USA > Kansas > Marshall County > History of Marshall County, Kansas : its people, industries, and institutions > Part 20
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For a few years this society had as many as sixty-five members; it had a male chorus of sixteen, which took part in many of the state saengerfests. always ranking high and winning many prizes. By January, 1917, its mem- bership had decreased to thirty, but the male chorus is still working. During its existence this society has paid over two thousand dollars in sick benefits to its members.
Prof. John D. Walters, M. Sc., is without doubt the most widely known member of this society. He was the first leader of the first brass band in Marshall county. For forty consecutive years he has been a member of the faculty of the Kansas State Agricultural College, where he is now the dean of the department of architecture and drawing. He has been the senior member of the faculty since 1897. For years he has taken much interest in the American Educational Association. His lectures on agri- cultural college work have been heard all over Kansas and in many other states. His text books on free hand and industrial drawing have been adopted by a great many schools and colleges in the West. He has been an active educator for more consecutive years than any other man in Kansas, and thousands of graduates of the Kansas State Agricultural College laud the conscientious work of Professor Walters.
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THE FOUNDER OF THE SOCIETY.
Samuel Forter, the founder of the society followed the business of blacksmithing from 1877 to 1900. During these years he donated much time and energy in other directions. He organized the first real fire department in Marysville and served as its chief until 1900; was president of the Kansas State Firemens Association in 1808 at Chicago; was president of the band for eighteen years, directed the singing for the Turner and Swiss societies, taught physical culture for the Turner society for fourteen years and took an active part in a great many theatricals and concerts and lodge functions. In the fall of 1899 Congressman Calderhead took him out of his blacksmith shop and made him his private secretary, which place he filled satisfactorily for four years, during which he served as assistant clerk for the postoffice and postroads committee: also for the committee on bank- ing and currency in the House of Representatives. In 1904 Eugene F. Ware. United States commissioner of pensions, appointed him a "special examiner in the field." and for seven years he was engaged in pension work in the states of Nebraska. Iowa, South Dakota, Colorado and parts of Missouri and Kan- sas. From April 1, 1911. to March 15. 1915, he served as postmaster at Marysville, when he was succeeded by a Democrat.
John H. Kuoni, son of Mathias Kuoni, has served the county as a mem- ber of the Legislature, township trustee and in other capacities always with credit to himself and benefit to his constituents.
Charles Keller has been trustee and treasurer of Franklin township. where he has extensive farming interests for many years. His brother, Gottfried Keller, laid out the town of Walkersburg, now Winifred, on a part of his half section farm.
Jacob and John Seematter are both successful farmers, owning enough land to give each of their numerous sons a good farm.
Jacob and Robert Wullschleger followed the business of carpenters and builders for many years: then they took to the farm, where they have been amply rewarded for their industry and good management.
Rudolph and Frank Yaussi have been prominent members of the Hel- vetia society. Their sketch will be found elsewhere in this book.
Carl Haenni was teacher of physical culture for the Turner society for eleven years and for fifteen years he has directed the Swiss singers and the Maennerchor.
John Thierstein has been president of the Helvetia verein for a long
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period. His steady hand has guided its welfare as successfully as it has guided the work on his big farm near Marysville.
The treasury has been in charge of Gottfried Braeuchi for twenty years, it could not be in better hands. Plenty of work and absolite integrity have made him a general favorite, along with President Thierstein. If this Swiss society ever ceases singing it will be because the clarion tenor of Thierstein and the "aelpler jodel" of Braeuchi, have been stilled. Jacob Ruetti is like- wise an old and honored member. Many years of hard work on his farm have made it possible for him to come to town in the back seat of his auto.
In years gone this society made a practice of observing the Swiss national independence, or holiday, in appropriate manner, the wives of mem- bers outdoing each other in the preparation of the banquet of Swiss dishes. Ard to this day the guests at these tables recall those old "gruetlifests" as the most pleasant times of their life. It was the Swiss women who made those gatherings the success they were. and to their industry and frugality bclongs a great deal of the credit for the success on the farm or in the busi- ness undertakings of their husbands.
The present officers of the society are: John Thierstein, president : Jacob Wullschleger. vice-president; Carl Haenni, secretary: Gottfried Braeuchi. treasurer ; Frank Yaussi, trustee.
SWEDES.
