USA > Kansas > Meade County > A history of Meade County, Kansas > Part 6
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He told me how Mike Winters had been arrested and thrown in, for no worse crime than that of wrap- ping his billiard que around the hand of an innocent bystander, and how the Marshal had forgotten to search him, and the next morning he was gone, having with his hunting-knife dug his way out beneath the walls. After this a cement floor was placed in the building. to guard against another such jail-breaking.
He related an incident of three gamblers who were ar- rested for plying their vocation, and sentenced each to thirty days in jail. A few days later the Mayor decided to pardon them, on condition that they would leave town. When the Marshal went to the jail to offer them this proposition, he found two of them en- tirely destitute of clothing. Some one had passed a deck of cards through the window, and one of the in- mates had won the entire wardrobe of the other two. in a friendly game of poker, and had insisted upon an immediate delivery of the goods. When this informa-
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HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY.
tion was conveyed to the Mayor he promptly revoked the pardon.
He recounted a romance in which the participants were a man and a woman, convicted on the same day,- he of disorderly conduct, she of vagrancy. Both were fined, and sentenced to stand committed until fine and costs were paid. Neither party having the necessary funds, the court was in a dilemma, as the jail was not provided with suitable accommodations for lady guests. The defendants relieved the situation and solved the quandary by offering to get married. A collection was accordingly taken up, a license procured, the Justice performed the ceremony gratis, and the honeymoon was celebrated in the old calaboose.
Perhaps the saddest occurrence in the history of the old building was the fate of Jake Cowan. Jake had had trouble with a neighbor, Dave Williams, over a boundary fence ; hot words and threats had passed One morning Dave was found dead in the road a short distance from Jake's house, with a bullet in his brain. A post-mortem examination disclosed that the bullet had been fired from a 38-calibre Colt's revolver. Such a weapon was found in Jake's possession, with one empty chamber. This circumstance, together with the known enmity existing between the two men, and Jake's inability to prove an alibi, resulted in his conviction. The jury returned its verdict at midnight, and Jake was led back to the jail to await sentence. On the following morning when the jailer unlocked the door he was con- fronted with the lifeless body of Jake, swinging from a rafter, his feet scarcely more than three inches from the floor. The jail was furnished with sleeping-cots, the
SCENE ON FARM OF H. BRENNAMIN.
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HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY.
bed of which, instead of the ordinary wire spring, or canvas, consisted of rope ; and of this rope the prisoner had secured a sufficient length to pass around his neck and attach to a rafter, after which he had kicked away the box on which he stood to adjust the noose, and was left suspended.
Years afterward, another man, on his deathbed, con- fessed to having fired the shot that killed Dave Will- iams, and the circumstances and particulars which he related left no doubt of his guilt. His confession, how- ever, came too late to help poor Jake, except to clear his memory from the ignominy of crime.
In the rear of the modern building facing Main street still stands the old calaboose. The storms of many winters, the scorching suns of many summers, have left their marks upon it. Men have come and men have gone, but it still stands, mute reminder of the thrilling incidents of pioneer days. If those gray and weather-beaten walls could speak, what tales they might unfold of crime, of intrigue, of adventure, of suffering, of remorse, and of repentance. It is the one ancient landmark by which the bustling city of today is recognized as the grown-up village that marked this spot a quarter of a century ago ; the one link that con- nects the present with the all-but-forgotten past; the "open sesame" that unlocks the door to memory's cavern and brings forth the rich treasures of early local history for the entertainment and information of the curious or reflective minds of this generation.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
B. F. BISBEE.
B. F. Bisbee, frequently called "The Big-bellied Wheat King of Meade County," was born at Ann Arbor, Michigan, on June 22nd, 1842. He was married at Mason City, Ill., in January, 1867, to Rebecca Grisson. To this union were born six children, to wit : Carrie, Grace, Leona, William I., and Maud and Myrtie, the last two being twins.
Mr. Bisbee came to Meade County in 1887, and has ever since been engaged in farming and stock-raising.
Years ago he earned and carried the title of "Farmer Bisbee" because he was one of the very few men in Meade County who were making a success of farming at that time.
He has been Trustee of his township, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Meade.
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M. A. BIRD AND FAMILY.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
M. A. BIRD AND FAMILY.
The accompanying picture shows a cozy home view of Mark Bird and his estimable family, Mrs. Bird, and the children, Abner C., Lorene, Lillian A., Harry C., and Gladys.
Mr. Bird conducts a general merchandise store at Missler, and is also extensively engaged in handling horses and cattle.
