The LHS Newsletter Archive

Volume Seventeen, Issue Number 1

Originally Published in Lecompton, : Spring 1991 Digitally Archived August 2006 ~

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VOL. 17 'NO. 1 LECOMPTON, KANSAS SPRING 1991

KANSAS TERRITOR Y: AMERICA IN 1857 1857 The "New York Times" of November 11, In Kansas Ter.ritory in 1857 there were 1990, contained a review by Hugh Brogan of many e1ecti ons and governmental meeti ngs. the book, AMERICANIN 1857, A NATIONONTHE People were extremely polarized in their BRINK,by Kenneth M. Stampp. The fact that views concerning slavery, and in their Lecompton was menti oned several ti mes in views of the slavery question in new states the article, aroused the interest of to be admitted to the Union. Po1i ti ca 1 Senator Wint Winter, Jr., who sent a copy parties were in flux. A partial listing of to the Lecompton Historical Society. elections and conventions, mostly in 1857, follows: ~ The book proved to be most interesting . ~as it led the reader to believe that the 1855 October 23 to November 11. Topeka ~events which occurred during the year 1857 Constitution framed by Free-Staters. were big contributing factors in the cause 1857 January 6. Topeka Legislature of the Civil War. Accordi ng to thi s book Convened. Prominent members arrested there were numerous reporters from Eastern by Pro-Slavery forces, taken to cities in Lecompton during the crisis, Tecumseh. Legislature adjourned until representing their newspapers, reporting June 9. the events, particularly during the 1857 January 12. Lecompton Pro-Slavery Lecompton Constitutional Convention. The Convention and Legislature. On debate concerning the admission of the February 19 an act was passed to with or without provi de for the taki ng of a census ratifi cati on by the peopl e of Kansas, and between March 1 and April 1 from which thus the admission of Kansas to the Union, an apportionment of delegates to a lasted for months and was carried daily in Constitutional Convention was to be the newspapers of all -'"the states. Across made by the Governor. It was deci ded the United States Lecompt~n became a that the Constitutional Convention was household name from Maine to California. to be held in September 1857. Third Monday in June was to see the election The book detailed the bRd judgement of of these 60 delegates. the U.S. Government in handling the 1857 June 9 Topeka. Free-Staters meet and problems of the 1857 period and details the resolve to support the Topeka events that so aroused both the North and Constitution of October 23, 1855. the South that they were important factors 1857 August 9. Free State election of which led to the Civil War. legislature. 1857 August 26 Grasshopper Falls \\ I The following article is from the Convention. Free-Staters decide to 'vreview of Mr. Stampp's book. "Kansas in participate in October elections. 1857 was a territory ready to become a 1857 September 7. First Lecompton state. The urgent question was, should it Constitutional Convention adjourned to be admitted to the Union with the

