The LHS Newsletter Archive

Volume Twenty-seven, Issue Number 1

Originally Published in Lecompton, : Spring 2001 Digitally Archived August 2006 Uff£2) ~ffe£~

VOL. 27, NO.1 LECOMPTON,KANSAS SPRING, 2001

I r , 'to t>uNCRN I r f LECOMPTON THE GARDEN Saunders W. Johnson of and SPOT OF KANSAS Rush Elmore of Alabama, Associate Justices f J. B. Donaldson of Illinois, Marshall Did you ever wonder ~hat was happening in the Andrew J. Isaacs of Louisiana, District Attorney I early days of Lecompton? I think you will find the John Calhoun of Illinois, Surveyor General of following information very interesting, taken from Kansas and The Kansas Weekly Herald first early newspaper A. Cummings of , Superintendent of Indian published at Leavenworth, K. T., Sept. 15, 1854. Affairs. Saturday, June 1,1855 "Lecompton" Where Will The Capitol Of Kansas Be Located This town is situated on the south side of the Kansas river, 50 miles from its mouth, and opposite Kansas was opened for settlement in 1854. The the mouth of the Sautelie or Grasshopper River first Territorial Officers to start the wheels of (Delaware) the largest and best timbered tributary of government in Kansas are as follows: Kansas. The site was selected by the proprietors, Andrew H. Reeder of Pennsylvania, Governor after having personally examined the greater David Woodson of Virginia, Secretary portion of the Territory, as being one where the Madison Brown of Maryland, Chief Justice best advantages for the building of a new and large ~

town were there immediately at hand. Limestone, gratifying intelligence of its increasing business. material for brick, timber of all qualities, good spring Men of large capitol and indomitable energy, water, grazing, and every comfort and facility that enterprising merchants, eminent lawyers, the pioneer can ask or expect, is at command. intelligent mechanics and men of every vocation of The survey has be~n made by an experienced life are rapidly concentrating at that point. The engineer from an Eastern city, and all streets, progress of Lecompton just now is very squares and reservations, have been made on a encouraging, and second to but a few towns in our large and liberalscale. This site can be approached territory. When its superior natural advantages by all the principal road connections in the Territory; become known, we have good reason to believe its and the proprietors are now busily engaged in progress will be astonishingly rapid. A paper is very making improvements for the reception and soon to be established there, which we hope will comfort of the Spring emigration. Settlers will find be the means of making known the superior this place the most inviting--as every home comfort advantages Lecompton possesses. that capital can obtain will be furnished. Sat. Aug. 18, 1855-The young, thriving and Contracts have already been made for the beautiful town of Lecompton---of which we have erection of warehouses and hotel building; and a frequently spoken on previous occasions--has steam saw mill will be in operation in a few days, been designated by our Legislature as the which will turn out from seven to ten thousand feet permanent seat of Government of this Territory. per diem. Lithographs can be seen in all the We do not believe that a more desirable, beautiful principal cities of the Union, and on the ground. or eligible point could have been selected for the Any further information can be obtained by location of the Capital. The town of Lecompton addressing Hon. S.D. Lecompte, Messrs. Spalding possesses very natural advantage necessary to & Brady, Westport, Mo..; G. W. Clarke, make it the largest and most beautiful inland town in Pottawatomie Agency; or by calling upon Messrs. our Territory. The situation of the town site is Thomas & William R. Simmons, at Lecompton. unsurpassingly beautiful, while its streets, squares Friday, June 15, 1855-0f the many fine town sites and reservations have been made on the most

