Lynn (Sellers) Mack has extracted the following articles from the Ness City Times newspaper. They appear here through her efforts and willingness to share with fellow Ness county researchers.
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MARRIAGES
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Thursday, June 24, 1880 edition:
Judge BARND issued his first marriage license last evening. Ralph C. DURIE and Mary C. PRESTON possess the two hearts that are henceforth to beat as one.
September 16 & 23, 1880:
Married, Sunday the 12th inst., by Rev. F. A. Goodrich, at his residence in Bazine, Mr. J. H. PHILPOT to Miss Geneva LONGMEYER.
September 30, 1880:
On September 24, in Larned, by the Rev. Charles STURVEDANT, Stephen A. WHITLEY, of Ness county, to Miss Lissie Jane LEE of New York City.
On the 22nd inst. by Justice A. WELLMAN in Highpoint township, Mr. Chas. F. WELLS and Miss Mary E. EAKIN
November 18, 1880:
Married on the 11th instant, at the residence of the bride's parents in Johnson twp. by Judge BARND, Mr. John P. JOHNSON, Jr. and Miss Emma R. WARNOCK, all of this
county.
January 6, 1880:
Married - On the 24th day of December, 1880, at the residence of James CONNER, by Wm. CLINE, J. P., Mr. Elliott CONNER and Miss Laura DEITRICH. All of Waring Township.
May 19, 1881:
Marriage License Issued - On Monday, the 16th, to Mr. J. B. LONG and Miss Annie A. CRISWELL. Both of Bazine.
June 2, 1881:
Judge BARND issued a marriage license on Monday to G. H. CONNER, of Bazine, and Carrie CAMP, of Keimfield.
On Tuesday, to Andrew LARSON and Miss Ella E. CARPENTER, both of Highpoint.
June 9, 1881:
Married on the 1st inst., at the residence of the bride's father, by Alvin WELLMAN, J. P., Mr. Andrew LARSON and Miss Ella E. CARPENTER, both of Vernon. There was a happy wedding party, and the good things of Kansas, wedding cake, etc., were in abundance. The good wishes of numerous friends attend the happy couple.
July 21, 1881:
Wedding: Bazine, Kas., July 12, 1881.
One of the most enjoyable weddings at which I have been privileged to officiate in many a day, took place at my residence on last evening - Mr. Oliver ARMSTRONG to Miss Lissie ROBISON, both of Bazine. - F. A. GOODRICH
August 11, 1881:
On Tuesday Judge BARND issued marriage license to Mr. T. B. HARVEY and Miss Margaret O. FREASE, both of Franklin township.
September 15, 1881:
Mr Lewis ABEL and Miss Annie GLOVER were united in the bonds of matrimony by Judge BARND, at his residence, on Sunday last [September 11, 1881]. The happy pair proceeded at once to the neat little stone residence on Lewis's claim, which had been put in readiness for the reception of his bride, and began "housekeeping". Numerous friends wish them a long life, prosperous and crowded full of domestic
bliss.
September 22, 1881:
Marriage license was issued by Judge BARND, on the 20th to Mr. Wm. LYNN and Ella PETTY, both of Cyrus, this county.
October 13, 1881:
Last Sunday morning [October 9, 1881] the family and relatives of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. HARDING assembled at Nevada to witness the nuptials of the genial Hugh FLEMING and Miss Mary A. HARDING, the charming daughter of the Nevada postmaster. Judge BARND performed the ceremony. After the happy twain were secured by the silken fetters of wedlock, the little party sat down to a sumptuous repast.
November 24, 1881:
Marriage license was issued by Judge BARND, on Saturday last; the happy candidate for connubial felicity being Mr. Thad. P. LEVAN and Mrs. Phoebe J. CLINARD-both of Eden township.
December 15, 1881:
Married - At the residence of Justice WELLMAN, in Highpoint township, on November 29, Mr. Arthur J. CARPENTER to Miss EMMA LARSON, - both of Highpoint township.
December 22, 1881:
Married license was issued by the Probate Judge, on Thursday last, to James COLE and Mary S. BRUNER-all of Eden township.
December 29, 1881:
Marriage license was issued by the Probate Judge, on Tuesday last, to Sanford ROWE and Sophia WOLFE. Both of Bazine.
January 5, 1882:
Married at the residence of the bride's mother, in Bazine township, on Sunday last [January 1, 1882], by Rev. Chas. S. MARVIN, Mr. J. B. CLASON to Miss Mary BUSHNELL. The Times wishes the happy pair continued bliss.
At the residence of the officiating clergyman, in Bazine township, on December 29, 1881 by Rev. F. A. GOODRICH, Sanford ROWE, Esq., to Miss Sophia WOLFE. Both of Bazine.
February 16, 1882:
Marriage license was issued by the Probate Judge, on Tuesday, to H. Addison FORRESTER, of Gove county, and Miss Ella A. STEELE, of Utica, Ness County.
April 13, 1882:
A quiet wedding took place at the residence of Mr. Robert NUSOM, near town, on Sunday last [April 9, 1882], Judge BARND officiating, Mr. William HOOVER and Miss Lola D. NUSOM being the happy contracting parties. The newly wedded start out on the sea of matrimony with the wishes of numerous friends for a happy voyage.
April 27, 1882:
A wedding took place at the office of Judge BARND, in this town, yesterday at eleven, the high contracting parties being Mr. Emil MAUTH and Miss Barbara RAU, both of Highpoint township. The ceremony over, the wedding party partook of a square meal at the St. James, and returned to their place of abode.
July 27, 1882:
Married: On Tuesday, July 25th, by the Rev. F. A. GOODRICH, Mr. Charles H. COWLES, of Highpoint, to Miss Nellie I. STORY, of Bonnie Doon. The editor acknowledges the receipt of a neat little box well filled with wedding cake, and wishes, with all the acquaintences of the happy pair, that their joys may be many, and their troubles, if troubles there must be, all little ones.
