Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
The Valley Falls New Era, July 1, 1884, announced that Dr. Frank Swallow, practicing physician and surgeon from Hahnsman Hospital, Chicago, had elected to locate in Valley Falls to practice his profession.
By September, he was enjoying practice from his location in Hillyer Place and in November, he and his mother rented a house on west Broadway. In addition to his practice, he became active in civic affairs, having been elected to an office of the AOUW, and by 1889, became Grand Medical Director of the organization. In 1891, he was elected mayor of Valley Falls, defeating popular citizen C.C. Lord. In the winter of 1900-1901, the state legislature passed a medical law requiring physicians to register and to exhibit their diplomas at the State Board of Health in Topeka.
A New Era news item reported:
"Doc has a diploma from a medical college, which he has possessed for the last 20 years. It is framed and hangs in his office in Valley Falls. As he says, 'I get to looking up at that old diploma hanging up there on the wall and say to myself, I will see that board of health in ________ before I take down that diploma and send it over to Topeka. I am willing to furnish the affidavits of two reputable physicians in my town stating that I have the diploma, but it will never come out of that frame.' "
The news item continues:
"Nearly everybody in the eastern part of Kansas knows Dr. Frank Swallow of Valley Falls. Judging from the color and texture of his hair and his swarthy countenance, one might suppose that he is a linear descendent of the original Powhattan.
"Doc is certainly original in his manner of speech and opinions. Once let him get his head set and he is as determined to have his way as a full blooded Texas bronco or a thoroughbred Scotchman.
"The members of the board of health have attempted to argue with Doc, but to no avail. He says he will spend thousands to fight the law if they insist on his exhibiting his diploma, but he will (relinquish) the sheepskin never. It is a matter of principle with him.
"At this time, it seems to be up to the board of health. If they refuse to issue the certificate, the fight is on. At the present time, the doctor seems to have the best of the situation. He tendered the fee required by the board, which they accepted and receipted for, thus virtually acknowledging the existence of the diploma."
The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
March 28, 2013
Wilson speaks to Rotary Club about A. G. Patrick
The Valley Falls Rotary Club met March 21 at the Kendall State Bank meeting room with Betty Jane Wilson, president of the Valley Falls Historical Society, as guest speaker. Wilson spoke of the history of A. G. Patrick, an early citizen of Grasshopper Falls. His history encompassed the name change of the village to Sautrelle Falls, back to Grasshopper Falls, and finally Valley Falls.
Wilson said Patrick was an adventurer with a different background and interests than most people at that time. He became interested in typesetting at an early age and was in Bowling Green, Ky., and Greencastle, Ind., as a journeyman. He was persuaded to start a newspaper, but after five issues, it folded. He tried merchandising with his brother, but the gold strike in California caused him to go west. He joined a wagon train.
Wilson told Rotarians that Patrick joined a buffalo train to shoot buffalo and traveled west of St. Joseph. After traveling 700 to 800 miles, he at last came close to a buffalo. He said the buffalo had eyes like "balls of fire, stomped the ground, and was ready to charge." Seeing a great danger to himself, Patrick threw down his gun and dived into a nearby pool of water. He retrieved his gun from the pool and the first chance he had, he traded it for a pony from an Indian boy. He rode off to California. There is no record of his fortunate gold discovery.
In 1856, Patrick came to Grasshopper Falls. He became involved in civic events. He was an abolitionist and was involved in the free state movement. He was overcome by pro-slavery members near Leavenworth where he had procured a claim. He was sentenced to be court martialed and was to be shot as a spy, after first being sentenced to hang. As he was about to be executed, he gave the distress sign of a Free Mason and was delivered to Kansas Governor Woodson at Lecompton.
While imprisoned, he met Harry Hoover, who lived alone on the Delaware River between Grasshopper Falls and Ozawkie. Hoover was an uncouth man with straggly hair, was tall, a big, heavy person who wore a white fur cap low on his forehead, almost covering his eyes, and wore cowhaired moccasins. Later when he and Patrick were released from jail, they came to Grasshopper Falls and Hoover was the delight of young boys who were amazed at his dress. Hoover was a glutton for food, especially sweets. The boys brought him a five-pound bag of sugar, which he ate with glee. The boys, at one time, when bored, brought Hoover eggs. He ate five dozen, raw with shells, with no problem. The boys brought him more eggs and he ate six dozen or more, hard-boiled with shells, devouring them in little time. The boys remarked that, trying to fill Hoover with food was "like pouring water down a rat hole," Wilson reported.
