Kansas History and Heritage Project--Dickinson County History

Dickinson County History
"Homes of the Husbandmen", 1883, Abilene Reflector


Note: The first three installments were published in Nov. and Dec. of 1883; the fourth installed appeared in a Feb. 1884 paper. The publisher probably had the intention of canvassing the entire county, but I could not find any entries after the fourth installment.

HOMES OF THE HUSBANDMEN.
A Trip Through the Country by a Reflector Correspondent.


We started out last week for a trip in the country, to call upon some of our "Friends of the Cause," and to make as many new ones as possible; and in so doing to notice the improvements being made. In every direction we see the result of the two seasons past new farm residences, barns, grainaries, corn cribs, &c., being built. There is quite a large acreage of
WHEAT
sowed which is up so that it covers the ground, thereby having a good start for the winter. We first drew rein at the residence of
W. A. JONES,
in Grant township, alighted and was invited in to warm our lingers and toes. During the process we learned from his most agreeable lady, Mr. Jones being absent from the farm, that they were one of the pioneer families of Dickinson county, having come here 14 years ago and homesteaded where they now live. After the warming process was concluded and Mr. Alex. Waldie, a son-in-law of Mr. Jones, had ordered the Great and Good Reflector to visit him weekly, we departed. Next pulling up at the farm of our democratic friend,
G. A. BATES,
who was busily engaged in gathering the golden grain. After informing him that we were on the hunt of such men as him, he at once succumbed and ordered the Reflector to visit him. He informed us that he came from Indiana seven years ago and has acquired 1/4 sec, and says that Dickinson county is good enough for him. Bidding Mr. Rates good-bye, we started to seek whom we might devour. On arriving at the farm residence of
W. J. JACKSON
we halted, not finding Mr. J. at home. We at once set about to interrogate his most pleasant lady, who informed us that they were both staunch democrats and pioneers in Dickinson county, having emigrated here from DeKalb co., Ind., 14 years ago. Three children are all grown, married and well to do citizens of Dickinson county. After wishing Mrs. J. many more years of happiness on this mundane sphere we took our leave, meditating as we drove through the narrow highways, of the contrast 14 years ago when these pioneers settled in this the far west. Next drawing rein at the fine stock and grain farm of our friend,
GEO. LIVINGSTON,
of Buckeye township. After informing him that we were not a tax but a news gatherer, he invited us in the house and informed us that he too was a pioneer in this county, settling here in 1871, taking a homestead. His stock and grain farm now consists of 950 acres, about all under hedge and wire fence, and some 20 acre's in bearing orchard and walnut grove. Mr. Livingston has upon his farm at present about 7,000 bushels of wheat, 7,000 bushels of com and 2,500 bushels of oats. Raised this year on his stock farm 100 head of fine cattle, 130 head of hogs and 16 head of horses and mules. After putting up our horse and partaking of a sumptuous meal, whom none know how to prepare better than his most estimable lady, we were piloted through his new residence which is just completing at a cost of about $6,000. When completed it will be one of the finest residences in Dickinson county. Last year Mr. L. sold off his farm stock and grain to the am't of $6,500. He was offered last week $25,000 for 500 acres of his farm, but thinks he could not be better suited and would not sell at that price. He has by untiring and unceasing labor and economy accumulated what he now en joys having homesteaded his home place when he settled here. The Reflector. is a welcome weekly visitor to him. Politically Mr. L. is a greenbacker or anti monopolist. After wishing Mr. L. many more years of ease and comfort we took our leave. Next calling on
WM. BEAER
who was induced by our good looks to subscribe for the coming great Reflector, for which we thanked him and sped on our journey. Our next victim
ABRAHAM BEAER,
the father of our last who settled here the same year with Mr. Livingston, quite poor. Homesteaded 80 acres, but has increased his farm to 255 acres well improved, under hedge fence, a good apple orchard which bore 400 or 500 bushels of apples this season. Mr. B. says Dickinson county is good enough for him and that he only cares to go back to the old Key Stone State to visit. Bidding Mr. B. adieu, we made another start over the undulating prairie to the residence of
MRS. MARY HENRY.
Found W. J., her eldest son, in the barnyard. We at once proceeded to shove the quill at him. He informed us that his father and family emigrated to Dickinson county 12 years ago from Jo Daviess county, Ill., entering a homestead of 80 acres, upon which they still live. His father died in 1880, leaving his wife and children to manage for themselves, and by hard work and good management, they have increased the farm to 320 acres, of which 200 are under cultivation. On learning that W. J. was a democrat and informing him that we could allow none to escape, he quietly succumbed and ordered his name added to the fast growing list of subscribers for the Reflector. We next halted at the residence of
J. A. KIRKPATRICK
Whereupon we proceeded to interview him upon the subject of fat hogs, cattle, fine stock, &c. (learning that he was a stock man,) until we finally reached politics, rings, cliques, &c. Whereupon he at once informed me that he still held up to the old Jeffersonian principles, always did and always expected to. We at once informed him that those were the same principles we were working for, and that it was his duty to assist us in the good work, in which he acquiesced, and ordered the Reflector to visit him weekly. Our mission being performed, we once more renewed our meandering through the long and narrow by-ways until we found ourself in front of the farm residence of
S. S. GIPE,
where we again alighted and were in vited in. No sooner said than done. And we at once proceeded with a pertinacious effort to interrogate. Mr. Gipe being absent from the farm, putting up a fine two-story residence for Matt. Bryson, we learned from his lady that they emigrated to Dickinson county six years ago from Franklin county, Pa., purchasing the farm upon which they live. For several years Mr. G. felt quite discouraged, but is now beginning to think that Dickinson county is not any worse than Pennsylvania with its drouths and drawbacks. Being invited to put up for the night, and as the gloomy shades of evening had begun to appear, we accepted. After putting up and caring for our horse, we proceeded to the house and sat down to a splendid meal prepared by Mrs. G. and her beautiful daughter, Carrie. After the festive board was cleared we gathered around the family hearth and spent a pleasant evening in conversation. After which we retired, reposing quietly in the arms of Morpheus until the bright rays of "Old Sol" streamed across our face arousing us from our slumbers. We at once arose, dressed and partook of another well prepared meal. Adding Mr. G.'s name to our list, we took our departure, after extending our best wishes to our most pleasant, agreeable and hospitable hostesses, Mrs. G. and daughter Carrie, for another day's rampage. (to be Continued.)

