Jackson County, Missouri - History of Wyandott, Kansas, 1881 (part 2 of 2)

' ' For some six months previous to the organization. Rev. S. D. Storrs, of Quindaro, had preached here, doing missionary labor to an audience of from twenty to thirty persons. Our place of worship was Kirk's Hall, on Nebraska avenue. In April, 1858, we removed to the M. E. Church, North, on Washington avenue, and here our church was organized July i8th, 1858, with twelve members. Rev. Storrs continued our only supply, though from the date of our organization commenced our efforts to secure a pastor. The place was growing rapidly, everybody seemed engaged in the one great project, money-making, indeed the "Old Guard" was threatened by the, "Arch Enemy." The efforts of a few, from the various societies of the place, to sustain a union prayer meeting proved almost abortive, though it is hoped that some good fruits remain. With a population variously estimated from 2,000 to 2,500 souls there were not more than 150 persons attending the various services on the Sabbath. With such an existing state of things we felt that we must have a pastor. The interests of the church and the people demanded pastoral labor. In August following we again moved and for about two months worshipped in the store room of R. S. Leavett, corner of Kansas avenue and Third street, from which we removed to Overton's brick building on Third street, between Kansas and Minnesota avenues. Here we occupied a room which, a portion of the time, was used as a sleeping room and storage room, and we were compelled to find another room because of the quantities of barrels, boxes, etc., which rendered our occupying the room an impossibility. We next took possession of Chestnut's old store room on Washington avenue, where we remained until July, 1858. The congregation here very materially increased, but we were yet without a pastor, several names had been suggested and the Home Missionary Society had proffered us missionary aid. The secretary of the church had a somewhat lengthy correspondence with Rev. Christopher Cordley, of Randolph, Mass. , but had learned from him that he could not accept a call from this church, on account of the health of his family. Spiritually we were famishing for want of a pastor. During the period of more than one year and a half we had seen Bro. Storrs once in our families, he would have been much oftener welcome, but his duties and labors were arduous, the two fields, Quindaro and Wyandott, were entirely more than could be expected of one pastor to take charge of, hence arose the cry for a pastor. Many and earnest were the prayers offered for this one object, and happily we trust have they been answered. In July, 1859, we again removed to the room we now occupy on Nebraska avenue, this room is the most commodious and convenient of any we have before occupied, but yet we want many necessary comforts. In January last a society was organized in connection with this church. A board of trustees chosen, a legally constituted body who immediately considered the subject and took measures for the raising of means necessary to build a house of worship, their efforts have been crowned with partial success. Dea.' Samuel Crosby spent some six months east and returned with some twelve hundred dollars, in cash and pledges.

In June a weekly prayer meeting was organized and has been well sustained by the church. In September the society extended a call to Rev. R. D. Parker, of Leavenworth, to become pastor, which call was accepted, and he commenced his labors in October following. This church is now composed of thirty-one members. During the year which has passed there have eight united with the church by letter and two on profession of their faith. There have been six baptisms of children. As a church, we have ever had great cause of thankfulness, in that we have been blessed with exceeding great blessings. Our number has not been diminished by death. Peace and prosperity reigns. Truly, the promise has been ours - " The Lord will be around his people henceforth and forever."

The third annual report January 14th, 1861, contains among other historic matter, the following : Divine service has been held by this church on each Sabbath of the year with preaching morning and evening. The Wednesday evening prayer meeting has been maintained with an attendance varying from eight to twenty. Two have been received on profession, three children and one adult baptized. The pastor has been called to attend five funerals, all children. W. F. Downs last September resigned superintendency of the Sundayschool and D. A. Bartlett has been elected in his place.

The congregation met in their new church July 2 2d, the house having been built by the blessing of God during the year. Work was commenced on the church in March and was completed about the middle of July, cost, $2,000: During the year ending January 13th, 1862, regular services were maintained. The National Fast appointed for September 26th, 1861, was observed by this church and congregation, and on that day the Third Iowa Regimerlt landed here from the battle of Blue Mills, and many of them were at the meeting. On the following evening 250 officers and soldiers held a prayer and conference meeting of intense interest. The ladies of the church ministered to the wants of the wounded for some weeks. The church has steadily prospered in their labors, in good works to the present time, and has, and is considered one of the most useful organizations in the county.

