Annals of
Pomona, Kansas
21 Apr 1870-11 Aug 1876
21 Apr 1870
Monday last we paid a first visit to the new town of Pomona, in the western part of this county, and situated in the southern edge of Pomona lands, a tract of 12,000 acres owned by Messrs. J. H. Whetstone and S. T. Kelsey, both old settlers of this city and county. This enterprise is the largest ever attempted in this county, or, indeed, in the State; the whole tract being enclosed in one fence, making a field of four by six miles, the most extensive, perhaps, in the world. To enclose this required twenty miles of fence wire. The posts are set twenty-five feet apart, slats being placed every five feet, and staples driven through the slats to fasten the wire to them, leaving the slats to spring or give with the wire, the bottom of the slats being loose above ground, so that when stock run against it it gives with the pressure, then rebounds; each section of fence between the posts forming a sort of swinging gate, thus preventing breaking, the whole making an exceedingly handsome and strong enclosure, capable of repelling the most persistent "fence breaker." This is the first fence made after this fashion, and is, no doubt, a successful experiment; in addition to its suitability and cheapness, all breakages are easily repaired.
The owners of this large tract have adopted an advanced and enlarged view in their system of preparing and beautifying the grounds. They have selected for the site of the town of Pomona, 240 acres in small lots of one-eighth acre, making wide streets and alleys. Immediately adjoining the town site they have laid out lots of from one acre and two-thirds to two acres and a half, and so on up to ten acres, for residences and gardens for those who contemplate settling in the town or on the lands. The system of laying out the town is novel, and a short description of its principal features may be of interest: The main street runs north and south through the town, and extends through the center of the land on the section line; in the center of the town is another business street, running east and west on the township line, corresponding with the thoroughfare from Osage county to Ottawa, forming a center of trade, and showing the new comer at a glance where the center of business will be. The streets running from east to west are numbered from one to the highest number-that is, from one to eight. The streets running north and south are alphabetically arranged from Main street east and from Main street west, showing at a glance the distance and position of each lot from the main street. The lots are not numbered by the block, but by the street; for instance, the street east of Main street would be East A street; the lots numbering from the south end of the street, alternately, to the north end; so a person can easily explain the exact position of his residence, by letter, to a person at any distance. The town is beautifully elevated, with a gradual slope south to the Marais des Cygnes, one mile distant, and on the natural road-bed of the east and west road from Holden to Ottawa. Passing on through the lands, we find every quarter section being plowed for hedge rows, and the plants being delivered for the purpose of setting out, planting around every quarter-section in the lands. All this body of land is rich, elevated and rolling; has an abundance of pure water, plenty of first quality lime stone, numerous indications of good coal, and surrounded by timber; the center of the town is ten miles from the center of Ottawa, 25 miles from Lawrence, and about 35 miles from Topeka, and the east and west business street being the main traveled road from Osage county to Ottawa. These natural advantages, added to the capital, energy and experience of the owners, cannot fail to make Pomona a thriving, handsome, healthy town. A source of profit to our merchants, a source of wealth to the owners, and add largely to the taxable property of the county and be the means of giving us a population of industrious, intelligent emigrants, who, but for such an opportunity presenting such novel features, might pass on in search of homes possessing few of the advantages offered here. About half a dozen new buildings are in course of construction, mainly on the old thoroughfare, and before many days the indispensable blacksmith, harness maker, etc., will be settled on the inviting plains of Pomona.
That indefatigable and enthusiastic pomologist, Mr. Kelsey, we found hard at work, the numerous ideas about fruit trees and their culture tripping over each other in their haste to get a first utterance, that the inexperienced could learn more of the practice of experienced fruit growers in a half hour's conversation with him than from the pages of a formal and theoretical author. Mr. Kelsey owns a section of "sandstone" land, which, he contends is the best for fruit, adjoining the town, in which he has set out two bushels of apple seed, 27,000 apple grafts, and fifteen bushels of osage orange seed, from which he intends planting over one hundred miles of hedge next spring; two acres of black walnut north of his house, to ward off "northwesters;" a large quantity of grapes, blackberries, raspberries, gooseberries, currants and other small fruits, and has just commenced setting out twenty-five miles of osage orange hedge; has just completed a good dwelling, cellar under the whole; cistern, stable, work shops, consisting of carpenter's, blacksmith's &c., for the mending of wire fence and iron instruments, for which he has new and improved tools of his own invention; and all this has been accomplished since last July. The natural skepticism which takes hold a visitor on his first entry into a "new town," fails to drive out faith in the appropriately named Pomona. That a handsome, cultivated village will ere long cover the new town site, no one who pays a visit to the place can doubt. [Ottawa Journal 21 Apr 1870 p3c3]
14 Jul 1870
Mr. H. O. Kelsey is building one of the finest flouring mills in the State, the walls of which are of stone. The first story is completed; the timbers are in, and they are now at work on the second story. Mrs. Edsell has a good house, 16 x 28, one and a half stories high, with an ell 14 X 16, almost finished. Mr. Ricksecker has his large house finished and is occupying it. Mr. Lowry has also finished his house and moved into it. Mr. Scranton has his store in full blast, and is doing a fine business. Mr. Guthrie's cellar is completed, ready for work to commence on his house. Mr. Nelson Reynolds has his blacksmith shop in running order, and is prepared to do all the work that comes. Father Ricksecker is always ready to extend hospitalities to both man and beast; in fact, any one in Pomona can and will administer a cup of cold water, having an abundant supply always on hand. They have the best watered town in the State, every well yielding an abundance of clear, cold water, as soft as rainwater.
"Cold water, though wonderful,
"Tis no less true again,
That the weakest of all earthly drinks
Doth make the strongest men."
