USA > Kansas > Cloud County > Biographical history of Cloud County, Kansas: biographies of representative citizens. Illustrated with portraits of prominent people, cuts of homes, stock, etc > Part 19
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
some homes, mills, etc., and greater conveniences than many of the older towns in the east. They are the center of many systems of railroads, con- necting them with all points of the compass, and are destined to be an important point of trade on lines connecting them with the Pacific, Galves- ton and the Atlantic ocean.
Their lands through the changes brought about by the climate and the industry of the people have risen in value from the mere government price of one dollar and twenty-five cents to fifty dollars and upwards an acre in close proximity to towns and railway stations. It has been observed dur- ing the last thirty years that almost every man who settled upon an original claim was impressed with the belief that he had dropped upon the loveliest spot of the universe, and as they have increased in years, imbibed the desire to obtain other lands alongside that their children might remain in the same favored locality.
The dugouts have long ago given place to substantial stone or frame residences which would do credit to the suburban neighborhoods of the far east.
EVENTS OF 1874.
The spring of 1874 did not promise much and upon good crops hinged a large portion of the prosperity of the town. On April 14. 1874, a fright- ful blizzard swooped down upon the country ; eight inches of snow fell and the mercury dropped to seventeen degrees below zero. Several persons froze to death within a radius of ten miles around the town of Concordia. Considerable stock perished in this terrible storm.
There was a double affliction visited upon the people this year-drouth and grasshoppers-either being sufficient to destroy the corn, none being raised that year anywhere in the path of the grasshoppers. But the people who considered it less to the discredit of the county, charged the loss to grasshoppers, while those who looked upon them as a greater curse than drouth. charged it to that source.
The grasshoppers appeared July 24, 1874: the corn was past redemp- tion before the pests put in an appearance. The drouth was the most severe ever experienced in this section. Early corn that tasseled in June dried completely up and the tassels were blown in the wind like chaff. The fol- lowing winter was a hard one for the people and because of lack of food and clothing, aid had to be extended to thousands of citizens.
The years 1875-6-7-8-9 were good average crop years and every- body firmly believed there never would be another drouth in this county ; however, the next year one came.
ILISTORICAL MENTION OF CONCORDIA NEWSPAPERS.
As before stated Henry Buckingham established the first newspaper in Concordia, the "Republican Valley Empire." This was the first newspaper
HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
167
in either the Solomon or Republican valley above Junction City, which is of more than passing interest. That it lost its identity by being absorbed by the Blade in June, 1902, is to be regretted for its historical value. Follow- ing is an article written by Mr. Buckingham, which will be read with inter- est by the old settlers :
THE FOUNDING OF THE EMPIRE.
A Brief Account of the Establishment of the First Paper in the Republican and Solomon T'alleys, Written by H. Buckingham and Pub- lished in the Empire. June 14. 1894.
EDITOR EMPIRE: Some time ago, on one of the birthdays of the Empire, you stated that you would like to have from me a history of the founding of the paper. I promised to furnish it, but put it off from time to
1980
REPUBLICAN VALLEY EMPIRE
A.TURNER CLYDE RES
THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE EMPIRE.
time till now. On its last birthday I was quite taken back to learn really how old the Empire was. I could hardly realize that so long a time had sped away since the little sheet was first issued. And the present number is volume twenty-five! How time flies!
When associate editor of the Leavenworth Times in 1859-60, I heard much about the Republican and Solomon valleys from the surveyors who had surveyed the country, and others. They spoke of the great beauty of those valleys-the fertility of the soil, the fine streams full of fish, the tin- ber abounding with turkey and deer, the prairies alive with chickens and the buffalo not far away during the summer.
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
At that time the Indians were generally considered peaceable, but it was felt that it was too far away from the settlements to be absoluely safe from their depredations, as they might make a raid at any time. It was known that a few bold, hardy pioneers had settled along the lower portions of the streams, but it was considered that a man "took his life in his hand" when he attempted settlement very far up. At that time a friend who was contemplating bringing a flock of sheep from Ohio came to the office and wanted to know of me where he could herd them with safety. I replied that it was not deemed safe to go much farther west than Nemaha county! That was the feeling of uncertainty at that time. Rumors of raids were quite frequent, and settlers were compelled to be on the lookout.
