatre was available to her to present her own
performance, and that Chaplin and Walters would co-operate.
But already a benefit for them had been arranged at the Turner
Hall for January 13, along with the comment that they had not
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 39
participated in the controversy. This is difficult to reconcile with
other data. At any rate, Miss Gladstane left Leavenworth without
appearing on the stage.
When the storm broke, the Times, January 12, editorialized:
It is somewhat strange that Leavenworth must be periodically bored by the
quarrels of actors, actresses and managers. Last night, at the Union, the
audience was treated to a dish that has been served semi-occasionally since the
first time a theatrical company performed in this city. Will not managers be
just? Our citizens will support a good theatre, let it be managed by whom it
may, but not at the expense of those who depend upon their profession for
subsistence.
In contrast, the same editor in the same issue remarked pointedly:
"The difficulties at the Union Theatre do not deter our German
friends" at Harmony Hall giving "German Emigration to America,"
and "The Bewitched Villager." This is a reminder that the Turn-
verein and its related activities deserve a full historical treatment
that lies outside the scope of this essay.
In the Evening Bulletin, January 12, Chaplin issued a "card" alleg-
ing that Addis had said that if the falsehoods reported the previous
evening at the theatre were retracted, he would pay full salaries and
give benefits, thus acknowledging the season's end. Chaplin's re-
sponse to this proposal was explicit; that he had stated no false-
hoods therefore there was nothing to retract. Addis replied about
money matters the following day in the Conservative, Chaplin
rebutted the same day in the Bulletin and introduced a new factor
even more explosive than money. After calling Addis a liar and
detailing the alleged lies, Chaplin continued: "His reasons for not
liking the ladies of the company, I have only lately discovered:
there is scarcely one he has not grosely insulted and in every in-
stance he has been indignantly repulsed!' Chaplin closed by as-
serting that he stood ready to swear to these statements. Addis
replied with a libel suit. The Times quipped: "Between manager
and actors, the public is having as much fun as they would if the
Union was in full blast."
The first hearing on the Addis-Chaplin suit was held Saturday
January 16, when the case was dismissed on technicalities and a new
suit filed immediately which was set for hearing the following Mon-
day. The court room was filled, according to the Times, with row-
dies and lecherous individuals who enjoyed the lawyer's examination
of the ladies who blushed at the indelicate details they were required
to relate. Among the witnesses was C. F. Walters who was handled
by the Times as follows:
40 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
That nice young man truthful young man C. F. Walters, skevire, is in
town. He appeared at the Police Court yesterday, and testified adversely to
the veracity of a woman who has supported him when he couldn't raise a five
cent piece. As a matter of course, his testimony was ruled out. It's a pity
such a thing could not be kicked out of town.
No longer did the Times treat the controversy as providing "as
much fun as" the theatre "in full blast."
Suffice it to say, the whole proceedings from beginning to end were indeli-
cate and disreputable alike to all parties. . . . The course pursued by
manager and company, in this affair, will do no good to themselves or the pro-
fession. It conveys the idea that quarrels, rascality, bad morals, and obscenity
are the necessary consequence of the introduction of the drama. . . .
The editor had already given his readers what he considered
wholesome advice:
No theatres, no snows [showsl, no dances, no amusements of any kind in
our city at present. Some of our citizens are turning their attention to more
serious matters, as this evening at the M. E. Church will convince anyone who
will visit the interesting meetings now being held there. It is well. There is
something beyond the pleasures and pastimes of this mundane sphere, and it is
the duty of every one to obtain the pleasure which the consolation of religion
alone can give. We advise our citizens to attend these meetings. They may
reap some benefit, and it certainly can do no harm.
But in fact there were competing institutions and even actors had
to eat. A saloon occupied a part of the first floor of Stockton Hall
which housed the second floor Union Theatre and the proprietor
inserted the following advertising local:
Since the smash-up of the Union, Cooter pere has been giving, and will con-
tinue to give, a series of concerts, in the "Green Room" With "legitimate
artists," a "legitimate manager," and no "half-salaries," the institution is bound
to run. "The best of wines, liquors and cigars to be had at the bar." P.S.
No pretty waiter girls. Take suthin, Doc?
This was the situation when on the morning of January 25 fire
broke out above the stage in the Union Theatre destroying the whole
structure. The theatre had occupied the second floor; Coolidge and
Company drug store; Ashton & Bros., wholesale liquor; and Cooter's
Saloon occupied the ground floor, and the Ashton & Bros., pork pack-
ing establishment operated in the basement. Cooter moved what
he had saved back to his old location on Third street, between Dela-
ware and Shawnee streets:
Cooter the indefatigable, unconquered Cooter is on his pegs again.
. . . The season will open tonight [January 29] with a new Opera, written
expressly for the occasion by the Colporteur. A talented corps of artists will
render it in the inimitable manner for which they are so well known.
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 41
Chaplin, Mrs. Walters, and the theatre company went to New
Orleans to play at DeBar's Theatre. The Times devoted a full para-
graph to praise of Chaplin's year at Leavenworth. "In the thank-
less role of Manager ... he has acquitted himself to the satis-
faction of even the most fastidious. . . ." Addis did not con-
tinue in the theatre business. For the evening of January 28, the
third day after the fire, a meeting was called to consider the organ-
ization of a fire department to replace the existing fire companies. 33
THE LINDEN REGIME, 1864-1866
The Leavenworth Theatre, successor to the Union Theatre, opened
September 10, 1864, in the new building erected upon the Stockton
Hall site. No proprietor was indicated, but W. H. Coolidge, pro-
prietor of the drug store which occupied part of the ground floor,
was listed as manager, with Henry Linden as acting and stage man-
ager. The play was the "Hunchback." The company was short-
handed and the reception given it was not enthusiastic. The show
closed October 2, for winter preparations and for Linden to recruit
additional talent, also to play an engagement on his own account
in Kansas City. The local paper became restive at his delay in re-
turning, but November 24 the theatre reopened. Linden and wife,
and J. B. Turner played the leading parts until January, 1865, when a
succession of stars was imported: Ettie Henderson, Carlotta Pozonni,
Mary Gladstane, Rachel Johnson and B. Macauley, McKean Bu-
chanan and Virginia Buchanan. J. B. Turner played "Nick of the
Woods, or the Jabbenainosay," which was repeated several times
before the end of the season, but the play that created a sensation
was the "Octoroon" by Boucicault which played ten times in succes-
sion, barring a single night interruption, and several times at inter-
vals later in the spring. This phenomenon drew from the Times,
February 21, on the occasion of the announcement of its tenth show-
ing, a long editorial on the failure of the legitimate drama in Leaven-
worth, which may have had a meaning beyond the single issue of
artistic excellence:
All efforts to establish the legitimate drama in this city have heretofore failed,
and they will continue to fail so long as the majority of the theater-going people
care more for sensation than acting, more for loud talking and fierce gestures
than correct reading and natural motions. The Hunchback was played last
night, to a comparatively small house, the greater portion of which was un-
doubtedly attracted more by the announcement that Linden would play "Cuffy"
33. Daily Times, Leavenworth, January 6, 7, 10, 12, 14-17, 19, 21, 26, 29, 1864'
Daily Conservative, January 3, 5, 13, 15-17, 20, 22, 1864; Evening Bulletin, Leavenworth'
January 12, 13, 1864.
45869
42 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
in a negro farce, than by the first named piece, and although the play was well
put on the boards, and better rendered than expected, it failed to interest the
audience, or extort from it one single round of applause. We advise the man-
agement to stick to the sensational. It is better suited to this community, be-
sides being more remunerative. To-night, at the earnest solicitation of a large
number of persons, the "Octoroon" will be played again. Owing to the bad
state of the weather, last week, many persons were prevented from seeing it,
and as it is decidedly sensational, it of course attracts attention and created a
desire in the minds of theatre-goers to witness its representation.
The theatrical season 1865-1866 continued under the same man-
agement, but the proprietors were designated as Coolidge and
George Ummethun, the resident agent of the Cincinnati owner of the
building. Again the company opened short-handed, Linden himself
being absent. The Times, September 10, 1865, editorialized in a
satirical attack upon the "poor simpleton public" and its absurd
expectations, not realizing realities, including "the risks and vicissi-
tudes of railroad and steamboat navigation." Linden appeared fi-
nally on September 16.
Again, during this season stars dominated the scene for most of
the time: Blanche DeBar, Ettie Henderson, C. W. Couldock and
daughter (twice), Cecile Rush (twice), Jenny Hight, Yankee Locke,
Pauline Cushman, Marietta Revel, Susan Benin, Fannie Price, the
Maddern Sisters, but more unusual three members of the local com-
pany were given star status, two for a week's run each, Mrs. Linden
being the first.
In February, 1866, two old friends returned to the Leavenworth
theatre, George Chaplin and Clara Walters. During their absence,
since the break-up of the Union Theatre in January, 1864, they had
been reported as playing in the St. Charles Theatre in New Orleans
in May, 1864. Both were in Leavenworth a short time in June,
1864, and gave concerts in Laing's Hall. In December of the same
year Clara Walters was reported as making a sensation in. New
Orleans with "The Ticket-of-Leave Woman," a burlesque on "The
Ticket-of-Leave Man." Chaplin passed through Leavenworth again
in May, 1865. Now, upon his return to Leavenworth Theatre, Chap-
lin played Saturday, February 3, to Saturday of the following week
as the star after which he took his place in the company. Mrs.
Pennoyer was again a member of the company and played the femi-
nine lead, but without star billing. The following Saturday Clara
Walters was the star and remained as a regular member of the
company.
During his week as star, Chaplin played "Ingomar," "Hamlet,"
"Money," "Macbeth," "Lady of Lyons," and "Madelaine." It was
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 43
recalled that he had been a universal favorite some two years earlier,
but in commenting upon individual roles, the Times was patroniz-
ingly complimentary: "Hamlet" was a "very creditable rendition;"
his "Money" was "far beyond mediocrity;" his "Macbeth" was "not
so perfect as in previous efforts;" and finally: "He is emphatically a
good actor. . . ." Clara Walters, specializing in the lighter char-
acters, played in "Perfection," and "Ireland as it is." The Times in-
troduced her as "an old favorite . . . and if reports speak truly,
has greatly improved during her absence." After the event the
Times reported that in spite of the rain and mud she drew one of the
biggest houses of the season: ". . . We do not think she has
any superior in the delineation of Irish character." 34
CHAPLIN AGAIN, 1866-1867
The Chaplin Opera House opened the 1866-1867 theatre season
on August 20, virtually a "new" opera house after the summer's re-
modeling operations. The personnel included names from the pre-
vious winter; Clara Walters and Mrs. M. A. Pennoyer in particular.
The first plays were "Honey Moon," and "Sarah's Young Man," fol-
lowed by another favorite pair, "Lady of Lyons," and "Lottery
Ticket." The third night brought an Irish play "Arrah-na-Pogue."
Although the critic pronounced the company as yet awkward, this
play had four successive showings, including Saturday matinee,
giving way to J. E. Little's "Richard III" on Saturday evening. Re-
peat performances became frequent during this winter, both by stars
and the resident company. The traveling stars were Miss Leo Hud-
son, Blanche DeBar, C. W. Couldock (alone), Emilie Melville, Mrs.
J. H. Allen and D. R. Harkins, Cecile Rush, Jean Hosmer, Stuart
Robson, Lotta and Joseph Proctor. In December the Burt family,
with two small daughters, returned to Leavenworth, being assigned
stardom. Furthermore, Jean Clara Walters, as she was now officially
billed, had her turn from the local company as star in January, 1867.
The Burt family had been reported, during the winter of 1862-
1863, to be operating a theatre in Grand Rapids, Mich., but other-
wise information about the period of their absence from Leaven-
worth remains a blank. The prospect of their return was announced
December 16, 1866, and on the 18th notice was given of the "first
appearance of Mr. Burt, and the youthful progidy Eliza Logan Burt."
On December 20 Burt and little Eliza Logan played "Ten Nights in
a Bar Room," and were such a hit that, including Saturday matinee,
34. Daily Times, Leavenworth, May 7, June 22, 23, September 6, 8, 10, October 2
27, November 17, 24, December 9, 1864, February 21, May 5, June 27 September 10*
1865, February 3, 5-11, 13, May 18, 1866.
44 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
they played it four successive times Eliza Logan Burt "as 'Little
Mary' is the attraction in the piece." On Monday the Burt family
presented "Uncle Tom's Cabin": George playing Gumption Cute;
Mrs. Burt, Aunt Ophelia; and of course, Eliza Logan starred as Eva.
Christmas day Burt played his famous role in "Toodles." The elder
Burt daughter, Clara, was featured one night as a vocalist. After
the cordial star-rated reception the Burt family settled down as mem-
bers of the company.
In April, 1867, apparently the usual Burt luck was present. Mrs.
Burt and Eliza Logan were to have a benefit April 6, but it was post-
poned until April 10. A special attraction was provided, a card
picture of the little girl being presented to each woman attending
the theatre. About this time, apparently, the Burt family started a
new venture, a traveling company, a partnership known as the John-
son and Burt Theatrical Troupe, which played at Lawrence, Kansas
City, and Atchison. In 1876 the Burt family was still in the field as
a traveling dramatic company appearing in Independence, Kan.,
the week before Christmas. A benefit was given to the Burt children
(Clara not being mentioned, but two new ones being present):
Eliza (now 15), Willie, and Nellie. 35
The theatrical season of 1867-1868, at Leavenworth, "managed"
by Susan Denin, added nothing to the glory of Leavenworth theatre
and ended shortly after a few minor stars had appeared: Belle Boyd,
LaBelle Oceana (who had starred formerly at the American Concert
Hall), Mary Gladstane, and Madame Scheller, and of course Susan
herself. Then followed the two-season theatrical blank, 1867-1868
and 1868-1869, before the Lord Dramatic Company appeared in
December, 1869, a complete traveling theatrical company, not a resi-
dent stock company traveling-star combination. The Lords rep-
resented a new order in theatre. 36
Too much should not be made of the adverse criticism of the
theatre or of the obvious failures of the theatre and of its public in
Leavenworth. Theatre everywhere and always was in crisis that is
its normal condition regardless of place or time, or whether it thrives
35. Independence Kansan, December 15, 22, 1876. At Atchison, the Daily Champion,
April 13, 1866, gave Eliza Logan's age as five which would have made her 15 in 1876
when at Independence. If Clara had survived the rigors of traveling theatre, she may have
been in school or married.
36. Leavenworth Daily Times, August 19, 1866, through June 20, 1867, covers the
daily offerings and comment thereon, but a few particular issues may be designated to
document particular statements in the foregoing narrative; August 26, September 14,
December 16-30, 1866, January 6-13, February 3, March 17, April 5-7, 10, May 6, 1867.
The Daily Conservative provides similar daily coverage, but some dates of particular interest
for the history of the Burt family are December 11, 1862, January 11, 1863.
The fall season of 1867 is covered by both papers, the Times and the Conservative,
September 7, November 27, 1867, some issues of particular interest are Daily Conservative,
November 8, 12, 19, 24, 27, 28, 30, 1867.
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 45
or dies only to live again in a different form. Primitive or "civilized"
people insist upon escape into a world of make-believe in some guise,
and for manifold purposes.
V. NOTES ON THE PLAYS
No complete record of the plays presented in the Leavenworth
theatre between 1858 and 1867 can be compiled. Prior to the spring
of 1859, for example before Eliza Logan was star, no formal theatre
advertisements appeared, and besides the newspaper files preserved
are incomplete. The "local" column contained comment and an-
nouncements, however, with an approximation of regularity. After
the summer of 1862, a fairly complete record is available. A large
part of the plays must be classed as ephemeral, with emphasis upon
the comedy and farce side. Nevertheless, the showing of Shake-
speare's plays and other classics, "The School for Scandal," and "She
Stoops to Conquer," for example, was substantial; "Othello," "Ham-
let," "Macbeth," "Richard III," and "King Lear" appeared about in
that order of frequency; and besides there were occasional show-
ings of "The Merchant of Venice," "Much Ado About Nothing," and
"As You Like It." Other plays that were popular included several
drawn from English literature; dramatized versions of Dickens'
"Cricket on the Hearth," "Chimney Corner," "Oliver Twist"; Tenny-
son's "Dora"; Scott's "The Bride of Lammermoor," "Rob Roy," and
"The Lady of the Lake." From the French were "Fanchion, the
Cricket," "Camille," Hugo's "La Tour de Nesle," and "Les Miser-
ables," besides several of lesser merit. From the German examples
were "Ingomar," "Leah (Deborah) the Forsaken," and Schiller's
"Robbers." The better American literature did not contribute much,
but Irving's "Rip Van Winkle" appeared in two or more dramatiza-
tions. Plays involving the American Indian were represented by
"Metamora," "Wept of Wish-ton- Wish," the farce "Pocahontas," and
the frontiersman of Kentucky and the Indian in the dramatized ver-
sion of R. M. Bird's "Nick of the Woods, or the Jibbenainosay." Be-
sides the ubiquitous Negro (burnt-cork) minstrels of continuously
declining quality, plays using the Negro, with exceptions to be men-
tioned later, dealt with him only as a comic character.
Social problem plays were fairly conspicuous, "The Poor of New
York," "Under the Gaslight," the "Drunkard," and "Ten Nights in a
Bar Room." Irish plays were probably the most numerous of any
single class, a list of over 20 in number has been compiled, all treated
the Irish as comic characters or in ridicule. Dion Boucicault's "Col-
leen Bawn," first produced in New York in March, 1860, is an excep-
46 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
tion. 37 Kate Denin first brought it to Leavenworth in June, 1863.
In offering "Ireland as It Is" to the Atchison audience it was char-
acterized as an Irish national drama sympathetic to the peasantry:
"This thrilling picture of the struggles, trials, and self-denials of the
Irish peasantry has been universally acknowledged as the most
beautiful and touching domestic drama ever placed upon the
stage." 38 Of course, the play "Robert Emmett" was unconcealed
Irish nationalist propaganda based upon the revolt of 1796.
The star system determined largely the choice of plays presented,
the more prominent of these luminaries specializing in a limited
number of roles. Necessarily, in the West, the theatres found their
choices of stars limited by availability. From 1863-1867, C. W.
Couldock offered quite regularly "Willow Copse," "Chimney Cor-
ner," "Still Waters Run Deep," "Richelieu," "Louis XI," "King Lear,"
"Othello," and others, with slight variation. Cecile Rush was almost
sure to present "Fanchion," "Evadne," the "Hunchback," etc. Others
seemed to follow the changing fashions.
Of the playwrights represented, the most conspicuous was Dion
Boucicault, born in Ireland, then of the New York theatre. The lead-
ing version of "Rip van Winkle" available after 1850 was that of
Charles Burke, but in 1865, Boucicault's appeared. Boucicault's
"The Poor of New York," which compared victims of the panics of
1837 and 1857, was offered first in New York, and later in Leaven-
worth in October, 1859. His "Octoroon," based on Mayne Reid's
"The Quadroon," was first played in New York in December, 1859,
and created a sensation in Leavenworth in February, 1865. "Colleen
Bawn," and "London Assurance" made frequent appearances in
1863 and later. Tom Taylors plays were popular, particularly "Still
Waters Run Deep," "Our American Cousin," and "The Ticket-of-
Leave Man."
Some plays were so striking in their impact upon the public as to
stimulate a demand for repeat performances. Partly, no doubt, the
effective combination of actor and play were the explanation rather
than the content of the production itself. On occasion this occurred
with the local resident company, but more often it was associated
with a limited number of stars. In a few cases the preoccupation
of the public with a particular subject might account for the re-
sponse. In May, 1859, Miss E. Mitchell, advertised as a niece of
Booth, played "The Mormons" four times and in October, 1859, the
37. Arthur H. Quinn, History of the American Drama, From the Beginning to the
Civil War (New York, 1923), p. 377. Quinn limited his generalization that there
was only one such Irish play to the use of the better common class of the Irish and other
conditions which might make his verdict rather drastic.
38. Atchison Daily Champion, February 21, 1866.
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 47
Langrishe-Allen St. Joseph Theatre company played "The Poor of
New York" at the National for three nights. Public interest in sub-
ject matter as social issues of the day no doubt contributed to the
demand. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was played once in October, 1859,
five times in August, 1862, and four times in April, 1863, and raises
the perennial question about the hold exercised by both the book
and the play upon the public in the United States and abroad.
"Camille," played by the local company, was offered twice in June,
1862. The enthusiastic response, December, 1862, to "The Lady of
the Lake," played by Clara Walters and Healey of the resident com-
pany would seem to provide no special circumstances other than
good acting. American themes were treated in "Nick of the Woods,
or the Jibbenainosay" ( twice ) in January, and "The Hidden Hand"
(four times) in April, 1863, by the resident company. Mary Shaw
played twice each "Our American Cousin" and "Child of the Regi-
ment" in April, 1863, while Cecile Rush gave "Fanchion" (four
times) and "Ida Lee" (three times) in April-May, 1863. Kate
Benin's presentations of "Colleen Bawn" and "East Lynne" (twice
each), occurred in June, 1863.
A year and a half later the "Octoroon" sensation, ten nights, by
the resident theatre company, in February, 1865, must have been
associated with the state of public sentiment near the end of the
Civil War in relation to abolition of slavery and the race issue which
it raised. But the Maddern Sisters may have been responsible for
the run of "Three Fast Men" for six nights in May, 1866. In August
of the same year the resident company presented the Irish play
"Arrah na-Pogue" four times. The success in August, 1866, of such
widely different plays as "Mazeppa, or the Wild Horse of Tartary"
( six nights ) and "Putnam," a story of the American Revolution ( two
nights ) , must have been due primarily to the star Miss Leo Hudson.
The "Sea of Ice" was first presented in Leavenworth in October,
1866, by the local company for a five-night run. The return of the
Burt family, with the spotlight upon little Eliza Logan Burt, may
help to explain the four-night run, in December, 1866, of "Ten
Nights in a Bar Room." The vogue of the "Seven Sisters" in January,
1867, was only partly the responsibility of "Lotta," because the local
company played it for two nights in the February following. Also,
the resident company played "Rosedale" ( Wallock's 150 night sensa-
tion in New York) for four nights in June, 1867. "The Black Crook"
run of 18 days in July and August, 1867, was clearly a combination
of high pressure advertising and a sensational show. In retrospect,
this record reveals a peculiar grouping of repeat performances in two
48 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
chronological spots, April-June, 1863, and May-October, 1866, for
which there does not appear to be any assignable reason.
These repeat performances were one thing, but long-term popu-
larity of a play regardless of players is quite another. Shakespeare
and the classics held their own remarkably well in Leavenworth
during the decade 1858-1867, but were losing ground near the end,
and during the next decade. Other plays of a serious nature whose
popularity persisted included the "Hunchback," "Evadne," "Lucretia
Borgia," "Don Caeser de Bazan," "Ingomar," and "Camille." Of a less
serious nature, or in some cases farcical, were "The Lady of Lyons,"
"Our American Cousin," "Toodles," "Ireland as It Is," "The Serious
Family," and the farcical afterpieces, "The Limerick Boy," "The
Lottery Ticket," and "Jenny Lind." The social problem plays
"Uncle Tom's Cabin," and "Ten Nights in a Bar Room," were of
course in a class by themselves. What provided the hold of these
plays upon the public imagination is one of the intangibles that
eludes all attempts at explanation. Likewise, when "The Lady of
Lyons" was billed for July 24, 1862, the Daily Times protested that
it would not draw, that it was played out and should be laid on the
shelf. Afterwards, the editor had the courage to admit his error it
drew a large audience and went off remarkably well. Several of
these well-worn pieces continued to be standard fare for nearly two
more decades.
An extended reference to "Uncle Tom's Cabin" has been deferred
until this stage in the discussion. The vogue of the original book,
prior to the Civil War, was phenomenal and no more than a refer-
ence to that fact need be made here. The play presents some special
problems. In Leavenworth, a town with a strong Southern back-
ground, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was first presented on the stage Oc-
tober 24, 1859, to a house "quite well filled." In fact, the reporter
said: "It was by all odds the largest audience of the season."
Considering the limited extent of the company and their facilities for
rendering a scenic piece of this description, the play was excellently gotten up,
and the parts rendered in a respectable manner.
We trust that its representation will fill the depleted treasury of the managers
and make the Theatre no longer desolate with a beggerly arrray of empty
seats.
The evening did not pass, however, without trouble: "The Wil-
liam Yerby, who became so indignant at the Anti-Slavery senti-
ments of Uncle Tom as to compel the police to remove him from
the theatre, and for which on Wednesday he was fined by the Re-
corder, has, we understand, not subdued the pugnacious propen-
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 49
sities he then exhibited." On the same day as the trial, "he chal-
lenged Marshall M alone to fight a duel with Colt revolvers, large
size, at sixteen paces." Also, the report circulated that he threatened
the press: "Oh, dear! how we quake in our stocking-feet," jeered
the Times. 89
The second presentation of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" came in August,
1862, and prior to the preliminary emancipation proclamation. Also,
this was near the beginning of the Addis-Templeton regime at the
Union Theatre, and soon after Mrs. Walters' arrival. She played
Topsy, and the Conservative conceded that "a better Topsy than
Mrs. Walters cannot be produced." Nevertheless, Editor Wilder
was not happy. He conceded something, however, that the presen-
tation "did the highest credit to the manager, Mr. Templeton, and
the scenic artist, Mr. O'Neill. . . ." What distressed Wilder
was that in the midst of the Civil War a Proslavery version had been
presented:
The version used, however, leaves out Legree and some of the most important
scenes, and makes Uncle Tom a mere obedient servant. As it was put on the
boards in New York Uncle Tom's Cabin would be good for thirty nights. We
are not more pro-slavery than New York City, and there is no necessity for cater-
ing to that sentiment.
True, it ran five nights only in Leavenworth, not thirty. 40
The Times reacted positively also to this wartime offering of
"Uncle Tom's Cabin": "The most popular dramatization of modern
times, 'Uncle Tom's Cabin,' will be produced for the first [sic] time
in this city, at the Theatre this evening. Jordan does Uncle Tom,
Mrs. Walters, Topsey, Miss Mann, Eva, and Miss Helena, Eliza
Harris." After the second performance the Times, August 8, also
exploded about the alleged Proslavery version:
"Uncle Tom's Cabin" is announced at the theatre for this and to-morrow even-
ings. A crowded house greeted its first production, Wednesday night, and we
can unhesitatingly say that so far as it goes the play was excellently put upon
the stage, and in the leading characters well done. Mrs. Walters' "Topsey" is
an interesting and truthful portraiture of a character very common on the plan-
tations of the South; Miss Helena succeeds admirably, as she ever does, in the
effective part of Eliza Harris, the fugitive quadroon; Jordan's "Uncle Tom" is
a fine piece of character acting, and Healey does the generous Kentuckian,
Fletcher, in a manner that all along carries with it the sympathies of the
audience; but nevertheless the omission of the scenes with Legree and Gassy,
and the death of Uncle Tom, make the play seem as incomplete as if one had
read only the first volume of the book itself, with no chance of getting the re-
mainder of the story. Lack of people may be sufficient excuse for shortening
the play, and we would much rather this were the case than that it were done
39. Daily Times, Leavenworth, October 26-28, 1859.
40. Leavenworth Daily Conservative, August 6-9, 1862.
50 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
to spare the sensibilities of the resident remnant of Border Ruffianism in the
city. The whole piece, and it can be done by one or two "doubles" would
draw a good per cent on the cost of its presentation and the money invested
for canvas and colors. Except in a few minor points the play is exceedingly
well done. The crossing scene is well contrived; but were we disposed to be
critical we might ask how it is that feudal banqueting goblets find their way
into a Kentucky tavern? or why Tom Loker and Haley are made to resemble a
couple of grog shop loafers rather than the flashy "traders" they are intended
to represent? Little Miss Mann's "Eva" is a surprising performance, in view
of her inexperience, Wednesday evening being the first time she has ever ap-
peared on the stage. In a little time, however, her slight monotony will wear
off, and her rendition of "the flower of the South" be all that can be asked for.
In April, 1863, Leavenworth again saw "Uncle Tom's Cabin" on
the stage, a four-time run with Mrs. Walters again as Topsy and
Sophia Jennison as Eva at the People's Theatre. The Conservative
noted with satisfaction that George Aiken's version of the play was
to be used, and recalled the past:
It has been put on the boards once before in this city, but mutilated in the most
approved pro-slavery style. We sincerely hope and trust that such will not be
the case to-night. It is one of the most exciting pieces ever written, and we
believe the management of the People's will present it in a masterly manner. 41
The play was given again in September and December, 1863, and
January, 1864, but in Leavenworth its popularity was limited. In
Atchison, according to the Champion, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was
seen for the first time on April 30 and May 1, 1866. In conclusion,
whatever the meaning may be, the great vogue of "Uncle Tom's
Cabin" in its dramatized form in Kansas, came after the Civil War
and after the abolition of slavery was an accomplished fact. Further-
more, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" either in book form or in play form was
really popular only among white people. To self-conscious Negroes,
Uncle Tom's submissiveness and the patronizing attitude toward the
negro race were offensive. Only Eliza's escape stirred the race pride
and that was not central to the original conception of either the book
or the play. In its wanderings as a stage play, except for Topsy 's
antics, Eliza and the pack of hounds became the focus of the play's
more sensational advertising.
Introduced during the decade of the 1860's were a number of
new plays that proved durable. Those listed here in that category
probably reached their peak of popularity in Kansas during the dec-
ade of the 1870's, some continuing as standard even later. Although
records are too incomplete to be certain about firsts in Leavenworth,
Boucicault's "Colleen Bawn" (1860), probably had its initial presen-
tation in Leavenworth by Kate Denin in June, 1863. On the same
41. Ibid., AprU 28-30, May 2, 1863.
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 51
visit she introduced "East Lynne." In April of the same year, with
Amy Stone as Capitola, "The Hidden Hand" received a first local
hearing. It was dramatized from Mrs. E. D. E. N. Southworth's
novel of the same name. "The Ticket-of-Leave Man" came to the
city in 1864, also by the local company. "Lady Audley's Secret"
was introduced by Jean Hosmer in May, 1867.
Burlesques on great or popular plays, especially the tragedies,
were a peculiar phenomenon. The first noticed was "Otello, or de
Moor ob Wenis" in November, 1862. Another "Norma" has been
found for March, 1863. The climax of this burlesque fad came
during the season of 1866-1867; "King Lear, the Cuss," "Hamlet, or
the Wearin of the Black," "Katherin and Petruchio" ("The Taming
of the Shrew"), "Antony and Cleopatria," "Camille, or the Cracked
Heart," the "Spectre Bridegroom," "Mazeppa, or the Wild Rocky
Horse," "Lady of the Lions," "The Ticket-of-Leave Woman," and
"The Ticket-of-Leave Man's Wife." Whether or not identified by the
form of the title or by description as a burlesque, during the season,
when one of the great plays or major current melodramas was
played as the afterpiece, or by the comedy members of the com-
pany, it was almost certain to be a burlesque on the real play.
Generalization about what this meant is difficult. Probably it was
in part a reaction against the excesses and artificialities of the actors
in both tragedy and melodrama. Also, it may be interpreted as a
reflection of postwar cynicism following the emotional extrava-
gances of the slavery crusade and war patriotism, and all the
"moral" bombast and pretenses that had accompanied the "national"
crisis. In part, almost certainly, it was escapism from postwar con-
fusion, public and private; economic, social, religious, and political.
But when all this has been said, the matter is still elusive.
VI. PRICES AND PATRONAGE
The prices of admission were not reported for 1858-1862. The
advertisements of June, 1862, listed dress circle seats at 40 cents
( ladies 25 ) , a lady and gentleman 75 cents, two ladies and a gentle-
man $1.00, parquette, 25 cents. In March, 1863, parquette seats
were 50 cents, with the same lady-gentleman combinations, dress
circle seats 40 cents, and the new gallery 25 cents. In the new
theatre on the Stockton Hall site, in September, 1864, the dress
circle and parquette seats were 75 cents, and the gallery and
colored gallery, 50 cents. The same prices prevailed a year later.
The Chaplin Theatre opened in August, 1866, at advanced prices:
dress circle, men, one dollar, ladies 75 cents, lady and gentleman
52 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
$1.50, parquette 75 cents, the galleries 50 cents respectively. Re-
ductions came within the month. The boxes for eight persons were
$8.00, dress circle and parquette, 75 cents, the galleries 25 cents.
The season of 1867 began with dress circle and orchestra chairs 75
cents, parquette seats 50 cents, and the colored gallery 25 cents.
VII. MORALS
Some form of dramatic representation seems to have been an
essential aspect of all cultures since primitive times. Theatre per
se is a-moral, its ethical significance depending upon its use. Among
primitive peoples the dramatic forms were conspicuously religious
and ethical, yet in modern society a separation occurred in which
theatre came to have many associations of essentially an opposite
social nature. Some of these have been revealed only too clearly
in the present study. Leavenworth had over 200 license-paying
saloons, in November, 1858, constituting a source of substantial
city revenue. A saloon, in the form in which such institutions
operated during the third quarter of the 19th century, was often if
not usually housed in the same building as the theatre. The
Market building, which housed the first Union Theatre in 1858,
had a saloon in the basement, and one of Burt's first steps as theatre
manager was an attempt to dissociate in the public mind the theatre
and the saloon.
"Order and decorum" were promised in 1858 as they had been
promised in 1856 when Gabay's Dramatic Company played in
Leavenworth. A third aspect of assurances related to the respecta-
bility of the acting personnel. Thus the Burts, especially Mrs. Burt,
were spotlighted in the social scene as good citizens. They were
determined to elevate the stage and overcome the "vulgar prejudice"
that obtained in the towns of the area. A particular bid was made
for the patronage of women. About 100 "ladies" were said to have
been present on the occasion of Mrs. Burt's benefit in April, 1858.
If true, this meant that one of every five persons in the "full house"
of 500 was a woman. Even this optimistic estimate, however, left
theatre attendance primarily an aspect of a man's world.
The theatre had its competitors in the entertainment field in the
form of minstrel shows, varieties (which "covered" a multitude of
sins), and showboats. During the years 1858-1859 the Gambrinus
Saloon offered its free concert every night in addition to a free
lunch. Of course, the liquor that was supposed to accompany these
was not free. The American Concert Hall, with its 10 cent admis-
sion charge, was only one step removed from the Gambrinus estab-
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 53
lishment. Reality was represented, therefore, in the plea of Sep-
tember 8, 1859, for some decent place of amusement for "unmarried
folks" without homes where they could spend their evenings. After
the National Theatre reopened to a precarious existence, the Times,
October 13, urged support for "a respectable place of amusement"
and warned: "The supply is regulated by the demand." Several
days later substantially the same advice was repeated, but the
National Theatre managed to operate only irregularly for less than
a year more.
Soon after the Union Theatre was re-established in Stockton Hall
in 1863, a saloon on the ground floor, an actor was admonished by
name that "profanity and vulgarity are not wit," and over a year
later another actor was reprimanded for drunkenness on the stage
which required a replacement during the evening's production.
On October 3, 1862, the Conservative insisted that audience be-
havior was a responsibility of the management. The quarrels be-
tween managers and companies over contracts and salaries came to
a climax in the libel suits of January, 1864. The Times' admonition
was to the point, that such scandal "conveys the idea that quarrels,
rascality, bad morals and obscenity are the necessary consequences
of the introduction of the drama." Benefits to good causes to offset
the public's moral sensibilities were futile gestures, whether to the
new Christian church building fund, the Hospital fund, the Ladies
Aid Society, or the Lawrence Quantrill massacre sufferers. Nor did
reduced admission charges for women offset moral delinquencies at
the theatre.
Possibly absentee ownership of the buildings equipped for theatre
may have had a bearing on saloon and theatre in the same structure:
a certainty of rental income to offset risk. The National Theatre
building was Philadelphia owned, and the Stockton Hall was Cin-
cinnati owned. The Union Theatre advertisements (old Stockton
Hall), during the hot summer months of 1863, reminded patrons:
"Ice Water in the Theatre for the accommodation of Ladies and
Children." Should it be necessary to point out the implication?
When the theatre in the new Stockton Hall opened in September
1864, the ubiquitous saloon was on the ground floor. However, on
the occasion of Clara Walters' vacation concert in the Turner Hall
Theatre, she had the saloon closed for the evening. But Clara
Walters was more than offset by Susan Benin, and Leavenworth
Theatre was discontinued for two years on that note.
(Part Two, the Theatre in Atchison, Lawrence and Topeka, Witt
Appear in the Summer, 1957, Issue.)
The Annual Meeting
THE 81st annual meeting of the Kansas State Historical Society
and board of directors was held in the rooms of the Society
on October 16, 1956.
The meeting of the directors was called to order by President
Wilford Riegle at 10 A. M. First business was the reading of the
annual report by the secretary:
SECRETARY'S REPORT, YEAR ENDING OCTOBER 16, 1956
At the conclusion of last year's meeting the newly elected president, Wilford
Riegle, reappointed Charles M. Correll and Frank Haucke to the executive
committee. The members holding over were Will T. Beck, John S. Dawson,
and T. M. Lillard.
Two members of the Society's board of directors died during the past year:
Mrs. W. D. Philip, Hays, and Henry S. Blake, Topeka. Mrs. Philip, a life
member since 1918, had served on the board of directors continuously since
1931. A resident of Ellis county since 1886, she was the first student to enroll
at Fort Hays State College when it was established. She early began to
collect historical objects of northwest Kansas and contributed many fine
relics, including an entire furnished room, to the Fort Hays museum. Mr.
Blake, president and general manager of Capper Publications, was also presi-
dent of the Capper Foundation for Crippled Children and was active in many
other civic, state, and charitable organizations. The death of these two
friends is noted with deep regret.
APPROPRIATIONS AND BUDGET REQUESTS
The legislative session which convened in January, 1956, was the first
"budget session" under the constitutional amendment of 1954. It was im-
mediately obvious that the session must find new sources of revenue to meet
financial needs as listed in the governor's budget recommendations or pare
budget requests in an attempt to stay within anticipated revenues. It chose
the latter course, but still failed to hold the total budget within these limits.
For the Society this meant that although necessary appropriations for salaries
and normal operating expenses were made, almost all items of special mainte-
nance were denied.
Major requests which were cut from the budget included completion of the
air-conditioning system, installation of steel stack floors, replacement of main
exterior doors, laying of asphalt tile flooring in the museum, and installation
of two new flagpoles. In fact, the only important maintenance requests allowed
were $10,000 to continue the rewiring of the building and $650 for new rear
entrance doors. A request for funds to convert the garage at the Kaw Indian
Mission, Council Grove, into living quarters for the caretaker, and to build a
new frame garage and toolhouse, was rejected for the second time. All major
requests for improvements at Shawnee Methodist Mission, near Kansas City,
(54)
THE ANNUAL MEETING 55
were also denied. These included construction of an addition to the garage,
erection of a chain-link fence, deepening of the West building basement and
laying a concrete floor. The only maintenance appropriation made was $3,500
for exterior and interior painting. The appropriation for operation of the
Funston Memorial Home near lola was only $1,300, which with a reappro-
priated balance from the preceding fiscal year allows approximately $25 per
month for all expenses of operation exclusive of the caretaker's salary. For
the First Territorial Capitol an appropriation of $400 was made for exterior
painting of the caretaker's cottage.
Budget requests for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1958, were filed with
the state budget director in September. In addition to appropriations for
salaries and operating expenses, the major items listed above were asked for
again. New requests included $800 for museum storage closets, $1,350 for
fire protection installations in the Memorial building, $4,000 for modernization
of plumbing, and $5,300 for interior painting. For the First Territorial Capitol
$700 was asked for a new electric line, and a supplemental appropriation of
$1,200 to be added to the $1,500 already available was requested for re-
placing the roof. The Funston Home needs a new well and a flagpole, and
$600 was budgeted for these items. New maintenance items for Shawnee
Mission included $2,000 for waterproofing and $3,000 for interior painting of
the East building, and $1,000 for tree-trimming.
Capital improvement items relatively large amounts for long-time improve-
ments and special maintenance of the buildings and properties constitute in
total an unusually large percentage of the budget. Yet these improvements
are necessary and must be requested if administrative responsibilities are not
to be neglected. Several of these requests undoubtedly will be cut from the
final budget, but the Historical Society as trustee of the state must nevertheless
point out the necessity for proper maintenance of the various properties.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
Work on the cumulative index to the Society's publications the Collections,
Quarterlies, Biennial Reports and special Publications was again interrupted
in order to finish the index to the new two-volume Annals of Kansas. However,
entries for the first ten volumes of the Collections have been completed, totaling
an estimated 26,000 index slips for 4,280 pages of text.
News releases, taken from territorial and other newspapers of a century
ago, are still being sent each month to the Kansas press. This program, launched
two years ago as part of the observance of the 1954 territorial centennial, has
been so well received by newspaper editors and readers that the articles will
be continued.
The report of the survey of historic sites and structures in Kansas authorized
by the 1955 legislature will be prepared for submission to the 1957 session.
Although many sites and buildings have not yet been examined and will not
be included in this report, it is expected that the work can be continued until
all important historic sites are covered. A project of this nature, to be carried
out efficiently and with a minimum of wasted effort, would require the services
of a full-time staff member for the greater part of a year. Since this is impos-
sible under present circumstances, it seems best to continue the survey as time
permits and as personnel is available.
56 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
ARCHIVES DIVISION
Public records from the following state departments have been transferred
during the year to the archives division:
Source Title Dates Quantity
Agriculture, Board of ... Statistical Rolls of Counties, 1949 1,699 vols.
Population Schedules of
Cities and Townships . . 1955 4,031 vols.
Insurance Department . . Annual Statements 1948 50 vols.
Kansas Judicial Council, Correspondence and Papers, 1927-1946 1 box
Secretary of State Original House and Senate
Bills, Resolutions and
Petitions 1895-1917 34 transfer
cases
Annual reports for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1955, were received from
the accounts and reports division of the Department of Administration, di-
rector of Alcoholic Beverage Control, state auditor, Children's Receiving Home,
Crippled Children Commission, Entomological Commission, Fort Hays State
College, Horticultural Society, Industrial School for Boys, Industrial School
for Girls, Lamed State Hospital, Osawatomie State Hospital, Parsons State
Training School, Real Estate Commission, Sanatorium for Tuberculosis, Di-
vision of Institutional Management of the Department of Social Welfare,
Topeka State Hospital, state treasurer, and the Winfield State Training School.
Annual reports were also received from the School Book Division of the Board
of Education, the Board of Engineering Examiners and the state printer for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 1956.
A progress report on construction and remodeling programs in the state
as of January 1, 1956, was received from the state architect's office. Also
deposited in the archives was a copy of the "Transcript of Proceedings Before
the Investigating Committee of the Kansas State Legislature, March 10-20,
1953," relating to the sale of a building at the Sanatorium for Tuberculosis
at Norton.
A small body of county and local government archival material was received
during the year. One volume, a "Record of Bond Undertakings, 1887-1909,"
originally in the district court of Stevens county, was added to the collections
and some miscellaneous Stevens county records, including poll books and
school bond election papers, 1888-1895, were lent for microfilming. Two
volumes of Dickinson county commissioners' journals, 1861-1883, were -micro-
filmed, as were two volumes of early Abilene city records an ordinance book,
1869-1874, and a minute book, 1870-1876.
In co-operation with the State Records Board and the Governmental Re-
search Center of Kansas University, the Historical Society helped sponsor a
state conference on records management, June 26, 27, 1956. The conference
was prompted by the ever increasing records problems being encountered by
state agencies. Planned by the Governmental Research Center, the program
consisted of lectures by Benjamin Cutcliffe of the General Services Administra-
tion of the U. S. government and discussion sessions led by Prof. E. O. Stene
of Kansas University. Inventories of agency records, filing systems, records
disposal and storage, and microfilming were topics discussed during the
meetings. All sessions were well attended and nearly all state offices were
THE ANNUAL MEETING 57
represented. Other studies and conferences now in the planning stage should
eventually lead to a more efficient records program for Kansas.
A new assistant archivist, Carl W. Deal, joined the staff on May 10. Mr.
Deal is a graduate of Kansas State Teachers College of Emporia and holds
a master's degree in history from the Mexico City College.
LIBRARY
Alberta Pantle, acting librarian since the retirement of Helen M. McFarland,
has been appointed head librarian. Miss Pantle has been a member of the
staff since 1940.
The number of patrons using the library again reached a record high.
During the year 4,041 came in person, of whom 1,444 worked on subjects
pertaining to Kansas, 1,620 on genealogy, and 977 on general subjects. In-
quiries by correspondence were predominantly on Kansas topics, ranging from
a request from Woodstock, England, for information on the origin of Wood-
stock, Kan., to queries from several states concerning the authenticity of exploits
of Wyatt Earp as portrayed on a current television program. Some of these
inquiries were answered by sending 182 packages of material from the loan
file, which consists largely of pamphlets and articles on Kansas subjects.
Five special newspaper editions and 2,066 miscellaneous issues were read
and clipped in addition to seven daily newspapers which were regularly
searched for Kansas items. All clippings are classified and catalogued by the
library staff before being placed on the shelves. With the aid of a part-time
assistant during the summer, clippings from 14 worn volumes, totaling 4,118
pages, were remounted. Much remounting remains to be done because many
of the older clipping volumes are deteriorating.
