History of Cherokee County, Kansas and representative citizens, Part 1

Author: Allison, Nathaniel Thompson, ed
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 646


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HISTORY


-OF-


CHEROKEE COUNTY, KANSAS


- -AND-


REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS


EDITED AND COMPILED BY NATHANIEL THOMPSON ALLISON, A. M. COLUMBUS, KANSAS


"History is Philosophy teaching by Examples"


PUBLISHED BY BIOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY GEORGE RICHMOND, PRES. ; C. R. ARNOLD, SEC'Y AND TREAS. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 1904


372015


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Preface


C HE aim of the publishers of this volume has been to secure for the historic portion thereof full and accurate information respecting all subjects therein treated, and to present the data thus gathered in a clear and impartial manner. If, as is their hope, they have succeeded in this endeavor, the credit is mainly due to the diligent and exhaustive research of the editor of the historical statement, Nathaniel Thompson Allison, of Columbus. In collecting and arranging the material which has entered into this history, it has been his aim to secure facts and to present them in an interesting form. His patient and conscientious labor in the compilation and presentation of the data is shown in the historical portion of this volume. The record gives an elaborate description of the land, the story of its settlement and a comprehensive account of the organization of the county and the leading events in the stages of its development to the present time as set forth in the table of contents. He regrets that certain subjects, through his inability to secure full and satisfactory data, have not been treated as fully as they perhaps deserve, but the topics and occurrences are included which are essential to the usefulness of the history. Although the purpose of the author was to limit the narrative to the close of 1903, he has deemed it proper to touch on some matters overlapping that period. For any possible inaccuracies that may be found in the work, the indulgence of our readers is asked.


In the main the editor has found it a pleasant task to write this history, and this largely for the reason that so many persons have cheerfully aided him in word and in deed; and for the reason, too, that nothing has been done by anyone to hinder the progress of the work. The following persons will be always kindly remem- bered for the aid which they have extended and for favors which they have shown: Mrs. A. Willard and C. W. Daniels, of Baxter Springs; Charles Moll, Joseph Wallace, Dr. J. P. Scoles and C. W. Harvey, of Galena; Charles E. Topping, of Empire City; Henry Mitchell, of Varck; Dr. C. W. Hoag, of Weir City; J. N. McDonald, of Scammon; Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Patterson, of Mineral; Lawrence Conklin, of Pleasant View township; Jerry Luckey, of Stippville; Richard D. Ellis, of Shawnee


4


PREFACE.


township; and A. S. Dennison, W. H. Layne and Charles Stephens, of Columbus. The following newspapers in the county have extended Mr. Allison many favors, and their editors have shown him every courtesy and kindly consideration: The Journal and the Tribune, at Weir City; the News and the Republican, at Baxter Springs; the Republican and the Times, at Galena; the Journal and the Miner, at Scammon; the Modern Light, at Columbus, and the Times, at Mineral.


The reviews of resolute and strenuous lives, which make up the biographical department of the volume, and whose authorship for the most part is entirely inde- pendent of that of the history, are admirably adapted to foster local ties, to inculcate patriotism and to emphasize the rewards of industry, dominated by intelligent pur- pose. They constitute a most appropriate medium of perpetuating personal annals and will be of incalculable value to the descendants of those therein commemorated. They bring into bold relief careers of enterprise and thrift and make manifest valid claims to honorable distinction. If "Biography is the only true History," it is obviously the duty of men of the present time to preserve in this enduring form the story of their lives in order that their posterity may dwell on the successful struggles thus recorded, and profit by their example. These sketches, replete with stirring incidents and intense experiences, will naturally prove to most of the readers of this book its most attractive feature.


In the aggregate of personal memoirs, thus collated, will be found a vivid epit- ome of the growth of Cherokee County, which will fitly supplement the historic statement; for the development of the county is identified with that of the men and women to whom it is attributable. The publishers have endeavored in the prepara- tion of the work to pass over no feature of it slightingly, but to give heed to the minutest details, and thus to invest it with a substantial accuracy which no other treatment would afford. The result has amply justified the care thus exercised, for in our belief no more reliable production, under the circumstances, could be laid before its readers.