This was the first parish organized in what is now the State of Kansas, it then being the Territory of Kansas; it was organized in the year 1858 or '59 by authority of Right Rev. Jackson Kemper, the first missionary bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the United States. Among the original incorporators were Dr. Fred. Speck, Col. W. Y. Roberts, A. C. Davis, W. L. McMath, James Chestnut. The first rector was Rev. Rodney S. Nash, now living at Lexington, Mo. Rev. Hatton and Dr. A. Beatty succeeded. Rev. L. L. Holden became rector in 1869 and remained till 1871, then Rev. Nash was called a second time to the parish. In 1872 Rev. J. Godfrey Jones was called to the rectorship and remained one year. Rev. Thos. Betts was rector in 1874, the Rev. A. Batte, of Kansas City, having supplied a short interregnum before the coming of Mr. Betts. Rev. Betts- was rector three years and then the field was without a rector for a time, Rev. F. R. Holeman officiating during summer months, spending the winter in Florida. Rev. John Bennett was called to the rectorship in April, 1880, and entered upon his duties on the first of May, and has been in that capacity since that date. His first anniversary sermon was preached to the parish on May I, 1881, in which he says: "The rector performed two marriages, nine funeral services, one hundred sermons and discourses, parochial calls made on ninety-five families, communion sixteen times, the offerings of the parish $600." There are now thirty-eight communicants belonging to the parish. The present church edifice was built about the time of organization, at a cost of about $1,000. The Sabbath-school meets every Sabbath with an average attendance of about sixty. Mr. Charles Ericsson is the present superintendent.

M. E. Church

Organized in 1843 as the Wyandott Mission, for the purpose of giving the Indians the advantages of religion. Among the early members was Silas Armstrong.

Silas Armstrong was one of the leading members of the M. E. church among the Indians while they were in Ohio, and married the daughter of the missionary among the Wyandotts, the lamented Russell Bigelo. Mr. Armstrong was a halfbteed and died while on business to Ohio, about 20 years ago. Their first church was built on Washington avenue, it being the first church edifice in Wyandott. This church was found too small after the city had increased in population, accordingly in 1875 there was erected a large brick church on the corner of Kansas avenue and Fifth street at a cost of $5,000. It will seat about 600 in the main auditorium. There is also a large basement for the Sunday-school and other meetings which will seat 350, and class rooms and stairways. The church is neatly furnished with pulpit, carpet, organ, and other conveniences. There at present 135 members of the church with a Sunday-school of 175. The present superintendent is Mark B. St. John, and Frederick Soper, librarian.

The pastors of this church have been Dr. Dickinson, recently died, J. Lawrence, H K. Muth, S. P. Jacobs, now a missionary in India, WiUiam Smith, John Cook, C. L. Shackelford, E. R.. Brow, the present pastor.

This church belongs to the Kansas Conference, which includes the whole of northern Kansas. This church is in a good, prosperous condition, probably in the most prosperous condition of any period during its history. During the past year there have been 35 additions.

M. E. Church South

This church was organized in the year 1845, ^^^ ^^^ originally composed principally of the "Wyandott Tribe," the Indians in greater numbers having .united with the southern branch when the division occurred in 1844. The present brick church edifice was erected in 1873, at a cost of $3,000, but is not yet quite completed.

The present membership is forty-five. The Sabbath-school is in good condition, numbering one hundred and fifty scholars and well supplied with books and papers. Henry Nye is the present superintendent.

German M. E. Church

This church was organized August 24, 1859, with the following persons as original members : Frank Weber, Maria Weber, Louise Feisel, Maria Feisel, Adelhaid Holzbeierlein, Catherine Schatz, Margaret Ortmann, Henry Helm, August Gabriel, Carl Gabriel, Henriette Gabriel, Gottlieb Knoepfer, Margaret Knoepfer.

