Thursday, January 31, 2013

West Creek Post Office, Kansas.

West Creek.
Republic County.
Lincoln Township Map. 1884.
On the county map West Creek can be found in Township 4-south and Range 3-west.  On the Township map West Creek can be found in section 16.
West Creek Post Office.
West Creek post office open June 15, 1871 and ran to April 17, 1872, closed then reopened May 20, 1872 and ran to February 18, 1886, first postmaster was Joseph A. Deweese.
People of Lincoln township who used West Creek as their P. O. address as of 1884.
E. M. Beckley, Farmer.
G. B. Basset, Farmer.
S. C. Baker, Farmer.
B. Campbell, Farmer.
Thomas Creighton, Farmer.
Robert N. Carbutt, Farmer.
Cyrus Carbutt, Farmer.
Robert Douglas, Farmer.
George Douglas, Farmer and Blacksmith.
M. J. Douglas, Farmer.
W. S. Davis, Farmer.
William Joslyh, Farmer.
John S. Krigline, Farmer and Carpenter.
G. W. Lash, Farmer. 
W. T. Lash, FarmerS. R. Miller, Farmer.
J. P. McFarland, Farmer.
H. Pettiger, Farmer.
A. E. Shepard, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
A. Skeels, Farmer.
Henry Sandells, Farmer.
Z. J. Tate, Farmer and Stock Raiser and Thresher.
People of West Creek, 1883.
G. B. BASSETT, farmer, P. O. West Creek, was born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1844. In 1852 his parents settled in Mercer County, remaining there until 1873; then emigrated to Kansas, locating in Republic County. Landing there in February, he took a homestead on Section 21, southwest quarter, Township 4, Range 3; is well situated for stock-raising. He has about fifty acres under the plow, has a good orchard of 125 peach and forty-five apple trees, and one-fourth acre of raspberries and other small fruits; he has three and one-half acres of forest trees and one-half mile of hedge on the place. He is extensively engaged in raising hogs and turns off from seventy-five to one hundred head each year; also raises some cattle, but makes a specialty of hogs and corn. He has done well since he came to this State. He has held the office of Township Clerk for five terms, besides other offices, part of the time he has been here. He was married January 2, 1870, to Miss Harriet Clark, of Mercer County, Ohio; they have four children living--Minnie, Permelia, Mary E. and George. Mr. and Mrs. Bassett are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

H. C. MILLER, farmer, P. O. West Creek, was born in Putnam County, Ohio, in 1839. In 1854 he emigrated to Iowa, locating in Fayette County and remaining there until 1855, went to Missouri, locating in Daviess County and remained there until 1859, then went to Kansas, locating in Atchison and remained there until 1861, and from there settled in Jefferson County on the Delaware Reservation, remained there two years and then located at Clay Centre, Clay County and remained there until 1868, and thence to Woodson County and was there about two years, coming from there to Republic County and bought 160 acres on Section 16, paying $3.50 per acre. The farm is well watered by a branch of West Creek and a fine spring. There is about twenty-five acres of timber along the creek. He also has a good stone quarry of magnesia lime stone covering about four acres and has eighty acres under the plow, twenty-five acres fenced for pasture, good orchard, although small, good stone house 16x20 feet built of stone taken from his quarry. He has a small grove of forest trees and one of the best stock farms in the town and is fast commencing to raise stock. He has twelve head of cattle, eight head of horses and twenty-five head of hogs. This he will increase to enable him to feed all the grain he raises. He was married in 1862 to Miss Mary Khunley of Clay County, and they have five children--Fred, Harvey, Mattie, Sarah and Mabel.

J. P. NUTTER, farmer, P. O. West Creek, was born in Alton, Illinois, in 1842. He learned the engineering trade and worked at this business until 1851 when he enlisted in the Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry, serving three years and four months in Company K., was captured in Arkansas in 1864 but was paroled at the end of seventeen days and was mustered out at Hickory Station, Arkansas, and discharged at Springfield, Illinois, in 1865. After coming out of the army he engaged in farming and in 1872 emigrated to Kansas, locating in Republic County and in March took a homestead on Section 21, Township 4, Range 3. He secured a good homestead and has sixty-five acres under the plow, eighty acres fenced for pasture and about twenty acres of hay land. He has a fine grove of about three acres of forest trees, forty apple trees, a number of peach trees and small fruits of all kinds. He has built a good stone house 17x27 feet, two stories high and has a stone quarry and a fine spring in his pasture and also a large well with wind mill. He keeps a large number of cows and does quite a business in dairying and butter making. He was married in 1867 at Decatur, Illinois, to Miss Caroline Crow and they have five children--John, Charles, George, Maud and Claude.

Civil War Veterans of West Creek.

G. B. Bassett, Private, 15th., ohio, Infantry, Co. c.

Benjamin Corbett, Private, 13th., Kansas Infatry, Co. H.

John Kinghue, Private, 2nd., Maryland Infantry, Co. C.

S. R. Miller, Private, Kansas Militia.

J. P. Nutter, Private, 54th., Illinois Infantry, Co. K.

Putteiger, Corporal, 5th., U. S. Pennsylvania Regulars, Co. I.

S. J. Pate, Private, 2nd., Light Artillery.

G. J. Tate, Private, 24th., Indiana Infantry, Co. A.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Lost Springs, Kansas

Lost Springs, Kansas.
 
Marion County.
Clear Creek Township Map, 1885
 
On the county map Lost Springs can be found in Township 17-south and Range 4-east.  On the Township map Lost Springs can be found in section 21.
 
Lost Springs Post Office.
 
Lost Springs Post Office open July 9, 1879 and ran to ?  First Postmaster was Benjamin Slagg, Second Postmaster was M. F Shupe. 
 
The above information is for when Lost Spring post office was established as a U. S. Post Office.  The very first post office was in 1859, when Jack Costello won Lost Springs in a Porker game, and put up a store with a post office with him as postmaster.  Of course this was in the time when Lost Springs was just a dot on the map and not a real town. 
 
Prople of Clear Creek township who used Lost Spring as their P. O. address as of 1885.
 
S. D. Hyson, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Hopkins county, New York, came to county April, 1884.
 
B. Hunsparger, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Waterloo county, Canada, came to county April, 1880.
 
A. M. Nettrover, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Elkhart county, Indiana, came to county March, 1884.
 
Albert Peck, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Mason county, Illinois, came to county June, 1879.
 
M. F. Shupe, Postmaster, Farmer, Merchant and land ag't, from Canada, came to county April, 1879.
 
W. J. Weaver, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Pennsylvania, came to county December, 1876.
 
M. F. Ehms, Farmer and Stock Raiser, Clark Township, P. O., Lost Springs, from Arkansas, came to county September, 1884.
 
Lost Springs, 1912
 
Lost Springs, one of the historic points in Marion county, is an incorporated town located in Lost Springs township, on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific and the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroads 18 miles north of Marion, the county seat. It has a bank, telegraph and express offices, and a money order postofifice with two rural routes. All the regular lines of business activity are represented, and one of the largest mills in this section of Kansas is located here. There is a hotel and livery stable for the accommodation of travelers. According to the census of igro there were 276 inhabitants.

The springs for which the town was named, a noted camping place on the Santa Fe trail, are about 2 miles west of the depot. Many explanations have been given as to why they were called Lost Springs, none of which are authentic enough to bear repetition. These springs were known to the earliest travelers on the trail, and this was a camping point. The first historical mention of this place was by Josiah Gregg in his work, "Commerce of the Prairies," written in 1845. In his table of distances he places it 175 miles west of Independence, and 15 miles west of Diamond Springs, the previous stopping place. A trading post was established there in 1859 by J. H. Costello and a partner, Joshua Smith, who six months afterward sold out to Costello. Some lime during the Civil war a detachment of soldiers was ordered up from Mississippi to guard the Santa Fe trail, and Corporal Fred Sucksdorf, with a few men, was stationed at Lost Springs. In igo8 a large granite boulder was set up to mark the trail at Lost Springs. The usual inscription was cut on the stone and a fitting ceremony attended the occasion. In 1904 the town of Lost Springs was incorporated as a city of the third class.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Westfield Post Office, Kansas.

