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George L. Jarvis married Jess Bell Lynn on October 23, 1907. They had three children: John E., Richard L. and Nancy L. Jarvis. George later became President and Chairman of the Board of the First National Bank of Winfield. His sons, John and Richard, became officers of the bank. Nancy married Ben Sullivan of Milwaukee, Wisconsin who was a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Mflwaukee. Ben passed away July 1, 1970. Nancy still makes her home in Milwaukee. George died June 30, 1965 and Jess died February 12, 1962.
John E. Jarvis was born December 25, 1908. He married Shirley Aileen Johnson on February 14, 1940. John served in the U.S. Navy and saw active duty on Guam in World War II. He retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant. As a communications officer, he processed the cease fire order from Admiral Nimitz's advance headquarters at Guam. They had two children, John Edmund Jarvis, II, born April 9, 1942, and Paul G. Jarvis, born January 30, 1953. Shirley died December 24, 1988.
John Edmund Jarvis, II (Ed) married Margaret Jackson on November 30, 1973. Ed served as a radioman in the U.S. Navy under Admiral Moore on the U.S.S. Oklahoma City, flag ship of the 7th Fleet, during the Vietnam War. Ed is a director of the First National Bank of Winfield. They have two children: Michael Shone Jarvis, born December 29, 1968, and John Eric Jarvis, born October 17, 1976. Michael married Carol Lawson on December 29, 1988.
Paul G. Jarvis married Julianna Chaney on August 2, 1975 Paul is an attorney and Justice of the Peace in Buffalo, Wyoming, where he and Juli have made their home since 1978. They have three children, Jeremy William Jarvis, born July 17, 1980; Christopher John Jarvis, born March 17, 1982; and Sarah Lynn Jarvis, born May 6, 1986.
Submitted by John E. Jarvis
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 206.
Arthur's mother died when he was three years of age; his father died when Art was fourteen. He worked his way through schooling, working on a farm, cream station, grocery store, and third class Post Office, graduating 5-12-1933. He farmed during the depression and dirty thirties dust storms, the grasshopper plague and crop failures.
"1937-1941" was employed at the Holly Sugar Company in California working his way to Foreman of the company. "3-25-41" Art's name was drawn in the first "Fish Bowl Draft" and inducted into Army at Fort Monmouth California. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, " 12-7-41", he was in the first Company sent to Europe. Leaving the Port of Embarkation "1-5-1942". Served in Tunisia, Naples, Foggie Northern France, Central Europe, Rhineland, Message Center Chief of S.H.A.E.F., and Denmark. Honorably discharged "8-30-1945".
Art then made has residence in Wichita, Kansas. " 11-20-45" he married Bernadine Rosa Drowatzky. Was employed by General Mills and was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. They were blessed with a daughter Marla May Jensen.
His hobby raising nine hundred named Iris. Served as President of Wichita Iris Society, Vice President of Wichita Garden Center and a member of the project and development of Wichita Historic Cowtown and its plantings around its Church and buildings. Being a National Accredited Garden and Exhibition Judge of the American Iris Society, 1961, Art, and Bernadine attended the Iris Show in Portland Oregon.
Many beautiful polished stones were displayed every place, this began their interest in collecting rocks and fossils, and lapidary.
"2-17-66" General Mills transferred Art to their new plant built in West Chicago, Illinois. Through information learned by reading, attending rock and mineral shows, and talking with experts, the Jensens collected on vacations and sought out areas where unusual specimen could be found.
Having thirty years employment with General Mills, Art retired "1-8-1976". Art and Bernadine then made their home in Arkansas City, Kansas. Joined the First Presbyterian Church "3-7-1976", he served as Elder and on various committees. A life member of The Veterans Of Foreign Wars, awarded the Arkansas City Traveler's "Good Guy Award".
Served as President of the Oklahoma State Council of Mineralogical Society. Served two years as President of The Northern Oklahoma Gem and Mineral Society, also as delegate to various Gem and Mineral Shows held in the United States. Other hobbies were wood-working, sports, reading, and traveling.