The story of the Swedes in Marshall county is very much like the story of other pioneers in Kansas. They came to America prompted by the desire of getting homes of their own. Some came directly from Sweden; others stayed a short time in the East before coming to Kansas. Their material resources were rather limited. They did not possess much money or property of any kind ; but the real assets and values they commanded were ambition, industry and perseverance. These qualities have brought to the Swedes both wealth and happiness. Religiously, the Swedes adhere to the Lutheran faith. There are two Swedish Lutheran churches in the county and one Swedish Mission church, which in doctrine and polity differs a little from the Lutheran church.
The Swedes believe in giving their children religious training as well as secular education. Religious instruction is systematically given in the parish summer school and in the confirmation classes. While they patronize public schools and state institutions of learning, the church also maintains educational institutions.
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MARSHALL COUNTY, KANSAS.
SWEDES LOYAL CITIZENS.
Although the Swedes have deemed it necessary to use the Swedish language during the transition period in their religious work, and although they may have a desire to maintain their distinct national and religious ideals, they are not really clannish and they do not want to isolate themselves from others. On the contrary, the Swedes are loyal Americans.
One of the very first things a Swede thinks of, after arriving in this country, is to take out his first papers, and as soon as the law permits, he becomes a naturalized citizen. They speak with pride and enthusiasm of America as "our country."
The Swedes have contributed a number of school teachers and public officials to the county. Many of them have filled offices and positions of trust, both in the county and in the various townships and cities, and at the present time one of their sons, Hon. A. A. Nork, represents the county in the state Legislature. The Swedes of Marshall county are industrious, frugal and law-abiding citizens, possessing the utmost integrity of character and. by reason of these facts, have contributed largely to the prosperity and develop- ment of the county and their influence for good will be felt more and more in times to come.
SWEDISH SETTLEMENTS OF MARSHALL COUNTY.
There are two Swedish settlements in Marshall county. One between Axtell and Frankfort in Lincoln, Rock and Noble townships, and another south of Waterville in Cottage Hill township.
The first Swedish settler in Marshall county was Peter Froom. He was born in Ockelbo, Sweden, 1825, and came to America in 1855. He lived a few years in Knox county, Illinois, and arrived in Marshall county in 1858. He settled on a homestead on the west fork, Rock township. He was married 1875 to Netta S. Anderson : he died in 1894.
John Bloomberg and his son, Gustaf Bloomberg, came from Hinsdale. Illinois, and settled on a farm nine miles northeast of Frankfort. February, 1870. In the beginning of the same year a meeting was held in Chicago to consider the founding of a Swedish colony in Kansas. It was decided to send a delegation of three to Marshall county to select the location and make investigations. The delegation arrived here in April, 1870, and selected land in the southern part of Murray township. They also selected a site for a town, which should be called Gothamborg.
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About twenty-four Swedes and a few Norwegians bought land; but the plans regarding the "Gothamborg settlement" never materialized. Only two of the original parties arrived here, namely, Klaus A. Johnson and Christian Iverson. Klaus A. Johnson came to Frankfort, September II, 1870.
About the same time a company of Swedes at Keokuk, Iowa, planned to come to Kansas. Three men were sent to make investigations regarding homesteads in Kansas; one of the three was J. Hurtie. As a result of their report the following decided to make Kansas their home: Fred Johnson, John Polson, S. P. Ericson, J. Hurtie and family ; J. Bjork and family. This party of ten homeseekers arrived in Frankfort, Marshall county, May 17, 1870. They filed on claims and made homes on the prairie in section 4. Lincoln township, (then part of Murray township).
Other Swedes who came in 1870 are John Johnson, August Lann, John Soderquist, Klaus Anderson. J. A. Nork, Peter Johnson, Andrew Person, and Gustaf Bromberg. The Swedish population of Marshall county, both foreign and native-born, numbered nearly one thousand on January I, 1917.
One of the greatest events of Marshall county is the Swedish picnic, which is held annually in Lincoln township and given under the auspices of the Salem Lutheran church. On several occasions the picnic has been attended by as many as three thousand people.
In July, 1916, Governor Arthur Capper attended the picnic, and delivered a patriotic address.
SALEM CHURCH.
