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| Henry and Frank Root Letters Part One | Part Two | Part Three |
For the information of our friends in general, and the bachelor editor of the “Champion” in particular, we would state that the newcomer at ‘our house’ is a – boy. – Atchison Free Press.
We congratulate you, ROOT, and branch.
Kansas must be a good place to raise boys.
Wellsboro isn’t.
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Tioga County Agitator, 20 December 1865
Westward, Ho! – Our much esteemed foreman, Mr. John C. Root, who, boy and man, apprentice and foreman, has been in the “Agitator” Office for nine years, left for Kansas last Friday. He goes into the Daily Free Press Office, Atchison, Kansas, of which his brother [Harry C. Root], and our old friend and correspondent, is publisher. He takes with him what every young man, may, by equal fidelity and industry, command, the best wishes of all who know him, and the regrets of many, ourselves among the number. A tender hearted, more faithful and honest, and honorable man never breathed. Such a man must prosper wherever he goes. And may he prosper abundantly in his new home. |
Tioga County Agitator, 28 March 1866 p4
Letter From Kansas
Atchison, Kan., March 3, 1866
A Severe Winter – High Prices – Fine Weather – Freighting – The A. & P. P.
RR – Rents and Business Houses – The Market, etc.
Dear Agitator: - We have just passed through one of the severest winters ever before known in Kansas by “the oldest inhabitant.” The Missouri was bridged over by ice and navigation suspended early in winter, much to the inconvenience of wood and produce venders, as the people of Atchison depend in the main on getting fuel and a great deal of produce from Buchanan county, Mo., opposite to this city. Notwithstanding the free bridge over this mighty river, most everything has been exorbitantly high, and the demand has been fully equal to the supply. Wood has been selling readily for $9 to $12 per cord, apples for $3 per bushel, potatoes $1.25, and corn from $0.75 to $1 per bushel. – Butter [fresh] has been ranging from 60 to 75 cents, lard 35 to 45 cents, and eggs from $0.60 to $1.
The weather the past few days has been pleasant and delightful; nearly all the frost is out of the ground, the roads are fast drying up, and the farmers are making every preparation for putting in an early crop. Last year was an unusually wet season, though a pretty large crop of corn and potatoes was raised; but as one extreme generally follows another, many are calculating on a season equally as dry the present year, in which case only small crops will be raised on the high rolling prairie.
Professor Swallow, our State Geologist, has ascertained from observations that Kansas suffers no more from the drought than any other State, while she has advantages equal, and possesses many superior, to any other State. For stock-raising there is not another State in the Union as well adapted.
The freighting business from this city to the Rocky Mountains, Santa Fe, Salt Lake and Montana, will be carried on much longer this year than ever before. There are acres of mining machinery here now, ready to be transported to the gold and silver mines as soon as grass comes; and by the middle of April or first of May, trains will commence moving. Wagons can be counted by the hundreds, while ox yokes and bows are piled up like pyramids, and can be counted by thousands.
Good mules can now be purchased for $100 each, and oxen for $100 per yoke; though an advance on these prices may be looked for as soon as grass is plenty and the demand for stock increases.
The Atchison and Pike’s Peak RR, which was commenced the summer before the war, and suspended for four years, has recently been commenced again, and promises to be pushed ahead as rapidly as possible. The track is laid down some six or eight miles, and the cars will be running over thirty miles by the first of June or July. All kinds of property are advancing rapidly, and buildings are being rented at fabulous prices. A dwelling that would cost in Wellsboro less than $1,000, will rent readily here for $35 and $50 per month. – Good business houses are in demand at $150 per month; and although many of them are going up, yet I think many business men will be compelled to leave here for want of buildings to do business.
Our city contains a population of some six thousand souls, and the prospects are that it will nearly double the present year. Business of all kinds is good, and promises to be better as soon as spring emigration commences.
We hear very little excitement in regard to the new mines of the northwest, though it cannot be doubted that it is a good country, and that a man with capital can make money there but while ten men may go out there and get rich, one hundred will return without a dollar.
I have lately received calls from G.D. Sofield, Lazell Kimball and John B.
Emory, all from Wellsboro. Your quiet little place is well represented here. –
Bailey and Emory are selling goods,
Kimball
is recruiting his health, and John C. and Henry C. Root are “sticking type” in
the Daily Free Press office. – All are well pleased with our ten-year-old city
and bright prospects before her.
---F.A.R.
WA18660711p1-Kansas
Wellsboro Agitator 11 JULY 1866
From Colorado
On the Upper Kansas, [Col. T]
June 15, 1866
Friend Cobb: - The three principal points from which trains start with
freight for the different Territories, are Atchison and Leavenworth, Kansas, and
Omaha, Nebraska. The freighting is mostly done by mule and ox teams; the former
generally reaching the mountains in thirty days, the latter requiring twice that
length of time to make the same journey. Thirty-five to forth hundred is the
average load for a four mule team; and fifty to sixty hundred will be drawn on
one wagon by five or six yoke of oxen. When a train stops for the night, a
corral is formed by placing the wagons in a circle, in which the animals can be
secured if danger is apprehended; if not, they are allowed to graze on the
prairie, in charge of herders.
Few persons in the East have a true idea of the amount of freight taken in
this way from the States to the far West. Often three or four hundred wagons
will pass a given point in a single day, loaded with heavy machinery; which, if
destined for the mines in the northwest, has in this way to be transported more
than two thousand miles, over mountains and plains, or carrying provisions to
those3 who, down deep below the surface of the earth, are wresting from their
rocky beds the ores from which the precious metal is procured.
The country from Atchison to Fort Kearney is a rolling prairie, with no
settlements after leaving Kansas, except the dwellings of the ranchmen, which
are twelve or fifteen miles apart, and who must lead a lonely life, thus
isolated from each other, but who reap a golden harvest from the sale of hay and
grain to the freighter and emigrant. - Cottonwood, honey locust, elm and
willow grow along the main streams, but up the upland not a tree or bush is to
be seen.
When we reached the Platte, we saw the first of the adobe or earthen houses,
which are extensively used in all parts of the far West, where other building
materials cannot be readily procured. – The prairie sod is cut in square blocks
and laid up with sod mortar, to a height of ten and thickness of three feet.
Posts support the horizontal beams, on which the tier of logs are laid, and on
them, first, grass or bushes, and then a thick layer of earth is placed over
all, which forms the roof. Large buildings are in this way made, with less than
a hundred feet of lumber, and when completed are both comfortable and durable.
The river at the fort is more than a mile in width, though in dry weather is
very low; but now the melting of the snow on the mountains filled its banks, and
concealed the numerous sandbars.
The route lies along the main stream for about two hundred miles, and then
divides – one branch leading up the South Fork to Denver and the Colorado mines,
the other up the North Fork, through Bridger’s Pass, to Salt Lake and the
Montana and Idaho mines.
When about half way across the plains, we came to the first of the
prairie-dog villages, which often extend for miles along the line of travel.
Their bodies are of a light brown color, about a foot in length, and four inches
in height. When an object attracts their attention, they will sit upright on the
mounds of earth around their holes, and look with apparently as much interest at
the intruder as they are of interest to him. The naturalist disputes the
oft-made statement, that the dog, owl and rattlesnake occupy the same burrow, or
if so, only by using the greater power one may have over the other; using as
proof the opposite nature of each, which would prevent their living together in
peace or if he is right, many are wrong; for every person I have asked in regard
to it, who has been much among them and given it his attention, says they do
live together through inclination, and not by force of power. I have watched
them closely, when they were not aware of my presence, and have seen the dog and
owl sitting on the same mound, and seen the rattlesnake enter the hole by their
side.
However dissimilar their natures may be, when placed in different
localities, the associations of a lifetime overcome their otherwise destructive
habits, and they can thus live together in unity and peace. The same Power that
placed them where they are, without a rock or tree under which to find shelter,
would not leave them without some adequate protection – and only in the burrow
of the dog can that protection be found.