All things considered, Pomona is the place to live. The timber all around in view makes one feel cheerful, while there is plenty of land to cultivate, leaving no one out of employment who desires to earn an honest living for himself and family. Any one passing Pomona would at once suspect that the irrepressible Kelsey had something to do in building up the enterprise. [Ottawa Journal 14 Jul 1870]
22 Sep 1870
This new town, eight miles west of Ottawa, was laid out about the 1st of March, last. It is pleasantly located upon an elevation, on the north side of the Marais des Cygnes, and a mile distant from the river. It now contains some 30, good substantial buildings; and a population of 160. Around the town there are nearly two sections of land laid off in lots of 2 1/2 to 10 acres, for the especial accomodation of persons desiring suburban residences, or for those wishing to establish vegetable gardens or to raise Fruit. Among the new institutions of the place may be named the large and well-stocked Nursery of Prof. Kelsey, and the new and fine Stone Flouring Mill belonging to H. O. Kelsey.
Our fellow citizen and enterprising business man, Wm. Hayes, has just opened at Pomona a branch house; where may be found a complete stock of Dry Goods, Crockery and Groceries.
And thus it is that the enterprise of Ottawa is constantly reaching out to aid the rapid development of somehow new and neighoring community. [Ottawa Journal 22 Sep 1870 p3c1]
29 Sep 1870
The machinery for the new flouring mill of Mr. H. O. Kelsey arrived (Ottawa) here on Saturday, and was forwarded to Pomona Monday where the building is prepared to receive it. The boiler, engine and machinery is of the largest, most substantial and approved pattern, - the boiler being double-rivited, adding greatly to its strength. It is expected the mill will be ready to commence work in a short time.
The new school house, mentioned in a former number of the JOURNAl, has been commenced, is to cost $5000, and to be enclosed by the first of November. many other houses are in course of construction, and the foundation for others in course of preparation.
The Rev. Mr. Altman has selected 8 lots, with a view of organizing and locating a church and parsonage for his denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran. Mr. A. is energetic and enthusiastic, of considerable ability as a preacher, and generally accomplished whatever he undertakes, thus giving promise of the successful termination of his plans. From the many religious, educational and social steps being taken by the people of Pomona, it will without doubt, at an early day, be a place possessing more than ordinary advantages for residents of a new country. [Ottawa Journal p3c1]
06 Oct 1870
The movement of emigration to Southern Kansas has been considerable during the past twelve months; but latterly the counties in the east-central portion of the State have been attracting much attention, and receiving their fair proportion of new settlers. This is but natural, -for the counties alluded to offer superior inducements to parties seeking new homes, and they will doubtless secure their full share of industrious, substantial citizens. Ottawa is an important centre, and for thirty miles around its influence is paramount, and must continue so. Some notice of the country lying due west of the county seat of Franklin county may be of interest to the readers of the JOURNAL. A short drive takes one to Richmond Ford, across the Marais des Cygnes, and then passing through a belt of timber the road leads on the north side of that stream, to the open, rolling prairie. The lands are good, and the face of the country prepossessing. Ten miles from Ottawa is situated the new town of Pomona, consisting, at present, of some forty buildings. A large stone edifice, to be used as a steam flouring mill has just been erected; and in a few days the machinery will be all in place and in full working order. A large schoolhouse, of stone, and to cost $5,000, has just been commenced; and will soon furnish ample education advantages to the growing community. This town of Pomona stands at the southwest corner of the Whetstone and Kelsey farm-which is a rather sizable farm, embracing something over 12,000 acres, enclosed by a wire fence of nearly twenty miles in circuit. This farm would be considered rather large in older countries even. South Pomona, just across the Marais des Cygnes, and so named because it is south, has become a point of interest and subject of considerable inquiry within the last few days, only: Continuing due west from Pomona the road leads to 110 Mile creek, distant 4 miles, and clearing the timber strikes out over a very beautiful prairie country. This is Osage county; and from the surface-indications it is apparant to any observer that the lands must prove unusually productive. Twelve miles from the creek last named, and therefore 26 miles due west of Ottawa, is the centre of this rich county. Perhaps nowhere in Kansas can a pleasenter or more interesting drive be found than over the road stretching between the two points. In the matter of game, Quail and Prairie chickens seem to be very abundant; and it is said (by the man who discovered chestnuts in Kansas) that deer are plentiful along the course of the Marais des Cygnes during the winter months.
