OLD NEWS ITEMS
From THE HOLTON RECORDER
May 4, 1878 - D. A. Hager and Henry Kroth have lately dis- posed of a lot of cattle. We learn they sold well.
Our school is under the management of Walter Segrist. J. W. Norris is rapidly bringing our Sunday School to a high plane. (Avoca News written by'Remle')
June 13, 1878 - Our summer term of school, taught by Walter Segrist closed last Friday.
June 24, 1878 - We will celebrate the 4th of July at Buck's Grove, Jackson County, Kansas. Arrangements are being made to have a good time. We expect to have plenty of fresh beef and. everything else that is good to eat on the grounds.
February 13, 1879 - Kroth, Hager, Segrist and Reed can be seen shoveling corn out to their cattle every day. They have some fine ones. - By Plum Blossom
May 26, 1879 - Kenry Kroth and J. P. Faidley were in Kansas City, Missouri, last week buying some Short Horn stock.
July 28, 1879 - There has been some change in real estate in these parts. Henry Kroth has added 160 acres to his farm and D. Hager added 80 acres.
April 4, 1881 - The new saw mill is now in operation at James Crossing and there seems to be a good rush of logs into the mill yard.
January 23, 1882 - Republican caucus met at Avoca. John Bayes was elected chairman. Delegates were D. H. Hager, R. B. Loughmiller and R. M. Owens. I congratulate Buck's Grove in procuring services of H. F. Graham in their school. There are 50 pupils enrolled.
January 24, 1882 - Ebenezer Huffman died in his sixtieth year. Joseph, his son died the day of his funeral.
April 18, 1882 People in Buck's Grove were fortunate in procuring the services of Miss Mollie Graham in their school.
By Radical
May 4, 1882 - Mr. Joseph Vatts spends the twilight shooting rabbits. He says they eat his beets and peas.
October 15, 1891 - Apples by the wagon load are hauled to Hill's cider mill. They return with all but the skins pressed into cider.
October 22, 1891 - John Bottom says he has 200 bushels of apples that he cannot take care of.
April 6, 1893 - Henry Kroth lost all of his fish. The water being low, consequently froze to the bottom. He estimates the loss to be several thousand. They were German Carp.
April 25, 1901 - Frank Kroth purchased a fine three seated spring wagon of Riley Hardware Company in Soldier on Saturday. The Riley's report a large sale in rural mail boxes. There are mighty few poor boxes on Soldier routes. The patrons appre- ciate the service and are willing to meet the government halfway in the grand undertaking.
September 26, 1901 - Henry Sigg springs a new mail wagon on the public this week. He has it neatly lettered: U. S.M. R. P. D. No. 1, Soldier, Kansas. Every mail wagon should be lettered and fixed up nice.
December 26, 1901 -Avoca News - John Kroth of Custer County, Oklahoma, is visiting with parents and other relatives.
July 24, 1907 - These hold Teacher's Certificates: First Grade, Rosa Clements; Second Grade, Clara Loughmiller and H. Clare Clements; Third Grade, Effie Kroth.
March 26, 1936 - Frank Kroth has bought a tractor and equipment, one of most modern design. Clarence Kroth did some plowing last week with it. A. E. Kroth, the tax assessor, has been making his annual visits.
April 30, 1936 - Some variety in Epworth League services has been attempted quite successfully by Miss Lucy Kroth. She has reviewed Sheldon's "Twentieth Door."
August 27, 1945 - Mrs. Arch Kroth brought a bouquet of lovely gladiolas to the tea at the grange hall that was equal to any hot house variety ever seen. They were the salmon pink, and captured the interest of all in stately perfection. The man here, who seldom 'sees' flowers, decided the glads are the prettiest there are. Another man says all they lack is perfume. In all other ways, they are first. The Kroths planted their bulbs in an old pool and it surely was the right place. The stalks are rank. The blooms are large and numerous, and so delicately fashioned that they defy all man's skill of art. Sometimes it's easy to believe that flowers tell us something of eternal Heavenly values, if only they could make us under- stand. So few of us ponder to conclusion, but a person is dull indeed if he does not marvel at the master workmanship of flowers.
