USA > Kansas > Labette County > History of Labette County, Kansas, from the first settlement to the close of 1892 > Part 30
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TIIE EDNA ENTERPRISE.
On April 15, 1887, J. D. McKeehen, as editor and proprietor, brought out No. 1 of the Edna Enterprise under his management, he having theretofore purchased the material of the old office. He continued its publication until September of that year.
THE EDNA STAR.
John Truby and W. A. Peffer jr. started the publication of this paper, the first number appearing October 28, 1887. The last of April, 1888, J. H. Morse became its editor, and continued its publication until the close of June of that year.
THE EDNA INDEPENDENT
Was started December 14, 1889, by G. W. Liever and A. C. Veach. In June, 1890, Mr. Liever sold his interest to Mr. Veach, since which time the latter has conducted it alone.
MOUND VALLEY PAPERS.
MOUND VALLEY TIMES.
The first paper credited to Mound Valley was designated The Times, and was started December 16, 1881. It was printed by Brooks & Patrick, at the Republican office, in Oswego, and appeared as under the editorship of George Campbell. However, all the paper except a few local items was the same as the Oswego Republican. This arrangement was unsatis- factory to the citizens of Mound Valley, and the paper ran only a few weeks.
MOUND VALLEY HERALD.
The first issue of the Herald appeared April 6, 1882, with George Campbell as editor and proprietor. Mr. Campbell conducted it until the fall of that year, when he sold to C. L. Albin, who continued to edit and publish it until May 1, 1884, when it came under the control of W. F. Thrall, who has since then been its editor and publisher.
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THE PRESS.
MOUND VALLEY NEWS.
About the first of October, 1885, L. C. Wilmoth and W. C. Pickett became the joint owners of the office material from which the Altamont News had been printed. This they removed to Mound Valley, and com- menced the publication of the News at that point. In the spring of 1886 a company of several of the business men of Mound Valley was formed, under the title of "The Mound Valley News Company," for the purpose of publishing this paper. About June 1, 1886, C. M. Brown and T. Rowen jr. became owners of the paper, and with L. C. Wilmoth as edi- tor conducted it until September 9th, when Mr. Rowen retired and Mr. Brown became editor and proprietor, continuing Mr. Wilmoth as associate editor. The publication of the paper was suspended about the middle of January, 1887.
UNITED LABOR.
The first number of this paper was dated February 19, 1887. It was, however, issued ahead of its date. It purported to be published by the Farmers' and Laborers' Cooperative Union, and edited by E. H. Barnhart. In June, 1887, C. L. Albin appeared as editor. During August and Sep- tember its publication was suspended, but was resumed again in October, with G. S. Worthington editor. Its publication was continued until the early part of 1888. During all of its existence George Campbell was its principal, if not entire owner, and while he does not appear as editor, yet the paper was principally conducted by him.
LABETTE.
THE LABETTE SENTINEL.
On Thursday, September 8, 1870, a well-filled seven-column paper un- der the above title appeared from the printing-office just started at the town of Labette, with J. S. Waters as editor and proprietor. On Octo- ber 13th Mr. Waters associated with him in the management of the paper, Thomas Irish. Mr. Waters having been elected County Attorney at the November election in 1870, he retired from the editorship of the Sentinel on November 24th, from which time it was conducted by Mr. Irish until sometime in March, 1871, when its publication ceased for a short time. About the first of April, however, it was revived by the Albin Brothers, who carried on its publication for some time, when it was given up by them as a losing venture. About May 10, 1872, Sheldon & Johnson attempted its resurrection, and tried to put it forth for some months, when it again became defunct. On the suspension of the Oswego Register, in May, 1873, Smith, one of the former proprietors of that paper, bought the Labette Sentinel material and moved it to Nevada, Mo., and there used it in starting a new paper at that point.
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HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY.
WILSONTON.
THE WILSONTON JOURNAL
Was started at Wilsonton, May 1, 1888, by Mrs. Ella B. Wilson, since which time she has continued to conduct it as editor and proprietor. It is published monthly.
PAPERS PUBLISHED BY THE COLORED PEOPLE.
KANSAS ADVOCATE.