Westfield.
 
McPherson County.
Groveland Township Map. 1884.
 
Westfield can be found on the county map in Township 20-south and Range 4-west.  On the Township map Wastfield can be found in section 9.
 
Westfield Post Office.
 
Westfield post office open November 27, 1874 and ran to October 10, 1888.  First postmaster was Nathaniel Hempsded.
 
People of Groveland Township who used Westfield as their P. O. address as of 1884.
 
W. T. Cheney, Farmer, from Virginia, came to county 1877.
 
Becker Folsom, Farmer and Miner, from New York, came to county 1872.
 
E. L. Mead, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from New York, came to county 1872.
 
John Watkins, Farmer, from Ohio, came to county 1878.
 
T. W. Watt, Farmer, from Illinois, came to county 1883.
 
E. A. Watt, Farmer, from Illinois, came to county 1883.
 
Two men who used Westfield as their P. O. address as of 1883.
 
BECKER FOLSOM, a practical farmer, southeast quarter, Section 8, Township 20, Range 4 west, P. O. Westfield. He came to this place in April, 1872; his then nearest neighbor lived twelve miles away; his nearest markets were Salina on the northeast forty miles, and Newton, southeast, thirty-one miles away. He assisted to build the first house in Groveland Township; he has 640 acres of fine agricultural lands, 170 of which is cultivated. In 1882 there were 950 bushels of wheat raised on his place on forty acres, 1,000 bushels of corn on forty acres. He was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., November 24, 1830; lived there until seventeen years of age, when he went to Lapeer County, Mich., and engaged in farming and lumbering, and remained until March, 1872. He was married in 1852, to Miss Mary J. Amsden, a native of Batavia, N. Y. They have one son, Linden O. He is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council A. F. & A. M. He was Assessor of his township in 1883. He is a Republican in politics. He is engaged in mining in Ouray County, southwest Colorado; he located the J. H. Haverly Golden Group Mines of southwest Colorado.

JOHN W. SITTS, farmer and stock raiser, Section 4, Township 20, Range 4 west, P. O. Westfield. He took his land as a soldier's homestead April 23, 1872, being among the first claims taken in the township. He helped to build the first house erected in Groveland Township for his father, Daniel Sitts, in the spring of 1872. He owns 400 acres of land and has 200 under cultivation. In 1882, he raised 1,300 bushels wheat on 60 acres ground, 1,200 bushels corn on 40 acres land. He was born near London, Canada West, June 26, 1846. Went to Lapeer County, Mich., with his parents in 1856, and farmed until he came to Kansas. Enlisted January 19, 1864, in Company E, Eighth Michigan Cavalry and transferred to Company D. He had a horse shot from under him and was captured, but soon escaped. He participated in all battles of his command, was mustered out October 21, 1865. Married in the fall of 1873, to Miss Hattie E. Hempstead, a native of Iowa. They have two children, Arthur C. and Ernest C. He and wife are members of Christian Church of Groveland Township. He has served as Justice of the Peace, Constable and Overseer of Highways, and is the present Treasurer of School District No. 41.

Civil War Veteran.

William T. Cheney, P. O. Westfield, Gun shot wound to left shoulder.  Pension $4., per month.  Pension started March, 1881.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Eads Post Office, Kansas.

Eads, Kansas.
 
Lyon County.
Pike Township Map, 1878.
 
On the county map Eads can be found in Township 19-south and Range 10-east.  On the Township map Eads can be found in section 25.
 
Eads Post Office.
 
Eads post office open June 14, 1878 and ran to September 16, 1884.  First postmaster was Henry H. Coptock.
 
Eads Post Office was five miles southwest of Emporia.
 
No one was listed in the Patron'd Directory who used Eads as their P. O. address.  As you can see by the dates this post office only lasted six years and there was no other information found.

Mayview Kansas

Mayview Kansas.
 
Jewell County
Brown's Creek Township Map, 1884.
 
On the county map Mayview can be found in Township 5-south and Range 8-west.  On the Township map Mayview can be found in section 17.
 
Mayview Post Office.
 
Mayview post office open May 3, 1872 and ran to July 14, 1904.  First postmaster was Mrs. Mary E. Benner, 1872-1904.
 
People of Athens & Brown's Creek Townships who used Mayview as their P. O. address as of 1884.
 
Athens Township.
 
Bartley Branagan, Farmer.
Orson Dunham, Farmer.
J. A. Gunn, Farmer.
J. B. King, Farmer and Renter.
Henry Morgan, Farmer.
John Riley, Farmer
James T. Slatery, Farmer.
N. R. Tophiff, Farmer.
 
Brown's Creek Township.

G. W. Alvord, Farmer
F. Ayers, Farmer.
H. Applebee, Farmer.
G. F. Applebee, Farmer.
L. C. Bowles, Farmer.
H. G. Breed, Farmer.
L. A. Breed, Farmer and Breeder of Graded Durham Cattle.
J. W. Blacker, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
B. C. Blacker, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
F. Burg, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
R. T. Bender, Farmer.
J. O. Brunnemer, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
J. M. Booze, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
W. H. Birdsell, Farmer.
M. Birdsell, Farmer.
J. Bingham, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
J. T. Clark, Farmer.
R. Clark, Farmer.
J. L. Colburn, Farmer.
C. L. Colburn, Farmer and Fruit Grower.
G. R. Colburn, Farmer.
J. F. Callison, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
R. M. Croak, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
J. Croak, Farmer.
H. Crouse, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
J. C. Crouse, Farmer.
H. T. Crouse, Farmer.
W. G. Coffeen, Farmer.
James Dunleavy, Farmer.
Owen Duhleavy, Farmer.
John Divel, Farmer.
H. Dibble, Farmer.
H. H. Dewey, Farmer and Breeder of Norman Horses.
G. Detwiler, Miller.
John L. Detwiler, Farmer.
F. Detwiler, Farmer.
E. Eychuer, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
J. J. F. Gunn, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
N. Gunn, Farmer.
C. F. Genung, Farmer.
R. P. Griffis, Stock Dealer.
J. L. Gann, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
J. C. Gann, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
W. C. Gann, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
W. Harbison, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
A. Harwood, Farmer.
H. F. Hosler, Farmer and Fruit Raiser.
J. C. Harley, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
T. C. Harley, Carpenter.
O. Jinkins, Farmer.
A. J. King, Farmer.
J. G. King, Farmer.
S. S. King, Farmer.
Joseph Keeman, Farmer.
H. G. Loncks, Farmer.
H. H. McGugin, Farmer.
J. R. Mizener, Farmer and Breeder of Graded Cattle.
J. W. Mizener, Farmer.
G. D. Moore, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
W. D. Mathews, Farmer.
H. Metcalf, Farmer.
Mrs. E. Munks, Farmer.
J. Myers, Farmer.
S. Myers, Farmer.
James Presler, Farmer.
Jacob Presler, Farmer.
D. Ryan, Farmer.
A. Ryan, Farmer.
M. T. Stansbury, Farmer.
Edwin Smith, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
J. J. Snyder, Farmer.
J. H. Williams, Farmer.
C. M. Williams, Farmer.
B. G. Williams, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
C. W. White, Farmer.J. A. White, Farmer.
C. W. Wilson, Farmer.
S. A. Welstead, Merchant and Stock Dealer.

Mayview Kansas, 1912.
 