PART II
We left our readers last week up in Cheever township. We first halted at the residence of
B. W. McCOSH.
We found Ben at home making preparations for sheltering his stock from the winter storms, a thing which more of our farmers should look after. Upon making ourself known we were invited to alight, put up and take dinner, which we did. On learning that Mr. Mc. was one of the pioneers in Dickinson county, we proceeded to interview him in regard to his idea of the country. Mr. Mc. came to Kansas 12 years ago and settled in the Chapman creek valley, two miles east of Industry, from Adams co., Pa. , and took a homestead, having nothing when he reached here. He worked around by the day wherever he could obtain it, for several years, improving his farm at the same time. He has now one of the best grain and stock farms in the valley, having running water through the pasture and feed lots. He has about 100 head of hogs and some fine cattle, and is building a fine barn, 40 by 70 feet, at a cost of about $1,200. Mr. Mc. and his estimable lady have raised a family of 11 children 8 boys and 3 girls, and says that Kansas is good enough for him. He is an anti monopolist politically, and a hearty supporter of the Reflector. After partaking of a well prepared meal and wishing Mr. Mc. many more years of remunerative labor, we bade him and family adieu and sped on our journey, in a northern direction, until we reached the home of our esteemed friend,
CAPT. JOHN J. REAGAN,
who is also one of the early settlers on Chapman creek, coming there in 1869, from the city of Brooklyn, N. Y. There were only four or five log shanties or dug-outs when he settled there. He took up a homestead of 160 acres, upon which he still lives. Mr. R. has now increased his farm to a half sec, which is one of the finest stock farms in this section of the State. Chapman and Bostic creeks run through the pasture of 100 acres, which is fenced with wire. A splendid mill site and oak, walnut, elm, etc., timber, on the banks of the creek. Mr. R. has raised on his farm this season about 2000 bushels of wheat and 4000 or 5000 bushels of corn. He has 14 head of fine cattle, 100 head of hogs and 8 head of horses. Mr. R. is a true friend to the REFLECTOR, a staunch democrat and a bitter enemy to rings and bossism. After spending some time in a conversation with the, Capt. and his wife, we started towards Industry, traveling over some as fine country as can be found out of doors. On arriving at
INDUSTRY,
we were agreeably surprised to see the amount of enterprise and business push in that little town. Among some of the business men, we met Dr. H. B. Jones, the live druggist; Peterson & Swinehart, doing a large dry goods and grocery business, and Albert Monroe, Postmaster and dealer in hardware, a genial and pleasant young man. Industry has good water power and only needs a railroad to make a live city it having a good agricultural country surrounding it. Turning our back upon the thriving little village we sped on o'er the rolling prairie to the south-west until we reached the home of
JAS. MILLER.
As night had overtaken us, we at once requested if a night's lodging could be procured, and being answered in the affirmative, we alighted and was invited to make ourself at home. After partaking of the evening meal, we spent the evening in pleasant conversation and listening to music by their daughter Anna, a most pleasant and accomplished young lady. Mr. M. is one of the earlier settlers in Dickinson county, coming here in 1871, from Ogle co., Ill. taking up a homestead of 80 acres, being one of the pioneers of this the then frontier of western civilization. He had bad luck in loosing his crops by grasshoppers, drouth, his team dying and having no means, he became quite discouraged. But he braved the trials of all pioneers in a new country, of which no one knows anything about save those who have suffered them. He came out on top with a well improved farm of 160 acres, with 5 acres of orchard bearing different varieties of fruit. And he and his generous wife have raised a family of seven children, 4 boys and 3 girls, to assist in making Kansas one of the foremost States in the Union. After taking a night's rest and morning refreshments we bade Mr. M. and family farewell, we proceeded upon our inspection of this county, halting long enough at the residences of S. Franklin and Walter Jones to add their names to our list of subscribers for the Reflector. We next halted at the residence of