In another communication some notes will be offered concerning this Sac & Fox Reservation, and this thriving young town of Lyndon. [Ottawa Journal 6 Oct 1870 p2c3]
Om Monday last, Mr. Wm. L. Delano brought to the JOURNAL office a medal which was turned up, while plowing, by Geo. Washbaugh. The medal is of solid silver, as bright and beautiful as if turned out by the hand of Demetrius himself. On the obverse is a likeness of the placid "Millard Fillmore, President of the United States;" the date 1850; and in small letters under the bust of the President, "O, Ellis." On the top of the reverse are the in this case, ambiguous words, "Labor, Virtue, honor," with the flag of the Union; and an American, a commissioner, no doubt, eloquently explaining the arts of husbandry and corresponding civilization, being surrounded by the emblems thereof, to a very artistic likeness of a very erect and traditionally noble aboriginal, who is standing in a listening attitude, the great primeval forest in his rear, and "J. Willson," in small letters, at his feet. No doubt, if we had time to look up so important a matter, we would find the souvenir was issued as a token of eternal friendship between the "Great Father" at Washington and a chief of Sacs and Foxes, the latter being just on the verge of giving up, without being really positive of the matter, all his and his tribes' possessions in the Sac and Fox Reserve to the benefit and behoof of the big sachems who then held big war dances in Tammany Hall, New York. The medal was found on the farm of Mr. Delano, on the Appanoose Creek, on what is known as the "Parkinson Settlement," on the "Two-Mile strip," lying between the Sac and Fox Reserve, and is supposed to be the spot where the chief Appanoose, from whom the creek takes its name, lived and died; and the belief is, that the medal once belonged to that good and credulous chief, and consequently to his legal administrators. It is of solid silver 2 1/2 inches in diameter. [Ottawa Journal 06 Oct 1870 p2c3]
10 Nov 1870
In pursuance of a long cherished desire, we will give our readers an account of our visit, some time since, to the new town of Pomona, about ten miles west of the thriving city of Ottawa. While on a visit to the latter place we met our old friend, Prof. S. T. Kelsey, the founder of Pomona. Prof. Kelsey was as enthusiastic as ever on the subject of trees, and nervously eloquent over the future prospect of Pomona. Listening to his glowing description, we eagerly accepted his invitation to visit his prairie colony. A brisk ride of two hours brought us to his capacious dwelling house, from which we got a good view of the town site and immediately surrounding country. The prime movers in the Pomona enterprise are Messrs. Whetstone and Kelsey. Mr. Whetstone uniting his capital and real estate knowledge to the practical agricultural experience and energy of Mr. Kelsey. They own in the vicinity of Pomona, 12,000 acres of land, all under one fence. Fifteen miles of Osage hedge are planted, and one hundred miles more are prepared for next season. The fence is of wire, four strands high, with posts twenty-five feet apart, having three intermediate strips of wood, which are riveted to the wire, but do not reach the ground. this fence cost sixty-eight cents per rod, and commends itself to farmers for cheapness and reliability, as even the wildest Texas steers do not attempt to jump it. The greatest length of the tract fenced, is six miles and the greatest width four miles. A special act of the Legislature was necessary before this grand piece of fencing could be commenced, but Whetstone & Kelsey got the required permit, on condition of having the section roads opened as soon as the Osage hedge around each section can be turned out. In this way there will be a road around each section and an Osage hedge on both sides of every road. Hedge rows are already plowed around each section and part of the quarter sections are so prepared. It is the intention of the projectors to have hedge rows around every quarter section, so that farmers buying of them will be able to commence work immediately. At the present time, all buying of them will be able to commence work immediately. at the present time, all buying in this 12,000 acre tract can commence work without fencing, as the general fence protects all within the enclosure.
The land is fine rolling prairie, giving the settler his choice of bottom or upland at the low price of $10 per acre, where he will have no outlay for fences. As it is the intention of the projectors to make this a model farming district, farms will not be sold to a man whose only qualifications is ability to buy. Purchasers must be men of character must have average ability as farmers and must agree to improve their purchase.
If the enterprising proprietors succeed in their project, in a few years we will see this magnificent tract with improvements on each quarter-section, with section roads ornamented by Osage hedges, quarter-sections marked in the same manner and a population of several thousand.
The Town of Pomona is laid out at right angles with wide streets and in a good location. Liberal inducements are offered to good men who will come and settle. Schools and churches will receive liberal treatment, but saloons will not be tolerated.
At the time of our visit over twenty houses had been erected and new comers were constantly arriving. One of the best flouring mills in the state was already erected and is probably doing good service. The mill is thirty by fifty feet in size, and three stories (fifty feet) high. It is in charge of a brother-in-law of Mr. Kelsey, an experienced miller and energetic man. A schoolhouse to cost $5,000 is projected and subscription is started to build a Congregational church. Every aid is given to new comers and great inducements are held out to a good class of people. It is the determintation to start an enterprising town, having as its life, good people, liberal churches and practical schools. The property owners are men of influence and expect to induce railroad capitalists to run their roads in this direction so that in a short time at least two roads will be through or near Pomona.
Such, in brief, is the town of Pomona. Its projector, Mr. Kelsey, lives in sight of it. While he is inspecting his fruit and forest trees, and looking over the rectangles of Osage hedges he can see the result of his experiment in town building. We hope his speculation will meet a great reward. His enthusiasm deserves it. His perseverance must be successful. -Leavenworth Times. [Ottawa Journal 10 Nov 1870 p3c4]
POMONA! The impetus which has been given to this town within the past half-year is truly remarkable: it appears to have doubled its population and to more than trebled its energy. Within the time named a steam flouring Mill, of solid masonry, has been completed and is now in full working order. Its highly finished machinery is driven by a splendid engine, of sixty horse power, and a substantial tubular boiler - both constructed at the Erie City Works. A hasty visit to the Mill does not warrant a full description of its admirable appointments; but enough was seen to give the assurance that it is capable of furnishing as fine a quality of flour as can be produced in Kansas or any other state. The new school house, of stone, two stories high, with a belfry and a remarkably artistic facade, is 30 by 45 feet in dimensions; and will, for some time at least, afford ample accommodations for the rising generation of the vigorous young town. The Pomona Hotel, kept by J. L. Mongold, is a very well conducted public house; the fare is excellent and the other accommodations are adequate to the demands of visitors. Of other improvements, in progress and prospective, there is not space in this article to speak. [Ottawa Journal - 20 Apr 1871 p2c2]
Pomona April 15th - Rev. Aultman preached a preparatory sermon; singing in the evening, consequently no preaching. Sabbath 11 o'clock a.m., preaching; after the sermon, reception of members for the purpose of organizing the 1st Lutheran Church of Pomona. On invitation, 10 persons presented themselves around the altar, nine were received by extending them the right hand of Christian fellowship; one was received by the solemn rite of confirmation, after which the Lord's Supper was partaken of; a number from sister churches also communing. The meetings were unusually solemn and impressive. At 3 P.M. the closing sermon was preached. The entire exercises were interesting, and flattering hopes are entertained for the future of our churches in Pomona. This is now the third organization, and all three are in a prosperous condition. God speed the grand and noble work of Christian effort in our blood-bought land.