Mayview, a hamlet of Jewell county, is located in Brown's Creek township on Brown's creek, 12 miles south of Mankato, the county seat. It had 35 inhabitants according to the census of 1910 and receives daily mail from Jewell.

Two Civil War Veterans.
 
James W. Wizener, P. O. Mayview, Gun shot wound to left leg, Pension ?, Pension started ?
 
James L. Anderson, P. O. Mayview, Injury to Adbomen, Pension $4., per month, Pension started June, 1879.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Sunny Slope Post Office, Kansas.

Sunny Slope.
 
Sumner County.
Conway Township Map, 1883.
 
Sunny Slope can be found on the county map at Township 30-south and Range 3-west.  On the township map Sunny Slope can be found in section 23.
 
Sunny Slpoe Post Office.
 
Post Office open February 1, 1877 and ran to October 13, 1884, John McFarlane was first postmaster.
 
People of Conway township who used Sunny slope as their P. O. address as of 1883.
 
J. J. Booth, Farmer and Teacher, from New York, camae to county 1875.
 
H. M. Cranmer, Farmer and Prop. Mineral Srrings, from Pennsylvania, came to county 1878.
 
E. R. Clark, Farmer and Thresher, from Illinois, came to county 1876.
 
G. W. Clark, Farmer, from Rhode Island, came to county 1877.
 
J. R. Duncan, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Ohio, came to county 1877.
 
Jacob Noble, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Illinois, came to county 1877.
 
T. J. Rinehart, Farmer, from Pennsylvania, came to county 1877.
 
A. D. Sparr, Farmer and Merchant, from Pennsylvania, came to county 1872.
 
Township 31-south and Range 3-west.
 
William T. Edwards, Farmer, from Kentucky, came to county 1876.
 
Two Civil War Veterans with Sunny Slope P. O. address.
 
Hiram M. Cranmer, wounded in left arm, pension $8., per month, pension started June 1867.
 
William Edwards, Dis. of Eye's, pension $18., per month, pension started August 1876.
 

Goff's to Goff Kansas.

Nemaha County
Harrison Township Map, 1887.
 
Ont he county map Goff can be found in Township 4-south and Range 13-east.  On the Township map Goff can be found in section 35.
 
Goff's & Goff Post Office.
 
Goff's post office open February 27, 1880 and ranto December 15, 1894, First postmaster was Chandler C. Abbott, name changed to Goff.  Goff post office open December 15, 1894 and ran to ?, William Dennis was first postmaster.

People of Harrison township who used Goff as their P. O. address as of 1887.

E. B. Abbott, Lumber, Grain and Barb Wire, from Canada, came to county 1879.

H. J. Boyer, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from New York, came to county 1868.

Daniel Butler, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Canada, came to county 1879.

Hartsel Berry, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Kansas, came to county 1881.

R. H. Clark, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from New York, came to county 1878.

William Dennis, Farmer and Stock Raiser and Township Trustee, from Indiana, came to county 1882.

John Denton, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from England, came to county 1882.

Clement Hertslet, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from England, came to county 1880.

Robert Hanson, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Denmark, came to county 1970.

J. E. Hanley, Blacksmith and Wagon Repairer, from Nova Scotia, came to county 1882.

A. O. Hart, Hardware, from Iowa, came to county 1885.

Peter Mackey, Livery, Feed and Ex. Stable, from New York, came to county 1869.

H. R. Mercer, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Ohio, came to county 1870.

William McConnell, Hardware, Implements, Hats and Caps, Boots and Shoes, from Ireland, came to county 1882.

William E. McKee, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Missouri, came to county 1870.

J. C. Rogan, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Vermont, came to county 1874.

William M. Sourk, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Illinois, came to county 1880.

J. I. Springer, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Indiana, came to county 1880.

N. N. Williamson, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Illinois, came to county 1879.

H. J. Watkins, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Michigan, came to county 1875.

D. M. Younkman, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Ohio, came to county 1879.

Goff of 1883.
 
Goffs. -- A railroad station of this name, the title being a compliment to Edward H. Goff, of the Union Pacific Railroad, is situated on the Central Branch, a few miles northwest of Wetmore. It is a railroad town, laid out in 1880, and contains a hotel and store, occupying one building, the property of Abbott Brothers.

People of Harrison township who used Goff as their P. O. address as of 1883.

W. W. GROVES, farmer, Section 22, P. O. Goffs, was born in 1833, in New Lyme, Ashtabula County, Ohio, and married Josie Chandler, of Orwell, Ohio, in March, 1854. They then removed to Louisa County, Iowa, and after a few year's residence in that State, returned to Ohio, and from there to Goodhue County, Minn. The ill health of Mrs. Groves caused their settlement in Kansas in the fall of 1869. Mr. Groves has done good work here, transforming a raw prairie farm into a tillable and productive one. Built a good farmhouse and planted a grove of forest timber, also an orchard of 250 apple and 300 peach trees. He is a carpenter by trade, and has always followed it. Mr. And Mrs. Groves have four children W. J. Groves, Theresa and Terissa, twins, and Mary A. Samuel Groves died at the age of fourteen, and another pair of twins died in Ringgold County, Iowa. Mrs. And Miss Groves are Methodists, and Mr. Groves is a Baptist.

LEWIS LOGAN, farmer and stock-breeder, P. O. Goffs, is a native of Kings County, Ireland, born in 1838. His parents emigrated to this country in 1846, and settled in Johnson County, Iowa. Lewis Logan grew up here, and in August, 1862, enlisted in the Twenty-second Iowa Volunteer Infantry. His was the first brigade on the east side of the Mississippi and the first to open battle at Port Gibson; also did brave service at Champion Hills, Black River bridge, and the siege of Vicksburg. It was then sent to Texas to meet Gen. Banks, then supposedly on his way up Red River. After Banks' failure, the Twenty-second joined the army of the Potomac, and fought under Butler and Phil. Sheridan. Joined Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, from there went to Georgia, and from there to Morehead City, North Carolina, where the brigade did fatigue duty, and from there to Augusta, South Carolina. The company then went to Athena, Capt. A. B. Cree commanding, and established a provost marshal's office. After the discharge of the regiment in 1865, he returned to Iowa, and in 1874 settled in Norton County, Kan., and opened a stock ranch. Dearth of rain and rapid settlement caused his removal to his present farm, which he bought of Peter Mackey. In 1879 the range for stock was almost entirely open from Corning to Wetmore, and with 200 head of cattle and a herd of horses, he rapidly developed a large stock business. He now has 36_ acres of land, a fine residence, and all needed improvements and appliances. It is his intention to breed mules quite extensively hereafter. His registered jack, Prince Albert, was bred by George Jenkins, of Savannah, Mo., and he has a number of very fine brood animals. Few men have more reason to look back with satisfaction upon the past than Lewis Logan, of Harrison. Mrs. Logan was Miss Frances Brenneman, of Lancaster County, Pa., and they have a fine family of seven active, intelligent boys - John E., Lewis, Charles M., Walter S., Fred L., William O. and Elmer E. Mr. Logan is a member, and is chaplain of Wetmore Lodge, A. F. & A. M.

PETER MACKEY, farmer, P. O. Goffs, was born May 4, 1822, in Manchester, England, and came with his parents to the United States in 1831. They located in Patterson, N. J., and in that State he learned the blacksmith's trade. He worked seven years as a machinist, and one year for the Government at Nashville, Tenn., during the war. In 1868 he came to Kansas and settled in Harrison. He began on a 'raw' quarter section, broke it, planted an orchard, etc., and then sold it and settled where he now is. His farm here is a good one, located on Rose Creek, and he is continuing his work as an improver. Mrs. Mackey was Levina Walts, of Brownsville, N. Y., and they have had four children - William, Peter, Anne, and Catherine, who died the wife of C. H. Lane and left two children. Mr. And Mrs. Mackey belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church of Goffs.