MRS. A. McDOWELL,
who settled in this county with her husband in 1864, coming from Mercer Co., Ohio, taking up a homestead of 80 acres. Four years after Mr. Mc. was a victim to that most dreaded of all diseases, Asiatic cholera, leaving a son, John W., who has improved the farm and increased it to 240 acres, partially fenced. John W. votes the democratic ticket and is a subscriber to the Reflector. After pausing long enough at several of our respected citizens residences to form an acquaintance and add their names to our growing list of subscribers, we drew up at the home of
PAT RILEY,
Who invited us to alight and take dinner with him, which we accepted. We found Mr. R. to be a subscriber and a democrat. He is a genuine jolly good fellow and one of the best farmers in Sherman township. He is building a front addition to his house. Leaving Mr. R.'s in the rear, we once more jogged along noticing the fine buildings and well improved farms in that section of the county, until we found our self in front of the residence of
JAMES KERBY.
We drew rein, alighted and proceeded to the house and made ourself known. We found Jim to he a generous whole souled sort of a fellow and proposed to take a ride with us and show us up the country in his section of the county, to which he accepted with pleasure. After a few hours' ride and calling upon some of our friends in that locality, we returned to Jim's and put up for the night. After supper we learned that Mr. K. emigrated to this county from Park co., Ind., in 1865, and settled on Chapman creek, being the last house up the creek, where he still lives. He has one of the best stock farms in that part of the county feed lots, naturally protected from the cold winds and a clear stream of running water through them. He and his son Joseph are engaged in raising hogs and are doing well, having now about 107 head of fine ones. We spent the evening listening to music by Joe, who is an expert with the claronet, and to Jim's stories of the early settlements and history of this county, which were truly interesting to us. We then retired to spend the night in quietude and rest. On the morning we arose, breakfasted and bade our hospitable host and hostess adieu, and started for another day's ramble. We turned our course and followed Chapman creek down stream, stopping at several of our Dickinson county farmers' residences only long enough to add their names as subscribers to the best paper in Kansas, until we reached
L. K. WARNOCK,
of Hays township, where, we were in vited to take supper. Mr. W. not being at home we learned from his wife that they settled in this county 16 years ago, coming from Jay Co., Ind. He has a well improved farm of 130 acres, upon which he has raised this season 10,000 bushels of corn. The bottom land in Chapman creek valley can't be beat for corn. Mr. and Mrs. W. have raised 4 sons, whom they have framed up to revere the Jeffersonian principles of democracy and vote the ticket straight every time. After supper we drove to
A. B. WARNOCK'S,
one of the sons of L. K., where we put up for the night. A pleasant evening was spent listening to music by Mr. W., who handles the violin to perfection. After which we retired. At the break of day we were aroused from our slumbers, arose, breakfasted and prepared for another day's trip, of which we will write in the future. (To be Continued.)