Art and Bernadine's private collection of minerals, fossils, rocks and Arts' lapidary work was one of the finest in Kansas and was endowed to the Cowley County Community College as a memorial after Art's death "12-6-1987".
Submitted by Bernadine R. Iensen
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 206.
Her father received wide recognition for having personally built their spacious thirty room home at 2321 Arkansas Ave, after his eight hours working as Foreman of Milwright at Jacob Dold Packing Co.
1923 the Drowatzkys established the Drowatzky Floral Company which was an entire family project.
5-26-1930 Bernadine graduated from Wichita High School North in its first graduating class, then worked full time at greenhouse and flower shop.
Music a dominate part of Bernadine's life. Pianist and Sunday School teacher in Primary department, St Paul's Lutheran Church. President of young peoples Luther League. Soprano Soloist in Church Choir. "1925-1926" accompanist for Intermediate school choruses and musical programs. "4-8-1925" singing "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" began Bernadine's singing career. "9-17-32" first voice lesson from Roy Campbell, Dean of Music at Friends University School of Music.
"4-2-1938" Two Weeks after Bernadine's father died sang Soprano Solos for City's rendition of the Messiah. "12-15-1940" Soloist for Arkansas City Ninth Annual presentation of The Messiah. "1941-1945" Soloist for both Blessed Sacrament Church and St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Sang four services those years.
"1942-1945" sang Star Spangled Banner or God Bless America for opening of baseball games. Performed in Operas, Cantatas, "9-15-1936" in Kansas Diamond Jubilee Pagent. "2-9-1940" Peerless Princess in Wichita Presentation by Chamber of Commerce "Wizard of Wichita" before an audience of three thousand. Soprano Soloist for over forty-five years, singing over radio and solos in ten of the states.
Throughout gas rationing during World War II, the Wichita florists pooled city and hospital deliveries. Bernadine was chosen to take pool deliveries two days a week.
"11-20-1945" Bernadine Drowatzky and Arthur Jensen were married in St. Paul's Lutheran Church. "7-15-51 " they were blessed with a daughter, Marla May Jensen.
Bernadine was active in civic and community affairs. The Wichita Florist Club, Wichita Music Club, and Secretary of the Wichita Iris Club.
"2-17-1966" Art transferred by General Mills to new plant in West Chicago, Illinois. There they joined the Geneva Lutheran Church and lived in Batavia, Illinois, until Art's retirement from General Mills "1-18-1976", making their home then in Arkansas City, Kansas.
Joining the First Presbyterian Church, Bernadine has been active in Church work and singing in the choir. A member of the Music Club, Womens Auxqiary of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Community Concert Association, member of the Stillwater and Topeka Mineral and Gem Clubs. Served two years Editor of "Pebble City News" for the Northern Oklahoma Gem and Mineral Club.
Did the cataloging of lensen's Minerals, Fossils and Lapidary work which Art did for their Private Museum Collection which was endowed to the Cowley County Community College as a Memorial to Arthur Pierce Jensen.
Submitted by Bernadine R. Jensen
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 206.
Aaron Bruce is the oldest of four children by Aaron Burr and Marilyn Jean (Thornton) Johnson and was raised on their family farm in Pleasant Valley Township along the banks of the Walnut River. He graduated from Winfield High School in 1971 and immediately entered the U.S. Naval Academy from a nomination by Congressman Joe Skubitz. There he skippered yawls, earned a B.S. in Naval Architecture, and was admitted to the naval nuclear power program upon graduation in 1975. While attending nuclear power school in Mare Island, California, he met and soon thereafter married Deborah Anne Campbell in 1976.
