USA > Kansas > Atchison County > History of Atchison County, Kansas > Part 30
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 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87
The original building was a four-story brick building with a basement. The fourth story was made into a dormitory, with five rooms for employes. The third story consisted of a smaller dormitory, lavatories, rooms for em- ployes and sleeping room for the superintendent. The second story had school rooms, superintendent's office, parlor, lavatories and rooms for em- ployes. The first floor rooms were dining room, kitchen, store room, school rooms. The basement was used for boilers, store rooms, laundry and boys' lavatory.
The laws regulating the home were amended and enlarged by the legis- lature at its session of 1889, so that all children sound in mind and body and over two years of age and under fourteen years, belonging to any one of the following named classes shall be eligible for admission to the home: "First, any child dependent upon the public for support; any dependent, neglected and ill-treated child who is an object of public concern, and whom the State may have power to exercise and extend its protection and control."
This act of the legislature so increased the number of eligible for admis- sion to the home that it soon became necessary to enlarge the building. In 1891 the legislature again appropriated the sum of $7,000 for the erection of the west wing, to be the same width and heighth as the main building, and to increase the lengthi by thirty feet and this gave play room, sitting room. school room and sleeping room for the kindergarden children, also a room in which the John A. Martin Memorial Library was placed, and a reading room in the upper story for the larger boys.
Connected with this appropriation was $1,000 for a hospital building which is detached from the main building by about 100 feet.
The growth of the institution and the number desiring admission made it necessary to again ask for an appropriation for more buildings. At the session of the legislature of 1895 the legislature appropriated $91.800 for the erection of the east wing and for three cottages, 50x42 feet, and a building for domestic purposes, 40XIIO feet, which contains the chapel, children's dining room, one large school room, kitchen, store room, one employes' din- ing room and eight rooms for employes.
323
HISTORY OF ATCHISON COUNTY
At the legislative session of 1907 an appropriation of $25,000 was made for the purpose of erecting a new cottage on the Orphans' Home grounds, to be used for the purpose of caring for destitute crippled children who were otherwise unprovided for under the various acts of the legislature providing for the Orphans' Home. The foundation for this building was commenced on the seventeenth day of October, 1909, and the building was completed, and ready for the occupancy of children July 1, 1910. The law providing for the admission of children has never been changed and very few crippled chil- and ready for the occupancy by children July 1. 1910. The law providing for only children sound in mind and body between the ages of two and fourteen years shall be admitted. This cottage at the present time is used for the elder girls of the institution and it seems very well adapted for that purpose.
The legislature of 1903 very generously appropriated $20,000 to build a brick pavement form the city to the home. This road was completed to the city limits in 1904. Since that time the city has extended its pavement so that now there is a pavement road all the way from the home to the hutsi- ness district of Atchison.
The two latest improvements of great value to the home are, first the connecting up of the home with the Atchison Water Company, so that now we receive a supply of water adequate for all purposes. This was done in 1913 and 1914. Previous to that time water had been obtained from various sources and the supply was always poor in quality and very inadequate in quantity. This apparently settles the question of water, so far as this institution is concerned, and we now have a plentiful supply of the purest of water. Second: From the very first beginning of the home the question of sewage disposal has been one of great difficulty and a source of much annoyance and discomfort to those around about, particularly the neighbor- ing farmers. For years the sewage of the institution flowed out through the pasture land and fields of our neighbors, and various attempts to build sewage disposal plants were made by the board of control and others who had charge of the State institutions, but with little or no success. At the present time we are engaged in connecting up the institution with the city sewer system at a cost of approximately $6,000.
The original cost of the land occupied by the State Orphans' Home, and purchased from J. P. Brown, as hereinbefore mentioned, was $16,000.
No institution in this State occupies a more beautiful and sightly loca- tion. It is situated at an elevation of 275 feet above the Missouri river, and overlooking the winding course of that stream for miles, with the city of
324
HISTORY OF ATCHISON COUNTY
Atchison at its feet and with the view north and west unobstructed for miles, it is the wonder and admiration of all who behold it. It is impossible for me to state exactly or to ascertain exactly the cost of the institution, properly known as the State Orphans' Home, but it is approximately in the neighbor- hood of $300,000.