The war came and but little attention was paid to the country, so far as I recollect; but after it was over, settlers -- - many of them having soldiered in that country-began to settle farther up the river, The Indians were reported to be unfriendly, if settlers went far above where Clifton now is, and decidedly hostile to those who went to and beyond the Great Spirit Springs, now in Mitchell county. We heard quite frequently of Indian raids and it was not deemed safe to settle far up as late as 1868-possibly a short time later.
But the settlers continued to encroach on the Indian country and the enterprising merchants of Leavenworth, the largest and most enterprising town in the west, sent men to gather in the trade of that region. It may sur- prise many of your readers when they are told that the trade of Leaven- worth once reached from the Missouri river to and beyond Salt Lake and Montana, to Old Mexico, and nearly to the eastern boundaries of California and Oregon. How trade has changed since the days of ox and mule teams! A regular Santa Fe mule team would be a curiosity to thousands of people who now live along the oldl Santa Fe and California trails.
In the spring of 1869 my friend R. F. Hermon, now of Clyde, and a well known citizen, who was connected with a large wholesale house in Leavenworth, said to me one day, "] have just returned from the Repub- lican valley-pretty well up-and they have started a small store near the mouth of Elk creek, and it is a most beautiful country. Settler's are com- ing in, and I have decided to make my home there and bought an interest in a store. It will make a good business point." I asked him how a news- paper would pay. He replied that he could see no reason why one would not (lo well in a short time. So in the fall I concluded to take a look for my- self. and boarded the cars for Manhattan and from there went with the mail, which was carried in a hack as far as Lawrenceburg. I think all of the goods for the Republican country and most of the Solomon, were shipped via team from Manhattan. The hack carried the mail via Whiting, Wakefield and Clay Center. The other towns between Manhattan and Clyde were Riley Center, Bala, Rosedale, Morganville and Clifton. There was but little settlement in any of the towns named. I think Whiting was the largest and Clay Center next. None of them had over one hundred
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
people, and some were merely staked off. Clyde had a population of about two hundred in 1870, and Concordia was not quite so large.
It was late when we arrived at Clyde. The ride was a cold, disagree- able one, but the scenery along the route amply repaid the trip. One of the finest views I ever saw in Kansas was from the hill near the farm house of Mr. Haynes, where Clifton now stands. There were but few houses in sight, and for miles up and down the valley it appeared like an "unbroken wilderness." The traveler who glides over the line of railroad that now traverses the valley, can form no idea of the real beauty of that portion of the valley, now thickly settled and in a high state of cultivation.
I was so well pleased with the country and its prospects and the people of Clyde and surrounding community, that I determined to put in a press in the spring, it then being too late in the fall and besides no room could be secured.
Returning to Leavenworth I remained there until after the holidays. and then concluded to take a trip over the Central Branch via Atchison to Waterville, the terminus of the road, and go by team to the Republican. It was said at Clyde that no teams had come direct from Waterville to the Republican, that no road had been made and the streams were not bridged. etc. Arriving at Waterville I found the only way to get over to the Repub- lican was to take a team which had come down from Republic county to the mill and go to Salt creek, and from there to Clyde. I made arrangements to go that way and was to meet a team a few miles west of Waterville at the junction of the mill road. On arriving at the junction I found the team had passed.
On my way back I met Mr. McNab. Sr., one of the pioneers of that section-and a grand old man-returning home from Waterville. He kindly invited me to his claim some sixteen miles from that place. Seeing that I was in for a trip of sixty miles by "Ford & Walker's line." I con- cluded to accept the invitation. A storm came up just before dark and we had a very cold ride and walk to his hospitable home, traveling over ten miles after night had set in. The next day the storm grew worse, and the weather was extremely cold. The wind blew so hard we could stay out of doors but a short time. I remained at Mr. McNab's three days, when the storm abated and I concluded to start for the Republican in a buggy. We had not proceeded far when we ran into a snow bank and I decided to con tinue the journey on foot. I reached Clyde the next evening after a hard tramp. A portion of the way I got a ride.
I found the citizens of Clyde and surrounding country anxious to have the press located there, and they rendered every assistance in their power. After remaining there some time Messrs. E. Kennedy. E. Cline and Charles Davis took their teams and we went to Manhattan for the press and material. Ju a few days it was on the ground. The building it was put in was a log one. about twenty feet square, and was the first building in Clyde. It was put up by the Messrs. Heller and had been used as a dwelling, post-
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
office. hotel, store and court house. It was torn down a few years after- wards but a picture of it is in possession of some of the citizens of Clyde.