August 31, 1882:
Mr. J. W. KITTERMAN and Miss Martha MELOTT, of Franklin Twp., were married at the residence of Geo. W. KITTERMAN by C. A. CURTIS, J. P. on the 28th.
Mr. Geo. W. GRISSOM, of this place, was married to Miss Ollie HAWTHORNE, of Monitor, McPherson county, on the 13th inst. George brought his bride to Ness and they are keeping house at Clarinda. The Times wishes them a long life of happiness and prosperity.
September 7, 1882:
Married, at the bride's home, yesterday, by Probate Judge BARND, Mr. Geo. L. BLACKBURN and Miss Lena YASMER, both of Nevada Twp., this county. May the days of their wedded life be many and blissful.
October 5, 1882:
Married - At the residence of the bride's father, by C. A. CURTIS, J. P., on the 28th ult., Mr. E. H. BORTON, of Dodge City, and Miss Clara M. BILL, of Sidney.
December 7, 1882:
A quiet wedding ceremony was performed by Probate Judge BARND, at his residence, in this town, on Sunday last. The high contracting parties were Mr. John BALLIET, of Bazine, and Miss Ella C. BALLARD, of Lane county. May they live long and be happy.
November 8, 1883:
Marriage license was issued on the 29th ult., to R. W. MOREHEAD and Emma C. GALBRAITH, both of Alamota, Kansas, and:
On the 5th ist. To Noah W. NEWMAN and Mattie HAGERMAN, both of Forrester, Kansas.
November 15, 1883:
The wedding party at the Bell House last Thursday evening was a very brilliant affair, indeed. The weather was fair, and, a large number of invitations having been issued, the house was well filled by the friends of the contracting parties. Precisely at 7 Miss Nellie L. FARON became Mrs. N. G. CARPENTER, and after receiving the congratulations of friends, the party was seated at a long table, well loaded with the good things prepared for the occasion. After the supper the numerous presents were inspected by the newly wedded, and a few hours were spent in pleasant conversation and singing. The happy pair enter upon their connubial career under favorable auspices, and all along the journey the Times wishes them well.
Marriages - At the residence of the bride's father, in Ohio township, on November 6th, by J. M NUTTLE, J. P., Mr. N. W. NEWMAN to Miss Mattie HAGERMAN. Both of Forrester, Ness county, Kansas.
On November 7th, 1883, by Rev. N. R. VANDEREN, at his residence, near Alamota, Mr. R. W. MOREHEAD to Miss Emma C. GALBRAITH. Both of Lane county, Kansas.
At the Bell House in Ness City, on the evening of November 8, 1883, by Judge BARND, Mr. N. G. CARPENTER to Miss NELLIE L. FARON. Both of this town.
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DIVORCES
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May 26, 1881:
Petition in divorce, Nathalia RASMUSEN, against Carl RASMUSEN, was filed at the District Court of this county on Saturday last, by Sam. A. Smith, Attorney for the plaintiff.
September 1, 1881:
The wife of R. M. CHILDS has filed her petition in the District Court of Trego County, asking for a divorce. Our readers will remember that CHILDS used to carry the mail between this place and Wa-Keeney, and though pretty well known throughout the county, no one held him in very high esteem.
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BIRTHS
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March 2, 1882:
Born-To W. F. and A. H. WOODEN, on the 22d inst., [February 22, 1882] a son, weighing eleven pounds, Mother and son doing well. Papa very proud, as also are the grandparents, uncles and aunts.
September 28, 1882:
We thought Sam. Acted funny all day, Saturday-kindy as if he knew something which he "wasn't goin' to tell". But it came out, and the boys will all smoke next time Sam. Comes to town. The item runs thus: born on the 20th inst., to Mr. and Mrs. Sam. A. Smith, a son, that "looks just like its pa."
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OBITS
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July 15, 1880:
July 8th inst., of cholera infantum, Walter, the infant son of Jas. HARING.
August 12, 1880:
Died, at his residence on the Pawnee, in Franklin Twp. on Thursday of last week, [August 5, 1880] Mr. A. WRAIGHT, of Typhous Pneumonia. He had been from home working on the railroad, trying to lay up something on which to support his family. Becoming ill, he remained about two weeks hoping to get better and resume work. Failing to do so, he returned to his home, where he died, after a further illness of two or three weeks. Mr. Wraight was in the prime of life, and leaves a young wife and a little three-year old daughter to mourn their great loss. Mrs. Wraight has no relatives in the county, but she is surrounded by kind neighbors, who will do all in their power to sustain her under this sad bereavement.
September 16, 1880:
County surveyor, KNOWLES, recently met with a sad bereavement in the loss of a little daughter by cholera infantum. His neighbor, Mr. RICHARDS, has since lost his little two years-old daughter by the same disease.
October 7, 1880:
In Waring township, Ness county, Kansas, on Sunday, August 29, 1880, of cholera infantum, Blanche N., infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. D. RICHARDS.
In Waring township, Ness county, Kansas, on Saturday, September 4, 1880, of cholera infantum, Sebre E., infant son of Mr. and Mrs. L. E. KNOWLES.
December 2, 1880
OBITUARY
Died, Nov. 26th, 1880, in Center Township, Maggie A. HARMAN, aged twelve years and one month. In February last while playing with a swing, in Salina, Kansas, she received an injury from which she never recovered.
December 23, 1880:
Mr. Thomas HOOPER died at his residence, near Clarinda, on Monday evening, [December 20, 1880] after a short illness. His remains are to be taken to his former home in Illinois.
December 30, 1880:
Mrs. WILKINSON, wife of Lafayette WILKINSON, of Kausada, this county, died at their home , on the 27th inst.
January 13, 1880:
The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. John DIXON, of Highpoint township, died yesterday morning. [January 12, 1880].