The first superintendent was John Pierson; his wife, Mrs. M. A. Pierson, was his matron, and the celebrated Dr. Eva Harding, now a physician, located in Topeka, and running for the Democratic nomination for Congress in the First district, was his physician. Mr. Pierson was not very long in this office. The records do not show just how long, but he was succeeded by Charles E. Faulkner, who is now serving as superintendent of the Washburn Memorial Orphans' Asylum, at Minneapolis, Minn. It was during Faulkner's admin- istration that most of the improvements heretofore noted were made. Faulk- ner was succeeded by C. A. Woodworth in 1898 and served but two years, when H. H. Young was appointed. He served but a short time and was suc- ceeded by E. L. Hillis, who held the office until the time of his resignation, April 1, 1907, because of ill health. Mr. Hillis was succeeded by E. C. Willis, of Newton, Kan., on April 10, 1907, who remained superintendent until he was succeeded by Mrs. E. K. Burnes on the first day of September, 1913. Mrs. Burnes held the place for two years, being succeeded by E. C. Willis on the first of September, 1915, who is still the superintendent at the present time.
More than 6,000 have been inmates of the home at sometime or another, and of the 6,000 only 200 are here at the present time. All of the oth- ers who are still living are out in the world and doing for themselves like other people with various degrees of success. Some of them are doing well; others exceedingly well, and are occupying good positions, or are in business for themselves.
Very sincerely,
EDWARD C. WILLIS, Superintendent.
ATCHISON PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Major W. W. Downs was the promoter of the association. He was at Kansas in the spring of 1879 and opened its doors to the public November 17 of that year.
Major W. W. Downs was the propoter of the association. He was at
325
HISTORY OF ATCHISON COUNTY
that time superintendent of the Central Branch railroad and realized the need of reading and amusement rooms for the young men in this city. He suc- ceeded in interesting a number of influential Atchison women in the work and promised a generous personal donation and the cooperation of the various railroads centering here.
It was unfortunate that before the doors of the library swung open the Central Branch changed officials. In spite of this discouragement the Atchi- son ladies continued to work, and since its organization it has always been managed by a board of fifteen women.
Funds are raised by the sale of membership and donations and a small monthy stipend from the city. J. P. Pomeroy subsequently made a splendid donation, amounting to $10,000, and later on, A. J. Harwi contributed a like amount for the support of this institution. It now has almost 11,000 books on its shelves besides hundreds of magazines and pamphlets.
Mrs. Leontine Scofield was appointed librarian in January, 1883, and has held that position from that time until 1916 uninterruptedly. She has en- deared herself to the thousands of patrons who have visited this institution, and her familiarity with the place and her fidelity to the work especially fits her for this important place.
The following Atchison ladies are the officers of the association in 1916: Mrs. W. W. Guthrie, president ; Mrs. F. E. Harwi, vice-president; Mrs. W. S. Beitzel, recording secretary; Miss Effie E. Symns, corresponding secre- tary ; Mrs. Fannie W. Linley, treasurer. In addition to these ladies the fol- lowing are directresses : Miss Nellie Allen, Mrs. R. F. Clark, Mrs. L. R. Sea- ton, Mrs. G. W. Glick, Mrs. E. S. Wills, Mrs. W. H. Schulze, Mrs. J. M. Challiss, Mrs. D. C. Newcomb, and Miss Mary Lukens. Mrs. J. J. Ingalls is an honorary directress of the association.
ATCHISON HOSPITAL.
The first attempt to found a hospital in the city of Atchison originated in 1884, and after a general meeting for organization a board was appointed which purchased and re-constructed a building situated on South Seventh street between U and V. and the institution was open to the public May 29 of that year.
The following named Atchison ladies were prominently identified with - the movement that was responsible for the building of the first hospital in Atchison : Mrs. A. A. Carey, who was the first president of the association;
326
HISTORY OF ATCHISON COUNTY
Mrs. J. J. Berry, Mrs. W. W. Campbell, Mrs. E. A. Mize, Mrs. D. P. Blish, Mrs. C. B. Singleton, Mrs. J. J. Ingalls, and Mrs. C. S. Osborn.