A display of rare and interesting Bibles and other religious books from
the library collection has been arranged on the third floor. Several hundred
people, including groups of children from Vacation Bible schools in Topeka
and the surrounding area, have made special trips to see the exhibit.
The 1850 federal census of Vermont was added to the microfilm collection
of early out-of-state census records as a gift from the Kansas Society of
Colonial Dames. The 1860 census of Missouri and Nebraska was purchased,
bringing the number of states represented by these records to fourteen. Family
histories and vital records were donated by the Kansas Society, Daughters of
the American Revolution, and by a number of individuals. Some of these
genealogies were written by Kansas people, others were old and out-of-print
books which are rarely available for purchase.
Many Kansas churches celebrated their 75th or 100th anniversaries during
1955 and 1956. The library received copies of the following histories which
were published as part of these celebrations: Atchison, First Christian Church,
donated by the author, G. Harold Roberts; Hutchinson, Grace Episcopal Church,
donated by Mrs. Vernon McArthur; Leavenworth, Christian Church and First
Presbyterian Church, donated by John Feller; Manhattan, Congregational
Church, donated by the author, Charles M. Correll; Topeka, First Congrega-
tional Church, donated by Mrs. Charles Gait. A collection of historical sketches
of 11 Methodist churches in central Kansas was also received from B F.
Young, Winfield.
A number of reminiscences of early days in Kansas were given, among them
Mental Snapshots Along Life's Highway, by Mrs. Lutie Van Velzer, and Kansas
55869
58 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Heritage, by Mrs. L. L. Pabst. Historical works received included "Ness
County, Kansas, Histories," copied by Mrs. Minnie Dubbs Millbrook from
manuscript and newspaper sources; History of Boston, Kansas, by Herbert C.
Jones; and Prairie Pioneers of Western Kansas and Eastern Colorado, by John
C. and Winoma C. Jones.
Total library accessions, October 1, 1955-September 30, 1956, were:
Books
Kansas 304
General 541
Genealogy and Local History 110
Indians and the West 48
Kansas State Publications 59
Total 1,062
Pamphlets
Kansas 814
General 389
Genealogy and Local History 35
Indians and the West 8
Kansas State Publications 238
Total 1,484
Clippings (bound volumes) 10
Magazines (bound volumes) 220
Microfilm (reels)
Books, magazines, etc 8
Census 17
Total 25
MANUSCRIPT DIVISION
Twenty manuscript volumes and approximately 600 manuscripts were re-
ceived during the year.
Mrs. Eugene L. Bowers, Topeka, gave 74 family letters, 1827-1879, and
two manuscript volumes. Among the letters is a series written by Harrison
Clarkson in 1868. Clarkson, then a resident of Indiana, was on a business
trip to Kansas representing the Aetna Fire Insurance Co., and the letters offer
a lively description of the places visited. Later the same year Clarkson removed
to Topeka where he resided during the remainder of his life.
A small group of papers of Ebenezer Nicholas Orrick Clough was given
by Mrs. Gerald Clough Bulkeley, Abingdon, 111. Of special interest is a series
of four communications by Clough addressed to the Western Star of St. Charles,
Mo., in 1849, describing the Santa Fe trail from Independence to Council
Grove as the author found it in 1847. Clough was a resident of Leavenworth
for more than 40 years.
The Dickinson County Historical Society gave 25 historical sketches of that
county. This society has collected biographical and historical information
for more than 20 years and has filed copies of articles and sketches with the
state Society.
THE ANNUAL MEETING 59
A notebook containing papers of Albin K. Longren, pioneer airplane builder,
was given by his brother, E. J. Longren, Topeka. The papers include a de-
scription of the Longren factory facilities at Topeka.
Minutes of the annual meetings of the Bar Association of Northwestern
Kansas, 1929-1954, were received from Judge J. C. Ruppenthal, Russell.
A collection of records of the James Turner furniture and undertaking
business of Clyde was given by L. E. Turner, Clifton. The 17 manuscript
volumes and six files of invoices cover the period 1883-1924. Included is one
volume of minutes of the Clyde Development Company, 1904-1907.
Minutes of the Southwest Kansas Editorial Association, 1896-1945, were
given by Earl Fickertt, Peabody.
An interesting single item received during the year is a letter by James
Josiah Webb to his wife dated at Walnut Creek, Kansas territory, May 10,
1856.
Nine muster and pay rolls of the 6th regt, U. S. infantry, 1853-1855, were
received. The rolls were dated at Camp Center, Ft. Riley, Ft. Atkinson, and
Camp Precaution, all frontier army posts.
Other donors were: A. E. Anderson, Leoti; Jerome Beatty, Roxbury, Conn.;
H. E. Breed, El Cajon, Cal.; Mrs. Luther Burns, Topeka; Mrs. Bernard P.
Chamberlain, Charlottesville, Pa.; Mrs. Marion Catren, Olpe; Mary E. Clemens,
Core, West Va.; Mrs. Anna Conwell, Topeka; Lois Coons, Parsons; Mrs. Paul
Ernst, Olathe; Alan W. Farley, Kansas City; Dr. Madge Gabriel, Topeka;
D. V. Godard, Albuquerque, N. M.; Mrs. Bert Hay, 'Holton; Mrs. Lloyd
Hershey, Olathe; Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Hill, Topeka; Neal Jordan, Harper
county; Charlotte McLellan, Topeka; James P. McCollom, Dodge City; James
C. Malin, Lawrence; Dr. Karl A. Menninger, Topeka; Dorothy Murphy, Cald-
well; Jennie Small Owen, Topeka; Mrs. Ben Pannkuk, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.;
the Jennie A. Philip estate; Mrs. Edward Rooney, Topeka; Julien V. Root,
Boise, Idaho; Mrs. Leland Schenck, Topeka; Mrs. Clif Stratton, Topeka; Dr.
E. B. Trail, Berger, Mo.; and J. A. Wells, Seneca, Mo.
Microfilm copies of the following have been acquired:
Diaries of Joseph Harrington Trego, Linn county pioneer, for the years
1844-1859. The originals were lent by Mrs. J. H. Morse, Mound City.
Diaries of Elizabeth Simerwell, daughter of the Baptist missionary, Robert
Simerwell, for the years 1852-1861, in two volumes. Vol. 2 contains farm
accounts of her husband, John S. Carter. The diaries were lent by Bessie
E. Moore, Wakarusa.
Five letters of James E. Love, 1862. Love was first lieutenant, Co. K,
8th regiment, Kansas Volunteer infantry. The letters give details of the move-
ment of troops from Camp Hunter to Aubrey, Johnson county. The originals
were lent by Love's grandson, Lewis B. Stuart, St. Louis.
Medical records of Andrew H. Fabrique, pioneer doctor of Wichita. The
records include a list of births, 1871-1876, and a visiting list for 1889. With
the records was a ledger of the Tefft House, Topeka, 1868-1870. The originals
were lent by Dr. Fabrique's daughter, Mrs. George T. Nolley, Wichita.
Records of the First Congregational church of Russell, 1886-1942. Orig-
inals were furnished through the courtesy of Mrs. Ralph Ewing, Russell.
Post returns of Camp Mackey, New Post Arkansas River and Ft. Atkinson,
early 1850's. Film was obtained from the National Archives.
60 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Papers in the claim of F. J. Marshall and Albert G. Woodward, Marshall
county, for depredations committed by the Pawnee Indians, 1854-1855. Orig-
inal documents are in the National Archives.
MICROFILM DIVISION
This year marked the tenth anniversary of the Society's microfilming pro-
gram. Although some film was purchased earlier, it was in 1946 that the
Society's camera was installed and a permanent microfilming program under-
taken. As of September 30, 1956, nearly 4,200,000 photographs have been
made, more than 380,000 of them during the past 12 months. This year there
were 330,000 photographs of newspapers, and nearly 45,000 of archival rec-
ords, with the balance divided between library and manuscript materials.
Work on the Ottawa Daily Herald was completed for the period November
18, 1896-November 27, 1952, a total of more than 148,000 exposures on 215
rolls of film. Microfilming of the Herald will be continued through 1954. The
Chanute Daily Tribune, reported last year as microfilmed for June 22, 1892-
November 1, 1915, was completed through 1954. Other newspapers filmed
during the year were the Cimarron Herald and Kansas Sod House, July 16,
1885-March 25, 1886; Coffeyville Journal, January 1, 1900-December 31, 1920,
and January 1-December 31, 1937; Coldwater Republican, November 27, 1884-
December 30, 1886; Coolidge Border Ruffian, January 2, 1886-January 15,
1887; Kansas Daily Tribune, Lawrence, January 10, 1855-December 31, 1881
(with issues missing for December 7, 1874-January 6, 1876; October 19-
December 31, 1879); and the Kansas City (Mo.) Times, July 1-November 13,
1874.
Archival materials microfilmed included 148 volumes of the state census
of 1905 and two volumes of the census of 1925.
MUSEUM
The program of expansion and modernization of the museum has continued
through the year. Its success in part is reflected in the attendance figures
41,702 for the year ending September 30, as compared with 36,097 for the
preceding year.
Twenty new exhibit cases received last November have been fitted with
displays depicting the early history of Kansas, from the migrations of pre-
historic man and the expedition of Coronado to subjects of the territorial
period and such personalities as Gov. Andrew Reeder, John Brown, and
Abraham Lincoln. An additional 20 cases, funds for which were appropriated
by the 1956 legislature, are on order and should be delivered next month.
These will complete the renovation presently planned for the main gallery.
An appropriation for the purchase of a third group of 20 cases is included
in the budget for next year. These cases are to be used for Indian and
military displays.
Two more period rooms have been finished since the last report: a farm
kitchen of the 1900's and a parlor of the 1920's, though the latter still lacks
a few articles of furniture and accessories. Three additional rooms are planned
for this wing of the museum, but their construction probably must wait while
the staff turns its attention to the east wing. In this area, as mentioned in last
year's report, plans call for the development of a general store and post
THE ANNUAL MEETING 61
office, a blacksmith and harness shop, a print shop, doctor's office, and a
dentist's office.
Air-conditioning units to cool approximately one half of the museum area
were put into operation for the first time last spring. They have not only
made it possible for the museum staff to work far more efficiently but have
been a major factor in increasing attendance during the summer months. In
this connection a comparison of monthly attendance records is interesting.
In July, 1955, 2,786 persons visited the museum, and in August the number
was 3,772. A year later, when the air-conditioning was in operation, the
figures for the same months were 4,57.1 and 5,755, an increase of approximately
2,000 for each month.
Another important stimulus to increased attendance has been the publicity
given the Society by the two Topeka newspapers. The Topeka State Journal
has printed each week a photograph taken from our files showing old build-
ings and street scenes. Inevitably such pictures revive interest in the past,
and the credit line printed with each tends to focus attention on the Society
and its work. The Topeka Daily Capital has been publishing on Sunday a
"Museum Feature of the Week," pointing out by means of a photograph and
brief descriptive paragraph some object which is displayed in the museum.
Public response to this series has been excellent.
The museum's educational program also has continued to expand. Guided
tours are available to groups upon request, and approximately 150 school and
scout groups from all parts of the state have utilized this service during the
year.
A photographic darkroom is operated as an adjunct to the museum. In
addition to photographing and processing all pictures used in museum dis-
plays, the darkroom staff has been responsible for all photographic work for
the Annals, the Quarterly, and for newspaper releases. It has rephotographed
all the legislative pictures which formerly hung on the walls of the museum,
and made them into panels of a size suitable for the new display wings on the
third floor. A collection of color slides of state landmarks and historic sites,
some of which will be shown at the meeting this afternoon, has been started.
Many old photographs have been copied for better preservation, and hundreds
of prints from the Society's files have been made for patrons.
Through the generosity of the Eisenhower Museum at Abilene a temporary
exhibit of gifts and mementos belonging to the President is currently displayed
in two cases on the fourth floor. A series of original Eisenhower cartoons
by Karl K. Knecht, also lent by the Eisenhower Museum, may be seen in the
glass panels in the third floor lobby.
There were 68 accessions comprising 456 objects during the year. One
of the most important was a purchase of Indian materials relating to the Kansas
area from the Beloit College Museum at Beloit, Wis. Although the Society
rarely buys museum articles, the inadequacy of our Indian collections made
it advisable to take advantage of this opportunity to obtain a number of
interesting and valuable pieces.
Important accessions during the year include a collection of furniture from
the Emma Lodean Hinton estate, Kansas City; the Lillian S. Guy Memorial
collection of 142 items, many of them articles of clothing of the 1880's, re-
ceived through Mrs. Frank Pettit and Hinkle M. Guy, Jr., Topeka; fixtures and
62 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
equipment from the general store and post office at Zarah, from Mr. and Mrs.
Harry King, Zarah, with the assistance of Robert Baughman; articles from a
drugstore at Delia, from Mrs. B. E. Frisby, Delia; pioneer sod house items
from Mrs. Ira E. Harshbarger, Loveland, Colo.; household furnishings of the
1920 era which were the property of former Gov. W. E. Stanley, from his
daughter-in-law, Mrs. W. E. Stanley, Wichita; two large collections of house-
hold items from Mrs. Eugene Bowers, Topeka, and the estate of Mr. and Mrs.
Hugh D. Carver, Concordia, through their heirs, Mrs. Dean Finley, Mrs.
Grover Empson, and Lewis Carver; and a collection of Indian items belonging
to Prof. J. V. Cortelyou, formerly of Kansas State College, donated by his
wife through R. G. Cortelyou, Omaha, Neb.
Other donors during the year were Mrs. P. W. Allen, Topeka; Mr. and
Mrs. Milton F. Amrine, Council Grove; Mrs. Louise Baber, Lawrence; Mrs.
John B. Bellamy, Topeka; Roderick Bentley, Shields; Warren P. Chancy, To-
peka; Mrs. W. B. Collinson, Topeka; Mrs. Anna Conwell, Topeka; Eldon
Corkill, Dallas, Tex.; the Julia Cotton estate, Topeka; Col. Brice C. W. Custer,
Topeka; Alva E. Dillard, Melvern; Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Durkee, Manhattan;
A. R. Earhart, Topeka; Mrs. Harry B. Farnsworth, Oakland, Cal.; Dr. Newell
Feeley, Topeka; Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Ferguson, Valley Falls; Mr. and Mrs. R. I.
Forbes, Topeka; Mrs. W. H. Freienmuth, Tonganoxie; Al F. George, Topeka;
the Governor's Mansion through Mrs. Fred Hall; Horace T. Green, Topeka;
Ray W. Groom, Council Grove; Mrs. J. L. Grubaugh, Council Grove; heirs
of Loren Hadley, Kansas City, Mo.; Hall Lithographing Co., Topeka; Mrs.
Bert Hay, Holton; Chester Heizer, Caldwell; Mrs. Jack Hendrix, Topeka; Mrs.
Daisy Keller, Sapulpa, Okla.; Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Kelley, Topeka; Manuel
Kolarik, Caldwell; E. J. Longren, Topeka; Paul Lyons, Topeka; the heirs of
William D. McFarland, Chase; Mrs. Frank Miller, Topeka; John Miller, Topeka;
Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Mulroy, Topeka; Georgia Nicholson, Lawrence; Mrs. Gail
French Peterson, Lawrence; Ward R. Philip, Brownell; B. W. Purdum, Topeka;
Mrs. R. W. Richmond, Topeka; Mrs. George E. Smith, Topeka; Mrs. Hall
Smith, Topeka; Stanley D. Sohl, Topeka; the children of Mr. and Mrs. Richard
B. Stevens, Lawrence; Annie B. Sweet, Topeka; Mrs. Virgil Teeter, Partridge;
Mrs. Carl F. Trace, Topeka; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Tucking, Valley Falls; Judy
Ann Walker, Topeka; Mrs. L. R. Watson, Altoona; Charles J. Williams, Topeka;
Wolfe's Camera Shop, Topeka; the Woman's Kansas Day Club; Charles Wulf-
kuhle, Topeka; Otto Wullschleger, Frankfort.
NEWSPAPER AND CENSUS DIVISIONS
A total of 6,342 patrons who called in person were served this year by the
newspaper and census divisions, and a much larger number by correspondence.
This service involved the use of 6,191 single issues, 6,472 bound volumes, and
1,828 microfilm reels of newspapers, and 43,886 census volumes, an increase
of more than 12,000 over the number of census volumes searched during the
previous year.
The demand for certified copies of state census records continues to mount.
Another all-time high was reached this year with 17,580 certificates issued,
nearly 2,500 more than in the preceding year. These records provide proof
of age and place of birth needed for delayed birth certificates, social security,
railroad retirement, and other purposes. The broadening of the social security
program is undoubtedly responsible for the increasing demand.
THE ANNUAL MEETING 63
Nearly all Kansas newspapers are received regularly for filing. These
include 55 dailies, one triweekly, ten semiweeklies, and 292 regular weeklies.
The Society's files now total 57,353 bound volumes of Kansas newspapers
and over 12,000 volumes of out-of-state newspapers, dating from 1767 to 1956.
With the addition of 679 reels this year, the Society's collection of newspapers
on microfilm now includes 5,926 reels.
Publishers who contribute microfilm copies of the current issues of their
newspapers to the Society are: Oscar Stauffer and Rex Woods, Arkansas City
Daily Traveler; E. W. Johnson, Chanute Tribune; Harry Valentine, Clay Center
Dispatch; George W. Marble, Fort Scott Tribune; Angelo Scott, lola Register;
W. A. Bailey, Kansas City Kansan; Dolph Simons, Lawrence Daily Journal-
World; Daniel R. Anthony, III, Leavenworth Times; and Leland Schenck,
Topeka Daily Capital
The Society frequently receives miscellaneous issues of older newspapers.
Ruth E. Hunt, Topeka, recently donated several issues of out-of-state news-
papers, most of them published on historic dates. Charles H. Carr, Wichita,
gave The Phoebus, Hutchinson, July 20, 1891-April 1, 1892. This was a
small-size biweekly newspaper published by Carr and two other "printer's
devils" to gain experience. Other donors of older newspapers include: Norman
Niccum, Tecumseh; Mrs. Loyal Payne, Manhattan; Mrs. Wm. L. Smith, Sara-
sota, Fla.; and Mrs. Eugene Bowers, Ralph Crawshaw, Louis R. Smith, and
LeRoy Stevens, Topeka. Mrs. C. D. Churchill, St. Francis, lent the Wano
Plain Dealer, December 30, 1886, to the Society for photostating.
PHOTOGRAPHS AND MAPS
During the year 1,262 photographs were added to the collection. Of these,
707 were gifts and 555 were lent to the Society for copying. Many of the
pictures came in response to requests for Anna/5 illustrations. In addition,
a great many still photographs and color slides and several feet of motion
picture film were taken by the staff. New filing cases have made the picture
storage facilities less crowded, and the system of filing is being revised.
The new photographic darkroom, mentioned previously in this report, has
already proved of great value to the Society. All photographs lent for copying
were reproduced by our own staff and equipment rather than by a commercial
photographer as in the past. A large number of faded or damaged pictures
from the files were also copied. Service to the public has been substantially
improved. Dozens of patrons have been aided by the files and darkroom
facilities as the Society has been able to furnish copies in sizes from small
snapshots to large photo murals upon request.
The map collection has undergone some changes and 40 new maps have
been accessioned during the year. The acquisition of a new map case has
facilitated cleaner and more efficient storage. A large backlog of uncataloged
material has been recorded and filed. Space has been saved and the maps
themselves are more easily accessible.
SUBJECTS FOR RESEARCH
Subjects for extended research during the year included: Negro migration,
1879; St. John's Episcopal church, Wichita; banking in Kansas; the Indian
frontier on the upper Missouri before 1865 and missions and fur trade on the
upper Missouri before 1900; labor unions in Kansas; World War I; the
64 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Lecompton constitution; woman suffrage; railway promotion in the settlement
of Kansas; Shawnee county schools; cow towns; Pottawatomie Indians; local
taxes in Kansas; the Republican party; Highland Park; Kansas folklore; E.
Haldeman- Julius and his publications; textbooks used in Kansas schools; Kansas
sheriffs and outlaws, and life in central Kansas, 1870-1900; Eugene F. Ware;
Mary Elizabeth Lease; Frederick Funston; William Clark; and David R.
Atchison.
PUBLICATIONS
The Quarterly. Reduced printing appropriations of the past four years
were increased by the 1956 legislature, enabling the Society again to publish
a Quarterly of sufficient pages to warrant the binding of an annual volume.
Volume 22, therefore, will contain the four numbers for 1956, and should be
ready for distribution by the end of the year.
A larger magazine will permit publication of a greater variety of articles,
which in turn will attract more reader interest. Among the features this year
were the Charles B. Lines letters, edited by Alberta Pantle, which told the
story of the Connecticut-Kansas colony and its settlement at Wabaunsee 100
years ago. Articles relating the experiences of two pioneer women in western
Kansas, Mrs. Hattie E. Lee and Mrs. Catherine Wiggins Porter, have received
widespread praise. George C. Anderson's journal, being published in two
parts, records an Ohio land committee's impressions of several areas of Kansas
and Colorado in 1871. Dr. James C. Malin's contributions this year are articles
on James A. and Louie Lord, and other theatrical groups and individuals who
entertained in Kansas. The Winter number will include an account of the
old ghost town of Quindaro, by Alan W. Farley, and the journal of William
W. Salisbury, who joined the gold rush across Kansas to the Pike's Peak area
in 1859, edited by David Lindsey.
Annals of Kansas. Today the second and final volume at least for the
present of the new Annals of Kansas will be formally presented. It marks
the conclusion of a gigantic task. Nearly ten years of research, selection, and
editorial effort have gone into the preparation of these two books. The first
volume, published two years ago, covered the period 1886-1910. The second
volume continues this day-by-day history of the state through 1925. More
will be said of this work at the afternoon meeting, but it is fitting here to
make special mention of Jennie S. Owen, chief annalist, and the several
assistants who have worked with her through the years; of Kirke Mechem, the
editor; and Louise Barry, who undertook singlehanded the immense job of
compiling the index.
Upon the completion of her work on the Annals Miss Owen retired from
active service with the Society. Although she had been a member of the
staff for 18 years, she often spoke of her desire to write again for the news-
papers. Now she will have time, and Jennie's by-line undoubtedly will be
seen over special articles and feature stories, as it was in earlier years when
she worked for the Emporia Gazette, the El Dorado Times, and the Junction
City Union.
The Mirror. Publication of the Mirror, the Society's bimonthly newsletter,
has continued through the year. It has been well received by members and
friends and has been helpful in bringing them into closer contact with the
actual administration and activities of the organization. Many fine accessions
THE ANNUAL MEETING 65
have been received, particularly for the museum, as a direct result of articles
which have appeared in its columns.
THE FIRST CAPITOL
Registration of visitors at the First Territorial Capitol, on the Fort Riley
reservation, totaled 3,590 for the year. This is a decrease of approximately
1,000 from last year's figure, and may be accounted for at least in part by the
fact that many tourists now use the new U. S. 40 highway which by-passes
Fort Riley.
Installation of new display cases was completed during the year, and elec-
trical wiring was installed in the building for the first time. The new cases,
each with its own electrical fixture, may now allow exhibits to be seen under
the most advantageous conditions.
THE FUNSTON HOME
Officially known as the Funston Memorial State Park, this property did not
begin active operation until May, 1956. V. E. Berglund was employed as
caretaker and a great deal has been accomplished since that time despite the
handicap of extremely limited funds. Grounds have been cleaned up, trees
and shrubs trimmed, and new plantings have been set out.
Many articles of furniture, decoration, and household goods have been
received from Mrs. F. A. Eckdall, Emporia, and Aldo Funston, Parsons, a
sister and brother of Gen. Frederick Funston. The Society's museum staff has
installed two wall cases in which are displayed articles relating to the general's
career.
A visitors' register opened in June was signed by 377 persons through the
end of September. Thirteen states, in addition to Kansas, were represented.
The number of visitors undoubtedly will increase substantially, although lack
of a heating sytsem will make the home primarily a three-season attraction.
THE KAW MISSION
This has been a highly successful year for the Kaw Methodist Mission at
Council Grove. Visitors registered from 45 states, the District of Columbia,
Hawaii, Alaska, and nine foreign countries. Registrations totaled 5,722, a gain
of more than a thousand over the preceding year.
Much of the credit for the increase in attendance must go to local supporters.
A "Museum Scoreboard" published each week by the Council Grove Republican
has created a geat deal of interest, while an information bureau established by
the Junior Chamber of Commerce has done an excellent job of directing tourists
to the Mission. Council Grove is aware of its historic sites and their interest
to visitors. It is also aware of the commercial value of such places to the
community, and it is losing no opportunity to call attention to them.
Three floodlights purchased and installed by the Council Grove Ladies'
Civic Improvement Club, with the assistance of the Kiwanis Club, also have
made the Mission and grounds a place of beauty after dark. The Kansas
District of Kiwanis International has placed an attractive marble bench in a
corner of the grounds to commemorate the founding of the district at Council
Grove.
Donors during the year included Ralph Edwards, Burdick; Dorothy Miller,
White City; Fred Roy, Wilsey; John Ryman, Dunlap; and Lucy Porter Axe,
66 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Rose Axe, O. A. Copple, O. D. Griffing, Bud Larmer, Larry Stewart, W. H.
White, Jr., and Willard Young, Council Grove.
OLD SHAWNEE MISSION
During the year visitors representing 29 states, England, Germany, Australia,
Colombia, Ecuador, the Egyptian Sudan, and the Philippine Islands stopped at
Old Shawnee Mission, located in the Kansas City suburbs. All sections of
Kansas and Missouri were represented and there were many school and scout
groups. A group of approximately 100 new Johnson county public school
teachers visited the Mission on a tour to points of interest in the vicinity,
sponsored by the Mission, Kan., Chamber of Commerce. Among other visitors
were Mrs. Eleanor Lia, great granddaughter of the Rev. Isaac McCoy, Shawnee
Baptist missionary; Mr. and Mrs. Louis T. Dick, Tulsa, Okla., George Dick, and
James Squirrel, all Shawnee Indians.
The original brick walls of the North building and most of the West
building were tuckpointed and waterproofed. Three rooms in the North
building were papered with a reproduction of a wallpaper used before 1840.
The annual pilgrimage of the Kansas department, Daughters of the
American Revolution, was held as usual at the Mission on Constitution Day,
September 17. Approximately 115 members from over the state attended the
meeting and picnic.
The Society is indebted to the state department of Colonial Dames, Daugh-
ters of American Colonists, Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters
of 1812, and the Shawnee Mission Indian Historical Society for their continued
assistance at the Mission.
THE MITCHELL BEQUEST
In 1953 the board of directors accepted for the Society a 30-acre tract of
hill pasture known as Mount Mitchell. Bequeathed by William I. Mitchell in
memory of his father, Capt. William Mitchell, and the Connecticut-Kansas
colony of which he was a member, the hill overlooks the town of Wabaunsee
where the colony settled. The terms of the bequest required that an appropriate
monument or marker be placed on the hill. This condition was fulfilled last
month when a six-foot monument of Onaga stone was erected on the summit.
A bronze plaque attached to the stone reads:
In commemoration of the Connecticut Kansas Colony, known
also as the Beecher Bible and Rifle Colony, which settled at Wa-
baunsee in 1856, and in memory of Capt. William Mitchell, a '
member of the Colony, this monument is erected on Mount Mitchell
through the generosity of his son, William I. Mitchell, by the Kansas
State Historical Society, 1956.
This year is the centennial of the Connecticut colony's arrival in Kansas,
and it is therefore fitting that the marker should have been erected at this
time. The Society is pleased to have had a part in commemorating the con-
structive efforts of this group of pioneers.
THE STAFF OF THE SOCIETY
It is a pleasure this year, as always, to call attention to the work of the
staff. The Society's collections have made it one of the nation's leading
historical institutions, but the people who do the work day after day are
THE ANNUAL MEETING 67
responsible for the personal element which brings such commendations as this
from California: "In my opinion the Kansas State Historical Society is the
most efficient and co-operative historical society in the country.
While it is not possible to name every individual on the staff, the work of
each is sincerely appreciated. Special mention should be given to Edgar
Langsdorf, assistant secretary; Mrs. Lela Barnes of the manuscript division,
treasurer of the Society; Alberta Pantle, librarian; Robert W. Richmond,
archivist; Stanley D. Sohl, museum director; Forrest R. Blackburn of the
newspaper division; and Jennie S. Owen, annalist.
Acknowledgment should also be made of the fine work of the custodians of
the several historic sites administered by the Society: Mr. and Mrs. Harry
Hardy at Shawnee Mission, Mr. and Mrs. Elwood Jones at Kaw Mission, Mr.
and Mrs. V. E. Berglund at the Funston Memorial Home, and John Scott at
the First Capitol. Respectfully submitted,
NYLE H. MILLER, Secretary.
At the conclusion of the reading of the secretary's report, Karl
Miller moved that it be approved. Motion was seconded by Will
T. Beck and the report was accepted.
President Riegle then called for the report of the treasurer, Mrs.
Lela Barnes:
TREASURER'S REPORT
Based on the post-audit by the State Division of Auditing and Accounting
for the period August 5, 1955, to July 26, 1956.
MEMBERSHIP FEE FUND
Balance, August 5, 1955:
Cash (including $1,153.69 of the Elizabeth Reader
bequest) $6,396.36
U. S. bonds, Series K 3,500.00
$9,896.36
Receipts:
Membership fees $929.01
Gifts and donations 35.30
Bond interest 274.90
1,239.21
$11,135.57
Disbursements: $2,041.50
Balance, July 26, 1956:
Cash (including $775.19 of the Elizabeth Reader be-
quest) $4,094.07
U. S. bonds, Series K 5,000.00
9,094.07
$11,135.57
68
KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
JONATHAN PECKER BEQUEST
Balance, August 5, 1955:
Cash $68.02
U. S. treasury bonds 950.00
$1,018.02
Receipts:
Savings account interest 2.54
$1,020.56
Balance, July 26, 1956:
Cash $20.56
U. S. bonds, Series K 1,000.00
$1,020.56
JOHN BOOTH BEQUEST
Balance, August 5, 1955:
Cash $142.90
U. S. bonds, Series K 500.00
$642.90
Receipts:
Savings account interest 1.29
$644.19
Disbursements, books $27.12
Balance, July 26, 1956:
Cash $117.07
U. S. bonds, Series K 500.00
617.07
$644.19
THOMAS H. BOWLUS DONATION
This donation is substantiated by a U. S. bond, Series K, in the amount of
$1,000. The interest is credited to the membership fee fund.
ELIZABETH READER BEQUEST
Balance, August 5, 1955:
Cash (deposited in membership fee fund) $1,153.69
U. S. bonds, Series G 5,200.00
Receipts:
Interest (deposited in membership fee fund)
Disbursements, books
Balance, July 26, 1956:
Cash (deposited in membership fee fund)
$775.19
U. S. bonds, Series G 5,200.00
$6,353.69
130.00
$6,483.69
$508.50
5,975.19
$6,483.69
THE ANNUAL MEETING 69
STATE APPROPRIATIONS
This report covers only the membership fee fund and other custodial funds.
Appropriations made to the Historical Society by the legislature are disbursed
through the State Department of Administration. For the year ending June 30,
1956, these appropriations were: Kansas State Historical Society, including the
Memorial building, $217,232; Funston Home, $2,600; Pike Pawnee Village site,
$1,000; First Capitol of Kansas, $4,848; Kaw Mission, $4,534; Old Shawnee
Mission, $14,363. Respectfully submitted,
MRS. LELA BARNES, Treasurer.
On motion by Lea Maranville, seconded by John S. Dawson, the
report of the treasurer was accepted.
President Riegle then called for the report of the executive com-
mittee on the post-audit of the Society's funds by the state division of
auditing and accounting. The report was read by Will T. Beck:
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
October 12, 1956.
To the Board of Directors, Kansas State Historical Society:
The executive committee being directed under the by-laws 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, the Old Kaw Mission, the Funston Home and
Pike's Pawnee Village, for the period August 5, 1955, to July 26, 1956, and
that they are hereby approved. WILL T. BECK, Chairman,
JOHN S. DAWSON,
FRANK HAUCKE,
T. M. LILLARD,
C. M. CORRELL.
Will T. Beck moved acceptance of the report. Alan W. Farley
seconded the motion and the report was accepted.
The report of the nominating committee for officers of the Society
was read by Will T. Beck:
NOMINATING COMMITTEE'S REPORT
October 12, 1956.
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: Rolla Clymer, El Dorado, president; Alan W. Farley,
Kansas City, first vice-president; and Richard M. Long, Wichita, second vice-
president.
For a two-year term: Mrs. Lela Barnes, Topeka, treasurer.
Respectfully submitted,
WILL T. BECK, Chairman.
The report was referred to the afternoon meeting of the board.
Because of interest in the controversy over the Wyandotte Indian
70 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
burial ground in the heart of Kansas City, Kan., Alan W. Farley
was called on to speak briefly on the history of the site and its
current status. Mr. Farley concluded his remarks by presenting
the following resolution and moving its acceptance:
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Directors of the Kansas State Historical
Society at the annual meeting on October 16, 1956, at Topeka, Kan., that the
Huron Indian Cemetery in Kansas City, Kan., is a place of unusual historical
interest and should be preserved for posterity because of its unique character
and because of the historical significance of the lives of those Wyandotte
Indians buried therein, and that the Secretary is hereby directed to notify
all of the Kansas representatives and senators of this resolution, and that they
be urged to secure the repeal of provisions relating to said cemetery contained
in Public Law 887 84th Congress, Chapter 843, Second Session, S 3970.
R. F. Brock seconded the motion by Alan W. Farley, and the
resolution was adopted.
There followed a brief discussion of means of obtaining new
members with remarks by Joseph C. Shaw, Charles C. Rankin,
Frank Haucke, Otto J. Wullschleger, and Karl Miller.
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.
Before the president's address, Col. Brice C. W. Custer was intro-
duced to the meeting. Colonel Custer is a grandnephew of Gen.
George A. Custer and is currently serving as Senior Army Adviser
for Reserve units in the state of Kansas.
The address by President Wilford Riegle follows:
ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT
PECK'S BAD BOYS
WELFORD RIEGLE
THIS is a brief story of an infantry division in World War I, a
division composed of men from Kansas and Missouri; a divi-
sion that covered itself with glory and everlasting fame by helping
to drive the Germans out of France, and across the Rhine river,
which brought peace for awhile to a troubled world.
I refer to the 35th division, a National Guard outfit, if you please.
When war was declared on the Germans in 1917, our United States
armed forces were neither large nor strong. Much planning, organi-
THE ANNUAL MEETING 71
zation, and reorganization had to be effected expeditiously by our
military leaders in Washington and elsewhere in the country, for the
Germans were driving toward Paris and ultimate victory over the
Allies. In order to reach the required strength for a war-size in-
fantry regiment, for instance, the National Guard regiments within
a state, and sometimes from two states, were joined together.
Uniting two regiments to make one regiment of the required
strength eliminated virtually half of the officers. Many officers were
transferred to other units or camps for duty; a good many were dis-
charged for physical disabilities; others were relieved from the serv-
ice because of certain deficiencies. Those were days that tried an
officer's soul because of the anxiety for his military future. In order
to reach the required strength of a division, battalions and regiments
of the various branches of several or more states were joined to-
gether. To make up the 35th division, the National Guard organiza-
tions of Kansas and Missouri were combined. The Missouri Guard
contributed, according to the record, 14,282 men, and Kansas 9,781
men. When the divisional strength was placed at 27,000 the addi-
tional men were taken almost entirely from Kansas and Missouri
drafts, so that the division about which we speak today, started out
and continued to be, to the time it was mustered out in 1919, a Kan-
sas and Missouri outfit.
Here in Kansas, for many years prior to 1917, our National Guard
units, small in size, and without much pay and equipment, were in-
structed, trained, and led by many devoted, loyal, and efficient offi-
cers. I have time here to speak briefly of only three of these officers
who helped to mould our Kansas National Guard in those days.
Many of you knew these officers personally, I am sure.
Gen. Charles I. Martin, of Fort Scott, was the adjutant general
of Kansas before and after World War I. He had a long and dis-
tinguished military career. As a captain of the famous 20th Kansas
infantry in the Battle of Manila, Martin's company suffered the
heaviest casualties of the regiment. Near Calucan in the Philippines
his company held the enemy in place without relief for six weeks.
Martin came out of that engagement a major and was the only Na-
tional Guard general officer with the 35th division in 1917 and 1918.
Gen. Wilder S. Metcalf, of Lawrence, had been in command of the
1st Kansas infantry regiment from 1897 to 1917, except during the
Spanish-American War, during which time he served as a major of
the 20th Kansas infantry. He succeeded Funston as commanding
officer of that famous regiment.
72 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Col. Perry M. Hoisington, of Newton, the grand old man of the
2d Kansas infantry regiment, was born in Michigan. He served in
the National Guard of that state as an enlisted man and officer before
coming to Kansas in 1884. Colonel Hoisington served in the Na-
tional Guard of Kansas most of the years from 1890 until 1925, be-
ginning as a private. He received the rank of colonel in 1895 and
commanded the 2d Kansas through the Spanish-American War and
on the Mexican border. He was the first commanding officer of
the 137th infantry in 1917. He gave the guard an uplifting and per-
meating influence which displayed devotion and love of service of
the highest order. Many a time the men followed on foot this gal-
lant soldier and his horse while on some hike or maneuver.
Such was the caliber of the officers who prepared the National
Guard for service in World War I.
Many of the men of the division served on the Mexican border in
1916, guarding and protecting our southern American frontier
against Mexican outlaws who were making life miserable for those
who lived there.
The service on the border proved to be a great training center for
these men who later became veterans of World War I. Down there
in the hot winds, sand, and cactus the men were moulded into
soldiers of the best quality by living a vigorous outdoor life and by
learning to endure fatigue, discomfort, and hardship.
On Sunday, August 5, 1917, the troops of Kansas, and other states,
were called into active service and assigned to home camps. The
units were federalized, passed from the control of the states, and
became a part of the United States army. From then until October
a steady stream of guard troops departed from many towns in Kan-
sas for Camp Doniphan, Okla. Here organizations were joined to-
gether and allotted designated areas. They started an intensive pro-
gram of exercises, marches, and drills; they became accustomed to
a daily menu of Oklahoma dust. Soldiers were routed out of bed
each morning with dust in their eyes and dust on their army bacon.
They drilled or hiked under a scorching sun with equally scorching
sands underfoot.
Gen. William M. Wright, the division commander, insisted firmly
that the men of his division be highly proficient in the use of the
rifle, accurate in firing at all ranges, and skilled at maneuvering in
the open woods by day or by night. The manual of arms, bayonet
drill, grenade throwing, and trench warfare became an important
part of each day's routine for the infantry. The field signal battalion,
with its radio work; the artillery with its range practice; and the
THE ANNUAL MEETING 73
medical men with their first aid training also were on a busy sched-
ule. Gruelling hikes took the men out into the scrub oak districts
surrounding the camp. The men had never trained for trench war-
fare so experts in the new art of war, French, Scotch, and English,
were sent from the battlefields of France to teach them. In spite of
living in tents, which meant a fight day after day to maintain their
health, the men were hardened and toughened by constant hard
work.
At Camp Doniphan the Kansas contingents of the division passed
in review before the governor of Kansas, the Hon. Arthur Capper.
It was a windy and dusty day, and the mental picture of Governor
Capper, astride a strange and frisky army steed has not yet faded.
During much of that day the governor also passed through the Kan-
sas area of the camp shaking hands with many soldiers over the age
of 21.
During the late winter of 1917 and the early spring of 1918 rumors
were numerous and insistent about the division's departure from
Camp Doniphan. Nobody knew just how and where all the rumors
were started. Finally, early in April, the order for evacuation came.
All the tracks of the spur railroad leading into camp were spotted
with empty passenger coaches. As troop train after troop train de-
parted, the soldiers bid a fond and profane adieu to Oklahoma's
dusty precincts.
Immense crowds saw the troop trains as they passed through
cities and hamlets. Once or twice each day the men were marched
through the streets of various cities in order to exercise their legs.
The whole division was assembled in Camp Mills, near Mineola,
on Long Island, N. Y. Here the equipment of the men was checked
and made complete and they were given last minute instructions
for the trip across the Atlantic Ocean. However, there was time
for relaxation and furloughs. Many of the men were given two-
day furloughs, so they could see the bright lights and wonders of
New York City. The old Hippodrome Theatre, with its spectacular
shows, was probably the main attraction for the men.
The men of the division attracted the immediate attention of the
New Yorkers because of their chin straps. The winds of Oklahoma
spoiled many formations on the parade ground by blowing hats
from the soldiers' heads. For that reason, General Wright, the
division commander, ordered every officer and enlisted man to secure
his campaign hat with a strap under his chin. The New York papers
called the division, the "Chin Strap Division," and the citizens of
65869
74 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
the East concluded that the Kansans were either cowpunchers or
ranchers. In fact, a good many of the Easterners, smug in their
culture and provincial thinking, were a little afraid of these Kansans
as they walked their streets. Peering with strained necks at sky-
scrapers and getting lost among the canyons of the city, indicated
to the Easterners that these chin strap boys from the "Wild West"
might not be civilized.
On April 24 and 25, the Middle Westerners, many of them smell-
ing salt water for the first time, boarded ships at the loading docks in
New York City and Hoboken, N. J., and sailed away to the first
great adventure of their lives. It was a cold, windy voyage across
the boisterous sea. Because of the German submarine the ships
traveled in convoys, and they were routed far to the North Atlantic.
Turning southward near the Scottish coast, the ships passed through
the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. Immediately upon
debarkation at Liverpool the troops were marched through the city,
beneath flying flags, banners, and confetti to waiting trains. They
were then whisked away to Winchester, Southampton, and other
cities of southern England. Here they basked in England's sun-
shine; here they saw their first German prisoners, erect, proud,
and defiant.
After a few days' rest, the men embarked on small boats and
ships, and on a cold and foggy night, crossed the English channel
safely to Le Havre on the northern coast of France. The troops
moved to various bivouac areas, erroneously called rest camps,
near the city of Eu. The war was not far away. The division, with
eight other American divisions, was assembled in a little corner of
northern France not far from Dunkerque of World War II fame.
Here they were attached to the British army as reserves. The men
were issued English rifles and other British equipment. English
instructors and cooks were assigned to the various units. Under
their guidance the Kansans dug reserve trenches, and erected
barbed wire entanglements; they prepared a line of defense to
which the British could fall back, or into which some of the Amer-
ican reserve divisions could be thrown, if need be, to stop a push
of the Germans to the English channel.
About this time the Allied command was putting heavy pressure
on General Pershing for a drastic change in organization. The
English "Big Brass" insisted that these American reserve divisions
be split up. They wanted to use the men of these divisions as
replacements for British units. If their plan had been successful,
THE ANNUAL MEETING 75
American soldiers would have worn British uniforms, eaten English-
cooked food, and would have fought as Englishmen. The thought
of this un-American plan lowered the morale of the men greatly.
But General Pershing, God bless him, with speed and firmness,
convinced the Allied command that his men would fight under the
American flag, in American uniforms and units, under command of
American officers.
On June 7, 1918, the division boarded the small boxcars, com-
monly called 40 men or 8 horses, for the province of Alsace in
southeastern France. By lying bumper to bumper 40 men could
sleep most unsuccessfully in one of these boxcars. Alsace had been
taken from the French in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War. It
remained a German province until the early days of World War I
when the French recaptured it from the Germans. The majority
of the people spoke German. Alsace was a quiet and peaceful
sector and a good training ground for the division. High pine-clad
hills looked down on the fertile valleys below. The homes of the
peasants were intact there and the fields produced their yearly
harvests. The linen factories, on the banks of the streams, hummed
the song of peace. The inhabitants of the villages clattered along
in their wooden shoes, like troops of trotting cavalry. Old women
at the municipal washing troughs beat out a symphony of peace
with their pounding paddles.
Golden-haired girls shouted welcomes, waved their hands, and
threw flowers in the trucks filled with soldiers. The men unani-
mously agreed that it was a bully sector in which to fight a war.
And every soldier felt sure he would do well in this peaceful sector.
After being in Alsace a short time, the men observed that most
of the farm work was done by women. The public relations officer
of the division issued a bulletin stating that all soldiers, who wished
to do so, might volunteer to assist the women in the fields on
Sunday after church. Eight hundred men volunteered. He never
issued such a bulletin again.
In the little town of Wesserling, high in the Vosges mountains
in Alsace, a good many of the men slept in a great barracks which
formerly had been a German headquarters. Others slept in hay-
mows. The stables usually were under these haymows so there
was always an elaborate assortment of odors. The soldiers were
annoyed by the stamping and moving cows. Rats and troops
developed into congenial bedmates.
The war in Alsace had taken on a subdued tone. There had been
76 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
no major action since 1915. It had been a rest center for both the
French and the German troops for some time. The roar of guns
was seldom heard and air raids never occurred.