The church was erected in 1866, being a brick structure and costing about $4,000, and was dedicated in September, 1866, by Rev. M. Schnierly.

Saint Mary'S Catholic Church

Organized in 1858 with about thirty members. They met at John Warren's about six months, then built a church on Ann street, between Fourteenth and Fifteenth streets, the church being 25x50 feet. They worshiped there till 1865, when they built the present house of worship on Ann street, between Fifth and Sixth. The present church is a convenient and well built church, costing $9,000. The pastors have been William Fish, Dr. McGee, Casper Miller, A. Kuhls, the present pastor. Father Kuhls took charge of the parish in 1865, with thirty families ; sold the old church and has since built the present church parsonage, convent and parochial school, and now the church includes two hundred; two parishes having since been taken off. These church buildings were erected largely with funds contributed by the denomination in eastern States.

Organized by the present pastor. Rev. Felix Landor, May, 1880. Rev. Landor was formerly a slave in Louisiana and, owned by the French, spoke that language. He was converted lat the close of the war of the Rebellion from the Catholic faith and was educated by the Freedman's Aid Society in New Orleans, and came to this field in February, 1880.

Organized in the year 1862, with the following names: Thos. Branch, Milton Boyd, Rev. Henry Jennings, John Emerson, Dea Fry, Geo. Washington, Lucy Jones, Martha Jennings, Nancy Branch, Susan Blanton, Lizzie Boyd, Caroline Washington, Jane Briggs, Sarah Reed, Daniel Williams, Alexander' Williams. The church was built in 1869, on Nebraska avenue between Sixth and Seventh streets, and it was dedicated by Rev. Beverly Lee who preached the sermon, assisted by Rev. William Harris in 1869. It is a frame structure and cost about $1,500.

The pastors have been as follows: Henry Jennings, William Harris, William Belay, Gabriel Gray, James Lewis, F. D. Ewing, the present pastor. There is now a membership of about 230. There is a Sunday-school of about 70 in average attendance. Daniel Williams is superintendent. The church are now building a new brick structure on corner of Fifth and Nebraska avenue. The church will be a fine one and cost about $5,000.

Public Schools

The names of the principals and superintendents have been: H. L. Alden, 1867; O. C. Palmer, 1868 to 1874; M. Waters, 1875, and Sherman the present superintendent, since the year 1875. The names of the other teachers are : Mrs. F. M. Sherman, Miss B. C. Gushing. H. L. Gibson, Miss Clara Serviss, Miss A. L. Sharpe, Miss E. McNally Miss L. O'Brien, Miss L. Collins, Prof. J. D. Bowser, John W. Anderson, Miss Nellie Johnson-. The money expended last year was $7,000, and the number of pupils in attendance is one thousand.

Wyandott Academy

Established in 1878, and the first term of school opened September 23rd of the same year, with Prof. O. C. Palmer as principal. The present elegant brick structure for the use of the academy was built in the summer of 1879, by the energies and financial means of the principal. The building is two stories high 40x60 feet and contains six rooms, including a large, convenient and well furnished school room, a principal's office, music room, and recitation rooms. The cost of the buildmg was about $6,000. This school is fast winning favor with the people of Wyandott and vicinity. The present teachers are: Prof. O. C. Palmer, Mrs. O. C. Palmer, Miss L. M. Dickinson, Miss Belle Sears, Miss Julia Walcott. Both sexes are educated here. The number of pupils since last September are 187. The school is located on the corner of Ann and Seventh streets overlooking the cities of Wyandott and Kansas City.

Kansas Institute For The Blind

This institution was opened in September, 1868, with seven inmates. Mr. H. H. Sawyer had charge of it at that time. The institution at present consists of four brick buildings. The south wing of one building is used for recitation rooms. The other buildings are used for library, music room, work-shop, and dormitories. Dr. W. W. Updegrafif and Prof. John D. Parker had charge of this institution for several years.