After five years of activity this building as a hospital was closed through lack of support and the misapprehension of the purpose of a hospital on the part of the community.
From about 1889 until 1912 the hospital necessities of Atchison were provided by private institutions and cases were sent outside of the city, but in the fall of 1912 the need for a hospital within the city had become very appar- ent, and as a result the following public spirited citizens of the city associated themselves together for the purpose of building a modern hospital: W. P. Waggener, president: R. W. Ramsay, vice-president ; Otis E. Gray, secre- tary; Joseph M. Schott, treasurer. The directors with the above officers were : Frank Harwi, T. M. Walker and L. R. Seaton. They instituted a cam- paign for the purpose of raising $50,000 to purchase a site and construct and equip a building for a general hospital.
The campaign was to a very large degree successful, sufficient money being raised in this initial effort to warrant the directors in purchasing a site, the square block situated on North Second street between N and O streets, where a fire -proof building was constructed to accommodate thirty-five patients with a maximum capacity of fifty. The building is equipped with the most modern appliances for hospital activities. The operating room was modeled and equipped after the suggestion of the most celebrated surgeons in the country, and since the opening of the hospital to receive patients in July. 1914, its succes has been assured and its need demonstrated. It possesses appliances and equipment conservatively valued at $65,000.
The present board of directors are: W. P. Waggener, president ; Frank E. Harwi, vice-president : O. E. Gray, secretary : Joseph M. Schott, treasurer. Directors : R. W. Ramsay, H. E. Muchnic, Eugene Howe and Leo Nusbaum.
The purpose of this institution is to take care of the sick and injured of the community without distinction of race, color or creed. Those who can afford to pay are expected to pay the fees of the institution. No one is re- fused attendance by reason of his or her inability to pay for such service. The biological and X-Ray laboratories are among the best equipped in the State and these laboratories with their equipment, like most of the furnishings and equipment of the hospital, are memorials of the former residents of Atchison county.
MASONIC TEMPLE.
This magnificent new home for the Masonic orders of Atchison is a three-story structure of re-inforced concrete fire-proof construction with
327
HISTORY OF ATCHISON COUNTY
Masonic Temple, Atchison, Kan.
basement. It is built of gray Brazil, Indiana, vitrified brick and trimmed with ocean colored terra cotta. The first floor is a store room and on the second floor there are a number of offices and the banquet hall with kitchen facilities. The third floor is used exclusively for Masonic purposes, and in the rear por- tion of the third floor is a mezzanine floor with fire-proof lockers. The lodge room is embellished with an ornamental plaster cornice and with Seagli- ola columns and pilasters. The ceiling is circular with a large dome, and the memorial room is finished with ornamental plastering in elaborate Egyp- tian design. The total cost of this building with furniture and equipment was close to $60,000.
CHAPTER XXII.
-
SOCIETIES AND LODGES.
ATCHISON COUNTY PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION-BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS-FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES-OTHER SECRET SOCIETIES -CATHOLIC SOCIETIES.
One of the strongest county organizations among the farmers is the Atchison County Protective Association. It had its origin in a vigilance committee which was organized at Good Intent and Shannon, in 1883. For three years this committee operated as a vigilance committee and was organ- ized under the Central Protective Association, August 31, 1886, by William Conners, of Winthrop, Mo. L. P. Dubois, concerning whom a biographical sketch appears in another part of this history, was the first president of the Good Intent lodge, and W. H. Smith was the first secretary. Hon. T. J. Emlen, county treasurer of this county, was the first treasurer of Shannon Hill lodge, and J. I. Holmes was the first secretary.
The first work that was done by the consolidated lodges was in running down a thief who stole a team of horses from the late Rolla Streeper. Mem- bers of both lodges were taxed $10 each to defray the expense of the chase. J. H. Barry was sheriff of the county at that time and captured the thief in Nebraska.
