by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
The Historical Society Museum window scenes celebrate Presidents Day with mega portraits of each president, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, surrounded by military service flags. Our first and 16th president—each a wartime leader in his own lifetime—had hosts of stories and letters written to and about them as well as their own tales of personal experiences, many of which have been preserved reverently and historically, including heroics, personality traits, family, letters (critical and complimentary), etc. Copies from each with some comments from the authors include:
Mr. Washington was a popular subject for the artists. For example, the "Washington Crossing the Delaware" painting.
A personal trait: ice cream, a favorite dessert. He even had an ice house built near his Mount Vernon home so his wife, Martha, could serve ice cream to friends and family. The Washingtons also used the ice house to preserve meat and butter, chill wine and make ice cream. The ice house was located on a river bank about 75 yards from the Potomac. To store ice cream, Washington's slaves had to use chisels and axes to pull large chunks of ice from the frozen river during the winter time and haul them to the ice house for use throughout spring and summer.
During the nation's celebration of its 200th birthday, 1976, Mr. Washington was honored with a song whose opening words were "First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen."
One of Mr. Lincoln's many letters was a request for a Good Friday observance: "State of New Hampshire, Claremont, March 16, 1865 - To His Excellency, Abraham Lincoln - 'Honored Sir, I beg leave to express to you, the Chief Magistrate of our country, my earnest require and desire that if not inconsistent with your own views or with a decision already made, you will appoint Good Friday, the fourteenth day of April next, to be observed as a day of fasting and prayer throughout the United States. I have reason to believe that day would be agreeable to Christian people of all denominations. Having made this brief suggestion I beg to assure you of the high consideration with which I remain your Excellency's most obedient and trustful servant. Cariton Chase, Bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire."
The president did not declare Good Friday of 1865 a national day of fasting and prayer. Instead, Lincoln went to the theater that night where he was assassinated.
The society museum will be open at 10 a.m. Sat., Feb. 22.
February 19, 2014
February 13, 2014
Christmas 1885 - Treats for children, but a bloody lip for Mr. Crosby
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
A sundry of events reported by the Dec. 31, 1885, Valley Falls New Era, bear proof the year ended on a limited note of cheer, a questionable New Year's resolution, and a violent argument between prominent city officials.
Details are "Simons is said to be running his saloon on a bigger and bolder scale than ever. He sells beer and whiskey and deals them out by their right names. His argument is that he expects to be convicted and fined and he wants — perhaps resolved? — to make enough money to see him through the squabble.
"A.G. Patrick had a handsome and well-filled Christmas tree at his residence Christmas Eve. He invited in all the poor children in the neighborhood and each one of them got one or more presents from the tree, and Patrick very delightfully entertained the little fellows with the story of Santa Claus, assuming the role himself.
"Assault on Mr. Crosby — Bad blood over a whiskey war came to a head on Christmas Day when R.H. Crosby was smitten in the mouth by the city marshal, Jasper Boles, knocking loose one of Mr. Crosby's front teeth and cutting his lip so that the blood flowed quite freely.
"The circumstances are briefly these: Mr. Boles, during the past summer and fall has been residing in the Lutt house of which Mr. Crosby is agent. At the time of the defeat of Mr. Boles for sheriff, he was considerably behind on his rent and when solicited by Crosby to pay up, said, 'I am D.....D hard up, but will pay soon if I have to sell my watch!' So, matters stood until Mr. Crosby gave him a legal written notice to vacate the premises. To this Mr. Boles paid no attention and continued to 'hold the fort' without coming forward with the rent.
"This was the status of the case when, on Christmas Day, as Mr. Crosby was passing Coy's Drugstore, he noticed Mr. Boles going in. Mr. Crosby followed him and calling him back from the crowd, asked him if he had moved out of the house. To this Mr. Boles responded that his mother was sick. Mr. Crosby accepted this as reasonable excuse for not vacating, but censured him severely for dead beating the Lutt Estate out of the rent. Mr. Boles got very angry and said to Crosby, 'If you give me any more of your lip, I will hit you.'
