Early history of Wabaunsee County, Kansas, with stories of pioneer days and glimpses of our western border.., Part 33

Author: Thomson, Matt
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Alma, Kansas
Number of Pages: 784


USA > Kansas > Wabaunsee County > Early history of Wabaunsee County, Kansas, with stories of pioneer days and glimpses of our western border.. > Part 33


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36


April 14th, whirlwind on Nehring branch hurled cow 20 feet, striking against stone wall and breaking her neck.


During the prevalence of smallpox P. F. Johnson made arrange- ments with Drs. Brasche and Wharry to vaccinate all who desired it frec. Dr. Weaver, of Wabaunsee, vaccinated 466 persons during the scare.


Mrs. Catherine Greemore (nee Bourassa), an historical character favorably known to every traveler across the reserve by reason of her many kind acts, died March 17th.


1873.


Robert Shaw operated the first woolen mill in the county-on the head of Mission-creek. Mr. Herb Shaw peddled the product of the mills through the adjacent territory in a two-horse wagon.


In February, John Schwanke was appointed postmaster at Moltke (Cobb); Henry Grimm, at Grimm postoffice, and Charles Lehmberg, at Berlin (Templin).


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EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.


J. W. McComb killed large catamount within a rod of his house, on Mission creek, in May.


Lincoln house, in Alma, opened by T. R. McElroy, in September.


Among the many losses from prairie fires this year was the resi- dence of Judge Hall, at Wabaunsee, burned Friday night, November 14th. Loss $4,000, including 60 tons hay, 300 bushels corn, 1,800 lbs. cheese, and 6 fat hogs. Also, Geo. S. Burt's stables, grain, etc. Mr. Finn, near Eskridge, lost hay and stables. Kuenzli and Nicely, a large amount of hay. Much property destroyed on Rock creek. H. J. Loomis, W. H. Coleman, and James McMahan, each lost everything except dwelling.


1874.


Catholic church erected. No resident priest until 1880. Supplied by Jesuit fathers from St. Marys. Then Fr: Hundhausen until 1891; Fr. Hohe until 1892; Fr. Bollwig until 1895; Fr. Cihal, August, 1895, until March, 1896: then Fr. Kamp-the present incumbent.


Sylvester Kraemer, on Rock creek, killed six deer during the heavy snows in January.


John S. Buchanan was appointed postmaster at Wilmington in May. I. L. French, at French Valley, in August, and Geo. W. Moore, at Maple Hill, the same month.


In July, stages left Alma for Wamego, daily; for Silver Lake, twice each week, Tuesdays and Fridays; for Americus and Council Grove, every Wednesday, and for Burlingame and Topeka, every Friday.


In October, 500 Otoe Indians left their reservation in Southern Nebraska, to join the Osages, who were reported going on the war- path. A runner overtook the band at Marysville and induced about half of the warriors to return to the reservation. The remainder got as far as Wamego when they were intercepted by troops sent out from Fort Riley, where the chiefs and head men were imprisoned. About 200 went into camp three miles northeast of Wamego, alarming the settlers by their presence in the vicinity of their homes.


On a trip from Alma to Wamego, in December, a large gray wolf followed the hack several miles. Quite a number of shots were fired before his wolfship changed his course.


During December of this year the first fire department in Alma was organized. John Gibson was mayor.


This is known in Kansas Annals as the "grasshopper year." The grasshoppers (or locusts) came in myriads, obscuring the sun, and in a few short hours transformed a land teeming with plenty into a desert


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EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.


waste. A truthful story would savor of Munchausonism and the narrator be set down as unworthy of belief. They devoured every green thing, even to the leaves of the trees and their excrement falling into the streams poisoned the fish. Many cattle died from drinking the water and others were fatally poisoned by eating the remains of the fodder shocks on which they had alighted and partly devoured. Melons were caten to the core and the vines destroyed. A patch of turnips was but as a luncheon, the insects burrowing into the cham- bers hollowed out by their mandibles. There had been a dearth of moisture and between drouth and the grasshoppers the settlers were ground as between the upper and nether millstones. Millions of holes were bored in the ground, wherein myriads of eggs were deposited, and when the warm sunshine of spring came, from every egg was hatched a grasshopper. To destroy the insects many plans were devised but little was accomplished. They had come as unbidden guests and the plagued pests had seemingly settled down for another feast when their wings were unfolded and they departed-as uncer- emoniously as they had come, and, it is hoped, to a place where grass- hoppers' visits are more welcome than in Kansas.