The first issue of this paper was dated at Parsons, September 1, 1881. It was a small eight-page paper, started by W. B. Avery, a colored min- ister, and was intended as a medium for furnishing the colored population with a line of reading-matter in which they would be specially interested, to be issued only monthly. But Mr. Brooks, of the Oswego Republican, entered into an agreement with Mr. Avery for publishing his paper at the Republican office. It was very much enlarged in size, and issued weekly instead of monthly. While continuing under the editorship of Mr. Avery, the most of the material was the same as that which simulta- neously appeared in the Weekly Republican. The colored people did not furnish a sufficient patronage to justify its continuance, and its publica- tion ceased after some three or four months.
THE EYE-OPENER
Was started by the colored people of the county as an avenue by which to make known to the public their views, wants, and intentions, and as a means of educating their young people in the duties of citizenship. It was issued from Parsons. The first number is dated July 9, 1892. E. M. Woods was editor and E. W. Dorsey business manager. But in a short time Mr. Dorsey withdrew, to become president of the Blade company. At the time this account closes the paper is under the control of Mr. Wood.
THIE BLADE.
A little disagreement arising between the proprietors of the Eye-Opener, a division of interest seemed advisable to them, and on August 20, 1892, the Parsons Weekly Blade was started, with S. O. Clayton editor, E. W. Dorsey president, and Chas. A. Morris business manager; and at the time this account is written the paper is still appearing under the same man- agement.
RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
THE AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY.
On January 11, 1869, a call signed by about twenty prominent citizens of Chetopa and Oswego was furnished for publication in the Advance and Register, for a meeting to be held on January 21st, for the purpose of organizing a Bible society. At that time quite a large number of the citizens of the county met at the office of Dr. W. S. Newlon, in Oswego, and adopted a constitution, and elected the following permanent officers of the society : Rev. T. H. Canfield, president; J. L. Taft, vice-president ; W. M. Johnson, secretary ; Dr. C. M. Gilkey, treasurer ; and also a board of five directors. Adjourned to meet in Chetopa, on February 7th fol- lowing.
At this time a meeting was held in Spaulding's Hall, at 3 o'clock P. M., at which a large congregation gathered. Addresses were made by Rev. T. H. Canfield, Rev. C. R. Rice, and others. A subscription of some- thing over $40 for the benefit of the society was taken up. This was the commencement of an organization which was kept up for a number of years, holding its meetings somewhat frequently, and doing very much toward furnishing the new communities with Bibles. After a few years, when the growth of several of the towns of the county had been such that each felt the need of separate organizations, the county society was dis- continued, and city organizations were formed.
Y. M. C. A. OSWEGO ASSOCIATION.
The following account of the organization of the Oswego Young Men's Christian Association is taken from an address by Fred C. Wheeler, delivered at the second anniversary of the organization of the association :
"On Saturday evening, December 8, 1883, in response to invitations that morning received through the postoffice from him, there were gath- ered at the home of Nelson Case, in Oswego, Rev. John Elliott, Rev. H. Mc Birney, Fred Lee, Chas. Carpenter, M. Chidester, M. E. Diehl, Thos. O'Halloran, W. F. Thorne, and F. C. Wheeler. Mr. Case made a state- ment showing the need of such an organization especially adapted to reach young men, and proposed the organization of a Young Men's Chris- tian Association. All present concurred in the views expressed, and a committee was appointed to consider and report at same place on Decem- ber 12, to which time we adjourned.
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HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY.
"On December 12 Harry and Will Mitchell, Will Skilling, Chas. Car- penter, Rev. H. McBirney, Thos. O'Halloran, Mr. Case, and F. C. Wheeler, met as per adjournment. A draft of a constitution was pre- sented, and the matter of organization was definitely decided on. It was voted to adjourn to meet at the M. E. church, on Tuesday evening, Janu- ary 1, 1884, to complete the organization. On the evening of that date some six or eight met at the appointed place, adopted the uniform con- stitution provided by the national association, and organized by electing Nelson Case president, F. C. Wheeler vice-president, Chas. Carpenter secretary, and Harry Mitchell treasurer. The necessary committees were also appointed."