Messrs. Whetstone and Kelsey are pushing forward their hedge-planting with unwonted success, abating only for the three days of unpleasant weather. They have planted over 35 miles during the present season that, in addition to what was planted last, makes over 50 miles, and arrangements have been made for planting 50 miles more, so that in a few days there will be 100 miles, of hedge growing, which will present a scene beautiful indeed to behold, and one which will be rare in this country. Another feature of the enterprise is the farm of S. T. Kelsey; in addition to the large nursery stock - which has been grown mostly, by himself, while in connection with the Ottawa Nursery, of which he had a complete assortment, and will continue to supply, those wishing to plant trees, &c. He has also planted over 3 acres of apple seeds, 1 acre of peach seeds, 4 to 5 acres grafts, 2 to 3 acres pear trees over 1,200 forest trees, 8,000 to 10,000 cherries, raspberries, and blackberries, strawberries in innumerable number, and seed to grow over 1 million hedge plants. And to add to home comforts he has set out over 1,500 apple trees, besides all other varieties in the fruit and berry department, together with a large number of ornamental trees. [Ottawa Journal - 20 Apr 1871 p2c3]
04 May 1871
In our item of last week, we noticed a trial between the State, and Nelson Wickham; since-then we have learned the facts of the whole case. It seems that during the past year, the citizens that have been wont to gather at the Parkinson School-house, Centropolis Township, have been frequently disturbed and annoyed at their public meetings by boisterous and rude young men; and although publicly and repeatedly advised and warned that they must not disturb their meetings they boldly and defiantly stamped, swore, talked and laughed, till a committee of the most influential citizens resolved to appeal to the courts for protection, as they had publicly declared they would. Hence on the 23d of January 1871, warrants were issued for Amos Parkinson, G. Leeper, Richard Williams, Morgan Wickam and Nelson Wickam. They gave bail for their appearance, employed four good lawyers, who managed to adjourn the trial from time to time, until all was finally legally settled on the 28th of April. Two of the young men were fined $5 each and cost; the costs of Nelson Wickam, amounting to $90.00, besides a loss of much time. The others, acknowledged themselves guilty; two paying the county attorney $50.00 each, and thus the matter was settled. As it is well known that these young men were arrested, and now that they have had a fair trial, and have been decided guilty, both by Justice Beeman and an intelligent jury, we deem it right to publish the facts, and warn other young men to be careful how they disturb public gatherings of any kind. It is said that most of these young men have behaved quite differently of late: two of them, Richard Williams, and M. Wickam having joined the church: and it is sincerely to be hoped that they will reform and sin no more. The eyes of a discriminating public will be upon them, and they must expect to live and act better than they have in the past, in order to prove to the world they intended no wrong, and mean to be gentlemen. [Ottawa Journal - 04 May 1871 p2c1]
01 Jun 1871
Pomona Nursery - Last Saturday we took a drive out to the Pomona Nursery, and found our friend, S. T. Kelsey, in the midst of his trees. We were surprised to find so much improvement in so short a time. It is not yet two years since Whetstone and Kelsey commenced improving the Pomona tract, which was then a vacant prairie, and the home farm (one section) was selected by Mr. Kelsey some months later, so he has had but little more than one year on the place; and not it looks almost like an old farm. We saw an Osage hedge of one year's growth that is planted around the section; also cross lines dividing it into quarters; twenty acres of excellent-looking wheat; forty acres of corn; and nearer his house the whole country is planted in trees of which the following are but a part: ten acres apple trees, five acres apple seedlings, one and a half acres peach trees, one and a half acres cherry, one acre of pear trees, ten acres Osage orange, one acre maple seedlings, and several hundred thousand of elm, catalpa, ash, box, elder, mountain ash, larch, chestnut, walnut, etc., etc. In the line of small fruits we saw several acres of grapes, blackberry, raspberry, currant, strawberry, etc. He has also planted an orchard of some 1,500 trees of apple, pear, cherry, peach, and plum, all growing remarkably well: in fact we saw no dead trees on the place. We must not forget to mention a lot of several thousand fine evergreens, and a promising grove of forest trees, on the north of his residence. All appeared to be well tended and thriving. A few years more of such work will make the Pomona nursery farm as near a paradise as mortals are allowed to get in this wicked world, and furnish a supply of trees second to none in the country. [Ottawa Journal - 01 Jun 1871 p3c3]
20 Jul 1871
The JOURNAL being the official paper for the thriving village of Pomona, the following items, kindly furnished by Mr. Quay, are promptly accepted and gladly published.
-A grand time was enjoyed by our citizens on the "Fourth." Picnicing at Logan's grove. Every one seemed to go home satisified.
-Camp meeting will commence at Logan's grove on Wednesday. A grand time is anticipated.
-Our Sabbath School is making great advancement both in numbers and interest.
-Musical association is in a healthy condition. It meets every Thursday evening.
-We understand a Union Sabbath School Convention is in vogue in the western part of Franklin Co. and eastern part of Osage. Particulars next week.
-The Musical Association will sing at Appanoose school house on next Saturday evening if it does not "rain."
-Sixteen months since Pomona contained inhabitants to the amount of five, it now has about two hundred and seventy-five.
-The town well is the great attraction of the "drinking" class of our citizens, the "best" and only "brand" for free "distribution" in the city.
-The splendid stone blacksmith shop is looking up-ward, and will soon be to the top.
-The magnificent store-building and elegant stock of goods of Wm. Hayes, Esq., are not among the things that "are to be" for they are a reality; and in that same "new building" on south side of Franklin St., with that jolly clerk J. L. Roberts behind the counter, you can be fitted out with anything you want. Some four new buildings are being constructed and pleasing prospects of several more immediately.