January 20, 1881:
Died - December 27, 1880, in Eden township, Ness county, Kansas, Emeline, wife of La Fayette WILKINSON. Deceased was born at Boyles' Run, Northumberland county, Pa., and was 32 years, 10 months and nine days old. Her family name was SNYDER. She leaves a husband and four children to mourn her loss. May the blessing of the Lord rest upon the afflicted family. Rev. Mary A. Parker
April 21, 1881:
A twelve-year-old girl was killed by lightning at Bazine, last night, during the thunder storm. We have not yet learned her name, or any of the particulars of the sad accident.
April 28, 1881:
Obituary.
Dora B. DUNN, daughter of Laura E. DUNN, aged 12 years, 1 month and 9 days. Deceased was killed by lightning on the banks of the Walnut April 20th, 1881. She leaves a mother and twin sister to mourn her sudden death. To the bereaved ones we extend our heart-felt sympathy, and may they be consoled with the thought that their darling one is with Jesus. Bazine, Ness County, Kansas.
June 16, 1881:
The 13 year-old son of Jacob FRY, who lives near Gt. Bend, was run over by a wagon wheel, one day last week, and almost instantly killed.
July 21, 1881:
DROWNED IN THE LAKE
Now devolves upon us the sad duty of recording the sudden death of a much respected and well beloved fellow townsman who, in the full strength and vigor of early manhood, when the future, with the generous prospects it unfolds, is looked to with such hope, and when life seems sweetest, was snatched from time to eternity without a moment's warning.
Just at dark, on Monday evening [JULY 18, 1881], while bathing in Sunset Lake, Homer E. LARAWAY was drowned. He had gone out in the boat to where the water was fourteen or fifteen feet deep, and leaving the boat for only a few feet, by reason either of strangling or cramp in the legs, was unable to get back to it. He cried for help, but as he appeared at the time to be keeping above water all right, those nearest thought him to be only joking, and a few seconds were lost before the boat was pushed toward him. Before the spot could be reached, however, he sank. The boast was kept near the spot for a short time in hopes that he might rise, but he did not,
neither did so much as a bubble of air come to the surface to point out his exact position. An attempt was then made to dive for him, but the evening was so far advanced that nothing could be seen under water and this proved a failure. Though comrades were so near at hand, ourself [sic] not being over forty yards distant at the time, yet it seemed impossible to save. The alarm was at once sent to town, and men were soon on hand to dredge for the body, which, however, was not recovered till about midnight.The funeral took place from the Court House at 10 o'clock on Tuesday, Rev. GOODRICH, officiating, and though the time to give notice was so short, yet the attendance was large.
Mr. LARAWAY was twenty-four years old. He was born in Vermont, where he spent his early childhood, but his father having died a prisoner in Andersonville, his mother moved with her family to Canada, where he remained till coming to Kansas in the beginning of 1879. His mother died while he was yet quite young, and the only members of the family left are two sisters, living in Canada, and the brother with whom he has been in partnership in the mercantile business since coming to this county.
He was a genial companion, pleasant to deal with, and, being of an open, generous disposition, all who knew him were counted among his friends. His sudden and untimely death leaves a town in sadness.
December 22, 1881:
Died-Russel CORNING; on Tuesday morning, December 20, 1881, at his residence in Eden township. Mr. CORNING came to Ness county on the 9th of November, 1880, and settled in Eden township, where he continued to reside up to the time of his death. He was a good citizen, and exemplary Christian, and was highly respected by his neighbors and acquaintances. Mr. CORNING came to this county from Seymour, Wisconsin, and was about 70 years of age.
February 16, 1882:
In noting the death of Mr. J. W. REEDER's son, last week, the Times makes a mistake in the name, which should have been U. G. instead of U. S., and the death occurred on Sunday evening instead of Monday.
June 1, 1882:
Dr. H. M. BOWMAN died on Monday the 16th ult.,
October 5, 1882:
Mrs. H. WATERHOUSE, daughter of Henry WILLIAMSON, formerly of Riverside P. O. died of child-birth, at her home, in Hodgeman county, on Monday of this week.
October 19, 1882:
Died: On Tuesday, September 26th, Mrs. A. A. SLOAN, in her 53rd year. The deceased was a member of the Baptist church here with which she has been connected since a child. She came from her native State, Pennsylvania, in 1878, going to Ness county, taking up a claim there as a soldier's widow, but owing to the failure of crops she with her daughter and nephew, came and made her home here* about two years ago. Her husband served during the war, in Company I., 23d NY Volunteers, dying in 1871 from diseases contracted in the army. She suffered long and severely, bearing her sufferings with true Christian fortitude and patience. The funeral services were held at the Baptist church on Wednesday, 27th, Elder SHIELS preaching from the text Rev. 7. 14. Her husband was a Masonic brother, she, also belonging to the order,
several of the fraternity attended the funeral services. She leaves but one child to mourn her loss, Mrs. H. EILENBERGER, at whose house she died. - McPherson Independent. [*McPherson County, Kansas]
Ness City Times, Ed. Note: Many of our readers will remember Mrs. SLOAN as one of the pioneers of the Forrester settlement, and the citizens of our town will not have forgotten the residence of herself and daughter here previous to their removal to McPherson. She was distinguished for her Christian bearing, and on leaving our little town, took with her the best wishes of our people.
December 21, 1882:
Died. -At her home near Schoharie, on Friday last, Mrs. B. FOLICK, of Typhus Fever. She had been sick for some time, and Dr. ABEL was waiting upon her, but her condition was not considered dangerous. Toward noon she got up to wait upon her little son Georgie, who was also sick with the fever, and when she did so experienced a fluttering sensation about the heart, and shortly afterward died, before many of her friends could be called. She was buried in the Chenoweth burying ground shortly after noon on Sunday, the funeral sermon having been preached at the Schoharie school house, at 10 A..M. by Rev. GOODRICH. The funeral was the largest yet had in the county, there being twenty-eight wagons in the procession to the grave. Mrs. FOLICK was an estimable lady, a loving wife and tender mother, and leaves many besides her widowed husband and orphaned children to mourn this sad affliction.
October 11, 1883:
Died.-At Bazine, the 8th inst., of cholera infantum, Leota BURBANK, aged 4 months, youngest daughter of Fred. H. and Del. J. RICE.