Patrick "was a jack of all trades or perhaps he was just restless," Wilson said. While in town, he once served as postmaster, editor of the newspaper, and was city marshal and street commissioner at one time. His name was in the paper almost every week. At one time, the paper reported he bought a home, soon after he had a house for rent, not long after he was reported to have traded houses. It seemed he was always busy.
"It's hard to tell if he had chosen work he liked," Wilson stated.
Several years later, in 1874, the newspaper had a notice in it that he was a farmer and owned his property. Within a year, he offered to trade his farm of 640 acres six miles west of Valley Falls. It had a large orchard with several varieties of fruit trees, plus cottonwood and elm trees; stables; three good wells; a cellar; and a two-story house with basement. Patrick offered to sell all for $3,000 or trade for young cattle, stock of dry goods, boots and saddles, groceries, or other houses. He offered to sell for down payment and 16 percent interest, etc. Soon after he was said to have been starting a land agency business.
Suddenly in 1887, he and another man were making plans to go to California again. It was reported about this time that he and Mr. Kemper had plans to go to Colorado and Montana. Soon after, he was back in Valley Falls and involved in politics.
Wilson spoke of Patrick's association with Rufus Crosby and his "out of character" role. After losing an election, Patrick spoke to an assembled crowd at the Hillyer Hotel, which had the Cadet Band playing. It was a happy occasion and Patrick spoke of their valiant effort as losers. He stated he had resigned as city marshal and street commissioner and was going to Oskaloosa where he hoped the "ladies of the city council (the first all-woman city council in the state) would extend their open arms." He took his dog, Rover, with him.
Patrick came back to Valley Falls for a visit after a few years and it was reported by the newspaper he had been in California and ran a fruit farm. Patrick died at his home in Oskaloosa.
He lived through "many stirring adventures and made valuable contributions to the community, in mostly gloomy times," Wilson concluded.
President June Huston presided at the meeting. She read a thank-you card from Eric Reichart for his award as Student of the Month.
Members discussed funds to be allocated for the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, senior scholarships, and other youth activities.
Wilson said Patrick was an adventurer with a different background and interests than most people at that time. He became interested in typesetting at an early age and was in Bowling Green, Ky., and Greencastle, Ind., as a journeyman. He was persuaded to start a newspaper, but after five issues, it folded. He tried merchandising with his brother, but the gold strike in California caused him to go west. He joined a wagon train.
Wilson told Rotarians that Patrick joined a buffalo train to shoot buffalo and traveled west of St. Joseph. After traveling 700 to 800 miles, he at last came close to a buffalo. He said the buffalo had eyes like "balls of fire, stomped the ground, and was ready to charge." Seeing a great danger to himself, Patrick threw down his gun and dived into a nearby pool of water. He retrieved his gun from the pool and the first chance he had, he traded it for a pony from an Indian boy. He rode off to California. There is no record of his fortunate gold discovery.
In 1856, Patrick came to Grasshopper Falls. He became involved in civic events. He was an abolitionist and was involved in the free state movement. He was overcome by pro-slavery members near Leavenworth where he had procured a claim. He was sentenced to be court martialed and was to be shot as a spy, after first being sentenced to hang. As he was about to be executed, he gave the distress sign of a Free Mason and was delivered to Kansas Governor Woodson at Lecompton.
While imprisoned, he met Harry Hoover, who lived alone on the Delaware River between Grasshopper Falls and Ozawkie. Hoover was an uncouth man with straggly hair, was tall, a big, heavy person who wore a white fur cap low on his forehead, almost covering his eyes, and wore cowhaired moccasins. Later when he and Patrick were released from jail, they came to Grasshopper Falls and Hoover was the delight of young boys who were amazed at his dress. Hoover was a glutton for food, especially sweets. The boys brought him a five-pound bag of sugar, which he ate with glee. The boys, at one time, when bored, brought Hoover eggs. He ate five dozen, raw with shells, with no problem. The boys brought him more eggs and he ate six dozen or more, hard-boiled with shells, devouring them in little time. The boys remarked that, trying to fill Hoover with food was "like pouring water down a rat hole," Wilson reported.