We have given special prominence to the portraits of representative citizens, which appear throughout this volume, and believe they will prove a most interesting feature of the work. We have sought to illustrate the different spheres of industrial and professional achievement as conspicuously as possible. To those who have kindly interested themselves in the successful preparation of this work, and who have voluntarily contributed most useful information and data, we herewith tender our grateful acknowledgment.


CHICAGO, ILL., October, 1904.


THE PUBLISHERS.


NOTE


All the biographical sketches published in this volume were submit- ted to their respective subjects or to the subscribers, from whom the facts were primarily obtained, for their approval or correction before going to press; and a reasonable time was allowed in each case for the return of the type-written copies. Most of them were returned to us within the time allotted, or before the work was printed, after being corrected or revised; and these may therefore be regarded as reasonably accurate.


A few, however, were not returned to us; and, as we have no means of knowing whether they contain errors or not, we cannot vouch for their accuracy. In justice to our readers, and to render this work more valuable for reference purposes, we have indicated these uncorrected sketches by a small asterisk (*), placed immediately after the name of the subject. They will all be found on the last pages of the book.


BIOGRAPHICAL PUBLISHING CO.


Table of Contents


CHAPTER I.


A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE STATE OF KANSAS .


... .... 15


CHAPTER II.


GEOGRAPHICAL, TOPOGRAPHICAL AND GEOLOGICAL FEATURES OF CHEROKEE COUNTY 21


CHAPTER III.


THE EARLY SETTLING OF CHEROKEE COUNTY 26 The Passing of the Indian-Removal of the Cherokees from Georgia-The Cherokee Neutral Lands- The First White Settlements-The Cherokee Neutral Lands Sold to the Confederacy-The Joy Pur- chase and the Troubles that Followed-The Land League-Joy Sustained-The Townships, Cities and Towns of the County-The First Settlers-The Old Settlers' Annual Reunion.


CHAPTER IV.


SOME EARLY DOCUMENTS, LETTERS AND OTHER THINGS .. 44


.....


CHAPTER V.


COUNTY ORGANIZATION, POLITICAL HISTORY AND POPULATION STATISTICS


60 The Organization of Cherokee County-The "County Seat War"-List of County Officers-The Po- litical Phases-Memorable Political Rallies-The Increase of Population, and Immigration from Other States.


CHAPTER VI.


EDUCATIONAL, RELIGIOUS AND FRATERNAL .. .. 83 The Public Schools-The Churches, Lodges and Benevolent Societies.


CHAPTER VII.


THE PHYSICIANS AND THE BENCH AND BAR OF CHEROKEE COUNTY. ... 90 The Physicians of the County -The Courts-The Cherokee County Bar.


CHAPTER VIII.


THE NEWSPAFERS OF CHEROKEE COUNTY 100


8


TABLE OF CONTENTS.


CHAPTER IX.


THE AGRICULTURAL INTERESTS


107


. Farm and Live-Stock Products-The Home Market-The Profits in Agricultural Operations-Improve- ment of the Roads-Berry and Fruit Growing-Rural Routes and Telephones.


CHAPTER X.


THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MINERAL RESOURCES AND THE WATER POWER OF THE COUNTY. 114 The Coal Mines of the County-The First Coal Shaft-The Central Coal & Coke Company-Statis- tics of Coal Production-Gas and Oil-The Lead and Zinc Mines of the County-Big Real Estate Transactions-The Mining of Lead and Zinc-The Discovery of Lead and Zinc-Statistics of Lead and Zinc Production-The Operation of Mines-The Feature of Uncertainty Present-The Water Power of the County-The Spring River Power Company.


CHAPTER XI.