However, the Kansans did their best to make things exciting for
the Germans, who retaliated with shrapnel, gas shells, and hand
grenades. The Kansans received their first baptism of fire when
the Germans staged a raid on their lines. A short time later
Company C of the 137th infantry, made up of boys from Burlington
and Great Bend, raided the German trenches and captured seven
prisoners. The division left 100 men in the foothills of the Alps
who had been killed during raids on the German lines, or who
had died of wounds, accident, or disease. Lt. Thomas Hopkins, a
Kansan, was killed while rescuing a wounded comrade from the
barbed-wire entanglement in "No Man's Land." He formerly lived
in Wichita, and the American Legion Post there is named for him.
Sgt. McKinley Pratt, of Emporia, threw himself upon an unex-
ploded hand grenade in order to protect near-by comrades and
was killed when the grenade exploded.
In Alsace the men learned how grim war could be. They swore
at the discomforts and were disgusted with fighting in the mountains.
Yet, when they had moved on to other sectors, where battles raged
and men died on every side, they remembered how serene their
lives had been in the high mountains of Alsace.
Intense fighting had developed in the Marne valley, east of Paris,
while the 35th trained in the Alsace sector. The enemy had at-
tacked, and they had been repulsed with heavy losses. For the
first time in four years conditions were encouraging for the Allies.
General Pershing had obtained consent from the supreme command
to reduce the sector above St. Mihiel, a strong and dominating area
which the Germans had occupied since 1914; so, early on the morn-
ing of September 12, after intensive artillery preparation, the
Americans launched their first major offensive, designed to wipe
out this St. Mihiel sector. The day before the St. Mihiel offensive
began, the 35th landed in the Foret de Haye, a densely wooded
area not far from Nancy and only a few miles in the rear of St.
Mihiel.
The 35th division was in reserve during the St. Mihiel offensive
which was an important assignment. The reserve is an essential
part of every attacking force, large or small, even if that reserve
never moves a foot nor fires a shot.
Those were trying days for the 35th. The St. Mihiel fight was
THE ANNUAL MEETING 77
only a few miles away, and the roar and flash of the guns could
sometimes be heard and seen by the men. At night enemy air-
planes came over and dropped bombs on the forest, and a good
part of the time it rained heavily. The St. Mihiel offensive was
tactically perfect and was operated with precision. The Americans
crashed at will against the German lines and there was no need to
call upon the reserves. Immediately after the St. Mihiel sector was
taken the 35th left its reserve position and moved by motor buses,
trucks, and on foot toward the Argonne Forest.
This forest, forever made immortal by the blood of many Ameri-
can boys, covered hills and low mountains. It dominated the
country surrounding it and was heavily fortified by the Germans.
As long as the Germans held and occupied this forest the war could
not end. It was the most essential area in the possession of the
enemy. The operation to attack and capture the Argonne was
set tentatively for the spring of 1919. However, the ease with
which the St. Mihiel sector was captured, and the obvious weaken-
ing of the enemy on all fronts, convinced Marshal Foch, the allied
supreme commander, that he could capture this forest and end
the war in the fall of 1918. He, therefore, set the force of the
Allied armies to the task of preparing for the last great battle of
World War I.
The American battle line extended from the Meuse river, a few
miles above Verdun, westward to the Argonne Forest, where it
connected with the French Fourth army which was attacking on
the left of the Argonne. Nine American divisions were in the
Meuse-Argonne line ready to attack on the night of September 25.
The men of these divisions had been under constant enemy fire
for four days and nights.
At 11:30 P. M., September 25, the American artillery opened a
deceptive fire to the east of the Meuse river and to the west of the
Argonne Forest. This was intended to deceive the enemy as to
the place at which the attack would come. It was hoped that the
enemy would shift his reserves and other forces away from the
American line. At 2:30, on the morning of September 26, all other
artillery concentrated its fire between the Meuse river and the
Argonne. All Hell broke loose. The sky was slashed and cut
with a mass of crimson. The earth jarred and rumbled, for three
hours, as 3,000 guns concentrated their fire upon the enemy lines.
Naval guns stationed at posts farther to the rear concentrated on
movement of troops behind the enemy lines.
78 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Then at 5:30 the infantry on the American line went over the
top. There was little ceremony about it. Every man knew that at
last he was going forward to a new and great adventure. He knew
that he might fall along the way, rise again to sweep toward the
enemy, and then fall again to rise no more.
The ground over which the division advanced was not heavily
wooded. The trees were scattered. There were many deep
ravines, destroyed villages and farms, and other obstacles.
It is impossible to relate here in detail the part played by the
35th in the Argonne. In five days of intensive, unremitting fighting,
the division had fought against the best the Germans had to offer.
In a bedlam of death, destruction, and debris it had thrust aside,
and pushed back, the pride of the German army. The 35th had
fought against and taken prisoners from six German divisions. It
had advanced ten miles into enemy territory. It had been pushed
back, had gone forward again, and then had been forced to organize
and hold a line about ten miles forward of the original front. The
division had advanced farther into the Argonne than any other
division in the First army. It had captured Vauquois Hill, a perfect
example of German fortification with an elaborate trench system.
Along with the 28th, Pennsylvania's National Guard division, on
the left, it had captured the town of Varennes. When the French
Revolution was brewing King Louis the 16th and Marie Antoinette
endeavored to escape from France. They got as far as Varennes
where they were captured, returned to Paris, and eventually turned
over to the executioner.
The 35th also captured the towns of Cheppy, Very, Neuvilly,
Baulny, Charpentry, Exermont, Fleville as well as Chaudron Farm
and Montrebeau Woods.
The division captured over 1,000 prisoners. It also captured a
great mass of enemy equipment: machine guns, auto rifles, anti-
tank guns, telephone systems, engineer dumps, ammunition dumps,
6-inch howitzers, antiaircraft batteries, and many other weapons
and materiel of warfare.
It suffered 8,023 casualties out of 27,000 men in five days of
desperate fighting. The War Department records show over 1,000
killed, 6,894 wounded, and 169 captured.
The 35th division played a decisive part in the Meuse-Argonne
offensive, the last great battle of the war. Under the dark, autumn
sky, and through the steady, cold rain it pushed ahead, and the
Aire river valley was reddened with the blood of a thousand dead.
THE ANNUAL MEETING 79
When the division had spent its force, it stepped aside to let the
First Regular army division take its place to carry on the battle.
On October 1, 1918, the weary columns of the 35th were on their
way to the rear. It was morning and the sky was clear. The air
was cool for it was October in France. The leaves on the trees
were purple and russet.
The division, as it went to the rear, looked more like a band of
refugees than a military organization. The men were unshaven,
dirty, and haggard. Their clothing was soiled and torn. Many
men had minor wounds, and white bandages were much in evidence.
A great deal of equipment had been lost or destroyed. A serious
dysenteric epidemic had broken out.
Into this scene, even before the men had time to recuperate, to
clean their clothes or equipment, or to get a good, square meal,
rode one Maj. Robert Gray Peck, of the Inspector General's depart-
ment. He arrived at the scene in a shining limousine, spic and span
in a clean, spotless uniform, stiff, erect, his military appearance
perfect in every detail. Major Peck was far behind the front lines,
during the Meuse-Argonne offensive. The roar and flash of the
guns of that battle had not disturbed his sleep. He had been sent
forward to inspect the troops, then ride back to his rendezvous
in the rear of the lines and make his report to his superior officers.
Major Peck was indeed a well-trained and discerning officer. He
had been taught to appreciate shining buttons, well-polished shoes,
and snappy saluting.
Colonel Rieger of the division explained to Major Peck about the
battle and the long march immediately afterward, whereupon Peck
heatedly replied, "The soldiers ought to be ready for inspection on
all occasions/' Some men did not have buttons on their coats.
Major Peck reported on that. Some did not have blouses at all,
and none could be obtained, but Major Peck severely reprimanded
the division for this deficiency. One soldier, sick with dysentery, his
uniform torn, and legging partly gone, as a result of the battle, was
reprimanded by Major Peck. When the Kansas boy said, "I
haven't any other clothes," Major Peck replied, "Why don't you get
them?"
Major Peck severely criticized the men because they did not
jump to their feet with military precision, stand at attention, and
salute him. He complained that the officers and men were talking
together. He came upon about 40 men resting together. A few of
them were sick. They failed to notice the major as he approached
80 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
them, and they did not come to attention. Major Peck severely
reprimanded these men and made three who were sick stand up and
come to attention.
As Major Peck was driving away in his limousine, he came upon a
wagon with officers' bed rolls. On them were two privates who had
been gassed in battle. "What the Hell are you doing on that
wagon?" shouted the major. The sergeant explained that the men
were sick, and had been ordered to rest on top of the rolls. To
which Peck instantly replied, "I don't give a damn who told you
to ride there, get the Hell off and stay off." The men got off. Major
Peck should have known better. Any officer knows, or should know,
that an Inspector General, or his representative, is an administrative
officer. He does not command except in his own department. His
job is to inspect, ascertain conditions, offer helpful suggestions and
advice, and then make his inspection report to his superior officers.
Major Peck had no business giving any commands to the lowliest
private in the division. If he wanted the two men to get off the
bedding rolls he should have asked the captain to order them off.
Major Peck's entire report showed how appalled he was by these
ragged and wearied men. He ended his written report by saying,
"Most of the organizations showed all the earmarks of National
Guard units, which they are. Captains and lieutenants were con-
tinually noticed on most familiar terms with enlisted men. The Na-
tional Guard attitude permeates the entire division and must be
gotten rid of at once."
The wheels of time turn.
On February 28, 1921, the names of 4,000 officers came before
the Military Affairs committee of the United States Senate for pro-
motion. The names had to be confirmed by the senate. The com-
mittee was about to take favorable action on the entire list when
Sen. Arthur Capper of Kansas inquired if there were a Robert Gray
Peck on the list. There was. Senator Capper then explained to the
committee about the Peck report on the 35th division. The committee
listened intently to Senator Capper and also to the reading of resolu-
tions opposing Peck's promotion, and then struck his name from the
list. Later another effort to force the promotion of Peck was balked
by Senator Capper in the committee. He was supported this time
by Sen. Selden P. Spencer of Missouri and by Sen. Charles Curtis
of Kansas. Later, the senate committee recommended the promo-
tion of Major Peck. Senators Capper, Spencer, and I. L. Lenroot of
Wisconsin filed a minority report against the promotion. The nom-
THE ANNUAL MEETING 81
ination of Peck to be a lieutenant colonel in the Regular army was
discussed later in an executive session in the senate. Strong opposi-
tion to the promotion developed early in the debate. Capper, and
many other senators, spoke against Peck. Finally, about 11 months
after his name was first considered, the senate in executive session,
by a vote of 41 to 19, confirmed the nomination of Peck to be a lieu-
tenant colonel in the Regular army. Thus ended one of the strangest
and most publicized episodes in the military history of the National
Guard of Kansas.
What became of Peck? He served as a lieutenant colonel only
seven months, for he was retired from the army on December 15,
1922.
What became of the 35th division? It was soon reactivated after
World War I, this time composed of the National Guard troops
from Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Charles I. Martin was its
first post-war commanding general.
In December, 1940, the division was ordered into Federal service
and was sent to Camp Robinson, Ark., near Little Rock. Here it
trained until a few weeks after Pearl Harbor, in December, 1941,
when it was ordered to the West Coast. After two years of training
and duty in various camps of the United States it was shipped over-
seas. On D-day it landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy under
command of General Eisenhower, and once more helped to drive
the Germans out of France and across the Rhine river.
Soon after the end of World War II, the division was again re-
activated and was composed once more of the National Guard
troops of Kansas and Missouri. It is now considered one of the best
trained and equipped National Guard divisions in the United States.
I am proud to have served in this division for over 25 years and
during two World Wars.
At the conclusion of the president's address, the secretary showed
a series of color slides of historic buildings and sites in Kansas. The
slides were selected from the collection being assembled by the
Society.
Kirke Mechem, former secretary and editor of the Annals of Kan-
sas, 1886-1925, was introduced by President Riegle. Mr. Mechem
in turn introduced Jennie Small Owen, annalist, and presented the
second volume of the Annals.
The report of the nominating committee was called for, and was
presented by Will T. Beck:
82 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTORS
October 12, 1956.
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, 1959:
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. Menninger, Karl, Topeka.
Beck, Will T., Holton. Miller, Karl, Dodge City.
Chambers, Lloyd, Clearwater. Moore, Russell, Wichita.
Chandler, C. J., Wichita. Motz, Frank, Hays.
Clymer, Rolla, El Dorado. Rankin, Charles C., Lawrence.
Cochran, Elizabeth, Pittsburg. Raynesford, H. C., Ellis.
Cotton, Corlett J., Lawrence. Reed, Clyde M., Jr., Parsons.
Dawson, John S., Topeka. Rodkey, Clyde K., Manhattan.
Eckdall, Frank F., Emporia. Shaw, Joseph C., Topeka.
Euwer, Elmer E., Goodland. Somers, John G., Newton.
Farley, Alan W., Kansas City. Stewart, Donald, Independence.
Knapp, Dallas W., Coffeyville. Thomas, E. A., Topeka.
Lilleston, W. F., Wichita. von der Heiden, Mrs. W. H., Newton.
Lose, Harry F., Topeka. Walker, Mrs. Ida M., Norton.
Respectfully submitted,
WILL T. BECK, Chairman,
JOHN S. DAWSON,
FRANK HAUCKE,
T. M. LILLARD,
C. M. CORRELL.
Will T. Beck moved the adoption of the report. Motion was sec-
onded by J. C. Shaw and the report was accepted. Members of the
board for the term ending in October, 1959, were declared elected.
Reports of local societies were called for and given as follows:
Orville Watson Mosher for the Lyon county society; Mrs. C. M.
Slagg for the Riley county society; Mrs. Clyde E. Glandon for the
Wyandotte county society; Lea Maranville for the Ness county so-
ciety; and Paul B. Wood for the Chase county society.
Emory K. Lindquist presented the following and moved that it
be made a part of the record:
In recognition of the distinguished contribution to a knowledge of the his-
tory of Kansas by the publication of the two volumes of the Annals of Kansas,
and in appreciation of the high level achievement which the volumes represent,
THE ANNUAL MEETING
83
we hereby extend our hearty congratulations and genuine thanks to Kirke
Mechem, Jennie Small Owen, Nyle Miller, Louise Barry, and all others who
have shared in the writing, editing, and publishing of the two volumes of the
Annals of Kansas.
The motion was seconded by Sylvester Baringer, and the members
of the Society voted their approval.
There being no further business, the annual meeting of the So-
ciety adjourned. Refreshments were served to members and visitors
in the museum.
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The afternoon meeting of the board of directors was called to
order by President Riegle. He called for a rereading of the report
of the nominating committee for officers of the Society. This was
read by Will T. Beck who moved that it be accepted. J. C. Shaw
seconded the motion and the board voted to accept the report. The
following were elected:
For a one-year term: Rolla Clymer, El Dorado, president; Alan
W. Farley, Kansas City, first vice-president; and Richard M. Long,
Wichita, second vice-president.
For a two-year term: Mrs. Lela Barnes, Topeka, treasurer.
After the introduction of new officers and brief remarks by Presi-
dent Clymer, the meeting adjourned.
DIRECTORS OF THE KANSAS STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
AS OF OCTOBER, 1956
DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDING OCTOBER, 1957
Bailey, Roy F., Salina.
Beezley, George F., Girard.
Beougher, Edward M., Grinnell.
Bowlus, Thomas H., lola.
Brinkerhoff, Fred W., Pittsburg.
Brodrick, Lynn R., Marysville.
Cron, F. H., El Dorado.
Docking, George, Lawrence.
Ebright, Homer K., Baldwin.
Farrell, F. D., Manhattan.
Hall, Fred, Dodge City.
Hamilton, R. L., Beloit.
Harvey, Mrs. A. M., Topeka.
Haucke, Frank, Council Grove.
Hodges Frank, Olathe.
Lingenfelser, Angelus, Atchison.
Long, Richard M., Wichita.
McArthur, Mrs. Vernon E., Hutchinson.
McCain, James A., Manhattan.
McFarland, Helen M., Topeka.
McGrew, Mrs. Wm. E., Kansas City.
Malone, James, Gem.
Mechem, Kirke, Lindsborg.
Mueller, Harrie S., Wichita.
Murphy, Franklin D., Lawrence.
Rogfer, Wayne, Matfield Green.
Ruppenthal, J. C., Russell.
Simons, Dolph, Lawrence.
Slagg, Mrs. C. M., Manhattan.
Stone, Robert, Topeka.
Templar, George, Arkansas City.
Townsley, Will, Great Bend.
Woodring, Harry H., Topeka.
84
KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDING OCTOBER, 1958
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, Standish, Wichita.
Hegler, Ben F., Wichita.
Jones, Horace, Lyons.
Kampschroeder, Mrs. Jean Norris,
Garden City.
Lillard, T. M., Topeka.
Lindquist, Emory K., Wichita.
Maranville, Lea, Ness City.
Means, Hugh, Lawrence.
Owen, Arthur K., Topeka.
Owen, Mrs. E. M., Lawrence.
Patrick, Mrs. Mae C., Sublette.
Payne, Mrs. L. F., Manhattan.
Richards, Walter M., Emporia.
Riegle, Wilford, Emporia.
Robbins, Richard W., Pratt.
Rupp, Mrs. Jane C., Lincolnville.
Scott, Angelo, lola.
Sloan, E. R. s 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, 1959
Aitchison, R. T., Wichita.
Anderson, George L., Lawrence.
Anthony, D. R., Leaven worth.
Baugher, Charles A., Ellis.
Beck, Will T., Holton.
Chambers, Lloyd, Clearwater.
Chandler, C. J., Wichita.
Clymer, Rolla, El Dorado.
Cochran, Elizabeth, Pittsburg.
Cotton, Corlett J., Lawrence.
Dawson, John S., Topeka.
Eckdall, Frank F., Emporia.
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.
Recent Additions to the Library
Compiled by ALBERTA PANTLE, Librarian
IN ORDER that members of the Kansas State Historical Society
and others interested in historical study may know the class of
books the Society's library is receiving, a list is printed annually of
the books accessioned in its specialized fields.
These books come from three sources, purchase, gift and ex-
change, and fall into the following classes: Books by Kansans and
about Kansas; books on American Indians and the West, including
explorations, overland journeys and personal narratives; genealogy
and local history; and books on 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.
The library also receives regularly the publications of many his-
torical societies by exchange, and subscribes to other historical and
genealogical publications which are needed in reference work.
The following is a partial list of books which were received from
October 1, 1955, through September 30, 1956. Federal and state
official publications and some books of a general nature are not in-
cluded. The total number of books accessioned appears in the re-
port of the Society's secretary printed elsewhere in this issue.
KANSAS
ANDERSON, BERNICE, and DALE ASHER JACOBUS, Cabbage-Patch Magic, a Musi-
cal Play for Children in Two Acts. Cincinnati, Willis Music Company, c!954.
38p.
, and REBECCA DUNN, Purple on the Moon, an Operetta in Two Acts.
[Wichita] Raymond A. Hoffman Company, 1955. 72p.
APPLER, A. C, The Younger Brothers, Their Life and Character. New York,
Frederick Fell, Inc., Publishers [c!955]. 245p.
ATWOOD, FIRST METHODIST CHURCH, First Methodist Church, Atwood, Kansas,
Seventy-Fifth Anniversary, 1880-1955. No impr. Unpaged.
BAELES, KENDALL, From Hunting Ground to Suburb, a History of Merriam,
Kansas. N. p. [1956]. 42p.
BAIRD, MARTHA, Nice Deity. New York, Definition Press, 1955. 82p.
BARKER, ROGER G., and HERBERT F. WRIGHT, Midwest and Its Children, the
Psychological Ecology of an American Town. Evanston, 111., Row, Peterson
and Company, n. d. 532p.
BARNS, GEORGE C., Denver, the Man . . . Wilmington, Ohio, n. p., 1949.
372p.
BILL, EDWARD E., The Friendly Dragon and Other Poems for Little Folk. N. p.,
Privately Printed [c!955]. 94p.
(85)
86 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
BLAIR, JOHN ALVIN, The Flaming Torch. N. p., Comet Press Books [c!955].
373p.
BOGUE, ALLAN G., Money at Interest, the Farm Mortgage on the Middle Border.
Ithaca, Cornell University Press [c!955]. 293p.
BRUNSON, HOWARD, The Oilman Who Didn't Want To Become a Millionaire.
New York, Exposition Press [c!955]. [84]p.
CHEETHAM, FRANCIS T., Kit C arson , Pathfinder, Patriot and Humanitarian.
Taos, N. M., n. p., 1926. 27p.
CHOGUILL, ORLO, Let Every Heart. Topeka, First Presbyterian Church, 1955.
126p.
Claflin City Directory, 1954. [Claflin, Claflin Clarion] n. d. Unpaged.
CLEARWATER, METHODIST CHURCH, 1885-1955, Our 70th Anniversary, the Clear-
water Methodist Church ... No impr. [10]p.
COGGINS, CAROLYN, Fabulous Foods for the People You Love. Englewood
Cliffs, N. J., Prentice-Hall [c!955]. 308p.
COLLINS, EARL L., As of a Mustard Seed. New York, Vantage Press [c!954].
78p.
COMANDINI, ADELE, Doctor Kate, Angel on Snowshoes; the Story of Kate Pel-
ham Newcomb, M. D. New York, Rinehart & Company [c!956]. 339p.
CONNER, VIRGINIA, What Father Forbad. Philadelphia, Dorrance & Company
[c!951]. 219p.
COOPER, FRANK A., It Happened in Kansas. Ottawa, Tallman Printing Com-
pany, c!955. Unpaged.
COPELAND, LYNN, Old Wine in New Bottles. New York, Comet Press Books
[c!954]. 55p.
CORRELL, CHARLES M., Manhattan Congregational Church, 1856-1956, a His-
tory. No impr. 70p.
COWGILL, DONALD O., and WAYNE PARRIS, Senior Citizens of Wichita. Wichita,
Community Planning Council, 1955. 51p.
Cross Reference Directory, Topeka, July, 1956. Independence, Kan., City
Publishing Company, c!956. Unpaged.
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, EUNICE STERLING CHAPTER, WICH-
ITA, Richard Eason of Bernardston, Massachusetts, and His Descendants,
Compiled by Mrs. Bertha Eason Haas. Wichita, n. p., 1956. Typed. 33p.
, KANSAS SOCIETY, Proceedings of the Fifty-Seventh Annual State Con-
ference, February 14, 15, and 16, 1955, Parsons, Kansas. No impr. 236p.
, MARTHA LOVING FERRELL CHAPTER, WICHITA, Goddard Cemetery Rec-
ords, Sedgwick County, Kansas, 1955; Will of John Irwin, Westmoreland
County, Pennsylvania; Will of William McCaughey, Jefferson County, Ohio.
Wichita, n. p., n. d. Typed. 24p.
, SUSANNAH FRENCH PUTNEY CHAPTER, EL DORADO, Notes Copied From
Will Book 'B' of Butler County, Kansas, 1880-1894. El Dorado, n. p., 1955.
Typed. [55]p.
-, WYANDOT CHAPTER, KANSAS CITY, Marriage Records, Book One, July,
1859-October, 1867, Wyandotte County, Kansas. No impr. Typed. 29p.
Dedication Ceremonies, The Frank A. Beach Music Hall, Kansas State Teachers
College, Emporia, Kansas, Tuesday, June 12, 1956. No impr. Unpaged.
DE FRIES, STANLEY, The Pendragon. N. p., c!949. 14p.
DITZEN, LOWELL RUSSELL, You Are Never Alone. New York, Henry Holt and
Company [c!956]. 253p.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 87
Dodge City Pictorial, No. 1. [Dodge City, Holland Jacquart, 1955.] Unpaged.
DONOVAN, ROBERT J., Eisenhower, the Inside Story. New York, Harper &
Brothers [c!956]. 423p.
Eisenhower Museum, Abilene, Kansas. No impr. 32p.
EMBREE, RAYMOND, The Kansas Wind Guage [sic], a Folksy Yarn. Chillicothe,
Ohio, Dave Webb, 1956. Mimeographed. [6]p.
ENGELHARDT, MADYNE FRANCES. Three Creeks to Cross. New York, Comet
Press Books [c!956]. 191p.
ENGLIS, GOLDEN LORRAINE, The Well Boston, Chapman & Grimes [c!956].
123p.
ESTERGREEN, MARION, The Real Kit Carson. Taos, N. M., n. p., 1955. [35]p.
FERRIS, BERNICE DODGE, Tales of Cats, Catastrophes and Kittens, Stories in
Verse. New York, Exposition Press [c!955]. 29p.
FILINGER, GEORGE A., The Story of Johnny Kaw, the Kansas Pioneer Wheat
Farmer. Manhattan, Manhattan Mercury, c!955. 28p.
FOOTE, STELLA ADELYNE, Letters From Buffalo Bill, Taken From the Originals
Now on Exhibit at the Wonderland Museum, Billings, Montana. Billings,
Foote Publishing Company, 1954. 80p.
Fort Leavenworth and the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leaven-
worth, Kansas. Fort Leavenworth, Public Information Office, n. d. Un-
paged.
FOTHERINGHAM & COMPANY, Elwood Directory for the Year 1860-61 . * *
St. Joseph, F. M. Posegate, 1860. 18p.
FRANKLIN, GEORGE CORY, Monte. Boston, Houghton Mifflin Company [c!948].
[H0]p.
, Wild Animals of the Southwest. Boston, Houghton Mifflin Company,
1950. 214p.
FREEMASONS, A. F. & A., LAWRENCE, LODGE No. 6, In the Beginning, a History
and Roster . . . One Hundredth Anniversary ... No impr. 80p.
FRIEDERICHS, HEINZ F., President Dwight D. Eisenhowers Ancestors and Rela-
tions . . . Neustadt/Aisch near Nuremberg, Verlag Degener & Com-
pany, 1955. 210p.
FULLER, WILBERT H., Gold Nuggets for Your Selling Kit. Wichita, Kashfinder
System [c!955]. 193p.
GALT, ANNA (MANLEY), Topeka, First Congregational Church, Our First 100
Years . . . 1855-1955. No impr. Unpaged.
GALT, CHARLES A., Terse Verse. Lawrence, Allen Press, 1955. 85p.
GENTRY, CLAUDE, Kit Carson. Baldwyn, Miss., Magnolia Publishers [c!956].
212p.
GIBSON, WILLIAM, The Cobweb. New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1954. 369p.
HALL, EUGENE RAYMOND, Handbook of Mammals of Kansas. Lawrence, Uni-
versity of Kansas Museum of Natural History [1955]. 303p. (Miscellaneous
Publication, No. 7.)
, and JAMES W. BEE, Mammals of Northern Alaska on the Arctic Slope.
Lawrence, University of Kansas Museum of Natural History [1956]. 309p.
( Miscellaneous Publication, No. 8. )
HEIMANN, CHARLOTTE, and BETSY PEARSON, An ABC for Mothers. New York,
Simon and Schuster, 1955. lllp.
88 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
HEWETT, EDGAR L., Kit Carson, "He Led the Way." [Taos, N. M., Kit Carson
Memorial Foundation, 1955.] 12p.
HIBBARD, CLAUDE W., The Jinglebob Inter glacial (Sangamon?) Fauna From
Kansas and Its Climatic Significance. Ann Arbor, University of Michigan
Press, 1955. [50]p. (Contributions From the Museum of Paleontology,
Vol. 12, No. 10, pp. 179-229.)
HOLLAND, FRANCYS BELL, comp., Yesterday and Today, a History of the Leaven-
worth Christian Church, 1855-1940. N. p., Independent Publishing Com-
pany, n. d. Unpaged.
HOPE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION, Industrial Data on Hope, Kan-
sas. No impr. Mimeographed. [21 ]p.
HUGHES, LANGSTON, Famous Negro Music Makers. New York, Dodd Mead &
Company, 1955. 179p.
[HUTCHINSON, GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Grace Episcopal Church, a Short
History, 1879-1955.] No impr. 44p.
Information for Emigrants and Others in Regard to Kansas, From the Volten-
burg Kansas Association. Boston, C. C. P. Moody, 1857. 8p.
ISELY, MALCOLM D., Arkansas Valley Interurban. [Los Angeles, Ira L. Swett,
c!956.] 55p.
JOHNSON, LUTHER R., The Wonderful Morning. Emory University, Ga., Banner
Press [c!955]. 86p.
JOHNSTON, ELEANOR RICKEY, and BERNICE HANSON, Old Grinter House Cook
Book. Lawrence, Allen Press, 1953. 43p.
JONES, HERBERT C., The Trail to Progress, 1855-1955, History of Easton, Kan-
sas. Clay Center, Wilson's Engravers & Printers, 1956. [138]p.
JONES, JOHN C., and WINOMA C. JONES, Prairie Pioneers of Western Kansas and
Eastern Colorado. Boulder, Colo., Johnson Publishing Company [c!956].
[137]p.
KANSAS GRAIN AND FEED DEALERS ASSOCIATION, Kansas Official Directory, 1956
. . . Hutchinson, Association, 1956. 292p.
Kansas Magazine, 1956. [Manhattan, Kansas Magazine Publishing Association,
c!955.] 104p.
KARSON, MARC, A History of Trade Unions in Kansas . . . N. p., 1956.
[20]p.
KEFFER, ALFRED J., comp., Seventy-Five Years of Music. No impr. [8]p.
[KELLOGG, ALLEN O., and RAYMOND L. YORK, eds.], A Century for Christ and
His Church, 1856-1956. N. p., Kansas Conference (U. B.) Evangelical
United Brethren Church, n. d. 16p.
LATHROP, GILBERT A., Little Engines and Big Men. Caldwell, Idaho, Caxton
Printers, 1955. 339p.
LAUDE, KILMER H., The Fruitful Plains. N. p., 1956. Typed. 46p.
LEAVENWORTH, CHRISTIAN CHURCH, Centennial, 1855-1955. No impr. Un-
paged.
, FIRST METHODIST CHURCH, First Methodist Church, Leavenworth, Kan-
sas, 1854-1954. No impr. 24p.
LEONARD, ELIZABETH JANE, Buffalo Bill, King of the Old West. New York,
Library Publishers [c!955]. 320p.
LONG, WILLIAM RALPH, The Agra-Snow [Methodist Churches] Historical Book-
let. N. p., 1940. Mimeographed. Unpaged.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 89
LOUCKS, C. A., ABSTRACT COMPANY, Kearny County, Kansas, Yearbook-Direc-
tory, 1940. No impr. 16p.
LYLE, EARLE, Roaring Lions of Kansas, a Source Book of 37 Years of Historical
Information on Lionism in the Great Sunflower State. Anthony, Kansas State
Council of Lions Clubs, 1955-1956. 329p.
MCDANIEL, WILLIAM H., Beech . . . a Quarter Century of Aeronautical
Achievement. Wichita, McCormick-Armstrong Company [c!947]. 67p.
[MARKHAM, WILLIAM COLFAX], One Hundred Years in Kansas, 1854-1954.
N. p., Author, 1956. Unpaged.
MATSON, ARCHIE, From Mystery to Meaning, a Guide to Scientific Thinking
About Personality. New York, Pageant Press [c!955]. 206p.
MENNINGER, EDWIN A., What Flowering Tree Is That? Stuart, Fla., Author,
1956. [110]p.
MILLBROOK, MINNIE (DUBBS), comp., Ness County, Kansas, Histories. N. p.
[1955]. Typed. [151]p.
MILLER, ALEXANDER QUINTELLA, Jayhawk Editor, a Biography of A. Q. Miller,
Sr., Compiled and Edited by James D. Callahan . . . [Los Angeles,
Sterling Press, c!955.] 256p.
Moss, L. HANI, Thought Shadows. Dexter, Mo., Candor Press, 1955. lOOp.
NELSON, DICK J., The Old West and Custers Last Stand, as Recorded in the
Memory of Dick J. Nelson. [San Diego, Author, c!956.] 17p.
NELSON, EDWARD G., The Company and the Community. Lawrence, Univer-
sity of Kansas Bureau of Business Research [c!956]. 433p.
NICKEL, KATHARINE, Seed From the Ukraine. New York, Pageant Press [c!952].
113p.
NOWLIN, CLIFFORD HIRAM, My First Ninety Years, a Schoolmaster's Story of
His Life and Times. N. p. [c!955]. 147p.
OERKE, BESS VIOLA, Dress. Peoria, 111., Charles A. Bennett Company [c!956].
575p.
OSWALD, A. LEWIS, Jay Bok, Esq. Boston, Christopher Publishing House
[c!955]. 57p.
PABST, LETTIE LITTLE, Kansas Heritage. New York, Vantage Press [c!956].
153p.
PARKS, BILL, The Mestizo. New York, Macmillan Company, 1955. 187p.
PARSONS, JOHN E., and JOHN S. DU MONT, Firearms in the Custer Battle. Harris-
burg, Pa., Stackpole Company [c!955]. 59p.
PICKEN, MARY BROOKS, Dressmakers of France; the Who, How and Why of the
French Couture. New York, Harper & Brothers [c!956]. 178p.
Folk's Topeka (Shawnee County, Kansas) City Directory, 1955, Including Shaw-
nee County Taxpayers . . . Kansas City, Mo., R. L. Polk and Company,
c!955. [1179]p.
PRATT, [JOHN J.], and [F. A.] HUNT, Guide to the Gold Mines of Kansas: Con-
taining an Accurate and Reliable Map of the Most Direct Railroad Routes
From the Atlantic Cities . . . to the Gold Mines. Chicago, C. Scott &
Company, 1859. 70p. ( Mumey Reprint, n. d. )
PUSEY, MERLO J., Eisenhower the President. New York, Macmillan Company,
1956. 300p.
R. L. Polk 6- Go's lola City Directory, 1912. Wichita, R. L. Polk & Company,
c!912. 319p.
7_5869
90 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
R. L. Polk 6- Company's Parsons City Directory, 1912 . . . Parsons, R. L.
Polk & Company, c!912. 339p.
RANDOLPH, VANCE, The Devil's Pretty Daughter and Other Ozark Folk Tales.
New York, Columbia University Press, 1955. 239p.
RATH, IDA ELLEN, Frankie and Her Little Brother, a Story for Young People.
New York, Exposition Press [c!955]. 42p.
, The Year of Charles. San Antonio, Naylor Company [c!955]. 218p.
REDMOND, JOHN, comp., First Hand Historical Episodes of Early Coffey County,
From the Pens of George Throckmorton . . . and Many Other Pioneers.
No impr. 144p.
REIMER, GUSTAV E., and G. R. GAEDDERT, Exiled by the Czar, Cornelius Jansen
and the Great Mennonite Migration, 1874. Newton, Mennonite Publication
Office, 1956. 205p.
RICHARDS, RALPH, Our Endangered Life Sustaining Natural Resources Soil
and Water ... No impr. 48p.
ROBERTS, G. HAROLD, Concerning the Ministry of First Christian Church, 1882-
1956, Atchison, Kansas. Atchison, n. p., 1956. Mimeographed. 13p.
ROSSITER, RUTH (STOUT), How to Have a Green Thumb Without an Aching
Back. New York, Exposition Press [c!955]. 164p.
ROVERE, RICHARD H., Affairs of State, the Eisenhower Years. New York, Farrar,
Straus and Cudahy [c!956]. 390p.
SCHADT, RODNEY MARVIN, A Summary of the Independent Rural High School
District in Kansas. Ellinwood, n. p., 1956. Mimeographed. Unpaged.
SELL, HENRY BLACKMAN, and VICTOR WEYBRIGHT, Buffalo Bill and the Wild
West. New York, Oxford University Press, 1955. 278p.
SHOEMAKER, RALPH J., The Presidents Words, an Index. Vol. 1, Eisenhower,
June 1952 Thru May 1954. Vol. 2, Eisenhower, June 1954 Thru December
1955. Louisville, Elsie DeGraff Shoemaker [c!954, 1956]. 2 Vols.
SIEBEL, JULIA, The Narrow Covering. New York, Harcourt, Brace and Com-
pany [c!956]. 214p.
SMITH, WALTER BEDELL, Eisenhower's Six Great Decisions, Europe, 1944-1945.
New York, Longmans, Green and Company, 1956. 237p.
SNYDER, MARTY, with GLENN D. KITTLER, My Friend Ike. New York, Fred-
erick Fell, Inc., 1956. 237p.
Story of Clay. N. p., 1886. Unpaged.
TROTTER, GEORGE A., From Feather, Blanket and Tepee. New York, Vantage
Press, c!955. 190p.
VAN VELZER, LUTIE, Mental Snapshots Along My Life's Highway. Kansas City,
Mo., Burton Publishing Company [c!955]. 124p.
VESTAL, STANLEY, The Book Lovers Southwest, a Guide to Good Reading.
Norman, University of Oklahoma Press [c!955]. 287p.
WABAUNSEE, FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, Historical Sketch, Confession of Faith
and Covenant, and Standing Rules of the First Church of Christ, in Wabaun-
see . . . Lawrence, Lawrence Republican Office, 1858. Photocopy.
8p.
WALLACE, BERENICE ( BOYD), History of Paola, Kansas, 1855 to 1955. No impr.
Mimeographed. 128p.
WALLACE, ELIZABETH WEST, Scandal at Daybreak. New York, Pageant Press
[c!954]. 167p.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 91
WATERS, EDWARD N., Victor Herbert, a Life in Music. New York, Macmillan
Company, 1955. 653p.
WILHELM, IDA MILLS, Not Without Honor. New York, Exposition Press
[c!955]. 258p.
WILSON, HOLLY, Deborah Todd. New York, Julian Messner, Inc. [c!955],
192p.
WINSLOW, WALKER, The Menninger Story. Garden City, N. Y., Doubleday &
Company, 1956. 350p.
WOODSTON RURAL HIGH SCHOOL, CLASS OF 1956, History of Woodston, Kansas.
Woodston, n. p., 1956. Mimeographed. 20p.
WORLINE, BONNIE BESS, Sod House Adventure. New York, Longmans, Green
and Company, 1956. 147p.
YATES, ELIZABETH, Prudence Crandall, Woman of Courage. New York, Alad-
din Books, 1955. 246p.
[YOAKUM, HELEN], First Presbyterian Church, Leavenworth, Kansas, Centennial
Commemoration With Historical Sketch and Directory, January 1, 1956. No
impr. 31p.
YOST, BARTLEY, Memoirs of a Consul. New York, Vantage Press [c!955]. 186p.
AMERICAN INDIANS AND THE WEST
ABBOTT, E. C., and HELENA HUNTINGTON SMITH, We Pointed Them North, by
E. C. Abbott ("Teddy Blue") . . . Norman, University of Oklahoma
Press [c!939]. 247p.
AMSDEN, CHARLES AVERY, Navaho Weaving, Its Technic and History. Albu-
querque, University of New Mexico Press, 1949. 263p.
BATE, W. N., Frontier Legend, Texas Finale of Capt. William F. Drannan,
Pseudo Frontier Companion of Kit Carson. New Bern, N. C., Owen G. Dunn
Company, c!954. 68p.
BEEBE, Lucius, and CHARLES CLEGG, The American West, the Pictorial Epic of
a Continent. New York, E. P. Dutton & Company, 1955. Slip.
BROWN, MARK H., and W. R. FELTON, The Frontier Years; L. A. Huffman,
Photographer of the Plains. New York, Henry Holt and Company [c!955].
272p.
BUSHELL, WILLIAM, The Life of Captain Adam Bogardus. No impr. 12p.
CARTER, HARVEY L., ed., The Pikes Peak Region, a Sesquicentennial History.
N. p. [Historical Society of the Pikes Peak Region, c!956]. 75p.
, Zebulon Montgomery Pike, Pathfinder and Patriot. N. p., c!956. 32p.
COLORADO, STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Bent's Fort on the Arkansas, Edited by
Le Roy Hafen. [Denver, Society, c!954.] Unpaged.
CUNNINGHAM, EUGENE, Triggernometry, a Gallery of Gunfighters. Caldwell,
Idaho, Caxton Printers, 1952. 441p.
FATOUT, PAUL, Ambrose Bierce and the Black Hills. Norman, University of
Oklahoma Press [c!956]. 180p.
FOREMAN, CAROLYN THOMAS, Indian Women Chiefs. [Muskogee, Okla., Star
Printery, c!954.] [90]p.
FRANTZ, JOE B., and JULIAN ERNEST CHOATE, JR., The American Cowboy, the
Myth b the Reality. Norman, University of Oklahoma Press [c!955]. 232p.
FRINK, MAURICE, Cow Country Cavalcade . . . Denver, Old West Publish-
ing Company, 1954. 243p.
92 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
GARLAND, JOHN H., ed., The North American Midwest, a Regional Geography.
New York, John Wiley & Sons [c!955]. 252p.
GORDON, S. ANNA, Camping in Colorado, With Suggestions to Gold-Seekers,
Tourists and Invalids. New York, Authors' Publishing Company [c!879].
201p.
HAINES, FRANCIS, The Nez Perces, Tribesmen of the Columbia Plateau. Nor-
man, University of Oklahoma Press [c!955]. 329p.
HANSON, CHARLES E., JR., The Northwest Gun. Lincoln, Nebraska State His-
torical Society, 1955. 85p.
HARRIS, WILLIAM FOSTER, The Look of the Old West. New York, Viking Press.
1955. 316p.
HAVIGHURST, WALTER, Wilderness for Sale, the Story of the First Western Land
Rush. New York, Hastings House [c!956]. 372p.
HOLBROOK, STEWART H., The Rocky Mountain Revolution. New York, Henry
Holt and Company [c!956]. 318p.
Index Pony Express Courier, June 1934 to May 1944, and the Pony Express,
June 1944 to May 1954. [Sonora, CaL, Pony Express Publishers, c!955.]
167p.
IRVING, JOHN TREAT, Indian Sketches Taken During an Expedition to the
Pawnee Tribes, 1833, Edited by John Francis McDermott. Norman, Uni-
versity of Oklahoma Press [1955]. 275p.
JENSEN, LEE, The Pony Express. New York, Grosset & Dunlap [c!955]. 153p.
JOHANNSEN, ROBERT W., Frontier Politics and the Sectional Conflict, the Pacific
Northwest on the Eve of the Civil War. Seattle, University of Washington
Press [c!955]. 240p.
JOHNSON, CHARLES A., The Frontier Camp Meeting, Religions Harvest Time.
Dallas, Southern Methodist University Press [c!955]. 325p.
KELEHER, WILLIAM A., Turmoil in New Mexico, 1846-1868. Santa Fe, Rydal
Press [c!952]. 534p.
KELSEY, VERA, Young Men So Daring, Fur Traders Who Carried the Frontier
West. Indianapolis, Bobbs-Merrill Company [c!956]. 288p.
KLUCKHOHN, CLYDE, and DOROTHEA LEIGHTON, The Navaho. Cambridge, Har-
vard University Press, 1947. 258p.
McFARLiNG, LLOYD, Exploring the Northern Plains. Caldwell, Idaho, Caxton
Printers, 1955. 441p.
MCKELVEY, SUSAN DELANO, Botanical Exploration of the Trans-Mississippi West,
1790-1850. Jamaica Plain, Mass., Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University,
1955. 1144p.
[MARTTN, CHARLES L.], A Sketch of Sam Bass, the Bandit . . . Norman,
University of Oklahoma Press [c!956]. 166p.
MATTISON, RAY H., Indian Reservation System on the Upper Missouri, 1865-
1890. (Reprinted from Nebraska History, Vol. 36, No. 3, September, 1955. )
MITCHELL, SAMUEL AUGUSTUS, Accompaniment to Mitchell's New Map of Texas,
Oregon, and California, With the Regions Adjoining. Philadelphia, Augustus
Mitchell, 1846. 46p.
MUMEY, NOLIE, Estelle Philleo, "Setting the West to Music" 1881-1936. Den-
ver, Artcraft Press, 1955. 20p.
- , Poker Alice . . . History of a Woman Gambler in the West. Den-
ver, Artcraft Press, 1951. 47p.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 93
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY, WASHINGTON, D. C., National Geographic on
Indians of the Americas, a Color-Illustrated Record. Washington, D. C.,
Society, c!955. 431p.
NORDYKE, LEWIS, Great Roundup, the Story of Texas and Southwestern Cow-
men. New York, William Morrow & Company, 1955. 288p.
PENFIELD, THOMAS, Western Sheriffs and Marshals. New York, Grosset & Dun-
lap [c!955]. 145p.
PHARES, Ross, Texas Tradition. New York, Henry Holt and Company [c!954].
239p.
PRUITT, O. J., Indian Stories. Council Bluffs, Iowa, Pottawatomie County His-
torical Society, n. d. Unpaged.
ROOSEVELT, THEODORE, Ranch Life and the Hunting Trail. New York, Century
Company [c!888]. 186p.
Ross, ALEXANDER, The Fur Hunters of the Far West, Edited by Kenneth A.
Spaulding. Norman, University of Oklahoma Press [c!956]. 304p.
SAGE, RUFUS B., Rufus B. Sage, His Letters and Papers, 1836-1847 . { .
Notes by Le Roy R. Hafen and Ann W. Hafen. Glendale, Cal., Arthur H.
Clark Company, 1956. 2 Vols. ( The Far West and the Rockies Historical
Series, 1820-1875, Vols. 4-5.)
SCHMITT, MARTIN F., and DEE BROWN, The Settlers' West. New York, Charles
Scribner's Sons, 1955. 258p.