on the Kansas river, none is more beautifully liber~1andunoJ2j~ctiQnablesca~. -~ - ~ situated- or offers grea'ter inducEmlentsto the We learn that there are already being erected at pioneer than Lecompton, which is situated on the Lecompton a large number of buildings, and that in South side of the Kansas river--opposite the mouth a few weeks a large saw and grist mill will be in of the Largest tributary (Grasshopper river)--some operation there. We suppose that arrangements fifty miles from its confluence with the . will be speedily effected for the erection of public The site of Lecompton was selected by the buildings at Lecompton, from the appropriation of proprietors, after having traveled extensively fifty thousand dollars made by Congress for that through the Territory, as one of the finest and most purpose. The act of Congress making this beautiful locations for a town in the interior of appropriation provides that the sum appropriated 'Kansas. (Albert G. Boone, grandson of Daniel shall be expended for the erection of suitable Boone and Aristides Rodrigue, agents were sent public buildings, under the direction of the here by the Government to find a suitable place for Governor, so soon as the permanent seat of a Territorial Capital) The first ferryman was William Government has been located. Simmons mentioned above. The expenditure of this appropriation will give The survey of the town has been made with great employment to a large number of mechanics, and care, and its streets laid off on a most liberal scale. will tend in a great measure to accelerate the growth The natural advantages of Lecompton are and trade of Lecompton. unsurpassed by any town in Kansas. The country Sat. Sept. 16, 1855--A public sale of town lots will around Lecompton is fertile and unsurpassingly take place at Lecompton, Kansas Territory on the lovely, and must eventually become, if we may be 23rd of October next. allowed the use of a trite phrase, the Garden spot of The whole of the country for many miles around Kansas. Any information of Lecompton can be had ,I may be said to comprise the richest land, and the !I by addressing Hon. Daniel Woodson, or J. A. best timber, to be found in the Territory. No better Halderman, Esq., Westport, Mo.. hemp, corn, or wheat lands can be found in the Sat. July 28, 1855-We are much gratified to hear of West, nor a better watered country. The nature of the rapid growth of the beautiful town of the formation is such, that a continued process of Lecompton. Every week brings us the most fertilization is going on from the gradual disintegration of its limestone. The point of health; Samuel J. Jones, Secretary the well drained nature of the country is a sufficient Trustees: A. Rodrigue, Daniel Woodson, J. C. attestation, that no malaria can here exist. Building Thompson, C. B. Donaldson, Wm. Thompson. materials of the finest qualities, both limestone and Sat. Sept. 22, 185500 The location of the Seat of brick clay, are here found in abundance, and the Gov. at Lecompton, gives the most unbounded coal discovered throughout the Territory, underlies satisfaction to the people of Kansas, it would seem. this section also. Lecompton is centrally situated, and is accessible I This portion of the country is the most densely from all parts of the Territory. The town site is populated part of the Territory, and the fine fields of beautiful, and possesses every natural advantage corn and other grains which surround it, show the that could be wished for. The Platte Argus ~ industry of settlers, and the value of the lands. (Weston, Mo.) is speaking of Lecompton, says: Little more need be said of the advantages of this "Lecompton is beautifully situated upon the South place and its neighborhood, as it is expected that bank of the Kansas river, about fifty miles above its the persons wishing to invest in the rare chance mouth, and in one of the most lovely districts of now presented, will visit the town and judge for country in the Territory. The county of Douglas, in themselves. which it is located is the largest county in the Capitalists and others will, however bear in mind, Territory; having in the last Legislature three that Lecompton has been made the seat of councilmen and five Representatives. We have Government for Kansas Territory by the Legislative been assured by gentlemen who have visited the Assembly at their late session, and have also made town site, that no more eligible or beautiful location it the county seat of Douglas county. Besides for an important city, could have been made in the these advantages, which necessarily include the whole Territory, than that at which the capitol has expenditure of the appropriation made by been located, and the Legislature has been highly Congress for public buildings, a number of territorial commended for its wisdom and foresight in roads have been declared; and will soon be laid out selecting this point; their action has met with almost and made from some of the most important places universal approbation, and it is conceded on all in the Territory to Lecompton; a charter has been hands that it will forever remain a permanent fixture granted for a bridge across the Kansas at the town, at Lecompton." which connection with the great military road from Sat. Oct. 13, 1855--lt is reported that free soil paper to , will enable trains will be started at Lecompton, the capital of the and the traveling public, to avail themselves of this Territory, about the first of December next, to be fine road already bridged from one Fort to the edited by John C. Thorp, and Thomas C. other. This point will also centre all the trade and Stephens, late of Indiana. traveling public from the northwest portion of the Lottery Territory, to meet the said road, the charter of which Shares in Lecompton and other towns, to be has been granted from Lecompton to Leavenworth drawn in a Lottery. Now is a chance to make your City, one of the best landings and most prosperous fortune, only $10 for a ticket, 300 chances, and places on the Missouri river. $3,000 worth of property. This is no humbug, but Colleges, Universities, and other literary reality, and all on the square. Thos. T. Slocum, is institutions have not been neglected by the friends agent at this place. Call on him and try your luck. of education, and the Legislature; charters for all ------these have been obtained, and prominent men Lecompton, the seat of Government of Kansas named as incorporators or trustees who will by their Territory is we learn, improving rapidly. A sale of zeal and energy, lend their influence in building up lots takes place on the premises the 23rd of a city, to be surpassed by very few in the Union. October. For further information, address A. Rodrigue, Saturday October 27, 185500Asale of Lots took President of the Town Co. or S. J. Jones, Sec'y., at place at Lecompton last Tuesday. The sale Lecompton, K. T. average $172, for each lot--40 lots sold--bringing a ------total of $6,880. The lowest lot sold was for $104, At a meeting of the Lecompton Town Co., held the highest for $505.00. Many of the lots brought at Westport, Missouri, the following persons were as high as $200 and $300. It is now a settled fact duly chosen officers for the ensuing year: that Lecompton is to be a large and prosperous Dr. Aristides Rodrigue, President cityooat least 300 buildings will be put up there Daniel Woodson, Treasurer within the next twelve months. From Leavenworth

