USA > Kansas > Reno County > History of Reno County, Kansas; its people, industries and institutions, Vol I > Part 11
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ENTERPRISE TOWNSHIP.
Enterprise township was organized by the presentation of a petition on April 9. 1879. to the county commissioners. The territory for the new town- ship was formerly Medford township. To make the new township. all of township 23. range 8, and two miles off of the west side of township 23. range 9, were set off and given the name of Enterprise township. The first election was held on May 27, 1879. . No record is available of the result of this elec- tion, as the county clerk of the period found it a great deal easier to "file" the report of the election in some pigeon-hole rather than take the trouble to put it in permanent form in the records of the county commissioners, where such records should be kept.
PLEVNA TOWNSHIP.
Plevna township was created on August 2. 1879, by a petition to the board of commissioners. This new township was taken from Westminster. township 24, ranges 9 and to, being sliced off of Westminster to make the land of the new township. The first election resulted in choosing the follow- ing for township officers: Trustee, J. B. Russell: clerk, J. W. Campbell! : treasurer. Richard Kinnaman: justice of the peace. N. P. Gregg : constable. John Berry.
HUNTSVILLE TOWNSHIP.
Huntsville township's petition was signed by "T. B. Totten and fifty- two others." asking for the creation of a new township, and was filed with the county commissioners on May 19, 1885. It was found to conform to all the things required to form a new township and its creation was authorized and the first election held. This township was taken from both Hayes and
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Enterprise townships, and consists of all of township 23. range 9 west. The election resulted as follows: Trustee, George McKeoun : clerk. A. L. Minter, Sr .. treasurer. William Holmes: justice of the peace, S. B. Rogers: con- stable. H. H. Van Liber.
WALNUT TOWNSHIP.
Walnut township was also created by the board of commissioners at the same time the petition was presented for the creation of Huntsville town- ship. This township was taken from a part of Hayes and a part of Medford townships. The first election was held on May 28, 1885, and resulted in the selection of the township officers who should hold until the election in the fall. But no record is to be found of these first officers, the same no doubt having been duly "filed" instead of being recorded.
SYLVIA TOWNSHIP.
The petition for the creation of Sylvia township was presented to the board of commissioners on October 7, 1886. It was signed by B. B. Wilson "and fifty-two others." It was taken from the municipal township of Plevna, the west half, consisting of township 24, range 10 west. The first election took place on November 2, 1886, and resulted in the selection of B. B. Wil- SO11 for trustee; Charles A. Payton for clerk ; T. J. Hanley for treasurer ; J. S. Curra and J. M. Talbott, justices of the peace, and W. H. S. Benedict and Cicero Williamson. constables.
MEDORA TOWNSHIP.
On December 3. 1888, Henry Hartford headed a petition and eighty- eight others likewise signed it, asking for the creation of Medora township. It was to be taken from Little River and a part of Clay townships. It was irregular in its form and the description of the township was as follows: "Commencing at the northeast corner of section 6, township 22, range 4. west : thence running east to the southeast corner of section 31. township 22. range 4 west; thence west to the southwest corner of section 36, township 22, range 5 west ; thence north to the northwest corner of section 25, town- ship 22, range 5 : thence west to the southwest corner of section 19, township 22, range 5 west ; thence north to the northwest corner of section 6, town- ship 22, range 5. west : thence east to the place of beginning."
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ARLINGTON TOWNSHIP.
On January 4. 1881, Robert Burling and "fifty-in others" presented at petition for the creation of a new municipal township, which they wanted named Arlington, after the famous "Arlington Heights." The territory was to be obtained by taking the east half of what was then Langdon township. The geographical description of the new township was as follows: Town- ship 25. range 8 west. The election of the first officers of the new township was fixed for February 5, 1881. The commissioners granted the petition for the new township and the election was held on the date fixed, but here again it evidently was found casier by the clerk of that day to file the results of the election in some pigeon-hole rather than to record it, so no names are available for the first officers of Arlington township.
NINNESCAH TOWNSHIP.