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". (AMERICAIN 1857 - From Page I) proslavery, illdrafted constitution that an News and World Report, January 21, 19Y1, unrepresentative handful of extremists had reports an i ntervi ew with the author cobb1ed together in Lecompton, Kan., 1ate Kenneth Stampp where it was agai n brought in the year? Presi dent by out how the handling of the Lecompton insisting on the Lecompton constitution, Consti tuti on caused the i rreparab 1e sp1i t (and refusing to have the Lecompton in the Democratic party enabling Lincoln to Consti tuti on put to the vote of the be elected presi dent, and teari ng asunder ~ residents of for the Union, South from North, finally ratification,) split his party and opened causing the Civil War. the way to disaster. In Mr. Stampp's Recently the Kansas City Star and the opinion, his mishandling of the Kansas Lawrence Journal-World also carried cri si s was the fatal step that made articles relating to this book. disruptin~ of the Union, and therefore Sara Walter civil war, all but inescapable. The great blunder over the Lecompton Constitution was Buchanan's own work, not that of his Southern friends and colleagues. (KANSASTERRITORY:1857 - From Page 1) II i One of Mr. Stampp's themes is that in the spring of 1857 the Republic's prospects the 19th. !' were blooming. Even the Dred Scott 1857 September 19 to November 3 Lecompton decision, made that year, was not Constitutional Convention. Jim Lane :I sufficient to revive the passionate prevented the delegates from meeting. disputes of 1856, and although there was a Finally did begin meeting on the 22nd financial crash in the autumn, we now know, and framed the Lecompton Constitution. 'I if the people of the time did not, that the 1857 October 5. Free-Staters won this 'I economy was to make a rapi d recovery. In election of legislators even though i I short, Buchanan had to work really hard to the Oxford vote and McGee County vote wreck things. If, as is only fair, we were grossly fraudulent. I! judge him by the foreseeable consequences 1857 December 2 Lawrence Free-State ~ of his actions, he must without question be rated the worst American President. Convention. It was composed of fairly, Iill elected delegates from October 5 ~" election. They re-endorsed the Topeka In 40 years of politics, Buchanan did Constitution of 1855. They asked for not learn to respect the honest concerns of II the submission of the Lecompton his opponents, or indeed of anyone but Consti tuti on to the people of Kansas himself and those who agreed with him for vote. III completely; nor did he ever see that 1857 December 7 Extra Sessi on of opi ni ons, on thei r own, are unsafe gui des Legislature Convened. Supported to acti on. He was a doughface, a Northern and condemned man of Southern opinions; and he explicitly Lecompton Constitution. bl amed the Kansas di sturbances not on the 1857 December 21. Election to vote on handful of proslavery conspirators who Lecompton Consti tuti on "with slavery" began them but on the great mass of or Lecompton Consti tuti on "without antislavery settlers in the territory. So slavery". he had no qualms of conscience about trying to override the settlers' democratic The physical violence of previous ri ghts. He chose to recommend the months had been quelled to a large part by fraudulent Lecompton Constitution to the action of Governor Geary; however, the Congress and in so doing broke his word and efforts of the pro-slavery party did not split his party (Democratic) beyond cease, but they then turned to the "means recovery. Three years 1ater a Repub1i can of political management, legislative craft victory came, followed by secession and and low cunning." war. II The October 1857 election to select a Since the review in the New York Times new territorial legislature aligned the in November of 1as t year other arti c1es peop1e in di fferent camps. The opposi ng '-' I about thi s new book and its author have parti es were a freestate party made up of appeared in important peri odi ca1s. U.S. -~ Republicans, Northern Democrats, and a few