SETTLE, RAYMOND W., and MARY LUND SETTLE, Saddles and Spurs, the Pony
Express Saga. Harrisburg, Pa., Stackpole Company [c!955]. 217p.
SHIRLEY, GLENN, Six-Gun and Silver Star. Albuquerque, University of New
Mexico Press, 1955. 235p.
SONNICHSEN, C. L., and WILLIAM V. MORRISON, Alias Billy the Kid. Albu-
querque, University of New Mexico Press, 1955. 136p.
STRONG, WILLIAM DUNCAN, Indian Tribes of the Chicago Region, With Spe-
cial Reference to the Illinois and the Potawatomi. Chicago, Field Museum of
Natural History, 1938. 35p.
TOWN, CHARLES WAYLAND, and EDWARD NORRIS WENTWORTH, Cattle & Men.
Norman, University of Oklahoma [c!955]. 384p.
TUCKER, GLENN, Tecumseh, Vision of Glory. Indianapolis, Bobbs-Merrill Com-
pany [c!956]. 399p.
UNDERBILL, RUTH M., The Navajos. Norman, University of Oklahoma Press
[c!956]. 299p.
WASHBURN, CEPHAS, Reminiscences of the Indians, Edited by Hugh Park. Van
Buren, Ark., Press- Argus [c!955]. 192p.
WEAVER, J. E., and F. W. ALBERTSON, Grasslands of the Great Plains, Their
Nature and Use. Lincoln, Neb., Johnsen Publishing Company [c!956].
395p.
WEISEL, GEORGE F., ed., Men and Trade on the Northwest Frontier as Shown
by the Fort Owen Ledger. [Missoula, Montana State University, c!955.]
29 lp. (Montana State University Studies, Vol. 2.)
WESTERMEIER, CLIFFORD P., comp., Trailing the Cowboy, His Life and Lore as
Told by the Frontier Journalists. Caldwell, Idaho, Caxton Printers, 1955.
414p.
[WESTERNERS, DENVER], 1954 Brand Book. N. p. [c!955]. 368p.
, Los ANGELES, Brand Book, Book 6. Los Angeles [The Los Angeles
Westerners, c!956]. 163p.
94 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
WHETSTONE, DANIEL W., Frontier Editor. New York, Hastings House Pub-
lishers [c!956]. 287p.
WOOD, DEAN EARL, The Old Santa Fe Trail From the Missouri River . .: .
the Panoramic Edition. N. p. [c!955], 278p.
YOUNG, OTIS E., The West of Philip St. George Cooke, 1809-1895. Glendale,
Cal., Arthur H. Clark Company, 1955. 393p.
GENEALOGY AND LOCAL HISTORY
ALBEMARLE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, The Magazine of Albemarle County
History, Vol. 14, 1954-1955. Charlottesville, Society, 1955. 62p.
American Genealogical-Biographical Index . . . Vols. 13-16. Middletown,
Conn., Published Under the Auspices of an Advisory Committee Represent-
ing the Co-operating Subscribing Libraries . . . 1955-1956. 4 Vols.
ASHFORD, CHARLIE RABB, SR., Some of the Ancestors and Descendants of James
and George Ashford, Jr., of Fairfield County, North Carolina. Starkville,
Miss., n. p., 1956. Mimeographed. 123p.
ATWATER, EDWARD E., ed., History of the City of New Haven to the Present
Time . . . New York, W. W. Munsell, 1887. 702p.
BANTA, THEODORE M., A Frisian Family; the Banta Genealogy . . . New
York, n. p., 1893. 412p.
BAYLES, RICHARD M., ed., History of Windham County, Connecticut. New
York, W. W. Preston & Company, 1889. 1204p.
BEGLEY, JACKSON ALLEN, comp., A History and Genealogical Record of the
Allens-Begleys-Mays of Kentucky . . . Cincinnati, n. p., 1953. 147p.
Biographical Memoirs of Wyandot County, Ohio . . . Logansport, Ind.,
B. F. Bowen, Publisher, 1902. 686p.
BODDIE, JOHN BENNETT, Southside Virginia Families. Redwood City, Cal.,
Pacific Coast Publishers, 1955. 422p.
BOND, OCTAVIA ZOLLICOFFER, The Family Chronicle and Kinship Book . . .
Nashville, McDaniel Printing Company, c!928. 663p.
BOWIE, EFFIE GWYNN, Across the Years in Prince George's County . . ;
Maryland . . . Richmond, Va., Garrett and Massie [c!947]. 904p.
BRINKMAN, EDNA EPPERSON, The Story of David Epperson ir His Family of
Albemarle County, Virginia. Hinsdale, 111., n. p., 1933. 304p.
BROOKS, HAZEL CARSON, comp., Family Ancestors and Descendants of Eulalia
Lucore 6- Wm. Leroy Lillie, From Written Notes of Willard Brooks. No
impr. Typed. 47p.
BROWN, WILLIAM GRIFFEE, History of Nicholas County, West Virginia. Rich-
mond, Va., Dietz Press, 1954. 425p.
BURGESS, KENNETH FARWELL, Colonists of New England and Nova Scotia,
Burgess and Heckman Families. N. p., Privately Printed, 1956. 134p.
BURT, ALVAH WALFORD, Cushman Genealogy and General History, Including
the Descendants of the Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and Monongalia
County, Virginia, Families. Cincinnati, Author, 1942. 432p.
[CHARLES, CORA COPPINGER], Coppinger Genealogy. No impr. Mimeographed.
116p.
, Sloop Genealogy, Beginning With the 1st Generation in America, 1837-
1946. No impr. Mimeographed. 69p.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 95
[COOK, FRANCES], comp., Cemetery and Bible Records, Vols. 1-2. [Jackson]
Mississippi Genealogical Society, 1954-1955. 2 Vols.
CORSON, ORVILLE, Three Hundred Years With the Corson Families in America
. . . N. p. [c!939]. 2 Vols.
COVINGTON, W. A., History of Colquitt County [Georgia]. Atlanta, Foote and
Davies Company, 1937. 365p.
CRAVEN, CHARLES E., History of Mattituck, Long Island, N. Y. N. p., Author
[c!906]. 400p.
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, FORT EARLY CHAPTER, History of
Crisp County [Georgia]. Cordele, Ga., n. p., 1916. 29p.
, GEORGIA SOCIETY, Catalogue of the Georgia Society, D. A. R. Library
( "the Georgia D. A. R. Collection Genealogical and Historical Records" )
. . . Compiled by Mrs. Mary Givens Bryan. Atlanta, Society, 1954-1955.
232p.
DICKSON, TRACY CAMPBELL, comp., Some of the Descendants of William Dick-
son and Elizabeth Campbell of Cherry Valley, New York. N. p. [c!937].
367p.
[DOOLEY, SQUIRE WASHINGTON], History of the Dooley Family. Whitestown,
Ind., Central Printing Company, 1908. 76p.
DREW, BENJAMIN, Burial Hill, Plymouth, Massachusetts, Its Monuments and
Gravestones . . . Plymouth, D. W. Andrews [c!894]. 177p.
DUTCHESS COUNTY [NEW YORK] HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Year Book, Vol. 38, 1953.
N. p. [c!955]. 76p.
, Year Book, Vol. 39, 1954. N. p. [c!956]. 68p.
EASTMAN, CHARLES JOHN, That Man Eastman. N. p., 1952. 2 Vols.
EVERTON, GEORGE B., SR., and GUNNAR RASMUSON, The New How Book for
Genealogists. Logan, Utah, Everton Publishers, 1956. lOlp.
FRENCH, JANIE PRESTON COLLUP, Notable Southern Families, Vol. 6; the Doak
Family. Chattanooga, Lookout Publishing Company [c!933]. 98p.
FRISBEE, EDWARD S., The Frisbee-Frisbie Genealogy, Edward Frisbye of Bran-
ford, Connecticut . . . [Rutland, Vt, Turtle Company, c!926.] 778p.
FROST, JOSEPHINE C., ed., Underbill Genealogy. N. p., Myron C. Taylor, 1932.
4 Vols.
FRUTH, GLENN J., History of the Melchoir Fruth Family. Woodland, Mich.,
n. p., 1954. 46p.
GETZENDANER, GEORGIA BELLE, Cemetery Inscriptions From Leona Chapel
Cemetery. West Hartford, Conn., Chedwato Service, n. d. [ll]p.
, comp., Dillard Family of Uvalde County, Texas. West Hartford, Conn.,
Chedwato Service, 1956. [53]p.
, comp., George Washington Patterson Family History. West Hartford,
Conn., Chedwato Service, 1956. 73p.
GILBERT, HIRAM WHITNEY, Memoirs Regarding the Family of John Gilbert
(1752-1829) of Galway, Saratoga County, N. Y., by the Reverend Hiram
Whitney Gilbert, 1886. N. p., Privately Printed, 1955. 83p.
GOODYKOONTZ, COLIN B., A Short History of the Congregational Church of
Boulder, Colorado. Boulder, First Congregational Church, 1954. 31p.
GRAMMER, NORMA RUTLEDGE, and MARION DAY MULLINS, comps., Marriage
Record of Washington County, Tennessee, 1787-1840. No impr. [68]p.
96 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
HAYWARD, ELIZABETH, comp., American Vital Records From "The Baptist Reg-
ister," Volumes I and II, 1824-1826. Rochester, N. Y., American Baptist His-
torical Society, 1956. Mimeographed. 18p.
HEALD, EDWARD THORNTON, The Stark County Story, Vol. 4, Free People at
Work, 1917-1955; Pt. 1, a Contribution to the Canton, Ohio's Sesquicen-
tennial of 1955. Canton, The Stark County Historical Society, 1955. 856p.
HERTZLER, SILAS, The Hertzler-Hartzler Family History. N. p. [c!952]. 773p.
History of Cass County, Iowa . . . Springfield, 111., Continental Historical
Company, 1884. 910p.
History of Franklin and Cerro Gordo Counties, Iowa . . . Springfield, 111.,
Union Publishing Company, 1883. 1005p.
History of Livingston County, Illinois . . . Chicago. Wm. Le Baron, Jr.,
& Company, 1878. [901 ]p.
History of Tennessee . . . and the County Madison . . . Nashville,
Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1887. 917p.
HOLMAN, DAVID EMORY, The Holmans in America, Concerning the Descendants
of Solaman Holman . . . New York, Grafton Press, 1909. 295p.
HOLMAN, WINIFRED LOVERING, Descendants of Andrew Everest of York, Maine.
Wausau, Wis., David Clark Everest, 1955. 488p.
HORTON, GEORGE FIRMAN, The Hortons in America, Being a Corrected Reprint
of the 1876 Work by Dr. Geo. F. Horton . . . Compiled by Adaline
Norton White. Seattle, Sherman Printing & Binding Company, 1929. 650p.
HOSKINS, ELKANAH BARNEY, Historical Sketches of Lyman, New Hampshire.
Lisbon, N. H., Charles P. Hibbard, 1903. 149p.
HUBBARD, WILLIAM FRANKLIN, and others, comps., Golden Memories, Family
History of Allen Hubbard and Julia Blowers-Hubbard. [Hugoton, Kan.,
Compiler, c!955.] 50p.
HUGUENOT SOCIETY OF NEW JERSEY, Huguenot Ancestors Represented in the
Membership of the Huguenot Society of New Jersey . . . Second Edi-
tion. N. p., Society, 1956. 74p.
HUGUENOT SOCIETY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Transactions, No. 60. Baltimore,
Waverly Press, 1955. 54p.
HUNT, THOMAS, A Historical Sketch of the Town of Clermont [New York].
Hudson, N. Y., Privately Printed, 1928. 153p.
Index to the Wisconsin Magazine of History, Vols. 26-35, September, 1942-
Summer, 1952. Madison, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1955. 159p.
JOHNSON, BEULAH JEANETTE, comp., Genealogy of John Morton, Henrico
County, Virginia, and His Descendants. N. p., 1939. Mimeographed. 51p.
JONES, ALICE J., In Dover on the Charles, a Contribution to New England F oik-
Lore. Newport, R. I., Milne Printery, 1906. 114p.
KICHLINE, THOMAS J., The Kichlines in America ... No impr. 29p.
KIMMELL, J. A., Twentieth Century History of Findlay and Hancock County,
Ohio, and Representative Citizens. Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Publishing
Company, 1901. 656p.
KING, GEORGE HARRISON SANFORD, Marriage Bonds and Ministers' Returns of
Fredericksburg, Virginia, 1782-1850; Also Tombstone Inscriptions From St.
George Cemetery, 1752-1920. N. p., Catherine Lindsay Knorr, 1954. 107p.
KNAPP, ALFRED AVERILL, comp., Supplement to Nicholas Knapp Genealogy.
Winter Park, Fla., n. p., 1956. 105p.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 97
KRAKEL, DEAN F., South Platte Country, a History of Old Weld County, Colo-
rado, 1739-1900. Laramie, Wyo., Powder River Publishers, 1954. Various
paging.
LAWSON, HARVEY M., History and Genealogy of the Descendants of Clement
Corbin of Muddy River (Brookline), Mass., and Woodstock, Conn., With
Notices of Other Lines of Corbins. [Hartford, Conn.] Hartford Press, 1905.
378p.
LEFFLER, LYDIA ANNE VALE, A Genealogy of the Vale and Garretson Descend-
ants . . . Ames, Iowa, n. p., 1913. Photocopy. 194p.
LINDENBERGER, RUTH W., [Information Copied From a Book Compiled and
Privately Printed by Jonathan Stutsman Howell, Rushville, Illinois, 1922.]
No impr. Manuscript Copy. 127p.
LOMEN, G. J., comp., Genealogies of the Lomen [Ringstad], Brandt and Joys
Families. Northfield, Minn., Mohn Printing Company, 1929. 361p.
[LORD, IRENE WILCOX], comp., From the Bend of the Little River, a Wilcox
Book . . . the Descendants of George Wilcox. [Los Angeles, Cali-
fornia Education Press, 1954.] 167p.
LYTLE, LEONARD, Descendants of Joseph Triplett of Hardy County, West Vir-
ginia, and Summit and Licking Counties, Ohio. N. p., Privately Printed,
1955. 12p.
M'CLUNE, JAMES, History of the Presbyterian Church in the Forks of Brandy-
wine, Chester County, Pa. . . . Philadelphia, J. B. Lippincott Company,
1885. 273p.
McCmNG, JAMES W., Historical Significance of Rockbridge County, Virginia.
Staunton, Va., McClure Company, 1939. 276p.
McMAHON, BLANCHE C., Sevier County, Tennessee, Population Schedule of
the United States Census of 1830 . . . Knoxville, Tenn., n. p., 1956.
Mimeographed. [61]p.
McNAiR, JAMES BIRTLEY, McNair, McNear, and McNeir Genealogies, Supple-
ment, 1955. Los Angeles, Author [c!955]. 457p.
MCQUEEN, ALEX. S., History of Charlton County [Georgia]. Atlanta, Stein
Printing Company, c!932. 269p.
MALL, DANIEL, Ancestry Mall. [Hoisington, Kan., Jesse M. Mall, c!954.]
241p.
MICHAELS, PAUL W., James and Nancy Gray Harkness, a Colonial Family His-
tory, 1700 to 1850. N. p., c!953. Mimeographed. 18p.
MILLER, JOSEPH LYON, 1652-1912, the Descendants of Capt. Thomas Carter of
"Barford," Lancaster County, Virginia . . . 2d Edition. No impr. 388p.
MOORE, EDITH AUSTIN, A Genealogy of the Descendants of Robert Austin, of
Kingstown, Rhode Island. No impr. 738p.
MORGAN, WILLIAM MANNING, Trinity Prostestant Episcopal Church, Galveston,
Texas, 1841-1953, a Memorial History. Houston, Anson Jones Press, 1954.
801p.
MORRIS, WHIT, A Morns Family of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. N. p.
[c!956]. 128p.
NORTON, DAVID, Sketches of the Town of Old Town, Penobscot County, Maine
. . . Bangor, S. G. Robinson, 1881. 152p.
Panhandle-Plains Historical Review, Vol. 28, 1955. [Canyon, Tex., Panhandle-
Plains Historical Society, 1955.] [148]p.
98 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
PORTER, JOHN H., and EDITH SMITH, Probate Records 6- Wills of Oklahoma
County, Oklahoma. No impr. Mimeographed. Unpaged.
PRESCOTT, WORRALL DUMONT, A Genealogical and Biographical Record Con-
cerning Phebe (Reed) Trott and John Trott . . . N. p., Privately
Printed, c!954. 235p.
HANDLE, ELMER T., Foster Family History and Genealogy and Other Families
Related Thereto. N. p., 1955. 102p.
RAVENSHAW, THOMAS F., Antiente Epitaphs (From A. D. 1250 to A. D. 1800)
Collected 6- Sett Forth in Chronologicall Order. London, Joseph Masters &
Company, 1878. 196p.
RIDENOUR, GEORGE L., Early Times in Meade County, Kentucky. Louisville,
Western Recorder, 1929. 107p.
RITCHIE, RUTH, and SUDIE RUCKER WOOD, Garner-Keene Families of Northern
Neck, Virginia. [Charlottesville, Va., Jarman Printing Company, c!952.]
241p.
SIEBERT, HARRIET ELLSWORTH, and WILLARD ELLSWORTH, comps., Ellsworth
Genealogy; Male Descendants of Moses Ellsworth of North Carolina and
Virginia. No impr. Mimeographed. [114]p.
SMITH, EDWARD M., Documentary History of Rhinebeck, in Dutchess County,
N. Y. . . . Rhinebeck, n. p., 1881. 239p.
SOCIETY OF INDIANA PIONEERS, Year Book, 1955. Published by Order of the
Board of Governors, 1955. 128p.
SOCIETY OF MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS, ILLINOIS, Publication Number Four,
Memorial Edition. Chicago, Lakeside Press, 1925. 562p.
SONS OF THE REVOLUTION, MARYLAND, Year Book. Baltimore, n. p., 1896. 80p.
SORLEY, MERROW EGERTON, comp., Lewis of Warner Hall, the History of a
Family . . . N. p., 1935. 887p.
SPENCER, FRANCIS MARION, Spencer History and Family Records. No impr.
63p.
STEWART, WILLIAM H., ed., History of Norfolk County, Virginia, and Repre-
sentative Citizens. Chicago, Biographical Publishing Company, 1902.
1042p.
STUMP, JOSEPH, and MELTON STUMP, History or Record of the Descendants of
Peter Stump. No impr. 207p.
Tax Lists of Washington County, Penna., 1784-85, 1793. Washington, Pa.,
n. p., 1955. Mimeographed. 48p.
TEMPLETON, LEUMAS BASCOM, JR., comp., Templeton Family History .
Laurens County, South Carolina . . . N. p., c!953. 155p.
TINSLEY, HARRY D., History of No Creek, Ohio County, Kentucky, With a
Genealogy and Biographical Section. Frankfort, Ky., Roberts Printing Com-
pany, 1953. 310p.
TOWNSEND, CHARLES D., and EDNA W. TOWNSEND, Border Town Cemeteries of
Massachusetts. West Hartford, Conn., Chedwato Service [c!953]. 88p.
U. S. CENSUS, 1850, Vermont, 1850 Census Population Schedules. Microfilm.
12 Vols. on 4 Reels.
U. S. CENSUS, 1860, Missouri, 1860 Census Population Schedules. Microfilm.
28 Vols. on 12 Reels.
, Nebraska, 1860 Census Population Schedules. Microfilm. 1 Vol. on
1 Reel.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 99
VAN VOORHIS, E. W., comp., Tombstone Inscriptions From the First Reformed
Dutch Church, of Fishkill Village, Dutchess Co., N. Y. N. p., Privately
Printed, n. d. 229p.
WELCH, ALICE TRACY, comp., Family Records Mississippi Revolutionary Soldiers.
N. p. [Mississippi Society Daughters of the American Revolution], n. d.
457p.
WIEBE, DAVID V., My Parents, an Illustrated Biographical and Historical Sketch.
Hillsboro, Kan., n. p., 1955. 63p.
WILLARD, JOSEPH, Willard Memoir; or, Life and Times of Major Simon Willard,
With . . . His Descendants . . . Boston, Little, Brown, and Com-
pany, 1913. 470p.
WILLIAMS, IDA BELLE, History of Tift County [Georgia]. Macon, J. W. Burke
Company [c!948]. 503p.
WILLIS, BYRD CHARLES, and RICHARD HENRY WILLIS, A Sketch of the Willis
Family of Virginia, and of Their Kindred . . . Richmond, Whittet &
Shepperson, 1898. 160p.
WOOD, GRACE E. PEMBER, A History of the Town of Wells, Vermont . * .
N. p., Author, 1955. 150p.
WOODSTOCK HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Publications, Vol. 17, December, 1955.
[Woodstock, N. Y.] Society, 1955. 38p.
WORRELL, ANNE LOWRY, comp. A Brief of Wills and Marriages in Montgomery
and Fincastle Counties, Virginia, 1773-1831. N. p. [c!932]. 56p.
, comp., Over the Mountain Men, Their Early Court Records in South-
west Virginia. Hillsville, Va., Hillsville Publishing Company, n. d. 69p.
WRIGHT, JAMES A., Historical Sketches of the Town of Moravia [New York]
From 1791 to 1873. Auburn, N. Y., Benton & Reynolds, 1874. 289p.
GENERAL
American Book-Prices Current, Index 1950-1955. New York, American Book-
Prices Current, 1956. 1709p.
AMERICAN PEOPLES ENCYCLOPEDIA, Yearbook, 1954. Chicago, Spencer Press
[c!955]. [1167]p.
Americana Annual, 1956, an Encyclopedia of the Events of 1955. New York,
Americana Corporation [c!956]. 866p.
ANDREWS, J. CUTLER, The North Reports the Civil War. [Pittsburgh] Uni-
versity of Pittsburgh Press [c!955]. 813p.
ARMITAGE, MERLE, The Railroads of America. N. p., Duell, Sloan and Pearce
Little, Brown [c!952]. 319p.
AYER, N. W., AND SON'S, Directory of Newspapers and Periodicals, 1956. Phila-
delphia, N. W. Ayer and Son [c!956]. 1540p.
BARTON, ROY FRANKLIN, The Mythology of the Ifugaos. Philadephia, Ameri-
can Folklore Society, 1955. 244p. (Memoirs of the American Folklore
Society, Vol. 46.)
BLEGEN, THEODORE C., Land of Their Choice, the Immigrants Write Home.
[St. Paul] University of Minnesota Press [c!955]. 463p.
BOSTONIAN SOCIETY, Proceedings, Annual Meeting, January 17, 1956. Boston,
Society, 1956. 61p.
BOTKIN, B. A., A Treasury of Mississippi River Folklore . . . New York,
Crown Publishers [c!955]. 620p.
100 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
BROOK, HERBERT, ed., The Blue Book of Awards. Chicago, Marquis Who's
Who [c!956]. 186p.
BRUCE, ROBERT V., Lincoln and the Tools of War. Indianapolis, Bobbs-Merrill
Company [c!956]. 368p.
BUCHANAN, LAMONT, Ballot for Americans, a Pictorial History of American
Elections . . . 1789-1956. New York, E. P. Dutton and Company,
1956. 192p.
BYRD, CECIL K., and HOWARD H. PECKHAM, A Bibliography of Indiana Im-
prints, 1804-1853. Indianapolis, Indiana Historical Bureau, 1955. 479p.
CATHEY, CORNELIUS OLIVER, Agricultural Developments in North Carolina,
1783-1860. Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina Press, 1956. 229p.
(The James Sprunt Studies in History and Political Science, Vol. 38.)
CROZIER, EMMET, Yankee Reporters, 1861-65. New York, Oxford University
Press, 1956. 441p.
DALE, GEORGE A., Education for Better Living. [Washington, D. C.] U. S.
Bureau of Indian Affairs, 1955. 245p.
DAVIS, BURKE, Gray Fox; Robert E. Lee and the Civil War. New York, Rine-
hart & Company [c!956]. 466p.
DE SEVERSKY, ALEXANDER P., Victory Through Air Power. New York, Simon
and Schuster, 1942. 354p.
DURANT, JOHN, and ALICE DURANT, Pictorial History of American Presidents.
New York, A. S. Barnes [c!955]. 320p.
Encyclopedia of American Biography. New Series, Vol. 25. New York, Ameri-
can Historical Company, 1955. [466]p.
FADIMAN, CLIFTON, ed., The American Treasury, 1455-1955. New York,
Harper & Brothers, Publishers [c!955]. 1108p.
FERM, VERGILIUS, The American Church of the Protestant Heritage. New
York, Philosophical Library [c!953]. 481p.
FLEMING, HOWARD, Narrow Gauge Railways in America, a Sketch of Their
Rise, Progress and Success ... N. p., 1876. lOlp. (Grahame H.
Hardy Reprint, 1949. )
FLIESS, PETER J., Freedom of the Press in the German Republic, 1918-1933.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University Press [c!955]. 147p. (Louisiana
State University Studies. Social Science Series, No. 2.)
FRIEDBERG, ROBERT, Paper Money of the United States; a Complete Illustrated
Guide With Valuations. Second Edition. New York, Coin and Currency
Publishing Institute [c!955]. 151p.
GRAY, CARL R., Railroading in Eighteen Countries . . . New York, Charles
Scribner's Sons, 1955. 351p.
GREENE, SHIRLEY E., This Earth, This Land. [Denver, National Farmers
Union, cl955.] 141p.
GREGORY, JAMES P., JR., comp., Missouri Historical Review Cumulative Index
to Volumes 26-45, October, 1931 -July, 1951. Columbia, State Historical
Society of Missouri, 1955. 333p.
HANSEN, HENNY HARALD, Costumes and Styles. New York, E. P. Dutton &
Company [c!956]. 160p.
HOLBROOK, STEWART H., Machines of Plenty, Pioneering in American Agricul-
ture. New York, Macmillan Company, 1955. 246p.
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 101
HORAN, JAMES D., Mathew Brady, Historian With a Camera. New York,
Crown Publishers [c!955]. 244p.
HORN, ROBERT A., Groups and the Constitution. Stanford, Gal., Stanford Uni-
versity Press, 1956. 187p. (Stanford University Publications, University
Series, History, Economics and Political Science, Vol. 12. )
JAMES, JOSEPH, The Framing of the Fourteenth Amendment. Urbana, Uni-
versity of Illinois Press, 1956. 220p. ( Illinois Studies in the Social Sciences,
Vol. 37.)
JEFFERSON, THOMAS, Papers. Vol. 11, 1 January to 6 August 1787. Princeton,
Princeton University Press, 1955. 701p.
, Papers. Vol. 12, 7 August 1787 to 31 March 1788. Princeton, Prince-
ton University Press, 1955. 70 Ip.
KENNEDY, JOHN F., Profiles in Courage. New York, Harper & Brothers [c!955].
266p.
KNOLES, GEORGE HARMON, The Jazz Age Revisited; British Criticism of Ameri-
can Civilization During the 1920' s. Stanford, Gal., Stanford University Press,
1955. 171p. ( Stanford University Publications, University Series, History,
Economics and Political Science, Vol. 11.)
LARSON, ARTHUR, A Republican Looks at His Party. New York, Harper &
Brothers [c!956]. 210p.
LEJAU, FRANCIS, The Carolina Chronicle of Dr. Francis Le Jau, 1706-1717,
Edited, With an Introduction and Notes, by Frank J. Klingberg. Berkeley,
University of California Press, 1956. 220p. ( University of California Pub-
lications in History, Vol. 53.)
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, Library of Congress Catalog, a Cumulative List of Works
Represented by Library of Congress Printed Cards, 1955. Washington, D. C.,
Library of Congress, 1956. 3 Vols.
LILLARD, RICHARD G., The Great Forest. New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1948.
[413]p.
LOCKMILLER, DAVID A., Enoch H. Crowder, Soldier, Lawyer and Statesman.
Columbia, University of Missouri Studies, 1955. 286p. ( The University of
Missouri Studies, Vol. 27.)
LUCAS, HENRY S., Netherlands in America, Dutch Immigration to the United
States and Canada, 1789-1950. Ann Arbor, University of Michigan, 1955.
744p.
MACARTNEY, CLARENCE EDWARD, Mr. Lincoln's Admirals. New York, Funk &
Wagnalls Company, 1956. 335p.
MAXWELL, WILLIAM QUENTTN, Lincoln's Fifth Wheel, the Political History of
the United States Sanitary Commission. New York, Longmans, Green &
Company, 1956. 372p.
MITCHELL, JOSEPH B., Decisive Battles of the Civil War. New York, G. P.
Putnam's Sons [c!955]. 226p.
MONAGHAN, JAY, The Man Who Elected Lincoln. Indianapolis, Bobbs-Merrill
Company [c!956]. 334p.
MOUNT VERNON LADIES' ASSOCIATION OF THE UNION, Annual Report, 1955.
Mount Vernon [Association, c!956]. 68p.
MUMEY, NOLIE, Two Broken Glasses and Other Poems. Denver, Range Press,
1952. 143p.
102 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
NATIONAL HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS COMMISSION, Writings on American His-
tory, 1951, James R. Masterson, Editor. [Washington, D. C., U. S. Govern-
ment Printing Office] n. d. 544p.
NEIDERHEISER, CLODAUGH M., Forest History Sources of the United States and
Canada. Saint Paul, Forest History Foundation, 1956. 140p.
New York Times Index for the Published News of 1955. New York, New York
Times, c!956. 1271p.
OLSON, OSCAR N., Sward- Johnston, Biographical Sketches of Augustana Leaders.
Rock Island, 111., Augustana Historical Society, 1955. 80p. (Augustana
Historical Society Publications, Vol. 15.)
PAINTER, MURIEL THAYER, and others, eds., A Yaqui Easter Sermon. Tucson,
University of Arizona Press [c!955]. 89p. (University of Arizona Bulletin
Series, Social Science Bulletin, No. 26. )
Pattersons American Education, Vol. 53. North Chicago, 111., Educational Di-
rectories [c!956]. [740]p.
PEIRCE, JOSEPHINE HALVORSON, Fire on the Hearth, the Evolution and Romance
of the Heating-Stove. Springfield, Mass., Pond-Ekberg Company [c!951].
254p.
PHELAN, JOHN LEDDY, The Millennial Kingdom of the Franciscans in the New
World, a Study of the Writings of Geronimo de Mendieta (1525-1604).
Berkeley, University of California Press, 1956. 159p. ( University of Cali-
fornia Publications in History, Vol. 52. )
[QUIGLEY, MARTIN], St. Louis, a Fond Look Back; an Appreciation of Its Com-
munity by the First National Bank in St. Louis ... No impr. Un-
RANDALL, JAMES GARFIELD, Lincoln the President; Vol. 3, Midstream. New
York, Dodd, Mead & Company, 1952. 467p.
RANDALL, RUTH PAINTER, Lincoln's Sons. Boston, Little, Brown and Company
[c!955]. 373p.
RIEGEL, ROBERT E., America Moves West. New York, Henry Holt and Com-
pany [c!956]. 659p.
SAUCIER, CORINNE L., Traditions de la Paroisse des Avoyelles en Louisiane.
Philadelphia, American Folklore Society, 1956. 162p. (Memoirs of the
American Folklore Society, Vol. 47.)
SHANKLE, GEORGE EARLIE, American Nicknames, Their Origin and Significance.
Second Edition. New York, H. W. Wilson Company, 1955. 524p.
SHEPHERD, WILLIAM R., Historical Atlas, Eighth Edition, 1956. Pikesville, Md.,
Colonial Offset Company [c!956]. [341]p.
SIEVERS, HARRY J., Benjamin Harrison, Hoosier Warrior, 1833-1865. Chicago,
Henry Regnery Company, 1952. 344p.
SILVER, DAVID M., Lincoln's Supreme Court. Urbana, University of Illinois
Press, 1956. 272p. (Illinois Studies in the Social Sciences, Vol. 38.)
SMITH, THOMAS C., Political Change and Industrial Development in Japan:
Government Enterprise, 1868-1880. Stanford, Gal, Stanford University
Press, 1955. 126p. (Stanford University Publications, University Series,
History, Economics and Political Science, Vol. 10. )
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY 103
STROUPE, HENRY SMITH, The Religious Press in the South Atlantic States, 1802-
1865, an Annotated Bibliography With Historical Introduction and Notes.
Durham, N. C., Duke University Press, 1956. 172p. ( Historical Papers of
the Trinity College Historical Society, Series 32. )
TABER, MARTHA VAN HOESEN, A History of the Cutlery Industry in the Con-
necticut Valley. Northampton, Mass., Department of History of Smith
College [1955]. 138p. (Smith College Studies in History, Vol. 41.)
TROWBREDGE, JOHN T., The Desolate South, 1865-1866. New York, Duell,
Sloan and Pearce [c!956j. 320p.
TRUMAN, HARRY S., Memoirs, Vol. 1, Year of Decisions. Garden City, N. Y.,
Doubleday & Company, 1955. 596p.
, Memoirs, Vol. 2, Years of Trial and Hope. Garden City, N. Y., Double-
day & Company, 1956. 594p.
VANDERBILT, CORNELIUS, JR., The Living Past of America, a Pictorial Treasury
of Our Historic Houses and Villages That Have Been Preserved and Re-
stored. New York, Crown Publishers [c!955]. 234p.
Who's Who in America, Vol. 29 [1956-1957]. Chicago, A. N. Marquis Com-
pany [c!956]. 3335p.
Who's Who in the Midwest. Chicago, Marquis Who's Who [c!954]. 982p.
WILCOX, RUTH TURNER, The Mode in Footwear. New York, Charles Scribner's
Sons, 1948. 190p.
, The Mode in Furs, the History of Furred Costume of the World From
the Earliest Times to the Present. New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1951.
257p.
WILSON, RUFUS ROCKWELL, Lincoln in Caricature. New York, Horizon Press,
1953. 327p.
WORKS, GEORGE A., and SIMON O. LESSER, Rural America Today, Its Schools
and Community Life. Chicago, University of Chicago Press [c!942]. 450p.
World Almanac and Book of Facts for 1956. New York, New York World-
Telegram, c!956. 896p.
YEAR, INCORPORATED, Pictorial History of America . . . [Los Angeles, Year,
c!954.] [432]p.
Bypaths of Kansas History
TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN MANHATTAN
From the Manhattan Express, December 24, 1859.
One of the greatest nuisances with which a town was ever cursed, is the
habit people from the country have of leaving their teams standing on the
crossing of streets, and any person of common sense will at once see the
inconvenience to which pedestrians are subjected, and refrain from doing so.
[See photograph between pp. 8, 9.]
GUILT BY ASSOCIATION?
From the Emporia News, September 8, 1860.
Sam. Wood, of the Council Grove Press, has two very nice Suffolk pigs,
which, judging from his looks, he eats with, drinks with and sleeps with. He
took us to see them when we were at the Grove lately, thinking, we presume,
that we would give him and his pigs an editorial notice. Out of respect for
the pigs we didn't do it, as they undoubtedly would hate to have folks know
that they associate with Sam.
GARBAGE DISPOSAL IN DODGE CITY?
From the Dodge City Times, July 27, 1878.
The practice of throwing rotten onions, potatoes, cabbage, turnips and
sometimes eggs, is becoming a very popular amusement for the gentlemen of
leisure who rusticate on the benches, boxes and kegs along the principal
thoroughfare. It is better than a monkey show to see an unsuspecting pedes-
trian struck between the eyes with a rotten potato.
AN EARLY-DAY FLYING SAUCER?
From the Ottawa Weekly Herald, April 8, 1897.
THE AIR SHIP MALADY BREAKS Our HERE SEVERAL SAW rr THURSDAY NIGHT.
The mysterious light which has created so many startling stories of its ap-
pearance over many cities and towns of the state of Kansas within the past
two weeks, is reported to have been visible in the heavens to the westward of
Ottawa that night and a large number of residents witnessed its mysterious
passage. They state that at about dusk a bright light about the size of a street
electric light appeared in the southwest and moved slowly in a wavy line across
the heavens to the northwest where it gradually grew fainter and fainter in
brilliancy until it disappeared from view. The same light was seen last night by
many people of Kansas City and is perhaps the same light that hovered over
Topeka a few days ago.
(104)
Kansas History as Published in the Press
Elizabeth Barnes* column "Historic Johnson County" has con-
tinued to appear frequently in the Johnson County Herald, Over-
land Park. Articles printed in recent months included: a history
of the town of Shawnee, August 9, 1956; biographical sketch of
Richard A. Hall, August 16; biographical sketch of Claude J. St.
John, August 23; biographical sketch of John Morrow, September
6, 13; a history of the Overland Park State Bank, November 29; and
"Fifty Years in Overland Park," December 6, 13.
The Pratt Daily Tribune published the third issue of Pride, its
annual progress edition, August 15, 1956.
Points of historic interest in Kansas are listed and reviewed by
John Watson in the Wichita Beacon, August 19, 1956. Also pub-
lished in the Beacon recently were : an article on the First Territorial
Capitol of Kansas, by Frank Madson, Jr., October 24; and "Kansas
Salt Mining Industry Has Historical Past in Kingman Area/' by Dee
Ridpath, December 23.
Historical articles appearing in the Pittsburg Headlight the past
several months included: an article on the town of Lane, Franklin
county, August 20, 1956; a brief history of Girard, September 29; a
sketch of the First Christian church, Pittsburg, October 12; and "Old
Landmark [Miller home] Recalls Colorful Miller History in Mul-
berry," October 29.
Among historical articles of recent date in the Emporia Gazette
were: "[Plymouth] Community's First House Was Built by John
Carter," August 25, 1956; "Emporia Pioneer's [Curtis Heitt] Square
Dealing With Indians Once Saved His Life," September 27; articles
on the First Christian church, Emporia, October 2, 10; a history of
the Verdigris church, near Olpe, October 5; "First Fire Department
Was Organized in 1874," October 11; "J. W. Bolton Remembers
Grasshoppers and Ducks," October 15; "Lincoln Adair Was First
Negro Child Born on Townsite, Probably in 1864," October 19;
"Plymouth's Indian Neighbors," by Mrs. S. H. Bennett, October 25,
29; "Area West of Emporia Was First Settled in Year 1855," by Mrs.
E. M. Stanton, December 24; and "First Wedding in Emporia Area
Was on January 7, 1857," January 7.
Roy F. Nichols reviewed a century's writing about the Kansas-
Nbraska act and traced its passage through congress in 'The Kan-
85869 (105)
106 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
sas-Nebraska Act: A Century of Historiography," published in The
Mississippi Valley Historical Review, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Lin-
coln, Neb., September, 1956.
On September 2, 1956, the Hutchinson News-Herald published
an article entitled "Electric Trolley Debut 50 Years Ago," by Charles
Remsberg. "South Hutchinson Remembers Saga of Old Ben Blanch-
ard," by Jim Skinner, appeared in the News-Herald, September 23,
and on January 6, 1957, Ruby Basye's "Great Stone Churches Stand
as Monuments to Pioneers," a history of the Schoenchen community
and church, Ellis county, was printed.
Veteran business men featured in the Great Bend Tribune in re-
cent months included Jake Bisenius, a druggist in Great Bend for 22
years, September 4, 1956, and Ed McNown, who operated a meat
market in Great Bend for many years, December 23.
Near Canton is the grave of Edward Miller, 18-year-old boy
killed by Indians in 1864. The story of Miller's death is told in an
article by Ruth Meyer in the Wichita Eagle, September 6, 1956. On
January 22, 1957, "Elgin, Kan., Once 'Biggest Shipping Point* in
World," by Charlotte Offen, appeared in the magazine section of the
Eagle. Elgin became a cattle-shipping point in the middle 1880's
with the coming of the Santa Fe railroad.
A historical article in the McCune Herald, September 7, 1956,
called attention to the 75th anniversaries of the town and news-
paper. The Times, started in 1882, is claimed as the Herald's earliest
ancestor. McCune was incorporated in 1881.
A historical sketch of the First Methodist church of Hugoton ap-
peared in the September 13, 1956, issue of the Hugoton Hermes.
The Rev. Charles Brown was the first pastor of the church after its
organization October 11, 1886.
Some early-day experiences of W. G. Nicholas, born in 1873 at
Eureka, are related in the Western Star, Coldwater, September 14,
1956. Nicholas engaged in a number of activities in early Kansas,
including freighting, well digging, and farming.
Regular publication of historical articles in the Hays Daily News
has continued with the appearance of the following: "[Town of]
Chetola Once Meant Gold in Hays Area," September 16, 1956; "First
Old Settlers' Reunion [1894] Received a Few Sharp Digs From Early
Editor [George D. Griffith]" and "[Town of] Yocemento Had Its
Start in Cement," September 23; "Much of What Was Rome, Kans.
Important to Life of Hays City," and "The Great Fire of 1895 De-
KANSAS HISTORY IN THE PRESS 107
stroyed Most of Landmarks of Early Hays," September 30; "Kipple
Murder Case in Toulon Rocked Ellis County in 1880's," October 7;
"Strong Men Wept at News That General Bull Was Dead," October
21; "New Story About Custer Proves Daring of the Handsome Gen-
eral," November 25; and "Strain of Rebellion Leads Stockton's 'Old
Doc' to Take Rocky Road to Osteopathy 50 Years," a biographical
sketch of Dr. J. W. McMillen, Sr., by Bernice Brown, December 2.
A history of the Trinity Lutheran church, Atchison, and "Once-
Booming Doniphan a Ghost Town," by Charles Spencer, were pub-
lished in the Atchison Daily Globe, September 16, 1956. The Globe
printed the story of High Prairie school, district No. 3, near Lan-
caster, in the issue of October 24.
Included among articles by Howard Moore in recent issues of the
Abilene Reflector-Chronicle, were: "Visit Here Led to Marriage [to
Augustus Packard] for Beauty Queen [Alice Belle Tuton]," Septem-
ber 18, 1956; "Enterprise Bars Raided by Carry Nation in 1901," Oc-
tober 3; "Fought Over Site of Early Courthouse," and "Early-Day
County Commissioners Had Their Troubles, Too," October 20. On
October 10 the Reflector-Chronicle printed a history of the Mt.
Pleasant Presbyterian church, Dickinson county, which was observ-
ing its 75th anniversary.
Articles of historical interest appearing in the News Chronicle,
Scott City, in recent months included a short sketch of the Scott City
& Northern Railway, which has ceased to exist, September 20, 1956,
and a history of school district 37 in Scott county, November 29.
Independence history down through the years comprised the 24-
page historical section of the Independence Daily Reporter, Septem-
ber 23, 1956. The special edition was published in observance of the
Reporters 75th anniversary.
Newton's more violent history was reviewed in an article pub-
lished in the Newton Kansan, September 25, 1956. It is pointed out
that Newton has a "Boot Hill" cemetery where eight to fourteen gun-
slingers now rest.
In 1876 Benjamin H. Smith organized the Chetopa Christian
church with 25 charter members. An article sketching the history
of the church was published in the Chetopa Advance, September
27, 1956.
The Highland Vidette, September 27, 1956, printed a history of the
Zion Methodist church, near Robinson. The congregation was or-
ganized in 1881 by the Rev. John Asling.
Kansas Historical Notes
Officers elected at the 22d annual meeting of the Chase County
Historical Society in Cotton wood Falls, September 8, 1956, were:
Paul B. Wood, president; Henry Rogler, vice-president; Clint A.
Baldwin, secretary; George T. Dawson, treasurer; and Mrs. Ruth
Conner, chief historian. Appointed to the executive committee
were: Mrs. Conner, Mrs. Ida M. Vinson, Mrs. Helen Austin, Charles
Gaines, Beatrice Hays, R. Z. Blackburn, and Wood.
The Shawnee Mission Indian Historical Society met at the home
of Mrs. Sola Bradley in Merriam, September 24, 1956, for an elec-
tion of officers. Those elected were: Lucile Larsen, president; Mrs.
Yolande Smith, first vice-president; Mrs. Roy E. Boxmeyer, second
vice-president; Mrs. Pearl Christ Miller, recording secretary; Mrs.
Elwood Hobbs, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Louis Rieke, treas-
urer; Mrs. H. B. Sullivan, historian; Mrs. Charles Houlehan, curator;
and Mrs. James G. Bell, member-in-waiting. Mrs. Harry Meyer was
the retiring president.
On September 30, 1956, members of the Crawford County His-
torical Society toured the county by bus, visiting 32 historic sites.
The organizer and guide for the tour was the society's president,
C. M. Cooper.
New members elected to the Allen County Historical Society's
board of directors at a dinner meeting of the society in lola, October
1, 1956, were: L. T. Cannon, W. C. Caldwell, and Lewis Drake of
Humboldt; Stanley Harris of Colony; R. L. Thompson, Jr. of Moran;
and Spencer Card, Mrs. R. H. Carpenter, Mary Hankins, and Angelo
Scott of lola. A feature of the program was the showing of colored
slides of historic sites and structures in Kansas by Edgar Langsdorf
of the Kansas State Historical Society.
Raymond Tillotson, Shields, was elected president of the Lane
County Historical Society at a meeting in Dighton, October 8, 1956.
Other officers are: Walter Herndon, vice-president; Mrs. Arle Boltz,
secretary; and Mrs. R. G. Mull, Sr., treasurer. Arle Boltz, A. R.
Bentley, and Frank Vycital were elected to the board of directors.