Ninnescah township was organized on July 1, 1889. Sammuel Adamson headed a petition of the residents of what is now Ninnescah township to cut off part of Albion and Sumner townships and make the new township that was to be named after the stream that flowed through that part of Reno county. The new township was to be composed of all of township 26, south of range 5. west of the sixth principal meridian and section 34, 35 and 36 in township 25, south of range 6. The board of county commissioners granted the petition and fixed the date of the first election for August 5. 1887.
CHAPTER XII.
POLITICAL PARTIES.
Reno county was settled in the earliest days largely by old soldiers. They had returned from the war and found conditions in their former hemes unsatisfactory. With many of them the spirit of independence and adventure had been stimulated by the war. The free homestead lands in the west were an attraction to them. As a natural result of this, the Repub- lican party became the dominant one here and has remained such through all the years since the organization of the county.
There was another thing which tended to strengthen this party. The county was settled by people from Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, states of a similar climate. which were Republican, and the early settler brought his politics with him when he came west. There were few people from the Southern states, but they were equally as strong in their belief in Demo- cratic principles as the Northern emigrant was in the Republican faith.
RELATIVE PARTY STRENGTH.
The first election in Reno county where national political lines were drawn and which would give an indication of how the two political parties stood, was in 1873. That year, T. J. Ryan, candidate for Congress on the Republican ticket, received 1,105 votes and S. J. Crawford. Democrat, received 356 votes. In local matters, the personality of the candidate often was a factor and cannot be used to indicate the party preferences of the voters. In the general election of 1876. George T. Anthony, Republican candidate for governor of Kansas, received 1,072 votes and John Martin, the Democratic nominee, received 390 votes. The presidential electors of the two parties varied but little from the votes cast for each political party for their candidate for governor and at this time it would indicate that Reno county was Republican in a general way, by a ratio of three to one.
In 1877 the average strength of each of the parties was found in the role for county clerk. That year. W. H. Beaty received 1,082 votes and George D. Barclay. 200 votes. However, this was an "off" year, a year
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in which only local matters were issues and the minority party in those years seldom cast its proportionate part of the vote. In 1878 the vote on governor showed a new element in the party. John P. St. John was the Republican candidate for governor, J. R. Goodin, the Democratic candi- date, and for the first time the Greenback party had a candidate. D. P. Mitchell was his name. St. John received 1,477 votes, Goodin, 462, and Mitchell, 1.49. This vote was the first indication of what has been one of the marked characteristics of the county-a tendency toward independent voting, that some years is intensified and has resulted in reducing the Republican majority and in some instances resulting in making this dominant party temporarily a minority party. This independence in voting in 1878 resulted in giving J. T. Cox, then a resident of Hutchinson, Democratic candidate for attorney-general, 90.1 votes, while his Republican opponent received 1,168 votes. In this case Cox's vote was more than one-third above his party vote. In this election, Thomas Ryan, Republican candidate for Congress from the third congressional district, of which Reno county was then a part. received 1,404 votes; Frank Doster, Greenback candidate. received 403 votes and J. B. Fugate, Democratic candidate, received 166 votes. J. R. Hallowell, candidate for congressman-at-large on the Repub- lican ticket, received 1,367 votes and S. J. Crawford, Democratic candi- date received 683 votes.
THE PROHIBITION QUESTION.
At this election the prohibitory amendment to the state Constitution was voted on. A vigorous campaign was made in behalf of prohibition and a bitter fight made on it. In a general way the Republicans voted for it and the Democrats opposed it. This was due largely to the fact that the Republican platform declared for prohibition. The result in the county over this question was that the prohibitory amendment received 1,006 votes and there were 932 votes against the amendment. This vote indicates that about 300 Republicans must have voted against the prohibitory amendment. The facts, as now recalled by those who participated in that election, were that probably 450 Republicans, or about one-third of the party, voted against the prohibitory amendment, while probably one-fifth of the Democrats voted for the amendment. The sentiment of the county was for the prohibition of the liquor traffic.