Harland Clements worked five months at Hanford, Washington, with the construction crew that built the plant that produced the atomic bomb. At that time the workmen had no Idea what they were making, but they were certain it was destructive and dangerous. Huge steel vats were sunk into the ground, and covered with tight fitting heavy steel lids. They were scattered over a wide area of the sandy desolate stretch of land along the Columbia river, far away from cities or anything else of impor- tance. Heat was bad and there was little or no rainfall. It was so undesirable and unpleasant that workmen were changing constantly. As many as 600 t one time. Wages were extra good, but living was high and most unsatisfactory. Accidents were frequent. It was owned by the Duponts. Only eight days after the atomic bomb was used, we had a peace offer from Japan. It's wonderful to know that our boys aren't fighting anymore. It's wonderful that something brought it to an end at last. But country people didn't go wild celebrating. Listening to the city commotion was quite enough. We were thankful just the same and we were able to work the next day. Working might have been more fun than the holiday that the radicals spent after the night be- fore. Deaths by accidents and murder caused by the "fun" are sad indeed, and would have been avoided if liquor had been left out. Soldiers and sailors far away from home, trained and steeped in the ways of war were most excusable, but that did not lessen the grief of their loved ones when the death message reached home. I'm ashamed of war in all its dealings, even in its victory celebration. Surely there's a better way for civilized people.
From THE SOLDIER CLIPPER
March 1, 1887 - The exibition given by the Avoca Theatrical Company the last day of school was a success. The receipts were $12.00. The weather that night was very bad and the creek became so high that nearly all who lived on the east side had to remain in the school house all night.
The Havensville Torchlight was started in November, 1891.
February 4, 1892 From Leaves from Buck's Grove: Mrs. Jacob Loughmiller died on January 29, 1892, of pneu- monia grip. The deceased was one of the first settlers in the neightobrhood of Buck's Grove, and was a true Christian of the Methodist faith. Her relatives and friends have the sympathy of the entire community.
May 4, 1892 - Baby Manuel is the happy possessor of a fine new carriage.
August 18, 1892 - The World's Fair appropriation from this Congress has a string to it in the shape of a Sunday closer.
November 3, 1892 - The scholars of Buck's Grove school house gave an interesting entertainment last Friday evening, consisting of dialogues, select readings and declamations for the purpose of raising funds with which to purchase a flag for their school house. The proceeds amounted to nearly $5.00. They will raise the flag in a few days.
November 10,, 1892 - John Venneberg is building a house on his farm west of the home place.
February 9, 1893 - From Winter Leaves from Buck's Grove Items. Another cold snap. The roads are packed in ice. George Kroth has the mumps. Last Thursday one of Henry Kroth's best cattle'fell from a high bank and was killed. The pond back of the school house affords a fine skating place for the pupils, since the thaw and freeze. Frank Beach arrived home last week from Oklahoma. While there he found a piece of land that suited him, so he made himself possessor. He expects to build a shanty and will try his hand at batching next summer. He will return in a few days. May prosperity and pleasure follow him.
February 16, 1893 - George F. Loughmiller gathers a crop of 40 eggs per day. During the month of January, he sold $16.00 worth of eggs. How is that for winter time? This shows that Fett is an energetic farmer. Give your chickens proper care, then you will be repaid for your trouble.
February 28, 1893 - The band boys from Avoca are talking of disorganizing, owing to so many of the boys having moved away. The Leaguers of the Grove are preparing to give a literary meeting one week from next Sunday evening. The traveling man for The Abbot Mercantile Company, who had a mishap here with his huckster wagon some time, came out last week and took his wagon and produce back to Holton.
May 17, 1894 - The irrigated lands of Idaho possess that peculiar qualification which is perfectly adapted to the raising of apples, apricots, peaches, cherries, plums, grapes, prunes, hops, alfalfa, corn, and potatoes, which find a ready market and bring a good price. We'll sell our advertising matter on application.
--J.E.Jepson, Soldier, Kansas
(Were the Peck boys and Watts boys influenced by this???)
December 17, 1896 - Dr. S. S. Reed came to Soldier April 27, 1880. Uncle John Bottom says that 34 years ago he purchased corn for 70 a bushel and hauled it to Leavenworth and sold same for 210 a bushel.