~ ~"-""",, ".'7,,,,- City to Lecompton the distance is not exceeding and only ten or twelve miles above Lawrence, while 35 miles, and a road can be made at a little on our recent trip, we saw a great many likely expense, equal to any in the world. Negroes. Some of them were anxious to go and Sat. Nov. 3, 1855--Capitol--Proposals for building fight, as they said, ''the abolitionists at Lawrence." .the Capitol, at Lecompton, will be received in Towns. I separate contracts, for each kind of work, until the I While at the Seat of War, we visited the towns of first day of December. Bidders and Mechanics look ~ out. If you want a job on Government work, put in, Lecompton, Douglas, Benicia and Lawrence. for Uncle Sam is good pay. There is $50,000 They are situated on the Kansas river. already appropriated by Congress for the building. Lecompton is the Capitol, is well located opposite 1, There will in all probability be a still further the Grasshopper, one of the finest timbered appropriation of at least $25,000. streams in the Territory. Several houses are being Proposals built, and every thing denotes that Lecompton will Proposals will be received up to the 1stday of be a thriving, prosperous, and business place. The December, A. D. 1855, at the executive Office at country around is magnificent. the Shawnee Mission,for work and materials for the Douglas--is on an elevated spot of ground, and KANSAS TERRITORIAL CAPITOL, to be erected affords a magnificent view of the surrounding in Lecompton City, Kansas Territory, as follows, to- country for many miles.--It was originally settled by wit: Mr. Ellison, who associated with himself several Excavation to earth with loose rock in the same by gentlemen and laid off the town. He is an old cubic yard. Kentuckian, has lived many years in Missouri, and Rubble Masonry with what range work is required, possesses all the hospitality of his ancestors. by the 22 foot perch. Benicia--two miles below, is in the bottom, and is Cut stone work by the superficial foot laid in the surrounded by one of the finest bodies of timber wall. we have seen in the Territory. There is a Steam Brick by the thousand in the wall,--the contractor Saw Mill in operation at the place, owned by furnishing all materialsfor the same. McDonald & Pj)illips, which is ~doing a good , Sawed lumber-for joisting & ceiling, by the business. We spent a night there with our friend thousand feet, delivered on Capitol Square. Dr. Brooks. He however is building in Lecompton Specifications can be seen at the Executive's and intends moving there and open a Hotel. Office, and plans and specifications at Lecompton Lawrencenis about eight miles below Benicia, City, in the possession of the Assistant Superin- situated on a rather undulating bottom, sufficiently tendent, Owen C. Stewart. Wilson high, however, not to be wet and marshy. The hills Shannon West command a view of the whole town.--There Shawnee Mission, K. T. Nov. 3, 1855 are about one hundred buildings in the place. The ------Hotel which is a stone building, adds much to the Shares in the town of Lecompton for sale, apply to appearance of the town. Lawrence, we suppose is Wm. G. Mathias,agent. about one third the size of Leavenworth. Sat. Nov. 17, 1855--Lecompton Union--This is Sat. Dec. 22, 1855-Lecompton-- This flourishing the title of a paper proposed to be published at town, now the Capitol of Kansas Territory, has Lecompton the seat of Government of Kansas, by recently been selected for the location of the Wm. S. Halsey, at two dollars per annum. It will be Land Office for Pawnee District, and thorough going States Right, pro-slavery paper, also the Surveyor General's Office.--It is a good and we hope will be liberally patronized. Persons location and while there is but one Land Office, it is desiring to subscribe for the paper can leave their the most central point that could have been names at this office. selected. Lecompton Association Fri. Sept. 22, 1854-Towns are springing up in The stockholders of the Town of Lecompton, are various parts of our young Territory. On the requested to meet at the office of the Company on Missouri besides Leavenworth there are Atchison Monday the 3rd day of December next. As a near the mouth of Independence Creek and drawing of four lots per share will be made on that Kickapoo City at the lower end of Kickapoo Bluff's. day. By