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YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

*937

The Storu
of Council Qroue
on the Santa Fe Trail

Bq Lalla ITAaloq Briqham

19 2 1

Dedication

TO THE PIONEERS OF COUNCIL GROVE:
Permit me to dedicate this "Story of Council Grove on the
Santa Fe Trail" to the early settlers who have been familiar
with all the transpiring events connected with its history. To
you who were identified with all the activities pertaining to the
upbuilding of Council Grove and to the memory of the departed
pioneers, who by their courage and sacrifice laid the foundation
^of our town, this story is respectfully inscribed.

Introduction

The information herein contained has been secured from
various sources. From my father, John Maloy's History of
iMorris County, written and published three different times — in
1876, 1886 and 1891 — I have collected the greater part of my
¦data. As it was his desire to perpetuate the history of the
town, I have endeavored to carry out his wishes by collecting
in book form all events of historical nature and incidents relat
ing to the people connected with the growth of the town.
I am greatly indebted to Mr. R. M. Armstrong, who has
shared with me his correct knowledge of dates and given me the
benefit of his wonderful fund of reminiscence. Also to Mr. Geo.
P. IMjorehouse, of Topeka, for allowing me the use of his valu
able writings for reference, and for his research in the Kansas
Historical Library for proof of some of the incidents in this
story. Both of these gentlemen and many of our citizens have
been loyal supporters of my efforts to perpetuate Council Grove
liistory for future generations.
LALLA M. BR1GHAM.

COUNCIL OAK
The Council of three United States Commissioners and the
chiefs of the Great and Little Osage Indians took place
under this Council Oak August 10, 1825. Council Grove
received its name at this Council.

Council Grove, Council Grove!
Fair city of most modern ways.
You must not scorn those homespun days;
For through the hardships of that age
Thy name shines bright on history's page.
Let future ages wax and wane,
But not forget thy charming name;
Nor "Council Oak" — that grand old tree,
The first to give that name to thee —
Council Grove! — George Pierson Morehouse.

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL

CHAPTER I
In the shadowy . background of territorial history, when
Kansas was a part of that vast domain known as Louisiana
Territory, our earliest explorers passed tlirough Morris county
and the counties adjoining. Whether their trails led them
through what is now Council Grove is not known. Coronado :M
1542 gave the Spanish the first sight of our prairies. Du Tisne,
a Frenchman, led a party of explorers through Morris county
in 1719. He crossed Coronado's route at Fort Rftey. It is not
known how long Indian trails led to Council Grove before the
removal ,of the Kaws to the reservation adjoining it in 1847.
The land belonged to the Osages before this date. The crossing
•Where the Main street bridge now stands seemed to have been
known by white men early in the nineteenth century, as a
Frenchman named LaLande passed this ford in 1804, and an
other man named Purcell camped here in 1805. They were
supposed to be on their way to Santa Fe, or more likely they
were trying to find a route to New Mexico. An authentic ac
count of this crossing is given by Dr. Connolly, of Kentucky,
who in 1828 passed through here and stopped to make a rough
survey of a shorter route to New Mexico. In 1821, history tells
us, a small pack train fitted out by a man named William Beck-
nell started from Franklin, Howard county, Missouri. In 1824
another party left the same place for New Mexico, and Josiah
Gregg in his article, "Commerce of the Prairies," says both of
these expeditions were successful, and both of them followed
the trail that led them through Council Grove. The report of
the 1821 and 1824 expeditions to Congress that a wonderful trade
opportunity existed in Santa Fe, led to an appropriation for a
survey of a route to New Mexjco. In March, 1825, the Con
gress of the United States of America) passed an act to author
ize the President/ of the United States to cause a road to be
marked from the western frontier of Missouri to the confines
of New Mexico, and they also authorized the President to
appoint three commissioners to carry out said act and g-ain
the consent of the Indians. President John Quincy Adams
appointed Benjamin Reeves, George C. Sibley and Thomas
Mathers. These commissioners left St. Louis in June, 1825,
and on August 10, 1825, met the chiefs of the Gra'at and LMe
'Osage Nations at Council Grove on the Neo Zho, 160 miles from
5

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Fort Osage. At this treaty $800.00 was paid the Osage Indians
for right-of-way' through their territory for this road to New
Mexico. The treaty was signed by the commissioners, the
secretary, surveyor, interpreter, and fifteen other white men,
besides Pa-hu-skah (or White Hair), head chief of the Great
Osages, and Watonga, head chief of the Little Osages, and five
other chiefs and nine warriors. Th^'s treaty took place under
the "Council Oak," one of our historic landmarks. This old
oak tree is one of tho( relics of the old "oak grove," and stands
in the yard of C. W. Crimm iV East Council Grove. It is an>
imposing tree and still is in a splendid state of preservation,.
and corresponds most accurately to the measurements given in
the records of the 1825 survey of the Santa Fe Trail. This
tree measures ten feet nine inches in circumference.
August 16, 1825, six days after the council met under the-
famous oak in Council Grove, the same commissioners went to
Turkey Creek, McPherson county, and held a treaty with the
Kaws. The Kaw treaty was an exact duplicate of the one held
here with the Osages, except it was signed by the chiefs and'
warriors of the Kaw tribe, and the treaty here was signed by
chiefs and warriors of the Osage tribes.
In 1906 the Daughters of the American Revolution and
the 'State of; Kansas began to mark' the route across the state
with substanial granite monuments. This led to a number of
historic celebrations at different points during that year and
during 1907.
The most noted of these "Trail celebrations" was held at
Council Grove August 10, 1907, when the monument was placed'
and dedicated in the parking just opposite the "Council Oak."
This being the most important historic spot in Kansas on the
Trail, a special inscription was carved upon this monument,
mentioning the treaty and council held here on the 10th day of
August, 1825, just 82 years before this celebration.
Secretary George W. Martin and Senator George P. More
house, both of the State Historical Society, were the speakers
on this occasion, and a full report of their addresses was
published in the papers and in the publications of the State
Historical Society. During the day there was a grand his
torical parade, wh*ch embraced every phase of Trail life from
ox wagons, stage coach, pony express, cow boys, hunters^
plainsmen, and ending with modern carriages and automobiles^
6

THE STORY OFCOUXCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Before setting the monument, a metal history box was im
bedded in the cement beneath. The box was' filled with past
and present historical data, maps, pictures, pamphlets, papers,
manuscripts and relics. The key to (the '.box was deposited with
the Kansas State Historical Society, and the box is to be
opened in 2007 A. D.
This "grove" at that time was an extensive and dense
forest of hardwood trees and covered a large part of the bottom
east of the river. It was a noted sheltered spot and a very
suitable place in which to hold the council between the United
States commissioners and the Indians for the right-of-way
of the Santa Fe Trail across the Great Plains; and it was this
incident of holding the council that led to naming the place
Council Grove. Some writers claim that the Neosho ford of the
Santa Fe Trail was known as "The Grove" and "Neosho
Crossing," and that Indian councils and councils between
freighters and Indian guides gave it the title before the treaty
of 1825; but it has been proven by Congresaional records and
surveyors' reports that Council Grove derived its name from
the council held August 10, 1825, a,t which time the Trail treaty
was signed. George C. Sibley, one of the three United States
commissioners of that event, in describing the affair years
afterward, says that he gave it that name and had "Big John"
Walker, one of his men, carve the name of Council Grove on a
large oak tree standing near their tent. It will thus be seen
that this important event in the history of the Santa Fe Trail
and the State of Kansas can be celebrated with an one hundredth
anniversary celebration in just four years. It will be the third
centennial ever held in Kansas and should be made a great
event in the- history of the state.
Before the dawn of Council IGrove history, when 'the
"Ships of the Prairie" (the covered wagons) plied their lonely
way through Kansas, this "Neosho Crossing," with its abund
ance of water and the surrounding timber, was a boon to the
weary traveler. Josiah Gregg, in 1845, wrote an article on his
first trip to Santa Fe ;|n 1831, and speaks of Council Grove as a
fine stopping place. This caravan, the writer says, consisted
of nearly one hundred wagons, pack mules, hacks, and other
small vehicles, and two small cannons. They had $200,000.00
worth of merchandise and this must have been the first large
caravan that went west. He says they stopped at Council
7

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Grove to procure timber for axle trees and other wagon repairs
which they lashed under the wagons. As this point furnished
the last timber such as they used for these repairs, they had
to supply themselves with enough to last them from Council
Grove to New Mexico and back to Council Grove agajn. Dr.
Gregg says:
"Unless the imposing title Council Grove suggests to the
readers a thriving village, it should be observed that! on the day
of our departure from Independence we passed the last human
abode upon our route, therefore from the borders of Missouri
to those of New Mexico not even an Indian settlement greetted
our eyes."
He spoke of the Neosho river, an Indian name meaning
"wet bottoms," and of Council Grove creek, now Elm creek.
He described the beauty and fertility of the valley.
Tradition tells us that in 1827 Kit Carson cut the name
Council Grove on a buffalo hide, and nailed it to a tree.
During the years when the Santa Fe trade was be.ing built
up, this Neosho crossing was the meeting place for the organi
zation of long caravans. Often several companies went to
gether for protection, so for many years before the first white
man located here, this crossing was a rendezvous for freighters.
Records tell us that Marcus Whitman, a Presbyterian mis
sionary, passed through here in 1842 on his way from Oregon to
Washington, D. C. In 1846 Colonel Doniphan and Sterling Price
passed through Council Grove on their way to the Mexican War..
In 1847, by a treaty with the Government, a tract of land
twenty miles square, with Council Grove in the center, was
acquired for the Kansas, or Kaw, tribe of Indians. This was
called the Kaw Reservation, and the Indians were moved here
in 1847. The Kaw tribe at that time numbered 1,700.
Up to 1847, not a white person had located here, and only
Indians, interpreters and freighters had camped in this locality.
Seth M. Hays was the first white man to locate here. He came
in 11847 anjd built the first .og1 cabin on the site of the Hays
House, or present Arway Hotel. He came from Westport, Mo.,
with a license from the United States Government to trade
with the Indians. Pierre and Crypian Choteau (two French and
Indian brothers) located here soon after Mr. Hays came. A
man named Kennedy came in 1849. In 1848 a Mr. Owen dug
the well which was for so many years our public well. It was
in the center of the street between Durland & White's store and

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL

SETH HAYS
First White Settler— 1S47
the Farmers and Drovers Bank. The well was dug for the
Choteau Brothers, whose store was a log house on the Durland
& White corner. This same man helped build the Mission. A
few years later Mr. Owen told the story' of a cannon which was
buried in the Neosho river bed at the mouth of Elm; creefk. An
Indian boy found it in 1849 and a Government blacksmith ex
cavated it. It was a 12-pound brass piece, cast in Philadelphia
in 1776. It was never known how it came to be buried there,
unless the Indians captured it from some caravan and sought
to destroy evidence of their plunder. It was taken to Salt Lake
City and placed in a museum.
Another item of history which proves that the Neosho cross
ing had been used early in the century was the finding of an old
fashioned wagon jack screw imbedded in the trunk of a, cotton-
wood tree near where the Main street bridge now stands. A
paity of soldiers passing through here in the winter of 1847-48
cut the tree down and found the jack screw. It had undoubtedly
been left against the tree by some early exploring party and
fcvgjtten. The stump measured four feet across.
9

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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL

CHAPTER II
The Government in 1849 established a mail route to New-
Mexico. Council Grove was the most important station on the
700-mile journey. In 1849 the Board of Missions of the M. E.
church, South, accepted a proposition from the Government ta
build and maintain a school among the Kaw Indians. T. S.
Huffaker was sent here as teacher of the school. In 1850 the
building was completed and the school established. In 1850
Mrs. Eliza Mitchell, the wife of a Government blacksmith, was
the first white woman to locate in Council Grove or Morris
county. They remained a short tim'e and were followed by
Emanuel Mosier and family, Mr. Mosier succeeded Mitchell
as blacksmith. One of these Government blacksmith
shops was located on the site of the Gildemeister home. In
1900, when they excavated for the front part, all kinds of
blacksmith tools were found Mr. Mosier's wife's brothers,
A. J. and Josh) Baker, and her two sisters, Mrs. Eli Sewell and
Eliza' Baker, who afterward married T. S. Huffaker, came early
in 1851. Their mother, Mrs. Baker, came with them. Several
log cabins were built, and Mosier's 1st and 2nd Additions to
Council Grove were named for Emanuel Mosier, as his log
cabin was located on that piece of ground. The Baker brothers
and Eii Sewell were active in the early Indian trade, and during
their residence here participated in many lines of business. Mr.
Josh Baker lived here until his death a few years ago. His
widow, Mrs. Lida Baker, and his daughter, Mrs. Ernest Fores-
man, and son, Preston Baker, are still all residents of Morris
county. Two other daughters, Mrs. Clifford Axe and Mrs.
Lloyd Peterson, lived here until recently.
In 1850 the Government erected a building on the corner of
Wood and Main streets for grain supplies. The Mail Company
built a chinked log house on the present site of the Farmers and
Drovers Bank. The period from 1849 to 1854 was a very pros
perous time for Council Grove. It was the last point going
west at which supplies could be obtained. The Withington
Bros., S. M. Hays, Choteau Bros., A. J. and Josh Baker, E.
Mosier and Christopher Columbia constituted the business pop
ulation of the town until 1854. That year the Territory of
Kansas was organized and Governor Reeder visited Council
Grove with the view of making it the territorial capital, but na
11

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
treaty could be made with the Indians. The first representa
tive elected from this part of the territory, which included Wise
county, as Morris county was then called, was A. J. Baker. He
received his certificate of election from the Governor but a
border ruffian from Missouri contested the election and won.
During the time of Council Grove's early history up to 1855,
when on'.y the Mission, mail and grain buildings and a few
log cabins were scattered here and there, we ponder over the
landscape that greeted the eyes of the freighters as they
came in long lines from the east, and imagine the steep banks
of the Neosho crossing and the hazardous attempt they must
have made to reach the other side. Sometimes when the river
was up they would have to camp for days before being able
to cross. The present Main street was a mere trail. The ox
and mule teams made this same thoroughfare present a very
different scene from what it is today.
The few people who lived here before 1855 were always
wary of Indian raids. Up to this time the only trade was with
the Indians and freighters. The people who made history for
Council Grove during the early years, and who have passed on
to their reward, will be mentioned in this article.
Seth M. Hays, who was the first settler and built the
the first house, was born in Kentucky and was a descendant of
Daniel Boone. He built several houses in Council Grove, and
was in many kinds of business. The first log house was his
home and government supply house for several years. In 1857
he built the Hays House, the present Arway Hotel.
Court was first held in this log house in 1858, and then in
the attic of the Hays House above the; store. Mr. Hays built a
little brick house back of the present laundry site in 1860. This
was his home for many years. About 1866 he built the brick
house now owned by A. J. Marks, and occupied it the last few
years of his life. He never married,, but his home was kept by
his slave, Aunt Sallie, as she was known to everyone in Council
Grove. She was the only slave ever brought to Council Grove.
When Kansas was admitted as a free state she received her
freedom, but continued to care for Mr. Hays' home until her
death in 1872. Mr. Hays had provided for her in his will. The
people of Council Grove honored her memory by attending her
funeral, which was held in Mr. Hays' home, the A. J. Marks
property. Mr. Hays died in 1873. He had accumulated con-
12

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
siderable property, which he left to his foster daughter, Kittie
Robbins Hays, who is a sister of Mrs. B. CI Painter. He was a
generous, kind-hearted man, and bestowed an abundance of love
on this motherless little girl. Mr. Hays was one of the first old
settlers to pass away, and was mourned by a host of friends.
Seth Crowley, one of our citizens, was named for Seth Hays.
No man associated with Council Grove was more a part of
it than T. S. Huffaker. He came in 1849 and until his death in
1910 lived here continuously. He lived in Council Grove through
three generations. His strong personality left a permanent
imprint in business, social and religious affairs, which will be
felt in the community for years to come. He came as an Indian
teacher and taught in the Mission until 1854, when the Indian
school was abandoned. There being no school for the white
children here, he organized them into a school in May, 1851,
and taught them at the Mission. This was the first white school
in Kansas. His marriage to Eliza Ann Baker May 6, 1852, was
the first marriage of white people in Council Grove. They
were married in the Mission by Rev. Nicholson, a missionary,
who happened to be here at that time. Their daughter, Susie,
born July 4, 1853, was the first white child born in Council
Grove. The Huffaker family lived in the Mission for many
years after the closing of the school. Susie, Mary, Agnes,
Fannie and George Huffaker were born in the Mission; Anna,
Carl and Homer, and two who died in infancy were born in the
home across from the Mission. This home, which is now owned
by C. L. Alden, is of Southern type and spoke the hospitality of
the Huffaker family. It was owned for a number of years by
their daughter, Mrs. Carpenter, and the father and mother
celebrated their fifty-third wedding anniversary there in 1905.
Mr. and Mrs. Huffaker had conducted one of the first Sunday
schools in Kansas in the Mission. Both were active in the
organization of the M. E. church, South, and gave the lot on
which the little brick church stood for fifty years. Mr. Huffaker
held many positions of honor. He was active in Indian affairs,
served twice in the legislature, was one of the first regents of
the Kansas State Normal, and was probate judge several terms.
He met with great financial losses, and there were grief-
stricken years when their children were taken from them, but
.they met adversity with that glorious spirit which makes the
13

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Trind of citizens our country calls for. Mr. Huffaker died July
10, 1910. Mrs. Carpenter, the daughter, having sold the old
homestead across the Neosho river, bought the Mission in
1911, and resided there until her death April 12, 1921. Mrs.
Huffaker spent the declining years of her life in the Mission,
and passed away July 5, 1920, in the room in which she was
married sixty-eight years before. Thus ended the lives of
Council Grove's two worthy pioneers, whose years beside the
banks of the Neosho were fraught with so much joy, sorrow
and tragedy. To the descendants of these worthy people no
better heritage could be given than the knowledge of their
father's and mother's integrity and standing in this community.
The gentleness and spirit of peace that always pervaded their
presence is a hallowed memory to all their friends.
Christopher Columbia and family came here in 1852 and
were soon followed by Charles Columbia. They were a part
of the early history of the town. Christopher Columbia was the
first man to locate on a farm near Council Grove, and his
daughter, Anna Columbia, was the first white child born in
Morris county outside of Council Grove.
James Phinney, a brother-in-law of the Columbia's, came in
1858, and lived here until his death in 1882. A daughter, Mrs.
Inez Crary, lives in McPherson, Kansas. Mrs. Phinney and
three daughters have died since moving from Council Grove.
Connected with the history of Couiici^ Grove from the
early 50's, no name was better known than that of G. M.
Simcock. He located here in 1852 and engaged in trading with
the Indians. He married Mary White in 1854. They lived in a
log cabin where the stone store now stands. Albert Simcock
was born in this house in Septemiber, 1857. They moved to an
other log house on the site of the Council Grove National Bank.
George Simcock was born there. They built the Simcock house,
now known as the MJarks Flats, and lived there many years. Mr.
Simcock was at one time in partnership with Seth Hays. He
owned part of the Mathers Mill, and during his residence here
was engaged in various successful business ventures and held
many positions of honor. He died in 1886. His son, Albert
Simcock, lived here fifty years and is now a resident of Kansas
"City, Missouri. George Simcock lives in Wichita.
Wes and James Simcock, two half-brothers of G. M. Sim-
1-1

THE STORY. OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
cock, lived here for many years and were successful business
men. James A. Robbins, father of Mrs. B. C. Painter, located in
Council Grove in 1854. He had charge of the Overland Stage
and Mail Route, and lived in the Mail building, a log house on
the Farmers and Drovers Bank site. He had a large family.
Only two of them are living, Mrs. B. C. Painter and Mrs. Kittie
Hays Houghton. Mr. Robbins' wife died in 1862. Gus Robb.ns,
his son, was very prominent in business in Council Grove in the
60's. He was one of the partners of F. Lederick. James A.
Robbins was justice of the peace many years and county clerk
two terms. He died in 1868. Gus Robbins, his son, died twenty
years ago.
The people had been getting their mail at the Mail Sta-
t.on until 1855, when a postoffice was established in Council
Grove. G. M. Simcock was appointed postmaster, but refused
to qualify, and Mr. Huffaker was appointed. There was no
building for the postoffice at that time, so Mr. Huffaker took
the sack and distributed the mail on the street or would go into
a store and empty the contents on the floor and give everyone a
chance to get their own mail. The salary was two dollars a
year, but Mr. Huffaker never collected it.
In 1857 the building occupied by Mrs. Wm. Tolbert as
a residence, was built by Tom Hill and used as a store. The
postoffice was located in this building for several years. This
(¦tore was called the "Last Chance." For a while it was a
Government trading house. Tom Hill and his wife, Lucy Hill,
had come here from the New England States. They lived here
a few years and then moved to Americus.
J. H. Foster, who has lived here since the early days, passed
ihrough Council Grove in May, 1849, with a caravan of freight
ers. They were three months getting from Kansas City to
Santa Fe, At that time there was only one house on the trail
between Kansas City and Council Grove. That house was 110
miles this side of Kansas City, and a man named Bowles and
his Indian wife lived in it. There were only a few log cabins
west of the 'Main street bridge at that time. When they
reached the Arkansas river crossing, the freighters were kept
incamp three days by Indians. They expected to be killed any
moment, and were just getting ready to give up when another
15

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
band of freighters came into view. The Indians, thinking they
were United States soldiers, fled. In 1863 Mr. Foster, with
Company F, 2nd Colorado, was stationed im Council Grove.
The soldiers ate and slept in the little stone store, now the Tol-
bert house. In 1863 the last house the freighters passed going
west was the Terwiiliger house (now the Rouse home). Mr.
Foster had many thrilling experiences, both with the army and
in freighting. He lived in Council Grove until recently, when
he went to California to make his home with his daughter.
District court was organized in 1858. The first sheriff was
W. B. Harrold. He was appointed by the Territorial Govern
ment. The town of Council Grove was formed in 1854, under
territorial laws. There were about sixty white people here at
the time. Council Grove ranks fourth in Kansas as an early
settlement which afterward became a town. The town company
was organized in 1857. T. S. Huffaker, Seth M. Hays, Chris
Columbia, Hiram Northrup, W. D. Harris, S. P. Keller, Crypian
Choteau, Fred Choteau and G. M. Simcock were the Town Com
pany. It was incorporated in 1858.
A man named Jacob Hall claimed he had the right to pre
empt the land on which Council Grove was located. His claim
was based on a law giving mail contractors a r.ght to pre-empt
a section every twenty miles for stage and mail stations. The
town site controversy was the first fight in the town's history.
It was not settled until 1877, when it was dismissed by the
United States Circuit Court in favor of Council Grove. In
August, 1859, the Morris County Frontier Rifle Guards were
organized for protection from any possible attacks by Indians.
The present Commercial House was built in 1859 by Charles
Gilke. This hotel was called the Gilke House.

16

T. S. HUFFAKER

MRS. T. S. HUFFAKER

SUSIE HUFFAKER
First White Child Born in Council (JrOV«

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL

CHAPTER III
In 1859-60, when Morris county had less than 600 people,
there were two events the early settlers never forgot — the
Indian raid of 1859 and the drought of 1860.
June 2, 1859, about 8 o'clock in the morning, ninety war-
rj(crs of the Kaw tribe, painted and feathered, rode down
Main street from the west, and halted in front of the Hays
House. Two horses had been stolen by the Indians from a
Mexican trader. Mr. Hays had sent them word to return the
horses and surrender the Indian thieves. IMr. Hays fired two
revolvers, intending to frighten them, bat it only incited re
bellion among them. They fired their guns and arrows pro
miscuously and shot a man named Parks, who happened to be
near. An arrow struck Charles Gilke in the breast. Both re
covered. Mr. Huffaker, who was interpreter for the Kaws, hap
pened to be near and persuaded them to leave at once. The
Indians were then camped on the, hills just south of town, near
the Indian Guide. At noon their camp was moved over to Four
Mile, where they could better defend themselves. By 12 o'clock
the citizens had organized for protection. The women and
children were barricaded in the Mission. There were only forty
armed men and as there were 400 armed Indians, they knew
it was useless to try to defend an attack. Judge Huffaker
¦went to the chief, Ah-le-goh-wah-ho, and asked him to sur
render the Indians who shot Parks and Gilke. They turned over
the one who shot Parks, but claimed they didn't know who shot
Gi|lke. It happened to be one of the council with whom Judge
Huffaker was conferring who shot Gilke, and he left the coun
cil,, thinking the chiefs were going to turn him over to Mr.
Huffaker. This Indian tried to stir up strife among the Indians,
and proposed that they massacre both their chiefs and Mr.
Huffaker. He failed in this, and was turned over to Judge
Huffaker. The two Indians were brought to town and hung
from the wagon shop of James Phi/nney. This shop was lo
cated on the present site of the Trail Garage. Robert Roch-
ford hauled the dead Indians out to their camp. The Indians
began their ceremony for the dead, which frightened the ox
team. It was some time before they could be stopped, as the
•wagon was going around in a circle. When their heads were
' 19

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
finally turned toward Council Grove, they never stopped until
they reached Elm creek. Mr. Rochford had located on the
reservation in 1857, and he lived to a ripe old age, and had
many and varied experiences, but the thrill of this Indian inci
dent remained with him until the end of his days. He could
easily verify the statement that "the only good Indian is a
dead Indian."
The Chief Ah-le-goh-wah-ho lived here many years after
this attack. He was intelligent and sociable, but had an un
controllable temper when his anger was once aroused. Judge
Huffaker's courage and tact probably saved the lives of the in
habitants at this time.
As early as 1851 corn was planted on the Huffaker farm
for the benefit of the Indian school. Each succeeding year
more corn was planted in this locality. The drought of I860-
left the residents here in a hopeless condition. Aid that should
have reached them failed to do so. While trade with Mexico
was good it benefited only a few. The pioneers of 1860 tasted
the real privations that come to those who blaze the trail.
From 1855 to 1860 many new people arrived. Malcolm
Conn, one of the best known merchants of the early days,
arrived here in 1855. He built the corner stone store in
1858, and owned it for many years. He was a prosperous busi
ness man and was well liked by all with whom he came in con
tact. He was a county officer several times. W. H. White
clerked for him when he was in business in the stone store.
Mr. Conn's first wife was a Miss Stevenson, who taught school
in the Mission. She died some years later, and was the first
person buried in Greenwood Cemetery. The monument erected
to her memory was the first placed in the cemetery. He mar
ried his second wife in 1870. She was Miss Mathilda Pills-
bury, a cousin of Major Stover. She i\s still living in Council
Grove. Mr. Conn died in 1898. For a number of years previous
to his death the family lived in Lawrence and Kansas City.
The three Bradford brothers, Dr. John, William and Dr.
J. H. Bradford, came here between 1855 and 1860. Dr. John
and Dr. J. H. Bradford were Council Grove's first doctors. Dr.
John Bradford built the Shamleffer house. He died in 1866.
The Bradford brothers built the Bradford Mill, and two of
20

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
them were active in the M. E. church, South, William Bradford
being a minister.
A. J. Collier and Allen Crowley were counted as old settlers
when a photo was taken about 1880 of a group of men who lived
here in the 50's. Both had farming interests near town and were
closely connected in business and church relations, being active
in the M. E. church, South. Mr. Collier held several county
offices. Mr. Crowley has one son, Seth Crowley, and one daugh
ter, Mrs. Will Welch, living here now. One daughter of Mr.
Co.lier, Mrs. George Phillips, is residing here at this time.
Thomas White, father of W. H. White and Mrs. Fannie
Wright, came to Council Grove in 1857. He surveyed the town
site in 1858. He died in 1864. His son, W. H. White, has! lived
here continuously since 1857, and he and John Allen are the
only survivors of the people who came here in 1857 and who
are still residing here. In fact, they lived here at an earlier
date than any other persons living here now. Mr. White is the
only person living here who attended school in the Brown Jug
the first year it was built, in 1858. He is a successful farmer
and financier. He was married to Miss Sarah Hammond
March 8, 1874. His son, Clarence H., lives on the old "Allen
Crowley farm, and W. H. White, Jr., lives on the! old homestead
once owned by Thomas White.
Wm. White, Sr., father of Dr. J. W White and cousin of
W. H. White, came in May, 1856, in company with Chris Strieby
and five other men. He settled north of town on what is known
as the Doran farm. Later he moved to his farm near Ritchie
school house, where he lived until his death in 1900. He
married Bettie Stevenson, and they were always known as Aunt
Bettie and Uncle Billie. Their son, Dr. J. W. White, has al
ways lived in Counail Grove. A daughter, Mrs. Brooks^ lived
near their old farm until the past spring, when she moved to
Council Grove.
Hiram Allen, father of John and Tom Allen, came here in
1857. They lived on the reservation below town four years.
They moved in 1864 to a farm near the round house. This was
known as the Mansfield farm. Tom Allen was born in Council
Grove in 1860. They attended the little school house which was
located where the Missouri Pacific depot now stands. They are
the only people living in Council Grove at the present time
who attended this school. 21

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Tom Collins was one of the many pioneers who came in
1866. He lived in town several years and on a farm north of
town for a long tjme. His son, Fletcher Collins, is still a resi
dent of our town.
William Lane belonged to the 1850 settlers. He lived in
the country part of the time. He was constable several years
and itnder sheriff for two terms. His son, Brooks Lane, is
living in Council Grove.
George Biglin lived here from 1857 to 1865. In that year
he located on a farm near Alta Vista, where he spent the re
mainder of his life. While a resident of Council Grove he was
a merchant. He married a Miss Whitsett in 1859. Her father
was a partner of Chris Strieby and they built the stone black
smith shop in 1860. It stood for 60 years and was torn down in
1920 to make way for a garage. Mr. and Mrs. Biglin lived in
a little house where the Cottage Hotel now stands. Martin
Biglin was born there. Last year Mrs. Biglin and Martin re
turned to Council Grove to make their home.
Phil Morse, who came here in 1858, did the stone work on
the stone store on the corner and on other stone buildings
erected during the next few years. The Pollard brothers. Abra
ham, William and Charles, came in 1859. Abraham Pollard
did brick building and stone work. William kept a livery barn.
Abe and William married sisters. William Pollard moved to the
Pollard farm in 1867. They had eleven children. Only the
daughter, Mrs. Frank E. Pirtle, is living in Council Grove.
Mrs. Pollard is now Mrs. H. C. Wilson.
Mrs. W. F. Shameffer came here with her father, Harvey
Munkres, in 1858. She and Mrs. Biglin are the only women
living in Council Grove whose residence dates back of 1860.
The Munkres family lived on a farm north of town. Mrs.
Shamleffer's sisters, Mrs. Joab Spencer, now of Kansas City;
Mrs. John Hamilton, of Colorado, and Mrs. Baer, of Olathe,
are all living. A brother, George Munkres, lives in Wyoming.
Mrs. Shamleffer and her sisters were among the belles of the
CO's and were quite prominent in the early day social affairs.
Warren Johnson lived here in the 50's and was a partner of
Charles Columbia. After a few years he moved to a farm near
Alta Vista. He died in Council Grove in 1916. His son, George
Johnson, now a resident of Council Grove, was born on the
22

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
farm in July, 1859, and is the oldest man now living, born in
Morris county and still residing here. Mrs. J. Roswurm is a
daughter of Warren Johnson.
W. J. McGeorge made several trips, in the 60's, over the
Santa Fe Trail as a freighter. He remembers when the Trail
passed in front of the Crimm house, by the Council Oak, and
then north of Mrs. Metzger's and crossed the Neosho north of
the Main street bridge. He brought his family here in 1871.
Joe Watts is another old settler, as he came to Council
Grove in the 50's. He lives on a farm northeast of town.
Watts school house was among the first in the county. The
South Methodists had a class there in the late 50's.
The late R. D. Thomas, father of Mrs. J. J. Rhodes, did
considerable carpenter work on the frame buildings erected in
Council Grove in the early 60's. His wife, before her marriage
to Mr. Thomas, ilived here with her sister, Mrs. Evan Jones. Mr.
Jones was a stone contractor and helped build a number of our
stone buildings in town and the stone cabins along the Neosho
river. T. B. Baiber, one of our respected citizens, passed through
Council Grove three times during the days it was at the height
of its glory as a trading post on the Santa Fe Trail. He came to
Council Grove in 1857 with Col. Van Horn, editor of the Kan
sas City Journal of Commerce (the present Kansas City Jour
nal). Their visit to the city wag for the purpose of dis
tributing 200 copies of Col. Van Horn's newspaper. In June of
the same year Mr. Barber and eight other young< men formed a
company in Independence Mo., and made the trip across the
plains with mining supplies for Colorado and New Mexico
mines. In 1861 the same company passed through here with five
wagons of supplies and after reaching New Mexico bought
other outfits. On their return trip they had twenty-seven
wagons filled with gold, furs and buffalo meat. They sold
one thousand pounds of this meat to Seth Hays for twenty-five
cents per pound. On this trip they brought two teams of
buffalo, the first brought to Council Grove. Later in the year
1861, Mr. Barber was the first recruiting officer stationed here.
His office was a ten by twelve shack built of native lumber and
was located on the site of F. A. Robbins' drug store. He placed
23

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
the Stars and Stripes over his office door, the first flag
raised in Council Grove. Mr. and| Mrs. Barber started on their
wedding journey on the first train that ran from Junction City
to Parsons, through Council Grove, October 27, 1869.