Two years ago the Indians, to the number of about ten thousand swept down
the plains, and, with the exception of two or three government posts, too strong
to be captured, destroyed every building for nearly three hundred miles along
the river. A few have been re-built, but the blackened walls of the ranchman’s
home are often met, and three or four rude head boards near by point to the spot
where the dwellers of that home, who had fallen beneath the tomahawk of the
savages, had been laid by the hands of strangers. Several trains were captured;
the men belonging to them in every instance being killed and scalped. In one
place we came to where a large train had been taken and the mutilated bodies of
the men afterwards buried by our troops. I never saw anything so lonely as was
that single grave, where the bodies of more than thirty men reposed, who at one
moment were full of health and hope, and the next were bleeding victims of
savage warfare.
But however much we may condemn and deplore the spirit that causes the
Indians to break the treaties so often made with our Government, we cannot blame
them so much for violating their promises, when we remember the many injuries
they have received at the hands of the whites. By the rough, self-willed class
of men that always precedes true civilization, to cheat an Indian is believed to
be a duty – and to kill one a meritorious act. And the troubles which led to the
massacres on the plains, as well as those in Minnesota, were chiefly caused by
the Government agents compelling the Indians to receive paper currency or
nothing in place of the specie that they had been accustomed to receive as
annuities from our Government.
Driven from their best hunting grounds, cheated by the trader, and defrauded
by the agents of the Government that has promised to protect them in their
rights – is it strange that their unforgiving nature is at times aroused, and
that the freighter, ranchmen, or emigrant is the object on which they wreak
their savage vengeance?
The Government is now trying to form a treaty with the Sioux, Arapahoes and
Cheyennes, at Fort Laramie; but however often and solemn their treaties may be
made, they will as often be broken, so long as the Indian is influenced by those
whose cupidity and self-interest are greater than their sense of duty; and deeds
of violence will at times be committed by them until their race becomes extinct,
or is blended with that of the white.
Government posts, mostly garrisoned by regular troops, are stationed at
different points on the road, to guard against incursions of the Indians. At
Julesburg is one; but this is guarded by parts of two regiments, which were
formed by prisoners taken during the war, and who, when enlisted in our army,
were sent to the plains for duty. – And very unwillingly is that duty done.
Until President Johnson came into power, they proved worthy of the uniform they
wore, but since then have been growing worse, in proportion as his policy has
been developed. Many have deserted, and others are following whenever an
opportunity is offered. Several with whom I have conversed are as open rebels as
were ever met marshaled under the stars and bars – are confident the South will
yet get “her rights,” and exult in the belief that our President will in some
way restore to the South her lost power. This his strange policy towards rebels
and traitors has its influence with those who have renounced their allegiance to
a cause which they are now trying to uphold.
After leaving Julesburg, we entered on the great sand plains, or American
Desert, as it is called in the old maps. – For more than one hundred and fifty
miles, we went westward without seeing a tree or bush. Along the river bottom,
where the ground is moistened by water from the stream, the grass grows
sufficient to support the teams; but away from that there is nothing to break
the monotony of the plain, except the cactus and wild sage bush. At times the
wind sweeps across these plains of yellow sand with the force of a ----, renders
seeing impossible, and breathing a matter of secondary consideration.
| At last we reached Denver, which is situated on Cherry creek, at its
confluence with the Platte, twelve miles from the foot of the Rocky Mountains,
and six hundred and forty miles from the Missouri river.
It was on Cherry Creek, about two miles from the present town, that a few pioneers in 1859 found the precious metal, accounts of which sent thousands surging westward; many only to meet with disappointments, and few to realize the hopes of sudden wealth, which they here expected to meet. But others were ready to take their places; and even now, as then, the mountains are full of men trying to find the rich deposits of gold, which they ever believe to be within their reach. |
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Gold in great quantities is in the mountains but to procure it, a great
outlay or capital is necessary before any permanent profits can be received in
return. The old method of placer or gulch mining, which was done by washing the
sand in which particles of gold were deposited by mountain torrents during past
ages, is now but little followed; the best of such deposits being exhausted, and
the miner prefers to work for established companies, where, if the pay is not as
large at times, it is more sure and lasting.
Nearly all the gold now produced is extracted from the quartz, which is
found in veins lying at all angles, and varying in thickness from a few inches
to three or four feet. The quartz is placed where cylindrical shaped weights of
about 200 pounds weight rise and fall by means of a lever power, and reduce the
stone to a powder; a stream of water carries it over an amalgam of quick-silver,
which retains the pure particles of gold, and those having any foreign substance
adhering to them are carried off in the tailings. The dust thus saved was
formerly taken to the East as it was found, but is now smelted into bars at
Denver, before being forwarded to the U.S. Mint. Colorado ores are proved to be
the richest in the world, being three carats finer than any of the mines farther
west. Two of the principal mines in Central City, the chief point of mining
interest in the Territory, often yield from two to three hundred ounces of gold
each week. A new process to reduce the ore is about being adopted, which is
performed by heating the ores, and then submitted them to a chemical process, by
which it is claimed all the gold can be saved, as well as enough of the silver,
which is mingled more or less in all ores, to pay the expense of mining. If the
process proves a success, and it is believed it will, sixty per cent of the
gold, which under the crushing process is lost, will be saved, besides the
expense of extracting the pure from the baser metals.
Denver, though of but six years’ growth, contains over seven thousand
inhabitants, with a floating population nearly as large. It is a general
rendezvous for all comers from the States, whether they stop only long enough to
rest and refit before continuing on their journey to more distant mines, or
whether they intend to remain there or in the vicinity.
The town is well laid out, has substantial brick blocks in its business
portion, and contains many private residences that would be a credit to any
eastern city.
Colorado has had her share of the troubles every State or Territory is
subjected to when first settles. The war took three thousand men from home, many
more went to Montana and Idaho, the Indians destroyed communication with the
States, the locusts for two years in succession destroyed the crops, and the
class of people that did come were mostly consumers, instead of producers. But
these are things of the past; and the steady stream of emigrants arriving, and
the increased activity in every department of business, give hopes of a better
state in the future.
The present population of the Territory is about 50,000, and a careful
estimate shows there are more than 60,000 acres of cereals growing, which if
allowed to mature, the supply of bread stuffs will be nearly or quite equal to
the demand; and need not be brought from the States, as it now is, nor command
the exorbitant prices it now does. All that is now needed to insure continued
prosperity, is to push up the railroad from the Missouri to the mountains. A
third of the road will be laid this fall, and when completed the “City of the
Plains” will become the Palmyra of the West. The higher mountain ranges
intercept the storm clouds, and on the plains but little rain falls at any
season of the year; and all land that is cultivated must be along some stream,
from which an unfailing supply of water can be obtained to irrigate it. A large
ditch, having a descent of three feet to the mile, leads from the stream beds
around the cultivated fields, and from this small parallel ditches about one
hundred feet apart carry the water over the surface.
The soil is very fertile; and where enough water can be procured, the yield
is very large. Forty and even fifty bushels of wheat, and one hundred bushels of
oats per acre, is not an unusual yield, and sometimes it is much larger. On the
lower ranges of hills in the deep canons, and on the ridges between the larger
creeks, grows a poor quality of yellow pine, which is cut and sawed where it
grows, and furnishes the only building material here used where wood is
requires. Timber for mending or making wagons is brought from the States. A
tramp of one hundred and thirty miles to the south of Denver, brought us to the
Mexican town of Puebla, on the Arkansas, and over a thousand miles above its
junction with the Mississippi at Napoleon.
| On our way down we passed close to Pike’s Peak, seventy miles south from
Denver, and that, like Long’s Peak, forty miles to the north – the former over
13,000, and the latter over 18,000 feet above the level of the sea, and are
covered with perpetual snow and ice. – Owing to the great elevation of the
country, and consequent rarity of the atmosphere, objects can be discerned at a
much greater distance than when nearer the ocean.
