FINDING FRANK

by Kathy Hyland Smith

 

Foreword:
Because my Great Grandfather Frank Hyland died at age 24 in 1891, the quest for information about him has been difficult. The 1890 census was destroyed for the most part so there are about 11 years of his life that I want to account for.  Thus, my search through the newspapers of Norton County, KS, particularly the Almena, Kansas papers of that time, borrowed from the microfilm library of the Kansas State Historical Society.

I am not sure exactly what year Frank moved to the Almena area, but through obituaries and newspaper articles it is estimated that he lived there between the years 1886 and 1889.

There are a few newspapers at this time, namely ; “The Star” dates: 1885 through 1889 when it was purchased by the “Almena Plaindealer”.  Later, the “Almena Advance” came on the scene briefly, from Feb. 1889 to Feb. 1890.  I will borrow these newspaper copies at a later date.

This report starts with the inception of the “Almena Plaindealer” on Thursday, Feb. 2, 1888, when Dr. W. Taylor, owner and proprietor, put out the first edition.  It was a weekly paper and had “correspondents” from other small towns in the area.  For the most part, it had 4 pages with 8 columns across each, except when advertisements took up space, which was very often the case.  Most of the “newsy” articles found were listed under a column called “City News”.

I have included historic and items that are of interest to me, as well as tidbits found on Frank and other family members. Some names listed may not be related, but had the same surnames I am researching.  I do not claim to have found everything possible, but did the best I could with the time I had.  I have marked the items I made photocopies of with an *asterisk.

I am highlighting surnames to hopefully make it easier to read through this report and find names of interest to different family members.

I will highlight Frank Hyland and Carrie Morris in red. The other Hyland’s mentioned will be highlighted in blue, and any other surnames connected to the Morris family, such as Mills, will be highlighted in green.

So with that said, here is what I’ve found so far………


Source: The Almena Plaindealer newspaper on microfilm borrowed from the Kansas State Historical Society. Feb. 2, 1888 - July 11, 1889; reel # A 1238. Also, microfilm reel # A 1239, containing the paper’s editions from July 11, 1889 - Sept. 12, 1892.

1888
Thurs., Feb. 2, 1888:
* Pg. 2, col., 5, item 1: An advertisement for the company Frank worked for at the time:

ALMENA 
STEAM FEED MILL

JOHN SCHROTH, Prop.
_____________

Keeps Constantly on Hand a Full Supply of

Ground and Chopped Feed

For Sale at Reasonable Prices. Mill Open to Customers Every Day
in the Week Except Sunday.
_________________

Respectfully Solicit the Patronage of the Public
_______________

FRANK HYLAND, MANAGER

Office Near Elevator, ALMENA, KAN.

*Pg. 2, col, 2: An article about the town of Almena…………

“ ABOUT ALMENA.
The city of Almena has been platted and open for sale for a little over two years and her growth and prosperity has been one continuous advancement in wealth and population. The town is situated upon a beautiful plateau on the North side of the Prairie Dog river, somewhere near fifty feet above the high water mark, and gently slopes to the south toward the river, furnishing plenty of fall for perfect drainage. One-half mile north of the town across the valley the elevation reaches a height of a hundred feet above the bed of the river. From that point the face of the country assumes a gently undulating plain as far as the eye can reach. The monotony of the scenery is broken on the south side of the river where the foot-hills joining the valley show beautiful breaks; forming canyons that are in some places many feet below the table-lands with precipitous banks, affording perfect protection for live stock of all kinds from the inclemency of the wintry storms.

Just above the town, on the river is situated the City Water Mills, which is one of the most important of the industries of the city at present, but the power that is already here is sufficient to run ten times the amount of machinery we now have. Farmers find this mill indispensable and patronize it extensively.

The B. & M. railroad runs through Almena from east to west, as also does the C., K., & N., (the great Rock Island) running just south of the business portion of the city from east to west. The C., K., & N. will be built through to Denver this season. We also have great prospects for a north and south road, as the Santa Fe has made several surveys through this town and immediate vicinity.
We have a good school building, with ample accommodations for all the pupils in the district. Our school terms are from seven to nine months in the year.

There are also several church organizations here, among which are the Congregational, Methodist, Episcopal, United Brethen and Free Methodist, extending to the people church privileges second to none of the cities of the west and north.

Fraternal societies are represented here by the Knights of Pythias and the Grand Army of the Republic. Both in a flourishing condition.

Our citizens are intelligent, enterprising, economical and honest, and strangers seeking homes in our midst will always find a cordial welcome and courteous treatment.

We invite you to come, because we feel assured that it will be advantageous to yourselves and beneficial to us in developing the resources of this great and prosperous country and building up substantial homes for yourselves and posterity.”

