Annals of
Pomona, Kansas
As taken from the
"Pomona Enterprise," Pomona, Kansas.
04 Jan
11 Jan
"A literary society was organized Monday night with a membership of 27. The membership is expected to triple these figures in a short time. The following are the initiatory corps of ......"
"Amos Hartley and another gentleman drove over from Vassar, Osage county, last Friday, to look through the old mill for parties who think of operating it. Amos has a good farm over near Vassar and on it has built him a blacksmith shop so that he can work at his old trade."
"On last Friday a jury in an Ottawa Justice's court acquitted our druggist, Walter Porter, of the charge of selling liquor. None of our better class of citizens ever believed Mr. Porter guilty of the charge, and they are glad to have their faith in him verified. The community will undoubtedly look hereafter with great favor upon the mangy mouthed chaps who sought to destroy one with whom they were not worthy to associate and who gained their ill will by refusing to do the thing they charged him with."
18 Jan 1895
"C. P. Parsonage. At a meeting Wednesday night plans were matured for a parsonage for the Presbyterian minister. $450 has been pledged for its erection it will be built just east of the church. Everybody will be much pleased to know that this long felt want is now to be supplied.
"W. S. Staley will locate in Texas soon and engage in the law practice. Mr. Staley has a splendid education and no doubt will make of himself an eminent jurist. Any way we wish him and his charming bride a happy home in the Lone Star state. This is Prof No. 2 of Pomona to become a practitioner at the bar."
"At the skating carnival at Silver Lake, Wednesday night, Frank Hensley went through a weak spot in the ice and came nearly being drowned. Fortunately he did not go under the ice and by Bert Kelsey prostrating himself and the other boys holding onto his feet, Frank was rescued from his icey bath. This will be a cautioner for the rest of the season."
"The Adventists have purchased a part of the chairs formerly used by the Methodists. Their church is now enclosed, lathed and the rostrum built."
"It is rumored that Pomona is to have another general merchandise store. The gentleman anticipating to make this move is a Western Kansas merchant of considerable means and an Adventist. There is a possibility of his putting up his own business house."
25 Jan 1895
"Pomona Kansas has one of the best graded schools to be found anywhere, a substantial stone school building of five rooms, heated by the Ruttan System of heating and ventilating, and all paid for; three churches and one WCTU hall; three general merchandise stores; one hardware store; one drug store; one lumber yard; three harness shops; one restaurant; one tannery; three blacksmith shops; two millinary stores; one paint shop; one wagon shop; two practicing physicians; one newspaper and job printing office; one hotel; one livery barn; one mill; 600 inhabitants; no empty houses; five secret societies; two railroads; one butcher shop; oe real-estate, Loan and Insurance agent; one post office and confectionary store; a city government; good society; excellent soil, plenty of fuel, coal and wood; progressive people; large stock dealers, farmers and feeders; and an abundance of Pure, Soft WATER."
Editorial on federal income tax.
"Mr. Whetstone proposes to turn the old sugar factory inot a fruit drying establishment.
Big article on Pomona's water.
"If present, plans are carried out to the letter, this spring will witness the erection of a thousand dollar Presbyterian parsonage and a fifteen hundred dollar Methodist sister. Now the Adventists want to keep their eyes peeled or their big brothers will distance them on the first heat."
"J. H. Parkinson will move his family to the Indian Territory in a short time, where he will engage in farming."
01 Feb 1895
John Dyer and Capt. Bailey's kids eloped.
08 Feb 1895
15 Feb 1895
"The Adventist church was dedicated last Sunday. Over $100 was raised to clear the building of debt."
Hamblin Hotel in Ottawa destroyed by fire.
22 Feb 1895
01 Mar 1895
"Tuesday morning revealed that burglars had visited the stores of George Ullom, hardware and A. Hensley, general merchandise. Entrance to both buildings was gained through rear windows by the aid of a railroad spike, a crowbar, a pick and an axe. The axe belonged at the section and was taken from a hand car. From the hardware the robbers, whose tracks would indicate two or more, took a revolver, cartridges and some knives. At Hensley's they laid in deeper with several pairs of Nos. 7 and 7 1/2 mens shoes and some fine ladies shoes, a lot of best quality medium sixwed clothing, a gold watch, a tray of rings, etc. From appearances it would seem that they deliberatley tried on the wearing apparel, selecting the sizes that fit them; and Mr. Hensley says they were splendid judges of goods.