We first saw Pike’s and Long’s Peak, when on the plains one hundred and sixty miles from the base. The rising sun, shining on their snow-capped summits, made them look like two great domes of silver. The country here is much the same as it is farther north, only vegetation is more advanced; and many shrubs and plants are here met with, I never before saw. |
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---- C.A. Deane
Tioga County Agitator, 14 November 1866, p3
Marriage
-- In Atchison, Kansas, Oct. 30th, 1866, by Rev. W.K. Marshall, Mr. John C. Root, of Wellsboro, Pa., to Miss Elizabeth Bell, of Atchison.
WA18661212p1-Kansas
Wellsboro Agitator 12 December 1866
Letter from Kansas
The A. & P.P.R.R. Excursion – Distinguished Visitors – Te-et-i-quauk and
his papooses – Splendid Dinner – Speeches – Prairie on Fire – Kickapoos –
Pensineau the Interpreter, etc.
Atchison, Kansas, Nov. 20, 1866
Dear Agitator: I have just returned from an excursion over the first forty
miles of the Atchison & Pike’ Peak RR, and find the road one of the smoothest
for a new road I have ever seen. A party from Boston, New York, Chicago and St.
Joseph, numbering some two hundred, arrived here on Saturday night last, stayed
over Sunday and were joined here yesterday by some two hundred invited guests
and left at 11 o’clock a.m. for the west end which is now completed and in good
running order for a distance of forty-five miles. Accompanying, the
excursionists are Maj. Gen’l S.R. Curtis and Gen. J.H. Simpson, of Washington,
and Dr. Wm. M White, of New Haven, commissioners appointed to inspect the second
section of the road which commences on the Grasshopper, a fine stream on the
Kickapoo Reservation twenty miles from this city.
The train consisted of six splendid passenger cars, two of which belonged to
the Hannibal and St. Joseph and one to the Michigan Southern and Northern
Indiana RR. Every preparation was made by the Railroad Company for a pleasant
trip, and no one went out on this occasion that did not enjoy themselves finely.
It was a warm and beautiful day till three o’clock when the sky clouded and a
cool breeze kept up the remainder of the day.
Nothing worthy of note transpired along the route until we reached Muscotah,
a new laid-out town on the Kickapoo Reservation. Scores of the excursionists had
never seen an Indian. – Here was a wigwam a few rods from the track and a
regular stampede from the cars was the result. All were anxious to get a sight
at Te-et-i-quauk and see his squaw and papooses. He was ushered from his wigwam
to the front of the cars with his oldest son, a bright-eyed little chap of six
or seven years and the lady passengers also had a view of them. A gentleman from
Boston brought out in his arms one of the little papooses and carried it through
the cars much to the enjoyment of the crowd.
We reached the end of the second section [40 miles] at half-past 1 o’clock,
and at two camped and dined on the prairie. The pile of eatables spread out was
a caution to hungry folks. The tables groaned with roast pig, beef, lamb, pork,
boiled ham, turkey, chicken, wild goose, prairie chicken, quail, etc., and ample
justice was done to it by the hungry crowd.
Speeches were made by Gen. Jas. Craig, of Missouri; Maj. Gen. Curtis, Gen.
Simpson, Rev. Dr. Tyng of New York, Gov. Smyth, of New Hampshire, Col. Clapp, of
Boston, Rev. Pardee Butler [well-known to the early friends of Kansas as the man
who was tarred and feathered at Atchison eleven years ago for expressing his
Free State sentiments] and others, winding up with a speech from Hon. S.C.
Pomeroy, our distinguished U.S. Senator. All the speeches were received with
applause.
At four o’clock we were again seated in the cars with our faces turned
toward the east, stopping several times on the way in and meeting with a slight
accident which detained us about half an hour. Between Monrovia and this place
night overtook us and those who had never seen a prairie on fire at night had a
fine view of one. It was a rich sight, the flames running high and the
Bostonians and New Yorkers enjoyed it wonderfully.
A dozen Kickapoos presented themselves at Muscotah, wrapped up in bright red
blankets, and were particularly delighted with the sight of a long passenger
train and the large crowd. Mr. Pensineau, the interpreter, was there in a buggy
with his huge squaw, and drove several times the length of the train and was
much admired by all. –Mr. Pensineau has been on the frontier west of the
Missouri river between thirty and forty years and knows the “Great American
Desert” probably better than any other living man. He has traveled this county
up and down the Missouri River and Mississippi for nearly two thousand miles and
all the way to the Rocky Mountains and Pacific. He is a very intelligent man,
has a splendid farm well stocked, and is much respected by all who reside in his
vicinity.
The stockholders of the railroad will hold a meeting in this city tomorrow,
at which it is proposed to change the name of the road to the "Central Branch
Union Pacific.” The work is progressing rapidly and the contractors intend to
have the cars running out sixty miles before the first of January.
A grand ball was given by the Imperial Quadrille Club last night in honor of
the distinguished visitors, who will go east this evening via Leavenworth and
St. Louis.
We are enjoying some beautiful weather; it is as warm and pleasant as
September.
---- F.A.R.
WA18740224p2
Wellsboro Agitator 24 February1874
Our Kansas Letter
The New Senator – The Colony of Mennonites – An Atchison Fire –
Leavenworth and Atchison Contrasted
Atchison, Feb. 17, 1874
The election of Ex-Governor James M. Harvey to the United States Senate to
fill the unexpired term of Alexander Caldwell is a Republican triumph. He was
born in Virginia, in 1833, and is now in his forty-first year. He came to Kansas
in 1857. On the outbreak of the war he raised a company and was elected its
captain, and at the expiration of his term of service he was mustered out, and
returned to civil life in 1864. He was a member of the State House of
Representatives for two years, and also a member of the State Senate for two
terms. In 1868 he was nominated as the Republican candidate for Governor, and
was elected, and in 1870 he was re-nominated and re-elected. It will be seen
that Senator Harvey has been prominently connected with Kansas politics since
the breaking out of the war. He is a poor man. He had no money to spend for his
election to the Senate, and if he had had, he was too honest a man to use it for
such a purpose. Nearly all the wealth he has is a farm, comprising 160 acres,
which he pre-empted on his removal to Kansas. He is known throughout the State
as “Honest” Harvey, and there is not a man in the whole State, though a Democrat
or a dissatisfied Republican, who can even charge his election to bribery. Mr.
Harvey is a practical farmer, and ---- full and hearty accord with all measures
in which the agriculture classes are most concerned. Senator Harvey is not one
of those political “reformers” who believe there has got to be a change in the
Administration to save the country from ruin. On the contrary, he believes in
the grand and good old principles of the Republican Party, and if there are any
reforms to be made, he believes the Republican Party can make them. A rebel
Democratic sheet published in an obscure town in Wisconsin in pretending to give
an account of an interview with Senator Harvey, says he [Harvey] will be
anti-Ingalls, also claiming that he was elected by the Democrats and
“Reformers.” No such interview ever took place. He was elected by a majority of
the Republican members. The “opposition” would not vote for Harvey until after
they saw that they could not concentrate on one of their own aspirants. It was
these “Reformers” who did more to prolong the Senatorial struggle than any one
else. Many of them went to Topeka believing there would be money used in buying
votes, for it was said there were three of them that agreed to sell out for $100
apiece before they would give their votes away for nothing. But so far there has
not a single paper charged any of the candidates for the Senatorship with using
bribe money. The entire press of Kansas, with the exception of some half a
dozen, [three Democratic, and the others were Greeley organs at the last
Presidential election,] speak of Senator Harvey with the highest praise, and all
predict that a brighter day has at last dawned upon the prosperous and growing
Commonwealth of Kansas. By Senators Ingalls and Harvey Kansas will now be
represented as she should be, and on every measure tending to the advancement of
any interest for the welfare of the State they will be a unit. It is to be hopes
that the name “Rotten Commonwealth,” given this State throughout the East, will
now be dropped, and some other name more appropriate to the Senators who are now
representing Kansas in the national halls of Congress be applied instead.
 |
The Santa Fe's second No. 2 (1881), the William B. Strong, was also the second locomotive constructed in the Topeka shops. Courtesy Santa Fe railway. |
A large colony of Mennonites from southern Russia, joined by others from
Pennsylvania, Indiana, Iowa, and Illinois, have recently settled along the line
of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad, in the Arkansas valley. Their
agent, Mr. H.D. Albright, formerly from York, Pa., was sent out to select the
best lands he could find for them, and after traversing different parts of the
West, he finally selected the Arkansas valley, believing it to be the best
farming land in the West. They have already laid out a town, called Halstead, in
Harvey County, and commenced building operations, having built themselves a
commodious hotel, a schoolhouse, and a flouring mill. They intend to erect in
the spring a woolen mill and a paper mill. They are an industrious and wealthy
class of farmers, and will be joined in the month of May by a large addition of
Russians, who will bring with them a large amount of stock. – Mr. Albright was
in this city yesterday after materials with which to build a dam across the
Arkansas river, so as to secure a waterpower. Still they come, and there is
plenty of room left for more.