*Pg. 3., col., 2, under “City News”:
Frank Hyland is becoming quite liberal of late, setting up the cigars to the boys without the least protest. Look out for the breakers, “McFad” “

*Pg. 3, col. 3, item 8:
“We had the pleasure last Thursday evening of seeing Frank Hyland mount the rostrum (on the roof of the Delmonico restaurant) to deliver his famous address to the public. Frank is getting to the front as an orator. The time is near at hand that when Frank talks the world will tremble.”

Thurs., Feb. 9, 1888:
Pg. 2, col.4, under “From Calvert”:
P. Crohan justice of the peace is the best checkers player in Seth.” Note: Seth is at this time, a small town right next to Calvert, KS. It may only be a rail depot. It can be found on a 1895 map of Norton Co., KS.

Pg. 3, col.1: There is a sort of city directory in this paper and in this list is included city officials, where I found ……… “Register of Deeds: A. K. Mills”. 
Note: I am not sure if he is related to Eugene Mills, husband of Eudora Morris Mills. (sister of Carrie Morris Hyland).

Thurs., Feb. 16, 1888:
Pg. 2, col.5: The Almena Steam Feed Mill advertisement that appeared in the first two editions of the Plaindealer has now changed. It lists a new proprietor and Frank Hyland’s name has been removed from the ad.
Note: I don’t know if Frank is still employed with this company.

Thurs., Feb. 23, 1888:
Pg. 1, col. 7, under “State News”………here there is an article about a “Miss Mattie Stutevant or Stuteville (sp?), and her clothes catching on fire. I think she is most likely not related to the Stuteville line of my interest.

Thurs. March 1, 1888: No family information found.

Thurs. March 8, 1888:
Pg. 3, col. 2, under “City News”:
Mr. Morris son, William, has been quite sick for the past few days.” Note: Don’t know if related to our Morris line.

Thurs. March 15, 1888: No family information found.

Thurs., March 22, 1888: No family information found. Subscription cost for 1 year of the “Almena Plaindealer” is $1.25.

Thurs., March 29, 1888: No family information found. John Schroth, former proprietor of the Steam Feed Mill where Frank Hyland was manager, is now advertising “The Chicago Lumber Company. Schroth is manager.

Thurs., April 5, 1888: No family information found.

Thurs., April 12, 1888: No family information found.

Thurs., April 19, 1888: No family information found. Note 1: Businesses seem to change hands frequently in this time period. Note 2: Influenza is reported as being around the country.

Thurs., April 26, 1888:
Pg. 3, col.2:
Mr. C. Worley of Norton was down Sunday visiting Mr. Wm. Pool.” Note: Is this person related to the Worley’s in the Morris line?

Thurs., May 3, 1888:
*Pg.3, col.3 under “Items from Calvert”:
“We understand that Pat Crohan will carry the mail to and from the C., K., & N. depot. That will be pleasant as he can be with us day and night.”
Note: The Omaha Herald advertises for the first time in the Almena Plaindealer. Cost:
Daily (8 pgs) inc. Sunday, $10.00 a year.

Thurs., May 10, 1888: No family information found.

Thurs., May 17, 1888: No family information found.

Thurs., May 24, 1888:
*Pg.3, col.1, item 13:
Frank Hyland took his departure for his home of Casey, Guthrie county, Ia., last Tuesday morning. Frank expects to be absent about three weeks, and we don’t know what his best girl will do while he is gone.”

*Pg.3, col.2:
“One evening last week while driving across the bottoms, Frank Hyland got “sticked” in the “sile,” and but for the timely appearance of a person whose name we have forgotten, Mr. Frank would have undoubtedly sank beneath the surface. On producing fifty cents to the kind-hearted gentleman whose name we have again forgotten, Frank was landed high and dry on tera firma.”

Thurs., May 31, 1888:
*Pg.3, col.3, item 10:
Mr. E. Hyland placed in our office last Saturday as fine a specimen of stone as can be found in this portion of the state. It is a species of magnesia lime, and is susceptible of almost as fine a finish as granite. The piece on exhibition here has been exposed to the weather for the past two years which demonstrates the fact that frost and wet weather has no tendency to make it crumble. The immense quarry from which it was taken is located two and a half miles west of town. Upon the farm of Mr. J. F. Goudy, and the quarry presents a face of twenty feet in thickness. The discovering of this vastly superior quality o stone in such a large quantity is verily a gold mine for Mr. Goudy.”
Note: Is “E. Hyland” related?

Thurs., June 7, 1888:
*Pg. 3, col.1:
Mr. E. K. Mills, register of deeds of Norton county was in our city last Sunday, and broke bread with us at the Commercial house.”   Note: The Norton County Register of Deeds is listed as “A. K. Mills” in all copies of this newspaper. I don’t know which may be a typographical error.