Following this capture the lodges decided that the expense was too great to be borne by them alone and so the Atchison County Protective Association was formed in the spring of 1889. The first president was C. S. Prim, and the second president was Hon. W. T. Bland, third president was Elias Graves. W. H. Bush was the fourth president, and he held office for ten years and was one of the most popular, tactful and conscientious officials the associa- tion ever had. Will Dooley, of the Good Intent lodge, was president of the
328
329
HISTORY OF ATCHISON COUNTY
association in 1916, and no better man ever filled the position. The Hon- Edward Iverson, ex-county clerk, and now cashier of the Exchange State Bank, at Atchison, has been secretary of the association since 1901. The association has now a membership of 1,500 and with twenty-five lodges, and is affiliated with the Central Protective Association.
BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS.
This lodge was organized January 17, 1901, with 150 charter members. W. T. Bland, for many years district judge of this county, was elected the first exalted ruler. The lodge occupied temporary quarters for a number of years, and erected its present building at a cost of $20,000 and dedicated it in 1907. The present membership of the Elk's lodge is 326, and the names of the past
F
Elks Club House, Atchison, Kan.
exalted rulers, in addition to W. T. Bland, are as follows : Charles Linley. T. S. Young, J. M. Challiss, James W. Orr, W. S. Washer, Fred Giddings. W. P. Waggener, B. W. Vickery, W. D. Harburger, Charles A. Brown, G. W. Myers, H. B. Bilimek, and Walter E. Brown, whose term expires March 31, 1916.
330
HISTORY OF ATCHISON COUNTY
ATCHISON AERIE, NO. 173, FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES.
The Atchison Aerie, No. 173, of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, was instituted on October 3. 1901. The officers in 1916 are as follows: Past worthy president, Owen Grady; worthy president, John V. Smith; worthy vice-president, Fred Rambke ; worthy chaplain, F. E. Kaaz; treasurer, L. M. Baker: secretary, W. H. Smith; trustees, S. S. King, Carl Schmitt, E. N. Underwood; aerie physician, Dr. C. F. Finney.
Eagles' Home, Atchison, Kan.
The aerie meets every Wednesday evening. The cost of the present building was about $35,000. The building belongs to the Eagles' Benevo- ient Association. The present membership is 550.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Ancient Order of United Workmen-Atchison Lodge, No. 4, first and third Thursdays at Od Fellows' Hall. L. M. Baker, recorder.
331
HISTORY OF ATCHISON COUNTY
Ancient Order of United Workmen-Mulford Lodge, No. 137. Sec- ond and fourth Thursdays at Odd Fellows' Hall. W. A. Wilson, recorder.
Ancient Order of United Workmen-Degree of Honor-Columbia Lodge, No. 85. Second and fourth Thursdays.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks-Atchison Lodge, No. 647. First and third Tuesdays at 611 Kansas avenue. George R. Hooper, secre- tary.
Central Protective Association-Atchison Lodge, No. 32. Meets at call of president. W. H. Smith, secretary.
Court of Honor-(See Ancient Order of United Workmen. ).
Eagles-(See Fraternal Order of Eagles).
Elks Club House-( See Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks).
Fraternal Aid Association-Atchison Council, No. 7. First and third Wednesdays at Security Hall. Rosa S. Voorhees, secretary.
Fraternal Order of Eagles-Atchison Aerie, No. 173. Every Wednes- day at Eagles' Hall. W. H. Smith, secretary.
Grand Army of the Republic-A. S. Everest Post, No. 493. First and third Mondays at court house.
Grand Army of the Republic-A. S. Everest Woman's Relief Corps, No. 148.First and third Thursdays at court house. Mrs. John Noron, secretary.
Grand Army of the Republic -- John A. Martin Post, No. 93. Fourth Sundays at court house. Willful A. Stanley, adjutant. C. H. Burrows, com- mander.
Independent Order of Odd Fellows-(See Odd Fellows).
Improved Order of Red Men-Miami Tribe, No. 15. Every Monday at Red Men's Wigwam. J. M. Tarman, sachem.
Independent Order of Foresters-Court Atchison, No. 1741. Meets at call of Chief Ranger. George R. Hooper, secretary.