Deborah Anne is the second of four children by William George Campbell and Frances Joyce (Hamilton) Campbell and was raised in their family home on Lake Deeson near Lakeland, Florida. She graduated from Kathleen High School in Lakeland in 1971 and attended Saint Margaret's School of Nursing in Montgomery, Alabama, graduating in 1974. After working as a nurse in Atlanta, Georgia, for about a year, she joined the U.S. Air Force and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the nurse's corps. Her first assignment was to Travis Air Base near Mare Island, California, where she met Aaron Bruce and married him on 22 August 1976.
Aaron and Deborah were married in Carson City, Nevada, at a time allowed by their conflicting careers and geographic separation. Their desire to establish a common household led Deborah to resign her commission in 1977 and join Aaron in San Diego, California, as he reported aboard the first of his submarines, USS PLUNGER (SSN 595). This and subsequent assignments afforded them a significant opportunity for travel, allowing Deborah to circle the globe a couple of times to join Aaron in his overseas duties. Aaron's other assignments have primarily centered within the Submarine Force: USS GUITARRO (SSN 665) as navigator, COMCRUDESGRU EIGHT battle group staff, USS JOHN MARSHAL (SSN 611) as executive officer, and USS CASIMIR PULASKI (SSBN 633) (B) as prospective commanding officer. These assignments have caused Aaron and Deborah to make their home in a variety of places: San Diego California, Port Orchard Washington, Vallejo California, Virginia Beach Virginia, and Charleston South Carolina. Along the way, perfect children were born: Melissa Anne in Vallejo (1984), Aaron Burr in Virginia Beach (1987), and Meredith Amelia in Virginia Beach (1989).
When asked why a farmer from the Kansas plains would choose the sea, a logical conclusion is easily drawn. Growing up with a Kansas horizon and sky that reaches forever it is a comfortable realization for Kansans that they are part of a big world and more, that their presence is significant. The sea has that same horizon, the one found in Cowley County, and is not all that different from home.
Submitted by A.B.Johnson
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 207.
Aaron was the youngest child of RC and Edith Gladys Johnson. He was born Dec. 6, 1925, the first child in his family to be born in a hospital. Aaron's siblings: Robert Fiester Johnson; Shirley Johnson Jarvis; Artis Johnson Malone; and Dora Joan Johnson. Aaron attended grade school at Bryant, graduated from WHS in 1943, attended KSU and then went into the Navy, serving as a radio operator. He later graduated from Southwestern College, Winfield, majoring in biology. During the 1944 flood at the fairgrounds, Aaron helped swim horses to safety out of barns.
Aaron farmed for a living an Route 5, Winfield, on his farm on the Walnut River. At one time this farm had been owned by William Newton which he gave to the city of Winfield, and was purchased by RC Johnson in 1938. Aaron raised primarily wheat, mile, alfalfa, and Black Angus cattle. He was a recipient of the Bankers Soil Conservation award in 1967 and received a similar award from KG&E also. Neighbors on Route 5 were very good friends for the most part.
In 1968, Aaron was elected to the Cowley County Commission for the Ist District. He held that office until his death in 1975. Marilyn Johnson was appointed to fill his last term and continued to hold the office until 1986. Both were interested and involved with the Republican Party on the local level for several years.
Marilyn Jean Thornton was born Sept. 4, 1927, the youngest of William Bert and Carrie Anderson Thornton. She was born in their home on 5th Street where she lived with her parents, five brothers and sister: Raymond Bert; Wilbur Lee; James Donald; Chester William; Charles Joseph; and Hazel Edna. Marilyn worked at First National Bank after high school.
Many changes have occurred on Route 5, Winfield, since the Johnson's moved there in 1951. Electricity was available in the late 40's. In 1952, the house was equipped with running water and an indoor toilet. The road to the farm was a one lane road with angular corners and is now a modern black top county road- Prior to the early 1970's the telephone service was a party line, not private. Traffic on Cowley #20 has greatly increased.