There are at present 51 in attendance - all that can be accommodated with present facilities. The Legislature has recently made a liberal appropriation for increased conveniences, which will, when carried into effect, accommodate about 250 pupils. The institution at present is in charge of Geo. H. Miller, assisted by a corps of five competent teachers.

Masonic

In July, A. L., 5854, a Dispensation was issued from the G. L. of Missouri, to J. M. Chivington, W. M., M. R. Walker, S. W., and Cyrus Garrett, J. W., authorizing them to meet and work, U. D. The first meeting under this warrant was held August nth, A. L., 5854, and a Lodge of Masons, U. D., was duly organized. The officers of the Lodge were installed by Bro. Piper, D. G. M. of Missouri.

In May, A. L., 5855, a charter was granted from the G. L. of Missouri, to M R. Walker, W. M., Russell Garrett, S. W., and Cyrus Garrett, J. W;, authorizing them to meet and work, under the name of Kansas Lodge, No. 153, A. F. & A. M. The first meeting under this charter was held July 27, A. L , 5855.

On the 27th of December, A. L., ^855, a meeting of the Lodges of the Territory of Kansas was held in Leavenworth city, at which Wyandott, Smithton and Leavenworth Lodges were represented. At this meeting the G. L. of Kansas was organized.

On the 20th of October, A. L. , 5856, a charter was granted by the G. L. of Kansas to Cyrus Garrett, W. M., Geo. C. Vanzandt, S. W., and Henry Garrett, J. W., authorizing them to meet and work, under the name of Wyandott Lodge No. 3, A F. & A. M. The first meeting under this charter was held February 20th, A.. L., 5857, ...

Wyandott Lodge No. 3, A. F. & A. M. - Holds regular communications on the first and third Fridays of each month, at 7:30, at their own hall, corner Third street and Minnesota avenue. The present officers are M. M. Harris, W. M.; James Hampson, S. W.; - McClure, J. W.; J. B. Speck, Secretary; H. T. Harris, Treasurer; A. Hlatky, S. D.; B. E. McNally, J. D.; R. Halford, Chaplain- J. B. Walters, Tyler.

Mendias Chapter No. i, Order of the Eastern Star. - Holds regular convocations on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, at the Masonic Hall. EmmaE. Drought, Worthy Matron ; G. J. Neubert, Worthy Patron ; Julia Brown, Associate Matron; Mrs. Welsh, Treasurer; William Priestly, Secretary. This is said to be the oldest Eastern Star Lodge in the United States. The name is in honor of an Indian lady called by them " Mendias," her real name was Mrs. Lydia B. Walker. There is now a membership of about one hundred. Originated by authority of the Supreme Constellation of American Adopted Rite and was instituted on the 23d of July, 1856. William Barnett, Heleon ; Joel W. Garrett, Philomath ; Matthew C. Walker, Verger ; Geo. C. Van Zandt, Herald ; Cyrus Garrett, Warder; Mary Garrett, Luna; Lydia B. Walker, Hebe; Sarah H. B. Van Zandt, Flora ; Martha R. Walker, Thetis ; Eliza L Garrett, Areme.

Odd Fellowship

Summunduwot Lodge No. 3, I. O. O. F. - Meetings every Monday evening at Odd Fellows' Hall, corner Sixth street and Minnesota avenue. It was instituted October 7th, 1857, with six charter members, Silas Armstrong, Sr., J, A. Fligor, J. H. Miller, I. N. White, Joseph Rosenwald, J. W. Garrett. They formerly met in the old Constitution building, but now they meet in their own hall, which is sixteen feet high, sixty or seventy feet long and twenty-five feet wide. The order owns the two-story brick in which there is a large store room first floor and the hall above. The building was finished in 1876 at a cost of about $4,000. The present officers are : P. H. Knoblock, N. G.; John Lamont, V. G.; E. F. Blum, Secretary; Perley Pike, Treasurer; Geo. M. Willfong, S. P. G.; J. A. Nelson, R. S. to N. G.; James Hall, L. S.; G. A. Schreiner, R. S. to V. G.; G. W. Robaugh, L. S. to V. G.; Albert Scoles, Conductor; Adolph Gardner, Warden; W. B. Cooper, R. S. S.; Gust. Ahlsted, L. S. S.; A. 0, Clark, I. G.; S. Warrery, O. G.