THE RAILROADS OF CHEROKEE COUNTY 134 Railroad Construction-Railroad Property Tax Valuations-Railroad Mileage in the County-The Latest Line to be Built-Bonds in Aid of Railroads-An Early Railroad Time Table-Travel in the Days of the Stage Coach.


CHAPTER XII.


THE HISTORY OF COLUMBUS 140


The First Settlers-Organized as a City-The Schools-The Churches-The Water Supply-The Court House-A Bit of History-Improvement in Material Prosperity-Residences-Business Blocks- The Cherokee County High School-Columbus as a Place for Residence-Early Settlers Who Have Passed Away-The City's Business Interests Expanding-Population Figures-The Post Office.


CHAPTER XIII.


THE HISTORY OF BAXTER SPRINGS .


... 151 The Phases of the City's Past-The First Settlers-Incorporated as a City-The Baxter Springs Mas- sacre-Discovery of Lead and Zinc-Development of the Water Power on Spring River-Residences.


CHAPTER XIV.


THE HISTORY OF GALENA AND EMPIRE CITY ...... 159


CHAPTER XV.


THE HISTORY OF MINERAL CITY, WEIR CITY AND SCAMMON, AND LIST OF THE TOWNS OF THE COUNTY .... 170


CHAPTER XVI.


THE EX-UNION SOLDIERS OF CHEROKEE COUNTY 178


List of the ex-Union Soldiers of the County-The ex-Union Soldiers' Inter-State Reunion.


CHAPTER XVII.


MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS 199


BIOGRAPHICAL 213


Index


PAGE


PAGE


PAGE


Abbott, Benjamin S.


321


Brooks, William E.


241


Cruickshank, George W.


28.4


Allen, -Gilbert .373


Brown, W. H. D. .462


Allen, Joseph 480


Brown, William D.


.343


Cunningham, Samuel


613


Allison, Nathaniel T.


333


Buergin, Jacob


.618


Ankrum, Harrison


463


Bulger, Mrs. Margaret T. 469


Davidson, Ellis 505


Applegate, George F.


.404


Burrows, John R. .622


Davis, Charles E. 428


Dean, Louis L. 581


Dennison, Abiel S. 259


Ashley, Charles D.


510


Bush, W. F.


594


DeVoe, Thomas E.


.476


Dixon, Zimri


266


Baker, C. C.


463


Cadwalader, Reese 283


Dorsey, Thomas W.


.519


Baker, William


425


Caldwell, L. Alexander 617


Douglass, George W.


498


Ball, Frank L.


629


Canfield, George W. .322


.


Barrett, William H.


347


Carver, Jolın T. 523


Callahan, Michael J. 236


Cheshire, Robert M.


223


Dunbar, J. N.


313


Duncan, Thomas R.


280


Ecke, O. C. .232


Edwards, Daniel 291


Eisenhart, John .324


Ellis, Elbert A. 619


Ellis, Richard D. 548


Ellis, Samuel J. 599


Bowman, C. S.


321


Boyd, Andrew


.403


Boyer, William


422


Cooter, Elbert W. 529


Ewers, George


582


Bradshaw, Walter L. .516


Covert, Peter 384


Branson, William W. .254


Cowley, W. R. 311


Ferguson, William T.


339


Braun, George F. 363


Crawford, Elisha C. .609


Finley, Owen 588


Brewster, Lorenzo D. 532


Crawford, Samuel J. 213


Fisher, George M. .293


Brookhart, Harry H. .525


Cross, Thomas H. 381


Fitzgerald, John 390


Brooks, Floyd W.


409


Crowe, David


392


Fleming, Michael


.512


Brooks, James H.


.394


Crowell, Howard R.


218 French, William M.


491


Beltzhoover, John P. 362


Cheyne, M. C.


485


Benham, William M. 605


Clabourn, Grant


429


Bennett, Oscar H.


271


Coe, Charles W. 373


Coles, A.