C. ROSEL, farmer, Section 10, P. O. Goffs, born 1837, in Greensburg, Ind. He accompanied his father, Wesley Rosel, to Keokuk County, Iowa, in 1849; he then, in 1858, removed to Marshell County, Kan., went to Denver in 1860, and during the Civil War was part of the time in Fort Larned, and part of the time in Iowa. He has lived in Brown, Doniphan and Jefferson Counties, and settled on his present farm in 1868. Has eighty acres in good state of cultivation, a good and substantial farmhouse, a grove of 500 trees, an orchard, etc. In 1875 he lived in Republic County, Kan., called there by the unsettled affairs of his father, who had settled and died there. Mr. And Mrs. Rosel have two children - William L. and Edward, and are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JONATHAN SPRINGER, farmer, Section 10, P. O. Goffs, born 1834, in Shelby County, Ind. Is of Swedish ancestry, his fore-fathers being among the founders of Delaware. He grew to manhood and received such schooling as was attainable in Holt County, Mo. From there, in June, 1854, he came to Kansas with nine others and located in Doniphan County. These men were, David Martin and his sons, Thomas and James, George McIntyre, Charles Millermon, Robert Davis, --- Gouge and himself. Of these, only Messrs. James Martin, Davis and Springer are now residents of Kansas. After visiting various parts of the county, the Fox and Sauk Villages, Mission, etc., Mr. Springer made a claim on Wolf River, where Severance now stands. He held the best water-power on the river, which he sold, in 1869, to a company that have built a $25,000 mill upon it. Since his first location in the State, Mr. Springer has been a firm advocate of the Republican party, and was in early times a subscriber to the New York Tribune, then classed as an incendiary publication by the Pro-slavery Code, then in force. He, with a few adherents, carried side-arms, and at all times spoke their sentiments. In those days, and in 1857, when they won their first victory, every man went to the polls armed to the teeth, Mrs. Springer was Mary H. Ploutner, born near Harper's Ferry, Va., and married March 20, 1860, in Holt County, Mo. They have had a very large family of children. Since 1880 Mr. Springer has resided in Harrison Township, where he owns a well-improved farm.
 
Goff Kansas, 1912.

Goff, one of the thriving towns of Nemaha county, an incorporated city of the third class, is located in Harrison township 15 miles southeast of Seneca, the county seat, at the junction of the two branches of the Missouri Pacific R. R. It was established by the railroad in 1880 and named after Edward H. Goff, a railroad man. In 1910 it had 422 inhabitants, a weekly newspaper, good banking facilities, telegraph and express offices, and an international money order postoffice with three rural routes

Cleo Post Office, Kansas.

Brown County.
Walnut Township Map, 1987.
 
Cleo can be found on the county map in Township 2-south and Range 15-east.  On the Township map Cleo can be found in section 9.
 
Cleo Post Office.
 
Cleo open March 3, 1885 and ran to September 30, 1897, First postmaster was Zachariah Handley..
 
There were only two Patron's listed who used Cleo as their P. O. address.
 
William C. Myers, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Germany, came to county, 1858.
 
Hermen Shubert, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Illinois, came to county, 1869.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Mohon Kansas.

Bourbon County.
Dry Wood Township Map, 1878.
 
Mohon can be found on the county map in Township 27-south and Range 25-east.  On the Township map Mohon can be found in section 23.
 
Mohon Post Office.
 
Mohon post office open March 25, 1878 and ran to August 3, 1883.  John McDonald was first postmaster.
 
The only patron listed for Mohon's post office in 1878 was T. A. Caldwell.
 
Land owners of section 23, of Dry Wood township, of 1878.
 
J. H. Custard
A. . B. Caldwell.
T. A. Caldwell.
J. B. Caldwell.
Jon. Lambert.
P. Landaker.

Mohon Kansas, 1883.

Mohon.--This town is situated on rolling, timbered prairie, twelve miles southeast from Fort Scott. The first settlement was made here in 1878, by Wesley Calkins. The post office was established the same year, with J. McDonald, Postmaster. Mr. McDonald also opened a store in 1878.

History of Mohon Kansas.
 
Mohon, ( Caldwell ): Dry Wood township., ( 11, 27-south 25-east), about twelve mils southeast of Fort Scott, one half mile north of Bourbon-Crawford County line, one mile west of  Kansas-Missouri State line.  First Postmaster John McDonald, March 25, 1878-August 3, 1883, mail to ( Arcadia.) 
 
The town began withFort Scott, southeastern and Memphis Rail Road ( 1876 ) builta 3.8 miles sount of Memphis ( Garland ) and named it Caldwell.  Named for John & A. B. Caldwell, owners of 340 acres on Cox creek, on whose land the Rail Road built.
 
Wesley Calkins and M. J. McDonald open a store in 1878, but a post office of Caldwell already existed in Sumner County so the name was changed to Mohon.  The school #34, Custard is located one mile west, population in 1882 was 70.  Land sold for $12-25, dollars per acre.  Coal was the primary income. 
 
When the coal give out, the town was abandoned in 1890.  By 1884, Mohon had been moved two miles south to section 23 and located on the Kansas City, Fort Scott and A. Rail Road at Caldwell Station.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Lebo Creek Post Offce, Kansas

Coffey County.
Californta Township map, 1878.
 
On the county map Lebo cand be found in Township 20-south and Range 14-east.  On the township map Lebo can be found in section 4.

Note.  Lebo Creek Postoffice is not to be confused with the town of ( Lebo ), which is in Lincoln Township.

Lebo Creek Post Office.

Open March 11, 1872 and ran to September 13, 1880.  Walter Clark was first postmaster.  Second postmaster was Charles A. Peres, 1878. 
 
 
People of Californta township who used Lebo Creek as theit P. O., as of 1878.
 
H. H. Middlebusher, Farmer and Stock Rasier, from Germany, came to county 1860.
 
O. Combs, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Vermillion county, Indiana, came to county, 1870.
 
W. W. Knight, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Noble county, Indiana, came to county, 1868.
 
Charles A. Peres, Farmer and Stock Raiser and Postmaster, from Germany, came to 1869.
 
Land Owners of Californta Township Section 4.
 
Charles A. Peres, he owned the land the post office sat on.
A. H. Smith
C. B. Chapman.
One quarter section was unoccupied.
 
 

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Keene Kansas

Wabaunsee County
Mission Creek Township, Map 1885.
 
On the county map keene can be found in Township 12-south and range 12-east.  on the township map keene can be found in section 36.
 
Keene Post office.
 
Keene post office open August 15, 1877 and ran to May 15, 1901.  First postmaster was Tomas A. Rutledge.
 
People of Mission Creek Township who used Keene as their P. O., as of 1885.
 
Thomas Baker, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Yorkshire England, came to county, May, 1860.
 
John T. Baker, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Yorkshire, England, came to county, May, 1860.
 
G. W. Gillis, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Trumbull, County, Ohio, came to county, June, 1868
.
J. W. McComb, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Philadelphia, came to county, June, 1859.
 
Charles Oehms, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Prussia, came to county, August, 1860.
 
Thomas A. Rutledge, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Mereer, county, Pennsylvania, came to county, December, 1866.
 
A. F. Wade, Farmer and Stock Raiser and Dairyman, from Trumbull, county, Ohio, came to county, March, 1860.
 
Keene History Given in 1907.
 