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HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY.
JOHN P. BALLARD AND WIFE.
John P. Ballard was born in Logan County, Kentucky, August 7th, 1878. He came to Meade County in August, to be exact, on August 21st, 1903, and made homestead entry in Cimarron town- ship. He was married to Anna L. Shinogle on April 19th, 1911. They have one child, Woodrow R. A. Ballard, born February 25th, 1913.
Mr. Ballard has been engaged in farming, doing a little real- estate business "on the side," and has prospered.
He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, has served his township as Trustee, and his political party as precinct Committeeman.
Anna L. Shinogle was born in Meade County, Kansas, on Octo- ber 27th, 1890. She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Shinogle.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
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JOHN CORDES AND FAMILY.
John Cordes was born at Cole Camp, Benton County, Missouri, on July 15th, 1867, of German parentage. He came to Meade County March Ist, 1885, and commenced life as a young pioneer on the pioneer prairies.
He was married April 16th, 1893, to Maggie Brunjes, a Meade County girl. To this union four children have been born-Alice M., Barthold H., Lola K., and Earnest J. E.
Mr. Cordes has been engaged in the business of farming and stock-raising, and is one of the substantial, prosperous farmers of Odee Township.
He has always taken a strong interest, and frequently an active part, in politics, and in 1912 was elected County Commissioner for the Second District.
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HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY.
"UNCLE BEN."
Benjamin F. Cox was born in what is now Platte County, Mo., but which was then unorganized Government land, on August 19th, 1837. He came to Meade County on September 3rd, 1894, and remained until about 1908, since which time he has had no settled domicile, but has spent his time in whatever place happened to strike his faney for the time being. He has been engaged in farming, stock-raising, banking, money-loaning, promoting, etc. At one time he owned one-third of the Fowler townsite. He was Vice-President of the first bank in Meade County, of the first bank in Fowler, and is now Vice-President of the Meade State Bank. He holds the first tax receipt issued in Meade County ; he drove the first railroad spike in Meade County; he discovered artesian water in Meade County ; and he wore out the first pair of boots made in Meade County, said boots being made by a cer- tain bootmaker, Schwartz, of Fowler.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
L. C. CASH.
L. C. Cash was born near Nolin, Kentucky, May 28th, 1861. He was married near East View, Ky., on Jan. 11th, 1883, to Katie Fife. The year following he started west in response to Horace Greeley's famous advice, and settled in Sumner County in Novem- ber, 1884. In September, 1886, he moved farther west, out where the grass was a little shorter, the skies a little bluer, settling in Meade County on September 19th, 1900.
Then for five or six years he worked as head clerk in Parson's big store at Plains, but feeling the need of more outdoor life he finally resigned, and engaged in farming for four years. He then built a modern hotel in Plains, and has been egnaged in the hotel business ever since. This hotel, which is one of the best arranged to be found anywhere, was designed entirely by Mr. Cash, and was for the most part built by him and his sons. It is of concrete blocks, the blocks having been manufactured by Mr. Cash in Plains.
His family consists of three sons and one grandson.
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HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY.
CHESTER DALGARN.
J. Chester Dalgarn was born in Meade, Kansas, July 6th, 1895,- strictly a Meade County product. He graduated from the Meade High School, after which he took a full post-graduate course. He has taught school, but the line of work he intends following, and for which he is fitting himself, is electrical engineering.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
DAMON AND PYTHIAS.
The above engraving was made from a flashlight kodak picture taken of Ferol Stevens and John Sullivan, sons of their respective "dads." The young fellows decided to "sit up" until the "old fellows" returned from lodge, but the old boys proved to be the "best stayers," and on their return home found the "untried neophytes" fast asleep in each other's arms.
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HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY.
F. W. FICK.
LOUISE FICK.
Ferdinand W. Fick was born at Hansfelde, Prussia, March 7th, 1856. At about seven years of age his parents came to America, and Fred's boyhood and youth were spent in St. Joseph, Mo. He was married at St. Joseph, Dee. 13th, 1878, to Louise Miller, she having been born in Loningen, Switzerland, June 8th, 1858.
Five children, four girls, one boy, are the result of this marriage.
Mr. and Mrs. Fick came to Meade County March 1st, 1888, and have been engaged in the mercantile business most of the time since.
Mr. Fick has always taken a prominent part in politics; was Mayor of Meade for two terms, and for two terms Clerk of the District Court.