457


Coltrane, Isaiah M. .400


Blue, R. W.


.229


Boggs, Henry B. 518


Boss, Jacob H.


.329


Coon, H. S. 389


Cooper, John M. 249


Elliott, Franklin 357


Cooper, Joseph H. .472


Evans, William H. 487


Benson, William M.


.273


Betty, Charles H.


.296


Conklin, Lawrence .290


Cool, Commodore F.


.300


Dowd, Charles S. and Francis E. . 627 Dresia, Peter 597


Dugger, Benjamin T. 338


Batten, Joseph


630


Baxter, J. H.


239


Dodson, James N. 309


Armstrong, James H.


576


Burrows, John Riley 499


Burton, George


507


Ashmore, Milton W.


387


Buzard, Jesse


615


Baker, Edmund 397


Cunningham, Andrew J.


378


IO


INDEX.


PAGE


Fribley, James J. ·353


Johnson, John O.


.628


Moore, William R. 481


Fudge, John T. 317


Johnson, W. N. 465


Morrow, James 497


Galpine, Joseph H. .275


Johnston, J. O. .438


Morrow, Thomas J. 379


Mountjoy, Robert F. . 404


Glasse, W. B. .471


Graham, Peter 591


Jones, Jacob K. .272


Myers, John L.


220


Gray, John 347


Junkens, John H. .428


Nash, William R. .616


Haines, Edwin A. 368


Kanatzer, Mrs. Mary J. .509


Newton, Mrs. Mary A. .416


Hale, Newton J. .450


Kennedy, William O. 468


Hamblin, Samuel .603


Kenny, Dennis . 547


474


Hamilton, John H. .232


Kline, S. Peter


625


Hanks, Robert P. 398


Knighton, George J. .333


Norton, W. S.


302


Hannon, Henry .332


Kutz, Thomas 487


Oglesby, John C. 575


Hasson, Samuel 483


Laizure, J. T. .504


O'Malley, James


437


Haynes, Thomas


.255


Lamaster, James W. 308


O'Reagan, Patrick .377


Headley, John R.


286


Lamaster, William A. .312


Heaton, Ira


464


LaRue, H. A.


.300


Hefley, George W.


427


LaRne, T. P.


.304


Henderson, H. B. .251


Lathrop, Hamilton B. .341


Lisle, Slem 256


Paul, Silas L. 626


Hiller, Frederick .334


Long, Robert A. .320


Pender, William C. 417


Hisle, James R. .562


Luckey, Jeremiah .279


Pendergrass, James P. 452


Hoag, Clark W.


.537


Lundin, John 469


Perkins, L. Murray .559


Hoffmire, William 415


Hogg, Benjamin F. .243


Hohnsbeen, Ernst C. 330


Holt, Ephraim E. 531


McCombs, John T. and Robert. .. 550


Pinson, J. F. .361


Pixley, Waldo B. 475


Polster, J. G. .372


Porter, James


. 554


Puttkamer, John B.


493


Hord, Charles M. .344


Mclaughlin, John 246


Rains, Hiram F. 611


Randall, Curtis .606


Householder, M. A. .233


McMickle, Clinton 225


Howard, Samuel C. .331


McNay, John M. .543


Hubbard, John C. .535


McNeill, C. A. 367


Revell, Arthur T. .402


Rhoads, Oscar A. .421


Hughes, Luke 285


Markham, Hon. Robert M. . 593


Meredith, Jonathan B. 411


Hughes, Victor 387


Hull, Emerson 59.3


Metzler, Philip C. 354


Middaugh, Charlton E. 473


Millner, Francis E. 488


Jessup, Daniel A. . 502


Millstead, William H. .235


Robinson, James M. 604


Johnessee, Silas .420


Moll, Charles L.


.455


Rogers, Job A.


449


Johnson, A. C.


466


Moore, James H.


.503


Rohrbough, John W.


392


Perkins, William


.410


Peters, James R.