1875.


The News of January 6th, said: Three more days of pleasant weather will place the Alma Salt Works in full blast.


School opened in the new stone building, January 18th.


On January 20th, fires were started under 25 huge kettles at the Salt Works. The owners were: John Winkler, Joseph Treu, Henry Schmitz, August Meyer, G. Zwanziger, and Frank Rickershauser. The News says: "The town is happy, the community is happy, that there is a permanent manufacturing enterprise in our midst that will be a source of revenue for all time to come." Hundreds of cords of wood, covering several acres of ground were piled near the works. Salt was sold at two dollars a barrel.


The News of March 17th, contained this item: "It is reported that a spring trap went off at a smoke house door on the East branch of Mill creek one night last week and that a certain man has been sick in bed ever since. " The smoke house belonged to Ed. Krapp, and the man-died.


April 26th. George Boydston had an eye knocked out by boys throwing stones.


On the night, of March 16th, an attempt was made to burn the bank but was frustrated by Harry Licht. The fire was among a lot of


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EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN. 331 .


rubbish and a barrel of coal oil and three kegs of powder were already in the blaze.


The News of May 19th, says: "Prof. M. Kast sends up a grand balloon from Winkler's hotel Friday night."


Snokomo P. O. established in June, G. S. Kneeland, postmaster.


Alma made a money order office July 5th, Geo. Fechter, post- master. First order issued to John T. Keagy.


July 4th, John Spiecker's house struck by lightning. Mr. Spiecker unconscions for six hours.


August 24th, stranger from Missouri, while herding sheep near west line of county, killed by tree falling on him, while asleep.


September 23d, Carl Fink thrown from wagon near Wm. Krieg's place, crossing of Spring creek. Died from injuries following Sunday.


October 17th, F. C. Simon had leg broken in two places while hitching up young horse to light wagon.


October 20th, Gus Droege reports to News raised 120 bushels corn to acre by actual measurement, A. Kettermann reports 800 bushels on six acres.


October, Mrs. Woods, of Rock creek, narrowly escaped death from bite of tarantula.


December 6th, Mr. Buttenhoff, of Spring creek, killed near Blas- ing's, on Deep creek, by team running away. Was coming home from Manhattan with load of lumber.


News, December 8th: "The beavers are building a dam on Mill creek, near east line of Henry Schmitz' new farm. Their work is a curiosity. Large cottonwoods are cut and thrown into the stream with as much precision as though felled by the most expert axemen. Brush and mud are laid upon the logs and their work is well secured. They have already raised the water two feet."


Mails in 1875: Left Alma for Pavilion, Wabaunsee, and Wamego, daily. Left Alma for Newbury, Maple Hill, Plowboy, and Silver Lake, twice a week. Left Alma for Bismark, Eskridge, Harveyville, and Burlingame, weekly. Left Alma for Grimm, Templin, Moss Springs, Munson, and Council Grove, weekly. Left Alma for Rockton, Grant, Dover, and Topeka, weekly. Left Alma for Cobb, Chalk Mound, Agnes City, Dow creek, and Americus, weekly. Left Esk- ridge for Chalk Mound and Council Grove, weekly. Left Eskridge for French Valley, Waushara, and Emporia, weekly. Left Eskridge for Ilarveyville and Burlingame, weekly. Left Eskridge for Bismark and Alma, weekly.


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EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.


1876.


February 2d, Ed. Colcher, age 17, killed in front of school house at Newbury by being thrown from horse, breaking his neck. Horse scared by two dogs fighting.


June 24th, Miss McGregor, of Mission creek, killed by being thrown under horses feet while driving a two-horse wagon.


'The sixth annual fair of the Wabaunsee County Agricultural association was held at Alma, October 3-4.


In April, a daughter of Wm. Wiley, of Wabaunsee, died of a snake bite inflicted in 1872.


W. M. Rinehart started store at Corners in the spring of 1876.


At the October term of court W. A. Fry was convicted of maim- ing in the fourth degree. Escaped from Sheriff Hoskinson. (See page 108).