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" )J Southernn Democrats; and the pro-slavery thei r names had been i nc1uded. Thus the party consisted of Southern Democrats and free-staters were by vari ous tacti cs not Southern Whig-Americans. The free-state represented at the Lecompton Convention. party had refused to take part in the June Of the 34 counti es in exi stence in Kansas --'- election of delegates to the Consitutiona1 Territory in 1857 only 15 were counted in Convention, but reluctantly agreed to the census with thei r popul ati ons used in participate in the October election. the apportionment of delegates to the Lecompton Consti tuti ona1 Conventi on. (See The attitude of many in 1857 can be map.) These favored 15 counties were those discovered between the pages of a book in which pro-slavery held control or those written in that year by John H. Gihon, that were on the Missouri border where the M.D., the private secretary of Governor Missouri ans coul d cross over to regi ster Geary. The book: Geary and Kansas is a and 3 months later appear to cast a Territory until June 1857 pro-slavery ballot. The census in counties and concerns events occuring in the which were 1argely free-state or were too terri tory not from the perspecti ve of the far from Missouri for" cross over voters" Monday Morning Quarterback, but from first was never completed. hand observation of these events. The June election j'esults were Accordi ng to the preface, the author bolstered by the vote of at sets forth his observations of the events least 7,000 of pro-slavery persuasion. in an unbiased and non-partisan manner. Thus, by dishonest means the pro-slavery John Gihon came to Kansas Terri tory as an party claimed victory and the right to advocate of the pro-slavery intentions, frame the constitution for admission to which he made know at every opportuni ty. statehood. Previously an election at He was accepted as a pro-slavery force and Topeka on August 9 had the free-state party the free-staters regarded him as an enemy claiming victory. Thus, both parties, or in philosophical viewpoint. As daily neither, claimed rights to govern. events unfolded before him he was by logic r- and conscience forced to change his Aeting Governor Stanton, only recently viewpoint on the slavery question. having been appointed to that capacity, and~ not being familiar with the political The Missouri Democrat of May 28, 1857 makeup of the counties not included in the indicates the delegates selected for the census, approved the apporti onment of constitutional convention to convene in delegates leaving 19 predominately Lecompton in September, were chosen with free-state counties disfranchised and some questi on as to the fai rness of the unrepresented. situation. Leavenworth County in their census reported 1837 qual i fi ed voters and The Lecompton Consi tuti on was framed the Governor allotted Leavenworth County 12 by thi s fraudently el ected pro-sl avery delegates to the convention which amounted party. It was unclear if thi s Lecompton to 1/5th of the total body. The census Constitution needed to be submitted to the figures for several counties then remained people of Kansas Territory for ratification yet to be taken. These counti es were the or whether Congress could accept it without free-state ones, including the town of ratification. It was know nation wide that Lawrence which at this time contained a the Consti tui on had been framed by those "goodly number of inhabitants" but the elected by deceit and dishonesty. The census taker could find only a dozen names great majority of public sentiment was that to put upon the 1i st of qual ifi ed voters. it should be voted upon by honest election An example of the fraud is given: "There is of the residents of Kansas Territory. The a firm in that city, two brothers; they are free-staters, lead by Charles Robinson and always attending to their business, and 14 other prominent citizens petitioned together. One of them is a free-state man, Acti ng Governor Stanton, to conduct a new whi1e the other voted for Whitfi e1d 1ast census and correct the registery lists, and fall, and he has hi s name upon the census to appoint 4 election judges for each 1i sts, whi1e the other has not." In preci nct. Two of these judges were to be\..,t, addi ti on the census 1i sts were not posted pro-slavery and 2 free-state with the in accordance to the 1aw so that it was provision that each delegate to the impossible for the citizens to even know if constitutional convention needed the approva 1 of at 1east 3 of these judges. offered the following conditions: Acting Governor Stanton refused this 1. Kansas be admitted to the Union under proposa 1. thus uni ti ng the free-state the Lecompton Constitution if it received a ~ voters in their decision to take no part in majority vote of the people of Kansas the election of delegates to the Lecompton Territory. Constitution. Instead they planned to 2. If accepted, Sections 16 and 36 in each defeat the Lecompton Constitution by township would be granted for schools; 72 refusing to ratify it. There was no law sections granted for a State University. 10 providing for the submission of the sections for public buildings (a total of proposed constitution to the people for 5.500,000 acres of land); all salt springs ratifi cati on but Governor Walker. who had (up to 12) and 6 sections with each spring; on May 25, 1857 arri ved to take over the 5% of all pUblic lands for construction of governorship from Acting Governor Stanton, State roads would be granted. Thi s was felt without doubt that it would be contingent upon acceptance of the submitted to the people. He had been Pro-slavery constitution! promised this action by President Buchanan. 3. If the Lecompton Constitution was But as events often occur in politics, rejected by the people of Kansas, then the Buchanan switched ideas for whatever people could not elect new delegates to reasons. form a new constitution until the population reached 93,560 (the number then The free-state Convention of December requi red for appoi nti ng one member to the 2, 1857 at Lawrence resolved that both the U.S. House of Representatives). Topeka Consti tuti on and the Lecompton The people of Kansas on August 2, 1858 Consti tuti on be put before the people of overwhelmingly defeated this proposal. Kansas Territory so they could choose which Thi s acti on opened the way for the should become the law of the land. Wyandotte Consti tuti on framed by delegates ~-- el ected by the recently organi zed ~-', On December 7. 1857 the Free-State Repub1i can and Democrati c parti es of the ':../ Territorial Legislature convened at Territory. There were 17 Democrats and 35 Lecompton and passed an Act provi di ng for Repub1i cans working together to form thi s submission of the Lecompton Constitution to consti tuti on which was passed in the U.S. the people for ratification. Because Senate on January 21, 1861 by 36 to 16 and Secretary Stanton as Acti ng Governor had in the House January 28, 1861 by a vote of called this extra session of the 119 to 42. On January 29, 1861 the bi 11 legislature. he was removed from office on was signed by President Buchanan and Kansas December 16th. On December 17th Governor became a State. The Union was torn Walker, finding it impossible to carry out asunder. Ellen Duncan his pledges to the people of Kansas to submit the Lecompton Consti tuti on for References: ratification in good faith, resigned his Histori ca1 Atl as of Kansas. by Homer office. James William Denver took over the E. Socolofsky and Hubert Self. Governorship on December 21, 1857. Geary and Kansas, by John H. Gihon, M.D. On February 2, 1858 the United States History of the State of Kansas, by Senate passed a bill accepting the A.T. Andreas. Lecompton Constitution by a vote of 32 yeas to 25 nays. On March 23 the U.S. House of FAMILY REUNION Representatives substituted for the Senate Bill a bill calling for the resubmission of at Morris Home the Lecompton Constitution to the people of Kansas under a fair election. This bill (The fo11owing arti c1e was taken from the passed by 120 yeas and 112 nays. The LecomptonMonitor of August 27, 1885. '" Senate refused thi s substi tute bi 11 and a v new bill was reported which passed and As an introduction to the subject provided a proposition for the people of under consideration, in order to place the Kansas to accept a bri be to persuade them facts clearly before the minds of our to ratify the Lecompton Consitution. This readers, we will give a short sketch of the bill was known as the English bill ancestor of the family whose annual meeting proposed by Mr. English of Indiana. It was held at the home of Mr. G.W. Morris 1 last Thursday. of Ba1dw'in; Rev. W.H. and Rose Sweet of