order of the board of Trustees, Lecompton Nov., 1855 Sam'l J. Jones, Sec'y Note: These articles will continue in the next news- Sat. Dec. 15, 1855-ln the vicinity of Lecompton, letter, which will include 1856. A Family Kansas, in 1843, January 31,1855. Chet and Ruth started their family in 1949 with the First census completed. Total, 8,501; voters, birth of Dinah, the first of their four daughters, Janet 2,905; Slaves, 192, February 28, 1855. and Judith arrived in the 1950's and Karen in 1960. Five sons of old John Brown settle on the Over the years Chet's work has relocated the Pottawatomie near Osawatomie, February, 1855. Gibbens family to several different states, including Territorial Legislature elected by citizens of Kansas, , Missouri,Arizona and California. Missouri, who invade Kansas territory for that Chet was awarded The Citation of Excellence purpose, March 30, 1855. from the U. S. Air Force at the end of his career. Cole McCrea, a free man, kills Maleom Clark, pro- slavery at Leavenworth, April 30, 1855. Retirement Convention of National democracy at Lawrence, Chet and Ruth have been happily retired in the June 27, 1855. Southwestern sunbelt for over 20 years. They State Legislature meets at Pawnee and at once remain very active, both Round Dancing and drives out the free state members, July 2, 1855. Square Dancing. They enjoy playing Bridge, Legislature, overriding Gov. Reeder's veto, camping and fishing, and visiting their daughters removes the seat of government to the Shawnee and their families up and down the West coast. manual labor school, July 6, 1855. They have six grandchildren. Gov. Reeder charged with irregularities in the purchase of Indian lands by W. D. Marcy, secretary CHRONOLOGICAL KANSAS HISTORY of state, June 11, is removed and John L. Dawson appointed, who declines to serve, July 31, 1855. Act of congress passed organizing the territory of Legislature selects Lecompton as permanent Kansas to be admitted as a state with or without capital, August 8, 1855. slavery, May 30,1854. Gov. Reeder announces receipt of notice of his Thirty-two persons associated in Weston, Mo.., to removal and Secretary Woodson becomes acting layout Leavenworth, the first city in the territory, governor, August 10, 1855. June 13, 1854. Delegates by a free state convention at Law- Atchison Town company formed in Missouri, July rence, August 14, which repudiated the acts of the 27, 1854 state legislature, assembled at Big Springs and Emigrants under Charles H. Brascomb, of appointed delegates to a convention at Topeka, Massachusetts sent out by Emigrant Aid company September 19, to draw up a state constitution and to Kansas as an anti-slavery colony, settled at seek , September 5, 1855. Lawrence, and from a "squatter government," John , from Ohio, takes oath of office A. Wakefield, chief justice, August 1, 1894. as governor, September 7, 1855. First newspaper in Kansas, the Leavenworth Breaking ground for the Santa Fe railroad at Herald, pro-slavery, printed under an elm tree on Atchison occurred June 13,1860. the levee at Leavenworth, September 15, 1854. George M. Beebe, secretary, becomes acting Atchison laid out by an association from Platte governor on Governor Medary's resignation county, Mo.., and first sale of lots takes place December 17, 1860. September 21, 1854. 1860, Population of the territory, 107,204. Samuel D. Lecompte, of Maryland commissioned Last territorial legislature meets at Lecompton, chief justice October 3, 1854. January 7 and adjourns to Lawrence, January 8, Andrew H. Reeder, of Pennsylvania, appointed 1861. governor, arrives in the territory, October 7, 1854. Secret societies called blue lodges begin in Lecompton men who served as representatives on Weston, Mo.. for extending slavery into Kansas, the Legislature. October, 1854. George W. Zinn 1857-58 Douglas Co. Dist 39th Election as territorial delegate to congress of J. W. Republican. Then served again in 1868. Whitfield, pro-slavery, November 29,1854. David T. Mitchell 1862-63 Douglas Co. Dist. 8th; Topeka Founded December 5, 1854. 39th, Republican. A free state meeting at Lawrence, December 23, References: Kansas Weekly Herald, Leavenworth, 1854. Kansas Territory. Wyandotte Indians cede to the United States Chronological Kansas History-Kansas State Re- lands purchased by them from the Delaware in search Center in Topeka.