Kansas Fraternal Citizens-Atchison Assembly, No. 15. First and third Thursdays at Odd Fellows' Hall. Walter North, secretary.
Knights and Ladies of Security-Atchison Council, No. 267. Meets every Thursday at Security Hall. Courtney Turner, secretary.
Knights and Ladies of Security-Harmony Council, No. 1375. Second and fourth Thursdays. C. H. Burrows, secretary.
Knights of the Maccabees-Atchison Tent, No. 2. First and third Tues- days. F. M. Woodford, record keeper.
Knights of Pythias-Golden Cross Lodge, No. 7. Every Thursday at Security Hall. W. M. Thistle, keeper of records and seal.
332
HISTORY OF ATCHISON COUNTY
Masonic-Active Lodge, No. 158. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Second and fourth Mondays at Knights of Pythias Hall. A. W. Nicholson, secretary.
Masonic-Washington Chapter, No. I, Royal Arch Masons. Second and fourth Thursdays at Asylum, 7241/2 Commercial street. J. E. Hender- son, secretary.
Masonic-Washington Commandery, No. 2, Knights Templar. First and third Thursdays at Asylum, 7241/2 Commercial street. J. E. Henderson, recorder.
Eagle's Benevolent Association-Meets at call of president. W. H. Smith, secretary.
Masonic-Washington Council, No. 2, Royal and Select Masters. Third Saturdays at Asylum, Masonic Temple. J. E. Henderson, recorder.
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons-Washington Lodge, No. 5, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. First and third Mondays at Masonic Temple. J. E. Henderson, secretary.
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons-Order of Eastern Star-Martha Washington Chapter, No. 215. First and third Fridays at Masonic Temple. Miss Alice Noron, secretary.
Modern Brotherhood of America-Atchison Lodge, No. 427. Second Tuesdays at Red Men's Wigwam. Charles Pantle, secretary.
Modern Woodmen of America-Unity Camp, No. 356. Second and fourth Fridays at Odd Fellows' Hall. T. J. Ritner, clerk.
Mystic Workers of the World-First and third Tuesdays at Security Hall. Herman Haase, secretary.
Independent Order of Odd Fellows' Hall-Southwest corner Fifth and Kansas avenue, second and third floors.
Independent Order of Odd Fellows-Friendship Lodge, No. 5. Every Tuesday at Odd Fellows' Hall. W. H. Smith, secretary.
Independent Order of Odd Fellows-Hesperian Encampment, No. 6. First and third Fridays at Odd Fellows' Hall. A. W. Heisey, secretary.
Independent Order of Odd Fellows-Rebekahs-Friendship Lodge, No. 288. Second and fourth Mondays at Odd Fellows' Hall. Mrs. Bessie Jost, secretary.
Independent Order of Odd Fellows-Schillers Lodge, No. 33. Every Wednesday at Odd Fellows' Hall. Charles Feierabend, secretary.
Order of Eastern Star-(See Ancient Free and Accepted Masons).
333
HISTORY OF ATCHISON COUNTY
P. E. O. Society-Chapter J, Kansas. Every second Friday at homes of members. Mrs. Anna Lungwitz, secretary. Public rest room, 109 South Fifth avenue.
Daughters of Rebekah-(See Independent Order of Odd Fellows).
Red Men's Wigwam-Third floor, 500 Commercial street.
Royal Arcanum-Atchison Commandery, No. 1035. Scott Jones, sec- retary. Meets at call of regent.
Royal Neighbors-Atchison Camp, No. 1044. First and third Fridays at Odd Fellows' Hall. Mrs. Emma M. Christian, recorder.
United Commercial Travelers of America-Atchison Council, No. 99. Fourth Saturdays at Masonic Temple. George R. Hooper, secretary.
Woodmen Circle-Atchison Grove, No. 13. First and third Mondays at Odd Fellows' Hall. A. W. Heisey, secretary.
Woodmen of the World-Atchison Camp. No. 9. First and second Mondays at Odd Fellows' Hall. Judge J. P. Adams, clerk.
Security Hall-524-526 Commercial street, third floor.
CATHOLIC SOCIETIES.