"To this challenge, Mr. Crosby merely responded, 'Jap, do you consider this doing the honorable thing?' Mr. Boles at once bringing his hand around and smiting Mr. Crosby full in the mouth, Boles instantly drawing back and making a motion to grasp his revolver from his hip pocket.
"Mr. Crosby offered no resistance. Since there was no officer present, Mr. Crosby proceeded to the office of Police Judge Simpson and had Mr. Boles arrested and bound over for the sum of $50 and for trial set the next day.
"At 9 a.m., the trial was short and sweet. Mr. L.A. Myers, Boles' attorney, making a short plea for court leniency and Mr. Crosby's attorney, G.W. McCammon, never opening his mouth. Mr. Boles was fined $15 and costs, which he seemed very well satisfied to pay."
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
A sundry of events reported by the Dec. 31, 1885, Valley Falls New Era, bear proof the year ended on a limited note of cheer, a questionable New Year's resolution, and a violent argument between prominent city officials.
Details are "Simons is said to be running his saloon on a bigger and bolder scale than ever. He sells beer and whiskey and deals them out by their right names. His argument is that he expects to be convicted and fined and he wants — perhaps resolved? — to make enough money to see him through the squabble.
"A.G. Patrick had a handsome and well-filled Christmas tree at his residence Christmas Eve. He invited in all the poor children in the neighborhood and each one of them got one or more presents from the tree, and Patrick very delightfully entertained the little fellows with the story of Santa Claus, assuming the role himself.
"Assault on Mr. Crosby — Bad blood over a whiskey war came to a head on Christmas Day when R.H. Crosby was smitten in the mouth by the city marshal, Jasper Boles, knocking loose one of Mr. Crosby's front teeth and cutting his lip so that the blood flowed quite freely.
"The circumstances are briefly these: Mr. Boles, during the past summer and fall has been residing in the Lutt house of which Mr. Crosby is agent. At the time of the defeat of Mr. Boles for sheriff, he was considerably behind on his rent and when solicited by Crosby to pay up, said, 'I am D.....D hard up, but will pay soon if I have to sell my watch!' So, matters stood until Mr. Crosby gave him a legal written notice to vacate the premises. To this Mr. Boles paid no attention and continued to 'hold the fort' without coming forward with the rent.
"This was the status of the case when, on Christmas Day, as Mr. Crosby was passing Coy's Drugstore, he noticed Mr. Boles going in. Mr. Crosby followed him and calling him back from the crowd, asked him if he had moved out of the house. To this Mr. Boles responded that his mother was sick. Mr. Crosby accepted this as reasonable excuse for not vacating, but censured him severely for dead beating the Lutt Estate out of the rent. Mr. Boles got very angry and said to Crosby, 'If you give me any more of your lip, I will hit you.'
"To this challenge, Mr. Crosby merely responded, 'Jap, do you consider this doing the honorable thing?' Mr. Boles at once bringing his hand around and smiting Mr. Crosby full in the mouth, Boles instantly drawing back and making a motion to grasp his revolver from his hip pocket.
"Mr. Crosby offered no resistance. Since there was no officer present, Mr. Crosby proceeded to the office of Police Judge Simpson and had Mr. Boles arrested and bound over for the sum of $50 and for trial set the next day.
"At 9 a.m., the trial was short and sweet. Mr. L.A. Myers, Boles' attorney, making a short plea for court leniency and Mr. Crosby's attorney, G.W. McCammon, never opening his mouth. Mr. Boles was fined $15 and costs, which he seemed very well satisfied to pay."
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open at 10 a.m. Saturday.
January 29, 2014
Reflections of Jefferson County, Grasshopper Falls in 1859
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, 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 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.
December 23, 2013
Snow 150 years ago brought out the sleighs; 1873 business listing
— compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
The Kansas New Era, December 11, 1873, nearly one century and a half past of Valley Falls history, reported "Hard Times. No Potatoes in Town."
Without further comment on the town's nutrition plight continued, "Five inches of snow last Sunday. Sleighs and sleds of every conceivable kind and description could be seen on our streets last Saturday. We saw a portly gent sit down on the pavement of Sycamore Street very suddenly last Saturday morning. He wears spikes in his boot heels now.