LAST CHANCE STORE. BUILT 1S57

24

M. CONN

S. N. WOOD

HIRAM ALLEN

MRS. HIRAM ALLEN

8

OLD SETTLERS WHO LIVED HERE IN THE 50's

WARREN JOHNSON

BENJAMIN MUNKERS

WM. POLLARD MRS. WM. POLLARD
27

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL

i^1'1 '-m,^

 _^  i

'IOXEER STORE — 1S5S

STRIEBY BLACKSMITH SHOP, BUILT 1860
28

THE "STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
CHAPTER IV
The first sale of lots in Council Grove was in 1860. It was.
the only town in Morris county at that time. In 1861 the
Gilke House (now the Commercial House) was run by A. J.
Baker and Eli Sewell, his brother-in-law. Mr. Baker started a
little store on Rock creek on the old Kelley farm in 1862. The
Anderson boys, who belonged to a guerilla band, stole Baker's
horses. He traced them and captured the horses, but had to
kill the Anderson boys' father in self-defense. A few days
later they shot Baker and his brother-in-law and burned the
store over them. Council Grove was kept in continual fear of
these border ruffians and the hostile Indians. Many of these
~bands would pass through Council Grove going west to seek a
hiding place. Dick Yeager's band camped on Big John, and
after insultng some of our citizens, sent threatening messages
to others. Malcolm Conn, who had known Yeager as a freight-
¦ er before the war, went out and persuaded him not to burn the
town as he had planned to do. This was a lucky incident for
Council Grove, as they would no doubt have carried out their
threats if Mr. Conn had not used his influence to dissuade
them. The Yeager band went to Diamond Springs and killed the
store-keeper there. They also shot his wife, but she recovered.
In August, 1863, the Andersons and Yeagers were in the
Quantrell raid on Lawrence. The Morris County Rangers, with
Sam Wood captain, were organized to protect the town from
invasion. In 1863 the settlers on the Kaw lands and their
problems concerning the settlement of their claims made in
teresting history for Council Grove that year. It took years
to settle some of their claims. A new firm, Lederick & Robbins,
was formed in 1863. There were two saloons. Columbia &
Johnson were wagon makers. There was a meat market and
the Union mills were owned and operated by J. P. Mathers and
the Aiken brothers. The crops were good in 1863-64 and prices
were high and buyers plentiful. The mill which stood on the
west side of the' Neosho did a splendid business the years the
crops were good. J. P. Mathers built their home, which is
now occupied by Henry Blim and family There — a large
family of jolly boys and girls in the Mathers home and they
29

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
lived here many years. The Aikens followed several lines of
business and were here several years. Two Aiken boys mar
ried two of Major Farnsworth's daughters, who lived with
their father down on the Reservation. After Major Farns-
worth left the Reservation, Major Stover took charge of the
Indians. He was followed by Major Stubbs, who remained
until the Indians were removed in 1873.
The first Teachers' Institute was organized in 1864. Joab
Spencer was superintendent. There were twenty-four in at
tendance. The stone brewery was built by Frederick Hebrank, one
of the settlers of the 60's. His daughter, Mrs. Mary Metzger,
owns the building and it is occupied by her as a residence.
In front of this building is an old oak tree which belonged to
the oak grove in which the treaty was signed in 1825. In early
days it was called the Postoffice Oak, as there was a cache
made of stone placed by this tree in which passing caravans
left letters or messages. During the Cheyenne raid of 1868
ail of the women and children on the east side of the river
were barricaded in- the brewery. When the Cheyennes sur
rounded the building, they asked for water and something to
eat. Mrs. Metzger met the braves and for an hour drew water
from the well in the basement to give to the Indians. During
this time the other women were upstairs with the frightened
children. No one was molested.
Jacob and Fred Barth came to Council Grove in 1862.
They lived in a log cabin on the Gildemeister lots east of the
river. They both figured prominently in the events of early
days. Some of the choicest land in the Neosho valley is owned
by Jacob Barth. He was associated in business with W. H.
White for a number of years. Jacob Barth dug the first grave
in Greenwood cemetery. He is 91 years old and the oldest man
living who resided here in the 60's. His wife and daughter,
Mrs. Will Young, are living in Council Grove. Another
daughter, Mrs. Minnie Roswurm, lives in Oregon.
Frederick Barth and his wife died several years ago. His
sen, Robert, is a resident of Council Grove and is one of the
firm Barth & Ruch.
In 1865 there was great rejoicing when the soldiers re
turned from the Civil War. The North and the South were both
30

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
about equally represented in Council Grove, but Time, the great
healer, soon adjusted their differences and they worked to
gether during the years of reconstruction for the betterment of
the nation's welfare. This same year, when the building of the
Graded school east of Conn street bridge was being agitated,
the following article was published in the Council Grove Press
of August 11, 1865.
"See notice of graded school meeting next Friday. Let all
attend. If you don't want schools, or anything that induces
immigrants to come into the country, vote down the school
bouse. If you are determined that you will injure Council Grove
all you can, vote down the school house. If you are anxious to
make your presence felt for evil, vote down the school house.
If you don't want education, or civilization, unless you can have
them for nothing, vote down the school house. If you want
to be a savage, tr yto get the Kaws back to Council Grove and
vote down the school house. Get the Kaws to vote — every one
of them will vote against it — would rather have the money to
buy worthless trinkets or 'big whiskey.' "
These bonds carried by a good majority.
Chasing horse thieves was one of the big activities follow
ing the close of the war. It was dangerous business, too, for
there were numerous hiding places where the thieves could stay
for days and not be found. In 1866 the stage line was moved
to Junction City. The Santa Fe wagon trains continued' to run
a while longer, but the trade practically ended in 1866. This
was a blow to the business firms who had supplied these trains
and several firms left Council Grove that year. In 1867 the
grasshoppers came, but did very little damage. There were
excessive rains and floods that year.
During one of the floods, when the water was at its height,
a woman's screams floated across the river from a little house
north of Main street on the east bank of the Neosho. There
was no bridge at that time, so the' people were lined up on each
side of the river. The woman was the wife of Gus Robbins,
who was away at the time. The water was running over
the bed and Mrs. Robbins and baby were marooned in the
house. James Robbins, the father-in-law, offered $50 to anyone
who would rescue them. John Wise went in a boat and brought
them o safety.
General Custer camped in Council Grove in 1867. His
camp was located near the Custer Elm north of the Sample-
SI

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
town bridge. He bought a farm from the Kaw Indians, which
included most of Sampletown, extending along Elm creek to
the Whitlow place. Dick Smith's home is near the little house
that was located on this farm.
Council Grove was honored with many distinguished guests
in 1867. This was the year when woman's suffrage agitation
began in earnest, so most of the lectures were on that subject.
John Maloy, in his Morris County History, says: "We had
lectures on woman's suffrage until it would have taken a search
warrant to find a case of domestic tyranny in our county."
George Francis Train, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady
Stanton, Lucy Stone Blackwell, Miss Brinkerhoff, Rev. Olympia
Brown, ex-Governor Robinson, and Sam Wood were all here
from time to time and delivered lectures in advocacy of wo
men's right to vote. These lectures were all delivered in City
Hall, familiarly known as Little Brown Jug.
February 2, 1867, Jack McDowell, an outlaw who had
stolen a span of horses from William Pollard, was hung from
the timbers of the old wooden bridge. This act was caused by
the fact that a man named Cunningham, under-sheriff of Shaw
nee county, was trying to rescue him. McDowell was one of
QuantrelPs gang, and they threatened to clean out Council
Grove to revenge the hanging of McDowell, but the excitement
soon subsided and McDowell was given a decent burial in our
cemetery. One interesting event of this year was the escape of Sarah
Jane Luster from the Indians. With her people she had been
captured by the Indians and taken to Southwestern Kansas. The
father and mother were killed. She had made several attempts
to escape and was finally successful and headed toward the
east. She rode into Council Grove and was cared for by people1
here. She had stolen a fleet pony from the Indians and rode
ail the way bareback. She had never been to Council Grove
and luck seemed on her side that she had taken the trail that
Igd here, instead of one that would have taken her to another
Indian camp. She was married to T. G. Vanoy and lived here
many years.
Variety being the spice of life, it may be well to vary this
tale with some of the incidents that went to make life inter
esting in the 60's. 32

A,

m ***$
%gim
\ J -
}
H. IX l'UEMTON
JONATHAN II MMoND
R. M. ARMSTRONG
REV. JOAB SPENCER
MRS. B. C. PAINTER

.MRS. C. L. HUGHES MRS. R. M. ARMSTRONG MRS. L. DILLON
C. H. STRIEBY S. M. STRIEBY

FREDERICK X. HEBRANK
36

ISAAC SUAIU

I,. SHARP

JR R. SCOTT

MRS. B. R. SCOTT

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE CM THE CANTA I~E THA.L
CHAPTER V
Seth Hays had sold his business and started a saloon,
which was h.ghly respectable in these days. Being progressive
and up-to-date, he sscured a tramp with a bagpipe to entertain
his guests. Ihis proved a drawing card and business was
prosperous. Mr. Hays was very hospitable and kind-hearted,
so when the M. E. church members, who had been holding ser
vices in the Brown Jug, decided to disband and, owing their
minister, they were in a quandary to find a place to ho.d a
festival that they might raise the necessary funds, Mr. Hays
very graciously offered his saloon. At first they were hor
rified at the idea, but Mr. Hays proposed to remove all evi
dence cf his business, and promised them a crowd. As there
was no other place in town, they accepted his offer. When
his usual guests arrived they .were greeted by ladies in gala
attire, and beheld the walls and bar lined with wagon covers.
The crowd was highly entertained and the ladies were wel
repaid for their humbled pride by receiving a large sum of
money and the gocd will of a class of people who did not often
consider the church in their line of business.
F. P. Nichols taught the first graded school in 1867-68.
This school 'Was held in the brick building east of the Conn
street bridge.
On June 3, 1868, our citizens were apprised of an attack
by the Cheyennes. The people were used to rumors of Indian
attacks and guerilla raids. , Sometimes these false alarms
brought courage to the brave ones who prepared to protect
and defend the town, while others sought a good hiding place.
The Cheyennes came from the southwest 300 strong. Half of
thm passed through town and the others passed down Four
Mile creek. They were painted for war and armed with the
intention of exterminating the Kaws. The Kaws, under the
leadership of Major Stover, were prepared. The skirmish took
place near the Big John Indian Agency. There was one Kaw
wounded and one Cheyenne killed. , After the battle the
Cheyennes marched through town to the Pollard farm and
robbed them of all their food. They looted several of the
ranches west of town and emptied a:l the feather beds they
could find. The prairies had the appearance of a snowstorm
38

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
in June. Captain Mullins and a company of soldiers were
located here to protect the town from further invasion. No
serious encounters with the Indians occurred after 1868. The
Indians would go from house to house begging food, but did
not harm anyone.
Senator Charles Curtis attended the Kaw Indian school
three miles below Council Grove, on the Indian reservation,
when he was eight years old. Hearing that the Cheyennes
were going to raid the Kaws he ran away and walked the whole
distance to Topeka. In later years he was often a guest of T.
S. Huffaker and took great pleasure in recalling his experience
in the Kaw school.

HERMIT'S CAVE

39

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
CHAPTER VI
April 30, 1869, Council Grove became a city of the third
class. R. B. Lockwood was the first mayor. Previous to this
the town had been governed by a board of trustees. June 7,
the same year, General S:ofield visited Council Grove an-'
attended a May Queen Festival given by the young ladies of the
town for the benefit of- the M. E. church, South. During the
60's one of the favorite pastimes of the people was the Lyceum
held in the Brown Jug. Political debates were common occur
rences, and the walls of this school house fairly rang with
the voluble utterances of R. M. Wright, Dr. Bradford, Dr.
Woodworth and Dr. Beach.
The M. K. & T. railway was completed and the first train
ran through Council Grove October 27, 1869. There was a big
celebration in honor of the event.
There were two sawmills here during the 60's. One was
back of the McNay house. James Rightley was part owner
in this one. The other was near the Blim home, on the bank of
the river. The block house built by the government in 1861
was located within a few feet of where the Old Bell monument
now stands. It was buijt for a lookout for Indians or guerilla
raids during the Civil War. It was used by soldiers and torn
down about 1864. The first church building in Council Grove,
the M. E. church, South, was dedicated in July, 1869. The
winter of 1869-70 was mild and business was fair. The people
who came here during the years from 1860 to 1870 were
worthy citizens. Many of them built homes that are still stand
ing today. Luke Lederick was one of the prominent merchants
in the 60's. He was a brother-in-law of John Polk, who lived
here until his death a few years ago. Joab Spencer lived in
Council Grove from 1859 until some time in the 70's. He was
a merchant, preacher, teacher, farmer and trader with the
Indians. He built the original Cottage House and through his
efforts the M. E. church, South, was erected while he was
presiding elder. A. B. Spencer, his brother, located here in
the 60's. Isaac Sharp and his father came to Council Grove in 1863.
They fir;t located on Sharp's creek, in McPherson county, in
1860, but were raided by the Indians and they moved to Coun-
40

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
cil Grove. Mrs. Sharp, the mother of Isaac and J. L. Sharp,
d.ed in McPherson county. Council Grove was the nearest
settlement, and as no white people lived near them, she was
buried by the Indians. The father died in Council Grove a few
years later. Isaac Sharp was a lawyer and newspaper man.
He served in the legislature and was a regent of the Kansas
State Normal. He spent the last few years of his life in
Washington, D. C. His son, Elwood Sharp, is still living in
our city. J. L. Sharp, a brother of Isaac Sharp, came across
the plains to Council Grove in 1866. He went back to Maryland
a few months later, but in 1869 brought his family and located
here. In 1893 they moved to California. His daughter, Mrs.
George Irwin, resides in Council Grove.
Captain Stenger, father of James, William and Kit Stenger,
came to Council Grove early in 1863. He was born in Germany
and served in the army under Prince Leopold. He was a volun
teer from New Mexico in the Civil War. Mr. Stenger was a
fine scholar and spoke Latin, Greek, Spanish, French and Ger
man. The family lived in a building on iMain street, where
they had a grocery store. The two sons, James and Christian,
are living in Council Grove, and William resides in Texas.
W. F. Shamleffer came in the spring of 1863 and during his
fifty-eight years' residence here has been in various kinds of
business. In front of his residence is the Shamleffer Grove,
where all the early day picnics were held. His first venture
into politics was in 1869, when he and R. M. Armstrong both
ran for township treasurer. The vote tied and Mr. Armstrong
drew the longest straw and with it the much coveted office
that had no salary attached to it. Mr. Shamleffer has served
many years on the school board and in the city council. He
was postmaster for one term, and has a record in the number
of years he has been mayor. In the forty-aight years our city
has had a mayor, he has served in that capacity eighteen years
and was a member of the council eight years. Mr. Shamleffer
married Miss Margaret iMlunkres in 1868.
James Watkins, or Uncle Jimmie, as he was so well known,
moved here in 1863. He owned the Watkins block and kept
the Commercial House. He was a worthy citizen. His daugh
ters, Mrs. W. D. Feigley and Mrs. J. J. Springer, are the only
two of his large family who are living here.
41

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Jonathan Hammond first located on Clark's creek in 1859
and lived there until the fall of 1864, when he moved to Council
Grove. Mrs. W. H. White, Mrs. J. B. Fleming and Mrs. J. T.
Jacobs, three of his daughters, live in Council Grove. Mrs.
Sage, another daughter, lives in California, and his son, James,
in Herington. Mrs. Jacobs has the distinction of being the
oldest woman born in Morris county and still residing in the
county. Mr. Hammond was prominent in county affairs, ani
was on the first Board of County Commissioners. He dbd
several years ago.
No i family of people have meant more to Council Grove
than the Strieby family. Chris Strieby, the older brother,
and the first to arrive, came overland from Missouri in 1856
with Uncle Billie White. He settled that year on Strieby
creek, in Marion county, but located in Council Grove in 1857.
He and his partner, Mr. Whitsett, built the stone blacksmith
shop in 1860. He also in 1864 built the brick residence now
owned and occupied by Edwin Anderson. This was the home
cf the Harry Richter family for thirty-eight years. Mr. Strieby
married Miss Carrie Wright in 1864. They lived in Council
Grove the remainder of their lives. Five of their seven child
ren are still living. Mrs. Robert Barth is the only one living
in Council Grove. Miss Clara Strieby came in 1863 and kept
house for her brother, C. H. Strieby. Mrs. Bettie Painter
whose mother died in 1862, lived with them. Miss Strieby wa.s
a business woman, and was for a long time a partner in the
firm of M. C. Armstrong & Company. She married Col. A. J
Hughes in 1880. Millie Strieby arrived in 1864 and lived with
her brother and sister until her marriage to R. M. Armstrong-
December 7, 1871. Sam Strieby, in company with R. M. Arm
strong, arrived by stage May 27, 1865. Mr. Strieby was u.
wagon maker. He married Agnes Stevenson in 1875. She was
the daughter of Uncle Tommie Stevenson and is still living in
Council Grove. Their sons, Charlie, George and Hughes, an'!
daughters, Clara and Corrine, are still living here. Mrs. Dillon,
another sister, and her family of five children arrived in 1867
Her children were all small when they came to Kansas. Mrs
Dillon lived here until a short time before her death, when shi?
moved to Kansas City, Kansas, with her daughter, Mrs. J. M
Miller. Mrs. Steen lives in Colorado and Charles Dillon is in
42

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
business in Council Grove. Mrs. Dillon passed away in April,
1919. These people have always been known in Council Grove
as Aunt Cal, Aunt Mollie, Aunt Sadie, Uncle Chris and Uncle
Sam. Their hospitality and kindness to orphaned children
have won for them a permanent place in the hearts of their
friends in this community. All of the five, brothers and sisters
have passed away, but the younger generation of the Strieby
family have the satisfaction of knowing that the influence of
their lives still lingers in our midst.
R. M. Armstrong's history is closely allied with that of
the Strieby family. He came here in 1865 to visit his sister,
Mrs. Isaac Sharp. During his fifty-six years' residence here
he has been prominent in business, politics, church and social
affairs. He figured prominently in society in the early days of
his residence here. He clerked for the Aiken "Bros, for the first
year and a half, then went into business for himself. The
Armstrong & Spencer hardware firm was the first hardware
store in town, and was located where the Cottage House sample
rooms are. He was in business with W. F. Shamleffer for
several years, and later was one of the M. C. Armstrong firm.
Mr. Armstrong was city treasurer twenty-five years, clerk of
the district court twelve .years, postmaster sixteen years, and
is now city clerk.
Mrs. Lucy Ann Schmidt passed through Council Grove
with her husband in 1855. Mr. Schmidt belonged to the United
States army and they were on their way to Fort Riley. Mrs.
Schmidt was one of eight women with the regiment. They came
horseback. They camped here a while on account of some of
the troops having smallpox. They lived in Fort Riley, Ogden
and at Junction City several years. Mr. Schmidt was the first
mayor and first postmaster of Junction City. They moved to
Council Grove in 1864, and Mrs. Schmidt kept a boarding
house in a building on Main street. Mrs. Schmidt is the oldest
woman living here now who was a resident of Council Grove
in the 60's. She is eighty-five years old. Several of her family
live in Council Grove. Mr. Schmidt died in 1880.
H. D. Preston was a prominent figure in the 60's and many
old residents remember him. He came in 1866, and taught
school for a time afterward. He was a surveyor and did some
43

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
valuable work in that line for Council Grove. He also sur
veyed and platted Greenwood cemetery. He sent East and
bought many of the trees that line our streets today. He built
and lived in the Kenwell house on Columbia street.
General McMillan and family were prominent citizens in the
60's. There were several brothers an3 sisters. Mrs. Mont
gomery and Mrs. Collins, two sisters, are still residing here.
There are also a number of their nieces and nephews in Council
Grove. Col. A. J. Hughes came in 1869 and died in 1881. He was a
splendid citizen and prominent lawyer. J. T. Stevenson came
:n 1865, the McNays in 1864, Harry McCardell in 1866, the
Rightleys in 1867. Mr. McCardell's wife and son are still living
here. Mr. and Mrs. Rightley will always be remembered
by the Rightley house which they built in 1879. Mrs. McNay
is still living and is with her grandson, Roy Reese. Both of
these ladies were noted for their hospitality. H. W. Gilde-
meister came in 1866. He lived on a farm west of town for a
few years but moved to town and was prominent in business.
He built the Etta opera house and laundry building. He died
in 1900. M. Metzger settled in Council Grove about this time.
His wife and son, Albert, and daughter, Mrs. Roy McCardell,
live here now. Mrs. John Sager's people came in 1866. She is
tine of the girls of the; 60's who is still living in Council Grove.
Wm. Tolbert and family arrived in 1869. Their home is the
little stone building that was once the Last Chance store.
Mr. Tolbert died in 1913. Mrs. Tolbert, his widow, and her
daughter, Mrs. A. H. Prater, still reside in Council Grove. F.
M. Chase came to Council Grove after the Civil War closed.
With his father and mother he lived on the Chase farm west
of Council Grove. He died in June, 1920. Mrs. Chase and
daughter, Carrie, still reside in Council Grove. The father and
mother of Arthur Nelson carne here in the 60's Mr. Nelson
was murdered on his farm some time in the 70's. Mrs. Nelson
lived in Council Grove until her death in 1900. B. R. Scott
and family located here in the fall of 1809. Mr. Scott has been
in various kinds of business. His daughter, Mrs. W. H. Comer,
and son, Ernest D., are living here. John Q. Barber, father of
Lindrum Barber, and Mrs. C. N. Head came at the same time
B. R. Scott came. Lewis Mead came in 1869, and was followed
-44

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
by the Marks brothers. They have all been identified with the
business interests of Council Grove during all these years. Mr.
Mead owns the Cottage House. Fletcher Cress, the father of
Banna Cress, lived here a short time after 1866. He was
sheriff of Morris county at one time. Banna Cress was born
"in Council Grove in 1866.
There are a number of other families we could mention
who lived here in the 60's, but time and space will not permit.
The ten years from 1860 to 1870 were halcyon days for the
little town. Many new faces had appeared and there were
jolly times for all who were living here. There were no circles
or sets. Everybody knew everybody. The Civil War had left its
mark, but the people recovered quickly and life flowed joyously
on. There were picnics, parties, balls, barbecues, ice cream
festivals, May Queen parties, New Year calling and every
known social activity. There were the Hammond girls, the
Dillon girls, the Mathers girls, the Huffaker girls, the Wright
girls, the Munkres girls, the McNay and Schmidt girls, Bettie
Robbins, Fannie White, Coonie Steele, Billie Shamleffer, R. M.
Armstrong, Albert Simcock, the Stenger boys, and George Huf
faker. All of the above are living to corroborate this story.
Those were the days of the tallow candle, feather bed,
shuck mattress, bright rag carpets, nine patch and wild goose
pattern of quilts. There were a few ingrain carpets, some of
them with bright red roses in the center of a square or scroll
shaped figure. On the wall could be seen a hair wreath framed,
or possibly it was a bunch or wreath of wax flowers. Some
times on the center table there reposed the coffin plate of a
departed relative. In some homes there were melodeons.
Every house-wife made her own yeast and soft soap. She
knit the family stockings. The old rail fence in town was
being replaced with the picket fence. Green shutters and door
bells were coming in. During the last years of thd 60's candles
were going out and kerosene lamps were taking their place. A
few years later lamp shades with brilliant flowers were appear
ing. The carpetbag was giving way to the shiny1 valise. There
were a few organs adorning the front rooms or parlors. With
the coming of lamps, hair cloth sofas, marble top tables, and
-corner what-nots could be found in many of the homes. There
were mottoes of cardboard worked in bright colored yarns with
45

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
"God Bless Our Home" and "Honor Thy Father and Thy Moth
er" in nearly every home. Hoop skirts and bustles formed part
of woman's wearing apparel, and an advertisement in an old
newspaper published in 1868 accuses our fellow townsman, R.
M. Armstrong, of having for sale "collapsible hoops."
During these years Hockaday street was the town's race
track. W. H. White, Sr., was the driver for Mr. Conn's speed
horses. There was a town well. We had watering troughs and
there were hitching racks along Main street.
There were no street lamps and everyone carried lanterns.
There were no crossings on the streets — just stepping stones.
Everyone went with someone else so as to share their light.
A great many rode horseback in those days. Single buggies
were the common mode of travel for the lads and lassies of
romantic age, but on the Fourth of July and at other celebra
tions, the three-seated spring wagon was always in demand.
These gala days were never quite complete unless the wagon
struck one of those stepping stones at street crossings and
spilled out the occupants of the (back seat.
We cannot leave the 60's without mention of the "Hermit's
Cave," which aside from being the home of the hermit priest,
answered the call of youth to youth, and played the part of a
trysting place for young lovers. It was also called "Cupid's
Postoffice." Many were the love messages posted in the crevices
of the cave. Here William Pollard courted his future wife.
Mrs. Shamleffer and her girl friends met their soldier boys
here at the twilight time. Mrs. White divided the contents of
her dinner pail with the hermit, and Bettie Painter, too young
to be interested in Cupid's Postoffice entertained the hermit with
her chatter. It is to be regretted that the hermit left before
the arrival of R. M. Armstrong and W. F. Shamleffer, or there
would have been more romance connected with his sojourn here.