.520


Pickering, Abijah .501


Holt, Joseph S. .374


Hood, Archibald .282


McDonald, James N. 604


Hood & Sons Implement Co., The


McDowell, Samuel O.


.440


A. .264


McGregor, Frank R. .445


Hornor, William H. .35I


McMahon, Michael 574


Rawlings, John A. 610


Hubbard, Arthur L. .431


Majors, A. L. .352


Richart, Willard M. 364


Rickner, Chris 570


Riker, J. F. 328


Rittenhouse, O. F. 614


Roach, Charles N.


.430


Robinson, George 489


Hurlbut, Samuel L. .447


PAGE


PAGE


Gibbs, Charles A. 337


Jones, Charles M. .451


Jones, D. M. .359


Murphy, Benjamin L.


620


Noble, Edwin St. G. 348


Hamlet, Jotham L. 623


Kline, John


North, William


508


Northrup, Fred D.


285


Page, John


439


Pargen, Francis O. .340


Patterson, Leslie . 567


Pattyson, Elmore R. 318


Herman, Andrew .412


Hess, Claude A. 338


Logan, J. Wilbur .314


Lyerla, Aaron


294


Mc Clellan, George B. .252


McCormick, John S. 536


Hughes, Michael .292


Merrill, Moses F. .553


Newton, Solomon D. .612


Harper, Henry H. 456


II


INDEX.


PAGE


PAGE


PAGE


Ryan, Solomon 458


Sparks, Oliver W. .418


Walker, Arcenith F. 319


Sparlin, Christopher C. 569


Walker, George W. .215


Sadler, Henry R.


.290


Spencer, Elijah W. .40I


Walker, Stephen L. .298


Sapp, Edward E.


461


Spencer, John W. .219


Walker, William W.


484


Savage, Harrison R.


.407


Spiva, Will E. .542


Wallace, Joseph


.479


Sawyer, Charles L.


.382


Stauffer, Hon. John 586


Ward, Woodford A.


.454


Sayer, P. R.


304


Stephens, Charles 405


Watson, David J.


398


Scammon, E. A. .217


Steward, Milton R. .327


Watts, Andrew D.


541


Schermerhorn, E. B.


.289


Stice, W. E. .369


Weaver, Thomas C.


253


Schmell, Louis


592


Stone, John W. 598


Wenzel, Albert E. 587


Seibert, DeWitt C. 298


Stott, Capt. Richard H. .579


West, Elijah T. 390


Shaffer, William H. 276


Stoskopf, George


448


Westervelt, Lewis R. .515


Shearer, Andrew


307


Strother, J. R. .525


Wheeler, Willis H. 226


Shideler, Henry


492


Sweeney, Charles M. .568


Whitmore, William W. .497


Simkin, Frederick W.


350


Wiggins, Basil .526


Skidmore, Andrew H. 216


Taylor, Richard W. .482


Willard, Albert .368


Skinner, O. E.


527


Taylor, William .379


Williams, Al. F.


.295


Slease, L. J.


.301


Topping, Wallace E. .265


Williams, Lane


383


Small, James T.


443


Tracewell, E. M. .327


Williams, Washington


.486


Smith, Marcus L.


433


Trotter, W. H. 556


Wilson, George H. 467


Smith, S. E. .505


Wimmer, Harvy 426


Smith, Samuel H. 585


Winter, Daniel


.263


Smith, Hon. Samuel W. 573


Wiswell, John


.231


Smith, Hon. William 570


Wolfe, Jes. F. .528


Smith, William E. 406


Woods, George W. 361


Smyres, H. F.


517


Wade, Alexander .492


Wright, Jonathan R. 529


Snider, John W. 484


Wagner, John W. .399


Souder, George F. 241


Thomas, Orlando T. . 555


Williams, DeWitt C. 435


Skinner, Thurston J. 490


Vollmar, Rev. Henry R. .269


Von Wedell, Walther 549


Walker, Alexander


.621


Youngman, E. W.