"All day last Sunday a huge and stern looking statue, with a large club in his hand, kept watch and war?? in front of Mr. Lutt's house on Walnut Street, but during Sunday night it vanished away like a phantom; it is needed less to add, it was a snowman."
A few months earlier, September 1873, the same publication published a now historic listing of businesses and professionals of the pioneer village, Grasshopper Falls, later christened Valley Falls.
Following are those who dared to share in the town's growth:
W.D. Lane, Attorney; A.M. Cown, homeopathic physician and surgeon; J. Becand, notary public; Valley Bank and Savings; Sawyer and Mitchell, Broadway Meat Market; J.T.B. Gephart, physician; E.M. Coluin, Mgr., Cataract House; Frazier and Wetherholt, grocers; L.A. Myers, drugs, books, stationary, Magazines; Lord and Waite, manufacturers and dealers in books and shoes;
Weber and Keplinger, dealers in ready made clothing, groceries, etc.; Beland, Meyers and Best, dealers in drugs, medicince, groceries, etc.; J.J. Winterburg, manufacturers and dealers in saddles, harness and collars; W.D. Ward, house and sign painting and paper hanging; Wm. Crosby, dealers in stoves, tinware, and implements; J.W. Eshelman, auctioneer; John R. Lambert, auctioneer; Wm. Clark, justice of the peace and police judge; Strickland and Bliss Hardware, tin ware and agricultural implements;
W. E. Parker, grain, coal, plaster and cement; A. W. Post, Grasshopper Falls Mill; Crosby and Kendall, dealers in dry goods, groceries, clothing and boots; E.M. Hutchens, Broadway Livery; L.F. Eggers, Attorney at Law and land agent; I.O.O.F. Crescent Lodge No. 86; Masonic Lodge; L. Northrup, physician and surgeon; D.J.B. Gish physician and surgeon; T.A. Aitkin, dentist; Prof. A.F. Gibsen, violen lessons; Felix Theibaud, restaurant; A. Wirtz, watchmaker and jeweler; W.C. Butts, land agent; Valley Bank and Savings; Great Western Blacksmith and Wagon Shop, V.F. Newman and Co.; Pioneer Shop Blacksmithing, S.H. Dunn; F.A. Dudgeon and Co., coal and lumber.
The museum will be open starting at 10 a.m. Saturday.
The Kansas New Era, December 11, 1873, nearly one century and a half past of Valley Falls history, reported "Hard Times. No Potatoes in Town."
Without further comment on the town's nutrition plight continued, "Five inches of snow last Sunday. Sleighs and sleds of every conceivable kind and description could be seen on our streets last Saturday. We saw a portly gent sit down on the pavement of Sycamore Street very suddenly last Saturday morning. He wears spikes in his boot heels now.
"All day last Sunday a huge and stern looking statue, with a large club in his hand, kept watch and war?? in front of Mr. Lutt's house on Walnut Street, but during Sunday night it vanished away like a phantom; it is needed less to add, it was a snowman."
A few months earlier, September 1873, the same publication published a now historic listing of businesses and professionals of the pioneer village, Grasshopper Falls, later christened Valley Falls.