During its earlier years the association did more aggressive work, per- haps, than it has since then, although it has always shown a fair degree of vitality. A Bible-training class was maintained for two or three years, and did very efficient work. The young men for some time had a liter- ary organization connected with the association. A boys' branch was or- ganized at the opening of the second year of the work, and in that alone enough work was done to justify the organization of the association. Some years ago an outfit was purchased for a gymnasium, and a room has been kept open ever since. A salaried general secretary was em- ployed a few months at one time, but with that exception the work has been done entirely by the home members. For the past few years the association has been somewhat intimately connected with the Library Association. Since its organization it has had the following presidents and secretaries : 1884-85-President, Nelson Case ; secretary, Charles T. Carpenter. 1886-Charles T. Carpenter, president; Howard Merriam, secretary. 1887-Howard Merriam and W. F. Thorne, presidents; F. G. Mitchell, secretary ; 1888-89- Nelson Case, president; W. G. Mitchell and W. A. Bibbitt, secretaries. 1890-A. B. Kegg, president; Ed. M. Baldwin, secretary. 1891-W. W. Flora, president; H. H. Beard, secre- tary. 1892-W. W. Flora, president; Fred. W. Beymer and W. B. Co- valt, secretaries. The last-named president and secretary are now serv- ing.
PARSONS ASSOCIATION.
The Parsons Y. M. C. A. was organized December 5, 1885, with C. F. Hodgman president, Cyrus G. Emerson vice-president, W. H. Martin and Thomas Clark secretaries, and F. H. Foster treasurer. The following year it was incorporated, and the following officers elected: M. E. Crowell, president ; E. C. Read, vice-president ; A. H. Whitmarsh, sec- retary ; F. H. Foster, treasurer. A ladies' auxiliary was organized early in the history of the association, and rendered valuable aid in furnishing rooms and giving entertainments. The most of the time since its organ- ization the association has maintained a paid general secretary. The following persons have served in that capacity : Chas. L. Helmick was
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RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
the first, and served from August, 1877, to February, 1889; James R. Smith succeeded him, and served to July, 1889; T. R. Breese, B. C. McQuesten, J. W. Shingley, W. Russell and - Hopper have since then successively held the office. A reading-room, bath-rooms, as well as re- ception and parlor-rooms, have been provided, and much good work has been accomplished.
CHETOPA ASSOCIATION.
During the month of August, 1886, steps were taken looking toward the formation of an association at Chetopa, and on September 20, 1886, a number of the members of the Oswego and Parsons associations visited Chetopa and assisted in the formation of this organization. At that time the following officers were elected : President, W. A. Shanklin ; vice- president, W. H. Pinkerton ; secretary, George Campbell ; treasurer, T. O. Breckenridge. For a few months in 1889 John G. Lear was employed as general secretary for this and the Oswego association, giving about half of his time to each. This is the only time that a salaried officer has been employed. W. S. Henry was president the second year of the or- ganization, and F. M. Smith the third year ; J. P. Slaughter was the sec- ond secretary, and was succeeded by H. F. Stewart. The association has a part of the time kept open a reading-room and conducted various lines of meetings.
Y. W. C. A.
On January 2, 1886, at the Methodist church in Oswego, an organiza- tion of this association was effected. For a year past the association has been practically disorganized, although it still does some work in an un- official way. A training-class and a Bible class were conducted in the association for several years ; also a girls' Bible class. The association has had the following presidents : Mrs. Annetta Cook, Mrs. Mary E. Case, Miss Sarah Crane, Miss Blanche Case, Miss Eunice Crane.
SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
In giving an account of the work of the Sunday schools of the county I separate it from the account of the other church work, not because I consider them a separate institution from the church, properly speaking, but because, especially in the early work in the county, there were many union schools, connected with no church in particular, and also because the Sunday-school work is one of the most important and best developed departments of church work, and is entitled to special mention as such.
I will first give an account of the schools which have been at least a part of the time classed as union, (although some of them might prop- erly be spoken of as denominational,) and will then mention the denomi- national schools, connecting those of each denomination wherever situated
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HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY.
in the county, instead of classifying by localities. No one can realize more than I do the imperfect history which I here present of these schools, but all the information is given which I have been able to gather. It is regretted that parties who might have furnished more definite in- formation have failed to do so. One reason why this information is not accessible and has not been furnished, is that in many instances no rec- ord whatever has been kept of the school work, and in many other cases records that were kept at the time have been misplaced or lost. Some of this information has been furnished me from people's memory, and of course contains more or less errors, but in the main, so far as it goes, I think it is as reliable as could be expected. From it some one may be able to construct a more perfect account of this important department of work.
UNION SUNDAY SCHOOLS. CHETOPA.