He takes considerable interest in fraternal orders, being an active member of the Masonic order, both the Blue Lodge and the Chap- ter of Royal Arch Masons, of the I. O. O. F., and of the Knights of Pythias.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
"CHET" HULBURT.
Chester S. Hulburt was born at El Dorado, Butler County, Kansas, January 15th, 1875. He was married to Emma J. Sing- ley on November 30th, 1899, at Augusta, Kansas. Three children, Helen T., Helsey H. and Walter C., complete the family.
He came to Meade County February 22nd, 1903. His principal business has been farming and stock-raising, but for a year or two he was engaged in the real-estate business.
He is now, and has been for some time past, engaged in breed- ing registered Galloway cattle, and while others can show larger herds, it would be difficult to find a herd of "classier" cattle than those on Mr. Hulburt's farm.
He takes a great interest in educational matters, and is at pres_ ent a member of the Board of Education of the Meade city schools.
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HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY.
"BILLY" JOBLING.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
"BILLY" JOBLING.
William Jobling was born at Zanesville, Ohio, January 8th, 1864, He came to Meade County March 1st, 1879, and has been a con- tinuous resident of the county ever since. His father was presi- dent of a company that settled a colony of sixteen families at Pear- lette. Of all of that colony Mr. Jobling is the only one remaining in Meade County, and it is probable that he is the oldest settler now in the county. He has always taken an active interest in polities, and while never soliciting political honors for himself, has frequently had such honors forced upon him. He has served his township as Clerk, Trustee, and Justice of the Peace ; he has been County Commissioner from the First Distriet, and he has been ('lerk of the School Board in his district for fifteen or more years.
Fraternally he is quite prominent in the Masonie order. He is a member of Webb Lodge No. 275, A. F. & A. M., at Meade; of Meade Chapter R. A. M. No. 243; R. S. M. No. 13, Hutchinson : K. T. No. 25, Dodge City ; Consistory No. 2, Wichita : and A. A. O. N. M. Shrine, Wichita.
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HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY.
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J. O. KEITH AND FAMILY.
John O. Keith was born January 8, 1863, in Perry County, Illi- nois. He came to Meade County in 1894, and on September 4th, 1898, was married to Matie B. Hinsdale. To this union two children have been born, Dot, the daughter, only surviving.
Mr. Keith farmed and taught school until 1910, when he moved to Meade and engaged in the implement business, which he con- ducted for two years and then sold out. He has served as Clerk of the District Court, and is Clerk of the First Baptist Church.
He is quite prominent in fraternal societies, being a Past Grand of the I. O. O. F., and is at present Chief Patriarch of the Encamp- ment branch of the Odd Fellows order.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
.
H. H. KIRCHNER.
H. H. Kirchner was born at Worden, Douglas County, Kansas, January 5th, 1879. He was married to Della Layman at Arling- ton, Kansas, February 18th, 1903.
He is not an okl resident of Meade County, having purchased the Gardner ranch and settled here on April 10th, 1915, but his year's residence in this county has convinced him that he has at last found just what he has been looking for, and no inducement within the limit of human probability would tempt him to leave Meade County.
He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and of the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.
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HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY.
TOM MURPHY.
Thomas L. Murphy, shown above in a characteristic pose, is one of the biggest-hearted, whole-souled, most congenial Irishmen that ever escaped from Cork, and how or why they ever permitted Tom to escape is a mystery.
He was born at Springfield, Ill., August 29th, 1858. He re- moved to Kansas, and on January 30th, 1888, was married to Effa Cool, at Columbus. They are now the parents of seven chil- dren.
Tom came to Meade County on January 11th, 1904, being one among the old "new settlers.'
He is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and is well satisfied and prosperous.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
R. M. PAINTER.
R. M. Painter was born in the State of lowa, a long time ago. He came to Meade County in the fall of 1884, and filed on a home- stead, where he resided until 1915, when he left the farm,-or farms, it might be more accurate to state, as he owns something less than half a township,-and came to Meade, where he opened a law office.
"C'ap," as he is usually called, has had a varied career, at differ- ent times following different vocations. He has had experience in the law, newspaper work, the army, the legislature, and while he has never made polities a business he has always been actively interested.
He was the first Representative of Meade County, the first Post Commander of the local G. A. R., for several years President of the Southwestern Veterans' Association, and is now Depart- ment Commander of the G. A. R. of Kansas.
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HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY.
J. S. PRICE.
John Shelby Price was born at Kenton, Ohio, April 4th, 1874. He came to Meade County in the spring of 1887. He was married to Susan Winnifred Bonham, August 19th, 1907. To this union two children were born, Frances Evlyn, now aged 6, and Shelby Winfred, aged 2.