*Pg. 3, col.3, para. 14:
“ The irrepressible Frank Hyland is back to these headquarters last Monday looking fresh and rosy. Frank say’s: “No Iowa in mine; Kansas is the paradise of the world and no mistake.” He says he thinks he will marry and settle down here. That’s right, Franky, embark upon the sea of matrimony and beat Lurty, - that is the scheme.”

Thurs., June 14, 1888:
*Pg. 3, col.1, para. 6:
“ Mr. J. Wilson has gone in with the Hyland Bros., as a partner in the stone quarry on Mr. Gowdy’s farm west of town.”

*Pg.3, col.2, para.3:
Miss Hyland deposited in our office last Saturday another fine specimen of stone from Mr. Gowdy’s quarry which contained one half of a tail fin from a large fish that is embedded in the stone and became petrified. The specimen is a fine one and is attracting great attention. Note: Who is “Miss Hyland?

Thurs., June 21, 1888: No family information found.

Note: No copies of the Plaindealer were on the roll of microfilm for the dates of June 28, 1888 or July 5, 1888.

Thurs., July 12, 1888: No family information found. It was noted in the paper that future editions will come out on Wednesdays.

Wed., July 18, 1888:
*Pg.4, col.2, item 6:
George Hyland, brother of the irrepressible Frank, of Fremont, Neb., is here visiting for a few days.”

*Pg.4, col.2, item 22:
“Will Pool and Frank Hyland had the audacity on Monday last to step into our sanctum and wipe the floor with our junior partner. It is all right, gentlemen; its a good thing for you that the fighting editor just happened to step out at that time, or there would have been trouble. A repetition of such a trick will entitle you to a chromo of a man and team stuck in the mud, - the man sitting in the wagon endeavoring to induce another fellow to unhitch his team and pull out backward.”

Wed., July 25, 1888: No family information found.

Wed., Aug. 1, 1888:
*Pg.4, col.3, item 5:
“On yesterday we had occasion to make a trip to the north part of town, and while passing the Jefferay residence we stopped long enough to peep in and see what was going on. We happened to tumble into the cellar and on picking ourselves up we espied Mr. E. Hyland, trowl in hand, and busy at work carving off to a smooth edge a piece of hard lime-stone, which we at first took for a superior quality of granite, but upon inquiry we ascertained that all the stone used in the foundation of the building was of the same material which come from the Hyland stone quarry south of town. The foundation walls are eighteen inches thick, and in the whole basement wall there are seventeen cords of stone. The outside of the wall was carved smooth and looks as handsome as any we have seen anywhere. The inside of the basement will receive a coat of cement, which will make it perfectly smooth. Messrs. E. and F. Hyland have exclusive charge of this part of the work and we do not hesitate to say that Mr. Jefferay will be pleased with the job they have done for him.”
Note: Is this our Frank Hyland?

Wed., Aug. 8, 1888:
*Pg.4, col.2, item 11:
Frank Hyland has traded for the feed mill formerly owned by Luther Warwick.”

Wed., Aug. 15, 1888: No family information found.

Wed., Aug. 22, 1888:
Pg.4, col.1, item 6:
“ Dr. Rumsey reports a considerable amount of sickness in this locality at present.”

Wed., Aug. 29, 1888:
*Pg.4, col.2, item 15:
“Read in this issue the advertisement of the Norton County Milling Company. This is a new firm formed by men who are well and favorably known here.”

*Pg. 4, col.3, item 10 under “Items from Calvert”:
Mr. Alfred Riggs has rented his farm southwest of town to unknown parties, who will occupy the premises immediately.”
Note: Is Alfred Riggs related to the Riggs family of Plainfield, Will Co., IL ?

*Pg.4, col.5, item 1: Note: This is the advertisement referred to in the first entry of this date.


F. H. MELLOR, President. F. HYLAND, Vice President. W.S. POOL, Secretary.

NORTON COUNTY
M I L L I N G C O M P A N Y
Almena, Kansas
__________
We are now Prepared to do all kinds of Grinding. 

C h o p F e e d
On Hand at all Times.

Give us a Call. J. PETERSON,
Manager.


Note: This is the first advertisement for the Norton County Milling Company.

Note: There is no copy for Sept., 5, 1888 on this microfilm reel.

Wed., Sept. 14, 1888:
Pg.3, col.5, item 1 under “State News”:
“Marysville is now lighted by electricity.”

Pg.4, col.1, item 2:
“Will Lurty is on the sick list.” Note: Is this the “Lurty” referred to in the June 7, 1888 article about Frank saying he would marry and settle down in Kansas? Could there have been a bit of rivalry for Carrie Morris’ affection?

Pg. 4, col.5: Advertisement for the Norton County Milling Company appears again.

Wed., Sept. 19, 1888: Ad for Norton County Milling Co. appears again.