Wyandott Encampment, No. 9. - Meetings held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month in Odd Fellows' Hall, corner 6th and Minnesota avenue. This lodge was instituted in 1869 with seven charter members : J. C. Welch, Fred. Speck, H. W. Cook, John Bolton, W. B. Bowman, Solomon Balraer, 0. K. Serviss. Present membership is sixty. The present officers are: W. H. Young, C. P.; Perley Pike, H. P.; E. F. Blum, S. W.; G. W Robaugh, J. W.; John Lamont, Guide ; John Bennett, Scribe ; William Priestly, F. S.; J. A. Nelson, I. S.; Stewart Warrey, O. S.

Teutonia Lodge No. 68, I. O. O. F. - Instituted January, 187 1, with about thirteen charter members, by District Deputy J. C. Welch. Meeting Tuesday evening of each week in the Masonic Hall, corner Third and Minnesota avenue. The present membership is sixty. The present officers are: H. Fieser, N. G.; Philip Kaiser, V. G.; J. J. Bernhardt, Secretary; F. Poehler, Treasurer; Geo. Frank, P. G.; John Schaaf, Conductor; John Eckholdt, Warden.

Knights Of Pythias

F. Aechternacht, J. W. Brown, D. E. Cornell, Jas. S. Gibson, R. Halford, James Hampson, Theo. Pottery, Ed. Richardson, C. H. Van Fossen, Louis Hanswirch. They meet at the Masonic Hall, corner Minnesota avenue and Third street, on the first and third Mondays in every month. John A. Hale C. C; C. F. Aechternacht, V. C; E. L. Bartlett, Prelate; Mac. Armstrong, K. of R. & S.; Bates Dunlevy, M. of F.; A. C. Seward, M. of E.; Chas. E. Neubert, M. at A.; J. R. Goodwin, I. G.; J. B. Walters, O. G. The present membership is 63. .

Ancient Order United Workmen

Tauromee Lodge No. 30, organized January 15, 1880, with twenty-three charter members, E. S. W. Drought, J. S. Clark, R. H. Arrington, C. Crothers Ed. Webster, William Albright, J. M. Squires, H. H. Sawyer, Charles Hardesty' J. A. Hale were the first officers of the lodge. Meetings are held in the Masonic Hall, corner Third and Minnesota avenue, on the first and third Wednesday evenings of each month. The present membership is 65. The present officers are : R. H. Arrington, P. M. W.; H. H. Sawyer, M. W.; C. Crothers, Foreman; Ed.' Webster, Overseer; Ed. Taylor, Recorder; C. Green, Financier; J. M. Squires Receiver ; Chas. Geyson, Guide ; George Robaugh, I. G.

Ancient Order Of Foresters

The dispensation was granted August, 1880. The charter members were Dudley Staats, Wm. D. Gentry and M. J. Edwards. The meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday evenings of each month. D. Staats, C. R.; M. J. Edwards, Secretary.

The German Lodge of the same order, the only one in America, was instituted in the year 1881. The founder of this order in Wyandott was W. D. Gentry.

There are at present few manufactories in Wyandott. There is a plow manufactory, wagon shop, and planing mill, The railroad shop having been removed to Armstrong it becomes necessary for the enterprising people to encourage other manufacturing industries. A few well regulated manufacturing establishments in Wyandott would do more toward making a rich and prosperous town than anything else. The .money sent from Kansas to eastern manufactories every year for any of the following articles, if spent here, would be a source of great wealth: agricultural implements, leather, boots and shoes, hats and caps, cotton goods, white lead, nails, glass, iron and furniture. The money raised every month by building and loan associations would be sufficient to embark in the manufacture of any of the articles above enumerated.