November 29, 1883:
The ten-year-old daughter of Mr. F. H. MOYER, of Nevada Twp., died last Saturday afternoon, after a sickness of two weeks.
December 6, 1883:
Frederick, son of E. M. BILL, died at his sister's in Dodge City, where he was boarding and attending school, on Saturday morning last, of typhus fever.
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OTHER
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June 24, 1880:
Wm. N. MARTIN of Forrester, became the happy father of a bouncing daughter, on day last week. So it seems that in spite of the Ryan bill, drouth, and other discouragements, Ness county is not to lose all ,and gain nothing.
July 15, 1880:
Ness City's First Runaway.
Mr. David HARBISON, of Ohio Tp., drove a young and somewhat fractious pair of mules to town last Monday before a heavy wagon, and stopped to water them from BLANCHARD & RICHIE'S well, leaving his little five-year old boy in the wagon. He fastened the reins to the headboard, and unhitched two of the traces, as a precaution against their starting; but notwithstanding the precaution, the animals became frightened and started down the street at the top of their speed, drawing the wagon partly by the reins and partly by the two traces that were still hitched. When they reached the Post Office, Mr. CALHOUN made an attempt to stop them, but failed, being thrown to the ground and having his ankle run over in the attempt. Here they turned to the right and ran west about one-fourth of a mile, where they slacked up so that Mr. HARBISON overtook them and got into the wagon. Taking another scare, they started again, and wheeling round suddenly, the box was thrown from the wagon and fell bottom side up with Mr. HARBISON and the boy under it. The latter was not hurt, save by a slight scratch on the foot; the former was considerably bruised, being badly scratched in the face, losing one of his front teeth, and receiving painful bruises about the chest and back. At this point the hind wheels became uncoupled, and with the fore part of the wagon the vicious beasts sped homeward. It is fortunate, under the circumstances, that no more serious damage was done.
August 12, 1880:
Position and Natural advantages of Ness County, Kansas:
AREA: Ness county is rectangular in form, being 30 miles North and South by 36 miles East and East, and hence, contains 30 congressional township, 1,080 sections, or 691,200 acres of land, most all of which is tillable, and as handsome as can be found anywhere under the broad canopy of heaven. As regards the extent of her territory, Ness county lacks but little of being equal to the State of Rhode Island.
THE SURFACE consists of gently undulating prairie, the slope being only sufficient to turn off the surplus water, and the hollows forming a system of draining leading to the principal streams, of which there are three - the Big Timber, in the North part of the county; the Walnut, in the center, and the Pawnee in the South, all flowing through the county in a general course from West to East. These streams and their tributaries furnish excellent Watering for stock, which thrive, no where better than in Ness County, and can be grown no where with greater profit: the mildness of the climate being such that usually no foddering whatever is required during winter. The entire surface of the county, where it has not been disturbed by the plow of the settler, is covered with native grasses, of the varieties known as buffalo grass and blue-stem, of which the former is most plentiful, and retains it nutricious [sic] properties the year round - the old crop serving as pasturage till the new crop grows.
THE RAIN FALL, at present cannot be relied upon, more than two years out of three to carry a wheat crop safely through the winter-the dryest time occurring in the fall and winter; but it is gradually increasing as the prairie is brought under cultivation, and the fires kept out. In the year 1878, when there was but a handful of settlers in the county, and but a very little broken land, as high as 25 bushels of wheat was raised to the acre. Though winter crops may continue to be a little uncertain for a few years to come, summer crops may be relied upon with reasonable certainly. The spring of the present year was the dryest known in this county since its settlement, yet corn, dhurra, millet, etc. are looking finely, and the indications favor a bountiful yield; this too, it should be remembered, upon land that is for the most part entirely new, and with slight, and in many instances, no cultivation whatever; much of the land never having been plowed but once, and then, only to the depth of about two inches, and the crop planted the following year without further preparation. What might not such land be made to do under proper management?
HOW LAND IS OBTAINED:
Railroad Land - There is a small amount of Kansas Pacific Rail road land in the county, which may be had at prices varying from $3 to $6 per acre; and on very reasonable terms.
School Land - There is quite a large amount of what is known as School Land - land which has been ceded by the general government to the State of Kansas "for the use of schools." This land may be had by settlement upon it, and payment of the appraised valuation, when it is brought into market by petition of twenty householders of the School District in which it is situated; or, if no one has made settlement upon it when so brought into market, it is sold at public sale to the highest bidder; no bid less than the appraised valuation being received. The law fixes the minimum price of this land at $3 per acre, and at this price it usually sells. The terms are - one-tenth cash, and the balance in twenty years, with annual interest, at the rate of seven per cent.
Government Land - But the great bulk of the land of the county belongs to the Government, except as it has been already taken by settlers under the various laws for disposal of the same. Even much of what has been already taken has reverted back for non-compliance with the statutes, and may no9w be retaken by the first applicant; he being only required to show before the Land Office the fact of the previous settler's non-compliance with the law, which, in clear cases of abandonment, may be done early and with trifling expense. In many cases those abandoned claims possess considerable improvements.
August 12, 1880:
SHOOTING AFFRAY
On Saturday, the 31st ult., a little shooting affray took place in Johnson Twp., that might have proved serious. Jeremiah NEWBY and Johnson LLOYD quarreled about some cattle, during the course of which Jeremiah, drew a revolver and fired three or four shots at Johnson. Luckily, none of the shots took effect. Johnson was no more scared than hurt; on the contrary, by the skillful manipulation of a number of small stones that were close at hand, he chased his assailant into his house. At this point Jeremiah seized his shot gun, evidently intending to try its superiority over the pistol as an instrument of vengeance. He was prevented from doing this by the interposition of his mother and sister-in-law, who seemed to think that hostilities had been carried far enough. Temper is a thing altogether too good to be lost; and the blood is better when kept at a moderate temperature.