As to what hour the robbery was committed is uncertain. Postmaster Charles Chrisman, was in his office the latter part of te night, checking up his books; and, although the second door from Hensley's he heard nothing, which makes it probable tha the work was done early in the night. The tracks when measured were found to be small and one of the parties wore a shoe with a narrow heel.
Some think the robbery was committed by parties here at home;
others that it was the work of some tramps who had been loafing
around; and still others that the goods were carted off by
professionals, but hypothetical reasoning can arrive at no
definite conclusion. As no strenuous search is being prosecuted,
we presume the culprits will stay free till their chosen career
brings them to grief. In the mean time to our people is suggested
greater precaution and stricter vigilance."
08 Mar 1895
"M. F. Lawrence moved his family into their new location on Main street last week, where he is now is right handy to his business. This summer it is his intention to enlarge it with an additional room or two."
"Ed Griffin writes us to forward his Enterprise to Ottawa. Ed has rented a farm near Ottawa and will be a Franklin county citizen once more. We hear too that the captain, his father, will reside in Ottawa."
"The Alumni of the Pomona schools will meet at the residence of A. Hensley Tuesday evening, March 12. Business of importance; every member urged to be present."
"John Springer's store was broken into one night last week. Some clothing and other things were taken. The money drawer was not troubled."
"R. Burtners son in law, Mr. Millett, a western Kansas ranchman will bring his family here to live this summer. They will occupy the old Hetrick property and A. S. Benton will move into his former location north of the school house. It is the intention to lay out a race course on the farm east of town where Messrs Burtner and Millett will have quite a string of racing animals in training this summer. Their trainer is now here."
15 Mar 1895
"The C. P. parsonage is assuming quite a genteel appearance under a force of carpenters directed by A. E. Geyer."
"The Alumni society flourished too rapidly and now exhibits the peculiar phenomon of a sky unable to contain its stars. the present indications are that there will be none of the usual festiveness this spring, so people can breathe easier now."
"Last Friday night Mr. Ike Pruett of Greenwood, hearing some one prowling around his door yard, got up to make inquiry. He saw a strange fellow and asked him what he wanted; the trespasser replied that he was looking at the town while a Mr. Pruett was gone to hunt up some guides in order to show the gentleman around the "city," the sightseer started up the road and went in to see Tom Graves' folks. He retired without registering, and when they expostulated with him he told them to leave him alone as he was asleep.
In the morning he was taken to Ottawa, where he died on Saturday. In some manner he was identified as coming from Topeka. It is thought by some that he was a Republican member of the State legislature, who had adjourned early and was trying to find his way home. Poor fellow! This is no hoax."
22 Mar 1895
Lyndon Journal has an article on our former Dr. E. Topping.
29 Mar 1895
05 Apr 1895
"The Alumni social at W. A. Vickers home on Tuesday night was fairly well attended. It was decided to have the usual banquet, this year at the residence of A. Hensley, making the occasion less formal than usual though, with light refreshments and literary and musical program."
"Rev. Beason, Advent minister, was looking for a location here on Wednesday for his family of wife and four children."
"Yesterday just before dinner time the roof of John Kaub's house was discovered to be on fire. In a few minutes after a blaze was first seen, the building lay in ashes. There was probably a defect in the flue as origin of the fire. Most of the household effects in the downstairs were saved. The house was a very good one and was insured till wihtin a short time ago."
12 Apr 1895
City election was April 1st.
19 Apr 1895
"On last week Thursday about 5 o'clock just as the Enterprise was at press with its Friday edition the attention of the towns people was attracted by a dense smoke out in the direction of the Burtner farm, one mile east of town. Soon the flames were shooting up in the air and in thirty minutes the largest barn in this part of the county, a good sized house, a store house, scale, windmill, part of the household goods, hay, grain, implements, buggies, wagons, harness, three horses, all were consumed.