.626


Illustrations


PAGE


PAGE


Ashmore, Milton W.


386


Baker, Edmund


396


Baker, Mrs. Eliza


424


Baker, William


424


Baptist Church, Galena


IIO


Baptist Church, Old, Columbus


32


Hamblin, Samuel


602


Hoffmire, William


414


Hood, Mrs. A., Residence of


144


Hubbard, John C.


534


Kenny, Dennis


546


Carver, John T. and family


.522


Cherokee County High School.


96


Cherokee County Jail


66


Cheshire, Hon. Robert M.


222


Log


Cabin Pioneer


Home


in


Cheshire, Hon. R. M., Residence. 144


Christian Church, Galena


I10


Coke Works at Cokedale


I20


Cooper, Hon. John M.


248


Court House, Columbus


96


Court House, Galena


130


Crawford, Elisha C.


608


Crawford, Hon. Samuel J.


212


Methodist Episcopal Church, Co-


lumbus


66


Dennison, Abiel S.


258


Dresia, Mr. and Mrs. Peter


596


East Galena School


IIO


East Side School, Columbus


66


Elliott, Franklin


356


O'Reagan, Patrick


PAGE


Allison, Nathaniel Thompson


14


Fudge, John T.


316


Patterson, Leslie


564


Patterson, Mrs. Olive C.


566


Gibbs, Charles A.


336


Pattyson, E. R., Residence of


144


Graham, Peter


590


Presbyterian Church, Columbus.


66


Richards, Val., Residence of .... 166 Robertson, Riley F., Residence of. 166


Sapp, Hon. Edward E.


460


Schermerhorn, Hon. E. B.


.288


Shearer, Andrew


306


Small, James T.


442


Smith, Samuel H.


584


Smith, Hon. Samuel W.


572


South Galena School


IIO


Stice, Mrs. W. E., Residence of .. 166


Stott, Capt. Richard H.


578


Tracewell, E. M.


326


Typical Miner's Home in Galena


25 Years Ago


32


Vollmar, Rev. Henry R.


268


Moore, J. C., Residence of


166


Morrow, Mr. and Mrs. James


.496


Murdock Block, Galena


130


Norton, W. S., Residence of


144


Wallace, Joseph


.478


Watts, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew D. . 540


Wright Block, Isaac, Columbus .. 66


Westervelt, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis


R.


.514


. 376 | West Side School, Columbus


.. 66


Perkins, L. Murray


5.58


Gray, Mr. and Mrs. John


346


Hamblin, Mrs. Lucy A.


602


Baxter, J. H., M. D.


238


Blue, Col. R. W.


228


Braun, George F., Residence of. . 166


Lead and Zinc Mining Shafts and


Crushers, Galena


.120


Galena


IIO


Luckey, Jeremiah


278


McNeill, C. A.


366


McNeill, C. A., Residence of


.144


Merrill, Mrs. Mary S.


.552


Merrill, Moses F.


.552


7


history of Cherokee County


CHAPTER I.


A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE STATE OF KANSAS


As early as 1541 a company of Spanish soldiers under the command of Francisco de Coronado, and directed by Indian guides, made their way from the lower valley of the Pecos River to a point on the Missouri River where the city of Atchison, Kansas, now stands. The expedition was made in search of gold; but on reaching the Missouri River, then known as the Teucarea, the company, footsore and discouraged on account of their long, fruitless march over the dreary, sandy desert, besought their commander to lead them back to Mexico, whence they had formerly come. After killing the Indian guides, who had led the Spaniards over the trackless wastes, to get them away from the Pecos Valley, and to wear them out in hunger and thirst, the little com- pany retraced its course toward the South, but not until Coronado had given the name Canses to that part of the country which lies between


the Arkansas and the Missouri rivers. This was 363 years ago. The country was named after the dominant tribe of Indians then inhab- iting it, and through a series of modifications it was later known as Kansas.