One of the localities soon to be greatly benefited and developed by the building of the railroad between Topeka and Council Grove, is the neighborhood about Keene. It is one of the oldest settled sections of the country. At the time the Beecher Bible and Rifle Company came to Wabaunsee, land was also being taken in this part of Mission Township. Among the earliest was the Mossman family who came in 1856. Mr. S. L. Mossman then a boy of seven, still occupies the original homestead.   The Beach family came in 1857. Mr. W. K. and Mack Beach have fine homes in Keene at the present time. Other earlier settlers were, Captain Henry, Mr. Mason, John Doty, William B. Hill and William Collins. A store was opened in 1858, where tobacco, sugar, drygoods and wet goods (mostly the latter) were sold to the Indians. In 1861 a stage route was established between Topeka and Council Grove, on about the same route as the new railroad is to be built. A postofl^ice was opened at that time. A rural delivery now takes the place of the postoffice.

In 1874 the site was moved one-half mile farther west, and a permanent store established. Mr. G. A. Eberhardt the present proprietor of the store does a general mercantile business. He has been in the vicinity for forty years and is a substantial citizen and enterprising business man. There is also a blacksmith shop, a public hall, and a large schoolhouse. The surrounding farms are fertile, their owners prosperous, and there are many fine homes in the vicinity.


Keene Kansas, 1912.
 
Keene, a small hamlet in Wabaunsee county, is located 16 miles east of Alma, the county seat, and 8 miles south of Maplehill, the postoffice from which its mail is distributed. It has one general store.
 
Ambrose F. Wade.
 
Was born October 29, 1843, at Kinsman, Trumbull county. Ohio. Received the benefits of an excellent educational training at Jamestown, Pennsylvania. On October 13, 1866, was united in marriage to Miss Orra C. Cole, two children berng born to this union: Harmon C. and Dolson N. Wade. On March 26, 1868, came to Kansas, locating on the farm near Keene postoffice, where he has since resided. Taught school in Pennsylvania and for a number of years after coming to Kansas, taking a front place in the work of the school room. Was for several years a member of the board of examiners and from 1886 to 1889 was a member of the board of county commissioners, and in 1889, represented Wabaunsee county in the state legislature. Served all through the war in the 2nd Ohio and the 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Owns 2,900 acres of land and for several years has been largely interested in the cattle business. On July 4, 1872, Mr. and Mrs. Wade made the first cheese in the Keene factory. They own one of the prettiest homes in Mission Creek township and enjoy it for the hest of reasonsรข€” they know how they earned it by tireless industry and hard knocks on the farm.
 
 
 

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Canada Kansas.

Marion County.
Gale Township Map, 1885.
 
On the county map Canada can be found in Township 19-south and Range 3-east.  On the Township map Canada can be found in section 33.
 
Canada Post Office.
 
Canada post office open February 20, 1884 and ran to February 28, 1954.  First Postmaster was Henry E. Wismer.
 
People of Gale township who used Canada as their P. O. as of 1885.
 
Isaac Good, Land and Loan Agent, from Waterloo county Ontario.
 
J. R. Burkholder, Merchant and Lumber Dealer, from Ontario, came to county September, 1873.
 
D. B. Curd, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Mercer Kentucky, came to county January, 1884.
 
Johann N. Funk, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from South Russia, came to county, September, 1873.
 
Jacob Funk Jr., Farmer and Stock Raier, from Sount Russia, came to county, September, 1873.
 
Jacob Jacobs, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Engleham Germany, came to county, March, 1872.
 
G. Kreutziger, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Oldenberg, Germany, came to county, March, 1877.
 
L. Kannengiesser, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Ontario Canada, came to county, April, 1876.
 
Jacob Rupp, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Ontario Canada, came to county, August, 1883.
 
John Siebert, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Ontario Canada, came to county, September, 1878.
 
Charles G. Siebert, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Ontario Canada, came to county, March, 1881.
 
Henry J. Siebert, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Ontario Canada, came to county, July, 1880.
 
August Siebert, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Ontario Canada, came to county, March, 1877.
 
Chris. Siebert, Farmer and Merchant, from Ontario Canada, came to county, March, 1882.
 
W. L. Siebert, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Ontario Canada, came to county, March, 1878.
 
P. D. Schroeder, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from South Russia, came to county, November, 1883.
 
A. Schweitzer, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Onyario Canada, came to county, July, 1880.
 
J. Werthner ( M. D. ), Physician and Druddist, from Dayton, Ohio, came to county, September, 1882.
 
Henry E. Wismer, Postmaster and Farmer, from Ontario Canada, came to county, September, 1877.
 
Canada Kansas, 1912.
 
Canada, a hamlet of Marion county, is a station on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe R. R. 5 miles west of Marion, the count}- seat. It has telegraph and express offices and a money order postoffice. The population in 1910 was 61.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

McLouth Kansas.

Jefferson County.
Union Township Map, 1899.
 
On the Township Map McLouth can be found in section 8.
 
McLouth Post Office.
 
McLouth post office open May 26, 1882 and ran to ?, First postmaster was Edward Bond.
 
 
McLouth, 1883.
 
This is a pleasant and thriving little village, situated on the line of the Leavenworth, Topeka & Southwestern Railroad, and not far from the eastern boundary of the county. Its location is an excellent one, being in the midst of a thickly settled and wealthy farming region.

The town was founded in 1881, and was so named from the original owner of the land, and who still owns a portion of the town site. Though so new, it already has a large country trade. Nearly all branches of trade are represented by the business houses, and there are already good grain shipping facilities. The population numbers about one hundred.

The town has a good school, which is liberally kept up by the public-spirited citizens.

The Grange Store of McLouth, I. Pearson, manager, was originally at Dimon, the store being moved when McLouth was laid out. The range was organized, November 16, 1878, and at once was incorporated. Commenced business February 6, 1879. Charter members, thirteen. Among of business done in 1882 was over $10,000. Present membership, forty.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of McLouth was organized December 13, 1882, with the following members: Larkin Rice, chairman; Phillip Cresse, secretary; T. P. Getchel, treasurer. The names enrolled were LArking Rice, Phillip Cresse, T. P. Getchel, C. E. Landon, Rollie Taylor, Dr. J. F. Wetzel, D. N. Daniel and J. W. McFarlane. Several of these were members of the first Methodist Episcopal society of this part, which was organized in September, 1857, in Alexandria Township, Leavenworth County. The first pastor was Rev. Mr. Lovejoy. Services were afterwards held for a number of years in Round Grove schoolhouse. Larkin Rice was one of the leading members of this pioneer church society.

The Methodist Episcopal Church South, or what is known as the Plumb Grove Church, was built in 1871, at a cost of $2,000. the Methodist Episcopal society was organized in that locality in 1857, Rev. Mr. Jones being the first pastor. Among the original members were N. B. Hopewell, Jane C. Hopewell, Margaret Faubian, W. Merideth, Nancy Merideth, J. H. Hopewell and Mary J. Hopewell. The first enrollment numbered thirty-five members. It increased steadily until divided, and a portion merged into the Leverton class. Rev. A. J. Lawless is the present pastor (1883).

Biographical Sketches, 1883.
 
People of Union Township who used McLouth as their P. O., as of 1899.
 
John Alford, Farmer.
Simeon Cloe, Farmer.
Matt Edmonds, Farmer.
John Klem ( Klemazsske ), Farmer.
W. J. Lawless, Farmer.
W. B. McDonald, Farmer.
A. McLouth, FFarmer.
D. W. Whitman, Farmer.
 
McLouth Kansas, 1912.

McLouth, one of the thriving towns of Jeflferson county, is located near the east line of the county at the junction of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe and the Missouri Pacific railroads. It is in Union township 7 miles east of Oskaloosa, the county seat. McLouth is an incorporated town with a weekly newspaper (the Times), banking facilities, express and telegraph offices, and a money order postoffice with three rural routes. The population in 1910 was 775. The town was founded in 1881 and named after the original owner of the land. The grange store was moved from Dimon when McLouth was laid out and was kept by I. Pearson. The amount of business done in 1882 was over $20,000. At present all lines of business are represented and considerable produce is shipped.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Jewell City Kansas.