The fire is supposed to have originated by children playing with matches in an old hay stable. if there had been any men folks around when it originated, they might probably have prevented its resulting in damage. But there was no one near and so the tiny flames tossed their heads higher and higher till they were stronger than man.
The first one to reach the scene was the trainer who made all haste to liberate the frightened horses. He got them out excepting three, luckily all the valuable ones. The others were rendered helpless by suffocation.
It was the largest fire ever witnessed in this vicinity. The loss we understand is partially covered by insurance. It is expected that Mr. Burtner will soon rebuild."
"H. G. Keltz has built a very creditable new house on his place just south of the river."
"Cal Crozier rode up from Ottawa on his new 'bike' Sunday."
"The graduation exercises of the high school will take place at the Presbyterian church tonight. There are only three in this years class."
26 Apr 1895
Big story on graduation.
"Uncle Johny Cobb is putting him up a new residence over the ashes of the one lately burned."
"Never were the Alumni of our schools banqueted so elegantly and sumptuously as on last Saturday night at the residence of Mr. A. Hensley. There it was that about twenty five members of the Alumni society met and enjoyed a luxurious dinner while they lived over again the refreshing scenes of their Pomona school days."
Grades that students will be in next year.
"Millard Lawrence is determined to make his livery stable one of the best in the county. He has already bought two new rigs this spring and a fine driving team, and proposes to put in another team when he can find something a little ahead of anything else in the country. Everything about the barn is being kept up in first class shape. Travelling men are beginning to stop here for their drives, because the accommodations are of the best and Pomona is a convenient point from which to make the circuit. Our people will naturally depend more on the livery when they can get turnouts, as the small boy puts it, 'clean out of sight'."
03 May 1895
10 May 1895
"The commissioners intend to build an arched bridge over the slough one mile east of the island bridge on the Ottawa road."
17 May 1895
"Now going the rounds is a good one on Bert Kelsey which happened as follows, to wit;
A certain drummer called on Millard Lawrence recently for a drive, and casually inquired what had become of the other liveryman.
'He has gone to preaching,' remarked Millard suavely.
' Preaching ***---,' replied the drummer, 'you needn't tell me that fellow has gone to preaching.'
After comparing notes, it was found that, instead of referring to Rev. Walter Hart, the travelling man was talking about Bert.
No, Bert has not yet become a minister. But who knows but that the future may have in store for him long tailed coats, side whiskers, and breezy platitudes."
"Wm. Patterson Jr. and Callie Crozier, two of Ottawa's enthusiastic cyclists, made a journey out here last Sabbath. After a round of sight-seeing, including the bear pits and so on, they returned home, carrying in their lungs a plentiful ballast of juicy country atmosphere."
24 May 1895
"O. N. Cole and Marshal Craig went fishing recently in the town well as a result of their efforts four fat buckets were hauled in.
"Callie Crozier in company with another young Gentleman, were in this part of the county the forepart of the week in the interests of Stacher & Hare, Ottawa. They were traveling on their bicycles and distributing hand bills advertising the great cost sale which that firm begun the 22nd."
31 May 1895
"Early devotionals last Sunday morning were celebrated by a hard-cider bacchanal, and later in the day some lads glorified the Lord with a horse race. Sunday is no longer the day it was before the old fogies died."
07 Jun 1895
14 Jun 1895
21 Jun 1895
"Capt. Millett is erecting a new residence on the old Elder Hetrick property. The old dwelling will be moved out onto the Burtner farm."
05 Jul 1895
12 Jul 1895
"Charley Johnson and the telephone man were up from Ottawa Tuesday, making some improvements in the lines running through this place."
19 Jul 1895
"J. F. Maxey will assist J. H. Whetstone in his fruit business. He may while the season lasts bring his family up from Ottawa, and take up a temporary residence here."
J. H. Whetstone will put in a 125 bbl a day cider press.
26 Jul 1895
"A new windmill pierces the sky in the neighborhood of the old sorghum factory."
02 Aug 1895
"John Alexander, of Ottawa was here last week helping J. H. Whetstone bring his fruit drying establishment several days nearer completion."