46

MRS. S. M. STRIEBY

MRS. J. T. JACOBS

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
CHAPTER VII
With the advent of 1870 came prosperity. It was called
Emigrant Year. There were several excursions from the East
bringing people to Council Grove. Some of them came from
Ohio. Among them were the Warwick brothers and their
brother-in-law, George Anderson. Harry and Fred Richter,
Major Case and his sort, Sprague. Perry Snider came with
one excursion and is still living here. He is the only survivor
of that company living in Council Grove. Others came from
Kentucky. J. P. Brown immigrated from Texas and lived here
until 1882 and then returned to Texas. The Gentes family,
Todd, Kenny and Virgil Roberts came about this time. J. C.
Carpenter, John Maloy, M. B. Nicholson, Porter Roberts, W. J.
McGeorge, Tom and George Cleek, John Sager, Emanuel and
Stanton Jenkins located here early in the 70's. J. S. Provine,
0. S. Munsell, 0. Z. Buris, F. T. Behring, J. 0. Foresman, Peter
Moriarty, A. J. Pullins, J. W. Dumm, R. M. Rigdon, J. M. Miller,
Dr. E. J. Dill, the Marks brothers, S. M. Corey, John Fox, A. B.
Spencer, Hayden Fisher, Chris Fisher, P. S. Maiitz, A. A.
Estlin, A. G. Campbell, Hugh Stewart, D. C. Webb, R. S.
Davidson, B. R. Pulliam, James Seamans, Louis Peterson, C. W.
Crimm, H. Morehouse, J. N. Baker, D. A. Reid and many others
located here some time during the 70's.
Many of these people stayed and weathered the drought,
winds, and grasshoppers, but others returned to the East. Some
of the new settlers were very progressive and had many im
provements put in around town. In 1871 there were gasoline
lamps at our street corners and a public bath house. The
bath house was located back of the McNay home. The cala
boose which served as a jail was built in 1871, and was located
down on Elm creek. It was afterward moved back of the old
Strieby blacksmith shop.
Part of the land where Greenwood Cemetery is located
was owned by Sam Wood and donated to the town in 1862 for
the purpose of starting a burial ground. Later a tract was
, bought from H, W. McNay. The Odd Fellows bought the ceme
tery in 1870 and Seth Hays gave them four acre* to add to the
original plat. The stone wall was built around the cemetery
in 1871. This was done that year partly to keep laborers in
49

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
1 Council Grove to vote against the change of the county seat to
'. Parkerville. A contest in which a glass toilet set was awarded to the
most popular woman in Council Grove netted quite a sum for
the building of the cemetery wall. Mrs. Porter, a school teach
er, and Miss Clara Ingram were the contestants. Miss Ingram
won. The coal excitement was an important event of 1872. The
mine was located on the W. K. Pollard farm. The output equaled
the few buckets of Pennsylvania hard coal that the mine had
previously been salted with. This investment hit our mer
chants a hard blow. Some of them never recovered from it.
A tragedy that caused the keenest agony among our people
was the drowning of J. B. Somers and wife, Susie Huffaker and
Phil Roberts. This occurred the night of May 14, 1872, at
Mission Ford. The bodies were recovered by citizens with the
aid of Indians. Mr. Somers was county attorney. He and his
wife had been married only two months. Mr. Roberts was a
brother of Porter Roberts, and Miss Huffaker was the oldest
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. S. Huffaker. She met her death
within one hundred yards of where she was born.
The contest between Parkerville and Council Grove regard
ing the county seat was decided at the election in 1871. Council
¦ Grove was victorious and began preparations for building the

new court house. It was built in 1873 and completed in time
fdr a celebration Christmas night. It cost $15,000. The court
r66m was for many years used for all festive occasions. The
front part was built in 1902. 50

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
CHAPTER VIII
The Kaw Indians were removed in May, 1873, to the Indian
Territory. They regretted the change and the last few days
they were here they were busy shaking hands with their old
friends, and giving and receiving gifts. There were about
1,700 on the reservation when they were removed to the Terri
tory, and now there are only about 200 of the Kansas, or Kaw
tribe left in and around Kaw City, southeast of Newkirk, Okla
homa. There are only about '50 of this number that are full-
bloods. With the removal of the Kaw Indians, their famous Kaw
Trail, which had served them as a path to their various haunts,
was for many years a reminder to the settlers of the Kaw
Indians, whose twenty-six years' sojourn in the Neosho Valley
helped make history for Council Grove and Morris county.
This trail, which was lined on each side with sunflowers,, started
at the mouth of Big John creek, four miles southeast ofCouncil
Grove, and kept from three to six miles south of the Santa F'e
Trail. It pa.ssed west and southwest to Diamond creek, on
through Marion and McPherson counties to Rice county, where
their hunting grounds were located. Buffalo and other wild
game abounded in Western Kansas at that time. The trail
was worn with the fleet-footed ponies and the tepee poles
covered with buffalo skins, on which the squaws and papooses
rode. Along this trail were many graves of departed Indians,
marked only by the skeleton of the pony which was sacrificed
at the time of the owner's death. Old settlers recall all the
Indian war dances, sun dances and celebrations in honor of
the returning braves who went out to battle with the other
tribes or to hunt for game.
John Madden, of Emporia, and George, P. Morehouse, of
Topeka, each have written splendid articles about this Kaw
Trail. At the session of the Kansas Historical Society in 1903,
Mr. Morehouse gave his address, "Along the Kaw Trail," and
described the Indian villages in Morris county. The village on
Cahola creek was governed by Alle-go-wa-ho. The village near
the present site of Dunlap was presided over by Kah-he-ga-
wa-ti-an-gah, or the "Fool Chief," as he was called. Wah-
ti-an-gah was chief of the village near the Agency down on
51

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Big John. In the closing lines of his address, from which
we quote the following, Mr. Morehouse dwelt on the pathetic
side of their departure from their beloved Kaw Reservation:
"Since 1873 the Kaws, few in number and slow to adjust
themselves to the crowding civilization of the times, have lived
on a small reservation in the Indian Territory. Few of their
noted warriors are alive, but occasionally small bands of the
tribe or solitary individuals visit the Neosho Valley and recall
the scenes of other days. They stoically survey the changes
around their former homes. The sites of their villages are now
covered by highly cultivated farms, and where their permanent
lodges and decorated tepees once stood, the comfortable homes
of the present owners embellish the landscape. The graves of
their ancestors, the course of the trail in the valley, are ob
literated by the mold and cultivation of years. However, for
many miles west of their old reservation it is plainly visible,
and in the large pastures and on some of the near-by prairie
slopes, may yet be found the graveyards of the tribe. These
they can visit, and travel for a few miles along their old-time
highway. But where is Kah-he-ga-wa-ti-an-gah, their great
"fool chief," brave and warrior? Where is Al-le-ga-wa-ho, for
years their head chief and the most eloquent and entertaining
Indian orator of his time? Where are Wah-'ti-an-gah, the
good chief, and old Na-he-da-ba and Shon-ga-ne-gah, and other
braves and wise men of the tribe. They have passed over tre
trail for the last time, and live in peace on the rich ranges of
the happy hunting grounds.
"No more, they sit by council fires,
And praise the prowess of their sires.
No dusky maiden now is seen.
The valley blooms the hills between,
Where once the Indian village shone,
A city proud with spires has grown;
Where once they chased the panting deer,
Neosho's fields the farmers cheer."
Our old Mission building, the little stone cabins up and
down the Neosho, and the Padilla monument, or Indian guide,
which stands on the hill south of town, are about all the re
minders of the Kansas, or Kaw, Indians we have left.
The Padilla monument, once much larger than now, is a
rough pile of stone, and tradition tells us it marks the resting
place of the Spanish priest, Juan de Padilla, America's first
Christian martyr. Father Padilla was a Franciscan friar, and
in 1541 accompanied Coronado on his famous expedition into
the heart of Quivira, our present day Kansas. They spent some
time with the Quivirans along the Smoky Hill river, and Father
52

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Padilla had some success with his mission to these nomads,
who are understood to have been the early Pawnees. One of
their main villages was near the present Junction City, about
ihirty-five miles northwest of Council Grove.
History tells us that Coronado, disgusted with having
found no gold, returned to Mexico, and that Father Padilla
went back with him as far as the present Albuquerque, New
Mexico. The next spring, 1542, this good priest, who was not
looking for gold, returned to the Quivirans and continued his
mission with them. After a while, he decided to visit some
other tribes who were the enemies of the Quivirans. This caused
trouble and he met his death before accomplishing anything
with those he wished to serve. Some accounts say that certain
braves of the Quivirans followed him and killed him to prevent
his "good medicine" being taken to their enemies. Other ver
sions are that he came to his death at the hands of hostile
Indians he met one or two days' journey from Quivira, and that
his body was covered with a pile of "innumerable stones." The
enemies of the Quivirans (Pawnees) were the Escansaques, the
old name of the Kansas, or Kaw, Indians, and it was to them
that he was going when martyred. Two or three of his at
tendants escaped, and after ten years 'wandering reached Old
Mexico, where they told their tale which has come down to us
?n ancient Spanish writings.
Other places in Kansas claim to hold the remains of this
Jevoted man, but certain traditions and historic accounts are
as strong, or stronger, in favor of Mount Padilla near Council
Grove. There is also an old tradition of Catholic friends in New
Mexico that some of his devotees, years afterward, came here,
found his grave, hollowed out a black walnut sledge, and
dragged it back to Isleta, New Mexico, and thus carried his
remains to be placed under the altar of the little church at that
place. If this be true, it would account for his remains and
belongings not being found in the region where he met his death.
It is a wonderful and mysterious story with the exact facts
hidden from us, but this crude monument bears the halo of
being the mute witness to his sacrifice in attempting to do good.
And what a strange coincidence it is, that just 300 years
after this martyrdom, this monument marked the center of a
53

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
reservation for the very Indians for whom Father Padilla is
thought to have given his last supreme sacrifice.
If the story be true, our locality was visited by white men
before the settlement of Jamestown or the landing of the
Pilgrim Fathers on New England's shores.

CABIN OF THE KAWS

54

Ml

GROUP OF KAW INDIANS WHO LIVED ON KAW
RESERVATION

'

%

^mt^

Kaw Indian Tepees on Kaw Reservation l'rom 1SIT to 1S73
55

K

O

O

U

56

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL

CHAPTER IX
On November 13, 14 and 15, 1873, a most disastrous prairie
fire occurred in western Morris county. The smoke could be
plainly seen from Council Grove, and our citizens went to the
aid of the victims. This town was literally black with charred
grass and weeds borne on the wind. James Lindsey was burned
to death. The damage was computed at $50,000.00. There were
hard times in 1873. The financial panic that was sweeping the
country had a depressing effect upon the merchants. In April,
1874, a temperance reform movement was inaugurated by Rev.
Armsby ,of the Congregational church, and Rev. Rader, of the
M. E. church, South. R. M. Wright, Rev. Joab Spencer, and
Dr. Woodworth assisted. There were many meetings held and
they were all well attended MeCollom & Mead manufactured
brooms that year. In August the grasshoppers rained down
upon us and ate everything in the vegetable and fruit line, and
even riddled the clothes that hung on the line. They left nothing
to eat for either man or beast. Hogs had to be killed the fall of
1 874, and the following winter was a memorable one to Council
Grove pioneers. Many families moved east. Aid was sent
to the stricken localities, but as usual was misappropriated.
Council Grove had 800 inhabitants in 1874. The 9th of No
vember, 1875, the Graded school building east of the Conn street
bridge burned. Before the fire was out, Shamleffer's mill on
the west bank of the Neosho burned. Both were a great loss
to the community. July 4, 1876, there was a rousing Centennial
celebration. We copy the account of this* wonderful event from
John Maloy's 'IHistory of Morris County:"
The following call was issued for a meeting, "Believing
that the occurrence of the coming Centennial Anniversary of
cur national independence calls for a celebration of the day in
keeping with the importance of the occasion, the undersigned
respectfully suggest that a mass meeting of the citizens of the
county be held at the court house, in Council Grove, Saturday,
May 27, for the purpose of making arrangements for a fitting)
celebration of the Fourth of July." Fifty names were signed
to this call. They were prominent citizens from all over the
county. Of this fifty, only L. McKenzie, R. M. Farmer, James
57

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Simcock, W. F. Shamleffer, J. E. Loomis, P. J. Potts, J. B.
Hamilton, F. L. Richter and R. M. Armstrong are living.
This celebration was all that it was planned to be. The
procession formed at the court house at 10 a. m.. under the
orders of the marshals, and marched to the grove in the follow
ing order: 1. Council Grove Band.
2. County Officers.
3. Mayors and Councilmen of cities in the county.
4. Secret Organizations of the county.
5. Chariots with 38 young ladies representing the different
states.
6. Chariots with 13 young ladies representing the 13 origi
nal states.
7. Company of Horribles under command of Gen. J. B.
Munson.
8. Citizens in order. ORDER OF EXERCISES
Opening remarks by President of the Day, T. S. Huffaker.
Prayer, Rev. G. A. Irvin.
Music, Choir.
Reading Declaration of Independence, Levi Brigham, of
Parkerville.
Music by Band.
Reading of Historical Sketch of Morris County by John
Maloy.
Music by Choir.
Addresses appropriate to the day by distinguished orators,
with music by the Choir and Band during intermission.
President of the Day, T. S. Huffaker.
Marshals of the Day, C. H. Titus, of Parkerville; Assist
ants, J. B. Munson, of Council Grove; G W. Coffin, Elm
Creek; H. H. Knox, Valley; W. D. Kahl, Neosho; P. J.
Potts, Diamond Valley; S. D. Wesson, Highland; W. R.
Bigham, Rolling Prairie; Joseph Mays, Clark's Creek;
J. B. Murray, Ohio. Committee on Program
J. P. Stover,
T. S. Huffaker,
L. McKenzie,
58

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
There were at least 3,000 people in the procession. It was
over two miles in length, and it required over an hour for it
to pass any given point. When this variegated caravan reached
Shamleffer's Grove it found over a thousand people already
assembled. At near noon the vast assemblage was called to
order by Judge T. S. Huffaker, president of the day, then music
by the band, after which Rev. J. 0. Foresman offered prayer.
The Declaration of Independence was read by Levi Brigham, of
Parkerville. The dinner hour was spent in social intercourse,
neighborly greetings and the exhaustive discussion of the al
most inexhaustible supply of everything that was designed for
food. After dinner, the exercises of the day were resumed.
John Maloy read an epitomized history of Morris county. Then
came a series of toast and responses, occupying over two hours.
Prominent among the responses was that of Col. J. T. Bradley,
to the toast, "The Nation." The theme was handled) with great
credit to the speaker, and the liberality of the sentiments he
expressed was not less heartily applauded than was his polished
rhetoric and eloquent diction. "Public schools" was responded
to by Rev. G. A. Irvin, as only a life-long teacher, in the
broadest sense of the term could do. "The Nation's Honored
Dead" was assigned to Rev. H. Ritchie, and his response justi
fied the wisdom of the selection. Captain C. H. Titus responded
to "Our Citizen Soldiers" in truly "Websterian" style. The
late T. K. Johnson spoke eloquently of "The Bar." "The Press"
was responded to by F. A. Moriarty, lately one of the editors
of 'the Council Grovel ReputiHtan. "The Producers of 'ijhe
West" was the subject of the remarks of Captain Robert McMil
lan, several years since deceased. He was a practical man and
made a practical talk. "The American Eagle" was attended
to by Judge E. Smalley, then probate judge of Morris county.
The judge paid a high tribute to the "proud bird of freedom,"
the boss bird of our national poultry yard. Thus ended a day
remarkable for its certainty not to occur again for one hundred
years, important in its historical significance, and altogether
for our people a most happy, joyous and patriotic occasion.
The first day of August, 1876, the colored people celebrated
Emancipation Day. Rev. Daniel Walker was president of the
day. Rev. Green Majors delivered the address. D. R. Reed,
59

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
•or Bee Reed, as he .was called, lectured oh Woman Suffrag-e
and Temperance.
S. M. Corey bought the Commercial House in 1876 and
celebrated by giving a free dinner. It is needless to say that
it was well attended. The winter of 1877 was very cold. J. C.
Carpenter started a plow factory that year and turned out a fine
grade of plows. The mill by the Missouri Pacific track was
built in 1877. In 1878 the first public library was founded.
It was in the possession and care of the A. 0. U. W. Lodge,
and was burned in the fire of 1886. Another important event
in 1878 was the spring election, when the people voted against
granting license for saloons. It carried by nine votes. A good
feeling prevailed, however, and the open saloon passed out of
Council Grove forever. John Maloy was elected mayor. The
second bridge, wood and iron, was built across the Neosho in
1878. In May of that year a company of militia was organized.
The officers were, captain, J. T. Bradley; lieutenant, H. E.
Richter, first sergeant, H. C. Finney; second sergeant, A. J.
Marks; corporals, R. S. Davidson, Fred Dunn, W. F. Waller;
orderly sergeant, Elwood Sharp. H. C. Finney became cap
tain soon after the organization, and he, Al Marks and Elwood
Sharp are the only members of the militia now living in Coun
cil Grove. The Morris County Exposition Company was or
ganized that year, and the first county fair was held in October,
1878. Prof. H. S. Perkins conducted a musical convention here
in the spring of 1879. It was repeated the next year. A. W.
Simcock, the leading musician of Council Grove, was the ac
companist. The glorious Fourth was celebrated in the usual
way in 1879. On this occasion the ladies of the city presented
the militia, under Captain Finney, with a beautiful silk banner,
Miss Norah Webb niade the presentation speech. The news
paper of that day says: "It was a pretty speech, in which she
implored them not to rush needlessly into danger."
The ten years ending 1880 brought many changes to our
people. The boys and girls of the 60's were grown up. Some
-¦vere married and had families. The Dill girls, the Brown
grirls, the Webb girls, the Anderson girls, the McGeorge girls,
Anna Anderson, Katie Rightley, Anna Cassingham, were added
to the list. Fred Dunn and Elwood Sharp had grown up. W. F.
Waller, W. 0. Atkeson, M. L. Ritchie, R. S. Davidson, Will An-
60

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
derson, George Irvin, Cal Jones, John Boss, Sid Clark and J. M.
Miller were among the young men who came in this period.
There were dinners with eight-layer cakes. The silver
castor was in evidence at all up-to-date dinner parties. The
Dolly Varden hat, lace mitts and side lace shoes were among
the latest styles. Several pianos were found in the town.
There were entertainments galore, and our girls were going
away to study music. When they returned the contortions they
performed with the Rock of Ages and other good old-time
hymns were a nine days' wonder to the old-fashioned people
of that time. The younger set took notice and copied after
their talented sisters. Silver Waves, Grant's March and The
Maiden's Prayer, piano solos, were mastered by many of the,
society belles. There were many exhibitions which proved
the talent and musical ability of the residents of Council Grove
in the 70's and 80's.
Blind Tom, The Bell Ringers and Uncle Tom's Cabin came
once in a while, and altogether, the old town was enjoying a
taste of real life.

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL

CHAPTER X
After 1880 we recall many families who called Council
Grove home. A. Curtis, J. J. Crowley, A. M. Root, Matthew
Robertson, N. S. Flack, F. Lower, P. H. Hankins, P. J. Potts,
W. E. Sherfey, Dr. Flack, John Aplington, D. H. Brown, A.
Moser, H. Morehouse and O. S. Tenny came in this decade.
In 1880 the population of Council Grove was 1,042. This
year, when Garfield and Arthur, Hancock and English, were in
the race for president, our city put on all sorts of festivities.
The Democrats had a barbecue in Shamleffer's Grove which
eclipsed all former efforts in this line. Mr. Maloy, in his Morris
County History, states that "there were political dubs and po
litical clubs, but this old-fashioned barbecue eclipsed them
all, with its 3,000 people and 2,000 feet of tables filled with
all sorts of eatables, from oxen down to spring chicken. With
Col. Hughes marshal of the day, and Gov. Ross, Judge John
Martin and General Blair as speakers. He goes on to say
"the truth of history compels us to state that the Democratic
vote did not pan out on election day as well as the barbecue,
as everything went Republican from the president to coroner."
A home talent company produced the opera "Fatinitza" the
winter of 1881. Dr. F. B. Lawrence, now of Eldorado, had the
leading part. A. W. Simcock was director, and his wife, Mrs.
Simcock, was accompanist. The company gave the opera
in the court room. It was also given in Emporia, where they
were highly appreciated.
The Topeka, Salina & Southwestern Railroad bonds car
ried April 25, 1881. This was later taken over by the Missouri
Pacific Railway and is our present Missouri Pacific line. We
had a near cyclone June 9, 1881. A woman was killed south
of town and several barns and small buildings were blown
down in town.
W. O. Atkeson aroused the ire of our citizens by trying
to change the name of Council Grove to something more
poetical. Hon. E. G. Ross, afterward Governor of New Mexico,
gave Mr. Atkeson's effort its death blow in an article he pub
lished in a Lawrence paper, and the name Council Grove is
still with us today.
In 1846, when Doniphan's expeditionary forces passed
62

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
through Council Grove, an officer of a Missouri regiment died
here of cholera. He was buried near the sight of the old
Congregational church. Thirty-six years later, in 1883, the
Secretary of War ordered the remains moved to the military
cemetery in Leavenworth. This order was carried out by a
detachment of soldiers sent out for that purpose. In 1883,
the Missouri Pacific Railway was completed from Kansas City
to Wilsey. Dick Smith and Jerry Donovan took the first train
through here to Wilsey. This railroad was the Topeka, Salina
& Western at the time the bonds were voted. It was started
with the intention of building the road from Topeka to Salina.
However, after it was taken over by the Missouri Pacific it was
laid as far east as Ottawa, and later to Kansas City. With the
railroad, business began to improve and real estate increased
in value and land agents were numerous. The winter of 1885
and 1886 was very cold and there were many blizzards and
snow blockades. In 1886 a street car line was chartered and
later built and operated. The car was drawn by a mule, and
the line extended from the court house to the Missouri Pacific
depot. Uncle Verge Roberts was the conductor and driver.
The fare was five cents. This street car line was in operation
about ten years.
The big fire of September 19, 1886, destroyed the business
block from the Arway Hotel to Neosho street, and burned
several smaller buildings and a residence north of the business
houses. The wind was blowing a gale, and although the people
fought the flames as best they could, their efforts were of
little avail until the wind died down. The women formed a
bucket , brigade and brought water from the river. This fire
made its way into nearly every kind of business. Banks, print
ing office, hardware, and nearly every line was crippled in some
way. Some of the firms met with entire loss. The loss was
f!100,000.00 to the town.
The last three years of the 80's were marked with public
improvements. A water system, creamery and canning factory
were built. New additions were platted and new building were
replacing those destroyed by fire in 1886. There were many
changes in the people from 1880 to 1900. Many of the pioneers
either died or moved away. A number of new families moved
here. The presidential years brought flambeaux clubs, torch-
63

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
light processions, and the usual representation of all the states
in the Union, with the Goddess of Liberty. The roller skate
was introduced during this decade and the Marks Rink was the
scene of many frolics. Autograph albums were the craze, and
the red plush photograph albums were beginning to adorn the
parlor tables. A balloon ascension or a visit from the Rain
Makers sometimes created a diversion.
There was an entire change in the young people from 1880
to 1890. The Adelphians and Sazeracs were part of the social
life of the town during this decade. The young people of the
60's were settled in business and homes of their own, and
their children were attending the public schools. During the
next ten years there was an increase in our population incident
to the Missouri Pacific shops being located here. Many new
homes were built and all lines of business were well repre
sented. Electric lights and telephones had come. We had
street lights, which were a great improvement over the old
lamp posts. People were riding in phaetons and surreys, and
to own a well groomed horse was a part of living.
The flood of 1903 was another disastrous blow to the town
and community, but like all other events of similar nature it
demonstrated the courage of the people. The flood followed
a month of rain, and a cloud-burst west of town and one at
White City caused a volume of water to rush down both the
Neosho and Elm creek at the same time. The water reached
from Belfry street to the M. K. & T. tracks, and was in many
of the homes of the town. Three people were drowned. A
fire broke out in the M. R. Smith lumber yard and burned part
of the block west of the Farmers' and Drovers Bank. The Main
street bridge was washed away. It was several months before
the new bridge was completed. A few years later, this bridge
was replaced by the present concrete bridge, and the irpn
bridge was moved to Conn street. The flood of 1903 was fol
lowed by several other less destructive floods, and the summer
was one that will be remembered by the residents for all time
to come. The year previous, in 1902, the water came down Mis
sion street, and over Main street, but was not the depth of the
1903 flood. In June, 1904, it was very high again, about the
depth of the 1902 flood. Old settlers living here at that time
64

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
recalled the Indian stories of the flood of 1849, when the-
Neosho reached from bluff to bluff.
A mention of our colored people is necessary to complete
the history of Council Grove. After the war many of them
located here. Among them were the Choteaus, the Majors, the
Mosbys, Uncle Jake and Aunt Judah Welcher. The return of
their son, Jake Welcher, Jr., who was lost in the South, was a
happy incident for them. This son is Jake Welcher, now living-
west of town. There were the Walkers, McGees, Campbells,
Rossmans, Bosleys, Brittians, Aunt Hulcah, Aunt Vina, Cupid
Rogers, Mike and Ellen Hooker, and a host of others. Tom
Woods has been here fifty years and is the oldest resident among
the colored people. These people have had a well organized
church and a good building for many years.

D. II. BROWN
65

J. M. MILLER

MRS. J. M. MILDER

MRS. A. G. CAMPBELL

66

A. G. CAMPBELL

LEWIS MEAD

MRS. LEW I J MEAD

A. J. MARKS

MRS. A. J. MARKS

67

A. MOSER, JR.

P. J. POTTS

H. E. RICHTER

GEORGE METHE

GEORGE P. MOREHOUSE

JOHN MALOY

JOHN APj^INGTON

HUGH STEWART

(IAKFIELI) SCHOOL
70

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
CHAPTER XI
With the rapid strides of progress in science and educa
tion which marked the first years of the twentieth century,
Council Grove has endeavored to keep pace with the times.
Our schools date back to May, 1851, when Mr. Huffaker taught
the few white children who lived here, which was the first school
for white children in Kansas. For several years school was
held in the Mission. A small frame building on the preent
site of the Missouri Pacific passenger depot was the first school
house in Council Grove, and was built about 1856. It was called
District No. 1. In 1858 the Brown Jug was built and called
District No. 2. These two school districts, with the Neosho
dividing them, caused many school wrangles in the early 60's.
The east side school, District No. 1, had only three months
session, and District No. 2 had six or seven. When District
No. 1 school ended the pupils came over to the Brown Jug, and
then the east and west side members of the! school board would
air the injustice of a long term on the west side and a short
term on the east side. Each district made separate appropria
tions. When the Graded school was built by both Dictrict
No. 1 and District No. 2, the controversy abated. Years later
all of Council Grove , became District No. 50, as it is today.
In those days applicants for positions as teachers filed bids
with the school board. Often the lowest bidder won the place.
Rev. J. H. Prichett, minister to the M. E. church, South, was
the first teacher in. the Brown Jug. The first graded school,
a two-story brick, stood east of the Conn street bridge, and
was built in 1865. It was located in one of the numerous groves
in that ilocality, and was surrounded by oaks, elms and hickory
trees. There were grape vine swings, and sapling hobby-horses
to take the place of our modern playground equipment. There
were bluebells, larkspurs and violets in profusion. Best of
all was the school's proximity to the odd wooden foot-bridge. Of
all the shrine? that once were a part of Council Grove, none
could tell more rp.mantic tales than this old wpoden foot
bridge. It was built|jn, 1872 by B. R. Scott and Anderson, and
was six feet ..wide,.. On its wooden railing were carved the
initials. of the fairumaids and sturdy swains who plighted their
vows on this bridge. The school boys and girls who attended
71

'THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
'the upper room of the Graded school can recall the beauty of the
spot. With only the trees, whose overhanging branches shaded
the bridge and the rippling waters beneath, what better tryst-
ing place could be found? Just ask the Huffaker girls, the
Dillon girls, the Schmidt girls, the Hammond girls, Coonie
Sager and Bettie Robbins, Albert Simcock, John Allen, the
Stenger boys, George Huffaker and Elwood Sharp. They are
-all here to tell the story. The burning of the Graded school and
the passing of the foot-bridge saddened the hearts of many
•of our early residents, and even after half a century the mem
ory of their existence is a pleasing picture to recall. The
-graded school at Main and Fourth streets, east side, was built
in 1873 and torn down in 1886. School was held for many years
in Huffaker's Hall, the present Bell telephone office. The
Washington building was erected in 1882. The Garfield school
was erected in 1886 and rebuilt in 1921. The colored people
occupied the Brown Jug from 1887 to 1919. They now have a
new building in the south part of town. The Wilson high
school was completed in W3.7 and is, a credit to our town. The
history of our schools covers a period of 70 years from 1851,
when Mr. Huffaker taugh tthe few white children here at that
time, to 1921, when we behold the Washington and Garfield
grade schools and the Wilson high school with 740 pupils. That
seventy years is a long road to travel and many pioneers have
•come and gone. Buildings have been erected and torn down,
but the old Mission still stands a monument of the past, to
•greet today our modern schools and method of education. It
would be pleasant to recall the teachers, who in the seventy
years have served the people, but that is impossible. Mrs. Mattie
"Harris has the record of teaching a greater number of years
in Council Grove and Morris county than any other teacher,
having taught in all thirty^seven years in Kansas — twenty-six
years in Council Grove, seventeen of them on the East Side.
The high school was organized in 1889, by Prof. J. M.
Rhodes. There was a two-year course at that time. In 1891
the first class graduated. There were seven in this class. In
1906, a three-year course was adopted and in 1909 a four-year
course. Since the first graduating exercises in 1901, 457 have
finished the high school course. There are 190 pupils enrolled
.(1921) in our high school and 740 in the town. The Class of
72