Both Aaron and Marilyn seemed to enjoy having a family. There was (and is) plenty to do in the country. Work got done and there was time for fun, too. Meals together, harvest meals in the fields sometimes, cooling off in the creek or river, gardening, picking and cracking pecans, picnics, horses and ponies, pets, family trips, home movies, school activities, hunting and fishing, performing peacocks, morels, hikes, treehouse, trying to salt birds tails, moving farm equipment, sledding, cutting firewood, sitting by the hearth together, and more. It was great.
Submitted by Sarah Langenwalter
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page .
Joan was educated at Bryant and Winfield High School in Winfield. She also attended Southwestern College and Kansas State University. She and her sisters, Shirley Johnson Jarvis and Artis Johnson Malone, were members of Chi Omega in Manhattan, Kansas.
Joan has enjoyed the Boxer breed of dog for many years. She had raised and owned several throughout her life and continues to enjoy her pets. A few of her dogs were outstanding show dogs: Champion Rancho Chiquito Yanna was featured in "Great Show Dogs of America", plus two foreign Boxer Publications.
One of Joan's favorite dog show trips was her drive to Mexico City in 1970. She and friends drove her Rambler station wagon down and back and had a most memorable time. Joan also has been very interested in harness racing, as her father (continued on page 208)
Submitted by Sarah Langenwalter
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 207.
Submitted by Sarah Langen waiter
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 208.
Lee Wayne moved to Arkansas City in 1962. He has driven a truck since 1959. He started driving for New Era Mill in 1963. He owned Agri-Transport in Arkansas City from 19721979, and the trucks were leased to New Era Mill. After Agri-Transport, Lee Wayne drove for Jefferies Trucking of Oklahoma City, He now drives for Glass Trucking, Newkirk, OK.
Eloise Leora Martin was born 15 April 1943 in Arkansas City. She is the daughter of Alvin Leroy and Rose Lee (Sickler) Martin. Eloise attended school in Arkansas City. When she was fourteen, she started work at Mom and Pop's Cafe. Eloise worked at the 166 and Shamrock Cafe before she went to work for Austin Butcher Shop, working there fourteen years. Then she worked at Rodeo Meat. Eloise loves to garden and raise flowers.
Lee Wayne and Eloise were married 14 May 1984 at Hackney Baptist Church. They live south of Arkansas City.
Lee Wayne has seven children: Teresa Christine (Mrs. Jimmie Darrell Dobbs) born 9 Sept. 1956 in Hugoton, KS, they live in Chanute, KS and have two children, Janelle and Lee; Lynn James (Jim) born 17 Nov. 1957 in Hugoton. Jim has seven children, Crystal, Mindy, Lynn James Jr., Carrie, Jacob, Travis and Helen; Marty Wayne was born 12 Sept. 1959 in Hugoton. Marty has two children, Ricky and Amy Jean; Karl Li was born 13 Sept. 1960 in Hugoton; William Wesley (Bill) was born 18 Nov. 1961 in Wichita, KS; Kelly Marie was born 13 July 1968 in Winfield, KS. Kelly has one daughter, Naomi; Lorne Wayne born 2 Sept. 1970, died 3 Sept. 1970 at Winfield, and is buried Moore Prairie Cemetery, Chautauqua County, KS. Jim, Marty, Karl Li, live in Arkansas City. Kelly recently moved from Arkansas City to Wisconsin.
Eloise has three sons: Randy Lee Benton born 22 Aug. 1961 in Arkansas City, Randy has three children, Steven, Shawn, and Kayla. Randy is married to Lelia and they both work at GE; Russell Howard Musson born 31 Oct. 1963 in Arkansas City. Russell is in the Navy and stationed in Kentucky. His wife is Judy; Bradley Dean Musson was born 8 April in Arkansas City. Brad lives in Wichita and works for R and D Camperland.
Submitted by Glenda L. Martin, Lee Wayne's sister
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 208.
Helen Louise Riggs was born 10 Feb. 1917 to Oscar Otto and Bessie May (Fell) Riggs in Winfield, KS. Helen started school in Frog Hollow, four miles east of Winfield. She attended several grade schools in Cowley Co. She attended Winfield High School for one year and one year at Dexter High School.