The first number of the paper was issued May 31, 1870. It had six columns to the page and no patent inside or outside. It was called the Republican Valley Empire, but after it had fallen into other hands the name was changed to Concordia Empire. During the summer the office was removed to a more commodious building, but not being sufficiently warm. it was impossible to continue its publication there. The plant was soon afterwards removed to Concordia, which had been chosen as the county seat. and it has been printed there ever since, the first number being issued December 24. 1870. The first edition printed was about five hundred copies. but it soon increased to near one thousand. The emigrants as they passed through town, bought a large number of papers to send back to their friends, and many had them sent to their new homes in the western counties.
It was my intention to write some reminiscences of early times in Cloud county and northwest Kansas generally, but my files are not at hand, and the names of so many who took part in settling up the country escape me. that I cannot make the history complete, but defer it to another time. The present sketch is not what I would make it, or what it ought to be, for the same reason.
While there was nothing in the enterprise in a pecuniary point of view, it is no small satisfaction to the writer to know that the first paper estab- lished in that region was a credit to all concerned, and recognized as such throughout the state. And further. that it did something to make known and build up one of the finest countries that turns its face to the sun.
Yours, Kingfisher, Oklahoma Territory, June 12, 1894. H. BUCKINGHAM.
THE EXPOSITOR.
The Expositor made its appearance August 15, 1875, edited by J. S. Paradis In politics it was independent, principally devoted to news, local and personal, "independent in everything, neutral in nothing," its columns were open to both sides of every question of public interest, its motto "Equal rights and justice to all." For six years the Expositor was one of the leading journals of Cloud county. Its editor, J. S. Paradis, was identi- fied with the history of Cloud county, and participated in the building u] of all its best interests and shared its prosperity.
September 1. 1881, the Expositor passed into the hands of W. E. Reid and was merged with another paper called the Times-which was started by W. E. Reid-into the Republican Empire.
Mr. Reid was a man of ability, energy and grit, and under his man- agement the paper prospered. It was subsequently controlled for a short time by Charles W. McDonald, and afterward sold to F. W. Sawhill, the present postoffice incumbent. Subsequently the paper was published by W.
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
WV. Dunning as a Democratic paper. It changed its politics when purchased by Edward Marshall.
The journal known as the Day Light was later combined with the Empire and conducted by Sawhill & Marshall. The combination was after- ward severed and for many years the Empire was one of the leading papers of Concordia, controlled by Sawhill & Kimball.
THE CONCORDIA BLADE.
J. M. Hagaman, one of the most energetic and conscientious men, and who deserves more credit than he is given, was the founder of the Con- cordia Blade in 1879. When politicians or others attacked him, they found him supplied with ammunition, little guns, big guns, in fact a whole battery to urge a relentless warfare. He worked in the interests of the Democratic party.
The election of county treasurer was the most exciting, bitter and memorable in the history of Cloud county, and was a surprise to both com- batants, resulting in a landslide for H. M. Spalding, his opponent being buried by a veritable avalanche of votes. The Republicans had had every- thing their own way up to this time. The few Democrats hardly dared to hold a meeting because of the bitter prejudice against them.
Because of the unpopularity of Democrats, the bringing of one out for this office against a candidate for the Republican boss was looked upon as a huge joke by many of that party, but before the canvass had gone far they realized they were facing a very serious situation.
W. G. Reid, the present register of deeds, was a candidate for treasurer named by the Republican party. His brother, W. E. Reid, had held the office for four consecutive years, the limit of the law. Walter G. Reid had been his deputy and now it was proposed they reverse places.
The Blade, although a Republican paper, bolted the nomination of Mr. Reid, led the fight and he was defeated by a majority of six hundred and eighty-five, by the Democrats. The Empire also bolted and worked for H. M. Spalding, as did James Strain, F. W. Sturges and many other lead- ing Republicans.
The Blade was the first paper run by steam power in Concordia. The paper still exists and is ably managed by George Burroughs and George A. Clark, secretary of state. A daily Blade is also run in connection with the weekly paper.
THE KANSAN.