Jewell County.
Buffalo Township Map, 1884.
 
On the county map Jewell can be found in Township 4-south and Range 7-west.  On the Township maap Jewell can be found in section 30.
 
Jewell Post Office.
 
Jewell post office open July 7, 1870 and ran to ?, First postmaster was John Hoffer.
 
Jewell City, 1878.
 
The beautiful town site of Jewell City was selected and Bled on under the Town Site Act, May 6, 1870. On Friday, May 28, 1870, the Jewell City Town Company "V^as organized with the following members: Henry Sorick, Geo. A. Sorick, Geo. W. Waters, R. F. Hudsonpeller, WilliamD. Street, James A. Scarbrough, S. E. Worick, Dennis Taylor, and N. H. Billings. The company met at the house of Esquire Collins, near the mouth of Buffalo creek, in Cloud county, on Friday, June 11, 1870, and acknowledged the signing of the charter, which was sent to-CoL Thomas Moonlight, Secretary of State, atTopeka, and by him recorded and a certified copy returned to them. The town site comprised the sw i Section 30, Township4 south. Range 7 west. The south west quarter of the town site was at onee surveyed and laid off into town lots, the remainder being left "until further orders." No improvements were made, however, until the 30th day of  June 1870, when the first building was erected by James A. Scarbrough, for an office and store. This was one of the most primitive buildings ever erected in any country. It was 16 feet square and was constructed by setting a lot of posts in the ground and > boarding them up with box lumber. The roof was composed of the same material. The building was commenced in the morning, and by the middle of the afternoon was completed. The stock consisted of groceries," provisions, cigars, chewing and smoking tobacco, baking powders and Hostetter's bitters, and invoiced just $.130.05. Mrs. Mariah Dodge and David H. Halstead soon after erected a dwelling house.
 
People of Buffalo Township who used Jewell as their P. O. as of 1884.
 
Fort Jewell In The City Of Jewell City.
 
Fort Jewell, also called Camp Jewell, was erected in the latter part of May, 1870, on the site of Jewell City. On May 13, 1870, a meeting of the settlers in that locality was held "to discuss means of defense against the Cheyennes," who were then on the war path. At this meeting W. D. Street proposed the erection of a fort, which suggestion was adopted, and a company called the "Buffalo Militia" was immediately organized to carry it out. Street was chosen captain of the company, and Cutler says: "At once selecting a spot fifty yards square, they plowed around it, laid a wall four feet thick and seven feet high, and in two days 'Fort Jewell' was completed." The fort was garrisoned by Street's company until some time in June, when it was occupied by a detachment of the Third United States mounted artillery. No attack was ever made upon the post, but it is quite probable that the prompt action of the settlers in erecting this defense had a tendency to prevent any demonstration on the part of the savages in that section. After the Indians had been pacified, the fort was allowed to fall into decay. 
 
Jewell City, 1912.

Jewell, an incorporated cit}' of Jewell county, is located in Buffalo township, on the Missouri Pacific R. R. and on Buffalo creek, 8 miles south of Mankato, the county seat. It has banking facilities, flour mills, grain elevators, electric lights, weekly newspapers, telegraph and express offices, and a money order postoffice with five rural routes. The population in 1910 was 839. The railroad name is Jewell City.

Jewell is one of the older settled communities in the county. Among the first settlers were W. D. Street, Benjamin Lewis, Charles Lewis and L. M. Stultz in 1869, and James A. Scarborough, Henry Sorrick, A. J. Davis and H. Burnett in 1870. The first store was opened by James A. Scarborough in June, 1870, with a stock that invoiced $130. In the fall John D. Robertson of Lake Sibley opened a general store. The firm of Scarborough & Street handled most of the real estate. The town was incorporated' as a city of the third class in 1880, with H. C. Jennings as the first mayor.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Grasshopper Falls, Sautrell Falls, And Valley Falls Kan..

Jefferson County.
Delaware Township, Map. 1899.
 
Post Office History.
 
Grasshopper Falls post office open December 21, 1855, and ran to November 12, 1863, first postmaster was A. J. Whitney, name changed to Sautrell Falls.  Sautrell Falls post office open November 12, 1863 and ran to May 14, 1864, first postmaster wass stephen H. Dunn  name changed back to Grasshopper Falls.  Grasshopper post office open May 14, 1864 and ran to April 26, 1875, postmaster unknown name changed to Valley Falls.  Valley Falls post office open April 26, 1875 and ran to ?, First postmaster was Justin Hillyer.  Postmaster for Valley Falls, of 1899, was E. P. Karr.
 
Grasshopper Falls Kansas, 1867.
 
This place is situated in the west part of Jefferson county, on Grasshopper Creek, nine miles west of Oscaloosa, the County Seat, and 17 miles north-east of Topeka, and 29 miles west of Leavenworth.  It is a place of considerable importance and is surrounded by a very attractive county.
 
Trades, Professlons, & amp;c.

Myers & Beland, Rruggists.
William Benedix, Bakery and Confectionary.
D. J. Birdsell, Physician.
Joseph Bishop, Carpenter.
E. Boling, Carpenter.
Keech & Calvin, Blacksmiths and Wagon Makers.
David Coulter, Painter.
S. P. Coulter, Cabinet Maker and Carpenter.
J. W. & A. J. Cowan, Dry Goods.
Mrs. W. A. Cowan, Dressmaker.
A. M. Cowan, Physician.
J. A. Cody, Lumber Dealer.
Crosby Brothers, General Store.
R. H. Crosby, Notary Public.
William Crosby, Justice of the Peace.
J. R. Divilbiss, Physician.
S. W. Dunn, Livery Stable.
J. Ellinwood, Nursey.
Adam Faulk, Carpenter.
Andrew Faulk, Wagonmaker.
C. Gearhart, Photographer.
S. C. Gesshart, Real Estate.
Grasshopper Falls, Lodge No. 21, A. F, & A. M.
REv. E. A. Harlow, Methodist.
W. C. Hicks, Stoves, Tin, Hardware and Agricultural Imps.
E. D. Hillyer, General Store.
Mrs. Isbell, Dressmaker and Milliner.
George T. Isbell, Pub. of weekly Jeffersonian.
J. Johnson, Coal Mine.
Huron & Johnson, Groceries.
William McAdams, Cabinetmaker.
William McGinnis, Tailor.
G. McDaniel, Drugs and Groceries.
Joseph Miller, Flour and Saw and Woolen Mill.
Johnson & Morse, Lawyer.
H. Northoles, Coal Mine.
L. Northrop, Physician.
J. Ratz, Boots and Shoes.
J. Roop, Blacksmith.
Perry & Shepherd, Clothing, Furniture and Insurance.
Luther Sikes, Wagonmaker.
A. Spaulding, Lawyer and Notary.
Rev. J. Spillman.
Calvin Smith, Flour Mill and General Store.
H. Smith, Barber.
E. Summerfelt, Wagonmaker.
Gragg & Tate, Grocers.
J. Ward, Saloon.
T. Weltig, Meat Market.
J. J. Wintersburg, Saddles and Haruess.
Adam Wiser, Hotel.
J. Wiser, Constable.

History of Valley Falls, Kansas, 1883.
http://www.kancoll.org/books/cutler/jefferson/jefferson-co-p1.html

Patron's Directory for Delaware Township, 1899.

M. Blue, Farmer, P. O. Valley Falls.
J. C. Evans, Farmer, P. O. Valley Falls.
T. A. Hatfield, Farmer, P. O. Valley Falls.
G. W. Hull, Farmer, P. O. Valley Falls.
E. P. Karr, Editor and Postmaster, P. O. Valley Falls.
Louis Myers, Circut Judge, P. O. Valley Falls.
B. Riehle, Farmer, P. O. Valley Falls.