,'>-" -- ~ .. .,; ... TERRITORIAL CAPITAL MUSEUM Because we had so much fun And enjoyed them as all kids do. We want to thank the following people who have 8. To Leamer and Iliff groves loaned or donated items to the Territorial Capital- Much credit is due Lane Museum. Pres. Paul Bahnmaier & Curators For in their midst many a picnic 1. Book "One Heil of A Family"by Robert Heil Was enjoyed and remembered too. 2. Lawrence Paper-June 12, 1961-Articles about 9. The campus of Lane University Lecompton by Burch Higgins Was the favorite spot of all 3. 10 Pictures-Opal Goodrick It too, was the scene of many a picnic 4. Picture of Hartup Family and several crocheted The "Fourth of July, and Harvest Home in the fall straight pin cushions by ElizabethJohnson 10. It boasted a "Band Stand" and a "Bell House" 5. Newspaper ''The Highland Vidett" Article & Tennis courts that numbered two Pictureof Rev.& Mrs. Don Flannerby Greg & A trolley ride or horse shoe game JoyceMiller Ball games were played there too. 6. Old tools: 2 wool carders; Model T car Jack; 2 11.So many friends I remember Ford Wrenches; 1 lead pot & ladle; 2 soldering Have long since passed away, irons; set of Ice Tongs; Monkey wrench; stove But the memory of their friendship pipe cutter; draw knife; grinder or grinding stone; Is in my heart to stay rock drill; Newspapers-1808FraternalAid paper- 12.'Oh, yes", I remember Uncle Jake and Aunt 1914 Church advocate-1898 Lawrence Weekly RoseHill Joumal by Corwin & IreneSperry. They bothwere idolized 7. 11 bills-Confederate Money in Wallet by Eva They tried all our wishesto fulfill Edmonds. And were perfection in our eyes 8. Davidson Genealogy book by Orren Davidson 13. Uncle Jake and his "Whoupee Car" 9. Loan of Computer printer by Tom Elliott And all the kids that could get in He took down to the river fl Memories Of My Home Town Fora refreshingsummerswim. by Faye Todhunter Glenn 14. And Aunt Rose in the Drug Store I 1. Happy memories are a blessing Madeour day as we went for a "Coke" Especially to one who is old Her luncheons were delicious I And the pleasure of remembering then is doubled And no one left without hearinga joke If to a friend they are retold 15. Another very dear person 2."1 remember, I remember" Whom all us did call So many things to-day "Our Beloved Aunt Corina (Harris) Like coasting down our town hill She was dearly loved by all" Or riding in a sleigh 16. The new Rowena hotel was her home 3.Skating out on "Coon Creek" And all were welcomed there Or Colonel Nace's pond She hosted many a party A taffy pulling party Or community affair II Of chewy taffy we were fond 17. And now the Lane Museum building 4. And then in the Fall Holds the fonde~!J1:1emoriesof all The hay rack rides and weinie roasts For there I went to Sunday School We never lacked for fun And high schOol classes in the fall We would always boast 18. It was the scene of many a funeral 5. In summer time there were picnics A community play, pr basket ball game And the livery stable "Hack" Or a high sChool graduation That took us to many a box supper They all had a partin its fame. And slowly brought us back. 19. ''Thank you Lord" for happy memories, 6. We took the train to Lawrence That I recallat will II On any afternoon How I loved my hor:netown of Lecompton The "Plug train" brought us back at eve And I know I always will. The trip ended all to soon. The Todhunter family was one of the first settlers in 7. The picnics in the summer Lecompton. Many of our members will remember We always looked forward to, Harvey & Faye Todhunter Glenn. A LECOMPTONITE also supplemented the family's diet by catching fish ChesterC. Gibbens and hunting for rabbits, squirrel and quail. Hard as told by Richard Benbrook work was the order of the day. The hardships of farm life coupled with the Daily Routine privations of The Great Depression produced a A typical day's routine for Chet when he was a high generation of individuals whose toughness and school student was as follows: Up at 4:00 a.m. to self-sufficiency rivals that of their pioneer run the trap lines he'd set in the woods for predecessors ahundred years before. possums, skunks, muskrats, weasels and any other Chester C. Gibbens, my father-in-law, embodies animals whose pelts were marketable. Then it was much of what I consider to be the best of his back to home to do the milking before breakfast. generation. The challenges he faced as a youth After breakfast there was the daily walk to the instilled in him a strength of character that was to railroad station where a bundle of newspapers was serve him well during the financial calamities that tossed from an express train as it rumbled past. beset our nation throughout the 1930's and during Chet then rolled the newspapers and delivered the World War that followed. Here is his story. them on his route before heading off to school. In Chester Clyde Gibbens, Jr. was born on June 13, addition to his High school studies he still managed 1917 in Meridan, Kansas. His father, Chester Clyde to find time to play on the baseball, football and Sr., who went by the name Clyde, worked as a basketball teams. After school each day, there was Railroad Station Agent and telegraph operator until wood to be chopped for the family's heating and progressive hearing loss compelled him to resign cooking. ' his position. He held several jobs before finally An EnterprisingYouth settling into operating his own small truck farm and When Chet graduated from High school in 1935 fruit orchard in Lecompton, Kansas. He continued there were no jobs to be had anywhere. The nation to run the farm until losing it during the Depression. was in the depths of the Great Depression. Adult Clyde then worked for many years as the custodian men with families, always the first to be hired, were for the local high school. Chet was the second of toiling at the few available openings for a $1.00 a three children. His elder sister, Wilma, was born in day or less. In this hopeless situation young 1912 and his younger brother Denzel, was born in Chester exhibited his flair for enterprise. 1921. He planted and cultivated a field of cantaloupes Mischievous Boy and watermelons which produced a bumper crop. Their mother, Flossie, was a loving person, but Unfortunately, by harvest time the Kansas City not one to spare the rod when her children Market was paying such a low price for melonsthat ~ misbehaved. Chet's mischievous nature earned wouldn't even cover his expenses to truck them him many spankings during his boyhood, such as there. Undaunted, Chet loaded up his father's old on the afternoon when the local Ladies Group, open-air touring car and quite literally headed for dressed in their finery, held their meeting at the the hills. He took his cargo into the distant Kansas Gibbens' home. Young Chet decided it would be hill country where the climate isn't suited to growing hilarious to give the outhouse seat a fresh coat of melons. There he peddled his crop door to door, wet paint while the women were inside the parlor selling a great many of them. While others took having tea. Hidden in a nearby barn and peeking terrible losses on their cantaloupe and watermelon through a knothole, he gleefully waited to witness crops that year, he managed to turn a modest profit. the reaction of his unlucky victim--who turned out to The next year, 1937, Chetrented acreage enough be his school teacher! to plant 10,000 cabbage plants. As fate would Hardlimes have it, it never rained a drop that entire summer. Life was difficult in those times and became even All would have been lost if he had not made more so as the 1920's progressed. But with hard arrangements with the local school board to borrow work and practical know-how the Gibbens family their water pump. From a nearby river he was able survived. In addition to growing their own food, to irrigate-enough to save his cabbages, but the they canned fruits and vegetables; tended their results were disappointing. The cabbage heads cows for milk, raised chickens and hogs which they were small, brownish and looked unappetizing. slaughtered for meat. They ground wheat for flour, The situation looked disastrous, but once again cured hams, made their own soap, and created Chet showed amazing business dexterity for such a from scratch many of the household items we now young man. He purchased green net bags that conveniently purchase at the corner store. Chet were normally used for packing onions and filled '"