Patrick "was a jack of all trades or perhaps he was just restless," Wilson said. While in town, he once served as postmaster, editor of the newspaper, and was city marshal and street commissioner at one time. His name was in the paper almost every week. At one time, the paper reported he bought a home, soon after he had a house for rent, not long after he was reported to have traded houses. It seemed he was always busy.
"It's hard to tell if he had chosen work he liked," Wilson stated.
Several years later, in 1874, the newspaper had a notice in it that he was a farmer and owned his property. Within a year, he offered to trade his farm of 640 acres six miles west of Valley Falls. It had a large orchard with several varieties of fruit trees, plus cottonwood and elm trees; stables; three good wells; a cellar; and a two-story house with basement. Patrick offered to sell all for $3,000 or trade for young cattle, stock of dry goods, boots and saddles, groceries, or other houses. He offered to sell for down payment and 16 percent interest, etc. Soon after he was said to have been starting a land agency business.
Suddenly in 1887, he and another man were making plans to go to California again. It was reported about this time that he and Mr. Kemper had plans to go to Colorado and Montana. Soon after, he was back in Valley Falls and involved in politics.
Wilson spoke of Patrick's association with Rufus Crosby and his "out of character" role. After losing an election, Patrick spoke to an assembled crowd at the Hillyer Hotel, which had the Cadet Band playing. It was a happy occasion and Patrick spoke of their valiant effort as losers. He stated he had resigned as city marshal and street commissioner and was going to Oskaloosa where he hoped the "ladies of the city council (the first all-woman city council in the state) would extend their open arms." He took his dog, Rover, with him.
Patrick came back to Valley Falls for a visit after a few years and it was reported by the newspaper he had been in California and ran a fruit farm. Patrick died at his home in Oskaloosa.
He lived through "many stirring adventures and made valuable contributions to the community, in mostly gloomy times," Wilson concluded.
President June Huston presided at the meeting. She read a thank-you card from Eric Reichart for his award as Student of the Month.
Members discussed funds to be allocated for the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, senior scholarships, and other youth activities.
March 13, 2013
1884 Divorcees' dispute ends in bloody battle
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
The Valley Falls New Era, Feb. 21, 1884, reported a bloody battle between neighborhood divorcees, sparing no details, as noted in the following story:
"About as ghastly an occurrence as we have heard of for some time comes to us from the neighborhood two miles north of town. S.G. Green, a well-known farmer, obtained a divorce from his wife a few years ago, and had, until within a year or so, hired a housekeeper, paying her moderate weekly wages.
"Green's divorced wife came to him and begged to be taken into his service at the same wages he had been paying another woman. He consented to do so, out of the goodness of his heart, he alleges, agreeing to pay her $1.50 a week, and she set in to work for these wages.
"Things went along smoothly, with a few exceptions, until last Friday afternoon when a dispute arose as to the divorced wife's wages. She claimed $5 a week, which Green naturally refused to consent to, and a downright quarrel ensued. The former Mrs. Green exhibiting a decided determination to fight, she snatched a pair of scissors and flew at Green with a vengeance, inflicting a slight wound on his hand. She then grabbed a gun and would probably have used it with disastrous effect if Green had not seized the deadly weapon and wrested it from the infuriated woman, who then snatched up a hatchet and hurled it with unerring precision at Green's head, with the blade striking him on the upper jaw, cutting into the bone and splitting some of the teeth, altogether making a ghastly wound.
"He then laid hold of the woman, threw her to the floor with her face up and let the blood from his wound trickle into her nose and mouth until she presented a most sickening sight. When his wound had bled all it would, he took a pair of old overalls and tied her hands behind her. He then ordered her out of the house, and in the ghastly plight which she then presented, left the house and started for a neighbor.
"Green followed to see what kind of story she would tell and when she found this out, she turned back to the house, but was warned never to frequent the premises again, and he started off to town to get his wound dressed. But, on his return, he found the old lady 'holding the fort, clothed in her right mind.'
