History of Allen and Woodson counties, Kansas, Part 10

Author: Duncan, L. Wallace (Lew Wallace), b. 1861. cn; Scott, Charles F., b. 1860
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Iola, Kan. : Iola Register
Number of Pages: 1066

USA > Kansas > Woodson County > History of Allen and Woodson counties, Kansas > Part 10
USA > Kansas > Allen County > History of Allen and Woodson counties, Kansas > Part 10

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).

In the summer of 1883 the Christian church was organized by J. Shively at the school house, with a membership of fifteen, and reorganized in the Presbyterian church in the winter of 1885, by Henry Martin, the first pastor. In 1887 they built a house of worship. They now have sev- enty-five members. They have had as ministers Elders Dunkleberger, Lamb, Porter, Moore, Cash and Klinker.

The Baptists met and organized in the Presbyterian church. In 1892 they organized in the Christian church, with about twenty members. That same year they built, and built well. It is to be regretted that this church has been exceptionally unfortunate in losses, by death and removal. It is three years since they have had a settled pastor, and for a year they have not kept up regular services. They have enjoyed the ministrations of Elders Trout, Woods, Day and Collins.

In the early days of Moran a German Reformed church was organized, but they never built here, and finally disbanded, most of their members identifying themselves with their church at Allen Center. Rev. S. A. Alt

WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.

was the faithful pastor of this flock till 1889, when Rev. Mr. Skinner was his successor. Rev. L. S. Faust, of Iola, was in charge when the church disbanded.

All our churches have sustained heavy losses by death and removal. Most of them have active Sabbath schools, and live young people's organi- zations that are doing good work.

In 1877 Dr. Henry M. Strong removed from Fola to his farm, which is now owned by A. J. Eflin, and from that time to the fall of 1882 was truly a good Samaritan to any sick neighbor, refusing to accept any re- muneration for medical services. How many he helped and how deep was their gratitude eternity alone can reveal. In the fall of 1882, J. E. Jewell, M. D., located in Moran. In the spring of 1884, Dr. G. B. Lambeth loca - ted here. Again and again some third physician has tried to gain a foot- hold, but after a short time has sought some other place in which to prac- tice his profession.

In the fall of 1882 a school house was built east of the square, and the first teacher was Mr. Ed. Muth. School opened with a larger number on the roll than was shown by the census taken in August. As the town grew the school building was found inadequate, so in 1884 the original building was removed to make a place for a main building of two rooms, and the original has since been known as the north wing. The school did good work, and its increasing efficiency, as well as the growth of the town, made it necessary in 1892 to enlarge its quarters, so the main building was raised. This gave five rooms, but as only four were then needed, the north wing was unused for a year. In 1893 the need of a high school was so pressing that the proper steps were taken, and three years added to the course of study. That the school has done good work has been repeatedly demonstrated here, by the scholars who have left it to take their places among the respected workers and citizens of Moran. Not a few of its scholars have gone out to teach others what they learned here. Many a home is blessed by the influence that can be directly traced to the Moran school. . Those who have gone to higher institutions of learning have proved without exception, that their Alma Mater was one of which to be proud, and she has had good reason to be proud of them. Prof. C. W. Kline is now its principal, and his efficient corps of assistants is made up of Mrs. Barton, Mrs. Collins, Miss Keith and Mrs. Thomas. The school is a credit to the place. Those who have taught in it are Messrs. Muth, Johnson, Carter, Courtney, Coulter, Fogleman and Kline. Messrs. Ad- ams, Russ, Smith, Mayhu, and their wives; Mesdames Anderson, Millard, Barton, Collins and Thomas; the Misses Newman, Gay, Culbertson, Spen- cer, Brown, Pember, Ireland, Bryden, Corn, Donica, Esse, Rennells, Fuss- man and Keith.

An enterprising town like Moran early felt the need of a newspaper of its own, so a company was formed, in which prominent and public-spirited citizens took stock, and the Moran Herald came into existence. Henry Armstrong was its editor, and its first issue was in 1883. Two or three years later G. D. Ingersoll bought the paper, and later it changed hands

HISTORY OF ALLEN AND

several times, being successively owned by Leo. Fesler, W. G. Allison, Smith & Matthews, and Jay Matthews. In 1897 it was purchased by C. C. Thomas, who still owns it. His faithful efforts and careful attention to business, have secured for it a place in the front ranks of papers of its kind.