With the exception of four years during which time he was sheriff of Meade County, Mr. Price has been engaged in the live- stock business.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
MRS. J. S. PRICE.
Susan Winnifred Bonham was born in Hardin County, Ohio, April 27th, 1876. She came to Meade County with her parents in 1885, where she resided until her death, March 6th, 1914.
She was elected Register of Deeds in 1900, and served two terms.
PERRY BROS. Editors and Proprietors of The Fowler News and The Buck!in Banner.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
A. B. ROBERTS.
Albert B. Roberts was born at Richmond, Indiana. He was married at Lynn, Indiana, August 15th, 1880, to Lizzie S. Johnson, and came to Meade County November 6th, 1895.
He has three children, Walter J., Adgar N., and Alice M.
He has been engaged in farming, and is now serving his second term as County Commissioner from the First District.
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HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY.
BERT STOUT.
Bert Stout was born at Logansport, Indiana, September 4th, 1884. He came to Meade County in 1908, and settled in Mertilla Township, where he is engaged in farming.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
G. W. ROBERTS.
G. W. Roberts was born on February 23rd, 1856, in Grant County, Wisconsin. He came to southwest Kansas in 1900, first locating in Pawnee County, coming to Meade County in the spring of 1913. He was married to Miss L. M. Hockett in Jan- uary, 1903, and is the father of six children.
Mr. Roberts has been engaged in farming, and has the distinc- tion of never having experienced a failure of his wheat crop in southwest Kansas. His lowest average yield per acre for any year is 10 bushels, the highest being 33 bushels.
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HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY.
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J. I. STAMPER.
J. I. Stamper (Col. Jim) was born at Sweetwater, Tenn., De- cember 22nd, 1869. He came to Meade County in May, 1885. He was married at Meade, December 25th, 1900, to Lottie W. Snyder. They have one child, a daughter, Jamie, born in Meade.
Jim has been rather versatile in his pursuits, having been at different times engaged in farming and stock-raising, well-drilling, has taken a flyer in the mercantile business, was postmaster at Meade under President Taft, but for several years last past he has devoted the greater part of his time to auctioneering, at which calling he has met with remarkable success.
He is now President of the State Auctioneers' Association.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
WILLIS WOLFE.
Willis Wolfe was born at Wheeling, Missouri, February 5th, 1888. He was married at Wheeling, Mo., October 5th, 1910, to Lulu Mae Norman, and came to Meade County in March, 1911.
Two boys, Leonard M. and Norman B., have come to brighten their Meade County home.
Mr. Wolfe has been engaged principally in the cattle business, but as a side line he sells automobiles and Fords.
THREE SCHUHMACHERS.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
THREE SCHUHMACHERS.
1. F. Schuhmacher was born September 5th, 1882, at Mexico, Missouri. Lon early realized the possibilities of Meade County, and emigrated here in 1886. He was married at Meade February 21st, 1907, to Maude Stansill.
Their three boys, L. F., Jr., Nelson R. and Gordon S., are shown in the above picture.
Mr. Schuhmacher has been engaged in the real-estate business at Meade for the last ten years.
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HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY.
O. R. STEVENS.
O. R. Stevens was born in Pottawatomie County, Kansas, March 22nd, 1879. He was married in Barber County, Kansas, Novem- ber 19th, 1902, to Miss Tressie Grigsby. A son, Ferol Clifford, was born at Coats, Kansas, August 16th, 1905.
Mr. Stevens came to Meade County April 30th, 1906, and was engaged in the mercantile business at Meade until September, 1914, when he removed to Wichita.
Mr. Stevens is one of the prominent fraternalists of the State. He was Department Commander of Patriarchs Militant from January 1st, 1908, to January 1st, 1913, with the rank of Brig- adier-General, and is the present Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment of Kansas, being elected to that office October 12th, 1915. He is also a member of the Judiciary Committee of the Grand Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of Kansas.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
C. A. UNDERWOOD.
Chas. A. Underwood was born in Logan Co., Ohio, March 19th, 1860. He came to Meade County in 1905, where he took a home- stead and engaged in farming, which occupation he has followed ever since.
He was married at Meade on April 18th, 1907, to Margaret K. Nichols.
He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and was formerly a member of Co. E, Ohio National Guard.
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HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY.
MP.S. C. A. UNDERWOOD.