January 13, 1898 - Obituary of Mrs. Mary Clements included: Mrs. Mary Clements was born in Cambridgeshire, England, July 8, 1813, and died at her home five miles southwest of Soldier on Tuesday, January 4, 1898, age 84 years, 5 months. Grandma Clements was married to J. S. Bottom in 1833 in Cambridgeshire. He died in 1842. She then married Samuel Clements in 1845 at Cambridgeshire. He died in the war and was buried at Dean's Corner, Illinois, in the year 1863. In 1864 she moved to Kansas and located in this county, where she spent the remaining part of her life. She was the mother of 9 children, seven of whom survive. The funeral took place at Buck's Grove, Thursday, January 6, 1898. Reverend Calvin officiated, assisted by Father Biddison. Interment was made in the old church cemetery at that place.
-Rhoda Bottom
November 3, 1898 - Vote for the hedge and week law.
From Avoca news by Alice Mary.
August 24, 1899 - Some of our people are expecting to attend the log rolling at St. Marys next Thursday.
Headlines read, "The Fued War in Kentucky at White heat. Encounter between Philpots and Griffins.
September 4, 1899 - School began this morning at Avoca with Mr. Heath of Holton as teacher.
November 3, 1899 - Clarence McMullen is ahead of most people, he is done shucking corn.
December 15, 1902 - J. H. Peck had a sale of implements and live stock on the Dunham farm.
February 26, 1903 - The box supper at Avoca Wednesday night was a grand success. The proceeds amounted to $26.60. Three boxes brought the sum of $7.50.
January 17, 1906 - Arch E. Kroth exhibited a pen of mammoth Bronze turkeys at the State Poultry Show last week and in com- petition with a large class of birds from Kansas and Missouri, won second on pullets, third on cockerel, and in Kansas, first pen.
June 6, 1906 - Commencement exercises were held at Buck's Grove. The moto was "Launched, But Not Anchored". Esther Kroth received the highest grades in the county, which entitles her to a year's schooling free.
From HAVENSVILLE REVIEW -
Friday, June 27, 1902 - Rain had fallen in light showers all afternoon. At 9 o'clock rain began to fall in torrence and in an hours time, the creek just south of town was a tor- rent of angry, roaring, dashing mass of waves. At Buck's Grove, destruction was great. In south of the community, John Page's loss.will be $500 to $600, consisting of crops and land destroyed. The neighbors just south of him lost a carload of hogs. At the Ellis farm west of the church, Mr. Cromwell lost his barn and team of good horses. The house which had been built twenty years was moved off its foundation. Sam Clement's loss will be $5oo to $6oo. His horses and cattle in the pasture were drowned, along with several hogs. The nearest to loss of life was that of Miss Clara Fuller and that of her grandmother, Mrs. Gordon. Their house was moved around and water in it was three to four feet deep. Mrs. Gordon is quite feeble and has to be helped. Miss Clara lifted her first upon the sofa, then the table, and finally succeeded In lifting her through a hole in the ceiling to the attic. They were rescued by Sam Clements who carried Mrs. Gordon all the way to his house through the water, holding to the wire fence with one hand to keep his footing.
From THE HOLTON SIGNAL (Subscription price was $2.00)
March 6, 1878 - Topeka, Kansas ... Twenty-seven car loads of passengers came in today from Atchison and Kansas City on the Santa Fe road carrying 1250 passenters, mostly for settlement in the Arkansas Valley. It is estimated by those who are posted, land agents and railroad men, that the state will add 250,000 to its population this year.
March 20, 1878 The finishing of the Soldier Creek Bridge we believe is as yet a failure.
March 27, 1878 - A WORD TO CORRESPONDENCE by the Editor.(A deviation from this rigid standard appeared In the 1930's of which Joe Peasley says there is not a word of truth to it.)
- Write on one side of paper only.
- Confine your communications to Items of news and avoid long dissertations upon politics, law, temperance, and religion.
- Use plain English language to express your meaning, and use as few words as possible.
- Avoid abusive and personal language, and don't mis- represent.
- Write proper names plainly. The compositor can guess at the rest.
Rosie, the Shepard dog belonging to Joe Peasley at Buck's Grove made her way to the Veteran's Hospital in Topeka to spend Christmas with her master. About three weeks ago, four of Joe's neighbors went to visit Joe, taking Rosie along which proved the undoing of Rosie's peace of mind and affection. As the days slipped by, she grew restless and more lonely. The two have lived alone in the little home on the banks of Cross Creek since Joe purchased her at Keats two years ago. The pedigreed dog traveled the fifty miles to the very door of the ward of her friend, whom she remembered visiting recently. Martha Peasley, Joe's sister, says she has tried to be one of Rosie's friends but it is no secret that Rosie is a one man's dog. It's doubt- ful if any letter or gift this Christmas time could have pleased Joe any more than this long lonely trip made by his dog.