-Several hundred bushels of wheat have already been unloaded at the mill, and many wagons laden with flour go away from it every day. [Ottawa Journal - 20 Jul 1871 p3c3]
27 Jul 1871
Pomona and the Corn Crop. Desiring to note the progress of our young and thrifty neighbor, and learn the prospects of the growing corn, west of us, we drove down by this town the other day, and have been amply repaid for our journey. If we needed any evidence of the wonderful energy of Kansans, we had here a sufficiency. In the short space of three years a veritable town, well located, well built, has appeared in the prairie, the result of the untiring energy and zeal of a few men, un-aided by any railroad influence or connection. A school house, built of stone, and alike spacious, well fitted and capacious, strikes the eye on approaching, and furnished ample proof of the quality of the founders, in first presenting to the settler that great desideratum, educational facilities for their children. A mill-likewise stone - large and complete in all its details, lines the road and busily hums from early morn till late at night. Stores, prominent among which is that of our townsman, HAYES, wherein man can purchase all that pertains to living, also attest the growth of the place, while around about it lies one of the finest agricultural sections of our county, well cultivated and cared for. Near the town is Mr. WHETSTONE's large tract, enclosed with a neat wire fence, which protects the growing hedge. Near by is also the farm of Mr. PARKINSON, with its waving fields of corn; and across the road is the Pomona Nursery, the biding place Mr. KELSEY, where a model horticulturist may be found. Altogether our friends in that vicinity may be proud of their farms, their county and their town; and we predict for each and all of them an abundant success. As to the corn, we are half afraid to tell just what we feel, lest those who can not personally see it doubt the statement. We have never seen a crop with the same prospects for an enormous yield. In some localities from 95 to 100 bushels per acre will be realized. It is clean and high, and each stalk is literally loaded. We opine that the croaker, this fall, if he give vent to any fault, it will be that the crop has been too plentiful, and the yield too heavy. We regret our space limits us in this issue to this cursory notice of the town, which is the result of the united labor of our neighbors, WHETSTONE and KELSEY. [Ottawa Journal - 27 Jul 1871 p2c2]
03 Aug 1871
Greenwood - The Baptists of Greenwood dedicated their new church last Sabbath. Rev. Dr. Atkinson, of Ottawa, preached the dedicating sermon, and was assisted by Messrs, Laws and Hetrick. Music was furnished by the Pomona choir. The church is a very fine one, the halls being beautifully frescoed. At the conclusion of his sermon Mr. Atkinson appealed to the people to come forward and assist in relieving the church from debt incurred in its erection. His appeal was successful, and the necesary sum of $210 was raised at once. The church owns three acres of ground, one of which is immediately around the church, and the other two are to be devoted to a cemetery which will be free to all. The church is well built and is a credit to the county, and is an excellent evidence of the go-ahead-a-tive-ness of the people. We learn that Harrison Read contributed largely to this enterprise. [Ottawa Journal - 03 Aug 1871 p3c4]
24 Aug 1871
New Flour - H. O. Kelsey of the Pomona Mills on last Thursday evening called in our sanctum accompanied by a bag of flour, made from wheat of this spring's growth. That the flour is fine our better half as well as ourself bear willing testimony thereof. Mr. Kelsey has one of the finest mills in this western country, and is fully capable and willing to turn out flour unexcelled even in Missouri. Messrs. Holman, Baldwin & Co., and Fuller & Cobb sell this flour, and we safely recommend it to our readers as clear up to par. [Ottawa Journal - 24 Aug 1871 p3c5]
The route hither from Ottawa is charming at this season. The first half mile after leaving town [Ottawa] is dreary enough; but thence on, attractions thicken Richmond Ford is a rustic brilliant set in emerald, at the western gate way of your city. I wonder if half your citizens realize what an attractive spot it is? The gravelly beach, the clear water, the overhanging shade, the narrow ribbon of blue above, are unfailing sources of delight within easy reach. I tremble every time I pass that way, least the vandal's axe may fall upon some of the fine old trees which have stood there for a century. Sad ravage has already been wrought; - in the name of our better nature, I pray that it may stop.
Continuing the journey westward, the traveler of two years ago, found the crossing of the Appanoose at the old Indian orchard, almost equally picturesque. The creek doubled back on itself and formed a long tongue just wide enough for a carriage road. At the very apix was the ford. Now the crossing is between dug out banks, as unromantic and prosy as the engineering was stupid which devised such a clap-trap to accommodate travel.
Once out of the creek bottom, the road is excellent through the country. One mile east of Pomona is the Pomona Nursery. Two years ago this month it was unbroken prairie. Stop now and behold. There is a complete stock of fruit and forest trees by the hundred thousands, and Osage plants by the million, but this is not the surprising part. Energy, capacity and capital might accomplish this anywhere. The singular part is the marvelous wealth of our Kansas soil. Notice, the season of growth is not nearly over, yet I measured apple trees, from the seed this spring, five feet high, and peach trees equally vigorous. In the orchard set this spring the growth was four feet, and mountain ash had made eight feet. A catalpa bed stood two feet high, and a perfect mat. But it is useless to enumerate. No one is more surprised than Prof. Kelsey. He finds himself in quite a dilemma, having advertised young stock at low figures, but seeing it so expand under his eyes as to destroy the hope of profits in the extra cost of handling and shipping. What a fix, to be sure?
Three miles farther on, I rode through a field of millet, on the Usher farm, six feet high, and bearing heads thirteen inches in length.
Just on the edge of Osage county is One Hundred and Ten creek. Thence ten or eleven miles across the late Sac & Fox Reservation to Lyndon every quarter section is dotted with a settler's cabin. Such an invasion is proof positive that the Government policy of disposing of its lands has been altogether wrong. There should have been no land grants, no sales, but a gift in fee of one hundred and sixty acres to every actual settler. [Ottawa Journal - 24 Aug 1871]
07 Sep 1871
Pomona. A visit to this young village, situated on the western line of our county, will convince the stranger that as live and industrious a people are here located as could wish to be seen in any part of our country. The town has one of the best and latest improved grist mills west of the Mississippi river, owned by Mr. H. O. Kelsey; one of the best and most neatly arranged dry goods stores, owned by Mr. Wm. Hayes, and conducted by Mr. J. L. Roberts; one good family store, owned by Messrs. Longenecker & Snyder; one hardware store, owned by Mr. G. Ricksecker; one drug store, owned by Dr. L. Ricksecker; an excellent furniture manufactory, owned by Mr. P. L. Kraus; and two blacksmith shops, one of which is new and built of stone, and is owned by Mr. McConnell, late of Quenemo. The country lying adjacent to Pomona will, ere long, be permanently settled by industrious farmers, as the lands are too beautiful and the advantages too commanding to long escape the attention of those in the East who desire to locate in the great State of Kansas. A stranger visiting Pomona and surrounding country cannot fail to be favorably impressed with the general lay of the land and with its citizens and industries. [Ottawa Journal - 07 Sep 1871 p3c3]
Hon. John P. Usher, whom every Kansan is by this time acquainted with, is in the city [Ottawa]. The judge has a faint recollection of at one time being interested in the McManus lands, in the western part of this county. [Ottawa Journal - 07 Sep 1871 p3c4]
Appanoose - Summer term of school commenced with 15 scholars enrolled.