Officers elected by the Dickinson County Historical Society at the
annual meeting October 12, 1956, at Enterprise, for two-year terms
were: Mrs. Ray Livingstone, second vice-president; and Mrs. Adele
Wilkins, treasurer. Willard Connell, Kansas City, a former resident
(108)
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 109
of Enterprise, was in charge of the program. B. H. Oesterreich is
president of the society.
New officers elected by the Leavenworth County Historical So-
ciety at a meeting in Leavenworth, October 18, 1956, were: Mrs.
Jesse Jones, president; Col. Ralph Stewart, first vice-president; John
Feller, second vice-president; Mrs. Gorman Hunt, secretary; and
Homer Cory, treasurer. The following will serve on the board of
directors: George S. Marshall, W. Hans Frienmuth, E. Bert Collard,
Sr., D. R. Anthony, III, Byron Schroeder, J. V. Kelly, and Ruth Bur-
gard. Feller was the retiring president.
Mrs. C. M. Slagg was re-elected president of the Riley County
Historical Society at the annual meeting in Manhattan, November
15, 1956. Other officers are: Clyde Rodkey, vice-president; Homer
Socolofsky, recording secretary; Mrs. F. F. Harrop, corresponding
secretary; Dave Dallas, publicity secretary; Mrs. C. M. Correll, mem-
bership secretary; Carl Pfuetze, curator; and Ed Amos, historian.
Joe D. Haines, John Holmstrom, and Bruce Wilson were elected to
three-year terms on the board of directors. The speaker for the
program was Louise Barry of the Kansas State Historical Society.
The Riley county society has recently acquired new quarters and
equipment for its museum. The new location is in the Memorial
Auditorium.
Twenty Ottawa county citizens met in Minneapolis December 1,
1956, organized the Ottawa County Historical Society, and elected
the following officers: Marshall Constable, president; W. A. Ward,
vice-president; Mrs. Myrtle Thompson, secretary; and Fred Jagger,
treasurer.
Approximately 150 persons attended the annual dinner of the
Shawnee County Historical Society at the Hotel Jayhawk, Decem-
ber 4, 1956. The following trustees were elected for three-year terms
ending December 5, 1959: Paul A. Lovewell, Ray A. Boast, Beryl
R. Johnson, F. J. Rost, Frank Durein, Mrs. Paul Adams, Mrs.
Henry S. Blake, Dr. John D. Bright, Mrs. W. M. Mills, Mildred Quail,
and Earl Ives. Highland Park was featured on the program which
included a slide show by John Ripley. On February 22, 1957, the
directors met and elected the following officers: J. Glenn Logan,
president; Milton Tabor, vice-president; Mrs. Harold Cone, secre-
tary; and Mrs. Frank Kambach, treasurer.
Alan W. Farley, first vice-president of the Kansas State Historical
Society, was named sheriff of the Kansas City posse of the Western-
110 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
ers, succeeding Frank Glenn, at a meeting December 11, 1956.
Other officers are James R. Fuchs, chief deputy sheriff, and Col. Ray
G. Sparks, deputy sheriff.
Dr. George L. Anderson, chairman of the department of history,
University of Kansas, delivered the presidential address entitled
"From Beef to Wheat, the Impact of Agricultural Developments
Upon Banking in Early Wichita," to a meeting of the Agricultural
History Society, December 30, 1956, in St. Louis.
Charles N. McCarter, Wichita, was elected president of the Native
Sons, and Mrs. George Marshall, Basehor, was chosen to head the
Native Daughters at the annual meeting of the Native Sons and
Daughters of Kansas in Topeka, January 28, 1957. Other officers
named by the Native Sons were: Roy Bulkley, Topeka, vice-presi-
dent; Wayne Randall, Osage City, secretary; Dean Yingling, To-
peka, treasurer. The Native Daughters elected Mrs. Hobart Hoyt,
Lyons, vice-president; Evelyn Ford, Topeka, secretary; and Mrs.
J. C. Tillotson, Norton, treasurer. Retiring presidents were Jim
Reed, Topeka, and Mrs. J. B. McKay, El Dorado. Bob Considine,
International News Service columnist, was the principal speaker at
the meeting. Parts of the program appeared on a nation-wide tele-
vision broadcast. Among those appearing on the broadcast were:
Considine, Dr. Karl Menninger, chosen "Kansan of the Year" by
the Native Sons and Daughters, Gov. George Docking, and former
Gov. Alf Landon. John McComb, Kansas State College, won the
oratorical contest sponsored by the Native Sons and Daughters.
Using the theme "Chautauquas," the Woman's Kansas Day Club
held its annual meeting in Topeka, January 29, 1957. The retiring
president, Mrs. Emerson L. Hazlett, Topeka, presided at the meet-
ing. As its new president the club chose Mrs. Edna Peterson,. Cha-
nute. Other new officers are: Mrs. Lucile Rust, Manhattan, first
vice-president; Mrs. Harry Chaff ee, Topeka, second vice-president;
Mrs. Eugene McMillin, Lawrence, recording secretary; Mrs. Paul H.
Wedin, Wichita, treasurer; Mrs. Tillie Karns-Newman, Arkansas
City, historian; Mrs. McDill Boyd, Phillipsburg, registrar; and Mrs.
Claude Stutzman, Kansas City, auditor. District directors include:
Mrs. T. M. Murrell, Topeka, first district; Mrs. Chester Young, Kan-
sas City, second district; Mrs. Raymond Smith, Parsons, third dis-
trict; Mrs. Ruth Vawter Rankin, Wichita; fourth district; Mrs. Glee
Smith, Lamed, fifth district; and Mrs. Sharon Foster, Ellsworth,
sixth district. Historical material gathered by the historian, Mrs.
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES 111
Edward Isern, Ellinwood, the district directors and assistant his-
torians was presented to the Kansas State Historical Society. This
year's meeting marked the golden anniversary of the club.
Eleven members were named to two-year terms on the board of
directors of the Finney County Historical Society at the society's
annual meeting February 12, 1957, in Garden City. They are: Mrs.
Frank Crase, Mrs. Mabel Rowe Brown, J. E. Greathouse, Albert
Drussel, R. G. Brown, Mrs. Ella Condra, William Fant, Chet Reeve,
George Anderson, Mrs. Irene Walters, and Arthur Stone. Clifford
Hope, Sr., was the principal speaker at the meeting. R. G. Brown
is president of the society.
Development of the Prairie Grove battlefield in Arkansas as a
historic shrine is under way, sponsored by the Washington County
( Ark. ) Historical Society and other groups. It is designed to honor
both Union and Confederate soldiers. Kansas troops were among
those who fought at Prairie Grove.
The New York Community Trust announced recently the grant
of the Byron Caldwell Smith Award posthumously to Dr. Robert
Taft for his Artists and Illustrators of the Old West, 1850-1900, pub-
lished in 1953. The $750 award is financed by the Kate Stephens
bequest in the foundation. Miss Stephens was formerly professor
of Greek at the University of Kansas. Dr. Taft was well known to
readers of the Quarterly where his articles, including "Artists and
Illustrators . . .," frequently appeared.
Wamego had its beginning on May 1, 1866, when seven men ar-
rived at the site and constructed a small shack. In 1956 a 22-page
pamphlet on the town's history and development was published by
the Chamber of Commerce.
Snowden D. Flora, head of the United States Weather Bureau
at Topeka from 1917 to 1949, is the author of Hailstorms of the
United States, published by the University of Oklahoma Press in
1956. The 201-page volume includes information on hail forecast-
ing, damage, and insurance. Flora also discusses the characteristics
of hail and the storms that produce it. During the period 1944-1953
Kansas had the greatest hail damage of any state by a considerable
margin.
Historical sketches of towns served by the Missouri Pacific are
printed in The Empire That Missouri Pacific Serves, a 352-page book
112 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTEBLY
recently published by the railroad. Also included are brief histories
of the states through which the line operates.
Sigma Nu at Kansas University 1884-1956 is the title of a 222-
page history published by the Sigma Nu fraternity at Lawrence in
1956. Authors included: Grant W. Harrington, Burton P. Sears,
Solon W. Smith, Webster W. Holloway, Edward H. Hashinger,
John J. Wheeler, Owen C. Jones, and Edward F. Hudson.
Vision a Saga of the Sky, by Harold Mansfield, a 389-page "nar-
rative account of forty years of progress in the air, the trials and
triumphs of the great Boeing Airplane Company," was recently
published by Duell, Sloan and Pearce, New York. Of special in-
terest to Kansans is the chapter "Battle of Kansas," the story of pre-
paring the first B-29's for use in World War II.
A biography of George Rogers Clark, by John Bakeless, entitled
Background to Glory the Life of George Rogers Clark was re-
cently published by J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia and
New York. Clark was the military leader who fought the British,
French, Spanish and Indians to win the Old Northwest during the
American revolution.
The Founding of Public Education in Wisconsin, a 252-page book
by Lloyd P. Jorgenson, was published in 1956 by the State Historical
Society of Wisconsin, Madison.
Medicine in Chicago, 1850-1950, a 302-page work by Thomas N.
Bonner, was published early in 1957 by the American History Re-
search Center, Madison.
D
THE
KANSAS HISTORICAL
QUARTERLY
Summer 1957
Published by
Kansas State Historical Society
Topeka
NYLE H. MILLER KIRKE MECHEM JAMES C. MALIN
Managing Editor Editor Associate Editor
CONTENTS
A SURVEY OF HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES IN KANSAS 113
With photographs of Allen county jail, Tola; Gen. Frederick Funston home, near Tola;
officers' quarters, old Fort Scott; "Fort Blair" blockhouse, Fort Scott; birthplace
of Amelia Earhart, Atchison; birthplace of Arthur Capper, Garnett; Pawnee Rock,
Barton county; boyhood home of Dwight Eisenhower, Abilene; Irvin Hall, High-
land Junior College, Highland; Constitution Hall and Lane University, Lecomp-
ton; Iowa, Sac and Fox Presbyterian Mission, near Highland; Old Castle Hall,
Baldwin; "Cathedral of the Plains," Victoria; Fort Harker guardhouse, Kanopolis;
boyhood home of Walter Chrysler, Ellis; Fort Hays blockhouse, Hays; Santa Fe
trail ruts, near Dodge City; "Tauy" Jones house and Silkville colony, Franklin
county; Shawnee Methodist Mission, Fairway; covered bridge, Leavenworth
county; Mark W. Delahay and Fred Harvey homes, Planters' House, Leaven-
worth; Point of Rocks, Morton county; "Last Chance" Store and Kaw Methodist
Mission, Council Grove; Pottawatomie Baptist Mission building, near Topeka;
Fort Larned, Pawnee county; cabin of Dr. Brewster Higley, Smith county;
El Quartelejo monument, Scott county; Brookville Hotel, Saline county; "Cow-
town Wichita," Sedgwick county; birthplace of Damon Runyon, Manhattan; Fort
Wallace cemetery marker, Wallace county; First territorial capitol, Fort Riley;
Pond creek stage station, Wallace county; cave in Battle canyon, Scott county;
Hollenberg ranch Pony Express station, Washington county; Moses Grinter house,
Wyandotte county, and Beecher Bible and Rifle Church, Wabaunsee, between
pp. 144, 145.
A FREE-STATER'S "LETTERS TO THE EDITOR": Samuel N. Wood's Letters
to Eastern Newspapers, 1854 Edited by Robert W. Richmond, 181
THEATRE IN KANSAS, 1858-1868: Background for the Coming of the Lord
Dramatic Company to Kansas, 1869 (Part Two, Atchison, Lawrence
and Topeka) Concluded James C. Malin, 191
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 204
KANSAS HISTORY AS PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS 211
KANSAS HISTORICAL NOTES . 221
The Kansas Historical Quarterly is published four times a year by the Kansas
State Historical Society, 120 W. Tenth, Topeka, Kan., and is distributed free to
members. Correspondence concerning contributions may be sent to the manag-
ing 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
Students and faculty of Lane University, Lecompton, about 1884.
The parents of President Dwight Eisenhower attended this college.
Ida Elizabeth Stover, the President's mother, is seated sixth from
the right in the front row. Photo courtesy J. O. Gunnels, Colby.
For a picture of the Lane University building at it appears today
see between pp. 144, 145.
THE KANSAS '
HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Volume XXIII Summer, 1957 Number 2
A Survey of Historic Sites and Structures in Kansas
DURING 1955 and 1956, in compliance with an act of the 1955
legislature, the Kansas State Historical Society conducted a
survey of historic sites and structures in the state. The law required
that a report containing "the results of the survey and recommenda-
tions for acquisition, maintenance and preservation" of such sites
and structures should be made to the 1957 session.
The report was presented to the governor and members of the
legislature in March, 1957. Since it was not printed in sufficient
quantity that it could be sent also to the members of the Society
it is reprinted here, with several additions and revisions, in the
belief that it will be of general interest to the membership and
other readers of the Quarterly. The presentation includes a brief
historical statement for each site, its location and present status,
and a recommendation for preservation or marking if such recog-
nition is believed desirable and practicable. Points of scenic interest
have not been included unless there is a definite historical connec-
tion.
As a general rule, if the site is public property or is administered
by an established organization, or if it is already marked, the rec-
ommendation is "status quo," by which is meant that no change
is considered necessary at this time. This is not to say, however,
that preservation or administration is in all cases as effective as it
should be.
Of the 186 sites reported in this survey three, Fort Leavenworth,
Fort Riley and Point of Rocks in Morton county, are federal prop-
erty. Three others Shawnee Methodist Mission near Kansas City,
Fort Larned in Pawnee county, and the Santa Fe trail remains
west of Dodge City have been designated by the National Park
Service as worthy of further study and possible recognition as Na-
tional Monuments, and this survey recommends that they be so
recognized. If for any reason the National Park Service does not
accept Fort Larned and the Santa Fe trail remains, they should be
(113)
114 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
preserved as valued historical assets by the state, or locally, as
parks and museums.
Eighteen sites, including Shawnee Methodist Mission, are now
state property and at least two more should become state parks
and museums. El Quartelejo in Scott County State Park, the site
of which is owned by the Kansas Society of the Daughters of the
American Revolution, is an outstanding archaeological attraction
and should be rebuilt and maintained. Pottawatomie Baptist Mis-
sion near Topeka, now privately owned, for reasons stated in the
report should be taken over by the state.
State historical markers have been erected for 45 sites included
in this report; it is suggested that 25 additional sites be given the
same recognition. Forty-four sites have been marked by organi-
zations or individuals; the survey suggests that 52 others be sim-
ilarly marked. Fourteen sites are now preserved and maintained
locally; six others are noted as sufficiently important to warrant
local preservation if economically feasible. Several buildings cur-
rently maintained for regular use are not included in this count.
Many omissions will be discovered in this list. However, the
Society intends to continue the survey as part of its regular oper-
ations, and ultimately will examine all important sites and struc-
tures in the state. Lacking full-time survey personnel, the work
must be done as it has been during the past two years by staff
members whenever time can be spared from their regular duties,
or whenever it is possible to combine the survey with other ac-
tivities.
The Society is grateful to the many friends who assisted in ob-
taining information for the survey, and will appreciate suggestions
as to additional sites and structures which should be included in
future lists. Thanks are due also to the Kansas Industrial Develop-
ment Commission for seven photographs, and to the Omaha office
of the National Park Service for six photographs, published in the
picture section between pp. 144, 145.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 115
ALLEN COUNTY
1. GEN. FREDERICK FUNSTON HOME.
History: This property was homesteaded in 1867 by Edward H.
Funston, later a member of congress from Kansas, 1884-
1894. His son, Frederick (1865-1917), won fame as colonel
of the Twentieth Kansas regiment in the Philippine Insurrec-
tion by capturing the insurgent leader Aguinaldo, was
awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, and at the time
of his death was a major general in the U. S. army.
Location and description: A two-story frame house on U. S. 59
about five miles north of lola.
Status: The Funston home was presented to the state by the
general's sister, Ella Funston Eckdall, and her husband, and
was accepted by act of the 1955 legislature. It is now ad-
ministered by the Kansas State Historical Society as a mu-
seum. A state historical marker stands in front of the home.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. COUNTY JAIL, IOLA.
History: Built in 1869 and still in use as a county jail, this is one
of the oldest public buildings in Kansas in continuous use.
Location and description: Two-story limestone block building
at 204 North Jefferson St.
Status: Still in use as a county jail.
Recommendations: An excellent place for a local museum.
Local historical marker.
3. STONEY LONESOME SCHOOLHOUSE.
History: Formerly a rural school at which Gen. Frederick Fun-
ston was a teacher in 1886.
Location and description: Fragmentary remains about five miles
south of lola on U. S. 59.
Status: On privately owned land. A local historical marker has
been erected on U. S. 59 at the school site.
Recommendations: Status quo.
116 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
ANDERSON COUNTY
1. ARTHUR CAPPER HOME, GARNETT.
History: Arthur Capper, distinguished newspaperman and pub-
lisher of farm journals, governor of Kansas, 1915-1919, and
U. S. senator from Kansas, 1919-1949, was bora in this house
July 14, 1865.
Location and description: A small one-story red brick structure
at Fifth and Cedar Sts. A manufacturing plant has been
built to the side of the house and almost touching it.
Status: In 1956 the Capper Memorial Museum Association was
chartered to preserve the property.
Recommendations: Status quo.
ATCHISON COUNTY
1. AMELIA EARHART BIRTHPLACE, ATCHISON.
History: Amelia Earhart, famous aviatrix and first woman to
fly the Atlantic solo, was bom in this house and spent most
of her childhood here.
Location and description: A two-story frame structure with
brick addition at the back, located at 223 North Terrace.
Status: Privately owned and occupied as a residence.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
2. BYRAM HOTEL, ATCHISON.
History: Opened as the "Otis House" on May 14, 1873, and still
in operation, this is the oldest hotel in the city. It was origi-
nally to be called the "Pomeroy" in honor of Sen. S. C. Pome-
roy, but the senator was involved in an election scandal early
that year and his name was not used.
Location and description: Brick, stone and stucco four-story
structure, located at 202 Commercial St.
Status: Privately owned and operated as a hotel.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
3. ED HOWE HOME, ATCHISON.
History: Edgar Watson Howe, famous writer, editor and pub-
lisher, built this home in 1880. He also owned a home,
"Potato Hill," outside the city.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 117
Location and description: Two-story red brick house at 1117
North Third St.
Status: In good repair and occupied as a residence by Adelaide
Howe, niece of Ed Howe.
Recommendations: Local historical marker or plaque.
4. JOHN A. MARTIN HOUSE, ATCHISON.
History: John A. Martin, pioneer Atchison newspaperman, built
this house in 1871. Martin served as colonel of the Eighth
Kansas infantry in the Civil War and as governor of Kansas,
1885-1889.
Location and description: A two-story red brick structure at
315 North Terrace.
Status: Still owned by members of the Martin family and oc-
cupied as a residence.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
5. OLD PRIORY, ST. BENEDICT'S COLLEGE, ATCHISON.
History: The Priory was the first building at the college, con-
structed by the Benedictine order in 1859. A wing was
added in 1861 and a church was begun in 1866. The latter
was not completed until after the turn of the century.
Location and description: A three-story brick structure located
on the St. Benedict's campus. It now connects the church
building and another wing.
Status: The building is still in use by the college.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
BARBER COUNTY
1. CARRY NATION HOME, MEDICINE LODGE.
History: Carry Nation and her husband David moved into this
house in the late 1880's. Mrs. Nation was one of the coun-
try's most militant reformers and prohibitionists, and re-
ceived national attention for her "barroom-smashing" activi-
ties.
Location and description: One-story brick house at the comer of
Fowler Ave. and Oak St., on U. S. 160.
118 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Status: The house is now a museum and is open to the public
daily. It is owned and operated by the Woman's Christian
Temperance Union.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. MEDICINE LODGE PEACE TREATY, MEDICINE LODGE.
History: In October, 1867, Kiowa, Comanche, Arapahoe, Apache
and Cheyenne Indians signed peace treaties with the U. S.
government near Medicine Lodge. Several famous chiefs
and military men were present and the council drew wide-
spread interest.
Location and description: Site only, confluence of Elm creek
and Medicine Lodge river.
Status: There is a state historical marker on U. S. 160, just east
of Medicine Lodge, and there is a monument in the town
commemorating the treaty.
Recommendations: Status quo.
BARTON COUNTY
1. FORT ZARAH.
History: Fort Zarah was a frontier army post on the Santa Fe
trail and was in use from 1864 to 1869.
Location and description: Only the site remains. It is located
two miles east of Great Bend on U. S. 56.
Status: Located near a state roadside park. A state historical
marker on the highway calls attention to the site.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. PAWNEE ROCK.
History: A famous landmark on the Santa Fe trail, the rock
served as a lookout point for Indians and was also a favorite
ambush. Later the area at the base was popular as an
emigrant campground. Much of the top was stripped off
by railroad builders and pioneers, and the rock is now much
smaller than it was originally.
Location and description: Large rock elevation, just north of
the town of Pawnee Rock off U. S. 56.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 119
Status: The remaining rock is now in a state park. A shelter
and monument are on the summit, and there is a state
historical marker on U. S. 56 west of the town of Pawnee
Rock.
Recommendations: Status quo.
BOURBON COUNTY
1. OLD FORT SCOTT, FORT SCOTT.
History: Fort Scott was established in 1842 and was in use
most of the time until 1873. It was one of the most import-
ant early posts on the Western frontier and in Kansas is
second only to Fort Leavenworth in age. During the Civil
War the post was of strategic importance to the Union
and played an important part in preventing Missouri from
joining the Confederacy.
Location and description: Several buildings of the old fort still
survive a double set of officers' quarters, half of a double
set of officers' quarters, the bakery, the cavalry stables, and
the hospital building all of them located on Carroll Plaza.
Status: Several of the old buildings are owned and preserved
by the city of Fort Scott. One contains a museum which is
administered by the Business and Professional Women's
Club. A state historical marker has been erected on U. S. 69
at the north edge of Fort Scott.
Recommendations: Status quo.
BROWN COUNTY
1. TORT LEXINGTON" AND THE LANE TRAIL.
History: In order to avoid the dangers and difficulties often en-
countered by Free-State immigrants traveling through Mis-
souri to Kansas, James H. Lane in 1856 opened the Lane
trail. Running south from Iowa through Nebraska, it
crossed western Brown county where Lane and his "Northern
Army" founded the settlements of Plymouth and Lexington,
neither of which survived for long.
Location and description: Plymouth was located on Pony creek,
in Sec. 15, T 1 S, R 15 E. Lexington was about three miles
120 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
southeast of Sabetha and about two miles northwest of
Fairview.
Status: Privately owned farm land.
Recommendations: State historical marker on U. S. 36 near
Fairview.
2. KICKAPOO PRESBYTERIAN MISSION, HORTON.
History: In December, 1856, a Presbyterian mission and school
for the Kickapoo Indians was established on what is now
Horton Heights. It passed into other hands in 1869, and in
1871 was abandoned and the building razed.
Location and description: Site only, in Horton.
Status: One of the least publicized Indian missions in Kansas. A
local historical marker has been erected.
Recommendations: Status quo.
BUTLER COUNTY
1. FIRST BUILDING IN AUGUSTA.
History: This building was erected in 1868 and served at various
times as a store, post office, school, and a meeting place for
the Masonic Lodge and Baptist and Methodist congregations.
Location and description: One and one half story log and frame
structure located on the main street of Augusta, U. S. 77.
Status: The building is owned and operated by the Augusta
Historical Society as a museum.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. STAPLETON No. 1 OIL WELL, EL DORADO.
History: The discovery well of the El Dorado oil field, known as
Stapleton No. 1, came in on October 9, 1915. It was drilled
by the Wichita Natural Gas company and opened one of the
richest oil fields in the West.
Location and description: SEM, Sec. 29, T 25 S, R 5 E, on the
northwestern outskirts of El Dorado.
Status: A marker was erected near the site of the well in 1940
and the land on which it stands was presented to the Kansas
State Historical Society at that time.
Recommendations: Status quo.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 121
CHASE COUNTY
1. SAMUEL N. WOOD HOME, COTTONWOOD FALLS.
History: This house was built in the 1860's by Samuel N. Wood,
Free-State leader and pioneer newspaper publisher (Cotton-
wood Falls, Council Grove and Lawrence) who remained
active in Kansas affairs until his death in 1891. He was
murdered during the county-seat fight in Stevens county.
Location and description: Two-story stone house located in the
southeast part of town.
Status: Privately owned and occupied as a residence.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY
CHEROKEE COUNTY
1. BAXTER SPRINGS MASSACRE, BAXTER SPRINGS.
History: On October 6, 1863, a Union military force under
Gen. James Blunt was attacked and nearly annihilated by
Confederate guerrillas under William Quantrill. Another
group of Union soldiers was also attacked by the Con-
federates in the same vicinity. A number of the victims are
buried in the National Cemetery near Baxter Springs.
Location and description: Battle sites within present city limits.
Status: A state historical marker telling the story of these battles
has been erected on U. S. 66 at Baxter Springs.
Recommendations: Status quo.
CHEYENNE COUNTY
CLARK COUNTY
1. "LIVING WATER MARKER" ST. JACOB'S WELL.
History: St. Jacob's Well was a famous watering place on the
Fort Supply-Fort Dodge trail which was used during pioneer
days in western Kansas by the U. S. army, cattlemen and
buffalo hunters. It is said to have never been dry, even
122 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
during years of extreme drought. About one half mile south
was a marker with an index stone on top pointing to the
well.
Location and description: A pile of stones on the Fort Supply-
Fort Dodge trail, west of Ashland and near U. S. 160. Traces
of the old trail are still in evidence about ten miles west of
Ashland.
Status: On privately owned farm land.
Recommendations: Marker should be rebuilt and a state his-
torical marker placed on U. S. 160-283. The entire area of
the Great Basin is rich in fossils and might well be made a
state park.
CLAY COUNTY
CLOUD COUNTY
1. BOSTON CORBETT HOMESTEAD.
History: Boston Corbett, Civil War soldier and slayer of John
Wilkes Booth, Lincoln's assassin, settled on a claim in Cloud
county in the fall of 1878. In 1887 he was appointed as-
sistant doorkeeper of the Kansas House of Representatives.
During the session he went berserk and was committed to
the Topeka State Hospital. He escaped in 1888, and his
whereabouts after that time were never established.
Location and description: Site only, WX, NE&, Sec. 12, T 7 S,
R 3 W, about four miles east of U. S. 81.
Status: On privately owned farm land.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
COFFEY COUNTY
COMANCHE COUNTY
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 123
COWLEY COUNTY
1. CHEROKEE STRIP OPENING, ARKANSAS CITY.
History: In September, 1893, thousands of persons gathered
in and around Arkansas City prepared to make the "run"
into Oklahoma territory to obtain land.
Location and description: General area near Arkansas City.
Status: A state historical marker has been erected on U. S. 77
three miles south of Arkansas City. A granite marker south
of the city on the same highway also commemorates the
event.
Recommendations: Status quo.
CRAWFORD COUNTY
1. TOWNSHIP HALL, FARLINGTON.
History: Built in 1873 for use as a township hall, it is still used
for meetings.
Location and description: Clay block building in Farlington.
Status: In good repair.
Recommendations: Local historical marker or plaque.
2. FRANKLIN FLATTER HOME.
History: This house was built about 1880 by Franklin Playter,
an early settler of Crawford county, and was the center of a
large cattle-ranching operation.
Location and description: Two-story stone house with a large
cupola, located two miles southeast of Walnut.
Status: Privately owned and occupied as a residence.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
DECATUR COUNTY
1. LAST INDIAN RAID IN KANSAS.
History: In 1878 Northern Cheyennes, led by Chief Dull
Knife, left their Oklahoma reservation in an attempt to re-
turn to the tribal home in the North. They were harassed
by U.S. troops and cowboys and in turn terrorized resi-
124 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
dents of several western Kansas counties. Forty Kansas
settlers were killed on their farms, 19 of them on Sappa
creek in Decatur county.
Location and description: General area along Sappa creek.
Status: The bodies of several of the murdered settlers are
buried in a cemetery on the northern city limits of Oberlin,
and a monument to their memory stands in the cemetery.
A state historical marker is located at the junction of U. S.
36 and U. S. 183.
Recommendations: Status quo.
DICKINSON COUNTY
1. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER HOME, ABILENE.
History: Boyhood home of Dwight D. Eisenhower, President
of the United States and famed military leader in World
War II.
Location and description: Two-story frame house at 201 South
East Fourth St.
Status: The home is maintained by the Eisenhower Foundation.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. DICKINSON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, CHAPMAN.
History: This school building is said to be the first county
high school in the United States. Construction began in
1887 and it was dedicated September 3, 1889. The Hi-Y
movement was organized here in 1889. . .-
Location and description: Two-story stone building.
Status: The building is still in use as a high school. Two local
markers have been erected.
Recommendations: Status quo.
DONIPHAN COUNTY
1. IOWA, SAC AND Fox PRESBYTERIAN MISSION.
History: The Presbyterian Church established a log-cabin mis-
sion and school to the Iowa, Sac and Fox Indians in 1837
under the direction of Samuel and Eliza Irvin. A three-story
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 125
stone and brick building of 32 rooms was completed in 1846.
The present building is a remaining portion of the original
one.
Location and description: A brick building located two miles
east and a little north of Highland, off U. S. 36.
Status: The building is owned by the state and a museum is
under the direction of the Northeast Kansas Historical So-
ciety. A state historical marker is located on U. S. 36, just east
of the town.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. IRVIN HALL, HIGHLAND JUNIOR COLLEGE, HIGHLAND.
History: Highland Junior College is the oldest institution of
higher learning in Kansas. It was chartered as Highland
University on February 9, 1858, and Irvin Hall was com-
pleted in 1859. The school was an outgrowth of the Presby-
terian mission to the Iowa, Sac and Fox Indians.
Location and description: Two-story brick building on the
Highland campus on U. S. 36.
Status: The building is still in use by the school although some
alterations have been made since it was built. A marker has
been erected on the campus.
Recommendations: Status quo.
DOUGLAS COUNTY
1. OLD CASTLE HALL, BAKER UNIVERSITY, BALDWIN.
History: Baker University was chartered February 12, 1858, and
the "old castle" was its first building. Baker is the oldest
four-year college in Kansas.
Location and description: A three-story stone building located
near the Baker campus.
Status: Owned by the university and operated as a museum by
the Old Castle Memorial Association. A plaque is mounted
on the front of the building.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. BIG SPRINGS.
History: Once a popular watering place on the Oregon trail
between Lawrence and Topeka, the springs for which the
126 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
town was originally named are now dry. The Free-State
party of Kansas held a policy-making meeting in Big Springs
in 1855 and the first United Brethren church in Kansas was
built there in the 1850's.
Location and description: Unincorporated village on U. S. 40
K-10, between Lawrence and Topeka.
Status: Some remains of the early church exist, and the present
organization, which has a church across the highway from
the original site, has erected a marker. No marker for the
town and its territorial status exists.
Recommendations: State historical marker.
3. BATTLE OF BLACK JACK.
History: One of the more important skirmishes between Free-
State and Proslavery partisans, this incident occurred June 2,
1856. John Brown and his company attacked and defeated
a Proslavery group led by Henry C. Pate.
Location and description: Battleground was three miles east
and one fourth mile south of Baldwin, off U. S. 50.
Status: Privately owned farm land. A monument commemorat-
ing the incident stands on a small plot of state-owned ground.
A state historical marker has been erected on U. S. 50 three
miles east of Baldwin.
Recommendations: Status quo.
4. 'ToRT'Trrus.
History: During the territorial troubles Col. H. T. Titus, a Pro-
slavery leader, built a strong log house which soon became
a Proslavery rendezvous. On August 16, 1856, Free-State
forces besieged and captured the building and its defenders
after both sides suffered several wounded. Following the
skirmish the building was burned.
Location and description: Site only, EM, Sec. 10, T 12 S, R 18 E,
about two miles south of Lecompton, off U. S. 40 K-10.
Status: Privately owned farm land.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
5. FRANKLIN.
History: Franklin was a Proslavery settlement, a rival of Law-
rence during the early territorial period and headquarters for
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 127
Southern forces during border difficulties in 1856. Two
"battles" of Franklin were fought, in June and August, 1856.
In the first, Free-State men captured a quantity of arms,
ammunition and provisions. In the second, they captured
the cannon, "Old Sacramento," and more small arms.
Location and description: Site only, Sec. 10, T 13 S, R 20 E,
about two miles east of Lawrence, off K-10. The town's
cemetery is about all that remains of old Franklin.
Status: Privately owned farm land.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
6. Gov. CHARLES ROBINSON HOUSE, LAWRENCE.
History: Charles Robinson, first governor of the state of Kansas,
built this house in 1867. His will bequeathed it and the
farm on which it stands to the University of Kansas.
Location and description: Two-story frame house about three
miles northeast of Lawrence, off U. S. 24-40.
Status: In good repair. Property of the University of Kansas.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
7. TRINITY EPISCOPAL PARISH HOUSE, LAWRENCE.
History: Erected in 1858, this is the oldest church building in
Kansas, with the exception of early missions. It was origi-
nally the church but was converted to a parish house upon
the completion of the present church in 1871.
Location and description: One-story limestone English Gothic
structure, 1009 Vermont St.
Status: Still in use by the parish and in good repair. There is a
small marker on the building.
Recommendations: Status quo.
8. CONSTITUTION HALL, LECOMPTON.
History: Lecompton was a territorial capital of Kansas. In this
building the Proslavery constitution of 1857 was drafted.
Location and description: Two-story white frame structure, three
miles north of U. S. 40 K-10.
Status: The building is owned and used by the I. O. O. F. lodge
of Lecompton and is in reasonably good repair.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
128 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
9. LANE UNIVERSITY BUILDING, LECOMPTON.
History: This building was used by Lane University, a school
which opened in 1865 and closed in 1903 when it was merged
with Campbell College in Holton. Although the building
was not erected until the early 1880's, it rests on part of the
foundation of the territorial capitol, begun in 1856 but never
finished. Dwight D. Eisenhower's parents met as students at
Lane University and were married in 1885 in Lecompton.
Location and description: Two-story stone building.
Status: The building is now owned by the local school board
and is used for storage.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
EDWARDS COUNTY
1. BATTLE OF COON CREEK.
History: On June 17, 1848, a small body of U. S. troops from
Fort Leavenworth, en route to Fort Mann, was attacked by a
large band of Comanche and Apache Indians between Coon
creek and the Arkansas river near the site of present Kinsley.
These troops were among the first in the army to be equipped
with breech-loading carbines, which could be loaded and
fired five times per minute. The Indians were bewildered
by the rapid fire and their attack was repulsed.
Location and description: Site only, near U. S. 50 just east of
Kinsley.
St at us: Privately owned land.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
ELK COUNTY
ELLIS COUNTY
1. WALTER P. CHRYSLER HOME, ELLIS.
History: This house was the boyhood home of automobile manu-
facturer Walter Chrysler. He was once employed in the
Union Pacific railroad shops in Ellis.
Location and description: Two-story white frame house on U. S.
40.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 129
Status: The house is open as a museum, sponsored by the
Chamber of Commerce of Ellis.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. FORT HAYS, HAYS.
History: Fort Hays was an army post and supply depot on the
Western frontier, 1865-1889, and was an important head-
quarters during the Indian wars. Such famous names as
Hickok, Cody, Sheridan and Custer are associated with the
history of the fort.
Location and description: Two limestone structures, the original
blockhouse and guardhouse, located in Frontier Historical
Park, near junction of U. S. 183 and U. S. 40.
Status: These buildings are in good condition and are located in
a state park which is supervised by a state board of man-
agers. A museum has been established in the old block-
house and a state historical marker has been erected on
U. S. 40.
Recommendations: Status quo.
3. VICTORIA.
History: Victoria was established in 1873 by George Grant, a
wealthy Scottish merchant. Grant sold parts of his 69,000-
acre holdings to English and Scottish colonists, many of them
younger sons of aristocratic families. On these estates they
were to learn the arts of agriculture and stock-raising.
Actually most of their time was devoted to cricket, polo and
hunting. Herzog, a Russian-German colony established in
1876 one half mile north of Victoria, gradually merged with
the English colony, and in 1913 they were incorporated under
the name of Victoria.
Location and description: The original townsite was in the
SWM, Sec. 7, T 14 S, R 16 E.
Status: State historical marker is soon to be erected on U. S. 40.
Recommendations: Status quo.
4. ST. FIDELIS CHURCH, VICTORIA.
History: Designed by John Comes of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Joseph
Marshall of Topeka, this church was built through the ef-
forts of the parishioners, most of them German-Russian emi-
107716
130 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
grants. William Jennings Bryan called the church the
"Cathedral of the Prairies/' It was dedicated in 1911.
Location and description: Romanesque limestone structure with
twin spires 141 feet high.
Status: In use as a Roman Catholic church.
Recommendations: Status quo.
5. GEORGE GRANT VILLA.
History: Built about 1874 by George Grant, founder of Victoria
colony, for his own home.
Location and description: Two-story stone house, with porch
on three sides, located on a county road five miles south and
one and one half miles east of Victoria, in Sec. 6, T 15 S,
R16E.
Status: In excellent condition, privately owned and occupied
as a residence.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
ELLSWORTH COUNTY
1. WHITE HOUSE HOTEL, ELLSWORTH.
History: The hotel was built in 1872 by Arthur Larkin and was
first named the Grand Central Hotel. It was a famous West-
ern hostelry during the cattle trail days and its register boasted
such names as Wm. F. Cody and "Wild Bill" Hickok.
Location and description: Two-story stone, brick and stucco
building on North Main St., on city route U. S. 40. , v
Status: The hotel is still in operation.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
2. FORT HARKER, KANOPOLJS.
History: Fort Harker, first named Fort Ellsworth, was a frontier
army post and an important base of operations and supplies
during the Indian wars, 1864-1873.
Location and description: Four stone buildings, two miles south
of U. S. 40.
Status: The old guardhouse building is owned by the city of
Kanopolis and is leased to the local American Legion post
for museum purposes. The other three buildings are former
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 131
officers' quarters and are used as residences by private own-
ers. All the buildings are in a good state of preservation.
Recommendations: Directional markers and a state historical
marker on U. S. 40 when a suitable turnout area can be ob-
tained.
FINNEY COUNTY
1. SANTA FE TRAIL CROSSING; RAVANNA.
History: One of the Santa Fe trail crossings of the Arkansas
river was just west of present Holcomb. Ravanna, a Kansas
ghost town, was established about 1881 some eight miles
northwest of Kalvesta.
Location and description: The site of Ravanna is seven miles
north of U. S. 156.
Status: Markers have been erected by the Finney County
Historical Society. The society has also placed a marker in
Finnup Park, Garden City, commemorating the fact that the
Arkansas river served as the boundary of the United States,
1803-1845, and has marked the site of the U. S. Land Office,
103 North Main St., in Garden City.
Recommendations: Status quo.
FORD COUNTY
1. FORT ATKINSON; "THE CACHES."
History: Fort Atkinson was a military post on the Santa Fe trail,
1851-1854. A short-lived post called Fort Mann had been
established on the same site in 1847 but was gone by 1850
when Col. E. V. Sumner encamped there. Camp Mackay
was the name given Sumner's encampment from August,
1850, until June, 1851, when Fort Atkinson was actually
built. "The Caches," first used by a pack train outfit in 1822
for temporary storage of supplies, was a famous landmark
on the Santa Fe trail near these military posts.
Location and description: Site only, SW&, Sec. 29, T 26 S, R
25 W, about two miles west of Dodge City and just south
of U. S. 50. The location of "The Caches" is about three-
fourths of a mile northwest of the fort site.
Status: Privately owned farm land.
Recommendations: State historical marker.
132 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
2. FORT DODGE.
History: Fort Dodge was an important post on the Indian
frontier, 1865-1882.
Location and description: Group of stone buildings, four miles
southeast of Dodge City on U. S. 154.
Status: Two of the original adobe structures still stand, although
they have been veneered with stone. The commandant's
quarters, now the superintendent's home, and another build-
ing, now used as the administration building, were built
in 1867 and the exteriors have not been altered. There are
five stone buildings which cannot be definitely dated but
remain from the days of military occupancy: the old fort
hospital, now "Pershing Barracks," housing residents; the
present library building, presumed to be the old fort com-
missary; and three small stone cottages. The old jail has
been moved to "Boot Hill" in Dodge City.
Fort Dodge is now a state soldiers' home and all existing
buildings dating from army days are still in use. A state
historical marker has been erected on U. S. 154, four miles
southeast of Dodge City.
Recommendations: Status quo.
3. SANTA FE TRAIL REMAINS.
History: The Santa Fe trail was the most important highway
to the West from the Missouri river to Santa Fe, N. M.
before the era of the railroads. It was used extensively by
traders and travelers from its survey by the federal govern-
ment in 1825 until the 1870's.
Location and description: An area nine miles west of Dodge
City, just off U. S. 50, where ruts and tracks which are the
most prominent and extensive remains of the Santa Fe trail
may still be seen.
Status: Privately owned.
Recommendations: This area is one of three historic places
in Kansas the others being the Shawnee Methodist Mission
in Johnson county and Fort Larned in Pawnee county
which have been recommended by the National Park Serv-
ice for comprehensive study and evaluation with a view to
national recognition and possible designation as national
monuments. Every co-operation should be extended to the
Park Service so that these remains may be preserved.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 133
FRANKLIN COUNTY
1. CHDPPEWA INDIAN CEMETERY.
History: This is a tribal cemetery with graves dating from the
1860's and 1870's.
Location and description: Small burial ground, six miles west
of Ottawa.
Status: The cemetery is cared for to some extent but many
of the grave stories are in poor condition. The area is rela-
tively easy to reach and ownership is still vested in the
Chippewa tribe.
Recommendations: Local historical marker, with directional
markers on U. S. 59.
2. OTTAWA INDIAN CEMETERY.
History: This was the cemetery of the Ottawa Baptist Indian
mission and is the burial place of "Tauy" Jones and of Jotham
and Eleanor Meeker. Meeker was a missionary to the Ot-
tawas and Kansas' first printer. There are other graves,
mostly Indian, including that of Compehau, Ottawa chief.
Location and description: Small burial ground three miles east
and a short distance north of Ottawa.
Status: The cemetery is in poor condition. Many of the stones
have been badly damaged and others are unreadable. Al-
though the plot is easily accessible it apparently receives
minimum care, for weeds and grass have overrun the area.
The land is owned by Ottawa University.
Recommendations: Local historical marker, with directional
markers on U. S. 59 in Ottawa.
3. POTTAWATOMDE MASSACRE.
History: On May 24, 1856, three days after the Proslavery sack
of Lawrence, John Brown and his men appeared among the
settlements near Dutch Henry's crossing, where the Cali-
fornia road crossed Pottawatomie creek in Franklin county.
They called out five Proslavery men and killed them. "No
other act," wrote D. W. Wilder, "spread such consternation
among the Ruffians, or contributed so powerfully to make
Kansas free."
134 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Location and description: "Dutch Henry" Sherman's homestead
was the NWK, Sec. 34, T 18 S, R 21 E. The crossing was
in this quarter section.
Status: Privately owned farm land.
Recommendations: State historical marker on U. S. 169, south
of Lane.
4. SELKVILLE.
History: Silkville was established in the 1870's by a Frenchman,
Ernest Valeton de Boissiere. As the name indicates, it was
planned as a silk-producing enterprise. It was technically
successful and silk produced here won first prize at the
Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876. However, the
project was an economic failure because of marketing diffi-
culties. A dairy farm and cheese factory attempted later
also had little success.
Location and description: Group of stone buildings on a ranch
southwest of Williamsburg, on U. S. 50.
Status: The buildings are in private hands and are used in
ranching operations.
Recommendations: State historical marker and directional signs
on U. S. 50.
5. "TAUY" JONES HOUSE.
History: Home of John Tecumseh Jones, who was a Baptist
minister and missionary, a member of the original Ottawa
Town Company and one of the founders of Ottawa University.
The house was built about 1867 of cut limestone, with all
joists fitted and pegged. The interior is finished in walnut
and oak.
Location and description: Two-story stone house about four
and one half miles northeast of Ottawa.
Status: Now in use as a farm residence.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 135
GEARY COUNTY
1. WETZEL CABIN.
History: The cabin was originally built during the territorial
period as the home of the Christian F. Wetzel family. It
first stood on Clark's creek, seven miles southeast of Junction
City, and is significant because an early Lutheran missionary
to Kansas, F. W. Lange, made his home in the cabin and
organized the first Kansas parish of the Missouri Synod there.
Location and description: The log building has been relocated
at the junction of U. S. 40 and K-57, two and one half miles
east of Junction City.
Status: Restored by the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod.
Recommendations: Status quo.
GOVE COUNTY
1. CARLYSLE STAGE STATION.
History: Stage station on the Smoky Hill trail, used by the
Butterfield Overland Dispatch in the 1860's.
Location and description: Site only, Sec. 15, T 15 S, R 30 W,
north of Smoky Hill river, 35 miles southeast of Grinnell.
Status: Cellar holes and trail ruts still visible on site. Private
pasture.
Recommendations: State historical marker on U. S. 40 covering
this and the other three Gove county stage station sites de-
scribed.
2. CHALK BLUFFS STAGE STATION.
History: Stage station on the Smoky Hill trail; scene of Indian
fight.