Carroll Club-First and third Tuesdays at St. Louis College Hall. Le- Roy Ostertag, secretary.
Catholic Mutual Benevolent Association-No. 20. First Thursdays at St. Louis College Hall. Werner Nass, secretary.
Knights of Columbus-Sacred Heart Council, No. 723. Second and Fourth Thursdays at Hall, 5111/2 Commercial street. William T. Jochems, financial secretary; Charles Smith, recording secretary.
Ladies' Catholic Benevolent Association-No. 602. First and third Tuesdays at St. Louis College Hall. Agnes Langan, secretary.
St. Joseph's Benevolent Society-Second Sundays at St. Louis College Hall. Joseph Tinschert, secretary.
Odd Fellows-Abdallah Shrine Club-Meets at call of president. J. E. Henderson, secretary.
Masonic Charity Association-Meets at call of president. A. W. Nich- olson, secretary-treasurer.
Ladies' Catholic Benevolent Association-No. 942. Second and fourth Tuesdays.
CHAPTER XXIII.
-
THE AFRO-AMERICAN RACE.
EARLY DAY CONDITIONS-THEIR ADVANCEMENT-PRIOR DICKEY-HENRY C. BUCHANAN- EUGENE L. BELL-CHARLES INGRAM-CHARLES J. FER- GUSON-HENRY DICKEY-DR. FRANK ADRIAN PEARL, M. D .- DR. W. W. - CALDWELL, M. D.
The story of the African race in Atchison county makes an appeal to the thoughtful and intelligent student of history. It is not a mere platitude to say that the negro has made marvelous progress in many lines, and not the least striking illustration of this assertion is to point to what he has accomplished in this county under circumstances that have not been alto- gether propitious. The record of African bondage here is not voluminous, but it is sufficient upon which to base a story of his development. As early as 1856 a reference to slavery in Atchison county is found in the Squatter Sovereign, which on September 16 of that year contained the following advertisement :
$500 REWARD.
Ran away from the subscribers on the night of September 9, two negro boys, Ned and Harrison.
Ned is about eighteen years old, stout and well built, about five feet. eight inches high, and weighs about 170 pounds. At the time of his leav- ing was dressed in a brown velvet coat.
Harrison is a bright mulatto, about five feet, four inches high, weighs about 120 pounds, is about sixteen years old, and was rather shabbily dressed. Said negroes took with them two horses.
One black, six years old, branded H on left hip, quite thin, about fifteen and one-half hands high.
One claybank, dark mane and tail, rather bony, six years old, about fifteen and one-half hands high, paces.
334
335
HISTORY OF ATCHISON COUNTY
Five hundred dollars reward will be given for the apprehension and safe return of the negroes, or $250 for the recovery of either of the negroes and horses.
A. J. FREDERICK, R. H. CABELI ..
Atchison, K. T.
A search of the files of the Squatter Sovereign fails to disclose the sequel to this advertisement. Whether or not "Ned and Harrison" were subsequently apprehended and the reward paid must be left to the imagina- tion, but doubtless they were among the four million black men from whose limbs, a few years later, Abraham Lincoln struck the shackles, and wliose descendants this day are breathing the pure air of freedom. There is no defi- nite record of the number of slaves in Atchison county at the time the adver- tisement in the Squatter Sovereign appeared. When the first census was taken 111 1855 no counties had been established and the territory in Atchison county was included in the fifteenth election district. This census provided for the enumeration of the slaves in the territory, and as far as can be determined, the following men in and around Atchison were slave owners: D. A. N. Glover, three; W. M. Size, five; John Samuel, one; R. A. Walker, one; Charles Echer, three; S. F. Raz, three; and Grafton Thomasson, the saw- mill man, of Atchison, owned three, one of whom drowned herself in the Missouri river, which fatality was the direct cause of the famous Pardee Butler incident. It is a far cry from "Ned and Harrison" to Prior Dickey and Henry Buchanan, successful farmers of Walnut township, and it will be the object of this chapter to show how far that cry is, by tracing somewhat inti- mately the lives and careers of Dickey and Buchanan, and other leading negroes of the Mills neighborhood.
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.