December 1st, Mrs. Schroeder, of Farmer township, fell dead while milking.


1877.


In February, Rocky Ford postoffice established, M. W. Janes, postmaster.


Friday night, March 2d, type in News office pied. In the fall campaign controversy through the columns of the only newspaper were long and bitter-communications from two to six columns in length were frequent. The Farmer's Savings bank was a bone of contention, it being urged that a levy of an extra mill had been made to secure a surplus for the bank.


Tower to Catholic church erected in March. Rev. Frank B. Smith moved into M. E. parsonage in September.


Bourn's sawmill in Watson's timber, one and one-half miles south- west of Alma.


Item in the News, March 28th: "As Mr. J. W. Emerson was on the road to Wamego one day last week, about two miles west of Wa- baunsee a large gray wolf suddenly appeared by the side of the wagon and attacked his large shepherd dog, which was saved only by the interference of Mr. Emerson. Those having little children should be careful not to let them wander from the house, alone."


Stone school house at Harveyville built, size 31x43.


J. M. Lingfelter, at April session, was appointed county superin- tendent to fill vacancy caused by resignation of F. W. Kroenke.


Cheese factory opened at Wabaunsee in May.


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EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.


W. T. Pollock opened a store in Col. Sanford's building, at Esk- ridge, in October.


Tuesday, July 3d, Marvin, a son of Capt. R. J. Stephenson, was killed by lightning in Maple Hill township while crossing the prairie on horseback. His brother, a mile away, was also stunned, and a son of Mr. Fauerbach was shocked by lightning.


While pulling a gun out of a wagon muzzle foremost Arthur Rand received gunshot wound in arm. Saturday, November 3d, limb ampu- tated by Drs. Patee and Spillman, of Manhattan.


1878.


January 30th, a large wildcat killed by J. W. Bowman on Pretty creek.


Mr. Brooks, of Mission creek, erects windmill to grind grain, in January.


D. P. Matthews, of Maple Hill, died of heart disease while eating breakfast. Left large family; two daughters taught school.


Lutheran and M. E. churches built. Also, Waushara M. E. church.


March 9th, Harvey Thomson's residence on Hendrick's creek burned.


March 31st, Mrs. Bertram Klein, of Halifax, died of heart disease while sitting in her chair.


Buildings being scarce at the "Corners" W. M. Rinehart rented a part of the room occupied by his store to Ira Hodgson for a harness and shoe shop. The two departments were separated by a chalk mark on the floor.


June 30th, W. W. Cone reported a hog raised by D. C. Keeler, of Mission creek, weighing 900 pounds, measuring 7 feet 3 inches long; height, 3 feet 1 inch: breadth, through shoulders, 25 inches: circum- ference, 7 feet.


While passing under a sycamore tree at the Moon crossing of Mission creek, on Sunday, June 30th, at 4 p. m., Mr. and Mrs. Allen Phillips were killed by lightning. The team was uninjured and stopped in front of Mr. Moon's house, a quarter of a mile west of the creek. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips were returning to their home (the Godard ranch) from a visit to his son, L. M. Phillips, of North Topeka. Some time previous Mr. Phillips had expressed the belief that he and his wife would die suddenly and at the same time. Mr. Phillips was one of the first settlers in Newbury township and was one of the five men who laid out the town of Newbury. Was a lead-


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EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.


ing citizen, and owned one of the best farms in the county, being extensively engaged in raising wheat.


On February 7th, the following were enrolled in the principal's department of the Alma school (two teachers were employed): Otto Zwanziger, Ottilie and Arthur Schmitz, Otto Hess, Willie and Minnle Pauly, Charles, Jerry, James, Sell, and Ulysses Fields, Emma and Richard Thoes, Margery, Lizzie, and John McElroy, Geo. Fechter, Amelia, Robert, Arthur, and Otto Winkler, Frank Lenk, Frank Jackson, Emil Beutel, George and Willle Huebner, Rosa, Maggle, and Frank Ressler, Josle, Ida, and Frank Wiedemann, Matilda and Ilenry Palenske, and Joseph Hensel.


1879.


No newspaper file could be found for this year.


August 2d, 138,700 bonds voted for M. A. & B. Railroad, to run 30 years from July 1, 1880.