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
1921 had 29 members. Our schools have a splendid corps of
teachers, both in the high school and in the grade schools.
J. J. Haney is superintendent of our city s;hools. Our high
school has in its trophy case twelve cups which have been
awarded in musical contests, field meets and basketball tourna
ments. The first church organized was the M. E. church, South.
The date of the organization was 185-5. Rev. J. H. Prichett
was the first pastor. The building was the first church building
in Council Grove, and was dedicated in 1869. The church
¦disbanded in 1917 and the building was torn clown in 1919, just
fifty years after it was built. The Presbyterian church was
first organized in the Brown Jug in January, 1862, by Rev.
INash. Previous to this, in 1854, a Presbyterian missionary
held a meeting in the Mission. In the Council Grove Press the
following call for a Presbytery was advertised: "The Pres
bytery of Kansas will hold a special meeting in Council Grove,
.Kansas, commencing June 18, 1863. J. Aspenwall, Clerk." Rev.
Nash was ordained at this Presbyterial meeting. The organi
zation was abandoned soon after this ,but was re-organized in
1874. There were ten original members when it was re-organ
ized. Only R. M. Armstrong is living in Council Grove, who was
•one of the ten. Mrs. Lucy Schmidt joined soon after and with
Mrs. Maloy and Mrs. Nicholson are the only Jiving members of
the original aid society. Rev. Irvin was pastor eleven years.
The present church building was dedicated May 10, 1885. It
is the oldest church building in town. In 1875 John Hamilton
presented the church with a pulpit Bible that is still in use.
"The church was damaged by the flood in 1903. It was partly
burned December 3,. 1905, and was rebuilt and re-dedicated
May, 1906, It was struck by lightning June 3, 1906. Rev. G.
H. Cotton, a former pastor, is again in charge of the church.
The Congregational church was organized the first Sab
bath in January, 1863. The first meeting was held in the Brown
Jug, and later in the Huffaker Hall. October 10, 1872, the
old Congregational church was dedicated. It had been damaged
by storm the previous April. The first time the bell of this
church tolled it was for the funeral of Mr. Ingam. W. A.
IMcColIu'm was the minister to this church for a number of
years after it was organized. The present church building
73

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
was dedicated August 9, 1898. Albert Simcock was organist
for this church for over thirty-five years, and from early boy-
'hood was associated with the growth of the church. There
are two men whose history is closely allied with that of the
Congregaional church, Rev. Lauren Armsby and R. M. Wright.
R. M. Wright came here in 1860 and organized a union Sunday
school which lasted many years after the first Congregational
church was built. Before that the Sunday school was held in
the Brown Jug. He also conducted singing school during the
60's. With his wife and family they were faithful adherents to
the Congregational church. Mr. Wright and Wes Simcock gave
the ground on which the church and parsonage now stand. Mr.
Wright was superintendent of the Sunday school most of the
time during his forty years' residence in Council Grove. They
helped build the new church and both of them attended services
there for a year or more after it was built. Mr. Wright fought
valiantly for the cause of temperance and helped free Council
Grove from the open saloon. Mr. and Mrs. Wright passed
away in 1900.
Father Armsby came to Council Grove in June, 1873, a few
months after the old church was built. He served the church
until 1901, and even after that time, with the assistance of
Rev. Spence, attended to some of the duties of a pastor. He
was in active service twenty-eight years and belonged to
Council Grove, as well as to his congregation. He was known
as the "grand old man," and during his thirty-one years' resi
dence here, christenings, marriages, funerals and public gather
ings were incomplete without his services or ministrations.
His wife was a leading spirit in his work, and they were both
the embodiment of love and peace. We quote from the closing
lines of his obituary, written by his friend, John Maloy, which
fittingly applied to his life: "Thus he had attained a rich, ripe
old age of 87, full of honors and well beloved. From his own
he was carried out and laid to rest in the hope of those
"Great truths that pitch their shining tents outside our
wall. And though but dimly seen in the gray dawn, they will
be manifest when the light widens into perfect day."
Rev. W. T. Williams is now pastor of the Congregational
church. The Methodist church was first organized December 21,
1862, by Rev. McNulty, who preached for them for a short
74

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
time. Rev. C.'R. Rice helped organize the church and preached
here occasionally. Rev. J. E. Bryant, who had been pastor of
the South church, changed to the M. E. church during the war
and was their regular pastor until 1866, when they disbanded
and transferred their membership to Downing. Rev. Bryant
was editing the Press at this time. Mrs. Clara Hughes was
active in the church from its organization until it was discon
tinued. In 1876 the church was re-organized. Mrs. Hughes
was again active. There were nine charter members. J. W.
Dumm and R. M. Rigdon were among its original members.
Rev. H. Ritchie was its first pastor. They held services for
four years in Huffaker's Hall. The meetings were held jointly
with the Presbyterians, each having their own pastor and
church service, but they had one Sunday school and one prayer
meeting, all attending as one congregation. The stone church
was dedicated August 1, 1880. The present church, was dedi
cated in May, 1909. Rev. Oliver C. Bronston is the present
pastor of the church. F. T. Behring and family, who came in
1879, are the only family in the church now who were here at
that date. Not one of the charter members is living hereS
The Baptist church, was first organized in 1870, but was
not permanent until December 28, 1873, when it was re-organ
ized . Like many of the other churches it was organized in the
Brown Jug. Rev. Slaughter was the first minister. Services
were held for years in the graded school building on East Main
street. In 1884 a brick church building was erected on Union
street. The floods of 1902-3 damaged the church so it was torn
down in 1909 and services were held in a hall. They now have
a nice church building on the corner of Main and Belfry
streets, which was dedicated, January 12, 1913. The church has
no pastor at this time.
The Christian church was organized in 1881. Rev. Shep
herd was the first pastor. There were seventeen charte^ mem
bers. Mrs. Sager, Mrs. Todd Roberts and Mrs. Kenny Roberts
were among the seventeen. Their church was moved from the
east bank of the Neosho in 1903 and re-modeled in 1906. Rev.
B. N. Sypolt is their pastor.
The United Brethren church was organized in 1901 by the
late Rev. Williams. The first pastor was Rev. Thomas. The
church building was first located in Sampletown, but in 1917
75

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
it was moved to East Main street. Rev. Seaton is the present
pastor. St. Rose's Catholic church of Council Grove was founded in
lssy. The Franciscan Fathers of Emporia attended to the
wants of the church until 1902, when Father Casey was sta
tioned here. He was followed by Father Mayers and Father
Powers. Father Reidy now serves the church. They have a
good church building and manse.

BAPTIST CHURCH
7H

BROWN JUG
Kuilt 1S58 — Razed 1919

REV. J. H. PRICHETT
First Teacher Brown Jug
First Minister M. E. Church,
South

M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH
Organized 1S55
Church Built 1869
Razed 1919

o
o o

78

79

REV. G. A. IRVIN

OLDEST CHURCH BUILDING IN COUNCIL GROVE — 1S\',
80

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL

IWUMiMIHBBan

.¦. .¦¦¦¦¦. ¦ . ¦ .¦¦¦¦.

SI

REV. D. ARMSBY

MR. AND MRS. R. M. WRIGHT

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
82

•1

CHRISTIAN CHURCH

ST. ROSE'S CATHOLIC CHURCH

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
CHAPTER XII
The newspapers of Council Grove form an important part
of this history. In 1858, S. N. Wood started the Kansas Press
and printed it in Cottonwood Falls and sent the papers to
Council Grove. In 1859 it was printed in a little frame building
north of the Main street bridge. Jim Dyer worked on this
paper in 1860. In 1861 Mr. Wood sold to Judge A. I. Baker, who
edited it until he was murdered in 1862. S. N. Wood bought
it back after Baker's death. S. N. Wood and family lived here
part of the time up to 1866. In 1864 he sold the paper to Rev.
J. E. Bryant, who edited it until 1866, when he sold to E. F.
Campbell, who changed the name to Council Grove Democrat.
After nine months the paper was sold to the Salina Herald.
In 1868 the Advertiser was published by W. H. Johnson.
This man was a son of A. S. Johnson, the firs^ white man born
in Kansas, and a grandson of Rev. Thomas Johnson, the first
missionary to the Shawnee Indians. W. H. Johnson started
over fifty newspapers in Kansas.
In 1870 John Maloy started the Council Grove Democrat
for Seth Mi. Hays. Mr. Maloy stayed several months and then
returned to Topeka, where he was employed on the Topeka
Commonwealth. The Council Grove Democrat was printed in
the present kitchen of the Arway Hotel, which was then known
as the Hays House. Mr. Maloy returned to Council Grove
in October, 1871, and bought the Democrat. John Marrens, Jim
Dyer and Fred Dunn worked on this paper. Fred Dunn bought
an interest in it about 1876.
The Chronicle was started in 1871 by H. Gregory. In 1872,
John T. Bradley edited the first few copies of the Council Grove
Republican, and then sold out to Peter Moriarty. Mr. Moriarty
died in 1875 and his son, Frank Moriarty, edited the paper.
The Advertiser and Chronicle were discontinued soon after they
were started, and in 1877 the Democrat and Republican were
consolidated, retaining the name "The Council Grove Republi
can." Moriarty & Dunn ran the paper until it was sold to O. S.
Munsell. Later W. F. Waller, W. A. Miller, Jesse Carpenter,
Joseph Freishman, Charles Hillebrandt, C. L. Daughters all had
their turn. It is now owned by E. D. George. E. T. Jacobs is
manager. It is forty-nine years old and still has the same
84

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
name, The Council Grove Republican, that it had when it start
ed in 1872.
Ed Dill published the Morris County Times several years.
The first issue -was in 1879. D. O. Bell was associated with
him. The Cosmos was started by W. 0. Atkeson in 1882, with W.
F. Waller editor. Dill and Bell both worked on the Cosmos and
Guard at different times. The Republican and Cosmos were
burned in the fire of September 19, 1886. For several weeks
neither paper was published and then. W. F. Waller, editor of
the Cosmos, bought the Republican. The Cosmos was dis
continued. The Guard was first owned and edited by Elwood Sharp.
The first issue was August 9, 1884. The paper was strongly
Democratic at the beginning, but has changed politics several
times. For several years it was a Populist organ, but in 1898
it was bought by M, F. Amrine, the present owner and editor,
and is now a Republican paper.
The Advance was published by A. R. Zimmerman 1908-11.
Since 1858 the foregoing list of newspapers have been published
at some time in Council Grove, but after 63 years we now have
only two, The Council Grove Republican, forty-nine years old;
and The Guard, thirty-seven years old.
The first club in Council Grove was the Adelphian Sorosis,
a society of young ladies, and was organized in 1884. Mrs.
Mamie Miller was the first president. There were over thirty
members, and all but three are living. At about the same time
the Sazaracs, a crowd of young men, organized themselves for
the protection of the Adelphians. As the arc light was unknown
in the 80'.s and a lantern was not always sufficient guard for
a fair young girl, this was very agreeable to the Adelphians.
The Sazaracs were fine young men, as some of the Adelphians
who took them for life companions can testify. We all know
they were the last word in gallantry.
The T. P. M. Club was organized March 23, 1891. Mrs.
Esther J. Curtis was its first president. This club has just
celebrated its thirtieth birthday. Mrs. Eugene Root is president.
The Philharmonic, a music club, was organied in 1898, and
for a number of years the leading musicians of the town be
longed to it. A. W. Simcock was director of the four operas
they gave. The Nautilus Club was organized in 1900. Mrs.
85

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Mary Harvey was its first president. They have thirty-six
members. Mrs. S. A. Feigley is president.
Chapter "H," P. E. O. Sisterhood, was organized July 8,
1903. There were ten charter members. Mrs. Mamie Sharp
was first president. There are thirty-seven members in the
roll. Some of this number are inactive and others have moved
away and joined other chapters. Mrs. Pearl Harvey is presi
dent. The Progressive Circle held its first meeting in March
1 913. Mrs. Houston was president. Mrs. Nira Linn is now
president. The Philomathian was organized December 5, 1917. Mrs.
Lucy Axe was first president. There are twenty ladies belonging
to the club. Mrs. Geo. C. Peck is president.
The Civic Club was organized April 21, 1916. Mrs. Alice
Dixon was the first president. Mrs. Dixon, Mrs. Caroline White
and Mrs. Bertha Sherfey, all deceased, were active members of
the club. This club started the movement to place markers at
the historic places in and around Council Grove. The Council
Oak, South Methodist church, Hermit's Cave, Fremont Springs,
Brown Jug school house site, Custer Elm, the Old Bell, and the
buildings still standing that were erected before 1860, which in
clude the Mission, built in 1850; Last Chance Store, 1857; Hays
House, 1857; Commercial Hotel, 1859; and Stone Store, 1858
Mrs. R. C. Durland was chairman of the Marker committee,
which was composed of the following ladies: Mrs. Mamie
Sharp,, Mrs. L. H. Brigham. This committee was ably assisted in
carrying out their plans by J. J. Rhodes, T. W. Whiting, C. H.
White and S. A. VanNatta.
The Home-Coming Week beginning June 27, 1921, for
"Old Settlers," was planned and carried out by the Civic Club
assisted by the Commercial Club, American Legion and other
clubs in town.
At this Home-Coming we celebrate the one hundredth anni
versary of the passage of the first pack train, led by William
Becknell, which passed through Council Grove, and made the
first known successful journey to New Mexico. There are 170
members in the Civic Club. Mrs. L. H. Brigham is president.
Mrs. A. R. Zimmerman, first vice-president; Mrs. R. C. Dur
land, seccnd vice-president; Mrs. Mamie Sharp, treasurer; Mrs
B. F. Cress, secretary. Past president, Mrs. Jo Jones.
86

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
The present Commercial Club was organized in the fall of
1910. The first president was C. W. Black. There are 125 mem
bers. The membership comprises business and professional men
of the town. This club has been a great benefit to our little
city. They are up-to-date and push every progressive move
ment. Harry Clyborne is president and C. W. Black is secre
tary. The Country Club was organized the last of April, 1921.
T. J. Main is president, Kenneth Dodderidge secretary. There
are 100 members. This club has leased sixty acres west of town
and have a golf course, tennis courts and swimming pool.

87

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
CHAPTER XIII
The Masonic Lodge was organized December 14, 1861. The
following Master Masons were charter members: Thomas
White, James Carey, I. L. French, J. B. Collier, Emanuel Mosier,
J. B. Rubble, and R. B. Lockwood. This lodge was one of the
first .organized in Kansas. Thomas White, father of W. H.
White, was the first Master. The Masonic Temple was dedi
cated June 24, 1884. J. Buck, of Emporia, delivered the
address. Rev. W. H. Comer responded. The Order of the
Eastern Star is a flourishing auxiliary to the Masonic lodge.
The I. O. O. F. No, 43 was organized April 9, 1869. Isaac
Sharp, J. T. Stevenson, W. D. Kahl, H. D. Preston and Charles
Columbia were charter members. Isaac Sharp was the first
Noble Grand. He was also Grand Master of Kansas. The I. O.
O. F. Temple was dedicated June 1, 1902. W. F. Shamleffer
joined at the organization and R. M. Armstrong in August of the
same year. They are the only members living who were in the
lodge the year it was organized. R. M. Armstrong held office
in this lodge continuously from 1869 to 1915. The Rebekahs
are a flourishing order.
There are numerous other lodges — the A. 0. U. W., Wood
men, O. M. B. A., Knights and Ladies of Security, and others
too numerous to mention. The G. A. R. holds a place of interest
in our hearts. Of the boys of '61 who belonged to Council Grove
Commandery in 1874, when they first met together, the majority
of them have passed over the Great Divide. On May 30, 1886,
there were only nineteen graves of soldiers in Greenwood
Cemetery. In 1912 there were eighty- three. Today, in 1921,
there are 141. During the past year many have left the ranks
to join their comrades who have preceded them. F. M. Chase,
the commander was among them. The W. R. C. is also dimin
ishing in numbers. There are only 48 members of the W.
R. C. living. The Wadsworth Post was first organized in 1874.
The Charter and all records were burned the next year. In 1878
it was re-organied under a new charter. B. R. Scott, H. C.
Finney and E. E. Rice are the only members at the time of the
organization and the re-organization who are still living. There
are twenty-two of the Post left. Ten of the G. A. R. and two of
the W. R. C. are buried in Four Mile Cemetery. The united

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
efforts of these two organizations to sustain the ideals for
which they fought have been rewarded.
While the span of years between 1861 and 1917 are many,
it is fitting that the American Legion be mentioned following
the G. A. R. The World War is too recent to dwell upon and
the sorrow and sadness that followed in its wake is still with
us. The Frederick Phillips Post of the American Legion, whose
organization will help perpetuate the memory of the boys who
never came back, will be to us in the future what the G. A. R.
has been since 1865. In the annals of Council GroVe history
we honor with reverence the memory . of the boys of our town
whose only monument in Flanders Fields, the little white
cross, bears the names of our own Council Grove soldier boys.
And to those who gave their lives before reaching the field of
battle we give honor and praise for their courage and sacrifice.
Both of these organizations fought that the Stars and Stripes
might remain unsullied. The little green tent and the white
cross tell the silent story of the patriotism of both the G. A.
R. and American Legion. There is) a Women's Auxiliary of the
Frederick Phillips Post. There are forty-five members. Miss
Margaret Simpson is president. Worley Perry is commander
•of Frederick Phillips Post.
We have three veterans of the Spanish War, S. L. Hinton,
Arthur J. Kenwell and Cal Carl.
The 31 Club was an organization started during the World
War. The idea of a club to encourage Council Grove soldiers
and sailors to do their best originated with Mr. A. H. Strieby.
Several similar clubs were started in other towns. The mem
bers of the Club kept up a faithful correspondence with the
soldiers overseas and in camps in the United States and they
had the only memorial service given in Council Grove for the
deceased soldiers. They have in the Library a trophy case and
framed picture of all the Council Grove soldiers who died or
were killed dn battle. Council Grove responded to the Red Cross
call ,and under the leadership of Mrs. Mamie Sharp, chairman
Morris County Chapter, A. R. C, did a large amount of work
for the production department. She conducted the county work
in a highly commendable manner. All drives for money during
the war met with a hearty response in (Council Grove.
The Boy Scouts, under the leadership of S. L. Hinton, are
a live organization. 89

I

ARTHUR STEWGER EARL CARIiEIT

LEOfi ZIMMERMAN HERBERT STEWARD

LT. LOY A.PATTERSOn

SGT. DOUGLBS DIXON FRfiD PHILLIPS

FRED HICKMAN.

AUBRA T5URT1S

CCtUNCII. GROVE BOYS WHO DIED IN SERVICE IN WORLD WAR

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
CHAPTER XIV
It is impossible to give a complete history of the business
firms that have been a part of the growth of the town. The
trade with the freighters and Indians made the early history of
Council Grove, and all pioneer business men and firms rave been
mentioned in the first few chapters of this story. When the
Santa Fe Trail ended in 1866 there was a change in many of
the business firms, but in 1870, with the influx of people from
Ohio and Kentucky, business began to pick up. Of the firms
doing business from 1870 to 1875 , George Methe Jewelry Com
pany is the only firm, still in existence. He started his present
business in 1872. Mr. Methe has had a good business all these
forty-nine years. 'Mr. Christian Stenger has assisted him for
forty-three years. The Gibson & Davidson Hardware Company
dates back to 1876. Mr. Davidson sold to Harry Clyborne in
April, 1909, and it has since been known as the Gibson & Clyi-
borne Hardware Company. Other firms near the beginning in
1870 were the Warwick & Anderson Dry Goods Company, J. P.
Brown & Company, dry goods, Shamleffer & James, R. M. Arm
strong & Company, Sam Strieby, wagon maker, C. H. Strieby
& Cplumbia, blacksmiths, McNay & Stover, real estate, G. M.
Simcock and A. J. Chipman, Morris County Mills, J. T. Steven
son, tailor, W. R. Terwilliger, dealer in cattle, John Wise, dealer
in nursery stock, A. Millison, blacksmith, Lloyd Ferrell, fruit
stand at vest end of bridge, Richter Bros., drug store, Albert
Simcock, book store, J. C. Carpenter, blacksmith, F. T. Behring,
implements, D. C. Webb, dry goods, R. M. Rigdon, groceries,
J. W. Dumm, furniture, McCollom & Mead, hardware, B. R. Scott,
& Anderson Lumber Company, Henry Gentes, groceries, A. G.
Campbell, drug store.
From 1880 to 1900, among the new firms listed were Frank
Lower & Company, Beach & Starr, later caller Beach & Stock-
er, Badger Lumber Company, Eugene Koph, drugs, Best &
Brigham, clothiers, Beach & Kilby ran the Regulator, J. M. Hen-
son the Indicator, A. S. Crowley Dry Goods Company, E. M.
Gale, meat market, M. Schultheis, groceries, J. J. Crowley, har
ness maker, M. R. Smith Lumber Company, Captain A. Curtis,
real estate and loans, N. Trowbridge, drugs, H. Morehouse,
Van Camp & Tenney, M. Gentes, groceries, R. H. Morehouse,
jewelry. 91

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Since 1900 there has been a number of changes. Among
the older firms, the A. S. Crowley store was bought by John
King and A. R. Kinkle, and conducted for many years under the
name of the Leader. It is now owned by N. S. Flack. F. A.
Robbins has been in the drug business since 1900. J. J. Rhodes
bought the Smith lumber yards in 1903. The Burgner-Bowman
yard was in charge of Herbert Keith until his death eight
years ago. Grover McCrabb is now manager. Dr. W. B. Hunter
bought the Gregory drug store. C. Wj Black and Alex Puryear
bought the Economy and J. W. Dumm furniture stores and were
in business for a number of years. Durland & Block are now
doing business in the J. W. Dumm store, and W. H. Woods in
the old Black & Puryear stand. Durland & White have been
in the Old Stone Store for many years. T. M. Throp started
his store early in 1901. G. W. Cleek conducted a racket store
for a number of years. Loy & Raley were in the grocery and
general merchandise business. G. W. Simpson & Son have
been in business since 1902, having purchased the Van Camp
grocery store. The Forester Dry Goods store! was started three
years ago. L. D. Kneeland has the store the Holke Bros, owned
for so many years. L. C. Roberts, Tom Yadon, The Palace,
The Farmers Store, Allen Grocery, have all been started within
the last five years. A. J. Kenwell bought thd Leech drug store.
The Klassy Kandy Kitchen, Woods Candy Kitchen, and the
Palace of Sweets are up-to-date refreshment parlors. A. C.
Van Camp, Dodderidge Bros., Hammer & Hammer Feed Com
pany, Fleming & Son, produce, and the Saunders Mills are all
flourishing businesses. A. L. Pullins and Barth & Ruch have
fine meat markets. Leslie Smith has a book store, and F. E.
Gurtler and H. C. Brueggen each run a variety store. George
Methe, F. E. Pirtle & Company, and Scholes Bros, jewelry stores
are a credit to the business circles of Council Grove. C. J.
Dillon and F. E. Taylor each deal in new and second-hand
furniture. Green & Kirkpatrick conduct marble works. There
are several fine garages, each of them located in good sub
stantial buildings. There are two filling stations. Zellner-
Warner and Main & Jasper each conduct a men's furnishing
store. Dilley Bros, have a fine bakery. James Sharpe &
Son are our horticulturists and own a large acreage of fine
orchards just east of town. A. B. Stahley has an exclusive shoe
92

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
store, S. A. Feigley a tailor shop, W. E„ Nix and A. R. Zimmer
man have job printing offices, and Don Yoder has a photo studio.
There are three banks. The Farmers and Drovers dates
back to 1882. The present bank building was erected in 1887.
W. H. White has been the president since its organization.
Adam Moser was cashier for over twenty-six years. He was
followed by L. H. Brigham. E. D. Scott is the present cashier.
C. H. White and B. R. Scott are vice-presidents.
The Council Grove National Bank was formerly the Morris
County State Bank, and was organized in 1882. Lewis Mead
has been its president since its organization. In 1900 it became
a national bank. A. H. Prater has been its cashier since 1902.
The Citizens State Bank was started in 1913. Gabriel Frank
is the president of the bank. M. E. Leatherwood has been the
cashier since the organization of the bank.
The first bank organized in Council Grove was in 1870. It
was called the Savings Bank and was located in a small building
where the Palace Grocery now stands. There were several
banks organized between the time of the first one in 1870 to
1882, but they either sold out or discontinued.
No hotel in Kansas is more highly spoken of than the Cot
tage House, conducted by Mrs. Lewis Mead. It is modern,
artistically decorated and furnished. Guests at the Cottage
House always manage to return if possible. The Arway Hotel,
built in 1857 and called the Hays House, has many romances
woven around its title. It is located on the spot of the first
house built in Council Grove in 1847. W. A. Cripe is the
proprietor. There are a number of real estate and insurance firms in
town. We have a good laundry run by Morris & Pattison.
J. B. Sorter and Henry Blim & Sons are each old-time black
smiths. There are several barber shops, restaurants, lunch
counters and pool halls. The old Etta opera house is used
as an armory by Company C, Kansas National Guards. Geo.
C. Peck is captain. Mr. Peck is head of the Peck Construction
Company, and has done a lot of building in Council Grove. The
Stella Theatre compares favorably with city play houses. It
was built by T. W. Whiting in 1916. Mr. Whiting named the
theatre "Stella" for his daughter, Mrs. Glen Kelley, and made
her a present of the deed. W. R. Bratton bought the Stella
98

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Theatre in April in 1921, and is now owner and manager. He
has recently decorated and re-seated the house.
Mr. Whiting has done a great deal for Council Grove by
building bungalows and selling them on the payment plan,
making it possible for many people to own their own homes.
|He has built one theatre, two store rooms, one garage, twenty
bungalows. He also owns the Arway Hotel. The Carnegie
Library was built in 1916. It has a rest room furnished' by the
women's clubs of Council Grove, and a community room where
club meetings are held. The city clerk's office is also in the
building. The Library has 3,383 books. Miss Winifred Nichol
son is librarian. The Council Grove Hospital, owned by Dr.
B. E. Miller, is an up-to-date hospital. It was built in 1916.
Dr. A. J. Lewis has a private hospital that has been well pat
ronized.

94

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
CHAPTER XV
Our professional men, since Council Grove was a settle
ment, have been many. Dr. J. H. Bradford, the first doator to
locate here, came in 1858. About thirty years ago he moved
to Oklahoma, where he is still living. He is 102 years old.
He was followed by Dr. Beach and Dr. Woodworth. Dr. Beach
lived in the brick house on Main street, across from the Con
gregational church. Dr. Woodworth owned the lots where the
Carnegie Library and Mrs. Borkett's home now stand. The
three doctors were quite active in all the affairs of interest to
the town. . They never agreed on anything, so their arguments
always had to have three sides instead of two. Dr. Martin,
father of Mrs. Pullins and Mrs. Bennett, located here in 1870.
Dr. Dill, father of Mrs. Jessie Morris, came about the same
time. Dr. Noland, Dr. Prothrow, Dr. McConnell, Dr. Day,
Dr. Painter, Dr. Z. T. Harvey and Dr. W. E. Crawford all prac
ticed here some time during the last thirty years of the nine
teenth century. Dr. Painter died in 1905, Dr. Z. T. Harvey in
1900. Since 1900 Dr. Lewis Harvey and Dr. Leland Harvey,
sons of Dr. Z. T. Harvey, Dr. J. H. Jaquith, Dr. W. H. H. Smith
Dr. Will Harvey, Dr. B. E. Miller, Dr. W. H. Snow, Dr, R, B.
Hutchinson, Dr. A. J. Lewis and Dr. C. C. Kerr have been
among our leading physicians. Dr. W. E. Crawford practiced
for several years after 1900. He is still residing here. Dr.
J. H. Jaquith died in 1915, Dr. Leland Harvey in 1916 and Dr.
Smith in 1918. Dr. Fred Corey has practiced dentistry in Coun
cil Grove for thirty-four years. Dr. Will' White has been a den
tist since 1901 and pacticed twenty years in Council Grove.
Dr. B. H. Crawford, son of Dr. W. E. Crawford, located in Coun
cil Grove after his graduation and has practiced continuously
except the two years he served in the World War. Dr. E. R.
Swain came about five years ago and has been one of our lead
ing dentists. Sam N. Wood was the first lawyer to locate in Council
Grove. He came in 1859. Isaac Sharp, Ephraim Sandford, J.
B. Sommers, A. J. Hughes, and Duncan McDonald were all
lawyers here in the 60's. E. S. Bertram, J. T. Bradley, Porter
Roberts, T. K. Johnson, John Maloy, M. B, Nicholson, J. M.
Miller, MS. L. Ritchie, J. K. Owens, John Aplington, W. O.

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Atkeson, D. H. Brown, all located here between 1870 and 1890.
Since 1890 we have had George P. Morehouse, W. H. Pirtle,
Clarence Crowley, Edwin Anderson, Walter Doggett, Henry
Torgeson and Harry Snyder. E. S. Bertram died many years
ago, John Maloy in 1912, Clarence Crowley in 1916, M. B.
Nicholson in 1919, D. H. Brown in 1920.
We have a competent corps of county officers. Mrs. Flora
E. Davis is county superintendent of schools, Mrs. Pearl Har
vey is register of deeds, Mrs. Oriel C. Thomas clerk of the
district court, F. A. Robbins county clerk, H. E. Snyder county
attorney, A. W. Loomis probate judge, Fred T. Brown sheriff,
James McKenzie county engineer, W. W. Askren county treas
urer. Mrs. Ethel Kinkle is county treasurer-elect and will take
her office next October. Our commissioners are A. G. Alex
ander, Ralph Felton and S. N. Stranathan. The County Farm
Bureau Agent is Paul B. Gwin. For city officers we have J. M.
Pemberton, mayor; E. D. Scott and H. C. Wilson, commission
ers; R. M. Armstrong, city clerk; J. W. Campbell, city treasurer.
Members of the school board are J. S. Loy, Tom Yadon, A. E.
Oilman, A. L. Pullins, M. F. Amrine, Vern Coltrane. A. H.
Prater is treasurer of the school board.