History Of Valley Falls, Kansas 1912.

Valley Falls, formerly Grasshopper Falls, the largest town in Jefferson count}' and one of the important towns of northeastern Kansas, is located in the northwestern part of the count}-, 16 miles from Oskaloosa, the county seat, and about 25 miles from Topeka. It is in Delaware township on the Delaware river, which furnishes power for its flour mills. It is an important shipping point and railroad center, having three of the large roads converging there รข€” the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, the Missouri Pacific and the Union Pacific. r>esides the regular lines of business, Valley Falls has a creamery, flour mills, spacious elevators for storing grain, waterworks, electric light plant, an opera house and two weekly newspapers. The principal shipments are grain, live stock and produce. The population in 1910 was 1.150. St.
Joseph's school (Roman Catholic) is located here.

Grasshopper Falls was settled in 1854 by Henry Zen, who had visited the locality two years before, accompanying Maj. Ogden to Fort Riley. Zen was often visited by the Kickapoo Indians after erecting his cabin, but was never molested. In the fall he was ordered to leave the country by the agent for the Indians. The next settlement was a permanent one, by James Frazier, Robert Riddle, H. B. Jolley and A. J. Whitney. who drove their stakes on Christmas day, 1854. Their first act was to stake out the boundaries of a town and plat the lots. They then began the erection of a cabin but before it was finished the provisions ran low and one of the number went to Weston, Mo., for a new supply. He was gone eleven days and there was much suffering in the camp before he returned. About this time Zen returned and with him was Henry Webber. Stephen H. Dunn came in March, 1853, whh his wife and started a blacksmith shop. A grist mill was built by a company composed of James Frazier, Robert Riddle, A. J. Whitney and Isaac Cody. The latter was the father of "Buffalo Bill," and was elected representative to the legislature from Jefferson county. In the spring of 1855 the town was surveyed and named Grasshopper Falls. The legislature changed the name to "Sautrelle Falls," but the citzens never recognized the name and it was later changed to Valley Falls. The streets were named after the pioneer women.

Considerable trouble was occasioned by the location on the town site of a pro-slavery man by the name of .-V. T. Pattie. He refused to recognize the rights of those who founded the town and built a shanty in the middle of the street, finally becoming so offensive that he was driven out of town. This -action on ihc part of the free-state men resulted in Grasshopper Falls being raided and looted in Sept.. 1856.  The Store of William and R. H. Crosby, which had been built in the spring of that year, was burned. This was the beginning of a long list of depredations committed by each side in turn, which continued throughout the border war. The Crosby store was rebuilt and Pattie's buildings were used as a temporary home for immigrants.

At the land sales the rights of the town company were not recognized and the land which they had staked out, comprising 320 acres, was laid off in quarter sections and sold at the appraised value. Different men had to buy these lands and as some of them never turned their holdings over to the cotmty the stockholders suffered a loss. This condition of affairs gave rise to considerable trouble in the waj^ of land contests. In the year 1857, after the land sale, a number of buildings went up, including a Lutheran church, a steam sawmill and a large hotel. The first school was established in that year and ;\liss Libbie Pennock, of Leavenworth county, was the teacher.

Grasshopper Falls was incorporated as a town in 1869, and in 1871 it was incorporated as a city. S. C. Gephart was the first mayor and John Beland the first clerk. In 1875 the name was changed to Valley Falls by act of the legislature.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Severance Kansas.

Doniphan County.
Wolf River Township, Map, 1882.
http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/223992/page/71

Severance can be found on the county map in Township 3-south and Range 19-east.  On the township map Severance can be found in Sections 23 & 26.
 
Severance Post Office.
 
Severance post Office open December 29, 1869 and ran to May 16, 1992, First postmaster was A. or E. Gunn, second post master was N. A. Springer, 1882.
 
To learn more about the town of Severance and it's people 1883, take this link


Severance Kansas, 1912.

Severance, one of the incorporated towns of Doniphan county, is located in Wolf River township on the Wolf river and on the St. Joseph & Grand Island R. R., 12 miles west of Troy, the county seat. It has banking facilities, a weekly newspaper (the News), telegraph and express offices, and a money order postoffice with two rural routes. The population in 1910 was 500. The town was founded in 1869 and named after John Severance, who with C. C. Clonch and Dr. Robert Gunn laid out the town. A postoffice was established with A. Gunn, who owned the first store, as postmaster. The promoters of the town gave the railroad company $500 to build a depot. They put up a platform, thereby violating an agreement they had with Joel Ryan of Ryan's Station not to build a station within 3 miles of his town. This led to litigation which ended in 1874, and the depot was built at Severance that year. Some of the first settlers in the community were C. C.  Clonch, Swintz and Waggoner. In 1855 Clonch was attacked in his cabin by Swintz and Waggoner, both of whom he killed. There is an account of a battle being fought on the site of Severance in 1844 between the Sacs and Foxes and the Pawnees.

Some of the first business men were D. J. Grandstaff, physician ; W. H. H. Curtis, lumberman; L. C. Nelson, hardware and harness; J. A. Campbell & Co., druggists; Adam Brenner, grain dealer; M. E. Holmes, tinner; Winchester Bell, shoes; J. J. Glass, saloon. The first teacher was Miss Laura Hern, who taught school about a mile and a half from town. everance was incorporated in 1877, the following were the first officers: W. H. H. Curtis, mayor; L. C. Nelson, city clerk; J. A. Campbell, police judge; Amos Sanford, Dr. G. S. Hopkins, W. D. Rippy, Walter Clonch and John T. Kirwin, councilmen. This council bought and improved a city park.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Fancy Creek Kansas

Clay County
Goshen Township Map, 1881.
 
On the county map Fancy Creek can be found in Township 6-south and Range 4-east.  On the township map Fancy Creek can be found in section 33 or 34, it's hard to tell.

Fancy Creek Post Office.

Post office open December 9, 1870 and ran to April 15, 1901, First postmaster was James A. D. Frazelle. He also taught the first school in a log schoolhouse in the fall of 1866.

Directory Goshen Township, P. O., Fancy Creek, 1881.
 
Joseph Lender, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Wurtemberg, Germany, came to county 1869.
 
G. Schaubel, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Marbach, Wurtemberg, Germany, came to county 1869.
 
Joseph Sender, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Wurtemberg, Germany, came to county 1869.
 
William Snethen, Farmer and Fruit Grower, from Monroe City, Iowa, came to county 1871.
 
Moses R. Walker, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Pratt County, Illinois, came to county 1876.
 
D. E. Weaver, Farmer and Fruit Grower and Justice of the Peace, came to county 1871.
 
Civil War Soldiers Of Fancy Creek.
Kansas 11th. Cavalry, Company L.
 
Private, Samuel A. Donald, enlisted January 8, 1864, mustered in February 29, 1864.  mustered out September September 26, 1865.
 
Private, Daniel Ealey, enlisted February 27, 1864, mustered in February 29, 1864.  Mustered out September 26, 1865.
 
Private, Wesley Kress, enlisted January 1, 1864, mustered in February 1, 1864.  Mustered out September 26, 1865.
 
Private, Elihu Moon, enlisted January 18, 1864, mustered in February 1, 1864.  Mustered out September 26, 1865.
 
Private, Richard Pickett, enlisted January 18, 1864.  Mustered out July 6, 1865.
 
Private Rolin P. Spurrier, enlisted January 15, 1864, mustered in February 1, 1864.  Mustered out June 12, 1865.
 
Private, Zachariah Williams, enlisted January 18, 1864, mustered in February 1, 1864.  Mustered out September 26, 1865.
 
Private, James E. Prosser, enlisted January 2, 1864, mustered in February 1, 1864.  Discharged for disease June 29, 1865, at Fort Riley, Kansas.
 