I Ba1dwin; Mary E. Kerns of Thayer, Kansas; I Abraham Williams of Plane township, J.F. Williams of Lawrence; J.T. Williams of Franklin County, Ohio was one of the Harlem, Ohio; Ida Johnston of NewAlbany, pioneer settlers of central Ohio and was Ohio; Ollie Ackerson of Wyandotte, Kansas; a1ways regarded as one of its most Rev. W.L. & Anna Morris of Wakarusa, substanti a1 ci ti zens. He was not wanti ng Kansas; Lora L. Gentry of Lawrence; Sedon ~ illustrious ancestry, as his great Ewing of Wichita, and Rev. J.M. Hillbish of grandfather was none other than the Clinton, Kansas. Children: Etta, Minnie & renowned Roger Williams, the first advocate Ell a Kerns; Eunice, Earl & Mary Clapham; of religious liberty in America and the Bertha, Paul, Wi11i e & EmmaSweet; Nell i e founder of the first Baptist church on this Smart, Clara Morris, and Chas. E. Morris. side of the ocean. The fo11owing 1etter from a re 1ati ve He (Abraham Wi11i ams) voted with the in the East was recei ved and read by the Whig party unti 1 the organi zati on of the assembled friends: Ghanna, Aug. 13th, 85 Repub1i can party in 1856, after which he Dear Aunt and Uncle, continued to vote with that party till his You will easily comprehend that among death in 1872. He was a member of the the fri ends who remain in Ohi0, there are Methodist Episcopal Church and for many many lingering longings to be present with

Morris Home ~7\

years held the office of justice of the peace. you at your home in the beautiful west, and many regrets that combination of There were born to Mr. Wiliams fifteen circumstances have so shaped events in the children, ten sons and five daughters, ten 1as t year that many of us are ob1i ged to of \'/hom, seven sons and three daughters, remain at home--some from physical are still living. About a week previous to i nab1i i ty , and others from menta1 , the date given, members of the family began indisposition, and still others from to arrive until at the roll call Thursday pecuniary disability. But, be assured forty-three were found present. The that, whatever is or has been the hindering following is the list: Geo. & Sarah Morris cause, we each and all turn our eyes toward of Lecompton; Rev. D. & Elizabeth Horlocker the gl ori ous sunset as each day IS close of Columbus, Ohio; Mary Williams of Harlem, bri ngs us another day nearer the ti me of Ohio; Mollie Williams of Centerville, Ohio; the reunion, and with a yearning prayer for Frank. Wi11i ams of Sunbury, Ohi0; Colone 1 Aunt Sarah and the satety of those whoare I A.C. Wi11i ams of Oswego, Kansas; George & to represent us at your home, we invariably ~ Josephine Ackerson of Wyandotte, Kansas; wish, perhaps inaudibly, that we might be David and Mary Barker of Leavenworth; W.H. with you. & Sa11i e Morri s of Lecompton; Howard and Alice Smart of Topeka; J.H. & Gusta Clapham There is a 1asti ng 1ink that bi nds human hearts together, even though weary were present with us last year; and it will mi1es intervene. Thi s we a11 pO$sess in not be hard even for a dull imagination to common, and thi s we aim to strengthen as bring you up in mind as you were then, and year by year we meet in our family you may have the sati sfacti on of knowing 't~..Uatheri ngs. How sad that as a family we how and where we are spending the day. ~are so scattered that we may not all be together once a year. But then there is With much love to all, and many good comfort in the thought -that all humanity wishes for your happi ness not only duri ng possesses a common brotherhood that makes the stay of the friends at your place, but it possible for us to look beyond the for all ti me to come. I as ever your narrower bonds of family relationship in a niece. Carrie Moore broader one that encompasses a11 humanity and lays claim upon Deity as the father of No place in this vicinity is better us a11. fitted for an out door picnic than the jI little grove in Mr. Morris' yard. The Time makes its impress from year to ground slopes from the door-step to the year, marking upon our tablets the records hi ghway in front, and the enti re yard is of those who have fi ni shed thei r career. shaded by well trimmed locust trees and, in It is with sad, sad feeling that I remember addi ti on to other attracti ons for a ti red dear Aunt Jane. She was far away, yeari ng man, is provi ded with a number of rusti c for the consolation that should flow from seats and hammocks. A table about thirty fraternity. Since our last meeting she has feet long had been buil d near the house, gone to join the innumerable host that has and on this were sacrificed the good things passed on to the life beyond. Is there one which are produced on Mr. Morris I farm in of us who does not pray that in the such great abundarice. Fine apples and Father's house there may be a mansion where me1ons were brought and the cul i nary the heavy laden, who like she in this life department was by no means behind the rest, have so 1i ttl e of gl adness and joy, may and it might be said right here, that some reap bliss in the ages to come. of the Williams or Morris descendants know , how to cook, as the display of meats, cakes -~~ Then again when we were 1east and goodi es of a11 kinds and descri pti ons expecti ng it, the summons came to cousi n testified. Henry, and life and activity went out as by the snapping of the main spring. Howfull The day was spent in social of suggesti on is such a withdrawa 1 from conversati on and in reca 11i ng memories of life. To him it was an expected event; but the past; many of which were pleasant, but to us, who knew not of the warni ng voi ce a few tinged with sorrow. During the past which his own nature heard and understood, year there were three deaths in the family it was as the bursti ng of the tempest in and fi ve bi rths. In 1ooki ng over a 1arge the midst of a cloudless sky. Often he has family, and noting the fact that some pass been at your home and shared your away yearly, the shortness of time and the hospitality. Is it not possible that he certainty of eternity are impressed upon with the many whom you have loved in the our minds, and we look forward with more past, may be with you as invisible guests? earnest longings to the great reunion when ~ ties will be formed and broken no more. It seems to me that you should at this reunion, organize in tangible shape with About 2 P.M. we arrived upon the proper offi cers in order that we may have grounds and made the acquaintance of a more system, and keep a thorough record of number of the fami ly, and spent a very the family and minutes of our reunions. pleasant afternoon with them. In addition to the guests that were of the fami ly, we We have thought that it would be a noticed Mr. and Mrs. Coates Leamer, Mr. pleasure for those of us who coul d not T.W. Pate, Mrs. Layman, Mr. & Mrs. Hafer, visit you to a least celebrate the day in and others \\'ho live in the vicinity.