&6

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIC
CHAPTER XVI
Some of our former residents, and a few of our citizens
who are still with us. have tasted the joys of fame. CoL S. N.
Wood, who edited the first Council Grove newspaper, and who
was the first lawyer in Council Grove, was instrumental
in freeing Kansas from slavery, and his efforts in wresting the
territorial legislature from the hands of the border ruffians"
f crm many chapters in Kansas history. Col. Wood, was an. uncle-
of Arthur Wood, manager of the Farmers Store.
The late M. B. Nicholson was admitted to the bar in. 18721
and he practiced in Morris county continuously until his illness;
in the fall of 1918. He was a member of the Morris county bair
forty-six years. No lawyer in Morris county had as long a
record in the practice of law as Mr. Nicholson. He was judge
of the Eighth judicial district for eight years.
Hon. J. M. Miller was congressman of the Fourth district
for twelve years. He served on a number of important com
mittees while in Congress, and was sent to Panama and the
Philippines in the interest of the United States government.
Col. H. E. Richter was lieutenant-governor for two years:
under Governor Hoeh. He was also state senator of this dis
trict. W. 0. Atkeson, a former resident of Council Grove, lawyer
and newspaper man, was elected congressman from Butler,
Missouri, in 1920. A. B. Reeves, author of the Craig Kennedy
stories, lived at the Cottage House for a long time, and had
many friends in Council Grove. A. R. Kinkle was state
senator for one term. Major Stover was lieutenant-
governor under Governor Osborne in 1872 and later was elected
state senator. Lemuel Kilby, a former Council Grove boy, is
now one of the leading musicians in Chicago Ellis Davidson
has written several articles for magazines and for some time had
a prominent place on the Springfield, Massachusetts, Republi
can. Many of our boys distinguished themselves during the
World War. They are too numerous to mention. Dr. Morris
Simpson was the only Council Grove or Morris county boy who
won the Croix-de-Guerre while in service in the World War.
C. W. Black has been prominent in the National Old Trails
Road Association and was successively state organizer, member
97

THE STORY OF C jUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
national executive committee, national first vice-president, na
tional assistant to the president, and chairman of the nationa!
executive committee. This committee, in co-operation with
Judge Lowe, has full authority over the affairs of the road from
sea to sea. Part of this road follows the Santa Fe Trail and is
•of special interest to people in Council Grove. There are forty-
seven miles of permanent hard surfaced roads authorized to be
built in Morris county, and the greater part of it is the Na
tional Old Trails Road. The Council Grove Commercial Club
has helped boost this Old Trails road.
T. W. Whiting was president of the Kansas Trails Asso
ciation and was instrumental in having the Santa Fe Trail link
of the National Old Trails road registered immediately after
Governor Capper on April 2, 1915, signed the bill relating
to the naming and marking of highways. No other road or link
can appropriate the name Santa Fe Trail, under penalty of law.
A. W. Simcock, while still in his teens was noted as a musi
cal prodigy. He composed "Grasshopper Waltz" the year the
•grasshoppers devastated Kansas. During his fifty years resi-
- .dfince in Council Grove he was the leader in all musical affairs.
N® former citizen of Council Grove has won for himself
more honor along literary lines than Mr. Geo. P. Morehouse.
who was a resident of Council Grove until 1906, when he moved
to Topeka. We quote the following from "Who Is Who in
America," Volume II, which among other things, says:
"George Pierson Morehouse, lawyer and writer, went to
Kansas in 1S72. Admitted to the bar in 1889 and practiced law
; at C'uncil Grove, Kansas. City attorney 1891-5; county attor
ney cf Morris covnty 1894-7; district attorney Santa Fe Railway
1894-1(915; state senator 23rd district 1901-5; removed to To
peka 1906; member of International Society of Archaeologists;
life member and director of Kansas Historical Society; presi
dent Kansas State Historical Society 1917-18; president Kan
sas Authors Club 1909-10; secretary Kansas Authors Club
1913-22; member Kansas State Bar Association; lieutenant
Kansas National Guards 1903; active in organizing Kansas
State Guard to take the place of National Guards during the
World War; commissioned captain, commanding Co. B, 9th Bat
talion Kansas State Guard 1918-19, and helped train over 300
men for World War service; as state senator drafted the first
automobile laws in the West, and the law making the sunflower
the floral emblem of Kansas; originated the movement to mark
the old Santa Fe Trail and other historic highways; an authority
-on history, language and legends of Kansas, or Kaw, Indians,
98

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL

GEORGE PIERFON MOREHOUSE

and is the official historian of the tribe (appointed at their last
council meeting years ago), and keeper of their ancient charts
and relics."
Mr. Morehouse has written a great many prose articles,
booklets and pamphlets, and a number of poems. Many of these
writings are of local interest to Council Grove people, as they
bear the title of some of our historic shrines. Among them
are "Along the Kaw Trail," "A Famous Old Crossing," "First
White School in Kansas," "The Old Bell on Belfry Hill," "Cust
er Elm," and "The Neosho." Mr. Morehouse has done invalu
able service in writing and saving for history so many facts
that might have gone into oblivion had he not made extensive
research by studying treaties, surveyors' reports, charts and
99

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIT.
Morehouse in preserving for posterity the history, language
and legends of the Kaw Indians.
Mrs. Alice Brown Yeager, who left Council Grove in 1881
and is now residing in Wichita Falls, Texas, has written a
number of magazine articles. She has also written for news
papers and has a number of poems to her credit. Mrs. Yeager's
articles are witty and reflect her personality. Mrs. Kate Ap-
lington, now living in Miami, Florida, is the author of several
books. While a resident of Kansas she wrote "Pilgrims of the
Plains" and "Art Museums of America." The Kansas Travelers
Art Library owes its birth to Mrs. Aplington. Since she became a
resident of Florida she has written several books and has made
extensive study of the Seminole Indians.
Mrs. Matthew Robertson is a prominent club woman of
Los Angeles, California. She was president of the Ebell Club
for two years. This club, the largest in the United States,
other honors conferred upon her.
Mrs. Lillie Munsell Ritchie has written several children's
stories. Some of them have been published in book form. Mrs.
Mamie Sharp has the honor of being the champion Red Cross
worker of the Southwest Division. She had 6,144 hours to her
credit in production work alone. Aside from this she did a great
amount of clerical work. Mrs. Sharp was at one time an offi
cer in both the P. E. 0. Grand Chapter and Kansas Federation
of Women's Clubs.
Mrs. E. M. Curtis Root, a former resident of Council Grove,
is a well known artist. She was prominent in club work also.
Mrs. J. M. Miller, wife of Congressman Miller, has had
many honors conferred upon her. She has been president of the
Kansas Federation of Women's Clubs, and several times a dele
gate to the biennial. She has addressed the General Federa
tion and K. F. W. C. many times. She was chairman of Kansas
Board of Control a number of years, and was the first woman
in the United States appointed to such a position. During her
administration she inaugurated splendid prison reforms among
women. She is now a member of the Censor Board and lives
in Kansas City, Kansas.
Mrs. Kenwell was corresponding secretary of the Kansas
Federation of Women's Clubs during Mrs. Miller's administra
tion. 100

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Mrs. H. E. Richter was state auditor of the Kansas Federa
tion for one term.
Mrs. Alice Hammer Scott, daughter of Judge Hammer, was
reared in Council Grove. She has been prominent in club work
and has received high honcrtrin the P. E. 0. Sisterhood, having
been president of the state organization and organizer of the
Supreme Grand Chapter.
Mrs. R. H. Morehouse, of Topeka, a former resident of
Council Grove, was the first president of the Fourth District
Federation of Women's Clubs. She is a singer and quite promi
nent in musical circles in Topeka.
Mrs. B. F. Cress was president of the Fourth District
Federation of Women's Clubs and is now chairman of the State
Civic Department. She is active in club work in Council Grove
and is especially interested in work along civic lines.
Mts. W. A. McCollum will be remembered for her philan
thropic movements in Council Grove during the last thirty years
of the nineteenth century. She especially interested herself
in the health and morals of the community. She also gave a
home and support to several orphan children.
Hezekiah Brake, who was an old settler of Morris county
and resicfed in Council Grove several years, wrote a very inter
esting story of pioneer days, called "On Two Continents."
It would be a great pleasure to name all the people who
at some time claimed Council Grove as their home, but it is
impossible to do so. At the present time we have many talented
and public spirited citizens who interest themselves in the public
welfare and take a pride in calling Council Grove their home.
The picturesque surroundings of our little city and the
view of the Neosho Valley from Belfry Hill add prestige to the
town. Our historical shrines give us an important place in the
traditions of the state of Kansas. Even our streets and some of
our additions are named for prominent pioneers who helped
make history for Council Grove. Wood street was named for
Col. S. N. Wood; Huffaker, Simcock, Conn, Hays and Columbia
for five of our earliest settlers ; Kaw street for the Kaw Indians ;
Chick street for a man named Jo Chick; Hall street for Jacob
Hall, the man who claimed the townsite of Council Grove;
Hockaday street for John Hockaday, a Santa Fe Trail overland
mail contractor; Fox street for John Fox; Donnon street for
a railroad man, and Spencer street for A. B. Spencer.
101

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Pollard's, Fisher's and Mosier's First and Second Addi
tions are all named for early settlers. Sampletown is named
for M. K. Sample, who owned the land and platted it for town
lots. McPherson's Addition is named for Robert McPherson,
an old resident of Council Grove.
So here where East meets West in celebrating the one
hundredth anniversary of the first pack train that passed
through Council Grove in 1821, our thoughts take us back down
the trail of years and in imagination we can picture the primi
tive surroundings that greeted Wm. Becknell as he crossed the
Neosho ford, westward bound, in search of new fields for trade.
In 1825, the Council of Indians and white men gave birth to the
name Council Grove. Ten years later we see the long caravans
of Josiah Gregg, Kit Carson with his band of hunters, General
Fremont with his party of explorers, and Colonel Doniphan
with his regiment of soldiers come into view. Again the pic
ture changes and the fleet footed Indian roams over hill and
valley. The first white settler arrives on the scene, and soon
others followed and laid the foundation of our town. Schools,
churches and newspapers were established. The pack mule,
covered wagon and other -conveyances of the old trail days when
Council Grove was a frontier town, have been supplanted by
the steam car, automobiles and aeroplanes. Thus, at the end of
the hundred years, in 1921, we find in place of the mule path
and wagon road, nine and one-half miles of paving, a White
Way, miles and miles of cement walks, a telephone, electric
light, water and sewer systems, good churches, modern school
buildings, a Carnegie library, substantial business houses and
comfortable homes and the town with a population of 2,875
people. To 'ycu, Old Settlers, we give praise and honor, for the firm
foundaticn upon which our town is built. The spirit of the
pioneer, whose battle ground was Council .Grove challenges
the admiration of our citizens of today. Your weapons were
courage, perseverance and pride. In recalling the years, of
the receding past we realize that in this, the twentieth century,
we are enjoying the heritage of your efforts, in days gone
by, when you fought so valiantly for Prohibition, Woman's
Suffrage and other issues, that make better people and better
towns. The last resting place of some of our old settlers
102

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
is in our Greenwood Cemetery. To you, and to them, we owe
a debt of gratitude and your devotion and service to the town
will be a hallowed memory to all. If I only possessed the
gift of story telling, what a wealth of romance, tragedy, and
comedy I could weave, into the tale of Council Grove.
Hers wc draw the mystic veil of the changeless past, and be
stow profound reverence upon all who have played a part in
the "Drama cf Council Grove."
Whether you have acted the leading role, or taken a minor
part, you have earned the lasting gratitude of the present and
"uture generations.
To our citizens of the 20th Century, let us in a spirit
worthy of the memories of the past, set our faces toward the
future and lay upon the Altar of our town, "the wealth of
cur talents," "the zeal of youth," "the energy of middle life,"
and "the wisdom of age;" One hundred years ago a trans-
Atlantic Poet reading the signs of the times wrote;
"Westward the course of Empire takes its way;
The first four acts already past;
A. fifth shall close the drama with the day;
Times noblest effort is the last."
May the last "Act" be one of noblest efforts and permanent
results. To our guests, non-resident old settlers, who have honored.
this occasion with your presence, we bid you thrice welcome
to Council Grove: Long years ago, you sailed out of the
Home Port. Some of the frail barks that left this harbor
years ago have never returned, but you are anchored safely
in the Old Home town once more. The cares of other years
have been forgotten in the joy of this reunion. You have
found many vacant chairs. In every familiar corner, there
lurks some reminder of the loved ones, whose presence meant
so much to you in the days gone by. When we pass down the
trail for the last time, the beauty of "life's sunset", will be
enhanced by the memory of this Home Coming, and some day
may the clock of destiny decree, that you will wander back
again, to the best town in the best state, of this beloved
country of ours, "Council Grove on the Santa Fe Trail."
LALLA M. BRIGHAM

103

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL

104

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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
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Padilla Monument
Priest Padilla — 1542 — First Christian Martyr of America.
Council Oak
Santa Fe Trail Treaty Signed Here August 10, 1825
Fremont Spring
One mile east of Council Grove, where General Fremont camped
in 1843. Big John creek was named for one of his guides called
Big John. He was a famous scout and the government offered
him a pension for his services in exploring new territory. In
stead of accepting money he asked for a new suit of clothes
each year. This suit was a scout uniform.
107
THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
The Kaw Mission
18 5 0
The Kaw Mission has stood on the west bank of the Neosho
for seventy-one years, and is still well preserved. The four
large chimneys, two at each end, and two broad halls through
the center, are the same as in 1850 when the Mission was erect
ed. It was built for a school for the Kaw Indians and was
used as such for years. The full-blooded Kaws did not take
kindly to the educational methods of their white brothers, and
only the orphans and dependents were allowed to attend the
school. For this reason Mr. Huffaker's time was not fully
occupied, so he started a free school for the white children who
lived here in 1851. There were only about twelve or fifteen
white children living in Council Grove at that time. So the
first white school of the Sunflower State had its birth in Coun
cil Grove in this historic building. • Other teachers followed Mr.
Huffaker until 1856, when the East Side one-story building was
erected. The other schools in Kansas which antedate the Mission
school were mixed schools, both Indians and whites attending.
The Old Mission was used for various purposes in the early
days — church, Sabbath school, public meetings, council house,
and stronghold against attack by the hostile Indians. Many
notable people were entertained here. The Huffaker family
lived in the Mission for many years after the school closed,
and the fact that it has been owned by their youngest daughter,
Mrs. Carpenter, for ten years or more, makes their connection
all the more interesting. The ancient Kaw Mission building is
the embodiment of the epic history of Council Grove, and is one
of the historic shrines of the state of Kansas. The history of
this state is incomplete without its story, as well as the frequent
and worthy mention of T. S. Huffaker, the first teacher of the
first white school, in Council Grove and the state of Kansas.

Hays House
18 5 7
On the site of the first log cabin built by Mr. Hays in 1847.
108

Custer Elm
General Custer camped under the Custer Elm in 1867
Once an enterprising street commissioner arranged with a
wood-chopper to remove this tree for the wood it would furnish.
Many old friends deplored its threatened fate, but it was saved
by the tine friendship of a woman, Mrs. W. A. McCollom, who
gave the man ten dollars in lieu of taking the life of this grand
sentinel of the forest. Mrs. McCollom then went before the
City Council and secured its consent to save it forever by a
protecting resolution which the Council passed. Thus, the
Custer Elm was saved to be pointed out to present and future
generations, while its interesting story is related.

Last Chance Store
18 5 7

Pioneer Store
18 5 8

Gilkey House
(Commercial House)
18 5 9

BELL MONUMENT — 1901
The Old Bell

This bell was bought for the Plymouth Congregational
church of Lawrence, Kansas, in 1863. As there was a crack in
the rim, the church refused to accept it. Col. S. N. Wood was in
Lawrence at the time, and knowing the need of an alarm bell
in Council Grove, had the people here get it. R. M. Wright was
active in interesting the citizens in securing the bell. It was
brought from Lawrence by an ox-team, The cost of transpor
tation was nine dollars. The bell laid on the side of the hill
near the old Ccngregational church until 1866, when a tower of
native lumber was built on the top of Belfry Hill and the bell
erected. The bell answered the purpose of an alarm, school and
church bell for nearly forty years.
In 1901 Mrs. Kate Aplington interested the school children
in the city schools in restoring the Old Bell that had fallen
from its tower and rolled down the hil) into Dr. Campbell's
yard. The pupils raised the funds and the monument was dedi
cated to the martyred president McKinley. The date of
September, 19, 1901, is carved on the base of the monument.

[The following article was read at the annual ban
quet of the T. P. M. Club in Library Hall, March 27,
1903, by its writer, Lalla Maloy Brigham.]
110

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRA.L
THE STORY OF THE BELL
Yes — I will tell my story and in listening to my history,
which records the bright and dark side of my career, you will
not think I have lived in vain. My birth and infancy are as
much a mystery to ms as to the hundreds of people who have
lived beside me and listened to my chimes. I am told I was
cast in an eastern foundry for the Congregational church of
Lawrence and was brought there by boat and railway. When
I reached my destination it was found that I was like many of
the human race, possessed of an imperfection. Upon being in
spected by the leaders of that spiritual body I was rejected
without even a trial, so I was doomed to years of idleness and
disuse. This town was then the far west and did not possess a
bell. Some charitable person who had heard of my deplorable
condition reported it to the kind people of Council Grove, and
through the effort of a dear old man who was my life-Ion?
friend, I was purchased and started immediately overland for
this town. My spirits were very enlivened by the prospects of
enjoying a journey which would end in my occupying a place of
my own. Seme small boys, now fathers and grandfathers, were
playing upon the hill that was destined to be my home, and
looking toward the east saw an ox team drawing a huge dar';
burden coming in over the Santa Fe Trail. They immediately
informed the loungers at the corner stone store and I was hailed
with a shout of welcome as I proceeded up Main street. This
bsing my first ovation, I was very much elated over it.
The unloading of me on the side of ths hill was an event
of my life as well as for the small boys. It is said by some
that I was intended to warn the people of the Red Men's ap
proach, but I was bought for a holier purpose — to call the people
to worship and summon the children to school. Even then I
was docmed to disappointment, for it was years before I was
privileged to hear my own voice. Funds were at last raised
to erect my home and so after years of patient waiting I at last
had my heart's desire. How proud I was to hear my rich, full
tore peal up and down this beautiful valley and as prosperity
should lighten the hearts, all things seemed grander. The river
was more sparkling, the grass and trees greener, the sun
•shene brighter and mest beautiful of all was my home, Belfry
111

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAi)
Hill. My gratitude was all the deeper by having had so many
years of disappointment. From my lofty tower I have viewed
this town with an interested eye. I have witnessed the sun
shine and the shadows that have entered your homes. I have
heard the prattle of happy children, the vows of fond youth and
fair maiden, the coming of strangers, the parting of friends.
I have watched the prosperity and adversities, I have rung
out the old year and welcomed in the new. I have pealed forth
the marriage bells and sadly tolled the passing away of dear
friends. I announced the burning of the mill, the brick school
house, and the big fire of 1886, and I have warned the town of
the saddest disaster this town has ever known, the flood of 1872,
when four of our people were swept away. And I have watched
the departing of companion landmarks — the foot-bridge, the
mill, the school house and many others have passed away and
only the Mission building, the little brown school, house and the
two blacksmith shops and the stone store are left to keep me
company while passing into decay. Modern improvements have
taken the place of the old ones and time has worked wonders
in your town. New building's and homes have been erected, new
railroads have come and with them the people. The old lamp
posts are replaced by electricity, the well beaten paths by side
walks. The pack mule and covered wagon are things of the
past and everywhere I am greeted with the changing from the
old to the new, but that which touches me most is the new bells
that have supplanted me. First, new church bells and then the
school bells, and how my heart ached when I saw the people
going to church and the children flocking to school to another
call than mine. Then it was that I realized the passing of my
days of usefulness. Many older friends had passed away but
it did not occur to me that my career had almost reached the
end until I heard younger and merrier bells reverberate through
the air. At last my strength failed, my tower fell and I rolled
down the hill which it had taken so many years to climb, and
I realized that my battle was over. All that remained for me
was what charitable people were inclined to do.
For years I remained where I had fallen, in the back yard
of^an old settler's home, and it was with sadness that I looked
up on Belfry Hill, which had been my pride and joy for so many
112

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
years. There I viewed the many houses that have been btiilt
and the improvements made on my old surroundings. Patience
to wait and endure will in time earn due reward, so at last some
philanthropic people thought I should be honored for long and
faithful service, so I was again brought up the hill and thranigh
the efforts of the school children and others I was honored
as the head of a monument, in which a tablet is dedicated to the
late President McKinley. Here I shall remain silent, but con
tent with my lot, simply a reminder of days past that were to me
full of pleasure for having been of use to others.
Friends, there is a ¦ moral to my story.
To reach the top of the ladder of fame you will have to
climb by degrees, as I have this hill. You will meet obstacles
at every turn and when the top is reached use your talents to
the best advantage. Bear in mind it is easier to fall down than
to climb up. Let your lives and deeds reach out to others as the
tone of the far-reaching bell. Cherish youth and despise not
the decay of old age that is sure to come to all. Prepare for it
so that when others step into your places as these bells have
in mine, you can listen to them without envy and be justly proud
of your past life and hear said of you what I have heard:
"There is no bell like the old bell."
Emulate the life of the martyred president whose name
appears on this monument, and grasp opportunity before it is
forever too late. For as Shakspeare says:
"Who seeks and will not take, when once 'tis offered, shall
never find it more-.'

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
M. E. Church, South
This story of the M. E. Church, South, was written
before the History of Council Grove. On account of it
being the first church in Council Grove and one of the
first in Kansas, it forms an important part in Council
Grove's history.
Organized 1855 Church Erected 1869 Disbanded 1917
The M. E. Church, South, was the first church organization
in Council Grove. , Before the organization of this church in
1855 occasional meetings were held here by missionaries in the
Mission Building, which was erected in 1850. The Mission Board
of the M. E. Church, South, had charge of the Indian school
held in the Mission Building. The Government built the Mis
sion and paid part of the funds for its support.
(Meetings of the iM. E. Church, South, were held for a num
ber of years in a little school house on the east side, on the
present site of the Missouri Pacific depot. The organization
was perfected in this school house in 1855. While exhorters
from other denominations often preached, the M. E. Church,
South, formed a class that became permanent in 1855.
Rev. J. H. Pritchett was the first minister and was sent by
the Kansas Mission Conference. He taught the first school in
t'he little Brown Jug, built in 1858. Rev. Pritchett was recog
nized, even then, as a man of great promise. He afterward
filled many important charges . He was president of Howard
College, Fayette, Mo. He was aiso president of Pritchett Col
lege, at Glasgow, and of Paynesville Institute. For two years
he held the chair of Mental and Moral Philosophy and Political
Economy at Central College. He retired from the ministry
after 57 years of service. Some of the church meetings were
held in the hall over the Hays. House, now the Arway Hotel.
T. S. Huffaker was prominent in the organization of this
church and was a faithful member until his death in 1910. Very
few had the record, as Mr. Huffaker did, of attending one church
organization fifty-five years. January 4, 1858, is the date of the
first record of a Quarterly Conference held in Council Grove.
Wm. Bradford was the first Presiding Eider. T. S. Huffaker,
114

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
A. J. Collier and H. Rice were the Board of Trustees. J. H.
Bradford was licensed to exhort. The records give $2.50 as
the collection. The names of S. H. Munkers, Allen Crowley, A.
J. Bird, J. H. Ritchie (for whom Ritchie school house was
named) all appear in connection with the early organization of
the church. Rev. Craig followed Rev. Pritchett. After Rev.
Craig came Rev. Brian. Rev. Meeks was presiding elder during
their pastorates. He was famous for his frontier work among
the Indians.Ths first Sabbath school of the M. E. church, South, in
Council Grove was organized in 1858. There was also a Sab
bath school called Elm Creek Sabbath School.
The report of Council Grove Sabbath School for July 17,
1858, says there were 50 pupils, 7 teachers, 260 volumes in the
library of the two schools, and 40 Sunday School Visitors were
taken. Occasional meetings were held by the church in the scat
tered homes throughout the county. Classes were formed later
at Ritchie, Morris and Watts school houses, and their early
history is closely allied with that of the Council Grove church.
In 185-9 Rev. Joab Spencer, who for many years was the
leading spirit of the Council Grove church and circuit, came
to live in Council Grove. On account of the Civil War he was
prevented from accomplishing very much real church work, but
as presiding elder he helped hold the organization together,
and at the end of the war it was one of the very few churches
left. Rev. Spencer had been interpreter for the Shawnee In
dians, so hs did some profitable work among the Indians here.
Mr. Spencer experienced many thrilling incidents during the
war. He was often accused of being a "Secesh" and while his
efforts were sometimes in vain, he always tried to impress upon
the people "their duty of absolute loyalty to the state in which
they lived." Following the war, when he was in and out of
Council Grove, he put forth every effort toward building a new
church This was uphill work on account of the bitterness en
gendered during the civil strife. Rev. Joab Spencer was one of
the ncb'e band of M. E., South, ministers who devoted their
energy toward trying to overcome this bitterness caused by the
existing feeling between the North and the South. The mem
bership of this church in Council Grove overcame a great deal
115

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIT.
of this feeling. They kept clear of political issues and preached
die true gospel. Thus the seed planted during civil strife
bore fruit and the church began to revive. Council Grove began
planning for a new church, which was begun in 1868 and com
pleted in 1869. It was dedicated in July, 1869, by Dr. McAmally,
who edited the St. Louis Christian Advocate, an M. E., South,
paper. The lot was deeded to the church by T. S. Huffaker.
The church ccst between five and six thousand dollars. It was
built cf red brick and had green shutters at one time, also
frosted windows. It was the first church building in Council
Grove, es well as in the county, and was- the pride of the town.
It was like many of the little churches in the South, but to
Council Grove, with its log cabins and crude buildings, it was
something more than a structure of brick and wood. This
church added prestige to the community and with its power
for good, came better days for Council Grove.
The pastor of the church when it was dedicated was Rev.
E. G. Frazier. He remained here two years. Mr. Frazier
was followed by J. 0. Forseman, who served as pastor in the
M. E. church, South, three times. The first parsonage was built
the first year Mr. Forseman was stationed here. It was sold
during Mr. Comer's first pastorate and is now occupied by Mr.
Jo Jones. Mr. Forseman was ably assisted by his wife, Mrs.
Forseman. These were trying times in Kansas, when drought
or grasshoppers visited it almost every year and the ministers
and their wives had to exercise their faith to the utmost to
keep their members from being discouraged. In this line Mrs.
Forseman was proficient and the old settlers can recall many
instances where she gave both material and spiritual guidance.
Later Mr. Forseman went into the M. E. church and was pastor
here two years. He died in 1916.
After Mr. Forseman there were eighteen pastors who served
the church in the following order: D. 0. Howells, D. R. Rader,
W. A. Hanna, N. G. Faubian, who have all passed to their re
ward; C. A. Sherman, who lives in Siloam Springs, a retired
member of the Missouri Conference; H. L. Anderson, retired a
number of years ago; W. H. Comer, retired and living in Coun
cil Grove; H. J. Brown, retired and living in Washington, D. C,
T. C. Downs, dead; J. F. Patterson, preaching somewhere in
Kansas in the M. E. church; F. A. White, now a member of the
116

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
West Texas Conference; J. W. Payne, who served the Council
Grove church eight years. He was highly respected in Council
Grove and was a power for good in the community as well as in
the church. He died in 1918. J. H. Cleaves, stationed at Slater,
Mo.; T. C. Pickett, now stationed at Archon, Mo., A. R. Wil
liamson, united with M. E. church; G. H. Haynes, now in Cali
fornia, Mo.; J. R. Castell, retired and living in St. Joseph, Mo.;
G. M. Blaine, located ' in Missouri. Rev. Blaine was the last
minister in charge when the church closed in 1917.
Of the Presiding Elders who were not pastors of the church,
J. M. Gross- is now stationed at Miami, Florida; Rev. H. D.
Hogan, who came here as presiding elder in 1873, is now re
tired and living in Rosedale, Kansas.
The Western Conference in the South church was formed
in 1870 and included Kansas. The 2nd, 6th, 10th, 15th, 18th,
23rd, 28th and 32nd sessions of this conference were held in the
•Council Grove church. The date of the last one was September,
1901. The last Conference held in this district was in 1905.
Bishops Marvin, Parker, Galloway, Hendrix, Fitzgerald and
Mclntire presided over these Conferences.
Rev. W. B. Maxey, a South Methodist minister from Ken
tucky, resided near Council Grove and often preached in the
country churches and sometimes assisted in Council Grove.
Rev. J. R. Bennett, from Virginia, lived on a farm west of town
and preached occasionally in the country churches and in town.
There is a singular coincidence regarding these two ministers.
They came to Council Grove near the same time. Both of them
had passed the age of active work. They were both 75 years
old and each of them had been in the ministry 53 years and both
died on the same day, within two hours of each other, in Novem
ber, 1883. Their bodies were taken to the little brick church at
the same hour for funeral services, conducted by Rev. W. H.
Comer. They were buried with Mhsonic rights in Greenwood
Cemetery. Rev. W. H. Comer came as pastor to this church in 1882,
and years later came again as Presiding Elder for this circuit.
His coming marked a new era in the church and the interest
awakened through his efforts was lasting. He married the
daughter of B. R. Scott, and with her helpful companionship the
117