1880.


Eskridge (the new town) platted in April and first house hauled on the town site by Dr. Trivett and placed on corner where bank now located. First residence built by Dr. Trivett, for O. T. Lamb.


August 4th, Fred Muehlehbacher found dead in timber. Disap- peared the 3d. Grape vine around neck with body supported by pole. January 5th, attempt made to break into vault in county treas- urer's office. Hole drilled through outer door, powder poured in and exploded. Vault now used by surveyor.


March 16th, Willle Fortner, Zeandale, while out hunting shot by accidental discharge of companion's gun.


May 23d, M. Gehrts' house burned.


The News of June 30th says of Eskridge: "J. H. Lawler has opened a hotel, and Mudge, a general store. Three or four dwellings erected and foundations for others.


July 5th (the 4th coming on Sunday) was a gala day for Alma. 5,000 people and 5 bands. Alma was celebrating the 4th and our first rallroad. Col. Sanford delivered excellent speech concerning the growth of transportation facilities in the United States.


July 18th, rallroad reached Wabaunsec.


Fairfield postoffice established, Hiram Musselman, postmaster.


July 26th, arrangements made to move buildings at the "Corners" to Eskridge.


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EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.


August 25th, S. T. Wright making 20 barrels salt per day at Alma Salt Works.


September 1st, first mail carried on M. A. & B.


September 17th, William Hare, brakeman on M. A. & B., got foot caught in switch at Alma depot and two wheels ran over leg, necessi- tating amputation. Accident occurred Friday morning and operation performed at 5 p. m. Died during operation.


1881.


In 1881, contracts were let to run mall lines from Alma by way of Newbury, Paxico, Maple Hill, Post creek, Plowboy, and Valencia, to Topeka. From Alma via Grimm, Templin, Albion, Chester, Damorris, and Luther, to Council Grove. From Junction City via Briggs and Elvenia, to Alma. From Waushara via Wilmington, to Burlingame. From Eskridge via Chalk and Alburtis, to Council Grove. From Esk- ridge via French Valley, Allen, Ivy, and Dell, to Emporia. From Bismark (Halifax) via Rockton, Snokomo, Mission creek, Keene, and Dover, to Topeka.


January 7th, Charlle Vannatta had left leg shattered by acciden- tal discharge of shotgun. Died Tuesday following.


January 14th, Bennington Ayres, Wabaunsee, commits suicide.


February 14th, Alexander Chambers, teamster for the "Colony" (Rock creek) found frozen on prairie.


September 1st, Newt Gann killed by lightning while riding a mule and leading some horses, six miles northwest of Alma.


September 8th, German, named Hestel dropped dead while plow- ing in tield on Kuenzli creek.


September 27th, first big fire in Alma. Krueger building burned at noon. Supposed cause: Boys and matches. G. G. Cornell lost library of 1,000 volumes, family souvenirs and valuable manuscript. Dr. Greene lost library. Fred Meyer and Mrs. Sawallisch lost every- thing.


October 5th, Matt. Fooks kills George Miller on Spring creek. (See page 162).


November, foundation for Congregational church in Alma put in -for stone building.


Mr. S. T. Wright reports making 25 to 30 barrels purest salt per day at Alma Salt Works.


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EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.


1882.


January 20th, suicide of G. W. Adam-shotgun.


April 5th, Charles McQuarrie shot Armenia Lapham and himself at the Lapham farm, Wabaunsee.


April 14th, Mrs. Semena Cann's body found in Farmer township, 200 yards from house, in hazel brush. Last seen about March 6tlı.


A. Ketterman found pieces of lead as large as peas in sand pump while drilling well one and one-half miles south of Alma.


March 31st, Francis Downey kicked to death by horse. Thrown and caught foot in harness.


May 14th, Evangelical church dedicated.


August 17th, Congregational church and cemetery at Maple Hill dedicated.


1883.


Annie, the two year old daughter of W. E. Richcy, fell from south end of west porch at State house. Fell 20 feet.


April 13th, buildings at Meyer place, used for poor farm, demol- ished by cyclone.


April 13th, Daniel McGonigle, Kaw, killed by lightning.


April 14th, the five year old son of C. Kobiske died from hydro- phobia.