August 12, 1880
As Miss Minnie STRANAHAN started from Forrester P.O. two or three days ago, in a one horse vehicle, the animal became frightened and ran at full speed toward a deep draw. As she could not manage the horse and did not particularly care to be precipitated into the draw, she jumped from the vehicle and was dashed violently upon the ground, receiving severe bruises about the head and neck.
September 16, 1880:
A CARD.
Ed. Times, Sir: I take this method of informing yourself and the citizens of Ness county that I shall not be a candidate for the office of sheriff at the coming convention. While I am confident that I could secure the nomination without scarcely any opposition, yet I withdraw at the earnest solicitation of my wife, whose happiness I prize above all things else. The office is one of empty honors and no pay, and in order to properly fill it one should spend all his time. I have neglected my business since June 1st for the office, and I do not now deem it justice to myself nor family to spend so much time away from home. Therefore, hoping the convention will select some man who can properly fill the office, and who will add strength to the ticket, and insure success to the party that has stood by this country for twenty years, I must respectfully withdraw my name and thank my friends for the united support that has been offered me. Yours truly, Gilmore KINNEY
The house of Philip PHEAN was burned down last Thursday afternoon, while the family was away from home. Of course all the household effects and clothing of the family that they were not wearing at the time, were consumed. It is additionally unfortunate that there were $50 in the house at the time.
September 30, 1880:
Our thanks are due Mr. A. L. CARPENTER, of Highpoint, for the largest water-melon we ever saw. It weighed 36 pounds.
October 7, 1880:
Mr. Fred H. RICE, of Bazine, succeeded this year in raising 20 bushels of "Early Rose" potatoes from about one-twelfth of an acre of ground. He used no mulch whatever, and they were never touched with hoe, plow or cultivator, from the time of planting till they were ready to dig. The only care bestowed upon them was four applications of Paris green to save them from the bugs. He has an excellent plan for using Paris green, which all our farmers would do well to remember. He takes a small quantity of the poison, mixes it with 6 or 8 times its bulk of flour and then stirs it in water, forming a thin paste; this is applied to the vines with a brush. The flour causes the poison to cling to the vines for a much longer period than it will when used any other way. Mr. RICE used 20 cents worth of poison during the entire season.
November 18, 1880:
The family of Mr. Geo. W. CUTTER who but a short time ago moved to Waterport, this county, to Halstead, Harvey county, recently met with a very sad bereavement. Zenas and Mary, grown up son and daughter, were taken ill with malarial fever, and died, just in the bloom of youth. Words are inadequate to measure to this family the extent of their great loss.
December 9, 1880:
Mr. Joe GREEN, who lives with Mr. GARRETT, at Bazine, met with a very serious accident on Monday. While felling a tree, he was by some means caught under it, and suffered a fracture of both legs.
December 30, 1880:
The houses of W. J. CHESTNUT, in Eden Twp., and of Thomas SHAW, in Nevada, have been robbed of windows, doors, etc. It is disgraceful that a man is liable to have his property stolen as soon as his back is turned upon it. We should like to see some effort made to stop this nefarious practice.
January 20, 1881:
The Bazine school has 36 pupils enrolled, and the average attendance is 32. This is a pretty good showing for Bazine; and, as the pupils stand high in their studies, it indicates that the teacher, Miss FORBES, is efficient and well liked.
January 27, 1881:
Mr. J. H. WORTHINGTON, our genial Justice of the Peace, and "crack shot" of Ohio township, in company with Mr. Wm. WILLSON, shot another black-tailed deer, over in the breaks of the Smoky, a short time ago; this is the second deer "Jack" has shot this winter.
May 26, 1881:
CRAFT FAMILY VISIT
The other day we accompanied a former resident and pioneer settler of Ness county back to his old home. And so, driving on through the rain and mud, we came in sight of the homestead; a little square stone house and out buildings upon the open prairie. Although a vacant house is usually desolate looking, this one had a certain homelike appearance as we stepped through its doorway, into a large square room, with smooth walls, plastered with native lime. The rain having ceased a little, we next stepped into the cellar, on whose shelves had stood pans of rich milk and crocks of genuine "gilt-edge" butter. After an inspection of all the familiar places, peopled by memory, we turned our footsteps onward. There is something pathetic and sorrowful in the last leave-taking of what was once "home". I notice the gentle mother go to her cupboard and put clean papers on the shelves, forgetful for the moment, that she was to stay in her old home but a little while. She told me that every Sunday they used to have Sunday School in this same room, and pointed to the corner where her little boy lay on the bed, locked in his last long sleep, and spoke of the kind neighbors who came in to render help and sympathy. We soon started over to Mr. HORTON's, and, as we drove up, Mrs. HORTON and little girl came out to greet us in true Kansas style. She leads the way into her neat little home, and as we pass by the window we see, inside on the wide sills, pots of house plants and vines. In the afternoon, several neighbors dropped in, being aware of the return of Mr. CRAFT. The pleased look of welcome, the genial smile and the hearty shake of hands, assured the old neighbor how much he was esteemed. In the evening the young people of the neighboring family came over, and a most pleasant evening was spent. Our host's bright boy Willie entertained us by singing "Billy O'Rosque." For a boy having had few advantages, his acting was a marvel to us. The next two days we spent in receiving and paying visits, after which, with a feeling of regret, we bade adieu to our kind entertainers, and turned our faces Westward again. On our way we stopped for a final farewell at the grave of little "Guy" the tender mother saying "it is hard to part from the grave of my child." Silently and quiet she walked about the little grave, touching softly the white stone as she gazed for the last time at the little mound that holds so much buried love…
June 2, 1881:
Our genial friend Daniel WANDERS, the carpenter, made his appearance in town on Tuesday, after an absence of several weeks. The sound of his hammer, saw and plane, were till recently familiar sounds to us as he plied his trade in his little shop near our office. He informs us that he will work at his trade in the Eastern part of the State during the summer. Dan. is master of his business, and wherever he goes we are satisfied he will make for himself the reputation of a first-class workman.