Wed., Sept. 26, 1888: Ad for Norton County Milling Co. appears again.

Wed., Oct. 3, 1888:
Pg. 2, col.1: 
“ Libby prison was sold at auction and purchased by Cincinnati parties, who will hold it for a new syndicate now being organized to remove it to Chicago.”
Note: Did this Civil War prison ever get moved?

*Pg.4, col.1, item 24:
Frank Hyland took a little trip to the country Sunday afternoon, returning Monday morning.”
Note: Was Frank visiting Carrie Morris?

Pg.4, col.5: The Norton County Milling Company advertisement appears again.

Wed., Oct. 10, 1888: The Norton County Milling Company ad appears again.

Wed., Oct., 17, 1888: The Norton County Milling Company ad appears again.

Wed., Oct. 24, 1888:
Pg.4, col.2, item 11:
“Will Lurty took his departure on Friday of last week for Sherman county, where he will hold down a claim during the winter.” 

Pg.4, col.5: The Norton County Milling Company ad appears again.

Wed., Oct. 30, 1888: The Norton County Milling Company ad appears again.

Wed., Nov. 7, 1888: 
Pg.4, col.5:
The space where the Norton County Milling Co. advertisement has been appearing now says: “THIS SPACE RESERVED”.

Wed., Nov. 14, 1888:
*Pg. 4 col.2, item 19:
“The Norton County Milling Company have sold their grist mill to Mr. T.B. Beeson of Norton. He will move the Mill to Norton.”
Note: What is Frank doing now?

Wed., Nov. 21, 1888:
Pg.4, col.1 under “City News”…… notes that “dyptheria is in the country”.

Wed., Nov. 28, 1888: No family information found. At this time, J.B. Shepard is the Proprietor of the Almena Plaindealer.

Fri., Dec. 5, 1888:
Pg.1, col.4: The Almena Plaindealer is now controlled by A.J. McKinney, Editor and publisher. The newspaper will now appear on Fridays.

Pg. 4, col.2, item 11:
“How do you like the Plaindealer, the only Republican paper in Almena.”

Pg.4, col.2, item 30:
“Preparatory to the inception of a photography gallery in Almena the north side of the roof of Blair & Malcolm’s building is being cut so as to insert a sky light.”
Note: Previously, Almena had only traveling photographers come through town, as mentioned occasionally in the paper.

Fri., Jan. 4, 1888: The date on this edition was crossed out in pencil and written in as “Dec. 12”. I believe the Dec. 12th marking is an error on the part of whomever put the paper on microfilm. I think that they skipped the Dec. 12th issue and accidentally put in Jan. 4th’s.

Pg.4, col.2, item 6:
“Look for our city directories next week.”

Pg.4, col.3, item 1: This item speaks of a wedding performed on Dec. 31, 1888……one reason I believe the date on this edition to be incorrect.

Fri., Dec. 21, 1888:
Pg.1, col.5, item 6, under “Press Echoes”
“The little babe lately born to Mrs. & Mr. A. K. Mills, died on the 14th last, of bronchial fever. The bereaved parents have the sympathy of all.”

Fri., Dec. 28, 1888: No family information found.

1889

Fri., Jan. 4, 1889:
Pg.1, col.5, item 1:
“TYPHOID FEVER, It’s Prevention & Restriction – issued by the Kansas State Board of Health…………………………Typhoid Fever, sometimes called “Euleric Fever, Fall Fever, etc. is a common disease of frequent occurrence in our state…………”
Pg.4, col.3, item 1: The marriage article (for A.J. McKinney and Lucy Felt) that appeared in the earlier, Jan.4 / Dec. 12, 1888, edition, also appears here. It would appear to be an error on the maker of the microfilm.

Fri., Jan. 11, 1889:

Pg.1, col.7, item 9, under “Calvert”:
“Stoots & Crohan have done gone and done it this time. What next, gentlemen? Start suthin, Bro. S., and stick to it, if nothing more than a kole shed or livery stable or lumberyard or a stock yard. 
Pedro”

Pg.1, col.6, item 2:
“ To Citizens of Norton County……………..” Note: this is an article about the outbreak of Small Pox in the area.

Pg.4, col.6, :
In the new column called the “Almena Directory” listed under “Plasterers & Masons” is listed J.B. Morris.

Fri., Jan. 18, 1889:
*Pg.4, col.3, item 6:
Hon. A.K. Mills said he attended Almena’s first school in a little log schoolhouse, plastered with mud, in 1874. Came to the county in 1873. Regards Almena as home. Taught first term in Almena winter of 1881-2. Discussed the proposition, What is education? with ability. Picturing the abject condition of a young man at the age of 21 without education. Showed that education and power are inseparable. Impressed the fact upon all that a knowledge of physiology and hygiene is absolutely necessary to any degree of success in life. In this particular he made many very sensible points in the course of his remarks. Closing his remarks he said “True education consists in the cultivation of the moral, physical and intellectual of the child.” He is rightfully informed in there, also.”