Following are those who dared to share in the town's growth:
W.D. Lane, Attorney; A.M. Cown, homeopathic physician and surgeon; J. Becand, notary public; Valley Bank and Savings; Sawyer and Mitchell, Broadway Meat Market; J.T.B. Gephart, physician; E.M. Coluin, Mgr., Cataract House; Frazier and Wetherholt, grocers; L.A. Myers, drugs, books, stationary, Magazines; Lord and Waite, manufacturers and dealers in books and shoes;
Weber and Keplinger, dealers in ready made clothing, groceries, etc.; Beland, Meyers and Best, dealers in drugs, medicince, groceries, etc.; J.J. Winterburg, manufacturers and dealers in saddles, harness and collars; W.D. Ward, house and sign painting and paper hanging; Wm. Crosby, dealers in stoves, tinware, and implements; J.W. Eshelman, auctioneer; John R. Lambert, auctioneer; Wm. Clark, justice of the peace and police judge; Strickland and Bliss Hardware, tin ware and agricultural implements;
W. E. Parker, grain, coal, plaster and cement; A. W. Post, Grasshopper Falls Mill; Crosby and Kendall, dealers in dry goods, groceries, clothing and boots; E.M. Hutchens, Broadway Livery; L.F. Eggers, Attorney at Law and land agent; I.O.O.F. Crescent Lodge No. 86; Masonic Lodge; L. Northrup, physician and surgeon; D.J.B. Gish physician and surgeon; T.A. Aitkin, dentist; Prof. A.F. Gibsen, violen lessons; Felix Theibaud, restaurant; A. Wirtz, watchmaker and jeweler; W.C. Butts, land agent; Valley Bank and Savings; Great Western Blacksmith and Wagon Shop, V.F. Newman and Co.; Pioneer Shop Blacksmithing, S.H. Dunn; F.A. Dudgeon and Co., coal and lumber.
The museum will be open starting at 10 a.m. Saturday.
December 17, 2013
December window displays at museum
by Betty Jane Wilson, society president
"Toyland, Joyland, Girl and Boyland" words from the 1903 Broadway musical, "Babes inToyland," inspired the December historical society museum window display.
A giant Christmas tree docorated with colored Christmas ornaments and twinkling lights predominates with a host of dolls and toys surrounding the holiday tree.
Yesteryear TiddlyWinks and dominoes grab the attention with gifts from other past and more recent generations that capture the viewer's eye and help fill the wish book.
A "Happy Birthday Grasshopper Falls 1854-2013" poster reminder completes the scene.
The veterans' window framed with gold garland interspersed with bright red poinsettias, features a miniature Christmas tree decorated with subdued patriotic ribbon and twinkling lights encircled with military service flags. American flags and "Support our Troops" reminder complete the holiday scene.
The Valley Falls museum will be open Saturday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m.
"Toyland, Joyland, Girl and Boyland" words from the 1903 Broadway musical, "Babes inToyland," inspired the December historical society museum window display.
A giant Christmas tree docorated with colored Christmas ornaments and twinkling lights predominates with a host of dolls and toys surrounding the holiday tree.
Yesteryear TiddlyWinks and dominoes grab the attention with gifts from other past and more recent generations that capture the viewer's eye and help fill the wish book.
A "Happy Birthday Grasshopper Falls 1854-2013" poster reminder completes the scene.
The veterans' window framed with gold garland interspersed with bright red poinsettias, features a miniature Christmas tree decorated with subdued patriotic ribbon and twinkling lights encircled with military service flags. American flags and "Support our Troops" reminder complete the holiday scene.
The Valley Falls museum will be open Saturday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m.
December 05, 2013
Horse thieves in Grasshopper Falls
Compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, society president,
According to the 1863 Kansas Jeffersonian news publication, Grasshopper Falls was plagued with horse thievery woes (no pun intended). Following is one of the tales (woops!)
Oct. 28, 1863:
"A couple of bold jaywalkers—Mr. Herman, keeper of the Travelers' home one mile east of town, had two valuable mares stolen just in the edge of the evening on Monday last.
"The thieves were in garb of soldiers and represented themselves to one of our settlers as jennison's men. They were in town just before dark enquiring the route to Nebraska City, which course they did in fact take.
"A part of our citizens were soon in close pursuit who pressed the scoundrels so hard that they quit the stolen animals and probably took to the brush on foot. The horses were found yesterday morning on their way home."
November 4, 1863:
"Mr. Eli Evans of Oskaloosa was lately robbed of $1500 on Kaw bottom. Mr. Evans was in the employ of S.L. North of Leavenworth who furnished the above sum of money for said Evans to buy horses with.
"Mr. E. was on his way to Topeka and had nearly reached the ferry when stopped by the highwaymen. There were four of the robbers. After securing the money, together with a pistol and $60 belonging to young Evans, they attempted to make way with him, but fortunately he escaped.
