USA > Kansas > Wabaunsee County > Early history of Wabaunsee County, Kansas, with stories of pioneer days and glimpses of our western border.. > Part 27
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term as trustee and has been constable since he was old enough to vote, his excellent work in that office pointing him out as the right man for the office of sheriff of Wabaunsee county-to which important office he was elected in 1899. Mr. Frey has proven himself a capable official. His metal has more than once been subjected to the crucial tests essential to secure a verdict of approval. He has served the people truly and well, and they seldom fail to mete out to the faithful that reward to which they are justly entitled.
MR. GEORGE BERROTH (Dec'd)
Was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, February 8, 1833. In 1856, came to America, locating in Pennsylvania. On August 24, 1856, was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena Burkhardt, in the city of Phil- adelphia. Came to Kansas in 1869, locating in Pottawatomie county, but five years later came to Wabaunsee county, to the farm where he died on March 9, 1896. Mr. Berroth was a successful farmer and stock raiser, a man with a kind heart and generous nature, elements in a man's character that insure the esteem of his fellows.
J. W. ROBERTSON
Was born in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, January 8, 1866. Was edu- cated at Newton, Illinois. Came to Kansas, August 1, 1884, and six years later was united in marriage to Miss Alice L. Reynard, to which union three children were born: Roel R., Donald B., and William H. Mr. Robertson is a dealer in paints and wall paper. From a small business at the beginning he has seen an infant industry grow to pro- portions seldom seen in a city many times the size of the busy little town of which he is mayor. He has attained success by hard work and well directed effort.
W. T. ECKLES
Was born at Mount Vernon, Missouri, July 22, 1868, and when but an infant came with his parents to Kansas. Is a graduate of the State Normal School, at Emporia, but since 1888 has been in the employ of the Mudge Mercantile Company. After eleven years of faithful service was installed as manager-another proof that merit wins. In the year 1900, Mr. Eckles was mayor of Eskridge and true to his old time instinct he was again promoted-on June 12, 1901, when he was united in marriage to Miss Nellie M. Kingman. His popularity is indicated by his success-in whatever he undertakes.
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MR. JOHN ADAM KRATZER (Dec'd)
Was born in Bavaria, Germany, July 4, 1834. Came to America in 1856 and to Kansas in 1860, and four years later, to Wabaunsee county. Was educated at Vicid, Germany. On June 25, 1863, was united in marriage to Miss Louise Huber, to which union fourteen children were born, ten of whom still survive. On October 3, 1861, Mr. Kratzer enlisted in Co. M, 5th Regt. Ohio Cavalry, Capt. John Henry, com- manding. On March 5, 1863. was discharged by reason of physical disability. Besides an excellent farm of 198 acres Mr. Kratzer left to the world an estimable wife and family of sons and daughters. With hosts of friends and no enemies he passed to the great beyond. His memory was revered by all and his departure universally regretted.
AMOS T. TAYLOR
Was born in West Virginia, April 12, 1853, coming to Kansas with his parents in October, 1867. Celebrated the 4th of July, in 1878, by being united in marriage to Miss Flora A. Smith, to which union three children were born. Became a voter in Wabaunsee county and there is no indication of a desire to change his place of residence. Besides a pleasant home owns valuable property interests in Eskridge, and just now is in possession of a certificate of good standing in the Masonic' fraternity -that entitles him to the privilege of a place in the East.
CHARLES H. BURGETT
Was born in 1869, at Quincy, Illinois. Came to Kansas ten years later with his parents, who located at MePherson, where he received the benefit of a liberal education. On April 10, 1890, was united in marriage to Miss Doreta Drebing, to which union three children were born-Clyde, Ralph, and Ruth. Though owning one of the best farms in Kansas, Mr. Burgett, by reason of an injury received in a runaway, has opened a barber shop in Eskridge, where he is pleasantly located with his family.
MR. ANDREW ANDERSON (Dec'd)
Was born in Norway, January 18, 1818. Came to America in 1866, settling on the north half of the northwest quarter of section 2, town- ship 14, range 8, in Wabaunsee county, in July, 1870. Mr. Anderson died in August, 1883, at the age of 65 years and 6 months.
Mrs. Anna Anderson was born October 24, 1819, and died Septem-
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ber 4, 1897. being at the time of her death nearly 78 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were of that class of sturdy, hard working people who did much to redeem Kansas from conditions that were responsible for the name of Great American Desert. Besides an unsullied name these model citizens left behind them the best of legacies-an estim- able family of sons and daughters.