Lee and Helen met when they both attended Winfield High School. They were married 10 Feb. 1935 at Lee's home by Rev. Wayne Pinson, of the Sedan Baptist Church. They have six children: Lee Wayne born 25 Apr. 1936, Glenda Louise (Mrs. Richard L. Martin) born 29 July, 1937, Leo Wesley born 17 Nov. 1940, Ruhemma Jane (Janie) born 28 Aug. 1946, died 4 Dec. 1946, Bessie Marie (Mrs. Kenneth W. Sterbenz) born 19 Apr. 1950, all born at the f amily farm near Sedan, KS. Frieda Jean (Mrs. Robert J. Hauger) born 29 July 1948 in Columbus, KS. They farmed until 1941. They then moved to Winfield, KS,where Lee worked as a carpenter at Strother Field Air Base. He worked in construction and pipeline construction in several towns in Kansas, including Columbus, Wichita, Hugoton, and Wellington until 1958. In 1958 they moved to Hackney. Lee worked at Pamona Tile at Strother Field two years. He worked for Hackney Co-op for thirteen years. Helen worked at Southwestern College, in maintenance, and at Dfllon's Bakery in Winfield. She had her own bakery in their home for twenty-eight years decorating wedding and other cakes. In 1972 Lee started working for his son, Lee Wayne, who owned Agri-Transport, hauling grain to the feed lot east of Arkansas City. After Lee Wayne sold his trucks, Lee drove for New Era Mill hauling flour until he retired in May 1980.
In 1978 Lee and Helen moved into their home they built in Hackney. Since 1980 they have operated a small elevator at Portland, KS during wheat harvest, for New Era Mill. In 1986 Lee operated the elevator at Drury, KS as well as Portland, with his daughter, Glenda, managing Portland. This has become a family project during harvest.
Lee and Helen are members of Hackney Baptist Church. On 10 Feb. 1985 Lee and Helen were honored by all their children with a reception celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary. In 1986 they and Helen's brother and sister-in-law, Clyde and Maudie Riggs, made a very enjoyable trip to Hawaii. When they can get away they like to travel and enjoy camping and the new pontoon boat Lee and his son built.
Submitted by Glenda L. Martin, daughter
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 208.
Leo married Sally Louise Mitchell 2 Jan. 1961 at Hackney. Sally was born 17 Dec. 1941 at Ft. Riley, KS and is the daughter of William Arthur II and Mary Jo (Love) Mitchell of Arkansas City, Kansas. Leo worked for A.L. Short Motor, Carr Rock, and the Jackson Ranch while living in Cowley County. Leo and Sally moved to Oklahoma City in 1965, and still live there. Leo worked for Mistletoe Express for twenty years. He now works for Arkansas Freight in Oklahoma City. Leo and Sally have three children. Jess Duane, was born 7 Oct. 1959 in Arkansas City; Dena Kay, (Mrs. Larry Dwayne Nichols) was born 21 Feb. 1962 in Arkansas City. Dena has one daughter, Alisaha; Donna Lynn, (Mrs. Paul Boone) was born 10 Dec. 1964 in Arkansas City.
Submitted by Glenda L. Martin, Leo's sister
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 208.
Submitted by Sarah Langenwalter
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 208.
Levi was born in Harrison County, Ohio Oct. 28, 1839. His parents were Aaron and Hannah Feister Johnson. Levi was one of five children, others being: Daniel Nathan, Wiliam Sammuel, Rhoda Johnson Crabtree, and Mary. The three brothers served in the Civil War; Daniel for the southern cause and Sammuel and Levi for the Union.
Levi made his first trip to Kansas in the summer of 1860. During this time he bought eighty acres near Frankfort, Marshall County. With news of Bull Run, Levi left for Ohio and enlisted. After the capture of Vicksburg, Levi was detailed to service in the Freedman's Bureau. There he was placed in charge of a camp of refugee negroes at the Joe Davis plantation, twenty-eight miles below Vicksburg.