~ vi si ti ng among ourselves, and so have ~decided to meet at the same grove that we Mr. Morris came to thi s country used last year at Sunbury and spend the day (meaning the Lecompton area) in 1857, and as pleasantly as we can. The scenery will settled on Geo. Storm's farm north of the be a pleasant reminder to us of you, as you site of the Glenn School House. In 1861 he moved to the farm of Mr. Zi nn on the west I~I fork of Coon Creek, and in 1862, he built a log house on the farm he now owns and moved . . ~ J into it. Thi s farm he has improved until Organizations In 1955C,J he has a beautiful home, and a pleasant place to pass the time of old age. ~1r. The Lecompton community has always had Morris is one of our oldest and most numerous governmental, ci vi c and fra terna 1 substantial citizens and in the time he has organizations for the interested and the 1i ved in the West has acqui red a 1arge wi 11i ng. The offi cers in the di fferent p ci rcl e of warm fri ends. We hope that he Lecompton organizations in 1958 are and his estimable wife may live to enjoy believed to be as follows: many a fami ly reuni on and may each one be as happy as the one last Thursday. CITY COUNCIL ~ 105 YEARSLATER Mayor George Bahnmaier President Elton (Bill) Dark A celebration honoring the 90th Water E.J. Robison birthday of Wilma Scott Morris was held on Streets Earl Sanford Ii June 24th, 1990. It really was about a Lights Sylvester Rothwell week long celebration with relatives coming City Hall & Park Jerry Holloway in from every direction. In celebration of Ci ty Cl erk Glenn Pierce her birthday, she was honored with an open City Treasurer Gladys Holloway house and recepti on at her home in Lecompton. The reception was decorated LECOMPTONHIGH SCHOOLBOARD with the color scheme of pink and white. A Clerk E.J. Robison two-tiered cake decorated in the same color Director Bill Kenny scheme was made by her daughter, Nancy. Treasurer Frank Walter Approximately 225 people attended. /"" LECOMPTONGRADESCHOOLBOARD. .~ \.~ I n the eveni ng, a buffett di nner was Director Max McClure~ served to the guests and families of those Clerk William Leslie near and dear to Wilma. The meal was Treasurer Pete Bahnmaier prepared by her children and grandchildren. Member John Doane So, once again, as we have done so many Member Robert Norwood times in the past, we gathered at the Howard and Wilma Morris home West of EVANGELICALU.B. CHURCH Lecompton for s special celebration. Over Reverend Lybran Endsley the years we have certai nly added a "few" Superintendent Paul Penny to the ancestry of the Morrises. The Secretary Esther Paslay descendants of Howard and Wilma Morris Financial Secretary Reba Banks include: Virginia Hathaway of Perry, Treasurer Pete Bahnmaier Georgia; William Morris, deceased; Ann and Children's Supt. Edna Bahnmaier Bob Smith of Kansas City; Carol and Kenneth Trustees Chrm. Herman Banks Kibbee; Nancy and Len Howard, Bob and Mary Lou Morris, Bob and Mary Sue Christman; V. F. W. Mike, David & Jim Hathaway; Barbara and Commander Duane Childes Scott Morris; chu6k Kellogg; Kathy Dehoff; Secretary Jerry Holloway Cheryl Mohler; Roger and Ray Kibbee; Brenda Hastert; Judy and Jennifer Kibbee; Greg, MASONICLODGE Steve & David Howard; Tim, Jeff & Stewart Master Clarence Grandstaff Morris; Kim Stewart; Vicky Morino; Tanya Secretary Elton (Bill) Dark Morri s; Dari n, Brad & Todd Chri stman; and 32 great grandchildren. REBEKAHLODGE Noble Grand Dori s Si ndi\ We figured a total of 22,000 miles were Vice Grand Mildred Kenn~ travelled to celebrate this day and what a Secretary Ruth Bahnmaier Grace Dark day it was for us: Family, Good Food, Treasurer Friends, and Our Mother - who could ask for more? I.O.O.F. LODGE Mary Sue Christman