Reno county has ever since that vote been a staunch supporter of prohi- bition. There have been times, many of them, when saloons were run in
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Hutchinson and in some of the other towns of the county. This has been due to two factors-one, that a large percentage of the people were opposed to the law originally, which has had its effect on the political parties in mak- ing their nominations for the executive officers of the county, they looking for candidates who would not show too severe an opposition to the saloon business. Another factor, and perhaps the one that had the most to do with the violation of the law, was the substitution of a fine system under some of the city administrations, which practically meant high license instead of prohibition. This condition existed under several of the city adminis- trations and was only ended by the passage of a law that put city and county officers in danger of impeachment and ouster from their office by the attorney-general of the state for a failure to enforce the prohibitory law. The argument used by the city officials was that whiskey would be sold anyhow and the city should derive some revenue from its sale. This argument was dispelled as soon as the ouster law became effective and showed the weakness of the statement which had been an excuse for failure to enforce the law. This law has likewise been misused to boom some weak candidates for office, men who could not appeal to the people on their qualifications, but used it as a slogan to obtain votes. But in a general way. the prohibitory law has been enforced about as well as any other criminal statute.
One of the most notable political contests in Reno county was that between Chester I Long and Jerry Simpson for congressman. Reno county was the largest county in the district and became the center of the contest in each of four political campaigns in which these two men were candidates. Perhaps the greatest local meeting ever held in Reno county, one in which partizanship was at its height, was at the joint debate held in the old audi- torium at Riverside park. Party feeling was bitter. The debate was largely over the monetary question, whether it was better for the country to have the gold standard or the "double standard," the latter being contended for by Simpson.
The largest political meeting and, for that matter, the largest crowd ever assembled in Hutchinson was on October 3. 1894, when William McKin- ley. then chairman of the ways and means committee of the house of repre- sentatives, spoke in this city. The railroads granted a one-cent-a-mile rate from all points within three hundred miles of Hutchinson. Every avail- able bit of equipment was used by the railroads, some of them being forced to use freight care to accommodate the people desiring to come to Hutchin-
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son. It was estimated that there were over one hundred thousand people in Hutchinson, only a small portion of these people being able to hear Mckinley speak. All of the chairs were taken out of the building and everybody stood up. Not only was the floor packed to suffocation, but the rafters of the unfinished auditorium became perches for men who wanted to hear the man who then was making a campaign for nomination for Presi- cent of the United States.
Another great gathering of a political nature was in 1912, when Will- iam H. Taft, then President of the United States, visited Hutchinson, lay- ing the corner stone of the convention hall in Hutchinson and addressing the crowd at the state fair grounds. It was an immense crowd, but strangely different from the MeKinley meeting, which was marked by the highest enthusiasm, while the Taft meeting was very noticeable for the absence of any demonstrations of favor toward the speaker.
Prior to the establishment of the state primary system, all of the political parties made nominations by delegate conventions. The foundation of this . system rested with the party caucus, at which time delegates were selected to the county convention, where county candidates were selected. In state matters, this county convention selected delegates to the state convention, which nominated the party candidates for state offices. When delegates to the national convention were to be selected, the state convention selected the men to represent the state. Frequently those delegates were instructed how they were to vote in the convention to which they had been sent. This system developed what were called "bosses", party leaders who selected the delegates and candidates and then sought to get the delegates to ratify their choice. In many ways this system was very satisfactory, but its abuses were in the spirit of the leaders, who grew arrogant in the power they wielded in practically having the control of the offices. Their choice was generally wise, and competent men were put in office, but it frequently hap- pened that the party "bosses" thwarted the choice of the people and named subservient candidates who would devote the political energies of their officers to the continuing of the "machine", as the organization was generally called. All political parties were managed in the same way and it was the abuse of the power of naming the candidates that led to the changing of the system.
