Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
January, when the babe of the new year bids farewell to the old, ushers in a time of resolutions, predictions, hopes and dreams, hoards mysteries of the future, and prompts periods of reflection, personal or otherwise.
A century and a half ago, the Crescent (news), Grasshopper Falls, Kansas territory, January 8, 1859, reflected on Jefferson County and associate towns' growth progress.
Quote: "We have often heard it remarked by those well acquainted with this territory (Kansas) that no inland county within its limits could surpass our own, in the fertility of soil, its general advantages, or the enterprise of its farmers. . . after several jaunts to different points, in no other county do we find as many flourishing towns, as many churches, and schoolhouses, unless it be those bordering on the river.
"Grasshopper Falls, a town well known in the earliest history of this territory and one which bids fair to become one of its largest and thriving towns and which is destined to be the most prominent point in the contemplated railroad, from St. Joseph to Topeka, is situated in the northeastern part of the county and in the most thickly populated portion. It has two mills, lumber and flour, three large stores, one church, and two schools. The ring of the smith's anvil and pounding of the carpenter's hammer daily heard.
"We predict that those who visit Grasshopper Falls five years from today will wonder at the growth as much as those who visit this site today wonder over the unimproved prairie site three years ago.
"Oskaloosa, the present county seat, also a flourishing town, is situated in the southeast part of the county adjoining the Delaware Reservation, will gain additional importance when the reserve is open to settlers. Winchester, Osawkee, Hickory Point, and Fairfield are also thriving rapidly.
"To those who seek for home in the far west, no place offers greater inducements than the territory (Kansas) and no county in it better than this (Jefferson)."
Source: April 1981, Yesteryears.
The society's museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
January 29, 2014
January 07, 2014
Rufus Crosby's in-laws, the Kendalls, celebrate 50th anniversary
by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
Rufus H. Crosby, native of Maine, came to Kansas in 1855 after a short sojourn in Minneapolis. In company with his brother, William, they opened the first merchandising store in Grasshopper Falls. They erected a building on the corner of Louisa and Sycamore streets.
Despite setbacks, he continued in the mercantile business. It has been said, "To strike out the name and interests of Rufus H. Crosby from the history of Valley Falls would destroy the fabric of that history."
After the years in the mercantile business, he assumed the proprietorship of the Valley Falls Bank of Deposit.
On April 13, 1862, he married Miss Nettie Kendall at the bride's home in Hamden, Maine, the daughter of Johnathan and Dollie Kendall.
To this union was born Lottie, their only child. Mr. Crosby was well known as a politician, successful banker, religious leader and pioneer in town, state and Jefferson County.
On April 15, 1888, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Kendall celebrated the 50th anniversary of the marriage. Among the guests from Kansas were Mr. and Mrs. Rufus H. Crosby and their daughter Lottie.
After the presentation of many gifts, piano solo, poems, etc. in honor of the occasion, Mr. Crosby addressed the Kendalls in his own inimitable manner proving his versatility as a sentimentalist and a devoted son-in-law in his tribute to his wife's parents.
Following are excerpts from his tribute: "As permancy of this marriage is the cornerstone of home, the church, and all good government, it is well and eminently desirable that we properly magnify every fifty years stretch. Life, at best is brief and eternity is beyond our comprehension, so let us today with cordial greeting and good cheer, make the most of this very interesting and happy event.
"We wish you great joy. The past is safe and full of satisfaction; the future secure. The combination in your case has proved a success. On one side, the sturdy, sterling, solid qualities of the husband and father and on the other the warm-hearted, model housewife and true mother.
"We especially rejoice with you that it was possible for all your children now living to be present, together with so large a number of your brothers and sisters with their children.
"Our joy is saddened that three of nine chairs around your family board are vacant. Ruth, your first born— Lydia, a brave-hearted girl— and Melvina in far away Kansas where she now sleeps on the wind swept prairie.
"During these fifty years what wonderful achievements have been attained in science and mechanics. It has been literally an age of steam and jerked lightning.
"You have witnessed the terrible struggle between the North and South. You have seen the wild desert plains of Kansas become a famous growing state capable of producing meat and grain enough not only feed herself, but all New England too.
"We know that we voice the sincere and hearty sentiment of all your guests in expressing the wish that you may both be spared many years to reap the remunerations of a green old age."
The Historical Society Museum will open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11.
Rufus H. Crosby, native of Maine, came to Kansas in 1855 after a short sojourn in Minneapolis. In company with his brother, William, they opened the first merchandising store in Grasshopper Falls. They erected a building on the corner of Louisa and Sycamore streets.
Despite setbacks, he continued in the mercantile business. It has been said, "To strike out the name and interests of Rufus H. Crosby from the history of Valley Falls would destroy the fabric of that history."
After the years in the mercantile business, he assumed the proprietorship of the Valley Falls Bank of Deposit.
On April 13, 1862, he married Miss Nettie Kendall at the bride's home in Hamden, Maine, the daughter of Johnathan and Dollie Kendall.
To this union was born Lottie, their only child. Mr. Crosby was well known as a politician, successful banker, religious leader and pioneer in town, state and Jefferson County.
On April 15, 1888, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Kendall celebrated the 50th anniversary of the marriage. Among the guests from Kansas were Mr. and Mrs. Rufus H. Crosby and their daughter Lottie.
After the presentation of many gifts, piano solo, poems, etc. in honor of the occasion, Mr. Crosby addressed the Kendalls in his own inimitable manner proving his versatility as a sentimentalist and a devoted son-in-law in his tribute to his wife's parents.
Following are excerpts from his tribute: "As permancy of this marriage is the cornerstone of home, the church, and all good government, it is well and eminently desirable that we properly magnify every fifty years stretch. Life, at best is brief and eternity is beyond our comprehension, so let us today with cordial greeting and good cheer, make the most of this very interesting and happy event.
"We wish you great joy. The past is safe and full of satisfaction; the future secure. The combination in your case has proved a success. On one side, the sturdy, sterling, solid qualities of the husband and father and on the other the warm-hearted, model housewife and true mother.
"We especially rejoice with you that it was possible for all your children now living to be present, together with so large a number of your brothers and sisters with their children.
"Our joy is saddened that three of nine chairs around your family board are vacant. Ruth, your first born— Lydia, a brave-hearted girl— and Melvina in far away Kansas where she now sleeps on the wind swept prairie.
"During these fifty years what wonderful achievements have been attained in science and mechanics. It has been literally an age of steam and jerked lightning.
"You have witnessed the terrible struggle between the North and South. You have seen the wild desert plains of Kansas become a famous growing state capable of producing meat and grain enough not only feed herself, but all New England too.
"We know that we voice the sincere and hearty sentiment of all your guests in expressing the wish that you may both be spared many years to reap the remunerations of a green old age."
The Historical Society Museum will open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11.
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