The first religious services held in the new colony, were conducted by Rev. S. P. A. Lindahl, who was the synod missionary stationed at Mariadahl, Pottawattomie county. The first meeting was held in the Nork home in 1871. The first Christmas service was held at the home of J. Hurtie, in 1872. Mr. Hurtie officiating as pastor.
N. G. Bergenskold came to the colony in August, 1873. He held meet- ings in the Farrar school house, served communion and baptized children. He became resident pastor, each family agreeing to pay him ten dollars per year, which aggregated the princely sum of one hundred dollars. He remained one year and was succeeded by Reverend Seleen, who organized the Salem congregation with the following charter members: N. Peter- son, Klaus Anderson, K. A. Johnson, J. A. Nork, J. A. Bjork, J. Blom- berg, C. Blomberg, Nils Winquist, S. P. Erickson, John Polson, Fred Johnson, Olaf Backman, Erick Englund, P. M. Nelson, Christian Iverson, John Soder-
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quist. Severin Winquist. Some of these men had families, so the congrega- tion was organized with forty-two charter members.
The Augustan synod's constitution for church government was adopted and following officers were elected : Deacons, J. A. Nork, C. Iverson and Klaus Anderson: trustees, John Soderquist, Nils Peterson and G. Blomberg. Rev- erend Seleen was installed as pastor of the congregation at a salary of one hundred dollars per year, in consideration of which he was to give them six services a year and more. if possible.
In 1876 Reverend Seleen resigned and in 1877 was succeeded by Rev. Hakan Olson, who ministered to the congregation once each month. In the course of time Reverend Olson recommended a young minister. Rev. P. J. Sanden, who came six months for two hundred dollars. Under his faithful pastorate the church prospered and he became resident pastor and served until 1887. At that time there were one hundred and fifteen communicants and the total Swede population was two hundred and forty. The church was built in 1883.
Rev. F. A. Bonander became pastor on July 15, 1888 and served until November 3, 1001. Rev. A. S. Segenhammer of Galveston, Texas, became pastor on July 5. 1902, and served until September. 1912. The present pastor, Rev. Gustaf Nyquist, commenced his work as assistant to Reverend Segen- hammer and succeeded him on February 1. 1912. The property held by the congregation is worth about fifteen thousand dollars.
During forty years existence, up to the year 1914, the Salem congregation had received three hundred and forty-six members ; confirmed three hundred and eighty-two, baptized five hundred and fifty-five children. During the same period three hundred and fifty-nine persons have been dismissed or died. The church, at the beginning of 1917, had three hundred and eighty- three communicant members, and a total membership, counting children, of five hundred and thirty-five.
THE IRISH IN MARSHALL COUNTY.
There's a bower of roses by Bendemeer's stream. .And the nightingale sings round it all the day long: In the time of my childhood 'twas like a sweet dream, To sit by the roses and hear the bird's song. That Fower and its music I never forget,
But oft when alone in the bloom of the year.
1 think-is the nightingale singing there yet? Are the roses still bright by the calm Bendemeer?
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No; the roses soon withered that hung o'er the wave,
But some blossoms were gathered, while freshly they shone, And a dew was distilled from the flowers, that gave All the fragrance of summer, when summer was gone. Thus memory draws from delight, ere it dies, An essence that breathes of it many a year ;
Thus bright to my soul, as 'twas then to my eyes,
Is that bower on the banks of the calm Bendemeer.
In the early history of Marshall county two distinct localities were set- tled by the Irish people, St. Bridget, in the northeast and Irish creek, in the southeast.
The settlements in each case were made along the streams where the timber was good and easily obtainable for the cabins. The first settlers in St. Bridget were Phillip Coffey, Owen Reilly, Elizabeth Hoffman and Eli Tripp in 1857. The following year came John Coughlin, Michael Shaugh- nessy, Peter Lynch, John Smith, Michael Murray, Patrick Hughes, Thomas Loob and Michael Maddigan.
From that date until 1861 the little colony was increased by the families of Patrick McGrath, James Carroll, John Gossin, Sylvester Creevan, John Clark and Bernard Gallagher.
IRISHMAN FIRST HOMESTEADER.
On Irish creek the first settler was Daniel Donahy, who took up the first homestead under the United States laws and received patent No. I from the government. From 1857 to 1861 the following families settled on the creek. David. Jerry and Dennis Donahy, John Doud, William, Thomas, John and Daniel Nolan, Thomas and Edward McNieve, Patrick, Ned, Mike and Hubert Burke, the Greggs. Kennedys, Harringtons. Grimes and Hendeshans.