Margaret K. Nichols was born in Logan County, Ohio, in 1866. She was appointed postmistress of New Jerusalem, Ohio, by Pres- ident Cleveland, which office she conducted for eleven years. She also conducted a grocery store at that place.
On April 18, 1907, in Meade, Kansas, she became the wife of Charles A. Underwood.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
MORTON WILSON.
MRS. MORTON WILSON.
Morton Wilson was born in Appanoose County, Iowa, Feb- ruary 3rd, 1865. He was married in Meade County October 30th, 1892, to Jennie (. Heape.
Mrs. Wilson came to Meade County in March, 1885, Mr. Wil- son coming in May of the same year.
They were engaged in farming and stock-raising until 1915, when they retired and moved to Meade.
They have two daughters, Ethel and Marie, both at home.
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HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY.
M. M. WAY.
Marion M. Way was born in McPherson County, Kansas, Jan 27th, 1876. He came to Meade County March 12th, 1900, and was married October 16th, 1901, to Rosetta F. Bunyan. He has one child, a boy nine years of age.
Mr. Way has been engaged in farming and stock-raising. He has served his township and school district in various offices.
He is a member of the Masonic order.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
D. P. WYSONG.
D. P. Wysong was born at Lynville, Franklin County, Va., January 16th, 1851. He was married at Stewartsville, Bedford County, Va., April 6th, 1876, to Dora Stewart. Two sons were born, James T. and Ansel S.
He came to Meade County March 25th, 1885, and, like many of the other early settlers, has been engaged in several different lines of work, among which are teaching, contracting, farming, and the practice of law.
Mr. Wysong has served his county as County Superintendent, County Clerk, and County Attorney.
The above picture shows him with his grandson, Stewart, son of Ansel S. Wysong.
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HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY.
R. E. STEELE.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
R. E. STEELE.
R. E. Steele was born in 1850, and reared in Prince William County, Va. In 1874 he came west, locating in Douglas County, Kansas. In 1878 he removed to Barber County, and came to Meade County in 1892.
He was married in Meade County to Miss Jennie W. Mills. Two children were born, both girls, and both of whom are married, one to Mr. Eustace Smith, a prominent young lawyer of Hutch- inson, and one to Mr. E. W. MeNaghten, also of Hutchinson.
Mrs. Steele died in 1907, and afterwards Mr. Steele was united in marriage with Miss Curtis Harsha, of Pittsburgh, Pa.
Mr. Steele has been engaged in the cattle business practically all of his life, and has probably handled more cattle than any other Meade County citizen. The names, Steele & Cockins, Cockins & Steele, The Meade Land & Cattle Co., the Crooked L Ranch, are familiar to everyone. While Mr. Steele has been interested in many ranch propositions, the Crooked L, located about three miles south of Meade, is his best-known venture. This ranch, while not extensive in acreage, is one of the best little ranches in the State. Here is to be found several hundred acres of alfalfa under a good system of irrigation, and here is produced the feed that fattens several thousand of the Crooked L brand yearly.
FRANK SOURBEER AND FAMILY.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
FRANK SOURBEER AND FANHLY.
Franklin Sourbeer was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Nov. 19th, 1838. He was married to Annie M. Kessler at Harrisburg, Pa. Mr. Sourbeer is one of the earliest settlers, locating in Meade County June 30th, 1879. His principal business was farming, up until a few years ago, when he retired and moved to Meade. For six years he has been one of the magistrates of Meade Center Township.
Mr. Sourbeer enlisted in June, 1861, in Co. D of the First Pennsylvania Volunteer Reserve Corps. He was wounded at the second battle of Bull R n, August 29th, 1862. In 1863 he was made Captain of C'o. H, Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia. He served as Second Sergeant in Co. K, Two Hundred Third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.
THE MEADE CHECKER CLUB.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
THE MEADE CHECKER CLUB.
The Meade Checker Club, which claims to be invincible and is always ready to prove its claims, is composed of the following business men : from left to right, top row, E. W. Fletcher, Dr. T. E. Henry, Dick Collins, C. M. Gates, Jay Ellis, John Wood ; bottom row, Isaac Covalt, N. M. Ellis, Harry Hoon, E. W. Bocook.
DON T. EDWARDS, THE PIONEER LAND MAN.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
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A. JACK BYRNS.
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HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY.
1. J. PADEN.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
J. H. ELLIS.
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HISTORY OF MEADE COUNTY.
THE AUTHOR'S BEST PRODUCTIONS.
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MADGE.
KATHIEEN.
LENORE.
JOHN P.
"THE MISSUS.
"ME."
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