them with the less-than-perfect small cabbages. He to plan. Then four months later the Japanese proudly remembers them as looking quite attractive attacked Pearl Harbor. Chet immediately enlisted in those bags, and was again able to sell the entire into the Army Air Corps and after several postings crop door to door, from the back of the old touring was assigned to a squadron based at Bakerfield, car. California. He played first string Quarterback on the A Big Decision Base football team while there. It was during this For the second year in a row he had barely averted time he met his future wife, Ruth Grantley, who was disaster. After paying his hired-help and overhead doing her internship as a Medical Technician at for the crop, Chet was left with a meager $55.00 nearby Kern County Hospital. Chet was then profit for all his efforts. He decided then and there appointed to Officers Training School in Miami that there must be a better way to make a living. He Beach, Florida. After graduation in 1943 Chester took the money and paid for his books and first was ordered to Orlando, Florida where he became semester of tuition at Kansas University in nearby an instructor in aircraft recognition. In 1943 he was Lawrence, an action his father reacted to with transferred to Panama City, Florida where he incredulity. trained gunners for bomber crews. In October of College & the War Years that year, following Ruth's graduation as a Medical Chet lived with his parents in Lecompton while Technician, they were married. Then came the call attending his freshman year at Kansas University. for Chet to report to Harvard, Nebraska for training He worked at several different jobs during his as gunnery officer on a B-29 crew. Upon student years, such as bad-debt collector, service completion of training his squadron was ordered to station attendant and playground director. One for combat in the PacificTheater. summer, after moving to Lawrence, he waited Chet's B-29, the Fleet Admiral Nimitz, was tables at an off-campus cafeteria in exchange for selected as the lead plane from a wing of 200 meals. He confesses to not being a very good aircraft. They flew 15 successful missions from waiter which is borne out by the fact that he Guam to Japan, bombing Japanese oil refineries. received only one tip during his entire tenurenlt The duration of the average mission was 16-18 was a nickel. It was the Depressionafter all. hours, and many proved harrowing. A number of Lifelong gallant crews were lost on these missions. The war Anyone who knows Chet soon appreciates his ended in August 1945 and Chet was offered diehard loyalty to KU sports--football in particular. Captain's rank if he would remain for another year in He played for the Jayhawk Football Squad his uniform. Determined to return home to Ruth and sophomore year and was joined on the team the resume his peacetime career, he declined. following season by his younger brother, Denzel, in Family and Career 1939. In March of 1946 Chet returned home from the war TheKick and resumed his position at Phillips Petroleum. He Chet's name has gone down in KU football annals remained there for four years until a mini-recession for his role in the upset victory over powerhouse created deep cutbacks in the company and his University of Texas that year. Newspapers position was eliminated. He returned to college heralded him as "The boy with the golden toe." He and acquired his teaching certificate from the was instrumental in reintroducing the drop kick to City and was hired as an college ball, which had long-been out of style. It instructor at The Rockville Missouri High School. In required great skill to execute, dropping the addition to teaching Science and Math, he also football from chest level and kicking it at the precise coached the basketball team. moment it contacted the ground. Almost sixty A family friend phoned to inform Chet that years later, in 1996, when KU and UT met to replay Sunflower Ordnance Works, manufacturers of that now legendary game, Chet was featured in an rocket propellant and cannon powder, was hiring in Alumni Magazine article praising his youthful Sunflower, Kansas. He interviewed and was hired heroics. as a safety inspector. It was the beginning of a College graduation, a good job and long, successful career as a Federal Government then.. employee. Sunflower Ordnance was Government Chester graduated in 1941 with a degree in owned but operated by The Hercules Powder Business Administration and was immediately hired Company. Chet's job was to see to it that by Phillips Petroleum Company in Kansas City. government standards were being met during Things were finally looking up and going according production by Hercules. f