The Kansan was originally the Kritic and founded by Thomas Owens, Jr., now of Topeka. Ferd Prince, of Glasco, became associated with this enterprise and the name was changed to Alliant. The paper was subse- quently purchased by Homer Davies in November, 1896, and the name of
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
Kansan was adopted, having purchased that right from the Jamestown paper, now the Kansas Optimist. This paper under Mr. Davies' manage- ment has become one of the foremost papers of the county.
In 1895 J. Austin Marshall moved his local paper from Miltonvale and published it in Concordia under the name of the Press, After several changes the Press was enlarged to a six column quarto and is edited by Phil Moore, of Roswell, New Mexico. Under his management the paper has become one of the most vigorous and brightest in the country.
THE TIMES.
In March, 1884, the Times, published by Charles J. English and "Ben" Sheafor, was started. They conducted this paper for one year and sold to Glen F. Chase, who, after a lapse of twelve months, sold to F. A. and F. M. Filson. The Times was distcontinued in 1891.
THE DAILY DLADE.
In March, 1887, the Daily Blade was started by J. M. and J. E. Haga- man. It was Republican in politics, was a financial failure and suspended November 1, 1888. The Daily Blade was a seven column folio and every number contained six columns of the latest foreign news, twelve columns of miscellaneous matter and from four to six of local matter.
RESUME OF THE CLOUD COUNTY NEWSPAPERS.
Republican Valley Empire, Clyde and Concordia, 1870-72; Concordia Empire, Concordia, 1876-83: The Republican Empire, Concordia, 1883-87 : Concordia Empire, Concordia, 1887-1902; Concordia Blade and Empire, Concordia, 1902, continues; The Concordia Republican, Concordia, 1882-83: The Concordia Expositor, Concordia, 1875-81; The Cloud County Blade, Concordia, 1879-82; Kansas Blade, 1882-98; Concordia Daily Blade (suspended from February 5, 1885, until March, 1887), 1884-88; Daily Blade. Concordia, 1902, continues: Cloud County Critic ( Kansas Critic in 1888), Concordia. 1882-88; The Concordia Times, Concordia, 1884-01; Concordia Democrat and Daylight, Concordia. 1886; The Con- cordia Weekly Daylight. Concordia, 1886-98; The Alliant, Concordia, 1800-95; The District School (monthly). Concordia, 1893-95; The Kan- san, Concordia, 1895, continues; The Concordia Press, Concordia, 1893. continues ; The Clyde Herald. Clyde (not issued from December to Febru- ary, 1881), 1878, continues ; Clyde Democrat, Clyde, 1880-82; Cline's Press, Clyde, 1884; The Clyde Mail, Clyde. 1884-87; The Clyde Argus, Clyde, 1888-96; The Farmers Voice, Clyde, 1891. continues; The Clyde Republi- can, Clyde, continues; The Kansas Sunflower, Clyde. 1894-95; Glasco Tribune, Clyde, 1881-82; The Glasco Sun, Clyde, 1883, continues ; The New
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
Era, Clyde, 1890-93; Cloud County Kansan, Jamestown, 1881-95; The Quill, Jamestown, 1888-90; The Kansas Optimist, Jamestown, 1895, con- tinues; The Miltonvale News, Miltonvale, 1882-91 ; Miltonvale Chieftain. Miltonvale, 1887-88; Miltonvale Press, Miltonvale, 1892-93; Miltonvale Tribune, Miltonvale, 1894; The Miltonvale Press, Miltonvale. 1896-98; Miltonvale Record, Miltonvale, 1901, continues; Ames Advance, Ames, 1885-86; The Ames Bureau, Ames, 1887; Come and See (a monthly con- ference reporter ), Ames, 1895-98; Aurora News, Aurora, 1892-93.