The protest against the convention system became so vigorous that the Legislature passed the "primary" law, which is in force at the present time. It really amounts to two élections The state controls every feature of the
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matter. It prescribes the method by which persons may become candidates. furnishes all the ballots, controls the election boards and pays all the expenses of selecting the candidates of all parties for all offices. It limits the amount of money a candidate can spend to secure either the nomination or the elec- tion. In a general way, the primary law has given satisfaction, but the abuses which can arise under it are becoming more apparent each year and it is becoming more evident that some additional features must be added to the law or it will become as distasteful as the old convention system. In a general way, the question of publicity is becoming a serious one. The best known man necessarily wins and the unknown candidate receives but small consideration. Newspaper advertising in a state-wide campaign is necessary and in some manner this must be obtained: therefore there is a great deal of truth in the statement frequently made that running for a state or national office is a rich man's game. Perhaps this feature is the most objectionable one. Another feature is that incompetent persons are sometimes named for office. While some conspicuous instances of this have occurred in Reno county, perhaps there have been no more than there were under the convention system.
In a general way, Reno county has been Republican in politics. The first breaking from the rule was in 1890, when the Populist party was organ- ized. At that time nearly all of the county outside of Hutchinson went against the Republicans and the town majority was greatly reduced. The county offices were all filled with Populists. Gradually this party has dis- appeared, many of its members returning to the Republican party. How- ever, there was a large percentage who. while nominally Republican, took almost any occasion to break away from the party. This was noticeable in 1012, when the "Bull Moose" party arose in protest against the methods of the Republicans in the national convention that nominated Taft for the Presidency. This was a revolt equal in extent to the one in this state that created the Populist party, which was over the financial. question.
.As a result of all these political moves, there has grown up in Kansas- and this applies to Reno county as well-a political independence that will not tolerate abuse of power by any party. It is the best possible guarantee of the better element of society controlling in political matters. With this independence, no party rales by reason of its former work. It must meet the demands of the day or the people will go to the other political party or. if need be, create a new one. With this sentiment, popular rule is assured. the highest integrity obtained in public officials and the best possible service from the servants of the people-the ones who hold the offices.
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CHAPTER XIV.
THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
Reno county, under the statutes of Kansas, leaves her financial matters in the hands of three commissioners, who are chosen from three separate districts of the county. The boundary lines of these districts have been changed at various times, the general purpose being to get the population of the county divided up into as nearly equal parts as possible. Several changes have been made in years past for political purposes-a township or ward of a town shifted from one district to another because of its vote. but in general the idea of dividing the county as equally as possible accord- ing to population has controlled the county commissioners, who make and change the boundary lines of the districts.
The members of the first board of commissioners, appointed by the governor of Kansas, were C. C. Bemis, W. J. Van Sickle and W. H. Bell, and they were to have charge of county matters until an election could be held. They called an election for county officers for Saturday, February 3. 1872. At this election these three men were chosen for commissioners, to serve until the regular election in the fall of 1872, when they were all re-elected.
On August 13, 1874, the county was first divided into commissioner districts. The first district consisted of the townships of Clay. Grant, Little River, Valley and Reno. At that time Hutchinson was a part of Reno township. The second district consisted of the townships of Castleton. Lincoln and Haven, and the third district, the balance of the county.
These township lines have been changed in many ways since 1874, but cover about the same territory that is now comprised in the townships that , compose the three commissioner districts. In 1916 these districts stood as follows: First district, the city of Hutchinson; second district, the town- ships of Albion, Castleton, Center, Ninnescah, Reno, Roscoe, Lincoln, Little River, Medora, Salt Creek, Summer, Troy, Valley, Yoder and Haven : third district, the balance of the county, seventeen townships in number.
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RENO COUNTY, KANSAS.
NOTABLE POLITICAL ROW OF 1873.
The election of 1873 started in a row and ended in a law suit. The contest was nominally the country against the town, but in reality, it was the "outs" against the "ins." The result of the election went to the district court and on to the supreme court. The result was not announced until February 5, 1875. The contest was on county surveyor and the three county commissioners. Henry Hartford was continued as sheriff of the county: George W. Hardy, county treasurer; R. A. Soper, surveyor, with M. A. Sayles, J. S. Houser and William Astle as county commissioners. In their contest and anxiety to get their offices they lost the records of their opponents, of the men who won, and the vote is also missing.