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50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ALUMNI BANQUET 2001 r KOREAN WAR CEREMONY The Lecompton High School Alumni will be held This event will be held on June 23rd as part of June 16, 2001, at the High school gym. The Territorial Day in Lecompton. A commemorative honoring classes are 1921-1931-1941-1951-1961 lapel pin given by the United States and Korean and Perry-Lecompton graduates 1971-1981-1991- governments will be presented to veterans or family 2001. Anyone who attended Lecompton High members of veterans serving in this war. School is invited, whether you graduated or not. We would like to invite our oldest graduates, if Those eligible to received the pin are as follows. The veteran must have: they could possibly come as follows: 1919-Albert "Bert" McRae * Served between the outbreak of hostilities, June 25, 1950, and the date the armistice was signed, 1925-Maybelle "Duggie" Slavens Hall 1925-MariePaslay Neill July 27, 1953. * Been on permanent assignment or on temporary If you have a change of address or want more duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-con- information, please write to Lecompton Alumni Association at P. O. Box 63, Lecompton, Kansas secutive days. 66050. * Performed his/her duty within the territorial limits MEMBERSHIP REPORT of Korea, in the waters immediatelyadjacent thereto or in aerial flight over Korea participatingin Life Memberships: actual combat operations or in support of combat Judy Wulfkuhle (Ericson) operations. Amy Bowlin (Kelly-Turner) Please contact Paul Bahnmaier if you or a family Nancy N. Winter (Morsbach)by Wint Winter member are eligible for the lapel pin by May 1, Rita A. Mock (Simmons) 2001. Marian Carr (Deskins) Carl Hess At 393 N. 1900 Rd. Lecompton, Ks. 66050 or call 785-887 -6275 WilliamO. Masonby Marlene Hildenbrand Williams. He isthe grandson-in-lawof TERRITORIAL DAYS RalphHildenbrand. Please be sure to mark your calendars for June 23, Memorial Life Memberships 2001. Entertainment of all kind. Korea~ me.moria~. George Clark Herschel! Games, Crafts, Parade, Music. Don t miss this Bessie L (Glenn) Herschel!by lona celebration. Herschel!Spencer . . ************************************** **************************************Please Clip and Mall With YourCheck