In 1887 the M. K. & T. built a road that gave direct communication with Kansas City and Parsons. This was a distinct advantage to the town in many ways, and greatly increased the shipping facilities for stock raisers.

In the matter of banks, Moran has been quite unfortunate. Winans & Post, from Erie, opened and closed their bank in 1888. They paid up all their liabilities. S. C. Varner established the People's Bank in 1888, which suspended in 1896 Later all depositors were paid. The Moran bank after five or six years existence went into the hands of a receiver in 1898. It has paid up all claims with interest. Iu 1899 the Moran State Bank was incorporated, and a long and prosperous life is anticipated for it.

The year 1897 was a disastrous year for Moran. Several fires did mnuch harm, but the one most sweeping did its work on Sabbath evening in August, when nearly all the buildings on the west side of Spruce street east of Randolph, were destroyed. Manley's hall, Ross & Augustine's of- fice and store room, Stoddard & Young's millinery, Twineham's harness shop, the Virginia hotel, Stephenson's racket, Willoughby's furniture store, Young's real estate office and Strickler's restaurant, were left but smoking ruins. The burnt district still remains a sad reminder of that terrible con- flagration.

There is no dearth of societies here. The A. O. U. W. and Degree of Honor, the M. W. A., Free Masons, Odd Fellows and Rebeccas, Knights and Ladies of Security and Fraternal Aid, are all represented. The Home Coterie, a literary organization, has lived through eight happy and pros- perous years.

A history of Moran which said nothing about its music would indeed be incomplete. Few towns of its size have possessed so many musical and music-loving people. In 1882 or 1883 the Moran orchestra was organized by P. J. McGlashan, who was at all times its leader. The charter mem- bers were P. J. McGlashan, first violin; Wm. Wheeler, second violin; S. N. Steele, cornet; H. B. Smith, bass viol; Miss Abbie Southard, piano. After the marriage and removal of Miss Southard, Miss Floy McGlashan filled the position of pianist. In the early days of the town W. H. DeHart or- ganized a brass band, and a little later S. N Steele organized another. In about a year they consolidated. The orchestra and brass band gave their first concert in the Presbyterian church before it was plastered, and from that time it only needed to be known that the Moran Orchestra was purposing to give a concert to insure an interest far and wide. A full house on the appointed evening could always be assured, and iu the audience could al- ways be found people from Iola, Savonburg, and other places more or less remote. Those annual concerts were the musical events of the year, and it is a cause of sincere regret, that removals and death so lessened their num- bers that in 1900 the Moran orchestra disbanded. There have been several

WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.

music teachers here, but for two years Miss Floy McGlashan has held her place as first. Those who receive invitations to her recitals are counted fortunate, and on the rare occasions when her scholars give a concert, a large attendance is certain. The present Moran brass band, made up of young men, is a comparatively recent organization. Every member has joined the M. W. A.

The contrast between Moran eighteen years ago and now is marked. It looked then, like many another new town, as though a few dozen large boxes had been scattered about carelessly, in which the people were stay- ing a few days. Now the town shows that it is regularly laid out; two rail- roads pass through it, giving easy and swift communication to it from all points; its school house is comfortable and convenient; there are five churches; two telephone companies have offices here, and one of them a central station. George Moore owns the livery, and is proprietor of the Pennsylvania House, a substantial brick building. The Moran State bank owns its commodious brick home. Oral Spencer and George Shopshire have each a restaurant. E. D. Rapp owns the meat market on Cedar street, and Smith & Knight are proprietors of the market on Randolph street. C. B. Keith handles coal and grain. L. B. Kinne deals in drugs and groceries. P. J. McGlashan and J. E. Hobby each handle groceries, boots and shoes. Frank Messenger carries a good stock of general merchandise. S. C. Varner keeps dry goods, groceries, hard- ware, queensware and implements, besides dealing in grain and lumber. F. E. Twineham keeps harness. Walter Lacey is the jeweler and watch- maker. H. B. Smith deals in wagons and implements. Charles Mendell has a fine hardware and tinware stock. The Farmers' and Mechanics' Lumber Company are doing a good business. J. F. Willoughby deals in furniture. John Hurly is the blacksmith. George Shopshire and W. R. Dougherty have each a barber shop. Latham has an egg-packing estab- lishment. Mrs Cobb and Mrs. Homer Varner have each a millinery, and Mrs. Young and Mrs. Minnie Kinne are kept busy in their dress-making establishment.

Moran has now a number of beautiful residences that improve its ap- pearance much; but best of all, it has many homes-homes in the truest sense of the word, from which goes forth an influence for good at all times, and in all directions.