The first Sunday school in the county was organized by the early set- tlers at Chetopa, before the war. In a letter referring to these early times Dr. Lisle says : "Mr. Bryan organized a Sunday school sometime in 1858, which was kept up most of the time until the Rebellion." The Mr. Bryan here referred to is Rev. J. E. Bryan, then a minister of the M. E. Church South, in charge of the work of the circuit including Che- topa, and in 1871 pastor of the M. E. Church of Oswego, and still more recently a practicing attorney in this county. This Sunday school was held in the school-house, an account of the building of which is given at page 186.
After Chetopa began to resettle, at the close of the war, the first Sun- day school to be organized was in the summer of 1867, in a small frame building standing on the southeast corner of First and Maple streets, sometimes called the "Cabinet Shop," but more generally designated "Bachelors' Hall." G. H. Hard was the superintendent of this school. Later, arrangements were made for holding the school in the Ephraim Doudna store building. The school was closed during the winter, and opened in the spring of 1868. James H. Crichton sr., father of the at- torney who has lived there so long, spent a part of the summers of 1867 and 1868 at Chetopa, and assisted in superintending the school. The first Sunday in September, 1868, the school having previously been very poorly classified and organized, a reorganization was had, and Edward Johnson was elected superintendent, F. H. Mendenhall assistant, and D. J. Doolen secretary. Early in 1869 J. M. Cavaness was elected su- perintendent, and continued to serve until the organization of the denom- inational schools, in 1870.
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RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
PARSONS.
The first Sunday school in Parsons was organized in April, 1871, by the joint efforts of Rev. G. W. Pye and Rev. H. H. Cambern. It was started and for some time maintained as a union school. It had a hard time to maintain an existence. With no permanent place of meeting, driven from vacant store buildings, offices, and shops, as they were needed for other purposes, it finally found a somewhat permanent and comfortable home in Cary's Hall. T. C. Cory was its first superintend- ent. After a few months of service he resigned, and J. E. Wilkes succeeded him. In January, 1872, E. B. Stevens was elected superin- tendent; M. G. Brown was elected in 1873, and M. Wallace in 1874. During a part of this time some schools which had started as denomina- tional were merged with the union. On the organization of the denomi- national schools this school ceased.
OSWEGO.
The Sunday-school work in Oswego dates from the early spring of 1867, when a Sunday school was organized in the log cabin owned and then occupied by Dr. J. F. Newlon. It stood at the northeast corner of block 26, just south of where he afterwards made his home. William Herbaugh was elected superintendent. It was kept open only during the summer, and was reorganized the following spring. It met in such vacant houses as could be secured, holding scarcely more than two or three Sundays consecutively in any one place. In the fall of 1868, when the building was erected which was afterwards donated to the county for a court-house, the Sunday school found therein a somewhat permanent home. From this school the denominational schools were established as follows : The Methodist in 1868, the Congregational and Presbyterian in 1870, and the Baptist in 1871.
NEOSHO TOWNSHIP.
Concord District, No. 16 .- The school-house in this district is now in North township, but when first built was in Neosho. In the summer of 1867 Mrs. Owens organized a Sunday school in their house on the northeast quarter of section 5, which was maintained during that sum- mer, and when the school-house was built a reorganization was had, locating it in that building, where it was continued for a number of years.
New Hope District, No. 15 .- In 1869 there was a log cabin about half a mile north of where Matthewson now stands, known as the Sweet school-house. Rev. R. P. Bukey preached there frequently. In that house was started the first Sunday school in that part of the county. Wm. McDown was its superintendent. It was not long until the new
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HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY.
school-house was built. A Sunday school was conducted in this district during the summer months for a number of years, commencing with 1869. It was generally conducted as a Methodist Episcopal school. W. D. Bevans superintended most of the time. W. T. Carter was superintend- ent at one time. Rev. J. A. Harvey is the present superintendent.
Hopkins District, No. 62 .- From 1875 to 1882 a prosperous Sunday school was conducted in this district. W. D. Bevans was one of its prin- cipal workers, and a part of the time its superintendent.
Lone Elm District, No. 21 .- Sunday school has been started here oc- casionally, but has not been regularly maintained.
Hard Scrabble District, No. 46 .- The effort to maintain a Sunday school in this district was not so persistent as to meet with good success.
NORTH TOWNSHIP.