----- Noble Grand Harold Keating iii) Secretary Joe Laque Treasurer Ed McClanahan

LIONS CLUB ~Qresi dent Lester Stauffer Secretary John Salisbury Treasurer Bob Dark

SCOUTS Scout Master Joe Stauffer Assistant Master Lester Stauffer

SUNSHINE CLUB President Maxine Dark lecompton v. President Laura McAlexander Secretary Florence Wingfield Treasurer Wilma Fleming High School

Thanks Rlumni We are very thankful to the following people who have placed items in Lane Universi ty Museum or helped in some other Rlunlon way: 1. Winter History by A.K. & Charlene Winter. 2. Bellows fami ly photos and other historical items by Phyllis Martin. The Lecompton Alumni Banquet wi11 be ~.3. Eisenhower book and plate by Fay Tally. May 25th. The honored classes will be ~4. One-Half Dime by Jim Coppenbarger found those of 1941 and 1971. at Camp Sackett. 5. Antique weapon by Elaine Daniels. Members of the 1941 Class of Lecompton r 6. Family photo by Grace Kellogg Melton. High School are: Harold Crady, Maxine Glenn 7. Big Springs Church history from the Big Dark Bi se 1, Charles Su1zen, Betty Hodson I Spri ngs United Methodi st Church by Grace Rogers, Lura Holloway McAlexander, Phyllis I Piasecki. Martin, Warren Hartman, Opal Lasswell 8. WWr gas mask, helmet, telescope and Goodrick, Dale Glenn, Harry Carr Jr., I other items that belonged to Clarence Smith Harold Bertschinger, and Charles Anderson. by Ed Smith. 9. Matching grant from Mobil Oil Company Members of the 1971 Class are : Sally through the efforts of Clare J. Coleman. Beckwith Yost, Cheryl Kibbee Mohler, Janice 10. Bob Morris for cleaning the parking McAlexander, David Fuston, Denny ~elge, Don lot. Bahnmaier, Ll oyd Neuschafer, Ken Johnson, 11. Mae Holderman and Sally Wright for Ricky Weeks, and Phil Hubert. work on the 1992 budget. Paul Bahnmaier 12. Curators Margauri te Bowman, Arloene & George Simmons, Opal Goodrick, Dorothy I Shaner, Jeri Skinner, Davi d & Dar1ene Paslay, and Helen Norwood. 13. Membership Chairman Iona Spencer. NEXT MEETING 14. All who have helped A.K. & Charlene Winter with the tours. 15. Stuart Reynolds and the City of The next historical society meeting ~Lecompton for the Candy Cane Christmas wi11 be Thursday March 14th. A covered dish dinner will start at 6:30 pm followed ~ecorations on the telephone poles around Lecompton. by the meeti ng at 7: 30 pm. The program 16. Campfire organization for decorating will be a s1i de presentati on about Israe 1 the park. Paul Bahnmaier given by Margaret and Don Fuston. r

I Leeompton Shines

The cover story of this issue C-. discussed a book written by the most noted ~' ~I . civil war historian in America, Kenneth Stampp, according to the New York Times. The same article states that the events in Lecompton were the singlemost cause of the Civil War.