*Pg.4, col.4:
In the “Almena Directory” column: “Plasterer & Mason: E.J. Hyland, Steve Stone, J.B. Morris.”

Fri., Jan. 25, 1889: No family information found. The first anniversary of the Almena Plaindealer is mentioned.

Fri., Feb. 1, 1889: No family information found. The City Directory listings are the same.

Fri., Feb. 8, 1889:
Pg.1, col.5, item 31:
“Kansas has one insane person to every 960 of her population, and 1,650 in all.”
Note: This little blurb reminded me of Belsora “Belle” Morris Crohan.

Fri., Feb. 15, 1889:
Pg.1, col.5: 
The Plaindealer has purchased “The Star” newspaper and now lists J. B. Shepard, Proprietor and W.D. Jones, Editor.

Pg. 4, col.3:
There is a notice that A. J. McKinney is no longer connected to the Almena Plaindealer in any way whatsoever.

Fri., Feb. 22, 1889: No family information found.

Fri., March 1, 1889: No family information found.

Fri., March 8, 1889:
Pg.4, col.3:
Will Morris is listed as part of the “Music Committee”.

*Pg.4, col.4, item 10, under “Fair Haven Follies”:
“The school in District 52 came to a happy termination on last Friday. Miss Carrie Morris has had charge of the above school for a period of five months and has given such universal satisfaction to the patrons and gained the esteem and respect of her pupils to such an extent that there has been a unanimous request given her that she take charge of the spring term of school.
Whether Miss Morris accepts or not remains to be seen, but even should she not accept, it will go to show in what high esteem she was held by her patrons. The exercises on the closing day consisted of a sumptuous dinner provided by the patrons of the school, and a concourse of 68 persons gave testimony of their appreciation of the many good things provided by doing justice to the bounteous repast set before them. The afternoon exercises consisted of suitable recitations, songs and appropriate music, and all whose blessed privilege it was to be present, will retain a remembrance of the event that will sparkle like a jewel, when the same is by fond recollection presented to view.
Evergreen”

Note: “Evergreen” is a correspondent for the Almena Plaindealer. Most of the correspondents used pseudonyms.

Fri., March 15, 1889:
*Pg.4, col.2, item 12:
Frank Hyland has returned from Iowa, where he was visiting his mother.”

Fri., March 22, 1889: 
Pg.4, col.2, item 4:
Alfred Riggs has gone to Everton, Missouri, to make it his home.”
Note: Is this person any relation to the Riggs family of Plainfield, IL?

Fri., March 29, 1889:
Pg.4, col.2, item 18:
“Jas. Garner of the Lurey “Headlight” is illuminating our streets. Jim’s gas beats the Norton electric all hollow.”

Thurs., April 4, 1889:
Pg.4, col.4: 
Here there’s a mention of “C.M. Poe - artistic photographer” of Norton.

Thurs., April 11, 1889:
*Pg. 1, col. 6, item 13:
Frank Hyland is under the weather and goes around cussing the man who stole his overcoat.”

Thurs., April 18, 1889: No family information found.

Thurs., April 25, 1889:
*Pg.4, col.3, item 6, under “South Fork Items”:
B. Morris has been very sick, but is some better.”

*Pg. 4, col.3, under “Farmingdale Fancies”:
John Morris and his sister, Carrie, went a fishing at the mill pond last Saturday night well equipped. Carrie had a log chain hook and John had some potatoes for bait. Have not heard of their success yet, but expect it in this week’s paper, as Carrie promised to give the amount caught.”

Thurs., May 2, 1889:
Pg., 1, col.5: Note: correspondent “Evergreen” is referred to as “he”.

*Pg. 4, col.2, item 15:
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hyland were pleasant callers at this office Saturday last.”

*Pg. 4, col.3, item 1:
“A Social Event
Our society circles were thrown into a hub-bub of excitement, last Thursday by the not - altogether unexpected marriage of our genial friend and room-mate, Frank Hyland, one of Nature’s noblemen, and one, who is universally respected and liked by the whole town and township, and the pretty young school teacher of District No. 52, Miss Carrie Morris. Our readers in the county are without stint in their praises of her womanly graces and ladylike courtesy. Of her our correspondent, Evergreen, spoke in glowing terms in one of his late letters. The ceremony was performed, on Thursday afternoon, April 25, 1889, at the parsonage, by the Rev. F. V. Jones, after which Frank extravagantly furnished cigars to the whole town and the country round about. Of all the young couple of our acquaintance none start out with anymore good wishes, or brighter prospects, than Frank and Carrie. May the white winged dove of peace make her home with them, may the Goddess of Fortune bestow her most precious favors and may happiness always be their handmaiden.”