HISTORY OF ALLEN AND

Savonburg.

BY C. A. REYNOLDS.

Savonburg is located in the extreme southeast corner of Allen county, one mile north of the Neosho county line, and four miles west of the divis- ion line between Bourbon and Allen counties.

The town was founded in 1879, at which time the post-office was established with Jolin Keen as postmaster. Mr. Keen was the first mer- chant, and kept store until 1881, when he was succeeded by A. Linville. In 1883 Mr. Linville sold out to L B. Murray, who continued the bus- iness till 1888. In the early spring of 1888, Chas. Nelson, who was destined to play an important part in the building of the town, rented the business room of L. B. Murray, and in the early part of May removed from Warnersburg, a school district three miles west, about one-half of his stock of general mer- chandise. Mr. Nelson enjoyed a good business from the start, which was greatly increased by the patronage of the various gangs of laborers engaged in the building of the Kansas City, Parsons & Pacific, now known as the M. K. & T. railway, which was completed to this point August Ist of this year.

About this time there came a corps of engineers, surveying a route for the Kansas, Nebraska & Western railroad, which was at that time the con -. struction company of the Santa Fe railway the line of definite location be- ing some 600 feet south of Main street. The engineers were soon followed by an agent, who came to secure right of way and land for a town site, and options were obtained upon 240 acres. Shortly after the Santa Fe encoun- tered the financial shoals which terminated in a receivership for the com- pany, and the project came to naught. In March, 1889, the options which had been secured by the company expired. It was then determined by the people of the vicinity that it would be advisable to organize a town com- pany, and proceed to the building of a town. Accordingly a charter was procured, and March 24, 1889, the Savonburg Town and Improvement Company formally opened for business, with an authorized capital of $25,- 000, and under the direction of the following officers: Chas Nelson, presi- dent; R. G. Cravens, vice president; L. B. Murray, secretary ; J. T. Butter- field, treasurer. Board of Directors: Chas. Nelson. R. G. Cravens, W. T. Huff, S. Huff, Wallace Young, T. B. McGuire, D. Freed, D. W. Craddock and J. T. Butterfield.

Twenty-five acres of ground were at once purchased and platted and money raised to erect three business rooms. Charles Nelson then sold his stock of merchandise to D. W. Craddock and, upon request of the Town

WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.

Company, consented to give his time and energy to push the newly platted village, which he did zealously, and with creditable results.

As is characteristic of most new towns, Savonburg experienced many set-backs and met with no little discouragement, not only to the people al- ready here, but to prospective residents as well. The principal difficulty experienced at the beginning was the lack of a depot and other railroad fa- cilities, without which business was paralyzed and progression greatly handicapped. Nothing but a small platform 8x20 feet alongside the main track, and a spur switch 400 feet long had yet been provided, and rival towns were therefore privileged to make the assertion that no better facili- ties ever would be provided for "the burg" by the railway company.

Notwithstanding these difficult problems and numerous other hard- ships, a little flame of righteou: indignation kindled within the hearts of the few brave residents-a flame which was never extinguished by its own reaction.

In March, 1890, complaint having been made by Charles Nelson in behalf of the people to the State Board of Railroad Commissioners against the M. K. & T. Railway, the representatives of the railway were cited to appear and show cause why they should not be compelled to provide the needed facilities. It had been shown before the hearing that for eight months previous, the company's receipts at this place were $1,000 and over per month. The company very wisely decided to at once erect a depot, stock yards, switch, etc., and never has it had cause to regret the money here invested, as Savonburg for the past ten years has borne the well-mer- ited reputation of being the best shipping point on the division.

When these necessities had been granted by the M. K. & T. people, the town was, for the first time, squarely upon its feet, and upon equal terins with competing points. Rivalry was then laid aside, and all joined hands and worked together for the upbuilding of the town and community. Thus step by step, Savonburg has advanced from an insignificant hamlet to a substantial country town of about 300 inhabitants, remarkable for her business interests, and particularly as a shipping point for live stock, grain and broom corn. The town enjoys an immense trade from the west. from the prosperous Swedish farmers of East Cottage Grove and Elsmore town- ships, and receives a large volume of business from the country tributary to the town in all directions.

Many merchants and residents have come and gone within the past decade which has marked the town's career. Some have crossed the Dark River into eternity. Where others have gone, we do not know; and still, a goodly number of the pioneer merchants and citizens are with us today, most of them, happily enough, blessed with the comforts of life.

The Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway officials manifest their interest in Savonburg by keeping pace with the rapid progress of the town, and making such improvements as are demanded from the business public from time to time. The recent remodeling and doubling in size of the depot at this point is evidence of this fact. The stock yards are also well equipped.

HISTORY OF ALLEN AND

R. B. Oliver is the present local freight and ticket agent; C. E. Aldrich night operator.

The Savonburg Record was established April 1, 1898, by C. A. Reyn- olds. The paper is widely circulated, and prosperous Previous to the es- tablishment of the Record. the Trio-News, by E. A. Jordan, the Sentinel, by T. V. Campbell, and other newspapers suspended publication, after a limited existence.

The school house was built in 1889, and a few years later enlarged to its present size. The district has always employed the best teachers obtain- able, and as a consequence, is reputed to be one of the best graded schools in the county. U. R. Courtney principal, and Mrs. A. V. Lodge assistant, are the proficient instructors now in charge. There are two churches in Savonburg, the Methodist Episcopal, H. I. Dodson pastor, and the Friends' house of worship, L. W. McFarland, pastor. The members of the Christian church hold services at the school house. The Mt. Moriah Methodist Protestant church is one mile south of town; James M. Frame is the local pastor.

There are, perhaps, as many lodges in Savonburg as any town of com- parative size in the state-Masonic. Eastern Star, Odd Fellows, Rebekah, Workmen, Degree of Honor, Woodmen, Royal Neighbors, Knights and Ladies of Security, and A. H. T. A., all of which are on a sound basis, and have large memberships.

Savonburg is graced by the presence of many silvery-haired veterans of the civil war, than whom there are no better citizens.

Savonburg Post No. 421 G. A. R., O. P. Matson commander, is a worthy and substantial organization.

Since the building of the town her residents have all been, and are today, self-sustaining. It has never been the misfortune of any at this place to seek the county's aid for maintenance. Idleness is unknown, and loafers are conspicuous only by their absence.

The question of incorporating the town has been but little agitated, and steps have never been taken in that direction, probably for the reasons that the best of order is maintained, and the streets and the walks are well looked after by the citizens who possess that sense of public pride which needs no prompting by a mayor or city council.

BEEN

IOLA HIGH SCHOOL

ALLEN COUNTY COURT HOUSE

HUMBOLDT HIGH SCHOOL

"'STONY LONESOME"

WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.

humboldt.

This is a thriving business town, situated in the southwest part of the county. The location is a desirable one, on the level valley land, on both the east and west banks of the Neosho river. The business portion of the town is on the east bank of the river, and about one-half mile from its bank. Coal Creek forms part of the southern limits. The two railroads are the Southern Kansas Division of the A. T. & S. F. on the east side, and the Missouri Kansas & Texas on the west side of the river.

The population of Humboldt is about 1400, and the town at present is about at a standstill; though there are prospects of increased progress in the near future. There are here some of the best business houses in the county, and the town enjoys a large and prosperous trade. The Neosho river turnishes an abundant water power, which has long been utilized for manufacturing purposes. The citizens are of a substantial class and progressive.

In the fall of 1856 B. M. Blanton, a Methodist missionary, in making a trip through southern Kansas, became impressed with the idea that this was an excellent point for the foundation of a town. He returned to Law- rence and told his brother, N. B. Blanton, and J. A. Coffey of this selec- tion, advising them to locate a townsite. In March 1857, J. A. Coffey se- lected the site and with the aid of a pocket compass made a temporary sur- vey. He found an abandoned log cabin there; it had been built the spring before by some claimant who abandoned the country. In the fall of 1856 Charles Baland, who was sick, abandoned the claim near there, and moved into the cabin, where he spent the winter, and in the spring, intending to leave the country, he presented the cabin and his claim to the land to Mrs. E. H. Young, but finally decided to remain, and located another claim where his farm now is. Coffey finding a claim on the land paid $20 for it, to secure peaceable possession. He then returned to Lawrence, where he and Blanton inet a German colony, which was induced to help them form the town.

The German colony was organized in Hartford, Connecticut, during the winter of 1856-7, and consisted of E. M. Serenbets, Jacob Schleicher, William Lassman, John Frixel, Franz Trontz-Landerwasser, A. Senner, H. Zwanziger and N. Kemmerer. All of these with the exception of the last named, who did not come until a year later, arrived at Lawrence in March 1857. There they were met by Blanton and Coffey, who induced them to locate on their townsite. The Humboldt town company was organized, and the town so named in honor of Baron Von Humboldt. Among the members were J. A. Coffey, N. B. Blanton, F. M. Serenbets, J. H. and W. H.