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
ideals and purposes of his life work have been rewarded with
success. His daughter has also added her time and talent to
her father's work, and the Comer family fill an important niche
in the history of the church. It was always characteristic of Mr
Comer to impress his hearers with his earnestness and sincerity
of purpose. As a pastor, he was loved and respected. It is a
great pleasure to his former congregation to have him living
in Council Grove again.
There was always a good, lively Sabbath school. Mr. B.
R. Scott was its leading spirit. There were Christmas trees and
Santa Claus was always generous. D. C. Webb and his wife
and two daughters gave several years' service to the church and
Sunday school. Mr. Webb was Sunday school superintendent
Later they went into the M. E. church.
In 1874, when Rev. D. L. Racier was- pastor, there was a
revival which resulted in 138 conversions to the church. Several
of them are living- in Council Grove at present. All through
the sixty-two years of this church's existence the ladies, whose
faithful attention to the material and spiritual welfare of the
church form many chapters in its history. Their festivals ant:
chicken dinners were the very best. There were quiltings and
carpet-sewings. They were hospitable and no minister or presid
ing elder ever lacked for entertainment. Even during the lean
years there was always a welcome. The first organ was a Mason
& Hamlin. There were others more modern that followed
No music could sound sweeter than that of the first organ ac
companying the good old songs, "When I Can Read My Titk-
Clear," "Arise, My Soul, Arise," "Am I a Soldier of the Cross?'
So many, many of the voices who sang these songs are silent
l'ow ,but the hymns are still with us. The choir was noted for
its faithfulness. Mr. Scott, Mrs. Scott, Mrs. Comer, E. D.
Scott, Mr. Martz, Miss Lida Rose, Mr. Will Welch were mem
bers of the choir many years.
In the early days there were no anthems or solos. Every
body sang. If their pitch wasn't always true no one noticed it
They needed no special attractions to fill the church. The church
was filled to overflowing and men were standing outside look-
• ing in at the windows. No automobiles passed by to detract
from the services. Those who came from a distance had to
118

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
sacrifice time, but no one ever complained of being too busy to
attend church. How pleasing it would be to give a glowing
tribute to each person who helped make this church. As that
is impossible, we can only draw a picture of the dim trail from
1855 to 1869 and over the rough roads to the paved streets of
1921. It was a long road to travel. There are many silent
forms in the picture who consecrated their lives to the service
of the Master. Then as the procession nears the end and the
families of B. R. Scott, A. G. Campbell, F. Carpenter, H. Blim,
George Phillips, Agnes Strieby, B. K. Stevenson, P. S. Martz,
George and Frank Bolton, Mrs. Pollard, Mrs. Nixon and Mrs.
Shamleffer were among those who were faithful to the last.
Every fleeting memory brings something to mind that recalls
the little brick church.
There is a great deal of sentiment connected with the
memory of this church that blazed the trail for a better day
in Council Grove and surrounding country. It lived through
those trying days of civil strife and reconstruction. Among its
adherents were representatives from both sides of the leading
questions of the day, and let it be to their lasting credit, they
placed the sanctity of the church before political issues. Sol
diers from the North and the South sat side by side. They la
bored together for one purpose.
In building the church in 1869 there was such a lot of love
and hard labor put into its construction that it was heart-rending
to see it fall beneath the ruthless hand of the destroyer. Each
brick and timber seemed to protest. It stood so long and for
such a good purpose. Memories of the good old days of its use
fulness recall many of the pastors, the sessions of General
Conferences, which were always events of importance. The
walls, could they have spoken, would have told volumes. Then,
the altar rail! It seemed a sacrilege that that too had to go!
If it had the power to tell the story of those fifty years
how long and varied the tale would be! The heart aches — the
anguish of sin — the joy of forgiveness — the acceptance of God's
mercy — the baptisms — the marriages — the messages of peace
and good will — and the silent forms to whom the last earthly
ministrations were performed beside this altar — are all faint
recollections now. Like all things that are past, we can picture
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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
it only in the memory. These faithful church members and the
long, line of ministers were the standard bearers of better day?
Of these ministers, whose sacrifices and loyalty to the Great
Canse led so many to see the light, very few remain. Their
tenacity of purpose made possible the condition the modern
church of today enjojs. The rays from their lighted candles
penetrated far into the future. The members, often discouraged,
worshiped at the Shrine of Faith, and when it was thought best
to disband, that same faith led them to worship in other
churches. Rev. Joab Spencer, at the building of the church in 1869,
had a vision of the future when the Mason and Dixon line would
varnish and we would know no North and South in Council
Grove. Through his efforts the Trustees and members decreed
that the South Church property should always be used for
chuiTch purposes. As the majority of its members have joined
the M. E. church, it was g-iven to that church and their manse
erected npon it. It was dedicated October 31, 1919. At that
dedication many former members of the church stood in the
receiving line, and among them were Mrs. Scott and her daugh
ter, Mrs. Comer, who had come to Council Grove just fifty years
ago that fall, the year the brick church was dedicated.
So after fifty years of service as a church, the lots were
dedicated as a home for the M. E. minister. The M. E., South,
organization had held together for sixty-two years.
Through the efforts of Mrs. A. G. Campbell (who with her
husband and family were loyal South Methodists) , a memorial
tablet was placed in the manse over the spot where the church
ounce stood. This tablet bears the dates 1869 — 1919. It was a
beautiful thought that Bro. Comer, surrounded by a group of
former South Methodist members, was chosen to dedicate this
memorial. Rev. Kelly assisted him. At tlir same time Rev.
Comer christened the little son of Captain and Mrs. Rucker.
lingering thoughts of the past brought many tears to the eyes
of the worshipers of the little brick church. Not tears of re
gret, but of gratefulness for the blessed memory of eternal
truths received in the little church that is no more and that
their broadened vision made it possible for them to unite with
another church in the spirit the Master would wish them to.
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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
This simple service, a last act in cementing the two churches,
seemed like a benediction. Here we leave the memories of the
past, recalling- the little brick church, and those of you who for
so many years answered the call of its bell and knelt in com
munion at the sacred altar of the South Methodist church may
.know you were a part of the world's redemption.
LALLA M. BRIGHAM.

The Passing of the Little Brown Jug

[The following was written by Mrs. Brigham and
read at a meeting of the T. P. M. Club May 3, 1919.]

Not. a molasses jug, nor a vinegar jug. Neither is it the
much talked of whiskey jug, which we trust passed out forever
July 1, but this story deals with the little brown school house,
commonly known as the Little Brown Jug. Early settlers tell
u? this name was given it during the long- period it remained
unpainted and its weather-beaten sides became brown. To per
petuate its name it has been painted brown several times. It is
one of the oldest school houses in the state excepting, of course,
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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
the Indian building of stone. In this part of the state it is the-
oldest. For over half a century it was used as a school build
ing for all children, but for many years it has been the school
for colored children. It was given the name Lincoln school, in
honor of the man who did so much to emancipate the colored
race. The little school house was built of sturdy native timber
and many buildings in Council Grove have come and gone since
it was built in 1858. There was one other school house at that
time on the east side, which stood near the present site of the
Missouri Pacific depot. The first organization of the M. E.
church, South, in 1855, was in the East Side school house, which
pastor of the M. E. church, South, and he was also the first
teacher in the Brown Jug. W. H. White, Sr., was a pupil of
Rev. Pritchett the first year school was held in the Brown Jug.
He is the only resident of Council Grove who attended the
Brown Jug in 1858.
The Brown Jug was school district No. 2 and many excit
ing wrangles occurred between the two districts. Previous to
the building of this school house the white children attended
the Mission school, where in 184© T. S. Huffaker taught the
Indians. He was the father of Mrs. Anna Carpenter and Mrs
Agnes Wismeyer, and Mrs. Carpenter now owns and resides in
the Mission. The Brown Jug was built before Council Grove was platte".
Among the early teachers following Rev. Pritchett were Rev.
Joab Spencer, H. D. Preston, Nellie Plumb, Miss Mary Jane
Watson, of Emporia, now dead, Miss Mary Ann Hatten, mother
of William Allen White, Mrs. Porter of Topeka, and Miss God-
dard. They were followed by a number of teachers who had
been pupils in this little school house. In 1862 the First Pres
byterian church was organized in this building, followed by the
Congregational church. In 1860, Mr. R. M. Wright began the
union Sunday school, which lasted until the building of the
Congregational church. He was a faithful attendant of thtt.
Sabbath school and church for over forty years. In recalling
the history of the Little Brown Jug it is like bringing to mind
the memory of a departed friend. Long before my time this
school house was more than a school building — it was an insti
tution in this town. The Lyceum, singing school, ice cream.
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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SAXTA FE TRAIL
socials and exhibitions, where some of the grandmothers of
today sang the old, old songs, and the grandfathers (who, as
boys, spoke "The Boy Stood on the Burning Deck" and "Casa
blanca") were held in this school house. Many political wrangles
and debates resounded within its walls and it was the meeting-
place for all festivities.
Of its early history I know very little — only what I have
been told, but tradition dear to the hearts of many people in
Council Grove and Morris county bring to my mind many inci-
uents of the 50's, 60's and 70's, and such memories always in
clude one or more who resfde here now. Elwood Sharp and
Kit Stenger were prominent for the pranks they played on new
boys and new teachers. It wasn't hazing them — just plain
mischief. Jim Stenger was a model boy and noted for not
telling tales on the others. Little did Mrs. Sarah White think
she was receiving her training to be future president of the T.
P. M. Club, or Mrs. Fleming to be a worthy member of the same
Club, or Mrs. Fanny Wright to be a teacher in the same school
Nor did Mrs. Mamie Miller 'dream that sometime she would
honorably discharge so many public duties. After attending
the Brown Jug many years, at 16 she taught her first school
there. Did our smiling, fun-loving Bettie Painter (whose old
trunk in the attic is no doubt filled with prizes for perfect de
portment) dream that in 1919 she would still be our Jolly
Bettie ? The lives of all these girls have shown us they adhered
strictly to the Golden Rule. They have spent many happy
hours recalling their old pastimes, and one incident of especial
interest was their daily visit to the Hermit, whose cave was in a
ledge of rocks on the east side of the hill. My earliest recol
lections take me back to 1874, and I fain would call "Turn
Backward, Turn Backward, 0 Time, in Your Flight, and Make
Me a Child Again, Just for Tonight." I seem to see the weath
er-beaten walls of the little school house on the western slope
of Belfry Hill. From its eastern windows I see the sun rising-
over the town. From the south the breezes are wafted from the
hills. Toward the setting sun the' green sward reaches to the
City of Our Dead; north of it was prairie and more prairie
I see boys in homespun and high-top boots, jolly, healthy boys,
brimming over with fun. Girls in checkered aprons, with hair
held back with roach combs and long braids tied with a string.
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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
They were smiling, happy little girls, whose eyes sparkled mis
chief, and what mattered it if when exhibition day came and we
all dressed up, if we did wear pink flowered dresses, yellow hair
ribbons and copper-toed shoes ? We hadn't learned to spell
style and we cared little for harmony of colors.
I seem to see the thumb-marked speller, the initial- carved
desk, the old slate so noisy but dependable. On the sloje of the
hill and among the ledges on the crest of this same hill, my
memory recalls the little play-houses, rooms divided by stones
and shells. The make-believe existed then as well as now, and
we received our earliest lessons in home-making at that time.
I remember so well the first spring flowers we sought so eagerly
for our beloved teachers. Pupils loved and respected their
teachers. Strikes and ''walk outs" wrere unknown in the Little
Brown Jug. As "lickin' and larnin" were a part of the program,
if we complained at home we got it twice. Belfry Hill had no
modern improvements then and the pupils all felt it belonged to
the Brown Jug. So we roamed over it in summer and coasted
down its sides in the winter. Life was happy and uneventful.
Fourth of July, Christmas, with an occasional circus parade,
barbecue, school picnic, or fire broke the nonotony. Once an
Indian stepped into the open doorway and struck terror to our
hearts, but we were not nearly so frightened as we would have
been had a Jones Six or a flivver driven past the little school
house door. It seems only yesterday that we crowned
the fair-haired May Queen, only yesterday that the walls re
bounded with "Clap 'em in and clap 'em out," and the air was
rilled with shouts of laughter and song as we played "King
William Was King James' Son," black man and dare base. We
had never heard of athletics, and I doubt if Webster had. I
know we modest little girls would have fainted at the sight of
basketball bloomers. We had our 'problems, too, and conjuga
tion of verbs, long division and square root wrecked many hours
for me. We had no written examinations as our slates were
too small to hold all we knew and paper was scarce. I -don't
recall ever seeing a paper wad on the ceiling of the Little Brown
Jug, but a sponge for the slate held water a long time and was
the source of much amusement. Our oral examinations took
place every spring with the school board and parents present.
One year I was to bound Asia and our teacher, Mrs. Mamie
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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Miller, had us lined up every day for three weeks so we could
not fail. I arrived at the sea of Kamchatka O. K. and then
jumped to the Gulf of Mexico. My teacher's eyes said, " I
knew you would," but she immediately covered my disgrace by
calling upon the next. We once invaded the home of this same
faithful teacher just about supper time. We took this occasion
to present her with a couple of red glass vases and a chromo.
There was a boiled ham, fresh bread, preserves and jam, galore.
I have often thought of that ham since Hoover came on the
stage, and even then she paid a big price for those vases before
we were all fed. I must not forget the water pail and the "pass
ing of the water." We might have missed our spelling lessons
or failed to do cur sums, but we never failed to pass the water.
The old tin dipper traveled from mouth to mouth, and Dr. Crum-
fcine, had he been here, could have collected enough germs from
that eld tin dipper alone to demolish the Hun army. This
proves ignorance is bliss, for we never had heard of germs.
We were a husky set of chilldren at any rate. While we some
times broke out with measles or swelled up with mumps, with
sassafras tea in the spring and a red yarn string with asafetida
attached to it around our necks in winter prevented croup and
other diseases. There are many touching tales I could recall
during the years I attended school in the Brown Jug and later,
when I taught there. Many of the little urchins whom I di
rected during the periods they were learning the three R's are
living in our city and it has always been a pleasure to me to
watch their progress with the times. Of my own school mates
there are very few. Mrs. Anna Carpenter, the partner of my
childhood joys and sorrows, and who was always active in
helping me collect tadpoles and grub worms to put down Char
lie Dillon's and Henry Strieby's necks, still lives here, and
Mrs. Rose Titus, who was always our play mother, Mrs. Jennie
Welch, Mts. Lettie Reese, Charlie Dillon and a few others
are left. Where have they wandered — all those boys and girls ?
The Mamies, the Annas, the Betties, the Aggies, the Willies,
the Jimmies, the Alberts and the Henrys? Occasionally one
of them returns to the old home town to renew old associa
tions. The hundreds and hundreds who have passed over the
door step of the Little Brown Jug would make a long proces
sion. Some have traveled and are in distant lands, some have
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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
attained wealth, some honor and position, others have lingered
near the little school house and passed their lives among the
old associations. Some have passed through the Valley of Sor-
low and others lie beneath the sod in distant lands. Many are
in Greenwood cemetery and as we pass among the green mounds
we read the names of many of our old school mates of the Little
Brown Jug. This school house having lived its time, has wit
nessed remarkable changes in our midst. It was a long, long trail
from the ox-team to the automobile and airplane. The road was
not hard-surfaced, the ruts were many and the turns sharp.
The Little Brown Jug has witnessed the coming of the railroad
and has seen the spring wagon and carriage and other vehicles
all give way to the automobile. The state of Kansas has blos
somed as a rose. She has abolished the saloon, adopted woman
suffrage, her valleys- are fruitful and hills are covered with
cattle. Prosperity abounds. The Brown Jug has seen the com
ing of the Library, the modern school house, sewer system,
waterworks, electric lights and paved streets to our little city.
Within a block the Santa Fe Trail passes where half a century
ago caravans could be seen wending their way westward. Today
this same trail hums with automobiles. It is a time-honored
custom that the old gives way to the new, but sentiment dies
hard when old associations are passing out. It makes us ponder
over the rapid strides we are making toward progress, and we
pause to question the result of our advancement. Do we
walk the paved streets as contentedly as when we picked our
way so 'carefully over the stepping stones of the 50's, 60's, 70's
and 80's ? Do we see Life's great lessons as clearly under the
arc light as we did beside the street lamp?
Do we with our modern school houses impress the funda
mental truths upon our children and cultivate the practical side
cf life as we did in the Little Brown Jug? If so, life's great
est Teacher will say, "Well done."
So, Little Brown Jug, your mission is ended. You have
ceased to be a school house, but the memory of you will linger
with us until the end of time. For sixty-one years you did
your part toward making the state and the town, and assuring
the safety of the nation. You have made a good fight, it is
ended, and with a tear of regret and many loving memories, we
bid you a fond farewell. 126

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
The Hermit Priest
"Matteo Boccalini," or Father Francesco

Mr. Maloy's story of the "Hermit Priest" of Council Grove
was written some time in the 80's, and was published in the
Council Grove Republican February 7, 1890. In 1898 it was
published in Col. Henry Inman's "Tales of the Trail," with a
slightly different introductory and with more in detail about
the Hermit's peculiar life and tragic death in the mountans
of New Mexico, but with no credit to Mr. Maloy as the author
of the main part of the tale.
Soon after this Inman publication, Mr. Maloy gave nie
his original manuscript to preserve as a literary relic. In doing
so, he said: "I loaned this manuscript to Colonel Inman and he
has embraced the entire story, with a slightly different be
ginning and ending, in his book, "Tales of the Trail," but says
nothing about using my story." He then related to me how he
happened to write it and naturally felt a little grieved that
its authorship had been assumed by another.
Mr. Maloy obtained his information regarding this most
unique character from early settlers, and especially from Capt.
Jacob Stenger, a well known citizen, who became on friendly
terms with the Hermit, as he was able to converse with him in
the Spanish language; for although Father Francesco was an
Italian, he was versed in all of the Latin languages.
I am glad to be able to turn this original manuscript, which
I have preserved for over twenty years, to the Maloy family,
for the purpose of having it preserved as a rare historic docu
ment and also as a proof of the authorship of that most
romantic story of historic Council Grove and the Old Santa Fe
Trail — "Matteo Boccalini," or "Father Francesco, the Hermit
Priest." GEO. P. MOREHOUSE.
Topeka, Kansas, May 12, 1921.

By JOHN MALOY
About the time of the first open hostilities that led to our
late Civil War, when men were hurrying hither and thither and
preparing for the great events that were soon to transpire and
make or mar the destiny of this republic, a strangely mysterious
character made his advent into Council Grove, then the ex
treme frontier, rendezvous and outfitting post for the freight
ers and voyageurs to Mexico and the western mountains.
He attracted much attention, for he was in our frontier town
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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRA.L
as mysterious a personage as the "man in the iron mask" or
the awkward Kaspar Hauser, whose appearance at the gates of
Nuremberg startled the inhabitants of that staid and quiet
town, hoary with the conservatism of centuries. He talked little,
and it was no easy matter to engage him in conversation, so
profoundly did he believe in some "impending danger." Enough
was gathered, however, to enable us to furnish an outline of his
history, extracted at odd intervals of communicativeness. Matteo
Boccalini, at the time of which we are writing, was about 55
years of age, and was a native of Capri, the charming and
romantic island of Italy, situated in the Mediterranean Sea,
at the entrance of the Bay of Naples, about twenty miles south
of the city of Naples. His early life was spent there, and
there in the city of Capri, the seat of a bishopric, he received
his early education, devoted himself to the church and made his
first commencement in the theological studies that were at last
to be the cause of his sorrows, his wanderings and his death.
The island of his birth was historic as well as romantic and
beautiful, for it was there that the Roman emperor, Tiberius,
spent the last ten years of his life, and it was there that he
reared twelve palaces, the luins of which, it is said, are
still visible. The island of Capri is remarkable for a cavern
called the "Grotto of the Nymphs" or the "Blue Grotto," in
which it is possible the subject of our sketch first learned to
love the companionship of solitude and the home of the cave.
At the age of eighteen Matteo Boccalini left his native isle
and the patronage of his good bishop and perfected his educa
tion under the shadows of St. Peter's dome, and took holy
orders at the age of twenty-one, and then began with him the
life of stormy passion and sorrowful pilgrimage that eventually
led to a tragic death in the far off Occident. He was called
"Father Francesco" and was, although so young, noted for his
eloquent preaching, subtle philosophy, and boldness and bravery
of his political utterances. Nevertheless, the Pope named him
as one of his secretaries, but the college of the propagandists
denounced him, and he was not confirmed, but was placed under
interrogation and discipline. He denounced them as inquisitors
and Jesuits and incurred their eternal enmity. The discipline
over, he was assigned a place in the purlieus of the "Eternal
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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
City" and thenceforth was watched as only the disciples of
Ignatius Loyola can watch.
In time, his sunny nature and warm passions caused his dis
grace. He became charmed w;ith a fair devotee, one of his
charge, furnished no doubt by his enemies for the occasion, and
he fell in a most earthly and fleshly way. Charged, prosecuted,
persecuted and denounced, he was despoiled of his sacerdotal
functions and he fled — became a wanderer upon the face of the
earth — and supped with sorrow and despair throughout all the
remainder of his earthly career. He for a short time cam
paigned with the heroic Garibaldi, but his utterances for liberty
of thought, action, and theory of divine and human govern
ment soon brought again upon his track the enemies who had
insured his downfall, and with tears and sighs he turned his
steps and began his journeying to this continent. No more was
he to behold] the place of his birth or see the chalky outlines of
fair, beautiful Capri, which begems the blue Mediterranean
and the phosphorescent Bay of Naples. The sky, sunshine and
vintage of dear old Italy was nevermore to warm his impulsive
nature or stir into life the numbness of his heart. The years
went by and having passed from place to. place, and visited one
Indian tribe and another, in the hope of finding some tribe or
people near unto Nature's heart; some people that might re
ceive him in the simplicity of his severe and pious penance; he
came a few weeks prior to the time of the opening of this
sketch, among the Kaw or Kansas, Indians whose reservation
was in the Neosho Valley a few miles below Council Grove.
The Kaws were very superstitious and suspicious and not re
markable for a reverence for any sort of religion, did not take
kindly to the solitary wanderer. His pious zeal, abstinence and
self-control made them fear to approach him, for they did not
understand that
"When holy and devout religious men
Are at their beads, 'tis hard to draw them thence,
So sweet is zealous contemplation."
They said he was "bad medicine," and so he was not more
at home in the tepees of the Kaws than he would have been
in the Vatican. He came to Council Grove as the tramp has
since come, but not to beg or demand bread at our doors, or to
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THE STORY OF C 1UNC.L GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
tell off his beads in the presence of the vulgar curious, but to
go upon the hillside and into a cave, where for five months he
Jived accessible to but few, with whom, when he felt the quick
ened glow of a heart that recognizes the "fatherhood of God
and the brotherhood of man," he would talk in tenderest strains
of everything that was good and true and beautiful. He had, of
earthly possessions, so little that he could have almost vied with
";h.3 lowly Nazarene in the splendor of his poverty. Of
vgrncifixes, religious mementos and other trinkets sweetly sug
gestive of better and happier days, he had a few. His solace
^aras in a half-dozen small volumes, between the lids of which
mone peered but himself. He was regular at his devotions, for
notwithstanding he had sinned, he was contritely striving to
oiitlive its memory and undo the injury it had done his Master's.
cause. He possessed one other article of personal property, the
only circumstance that tinges his stay among us with anything
bordering on the romantic. It was a rude mandolin and on
evenings he would sweep the strings with fingers slight and
dsft and soulfully tender as a maiden whose heart had just
been touched by its first breath of love. To those who were
fortunate enough to hear — and they were few — his vesper
hymns- were solemn as the holy hush of a young girl's prayer
and his Neapolitan songs and gondola airs were sweet as the
chant of the angels he invoked. There he lived —
"The moss- his bed, the cave his humble ceil;
His food the fruits, his drink the crystal well" —
be, the once gay and gallant Matteo Boccalini, the "Father
Francesco," the hermit priest of the Santa Fe Trail. He was
loyal to the Catholic church, but hated and feared the Jesuits
whom he believed had plotted to destroy him. No one here
spoke a language he did not understand. Once when a stabbed
and dying Mexican wanted a service for the repose of his soul,
lae hastened to his side and administered the last sacrament in
the dying man's own tongue. One day he saw a stranger whom
fce took to be a Jesuit emissary, and said he could not tarry
longer; that he would go to the mountains of Mexico, seek an
other cave, rear a cress and live in solitude. He thought much
cf solitude and argued that it was the "muse of enthusiasm,"
and that "enthusiasm was the parent of genius;" that in all
-ages solitude had been called for or flown to.
i:ii

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
One bright spring morning, when the breeze was billowing
the grass upon the virgin prairies, he left his cave, as he had
years before left his cloister, and convoyed by a passing train,
he set out for New Mexico. We learn he was last seen at
Santa Fe, the city of "Holy Faith," where his stay was short.
From there to the mountains and he was lost sight of, and it
was but a couple of years till the news came that a Hermit
Priest had been living in a mountain cave over which a rudely
shaped wooden cross was standing, and that soon after he was
found dead, and that a poisoned dagger in the hands of a Jesuit
assassin had at last done its work — that at last he had met the
fate which had been his life-time fear.
The hermit had the eye of an artist, a head that was shapely
with a classic mold, and notwithstanding his age, his hair was
as black and lustrous as the raven's wing. His form betokened
that in his earlier days he had been a sinewy athlete.
For years after his departure the "hermit cave" was an
object of much interest. Upon the time-honored rocks were
scratched his name, a cross, "Jesu Maria" and "Capri," all dear
to the hermit's life.
Thus ends the story of this solitary man — a man of sor
rows and griefs, but with as much repentance and as many
penances as sins — one of those ethereal spirits who might be
come physically dirty, but never spiritually unclean.

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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Treaty
with the Great and Little Osage Indians
Regarding the Santa Fe Trail.

Signed August 10, 1825

Whereas, the Congress of the United States of America
being anxious to promote a direct and commercial and friendly
intercourse between the citizens of the United States and those
of the Mexican Republic, and to afford protection to the same,
did at their last session, pass an act, which was approved the
third of March, 1825, "To authorize the President of the United
States to cause a road to be marked out from the western
frontier of Missouri to the confines of New Mexico," and which
authorizes the President of the United States to appoint three
commissioners to carry said act of Congress into effect, and
enjoins on the commissioners, so to be appointed, that they first
obtain consent of the intervening tribes of Indians, by treaty,
to the marking of said road, and to the unmolested use thereof
to the citizens of the United States and of the Mexican Republic,
and Benjamin H. Reeves, Geo. C. Sibley and Thomas Mather,
being duly appointed Commissioners as aforesaid, and being
duly and fully authorized, have this day met the chiefs and head
men of the Great and Little Osage tribes of Indians, who being
all duly authorized to meet and negotiate with the commission
ers upon the premises, and b'eing specially met for that purpose,
by invitation of said commissioners, at a place called Council
Grove, on the Nee-o-zho River, one hundred and sixty miles
southwest from Fort Osage, have, after due deliberation and
consultation, agreed to the following treaty, which is to be
considered binding on said Osage Indians, from and after this
day: Art. 1. The chiefs and head men of the Great and Little
Osage nation and tribes of Indians, for themselves and their
nations, do consent and agree that the Commissioners of the
United States shall, and may survey and mark out a road, in
such manner as they may think proper, through any territory
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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
owned or claimed by said Great and Little Osage tribes or
nations of Indians.
Art. 2. The chiefs and head men aforesaid, do further
su'ree that the road authorized in Article 1 shall, when marked,
te forever free for the use of the citizens of the United States
and of the Mexican Republic, who shall at all times pass and
repass thereon, without any hindrance or molestation on the
part of the said Osage Indians.
Art. 3. The chiefs and head men, as aforesaid, in con
sideration of the friendly relations existing between them and
the United States, do further promise, for themselves and their
people, that they will, on all fit occasions, render such friendly
a;d and assistance as may be in their power, to any of the
citizens of the United States or of the Mexican Republic, as
they may at any time happen to meet or fall in with on the road
aforesaid. .Art. 4. The chiefs and head men, as aforesaid, do further
consent and agree that the road aforesaid shall be considered
es extending to a reasonable distance on either side, so that
travelers thereon may, at any time, leave the marked track,
for the purpose of finding subsistence and proper camping
places. Art. 5. In consideration of the privileges granted by the
chiefs of the Osage Indians in the three preceding articles, the
said commissioners on the part of the United States have agreed
to pay them, the chiefs, aforesaid, for themselves and their
people, the sum of five hundred dollars; which sum is to be paid
them as soon as may be, in money or merchandise, at their
option at such place as they may desire.
Art. 6. And the said chiefs and head men, as aforesaid,
acknowledge to have received from the commissioners aforesaid,
at and before the signing of this treaty, articles of merchandise
to the value of three hundred dollars, which sum of three
hundred dollars and the payment stipulated to be made to the
said Osage Indians in Article 5 shall be considered ,and are
to be considered by said chiefs as full and complete compensation
for every privilege herein granted by said chiefs.
In testimony whereof, the said Benjamin H. Reeves, George
C. Sibley and Thomas Mather, Commissioners as aforesaid,
133

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
and the chiefs and head men of the Great and Little tribes or
nations of Indians have hereunto set their hands and seals at
the Council Grove on the Nee-o-zho River aforesaid, this tenth
day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and twenty-five. BENJAMIN H. REEVES,
GEO. C. SIBLEY,
THOMAS MATHER, U. S. Commissioners.
Pa-hu-ska (White Hair), head chief of the Great Osages, hi?
X mark.
Ca-he-ga-wa-to-noga (Foolish Chief), head of the Little Osages,
his X mark.
Shin-ga-wassa (Handsome Bird), Chief of the Great Osages,
his X mark.
Ta-ha-mo-nee (Swift Walker), Chief of the Little Osages, his
X mark.
Ca-he-ga-wash-in-nee-she (Bad Chief), of Great Osages, his
X mark.
Wee-ho-je-ne-fare (Without Ears), Chief of Little Osages, his
X mark.
Ca-he-ga-shin-ga (Little Chief), Chief of Great Osages, his
X mark.
Waw-bur-eou- Warrior Little Osages, his X mark.
May-sho-hun-ga, Warrior Great Osages, his X mark.
Way-lo-gah (Owl), Warrior Little Osages, his X mark.
May-she-te-mo-nee, Warrior Great Osages, his X mark.
Che-ha-kaw, Warrior Little Osages, his X mark.
Ne-ha-wash-he-tun-ga, Warrior Great Osages, his X mark.
Ho-no-pos-see, Warrior Little Osages, his X mark.
Waw-kun-chee, Warrior Little Osages, his X mark.
Paw-ne-ne-push-re, Warrior Little Osages, his X mark.
Archibald Gamble, Secretary.
Jos. C. Brown, Surveyor.
W. S. Willindley, Interpreter.
Witnesses —
Stephen Cooper, Bradford Barbis,
Samuel Givens, John E. Walker,
Richard Brannin, Joseph Davis,
Garrison Patrick, George West,
Daniel J. Bahan, Thomas Adams,
I. R. Walker, James Brotherton,
Singleton Vaughan, Benjamin Jones.
134

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Hon. John Maloy

June 13, 1921.
We, the undersigned old settlers, request that, the
article written by George P. Morehouse relating to
John Maloy be incorporated in "The Story of Council-
Grove on the Santa Fe Trail." R. M. ARMSTRONG,
W. F. SHAMLEFFER,
W. H. WHITE.