The first paper pub.lished in Wyandott City was the Wyandott Citizen, by Ephrfim Abbott. It was started in 1857 or early in 1858, but was not continued many months. It was succeeded by the Western Argus, which was printed on the same material and published by the Western Argus Company, J. E. Bennett, editor, and P. Sidney Post commercial editor. The first number of the Argus was issued March 25, 1858, and was continued till March 9, 1861, when the material was sold to R. B. Taylor, and now constitutes a part of the office of the Wyandott Gazette.

The first number of the Gazette was issued August 7, 1858, S. D. McDonald editor and proprietor. Mr. McDonald continued the Gazette one year, issuing a daily during the session of the Constitutional Convention, and then suspended.

In August, Mr. McDonald re-commenced the publication of the Gazette, taking R B. Taylor in as a partner. The partnership continued but for a few weeks, and Mr. Taylor hired the office of Mr. McDonald and pubhshed the paper alone. On the 15th of January, 1861, while the editor was in the east on business connected with the paper, the office was entirely destroyed by fire, together with the building in which it was located, both office and building belonging to Mr. McDonald. When Mr. Taylor returned from the east he purchased the material of the Argus office and printed the Gazette on it. Mr. Taylor continued to publish the Gazette till the spring of 1867, when Philpott & Brown got possession of the office and published it three months under agreement to purchase, which they failed to perform.

Mr. Taylor then took the management of the paper again and continued in control till October i, 1869, when he leased the office to Kessler & Tuttle. On the ist of January, 1870, Mr. Tuttle withdrew, leaving Mr. Kessler sole lessee and editor. Richard Baxter Taylor, who for a long time was editor of the Gazette, was born in Buckland, Franklin county, Massachusetts, March 29, 1822, and died at his residence in Wyandott, Kansas, March 26, 1877. He received a good common school and academical education. When seventeen years of age he went to Canandaigua, New York, where he was engaged as an educator about five years, and then went to Ellenville, Ulster county, in the same State, where he commenced the study of law. He became connected with the Ellenville Journal, and so remained until he came west. In 1857, he visited Kansas, and the next year removed with his family to Wyandott. His purpose in coming to Kansas was to aid in making it a free State. In 1851 he married Miss Rachel Broadhead. Mr. Taylor was a Republican, though not for the spoils of office. As a journahst, he was able, intelligent and bold. Through his efforts the Kansas State Editorial Association was organized, and he was president of the first meeting which was held at Topeka, January 17, 1866.

The editorial association which Mr. Taylor was so active in organizing, at its annual meeting held at Manhattan, April 7, 1875, suggested the action which led to the organization of the State Historical Society, and Mr. Taylor made one of its first directors.

At the death of R. B. Taylor, his son, Wra. B. Taylor, conducted the Gazette till October, 1879, when R. B. Armstrong and A. N. Moyer bought the office with all its appurtenances, and have since, under the firm name of Armstrong & Moyer, published the paper. The first issue bears date October 3, 1879.

Adieu

"1 have this day transferred all my right, title and interest in the Wyandotte Gazette to Messrs. Armstrong & Moyer, who at once assume editorial and business management thereof Thanking my friends for the constant and generous patronage which they have, without solicitation, bestowed upon me during my connection with the Gazette, and trusting confidently -that they will treat i^i like manner, in even greater measure, my successors - than whom two more honorable gentlemen, in every sense of the word, do not tread Kansas soil - with mingled feeling of joy and sorrow, gladness and regret, I step down and out. Wyandotte, Oct. ist, 1879. Wm. B. Taylor."

Salutatory

"It is with some degree of diffidence that we step forward and make our best bow to the readers of the Gazette. We shall ask a liberal degree of forbearance until we get broken in to the editorial harness.

"Our aim shall be to continue the Gazette as, z.X\vq, earnest, Republican paper. While we shall endeavor to avoid personalities we shall, at the same time, consider public men as public property, and shall consider the interests of the county, or city, as far outweighing the feelings or interests of a single individual who may hold, or aspire to an office.

" We ask the aid of correspondents, and of all who have the interests of our county and city at heart, to assist us in pushing on the great forward movement toward creating a truly ' ' Kansas " City and of making this the garden county of our State, already so happily inaugurated at the mouth of the Kaw."