"How things have been going since, we are uninformed, but it is to be hoped that there will not be any more hostilities as we have been compelled to chronicle."
June 26, 1884, New Era reported:
"The case of Louisa Green vs. S.G. Green was tried before Judge Clark last Wednesday afternoon. After hearing all testimony and arguments, the Justice awarded Louisa Green $2 per week for 138 weeks."
The historical society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 16.
The Valley Falls New Era, Feb. 21, 1884, reported a bloody battle between neighborhood divorcees, sparing no details, as noted in the following story:
"About as ghastly an occurrence as we have heard of for some time comes to us from the neighborhood two miles north of town. S.G. Green, a well-known farmer, obtained a divorce from his wife a few years ago, and had, until within a year or so, hired a housekeeper, paying her moderate weekly wages.
"Green's divorced wife came to him and begged to be taken into his service at the same wages he had been paying another woman. He consented to do so, out of the goodness of his heart, he alleges, agreeing to pay her $1.50 a week, and she set in to work for these wages.
"Things went along smoothly, with a few exceptions, until last Friday afternoon when a dispute arose as to the divorced wife's wages. She claimed $5 a week, which Green naturally refused to consent to, and a downright quarrel ensued. The former Mrs. Green exhibiting a decided determination to fight, she snatched a pair of scissors and flew at Green with a vengeance, inflicting a slight wound on his hand. She then grabbed a gun and would probably have used it with disastrous effect if Green had not seized the deadly weapon and wrested it from the infuriated woman, who then snatched up a hatchet and hurled it with unerring precision at Green's head, with the blade striking him on the upper jaw, cutting into the bone and splitting some of the teeth, altogether making a ghastly wound.
"He then laid hold of the woman, threw her to the floor with her face up and let the blood from his wound trickle into her nose and mouth until she presented a most sickening sight. When his wound had bled all it would, he took a pair of old overalls and tied her hands behind her. He then ordered her out of the house, and in the ghastly plight which she then presented, left the house and started for a neighbor.
"Green followed to see what kind of story she would tell and when she found this out, she turned back to the house, but was warned never to frequent the premises again, and he started off to town to get his wound dressed. But, on his return, he found the old lady 'holding the fort, clothed in her right mind.'
"How things have been going since, we are uninformed, but it is to be hoped that there will not be any more hostilities as we have been compelled to chronicle."
June 26, 1884, New Era reported:
"The case of Louisa Green vs. S.G. Green was tried before Judge Clark last Wednesday afternoon. After hearing all testimony and arguments, the Justice awarded Louisa Green $2 per week for 138 weeks."
The historical society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 16.
March 05, 2013
Elegant parties at the J. P. Batchelor home, 1903
compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
The J.P. Batchelor home described in the Valley Falls New Era, Nov. 25, 1899, as "the handsomest and most modern in the county," (see Valley Falls Vindicator, Jan. 16, 2013) won praise from the Valley Falls New Era, Nov. 23, 1903, as two social events of the season took place at the beautiful home on separate occasions. Mrs. Batchelor entertained some 80 of her lady friends, assisted by Mrs. H.B. Morgan of Leavenworth and Miss Agnes Legler of Valley Falls.
According to the news item:
"The reception room and parlor were elegantly decorated with yellow chrysanthemums and the dining room with American Beauty roses. The house was illuminated with gas throughout, and from the chandeliers were suspended ribbons of ivy and ferns. Hall's orchestra from Topeka was stationed in the hall, where they discoused (sic) sweet strains of music through the reception. Miss Inez Batchelor (daughter) presided over the punch bowl. An elegant three-course lunch was served, after which the guests departed for their respective homes, wishing their hostess many such pleasant occasions."
At another time, the news source reported:
"Mr. J.P. Batchelor, one of our popular townsmen, sent invitations to his gentlemen friends inviting them to attend a black cat party at his residence.
"The guests were received by Mr. Batchelor, assisted by Mrs. Batchelor, Mrs. B.H. Morgan, and Miss Agnes Legler. After the arrival of the guests, Mr. Batchelor made a short address of welcome in which he stated that Dr. Frank Swallow would be master of ceremony.