For forty-two years John Maloy was as well known as any
citizen of Morris county. As a public man, he probably had a
larger personal acquaintance and following than anyone whs«
ever lived in Council Grove or Morris county. This is showH
by the numerous times he was elected to office in a county
usually Republican — while he was always a consistent Demo
crat. Mr. Maloy served as county attorney for a longer period
than any man in Kansas; mayor of Council Grove for eight
years; United States commissioner for twelve years; numerous
terms on the Board of Education; and at the time of his death
was city attorney of Council Grove and the Morris county rep
resentative in the Kansas Legislature. All of these positions
he filled with ability and he was generally popular with his con
stituents and colleagues — and this regardless of party.
It was often remarked that had he been a member of the
dominant party in Kansas instead of a Democrat, he doubtless
would have been called to some of the highest positions in the
state. In his estimate of men, riches or poverty, high or low sta
tion, had little effect. If a man was poor, in trouble, down ana
out and with few friends, Mr. Maloy would help him if possible;
and during his long life as a lawyer, he rendered much legal
service to such without thought of remuneration. He despised
all sham and shallow pretense.
By industry and close application, he studied law, litera
ture and history and was admitted to the bar in 1868. About
this time he came to Kansas and helped on the Topeka Com
monwealth and other papers — as the legal practice in those
135

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
days was scant. Thus he developed his talent for writing and
editing. In 1871 he came to Council Grove and for seven years was
the editor of The Democrat, but afterward devoted his entire
time to the law, and at the time of his death was the dean of
the Morris county bar.
Mr. Maloy was notably a fine example of the self-educated
man — being well read in law, literature and history. He was a
versatile writer and author of an interesting history of Morris
county, which appeared by chapters in Council Grove papers,
also of numerous magazine articles of historic character. His
history of Morris county should be brought down to date and
published in an enduring form.
My earliest recollection of him goes back to my school days,
and the old Council Grove Library Association of the 70's, when
he was a leader in debates, original papers and programs of
that literary society which did so much to elevate the standard
of general intelligence among the young lawyers, doctors,
teachers, students and others of that pioneer period.
His native wit, fund of anecdote, varied experiences, ex
tensive reading, refined literary taste and general character of
good fellowship made him useful, companionable and popular
with both young and old. That organization was the fore
runner of the literary societies, clubs and libraries of historic
Council Grove, and a great boon to intellectual development
when few Kansas localities had such privileges; and much of it?
success was due to Mr. Maloy's assistance.
While younger in years, it was my privilege to meet Mr.
Maloy in many capacities — opposing lawyers in court, candi
dates for the same office, in literary societies, historical work
and writing; and during all that time, we always mantained a
warm personal friendship — as shown by the fact that as mayor
he appointed me city attorney. He was always popular with
young attorneys, for he sympathized with their early striving
upward for practice and preferment and delighted to help
them when possible.
As I look back upon those old days and our thirty years
association as neighbors in the same ward; in legal practice
and the hurly-burly of political strife; and in all the ups and
136

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAI1
downs of civic development, I love to think of Mr. Maloy as a
rare type of the editor, writer, scholar, lawyer and friend — a
kind and courteous gentleman of the old-time school.
"We shall not see his like again."
Topeka, May 3, 1921. GEORGE P. MOREHOUSE.

Mrs. Anna Huffaker Carpenter

Since this story was written, the only member of the Huf
faker family who resided in Council Grove, Mirs. Anna Huffaker
Carpenter, passed away. In the noontide of life, with so many

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
trials, disappointments and sorrows conquered and having kept
the faith and fought a good fight, she was called home April
12, 1921. For nine years she had been a widow, and her whole life.
was wrapped up. in that of her five children, Homer, Margaret,
Fanny, Elizabeth and Frederick. Possessed of a quiet, gentle
disposition and always optimistic, she was a part of the life
of her children and their friends. She maintained a splendid
courage to the last. She was public-spirited and was living and
planning for Home-Coming events, when she would have her
brothers, sisters, children and old friends with her in her
home, the historic old Mission. Death claimed her ere all her
plans materialized, but though she is gone, to those who loved
her and for whom she lived, the consolation abides that the
virtues which endeared her in this life will linger in memory
until it seems "There is no death. What seems so is transi
tion." L. M. B.
May 21, 1921.

MRS. MARY SPENCER

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
HISTORY of the
HOME COMING
to
COUNCIL GROVE, KANSAS
June 27 to July 2, 1921.
Celebrating the One Hundredth Annivei sarv
of Wm. Becknell's Pack Train that passed through
Council Grove in 1821 and made the first successfu1
trip to Santa Fe, N. M.

By Mamie Stine Sharp.

Council Grove, Council Grove!
An hundred years has passed away
Since caravans of traders gay
First stopped to rest beneath these trees,
Whose leaves still quake in ev'ning breeze.
Let's Hail! these sturdy pioneers
And others coming with the years,
Who wrought so worthy and so well.
We love their names and deeds to tell —
Council Grove!
-^Yo Pioneers by George Pierson Morehouse.

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL

History of
THE HOME COMING
to
Council Grove, Kansas
By Mamie S. Sharp
The Home Coming of June 27 to July 2, 1921, is now a
memory and has become a pleasant and long to be remembered
historical event in the history of our city. The daily and week
ly press carried stories of each days programs and in reviewing
this event, which is more than passing moment,. I have been im
pressed that a concrete, concise history would be welcomed by
many citizens and old settlers, both resident and non-resident,
a*so it should be preserved in the files of our newspapers and
State Historical Society for future generations to read.
The bock "The Story of Council Grove on the Santa Fe Trail"
and the Home Coming were the production and idea of Mrs. L. H.
Brigham, who is the daughter of the late John Maloy. She con
ceived the idea of perpetuating the history of Council Grove as
her father had of Morris County.
This book of 140 pages is replete with facts, dates and in
cidents vital to the history of this community. It contains
many cuts showing historical places and old land marks, Kaw
Indian chiefs and warriors of renown. But what is of lasting
human interest are the pictures of many of the pioneer men and
women who founded our beautiful little city. Well written and
interesting as her little book is, the author did not need to soar
afar into the realm of fancy or draw upon her imagination, for
few towns possess as much historical interest as Council Grove
on the Santa Fe Trail. It is full of interesting events from the
day when Wm. Be'jknell in 1821, led the first pack-train along
the broken trail, which is now our Main Street, to these later
days of 1921 when we celebrated that event by the Home Coming.
This event was the second centennial cpteta'ation in the State ©f
Kansas. The other was at Pawneqptjftgjjtohj 1906 when they
celebrated the 100th anniversary of Col. TiRes raismg the Stars
and Stripes at that place. ^t^, ^^>^L<^ty0^t^_ t^O ,
The Civic club under the leadership of its president, Mrs
Brigham, assisted by the Commercial Club, American Legion,
Auxiliary, Literary Clubs, Ministers, Superintendent and teach-
140

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL

MRS. LALLA BRIGHAM
Chairman Home Coming Committee
ers of our city schools, Mayor, City Commissioners, old settlers
and citizens carried out the plans of this event which was no
small undertaking. But so well did the Chairman, Mrs. Brig
ham, do her work, aided by her efficient helpers, that the big
gest undertaking oui- city ever witnessed was put over without
a hitch or failure. The managing committee were: Mrs. Brig
ham, chairman; R. M. Armstrong, first vice chairman; E. D.
Scott, second vice chairman; Mrs. Mamie Sharp, secretary; Mrs.
R. C. Durland, treasurer; T. W. Whiting, Henry Craven, Worley
Perry, Mrs. B. F. Cress, Mrs. A. R. Zimmerman, Mrs. Joe Jones.
Mayor Pemberton, W. F. Shamleffer, W. H. White, John Allen
and Tom Allen, welcoming committee. 141

E. D. SCOTT

R. M. ARMSTRONG

MRS. MAMIE SHARP

MRS. R. C. DURLAND

MAYOR PEMBERTON

V/ORLEY PERRY

T. W. WHITING

MRS. A. R. ZIMMERMAN

Picture taken during the Home ('inning of old settlers who alio ink'd Hie 1'imvn Jug in early dav:

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL

The town was in gala attire for this great week. Everyone
for months past had planted flowers and vines and lawns were
neat and trim. Even nature was in tune for we had cloudless
June skies, such as smile no where else as in sunny Kansas.
One outstanding feature which was unique and instructive to a
degree were the decorations of the store windows. The business
houses along Main Street had their windows decorated with an
tique articles, too numerous to mention. In one window we saw-
beautiful quilts, the handiwork of our grand mothers. Then there
was the costume set off by the hoop skirt and shaker bonnet.
The ball gown of some beauty long returned to dust, the Sunday
bonnet of some fair matron fifty years ago. Old fashioned
wraps and shawls and lace mitts were in evidence and the ladies
who had charge of this display seemed to be transported back
to the 50's and 60's of the nineteenth century, so great was their
taste in arranging these figures. Mrs. R. C. Durland, Mrs. E. D.
Scott, Miss Georgia Smith and Mrs. Dell Peterson were on this
committee. In some of the windows there were old fashioned
jewelry, old utensils, fire arms used in Trail days, books and
dishes over one hundred years old. There was a wedding outfit
brought from Bavaria fifty years ago. It was hand made and
belonged to the mother of Anna Eckhoff. There were old news-
145

THE STORY OF C iL'.NCX GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
papers and in nearly every window were pictures of old settlers
and scenes and several of old buildings that have given way to
new ones. The window disp'ays were a constant source of de
light to young and old during the week. The following program
was carried out during Home Coming week:
JUNE 27 — Monday evening, Commercial Club Reception at
High School Auditorium.
JUNE 28 — 9 a. m., Auto ride, visit to Council Oak. Story
¦ of the treaty, Mr. Geo. P. Morehouse.
2:00 p. m., Club reception at Cottage House.
Tuesday night, 8 o'clock — High School Auditorium.
PROGRAM
TMusic, Chorus; Poem, "Council Grove,'' Geo. P. Morehouse;
TPart 1— The Story cf Council Grove on the Santa Fe Trail, Mrs.
L. H. Brigham; Old Time Melodies, Mrs. R. H. Morehouse, in
costume; Play "Back to the Old Home Town"; Music, Chorus;
Part 1 — Pictures of Old Settlers and Old Scenes.
JUNE 29—7:00 a. m., Breakfast on Belfry Hill; Story of
the Hermit Priest by John Maloy, rendered by Geo. P. More
house; Wednesday 2:00 p. m. — Stella Opera House. Concert —
Musicians of 1921; Reminiscent Meeting, Mrs. J. M. Miller pre
siding; Talk — When I left Council Grove forty years ago — Mrs.
Alice Brown Yeager. Th's meeting was an open meeting an.l
ail old settlers gave some incident of early days. Wednesday,
8 p. m. — Music, Old Songs by Chorus; Part 2 — Story of Council
Grove, Mrs. L. H. Brigham; Songs — Old Time Melodies, Mrs. R.
H. Morehouse; Historical Pageant, by School Children; Musi',
•Chorus; Pictures, Part II.
JUNE 30 — 9:00 a. m., Memorial Service to Old Settlers, con
ducted by Company C, in charge of Capt. Geo. Peck; Prayer,
Rev. Bronston; Address, Rev. W. H. Comer; List of Old Settlers
who are buried in Greenwood cemetery, Rev. Williams; Decorat
ing graves, led by R. M. Armstrong and W. F. Shamleffer, W. H.
White. Thursday, 16:00 a. m., Visiting Day at the Mission for
Old Sellers and Old Settler guests. Thursday, 4:00 p. m., Visit
to Custer Elm; Pcem and Story cf Custer, Mr. Geo. P. More
house; Visit to Padilla Monument, address, Father Reidy; Talk,
Mr. Geo. P. Morehouse. Thursday, 8:00 p. m., Music, Chorus;
Entertainment by pupils of the Brown Jug and Graded School
in 50s and 60s, Mrs. J. M. Miller presiding; Talk as teacher and
pupil of loth schools, Mrs. J. M. Mi'.ler; Story, Passing of the
146

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Little Brown Jug; Play, Grandmothers Stories, by the grand
daughters of today; Duet, Mr. and Mrs. Davidson; Cheyenne Raid
Anna Louise Miller; Silver Threads Among the Gold, Mrs.
Sharp; Pictures.
FRIDAY, JULY 1— Old Settlers Picnic in City Park; 10:00
a. m., Parade led by President 0f the Day, W. F. Shamleffer, and
Mayor Pemberton, Marshalls of the Day, W. H. White, R. M.
Armstrcng, John Allen, Tom Allen; Followed by Old Settlers
who lived in the City of Council Grove before 1870.
PROGRAM
11:00 a. m., at Park. Music by band; Invocation, Rev.
Sypolt; Welcome to Old Settlers, Mayor Pemberton; Address,
M. E. Leatherwood; 12:00, Dinner; 2:30 p. m., Music, band; 2:30
p. m., Opened by Chairman of Afternoon Program, M. E. Leath
erwood; Kaw Indians, A. W. Stubbs; Responses — "Trails," Geo.
P. Morehouse; Churches, Rev. G. H. Cotton; Schools, J. J. Haney,
Music; The Press, M. F. Amrine; The Bar, H. E. Snyder; Clubs,
Mrs. B. F. Cress; 5:15, Baseball game between North and South
side merchants.
JULY 2— Reunion Day.
Monday evening, June 27 at 8 o'clock the first event of the
Home Coming, a reception was tendered the visitors, old settlers
and the public by the Commercial Club. This function was given
in the High School Auditorium, where all subsequent meetings
took place. The decorations in the Auditorium were beautiful
beyond description. A central dome from which streamers of
red, white and blue reached to the side walls. Festoons of flags
representing all nations, most prominent of all, Old Glory, the
dates 1821-1921 marking the centennial celebration everywhere
in evidence completed the decorations. This act of thoughtful-
ness on the part of the Commercial Club was thoroughly ap
preciated by all present.
Three pictures painted by Mrs. Chas. Dillon were among the
decorations. They were the Kaw Mission built in 1850, The
Brown Jug School House, 1857 and the Strieby Blacksmith Shop,
1860. Mrs. Dillon will hang these pictures in the Historical
Room in the Library.
A reception committee greeted the guests and a fine musi
cal program was rendered during the evening. Mr. C. W. Black
presided. He was assisted by Rev. W. T. Williams, pastor of
the Congregaticnal church. An orchestra with Dr. E. R. Swam
147

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
at the piano, Mrs. Kenneth Dodderidge, Miss Nira Brigham and
Wreatha Debitt violinists, played several selections during the
evening. Mrs. C. W. Debitt and daughter Wreatha sang a duet.
Mrs. Dodderidge and Miss Brigham each played violin solos and
Mrs. Lowell Woodside a vocal solo. A quartette of young ladies
from the High School delighted their hearers. They were Misses
Helen Snow, Eva Alexander, Thelma Ward and Beulah Moore.
A Maypole dance trained by Miss May Harvey, with Minnie
Lee Marks at the piano, was given by dainty little maidens,
garbed in the style of their grandmothers, with hoop skirts and
pantalettes. With quaint steps and stately measure these little
girls delighted the audience. Punch and wafers were served.
As enjoyable as this was to all, the most pleasant memories
of that first evening will be the meetings and greetings between
old families and school mates who had not met for many years.
Tuesday morning, June 28, an auto ride which had been planned
by T. W. Whiting, was enjoyed by all the guests and many of the
citizens. A long line of autos visited all places of interest and
the guests were taken to the new Garfield school, where Mrs.
Mattie Harris, the principal, assisted by Mrs. W. B. Clark, Mrs.
Coltrane, Mrs. J. S. Loy and others, dispensed hospitality to all
comers. From here they went to Charlie Crimm's yard to visit
the Historic Oak, where the treaty was signed in 1825 and from
which Council Grove received its name. Here, under the spread
ing branches of this grand old tree, Rev. B. N. Sypolt led in
prayer and then introduced Mayor Pemberton, who formally
opened the Home Coming, with » short address of welcome. Mr.
Pemberton then introduced Mr. George P. Morehouse to whom
the City of Council Grove is indebted for so much of its his
torical data and whose research has given us so much of value
regarding this Council tree. Mr. Morehouse gave a complete
history of early life along the Trail and graphically described
the Treaty under this tree. His poem "The Council Oak," wis
beautiful and this opening historical event of the Home Coming-
was fully appreciated by all present.
At 12 o'clock Chapter H, P. E. O. Sisterhood gave a lunch-on
at the home of Mrs. Lena Snow, to all visiting and resident P. E.
O's. The out of town P. E. O.'s were Mrs. P. J. Potts, Uplands,
Calf.; Mrs. R. S. Davidson, Lawrence, Kansas; Mrs. Lester Keith,
Kansas City, Mo.; Mrs. J. M. Miller, Kansas City, Kansas; Mrs.
Lura Keith, Manhattan, Kansas; Miss Emma Harvey, Odgen,
148

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Kansas. This was an interesting program. Mrs. Woodside and
Miss Helen Snow sang a duet, Miss Rosalie Brigham a piano
solo. Mrs. Woodside read letters from absent members and Mrs.
Brigham read the history of Chapter H from the time of its or
ganization in 1903 to the present time. Mrs. Hattie Isbell was
toast mistress and the committee in charge of the luncheon and
Home Coming activities were Mrs. Pearl Harvey, the president,
Mrs. J. J. Rhodes, chairman, Mrs. Gilman, Mrs. Loomis, Mrs.
McCrabb, Mrs. Jaillite, Miss Myrtle Loomis, Mrs. Woodside and
Mrs. Opal Wilson.
At 2:30 o'clock the Women's Clubs of the city gave a recep
tion at the Cottage House. Through the kindness of Mrs. Mead
and Mrs. A. J. Marks, in graciously opening this beautiful
place, this reception was one of the ideal events of our Home
Coming. One becomes conscious that here were the element?
which constitute an ideal social occasion. Beautiful surround
ings, music, flowers, beautiful women and lovely gowns, wit and
humor and best of all meeting friends old and new. The presi
dents of the various clubs, with Mrs. B. F. Cress, chairman, were
hostesses of this occasion. Mrs. E. E. Root of the T. P. M. Club,
Mrs. Sam Feigley, Nautilus; Mrs. John Linn, Progressive; Mrs.
George Peck, Philomathian; Mrs. Pearl Harvey of the P. E. 0.
Sisterhood and Mrs. L. H. Brigham of the Civic Club were in
the receiving line. Mrs. J. M. Miller gave an interesting talk,
Mrs. Woodside sang a solo, with Miss Nira Brigham playing a
violin obligata. Mrs. Kenneth Dodderidge played the violin.
Tuesday evening the Auditorium was filled to its capacity.
Community music was led by Prof. R. D. McKee with Mrs.
Adam Marks at the piano. Mrs. Mamie Sharp, who presided as
chairman, briefly sketched the history of the Home Coming and
welcomed all to our city. Mr. Geo. P. Morehouse read his ori
ginal poems, "Council Grove'' and "On the Neosho," which were
highly appreciated. He also made a short talk regarding the
historical significance of the Home Coming. Mrs. R. H. More
house of Topeka, a former resident of Council Grove, appeared
in costume and sang such old time songs as "Evalina," "Annie
Laurie" and "Ben Bolt" to the delight of the audience. Prof.
McKee and Mrs. Debitt sang the old time duet "Oh When We
Two Were Maying." Then the playlet entitled "Back to the Old
Home Town," written by Mrs. Lalla M. Brigham.' It was pre-
149

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
sented by young folks of today, impersonating well known char
acters about town and those who came to the Home Coming.
The play was admirably presented and was witty and clever.
The impersonations were true to life and created much merri
ment. Trie first scene was the meeting at the Katy depot of Alice
Brown of Texas, impersonation by Marguerite Clark and Eliza
Mather of Wyoming impersonated by Dorothy Amrine. They
came to attend the Home Coming and arrived on the same train
but did not recognize each other until after they reached Coun
cil Grove. They walked down to the Missouri Pacific depot
when Arvin Dunn (Charles Moser), Frank Moriarty (Burton
Harvey), Albert Simcock (Norman Strieby) came in on the
train. Bettie Robbins Painter (who was impersonated by Mary
Louise Brigham, rushes up and greets the guests. She gives
all the news of the Stenger boys, Dillon, Hammond, and Huffa
ker girls and Connie Sager. She points out Elwood Sharp,
(Robt. Rhodes,) who limps across the stage. Then John Rhodes
impersonating Hon. Geo. P. Morehouse of Topeka, came off the
train in his Palm Beach suit and sailor hat, which he tips to the
audience as gracefully as the original himself could have done.
Wreatha Debitt, Minnie Lee Marks, Thelma Barth, Albertine
Scott, Marie White and Katherine Crowley represented the of
ficers of the clubs of Council Grove. Nell Cress, representing
her mother as secretary of the Civic Club, introduced Leo Mar-
low as Mayor Pemberton, who gave an address of welcome, hand
ing over a huge iron key to the city's guests. This key was
made for this occasion by James Sewell. The key was accept
ed by Alice Brown, who suggested singing "The Gang's All
Here." Donald Coffin furnished the band music and Max El
liott was porter. It is no reflection upon the merit of the per
formers to mention especially Master John J. Rhodes, four years
old, who impersonated the dignified and scholarly Hon. Geo. P.
Morehouse. He was the star of the evening and all who parti
cipated in this play gladly laid the laurels of success at his feet.
A. W. Simcock, a native 0f Council Grove but now living in
Kansas City, was instrumental in having picture slides made of
150 old settlers, scenes of by gone days and places of historic
interest. We were indebted to the Methodist church for the use
of their picture machine. These slides were thrown on the screen
to the delight of all. Many faces shown had vanished from our
150

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRA11»
sight many years ago, seme so long that few were left to recog
nize them. As they appeared, one by one, it seemed like a
message from eld friends of the days gone by. Among th-m
were Seth M. Hayes, the first white man, and many others wb»
helped make Council Grove. There were early day buildings
and street scenes. The Hays House, now Arway Hotel, as it
was built in 1857, the o'd bridge, the Brown Jug, the first church
building, Indian chiefs, the three Indians who guided Mr. Sham
leffer in the early 60's en one of his trading expeditions out west,
the plat of the town in 1872, the first automobile and several pic
tures of our present day citizens dressed in the styles of the 50's
and 60's. These pictures were the thought of A. W. Simcock who
donated their use to the entertainment of guests during the
Home Coming. They were made by the Thompson Slide Co.. of
Kansas City. No feature of the Home Coming was more appre
ciated than these pictures of old settlers and old scenes.
The breakfast upon Belfry Hill, June 29, 1921, will long be
remembered by those who attended. It was a perfect Jane
morning. At our feet stretched the beautiful Neosho Valley,
sti 1 veiled in the.m'sts of morning. The songs of birds furnish
ed an orchestra, the greetings of friends, new and old> added to
our pleasure. The breakfast was served al-fresco. The literary
clubs of the city had this affair in charge and competent commit
tees were everywhere to see that the guests were well served.
The hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Black stood ope»
and from it issued a procession of comely matrons and maids not
bearing libations to the Gods but steaming coffee to about three
hundred for breakfast.
After breakfast Mr. Morehouse read from the original mama-
script, the story of the Hermit Priest who in 1862-63 lived iw
the cave in Belfry Hill. This story was written by the late
John Maloy and is not only enjoyably viewed from a literary
standpoint, but is accurate historically and is fine.y concerned
and graphically told. Mr. Morehouse gave a brief account of
his knowledge of the author's story and presented .the manu
script to Mrs. L. H. Brigham, daughter of the late John Maloy.
He then called on Mr. Leon D. Mather, who related his knjw-
ledge of the Hermit and told of his experience as a boy when he
frequently visited the cave. He gave a most valuable contri
bution relative to the history of the Hermit Priest whom so
many have come to regard as a pleasant myth. Mr. Mather
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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
described the priest, his personal appearance, his dress and food
He told of the Priest's visit to the little brown school house and
his addressing the pupils, of a coat of mail he wore and of many
conversations his father had with him. Mr. Mather's talk waj
invaluable for it served to make real to many a fact of histori
cal importance to our town. He became a reality not a legend
and his cave not a place of the imagination but a real refuge for
the hermit of the plains.
Mr. Morehouse then recited his poem "The Old Bell,"
which describes the old bell which stood for so many years on
Belfry Hill.
Dotted here and there on the blue grass yarcl .where a few
short years ago flourished the rosin weed and prairie grass, were
picturesque groups being photographed, for future days and
souvenirs of a most happy memory.
Wednesday afternoon, June 29th, at 2:30 o'clock, through
the courtesy 0f Mr. W. R. Bratton, the Stella Theatre was given
over to the musicians of our city who gave a concert to our visit
ors. Our beautiful Opera House never showed to a better ad
vantage and the audience was appreciative and attentive. Mrs
Mamie Sharp, chairman on music, presided. The following pro
gram was given:
Violin solo, Nira Brigham; vocal solo, Helen Snow;- vocal
so.o, Mrs. Debitt; piano solo, Mrs. A. W. Marks; vocal solo, Mrs
L. N. Woodside; violin solo, Mrs. Kenneth Dodderidge; musical
reading, Mrs. Edwin Anderson.
The Reminescent hour, which followed, was presided over
by Mrs. J. M. Miller, who called W. H. White, W. F. Shamlef
fer, R. M. Armstrong, A. W. Simcock and Mrs. Genevieve Math
er Munson, of Eldorado, to the stage and told them each in five
minutes to relate some reminescence of other days. How fas':
they did talk! Mr. White told of his arrival in Council Grove
in 1857, when but a mere boy and of his subsequent trip across
the plains to Santa Fe, with a caravan. Mr. Shamleffer, who
has been mayor of our city half a life time, gave some inter
esting and amusing history of business deals of the days gone
by and somij of his experiences with the Kaw Indians with
whom he traded. Mr. Armstrong told of his entry into Council
Grove in 1865 by stage and described Main street of that day.
He told us that our pretty residence streets were then but cow-
paths, grown high with weeds, that the cows wore bells so they
152

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRA1I
n-ight be found. Mrs. Munson, who was Jennie Mather in her
school days, told of some amusing and daring pranks which she
and some of the staid matrons played upon their teachers.
Mr. A. W. Simcock, who came to our city in September, 1857
¦on his birthday (as he put it) felt so happy that he played his
famous Grasshopper Waltz, which he composed during the
scourge of 1873, much to the delight of his old friends. This
waltz was the work of Mr. Simcock when he was only sixteen
years old. Mrs. Miller added to these interesting tales in her
usual charming manner and many events of a historical and
personal nature were mentionel at this most enjoyable meeting.
Wednesday evening the program was presented to a crowded
house. Rev. G. W. Cotton of the First Presbyterian church pre
sided. Mrs. B. F. Cress, 0n behalf of the Civic Club, told of the
pleasure the club was experiencing in being instrumental in giv
ing this event to so many old residents of our city.
Mrs. Morehouse sang "Bonnie Sweet Bessie," and "Comin'
Thru the Rye." The pages dedicated to the old settlers, by Mrs.
Prigham, in her "Story of Council Grove" were read by Mrs.
Mamie Sharp. Mrs. Debitt then sang "Some day I'll Wander
Back Again," the audience joining in the chorus, Prof. McKee
conducting the Community singing. A historical stage page
ant was then presented. The monologue of this pageant was
written by Mrs. L. H. Brigham and recited by Miss Marguerite
Clark. This monologue described all the important historical
events in the history of Council Grove in their order from the
time Coronado passed through Kansas in 1542 when Pries:
Padilla accompanied him, to June 1921, the present time. The
children of our city schools bearing banners with name and date
of each historical event put on this pageant. As the monolo
gue progressed, there came upon the stage, taking their respec
tive places, Priest Padilla, 1542; Wm. Becknell, 1821; The Com
missioners and Indian Chiefs, who made and signed the treaty
of 1825; Kit Carson in hunting shirt and bowie knife; Gen. Fre
mont, Josiah Gregg, Seth M. Hays, The Hermit Priest, the Kaw
Indians, Squaws and Pappooses, all appropriately garbed. The
Flood, Fire and Drouth were there also, in short all the import-
art happenings were depicted by character carrying suitably
inscribed banners. The effect they presented cannot be describ
ed, but as we looked on that forest of banners, each representing
an event of great importance, we realized, as never before, of
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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
what toil, sacrifice and service our state and communities are
builded. As Miss Marguerite Clark greeted the Twentieth Cen
tury which was represented by Helen Haney; Carolyn Blim as
1821 and Mary Cansada Figley as America and Anna Louise
Rhodes as 1921 came on the stage. June, 1921, was represented
by little June Fleming, a winsome little miss of four summers,
the grand-daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Fleming, one of our
eld and honored families. The following children represented
the different epochs 0f Council Grove history: Norman Strieby,
Charles Moser, Robert Rhodes, Marion Jaillite, Milford Springer,
Erlene Jaillite, Ingobord Anderson, Ruth Anderson, Lynera Bur
ns, Billie Strieby, Vera White, Max Elliot, Paul Elliot, John
Anderson, Shirley Dillon, Frederick Carpenter, Marabeth Strieby,
Genevieve Crowley, Lucille Anderson, Helen Anderson, Leo
Rhodes, Burton Harvey, Russell Jaillite, Mary Amrin<\ Eugenie
Marlow, Albertine Scott.
The same children and banners were used in the historical
section of the parade on Old Settlers Picnic Day. Mr. Simcock
showed the second half of the pictures of old settlers and old
scenes. Those who rest in our beautiful Greenwood, sleeping peace
fully through these swiftly passing years were not forgotten.
Thursday morning, June 30, Rev. Comer of the M. E. Church
South, who was pastor here for many years, assisted by Rev.
Oliver Bronston, of the M. E. Church and Rev. W. T. Williams,
of the Congregaticnal Church, conducted a memorial service
for the old settlers who had passed on. Rev. Comer's address
was filled with pathos such as only one who labored among the
pioneers could give. Rev. Bronston offered prayer and Rev. Wil
liams read a list of the dead. Capt. Peck of Co. C and some of
the members, led by the band, had charge of decorating the
graves. R. M. Armstrong, W. H. White, W. F. Shamleffer, B.
R. Scott and many other pioneers wended their way through the
silent city, where a sprig of evergreen was placed upon ths
green mounds of the men and women who fought adversity in
pioneer days that we today might enjoy our blessings. As this
simple service was reverently performed it seemed as if the
majestic pines and cedars, which shade so many of their graves
sighed a requiem of assent and satisfaction, as if they knew
that these whose graves they guard are still to memory dear.
The Historic Mission, the home of the late Mrs. Anna Huf-
ir: .