June, Fred Meyer feeding 30,000 silk worms on leaves of the Osage orange.


October, Copp erected telephone line from store to his house.


. Nov. 8th, W. H. Earl's house burned near Eskridge; loss, $2,000.


December 17th, F. L. Raymond's house at Vera damaged $300 by fire.


1884.


May 6th, a small cyclone demolished house occupied by J. Liston and family, Maple Hill. Family had just left the house.


52 buildings erected in Alma during the year.


The News of May 21st said that the number of plug hats seen on the streets was another evidence of Alma's advancement towards metropolitan importance.


June 13th, corner stone of Catholic church at Newbury laid.


July 23d, Wm. Maike fell 26 feet, receiving severe injuries to spine while building Newbury church.


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EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.


October 16th, Greenwood's barn, Kaw township, burned. .


October 27th, remains of Charles Koch found by John Bingaman, half mile north of Hendricks creek crossing. Identified by clothing; last seen April 18th.


November Ist, Licht & Lingfelter put in telephone from their land office to court house.


November 9th, Frank McKee, 15 year old son of Henry McKee, near Eskridge, killed by accidental discharge of gun.


November 15th, August Kietzmann, Sr., dropped dead in his yard.


November 16th, George D. Godard accidentally killed by gun being drawn through fence.


1885.


January 25th, M. E. church, at Wabaunsee, dedicated.


March, Rockton postoffice established; Agnes Hill, postmistress.


March 10th, R. B. Spillman appointed judge.


March 28th, A. O. Hogbin's barn and six horses burned.


May 25th, James Sparks died at Star hotel (opposite Mrs. Meyer's) from overdose of laudanum.


June 22d, Ham Stone's house, Maple Hill, burned by lamp up- setting.


July 18th, fire in rear of F. C. Simon's store-loss $1,000.


August 17th, stone barn of W. S. Combs, Kaw, burned-horses and machinery.


September 12th, John Ewing, on A. Norlin's place died of kick from a horse.


October 2d, Geo. Holmes' barn, three horses burned.


November 8th, wildcat killed three miles south of Alma.


November 15th, Arthur Haller killed by accidental discharge of gun.


November, postoffice at Elvenia discontinued.


December 13th, Dura Warren's residence, Maple Hill, burned. Loss $7,000.


1 88.6.


January 9th, Lewis Clark's house, Snokomo, burned.


February 13th, M. W. Janes' barn burned, Maple Hill, loss $7,000. June 3d, John Clark's barn, Elm creek, burned, loss $6,000.


June 26th, young man named Krleger killed by lightning on Pretty creek. While plowing took shelter in vacant house.


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EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.


July 17th, Rock Island bonds voted. In four townships 690 for and 29 against.


August 20th, A. Stech's house, near Paxico, burned.


August 29th, the 14 year old son of B. F. Funkhouser, Mission creek, drowned while bathing.


August 30th, Arthur Hare, eight years old, drowned while bathing in Mill creek at Alma.


October 19th, barn on Fowler's ranch burned by lamp explosion- 15 horses-loss 810,000.


Pike laid out by W. D. Deans in October. Name changed to Cable City, and in March, 1887 to Alta Vista.


Paxico laid out and named in December.


1887.


March 8th, Allen Hodgson's house, near Harveyville, burned.


March 21st, Fred Jackson's house, Snokomo, burned.


March 25th, Rock Island reaches Alma.


March 26th, Timothy McCarthy killed by James Sleet on Rock Island grade, near Templin.


May, McFarland laid out and platted.


June 19th, H. J. Pippert's barn, Alma, burned.


August 18th, Mrs. Milton Riggin, near Wilmington, killed by lightning.


August 25th, M. Gehrt's house, Paxico, burned.


September 24th, Mrs. Bruegger's house, West Alma, burned.


October 10th, Matt Thomson's barn, Alma, burned.


November, Congregational parsonage completed.


December 12th, Brandt hotel opened.


Wamego bridge made free April 12th.


July 31st, August Herman drowned near M. A. & B. bridge.


October 7th, Jack O'Donnell run over and killed by cars at Rock Island depot.


St. Marys bridge made free October 20th.


November 15th, D. K. Pugh thrown off abutment of Rock Island bridge, west of Maple Hill. Lived five minutes; fell 22 feet.