June 23, 1881:
An Elopement:
Last week Mr. James TUTTLE and a Mrs. CHAPMAN, living about seven miles north of Louisville, eloped. Mr. TUTTLE was a married man and Mrs. CHAPMAN a married woman, each having a family. They were close neighbors and rumors of improper intimacy between the two have been going the rounds of the neighborhood for the last year or more. Mr. TUTTLE leaves his wife and family entirely destitute of this world's goods, he having turned all his earthly possessions into money, which he took with him. Mr. TUTTLE'S wife is a lady of estimable character, highly respected by all who know her; and she has been a hardworking and economical wife, trying with all her power to help her husband make a home for themselves and little ones. He had a family of very interesting children, and there could have been no excuse for his inhuman act except his inate devilishness. He has always been a bad man, and considered by his neighbors as a man equal to almost any act of meanness. Why Mrs. CHAPMAN became enamored of such a dwarfish specimen of incarnate humanity is more than any ordinate intellect can conceive of. Such, however, was the case, and she left an interesting family and an ever kind and indulgent husband, to spend the balance of her days with his fiend in human shape. Mrs. CHAPMAN is said to have taken a hundred dollars of her husband's money, all that he had about him. Mrs. CHAPMAN, went to Wamego and took the train, and Mr. TUTTLE a team and spring wagon and struck out across the country, telling his wife that he was going to deliver a sewing machine which he had sold a few days before, and the supposition is they met at Manhattan. Mrs.CHAPMAN took her youngest child. No effort is being made to follow them, as people generally look upon their room as being much preferable to their company. Mr. TUTTLE'S numerous creditors have been rushing around to see if any thing was left, but find everything as barren as a fig tree at the north pole.
July 21, 1881:
We are in receipt of a letter from Joseph GREENE, whose misfortune in being almost killed by a falling tree at Bazine, last December, will be remembered by the readers of the Times. He writes from Hitesville, Butler Co., Iowa where he is still confined to his bed, having had his foot amputated on the 7th of May. He expresses his gratitude to the people of Bazine for the kind care and attention which they gave him while he was there suffering from the effects of the accident, and considers himself under special obligations to B. F. GARRETT and family. He is hopeful of recovering soon, and wishes some time to return to Ness county.
July 14, 1881:
NESS CITY SCHOOL REPORT - First Month.
[The first column of figures indicates Attendance, the second, Deportment, and the third, scholarship, marked upon a scale of 100]
Imelda PHILLIPPI 80 100 90
Bertram PHILLIPPI 85 75 85
Frank JAMES 98 90 90
Stella JAMES 98 90 85
Charles WOOD 80 60 72
William WOOD 95 80 80
Mary GARDNER 90 92 90
Loulie GARDNER 85 90 80
Mary BARND 100 95 90
Jaqueline BARND 100 90 85
Caddie BARND 100 95 90
Rebecca STEPHENS 50 100 80
James STEPHENS 75 85 70
Alice STEPHENS 75 90 90
Frank STEPHENS 55 90 90
Mamie CALHOUN 98 90 90
Frank CALHOUN 83 90 80
Clyde LITTON 50 90 95
Visitors, none, save a ten-minutes' call from the Co. Superintendent. We cordially invite
all interested to give us a call, even though it should be as short as the one recorded.
M. A. ROCKWELL, Teacher.
September 22, 1881:
County Treasurer MCFARLAND was taken suddenly ill at the court house on Tuesday afternoon with heart disease. He came over from his dinner seemingly as well as usual, but soon began to feel unwell, not apprehending, however, that it would be anything serious. But about five o'clock he was taken with cramps, and became entirely helpless. Dr. ABEL, who happened to be in town at the time, went immediately to his relief, had him carried to the hotel and put in bed; his wife was sent for, but in spite of the best treatment, the patient's condition was for a time very critical. About midnight he began to improve, and is now out of danger, though not well enough to be taken home.
October 6, 1881:
Mr. Frederick BELL is up from Rice county, visiting his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. R. J. MCFARLAND. He was summoned rather suddenly on account of Bob's recent severe illness, and was highly pleased on his arrival to find that health was nearly restored.
April 13, 1882:
County Treasurer MCFARLAND was taken suddenly ill while in town last Thursday afternoon. His wife was sent for, and by good nursing he was able to go home on Friday. Now we all rejoice to see him about his business as usual.
May 4, 1882:
R. J. MCFARLAND began on his 32d year last Saturday, which event was the occasion for making him a birthday surprise. At two o'clock in the afternoon, a number of Bob's friends began to make their appearance, taking him and Mrs. MCFARLAND entirely by surprise. They had come prepared and presently a sumptuous feast was spread and partaken of. In the evening several others arrived, and the baskets being brought forth, the table soon born again its weight of good things. There were games, confabulation, and, in short, a general good time. Among the birthday gifts were the following: Checker board and picture, Mrs. Mary LAMB; mustache cup and saucer, Mr. and Mrs. FRAYER; sleeve button, Mrs. MCFARLAND; silk handkerchief, Mr. and Mrs. BARND; gloves, Mr., Mrs. & Miss HULL; watchcase, Miss Stella LAMB; collars, Mrs. O. H. LARWAY; pocketbook, Mr. J. T. CALHOUN; cash; Mr. ELTING.
August 17, 1882:
Birthday Party-Miss Laura BOYER celebrated her 12th birthday by a party at her home in Bazine, on Wednesday of last week. All her girl friends who were present enjoyed a happy day, and are quite sure that Laura bears her twelve summers gracefully. Laura entertained her young friends with some instrumental music, and then, Matie Caufman and Belle Frayer sang "When the Leaves Begin to Fade." After the music tea was served and the "birthday cake" was eaten. It was "just delightful." To say that all the girls wish Laura many happy birthdays, with every time a party and cake like that, hardly expresses it. The presents were an autograph album, by her mother; birthday card, by Nellie FORBES; lace tie, by Matie KELSON; cameo poems, by Tenie FORBES; crochet needle and card receiver, Matie CAUFMAN; brocade satin tie, by Etta FARNSWORTH, and a salt casket, by Belle FRAYER.