There is some winter wheat on the big limestone prairie; but there is not one-fourth of a crop in this township. The late dry spring finished what our extreme cold winter did not kill.
Understanding that our county commissioners would not take any action in reference to the herd law, a petition for the night law was started late in the afternoon of election day, and although most of the voting had been done, and 105 votes is the largest number ever polled since the township has been divided, the petition soon received the required number of signatures, and the probability is that two-thirds of the voters of Centropolis are in favor of such a law.
During the late high water on the Appanoose, an almost fatal accident occurred which caused great excitement in our usually quiet neighborhood. While two ladies were standing at the ford on S. V. Parkinson's wood-lot, Jake Mongold, of Pomona, attempted to drive his team across, notwithstanding the entreaties of the ladies. Down went his blind horse while his boy clung to the limb of a sapling, standing in the stream, from whence he was afterwards rescued. Help soon came, but one horse drowned, and the desperate man after detatching his team from his buggy came very near drowning in recrossing the stream on the other horse. There was a good moral in the remark of a little boy who was a tearful eye-witness of the scene, "I don't believe anybody can make me take whiskey."
We hear that Esq. Hanna was called on Sunday of last week to perform another marriage ceremony, if so, I hope he will send you the marriage notice for publication in the proper column. This makes us think of the reverie of an old bachelor who thus explains himself:
One by one the roses go, the tide on Appanoose is very low; He who fails in this tide to win, Will find his chances extremely slim.
The Appanoose Farmer's club is doing a good work.
Over 40 packages of garden seeds have been distributed by the secretary, besides from one to two pounds of beet seed and some fine field grains. The papers distributed are all recorded with names of the person to whom given and they are instructed to report the result at the next winter meetings. There are now about 20 members. The next meeting will be held on Friday night April 19, 1872. Every member joining now is expected to give the statistics of what he raised last year. The officers elected for the ensuing year are W. L. Delano, president; J. H. Bean, vice president; W. S. Hanna, secretary; Henry Foster, and J. Heiddegger, as executive committee. [Ottawa Journal]
06 Jun 1872
The good people of Pomona expect to have a very pleasant and enjoyable time next Friday evening, at the strawberry festival, given in the interests of the Congregational Church. The finest Wilson's albany, grown by S. T. Kelsey, and plenty of sugar and good rich cream well supplied with delicious cake, to the lovers of good things generally.
Our citizens are jubilant here over the railroad prospects, and a strong pull, and a pull altogether, will be made at the coming election, provided a proposition is presented in a just and equitable manner, which we all believe will be the case.
Politics run high. We have one or two Greeley men here, and they are fearfully exercised about Grant; they have but little to say about Greeley, but Grant is an eye-sore to them, and so is the paying of over one hundred millions of the national debt yearly by the "corrupt Administration" of the great peace maker Ulysses S. Grant. The reason is, they don't see how he does it, and they think of Greeley was President he would either write a book on it, and tell them what he knew about, or else would stop it at once, and in either case relieve their suspense.
Our Greeley men here claim the amnesty bill would not have been passed this session of congress, had it not been for the nomination of the philosopher of Chappaqua. We think that if the records were examined it could be proven that it would have been passed early in the season if the now Greeley men had not always tacked on Sumner's Civil Rights bill, and then voted against and defeated the whole. Let the records verify this statement.
The Pomona Musical Association will give a concert in the school house at Pomona, on Saturday evening, June 22d. As the class is quite proficient, a good entertainment is anticipated.
Our farmers are making the best use of the present good weather, and corn is being planted and tended to the almost utter exclusion of the rights and interests of merchants and their wares. All I wish them, is that their success may be in proportion to their untiring energy.
The public school will close for the spring term, on Friday, June 21st. Our schools have been a credit to our young and thrifty town, as the examination to be had at the close of the term will prove.
Centropolis - Farmers are sick of "Drouthy Kansas." This plowing in the rain, while water runs in the furrow, and the corn rots in the ground is worse than railroad bonds and nearly as bad as a shake of the "ager."
There has been a new Sunday school at Davy's School House, which is said to be flourishing finely under the superintendence of Mr. J. Jenkins. Appanoose S.S. is said to be the best Sunday school ever held in that neighborhood. All the schools are waiting to hear about that Fourth of July celebration in Forest Park.
The Parkinsons are trying to do a big business selling property now-a-days. We hear there will be four bidders for one piece, which makes us think that the Pomona store-keeper had to lay down his pile to the tune of over $400, according to Widow Veritas. [Ottawa Journal]
11 Jul 1872
The population of Pomona was increased two, yesterday. Both boys- and S. T. Kelsey is the happy parent. That is a wonderfully productive region about Pomona, as Mr. Kelsey can testify. [Ottawa Journal 11 Jul 1872 p3]
19 Sep 1872
Pomona. The school of this place opened on the 16th inst. under the supervision of Mr. D. M. Starky, and Miss Whetstone. Mr. Starky is a gentlemen of culture and scholarly attainments and withall a most successful teacher. There is room for a few more to avail themselves of his instruction.