“Central Block,” one of the finest blocks of buildings in this city, was
destroyed by fire on Wednesday night last. It was built at an expense of
$75.000, and the loss on building and stock will be in the neighborhood of
$100,000. The owners of the block will re-build immediately. It was the first
fire that has visited our city since the purchase of the new Silsby fire engine.
The engine did splendid service, but just as the fire was got under control the
water gave out, and the destruction of the whole building was inevitable
 |
| Silsby Fire Engines |
I do not know whether my friend Hugh Young has any property in Leavenworth now or not. I am informed by a prominent gentleman from there that that city has never seen such a dull times as now. He also informs me that several of the leading merchants there have quit business and returned to St. Louis and Chicago. He made the remark that is was no use for Leavenworth to fight Atchison any longer; that Atchison was the terminus of all of Leavenworth’s railroads, and was bound to remain so; and that Atchison was full of life and energy, while Leavenworth was as dead as a snail. Railroads generally make or kill a Western town. Leavenworth, boasting of a population of 25,000, is the terminus of two railroads, and one of these – its main line – terminates at Atchison, and the other is a narrow gauge road, only completed fifty miles. Atchison, with her 15,000 inhabitants, is the terminus of eight lines of railroads, running in every direction from the city, and it is destined to be the commercial metropolis and Queen City of the great Missouri valley.
---- H.C.R.
WA18740804p2-Kansas
Wellsboro Agitator 04 August 1874
Letter from Kansas
Indian Depredations – The Whites Responsible for Them – The Quaker Agent
– State Politics – The Harvest – Pomeroy’s Case – Other Matters
Atchison, July 25, 1874
The recent Indian depredations in south-western Kansas have been telegraphed
all over the country as being a great deal worse than they really were, and
will, perhaps, do hundreds and thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to that
part of the State in the way of retarding settlement. This Indian trouble was
all brought about by the thieving whites stealing their ponies and committing
other depredations against them; and had it not been for these thieves the
Indians would have kept on their reservations and remained at peace, as they
have for years. Their agent, Friend Miles, represented the facts to
Superintendent Hoag months ago, asserting that there would be trouble unless
troops were sent there to punish the lawless and --- whites. But this
Superintendent paid no attention to the agent’s suggestions; hence this Indian
war on our frontier. As soon as the Indians returned to their reservation the
Superintendent dispatched troops to the scene, but found the Indians on their
reservation and as quiet as though nothing had happened.
Every life lost and every dollar’s worth of property destroyed by this
Indian raid is chargeable to Superintendent Hoag. And now, because Mr. Miles did
his duty in exposing these whites and asking for troops to drive them off, the
Executive Committee of the Quakers ask him to resign; but the press of the State
generally favor the resignation of Superintendent Hoag and the appointment of
Agent Miles in his stead, because he certainly deserves promotion for doing his
duty so bravely. Whether he will follow the instructions of the committee and
resign is not known; but every intelligent citizen of the State hopes he will
not.
Emigration to the southern tier of counties need not be backward on account
of this Indian raid, for it is not likely to occur again, as troops have been
stationed in the immediate vicinity to keep away the lawless and thieving
whites.
Since the above was written I have learned that the Commissioner of Indian
Affairs exonerates Agent Miles from any blame for the late Indian troubles, and
regards him as one of the best agents the Friends have in the field. Mr. Miles
has, therefore, concluded not to resign. Agent Miles, for a long time was in
charge of the Kickapoo Indians, with his headquarters at Muscotok, 25 miles west
of here. About two years ago the Indians were transferred to the southern border
of Kansas, and he was sent there with them. He is a whole-souled gentleman, and
his place would be hard to fill. – Mr. Miles passed through here a day or two
ago for Washington to lay the exact facts before the Commissioner of Indian
Affairs.
The Kansas Republican State Convention meets in Topeka the 26th of August
for the purpose of nominating a State ticket. – There are plenty of aspirants
for every office, some of them having a dozen or more contestants. The
indications are that the canvasses will be red-hot, as the dissatisfied ones are
organizing in all parts of the State in opposition to the Republicans. It is of
no use, for Kansas will do as she has done before – elect her Republican ticket
by from 25,000 to 30,000 majority. Favorable mention has been made by most of
the Republican journals of Col. John A. Martin, editor of the Atchison Champion,
for the position of Governor or Lieut. Governor, but the Colonel declines any
State office, preferring the labors of a daily newspaper editor. He has many
warm friends in all parts of the State who would be glad to see him enter the
convention. There is no doubt but that he would be triumphantly elected to any
State office he might want. Atchison would give him a unanimous vote.
The farmers are most all through harvesting. The wheat in most parts of the
State is excellent, though where the chinch bugs have been it will barely pay
for the time used in cutting it. The farmers in Atchison County do not complain.
The rains have been timely and all that were needed. Oats have done well. If the
rains continue now and then for a couple of months longer, the corn crop will be
simply immense and the farmers will have plenty for market. The fruit crop is
the largest ever known in Kansas. Apples and peaches are already in market. All
kinds of garden vegetables have been in market for a month or more.
The trial of ex-Senator Pomeroy for bribery in the Kansas Senatorial
election two years ago comes up in the United States District Court on Monday,
July 27th. What the result will be it is hard to predict; but the majority of
the press and the best men in the State have signed petitions to have the
prosecution of the case dismissed.
The District Court has just adjourned after a six weeks’ session. Many
important cases have been disposed of, among which were three for murder,
something that has never been known here before. Two of the convicts were sent
to the penitentiary for two years, and the other got off by paying a fine of
$125. The celebrated Hoke-Marbourg crime con case was continued until the
December term. It is thought by many that this trial will never come off, but
that Hoke and his wife will make up and live together again. Both parties have
many friends here, and they are tying to compromise the matter without going to
court.
The weather has been quite warm for the past week – the thermometer at 110
degrees yesterday. It has been over 100 several times this summer.
----H.C.R.
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Wellsboro Agitator, 1 September 1874, p1
Kansas Correspondence Town & Country The Capital City – A Substantial Town – The Long Drought – The Greatest Enemy of the State – The Grasshopper Plague – The Settlers Desponding – The Kansas Valley – A Rich Farming Country – Lawrence [Correspondence of the Agitator]
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Topeka is well entitled to be proud of her public building among which are Washburn College [founded by Senator Washburn, of Massachusetts,] and a magnificent female college which is in a flourishing condition. Of the capitol building only one wing is yet completed, which answers for all present contingencies. It is built of beautiful white granite, in the most artistic manner, and promises, when completed, to equal if not surpass in beauty and dimensions any State capitol in the country. The coming summer is looked forward to by the residents of Topeka as one of improvement, as the General Government anticipates erecting here a spacious court house and post office, which with the other improvements will add greatly to the appearance of the already delightful little city.