November 2, 1882:
Charles SCHREIBER, of Nevada township, while working in Mr. STEPHENS well last Wednesday evening, had the misfortune of receiving a blow on the top of the head from a stone, the size of a man's fist, which fell from the top of the well-a distance of about 30 feet. It knocked him down and left quite a serious looking gash across the head. Dr. VENARD was called in to dress the wound, and the next morning Mr. SCHREIBER was well enough to go home.
November 16, 1882:
Mr. Wm. NUSOM, was was badly hurt some time since by being thrown from his wagon in Elsworth county, has now reached home, but in a very bad condition.
November 23, 1882:
Miss Etta FARNSWORTH celebrated the 15th anniversary of her birth-day by a party at her home in Bazine, Friday evening, 17th. The evening was fair, and her young friends from near and from far were there to join in the mirth of the occasion, and to unite in the wish that Miss Etta may see many happy returns of the 17th of November. Mrs. FARNSWORTH had returned from her visit to Wisconsin, and it would be hard to say whether Etta, her father and mother, or the friends present, were happiest. A smaller house than Mr. FARNSWORTH's could scarcely have contained the party. There was singing, playing and feasting, and when the midnight was past the guests took their departure, not soon to forget the day when Etta was 15.
August 23, 1883:
Lightning struck R. J. MCFARLAND's house last Friday afternoon. It tore up things generally while it was there; but it seemed to be in too much of a hurry to stay long with them. It made things lively while it was there. The shock stunned Mrs. MCFARLAND, who was down in the room where the bolt went; but we are happy to state that it did her no serious injury. Bob is having a streak of ill luck lately.
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COURTS
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June 24, 1880 edition:
SPANGLER, of Johnson township, had a hearing before Wm. E. BURRIS, J. P., for driving Texas cattle over the quarantine boundary, on Monday June 21, and was fined $100 and costs, amounting in all to $117. Persons contemplating handling such stock should be careful not to violate the laws of this State if they wish to avoid trouble and expense.
July 15, 1880:
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
The State of Kansas, Ness County:
In the matter of the insanity of Jas. B. HARKNESS, of Ness Co., Kas. Notice is hereby given, that on the fourteenth day of June, A. D. 1880, the undersigned was by the Probate Court of Ness county, Kansas, duly appointed and qualified as Guardian of the estate and person of James B. HARKNESS, of Ness county, adjudged to be insane. All parties interested in said estate will take notice, and govern themselves accordingly. J. W. REEDER, Guardian.
August 12, 1880
At an inquest of lunacy held before Judge BARND on Friday last, Matthew TILLEY, of Ness P. O. was adjudged to be insane, and a fit subject to be sent to the State Insane Asylum. His present demented condition is attributed to excessive brooding over loss of crops, and failure of business undertakings. It is hoped a few months proper treatment in the Asylum may work a cure.
September 16, 1880:
Wa-Keeney, Kan.
Aug. 19th, 1880
Notice is hereby given that the following-named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final proof in support of his claim, and secure final entry thereof on the 27th day of September, 1880, before the Probate Judge of Ness County, at his office in Ness City, in said county, viz: James G. WINCHESTER, Homestead Application No. 1572, for the South East of Sec. 2, in Tp 20 S., of R. 22 West, and names the following as his witnesses, to prove his continuous residence upon and cultivation of said tract, viz; Thos. WOLF, Eli WOLF, Jacob ZINZ, and T. O. J. WOODALL, all of Bazine P.O., Ness Couty, Kansas. B. J. F. HANNA, Register.
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Notice of Appointment.
State of Kansas, Ness County, In the matter of Estate of Rudolph MURPHY,
Notice is hereby given that on the 14th day of August, A. D., 1880, the undersigned was, by the Probate Court of Ness county, Kansas, duly appointed and qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Rudolph MURPHY, late of Ness county, deceased.
All parties interested in said Estate will take notice and govern themselves accordingly. Stephen P. CLYBORN, Administration.
October 7, 1880:
Mr. K. ASHER, of Nevada township, came to town yesterday and filed in the Probate Court an information setting forth that his son, Charles D. ASHER, aged 20, had become deranged in mind, and praying for an inquest of lunacy, which was granted and will be held to-day at 2 p.m. Mr. ASHER informs us that his son was well and of sound mind till about a month since, when he noticed symptoms of mental aberration. The advice and treatment of skilled physicians have been obtained, but all to no account. The disease grew steadily worse, and at the present time Charles is almost unmanageable. This is the third case that has come before the Probate Court of this county within a period of less than four months.
October 28, 1880:
Some two or three days ago Mr. WORTHINGTON, J. P. of Ohio Twp., issued a warrant for the arrest of two of the WICKER boys charged with stealing a steer from a Mr. DRAKE'S herd. The boys have been arrested, and their preliminary hearing takes place today. The facts in the case so far as we have been able to collect them, are as follows: One of the boys, while herding for Mr. Drake, a few months since, picked up a Texas steer and put it into the herd. When he settled with Mr. Drake it was agreed that he (the boy) should have the steer. A few days ago this boy, assisted by his brother, drove the animal from Mr. Drake's herd and butchered it. Now it turns out that BERNADINO, who was shot by Mat. JOHNSON, a short time ago, had given a mortgage upon this steer to a Lane county man, who now prosecutes the boys on a charge of theft.
November 18, 1880:
PROBATE NOTICE
In the matter of the Estate of Rudolph MURPHY, deceased. A petition having been filed in this court by S. P. CLYBORN, administrator of the estate of Rudolph MURPHY, deceased, setting frth that the personal property of said estate is insufficient to discharge the demands against the same, and praying for an order to sell the South ˝ of the N. E. and the North ˝ of the SE of section 24 in Township 18 South, of Range 21 West, notice is hereby given to all persons interested that the matter will be heard in this court on Wednesday, December 8, 1880, at 1 o'clock P. M. BARND Probate Judge.