HISTORY OF ALLEN AND

Signor, Dr. Hartman and A. D. Searle. The German portion of the col- ony arrived May 10th 1857, and were soon followed by Coffey, Blanton and others.

The first house built was of logs, built for J. A. Coffey, at a cost of $25. It was located on Bridge street, on the east side of the river. The next house was built southwest of Coffey's in the summer of 1857, and was known as "Bachelor's Hall." It was occupied during the summer by Dr. G. A. Miller, R. M. Works, J. W. Sperring, J. H. and H. W. Signor, B. H. Whitlow and W. W. Pollock. During the same summer, a man by the name of Clark, built a two-story log hotel. In June J. A. Coffey opened a store in a cabin in the timber near the river. This store was soon after sold to W. C. O'Brien.

During the summer of 1857, Orlin Thurston, a young attorney, was persuaded to locate at Humboldt, and put up a steam saw-mill He soon began sawing lumber, and then building began on the prairie portion of the towusite, where the business center now is.

Before this most of the building was in the timber along the river. In the spring of 1858, Charles Fussman opened a tinshop, in a log cabin in the timber.

The first frame building erected was on the corner of Eighth and Bridge streets. which was a residence and store of J. A. Coffey. It was af- terward part of a cigar manufactory of W. H. Holtschneider, destroyed du- ring the fire of 1883.

In the spring of 1858, a steam saw and grist mill was opened by W. C. O'Brien. The mill was hauled from Jefferson City, Mo., and required the use of nine yoke of oxen and one span of horses. It took fifty-four days to make the trip both ways. The mill was in operation by May Ist, and had one run of burrs. It was the first grist mill in the county.

During 1858 the town grew quite rapidly. Prominent among the set- tlers of that year was John R. Goodiu, who afterwards distinguished himself as a district judge, and as a member of Congress.

The first physician to locate in Humboldt, was George A. Miller, in 1857. His office was first in a tent, and his sign "physician and surgeon," was nailed to a jack oak tree.

The postoffice was established in 1858, and A. Irwil appointed post- master. A postal route had been established from Lawrence the same year. Before that time the mail was brought from Fort Scott by private carriers. Among them were S. J. Stewart and a young man named Dot- son. The mail was weekly until 1865, when it was changed to tri-weekly, and not long after to daily.

The first brick was made at Humbolt in 1859, on the place later owned by Capt. O. S. Coffin, adjoining the town on the south.

Prior to the year 1860, meetings of the town company were held at Lawrence, and some of the members never moved to Humboldt. On June 20th, however, the company reorganized and was incorporated under the · name of the Humboldt Town Association, which was composed of N. B. Blanton, J. A. Coffey, J. H. Signor, George A. Miller and W. C. O'Brien.

WOODSON COUNTIES, KANSAS.

The townsite was entered on Nov. 16, 1860, by J. G. Rickard, in trust for the Town Association.

In 1861 the United States land office was removed to Humboldt from Fort Scott. N. B. Blanton had been elected a member of the first state legislature, and all his work had been in the interest of Humboldt. He voted for both Lane and Pomeroy for U. S. senators, securing from them the promise that the land office should be removed to his town. J. C. Bur- nett was register of the land office, and Charles Adams, son-in-law of Lane, was receiver. Senator Lane gave them orders to select a new location. Humboldt finally secured it, but the Town Association had to give 200 lots in order to obtain it. The removal was effected and the office opened for business September 23, 1861, in a building on Bridge street, the old red frame structure which was then used as a court house as well.

From the foundation of the town to the summer of 1860 its growth was quite rapid. There was then a population of perhaps 300, and there were about fifty buildings. The drouth of that year had such an effect upon the country that for the remainder of the year and early in 1861, the town progressed very slowly. During all its earlier history, Humboldt was more prosperous than most of the Kansas towns, having such a large trade with the Indian tribes on the south and west.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Allen and Woodson counties, Kansas, Part 10

Author: Duncan, L. Wallace (Lew Wallace), b. 1861. cn; Scott, Charles F., b. 1860 Publication date: 1901 Publisher: Iola, Kan. : Iola Register Number of Pages: 1066

Author: Duncan, L. Wallace (Lew Wallace), b. 1861. cn; Scott, Charles F., b. 1860
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Iola, Kan. : Iola Register
Number of Pages: 1066