*Pg.4, col.4, item 5:
“Frank Hyland and wife left on the B. & M. Tuesday evening for Omaha.”

Thurs., May 9, 1889:
*Pg.1, col.6, item 21, under “Norton Notes”:
Frank Hyland and wife are located at Fort Omaha, Neb., for the present, in a letter to the writer he and wife send pleasant greetings to their many friends.”

*Pg.4, col.3., items 2, 3, 4, and 5, under “Farmingdale Fancies”:
“Just received, the fish report saying, they caught two or three about an inch long and some little ones, say they are going again.:

“A splendid rain on Sunday night, continuing most of the night.”

“Ed. Blackford says, he don’t see why it can’t rain some other night than Sunday 
nights.”

Carrie says she is glad it did rain, for they live on such Hyland that she is afraid they would not raise any crops the coming year.”

Notes for the last entry: Thurs., May 9, 1889, under “Farmingdale Fancies”:

I found these articles to be a bit odd……it seems as if they should have been printed in the Plaindealer in perhaps the April 25th edition or the May 2nd, 1889 edition, as the first item entered refers to the “fish report”, which sounds like the report the writer was waiting for from Carrie Morris and her brother’s fishing trip.
The last item mentioning “Carrie” and the play on words using “Hyland” instead of “high land”, makes it sound like the writer intended for this to be a tongue-in-cheek report, and also makes it sound like Carrie and Frank are still in Almena.

Thurs., May 16, 1889: No family information found.

Thurs., May 23, 1889: 
Pg.1, col.5: Note: A couple of cemeteries mentioned here are: Long Island Cemetery and the Farmingdale Cemetery.

Thurs., May 30, 1889: No family information found. Note: No City Directories have been listed for several editions now.

Thurs., June 6, 1889:
*Pg.1, col.6:
Gene Mill’s little boy had his hand badly mashed in the cogs of a clothes ringer last week. Gene was turning the wringer when the little fellow grabbed at the cogs, and had his fingers caught.
He was taken to Norton immediately and his fingers bandaged together by the doctor, who hopes to save them all. At present the hand seems to be doing very well and the probabilities are that all the fingers will be saved.”

Thurs., June 13, 1889:
Pg.1, col.4:
Note: Here is mention of baseball teams in the area playing against one another. Almena’s team seems to be on a winning streak.

*Pg. 4, col.2, item 1: 
Gene Mill’s little boy’s fingers are healing nicely.”

Thurs., June 20, 1889: 
Pg. 4, col.2, item 9:
“E. J. Hyland is doing a neat job of putting down the patent stone side walk in front of Fred Jefferay’s property on main street.”

Thurs., June 27, 1889:
Pg 4, col.3, item 3:
E. J. Hyland and Ed Churchill left last week for a trip to the Neutral Strip. They expect to be back in six or eight weeks.” Note: I don’t yet know what the “Neutral Strip” is. Maybe land open for claims or sale.

Pg. 4: Note: mention of the Almena Cemetery.


This ends the microfilm reel # A 1238.


Microfilm reel # A 1239:


Thurs., July 11, 1889:
*Pg.4, col.3, item 7:
Gene Mills has purchased the whole town of Rayville and elected himself Mayor. He is now talking of running for sheriff, and hopes to catch the Marshallship.”

*Pg. 4, col.3, item 9:
E. J. Hyland, who, along with Ed Churchill, went down to the Neutral Strip a couple of weeks ago, has returned. He speaks highly of the Strip, and says he would rather have a farm down there free, than one here with an $800 mortgage. He enjoyed the trip hugely.”

Thurs., July 25, 1889 through Thurs., Aug. 2, 1889: No family information found.

Note: At this time, my inter-library loan time was running out so I decided to skip forward to Jan. 1890 in hopes of finding a mention of the birth of Frank and Carrie (Morris) Hyland’s first son, my grandfather, Hazel / Harry B. Hyland

1890

Thurs., Jan. 2, 1890:
*Pg.4, col.2, item 7:
Arba Mills was down Sunday and Monday quite recovered from this recent attack of lung trouble.”

*Pg.4, col.2, item 20:
“Gene Mills has moved his family in the Tom Harmonson residence where they will reside for the winter while Gene is traveling with the Kelsey Patent Gate.”
Thurs., Jan. 9, 1890:

*Pg. 4, col.3, item 15:
“Almena Lodge No. 136 installed their new officers last Thursday evening, F. H. Mellor D. D. G. C. officiating A. Fisher, C. C.; J. R. Dole, V. C; J. A. M. Young, Prelate; Jess J. Pool, K. of R. & M. Ed Burnap, M. of E.; Morse Burnap, S; of F: and Ed Hyland M. of A.”