In 1874 there were no county commissioners elected, the old ones hold- ing over until the contest of 1873 was settled. In 1875 the entire board of commissioners were voted on. In the first district, J. M. Beam received 303 votes and E. J. Russell 122 votes. In the second district, J. W. Cook polled 116 votes, William Astle Iro, and George Bishop 26 votes. AAstle waited a year and went into the board the following year after the supreme court's decision. P. C. Branch won in the third district, receiving 147 votes. J. Elliott 112 votes, and T. J. Anderson 62 votes. There was no election in 1876. In 1877 all three commissioner districts held elections. In the first district J. B. Potter got 409 votes and G. M. Zinn 117 votes. In the second district J. A. Moore received 207 and M. Sharp 63 votes. In the third district Elmer Everett polled 281 votes and his opponent. T. J. Ander- son, 102 votes. The only man of this board re-elected was Elmer Everett. Both Moore and Sharp dropped out of sight politically. Mr. Anderson, being a Democrat, was on the minority side. He was a candidate for other offices later, but was not successful in politics. However, he was a success in business, being later one of the most substantial cattle men of the early days. He lived a long and useful life in Hutchinson, honored and respected by all. Mr. Everett still lives in Center township. "He has been one of the strong men in the county, a man of good, clear judgment. his word as good as a bond, successful in business, a good clean man, a pioneer of the highest order and a man whom his neighbors trust and honor.
In 1878 John Gilleland ran for commissioner from the first district. receiving 403 votes and D. D. Olmstead 305 votes. This was a race between two excellent men. Olmstead was a pioneer of Grant township, a justice of the peace and a worthy citizen. Gilleland lived in Valley town-
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ship, and was equally as highly regarded. Gilleland served on the board for three years.
In 1879 A. M. Switzer was a candidate in the second district against S. Smith. He received 329 votes to Smith's 54 votes. Mr. Switzer at that time lived in Lincoln township, being one of the earliest settlers in that part of the county. He is still vigorous and healthy, living now in the last township organized, Yoder township, whose organization was due to Mr. Switzer's persistence and good standing in the county.
In 1880, Mr. Everett was chosen for a second term from the third dis- trict. His opponent was O. S. Jenks, of Turon. The vote stood-Everett. 856: Jenks, 682. There was no election in 1881.
PERSONNEL OF THE BOARD DURING THE EIGHTIES.
In 1882, in the second district, there were three candidates for the office, A. M. Switzer receiving 223 votes, R. Laughlin, 138 votes and W. H. Northcutt, 146 votes. Mr. Switzer served one term. In 1883, in the third district, W. A. Watkins and R. T. Cassidy were the candidates. Mr. Watkins polled 488 votes and Mr. Cassidy, 200 votes. Mr. Watkins served one term of three years. In 1884 the first district elected commissioners. W. P. D. Fleming was elected over F. M. Wiley, he receiving 937 votes and Mr. Wiley, 576 votes. Mr. Fleming was re-elected in 1887, polling 1,046 votes. In this second race he had two competitors, G. W. Hardy. who received 202 votes, and J. P. Theabold, who received 22 votes. In 1885 there were elections in both the second and third districts. In the sec- ond district Frank Maguire beat George H. Benson, he receiving 426 and his competitor 297 votes. In the third district J. M. Anderson was elected by a vote of 573 to R. T. Cassidy's 301 votes. Mr. Anderson was re-elected in 1886, L. M. Hall, running against him, getting 488 votes, and C. M. Gray getting 84 votes, while Anderson received 666 votes. Mr. Maguire failed to secure a second term, due to a divided vote. He received 788 votes, while G. M. Zimmerman received 949 votes. W. F. Carson was also a candidate in this race, receiving 59 votes, and Minor Crippen received 169 votes. By reason of the four candidates, elected on local issues. the votes that were received by the two lowest candidates were taken largely from Maguire. In 1890 W. P. D. Fleming was elected from the first dis- trict for the third time. He received 641 votes and W. B. Holmes, his competitor, got 356.
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