The drought is beginning to assume a serious aspect indeed, as nearly three long months have elapsed since the parched earth has been refreshed by even a trifling shower, and today, as one steps into the street, he is met by those terrible hot winds from the plains which produce the most stifling effect. Fourteen years have passed since Kansas has been thus visited, and people had about forgotten that she was subject to this great evil which has ever been her greatest enemy. But now that the drought is at its height, the grasshopper war has opened with all its horrors. While sauntering in the outskirts of the city last evening, we suddenly came in contact with the advance guard of that vast army rapidly approaching from the southwest with blood in their eyes, and evincing a determination to destroy everything that unfortunately falls in their way. It has been well known for several weeks past that this devouring legion has been busily at work in southwestern Kansas, but all report were suppressed as far as possible until it was in vain to keep it secret longer. Such is the number of grasshoppers that the sun is often totally obscured during their flight. Vegetation of all kinds falls prey to their all-absorbing appetites. Fields of corn containing hundreds of acres withstand their attacks but about twelve hours, when no green thing remains save the bare stalks. Nor is this all; it is their custom to congregate upon the warm rails of the Kansas Pacific west of this place during the cool nights to the depth of several inches, and thus detain the trains for hours at a time. The inhabitants are beginning to despond, as well they may, for it the Divine hand of Providence is not soon intervened they will be compelled to rely upon neighboring States for s subsistence. The result will be discouraging, at least, as it will doubtless sound “the death knell of Kansas immigration,” upon which so much of the future prosperity of the State depends.
Wishing to listen to the discussion of other topics than the grasshopper raid, I boarded the train bound east on the Kansas Pacific road at six a.m., and obtaining the consent of the courteous conductor, was allowed the enjoyment of a ride upon the engine down the Kansas valley. Here we had spread before us all the beauty of the Western prairies. As the slanting rays of the morning sun burst upon us, Topeka was left to the west, a mere speck upon the horizon. The train sped on over the level plain with drought to interrupt the view for a dozen miles in any direction. Here and there we pass large and well cultivated farms teeming with all the necessaries and many of the luxuries of life. Immense herds of Texas longhorns were quietly grazing upon the open prairies, and evinced a perfect degree of unconcern toward the shrill screech of the locomotive or the rapidly passing train. With the broad and shallow Kansas on the right flecked with its numerous sandbars, and a dense growth of scrub oak and cottonwood on the left, the iron steed dashed along past numerous little hamlets, which bore the appearance of comfort and contentment. But how strong the contrast with old Tioga county! Here we see no clear, gushing brooks coursing across the path to mingle their waters with the sluggish Kaw; no green-clad mountains quietly overlooking the scene below, but simply the dull monotony of the rolling prairies as far as the eye can reach, At the noisy train now begins to slacken its speed, we catch a glimpse of tall church spires glistening in the distance, and are informed that the train is approaching Lawrence. Like Topeka, this place is situated on the south bank of the Kaw. Containing a population of 7,000, it is noted as being the finest town in the State. Little would the traveler imagine that this tranquil little city was once the scene of one of the bloodiest acts recorded in history, when the guerrilla Quantrell with less than one hundred men suddenly fell upon it in the night, murdered most of the population, sacked the town, and left it a mass of smoldering ruins.
Resuming our journey eastward, the iron monster measured the distance with giant strides, and soon enabled us to get sight of Kansas City, Mo. The train now slowly feeling its way over the many roads that center here, at last came to a halt, and I stepped off amid the bustle and excitement of the Union Depot, fully realizing that my ride on the locomotive had been one of the most enjoyable.
---H.C.R.
Wellsboro Agitator, 1 September 1874, p1
Politics and Other Affairs
Failure of the “Reform” Movement – The Republican Conventions – The Grasshopper Raid – The Long Drought – Blasts From a Fiery Furnace – The Pomeroy Case – Kansas Opinion of the Ex-Senator – The Attack on Ingalls – A Mammoth Picnic – A Decaying Village – The Atchison Market
Atchison, Kansas, August 15th, 1874
The Reform Convention has met, nominated their ticket, and gone home again.
– The Convention was not very harmonious, and the State was probably about half
represented. The two strongest men on the ticket have declined, the Convention
using their names without authority. The nominee for Governor is a man named
Cusey, who says he “don’t know much about this Governor business, but kin raise
korn.” – Cusey is a man who has never been thought of in politics before, and
outside of his own county is not known at all. He will be beaten by 40,000. The
“Independents” might have nominated a ticket that would give the Republicans a
race, but they would not. The leaders of the “Reform” movement, men that are
known all over the State, were given the cold shoulder. The nominee for
Secretary of State is Nelson Abbott, of this city, and is editor of the red-hot
Democratic Patriot. He will be beaten in his own city, as the party is
hopelessly in the minority. It seems to me that Abbott is in bad company with
this reforming element, as he has always been, is now, and always will be a
Democrat of the straightest sect. Personally, Mr. Abbott is a good-natured man,
but he will be killed politically on the day of election. Their nominee for
Congress in the First District is Marcus J. Parrott, of Leavenworth. He is
scholar and a fine orator, but since he joined the Greeley ranks the Republicans
will not trust him. He is a chronic office-seeker, and he, too, after the
election will “even wish that he were dead.” There is not a man on the Reform
ticket that has even a show of success. I venture to predict that this “great
reform movement” will not be heard of again in Kansas after the election this
fall. Democrats and Reformers alike all denounce it as the most incompetent
ticket ever nominated, and assert that it will be beaten by 40,000 majority.
Great interest is being manifested in the Republican State Convention, which
assembles in Topeka on the 26th of this month. Primary meetings were held in the
city last night to send delegates to the State and Congressional Conventions.
Much interest and enthusiasm were manifested, and it was resolved to present the
name of our fellow townsman, Hon. W.W. Guthrie, for Congress from the First
District.
There is a big fight between the aspirants for Congress and Governor. Gov.
Osborn, the present incumbent, is meeting with considerable opposition. Hon.
J.C. Horton, of Lawrence, is his opponent, and seems to be making a tight race.
Both are popular men, and either one would serve the State faithfully. The
principal fight, however, will be made in the Convention. The Republicans are
determined to put their best men on the ticket, and men, too, who will be
triumphantly elected in November. The weak, dishwater ticket the “Reformers” put
in the field has encouraged the Republicans, who thought they might have cut a
ticket in the field that would give them a race, but it is just the reverse;
they nominated men who are wholly ignorant of the State’s affairs, and men, too,
who are the worst political shysters in the State, and the majority of them are
not known outside of their own community. The “Reform” leaders themselves are
dissatisfied, and many of course, will support the regular Republican ticket.
In my last letter to the Agitator I spoke of the immense corn crop that was
anticipated at that time; but since then the grasshoppers, coming from Nebraska
on the north and Colorado on the west, have destroyed pretty much all of it.
What one month ago promised to be the most abundant corn crop ever harvested in
Kansas is today ruined, and where the grasshoppers have raided the corn fields
look like bristled spears stuck in the ground, so thoroughly have they taken the
leaves and left the stalks and stems of the leaves standing. – Not only have
they stripped the corn fields, but they have eaten the potato tops, cabbages,
etc. The fruit and cottonwood trees are perfectly covered with them. They even
eat peaches off from the trees and leave the pits hanging to the limbs. The
wheat crop, of course, is safe as well as all the other small grains. The wheat
crop was never so abundant in Kansas before, and there is no reason why the
farmers should get discouraged, although many out on the extreme western
frontier had nothing but corn in the ground. It is some consolation to know that
Kansas is not the only State where the grasshoppers have been, for they have
traveled over a greater part of Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Colorado, and are
now working in some parts of Missouri. They are unwelcome visitors. The were
----------, but the State being so thinly settled then, they did not begin to do
the damage they have already done this time. – There is one thing clear, and
that is this: Kansas will not be compelled to ask aid from other sources. The
Governor has issued a card calling on all boards of County Commissioners in the
afflicted counties to ascertain the exact situation of affairs in their
respective counties, that they may receive all necessary aid.
The Superintendent of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad has made a
proposition to all the settlers along the line of that road to furnish all those
whose crops were destroyed by the grasshoppers – and who are unable to buy it
themselves – seed wheat for next year’s sowing. The road also agrees to
transport from place to place all articles free of charge. They also agree to
extend the time of payments on land for one year. It is a first-class road in
every respect, and is controlled by liberal men.