MARK PALMER
Was born November 24, 1877, in Monroe county, Iowa. Was edu- cated at Valparaiso, Indiana, being a graduate of the Northern Indiana Normal School, located there. On August 1, 1899, was united in marriage to Miss May F. Parsonage, an accomplished young lady of Eskridge, of which city Mr. Palmer is postmaster. Was appointed at the age of twenty-one and enjoys the distinction of being the youngest postmaster in the United States. Mr. Palmer is affable as well as capable and justly entitled to the $1,300 salary allowed by the department. .
JERRY B. FIELDS
Was born March 1, 1861, at Wilmington, Clinton county, Ohio. Came to Kansas with his parents in 1865. Supplemented a thorough conrse of training in the public schools by a four years course at Wash- burn College, taking up mineralogy as a special branch-much of the practical work of assaying being directly under his supervision. On June 26, 1891, Mr. Fields was united in marriage with Miss Olive A. DeArmond, for several years a teacher in the Alma city schools. Besides 240 acres of good farming and grazing lands Mr. Fields has extensive interests in mining properties in Missouri, Wyoming, and Oregon. Is one of Alma's leading dealers in real estate, and is inde- fatigable in his efforts to please his customers.
IRA L. MORRIS
Was born in Linn county, Missouri, on March 16, 1876. Came to Kansas November 25, 1892. A thorough elementary training in the schools of his native state was supplemented by a course at the Esk- ridge High School. On January 4, 1897, Mr. Morris was united in marriage to Miss Bessie May Luke, an accomplished young lady of Eskridge. Is the junior member of the firm of J. L. Morris & Son, and is one of the rising young business men of Eskridge.
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OSCAR SCHMITZ
Was born in Alma on December 26, 1875. Besides a thorough course in the Alma city schools Mr. Schmitz is a graduate of the Dick- inson County High School, located at Chapman, Kansas. Also took the law course at Kansas State University. In June, 1898, Mr. Schmitz was united in marriage to Miss Eva DeArmond, of Alma, who, for several years was a popular teacher in the city schools. Besides own- ing a good farm of 200 acres near Alma, Mr. Schmitz deals extensively in stock, and enjoys a lucrative practice in the courts of Wabaunsee county, being one of the rising young attorneys of the city in which he first saw the light.
JOSEPH SNYDER
Was born December 14, 1866. Is a native of Ohio, but when but four years of age removed with his parents to Michigan. Came to Kansas in 1889. A good educational training in the common schools was supplemented by a course in one of the best business colleges in Michigan-at Ionia. On June 23, 1895, was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Sharrai, to which union one daughter, Miss Lucille, was born. For several years past Mr. Snyder has had charge of the cream- ery station at Paxico. Is a good barber and an all around hustler and by strict attention to business is winning success.
REV. J. H. MUELLER,
Of McFarland, was born October 23, 1872, in Lincoln, Missouri. Came to Kansas in September, 1896. On November 22nd of the same year was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Boehmer, to which union two daughters were born-Misses IIelen and Irene. In 1896, Rev. Mueller was called to the pastorate of the several congregations at Paxico, McFarland, Wells Creek and Wamego, but at the present time the pastorate includes only the charges at MeFarland and Paxico, Wamego and Wells Creek having become self-sustaining. Though the congregations at Paxico and McFarland are comparatively limited in numbers their appreciation of Rev. Mueller's services are indicated by the self-sacrificing spirit shown-in their cordial support of their popular minister, and by the building of an addition to the parsonage for the comfort and convenience of their pastor.
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Our Illustrations.
REV. KAMP'S CONFIRMATION CLASS.
Named from left to right: Herman Haller, Mary Bellinger, Joseph Sanders, Anna Steimel, John Steimel, Ella Schubert, Gertrude Schut- ter, John Dittman, Frank Terrass, Floribert Eagan, Emma Loehr, Matilda Wetzel, Minnie Diehl, John Wentrode, Leo Leonard, Anna Bohn, Adam Degenhardt. These worthy young people are members of our best families and it may be expected that in after years they will reflect credit on themselves, their parents and their spiritual counselor and teacher.
THE ALMA LIEDERKRANZ.
.
From left to right: First tier-standing-Alfred Umbehr, Philip Birk, G. H. Meier, Hartman Bollier, B. Buchli, Conrad Zehner, Fred Meyer. Second tier-seated-Carl Lang, H. R. Schmidt, Emil Beutel, Otto Sawallisch, Richard Thoes, Carl Schubert, August Peters, Rein- hold Diepenbrock, August Ohst, Fritz Brunner, George Femmel.