November 5th, Frank Rice, brakeman, killed at Paxico.


January 16th, J. F. Limerick and ten others injured in wreck on


1888. 1 Rock Island, one mile west of Willard. Two sleepers derailed.


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EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.


February 19th, ten freight cars fell through Deep creek bridge. Millard Foster, fireman, killed.


March 4th, Anthony Saddler killed at McFarland in attempting to board moving freight train.


April 11th, James Woods' child, Rock creek, drowned in spring.


April 13th, Alma postoffice burglarized and safe blown open.


April 21st, 13 year old son of T. C. Austin died from kick of mule.


August 3d, Jersey Small's residence, Maple Hill township, de- stroyed by lightning; loss $10,000.


August 3d, Watson & Aderhold's store at McFarland demolished in wind storm.


September 15th, Herman Oehms, 11 years old, badly crippled at Paxico while attempting to cross the track in front of incoming train.


October 3d, 100 Pottawatomie Indians passed through Alma going on a visit with friends in Indian Territory.


November 3d, J. E. Torrington, of Topeka, while hunting near Maple Hill, had nearly all flesh torn from lower part of arm while pulling loaded gun from wagon.


November 9th, 75 head of cattle killed in M. A. & B. wreck near Pavilion.


November 19th, H. P. Jesse, a brakeman, killed while coupling cars at Maple Hill.


1889.


January 23d, Bank of Wabaunsee county failed with $20,000 lia- bilities.


February 14th, James Nelson, Mission creek, suicides. Had deeded his property to his wife. She died, leaving the property to her sisters in Sweden. A refusal of one of the sisters to marry Nelson was fol- lowed by the tragedy near Eskridge.


February 22d, a vein of coal 3 feet 8 inches thick reported at a depth of 1,680 feet at Alma coal hole.


March, first term of court 35th judicial district, Wm. Thomson, judge; C. E. Carroll, stenographer.


April 4th, C. L. Hine, while working in a box car at McFarland, killed by pistol shot fired by Chas. E. Jackson from near Denver house, 150 yards distant.


April 1st, J. H. Lynn's barn and two horses burned in prairie fire near Paxico.


April 14th, unknown man suicides at Hotel Paxico.


April 7th, Willetts' barn burned-17 horses.


May 8th, C. Kuenzli's barn burned by lightning; loss $1,000.


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EARLY HISTORY OF WABAUNSEE COUNTY, KAN.


July, Vera postoffice established-at "Grafton."


June 24th, Alma State Bank opened for business.


July 18th, Adam Diehl's two year old child drowned in hole of water at Paxico.


July 28th, seven tribes participate in Indian dances near St. Marys. September 2d, Robert Walter run over by freight train and killed -midnight.


October 26th, 14 cars derailed by cow on track on Frank Ricker- shauser's farm, near Paxico.


October, Conrad Mogge thrown from cart in crossing ditch and killed.


November 2d, corner stone of M. E. church, Alta Vista, laid.


November 3d, E. Worsley's barn and three horses burned, Maple Hill. Boys shooting pigeons.


December 2d, Billy Moore's house, Alma, burned:


December, panther seen on Hendricks creek. Welfelt boys cap- ture 25 beaver before Christmas. Muskrats, mink, and skunks by the score.


-


1890.


January 6th, Stephen Perkins, the village blacksmith at Halifax, dies suddenly. When found was sitting at stove with half filled pipe in his hand.


January 3d, John Zellers house, barn, and granary, Paxico, burned.


January 12th, Palenske building and Wetzel property (Conrad Mueller's) burned. Losses: L. Palenske, $6,500; C. Mueller, $2,500; Il. M. Berry, $1,000; D. W. Johnson, $1,000; M. Kast, $500; Masonic Lodge, $300; T. Morris, $250; Alma State Bank, $200; Henry Stein, $150.


January 12th, McNemar's store at Fairfield burned. Postoffice in building.


March 13th, William Crockett and Frank Leggitt killed at coal shaft.


March 15th, Wm. Holvey knocked from scaffold and killed while cleaning ice from coal shaft.


March 29th, Jacob S. Crohn knocked off of blind baggage and run over by train at McFarland. Raked, by brake rods. Died in Alma, April 3d.




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