THE LECOMPTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY, Lecompton, Kansas 66050, is a non-profit corporation for the preservation of historical sites. We are eager for continued membership and new members.

Dues are $5.00 per year for individual membershipand $7.00 for a couple's membership. The dues are from December to December. Life membership is $50 per individual, contributions are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to the Lecompton Historical Society, and mailed to Georgia Trammel, Chairman, 11 N. 2064 Rd, Lecompton, KS 66050 f' ) $5.00 Annual Individual Membership ~ .

( ) $7.00 Annual Couple's Membership

( ) $50.00 Individual Life or Memorial Membership

( ) Other Contribution $.

NAME Address____------

City- State Zip_____-- PLEASE NOTIFYUS OF ANY CHANGEOF ADDRESS It costs the Lecompton HistoricalSociety .50cents for a returnedchangeof address

.~ ';'.",:" j~ i\'l..~ I OBITUARIES Survivors include a son, Mark McKenzie, St. Paul, I Minn.; two daughters, Janet S. Breithaupt and Dee Bee, Norma R. Nesmith, 83, Lenexa, formerly A. Strickland, both of Lawrence, a brother, Lynn of Lawrence died Sunday, Nov. 19,2000. McKenzie, Baldwin City; four sisters, Vivian Allison, She was born Jan. 19, 1917, in Yates Center, the Leavenworth, Rita Cooksey, Kansas City, Mo.., and daughter of Lawrence R. and Ida (Merwin) Wallace. Patty Hamby and Eleanor Ray, both of Lawrence, She was a member .of First United Methodist and six grandchildren. Burial in Oak Hill Cemeteryat Lawrence. church. " She married Lawrence Bee on Dec. 19, 1966, in Lawrence. He died Oct. 23, 1971. Bates, Gilbert Alfred, 82, Oskaloosa, died Survivors include a daughter, Ida L. Nesmith, Monday, Jan. 1,2001. Louisburg; two sisters, Ogla Smith, Pasadena, He was born Feb. 10, 1918, in Tecumseh, the Calif., and Alice Patterson, Hutchinson, eight son of Jim Bryan and Caroline Bahnmaier Bates. grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. He was a member of the First Presbyterian A son, Leslie W. Nesmith died in 1998. Church in Oskaloosa. He marriedArlene Marie Reiston May 10, 1947 in Helmer, Carolyn M., 87, Lawrence, died Sat., Topeka. She survives of the home in Oskaloosa. Nov. 25, 2000. Other survivors include three sons, Gene Bates, She was born Dec. 26, 1912, in Chicago to Phillip Oskaloosa, Gary Bates, Woodward, Okla,and and Mary UnitzJamica. Ronnie Bates, Oskaloosa; two brothers, Ira Bates, She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Los Angeles, and Wayne Bates, San Pedro, Calif.; She married Ray F. Helmer on Jan. 9, 1943, in a sister, Ula Armstrong, Muscotah, and four Yates Center. He died in August, 1975. grandchildren. Survivors include a son, Charles Helmer, Burial in PleasantView Cemetery at Oskaloosa. Lawrence, a daughter, Susan Helmer, Lawrence, and three grandchildren. Powell, Myron A., 93, Lecompton, formerly of Burial in Graceland Cemeteryat Burlington. Topeka, died Sunday, Jan. 28, 2001. He was born July 17,1907, at Powhattan, the son McKenzie, Howard N. 71, Lawrence, died of Marvinand Cora Olmstead Powell. Wednesday Dec. 20, 2000. He married Ruth Lucile Harrington on Sept. 24, He was born June 8 1929 in Leavenworth the 1932, at Topeka. She died Nov. 4,1984. son of Howard Neel; and' Wilma Etta Nabb Survivors include two daughters, Mildred Lee McKenzie Zirger and Marva Lou Sneegas, both of Lenexa; a He graduated in 1949 from Lecompton High companion, Maxine Dark, Lecompton four School. He was a member of First Southern grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Baptist Church in Lawrence. He was a member of the Highland Park and East He married Vera Ruth McKelveyon April 12, 1953, Topek~ U.nitedMethodist churches. in Lawrence. She preceded him in death Nov. 27, Bunal InTopeka Cemetery. ********************************************************************************************* President*PaulBahnmaier Program*BeverlyVanDyke Vice President* RichMcConnell Membership* Georgia SimmonsTrammel Secretary* Vicki Roberts Genealogy& Historicalresearcher*lonaSpencer Treasurer* BettyLeslie Tours*CharleneWinter BoardMembers* MaxineDark,GeorgeSimmons Funding*MaeHolderman KeithNoe,JasonDexter,DuaneWulfkuhle,Ron Meier lIIustrator*EllenDuncan Curators* MargueriteBowman,Opal Goodrick, DorothyShaner AssistantTreasurer *Sherri Neill George& ArloeneSimmons, DarlenePaslay Kitchen* HelenHildenbrand MembershipAss'ts.*Duane& DorothyWulfkuhle Proofreader*LouiseNorwood Memorials*RuthIce *********************************************************************************************

Forwarding and Address Change Requested Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID /' Published by " Permit No.1 The Lecorrpton Historical Society Const. Hall Hist. Lecompton, Kansas LECOMPTON, KANSAS 66050 % Tim Rues POBox 198 Lecompton KS 66050

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