This only reinforces that the Christmas Tree Ornaments community is the most historic in the State We hope you will consider donating a of Kansas and played a major role in U.S. Christmas ornament for the tree next year. history. During the year of 1857 Lecompton Forty individuals or families donated was on every front page of newspapers all ornaments this year. We hope to expand the across America and events were the most number greatly in the years to come. Make important debated in Congress for over a pl ans now to make your ornament for thi s year. The Buchannan Administration is "new" Lecompton Historical Society judged for its failure to handle the Christmas tradition. Lecompton situation. Paul Bahnmaier We have an exciting pre-Civil War hi story and when you add the Eisenhower JI connection we need not take a back seat to anyone. Paul Bahnmaier

TERRITORIAL DAY WILL BE SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 1991. PLAN TO ATTEND THIS EVENT.

-,-,~ , 11 Christmas Vespers il 2'b The Chri stmas Vespers and Open House I was held December 2, 1990 with 180 people Membership in attendance. Thanks to the following people who helped: Arolene and George J Simmons, Rose and Margaret Wulfkuhl e, Report Virginia Wulfkuhle, Jeff Goodrick, Jeff and Lisa Morgan, Jennifer Flanner, Helen Norwood, Mae Norwood, Loui se Norwood, ~- ~~-., Margaret Bowman, David and Darlene Paslay, Opal Goodrick, Mae and Wally Holderman, We want to thank our members for Maxine and Ben Bissel, Diane and Ron Mein, renewing their memberships so quickly. It Ralph Davis, Denzil and Warrene Gibbens, is really appreciated, as it makes our job Dorothy Shaner, Iona Spencer, Sherri Nei1, a lot easier when they come in on time. and Rich and Karen McConnell. Our membership is growing. We can make a better report in our next issue, as we A special thanks goes to David Lee should have all our memberships in by then. Pasl ay for cutti ng the 14 foot tree from Sara Walter's farm. Instrumental music was The new life members are: Irma Kellogg provided by Cindy Daniels, Frances Sanford, Wallace, Chris Miller, Harry Wm. "Bill" and Phil Wizer. Vocal music was by the McCall and his wife Eileen B. (OINeill) 20-voice Community Singers under the McCall. Our new memorial membership is V direction of Kim Stewart. It was a Madge (McCall) Strand by daughter Betty particularly fine program. Paul Bahnmaier Bergen. Iona Spencer

-- -- Lecompton Historical Society. Burial was Obituaries in Maple Grove Cemetery at Lecompton. He always spoke highly of Lecompton and had many memories of early days in our r ~ community. ~ Theodore J. Hall 81 Topeka died December 5, 1990 i n Topeka. He was born March 29, 1909 at Richland, the son of Hubert E. and Irene Kreipe Hall. He attended Highland Park High School. He was a former member of Lecompton Lodge No. 420 A.F.& A.M. and Kansas Farm Bureau. He was deputy county assessor for several years and served on the Tecumseh Township Board. He married Minnie Kampschroeder who died in 1975. In 1977 he marri ed Opal Matney who Louis W. Crady 72 Crete, Illinois died survives. Other survivors include December 16, 1990 at Crete. He was born stepdaughter Charlotte Davenport, stepson September 30, 1918 in Lecompton, the son of Marvin, sisters Gertrude Finley and Lois Loui s Wesly and Margaret Hemphi11 Crady. Uhl, brother George Uhl, five grandchildren He attended schools in Lecompton and and fi ve great grandchi 1dren. Buri a1 was graduated from Lecompton High School. He in Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka. worked for General Electric in Chicago and Chicago Heights for 40 years until he Mrs. Laura T. Endacott 87 of Lawrence retired in 1984. He served in the U.S. died January 26, 1991 at Lawrence. She was Army during W.W. II and was a member of the a 1ife member of the Lecompton Histori ca1 Crete Amvets Post No. 84 and the Chicago Society. She was born the daughter of Heights Veterans of Foreigh Wars No. 2825. Frank Emanuel and Alida Larson Lundquist on ,~ He marri ed Vivi an Goodri ch who survi ves. October 18, 1903 at Li ndsborg. She was a Other survi vors i ncl ude son Monte, brother graduate of Trinity Lutheran Hospital V Harold, sister Betty Stauffer, and one School of Nursing. She was a member of grandchild. Memorials were to the r Tri ni ty Lutheran Church. She helped found