The Gazette is a seven column folio, issued every Friday. D. W. Leavitt, foreman, and R. H. Mitchell, Charles Wilgus, William Fletcher and Wilbur Coulant, compositors.

The Kansas Post, a German weekly, was removed from Kansas City to Wyandott early during the war, and remained one year. It was pubhshed by A. Wuerz and John Haberlein who was principal editor.

The first number of Die Fackel, (The Torch), was printed in Wyandott September 12, 1866, by Kastor, Fischer & Co. H. W. Kastor editor. It was first printed on the Gazette press. On the ist of January, 1868, Die Fackel was removed to Atchison.

The Wyandott Herald was established in 1871 by V. J. Lane & Co., with V. J. Lane as editor. The paper was the saine as now, a seven column folio, and printed on the corner of Minnesota avenue and Fifth street, where it remained one year. In 1872 the office was removed to the corner of Third street and Minnesota avenue, and remained one year and a half when it was removed to Hescher's building, on the north side of Minnesota avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets ; here the Herald was published till January ist, 1880, and then removed again to the Masonic building, on the corner of Minnesota avenue and Third street.

A new building of brick and iron, 25x75, is in process of construction on the north side of Minnesota avenue, between Fifth and Sixth streets, by the proprietors of the Herald, and it is expected this will be completed and ready for occupation September ist, i88i. The estimated cost of the building will |be $3,500, and furnish abundant conveniences for the increasing business of the paper.

The Herald has a large circulation in Wyandott county and this section of the State, it being Democratic in politics, and there being comparatively few

" It is usual, we believe, for publishers when they launch their bark on a sea of public opinion and public favor, to mark out on the political chart the course they intend that their craft shall sail. In fact, this is so common that the absence of a salutatory in the initial number of a paper, abounding in all kinds of fail promises in favor of the public, which is the party saluted, is an exception to the general rule. As the publishers of the Herald do not desire to break through the established usages of ages of successful journalism, we offer the following as our salutatory : We intend to try to publish a good live, reliable and interesting paper. In cSder to do this, we shall need a hearty support from the people among whom it is published. In politics, this paper shall be Democratic; but its editors are not so wedded to their political faith that they will overlook or mitigate fraud or peculation in members of their own party. The principal aim of this paper is to assist in the up-building of this city and the development of the resources of the county. In this we hope to have the hearty co-operation of all our fellow citizens, without regard to party affiliations. It shall be OUT endeavor to keep our readers informed of all that is transpiring in our midst as well as furnishing the latest intelligence from all parts of the world.

"In conclusion, we would say that we shall try to do our duty, and if we shall fail therein we hope our little world will kindly overlook shortcomings; and attribute their failure to lack of capacity rather than a disregard of the importance of the responsibilities we have thus voluntarily assumed."

There is only one other Democratic paper in this county, the Evening Spy of Kansas City, Kansas. In 1857 a Democratic paper called the Wyandott Argvs was established in the city of Wyandott by Gen. P. S. Post, for the past fourteen years consul to Vienna, and continued till the Civil War, when Gen. Post sold the paper to R. B. Taylor, who started the Wyandott Gazette, a Republican paper. From 1861 to 1866 there was no Democratic paper in Wyandott county, but at the latter named date J. A. Berry started the Wyandott Democrat, issued it thirteen months and then he abandoned the paper, and it is said left the city with considerable money advanced on the second year's subscriptions. The next Democratic paper in this county was the Herald, commenced in 1871.

Longevity For 1880

When this portion of Kansas was first settled by the whites, it was a rare thing to see persons who had attained the age of fifty. All this is changed now, and we not only have hundreds who have attained that age, but a great many who have lived beyond the time allotted to man. The oldest white man in the county is Joseph Dixon, of Quindaro township, whose age is 94 years; while Mrs. Anna Best, of this city, is the oldest white woman, having reached the age of 86 years. The oldest woman in the county is Ann Crawford, a colored woman of Kansas City, who has reached the advanced age of no years. Below we give a list of those who have reached three-score and ten on the journey of life :