NUMBER III.
We will attempt to give the readers of the Reflector an idea of the country and what the farmers are doing as we see it in our trip over the best county in the State. In our last we were traveling down the beautiful valley of Chapman creek, halting long enough at the residences of P. McGuire, N. Keating and G. R. Barnes to add their names to the best paper in Kansas, till we reached the growing little city of
CHAPMAN,
situated at the confluence of Chapman creek with the Smoky Hill river. It is improving rapidly and putting on metropolitan airs to a large extent. Here we found business brisk, the business men with a smile of happy content on their faces, a reading community and a larger list of subscribers to the Reflector than to any other paper in the county. We then crossed the creek and drew up at the residence of
JOHN ERWIN,
where we were invited in and to make ourself at home, which we did. After partaking of the noon-day meal, we learned from Mr. E. that he came to this county 26 years ago from McDonough co., Ill. There being no homestead law at that time, he purchased the farm he now lives on, adding to it until he has now 645 acres of well improved land with about 75 acres of timber upon it and Chapman creek running through it, making it one of the best stock farms in the county; upon which he has 75 head of fine cattle, 60 head of hogs and about 3,000 bushels of corn raised this season. Mr. E. is true to the principles of Democracy, and the Reflector has his hearty support and best wishes. He says, and we think he is correct, that the democrats and independents of this county have the sacred principles of the founders of this nation. Bidding Mr. E. and family many more years of happiness and prosperity we wended our way up the valley of the placid stream until we reached the home of
DANIEL RYON,
where we made ourself known, when he at once informed us that he wanted the Reflector to visit him. Leaving Mr. R. we continued our journey, stopping at the residence of
R. F. GROSS,
who was at work upon a new barn he is building. Learning that he was a democrat we at once induced him to add his name to our list. Bidding him adieu we next called upon his brother,
M. GROSS,
who also ordered his name added to the list. No sooner said than done. And we at once proceeded until we reached the residence of
MRS. ISABELLE HAINE,
who has a well improved farm on Chapman creek, which she will sell at a low figure, having lost her husband recently and having no one to farm it for her. After adding her name to the list we once more started in pursuit of more of our unknown friends of the cause, halt ing at the residence of
GEO. W. FREEMAN.
The evening shades having begun to fall, we were told to put up for the night, which we did. After partaking of the evening meal we gathered around the family hearth, when we were informed that Mr. F. was the first settler in Dickinson county. On learning this information Ave were determined to learn something of the early history of the county. He came to this county 2S years ago, from Montgomery co., Ark. He is a staunch democrat and was twice appointed Probate Judge before the county was organized and declined the appointment both times. Afterwards he took an active part in organizing the county, and organized it as a democratic county, and was elected the first Probate Judge of the county. The county seat and court-house then being one lonely log cabin, on the banks of the Smokey Hill river, two miles below Detroit, called Newport. We were deeply interested in the Judge's story of the early settlement of the county, the many county divisions and county seat fights, all of which are now amicably and harmoniously settled, and all is serene and prosperous. On the morn ing we arose, took breakfast and started on another day's forage. We next drew rein at the home of
GEO. SHRY,
whom Ave found at work on a neat house he is building, which is quite an improvement to his farm. He came to this county hi 1S67. from Jay co., Ind. He and his brother Perla and father own 5S0 acres of the best land on Chapman creek, and are all sound democrats and readers of the Reflector. We next called at the stock farm of
O. H. SUTPHEN,
who was attending to his cattle, having some very fine ones. He has one of the best arranged and located stock farms in Dickinson county. He is one of the many republicans who appreciate a good thing by subscribing for the Reflector. Our next is
W. H. SUTPHEN,
the father of our last. He settled here 12 years ago. coming from Otsego co., N. Y. Mr. S. has a well improved farm of 200 acres, having upon it a large flouring mill with the latest improved machinery. It is operated by Messrs. Newell & Johnk. There is an iron bridge at the mill in which Mr. S. spent 700 of his hard earned money the county furnishing the rest. There is now in course of construction a Union Church. Lots have been laid off and a storehouse will be commenced at once to be used for the general merchandising business. Mr. S. is the post master at that place. Politically he was a democrat up to the late war, when he says the party left him and he voted with the republicans since. But after having quite a spirited discussion upon the issues of the day, we found him yet true to the principles of that party which is as old as the government itself, and only a republican in that "strange spell, a name." After adding his and Mr. Newell's names to our fast growing list, we bade them adieu and continued our explorations.
M. NAHONY AND M. MALONEY
were the next residences we halted at and added their names to our list. The latter was an early settler, coming to the county in 1866, homesteading 80 acres, which he has increased to 200 acres of well improved land. We next called upon
J. A. MEEK,
who at once ordered the Reflector to visit him weekly, and we journeyed onward. Next to encounter was
DR. HENRY TH0MAS,
who settled in Dickinson county in 1872. The Dr. is a pleasant and agreeable gentleman. He also ordered his cognomen placed upon our list, which was done. We continued our rambling until Ave reached the farm residence of
J. G. GFELLER.
Night again overtaking us we asked for accommodations which were granted, and we at once set about to make ourself at home. Mr. G. came to this county 13 years ago, from Polk co., Ia., only having money enough to homestead SO acres of land, now he and six brothers, who followed him, have 1200 acres of the best improved land in Dickinson county, all in a body and well fenced, cross fences, lots, corrals and good buildings, which proves the adage "in unity there is strength." The next morning we headed towards Abilene, only pausing at the homes of Dan. O'Connor, Jno. Kannaly and C. H. Brechtbill long enough to add their names to the list for the Reflector to visit them weekly. More anon.