School to begin September 2nd
School board met and decided on the following teachers:
Principal J. E. Baker
Grammar Dept. Carrie Burns
Intermediate Dept. Sarah Laton
Primary Dept. Nannie Malone
Janitor J. C. Walters
"Capt. Millett's new house is 20 feet studding, and will be much the fines residence in town."
09 Aug 1895
"Whetstone is expecting his cider press this week."
"The people of North Pomona had the qeustion of a new school house before them yesterday."
"Phillip has added a good room to his house."
"Whetstone's evaporator will have a large capacity than any other in the state."
16 Aug 1895
"J. H. Whetstone's cider mill is here and is a mammoth affair. The freight was $75, on it.
"William Robinson is building an addition to their house."
23 Aug 1895
Franklin County fair to beheld September 17th to 20th.
"Henry Barton has sold his farm to Gus Hart, of Pomona consideration $3,000."
"Geyer and Son have the contract for building the North Pomona school house. They now are at work on Tom Clark's new house, and will put up a nice six room residence for Johny Baldwin this fall."
06 Sep 1895
"Mr. Bell, one of our most steady section men, is putting up a 14 by 24 frame dwelling on lots opposite J. H. Christman's residence."
"Boyd - Mr. Thomas Clark is building an addition to his residence."
13 Sep 1895
"The old Crum stone house is being utilized for grinding feed for cattle feed on the Mundy and Parkinson ranch this coming season."
"Dunkard meeting had a large attendance last Sunday. We are sorry to hear they will discotinue their meeting at Boyd."
"Chas. McComas is building a new barn."
20 Sep 1895
"Greenwood township will be the gainer by the residence being erected by G. W. King."
It is estimated that there were 12,000 people on the fair grounds yesterday."
"J. H. Whetstone recently bought 500 boxes from the Leavenworth box factory, and is fast filling them with dried fruit of a splendid quality, 50 pounds to the box."
27 Sep 1895
04 Oct 1895
"Last Saturday night thieves broke into George Ullom's hardware store from the rear, and helped themselves to several revolvers, razors, knives, etc. No clue as yet to the identity."
11 Oct 1895
"The old Crum property which has been an eye sore so long to our people has, under Mr. McCoys skillful treatment, become an attractive and business like place."
"J. H. Christman, by and with the aid of the carpenters, has built him a new barn. He says it is a genuine barn this time no wigwam shed."
"The contracts for the arched stone bridge to be put in on the island road, recite that the work shall be completed in 90 days. During this interim travelers will have to use the old Ottawa road which lies to the north of the present direct route."
18 Oct 1895
"H. C. Swayze and Co. are selling lots of lumber this fall."
"Last Saturday night fire broke out in the large hardwood barn on the Usher ranch west of town and soon had consumed the building and contents. Hay, grain, implements, three mules, two horses and some chickens were among the losses. Rolla Harvey, foreman of the ranch for Mose Harvey, lessee, was away at the time and no one was on the place but a hired man or two. The flames were easily seen from town. We understand that there was no insurance."
25 Oct 1895
"Bold attempts were made at entering several residences in this place Saturday night. At Dr. Pasley's the marauders walked in but were scared away by Mrs. Pasley. They were heard prowling around the residences of Milt Garrison and Rev. Ewing. Sunday morning Druggist Porter missed his trousers containing about $10 in cash, and his tan shoes. But he found to surplace them pants and shoes of about his dimensions. On the porch lay his pocket book and the store key. The house had been left unlocked and the thief had made his haul in the bedroom while the sleepers slept."
01 Nov 1895
08 Nov 1895
15 Nov 1895
"L. Newcomb is plastering the rooms over his shop and fitting them up for rent."
22 Nov 1895
29 Nov 1895
"Geyer and Son have nearly completed the carpenter work on the North Pomona School house."
06 Dec 1895
13 Dec 1895
Robbery in cowboy style.
20 Dec 1895
27 Dec 1895
"The rains have flooded the coal mines so that they will be wet and disagreable to work for the rest of the season."
this page created by Louis Reed on 07 Jul 97