AN OLD LANDMARK
At Lookout Station, four miles south of Alma. Just across the road was the old sawmill. Col. Sanford had brought it down from Manhattan. It had an incumbrance but a night drive shook it off, and before the sun went down again the old mill took a rest. Mr. Spieker built the log house for Knopf, who started a store. Then came Goldstandt & Cohen, followed by "Butter-Hanness." His other name was John or Hans, but because he took butter in trade he was known far and wide as "Butter-Hanness." Then came Wm. Sol- scheid, before building his store in Alma. Col. Sanford boarded at Ed. Krapp's and a lawsuit of six years duration was the sequel. Ed. got judgment for $800 and the old mill was sold for scrap iron. Spieker ran the postoffice in the log cabin in the ravine north of the old station. But in the fall of 1866 Alma was voted the county seat and naturally wanted a post office nearer home. The driver on the Americus and Wamego mail line reported in favor of Alma and one day Mr. August Meyer got his commission and went out and got the records. Then the county officers got their mail at home-Alma had taken another step forward-it had a postoffice of its own. Then
274 EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.
the people began putting on airs-they wanted mail twice a week. and asked for a mail route to Council Grove and another to Burlingame and a third line to Mission creek. They soon objected to the wind blowing on mail days, as the waves in the Kaw river ran so high the boat couldn't cross and in consequence there was no mail.
HAYING AT CHRIS LANGVARDT'S.
Showing how things are done on the broad prairies of Kansas by men of push and energy who surprise the world by doing things. For years Mr. Chris Langvardt was the leading cattle and hog buyer of Alta Vista and it was with feelings of deepest regret when it was announced that this popular dealer would retire from the business. His method of working in the hay field was but an index of Mr. Lang- vardt's manner of conducting the farm on business principles.
Threshing at the Palenske farm by horse power is now a thing of the past but in the days gone by all welcomed the coming of the threshers. It was like a reunion. With jest and song the work went merrily on. Even the women of the household, with their increased burdens, couldn't say they disliked the annual threshing bee of ye olden time.
WILMINGTON.
Historic old town. A few years ago it was our opinion that the old stone buildings would insure the old landmark a permanent reminder of the old Santa Fe trail. But the stone buildings were con- crete and most of them have fallen to decay. But the old town is a relic of the past, nevertheless. O. H. Sheldon was the first postmaster and H. D. Shepard, the first storekeeper. In 1870, besides Mr. Shep- ard, there were two other stores, kept by Penfield & Son, and by James Cripps & Co., Dr. Wilkerson had built a drug store and Dr. Easter was talking of building another, Henry Burns ran a blacksmith shop and J. and H. McPherson, builders, had all they could do. Then came John Buchanan with his store and shoe shop, and. soon after, the hotel. Then there were Rice Lewis and Jack Turner-two bachelors -who, later on, quit the business. Then, there was John Easter, the surveyor, and Mr. Dyer, both of whom have gone from among us. But Sam Bright still holds the fort and Mr. Prothrow, who has written J. P. after his name all his life and he is still at it-a worthy citizen and one of the old-timers. Wilmington, as a reminder of the old Santa Fe trail is still there-a memory of the long ago.
EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 275
HALIFAX STATION
Before the building of the railroad was known as "Bismarck." Trouble relative to mail matters was the cause of the change so far as the postoffice department was concerned. Sacks of mail intended for people attending the fair at "Bismarck Grove," near Lawrence, prompted a change in the name. "Go to Halifax" is as old as the hills but as many people in Wabaunsee county could not, without great inconvenience, obey the mandate, we bring Halifax to them.
AN INTERESTING FAMILY.
Alma people will readily recognize Miss Minnie, the handsome daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Palenske, as the principal figure of this interesting family. How natural to be just a little partial to the baby of the household. But Miss Minnie is seemingly proud of them all, nevertheless. Child nature is alike the world over and that we are all, at best, but children of larger growth is every day exemplified. But for the love of the human family for the little ones the world would, indeed, be a blank.
POYNTZ AVENUE IN 1866.
Those who know something of the bustle and energy characteris- tic of Manhattan's busiest thoroughfare of today will hardly realize that but a few short years ago the prolonged stopping of a government wagon train and scores of lazy ox teams on the main street of the town would cause no serious impediment to travel.