PART IV
After an interval of several weeks we once more concluded to take a trip to the country to call upon our friends and in hopes of making many new ones. So Monday afternoon we mounted our faithful nag and turned our back upon our growing city and headed for
ENTERPRISE.

We noticed that the corn is not yet more than half husked, and the past few days of fine weather the farmers were out in full force gathering in the golden grain. We made no halt until we reached the fast growing little city. It has improved greatly within the past year and still continues to do so. We continued our trip southward until we came to the finely improved stock, grain and fruit farm of
A. S. SEEDS,

The father of our rising young attorney, W. P., where we drew up and alighted. We found Mr. S. at home attending to his stock, which he took an interest in showing us. He came from Lee county, Illinois, to Dickinson county three years ago and purchased the farm he now lives upon, containing 360 acres, paying therefor $6,000. The first crop he raised on it paid for it. We ask, can any country beat it? If so, where is it? Bidding him adieu, we proceeded on our tour until the shades of evening began to appear which found us at the residence of
STEWART SEEDS,

A son, where we shared the hospitality of our host and his "better half," who were lately wedded. They are settled in a snug and cozy little home and have commenced life in earnest, and in doing so he orders the Reflector to visit him weekly. We bade our friend a long and happy life and proceeded on our journey, calling on G. W. Stiles and J. H. Weaver, adding their names to our already long list of subscribers, when we again paced away at rapid gate o'er the rolling prairie until we reached the abode of
W. W. PRATT,

