Transcribed from volume II of Kansas: a cyclopedia of state history, embracing events, institutions, industries, counties, cities, towns, prominent persons, etc. ... / with a supplementary volume devoted to selected personal history and reminiscence. Standard Pub. Co. Chicago : 1912. 3 v. in 4. : front., ill., ports.; 28 cm. Vols. I-II edited by Frank W. Blackmar.

Ottumwa, one of the minor villages of Coffey county, is on the Neosho river about 9 miles northwest of Burlington, the county seat, from which place it receives mail. Strawn, 3 miles south, is the nearest railroad station. This is one of the oldest places in the county, having been established in 1857. The first number of the Ottumwa Journal, which was the first paper published in the county, was issued by Jonathan Lyman prior to 1860. The town was incorporated in 1860, by act of the legislature, which act provided for a city council with power to regulate all matters. The councilmen appointed by the act of incorporation were Ebner H. Hoult, William R. Smith, James Harris, J. W. Kerr and Enoch Maudlin. Much of the early success of the town was due to the school established at that place by the Christian church. (See Ottumwa College.)

Page 429 from volume II of Kansas: a cyclopedia of state history, embracing events, institutions, industries, counties, cities, towns, prominent persons, etc. ... / with a supplementary volume devoted to selected personal history and reminiscence. Standard Pub. Co. Chicago : 1912. 3 v. in 4. : front., ill., ports.; 28 cm. Vols. I-II edited by Frank W. Blackmar. Transcribed July 2002 by Carolyn Ward.