December 2, 1880:
Mr. John STEPHENS and his son Alfred, of this place, were arrested last Sunday on the charge of having butchering a beef that belonged to another man-Pat CRANEGA. They claim that the animal was their own. The preliminary hearing will take place at the Court House, on Saturday.
December 23, 1880:
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
State of Kansas, Ness County, In the matter of the Estate of Amos RINEHART, late of Ness Co., Kansas. Notice is hereby given, that on the 18th day of December A. D. 1880 the undersigned was, by the Probate Court of Ness county, Kansas, duly appointed and qualified as Administratrix of the estate of Amos RINEHART late of Ness county, deceased. All parties interested in said estate will take notice and govern themselves accordingly. Libbie A. RINEHART, Administrator.
August 4, 1881:
NOTICE
Riverside Kas., 7-16-'81, This is to certify that I give my son, George H. WILLIAMSON, the remainder of his minority; shall claim none of his wages, nor pay any of his debts after this date. H. WILLIAMSON.
November 3, 1881:
Court Proceedings
Criminal.
No. 2 - State vs. Franie KAUFFMAN. Defiling a female. Jury disagree, and prisoner held to bail in the sum of $100.00.
No. 3 - State vs. Isaac V. KNOTTS. Assault and battery. Verdict of not guilty, and prisoner discharged.
Civil
No. 3 - Mily T. SHEAFFER vs. Emma SHEAFFER. Divorce. Decree granted, and defendant restored to her maiden name, Emma E. GROVE.
November 17, 1881:
Letters of administration were granted by the Probate Court yesterday, to F. W. DANIEL, on the estate of Beatrice TRAVER, an account of whose death was published in the TIMES, in August, 1880.
John SHERMAN pleaded guilty to the charge of assault and battery upon Henry LANNING, before G. H. SMITH, J. P., yesterday, and was fined one dollar and costs of the prosecution, amoounting to $8.25.
December 6, 1883:
NOTICE.
All persons are hereby notified not to let my wife, Mary D. HAMILTON, have anything on my account, or to harbor or board her on my account; for I will not be responsible for any debts she may contract, because she has left my bed and board without my knowledge or consent, and without any legal reason whatever. Samuel HAMILTON
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BIOGRAPHY
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November 25, 1880:
Mr. Newton CALHOUN, of Van Buren county, Iowa, father of Ross and James T. CALHOUN, of this place, and Mr. Thos. BROWN, brother-in law to James T., who for several days past have been visiting their relatives here, returned to their eastern homes on Tuesday morning. Mr. CALHOUN is one of those venerable gentlemen whose conversation is enriched by experience, and whose countenance betrays the consciousness of a life well spent in the service of his Master. Both enjoyed their visit, and went away leaving many more friends than those they came to see.
.May 5, 1881:
Miss Ida M. TILLOTSON, of Milbrook, was admitted to the bar at the recent term of the District Court in Graham county. She is a young lady of superior intelligence, and the fourth of her sex to be admitted to the practice of the law in Kansas.
May 12, 1881:
Mr. Geo. W. STRONG and J. B. LITTON, with their families, left the place of their former residence in this county on Tuesday, and started for Washington Territory. They will be joined in Wa-Keeney by three families from the neighborhood of Alexander Postoffice, whence the little party will proceed westward in their wagons, going as far as they can each day, and camping at its close wherever night overtakes them. The distance is about 1,500 miles, which they expect to accomplish in three months. They go in quest of a better country, which, no matter where you are, is always said to be a little further on.
May 19, 1881:
ROSS CALHOUN.
The gentleman whose name we have just written, is a merchant at Ness City, Ness county, Kansas. He came to our City last Monday morning also as defendant wherein the State of Kansas was plaintiff. It appears that there was a County Seat fight in that county the first day of last June, and the man who never went through one of those fights will never know what a red hot fight is-in fact it is the only fight in which some weak brother or sister don't get on the fence. To make a long story short-Ross Calhoun's town, or Ness City won, and that was evidence enough to some folks that Ross had used up about one hundred thousand dollars in buying votes for Ness City. Mr. Calhoun was arrested and brought to this District, before Judge NELLIS for trial. Messrs. MOHLER & HILLER, of Salina, and OSBORN, of Wa-Keeney, appeared for CALHOUN, while the County Attorney for Ness, George S. REDD, assisted by Mr. CORNING, represented the State. Counsel for the defendant moved to quash the indictment, claiming it to be defective, which motion was by the court sustained. Ness county is too new a county, and its people are too poor to keep up a war such as has been going on there for the last eighteen months. The suit that has just been dismissed, will not cost the tax payers of that county less than $800. Our acquaintance with Mr. CALHOUN warrants us in saying that he is a good, live energetic citizen-and being such, he would make the best fight he could for any proposition in which he had a personal or political interest. The sooner county seat and other questions of a local character are settled the better it will be for the entire people of that county. Ellis Co. Star of April 28.
August 11, 1881:
Mr. Pearl E. FRAYER, of Bazine, seems to be the coming man for sheriff. Pearl is one of our oldest settlers, and perhaps he could have no better recommendation than that his chances for election suffer nothing from the length of his acquaintance. He has been a consistant Republican, in county matters has always had an opinion, which he was not afraid to express; is respected for his integrity, and no man doubts the efficiency with which he would fill the office. He will be a strong candidate in the Republican convention and, if nominated, one that cannot be beaten in the election.
September 8, 1881:
Mr. J. B. DRAKE passed through this town Monday morning on his way to his homestead in Eden township. He had six wagons heavily loaded with household furniture and farming implements. He comes from Missouri and evidently intends to make Ness county his home from this out.
On Tuesday, of this week, during the heavy rain storm, the roof of Mr. L. N. PHILLIPPI's sod house was discovered to be giving way, whereupon Mr. P. proceeded to brace up, scarcely having finished, however, when indications proved the unsafety of the in-dwelling of that lowly cot, and its inhabitants had barely time to make their escape when said roof came crashing to the ground.
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