Township Association .- In 1876 an association was formed in this township, but was not effective the following year, and the various schools in the township met and reorganized a township association on April 7, 1878, electing J. M. C. Reed president and S. L. Obenchain sec- retary. Since then the association has held annual meetings, sometimes more frequently.
Woods District, No. 18 .- Organized in 1878. Superintendents: S. Stephenson, N. T. Chambers, T. J. Van Horn, F. A. Edwards.
Spring Hill District, No. 22 .- Organized in 1874. Superintendents : Samuel Cherry, J. W. Scott, Messrs. Milligan, Wilson, Chambers, Millard.
Heacock District No. 32 .- Organized in 1875. Mrs. Anna Heacock was superintendent for several years; afterward I. P. Merrill.
Franklin District, No. 55 .- Organized May, 1870, and maintained during the summer months every year since. Superintendents : G. W. Goodman, J. Harlan, E. H. Taylor, - Brandon, H. McIntosh, E. H. Wells, S. L. Obenchain, T. J. Van Horn, and Robert Toles.
Prairie Valley District, No. 31 .- Organized in May, 1871, and main- tained since. Superintendents : Philip La Cornu, William Burdit, J. G. Duval, J. M. C. Reed, R. Brown, E. C. Barker, W. B. Truax, and J. N. Hardman. For two or three years two schools were maintained at this place -one a union and one a Methodist South ; one met in the forenoon and one in the afternoon.
WALTON TOWNSHIP.
Salem District, No. 42 .- School was organized in this district in 1871, and has been kept open every summer since. Alex. Ables was its first superintendent. James Venable and Amos Welch have been effective workers, and frequently have superintended. Charles Birt is now super- intendent.
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RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
Bradford District, No. 39 .- A school was organized in this district in the house of Merit Mason, in 1870, and has since been maintained nearly every year during the summer months. Among its superintendents have been J. C. Bradford, Frank J. Smith, and T. J. Rich.
OSAGE TOWNSHIP.
Mount Zion District, No. 36 .- In the fall of 1867 the neighbors got together and built a log house on the northwest quarter of section 5, in township 32 of range 18, in which to hold religious services and other meetings of a public character. A Sunday school was organized in this house in the spring of 1868. This was the first Sunday school in the township. Harry Beggs was superintendent. The school has been maintained ever since. In the spring of 1871 it was reorganized as a Methodist Episcopal school, which relationship has continued, that dis- trict being one of the points where that denomination has regularly held services. Rev. E. M. Bussart, William Johns, C. L. Darling, S. C. Hocket, Phelix Oliphant and Perry Nixon are some of those who have been prominent workers in this school.
Four-Mile District, No. 38 .- The first school-house in this district was a little log building which stood in the middle of the road at the north- west corner of section 22. From this it was known as "the little log school-house in the lane." In this a Sunday school was organized in 1870, with J. M. Armstrong superintendent ; it was reorganized in the spring of 1871, with Jacob Masters superintendent. The school was maintained till 1883.
Harmony Grove District, No. 30 .- A Sunday school was organized in this district in the spring of 1870, with Mr. Pierce superintendent, which has continued until the present- a part of the time running all the year, and a part of the time closing in the winter. It was first held in Mr. Gibson's dwelling-house on the northwest quarter of section 30. William Dick, F. H. Dienst and D. D. Lindsey were early and efficient workers here.
Timber Hill District, No. 37 .- This Sunday school was organized in a log school-house on the southeast corner of the Timber Hill town-site. in the spring of 1870, with Mr. Baker superintendent. Some years ago it was organized as a German Methodist school, and as such still maintains its existence and does good work. The Hookey, Breshler and Schrader families have been efficient workers.
Maple Grove District, No. 102 .- This Sunday school was organized on February 5, 1882, with J. T. McKee superintendent, and George W. Hierronymus assistant. It has not had a continuous existence- some years kept up, and at other times has remained dormant. Miss Blank- enship and J. R. Duncan have been recent superintendents.
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HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY.
Baptist Union Sunday school was organized in the Baptist church on section 23, in 1877, and was maintained there as a union school until the church was removed to Dennis.
Sylvan Dale District, No. 79 .-- A school was organized in this district in 1872, with George Anderson superintendent. The next spring it was reorganized, with J. D. Mckeever superintendent, which position he held for a number of years. S. M. Bailey was an active worker in this school while he lived in the neighborhood. The school moved to Dennis in 1883.
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