For three years after the war, he remained in the south and tried to make a living growing cotton. In a short time the price of cotton fell, and it was unprofitable to stay longer. With around $210.00, he returned to Kansas in 1868.
The next three years he spent on his eighty acres of land in Marshall County. He planted corn and potatoes with hunting as his source of meat. There seemed to be little hope of any growth in the area of his farm; therefore, in 1871 he sold his land. There was another reason for selling; Osage Indian land for sale in southern Kansas. He sought what was reported as government land on the Osage Indian strip, in what is now Cowley County. He bought and paid the regular government price of $1.25 an acre and received his deed from President US Grant. His purchase was in Beaver Township, west of the Arkansas River and six miles south and six miles west of Winfield (Sec. 20, Township 33, Range 3).
After their dugout, for their home, Levi cut logs along the Arkansas River and took sod from his pasture. Shortly after arriving, he drove a team of horses to Winfield and purchased a breaking plow. His first crops were corn, melons and potatoes.
A saw mill was built not far away in 1873 and operated by a neighbor. Levi hauled logs from along the river to the mill to obtain his first sawed lumber, mostly cottonwood and walnut. With the new lumber he built a small two room house in 1873.
Besides general farming, he began to buy cattle and use his pasture. With this diversified plan, he was able to purchase land around his homestead. December 1872, Levi bought 190 acres from Loren F. Snyder for $500.00.
The farmhouse was completed with the addition of two rooms in 1878. In 1880 outbuildings were built to house the hay and grain crops for storage. Neighbors helped build a large barn to protect livestock and store hay. The barn became the community gathering place for neighbors in the area. Barn dances were held at every convenience. A bridge over the river was completed in 1888. The county paid $2,000.00 and Levi paid $800.00.
Dora helped raise the funds to build the first school in the Rainbow Community. In 1872, Levi contracted for hauling the material from Wichita and the school was built by a man named Holden from Winfield. Dora named it Rainbow Bend School. Dora was also a Sunday School teacher.
The Johnson's acreage continued to expand and diversify (1884, a fifteen acre orchard). They began improving the Hereford cattle stock and sold several bus at auctions. Levi also began using new farming methods, each year trying to improve their crops. Levi invested in Winfield business properties and was a Director of 1st National Bank. Levi retired from farming Nov. 1910 and moved to Winfield. That same month his son RC took over the duties of the farm.
Homesteader Levi Feister Johnson passed away April 14, 1918. Dora died April 1939. Both are buried in Union Cemetery, Winfield.
Minnie was married to Thomas Baclus, a Winfield hardware merchant, Eva lived in Wichita usually and Rhoda lived in Winfield.
Submitted by Sarah Langenwalter
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 209.
Rhoda was educated at Rainbow Bend school and attended St. Johns College. She was a member of the Grace Episcopalian Church, Winfield. Her home in Winfield, that she had built, is 1 121 E. 10th Street. Prior to building this home, she had lived with her mother, Dora Biggs Johnson, at 810 East 10th Street. Her sister, Minnie, had a home at 1321 E. 9th during the same period. For many years, Rhoda employed a chaffuer, named Pruitt Garland, who had previously been employed by Rhoda's mother, Harry Sinclair of Sinclair Oil Co., and Mrs. North of the Ringling Bros, Circus. Pruitt is buried near Independence, Kansas.
Rhoda owned 800 acres in Hamilton County, near Syracuse, Kansas and was known at the Wheat Queen of that county. She was the first to break sod in that county and demonstrate that wheat could be grown there, Up to that time it was doubted that wheat could be grown profitably in that locality. In 1927 she had sod broken and the 800 acres sown to wheat. The first crop paid for the land, the cost of seeding and harvesting and that of erecting fences against range cattle. The crop that year reached nearly 20,000 bushels, which she sold at $1.15 per bushel.