"The two thieves who stole Newman's horses were caught at Hiawatha. One of them was retained by the citizens there to pay them for assisting to catch the scoundrels. The other who goes by the name of Scott, was brought back to our place on Saturday.
"We saw the gentleman—a hard looking customer in soldier clothes—had a faint resemblance to the 'Grim Chieftan.' He proved to be a deserter from a Nebraska regiment and an old hand at horse stealing.
"It is said that he made some startling developments implicating certain persons at the lower end of the county. He had an unrighteous looking knife on his person when captured. It was upwards of a foot long.
"After he had said all that he was disposed to on the subject of his chosen profession, he was allowed to accompany a small party on a light scouting expedition, himself tied upon a horse.
"When the party returned along toward daylight Sunday morning, Mr. Thief was missing and the party did not seem disposed to render a satisfactory explanation of his mysterious disappearance. He probably 'went up a tree' temporarily."
November 18, 1863:
"Andrew Ogden, one of the theives who stole Newman's horses, is now in the Atchison County jail. So says the Champion (Atchison news) having been handed over by the citizens of Hiawatha for safe keeping."
December 23, 1863:
The Atchison Champion says, "An unknown gentleman was found hanging by the neck last week in the timber on Stranger Creek a few miles southwest of town. It is conjecture that he fell a victim to the established prejudice in the community against horse stealing."
—Yesteryears, April 1993
The local museum will be open Saturday starting at 10 a.m.
According to the 1863 Kansas Jeffersonian news publication, Grasshopper Falls was plagued with horse thievery woes (no pun intended). Following is one of the tales (woops!)
Oct. 28, 1863:
"A couple of bold jaywalkers—Mr. Herman, keeper of the Travelers' home one mile east of town, had two valuable mares stolen just in the edge of the evening on Monday last.
"The thieves were in garb of soldiers and represented themselves to one of our settlers as jennison's men. They were in town just before dark enquiring the route to Nebraska City, which course they did in fact take.
"A part of our citizens were soon in close pursuit who pressed the scoundrels so hard that they quit the stolen animals and probably took to the brush on foot. The horses were found yesterday morning on their way home."
November 4, 1863:
"Mr. Eli Evans of Oskaloosa was lately robbed of $1500 on Kaw bottom. Mr. Evans was in the employ of S.L. North of Leavenworth who furnished the above sum of money for said Evans to buy horses with.
"Mr. E. was on his way to Topeka and had nearly reached the ferry when stopped by the highwaymen. There were four of the robbers. After securing the money, together with a pistol and $60 belonging to young Evans, they attempted to make way with him, but fortunately he escaped.
"The two thieves who stole Newman's horses were caught at Hiawatha. One of them was retained by the citizens there to pay them for assisting to catch the scoundrels. The other who goes by the name of Scott, was brought back to our place on Saturday.
"We saw the gentleman—a hard looking customer in soldier clothes—had a faint resemblance to the 'Grim Chieftan.' He proved to be a deserter from a Nebraska regiment and an old hand at horse stealing.
"It is said that he made some startling developments implicating certain persons at the lower end of the county. He had an unrighteous looking knife on his person when captured. It was upwards of a foot long.
"After he had said all that he was disposed to on the subject of his chosen profession, he was allowed to accompany a small party on a light scouting expedition, himself tied upon a horse.
"When the party returned along toward daylight Sunday morning, Mr. Thief was missing and the party did not seem disposed to render a satisfactory explanation of his mysterious disappearance. He probably 'went up a tree' temporarily."
November 18, 1863:
"Andrew Ogden, one of the theives who stole Newman's horses, is now in the Atchison County jail. So says the Champion (Atchison news) having been handed over by the citizens of Hiawatha for safe keeping."
December 23, 1863:
The Atchison Champion says, "An unknown gentleman was found hanging by the neck last week in the timber on Stranger Creek a few miles southwest of town. It is conjecture that he fell a victim to the established prejudice in the community against horse stealing."
—Yesteryears, April 1993
The local museum will be open Saturday starting at 10 a.m.
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