Location and description: Site only, Sec. 13, T 15 S, R 29 W,
north of Smoky Hill river, east of K-23, south of Gove.
Status: Cellar holes and trench still visible on site. On pasture
land privately owned.
Recommendations: State historical marker on U. S. 40 covering
this and the other three Gove county stage station sites de-
scribed.
136 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
3. GRINNELL SPRINGS STAGE STATION.
History: Stage station on the Smoky Hill trail.
Location and description: Site only, SEH, Sec. 23, T 14 S,
R 27 W, 22 miles southeast of U. S. 40.
Status: Trail ruts and rifle pit remains still visible around station
site. On pasture land privately owned.
Recommendations: State historical marker on U. S. 40 covering
this and the other three Gove county stage station sites de-
scribed.
4. MONUMENT STATION.
History: Stage station and military post on the Smoky Hill trail.
Location and description: Site only, SW&, Sec. 33, T 14 S,
R 31 W, 25/2 miles south and east of Oakley, near Monument
Rocks.
Status: Cellar holes, ruins of walls, trail ruts and trenches still
visible at site. Private pasture land.
Recommendations: State historical marker on U. S. 40 covering
this and the other three Gove county stage station sites de-
scribed.
GRAHAM COUNTY
1. NlCODEMUS.
History: This interesting little town was settled in the late
1870's by "exodusters," Negroes from the South who were
encouraged to come to Kansas following the Civil War.
Location and description: A hamlet, virtually abandoned, 12
miles east of Hill City.
Status: Two two-story stone buildings and a stone church still
remain of the old community. A few small residences are
occupied, but the post office was closed in 1953.
Recommendations: State historical marker on U. S. 24.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 137
GRANT COUNTY
1. WAGON BED SPRINGS.
History: These springs were famous as a watering place and
campground on the Santa Fe trail. Near here Jedediah
Smith, famous scout and "mountain man/' was killed by
Comanche Indians in 1831.
Location and description: A draw on the bank of the Cimarron
river, about five miles from U. S. 270, on a pasture road south
of Ulysses.
Status: The original springs no longer flow in the draw. There
is a near-by flow in the bed of the Cimarron which may
come from the same source. The site is on privately owned
land. A state historical marker is located on the new, re-
routed U. S. 270, and a small monument to Jedediah Smith
is on the old route.
Recommendations: Status quo.
GRAY COUNTY
1. CIMARRON CROSSING.
History: Crossing of the Arkansas river on the Santa Fe trail,
where the "Dry Route" connected with the main trail.
Location and description: Crossings at this point varied with
river conditions, but they were located in the general area
of the towns of Cimarron and Ingalls.
Status: Marker in Cimarron city park commemorates one of
the river crossings.
Recommendations: Status quo.
GREELEY COUNTY
1. BARREL SPRINGS, JUMBO SPRINGS, AND WILD HORSE CORRAL.
History: Watering place and campground for early settlers and
for travelers on the Fort Lyons-Fort Wallace trail.
Location and description: Flowing springs, one half mile apart,
in North Colony township about five miles north of K-96,
near Tribune. There are canyons and some timber.
138 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Status: On privately owned pasture land, easily reached on a
gravel road except for about one half mile of pasture lane.
Recommendations: Might be suitable for a locally-maintained
park and picnic ground.
GREENWOOD COUNTY
HAMILTON COUNTY
1. FORT AUBREY.
History: Fort Aubrey was a temporary U. S. army post on the
Indian frontier, 1865-1866.
Location and description: Site only, in Sec. 23, T 24 S, R 40 W,
one mile south of U. S. 50, near Syracuse.
Status: No buildings remain at the site but faint traces of rifle
pits and trenches may still be seen. The site is on private
farm land.
Recommendations: Local historical marker on U. S. 50.
HARPER COUNTY
1. RUNNYMEDE.
History: "Old" Runnymede, set up as a town in 1887, became
a typical English village occupied by adventurous younger
sons of wealthy English families. Although these young men
supposedly were to learn American farming methods they
devoted most of their attention to such activities as polo,
horse racing, and riding to hounds, and the colony failed to
survive.
Location and description: Site only, two miles northeast of K-2
at Runnymede.
Status: Site is now on private farm land. No vestiges of the old
town remain except a headstone at the grave of one of the
colonists. State historical marker is being erected on K-2.
Recommendations: Status quo.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 139
HARVEY COUNTY
1. DAVID L. PAYNE HOMESTEAD.
History: David L. Payne originally settled in Doniphan county
in 1858 and was active in the political affairs of northeast
Kansas. He served as a Kansas volunteer during the Civil
War and in 1870 took a homestead in what is now Harvey
county. Near by was the home of I. N. Lewis, later to become
famous as the inventor of the Lewis machine gun, a noted
weapon of World War I. About 1879 Payne left his farm for
the southern Kansas border, where he played a significant
role in promoting the settlement of Oklahoma.
Location and description: Site only, SEM, Sec. 6, T 23 S, R 1 E,
near Newton.
Status: On privately owned farm land.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
HASKELL COUNTY
1. SANTA FE TOWNSITE.
History: The town of Santa Fe, established in 1886, was for 33
years (1887-1920) the county seat of Haskell county. The
town company was chartered in 1886 and a post office was
opened in 1887. For some years Santa Fe had a sizeable
population but it was by-passed by the railroad and its people
eventually moved to Sublette and Satanta. In 1920 the
county offices were transferred to Sublette.
Location and description: Site only, at the junction of U. S. 83
and U. S. 160, near Sublette.
Status: No buildings remain. Part of the land on which the
town stood is now being farmed.
Recommendations: State historical marker at the junction of
U. S. 83-160.
HODGEMAN COUNTY
1. DUNCAN CROSSING OF THE PAWNEE RIVER.
History: Crossing of the Pawnee on the old Fort Hays-Fort
Dodge trail. The Duncan ranch settlement, dating from
1871, was the first in the county.
140 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Location and description: Site only, 11 miles northeast of Jet-
more off U. S. 56.
Status: The site is marked.
Recommendations: Status quo.
JACKSON COUNTY
1. BATTLE OF THE SPURS.
History: On January 31, 1859, John Brown and about 20 fol-
lowers were confronted by a posse of 45 Proslavery men at
the Fuller crossing of Straight creek. Brown had with him
several slaves whom he had taken from their Missouri own-
ers. The Proslavery group had dug rifle pits at the crossing,
but nevertheless retreated in panic when the Free-State
group determinedly crossed the ford. Not a shot was fired
by either side. Richard J. Hinton, noted newspaper cor-
respondent of the period, gave the name "Battle of the Spurs"
to the affair, believing that spurs were the most effective
weapons used.
Location and description: The crossing was located in Sec. 10,
T 6 S, R 15 E, four miles north of Holton just off U. S. 75.
An "underground railway" station used by John Brown was
located two miles north of this site in the NW# of Sec. 3,
T6S,R15E.
Status: Site only, on privately owned farm land.
Recommendations: State historical marker on U. S. 75 north of
Holton.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
1. JEFFERSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE, OSKALOOSA.
History: This is the oldest courthouse building in Kansas still
in use. Construction began in 1867 and was completed in
1868.
Location and description: A two-story brick and stone building
on the courthouse square.
Status: Occupied by Jefferson county offices. The exterior has
undergone little alteration but some remodeling has been
done on the inside.
Recommendations: Status quo.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 141
2. PIAZZEK MILL, VAT. LEY FALLS.
History: This mill was built by J. M. Piazzek in 1878. Piazzek
came to Kansas during the territorial period and operated
another mill prior to building this one. It is an excellent
example of its type, widely used on the Midwest frontier.
Location and description: Three-story stone building located
near the Delaware river.
Status: The building is in reasonably good repair and has a good
roof. Old machinery and burrs are still in the building and
might be restored to working order. There is a question of
ownership involved since the Piazzek estate is not yet settled.
Recommendations: The restoration of the mill, providing the
estate is settled and the heirs would donate the property,
would be an excellent local project.
3. ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, VALLEY FALLS.
History: The St. Paul's Lutheran congregation, organized June
14, 1857, as the English Lutheran church of Grasshopper
Falls, is reported to be the oldest Lutheran congregation west
of the Missouri river. The original church building, erected
in 1857, is no longer used by St. Paul's but is still standing.
Location and description: One-story frame structure.
Status: The building is in good repair and is currently used by
the St. John's Methodist church.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
4. BATTLE OF HICKORY POINT.
History: This skirmish occurred as a result of the Proslavery
sacking of Valley Falls in September, 1856. A Free-State
force besieged the Proslavery men in a log building and
many shots were fired by both sides with little effect. While
the incident was not unusually significant it was one of many
which helped give the name "Bleeding Kansas" to the
territory.
Location and description: Site only, one fourth mile southeast
of Dunavant.
Status: The site is on privately owned farm land. No traces of
the battle remain. A state historical marker is in place on
U. S. 59.
Recommendations: Status quo.
142 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
5. DANIEL M. BOONE FARM.
History: In 1827 Daniel Morgan Boone, son of the great
frontiersman, came to what is now Kansas to be "farmer"
for the Kaw Indians. He settled in present Jefferson county,
on the Kansas river about seven miles northwest of Lawrence,
and remained there until 1835.
Location and description: Site only, near Williamstown, in
SWE, Sec. 29, T 11 S, R 19 E.
Status: Privately owned farm land.
Recommendations: State historical marker on U. S. 24 near
Williamstown.
JEWELL COUNTY
JOHNSON COUNTY
1. JUNCTION OF SANTA FE AND OREGON TRAILS.
History: At this point two famous Western highways divided.
Here westbound travelers to Oregon and northern California
followed the Oregon trail northwest while those bound for
Colorado and the Southwest followed the Santa Fe trail
across Kansas.
Location and description: Historic area, present Gardner.
Status: There is a state historical marker near Gardner on U. S.
50 which notes the trail junction.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. LONE ELM CAMP GROUND.
History: This site was a campground on the Santa Fe trail, the
first overnight stop out of Westport. Here the routes from
Old Franklin and Westport met.
Location and description: Site only, Sec. 23, T 14 S, R 23 E, off
U. S. 169 and K-7.
Status: A local historical marker has been erected by the
Daughters of the American Revolution.
Recommendations: Status quo.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 143
3. SANGRO HOUSE, SHAWNEE.
History: This is reputed to be the oldest building in Shawnee,
erected in 1824 on the trail to Gum Springs. Part of the
building was burned by Quantrill during the Civil War.
Location and description: One-room structure made of hand-
pressed brick, located just north of the town square.
Status: The building is now used as a display room by an
electric company. The original walls, window and door
casings are still preserved. There is a marker on the
building.
Recommendations: Status quo.
4. SHAWNEE BAPTIST MISSION.
History: The Baptist mission to the Shawnee Indians was
established in July, 1831, through the efforts of Isaac McCoy
and Johnston Lykins. It was to this mission that Jotham
Meeker brought the first printing press used in what is now
Kansas. He set the first type on March 1, 1835, and on
March 8 he made the first press impression.
Location and description: Site only, NEM, Sec. 5, T 12 S, R 25 E,
just north of U. S. 50.
Status: On privately owned property.
Recommendations: State historical marker on U. S. 50.
5. SHAWNEE FRIENDS MISSION.
History: On this site in 1837 the Society of Friends opened a
mission school for the Shawnee Indians which was operated
almost continuously until 1869. The main building stood
until 1917.
Location and description: Site only, about one mile from the
junction of K-10 and U. S. 50, near Shawnee.
Status: A state historical marker at the junction of K-10 and
U. S. 50 tells the mission school's story. There is also a
marker on the site of the main building.
Recommendations: Status quo.
6. SHAWNEE METHODIST MISSION, FAIRWAY.
History: The mission was originally established in 1830 near
present Turner and moved to the Fairway site in 1839.
144 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
The school provided instruction in English, manual arts and
agriculture for Indian boys and girls. During the years
of the school's operations it also served as a temporary
territorial capital and many of the famous personalities of
the West were visitors there. The school was discontinued
in 1862 and the property fell into private ownership. The
present acreage and buildings were acquired by the state
in 1927.
Location and description: Three two-story brick buildings on
12 acres of landscaped grounds at 53rd St. and Mission Road.
Status: The State Historical Society as trustee for the state
now administers the property and maintains museums. The
mission is one block north of U. S. 50-69.
Recommendations: The National Parks Advisory Board in 1936
considered Old Shawnee Mission worthy of recognition as
a national historic site. It is one of three sites in Kansas
which the National Park Service in 1956 recommended for
further study as possible national monuments. If the Park
Service should want to take title to the property and oper-
ate it as a national monument it undoubtedly can do much
more for the promotion of the mission as a major historic
attraction than the State Historical Society is able to do
with the present extremely limited appropriations. Further,
state funds which are now used for the maintenance of the
mission could be devoted to the preservation of other his-
toric sites in Kansas which are now neglected, should such
a transfer seem feasible from all viewpoints. In addition
a state historical marker should be erected on U. S. 50-69
if and when suitable right of way for a turnout can be ob-
tained.
7. SHAWNEE METHODIST MISSION CEMETERY, FAIRWAY.
History: This is the burial ground for the old mission and con-
tains the graves of some of the pioneer mission people, in-
cluding the Rev. Thomas Johnson, founder of the school.
Location and description: Small cemetery plot located a short
distance from the mission on U. S. 50-69.
Status: The site is owned by the state and administered by the
State Historical Society. It is well marked.
Recommendations: Status quo.
Allen county jail/ tola.
Gen. Frederick Funston home/ near lola.
<: TV v
Irvin Hall, Highland Junior College, Highland.
Constitution Hall, Lecompton.
Lane University, Lecompton, where the par-
ents of Dwiqht D. Eisenhower attended col-
Remaining portion of Iowa, Sac and Fox
Presbyterian Mission building near High-
Old Castle Hall, Baker
University, Baldwin.
"Cathedral of the Plains/'
St. Fidelis Catholic Church, Victoria
Fort Marker guardhouse, Kanopolis.
If!
it i i ..iriiinnnnniinnniinnnnnnnr
Boyhood home of Walter Chrysler, Ellis.
!=
I
The Planters' House, Leavenworth, one of the
finest nineteenth century hotels in the West.
Point of Rocks, a Santa Fe trail landmark on
the Cimarron river, Morton county.
"Last Chance" Store, Council Grove, on the
Santa Fe trail through Morris county.
Kaw Methodist Mission, established in 1851
on the Kaw reservation, present Council Grove.
Pottawatomie Baptist Mission building, just west of Topeka.
Aerial view of Fort Larned, in Pawnee county.
Cabin of Dr. Brewster Higley, who wrote
the words to "Home on the Range/'
El Quartelejo monument,
Scott County State Park.
Brookville Hotel, Salina,
savors of the Old West.
Part of the "Cowtown Wichita'
restoration in Riverside Park.
Birthplace of Damon
Runyon, Manhattan.
Fort Wallace cemetery
marker, Wallace county.
First Territorial Capitol, Fort Riley.
Pond Creek Stage Station,
Wallace county.
Cave in Battle Canyon,
Scott county.
Hollenberg Ranch Pony Express Station, near
Hanover, Washington county.
1
fillllllfillKllIllll
Moses Grinter house, near Muncie, Wyandotte county.
Beecher Bible and Rifle Church, Wabaunsee.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 145
8. WAGON MASTER'S HOUSE, SHAWNEE.
History: This house was built in the 1850's by Jack and Uriah
Garrett for Dick Williams, a wagon boss on the Santa Fe
trail.
Location and description: Stone building, K-10 and Nieman
Road.
Status: The house is privately owned and occupied. The orig-
inal walls, floors and windows are unaltered.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
KEARNY COUNTY
1. CHOUTEAU'S ISLAND.
History: In 1816 a party of trappers was besieged by Pawnee
Indians on this island in the Arkansas river. In 1825 it was
listed as a turning off point on the Santa Fe trail for the dry
route to the Cimarron. Four years later Maj. Bennet Riley
and four companies of U. S. infantry camped at the island
and spent the summer fighting Indians.
Location and description: Site only, five miles southwest of La-
kin.
Status: Aerial photos show what is presumed to be the area
once known as Chouteau's Island, although the changing of
the river's course through the years leaves the exact spot diffi-
cult to determine. State historical marker in place on U. S. 50.
Recommendations: Status quo.
KINGMAN COUNTY
KIOWA COUNTY
1. HAND-DUG WELL, GREENSBURG.
History: Construction of the Greensburg well was begun in
1887 and completed in 1888. One of the largest hand-dug
wells in the world, it is 32 feet in diameter and 109 feet deep.
It supplied water to the Wichita & Western railroad, later
incorporated into the Santa Fe system, until the line discon-
tinued service in 1895, and to the city until 1932.
117716
146 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Location and description: On U. S. 54 in Greensburg.
Status: In good repair, and operated by the Chamber of Com-
merce as a tourist attraction.
Recommendations: Status quo.
LABETTE COUNTY
1. TRADING POST SITE, OSWEGO.
History: In the early 1840's John Mathews established a trading
post on this site.
Location and description: Corner Fourth and Union Sts.
Status: Site only.
Recommendations: Local historical marker or plaque.
2. BENDER MOUNDS.
History: The mounds are named for the Bender family William,
his wife, son John and daughter Kate. Here the Benders
perpetrated several murders. It has never been proved
that the Benders were ever apprehended nor is it certain that
they made a successful escape.
Location and description: Small hills about 12 miles west of
Parsons, off U. S. 160.
Status: Site only.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
LANE COUNTY
LEAVENWORTH COUNTY
1. COVERED BRIDGE.
History: This is the only covered bridge remaining in Kansas.
Date of construction is uncertain, but the bridge probably
was built in the 1860's or 1870's.
Location and description: Wood and steel bridge with wooden
cover located near K-92 about two miles northeast of Spring-
dale.
Status: Maintained and preserved by the State Highway De-
partment.
Recommendations: Status quo.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 147
2. DAVID J, BREWER HOUSE, LEAVENWORTH.
History: This house was once the home of David J. Brewer, the
first Kansan to serve on the U. S. Supreme Court (1889-1910).
Location and description: Two-story frame house at 400 Fifth
Ave.
Status: Privately owned and used as a residence.
Recommendations: Local historical marker or plaque.
3. THOMAS CARNEY HOUSE, LEAVENWORTH.
History: This was once the home of Thomas Carney, second gov-
ernor of the state of Kansas, 1863-1865.
Location and description: Large two-story brick house, now
stuccoed, at 411 Walnut St.
Status: Owned and used by the First Presbyterian church of
Leavenworth.
Recommendations: Local historical marker or plaque.
4. MARK DELAHAY HOUSE, LEAVENWORTH.
History: This was the home of Mark W. Delahay, pioneer Free-
State newspaperman, politician, U. S. Surveyor General for
Kansas and Nebraska, and U. S. district judge. Delahay's
wife was a cousin of Abraham Lincoln.
Location and description: Two-story brick house at 231 Third
Ave.
Status: Privately owned and used as a residence.
Recommendations: Local historical marker or plaque.
5. FRED HARVEY HOUSE, LEAVENWORTH.
History: This was the home of Fred Harvey, famed for his rail-
road restaurant and dining car food service.
Location and description: Large three-story stone house at
624 Olive St.
Status: Owned and used as offices by the Leavenworth board
of education.
Recommendations: Local historical marker or plaque.
148 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
6. PLANTERS* HOTEL, LEAVENWORTH.
History: This was once one of the most popular and elegant
hostelries of the West. It was opened in 1856 and was orig-
inally to serve only Proslavery patrons. In December, 1859,
Abraham Lincoln made a campaign speech from the west
steps of the hotel.
Location and description: Four-story brick building with a
large two-story porch on the south and east sides. The hotel
is at the northeast corner of Shawnee and Main Sts. over-
looking the Missouri river.
Status: The hotel is now used as an apartment house and is de-
teriorating rapidly. There is a plaque on the west wall of the
building commemorating Lincoln's visit.
Recommendations: Preservation if economically possible.
7. RUSSELL, MAJORS, WADDELL OFFICES, LEAVENWORTH.
History: Russell, Majors and Waddell was one of the most
famous freighting firms in U. S. history. Its general offices
were located in Leavenworth in the late 1850's and early
1860's. The marshalling yards and corrals of the company,
located near the edge of the present city limits, represented
an investment of about two million dollars and involved thou-
sands of men, oxen and wagons.
Location and description: The offices were located in the two-
story brick building still standing at the northwest corner of
Fourth and Delaware Sts.
Status: The building is in use and in good repair.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
8. FORT LEAVENWORTH.
History: This is the oldest military post west of the Missouri
river. It was established in 1827 by Col. Henry Leavenworth
and troops of the Third U. S. infantry. From that date to the
present the post has been one of the most important installa-
tions in the nation, serving as a vital military center for the
Mexican War, the Civil War, the Indian Wars and two World
Wars. Fort Leavenworth is the home of the army's Com-
mand and General Staff School, and most of the nation's fore-
most officers have been stationed at the post at some time
during their careers.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 149
Location and description: A 7,000-acre military reservation near
the city of Leavenworth.
Status: Active military installation. All historic buildings and
sites on the reservation are being preserved, maintained and
marked. A state historical marker has been placed at the
main entrance to the post, on U. S. 73.
Recommendations: Status quo.
LINCOLN COUNTY
1. INDIAN RAIDS.
History: In 1864 Cheyenne Indians killed four buffalo hunters
near present Lincoln, and in 1868 three women were cap-
tured and later released, half-dead. In 1869 ten persons
were killed and two women captured on the Saline river and
on Spillman creek.
Location and description: Several sites within the county, one
a short distance south of K-18, two miles east of Lincoln, and
another northwest of the same point.
Status: There is a state historical marker on K-18, two miles
east of Lincoln, and a monument to the victims of 1864 and
1869 in the courthouse square in Lincoln.
Recommendations: Status quo.
LINN COUNTY
1. BATTLE OF MINE CREEK.
History: The battle of Mine Creek, October 25, 1864, in which
about 25,000 troops were engaged, was the largest Civil War
battle fought in Kansas. Confederate troops were led by
Gen. Sterling Price and the Union forces were under Gen-
erals Pleasonton, Blunt and Curtis. Price was retreating
from Kansas City when he was engaged by the Union force,
and although the Rebel army was not destroyed the defeat
was decisive enough to end the threat of a Confederate inva-
sion of Kansas.
Location and description: Site only, south of Pleasanton, on
U. S. 69.
150 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Status: The site is on a privately owned farm. There is a state
historical marker on U. S. 69, two miles south of Pleasanton.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. MARAIS DES CYGNES MASSACRE.
History: On May 19, 1858, a band of Proslavery Missourians
captured 11 Free-State men and lined them up before a
firing squad. Five were killed, five were wounded and one
escaped. This slaughter, one of the most brutal incidents in
the struggle over slavery in Kansas, inflamed the North.
Location and description: Site only, about four miles northeast
of Trading Post, off U. S. 69.
Status: The site and an early building are preserved in a state
memorial park. A monument to the victims is in the Trading
Post cemetery. A state historical marker stands on U. S. 69
at the north edge of Trading Post.
Recommendations: Status quo.
LOGAN COUNTY
1. FORKS OF THE SMOKY HILL RIVER.
History: Coaches and wagons on the Smoky Hill trail had to
cross both forks of the Smoky Hill river west of Russell
Springs. This was a favorite place for Indians to ambush
travelers and freighters.
Location and description: Site only, SEM, Sec. 11, T 13 S, R 36
W, about nine miles south of Winona and five miles north-
west of Russell Springs.
Status: Site in pasture land. Remains of walls and cellar holes
can still be seen.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
2. GERMAN FAMILY MASSACRE.
History: At this point on the Smoky Hill trail four daughters
of the Germans were captured by Cheyenne Indians in
1874, and others of the family were killed.
Location and description: S%, Sec. 26, T13S, R34W, near
Russell Springs.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 151
Status: Site is on privately owned land and trail marks are in
evidence.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
3. HENSHAW'S STAGE STATION.
History: This was a stage station on the Smoky Hill trail, the
first stop east of Fort Wallace.
Location and description: Site only, NWM, Sec. 14, T 13 S,
R 37 W, near McAllaster.
Status: Cellar holes still visible. In pasture land.
Recommendations: State historical marker for this, Russell
Springs and Smoky Hill stage stations, should be located on
U. S. 40. Possibly should be included on Wallace county
Pond Creek Station marker.
4. MONUMENT STATION.
History: This was a station on the Kansas ( Union ) Pacific rail-
road just after construction was completed in Logan county.
In a draw just west of the station site Wm. F. Cody and "Buf-
falo Bill" Comstock had a buffalo hunting contest.
Location and description: Site only, Sec. 15, T 11 S, R 34 W, two
and one half miles west of Monument.
Status: Site in pasture land. Cellar holes still visible.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
5. RUSSELL SPRINGS STAGE STATION.
History: This was a stage station on the Smoky Hill trail. It was
noted for the large springs on the site.
Location and description: Site only, S, Sec. 22, T 13 S, R 35
W, near Russell Springs.
Status: Cellar holes near spring still visible. In pasture land.
Recommendations: Should be included on state historical marker
as noted under Henshaw's Station.
6. SHERIDAN.
History: Sheridan was a rip-roaring end-of-track town on the
Kansas (Union) Pacific railroad for about 18 months, 1868-
1870. It was for a time a large settlement which supplied
Fort Wallace, and from which freighters started for the
Southwest.
152 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Location and description: Deserted townsite, Sec. 7, T 12 S,
R 36 W, near McAllaster.
Status: The site is now in privately owned pasture land. Nothing
remains of the town.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
7. SMOKY HILL STAGE STATION.
History: Stage station on Smoky Hill trail. A battle with Indians
took place here in 1866.
Location and description: Site only, S&, SE, Sec. 32, T 13 S,
R 33 W, 20 miles southwest of Oakley.
Status: Cellar holes and circular trench still visible. In cul-
tivated field, but the station site has not been plowed.
Recommendations: Should be included on state historical marker
as noted under Henshaw's Station.
LYON COUNTY
1. HARTFORD COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE BUILDING, HARTFORD.
History: Construction of the building began in 1860 and first
classes were held in 1862. The institute was to serve as a
branch of Baker University, under the control of the Meth-
odist church. Through the years the building has served also
as a public school, church and pastor's residence.
Location and description: Two-story stone building located in
the town of Hartford.
Status: The building was renovated in the spring of 1957. The
first floor is to be used for community activities. The second
floor will house a museum.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. MICKEL HOUSE.
History: Built about 1856 by W. L. Mickel, who laid out the
town of Waterloo in 1858, the Mickel House was a hotel for
many years. It was on the Fort Leavenworth-Fort Sill gov-
ernment trail and was a tavern and relay station for stages.
Location and description: Two-story frame house built of native
walnut, four miles southwest of Miller, 17/2 miles northeast
of Emporia.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 153
Status: House is privately owned.
Recommendations: Local historical marker or plaque.
3. WILLIAM ALLEN WHITE HOME, EMPORIA.
History: The house was built in the 1880's for Judge Almerin
Gillett. It became the White home in 1900 and is known as
"Red Rocks/' White, the editor of the Emporia Gazette,
gained national fame for his writing and political activity.
Location and description: Two-story house of Colorado sand-
stone with Victorian-Gothic gables and dormer windows at
927 Exchange St.
Status: House is owned by W. L. White, son of W. A. White.
Recommendations: Local historical marker or plaque.
McPHERSON COUNTY
1. CORONADO HEIGHTS.
History: The Spanish explorer Coronado is thought to have
camped here while on his search for Quivira in 1541.
Location and description: The "Heights" are the southernmost
of a series of rugged buttes rising above the floor of the
Smoky Hill valley, three miles northwest of Lindsborg.
Status: A road leads to the top of the butte and a park and
shelterhouse have been constructed there.
Recommendations: Local historical marker on U. S. 81.
2. KANSAS INDIAN TREATY SITE (DRY TURKEY CREEK).
History: In 1825 a treaty between the U. S. government and the
Kansas Indians was signed here. For a consideration of $800
in cash and merchandise the Kaws promised not to molest
travelers on the Santa Fe trail.
Location and description: Site only, about five miles southeast
of McPherson on U. S. 81.
Status: Site now in farm land. State historical marker on U. S.
81.
Recommendations: Status quo.
154 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
MARION COUNTY
1. LOST SPRINGS.
History: The spring was a watering place and campground on
the Santa Fe trail.
Location and description: Site only, about two and one half miles
west of the village of Lost Springs, a short distance off U. S.
77-56.
Status: Privately owned farm land. Two historical markers have
been erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Recommendations: Status quo.
MARSHALL COUNTY
1. ALCOVE SPRINGS.
History: Alcove Springs was a famous landmark and camping
place on the Oregon trail. The ill-fated Donner party
stopped here in 1846 and "Grandma" Sarah Keyes, a mem-
ber of that group, is buried near the springs.
Location and description: Site only, about seven miles south
of Marysville. Sees. 31, 32, R 7 E, T 3 S.
Status: The site is on privately owned farm land and the springs
were not flowing during the summer of 1956.
Recommendations: State historical marker on U. S. 36.
2. INDEPENDENCE CROSSING.
History: Famous ford and ferry crossing of the Big Blue river
on the Oregon trail.
Location and description: Site only, on Big Blue river about five
miles southwest of Marysville.
Status: The crossing is mentioned on the state historical marker
on U. S. 36, Marysville.
Recommendations: Status quo.
3. LA.GRANGE POST OFFICE.
History: This cabin was built in 1857 by E. F. Jones, who was
postmaster at LaGrange until his death in the 1880's. It was
used as a residence until the early 1930's.
Location and description: One-story log building with loft, just
off K-99, eight miles south of Frankfort.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 155
Status: The structure stands in the yard of a farm and is in a
reasonably good state of preservation.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
MEADE COUNTY
1. LONE TREE MASSACRE.
History: On August 24, 1874, a band of Cheyennes ambushed
a six-man surveying party and killed them all after a running
fight. The victims were buried temporarily near a solitary
cottonwood five miles south of the state historical marker
which stands on U. S. 54.
Location and description: Site only, southwest of Meade, off U. S.
54.
Status: Site is on farm land. The story is adequately told on
the historical marker near Meade.
Recommendations: Status quo.
MIAMI COUNTY
1. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, OSAWATOMIE.
History: The building was begun in 1859, completed in 1860
and dedicated in 1861. The congregation's first pastor was
the Rev. Samuel Adair, brother-in-law of the famous aboli-
tionist John Brown.
Location and description: Small stone structure located in the
city of Osawatomie.
Status: Now privately owned and used as a hay barn. There
is a marker at the building.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. JOHN BROWN MEMORIAL PARK, OSAWATOMIE.
History: The battle of Osawatomie, which took place on August
30, 1856, between Free-State forces of John Brown and Pro-
slavery "Border Ruffians," was one of the many incidents
which occurred in the territorial struggles. The cabin, al-
though it was owned by the Rev. Samuel Adair, served as
a headquarters for John Brown during much of his Kansas
stay. It originally stood about one and one half miles north-
west of Osawatomie.
156 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Location and description: A park of some 20 acres. It includes
the site of the battle of Osawatomie and contains the cabin
of Samuel Adair which was used by John Brown.
Status: The park is administered by a local board and receives
assistance from the state for its operation. The cabin is en-
closed in a shelter and is well preserved.
Recommendations: Status quo.
MITCHELL COUNTY
1. WACONDA OR GREAT SPIRIT SPRINGS.
History: An Indian legend tells of Waconda, a beautiful princess,
who fell in love with a brave from another tribe. Prevented
from marriage by a blood feud, the warrior embroiled the
tribes in battle. During the fight he was hit by an arrow
and fell into the spring. Waconda, grief-stricken, plunged
after him. Believing her soul still lived in the spring, tribes
carried their sick to drink the waters and be healed. Victories
were celebrated and losses were mourned at the spring, and
tokens were thrown into the spring for the Great Spirit.
Location and description: A mineral pool, about 50 feet in diam-
eter, set in a limestone basin, about three miles east of
Cawker City, off U. S. 24.
Status: The spring is on privately owned land and a health
resort is located there. A state historical marker is on U. S.
24 east of Cawker City. Waconda Springs will be inundated
if and when the Glen Elder dam on the Solomon river is com-
pleted.
Recommendations: Status quo.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
1. D ALTON RAID, COFFEYVILLE.
History: On October 5, 1892, the last great gun battle in Kansas
between outlaws of the Old West and the forces of law and
order took place in downtown Coffeyville. In an attempted
robbery of the First National Bank and the Condon Bank,
Bob and Grat Dalton, Bill Powers and Dick Broadwell were
killed and Emmett Dalton was wounded. Four Coffeyville
citizens were also killed and three others wounded.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 157
Location and description: In the Plaza area of Coffeyville.
Status: A "Dalton Defenders" museum featuring relics of the
raid has been established in the Plaza. It is open to the
public.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. CrvxL WAR BATTLE.
History: In May, 1863, a party of about 20 Confederates, nearly
all officers, set out from Missouri to recruit troops in the West.
Several miles east of the site they were challenged by loyal
Osage Indians. In a running fight two Confederates were
killed and the others were surrounded on a gravel bar in the
Verdigris river. The Osages killed and cut the heads off all
but two of the party. These, wounded, hid under the river
bank and escaped.
Location and description: Site only, on the Verdigris river, about
three miles north and one mile east of Independence.
Status: There is a state historical marker on U. S. 160 about one
mile east of Independence.
Recommendations: Status quo.
3. DRUM CREEK TREATY.
History: In 1870 a treaty was signed between the U. S. govern-
ment and the Osage Indians which authorized the removal
of the Osages to what is now Oklahoma.
Location and description: Site only, on Drum creek, four miles
southeast of Independence.
Status: The site is on private land. There is a state historical
marker on U. S. 160 about one mile east of Independence.
Recommendations: Status quo.
MORRIS COUNTY
1. COUNCIL OAK, COUNCIL GROVE.
History: Near this oak was signed the 1825 treaty with the Osage
Indians which led to the establishment of the Santa Fe trail.
Location and description: A large oak tree, two blocks east of
the bridge, on Main St. (U. S. 56).
158 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Status: The tree, which stands on private property, is marked.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. CUSTER ELM, COUNCIL GROVE.
History: Gen. George A. Custer and the Seventh U. S. cavalry
are reported to have camped under this tree in 1867.
Location and description: A large elm tree five blocks south of
Main St. on K-13.
Status: The tree is on public right of way and is marked.
Recommendations: Status quo.
3. HAYS TAVERN, COUNCIL GROVE.
History: The tavern was built in 1857 by Seth Hays, a descendant
of Daniel Boone.
Location and description: Two-story frame building, one half
block west of the bridge on Main St. (U. S. 56).
Status: The building, privately owned and still operated as a
restaurant, is marked.
Recommendations: Status quo.
4. KAW METHODIST MISSION, COUNCIL GROVE.
History: This building was completed in 1851 as a mission and
school for Kansas Indian children, under the direction of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The Indian school was
discontinued in 1854 but a school for white children was con-
tinued in the building.
Location and description: Two-story stone building on land-
scaped grounds, on Mission St., three blocks north of U. S. 56.
Status: The property is owned by the state and administered as
a museum by the State Historical Society.
Recommendations: Status quo.
5. LAST CHANCE STORE, COUNCIL GROVE.
History: Built in 1857, this store was the traveler's last chance on
the Santa Fe trail to secure provisions before reaching New
Mexico.
Location and description: A small one-story stone building, on
West Main and Chautauqua Sts. (U. S. 56).
Status: The building, which is privately owned, is marked.
Recommendations: An excellent location for a local museum.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 159
6. POST OFFICE OAK, COUNCIL GROVE.
History: A cache at the base of this tree served as a post office
for travelers on the Santa Fe trail from 1825 to 1847.
Location and description: A large oak tree, one block east of the
bridge on Main St. (U. S. 56).
Status: The tree, which stands on private property, is marked.
Recommendations: Status quo.
7. DIAMOND SPRINGS.
History: One of the most famous watering places on the Santa
Fe trail.
Location and description: Site only, about two miles south on
gravel road which intersects with U. S. 56 three miles west
of Wilsey.
Status: Site is now in privately owned pasture land. A historical
marker has been erected by the Daughters of the American
Revolution.
Recommendations: Status quo.
8. KANSAS INDIAN AGENCY BUILDING.
History: Following a treaty signed in 1859 by the Kaw Indians
and the federal government, the Kaw reservation was di-
minished and the agency was moved a short distance south-
east of Council Grove. Several substantial buildings were
erected by the government, including an agency, stables,
storehouses and schools. In addition, about 150 small stone
residences were constructed for the Indians. These build-
ings were in use until the tribe's removal to Oklahoma in 1873.
Location and description: The agency building is a two-story
stone structure located near the mouth of Big John creek
about four miles southeast of Council Grove. The few stone
cabins which still remain are scattered over the surrounding
area.
Status: The agency building is on privately owned farm land
and is in poor repair.
Recommendations: Local historical marker on K-13. The build-
ing might be restored and used in connection with a local
park or recreation area.
160 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
MORTON COUNTY
1. POINT OF ROCKS.
History: Point of Rocks was a famous landmark on the Santa Fe
trail marking the crossing of the Cimarron. This is the west-
ernmost landmark of significance on the trail in Kansas.
Location and description: Natural landmark. A rocky bluff
rising above the bed of the Cimarron river near Elkhart, two
miles west of K-27.
Status: The site is on grazing land owned by the U. S. govern-
ment.
Recommendations: State historical marker on K-27.
NEMAHA COUNTY
NEOSHO COUNTY
1. MISSION NEOSHO, SHAW.
History: The first Indian school and mission in present Kansas
was established here in 1824 among the Great Osages who
had migrated from Missouri about 1815. It was abandoned
after five years. Near here on September 29, 1865, the
Osages signed a treaty with the U. S. government agreeing
to a reduction of their lands in Kansas.
Location and description: Sites only, at and near the town of
Shaw.
Status: The story of the mission and of the treaty is told on the
present state historical marker at Shaw, three and one half
miles west of U. S. 59. The marker will be relocated on
U. S. 59 after improvements to the highway are completed.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. OSAGE CATHOLIC MISSION, ST. PAUL.
History: This mission was established in 1847 for the Osages
on the Neosho and Verdigris rivers. A manual labor school
for boys and a department for girls were conducted by
Jesuit brothers and the Sisters of Loretto. In 1848 the first
Catholic church in southern Kansas was built here. When
the Osages moved to Indian territory in 1870 the school was
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 161
continued for white children. A town, Osage Mission, or-
ganized in 1867, became St. Paul in 1895.
Location and description: Site only, town of St. Paul.
Status: The story of the mission is told on the present state
historical marker on K-57 at the east edge of St. Paul.
Recommendations: Status quo.
NESS COUNTY
1. GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER HOMESTEAD.
History: George Washington Carver, famous Negro scientist
and educator, in 1886 filed on the homestead which was his
residence for a few years.
Location and description: Farm site, SEM, Sec. 4, T 19 S, R 26 W,
near Beeler.
Status: The land is privately owned. The Ness County His-
torical Society has erected a marker memorializing Carver's
residence in the county.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. STONE HOUSE, NESS CITY.
History: This building is said to be the oldest house in Ness
City and perhaps in Ness county.
Location and description: One-story native stone and brick build-
ing on K-96, downtown Ness City.
Status: The property is owned by the Ness County Historical
Society and operated as a museum.
Recommendations: Status quo.
NORTON COUNTY
OSAGE COUNTY
1. BURLINGAME.
History: Burlingame, originally named Council City, was
founded in November, 1854, and was incorporated under
its present name in 1858. It was an important stop on the
Santa Fe trail, which followed the present main street, Santa
127716
162 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Fe Ave. The town takes its name from Anson Burlingame,
member of congress from Massachusetts and later U. S. min-
ister to China, a strong advocate of the Free-State cause who
is best known today as the author of the Burlingame treaty
with China.
Location and description: The original townsite was located on
Switzler creek at the Santa Fe trail crossing.
Status: Incorporated as a third class city.
Recommendations: State historical marker on U. S. 56.
OSBORNE COUNTY
OTTAWA COUNTY
PAWNEE COUNTY
1. FORT LARNED.
History: Fort Larned was one of the most important posts on
the Santa Fe trail and the Indian frontier, 1859-1878. It is
described by the National Park Service as "an excellent sur-
viving example of a frontier military post, undoubtedly the
best preserved post along the old Santa Fe trail."
Location and description: Five stone buildings on the Frizell
ranch, six miles west of Larned, off U. S. 156.
Status: The buildings are still in use in ranching operations and
are well preserved. There is a marker on the old parade
ground and also a state historical marker on the highway.
The Fort Larned Historical Society maintains a museum in
one of the buildings.
Recommendations: Fort Larned was one of three historic sites
in Kansas which in 1956 were recommended by the National
Park Service for further investigation and possible designa-
tion as national monuments. If it could be arranged, such
permanent designation and maintenance of the old fort by
the Park Service would be highly desirable.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 163
PHILLIPS COUNTY
1. CAMP KIRWAN.
History: Camp Kirwan was a temporary encampment for U. S.
troops providing escort for a government survey party in
northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska during the sum-
mer of 1865. Troops of the Twelfth Tennessee cavalry, sta-
tioned at the camp, were under the command of Lt. Col.
John S. Kirwan, for whom the post was named.
Location and description: Site only, about one and one half miles
southwest of Kirwin.
Status: Site is now in the Kirwin Dam reservoir area and is inun-
dated. There is a local marker in the city park of Kirwin.
Recommendations: Status quo.
POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY
1. INDIAN AGENCY BUILDING, ST. MARYS.
History: The building was constructed in 1862 as part of the
agency for the Pottawatomie Indians.
Location and description: Small one-story stone building located
in St. Marys.
Status: On private land. Building is mentioned on state historical
marker for St. Marys.
Recommendations: Status quo.
PRATT COUNTY
RAWLINS COUNTY
RENO COUNTY
1. FIRST SALT WELL.
History: Salt was discovered in South Hutchinson on September
27, 1887, by Ben Blanchard who was drilling a deep well
hoping to strike gas or oil. The finding of this fabulous
"vein of pure salt" led to the development at Hutchinson
of one of the state's most important industries.
164 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Location and description: Site only, in the South Hutchinson
area.
Status: A marker commemorating the discovery was placed on
K-17, in South Hutchinson, by the Daughters of the American
Revolution in 1939.
Recommendations: Status quo.
REPUBLIC COUNTY
1. PIKE-PAWNEE VILLAGE.
History: Said to be the site of the Pawnee Indian village where
Zebulon Pike conferred with the Pawnees in 1806 and per-
suaded them to raise the U. S. flag for the first time in
present Kansas.
Location and description: Site only, two miles southwest of
town of Republic.
Status: The site, owned by the state, has a monument, marker
and fenced park plot. There is a historical marker on U. S. 36
at Scandia.
Recommendations: Status quo.
RICE COUNTY
1. CORONADO-QUIVIRA SlTE.
History: In the summer of 1541 the Spanish explorer Coronado
visited present Kansas in search of the land of Quivira and
its fabled riches. Quivira is believed to have been located
in what is now the central part of the state. Father Juan de
Padilla, a missionary with the Coronado expedition, was
killed in 1542 by the Indians, reputedly the first Christian
martyr in the present United States.
Location and description: Coron ado's exact route cannot be
traced today, but the presumption is that he reached central
Kansas. The site of what is believed to be a large Quiviran
Indian village is located in Sec. 2, T 20 S, R 9 W, four miles
west of Lyons. A large cross has been erected near this
site in memory of Father Padilla. Other Padilla monuments
stand in the city park at Herington and near Council Grove.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 165
Status: State historical markers are located on U. S. 56 west of
Lyons, and on U. S. 56-77 near Herington.
Recommendations: Status quo.
RILEY COUNTY
1. FIRST TERRITORIAL CAPITOL, FORT RILEY.
History: This building was erected in 1855 at the now extinct
town of Pawnee. The first territorial legislature used it as
a meeting place July 2-6, 1855, before adjourning to the
Shawnee Methodist Mission.
Location and description: Two-story stone building located on
the Fort Riley military reservation, on K-18.
Status: The building is owned by the state and is operated as
a museum by the State Historical Society.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. FORT RILEY.
History: Established as a frontier military post in 1853, Fort
Riley has remained active since that time. It was the home of
the U. S. army cavalry school and for some time was the
headquarters of the famed Seventh U. S. cavalry. Many of
the nation's noted military leaders from the 1850's to the
present have served at the post.
Location and description: Military reservation, 53,000 acres.
Status: Active military installation. A state historical marker
is located on the post, on K-18.
Recommendations: Status quo.
3. DAVID A. BUTTERFIELD HOUSE, MANHATTAN.
History: The house was built by Butterfield between July 18,
1857, and July 8, 1858. Butterfield became famous as the
operator of the Butterfield Overland Dispatch which ran
stages along the Smoky Hill trail to Denver. This is said
to be the oldest house still standing in Manhattan.
Location and description: Stone building, 307 Osage St.
Status: Privately owned.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
166 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
4. DAMON RUNYON BIRTHPLACE, MANHATTAN.
History: Damon Runyon, author and journalist, was born here
on October 3, 1880.
Location and description: Two-story frame house, 400 Osage St.
Status: The house is privately owned and used as a residence.