Fancy Creek, 1912.
 
Fancy Creek, a small settlement in Clay county, is located on the stream of the same name about 13 miles northeast of Clay Center, the county seat. Mail is received by rural route from Palmer, which is the most convenient railroad station.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

La Mont's Hill, Farmersville And Vassar Kansas.

Osage County.
Junction Township Map, 1899.
 
On the county map Vassar can be found in Township 16-south and Range 16-east.  On the Township map Vassar can be found in section 22.
 
Vassar Post Office History.
 
La Mont's Hill or Lamont Hill post office open February 2, 1871, first post master was Warren Morris, then in 1873 the post office was at Farmersville, frist postmaster was Oscar Fairbanks, then in 1887 the post ofice was at Vassar, first post master was William S. Edmonson 
 
Town Name Changes.
 
La Mont's Hill or Lamont Hill started around 1871, then in 1873, the town eather moved or changed it's name to Farmersvill, the records doesn't say.  Then in 1887 the name was changed to Vassar.  In 1878 La Mont's Hill or Lamont Hill sat in the North-East quarter section of section 23.  In 1887, La Mont's Hill or Lamont Hill  moved three quarters of a mile west and was in the North-East quarter section of section 22, and the name changed to Vassar.  Nothing was said about Farmersville  Nothing in the records says if La Mont's Hill or Lamont Hill changed it's name to Farmersville first.  The Post office Department states that La Mont's Hill or Lamont Hill open it's post office Febrary 2, 1871 and ran to January 31, 1887, name changed to Vassar who's post office open January 31, 1887 and ran to ?.  
 
Patron's Directory of Junction Township, 1879.
 
I. N. Morris, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Dearborn County, Indiana, came to county 1869, P. O. La Mont's Hill.
 
A. Storbeck, Farmer, from Germany, came to county 1869, P. O. La Mont's Hill.
 
E. N. Hollingworth, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Wayne County, Indiana, came to county 1870, P. O. La Mont's Hill.
 
Ezra, Keplinger, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Clark county, Ohio, came to county 1878, P. O. La Mont's Hill.
 
Peter Peterson, Farmer and stock Raiser, from Sweden, came to county 1858, P. O. La Mont's Hill.
 
Oscar Fairbanks, Farmer and Stock Raiser, was Postmaster of Farmersville, came from Westmoreland N. H., came to county 1869, P. O. La Mont's Hill.
 
Anthony Keplinger, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Highland county Ohio, came to county 1870, P. O. La Mont's Hill.
 
Patron's Directory of Junction Township, 1899.
 
Theodore Deckwa, Farmer and Stock Raiser,P. O. Vassar.
F. W. Kersten, Farmer, P. O. Vassar.
John H. Sowell, Farmer and Stock Raiser, P. O. Vassar.
John Theis, Farmer and Stock Raiser, P. O. Vassar.
 
Vassar Kansas, 1912.

Vassar, a small town in the central part of Osage county, is located in Junction township on the Missouri Pacific R. R., 7 miles northeast of  Lyndon, the county seat. It has telegraph and express offices and a money order postoffice with one rural route. The population in 1910 was 75.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Lapland Kansas

Greenwood County.
Salem Township Map, 1903.
 
On the county map Lapland can be found in Township 24-south and Range 9-east.  On the Township map Lapland can be found in section 11.
 
Lapland Post Office.
 
Lapland post office open August 1, 1871 and ran to July 31, 1906.First postmaster was O. H. Hover.
 
People of Lapland, 1887.
 
George. W. K. Bailey, Farmer and Breeder, from Illinois.
William A. Spain, Farmer and Stock Raiser, from Ohio.
W. H. Wiggins, Farmer and Breeder, from Ohio.
 
Civil War Pensioner of Lapland.
 
George W. K. Bailey, Wounded in right leg, pension $25.
 
Patron's Directory, 1903.
 
M. C. Bane, Farmer and Stock Raiser, P. O. Lapland, Section 11.
E. Marshall, Farmer and Stock Raiser, P. O. Lapland, Section 2.
 
Land Owners of section 11, 1903.
 
J. H. Lewis, 312,acres.
A. B. Anderson, 160, acres..
George Anderson, 80, acres.
M. C. Bane, 160, acres.
 
Lapland Kansas, 1912.

Lapland, a discontinued postoffice in Greenwood county, is located in Salem township 16 miles northwest of Eureka, the county seat and the nearest banking and shipping point. The mail for this point is sent to Flintridge. The population, according to the report of 1910, is 20.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Scandia Kansas.

Republic County.
Scandia Township Map, 1884.
 
On the county map Scandia can be found in Township 3-south and Range 4-west.  On the Township map Scandia can be found in sections 8, 16 and 17.
 
Scandia Post Office.
 
New Scandinavia open June 24, 1869 and ran to June 7, 1876, First postmaster Eugene Hanson name changed to Scandia, who's post office open June 7, 1876, First postmaster Charles Peterson, and ran to ? it's not stated why the name change.
 
People of Scandia, 1884.
 
The information is Name and what they did for a living.The information was to large to copy by hand and to large to put up as a picture format.
 
To learn more about Scandia and it's people of 1883, take this link.
 
Scandia Kansas, 1912.
 
Scandia, an incorporated town ol Republic county, is located on the Republican river 10 miles west of Belleville, the county seat. It was settled by Scandinavians in 1869, the following being the first to arrive: M. Johnson, Charles Lesom, P. Walin, Mr. Lundin, John Strom, F. Granstadt, A. Bergen, A. Erickson, J. R. Sandel, John Holstrom and
Peter Johnson. The first store was built in 1869 by J. R. Sandel. The building was 8 feet square and the goods invoiced $125. This was also the first store in Republic county. The first American flag to be raised in Kansas was raised by Capt. Pike near the site of Scandia in 1806. (See Pike's Expedition.)

Scandia was an important trading point in the early days, being in the line of the shortest route to the homestead country from Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska. It had the only ferry on the upper Republican and stage lines daily from Hanover, tri-weekly from Waterville, Junction City and Jewell, and weekly from White Rock and Solomon. Some of the early business men were L. C. Hanson, hotel ; Wilson Bros., general store; Amos Coyle, drugs and groceries; A. T. Miller, groceries and provisions. The first railroad was the Missouri Pacific running north and south, which reached Scandia in 1878. The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific runs through Scandia east and west. The census of 1910 gave Scandia 579 inhabitants. It has five churches, 2 banks, a weekly newspaper (the Journal), telegraph, telephone and express offices, and a money order postoffice with three rural routes. The Kansas Gazetteer for 1909 lists 80 business and professional men in Scandia. It is a shipping point for grain, live stock and other farm products.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Sugar Loaf Kansas.

Rooks County.
Sugar Loaf Township Map, 1904.
 
On the county map Sugar Loaf can be found in Township 6-south and Range 19-west.  On the Township map Sugar Loaf can be found in section 17.
 
Sugarloaf Post Office.
 
Bradford post office open July 21, 1879 and ran to May 3, 1883, First postmaster was Charles Dewey, name changed to Sugar Loaf.  Sugar Loaf post office open May 3, 1883 and ran to April 25, 1895.  Sugar Loaf first postmaster was Alph Smith.
 
People who used Sugar Loaf as their P. O. address as of 1904.
 
Henry Buss, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
F. H. Gleason, Farmer and Stock Raiser.
C. F. Haynes, Farmer and Threshing Machine Operator.
P. M. Smith, Farmer and stock Raiser.
 
Sugar Loaf Kansas, 1912.

Sugar Loaf, a country hamlet in Rooks county, is located 10 miles northwest of Stockton, the county seat and nearest shipping point, and 11 miles south of Speed, the postoffice from which it receives mail. The population in 1910 was 15.