Thurs., Jan. 16, 1890: 
Pg. 4, col.3: Note: many folks mentioned as suffering from “La Grippe”. “La Grippe” is explained as being what the French call Influenza.

Thurs. Jan. 23, 1890: 
Pg.1, col.5:
“We are two years old to-day.” Note: this refers to the Almena Plaindealer.

Pg.1, col.5:
Note: The paper mentions that school is re-opened after a short break due to “la grippe”.

Thurs., Jan. 30, 1890: No family information found.

Thurs., Feb. 6, 1890:
*Pg.4, col.1, item 8:
“The funeral of the little two-year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Hyland, on Sunday, was very well attended by their many sympathizing friends. The services were conducted by Rev. Cooper, and the remains were interred in the Almena cemetery.”

*Pg.4, col.2, item 19:
“Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hyland wish through these columns, to tender their sincere thanks to their neighbors and friends for the christain like sympathy an many kind attentions offered them during the serious illness and sad death of their little daughter Isabel. Your kind offices have been highly appreciated and words are inadequate to express their heartfelt thanks to you, one and all.”

*Pg.4, col.2, item 20:
“Friday evening of next week has been set apart by the Literary of the Farmingdale district for a grand entertainment. Several speakers from Almena are on the program, and the Glee Club will take charge of the singing. Mr. Arba Mills has kindly offered the use of his organ, so that a good time, all around, may be expected. We have not seen the regular program, but have heard enough to know that it will be very interesting and worthy your attendance.”

Thurs., Feb. 13, 1890:
*Pg 4, col.1, item 2:
Arba Mills, D. W. Mills and F. D. Mills have formed a co-partnership and bought the right of the State of Nebraska for the Ed. Kelsey Patent Wire Farm Gate.”

Thurs., Feb. 20, 1890: No family information found.

Thurs., Feb. 27, 1890:
No family information found.

Thurs., March 6, 1890: No family information found.

Thurs., March 13, 1890: No family information found.

Thurs., March 20, 1890:
*Pg.1, col.5, item 19:
“A. A. Hewitt lost a valuable cow, Tuesday, through some unknown disease. Dr. Ed Hyland was called to minister to the afflicted quadruped, but could do nothing to relieve her.”

*Pg.4, col.2, item 2:
Arba Mills is again very sick and has been confined to his home for a week.”

Thurs., March 27, 1890: No family information found.

Thurs., April 3, 1890: No family information found.

Thurs., April 10, 1890: 
*Pg. 1, col.4, item 6:
A. L. Funk of Red Cloud made a suggestion to the Lincoln real estate exchange to extend the R. I. from Omaha through Ashland, Crete, Nelson Guide Rock, Red Cloud to Almena, Kan. Saving a 75 mile run.”

Thurs., April 17, 1890: 
Pg.1, col.5, last item: 
Note: One of many items that looks like a news item but turns out to be an advertisement for one of many “cure alls”……in this one, “Mrs. Michael Curtain of Plainfield, ILL says she had consumption until she took “Dr. Kings New Discovery for Consumption”.
The “Plainfield, ILL” connection caught my attention.

Thurs., April 24, 1890: No family information found.

Thurs., May 1, 1890:
Pg.4, col.2, item 2:
“P. Crahan of Calvert was made a notary public last week.”

Thurs., May 8, 1890: No family information found.

Thurs., May 15, 1890: This edition was missing from the microfilm.

Thurs., May 22, 1890: No family information found.

Thurs., May 29, 1890:
Pg.4, col.2, item 5:
A. L. Morris, the new B. & M. agent will arrive Friday. Mr. Winker, relief agent, will go to his home at Indianola for a short rest before reporting for active duty. He is a pleasant, genial gentleman, “one you don’t meet every day,” and has made many friends during is short stay with us.”

Thurs., June 5, 1890: No family information found.

Thurs., June 12, 1890: No family information found.

Note: Here, again due to time constraints, I skipped forward to March 19, 1891.

1891:

Thurs., March 19, 1891:
*Pg.3, col.3, item 4”
“Death Caused Suspicion.

Frank Hyland, a grocer in Benson place, died suddenly at an early hour yesterday morning, and the coroner was notified. It was reported that the deceased had made a late call to see a physician regarding his daughter, who was sick, and being somewhat fatigued had been given a dose of some kind to brace him up. This was alleged to have been but a few hours before his death.
The coroner ordered the remains taken to Heafey & Heafey’s where an autopsy was held last evening. Nothing suspicious was discovered, although the brain and stomach were preserved and turned over to the coroner.
The deceased leaves a wife and two children.-----Omaha Bee
Frank was well known in this vicinity and made many friends during his stay here, and we deeply regret to chronicle his sad death. The bereaved wife and children have the heartfelt sympathy of the people of this community.”