There were several other papers. though of short duration, viz :
The Glasco Banner, edited by V. C. Post from February 25, to July 10, 1880; Miltonvale Star, established by Robb & Phelps, and published from April 14, to August 26, 1886; The Reformer was published in Concordia from September 15 to November 2, 1886; The Weekly Courier was pub- lished at Ames from March 23 to June 20, 1888; The Miltonvale Review, from July 25 to November 14, 1889; The Advance was published in Mil- tonvale from January 15 to April 6, 1892; The Reporter was issued there from February 25 to March 17, 1892; The Miltonvale Echo from July 26, 1892. to January 6, 1893; The Clyde Star was published in Clyde from March 14, to April 25, 18844; The Daily Reporter was published in Con- cordia from August 8, to September 3. 1887; The Western Rustler, a monthly paper, was issued in Clyde during the months of January and Feb- ruary. 1889; The Miltonvale Leader, August 31, 1893. to January 4, 1894; The District School (monthly ) was edited in Aurora from December, 1893. to March, 1894; The Daily Daylight was published in Concordia from May 9 to August 21. 1895; The Cash Merchant (semi-monthly ) was published in Glasco. May I to October 15, 1897: Gospel Leaves was edited in James- town by James H. Lathrop from October, 1880, to March, 1881.
GROWTII OF CONCORDIA.
January 16, 1877, the Central Branch Railroad reached Concordia. As strong evidence of the great need of the railroad, the following facts are given : One thousand one hundred car loads of freight were hauled from this town alone, the first thirty days after the road reached the city. There was also long trains of merchandise brought in.
March 5, 1878. Concordia was brought into closer connection with the outside world by the operating of the telegraph line which was attached to the batteries on that day. Concordia is the natural center of a large trib- ntary of rich farming lands, and like the old saying "all roads lead to Rome," this city being a railroad center, all roads lead to Concordia.
The land office and the water power afforded by the Republican river was the nucleus that drew the town site and county seat to Concordia. The bringing of the land office in 1870, gave the town an impetus and she began to take on a vigorous growth, since which time it has been rapid and sub- stantia! until now it can boast of being one of the most beautiful and pros- perous cities in northwest Kansas with a population of five thousand people.
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
CONCORDIA, HIER FINANCIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS.
Estimating the distance in an air line, Concordia is said to be situated one hundred and eleven miles in a northwesterly direction from Topeka, the capital of the state. It is charmingly located on the south side of the Republican river, and is the seat of Cloud county. These important features, along with her railroad facilities, natural resources and developments, render this metropolis a conspicuous figure in the northwestern portion of the state.
CARLTON & ROSE, X.C.
STREET SCENE IN CONCORDIA.
Concordia is the center of a large and rich area of agricultural country and the products that thrive in this fertile region find an excellent market there, which add in turn to the commercial supremacy, for Concordia is the radiating point, the trade center of a large population of country. The business blocks excel in character those usually found in cities of this size, most of them being substantial structures of brick or stone, two and three stories in height and particularly uniform in proportions. Many of the stores are handsomely appointed. as the various illustrations of inter- iors show, and present a metropolitan appearance, giving evidence of the extended business they transact.
There are two excellent hostelries, the long popular "Barons House," which is now owned and managed by C. H. Martin, an experienced caterer, having been engaged in the hotel business for many years. Since Mr.
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
Martin opened the house in June, 1902. he has remodeled and made many improvements, which render comfortable and excellent accommodations to the traveling public. There are several smaller hotels where lower rates are given, but comfortable quarters insured. "The Caldwell" is under course of completion and will be one of the most elegantly equipped hotels in the west.
Many of the industries of this city are given space and appear under their own headlines.
THE BARONS HOUSE.
There are many legal lights in Concordia, and although a peaceful city. situated in the midst of a law abiding population, they all thrive.
The medical profession is numerously represented and by some of the most able physicians in northwestern Kansas.
Concordia has an unsurpassed high water pressure of the stand-pipe sys- tem. The water is absolutely pure, being forced into the great pipe, which is located on one of the hills on the southwest side of the city, from wells of living water. This perfect water system is also a great safeguard against conflagrations. In connection with this must be noted the well equipped fire department.
From the hook and ladder company, instituted February 18, 1876, with fourteen members, and D. W. Williams, captain, and shortly afterward organized with thirty members and adopted uniforms, the present efficient fire department has grown.
Concordia's new sewer system, completed in 1902, at a cost of twelve thousand eight hundred and ninety-one dollars and thirty-three cents, is a credit to the town and from its excellent sanitary conditions, and its fine water supply, the people of this city enjoy the greatest measure of health.
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HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS.
The editorial staff of three papers, while at some variance politically and otherwise, are a unit as respects the advancement of Concordia's material interests. A well organized commercial club, made up of the most wide-awake and enterprising citizens, contributes much to the prosper- ity and advancement of the city.
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