Rhoda died January 5, 1969 and is buried at Tannehill Cemetery, Beaver Twp, Cowley County. Her sister Eva is also buried there, as is Ora Johnson, a cousin who grew up with her, and some of Ora's family.
Submitted by Sarah Langenwalter
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 209.
RC was born April 17, 1883 on the farm, one of five children; the other four being Elsie, Minnie, Eva, and Rhoda. Levi F. and Dora Biggs Johnson were their parents. RC was educated at Rainbow Bend where he later was a farmer, raised Standard Bred racers and promoted the Rainbow Bend Oil Field.
Edith's parents were Augustus Garwood and Leah Hart Garwood. She was a tiny but strong baby, born Feb. 2, 1897, in a house on West Bth Street. Edith had one brother, Kenneth Garwood, and one sister, Hope Aileen (married John Glasgow and had two sons: John Fred and Kenneth Hart. She resided at Rainbow Bend, too).
The Waite Phillips Oil Co. had the lease on several farms in the Rainbow Bend area. In May 1923 they decided to drill on the Johnson farm. The discovery well is located in SE Quarter of Sec. 20 Township 33, Range 3 East in the corner of a wheat field. Asked what he intended to do with the profits, EC said, "I haven't got it yet. When I do-well, I don't intend to sit on it. I believe in dividing it several ways - some for a nest egg, some for the folks, some for good work, and - well, some for myself - a sort of four way proposition."
How did this affect the Johnsons and the community? That is hard to determine, but for the most part the people were pleased, but did not change their lifestyles to any great extent.
In 1928 the old homestead house that was built in 1878 was torn down and another erected. That house still stands today. With the oil field, a whole community sprang up. Unable to commute from town, the oil company built a camp. The houses ranged from rough dwellings to small houses. In 1926 a bridge was built at the cost of about $12,000.00 over the Arkansas River for trading with the city merchants.
Harness racing was exciting to a large number of people in the days when RC and Edith raised Standard Breds. Throughout the years they had some outstanding horses; especially Charley Watts, Stellite and Red Herr. Not only did the horses race in fairs throughout Kansas and Oklahoma (K&O Circuit) but also Iowa, Ill., Michigan, and Indiana, (Grand Circuit) and in California. The family enjoyed the horses, racing and many fun times together around these events. On trips to California, the horses, with RC and friends, would ride the train. On board the train they would transport an auto for travel upon their arrival. Family members often would drive or ride out later.
In the early 1980's Edith provided money to purchase trees to provide shade in the future at the horse barn at the Cowley County fairgrounds, which is named after her son Aaron Burr.
In January, 1952, RC Johnson passed away. He is buried at Highland Cemetery. Like his father before him, he truly loved the soil. Edith loved digging in the soil too and remained extremely active and healthy until her ninties.
Submitted by Sarah Langenwalter
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 209.
They have seven grandchildren.
Robert (Bob) Johnson was born May 29, 1914 near Rainbow Bend in Cowley County. His parents were Robert Clyde and Edith G, Johnson. He went to Kansas University. In 1940 Bob began farming the homestead. He raised wheat, barley, and Hereford livestock at that time. He was a member of the U.S. Trotting Association.
Elizabeth was born April 1914, daughter of Harry and Ruth James Wismeyer. Elizabeth was a school teacher. She and Bob met while she was a teacher in Arkansas City, Kansas. Their children attended Rainbow Bend elementary school, It was located three-fourths mile west and one mile north of the original homestead. In 1957, Bob and Elizabeth moved to Winfield because there was no longer a school within eight miles of their farm. They made their home at 711 East 11th. They continued to spend considerable time at the farm however.(continued on page 210)
Submitted by Sarah Langenwalter.
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 209.
Submitted by Sarah Langenwalter.
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 209.
He was united in marriage to Mary Prince 3-12-1868, in Champaign County, Ohio. The following children were born to this union: Lciurella born 9-6-1869; Lyda Belle born 7-15-1871; Charles Franklin born 6-30-1874; William Henry born 10-30-1876; Amanda Esther Ann born 1-10-1884; Sibyl Symantha born 2-17-1886.