Note: I skimmed through the March 26, 1891 through July 4, 1891 editions and found no other family information. However, I will request the loan of this microfilm reel again, so as to better check these dates and finish the rest of the reel.



Finding Frank
Second Report
by Kathy Hyland Smith



Foreword:
This brief report is made up of newspaper accounts from Reel A 1341, borrowed from the Kansas State Historical Society. This reel contains microfilmed pages from The Almena Advance, The Almena Star, The Calvert Gazette and a few other newspapers of the late 1880’s, located in the area of Almena, Norton County, Kansas.

The papers mentioned by name are the ones I collected information from this time. Time was short for me, so this was not a thorough search.

Quite a few items found are repeats of items I found in the Almena Plaindealer. This is not unusual as they were competing for subscribers.

Again, I will color code the surnames of interest as follows: Red for Frank and Carrie (Morris) Hyland; Green for others in the Morris line; Blue for other Hylands mentioned.

The findings:

The Almena Advance, 1st Edition;
Friday, May 3, 1889:
pg. 5, col. 3: “Mr. Frank Hyland and Miss Carrie Morris were united in the holy bonds of wedlock, on Thursday of last week, at the residence of the officiating minister, Rev. F.V. Jones. We have been informed that the happy couple will go to Omaha, Lincoln and points east on a wedding tour after which they will return to Almena and make their future home.  The Advance joins their many friends her (sp) in wishing them a pleasant voyage over the sea of matrimony.” *Kathy’s note: The Rev. F.V. Jones was minister of the Congregational Church. I learned this from several mentions on different dates.

Fri., June 7, 1889:
pg. 1, col. 3: “A little boy of Gene Mills had his hand badly crushed by getting it caught in the cogs of a clothes wringer, one day last week.”

Fri., June 28, 1889:
pg.5, col. 3: E. J. Hyland and Ed Churchill, started last Friday for the neutral strp (sp).”

Fri., July 5, 1889:
pg. 3, col. 2: “Gene Mills bought the lumbar in the old lumber yard sheds.”
“ “ “ A.K. Mills, our efficient Register of Deeds, passed through Aalmena (sp) Monday in a boat. We do not aim to leave the impression that our streets were so overflowed with water that this was necessary, but that he had the boat in a wagon and was on the way to his old farm dow the Prairie Dog.”

Fri., July 12, 1889:
pg. 2, col. 3: “Mrs. Gus Cook returned Wednesday from several weeks visit with her parents at Phillipsburg.”

Note: The Rev. and Mrs. Jones move home to Chicago after living in Almena for 1 ½ yrs.

*Note: I stopped at the Fri., Aug. 30, 1889 paper to move forward to other papers on the microfilm in hopes of finding more information.

Note: The “Almena Advance” moves to Norton and becomes the “Farmers Advance” starting with the June 5, 1890 edition. It only lasted until Sept. 11, 1890.


The Almena Star:
Dates of this paper start with Dec. 17, 1887.
I have not done a thorough search for lack of time.
June 16 through Sept 15, 1887 editions were missing from the KS Historical Society files.

Thurs., Sept. 22nd, 1887:
pg.1, col. 2: “ Frank Highland was in town Tuesday.”
Note: The next edition shown on the microfilm is dated Oct. 20, 1887.

Thurs., Nov. 3, 1887:
pg.1, col. 3: “ Mrs. Cook, daughter of Mr. Morris, lost a little girl 8 years old last week.”

Thurs., Dec. 21, 1887:
pg. 1, col. 3: “J. D. Morris, who had his arm broken a few weeks ago, is getting along slowly.”

Thurs., Jan. 19, 1888:
pg. 1, col. 3: “ B. Eakins had 12 shoats (sp) killed by dogs last week.”

Same date under the heading “South Fork”………
pg. 1, col. 5: 
“NOTICE!”
“We have again started the Steam Mill at this place and are prepared to grind
all kinds of grain. Satisfaction guaranteed. Frank Hyland,Manager”
Note: this same ad ran in the Jan. 26 and Feb. 2nd, 1888 editions, also.

Thurs., March 1, 1888:
Under the heading “South Fork”, pg. 4, col. 4:
“…………A. Bartells has rented his farm to B. Morris……..”


The Calvert Gazette

Thurs., May 9, 1889:
pg. 3, col. 1: “If you wish new halters call on P. Crohan.


©2005 Kathy Hyland Smith  posted here by permission.   These pages are dedicated to free access to records, documents and photos of historical and genealogical value. Documents contained herein may be copied for personal, non-commercial use as long as this statement remains on all copied material.   These records, documents and photos may not be reproduced, published or re-published for any reason, in any format,  including electronic (web pages or CD's) and print, without prior written consent of the contributors or copyright holders.