"For the evening, the Dr. responded in a very pleasant manner complementing Mr. Batchelor on his beautiful home and surroundings and on his public spirit, referring to the construction of his new store buildings. He said, 'If we had more Batchelors, we would have a better town.' The guests were entertained in various ways.
"Mr. G.H. Breckline of Kansas City, was present with his bones and kept the guests in good humor with his instruments and his stories. He wears a medal for being the champion bone rattler of the world.
"Punch was served in the library, presided over by Miss Inez Batchelor (daughter). About 9:30 p.m., the guests were invited to the dining room where warm refreshments were served, after which a smoke was taken in the library.
"The cat guessing contest was an enjoyable feature of the evening. Each guest was furnished with a card and pencil. On the cards were printed conundrums, commencing with the word 'cat.' The party who succeeded in answering the greatest number of the conundrums correctly received an elegant prize. Twenty minutes were given the contestants and when time was called, the lists were corrected and it was found that F.C. Scott and C.C. Lord each had the same number of correct answers. They drew lots and Mr. Scott won the prize, which was a fine silk umbrella, with a bone handle and silver mountings. On the mounting was the following inscription 'For the wise cat, Nov. 11, 1903.'
"The party broke up about 11:30, wishing Mr. Batchelor many such pleasant 'black cat parties.' "
The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 9.
The J.P. Batchelor home described in the Valley Falls New Era, Nov. 25, 1899, as "the handsomest and most modern in the county," (see Valley Falls Vindicator, Jan. 16, 2013) won praise from the Valley Falls New Era, Nov. 23, 1903, as two social events of the season took place at the beautiful home on separate occasions. Mrs. Batchelor entertained some 80 of her lady friends, assisted by Mrs. H.B. Morgan of Leavenworth and Miss Agnes Legler of Valley Falls.
According to the news item:
"The reception room and parlor were elegantly decorated with yellow chrysanthemums and the dining room with American Beauty roses. The house was illuminated with gas throughout, and from the chandeliers were suspended ribbons of ivy and ferns. Hall's orchestra from Topeka was stationed in the hall, where they discoused (sic) sweet strains of music through the reception. Miss Inez Batchelor (daughter) presided over the punch bowl. An elegant three-course lunch was served, after which the guests departed for their respective homes, wishing their hostess many such pleasant occasions."
At another time, the news source reported:
"Mr. J.P. Batchelor, one of our popular townsmen, sent invitations to his gentlemen friends inviting them to attend a black cat party at his residence.
"The guests were received by Mr. Batchelor, assisted by Mrs. Batchelor, Mrs. B.H. Morgan, and Miss Agnes Legler. After the arrival of the guests, Mr. Batchelor made a short address of welcome in which he stated that Dr. Frank Swallow would be master of ceremony.
"For the evening, the Dr. responded in a very pleasant manner complementing Mr. Batchelor on his beautiful home and surroundings and on his public spirit, referring to the construction of his new store buildings. He said, 'If we had more Batchelors, we would have a better town.' The guests were entertained in various ways.
"Mr. G.H. Breckline of Kansas City, was present with his bones and kept the guests in good humor with his instruments and his stories. He wears a medal for being the champion bone rattler of the world.
"Punch was served in the library, presided over by Miss Inez Batchelor (daughter). About 9:30 p.m., the guests were invited to the dining room where warm refreshments were served, after which a smoke was taken in the library.
"The cat guessing contest was an enjoyable feature of the evening. Each guest was furnished with a card and pencil. On the cards were printed conundrums, commencing with the word 'cat.' The party who succeeded in answering the greatest number of the conundrums correctly received an elegant prize. Twenty minutes were given the contestants and when time was called, the lists were corrected and it was found that F.C. Scott and C.C. Lord each had the same number of correct answers. They drew lots and Mr. Scott won the prize, which was a fine silk umbrella, with a bone handle and silver mountings. On the mounting was the following inscription 'For the wise cat, Nov. 11, 1903.'
"The party broke up about 11:30, wishing Mr. Batchelor many such pleasant 'black cat parties.' "
The historical society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 9.
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