Kansas would also have suffered terribly from the drought, even if the
grasshoppers and chinch bugs had not raided the State. – During the past two
days an immense amount of rain has fallen, but up to that time we had had no
rain for a month or six weeks, and everything was as dry as powder. The
thermometer has ranged for the past two weeks all the way from 100 to 115
degrees, and one day it went up to 120. Such a summer has never been known here.
Something I never experienced in the Eastern States was the hot wind two days
last week. In fact, it was intolerable, for the wind was equal to the air from a
hot furnace. All day last Sunday – the thermometer at 118 degrees – I sat with
all the south windows down. It was actually cooler indoors than out in the
burning and scorching winds. These winds were experienced here during the summer
of 1866, but were not so hot as those of last Sunday. Many think that there is
always a hard storm following the winds up. As yet we have has no such storm
here, but a terrific wind and hail storm occurred 100 miles to the south of us a
day or two after our hot winds. Quire a number are leaving the State in
consequence of the drought, grasshoppers, etc.; but where one leaves two will
come. The frontier counties are the heaviest losers. – Only yesterday a colony
of 100 Mennonites passed through here on their way to the homestead country
along the line of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe road, and their agent says
more will be here in a few days.
Contrary to the general expectation, Judge Morton overruled the motion to
quash the indictment in the Pomeroy case. A motion was then made by the
ex-Senator’s counsel for a change of venue on account of the alleged prejudice
of the judge and the absence of certain witnesses. In view of this demand the
case was sent to Osage county for trial in November, which is considered by the
ex-Senator’s friends a victory for him. Mr. Pomeroy is now in the State, and
intends remaining there sometime visiting friends, for he has many in all parts
of the State. It is acknowledged by his friends and enemies alike that he has
done the State more good than all her other Senators and Representatives
together, and a majority of the best citizens in the State would rejoice today
to see the case dismissed. The people will not forget the great good the
ex-Senator did them in the early history of the State.
Your strictures, therefore, Mr. Editor, concerning Mr. Pomeroy are not what
the majority of the people demand, as you will see when his case is again called
in the court of Osage county, of which proceedings you will be duly informed.
The Kansas City [Mo.] Times, in an article fifteen columns in length, which
it terms the “Ingalls Expose,” tries to convince the people of Kansas that when
they sent Mr. Ingalls to the United States Senate they sent the worst political
shyster to represent the State that Kansas has ever had in Washington. The
editor claims that he can prove that Ingalls has never made an appointment
except by bribery, and prefers many other charges not heretofore hears of in
Kansas. The Times is a sense loyal sheet, filled every day with all kinds of
dirty slang, and never harping on anything else but Kansas politics and Kansas
men. How it will turn out I cannot say, but several of the men mentioned in the
Times article have denounced the author as a cowardly and dirty slanderer.
The union picnic, comprising the different Sunday schools of Atchison and
those from the towns along the Atchison and Nebraska Railroad, held at the
Nemaha Pleasure Grounds, in Nebraska, about 60 miles from here, on Saturday
last, was one of the pleasantest gatherings of the kind ever held in the West.
There were three trains, of fourteen and fifteen coaches each, all filled with
people, and it was estimated that there were between 6,000 and 7,000 people on
the grounds. This picnic was under the auspices of the M.E. Sunday School of
Doniphan, a little town six miles north of Atchison, and containing a population
of perhaps 800 or 1,000 people.
And while I am speaking of Doniphan it may not be uninteresting to state
that in the early days of Kansas it was the most promising town in the State.
Long before Atchison was ever thought of it contained a population of 2,000
people. It is pleasantly situated on the Missouri river, and it was here that
James Redpath, of Boston, now of lecture fame, published the Crusader of
Freedom, in the pro-slavery days of Kansas; and it is said that in those days
there were two or three men shot down every day in the streets, and that now
persons walking along the streets can pick bullets from the fences, which were
shot at men in those days. – There are several gentlemen in Atchison now who
will vouch for the above fact, some of whom narrowly escaped with their lives in
those terrible days.
The market is full of garden vegetables every morning, the hucksters fearing
the grasshoppers will devour all they have. – Wagon load after wagon load of
water and muskmelons are being brought in every morning and sold for from three
to ten cents apiece. For five cents I can get a melon as large as one I have had
to pay 75 cents for in Wellsboro. Peaches and grapes are plenty. Everything is
much earlier here than with you, although you don’t get the grasshoppers back
there. It might make your eyes stick out to come here and see them. – As I write
I can look from my window and see them swarming as thick as bees, though I am
told they are leaving and going East, but they will hardly get as far as
Wellsboro this fall.
----H.C.R.
Wellsboro Agitator, 22 September 1874
Our Kansas Correspondence
The State not so poor as Anticipated – Political Prospects – A Splendid Fair – A Railroad Race – Fifty Miles and Hour – No Horse Racing or Liquors at the State Fair – A Heavy Rain Fall
Atchison, Kansas
September 11, 1874
Kansas is not as poor today as was generally anticipated a month or so ago. As the facts become known concerning the grasshopper scourge and drought, the people feel more encouraged rather than discouraged. It is now thought that Kansas will average half a corn crop, while the small grains of all kinds will be abundant. The new frontier settlers of western and southern Kansas suffer heavily, as they came here only in time to put in a crop of corn, and that was all destroyed. In the eastern and central parts of the State but very little of the crops were touched. As a general thing, the farmers have put up large quantities of hay where the corn has been destroyed, which they think will answer the purpose of corn to a great extent. Of course many of the extreme frontier settlers will suffer for want of necessary provisions, and in consequence the Governor has convened the Legislature in extra session on the 15th, to take such action as is necessary to relieve the wants and sufferings of those whose crops have been entirely destroyed.
The political tickets of both parties are in the field, and the people of Kansas will be called upon on the second Tuesday in November to decide which party shall represent the State during the next two years. The telegraph has already informed the readers of the Agitator of the result of the Convention. The ticket is admitted by the Republicans, Democrats, and Reformers alike to be the strongest one the Republican ever nominated; but the Reformers say they can’t support it because they have got such a ticket in the field; that they will have to give it their support; what little they have; nor will one half of the Democracy of Kansas abide by the decision of their remarkable Convention. Governor Osborn will defeat the Reform nominee for Governor by almost a unanimous vote. The canvass is already getting exciting, and the State promises to be more thoroughly canvassed by both parties than since the close of the war. Parrott, the Reform nominee for Congress in the First District, spoke here on Monday night, and termed it the opening of the congressional canvass. His speech, however, was but slang and abuse of Col. William A. Phillips, his opponent. The speaker was not even cheered, but was several times hissed at. The people of Atchison want to hear facts, not lies, misrepresentations, and abuse. Parrott is too capable a man to make such an opening campaign speech, and he will find out that on the day of election the people will not have anything to do with such a man. Nor is he the man Kansas would have representing her in Congress.
The Reformers have been trying to patch up their ticket for the past month, but have not yet accomplished their purpose. The two offices they are having so much trouble with are Treasurer and Superintendent of Public Instruction. They have already nominated four men for each office, three having declined. They are now waiting to see if the other two will accept before they put their names before the people.
The temperance people of the State, not liking the Republican or Reform nominations, met in convention last Thursday and nominated another full ticket. It is said by those who were in attendance that the Convention was very stormy, and it is believed that not half of the candidates nominated will accept. Some of them have already declined. Whether they will keep patching up their ticket, as the Reformers have been doing, is not known; but I predict there will not be a candidate on the Reform or Temperance tickets elected.
It was my pleasure, on Thursday last, to visit the St. Joseph [Mo.] Exposition. Many predicted that on account of the drought and grasshoppers the Fair would be a failure, but it was more successful than the one a year ago. By actual count there were over 15,000 people who visited the grounds that day. Trains from every direction came in loaded with sightseers, and very few returned dissatisfied. Floral Hall was a perfect beauty, and everything imaginable was to be seen inside its walls. The display of fruits was unusually large. The stock department was thoroughly represented, and no Fair has yet been held west of St. Louis that has made such a splendid showing in this particular department. The officers and directors of the Fair were all in good humor at the splendid success of their second annual Exposition. St. Joseph is a live city, and her citizens all work with a will to accomplish all they undertake. A sad accident occurred at the Fair on Friday, by which a conductor named Williams was instantly killed. It was about six o’clock, and he was making up the last train to go to the fair grounds and bring in the remaining people. As he was trying to couple two cars together in a careless manner he was smashed to a jelly. One hour before he took his wife to the grounds, telling her he would leave her there until the next train. – Little did she think when she parted with him just one short hour before that it was the last time she would ever see him alive. He was well known here, for he had made it his home in East Atchison for several years.