The Greeleyites loudly boasted in the time of Greeley's greatest; prosperity (about two weeks after his nomination) that they would have a large majority in this precinct. After assiduous labor and active canvassing they only fine 30 to enroll themselves on the mongrel banner; while our Grant club numbers 70 members from this township, and is growing rapidly.
Mr. John Parkinson is now introducing a large herd of steers to a corn diet, and purposes to convert a large amount of cheap corn into splendid beaf. John is an enthusiastic, wide awake stock man, and we wish him plenty of beef and good prices. There are vast quantities of corn in this vicinity, plenty of shelter, good feeding grounds, and every facility for stock feeding; let those looking for a location to feed come and see us.
Greeley stock is on the decline here as elsewhere. Private advises from different parts of Illinois indicate the Greeley causallen into the "sear and yellow leaf," and the garden state guarentees an increased republican majority for Honest Dick Oglesby and Gen. Grant.
The flouring mills are shipping wheat from St. Louis, from which to manufacture flour to supply their customers, and here let us notice that a reasonable larger breadth of ground is being put in wheat, which is sown with much greater care than ever before.
Dr. Mackey has moved in his new neat commodious store building just completed, and he takes great pleasure in dispensing drugs and medicines, and receiving the cash; therefore, call on him.
Dr. Pressley keeps moving all around the country, day and night; he has fine success in treating the diseases of this locality, and the people keep him traveling over a large range of country.
Mr. G. V. Ricksecker has just commenced a residence on his lot on the south east corner of the village, and proposes to finish and inhabit the same in a short time.
The Grant club meets at the upper school room on the evening of September... . [Ottawa Journal p3c7]
24 Oct 1872
Pomona. On last Saturday evening, between the hours of eight and nine o'clock, one William Smith, heavily laden with "fusil oil," came driving into our village on the Ottawa road, and hauled up at Mr. Longnecker's grocery. On attempting to get out of the wagon, the report of a pistol was heard. It came from Smith's person, he having had the deadly weapon concealed in his pocket. How it explosed is not known, but the ball passed through the fleshy part of the left thigh, nearly cutting the femoral artery, struck the right leg just above the ankle, and lodged in the os calcis, or the heel bone. Smith immediately walked across the street to Dr. Mackey's drug store, where the doctor probed the wound, but was unable to extract eh ball. he was entertained at the hotel by mine host Shroll, that night, and taken home next morning.
It appears this Smith had had a grudge against one Ambrose Hopkins, who also lives west of this place, on Salt creek. Smith had threatened to shoot Hopkins, having said "he will need his box to go home in." It turned out that the "box" came nearer being used for his own body, Constable Steward has a warrant for the arrest of Smith, but he has not yet been arrested.
Our Musical Association will give a concert on Saturday evening, November 2d. This popular musical body will draw a good crowd, as they always do, and will give us all a rich treat. Let every body come and bring his wife and sweetheart.
The march of improvement has not yet come to a halt in our village. Dr. Mackey has snudly ensconsed h imself in his new drug store that a notice of it cannot be passed over in silence. The doctor keeps the best lighted, most cheery and pleasant room for his branch of business in the county. Everything is in apple-pie order, as neat as a new pin. He keeps a variety of drugs, books, stationery, etc. Success to him. May his shadow never grow less.
The Grant club meeting was without foreign speakers last Friday night. A number assembled at the club room, engaged for a few minutes in conversation, feeling good over the result of the October elections, then dispersed without a speech.
The Greeley club enjoyed some of their home talent last Saturday evening. The Hon. Mr. Price showed them the "pint" in beautiful language, and the most elegant style of oration. Then came a sort of theoretical exegesis, the word politics by Dr. Passley. We might style it the esthetics of politics, or political esthetics. The main point of the doctor was this: "If your child disobeys you, need you whail' that child forever?" We reply no, doctor no. But if the little scamp turns about and does the same thing again, will you shake hands across the bloody chasm, or will you "larrup" him till he gives up, and thus heal the bloody chasm?
Jonathan parkinson has lately purchased the dwelling house of Mr. H. O. Kelsey and will remove to our village in a few days. It will not be amiss to say, in this connection that the principal object he has in moving hither is the education of his children. This speaks volumes for the morals and educations facilities of our young village. [Ottawa journal p3c7]
14 Nov 1872
Mr. J. L. Roberts, formerly of the firm of Hayes, Parkinson & Co., at Pomona, has taken charge of Mr. Hayes' store at Williamsburg. Mr. Roberts is a pleasant gentleman, and will make hosts of friends at his new post of duty, by his gentlemanly and accommodating way. Trade with him. [Ottawa Journal p3c4]
Appanoose. Who could wish for a more beautiful fall than we have had? While we have been enjoying such delightful weather, Minnesota has had several snow storms. Think of winter lasting seven months out of the year, and then feel happy that you live in Kansas.
We are pleased to notice that the JOURNAL is grownin in favor in this neighborhood, and well it may, for we say it without fear of contradication, that the OTTAWA JOURNAL is the best county paper in Kansas, and none of the numerous county papers that come from the east can equal it in the amount of local news. If you have any doubts just count the number of item son the third page; these alone exceed the local news of any other paper we now remember of.
We think we never saw farmers more busiliy engaged at work; they are even keeping their children out of school rather than to hire.
Winter wheat is growning splendidly and potatoes yield well; Redin Robin's yielded at the rate of 200 bushels per acre. W. L. Delano's corn yields over 50 bushels per acre.
C. M. Blosser has moved on to Jont. Parkinson's place, and Charles Vickers has moved on to Marvin Jenkin's place. Mr. Jenkins teaches the Fairview school, and his lady is on a visit east.
The school board of district No. 10, have been adding to their list of apparatus, some small articles, a Webster's Unabridged dictionary, and a steel amalgam bell, weighing over 200 pounds, costing $25. just think how cheap this is to call the children to school, the people to meeting, and the young folks to singing school and literary societies.