On the corner of the lot is a marker stating that the house
was Runyon's birthplace.
Recommendations: Status quo.
5. ISAAC GOODNOW HOUSE, MANHATTAN.
History: This house was built for Isaac T. Goodnow, pioneer
settler, in 1859. Goodnow was one of the founders of Blue-
mont College, which later became Kansas State College,
and was state superintendent of public instruction, 1863-
1867. He was also land commissioner of the Missouri, Kansas
and Texas railroad.
Location and description: Two-story stone house on Claflin Road.
Status: The house is privately owned and is well preserved.
Recommendations: Possibly should be a state-owned museum.
ROOKS COUNTY
RUSH COUNTY
RUSSELL COUNTY
1. CARRIE OSWALD No. 1 OIL WELL. t ;
History: Carrie Oswald No. 1 was the discovery well of the
Fairport pool, one of the largest and most famous in Kansas.
Location and description: Site only, 16/2 miles northwest of Rus-
sell, near Fairport.
Status: There is a monument at the site.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. KIT'S FORK INDIAN RAID.
History: In May, 1869, a section gang working on the Kansas
Pacific (now Union Pacific) railroad was attacked by Plains
Indians. The workers fled on a handcar and carried on a
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 167
running fight with the Indians. Two men were killed and
four were wounded. This was a typical incident in the
struggle of the Indians to prevent the railroads from build-
ing through their lands.
Location and description: Site only, near Russell, off U. S. 40.
Status: A state historical marker is now being made (August,
1957) and will be erected in the near future. A monument
also stands in the city cemetery, a memorial to the railroad
workers who died.
Recommendations: Status quo.
SALINE COUNTY
1. BROOKVILLE HOTEL, BROOKVILLE.
History: This hotel was built in 1870 and is said to be the oldest
hotel in Kansas operating in its original location without a
change of service. It was a cafe and hostelry during the cattle
trail days and its register contains famous names of the Old
West.
Location and description: Two-story frame building, one block
off U. S. 40. (The caption for the photograph of the hotel,
on page 13 of the picture section accompanying this article,
incorrectly reports the location as Salina. )
Status: Owned and operated privately; well preserved.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. INDIAN BURIAL PIT.
History: One of the most notable archaeological discoveries in
the United States, the pit was opened in 1936. It contains
more than 140 skeletal remains of prehistoric Indians.
Location and description: Prehistoric Indian burial pit covered
by a permanent structure. Four miles east of Salina on
U. S. 40.
Status: Now in private hands and open to the public with an
admission charge. There is a state historical marker on
U. S. 40.
Recommendations: Status quo.
168 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
SCOTT COUNTY
1. BATTLE CANYON.
History: Here was fought the last battle between Indians and
U. S. troops in Kansas, September 27, 1878. Dull Knife's
band of Cheyenne Indians who were fleeing to the north
from Indian territory engaged in a skirmish with a detach-
ment of troops from Fort Dodge. Lt. Col. William Lewis,
commanding the troops, was killed. The canyon was a
natural place for the Indians to make a stand. The women
and children were hidden in a cave at the closed end of
the ravine.
Location and description: Natural box canyon and cave approxi-
mately one and one half miles off gravel road to the Scott
County State Park.
Status: The site is on land privately owned and has undergone
little alteration through the years. Rifle pits of the Cheyennes
are still in evidence, ringed with stones, and the cave where
the women and children were hidden is still there although
it is partially filled with water. This site is in broken
country which possesses a great deal of natural beauty, but
the pasture road leading to it makes access difficult.
Recommendations: Should be improved and a state historical
marker erected.
2. EL QUARTELEJO.
History: On this site, in the 17th century, stood an Indian
pueblo. It is believed that Indians of the Southwest migrated
to the site to escape Spanish oppression and the pueblo
became a meeting place for traders in the early 18th century.
Location and description: Site area is located in Scott County
State Park, a short distance off a main park road.
Status: The site was excavated several years ago and then al-
lowed to drift full again. The Daughters of the American
Revolution have erected a monument at the site and there is
a state historical marker north of Scott City. There is local
interest in re-excavation.
Recommendations: Should be re-excavated, rebuilt if possible,
and maintained locally or by the state as a historic site.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 169
3. STEELE HOUSE.
History: In this house was the first post office in Scott county.
The H. L. Steele family pioneered in the county and owned
the land where the state park is now located.
Location and description: Stone building in Scott County State
Park, on main park road. Stone barn stands across the road.
Status: The house is under the supervision of the Kansas For-
estry, Fish & Game Commission and there is a collection of
museum items in the house. It is difficult to gain admission
although it is intended to be open to the public. The property
is also being allowed to fall into a state of disrepair.
Recommendations: Better care by Forestry, Fish & Game Com-
mission and perhaps county historical society operation of
the museum.
SEDGWICK COUNTY
1. INDIAN TREATY SITE.
History: In 1865 several tribes of Plains Indians camped on the
Little Arkansas river to confer with representatives of the
federal government. The whites wanted peace, unmolested
traffic on the Santa Fe trail and the limitation of Indian terri-
tory. The Indians asked for unrestricted hunting grounds
and reparation for the Chivington massacre of Black Kettle's
Cheyenne band on Sand creek, in Colorado. The treaties
made here gave the Indians reservations south of the Arkan-
sas and excluded them north to the Platte.
Location and description: Site only, and that not specific, on the
Little Arkansas north of Wichita.
Status: There is a state historical marker on U. S. 81, four miles
north of Wichita, which tells the story of the treaties.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. COWTOWN WICHITA.
History: This is a project for the re-creation of part of the old
cowtown of Wichita, 1869-1876. Several original buildings
have been moved to the new site and restored, among them
the Munger house, the first cabin to be erected in present
Wichita; and the original Presbyterian church and parsonage.
170 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Location and description: Twenty-three acres in the Riverside
section of Wichita, north of U. S. 54.
Status: Cowtown Wichita is being re-created under the direction
of a local corporation, assisted by the city.
Recommendations: Status quo.
SEWARD COUNTY
SHAWNEE COUNTY
1. ARTHUR CAPPER HOUSE, TOPEKA.
History: Built in 1912, this house was the personal residence of
Arthur Capper. It was also his official residence during the
two terms he served the state as governor, 1915-1919, and
was used for the same purpose, 1919-1923, by Gov. Henry J.
Allen.
Location and description: Two-story limestone and concrete
house built in the style of an Italian villa, 1035 Topeka Ave.
Status: Privately owned.
Recommendations: Local historical marker or plaque.
2. CHARLES CURTIS HOUSE, TOPEKA.
History: This home was once the property of Charles Curtis,
who served in the U. S. house of representatives and senate
from Kansas. He was vice-president of the U. S., 1929-1933.
Location and description: Three-story red brick house built in
an ornate Victorian style, 1101 Topeka Ave.
Status: The property is now privately owned and used as an
office building by an insurance firm. There is a plaque on
the building.
Recommendations: Status quo.
3. EXECUTIVE MANSION, TOPEKA.
History: The mansion was built in 1887 at a cost of $60,000 by
Erastus Bennett. It was purchased by the state in 1901 as an
official residence for the state's chief executive, and all gov-
ernors since that time, with the exception of Capper and
Allen, have lived there.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 171
Location and description: Three-story brick home, located at
801 Buchanan.
Status: Still the governor's official residence.
Recommendations: When the new Executive Mansion is occu-
pied, this building, complete with furniture, should be op-
erated as a museum, if feasible, or if sold by the state, it
should be marked by a historical plaque or sign.
4. RICE HALL, TOPEKA.
History: Built in 1872 and occupied in 1874, this building has
been used by Washburn University as a dormitory, for class-
rooms, and as a dining hall. It is the oldest building on the
campus. The school was founded in 1865.
Location and description: Three-story limestone building on
the Washburn University campus.
Status: The building currently houses classrooms, offices and
laboratories.
Recommendations: Local historical marker or plaque.
5. OLD STONE HOUSE.
History: This house is reputed to be one of the oldest, perhaps
the oldest, in the county. Estimates of the date of its con-
struction range from the 1830's through the 1850's. No defi-
nite date of construction has been arrived at but it is safe
to assume that it was as early as the 1850's.
Location and description: Two-story limestone structure east
of Silver Lake on U. S. 24.
Status: The house is now a private residence and well preserved.
Recommendations: Status quo.
6. POTTAWATOMIE BAPTIST MISSION.
History: This was one of the buildings of the Baptist Mission to
the Pottawatomies, built in 1849 near an important Oregon
trail crossing of the Kansas river. The mission school, estab-
lished in 1848, existed here until 1859 and was a thriving
institution. The mission was also a stopping place for
travelers on the trail to Fort Riley and it was here that Gov.
John Geary issued the first official Thanksgiving proclama-
tion in 1856.
172 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Location and description: Two-story limestone structure about
three miles west of Topeka, just north of U. S. 40 K-10.
Status: The walls of the mission building have been incorporated
into a barn. Barn doors and a modern roof have been added
but basically the building has not been greatly altered.
Recommendations: Should be acquired by the state and oper-
ated by the State Historical Society as an annex to its down-
town museum, because of its historic importance, and the
availability of an abundance of parking area on a well-
traveled highway.
SHERIDAN COUNTY
1. COLONEL SUMNER'S CHEYENNE CAMPAIGN.
History: During the summer of 1857 Col. E. V. Sumner, com-
mander at Fort Leavenworth, was engaged in a campaign
against the Cheyenne Indians in Kansas and Nebraska. To-
ward the end of July Sumner's force engaged a large body of
Indians in the Solomon river valley. A running fight ensued
in which the Indians were routed. Two soldiers were killed
and nine wounded, including Lt. J. E. B. Stuart, who later
became famous as a Confederate general.
Location and description: General area of the Solomon valley,
east of Hoxie.
Status: Private farm land.
Recommendations: This incident was selected in 1941 by a gov-
ernor's committee on historic sites as worthy of recognition,
and a text for a marker was prepared by the State Historical
Society. A state historical marker should be erected on U. S.
24 east of Hoxie.
SHERMAN COUNTY
1. KIDDER MASSACRE.
History: In June, 1867, Lt. Lyman S. Kidder, with ten men from
the Second U. S. cavalry, then stationed in northeastern Colo-
rado, and an Indian scout, were killed by a hunting party of
Cheyenne and Sioux Indians near Beaver creek in present
Sherman county. Kidder and his men were in search of
Gen. Geo. A. Custer, to whom they were to deliver dispatches.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 173
Location and description: Site only, about 23 miles northeast of
Goodland, near the Cheyenne county line.
Status: Privately owned land.
Recommendations: Local historical marker on U. S. 24.
SMITH COUNTY
1. HOME ON THE RANGE CABIN.
History: This cabin was once the home of Dr. Brewster Higley,
pioneer Kansas physician, who wrote the words to "Home on
the Range" in the early 1870's.
Location and description: One-room log cabin, in Sec. 7, T 2 S,
R 14 W, on Beaver creek, about 17 miles northwest of Smith
Center, off K-8.
Status: On privately owned farm land. The cabin was restored
and dedicated as a historical memorial to Higley in 1954
and is open daily. The site is indicated by directional mark-
ers on U. S. 36.
Recommendations: Status quo.
STAFFORD COUNTY
STANTON COUNTY
STEVENS COUNTY
SUMNER COUNTY
1. CmsHOLM TRAIL.
History: The original Chisholm trail, as followed by Jesse Chis-
holm about 1865, ran from Wichita 220 miles south into
Indian territory. Later the trail was extended north to Abilene
and became famous as the route of many cattle drives from
Texas.
Location and description: The trail crossed the Kansas-Okla-
homa border near Caldwell, Sumner county. Traces may
still be seen in some localities.
174 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Status: A state historical marker has been erected on U. S. 81,
a mile south of Caldwell, and a local marker is in a roadside
park on U. S. 160, about six miles west of Wellington.
Another local marker is located on a county road one mile
east of Clearwater, Sedgwick county.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. FAIRBANKS HOUSE, CALDWELL.
History: This building housed a tavern on the Chisholm trail
in the late 1860's and 1870's.
Location and description: One-story stone building, off U. S. 81.
Status: The building is privately owned.
Recommendations: Local historical marker or plaque.
THOMAS COUNTY
TREGO COUNTY
1. CASTLE ROCK CREEK STAGE STATION.
History: This was a stage station established in 1865 on the
Smoky Hill trail.
Location and description: SWK, Sec. 31, T 13 S, R 25 W, one
mile east of Castle Rock, south of Collyer.
Status: A farm building now stands on the main station site
and very little evidence of the station can be found.
Recommendations: This site and Downer's Station should be
included in Cove county state historical marker.
2. DOWNER'S STATION.
History: This was established in 1865 as a stage station on the
Smoky Hill trail, and was a temporary military outpost.
Location and description: Site only, NWM, Sec. 3, T 14 S, R 24 W,
south of WaKeeney, off U. S. 40.
Status: The site is on privately owned pasture land. Cellar
holes and ruins of stone wall are still in evidence.
Recommendations: See Castle Rock Creek Stage Station.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 175
WABAUNSEE COUNTY
1. BEECHER BIBLE AND RIFLE CHURCH, WABAUNSEE.
History: This church was organized in 1857 by settlers from
New England and the building was dedicated in 1862. The
church, Congregationalist, takes its name from the "Beecher
Bibles" in reality Sharps carbines which were furnished
Free-State settlers who came to Kansas to combat Proslavery
sympathizers. The famous abolitionist preacher, Henry Ward
Beecher, collected money for the arms and they were shipped
to Kansas territory in boxes labeled "Bibles/'
Location and description: Stone building located in the town of
Wabaunsee, off K-29.
Status: The building is well preserved and is still in use as a
Congregational church.
Recommendations: State historical marker on K-99 near junction
with K-29. Immediately southeast of this junction and over-
looking a beautiful valley is Mount Mitchell, a state property
which could be made a park and scenic drive.
WALLACE COUNTY
1. FORT WALLACE AND CEMETERY.
History: Camp Pond Creek, established in 1865, was renamed
Fort Wallace in 1866. It was an active army post until 1882,
and for some years was one of the largest and most important
on the Indian frontier.
Location and description: Fort site about two miles southeast of
Wallace. Cemetery plot is across the road from the fort site.
Status: The site is on privately owned land. No buildings re-
main but foundations, cellars and other surface indications of
the post are evident. The cemetery contains a monument
to military dead. These bodies were later removed to Fort
Leavenworth. The remaining graves are not of military per-
sonnel. A state historical marker is located on U. S. 40 at
Wallace.
Recommendations: Status quo.
176 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
2. POND CREEK STATION.
History: This was a station on the Smoky Hill trail and was a
temporary military post in 1865 and 1866. It was also the
first county seat.
Location and description: Site only, one mile west of Wallace,
south side of U. S. 40.
Status: The site is on privately owned farm land. Cellar holes
and remains of dirt fortifications are still visible. The stage
tender's building and coach house which stood on this site
is still intact and is now located on the Madigan ranch, ten
miles north and four west of Wallace. Bullet holes may still
be seen in the siding, evidence of the times when the station
was under Indian attack.
Recommendations: State historical marker on U. S. 40 near junc-
tion with K-27, possibly also to include Logan county stage
station sites.
WASHINGTON COUNTY
1. HOLLENBERG RANCH PONY EXPRESS STATION.
History: This is said to be the only original unaltered Pony Ex-
press station still standing. It was built originally as a ranch
house in 1857 and was used as a station on the short-lived but
famous Pony Express route of 1860-1861.
Location and description: A one-story frame structure located
about one mile northeast of Hanover off K-15E.
Status: The building is owned by the state and contains a small
pioneer museum. There is a state historical marker on U. S.
36 near the junction with K-15E.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. STAGE STATION, HADDAM.
History: This house is said to have been built in the latter 1850's
for use as a stage hotel.
Location and description: Three-story stone house near the edge
of Haddam.
Status: Occupied as a residence.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 177
WICHITA COUNTY
WILSON COUNTY
1. FIRST COMMERCIAL OIL WELL, NEODESHA.
History: The first oil well to produce in commercial quantities
was drilled in Neodesha in 1892, in what became known as
the Mid-Continent field.
Location and description: Site only, west edge of the city on U. S.
75.
Status: There is a marker on U. S. 75 which identifies the site.
Recommendations: Status quo.
2. FORT BELMONT.
History: Fort Belmont was a military post and stagecoach sta-
tion in the early 1860's. Hapo, a chief of the Osage Indians,
is reported to be buried near here.
Location and description: Site only, two miles west of Buffalo,
off U. S. 75.
Status: On privately owned land.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
WOODSON COUNTY
WYANDOTTE COUNTY
1. FOUR HOUSES TRADING POST, BONNER SPRINGS.
History: This trading post was established by Francis and
Cyprian Choteau in 1820. The four buildings were built of
logs and faced on a square. The post was active as late
as 1826.
Location and description: Site only, within the present city
limits of Bonner Springs.
Status: On privately owned land.
Recommendations: A state historical marker might be erected
on K-32 at Bonner Springs.
137716
178 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
2. HURON CEMETERY, KANSAS CITY.
History: This is the Wyandot National Cemetery in which
Wyandot Indians were buried beginning in 1844.
Location and description: Two-acre plot on Minnesota Ave.,
between Sixth and Seventh Sts., in downtown Kansas City,
Kan.
Status: Sale of the property by the Wyandot tribe was author-
ized by congress in 1956.
Recommendations: It should continue to be preserved as a his-
toric Indian cemetery.
3. QUINDARO, KANSAS CITY.
History: Quindaro was a town laid out in 1856 by a group that
included Charles Robinson, Kansas' first state governor. The
town thrived for a time but declined after the Civil War and
eventually became a part of Kansas City.
Location and description: The site of Quindaro is bounded on
the north by the Missouri river; on the east by Twelfth St.;
on the south by Parallel Ave.; on the west by North Forty-
second St.
Status: Foundations of some business buildings can still be traced
and an old spring house and a few stone walls still stand.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
4. Six MILE HOUSE, KANSAS CITY.
History: This building was erected in 1860 and served as a
tavern on the Wyandotte-Leavenworth road.
Location and description: Two-story log structure, now covered
with asbestos siding, located at 4960 Leavenworth Road. This
is a part of the original building.
Status: The building is privately owned and is used as a resi-
dence.
Recommendations: Local historical marker.
5. MOSES GRINTER HOUSE, MUNCIE.
History: This house was built by Moses Grinter, operator of the
first ferry on the Kansas river and pioneer Indian trader. He
lived in a cabin near the ferry site from 1831 until 1857,
when the present house was constructed.
HISTORIC SITES AND STRUCTURES 179
Location and description: Two-story brick structure at 1420
South Seventy-eighth St., Muncie (on K-32).
Status: The building is privately owned and operated as a
restaurant. It is well preserved.
Recommendations: State historical marker on U. S. 40.
6. CYPRIAN CHOUTEAU TRADING POST.
History: Cyprian Chouteau established this post in 1827 and it
continued in operation until the mid-1850's. It was here
that John C. Fremont completed preparations for his explor-
ing trip to the Rocky Mountains in 1842.
Location and description: Site only, Sec. 11, T 11 S, R 24 E,
north of present Turner.
Status: On privately owned land.
Recommendations: Include on state historical marker for Four
Houses, if one is erected.
7. DELAWARE BAPTIST MISSION (FIRST).
History: This mission was established in 1832 as a school for
Delaware Indian children. It declined in the early 1840's
and by 1848 was permanently abandoned.
Location and description: Site only, SW&, NEM, Sec. 26, T 11 S,
R 23 E, near present Edwardsville.
Status: On privately owned land.
Recommendations: Possibly a state historical marker for all
Delaware missions could be erected on U. S. 40 near junction
with K-107.
8. DELAWARE BAPTIST MISSION ( SECOND ) .
History: This mission was established in 1848 by John G. Pratt
as a revival of the earlier mission. It became a sizeable insti-
tution and included both a church and school. Pratt con-
tinued to work among the Delawares until their removal to
Indian territory in 1867-1868, and made his home at the
location until his death in 1900.
Location and description: Site only, NW, Sec. 10, T 11 S
R23E.
Status: On privately owned land.
180 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Recommendations: Include on state historical marker for Dela-
ware missions if one is erected.
9. DELAWARE METHODIST MISSION.
History: This mission was begun in 1832 under the direction of
William Johnson. It was moved to a new location in 1837
and continued in operation until 1844.
Location and description: The first site was in Sec. 3, T 11 S,
R 23 E; the second in the EM, NW&, Sec. 20, T 11 S, R 24 E.
Only the sites remain.
Status: On privately owned land.
Recommendations: Include on state historical marker for Dela-
ware missions if one is erected.
10. WHITE CHURCH AND DELAWARE RURIAL GROUND.
History: This church was founded in 1832 by the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South, in connection with the mission to
the Delawares. The present building is the third at approxi-
mately the same site. The Delaware burial ground adjoining
the church is believed to be the oldest in Wyandotte county.
Several famous Delaware chiefs are buried there.
Location and description: Site is located one mile north of U. S.
24-40 at White Church.
Status: Present church building is in use as a community church.
Recommendations: Include on state historical marker for Dela-
ware missions if one is erected.
A Free-Stater's "Letters to the Editor"
SAMUEL N. WOOD'S LETTERS TO EASTERN NEWSPAPERS, 1854
Edited by ROBERT W. RICHMOND
I. INTRODUCTION
SAMUEL Newitt Wood is perhaps best known for the part he
played in the Stevens county "war" which involved the towns
of Hugoton and Woodsdale in a struggle for the county seat and
which drew to a close with the murder of Wood by Jim Brennan,
June 23, 1891. However, this fatal participation in a Kansas county-
seat fight was only the final chapter in a long and turbulent career
which included newspaper work, politics, ranching, and railroad
promotion.
Sam Wood was born December 30, 1825, at Mount Gilead, Ohio,
and completed a common school education. Before he was old
enough to vote he was involved in local politics and in 1848 sup-
ported Martin Van Buren, a Free-Soil candidate, for the presidency.
Wood's parents were members of the Society of Friends and as a
result he was brought up to despise slavery. Because of his strong
feelings on the subject he became active in the operation of the
"underground railroad" through Ohio and conducted fleeing South-
ern Negroes on several occasions.
On June 4, 1854, Sam Wood was admitted to the practice of law
and two days later was on his way to the newly-created Kansas
territory, convinced that the Kansas-Nebraska act was wrong and
that he should do something about making Kansas a free state.
With his wife and two small children he went by wagon to Cin-
cinnati where he secured steamboat passage to Independence, Mo.
From the Missouri border the family again traveled by wagon,
this time to a point about four miles west of Lawrence on the
"California Road." Here Wood settled and this claim was to be his
home through the most difficult period of the Proslavery and Free-
State controversy.
Wood was immediately involved in the political life of the terri-
tory and he was not hesitant about expressing himself regarding
politics. He bought into the Kansas Tribune, Lawrence, which
was first printed by John Speer in the fall of 1854. The Tribune
was a typical frontier newspaper and its editorial policy, similar
ROBERT W. RICHMOND, state archivist of Kansas, is a member of the staff of the State
Historical Society.
(181)
182 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
to that of other early Kansas newspapers, was extremely outspoken
and biased. Such a policv appealed to the fiery Ohioan and he
later (1859) carried it on in his own newspapers at Cottonwood
Falls and Council Grove.
In November, 1855, a Free-Stater, Charles W. Dow, was killed
by Franklin N. Coleman, Proslaveryite, near Hickory Point in
Douglas county. A Free-State group held a meeting on November
22 at the scene of the murder and that night Samuel Jones, sheriff
of Douglas county, arrested Jacob Branson, with whom Dow had
lived, for taking part in the assembly. The sheriff and his posse
started for Lecompton with their prisoner but before they reached
their destination they were met by an armed band of Free-State
men which included Sam Wood. Jones lost his prisoner to the
opposition and the incident led to what has been known as the
Wakarusa War.
Wood's part in the Branson rescue and similar incidents made
him one of the territory's most unpopular citizens in the eyes of
Proslavery partisans. Such notoriety did not bother Wood. In
fact, he thrived on it and did all that he could to increase his un-
popularity by encouraging Free-State settlers to come to Kansas.
This he accomplished by returning on several occasions to the East
where he spoke to potential settlers and by writing letters to Eastern
newspapers.
The four letters that follow were selected from newspapers in
the files of the Kansas State Historical Society and were all written
by Wood during the first year of his residence in Kansas. They
are excellent examples of the fervid Free-State messages that went
to the East during the early territorial years and vividly express
Wood's opinions of the Kansas political situation and also give some
idea of what life was like on the Trans-Missouri frontier of the
1850's.
II. THE LETTERS
WESTPORT, JACKSON Co., Mo.,
June 28, 1854.
To the Editor of the National Era:
DEAR SIR: I have left my Ohio home and friends, and have come
here, for the purpose of selecting myself and family a future home
in this, the fairest portion of God's earth. A struggle is before us.
It looks as though the inhabitants of this county think that they can
people, or dictate who shall people, the whole Kansas Territory.
They in the start flocked into the Territory by hundreds. Men
would take perhaps a dozen claims, stick their stake, mark their
FREE-STATER'S LETTERS 183
names, get up a little meeting, resolve to protect each other and
each other's claims. They also resolved, at all hazards, that Kansas
belonged to, and should be settled exclusively by, slaveholders.
After this, nine out of every ten return to their Missouri homes,
supposing that they have fixed, beyond the possibility of repeal,
the institutions of Kansas for all time to come. Meetings are held
in Missouri, where lynching is publicly recommended, as the last
resort, to drive those "white-livered Abolitionists" out of Kansas
into Nebraska, which they condescendingly say is "set apart for
us/' A few Northern men already have been driven from the Terri-
tory; others frightened away. A few slaveholders already have
moved in with their slaves.
The Methodist missionaries sent here for the purpose of enlighten-
ing and Christianizing the poor Indian, have their slaves to do
the drudgery of the missions; thus, while they are enlightening and
Christianizing one class of heathens, as an auxiliary in the good
cause, they are grinding down and blotting out the very souls of
other heathens. Indeed, it is a question whether they Christianize
or heathenize the most. Of course, the influence of these large
mission establishments is against us. 1
At Fort Leavenworth, the United States officers are degrading
themselves and their calling, by going with the South, and hooting
at Northern men, and even justifying lynching of them, for no other
cause than that they are Northern men! A dark picture, truly; but
think not that it has no bright side; Northern men have been found
who could not be scared; settlements have been commenced, slave-
holders have become frightened, already, we hear "they will not
trust their slaves there!" I have just made a trip over into the
Territory, found on the Indian reserve scores of families from Iowa,
Illinois, Indiana, and other States, and still they come.
Next week we are to have a general meeting up on Kansas river,
where hundreds of freemen will be rallied; a fiat will then go forth
that will sound the death knell to Slavery, in Kansas, at least. 2 All
we ask is, for Northern men, and Southern men, tired of Slavery,
who design emigrating here, to come now! Now is the time they
can suit themselves with homes; and, above all, now, or soon, this
Slavery question must be met, and settled. During our trip over
into the Territory, we saw the Baptist missionary a pure and warm
1. Wood was referring to the Shawnee Methodist Mission of which Thomas Johnson
was superintendent. The mission, located in present Fairway, Johnson county, was under
the direction of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and did have Negro slaves.
2. No record can be found establishing the fact that such a meeting was held early
in July, 1854.
184 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Anti-Slavery man. 3 We also took dinner at the Friends or Quaker
mission; found the superintendent, Friend Fayer, sick, but were
kindly received by his family, and Richard Mendenhall, their
teacher, and his amiable wife all strong Anti-Slavery people, to
whom we are indebted, not only for their kindness to us, but for
much valuable information. 4 Say to freemen, "Come on, secure a
home, and assist in this great struggle between Slavery and Free-
dom!"
Our nearest post office at present is Westport, Jackson county,
Missouri.
Yours, truly,
SAMUEL N. WOOD 5
WESTPORT, JACKSON Co., Mo.,
July 12, 1854.
To the Editor of the National Era:
Presuming that you, as well as your numerous readers, would
read with pleasure a line from this far-off Territory, I seat myself
for the purpose of keeping you posted on Kansas matters. Since
writing to you last, I have spent about ten days in the Territory,
have been over much of the country south of Kansas river, and
must say that I have viewed, to my mind, some of the best as well
as most beautiful places in the world. Prairies could not be richer,
nor scarcely better watered; it is true, in places, timber may be
scarce, yet limestone exists in abundance, enough to fence in the
whole country. Stone-coal, I am satisfied, exists in abundance.
The want of timber will be but trifling, even where it does not exist.
Emigrants are pouring in from all parts of the country, a great
majority of whom are non-slaveholders; yet great ignorance pre-
vails among them on the Slavery question. Slaveholders finding,
with all their threats and bullying, that Northern men could riot be
scared or kept out of the Territory, are now trying to control the
public sentiment, and contend that we have no right to exclude
slave property from the Territory, and that it stands in precisely
the same relation as other property. By this means, they are gain-
ing a foothold here, which, I fear, it will be hard to rout them from.
Would some one, who is capable, write a small tract showing
the true relation between master and slave, asserting that Slavery
3. Wood probably was referring to Francis Barker, superintendent of the Shawnee
Baptist Mission school. This mission, located in present Johnson county, was established
in 1831 and was in its final year of operation when Wood visited it.
4. "Friend Fayer" was Davis W. Thayer, superintendent of the Shawnee Friends
Mission which was also located in present Johnson county. Richard Mendenhall, mentioned
here, was an outspoken foe of slavery and wrote many letters to the East upholding the
Free-State cause.
5. Washington (D. C.) National Era, July 20, 1854.
FREE-STATER'S LETTERS 185
is a local institution, sustained only by positive law, and is without
foundation in common or natural law, consequently cannot exist in
Kansas without positive enactment, and the danger of letting it get
a foothold; and then write another, giving a general comparison
of the slave and free States, together with the expense Slavery is to
the Government let these two tracts be circulated over the Terri-
tory, and to my mind the work is done. Will not some of our Anti-
Slavery-extension friends in the States take hold of this matter, and
furnish us something on this subject at once, whilst the public mind
is famishing for food upon this subject?
It is really a question which here takes precedence of all others,
and will our friends in the States but furnish us the matter, we will
distribute it broadcast over the whole Territory, and wake up a
feeling that will die only with Slavery itself.
To members of Congress I would say, all the matter you can
possibly send me, calculated to throw light on Slavery, shall be
faithfully distributed among the Kansas settlers.
To emigrants from the North I would say, after you get into the
slave States, believe nothing you may hear about Kansas. Every
misrepresentation imaginable will be told, to discourage you from
coming here; and even after you arrive, find Anti-Slavery men, as
you will learn nothing of the Territory by inquiry.
Yours for the right, S. N. WooD. 6
KANSAS, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 1854.
Yours of July 14 is just received by the hand of a friend. I am
fifty-five miles from the Post-Office, in what I deem a first-rate
country timber, perhaps, a little scarce. But I have not time, now,
to describe the country. Some will get sick and go home, yet
hundreds of first rate families are staying. Log cabins are going up
in every direction. If your wife and daughter could consent to live
for a time in a cabin sixteen feet square, and do without a thou-
sand luxuries and many necessities which you enjoy in New- York,
you could live very well. Furniture of all kinds here is very high.
Did I live even in New- York, I would ship all necessary articles of
household goods, but no unnecessary ones. Provisions I do not
think are high. Corn Meal 40 cents; Oats 30 cents; Wheat $1 per
bushel; Flour $3.50 per 100 Ibs.; Bacon about 6M to 8%. 7 Goods
are some higher I speak of the Westport market.
Now, after answering many questions you have not asked, I will
just say that I believe a newspaper establishment here, right where
6. Ibid., July 27, 1854.
7. This is a cent per pound price on bacon.
186 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
we are, would be a paying concern. I know of no way for a printer
to get employment now but to establish an office himself. You, of
course, would know the expense of one best. I suppose $500 would
fit up an office for this country. I have to-day talked with a number
of settlers, and all say "Bring along a Press" yet you could not
look for pecuniary help here now. It is poor, hardworking men
we have here now.
The fare from New- York to Cincinnati, I believe, is $16; from
Cincinnati by steamboat to St. Louis, $9; from St. Louis to Kansas 8
the best landing and most convenient place varies. I paid $10, $16,
$9 $35; wife $35 $70 from New-York. Goods from New-York
I think would average $2.50 per 100 Ibs.; or perhaps you could come
quicker from New- York by Chicago. The fare from Chicago I
suppose to be about the same as to Cincinnati; from Chicago to
Alton, 111., or Rock Island about $5; from Alton or Rock Island to
St. Louis, about $9. There is also a railroad building from Indian-
apolis, Ind., to St. Louis. If it was finished it would be the best
way to come from New- York via Cleveland through Ohio to Indian-
apolis, thence to St. Louis. You might ascertain whether the road
is finished. My figures via Chicago are mere guess-work.
At Kansas you are sixty miles from us, and about eight miles
from the Quaker Mission among the Shawnee Indians, which is on
the road. If you come, write to me; I will try to meet you at the
Mission, or arrange with them to bring you here. Of course you
can share our cabin until better provided for. You say you are an
"Abolitionist." Does that mean a Garrisonian, a Gerrit Smithite,
or what? 9 As to myself, I am an Anti-Slavery man, and could now
take by the hand an "Abolitionist" of any kind. Any other queries
I will with great pleasure try to answer. Send me a number or two
of THE TRIBUNE; I used to read it in Ohio. I believe it is conserva-
tive, seeking popularity. But enough.
Yours for Freedom the world over, SAM'L A. WooD. 10
P. S. Kansas will be free! Thirty Massachusetts men arrived
yesterday. 11
8. Present Kansas City, Mo.
9. William Lloyd Garrison, publisher of the Boston Liberator, and Gerrit Smith, New
York philanthropist, were both active in the movement against slavery. However, the two
were opposed in theory. Smith believed that political action should be used in bringing
about reform while Garrison thought that political parties could never succeed in securing
emancipation for the slaves of the South.
10. New York Tribune, August 15, 1854.
11. The pioneer party of the Emigrant Aid Company of Massachusetts, numbering
29 men, arrived in Kansas City on July 29, 1854. They moved into the territory immedi-
ately and camped on Mount Oread, August 1, 1854. Louise Barry, "The Emigrant Aid
Company Parties of 1854," The Kansas Historical Quarterly, Topeka, v. 12 (May, 1943), pp.
FREE-STATER'S LETTERS 187
KANSAS TERRITORY, August 20, 1854.
To the Editor of the National Era:
Since the publication of my former letters in your paper, I have
received hundreds of letters from all parts of the country, inquiring
about Kansas. Although wishing to impart all the information in my
power, yet were I to devote all my time to letter-writing, one-half
at least would go unanswered. A few put me under personal obli-
gations, such that I am obliged to write at least to them. Others,
whose letters may be unanswered, will from this learn the reason
why.
One wants to know "if the lands here are subject to pre-emption?"
another, if we "get them for nothing, or how to pay twenty-five cents
per acre, the cost of survey," &c. things that are known all over
the States weeks before we can possibly know them here, as we
are fifty miles in an Indian country, and the same distance from
Westport, Missouri, our nearest post office. Another wants to know
"what kind of winters we have here, what kind of summers," &c.
forgetting that I am just from Ohio and have not resided in Kansas
yet three weeks. Another wants to know "if we have the ague here,
and if so, whether as bad as in Illinois," a place I never set foot
upon, and so on ad infinitum.
But hundreds of questions are asked which are all right; and,
so far as I possibly can, I wish to write one general answer. The
lands purchased of the Indians embrace nearly fifteen millions of
acres; of this, all except about eight hundred thousand acres belong-
ing to the Weas south of Kansas river, and the Delawares and
lowas north of said river, are subject to pre-emption. As to the
Homestead bill, we know nothing of it here, whether passed or not,
or whether it would apply to the Kansas lands or not. 12 I think
the Shawnee lands, south of Kansas river, will be first settled; they
appear to be settling fastest between Kansas and Wakarusa rivers,
on the California road. 13
To reach here, a person coming by the Missouri should land at
Kansas, cross the Shawnee Reserve thirty miles, to Wakarusa ferry, 14
12. There was a homestead bill under discussion in congress during 1854 but the Home-
stead act did not become law until 1862. The Pre-emption act of 1841, in effect when Kansas
became a territory, allowed squatters to buy their claims, prior to public auction, at $1.25
an acre. On July 22, 1854, congress extended the pre-emption privilege to settlers on
unsurveyed public lands in Kansas to which Indian rights had been ceded. For a complete
study of the land question in the territory see Paul Wallace Gates, Fifty Million Acres:
Conflicts Over Kansas Land Policy, 1854-1890 (Ithaca, N. Y., 1954).
13. The California road was the same as the California-Oregon trail in eastern Kansas.
14. George A. Root, "Ferries in Kansas," Pt. 13, The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 6
(February, 1937), pp. 16-19, states that the only known ferry across the Wakarusa was
that of Charles Bluejacket, located where the Oregon trail from Westport crossed the stream,
Sec. 12, T 13 S, R 21 E. According to Root this service was begun early in 1855 which
would be a year later than Wood's reference but it is possible that the ferry was in opera-
tion during the summer of 1854.
There was another crossing of the stream directly south of Lawrence, Sec. 19, T 13 S,
R 20 E, but no record has been found of a ferry in use there.
188 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
and you come to the promised land. As to holding claims here,
I refer the reader to the Constitution of the mutual Settlers' Associa-
tion, which, of course, you will publish. 15 These laws will be re-
spected, and justice administered here as peaceably as in the States.
Claims are, however, frequently sold by settlers.
I think this Territory is well watered; springs exist in abundance;
prairie could not be richer, timber may be scarce in places, yet
limestone and coal exist in abundance. Our timber consists princi-
pally of walnut, oak, cotton wood, blue ash, &c. Soil of all kinds,
from clay loam to rich, sandy soil; good clay, for brick or potter's
ware, can now be found. This part of the Territory is very rolling.
I am at least five hundred feet above Kansas river, and only three
miles from it, on the richest of soil. A pleasant breeze greets us
from the southwest; to inhale a draft of it is almost equal to a drink
of water. I am satisfied that the country must be healthy, much
more so than in Ohio. Possibly some may have the ague along
the river, or other streams on the low lands. I think no difficulty
would be experienced in securing a location for a "colony of any
size," where water, timber, and stone, exist, sufficient for all pur-
poses; yet, to secure such a place now, emigrants would have to
go further west.
The Kansas river is nearly as large as the Missouri. Steamboats
have been up one hundred and seventy-five miles, to Fort Riley,
and I think, with small boats, it may run that high the year round. 16
There are good water privileges in the Territory. Horses, oxen,
cows, and in fact all kinds of stock, are high cows, from $25 to $40;
oxen, from $75 to $100 per yoke; good horses, from $100 to $150
per head. All kinds of furniture high at least one-third higher
than in Ohio. Bacon, 8M cents per Ib. Flour, $3.50 per 100 Ibs.
Store goods a shade higher than in Ohio. I speak of the Kansas
market in Missouri.
Notwithstanding the threats and browbeating of the Missourians,
the greatest proportion of the settlers here are Northern people
nine-tenths of the balance honest Southerners, who are coming, as
they say, to get rid of slavery. I was much mistaken in the character
15. On August 12, 1854, a meeting of the Actual Settlers' Association was held at the
home of B. W. Miller near Lawrence and at that time the Wakarusa Association combined
with it. The new organization took the name of the Mutual Settlers' Association of Kansas
Territory and had as its purpose the protection of the claims of bona-fide Free-State settlers.
S. N. Wood was one of the most active members of the group. D. W. Wilder, Annals of
Kansas, 1541-1885 (Topeka, 1886), p. 48; William E. Connelley, Kansas and Kansans
(Chicago, New York, 1918), v. 1, pp. 357-360.
16. Wood was not alone in his optimism about the navigation of the Kansas river but
unfortunately that stream did not live up to expectations. Generally speaking, the attempts
at regularly scheduled navigation were unsuccessful although when Wood wrote his letter
the Excel, a little stern-wheeler, had made the run to Fort Riley. Edgar Langsdorf, "A
Review of Early Navigation on the Kansas River," The Kansas Historical Quarterly, v. 18
(May, 1950), pp. 140-145.
FREE-STATER'S LETTERS 189
of the Missourians. A few fanatics, who were resolved to extend
slavery at all hazards, seem for the time being to give tone to the
whole people; but a better acquaintance convinces me that a great
majority of the people condemn the violent resolutions of Westport
and other places. But the die is cast. Westport will be another
Alton. 17 Blood is in her heart. Hundreds will shun her; and
Kansas, only four miles further, 18 will reap the fruits of her treason.
"Do you apprehend any serious difficulty with the slaveholders?"
is frequently asked. I answer, no; although they have boasted and
threatened much, yet they are not fools, and well know the shedding
of Northern blood to sustain slavery here, would raise a storm that
would end only with slavery itself. Northern men need not fear;
all they have to do, is to be true to themselves, and not, coward-like,
knuckle to the demands of these slaveholders, and padlock their
lips, and "wait till the proper time to meet this question." Now
is the proper time now is the time that the slaveholders are moving
heaven and earth to establish slavery here; and now is the time,
like men, we should meet them, and not, like cowards, cry, "Hush,
be quiet; don't agitate the question now; wait till we are stronger."
One explanation is necessary here. In speaking of the mission
establishments, in my last, I did not make the proper distinction.
My remarks were true as to Johnson's mission; but since, I have
become acquainted with Dr. Still, a true man, who also has a
mission here. 19
One word to newspapers which copy my articles. Do not put
words into my mouth which I never utter. Copy exact from the
Era, or not at all. Much injustice was done me in former articles
by a portion of the Eastern press. Besides, those copying my say-
ings will do me a favor by complying with the "courtesies of the
press."
One word to emigrants. Those who have money can do well
here. Lands which can be got for nothing now, by paying a year
hence Government price, I honestly think in two years will be
worth $25 to $30 an acre. No new country ever settled one-fiftieth
part as fast as Kansas is now settling. Emigrants are arriving in
17. Wood's reference to Alton was in regard to the riots that took place in that
Illinois city in 1837, when the Rev. Elijah P. Loyejoy was murdered and his newspaper
plant destroyed on November 7 because of his antislavery stand. The violence and bitter-
ness in St. Louis and Alton could be likened to the Kansas-Missouri border difficulties. See
Theodore C. Pease, The Frontier State, 1818-1848 (Springfield, 1918), pp. 364-370.
18. Kansas City, Mo.
19. Dr. Andrew T. Still came to Kansas in 1853 with his father, a Methodist missionary,
and engaged in farming and the practice of medicine. He served in the territorial legis-
lature in 1857 and with several volunteer military organizations during the Civil War. His
greatest fame was gained in the 1870's when he became the world's first osteopath. The
Stills were members of the Northern branch of the Methodist church.
190 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
scores; tents are stretched all over the prairie; cabins are going up
in all directions. Labor is plenty. A man, though poor, if he can
and will work, can do well here. A man with only a team is inde-
pendent. But to those who have no means, cant nor wont work,
Kansas is no place for you.
Emigrants must expect to meet some hardships. We have no
fine houses to receive you in; everything is inconvenient yet; settlers
are generally of the right kind, with pioneer hearts. Society is good;
we are all sociable, accommodating, and the person who now has
the will, and meets these difficulties, and gets his choice of the land,
will never regret it. Were I in Ohio today, with my knowledge of
Kansas, I should lose no time in coming here, pitching my tent,
building a cabin, and preparing for living. Understand me, I urge
no one to come; for, as in all new countries, many chicken-hearted
ones will get home-sick, and leave. But if you have made up your
minds, and are coming, now is the time. The sooner here, the
better for you.
I am, truly, yours, SAMUEL N. WooD. 20
20. Washington (D. C.) National Era, September 7, 1854.
Theatre in Kansas, 1858-1868: Background
For the Coming of the Lord Dramatic
Company to Kansas, 1869 Concluded
JAMES C. MALIN
VIII. ATCHISON THEATRE
FOR the years prior to 1869 Atchison's theatrical history was re-
markably simple and brief. During the 1850's and early 1860's
halls were available for small gatherings, Holthaus Hall being the
principal one. On September 22, 1860, the Freedoms Champion wel-
comed the near completion of Pomeroy's Hall on the corner of
Kansas avenue and Fourth street. "We have long needed such a
Hall in Atchison. . . ." The specifications given were 45 by 86
feet with an 18-foot ceiling, and fitted with a stage. The Turn-
verein's new Turner Hall at the corner of Kansas avenue and Sixth
streets was opened in December, 1867. It was a brick structure 40
by 70 feet, two stories. The gymnasium in the rear was 40 by 40
feet, with a 19-foot ceiling, and front, facing the avenue, two club
rooms, 30 by 20 feet and 22 and 20 feet. The main entrance was
from Kansas avenue to the public hall on the second floor, 40 by 70
by 16 feet, which was not completed until the spring of 1868. 42
The major focus of Atchison's theatrical history was Price Hall,
and about that structure tradition became much confused. In 1859
John M. Price, lawyer, began construction on a three-story brick
building on the corner of Fourth and Main streets. The ground floor
was designed for stores, the second floor for professional offices, and
the third floor for a public hall with an 18-foot ceiling. The dimen-
sions of the building were given as 45 by 100 feet. It was begun in
June, 1859, as a two-story structure but March 3, 1860, the Champion
reported the three-story building nearly completed. Periodically, a
similar report appeared about imminent completion, but not until
October 6, 1860, did the Champion record that Price had moved his
law office into his own building. On December 1 the ground floor
was reported occupied. The reason for the delay in completion
appeared in the Champion, July 28, 1860, when the builders were
said no longer to fear that it would collapse. When war came in
DR. JAMES C. MALIN, associate editor of The Kansas Historical Quarterly, is professor of
history at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, and is author of several books relating to
Kansas and the West.