April 3,1878 - From New York Times
-
Oleomargarine has finally become a commercial product, and that it is a competitor of dairy butter is a fact.
June 19, 1878 - West Jackson Items - The last musical entertainment at Avoca was given by our worthy citizen, Henry Kroth. It was quite an enjoyable occasion.
July 10, 1878 - The distance being too great to permit many people from west Jackson to be in Holton to participate in the celebration there (4th), they met and celebrated in a quiet but pleasant way at Buck's Grove.
July 15, 1878 - Buck's Grove - A basket meeting was held at Buck's Grove on last Sunday by the Reverend Crooks of Havensville.
May 28, 1879 - C. E. Kroth of Buck's Grove called at the office and subscribed for the Signal.
April 30, 1880 Buck's Grove Items by Buckeye. Charles Kroth started for Colorado last Monday. Charles is a first class young man and we wish him all success in his new field of adventure.
May 16, 1880 - George P. Loughmiller is building a new home, just the size for two. Rhoades Clements is also preparing to build soon.
May 30, 1880 - The funeral of Stephen Osborn at Buck's Grove was held by Reverend D. Channell, Tuesday.
Charley Kroth writes he Is clearing $40.00 per month in Colorado. Go west young man and got rich.
July 14, 1880 - Simeon Beach was firing an anvil by blowing the fuse, when it suddenly exploded and threw burning powder over his face,chest and arms. He was considerably burned and bruised, but was lucky to excape with his life.
(Buckeye ended his items on July 14, 1880.)
June 15, 1880 - STORM AT HAVENSVILLE A friend at Havensville sends us the following account of the storm at that place last Friday night (June 10). A large two story dwelling house belonging to James Rosevier, just en- closed and nearly completed was moved from its foundation, twisted and rocked until it will have to be torn down and rebuilt. A small house belonging to John Proctor and about ready for occupancy was picked up and scattered over the adjacent lots, and there isn't enough of it in any one place to construct a cellar door. A portable photograph gallery was carried about 10 feet and then scattered as though it had been struck with a bombshell. The frame for C. E. Hamilton's new house was up but it is now flat as a pancake. The buggy shed belonging to the livery stable caved in and demolished several gubbies. Several houses were moved from their foundations and others had the roof blown in. At this writing, no damage has been reported In the country, except the uprooting of Samuel Taylor's barn.
June 28, 1882 - Will Day and Robert Albin have purchased a new threshing machine. Charlie Kroth was married to Maggie Nicholas, July 9, 1882, by Rev. H. A. Pasley.
October 4, 1882 - The Central Committee for the Democrat Party were: Alfred Johnson, Soldier Township; Richard Reddy, Washington Township; Henry Kroth, Grant Township; and W. R. Baxter, Jefferson Township.
November 29, 1882 - W. T. Clements, an old cowhand of this locality, was around last week. (James Crossing item by "Strangler")
October 17, 1883 - James Crossing Item - The recent storm blew our new church at Olive Hill to atoms. Two days more and the carpenters would have had it completed. Preparations are being made to rebuild it.
December, 1884 - V. H. Lasswell has bought about 4,000 bushels of corn, paying 200 per bushel. He has also taken up four stray Indian ponies and has added to his stock of hogs a pair of thoroughbred Poland Chinas.
January, 1885 - Our merchants are keeping full shelves in spite of the scarcity of cash. On account of the strike of the coal miners in Leavenworth, we are extremely short on coal.
March, 1885 - R. T. Baldwin appointed to the Buck's Grove ministry has moved to our community.
June, 1885 - The carpenters are at work on Thomas Manuel's dwelling.
October, 1885 - Uncle John Manuel of Kentucky, who has been visiting relatives here, will start on his return home, possibly visiting some in Indiana while making the journey.
December 23, 1885 - Clem Manuel has bought the right to manufacture and sell "The Little Monitor" in Jackson county. It is an implement to cultivate listed corn.
Next Page To the Table of Contents To Roger Kroth's Homepage