THE LECOMPTONHISTORICAL SOCIETY, Lecompton, Kansas 66050 is a non-profit corporation for the preservation of historical sites. We are eager for continued membership and new members! I n!l.ivi dua1 membershipis $3 per year, from December to December, whi1e couples membership is $5. Life membership is $50 per individual. Contributions are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to the Lecompton Historical Society, and mailed to Mrs. Iona Spencer, R.R. #1, Lecompton, Kansas 66050.

* * * * * * * * * Please Clip And Mail With Your Check * * * * * * * * $3 Annual Individual Membership $5 Annual Household Membership

$50 Individual Life or Memorial Membership Other Contribution $

v Name Address City State Zip Code f I the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Mrs. Dorothy Florence Bennett 86 of Association and was active in Meals on Topeka di ed November 14, 1990 in Topeka. J Whee1s. She was a member of La Sertoma She was born November 11, 1904 in LecomPtop~ Club. She married Norman Endacott October the daughter of Adolphus and Margaret A .., 5, 1929 who died in 1967. She married Earl Paul McAdow. Her fami ly donated the 1anti "-" ..,e. Endacott in 1973 who died in 1982. which eventually became Pauline. She was a ! Survivors include daughter Grace Brooks, member of TOPEKSCamping Club. She married brother Verner, si sters 01ga Anderson and Earl E. Bennett who died September 13, 1987. Survivors include son Earl. Burial 1/ Esther Engblom, 4 grandchildren, and 2 'I great grandchil dren. Buri a1 was in Oak was in Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka. Hi11 Cemetery. She had gi ven several Memoria1s were to the Lecompton His tori ca 1 Eisenhower momentos to Lane University Soci ety. Museum.

Raymond Hoffsommer 90 passed away Curtis Hill Sehon passed away January January 28, 1991 at Topeka. He was born 11, 1991. He was a resident of Tacoma, March 30, 1900 at Perry in the Oklahoma Washington. He was born February 17, 1903 Terri tory, the son of Adam J. and Mary in Lecompton, the son of Charles and Winnie Manshort Hoffsommer. He moved to Stull in Hi11 Sehon. He was Distri ct Manager of 1902 and to Lecompton in 1969 where he Prudential Insurance at Tacoma. After served as Mayor for several years after

)1 retirement in 1961 he worked for U.S. Life being a Kanawaka Township Trustee. He was Insurance Company. He served in U.S. Coast a member of the Stull United Methodist Guard duri ng W.W. I I. He was a member of Church before moving to Lecompton and the Lions Club, Elks .lodge, Highland Hill becoming a member of the Lecompton U.M. /1 ~olf Club, and an Elder of the First Church. He was very active in both II Presbyterian Church where he lead the choir churches in vari ous posi ti ons. He marri ed for over 30 years.' He is survi ved by hi s Irene S. Slaven in 1925. She passed away----- wife Barbara, daughter Barbara Sanford, in 1989. Survivors include daughters Anna"\...r ~ sister Julia Springer, and 2 grandchildren. Louise and Helen Fanning, sons Don and ~ Buri a1 was in Bel ingham, Washington. He Harold, sister Irene Wulfkuhle, brother was an avid golfer and amateur oil painter. Paul, 10 grandchildren, and 8 great I He maintained close contact with Lecompton grandchildren. Burial was in Topeka i and his relatives in the area. He was Cemetery. He was long supporti ve in proud of this community. various ways of all community activities. II I

II 0 0 0 0 0 0 000 0 0 ODD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 PresIdent - PAUL BAHNMAIER EdItor - F'.1 EN DUNCAN Historical Writer -- SARA WALTER Genealorlcal Writer -- IONA SPENCER Ty,DUetter - HOWARD DUNCAN mustrator -- 1I'T.LENDUNCAN 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 F~a and A.ddrea Chanp Raqwasted Published by Non-Profit Orpnizatlon The Lecompton HIstorIca1 Society Us. POSTAGE PAID LECOMPTON.KANSAS 66050 Lecompton. Kansas Permit No. 1

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