Where we were invited to alight. We earned that he was an early settler in Dickinson county. He has a well improved farm of 160 acres in Logan town ship. On leaving Mr. P's we next called upon
J. W. GRAHAM,

Who was engaged shelling corn. Upon making ourself known he and his brother, W. T., both ordered the Reflector to visit them weekly. They are both pronounced republican farmers among hundreds who say the Reflector is the best paper ever published in the county and represents their interests better. We next called upon
A. JOHNSON,

And added his cognomen to our list and continued until we reached the residence of
JOHN HIXSON

Where we asked for accommodations for the night, which was readily grant ed. After caring for our horse and partaking of the evening meal, we at tended the Lyceum and Farmers' Club at Tennessee school house, which was crowded with an appreciative audience. The literary programme consisted of music, declamations, select reading, &c, which were all well rendered. We especially note the music by the choir which, was first class. After the usual business of the society and an intermission of a few minutes, the question "Resolved, That the horse is the most profitable animal a farmer can raise" was discussed. The judges were selected and the debate opened with a brilliant speech, setting forth the many advantages of the horse over any other animal. The next speaker denied the fact, and, after speeches were made by several others on the negative side, the question was given to the judges who decided it in the negative. At the meeting we met several friends of the Reflector and we flatter ourself by saying that we made a few more. We returned to Mr. H. s and retired for the night. After breakfast next morning we learned that he came to this county twelve years ago from Peoria county, Illinois, leaving his family there until he could make them a home here. He entered a homestead in Hope township, where he now lives. Being a blacksmith, he came to Abilene to get work at his trade but could not, so he went to Junction City and secured work for one week. After arriving there 50 cents was all he possessed. He came back to Abilene and worked at his trade for a while, then he made a dug out and commenced running a shop on the place he now lives and sent for his family. He now has a quarter section of well improved land, shade and fruit trees and well stocked. We bade our host adieu and preceded to the village of
HOPE,

Which is a thrifty place, having two general merchandise stores, one hardware store, drug store, billiard hall, millinery and dressmaking establishments, livery stable, hotel, blacksmith shops, &c, &c. They are living in hopes of having a railroad reach that point in the near future. We turned our back upon the thriving little town and traveled northward, calling upon H. A. Nelson and Jacob Sidler long enough to add their names to our list for the Reflector, then proceeded to the residence of
E. A. Quigg,

who was at once, by our good looks, induced to "follow suit" and order the Reflector. We next called at the home of
A. B. SMITH,

When night had again overtaken us, and we shared the hospitality of his home until the next morning, when we added his name to our list, and at once set out for another day's ramble over south-east Dickinson, which, by the way, is an excellent part of the county. During the day's ramble we succeeded in adding some fifteen names of the substantial yeomen of our county to the list to have the Reflector to hereafter visit them. As night had again came duly to hand we rode up to our friend,
NAT. LOWE'S,

and he at once invited us to alight and stop for the night, which we did. As Mrs. L. was absent her little daughter Effie, about ten years of age, prepared a meal that would put to shame a majority of the young ladies of our cities of a marriageable age. After supper we went to the Literary and Debating Society at Union Valley school house, where we again spent a pleasant evening listening to songs, select readings, declamations, &c. The songs produced by A. Crary, George Hatfield and Ed. Quigg were well rendered. After the literary exercises the question "Resolved, That the prohibition laws of Kansas are a failure and are working an injury morally and should be repealed" was ably discussed in the affirmative by C. M. Teats, J. C. Covert, Benj. Peck and ye writer, being invited, did what he could in his feeble way; and in the negative by Mr. Hallee, A. M. Crary, R. Blesh and A. L. Blesh. The question was hotly debated and the echoes of the forensic eloquence were distinctly heard reverberating several hours after the discussion had closed. The law was declared a failure by the judges, after which the society adjourned for one week. We returned to Mr. Lowe's, and after a good night's rest and a warm breakfast, we headed our way for Abilene, halting occasionally to add a name to our list for the best paper in Kansas.



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