But to the old-timer the immense ricks of hay stacked near the timber on the banks of the Blue river tell the story-the train has stopped for forage, preparatory to a camp for the night at the "Devil's Elbow"-a short distance down the river. This was one of the most desirable camping places on the military road from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Riley. The timber for firewood was plentiful and there was an abundance of good water-two of the essential requisites of a good camping place.
Usually sufficient corn was taken along for the trip but the farm- ers along the route were depended on to supply the trains with hay. Crossing the Pottawatomie reservation Eli Nadeau, Louis Vieux, and Pat Behan were always well supplied with forage, and if chickens, butter, and eggs were wanted to help out the commissary supplies these worthy people were amply provided with the needed luxuries.
There were few stores in Manhattan then and the customers were
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EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.
not so plentiful that the stopping of a train on the main street of the town wasn't a welcome incident of the time. It meant brisk times for the merchants and a supply of gloves and warm clothing for their customers. The engraving is an excellent index of the conditions as they existed when the best of Kansas towns was an infant.
STUEWE BROS.' CREAMERY.
Though long since set aside for more lucrative enterprises the creamery of ten years ago is an excellent example of what can be accomplished by honest effort and capable management. Teams were sent into nearly every neighborhood in the county to gather cream for the plant. The product was excellent in quality and the quantity surprisingly large. From a small beginning the business grew until the proportions were gigantic-laying the foundation for the band- some competence now enjoyed by the firm of Stuewe Bros., bankers and heavy dealers in cattle.
OUT SERVING A WRIT.
A book devoid of a little spice would be as savorless as meat with- out salt-hence the picture of a former popular sheriff out for an airing. Born in Kansas he realizes the necessity of taking along at any and all seasons, an overcoat, umbrella, and a fan. The umbrella you see under his arm, the motion of the mules ears serve the purpose of a fan and the overcoat-well, Herman has evidently improvised a cushion out of that. The picture will cause a smile where frowns too often appear-and that accounts for its presence here.
RETURNING TO THE RESERVATION.
Waneka instead of Pem-Co-Wye was the name of the Indian warn- ing Mr. Fred Palenske of the intended uprising of the Pottawatomies (see page 22). The bulk of the Pottawatomies had gone into camp near the big spring at Mike Mueller's, the camp extending as far up the creek as Henry Schroeder's. Passing to and from the reservation over the trail past Ed. Krapp's the settlers became alarmed, the alarm being increased by the report that the Indians were nightly called together by the din of the tom-tom, and that war dances were being indulged in to incite the warriors of the tribe to deeds of valor in which the tomahawk and scalping knife were to be prominent factors in the coming struggle. To sleep in their corn fields was the rule and there were several instances where the families that for some reason
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had incurred the displeasure of the Indians had gone to Topeka for protection. Personally, Mr. Ed. Krapp believed the fear of an Indian uprising to be groundless but being aware of the general feeling of unrest among the settlers lie went to Mr. Wm. Ross (brother of Mr. Chas. Ross), the Indian agent, and induced him to go with him to the Indian camp, state the facts to the chiefs, and prevail on the Indians to return to their deserted villages on the reservation. That the efforts of Mr. Krapp and Agent Ross were successful is indicated by the illustration.
THE ROCK ISLAND EATING HOUSE,
At McFarland, is conducted on up-to-date methods. "We strive to please" is the motto of the management, and if excellent meals and a lunch counter that would do credit to any city are evidences of an intention to carry out the spirit of their motto the Rock Island people have no reason to fear any adverse criticism relative to their methods as caterers to an appreciative but hungry public. The dining room is a model of beauty, the waitresses are polite and attentive and the viands the best to be had on the market.
INDIANS IN ALMA IN 1881.
"Palmer's Indians, " they were called. The Indians were not look- ing for scalps but Palmer was after the settlers' lands. There were some flaws in the Indian titles and the members of the "lost band" had been found. Palmer came an unbidden guest and a more univer- sally despised man never set foot in Wabaunsee county. The old set- tlers will tell you that the Indians he brought with him were angels in comparison with the man who discovered them.
MAIN STREET, HARVEYVILLE,
Just as you see it from the depot platform. The old settlers of that neighborhood will be more than usually interested in this illus- tration, by reason of the contrast with the conditions existing 44 years ago-when the nearest railroad station was at Jefferson City, Missouri, and when the settlers got their scant mail from Burlingame, by chance. The floor of Mr. Henry Harvey's house was made of puncheons and that of Sam Devaney and many others were less costly but more substantial-consisting of a solid footing of mother earth. The log cabin was the rule and these were few and far between.