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
faker Carpenter stood hospitably open all day Thursday, June 30,
to welcome all 0ld friends and citizens. Mrs. Carpenter had plan
ned for this and her children and brothers and sisters, who came
back to the old home for this event, did all in their power to
make it one of the most enjoyable and memorable functions o,
this never-to-be-forgotten day. The occasion which afforded
much pleasure to old friends and school mates carried with it
a note of sadness, the memory of those who in times past had
made these old stone walls ring with laughter and whose voices
are heard no more. The officers of the Civic Club, assisted by
Mrs. Fletcher Collins, Mrs. E. D. Scott, Mrs. A. G. Campbell,
Mrs. Throp and Mrs. Lura Keith, received and served at this
reception. This all day reception was well attended and appreciated by
citizens and guests. At four o'clock, a goodly number of autos
were at the City Library to proceed to Custer Elm, whose story
was beautifully told in verse by Mr. George P. Morehouse. As
he stood beneath the branches of this noble tree reciting his
poetic tribute to this monarch of a forest long vanished, we real
ized that one does not need to journey to far off New England
to see historic elms for we possess one as truly historic. There
was a large crowd assembled around Custer Elm at this time
and the address made by Mr. Morehouse told the history of the
tree and of the heroic military life and death of its former own
er, General George A. Custer. Seeing Major Potts in the crowd,
mention was made of the fact that the Major, an old Morris
county citizen, had fought with Custer upon Virginia battle fields
and had come from Upland, California, to participate in the ex
ercises. It was brought out that the Custer Elm was one of the
largest elms in the United States, being over sixteen feet in cir
cumference and about one hundred feet high.
Mr. Morehouse spoke of our Council Oak being listed in the
Hall of Fame for trees and that he was making an effort to get
the Custer Elm recognized. The following poem, "The Custer
Elm " written by Mr. Morehouse and dedicated to this occasion,
was read: 155

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
THE CUSTER ELM
By George Pierson Morehouse

Among my giant forest friends,
"The Custer Elm" stands;
When wintry winds have stripped its leaves,
Its branches look like hands,
Which beckon me to tell its tale
To ages yet to come;
For, though it's stood an hundred years
And many more — 'tis dumb;
But what a tale it would unfold,
Could it speak out in accents bold.

The Custer Elm's a famous tree,
Part of Old Council Grove,
And sheltered redmen from afar
Who from the plains would rove;
And pioneers of long ago,
Who now are bent with age,
Remember it before the cars
Retired the Concord stage;
And marvelled oft at its great girth
And ages since this tree had birth.

Beneath this towering forest tree,
With branches spreading wide,
I'll sit me down and rest awhile —
My thoughts on past abide.
A hero of the Civil War,
An Indian fighter bold,
Once owned this tree and wood-land glen,
Which he had bought with gold.
This tract of land and this old tree,
From Uncle Sam to him in fee.
He thought to live near it some day,
When war and strife would cease,
And plant and reap in fertile fields
And watch his herds increase.
A quarter-section stretched around,
With woods and bottoms free,
He loved to think that in the midst
There stood this grand old tree.
To all it cast a grateful shade,
And many sought this pleasant glade
156

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
In course of time, in far northwest,
On Little Big Horn's stream,
Our hero fought his farewell fight
And all his plans — a dream.
His wife, in sorrow, sold the land,
And with it went this tree;
But though the town has spread around,
It's saved for you and me.
Forever, let this monarch grow,
Mute monument of long ago.
After Custer Elm exercises the line of march was resumed
which led to the top of the highest hill in Morris county, upon
whose summit stands the pile 0f stones which has always been
there as far back as white man's memory goes. This pile of
stones marks the supposed burial place of Father Padi'!a,
the first Christian martyr of America. Father Reidy delivered
an eloquent address upon the results to mankind of such lives
as that of Father Padilla and men of his character who have
made history. He spoke of the significance of "first things,"
the first discoverer of a country, Columbus, the first settle
ments of the pioneers, the first president of the United States,
Washington, and the first Christian martyr, Padilla — and what
distinction and honor it was to reverence his memory and to
be considered the locality where he sacrificed his life in labor
ing for this. Mr. George P. Morehouse followed and gave much
authentic history and data relative to Padilla, his life and work,
also his death. Mr. Morehouse has made an exhaustive research
upon this subject, examining the ancient homestead records of
Spanish authorities. At the conclusion of his address Mr.
Morehouse read his poem, "Padilla, the Priest of the Plair.?."
This was one of the most impressive exercises during the Home
Coming. There was something so unique and far reaching in
the sentiment and scenery, the beautiful day, the city in
the distance, the ancient pile of rock, the commanding eminence,
the Catholic priest and general memorial character of the event,
linking the present with the long ago. One could not hear
the words that were spoken and view that rude monument that
marks the last resting place of a great and good man without
feeling our duty and obligation to carry on in this day the work
so nobly begun.
Thursday evening, June 30, the men and women who attend
ed the Little Brown Jug in the 50's and 60's gave the first p--irt
157

nnm^^l^^^LUUWLlL G1VU HE U1M THE SANTA FE TRAIL
of the entertainment. Mrs. J. M. Miller, who is remembered as
Miss Mamie Dillon and who filled the niche as both pupil and
teacher in that old historic edifice, conducted this part of
the entertainment. It took the form of an old fashioned
Friday afternoon, when the girls and boys spoke "pieces." The
boys and girls who sang and spoke this night had white hair
and wore specs and while their voices may not have been as
blythe as in the days gone by, they sang with spirit such songs
as "Weaver John," "Whistling Farmer Boy," "The Old School
House," "Three Blind Mice." Mrs. A. W. Marks accompanied
them upon an honest-to-goodness melodeon and A. W. Simcock,
as in days of yore, beat time. Mr. W. H. White, who attended
the Brown Jug in 1858, the first year school was held in the
little school house, was on the stage. He is the only person liv
ing in Council Grove who attended the school that year. Al
bert Simcock recited a sketch entitled "Philosophic Remarks by
a Lanquid Englishman," which caused much merriment. He also
played his "Grasshopper Waltz." Leon Mather declaimed an
old poem called "The Old Council Grove Band," published by a
newspaper forty years ago. Mrs. Mamie Sharp read part of
the story of the Little Brown Jug written by Mrs. Brigham
several years ago when the building was moved. Anna Louise
Miller recited the following poem, written by A. W. Stubbs for
the Home Coming. Mr. Stubbs is the son of Major Mahlon
Stubbs who had charge of the Kaw Indians at the time of the
Cheyenne Raid in 1868.
CHEYENNE RAID OF 1868.
Gather around me, my little friends,
And hear my story until the end.
'Tis a story thats true of the long ago;
My Grandmother told it, I know it is so.
Way back in the Sixties, just after the war,
When scenes were enacted we all abhor;
A messenger came to our little town
And this is the message he brought down:
The Cheyennes are coming! Run! Flee for your lives!
They are armed with guns and bowie knives.
Ye men of the Grove arm quick for a fight,
I saw the Indians, I know I am right.
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THt; STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Their faces were painted a crimson red,
A war bonnet streamed from each warrior's head.
They will slaughter your children and steal your wife!
Flee, my countrymen, flee for your lives!
But the Cheyennes were enemies of the Kaws
Whom they- charged with breaking the Indian laws;
It was them they sought, not the whites,
To seek revenge for their former fights.
Through the town they rode nor touched a hair
Of the frightened people dwelling there.
But a war cry arose as they passed on down
And crossed the waters of Little John.
The peaceful Kaws all out of breath,
Came rallying forth to fight to death,
The wild Cheyennes who dared invade
The land where the father's bones were laid.
When the Cheyennes saw the Kaws show fight
They soon betook themselves in flight.
While Council Grovites from the hills
Enjoyed the scene of the battle thrill.
The calamities if none I have missed
Were- an Indian wounded in the wrist,
And this dear children is all I know
Of Council Grove and the Indian woe.
Mrs. Mamie Sharp sang "Silver Threads Among the Gold,"
Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Davidson delighted the audience with the
duet "When You and I Were Young Maggie." This ended t'.t
school program which was interspersed with interesting remarks
by Mrs. J. M. Miller. Mr. Leon Mather and sister, Mrs. Gene-
v.eve Mather Munson, sang a Scotch song that had been sung
in their family for four hundred years, which was very much
appreciated. Those taking part in this entertainment who attended the-
Brown Jug in early days were W. H. White, Sr., Otto Hebrank,
Eugene Hebrank, Mary Hebrank Metzger, Aggie Stevenson
Strieby, Betty Robbins Painter, John Allen, Tom Allen, Laura
•Schmidt Wyler, Ann Schmidt Hardy, Sarah Hammond White,
Mamie Dillon Miller, Carrie Hammond Jacobs, Aggie Huffaker
159

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRA:L
Wismeyer, George Huffaker, Leon Mather, Genevieve Matnur
Munson, Jas. Stenger, Albert Simcock, Kit Stenger, Coonie Stm-de
Sager Elwood Sharp, John Schmidt, George Simcock, Aran
Dunn. Mrs. Cora Chase and Mrs. Alice Armsby who were teach
ers in early days were among the pupils on the stage. After
the school was dismissed Mayor Pemberton on behalf of the
citizens of Council Grove, thanked Mr. A. W. Simcock for ins
part in the entertainment of furnishing the pictures.
"Grandmothers Stories," written by Mrs. Brigham and told
by the granddaughters of pioneer families was the next fea
ture. The young ladies were our very sweetest and prettiest
"buds" and were gowned for the very effective setting, an after
noon tea, with Dorothy Amrine hostess. Through the courtly
of Durland & Block, the stage was furnished artistically with
wicker chairs, settees and electric reading lamp.
Stories and real jokes were told of pioneer days and -_»*o-
ple. The girls who presented this play were Dorothy Amrine,
Dorothy Rees, Marguerite Clark, Mary Louise Brigham, Net'
Cress, Thelma Barth, Marie White, Katherine Crowley, Wreatha
Debitt, Opal Welch, Minnie Lee Marks, Anna Louise Rhodes and
Albertine Scott. At the close of this play Mr. Simcock's slides
were shown again.
Friday morning, July 1st, the day of the Old Settlers Pic
nic, the streets were filled with people to witness the most beau
tiful parade ever seen in our town. Churches, Sabbath Schools,
clubs, business firms, lodges, Co. C, National Guards, American
Legion, Auxiliary, county officials, in short every one did their
best to make the parade a memorable one. The floats ranged
all the way from extreme beauty to the useful and highly sig
nificant for the occasion. The historical section depicted the
history of Council Grove in every epoch. This part was car
ried out by the school children. A prairie schooner filled with
barefoot children, its bale of hay, its lean horse, chicken coop
and spotted lop-eared dog with the legend on its side, "Kansas
or Bust," carried many of the spectators back to pioneer days.
This was furnished by the Garfield school under the supervision
'of Mrs. Mattie E. Harris. The parade was led by the Council
Grove band with Mayor Pemberton and W. F. Shamleffer, presi
dent of the day, following. Several cars filled with old set
tlers came next and then the historical section followed by flouts.
The parade started at Wood and Hockaday and went west to
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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIE
Washington,: east on Main, street to the Hospital and back ie>
Union, then north to the park. Mr. Worley Perry and Heniry
Craven had charge of the parade and are to be congratulated «a
their success. Many visitors who had seen other similar pa
rades pronounced ours both beautiful and interesting. The Uase?
of march ended at the city park where the president of the day,
W. F. Shamleffer, introduced Mayor Pemberton who delivered
an address of welcome.
A picnic dinner was enjoyed by several hundred people -
afterwards spent a couple of hours visiting. About 2:30 '.
Pemberton introduced M. E. Leatherwood, chairman of the dajy,-
also speaker of the occasion. Mr. Leatherwood delivered an ad
dress worthy of the occasion in his usual happy style. The fu9-
lowing topics were fittingly discussed in this order: The Saw-
Indian, A. W. Stubbs; Trails, Mr. George P. Morehouse;
Churches, Rev. G. H. Cotton; The Bar, H. E. Snyder; Clubs, Mrs-
B. F. Cress.
A fitting climax to this enjoyable afternoon was the pres
entation to Mrs. L. H. Brigham of a massive silver loving e«px
by Mr. Morehouse, as a token of appreciation from her old time'
friends and fellow citizens for her work and efforts which made
the Homecoming possible and such a success. Mrs. Brigham!
responded to this presentation by thanking the people for this:
token of their appreciation of her efforts and expressed her
gratitude to the citizens for falling in with her plans in this:
undertaking and was making it a success. She told of the great
pleasure it had been to her to make possible the reunion-of ol<U
settlers and old friends.
The following inscription was engraved on the cupr.
1821—1921
COUNCIL GROVE CENTENNIAL
Lalla Maloy Brigham.
From Old Time Friends in Recognition of Services as Chairman
Celebrating Wm. Becknell's Caravan Pack Train over the Santa
Fe Trail in 1821
161

f HE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL

A base ball game between the Fats and Leans (business men)
dosed the day. The game was managed by L. N. Woodside. The
late Lee A. Moser was umpire for this game and dressed to fit
Hie part with broad cowboy hat, linen duster and two six-shoot
ers furnished much amusement for the crowd. As this was the
last time Mr. Moser participated in any public affair his many
friends, although mourning his loss will always retain the mem
ory of his jovial remarks and the enjoyment he derived from
•the game.
Saturday, July 2nd was Reunion Day and while many of the
guests had to leave early Saturday morning, others availed
themselves of the opportunity to visit with old friends.
Friday night Mrs. L. Mead and Mrs. A. J. Marks invited a
number of citizens, old settlers and guests to meet and visit
for the last time during the Home Coming. The out of town
guests especially enjoyed this.
Such an event in any community as the Home Coming means
.hard work on the part of all connected with it in any way. All
of the men and women who served on the committees deserve
1G2

THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
praise for their efforts and support, but it is no reflection upon
them to emphasize the work of R. M. Armstrong and E. D. Scott
who were assistants to the chairman, Mrs. Brigham. To these
two more than any others the Civic club and its President, Mrs.
Brigham feel grateful. Mr. Armstrong has a wonderful fund of
history stored up in his unusual retentive memory which was
of great value in planning and carrying out the Home Coming.
Mr. Scott as the all around practical business adviser was be
yond praise. Mr. Scott with the aid of Mrs. Durland handled
the finances.
Mr. Whiting, Mr. Perry and Mr. Craven were helpful advisers
on the managing committee. Mr. Whiting arranging all aute
rides and Mr. Perry and Mr. Craven carrying out plans for the
parade. It is impossible to name all who helped with the dif
ferent activities of the Home Coming. Each club, church or
organization appointed their own committees. Mrs. Mamie
»harp, Prof. R. D. McKee, Mrs. A. W. Marks and Mrs. Debbit
managed the music, Mrs. E. R. Swain and Mr. L. H. Brigham
assisted Mr. Scott and Mrs. Durland in selling and collecting
tickets. Superintendent Haney was faithful in his cooperation.
Harry Rees managed the picture machine and Gus Pearson
looked after the auditorium. Mrs. Cress was chairman of Club
activities. The Commercial Culb, T. P. M.; Nautilus; Progres
sive; Philomathian, Civic and P. E. O., their presidents and
•ommittees too numerous to mention, all came in for their share
of praise. The band boys, Co. C. American Legion and Auxil-
ary, Lodges, O. E. S. Rebekahs, Business men, Ministers, teach
ers won the appreciation of the managing committee.
Mrs. Flora Davis had charge of the registering of old settlers
and guests. The Council Grove history committee, Mrs. A. R.
Zimmerman, Mrs. S. L. Karr, Mrs. George Bolton, Mrs. A. L.
Pullins, Mrs. Flora E Davis, Mrs Joe Jones and Mrs. R. C. Dur
land were active in selling the Story of Council Grove on the
Santa Fe Trail. The net proceeds which goes to the Civic Club.
The training of the monologue parts of the pageant and the two
plays presented during the Home Coming was due to the efforts
of Mrs. J. J. Rhodes and Miss Rosalie Brigham who staged the
plays and drilled the young people in singing the songs which
were parodies appropriate for the occasion. Mrs. R. H. More
house wrote the parody on the Little Brown Jug. Miss Jessie
Sharp, Miss Sue Irvin and Supt. J. J. Haney displayed great
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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
skill in training the school children to represent the different
epochs of Council Grove history in staging the pageant. The
mayor, Mr. Pemberton and all speakers at the picnic were ap
preciated by all who heard them.
We are also most grateful to our out of town guests, Mr. Geo.
P. Morehouse, A. W. Simcock, A. W. -Stubbs, Mrs. J. M.
Miller, Mrs. R. H. Morehouse, Mr. Mather, Mrs. Munsen, Mr.
and Mrs. R. S. Davidson who added their talent to help make
the Home Coming a success
Mr. Morehouse deserves special mention as he did so much
towards making the Home Coming a success. His knowledge
of local history was of great interest to all citizens of Council
Grove. To our local newspapers the Republican and Daily Guard we
owe a great deal of the success of the Home Coming. Mr. E.
D. George of the Republican and M. F. Amrine of the Daily
Guard gave free space for months before the event so that their
readers were informed regarding the plans for the Home Com
ing. During the Home Coming week each days program was
published in both papers. M. F. Amrine and L. N. Woodside
of the Guard and Miss Louise Brown and O. R. Laster of the
Republican were untiring in their efforts to give the event
publicity. The managing committee appreciates this courtesy
on the part of our Council Grove newspapers.
The events of Home Coming Week have become history. As
years go by and we recall events of the past and as we count
them one by one on memory's golden chain, the most beautiful
and wonderful of all will be the memory of that week June 27 .to
July 1st, 1921.
MONOLOGUE OF HISTORICAL STAGE PAGEANT
Written by Mrs. L. H. Brigham. Read by Marguerite Clark
Before my eyes there passes a picture, and while I am dream
ing of long ago, in the scenes that pass before me there are
events, places and people. First I see this broad land of ours,
when only the Indians trod the plains, I see now what is Kan
sas, before the settlement of Jamestown, Va. or the landing of
the Pilgrim Fathers on New England shores. The tall grass,
(untrodden except by the fleet footed native and buffalo) cov
ered the land. Through that broad, broad expanse of prairie
there was a change in the landscape and a silver stream winding
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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
m and out among the hills was met by a smaller stream.
They were both lined with elms, oaks, weeping willows and other
beautiful trees, and there were numerous groves of the same
trees in the valley through which these streams ran. The violets
sweet Williams, lark spur and blue bells dotted their green
banks and vied with the sunflower and golden rod of the prairies
beyond in adding beauty to the landscape. Kind nature left a
¦ pathway skirting the hill east and west of the larger stream
and molded its banks less precipitous. This made possible the
famous crossing of the Neosho and gave birth to the Trail which
today is our famous Santa Fe Trail. The golden gleam of the
sunlight, the silvery rays of the moon, and the purple shadows
to'd the same beautiful story to their primitive surroundings in
the long ago as they do now when civilization has invaded the
scene that forms the background of the City of Council Grove
today. I close my eyes again and view the panorama that
passes and see the scenes and events that lead up to the twent
ieth century. In 1541, 380 years ago, Coronado, a Spanish ex
plorer in search of gold, broke the first pathway across the
plains of Kansas. His followers and Indian guides came from
Mexico and they visited the strange tribes of Indians who in
habited Kansas at that time. With him was the Priest Padilla
whose object was to carry a message of the gospel to the nomads
of the new country. They sojourned with the Indians near the
present site of Junction City. Coronado whose quest for gold
was not rewarded, returned with his party to Mexico. The fol
lowing year in 1542 Priest Padilla returned to the Quiverians.
They received him kindly and made him welcome to the crude
village. He spent several months with them and hearing of a
war like tribe south of Quivera (later called Kaws) he started
in a southeasterly direction hoping to reach them, with the same
message he had for the Quiverians. According to Spanish records
and reports thirty-five miles southeast of Quivera on Mount
Padilla, one mile southwest of Council Grove, he met his death
either by meeting hostile Indians or by some of the Quiverians
who followed for the purpose of keeping him from going into
the camp of their enemies. Thus, the first Christian Martyr of
America, Priest Padilla, met his death while in search of the
tribe who three hundred years later dwelt in their tepees on the
hills surrounding Council Grove, and the crude pile of stone
marks the center of the reservation, hence the name Mount Pad-
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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
ilia. We know other cities claim the grave of Priest Padilla,
but this monument of stone has been there since the earliest
record of white men passing through here, so we feel our claim
justified until it is proven false.
Nearly two centuries later in 1719 a Frenchman named Die
Tisne passed through Morris county. In 1804 La Lande, a
French Creole, was the first known white man to camp at the
Neosho ford. Purcell, another Frenchman, crossed the ford a
year later.
One hundred years ago in 1821, William Becknell, from
Franklin, Mo., led the first successful caravan through Council
Srove to Santa Fe, New Mexico. It consisted of pack mules.
Again in 1824 Wm. Becknell made another successful journey
across the plains. On both of these expeditions he cut his way
through the timber and underbrush and crossed the Neosho
Ford at our Main street bridge and blazed the trail that was only
a path, at that time, and is now the Santa Fe Trail. The report
to Congress of the 1821 and 1824 expeditions led to the Council
of Indians and white men August 10, 1825, when President John
Quincy Adams appointed Col. George C. Sibley, Benjamin Reeves
and Thomas Mathers tp meet with the Chiefs Great and Little
Osage Indians to procure a right of way through their lands so
a road could be marked through to New Mexico. This Council
with the Indians took place August 10, 1825, under the Old Oak
in Charles Crimm's yard. The name Council Grove was given
to this place at that time.
,,. Kit Carson with his band of Scouts loitered at the Neosho
Ford. in 1827 and cut the name Council Grove on a piece of buf
falo hide and nailed it to a tree.
In 1828 Dr. William Connelly made the first survey of the
right of way of the Santa Fe Trail. In 1831 Josiah Gregg took
the first large caravan through Council Grove to Santa Fe, N
Mexico. In 1843 General John Fremont with his guide, Big
John, and exploring party, camped at Fremont Springs, one mile
east of Council Grove. Big John Creek was named for this
guide. ;
In 1846 Col. Doniphan and Col. Price crossed the Neosho
Ford on their way to the Mexican War and rested their Missouri
Volunteer Regiment here. This march of -4,000 miles from Lea.-
venworth to the land of the Aztecs, has no rival in the marches
of the world. One of their soldiers died while they were camped
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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
here and was buried on the side of Belfry Hill. Thirtyrsix years
later his remains were taken to the National Cemetery at Wash
ington. The picture changes in 1847 and the Government moved the
Kaw Indians to the country surrounding Council -Grove, and un
til 1873 it was known as the Kaw Reservation. The same year
Seth Hays, the first white man to locate in Council Grove, came
here and built the first log cabin. An interpreter for the Indians
named Ackers was here for a while. This man had been at the
Council, under our famous Council Oak in 1825, and, was one of
the interpreters at that meeting. Years later he gave a descrip-,
tion of the tree and told the number of yards -it wag from, the
crossing and that it was located on a rise of ground, Thus the
coming of Seth Hays started the settlement which is now Coun
cil Grove. Other settlers followed, and in 1849 T. S. Huffaker
came as an interpreter of the Indians,. .The, next year the Old
Kaw Mission, still standing on the west bank of the Neosho, was
built. As teacher of the Indians and of the first white school
in Kansas, Mr. Huffaker placed the corner stone. of the school
System of Council Grove arid Kansas.
The next picture shows the struggling log cabin and the first
church qrganization, the Methodist Episcopal phurch South, the
first store building called the Last Chance, and the Hays House
still standing. In 1858 the Little Brown Jug, that stood ~for
sixty-one years was built, and paved the way to better educa
tional advantages. Two years later when the Santa Fe Trail
hummed with caravans and when trade with the freighters and
Indians made Council Grove a frontier trading post, the stone
black-smith shop at the foot of Belfry Hill was built, and oxen
drawing their supplies for Santa Fe trade, received their last
attention from a blacksmith at this shop.
In 1859 the Kaws raided Council Grove and in 1860 there
was a drought. In 1861 our men in blue and gray joined the
great Civil War. Now enters the romantic tale of the Hermit
Priest who with his dog "King", sojourned here for five months.
Years before he had left his home in sunny Italy with a shadow
his name, he turned his face toward the west and after reach
ing the United States went from Indian tribe to Indian tribe
teaching them the power of the gospel and the rudiments of
civilization. His cave on the hill where he counted his bead*
and played soft airs on his mandolin, is still an historic shrine.
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THE STORY OF COUNCIL GROVE ON THE SANTA FE TRAIL
General Custer camped under Custer Elm in 1867. Soldier
Sale, down the river, received its name from his soldiers who
wscd the place as a swimming pool. June 1st, 1868, the Chey-
«n«es raided the Kaws at Council Grove. In 1869 our first
«lmeh building was erected, the M. E. Church South. It stood
tor fifty years. After the Trail days ended in 1866, we looked
Jen-ward to the first railroad and the M. K. & T. was completed
in 1869. '
In 1873 the Kaw Indians were removed to the Indian Ter
ritory. In 1883 the Missouri Pacific ran its first train through
Council Grove. The fire of 1886 wiped out our business block
tea North Main street, west of the Arway Hotel. During the last
Aw years of the 19th Century our town began to improve. We
flatted new additions, a water system, electric lights and street
aaSIway added prestige to our little city. Looking back over the
?ym of years the 19th Century has recorded many important
e-TCnts, and we greet the 20th Century with a volume of noble
afceds of good men and women who during the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's
aaml 90's have helped make Council Grove.
The flood of 1903 was a disasterous event. Since that time
XKOgress has marked time with the years and now in 1921 we
law nine and one-half miles of paving, a sewer system, a Car-
a^gie Library, a fine theatre, three modern school buildings and
siereB churches, miles and miles of cement walks, comfortable
•wines and business houses. And Council Grove, with its mod-
«ni improvements, natural surroundings and historical signific
ance fs a town worthy of respect and admiration.

168