The families were all of a sturdy type of pioneers and while the hard- ships they endured were almost more than flesh and blood could stand, yet they had the indomitable spirit of the race and a faith which never failed them even in the darkest hours.
Soon the cheering visits of the ever welcome priests helped the dark days to pass and inspired them with hope for better times. Very soon the faithful adherents of the Catholic church gave of their scant stores to build humble church homes, where they might meet and worship the God of their forefathers.
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Those weekly meetings were the occasions of great happiness to a people who, by nature, are full of brotherly love and human sympathy. There they eagerly inquired after the health and welfare of neighbors and sent the kind wishes of warm hearts to absent ones.
News from that loved little isle-the emerald gem set in the silver sea- was exchanged and mutual messages sent. No story is so full of human interest as that of the pioneer. The palace is a tribute to the architect and the builder; but the log cabin appeals to the heart, for that rude dwelling sheltered men and women who had the courage to endure and the strength to overcome. It woukl be difficult to describe the hardships of those early years. Of actual suffering and want there was some; but, perhaps, the greatest suffering was never known.
VISIONS OF THE OLD COUNTRY HAUNT THE MEMORY.
To those early Irish people the thought of separation from the home and scenes of childhood. was fraught with such depths of anguish as only the loving, tender Irish heart can know.
How many times the brave parents sat beside the cabin door, while the little ones slept within, and felt within their hearts the utter loneliness of life. Memories of the happy childhood home, the dear old parents far away. would fill their hearts.
But the true hearts kept them brave and they lived to see cattle fatten- ing upon the green pastures and golden grain waving in the fields. Wealth and comfort have come to those who toiled, and loved, and hoped. Many, many have long since crossed the river and are resting on the other shore.
Perhaps no people who came to Marshall county were better fitted for the life of the pioneer. Living as their forefathers had, on an island, battling ever with the wild forces of nature, the sea and the storm were to them a force to be overcome.
So those descendants of a courageous race gave royal battle to the blizzard, the drought and the pestilence, and wrested from the virgin prairie its hidden wealth.
In the history of our county few years have passed that Irishmen have not served in some official capacity. They have been especially prominent on the board of county commissioners and have guided the affairs of the county with intelligence, care and integrity.
The names of Gossin. Murray, Shaughnessy, Manly, O'Neill and Sullivan adorn the roll of splendid pioneers and citizens of the county.
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It is difficult for one in whose veins flows the blood of a noble Irish ancestry to write in guarded tones of a race which unites the ardent, emo- tional, affectionate temperament, quick to resent an injustice, ever ready with forgiveness, with the highly religious qualities of soul, and the forceful, pro- gressive character.
It may be truly said that to the Irish in Marshall county we owe much of our material development and fine intellectual attainments.
CHAPTER A.
RAILWAYS OF MARSHALL COUNTY.
ST. JOSEPH AND GRAND ISLAND R.MILROAD.
On March 20, 1860, an item appeared in the Kansas paper that was of great importance to the people of Marshall county:
"Iron arrives in Kansas, and track laying begins on the Elwood and Marysville railroad. This is the first railroad iron laid down on Kansas soil." On April 28, 1860. the following appeared in the Elwood Free Press :
"On Monday last, AApril 23, the directors of the Elwood & Marysville Railroad placed on their track the locomotive ".Albany,' an engine which has been used from Boston to the Missouri, as railroads have successively stretched their length toward the setting sun.
"On Tuesday several cars were brought across the river and a large concourse of people gathered to celebrate the actual opening of the first section of the great Pacific road. Col. M. Jeff. Thompson, president of the Elwood & Marysville road: Willard P. Hall. president of the St. Joseph & Topeka road: Gov. Robert M. Stewart, of Missouri, and others addressed the crowd on the great topic of the day."
On July 19, of the same year, a great celebration was again held at Elwood on the completion of the road to Wathena-the first railroad in the territory of Kansas.
On January 20, 1871, the first train on the Grand Island railroad reached Marysville. This line of railway extends through Murray, Guittard, Frank- lin, Center. Elm Creek, Marysville and Logan townships, and the stations are Axtell, Beattie, Home. Carden, Marysville. Herkimer and Bremen. Thirty- seven miles of this road traverse the county.