In the fall of 1885, the family traveled to Kansas in a covered wagon and settled three miles east of Cambridge, Kansas. Amanda was nine months old. Sibyl was born in Kansas.
William E. Johnson was a member of Silver Post No. 85 department of G.A. R. The family was united with the Baptist Church in 1879.
The farm home east of Cambridge had an unusual storm cellar. Built from cement, it was round, the top sloped up forming an opening like a jug. It was reinforced all around with iron rods bent to form a curved slope up to the opening top on the jug. A wide cement bench was built chair height all around for storage. Canned fruit and vegetables were stored on this ledge. Amanda, Sibyl, and their friends, Fannie and Flossie Lyons, played in the cool cellar on hot summer days.
Many years later after the building site was gone, my mother, Amanda Wall, directed us as a family, on an outing to this "jug cellar". It was constructed in 1875 by some unknown contractor, far more advanced in architectural ability than at the time he lived. We often wished we knew all about who, why, and how this unusual cellar came to be constructed on a farm in the Flint Hills.
William E. Johnson died in 1919, and Mary P. Johnson died in 1896. LaureBa was married to David T. Craft, and died in 1942. Lyda Bell died in 1891. Sibyl, who married James D. Henshaw, died in 1915. Charles F., who married Mayme Burr, died in 1943. William H. who married Charlotte Wolf, died in 1962. Amanda who married William S. Wall, died in 1980.
The Johnson grandchildren were: Estella Craft, Chester Craft, Otis Johnson, Charlene Johnson, Candace Wall Elder, Opal Wall Opperman, Eldred Wall Brickey. The great-grandchildren are Chester Searle, Norene Johnson, Joyce Johnson, Jeannette Opperman Mellinger, Sharyn Brickey Hudson, and Vernon P. Brickey, Jr. Among the great-great-grandchildren are Amanda Brunwyn Millinger, Samuel Richard Mellinger, Stephen William Brickey, Kathryn Lynn Brickey, Donald Hudson, Jr., Christopher Hudson, and Alexander Hudson.
Submitted by Leota Candace Wall Elder
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 210.
I grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas and married Virginia Brock, known as "Ginny", on 2-14-1970. Five days later I went into the Army. We had three sons: Anthony Richard II, born 2-28-1971 at Fort Mead, Maryland. He was born on my grandmother Dixon's birthday; David Joseph, born 3-20-1972 in Corpus Christi, Texas; and Jason Willard, born 1-31-1976 in Corpus Christi, Texas. I served two years in the Army in the Military Police at Fort Mead in Maryland. Ginny and I divorced in 1983. 1 then married Diana McCumber, on 12-25-1986. She had two boys and a girl: Terry Lee, born 12-15-1977; Justin Reed, born 12-31-1979; and Kayla Jean, born 1-24-1983. 1 have worked for Amarado Hess in Corpus Christi, Texas for fifteen years.
For the record: My father was born Richard Earl Sparks, in Ark City, on Feb 24, 1926, but grew up, went to the Navy and married under the name of Jones. He thought his father and my grandfather was, Joseph Roy Jones. He did not find out his biological father was Matthew Sparks, until he was twenty-three years of age, after my sister, Vicki Jean Jones, was born 9-2-1949. I never knew grandfather Sparks. My paternal grandmother is Erma Lorraine (Parker) (Sparks) (Jones) Moon. I knew Phil E. Moon as my grandfather. He lived to see my children. He was super. My great-grandparents were David Marion and Maude (Williams) Parker.
Submitted By Barbara Dixon Holt
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 210.
Submitted by Barbara Jean Dixon Holt
Scanned out of the Cowley County Heritage book, Page 210.
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| State Coordinators Tom & Carolyn Ward, Columbus, KS ks@rootsquest.com tcward@columbus-ks.com |