42. Atchison Daily Champion, December 19, 1867.
(191)
192 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
April, 1861, and Atchison was training its first volunteer regiment,
two companies were assigned to Price's Hall for drill Companies A
and C. 43
Contrary to Atchison's traditions, no evidence has been found that
the Price Hall was finished as a theatre. 44 Structural weakness did
persist and the building was virtually torn down, the reconstruction
being completed in May, 1865, celebrated by a concert and grand
ball, May 16. In its new form the Price building was 70 by 100 feet,
two stories, except the original portion, 45 by 100 feet, which was
three stories, the third story again being a public hall with a stage
20 by 45 feet, two green rooms, and a balcony 10 by 45 feet. But
the public hall was not equipped for theatrical performances. That
the floor was level and the seats movable was emphasized by the an-
nouncement for the opening festivities. After the concert by Paddy
Walsh, vocalist, with patriotic and sentimental songs and dances, the
floor was cleared for the ball. 45
The conversion of the Price Hall for theatrical production took
place in 1866. On January 31, the Champion reported that:
. . . Price ... is now engaged in fitting up his splendid hall with
scenery, drop curtain, &c., preparatory to the advent here of one of the finest
theatrical companies in the West. He has leased his Hall to an experienced
manager, and as soon as it can be prepared, a Theatre will be opened in our
city, and kept up permanently. This news will be received with satisfaction by
our people. . . .
The theatrical company in question was that of C. H. Irving, then
of St. Joseph. He was in Atchison to inspect the preparations the
second week in February, and in addition to the scenery already
constructed, he would bring "a large supply with him." The work
was being done by James C. Breslaw of his company, a scenic artist
who had "already completed two elegantly designed and . finely
finished drop curtains, and is now engaged in painting the wings,
side scenes, etc." The carpenter work was being done by a local
workman.
On February 14, 1866, the big day arrived:
We are glad to announce that the theatrical company, under the manage-
ment of C. H. Irving, for which Price's Hall has been fitted up, has arrived and
will inaugurate the season by a performance to-night. The company is not a
second-class traveling troupe, but a large combination of talent and ability,
which has been playing with great success during the fall and winter at St.
Joseph, Mo., where none but first class merit can attain the position which has
been . . . awarded them.
43. Freedom's Champion, Atchison, June 11, October 8, 1859, March 3, April 28,
July 28, August 4, October 6, December 1, 1860, May 11, 18, 1861.
44. Atchison Daily Champion, September 27. 1883, editorial and description of
Price's New Opera House; Daily Globe, July 16, 1894.
45. Atchison Daily Champion, April 14, May 12, 14, 1865.
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 193
Note should be taken of the slighting reference made to travel-
ing troupes in other words, the innovation which the conventional
tradition about theatre condemned as inferior to the resident theatre,
the established standard by which excellence was supposed to be
measured. The first bill was Tobin's "great drama/' "The Honey
Moon," and the comedy, "The Spectre Bridegroom." But the vicis-
situdes of travel intervened, a telegram announced that on account
of stormy weather train connections had been missed and the show
would be given the next night, sure. This was Thursday, and the
plays for the remainder of the week were "Lucretia Borgia," and
"Camille." The following week the plays were "The Ticket-of-
Leave Man," "Othello," "Ireland as It Is," "Love's Sacrifice," "Marco,
the Marble Heart," and "Macbeth." The leading players were Fran-
cis I. Frayne, and Mrs. J. C. (Melissa) Breslaw. The season closed
with the show of March 10. On March 8, the night of Frayne's bene-
fit, the play was "Romeo and Juliet," Melissa Breslaw appearing as
Juliet to Frayne's Romeo. The audience was reported to have been
the largest of the season, over 600 persons. 46
The Irving Company's season of three weeks and three days was
not exactly permanent theatre. Apparently the company broke up
then or soon afterwards, but was reorganized with some new talent
during the following month, under Frayne and Breslaw. The an-
nouncement of the new venture appeared in the Champion, March
20, saying that part of the actors had been engaged, and Frayne was
going to St. Louis to obtain others. The opening of "The Atchison
Theatre," first announced for Tuesday, April 10, occurred April 11,
1866. The roster of the company, nearly complete and containing 17
names, was published in the theatre advertisement for April 10,
amended later. The leading parts were still in the hands of Frayne
and Melissa Breslaw. George and Agnes Burt were present for
comedy, and, but not least in importance, there was Eliza Logan
Burt at the ripe age of five. Another acquaintance of Leavenworth
days was Charles F. Walters, but, of course, without Clara.
The management promised to study the tastes of the people of
Atchison and to be governed accordingly in the selection of plays
they hoped "to instruct, amuse and entertain. . . ." The bills were
the same as those offered by the preceding company and by the
Leavenworth Theatre. C. W. Couldock and Eliza starred for one
week, April 23-28. The season closed June 1. Still, the thinking
about theatre was in the accepted terms "a home institution
46. Ibid., January 31, February 8, 11, 14, to March 10, 1866.
147716
194 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
. . . firmly established." Atchison did not know it, but all that
was passed and already a new order was imminent.
But whatever the fate of the institutional forms, the personal
equation was still present. The Champion summarized the first
three performances of April 11-13, 1866, at one sitting, reporting
for the first "a large and appreciative audience." The players
named were given perfunctory approval, except one who really
touched a responsive chord in the reporter: "Geo. Burt . I .
convulsed the audience with laughter, and won from it loud and
enthusiastic applause. Burt is an old Kansas favorite, and will be
one wherever he goes. . . . Altogether the performance was a
brilliant success." The second play, "The Stranger," was passed over
briefly, and the third, "Othello," likewise, except for notice of "The
first appearance of the Infant Actress and Vocalist, Eliza Logan
Burt, Only Five Years Old, in her great Comic Song in character,
'Get Out of Mexico/ "
On April 30, 1866, came "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and "for the first
time in this city." This seems almost incredible such isolation of
Atchison from Uncle Tomism! Afterwards, the Champion reported
"the largest and most appreciative audience ever assembled in this
city." Accordingly, the show was repeated May 1, but only to "a
very fair audience." Was Atchison's Uncle Tomism exhausted in
one evening? Probably the answer lies in another direction, and
that enthusiasm could be satisfied to even better advantage with
plays of more general interest. Mrs. Burt, as Topsy, won approval:
"But what shall we say of that child-wonder, little Eliza Logan
Burt, in her character of Eva? She is truly an infant prodigy. Her
song exhibited fine musical genius and her acting would have done
credit to anyone of thrice her age and experience. For a child of
five years she is truly wonderful, and will some day make a star in
the profession." 47 So much for her "Eva" performance. The point
was that she had her place on the bill quite regularly for a song,
and apparently her appearance meant an ovation, whatever the
song. The young-unattached-male dominated audience (wishfully
dreaming) could not resist such baby-girl charms.
On May 29, 1866, just prior to the close of the season, George
Burt, stage manager of the Atchison Theatre, had a benefit, the
play, "the fine moral drama of 'Ten Nights in a Bar Room/ .
Mr. Burt is deservedly popular as a versatile, talented and correct
actor. ... As a comedian he has few equals in the Western
47. Ibid., March 20, April 5, 10, to June 1, 1866.
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 195
country." The newspaper commentary continued: "The play . . .
is justly regarded as one of the best moral dramas of the time. Its
characters are lifelike, and as a lesson to the young, it is without
parallel." 4S
The next theatrical season, 1866-1867, Price's Hall did not have a
resident theatre, or a pretense of one, but was used by a varied
succession of entertainers. In May Burt and Johnson's (or Johnson
and Burt) Theatrical Company engaged the hall for two weeks,
coming from Lawrence, Kansas City, and other places. They
missed connections to play Monday, May 6, but met their engage-
ment the following night in "The Little Barefoot." Eliza Logan
Burt took part in both the feature and the after piece and sang her
favorite song: "I'm Ninety-Five." Clara Burt sang a popular ballad.
The Champion summed up: "Burt and his family are well known
to our people as talented and versatile performers. . . ." On
Saturday night, May 11, "the wonderful child-actress, Eliza Logan
Burt, has a benefit, and the splendid sensational drama of the 'Rag
Picker of Paris' will be produced. . . ." This was to have been
the final performance, but response to the wishes of Atchison people
induced them to stay an extra day, Monday, as a benefit for Nellie
Grover, the leading lady. The plays were "The Taming of the
Shrew," and the "Little Sentinel" "This is the most attractive bill
ever presented to the theatre goers of Atchison. . . ."
But the Champion gave the impression that the theatre-going
public would not be satisfied. On Tuesday the company consented
to present "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Of course, "The child actress,
Eliza Logan Burt, appears as Eva, in which character she stands un-
rivaled." The company was so short handed that both Burt and
Johnson played dual roles, and little Clara Burt was cast as Eliza
Harris. Clara must have been somewhat older than Eliza Logan,
but no clue to her exact age has been found. Wednesday night,
May 15, the solicitation of the citizens again prevailed, and the play
was "Ten Nights in a Bar Room." The winter of 1868-1869 was simi-
larly irregular, but in March, 1869, Melissa Breslaw and a theatrical
company played there several nights. The transition from the at-
tempt of 1866 at a resident theatre as a permanent institution to the
complete traveling troupe was in the making. In a sense, of course,
it had already arrived, but such companies as presented themselves
were few and far between. Varied types of entertainment were
available, theatre was only occasional.
48. Ibid., May 29, 1866.
196 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
IX. LAWRENCE AND TOPEKA THEATRE
Early Lawrence had a succession of halls available for public
gatherings, but no place that could properly be called a theatre.
Prior to the Quantrill raid, of August 21, 1863, Miller Hall, over a
business building, had been the principal meeting place. Miller re-
built during the winter of 1863-1864, the hall being pressed into
service even before the structure was finished. 49 Frazer's Hall super-
ceded it for public entertainments, and was located on Massachusetts
street next door to the Eldridge Hotel which occupied the south-
west corner of Massachusetts and Seventh (Winthrop) streets. The
hall was the third floor of a business building. An Alexander Gard-
ner photograph of Massachusetts street looking south from this in-
tersection, taken in 1867 and reproduced in The Kansas Historical
Quarterly, Summer, 1954, shows this building. The name "Frazer
Hair appeared clearly in the original photograph but lost out in the
reproduction. The Lord Dramatic Company played in this hall in
December, 1869, and January, 1870, but on the occasion of the sec-
ond of these visits Lawrence was celebrating the dedication of a
new public meeting place, Liberty Hall, in Poole's building over a
pork-packing establishment and retail butcher shop, basement and
first floor, at the northeast corner of Massachusetts and Seventh
streets, or diagonally across from the Eldridge Hotel. 50 The ap-
parent affinity of a place of public entertainment and a saloon may
be easier to explain than association of such gathering places with
pork packing. Leavenworth's old Stockton building had had a pork-
packing firm in the basement, and a saloon on the ground floor, the
theatre occupying the second floor. In Lawrence, the pork business,
but not the saloon business, was in the same building under the
principal public hall. To be sure, Lawrence had a generous supply
of saloons, the distinction being made here pertained merely to loca-
tion. In 1859 three brewers and 14 saloon keepers were on the list
of registered voters in Lawrence, then a town of 1,600 population,
while in 1870 there were 25 saloons in a town of 8,000. 51
Lawrence had no resident dramatic company. Its population in
1870 was only a few more than Leavenworth's in 1860. Topeka's
mushroom growth from a village of less than 800 in 1860 to a town
of nearly 6,000 in 1870 had not yet provided it with a theatre build-
49. Kansas Daily Tribune, Lawrence, January 17, 1864.
50. Lawrence Daily Tribune, January 21, 1870; Republican Daily Journal, Lawrence,
December 31, 1869, January 16, 19, 30, 1870.
51. Otto F. Frederickson, "The Liquor Question in Kansas Before Constitutional
Prohibition" (Typed Ph.D. thesis, University of Kansas Library, 1931), pp. 163, 346
347, 349.
THEATOE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 197
ing or a resident dramatic company. Even the largest river cities
of the area, Kansas City, St. Joseph, and Leavenworth, were only
partially successful in their resident theatrical enterprises. The
occasional references to Leavenworth, St. Joseph, and Kansas City
theatre companies playing in Lawrence and Topeka represent only
short excursions into the interior, the provincial towns, according
to the outlook of the river cities. In 1859 Mr. and Mrs. Langrishe
made a tour of the interior, giving theatrical entertainment in To-
peka and Junction City, but this appears to be an isolated instance
for so early a venture. 52 The Langrishes had been closely identified
with St. Joseph theatre and made the transition from resident to
traveling theatre proving their durability through the 1860's and
1870's. The Burts had given theatrical and other entertainment to
the soldiers in Lawrence, Topeka, and Fort Riley in April and May,
1862. 53 Mrs. Walters had taken her People's Theatre Company to
Lawrence in May, 1863. 54 The Leavenworth Theatre played in
Frazer Hall, March 18-24, 1867, presenting "Honey Moon," "The
Lady of Lyons," "Ten Nights in a Bar Room/' "Richard III," "Ingo-
mar," and "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Chaplin and Mrs. Pennoyer
played the leads in "Ingomar," while J. Z. Little played "Richard III,"
with Burt for a change in the dignified role of Lord Mayor. In their
traditional character of fun makers, however, Mr. and Mrs. Burt
portrayed "Toodles." The Burt children did their turn also. On the
first night little Eliza sang "I'm Ninety-five," and "was rapturously
encored," and on Thursday night "the wonderful little Eliza fairly
brought down the house with her 'Josiah and his Sally.' " 55
Entertainment at Lawrence, except for the occasional theatrical
performance, was generally similar to other towns, and included
such family groups as the Peak Family (Swiss Bell Ringers), and
the Hutchinson Family (temperance), but with a greater accent
possibly upon lectures and music. At this point a word may not be
out of place about lectures and lecturers who toured the West. They
represented all the "isms" that plagued that era elsewhere. Dif-
ficulty is encountered in differentiating legitimate lecturers provid-
ing information and inspiration from misguided enthusiasts of
various descriptions, and charlatans exploiting "magic" and pseudo-
psychic phenomena. A study of this problem in relation to public
52. Daily Times, Leavenworth, December 1, 13, 1859.
53. Lawrence Republican, April 10, 17, 24, 1862; Smoky Hill and Republican Union
Junction City, May 1, 8, 1862; Leavenworth Daily Times, April 12, May 7, 1862. Addis
had carried his photographic business with him.
54. Leavenworth Daily Conservative, June 2, 1863. Lawrence newspapers for this
period are not available.
55. Kansas Daily Tribune, Lawrence, March 19-24, 1867.
198 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
gullibility would be well worth while. The emotional tensions of the
day, especially those associated with the sense of insecurity, engen-
dered by the conflict about science and religion, and the disillusion-
ments, the bereavements, and the tragedies occasioned by the border
troubles and the American Civil War, afforded opportunities for the
unscrupulous which they did not ignore. Pending a fuller study
of the problem, the present writer would suggest tentatively that
probably Lawrence was peculiarly victimized in this respect.
X. SOCIAL ROLE OF THEATRE
In the history of the human race, theatre has served several func-
tions, and with time and change in social structure the cultural role
of that institution is modified. All individuals are not affected
equally and some not at all. In Leavenworth the Times, June 20,
1862, suggested two possible reasons why the theatre was patronized
liberally: because of prosperity when people felt they had money
to spend, and of depression when they sought forgetfulness from
their troubles. That was an oversimplification, certainly, but never-
theless it contained an element of truth. Some, no doubt, used
theatre merely to kill time, but for others it meant something else.
Each individual finds release from tensions in a different manner,
even going on a drunk, but for many the theatre offered a temporary
escape, relaxation without unfavorable side-effects. Theatre served
for them as a sanatory psychological experience which contributed
to mental health. In this context there was a place for George and
Agnes Burt in their hilarious rendition of "Toodles," and for Coul-
dock and Chaplin in the tragedies "Hamlet," "Othello," and "King
Lear."
XI. THE YEARS 1866-1869, LOCAL AND NATIONAL >
The years following immediately upon the American Civil War
constitute a period of unique political crises in the United States
which included controversies about reconstruction of the national
government and of the South in accordance with the military victory
of nationalism on the battlefield. All of these controversies, besides
being political, had economic and social consequences in a compre-
hensive sense; the impeachment and trial of the President of the
United States, the post-war deflation of a fantastic wartime price
structure, national debt policies, greenbacks in relation to monetary
standards, and a national banking system these and many others
besides were all transpiring in the midst of phenomenal mechaniza-
tion of society and economic boom associated with a new technologi-
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 199
cal system based upon coal, petroleum, iron, steel, and steam, rail-
road building, and corresponding redistributions of population and
power through urbanization, and the occupation of areas hitherto
less developed or wholly undeveloped in terms of these new tech-
nologies.
In such a period of dislocations and reconstitutions of society, in-
dividual fortunes were highly unstable; they might be made or lost,
not once only but several times in succession in the most unpre-
dictable fashion, or fortune might always elude the grasp of others,
which gave a peculiar fascination to a favorite question for debate
in lyceums and schools: Which affords the greater satisfaction,
pursuit or possession? There was no post-war panic or general de-
pression comparable to those inaugurated by the years 1837 and
1857, in the midst of phenomenal expansion of the economic plant
of the nation there was no general prosperity characterized by a
sense of either economic or social well being rather the prevailing
attitudes were those of stress and tension.
Still more fundamental to the state of society were the impacts
of the new deference to scientific method and to science as they
were related to philosophy, theology, and ethics. The scientific
method of the "higher criticism" applied to religious records, and
the implications of the physical and biological sciences for reinter-
preting human culture challenged prevailing ideas about philosophy,
religion, ethics, and human destiny. Could there be any basis of
certainty established between the traditional absolutes and the new
absolute of a complete relativism derived from Herbert Spencer,
Charles Darwin, and Thomas H. Huxley? Sooner or later, more
and more people, in the years after the American Civil War, had to
find some answer to these disturbing challenges as affecting their
private lives, and their hope of a future life. If life did not have
meaning, What then? 56
Kansas was being settled and resettled by populations new to the
area, peoples to whom the grassland West was a strange environ-
ment. The pre-Civil War occupants remaining were overwhelmed
by the numbers of this influx of new people, the most of whom
did not remain long in any one place or even in Kansas. Yet,
institutions in the western Missouri and the eastern Kansas area,
the Missouri river elbow region, maintained a remarkable continuity
of development in their own right and in relation to the changing
national scene. Although continuity of development may quite
56. These aspects of the Kansas scene will be treated at length in another local case
study centering upon Fort Scott.
200 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
properly be stressed, it was in fact a transformation, or a series of
successive transformations not only in the local area in question,
but in American society as a whole a process of interrelations
among the localities as foundations and the nation being newly
reconstructed.
On the western bank of the Missouri river, Leavenworth was
a city most developed and most nearly representative in reflection
of that national transformation. But at the same time it contributed
to the aggregate which made up the national whole its local variant
in a unique setting. As a local case study it puts in comprehensible
terms particulars which were the underpinnings of the larger na-
tional transition. Atchison, Lawrence, Topeka, Emporia, and Junc-
tion City, each in its own way as newer and lesser towns, contributed
their unique behavior to the sum total. It is only out of such local
foundations, assembled from the several parts of the United States,
that the historian can reconstruct accurately an over-all national
history.
XII. RAILROAD COMMUNICATION AND REORIENTATION
OF THE MISSOURI RIVER TOWNS AND KANSAS
During the decades of the 1850's and the 1860's the fact is con-
spicuous that the Missouri river and water communication influ-
enced, if they did not actually dominate, not only the orientation
of theatre and other entertainment, but most aspects of the outlook
and activities of the inhabitants of the Missouri valley. Until well
along in the 1860's most travel necessary to entertainment was
dependent upon the river almost as literally as showboats. What-
ever the theatrical organization and practices in the East and its
large cities, in order to provide continuity and variety along the
Missouri river, the resident dramatic company associated with the
star system was almost a necessity. Such a combination required
the least possible dependence upon mobility, especially during
the winter months when the river was closed to navigation. Inci-
dentally, theatre was peculiarly a summer institution outside of
the largest cities. The orientation upon New Orleans by way of
Cincinnati or by way of St. Louis was based upon long practice
interwoven with the multitude of familiar connections and personal
relations attendant upon a going concern.
Recruitment of actors for the resident companies at Leavenworth
was from St. Louis, Louisville, Cincinnati, or New Orleans, but
especially Cincinnati the Leonards, George Pardey, Frank Roche,
Arnold, J. H. Rogers. When the Union Theatre broke up in Jan-
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 201
uary, 1864, Chaplin, Mrs. Walters, and other members of the
company went to Ben DeBar's St. Charles Theatre in New Orleans.
A study of the New Orleans Theatre of the 1850*5 and 1860's, both
before and after the American Civil War, reveals the major role
of that city in relation to the interior river cities, extending to the
Missouri river elbow region including Leavenworth. Ben DeBar
(1812-1878) came to the United States and New Orleans by way
of New York in 1835. Between that date and 1853 when he took
over the management of the St. Charles Theatre in New Orleans
he had been in both New York and New Orleans. In 1855 he
bought a theatre in St. Louis to which he gave his own name. Ex-
cept for the Civil War period, when the St. Charles was closed, he
kept both going, adding in 1873 the Wakefield Opera House to
his holdings in St. Louis.
Many, if not most, of the stars who played in the Leavenworth
Theatre as related in this essay, played at the St. Charles and DeBar
Theatres in New Orleans and in St. Louis, and others. Some of
them should be named in order to make the point concrete: McKean
Buchanan and Virginia, Blanche DeBar (her mother, Clementine
DeBar had married one of the Booth family ) , C. W. Couldock and
daughter Eliza, Lotta Crabtree, Julia Dean, Kate and Susan Denin,
Mrs. Mary Gladstane, Eliza Logan, the Maddern Sisters, Emma and
Lizzie (Lizzie was the mother of Minnie Maddern Fiske), and
Cecile Rush. In the St. Charles stock company at times were George
D. Chaplin, Clara Walters, and Mrs. Pennoyer. And the plays
presented on the stage were mostly the same at New Orleans, St.
Louis, and Leavenworth, so far as conditions permitted. After
the Civil War interruption at the St. Charles (DeBar remained in
St. Louis and operated throughout the war) the old system was
continued substantially as prior to hostilities. 57 Except for the
physical equipment and size of the house, a theatregoer might not
be able to distinguish which of the three cities he was in: New
Orleans, St. Louis, or Leavenworth.
57. John S. Kendall, The Golden Age of the New Orleans Theatre (Baton Rouge,
Louisiana State University Press, 1952), pp. 286-321, 495-552. The portion of the book
cited reviews the main features of DeBar's career. Kendall spelled C. W. Couldock's
name Couldrock. C/., Dictionary of American Biography, v. 4, pp. 466-467; The National
Cyclopedia of American Biography, v. 2, p. 346. Kendall misidentified Mrs. Walters, or the
indexer did, as all references to her are collected under the name Mary Walters. Evidently
her career was not known to Kendall. In other respects the index is quite inadequate.
Other books of some importance to commercial public entertainment, in some cases only
because they are the only ones on the particular subject available, are listed here: Philip
Graham, Showboats: The History of an American Institution (Austin, University of Texas
Press, 1951 ); Philip D. Jordan, Singing Yankees: The Story of the Crusading Hutchinson
Family (Minneapolis, University of Minnesota Press, 1946); Edward Mammen, The Old
Stock Company School of Acting: A Study of the Boston Museum (Boston, Published by
the Trustees of the Public Library, 1945); Carl F. Wittke, Tambo and Bones: A History
of the American Minstrel Stage (Durham, N. C., Duke University Press, 1930).
202 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
Even prior to the Civil War the railroads were changing all this,
but slowly, because of the momentum of the "going concern," and
the reluctance to abandon old and accustomed connections for new
and uncertain methods and personalities. Ben DeBar and his
enterprises in both St. Louis and New Orleans, continuing after the
war as before, were telling examples of persistence of old associa-
tions long after railroads had superceded the water navigation which
had originally made the cities and his theatrical enterprises in the
Mississippi valley possible.
In all lines of business the intervention of the railroad, and the
new orientations it provided were not overlooked. In Atchison the
dry goods firm of A. S. Parker ran a two-column advertisement in
the spring of 1860 announcing that its stock of spring and summer
goods had arrived by railroad. About the same time the Western
Stage Company, mail contractors, announced that because of the
Atchison and St. Joseph railway, connecting with Hannibal and
St. Joseph railroad opened in 1859, nearly 12 hours had been gained
in mail arrivals. A new stage service for mail and passengers was
announced from Leavenworth to Topeka and Lawrence making
possible travel from St. Joseph to either of those points in the in-
terior in one day. The river cities were served by railroad packets
which began operations with the breaking of the ice. The first
task was to distribute among the river towns the goods that had
accumulated by rail for river points, or for rail shipment east 58
The Civil War in Missouri in 1861 interrupted river and rail
communication. By February, 1862, railroad connections were re-
established to Chicago by way of Palmyra, Mo., and Quincy, 111.,
and stages afforded connections with railroad terminals along
the Missouri river. 59 With the opening of navigation on the river
in 1864 and 1865 traffic moved in a similar pattern, with the aid of a
steamboat plying between Weston and Kansas City. 60 The Union
Pacific, Eastern division, finished its line from Kansas City to Law-
rence late in 1864, and to Fort Riley in December, 1866. The
Leavenworth-Lawrence branch was completed in May, 1866. On
the Kansas side of the Missouri river, Kansas City was connected
with Leavenworth by the Missouri River railroad in July, 1866, and
Atchison, September, 1869. On the Missouri side, the Missouri
Valley railroad from Kansas City to St. Joseph was completed in
December, 1868, but it had served between St. Joseph and Weston
58. Atchison Freedom's Champion, February 24, March 10, 17, 1860.
59. Leavenworth Daily Conservative, February 1, 1862.
60. Ibid., February 16, 1864; Daily Times, February 18, 1865.
THEATRE IN KANSAS: 1858-1868 203
since early 1864. The Pacific railroad from St. Louis reached
Kansas City in September, 1865, providing the second rail line be-
tween the Mississippi river and the Missouri river towns of eastern
Kansas. The first bridge across the Missouri river was the Hannibal
and St. Joseph railroad bridge serving Kansas City, completed in
July, 1869. The river was bridged at Leavenworth in 1872, and at
Atchison in 1875. By the end of 1869 the Mississippi river was
bridged at Quincy, 111., as well as the Missouri at Kansas City, af-
fording through rail traffic between Kansas City and Chicago with-
out ferries, and Leavenworth was tied into this route by the Missouri
River railroad 24 hours to Chicago. 61
In 1856 Gabay's Dramatic Troupe, a complete theatrical company
traveling from town to town was a rare thing in the West. By 1870
a revolution had occurred that was made possible by railroads. The
traveling dramatic troupe had gained during the late 1860's while
resident theatre had declined or had been eliminated. In Leaven-
worth the coming of the James A. Lord Dramatic Company in
December, 1869, not only provided the first legitimate theatrical
entertainment in that city for a long time, but it was a sign of the
completion in large measure of the reorientation of the area upon
Chicago by means of rails. 62
61. Leavenworth Daily Commercial, October 17, 1869 ff., adv.; Times and Conserva-
tive, February 25, 1870; Evening Bulletin, January 29, 1870.
62. For a study of Kansas City in this perspective, see James C. Malin, Grassland
Historical Studies: Natural Resources Utilization in a Background of Science and Tech-
nology, v. 1, Geology and Geography (Lawrence, the author, 1950), Ch. 22, "After the Civil
War," especiaUy pp. 324-338.
Bypaths of Kansas History
A KANSAS BELLE OF 1857
Appreciation of the delicately-turned ankles of womankind, no
matter where or in what generation, evidently has been universal.
Prof. James C. Carey of Kansas State College, Manhattan, a twen-
tieth-century connoisseur, sends in the following article which he
found in Harper's Weekly, New York, November 7, 1857.
How THE LADIES DRESS IN KANSAS. A Kansas letter-writer, who recently
came down the Missouri on the steamer Omaha, says: "At Atchison we took
on a young Kansas belle, whose only attendant was a young Missouri blood.
The young lady was apparently dressed in the latest agony and style of fashion;
the chaste straw hat, the innumerable flounces and wide-spreading hoops of
her gay striped silk dress, set off her commanding figure very gracefully. Her
stature tall as Byron says, I hate a dumpy woman. But the richest scene in
relation to this young belle was behind the curtain, and is to come yet. At
Leavenworth our fair one left us, and, as she was standing on the bank, 'casting
a last, long, lingering look* back, we were tempted to admire her delicately-
turned ankles 'who can resist a nicely laced gaiter or a peeping ankle?* when,
behold! she hadn't any stockings on! I am unable to say what the fashion is
in Kansas whether it is fashionable for ladies to go without hose or not; but
certain I am that the finest dressed one whom I saw in the territory didn't
use the article."
WHEN BUFFALO WERE PLENTIFUL
From the Newton Kansan, December 26, 1872.
It is estimated that there are about two thousand buffalo hunters now pur-
suing game in western Kansas, and that they average bringing down about fif-
teen buffalo daily. One man near Dodge City killed 100 in a day. The hides
and meat bringing him a handsome sum of $300. At Dodge City the hams
are worth 1% to 2 cents a pound, and the hides from $1.50 to $2.50 a piece.
Notwithstanding the immense business which is being done, there seem to be
no diminution in their number, and trains are frequently stopped by them.
FASTIDIOUS EARLY-DAY DODGE CITY
From the Dodge City Times, July 27, 1878.
A good story is told of a well known citizen of this city, whose name we
suppress. The story runs in this wise. He went into 's saloon,
took a seat, threw his feet on the table, and called for a glass of beer, a
sandwich and some Limberger cheese, which was promptly placed upon the
table beside his feet. He called to and told him that the cheese
was of no account, as he could not smell it, whereupon the proprietor replied:
"Damn it, take your feet down and give the cheese a chance."
(204)
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 205
THE GREATEST RACE OF THE CENTURY
Although Oklahoma has only this year arrived at its 50th anni-
versary of statehood, Kansas has looked down on her (from across
the border, that is) for many more years than that.
Most of the Indian tribes formerly residing in Kansas were
resettled in Oklahoma, and a considerable number of Kansans
also migrated to the Sooner state, many in the celebrated opening
of the Cherokee Outlet on September 16, 1893. This strip of land
150 by 59 miles, bounded on the north by the southern Kansas
line, was literally peopled within two hours. For days prospective
settlers lined the borders of the Promised Land awaiting the noon-
day signal for the start. The crush was perhaps heaviest along
the southern Kansas boundary, particularly in the Arkansas City
and Caldwell areas.
The story of the Cherokee run has been told many times. Few
eye-witness accounts are more vivid than that written from Cald-
well by L. R. Elliott and printed in the Manhattan Nationalist,
September 22, 1893. It is republished here in recognition of
Oklahoma's birthday anniversary and the part Kansans had in
the settlement of that state.
The culmination of the long-looked-for event of the year perhaps the
event of the century came at noon of the 16th of September, 1893. It was
like that of a decisive battle. The hosts had gathered awaiting the command
that should start the contestants, and the crack of a carbine repeated along
the line was the sign that the contest was on. The great army moved, many
miles long as it was, horsemen and infantry and supply trains, at the instant.
Never a great army was more prompt for the charge. But all the seemings
of an army, moving to the battle-shock, ended at the moment of starting. The
line was broken on the instant, and speed and endurance were the test. The
swiftest horse took his man to the front, and the next and the next and the
next in speed, took positions relatively as far as the eye could reach, and
clouds of dust obscured the lesser objects completely, and must have greatly
annoyed the active participants in the early part of the race. Later, as the
mass became a scattered multitude, the dust was less dense. In two hours that
bald and parched plain the Famous Cherokee Outlet "The Strip" which
has for many months been the cynosure of the ten thousands, was punctured
with claim stakes and peopled by many more thousands than will occupy it
six months hence. It was our privilege to witness this great race for land
and lots, and we wish to let our readers see it, if possible, as we saw it.
Caldwell was probably as good a point of observation as could be found, for
it was a central one along the line; and, because of its accessibility, was the
rallying point of multitudes.
We were early on the ground, and had a chance to observe the many
"outfits" that were moving from their camps of weary waiting to the borders
of the promised land. Only a kodak in skillful hands could depict them
206 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
faithfully. A noticeable thing in almost every vehicle was the barrel or keg
of water, and every man had his canteen slung on his back, and his sharpened
stick with a flag attached, by which he was to show location. The demand
for canteens was enormous here, and all the neighboring towns were drawn
on. The most common and convenient canteen was made by soldering
together at the edges two small pressed tin pans or basins, and providing the
aperture for filling, and loops for the strap or cord. Sometimes a basin and
a pie-tin were thus joined and made to do service. Those who could, filled
their canteens with coffee, and this was very palatable even after exposure
to the hot sun for hours.
The town of Caldwell was a densely populated city, and every department
was over-taxed. The lines of men at the postoffice, getting their last batch
of mail, stretched far out into the street. We tried in vain for a conveyance
to take us to the registering booths in the 100-foot border, so took to our
never-failing resource, "shank's horses."
The booth was two miles away when we started, but it took fully four
miles of dusty travel to reach it. The woods were, as had been the streets
of the city, full of outfits, or of the debris of the broken camps, and the ankle
deep dust was being early stirred, where once was vegetation. The ranch men
on this border will have paid dearly for their proximity to the Strip. It was
no use for them to complain, the horde was here, and it came to stay, like
an army of grasshoppers till ready to move on.
Fortunately for all concerned, a merciful Providence had given, for this last
morning of the struggle, the lowest temperature of the month, and thus saved
from suffering, and no doubt from death, not a few of the worn and anxious
people and their poor beasts.
The multitudes seemed moving without purpose, so various were their
directions, but the rallying point was just at the line, where, on the 100 feet
allotted inside the border, all who could find standing room for team or horse
or self, stood.
The booth was a couple of white square tents standing at right-angles to
each other, under the fly of which were rough counters. Behind these stood sev-
eral clerks, two at a time on actual duty, while a line of hundreds of applicants
stretched out in the dust from this attractive corner. We fell in line, at the
rear where a man was giving to each, as he came, a number, supposed to
indicate his place in the ranks. Ours read "6-39." There were four persons
at this time in "our" squad, each received a consecutive number, the "6"
being common to all. "It will never do for us to stand in that line," we said;
so three stood and one took the four numbers, and soon, with a fee, and a
little strategy, the squad was put through and the line relieved by just so
much. Our certificate read:
F. Certificate that must be held by party desiring to occupy or enter
upon the lands opened to settlement by the President's Proclamation of
August 16, 1893, for the purpose of settling upon a TOWN LOT.
No. 11,577.
General Land Office, Sept. 16, 1893,
Booth in T. 29 N., R. 4 W.
This certifies that L. R. Elliott has this day made the declaration
before me required by the President's proclamation of August 19, 1893,
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 207
and he is, therefore, permitted to go in upon the lands open to settlement
by said proclamation at the time named therein for the purpose of
settling upon a town lot. MELL H. HULL,
Officer in charge.
This certificate is not transferable. The holder will display the certifi-
cate, if demanded, after locating on claim.
Officially certified so we could get aboard the cars at the proper time, we
were at liberty to move about among the masses. From the elevated posi-
tion occupied by the booth we could see the city of Caldwell in the distance,
and the space between, alive with moving objects, and canopied with dust.
Several traveled roads led across the Strip from Kansas to Oklahoma diverging
here; and, necessarily, the teams must keep [to] these roads. This caused a
massing of vehicles at the points where these roads cross the line, and insured
a jam and no doubt some trouble at the start. But horsemen, and lighter
vehicles disregard the roads and stretch along for miles and miles, as far
as the eye can see. It is reasonable to suppose that this line of invaders was
more or less dense on the entire length of the Strip. Think then, of a line
of eager men and women stretched out for 150 miles due east and west,
fronting south, all waiting for the hour of noon. On the south, fifty-nine miles
away, is another such line, ready to advance northward at the moment when
these about us move southward, and you may get some idea of the situation.
The Rock Island track enters the promised land through a deep cut, and is
fenced on both sides the whole distance with a five-wire fence. The company
sent out a caboose and a force of men and sold tickets at the line. This was a
great convenience. Those who wanted to ride had a chance to fall in line and
procure tickets. Somebody from the top of the caboose called out so no one
could fail to understand. "Pond Creek 75 cents, Enid $1.25" and so on. "Get
your tickets, or you can't get on the train." From a good position we looked
on; and J. C. Bonnell, who always has just the right equipment at hand, caught
Kodak views of the crowds for the next Western Trail and the Settler.
As tickets were procured the purchasers passed on from the east to west
side of the track, received successive numbers, were put into companies under
captains, and placed in position along the track ready, each company to board
a car when the train came along. The train was made up of Montgomery
Palace Cattle Cars 35 cars and it was loaded with 5,200 persons who bought
tickets, and several hundreds of marshals and others, and officers of the road.
A Palace Cattle Car will hold a host, when necessary. The second car in
this train held 300 persons. These cars proved to be just the thing. The tops
afforded good seats for sight-seeing, and the side doors gave easy egress to
claim-takers. We held a standing place on one of the upper decks, and com-
manded a wide range of vision.
The train was propelled by two engines in front and two pushers up the
grade. All was at high pressure in the way of excitement as the hour of
twelve approached, and comparison of watches was frequent. The crowds
in and on the cars were not less excited than those on the ground. There was
a lull in the conversation and a pause, a silence as high noon came, broken by
the sound of a carbine, and instantly supplemented by several shots along the
line. The flash was the signal, and before the sound came the trained horses
were several leaps on their way, and before the engineers could communicate
208 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
the starting signal to each other, and get the train under way, the miles of
strippers were stripping through the Strip.
It was a sight never to be forgotten that spread out over the miles of
landscape east and west and south. North was Kansas, and clouds of dust,
and vacated camps.
Two of the wagon roads mentioned heretofore, ran for some miles nearly
parallel with the railroad, one on either side of the track not far away, and
along these many vehicles kept, so we from the train could cheer them, and
yell comments on their speed and endurance. For a few miles there was a
chaos of vehicles and horsemen, but the best horses were soon far ahead, and
looking like pigmies in the distance. A double spring wagon with a man and
woman, at our left, did some marvelous driving, and a similar rig at the right,
with two men, distanced the train for fully fifteen miles, and then collapsed
in a chuck-hole, and we left them trying to repair their rig.
Every five miles the train slowed up or stopped, and many took to the
prairie for claims. It was not necessary for the train to stop. Strippers would
pitch out the bundle and roll after it in the sand, hastily rush for the wire
fence and for the land on the other side of it. It was a very amusing sight.
The wire fence, built by the Railroad Company, is new, and has five well
stretched wires; and not every one is good at scaling a wire fence, even when
not excited. Many a bundle was lacerated by the barbs, and many a garment
rent. The stripper could not stop to unhook lest the other fellow should get
ahead, so he would yank it loose, and the appearance of some whose coats
caught was that of "strippers" for sure. The sachels and bundles would some-
times burst open as they were tumbled from the train, and as the owner
somersaulted after them he would find lunch and supplies scattered in the
sand. Generally the victim would stop and gather up the contents, some of
which were not intended for public view, but sometimes he would rush on
with his sharp stick, and let his grub take the chance of the future. Not a
few left their hats in this way, and one man went through the fence minus
one shoe, but he didn't stop for such a trifle. It was what the boys call
"dead loads of fun/' for those that looked on. How the poor mortals fared
who went into camp for the night with such a reduced equipment was not so
easy to see. If it was fun for us, it was to them, as it was to the frogs when
the boys stoned them.
Not a few women, young and old, were among the claim-seekers, and as
a rule they scaled the wire fences very well. One woman in black, with
black vail and fan and parasol, and leading a small boy, scaled the fence with
all her drapery intact, and the crowd became interested. A man who was
more active began to stick his stake, apparently not seeing the woman, when
the crowd on the train set up a yell to him to leave that claim, and he yielded
it to the woman, who stuck her parasol into the ground, and so made her claim.
It was all right for the man to give it up, but what in the world could that
woman do as the train pulled away and left her on the bald prairie with
apparently only her fan and parasol, and a possible bite of lunch in her hand
bag. No water for miles, and no trains to take her away to water, and a ten
year old boy to suffer with her?
As we have said, nearly every one who wanted a claim had supplies of water
and grub, but a few who left the train, seemingly had nothing but the flag
BYPATHS OF KANSAS HISTORY 209
stick, with which to show location. Such men will have claims to sell in an
hour or two.
Jack rabbits, and coyotes, and no end of prairie dogs, were startled by the
unusual visit to their realm. The rabbits made good time, as did the coyotes,
hastened by the puffs of dust raised near them by the balls that didn't hit
them. But the prairie dogs, amid the crack of pistol shots, took no further
notice than to give their short tails an extra shake. It takes a chance shot to
strike these little fellows from the moving train.
A most interesting sight, was that of an antelope, which, roused by the
intruders, vainly ran hither and thither only to be met by strippers which
ever way it turned. This was at the point where the fleet horsemen from
the south met those from the north; and one of the horsemen took after the
weary and frightened antelope, and actually lassooed it in plain view of the
thousands of interested ones on the train. A shout went up that rolled across
the prairie in a great volume. It was a rare and remarkable sight, and one
probably never before observed by such a large audience, if, indeed, such an
act was ever before performed.
The exit of strippers from the train all along the line, had seemingly not
reduced the number on board, and when the train reached Pond Creek station,
twenty- two miles from the north line of the "strip," the people went out of
it like flies out of a sugar cask, and in five minutes a square mile of the prairie
was spotted with squatters looking like flies on a sticky paper. Oh! it was fun
to see that swarm go through that wire fence! The fleet horses, and possibly
some "sooners" from the brush, were ahead, but could not take all the lots.
A large number of women were among the company, and among these we
noticed one who hobbled on a crutch. A friend helped her through the fence,
and soon she was leaning on her crutch with a satisfied air near the stake of
a corner lot. And it was noticeable that the expression of satisfaction on
the faces of the women was much more marked than on those of the men.
To the women it was, evidently, the event of a lifetime.
Three miles south of Pond Creek is the rival town established by the
government for the Land Office, and here a similar exodus of town-lotters
took place, and then the cars looked as a man feels at noon without having had
breakfast.
At Wild Horse, twelve miles south of Pond Creek, (and about midway in
the Strip north and south) our train met the corresponding train from Hen-
nessey. Passengers on that train recited a similar experience with ours, except
that in the scramble two women had got broken bones and one man was killed
in leaping from the cars. Our train moved southward and developed, as it
moved, a most interesting panorama. At first were the scattered settlers, here
and there in the distance just simply holding down their claims and resting;
then came those who had begun to look up their lines and corners; and farther
on, even some attempt at improvement had begun. Besides these fixtures
in the landscape, there was a continuous line of vehicles, like the supply train
of an army, moving northward. The lightest loads and best teams were in
the lead, and the less favored and more heavily burdened came on as they
could, but the line was continuous for many miles, and the dust rolled over
them, and all were of one color of grime. The white and the black had all
become bronzed. This motley train, whose makeup was indiscribable, whose
15-7718
210 KANSAS HISTORICAL QUARTERLY
burdens were varied and miscellaneous, was the rearward of the runners
bringing on the supplies and the household goods that were to be set up in
cabin or cot or city palace in this Beulah land.
And it was well that these were so faithfully coming on, for supplies are
needed at the front, and shelter for the night is only to be found as these
burdened vehicles reach the lot or the land which the runner for the family
has chosen. There is the lumber for the cabin, the house on wheels complete,
the "knocked-down" structure, ready to be erected on the claim; the tent that
will do service till something better can be provided. These "outfits" are
quite a contrast to those that stood at the northern border, and are now
following their swift runners from the north, as are these from the south border.
In this train are the unmistakable rigs from the southland. That wagon top
shirred in the middle with a puckering string, is from Arkansas; and that
strange load of appliances with Uncle Tom for a driver, rigged with rope
harness and lines, came from lower Texas, and the gate of the skeleton team
indicates that Dinah will wait a long time for the supplies on the claim she
has taken.
Passing the town-sites of Enid and its duplicate three miles away, the
prairie was even more populous with town-lotters than were those we left
behind. A big run had been made from the south line, and the restive
multitude is said to have broken away from the duress of the military, and
made the start eleven minutes before the set time. But it was just as well,
since all on the south line had an equal chance.
The Enid townsite had a large percentage of colored squatters, and among
them a preponderance of women. Indeed the colored people got in their work
mostly from the south line.
From Hennessey, where we could find no accommodation for the night, we
took the first train northward and passed the populous towns, built in an hour,
whose thousands must have had a distressful night on the bare earth, then
only to spend the Sabbath following in hardly less discomfort because of