For many years the St. Joseph & Grand Island railroad was the main highway from Marysville to the river and west to Grand Island, Nebraska. where connection was made with main lines East and West.
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All shipping was carried on over this road until the Lincoln-Manhattan branch of the Union Pacific road was built, giving Marysville a north and south road, and later the Marysville and Menoken "cut-off" to Topeka was built, thus putting Marysville on a trans-continental line.
MARYSVILLE MAYOR FOR PROGRESS.
Perhaps the most important item of news to the citizens of Marysville that has appeared for many years was the notice that Charles F. Pusch, mayor of Marysville, had been elected a director in the St. Joseph & Grand Island railroad. Since that day Mr. Pusch has worked diligently for better railroad conditions in Marysville and owing to his efforts the hope of Marys- ville people that their city might be made a division point, has at last been fulfilled.
The Grand Island road is now under the management of the Union Pacific system, that system holding ninety per cent of the stock.
The Union Pacific Company will buy practically all the land from the city limits north to the river, a tract of sixty-eight acres; all town lots between Seventh street and the railroad, to be used for freight and passenger division terminals. Icing plants and feed yards will also be built.
The appropriation to be expended on these improvements in 1917 is two hundred and fifty thousand dollars and a like amount in 1918. It is anticipated that the Grand Island machine shops now located in St. Joseph. Missouri, will be brought to. Marysville. The following interesting clipping is from the Marshall County News of March 23. 1917:
THE RAILROAD IMPROVEMENTS.
After the nomination of Mayor Pusch he thanked the delegates for this unanimous nomination to a fourth terni as mayor. In speaking of the railroad improvements. he told how he had worked long years for the loca- tion of division terminal facilities, new depot, etc., and thanked the people for their confidence and support during all this time. He was glad to be able to report now that the contracts with the railroad company had been practically completed and that the work would proceed this year. He read a letter just received from E. E. Calvin, president of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, which reads as follows :
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"Union Pacific System.
Omaha, March 20, 1917.
"Mr. Charles F. Pusch, mayor, City of Marysville,
"Marysville. Kansas.
"Dear Sir :
"This will acknowledge and thank you for your favor of March 19th concerning matters at Marysville.
"I have directed that the options running to the Union Pacific Railroad Company be exercised at once and will advise you when this is done so that the ordinances may then be promptly passed.
"Further consideration has been given the special provision to be inchided in the deeds covering land to be conveyed to us for passenger station and I submit herewith a clause which I believe will be satisfactory to you and afford such protection to the railroad company as it is felt we should have and which I am certain you want us to have :
"'It is understood that as a part of this consideration for this convey- ance, the grantee herein, Union Pacific Railroad Company, agrees to erect upon the premises hereby granted, a passenger depot and appartenant facili- ties ; the grantee, the Union Pacific Railroad Company, will also erect in the vicinity of Marysville, Kansas, as soon as the land is available. a round house and such other terminal facilities as may be necessary for the handling of the business of the railroad company at that point.'
"If the above provision is acceptable to you, will you kindly have deeds prepared in accordance therewith and submit them to us.
"You understand, of course, that we will undertake the construction of the round house and appurtenant facilities this year, and as quickly as prac- ticable after we obtain possession of the necessary land under the proposed condemnation proceedings, with which you are familiar.
"Yours very truly,
"E. E. CALVIN."
The mayor said the clause to be inserted in the deeds had been accepted and that the deeds were being prepared by E. R. Fulton and would be imme- diately signed up and returned to the company.
ST. JOSEPH AND WESTERN RAILROAD COMPANY.
This road was incorporated by special act of the Territorial Legislature of 1857, as the Marysville. Palmetto & Roseport Railroad Company. Under
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the law of 1862, the name was changed to St. Joseph & Denver City Railroad Company. The western division was built under the charter of the Northern Kansas Railroad Company, and the general railroad law of Nebraska : incor- porated January 17, 1868.
_ By an act of the Legislature of 1866, the Northern Kansas Railroad Company was granted a portion of the five hundred thousand acres of land granted to the state by the act of Congress of 1841. By an act of Congress of July 23, 1856, the St. Joseph & Denver City Railroad Company received a grant of lands to aid in its construction.
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