Returning from St. Joseph, the train was an hour late, and the Hannibal train being on time, both ran side by side into Atchison. The tracks are very close together, and in consequence both engineers commenced getting up steam for a lively race to Atchison, for neither one of them wanted the other to have anything to brag over. It was the fastest railroad traveling I ever had, both trains running, in places, at the rate of fifty miles per hour, and arriving in Atchison at the same time. It was the most exciting race I ever witnessed; and one that I shall never forget. This railroad racing is pretty dangerous; but all the people on either train wanted to get there first.
The Kansas State Fair, from all accounts, proved a failure. It was held at Leavenworth, this week, and it is said the total receipts amounted to only about $4,000. The receipts ought to have been $50,000. The Legislature last winter passed a law forbidding horse racing and the selling of intoxicating liquors, hence the failure. There is not one out of a hundred people that attend Western Fairs except to see the horse racing, and wherever that is excluded the people will not attend. If the people want to make their State Fairs a success the Legislature will have to repeal that law. The display of stock and fruit was said to be the largest and finest ever seen in the Missouri valley. The fruit especially was said to be larger and fairer than that which carried off the gold medal at the National Pomological Convention in Philadelphia in 1868.
Following the St. Joseph and Kansas State Fairs, the Kansas City [Mo.] Exposition commences on Monday next and will continue during the week. It promises to be as successful as the one at St. Joseph. – The amount of premiums offered is $25,000. Kansas City and St. Joseph are striving hard to surpass each other in commercial supremacy. The population of each city is about the same, though the former has better railroad facilities. Kansas City is working energetically for her Fair, and will surpass her sister city if she can.
Your correspondent expects to visit the Fair this week, as doubtless he will see several Wellsboro boys there.
It has been raining almost continually for the past three days, and the
ground is now thoroughly soaked. Everything seems to take a new start. Many
fruit trees are leaving out and blossoming again. The farmers are happy, as they
are making preparations for sowing their fall wheat.
----H.C.R.
Wellsboro Agitator, September 14, 1875, p2
Agitator Correspondence
The Atchison Bridge Celebration
Atchison in Ecstasies – Crowds of Happy People – The City Profusely
Decorated – An Accident – A Great Procession – The Speeches – An Unwelcome Rain
– Agricultural Fairs
Atchison, September 3, 1875
The completion of the bridge has been celebrated, and Atchison is now
content. – St. Joseph, Leavenworth, and Kansas City had their celebrations on
the completion of their respective bridges, and as Atchison was the last one to
get a bridge she started out to have the grandest celebration and the largest
throng of people ever assembled west of St. Louis, and her success, beyond the
expectations of everybody, cannot be contradicted. No bridge celebration has
ever occurred in the Missouri valley with a larger crowd of people, or a finer
display in the procession, than the Atchison bridge celebration on the 2nd of
September. The procession was four miles long, and was two hours passing a given
point. No one estimates the number of people here yesterday at less than 30,000,
and Gov. Osborn, while referring to the crowd in attendance, said it was the
largest assemblage of people that was ever known in Kansas since its
organization as a State or its earliest territorial days.
The decoration of all the principal streets and business houses was one of
the most interesting features of the day. The streets looked like living
forests, and had it not been for this many people would have suffered from the
intense heat; and there was not a building, either private or public, along the
route of the procession that was not decorated in same shape. Many of the
business houses were decorated with products from the farm, such as corn,
potatoes, pumpkins, squashes, and everything imaginable in the shape of farm
produce to greet the eye of the Eastern visitor. While many of them would
exclaim, “Oh, what corn! Why, can’t we raise such big corn ‘Down East?’” “What
pumpkins, melons, potatoes, and squashes!” “I never saw the beat! Many would
remark that they thought Kansas had all been eaten up by the grasshoppers. But
the hoppers left us early in the spring, and have not called on us again. Our
farmers wanted to show the Eastern visitors what Kansas could raise any season
when the grasshoppers kept away.
The day opened beautifully, with a stiff breeze from the south, and had
every appearance of being a fair one. By 9 o’clock the wagons from the country,
loaded with people, began to arrive. Every highway leading to the city was
crowded with teams of all descriptions. At half-past the o’clock the first
regular train that had crossed the Atchison bridge – the Chicago, Rock Island
and Pacific – passed over, consisting of eight coaches, all loaded with
passengers. Your correspondent, getting the idea in his head that he wanted to
cross on the first train, repaired to East Atchison and got aboard the train as
it arrived from the east, and came across the bridge amid the cheering and the
waving of handkerchiefs of the multitude of people on the bridge and on both
sides of the river who had come to see the first train cross. I consider it
quite a compliment and honor to have been one of the first to cross the bridge.
A test of the bridge was made some three weeks ago, but no trains crossed until
Thursday.
Half an hour later the Burlington and Missouri River train came in with six
coaches jammed full of people, and close behind it the Hannibal and St. Joseph
with ten coaches all full. The above trains were all from the east side of the
river, and all crossed the bridge. It was now time for the trains from the west
to begin coming in. – At 11:30 the Central Branch train, with 21 coaches with
passengers from along its line and from the Republican and Solomon valleys,
arrived, and immediately crossed the bridge and returned to the depot and
unloaded its passengers. By this time the two trains on the Atchison, Topeka and
Santa Fe road arrived, containing 23 coaches, and so densely packed that it was
impossible to find standing room for another person. – After they were run
across the bridge and returned they were unloaded.
At this hour the streets were nothing but a perfect jam of human beings,
with two more trains to arrive, and the question was what was to be done with
the people. At noon the Missouri Pacific train, with ten coaches filled with
people, arrived; and one hour later the Atchison and Nebraska train from the
north, with 18 loaded cars, came in. This train was detained some two hours by
an accident in which two of the passengers killed. The rails had spread apart,
throwing two cars from the track and these two gentlemen in jumping out were
thrown under the cars and crushed to death. It was a sad accident, for it was
but a few hours before that they left Lincoln in good health, with bright
anticipations of enjoying the day in Atchison.
At two o’clock the procession began to move. This of course brought all the
people out. For miles on both sides of the streets through which the procession
passed every inch of the ground was taken up, and it was with difficulty that
the people could be kept back. Every point of view on the housetops and in the
second, third, and fourth-story windows was taken. It would consume too much of
your space to describe all that was in the procession, but there was not an
Atchison industry that was not represented. There were many comical displays
made in the procession about “droughty Kansas” and “grasshopper Kansas” which
brought forth cheers all along the route. – They must have been seen to be
appreciated, and I will not burden your columns in describing them.
After the procession got through marching it disbanded, and those who chose
assembled at the western approach to the bridge to hear the speeches made by
gentlemen from Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri. The bridge was handsomely
decorated with flags, wreaths, and evergreens, and on both ends were printed in
large letters, “Kansas and Missouri” and the name of every railroad running into
our city. The speeches were all, of course, in high praise of Atchison and her
bridge; but no one can deny that the completion of the bridge will forever bind
together the greatest system of railroads in the Missouri valley, and no one can
contradict the fact that Atchison has the greatest railroad facilities of any
city west of St. Louis.
The speech making concluded the day’s entertainment, and every one was
looking for something to eat, for there were 30,000 people to feed. At eight
o’clock in the evening it commenced raining and continued incessantly for four
hours. The fireworks and the torchlight procession had to be postponed, for the
streets were all running rivers. This rainstorm, with the exception of several
dances, brought the celebration to a close.