Appanoose school house is a large building, and the people are bound to make use of it. Columbus Darwell has taught one term of singing school, and has given such good satisfaction that it is expected he will commence another term on Friday night, Nov. 15th.
The celebrated Biggs and Booher law suit, has meandered around the country, and will be heard before Esq. hanna on Saturday, the 23d.
The Teachers Association meets here on the next Saturday and with preaching; prayer meetings and literary society to attend, we manage to enjoy ourselves. [Ottawa Journal p3c7]
Next Friday, June 9th, the Pomona Good Templars will have a strawberry festival in their Hall. Everybody is invited. [Ottawa Triumph - 02 Jun 1876 p3c4]
We had the pleasure of meeting and making the acquaintance of Mr. L. P. Lyman, late of Mattoon, Ill., but who has located near Pomona and arrived with his family last Friday. He is western agent of the Protection Life Insurance Company for Illinois, Missouri and Kansas. He is a live business man, and will make a valuable citizen, and probably be the means of inducing many more of the same stamp to locate near him. We cordially welcome him and his to our county and hope they may never regret the day they came to Kansas.
Mr. M. St. John, of upper Appanoose, called on us yesterday, to show us some of the hail stones that fell on his farm four weeks ago to-day, and which drifted tothe depth of five feet. He had about a gallon of them, ranging from the size of a pea to a hickory nut! He got them from the drift as he came to town. They evidently were "whoppers" when they first fell! The storm did great damage to his trees and grain, literally stripping the limbs from their trunks. The storm was about a mile wide, and three miles long. [Ottawa Triumph - 02 Jun 1876 p3c2]
16 Jun 1876
The Good Templars festival, at Pomona, last Friday evening, was a success-netting the Lodge some forty dollars. Those of our city who attended, report having a splendid time. [Ottawa Triumph - 16 Jun 1876 p3c1]
30 Jun 1876
On Monday last, Mr. F. D. Coburn, of Pomona, shipped from here to a prominent gentleman of Pottawatomie county, one of the finest specimens of the Berkshire bree of pigs ever seen in these parts. Mr. Coburn lately received an important addition to his hog stock in the shape of a model Berkshire sow, also two pairs pemium Light Brahma fowls. he believes the best is the cheapest,a nd was the pioneer shipper of blooded swine into Franklin county. Short horns and Berkshires are Cobern's hobbies. [Ottawa Triumph - 30 Jun 1876 p3c2]
Wednesday evening last, Mr. Purdy, of Pomona, accompanied by Mr. Lyman and five children, started for the lake east of Pomona, on a fishing excursion. Kelsey creek, about 1 1/2 miles this die of the town, they found considerably swollen by the rain of a few hours before, but attempted to cross. About the middle of the stream, the current lifted the wagon box from the wagon, turning it over with its occupants, and carrying the horses and wagon down stream. Mr. Purdy and Lyman first turned their attention to rescuing the children, which they did succesfully. Mr. Purdy then found his horses lodged in some bushes a short distance down stream, swam to them, and proceeded to cut them loose from the wagon. The "near" animal, a fine mare, was too far gone, and drowned before she could be relieved; her mate and the wagon were got out all right. The whole party had a narrow escape from drowning. There being no gauge pole to indicate the depth of water at the crossing, the county will have to pay for the damages sustained. [Ottawa Triumph - 30 Jun 1876 p3c3]
11 Aug 1876
The Pomona folks are waking up. we have printed several hundred letter heads for their use, with a descriptive circular of the settlement printed on the back of them. We think it will prove an excellent way to advertise. [Ottawa Triumph - 11 Aug 1876 p3c2]
The friends of the greenback party will meet at the Public School building in Pomona on Thursday night Aug. 17th, 1876, at 7 1/2 o'clock for the purpose of organizing a club. It is hoped there will be a good turn out. Good speakers will be in attendance. [Ottawa Triumph - 11 Aug 1876 p3c4]
Railroad Meeting - A meeting of the citizens of Osage and Franklin counties, Kansas, was held at Quenemo, the 5th day of Aug., 1876, in the capacity of a Railroad meeting.
House called to order by Rev. McFeatter; F. A. Pickard elected Sec'y. Remarks from Mr. A. Smith, of Melvern; Mr. Topping, of Pomona; Mr. Pennock, of Quenemo; all of whom spoke favorable of a Railroad up the valley, but seemed not to be settled upon any plan as to its construction.
Mr. Whetstone, of Pomona, suggested the plan of the townships issuing scrip in payment of labor on said Road. The Stock sytem was also introduced and discussed - that is, subscribing so much labor, money or material, and receive in payment of which certificates of stock, or so much, or so many shares in the Road.
Mr. Topping moved that a committee be appointed to re-organize the old Company, known as the Kansas City, Emporia & Walnut Valley R.R.- or organize a new Company, motion seconded. Remarks by Mr. Plowman of Melvern, suggesting survey and cost of any right of way, and probable cost also of building said road. Remarks also by Messrs. Smith, Dunnuck and others. question put and carried. Committee appointed was: Ottawa, H. F. Sheldon and C. B. Mason; Pomona, S. Topping and J. H. Whetstone; Quenemo, H. Pennock and Rev. M. McFeeter; Melvern, Rev. J. R. Plowman and Chas. Cochran; Olivet, Dr. Sweezie and S. Bowers; Arvonia, Dr. Hartcraft and Mr. Adams; Emporia, Col. Plumb and Gov. Eskridge.
Moved and second that this meeting make an expression in regard to the suggestion by Mr. Whestone of the township issuing scrip.
On motion question was laid on the table.
On motion meeting adjourned to meet at Melvern whenever committee calls.
Rev. M. McFeatter, Chair.
F. A. Pickard, Secy. [Ottawa Triumph - 11 Aug 1876]
this page created by Louis Reed on 09 Jul 97