In 1762 France, having discovered and claimed what was later known as Louisiana, ceded it to Spain; but on March 21, 1801, it was ceded back to France. On April 30, 1803, the United States purchased it from France, in consideration of the payment of $15,000,000. It included practically all the country drained by the Mississippi River ; but it did not include that part of the present State of Kansas which lies west of the 100th degree of west longi- tude and south of the Arkansas River. This was acquired by the United States from the republic of Texas in the year 1850.


At the time of the Louisiana purchase, in 1803, Kansas was almost entirely unknown,


1


16


HISTORY OF CHEROKEE COUNTY


except among the Indian tribes which wan- dered over what was vaguely known as "The Great American Desert," lying between the Missouri River and the Rocky Mountains. In 1806 the United States fitted out an expedition at St. Louis, and the next year General Pike took command and led it westwardly through Missouri and Southern Kansas. Besides the soldiers of the command, there was a company of geographers. Three years were taken up in the exploration; but even then no well formed idea was obtained of the true character of the country, in respect to its mineral resources and the adaptability of its soils for agricultural purposes. In 1810 General Pike, who had ex- plored as far west as the Great Divide, and as far south as the Rio Grande, reported to the Secretary of War, and, among other things, he said : "These vast plains of the Western Hemisphere may, in time become equally celebrated with the sandy deserts of Africa; for in various places on my route I saw tracts of many leagues where the wind had thrown up the sands in all the fanciful forms of the ocean's rolling waves, and on them not a speck of vegetation existed. Our citizens, so prone to wandering and extending them- selves on the frontier, will, through necessity, be constrained to limit their extent, in the West, to the borders of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, while they leave the prairies, incapable of cultivation, to the wandering and uncivilized aborigines of the country. It ap- pears to me to be possible to introduce only a limited population, and that even this must be confined to the banks of the Kaw, the Platte and the Arkansas rivers." That was 94 years ago. What a change has been wrought in the intervening time! How "westward the course


of empire" has taken its way! What would General Pike say now, if he could see "The Great American Desert?"


In 1819-20 Major Long was sent West on an exploring expedition ; and his report to the Secretary of War, like that of General Pike, did not seem designed to "induce immigration" into these parts. Speaking of the region now comprised within the boundaries of Nebraska and Kansas, he said : "It is a region destined, by the barrenness of its soil and its inhospitable climate, as well as by other physical disad- vantages, to be the abode of perpetual desola- tion." And the Secretary of War at that time, gloomily commenting on the report of Major Long, said: "From the minute account given in the narrative of the expedition, of the par- ticular features of this region, it will be per- ceived to bear a manifest resemblance to the desert of Sahara."


From the time of which I have last writ- ten, up to about the year 1840, very little progress was made toward bringing this region within the zone of civilization, it being believed to be destined always as the home of savage Indians and the wild animals which roamed its valleys, hills and grassless plains. Here the ground owl, the rattlesnake, the prairie dog, the coyote, the deer, the elk and the buffalo had their haunts, and it was believed that they would always remain, disturbed only now and then by the wandering tribes of Indians, whose fixed habits shut out every thought of perma- nency of habitation. Shortly after this, the Mexican War agitation became so intense as to break out in hostility, and when the war was over, in 1848, bringing to the possession of the United States that territory then including California, the newly discovered gold fields of


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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.


the Western slope aroused the people of the Middle and Eastern States, and vast numbers of them went thither by whatever way offered the easiest ingress. Beginning about the year 1849, almost innumerable caravans were fitted out at different points on the Missouri River, to take their course "across the plains," as it was spoken of in those day. This was prac- · tically the beginning of the settlement of Kan- sas ; for some of those who had intended to go on to California, when they saw the goodly land in Eastern Kansas, turned aside in their pur- poses and settled among the Indians along the larger streams, where wood and water could be found. These were joined later by others from the East, and thus the settlements were enlarged little by little, as time went on.




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