The Atchison bridge is now thrown open to travel. Today teams commenced
crossing, and next week the cars will run over it regularly. The old ferryboat
which has been running between this city and East Atchison for twenty years is
now tied up, having made its last trip on the evening of September 2nd. On that
day, however, it was decorated with flags and evergreens. – The flags were at
half-mast and turned upside down. After plying between Atchison and East
Atchison, unobstructed, for over twenty years, and ferrying thousands of people
annually, it is today conquered for the first time by the completion of the iron
bridge. Many times have I crossed the turbid waters of the Missouri in the
“Pomeroy,” [for it was named in honor of Senator Pomeroy.] It is perhaps
needless for me to say that its owners have made a fair fortune out of it. It
had a worldwide reputation.
The Missouri valley fairs commence next week; that at St. Joseph beginning
on Monday and lasting the whole week, and the week following the Kansas City
Fair commences and continues a week. Jeff Davis will made the opening address at
the latter place.
----H.C.R.
Wellsboro Agitator, 2 May 1876 p1
From Kansas
A Republican Victory – The New Mayor’s First Work – State Politics –
Ex-Senator Pomeroy – A Great Land Case – Popular Rejoicing – The Black Hills
Humbug – A Heavy April Snow Storm – Also Rain and Hail – A Forward Spring
Atchison, April 16, 1876
Our city election passed off quietly, the Republicans having their own way
and electing the whole ticket, beating their opponents by majorities ranging
from 50 to 150. A year ago – by money and illegal voting – the Democrats managed
to run our city affairs as they thought best; this year the Republicans control
the whole city government. – The Atchison Democracy claim that the drift of the
local elections held here and elsewhere throughout the State and country this
spring will have no bearing upon the Presidential election next November; but
the Republicans say there “straws” show which way the country is going.
The first official act our new Mayor did after being qualified for the
position was to order the police to enforce the ordinance in relation to closing
up the gambling halls and houses of prostitution that have so long been a
disgrace to the city. And he will enforce this ordinance if it is all he does
during his term of office. Tomorrow the police will see that this law is carried
out. In this respect the Mayor will receive the hearty support of all citizens
of Atchison.
The Republican State Convention to nominate State officers and elect
delegates to the Cincinnati Convention will be held in Topeka on the 24th of
May. Every office has its numerous seekers, and it is evident that the
Convention will be one of the most exciting ones ever held in the State. There
are several of the best men in the State out for the Governorship, the present
incumbent, Thos. Jabom, not being in the race. He will, in all probability, be a
strong candidate for Senator Harvey’s position. There seems to be no doubt that
D.W. Wilder will be his own successor to the office of Auditor. The fact is, no
one dare run against him. He handled the office for two terms, and with such
satisfaction that the people want him for a third term, although they do not
approve of the President running for a third term.
It is rumored that Ex-Senator Pomeroy will stump the State this summer for
the Republican ticket. The ex-Senator would wield a powerful influence in the
State, and I do not believe there is a city, town, or hamlet in all Kansas but
that would turn out to greet him. I do not believe there is a man who ever
resided her who has the warm, earnest, and sincere friends he has. – It is
claimed by the Democrats that he will be a candidate for re-election to the
United States Senate; but this is all nonsense, although, I think he is a better
man for the position than many in that body now. Had the ex-Senator remained in
the State after his defeat four years ago, he would in all probability make a
live race next winter. He is at present with his family in Washington.
There is great rejoicing in all parts of the State over the recent decision
by the United States Supreme Court of the Osage land case in favor of the
settlers and against the railroads. The Osage lands comprise about 960,000
acres, on which there are situated the homes of over 40,000 people. It is a case
that has long been pending in the State and United States courts, and was
decided by the State courts several years ago in favor of the settlers; but the
railroad companies, not satisfied with the decision, appealed it to the United
States Supreme Court, and have been beaten there. The railroads are now
powerless to do anything more, for the highest court in the lend has decided
against them and in favor of the settlers, who have made their homes on these
lands for years. No decision has ever been rendered by any court that has given
so much joy and satisfaction to so large a number of people, and no land case
involving so many acres was ever before decided by any tribunal in the land. The
settlers on these lands have there fore a right to rejoice over their success,
and the people from all parts of the State rejoice with them.
Jollification meetings have been held in all the cities and towns situated
on these lands by the settlers in honor of their triumph, and it is estimated
that at one of the meetings at least 10,000 farmers were in attendance, coming
from miles and miles around. It is said the railroad companies have spent many
thousands of dollars in prosecuting the suits, and are now satisfied to let the
settlers have the homes they are so justly entitles to, and allow others the
same right and privilege in settling them up.
 |
The Black Hills fever seems to be dying out here in the West, and there is but little travel that way, so far as I can learn. I have already conversed with people from there who returned almost naked and glad to get back. They all claim that gold is there; but the snow is so deep that it will be two or three months yet before mining can be commenced, and but three or four months of the year can mining operations be carried on. Who wants to go to such a country as that? I don’t; and I would advise all your Tioga county people who have got the Black Hills “fever” to keep away from there. I recently saw a letter from an old Atchison citizen who is now in the Black Hills. The gentleman reports times dull and all kinds of food at ruinously high figures. Potatoes are worth 10 cents per pound, beans 12 ½ cents, bacon 30 cents, and so on. He says the poorest kind of whisky sells for $12 per gallon. It had snowed every day since the 11th of March, the day he arrived there. He says one miner had dug $41 in gold, and thawed out the dirt in his cabin. So much for the Black Hills. |
I cannot see anything very encouraging in the above to justify anyone going
there just at the present time, especially those that have got anything to do at
home. The people who are just now reaping the benefits of this gold excitement
are in those towns that are bidding for the starting point, and who have
outfitting supplies they are selling for more than triple the prices they could
purchase them for at points not interested in the scheme. Your correspondent has
not got the “fever” as much as formerly. He prefers to stay where he is for the
present.
The severest snowstorm I have ever seen occurred last Monday. It has been
raining a port of two days, and the ground was thoroughly saturated with water.
On Monday it began to snow and kept it up steadily for almost fifteen hours; and
the flakes were the largest I had ever seen, not excepting your hardest
snowstorms in Northern Pennsylvania. The oldest inhabitants say there must have
been twenty inches of snow. On several of the railroads in the State no trains
arrived or departed for a week, the snow having drifted and filled all the cuts
back full. For a week Atchison had no telegraphic communications with outside
cities. Samuel King, formerly of Wellsboro, but now of Seneca, Kansas, was a
victim of this snowstorm. He came to Atchison on business the day before the
storm, and was compelled to stop here a whole week before either of the
railroads running to Seneca were opened. A bluer man I have never met with. He
couldn’t get a letter or telegram through to inform his folks of his
whereabouts. He says he will never come to Atchison again at this season of the
year. – Sam seldom curses, but he thinks he was justified in using pretty severe
language on this occasion.
One thing about this storm: it did incalculable good to the growing crops.
It did not freeze a particle, and under the deep snow it was so slushy and
disagreeable that people could hardly navigate. Three days afterward there was
not a particle of snow to be seen except where it had drifted. – Farmers say it
was preferable to a good rainstorm, for it did them more good.
On Thursday night last occurred one of the hardest rain and hailstorms this
city has been visited with for a long time. The rain came down in torrents, and
the streets looked like rivers. The hailstorm accompanied the rain and the
hailstones were the largest I have ever seen. Had there been a wind blowing at
the time there would have been but few whole windows left in the city. As it
was, a great many suffered. The storm did considerable damage to railroad tracks
and bridges, not a train being in on time for two days after.
The Missouri is rising rapidly, and the prospect is that this rise will be
much greater than the May rise generally is, on account of so much snow and rain
falling of late all along the river. The June rise will be the time for people
to look out.
The boating season has begun nearly a month earlier this spring than usual.
Already three boats have passed up the river, two for Fort Benton, and the other
with passengers and teams for the Black Hills.
The weather is warm and mild, and the farmers are happy. Wheat never looked
better. Garden truck has begun to come into market, and if the weather keeps
warm for two or three weeks longer the market will be well supplied.
---- H.C.R.
| Henry Root Letters Part One | Part Two |
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