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EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.
RESIDENCE OF J. B. BARNES, ALMA.
One of the coziest and most attractive private residences in Alma is that of Hon. J. B. Barnes, city attorney of Alma. With a handsome lawn and walks to correspond-situated on the main business street and yet sufficiently removed from the center of trade to insure that quiet so essential to a complete home.
THE DOUBLE ARCH BRIDGE
Over West branch of Mill creek, four miles southwest of Alma. serves to make this one of the most picturesque spots in Wabaunsee county. Also a fair sample of the many substantial bridges spanning the numerous streams throughout the county-making travel over our country roads at all times safe. Delays from high waters and floods are now things of the past-a fact that is appreciated by the old set- tlers, who, in the early days, could not always leave home with a cer- tainty of returning on schedule time. But the clouds are no longer scanned-nor the weather bulletins consulted-lest a flood might cause unavoidable delays on the way.
THE ELIOT CHURCH
Is dear to the heart of every resident of Maple Hill township- each and every one of whom rejoices that it has not been abandoned - if not consigned to oblivion-by the consolidation of the Maple Hill churches, as recently proposed. Some alterations have been made in the tower since the photograph was taken, but the picture represents the old church as it was in the days gone by. The memories clustered about the old stone church are numberless and as sacred as they are old. In the churchyard lie buried the people's dead. To this hallowed spot does the suppliant turn-as the Mohammedan to his Mecca-in offering prayers to the Most High. "Tis here the people come to hold silent commune with those who have gone before. 'Tis here they expect to return when their earthly task is completed; when the Master's work is done.
HISTORY.
In 1874, it seemed best by some of the families who had recently settled at Maple Hill, from New England, that something be done for the religions welfare of the people of that thriving little city. With that end in view Sunday school was organized in Dist. No. 39. The permanent organization was perfected October 11, 1874, with sixteen
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members. By spring there were one hundred names on the roll, with. an actual average attendance of thirty. Rev. L. M. Scribner, of St. Marys, as well as some of the Topeka pastors, preached occasionally and the desire for a permanent organization increased.
By the advice of Rev. R. D. Storrs, superintendent of the Kansas home missionary society, and other pastors who had preached here, the necessary steps were taken, and on June 3, 1875, a council of neigh- boring churches convened in the above school house with R. D. Parker, of Manhattan, moderator, and the following churches were repre- sented by pastor and delegate:
Topeka, South, Rev. Linus Blakesly and delegate; Topeka, North, Miss H. C. Castle, delegate; St. Marys, Rev. L. M. Scribner and dele- gate: Louisville, Rev. H. C. Scotford and delegate; Manhattan, Rev. R. D. Parker; Alma, Rev. H. Jones and delegate; Dover, Rev. F. P. Newcomb and delegate; Wabannsee, C. B. Lines and E. F. Burt, dele- gates; Quindaro, Rev. S. D. Storrs.
After the devotional exercises Mr. William H. Warren read the record of the previous meetings, conducted by the band of Christian workers, who proposed to organize the church, also the covenant and articles of faith they wished to adopt. The council then retired for deliberation and reported an approval.
The following program was then carried out to complete the organization:
Sermon, by Rev. L. Blakesly, of Topeka; Reading of the articles of faith and covenant, by Rev. L. M. Scribner; Right hand of fellowship, R. D. Parker: Charge to the church, Rev. S. D. Storrs; Prayer, by Rev. Harvey Jones; Benediction, by Rev. S. W. Newcomb.
The following were enrolled as charter members:
Messrs. Dura Warren, W. H. Warren, G. W. Moore, J. W. Wood- ford, Henry Allen, Thomas McElroy; Mesdames J. A. M. Cheney, Dura Warren, W. H. Warren, G. W. Moore, Thomas McElroy, A. F. Thayer; Misses Alice Warren and Annie E. Warren.
In the meantime services were continued in the school house until August, 1882, when the stone church was dedicated, free from debt. Cemetery grounds were laid out adjacent to the church and the following year the parsonage was built. The following are the names of the ministers who have served the church:
Revs. L. M. Scribner, Albert Matson, Pliny Smith, J. Mavers, Oscar Ostrum, William S. Crouch.
At the time of the dedication in 1882, Rev. W. S. Crouch accepted a call as the pastor of the church, and, with a short intermission, has continued to preach until the present time.
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