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4 July November 2005

WYANDOTTE COUNTY, KANSAS

Wyandotte Gazette 1860 - July 1888. KANSAS CITY GAZETTE 17 July 1888

This folder provides a brief history of Wyandotte County as it relates to the Grinter, Defries, Honeywell, and other families associated with the Lenape-Delaware Indians in Kansas. It is not a Wyandotte County web site per se. For ease of reading, I have made a few minor changes. Additionally, some items have not been extracted in full; that is, we have not included extraneous matter not of interest to the purpose of this site. We are striving to make notes on the placing of some of the personalities of interest to us and placing those persons in their family contexts. We welcome anyone with additional to or differing information from this site. Submit these to  martinweeks@cox.net and/or swiftwater@lenapedelawarehistory.net .  So far we have published items from 1860 through June 1888. The color red indicates that the a person was a Kansas Delaware.

The Editor appreciates very much the hard work of Martin "Marty" Weeks in making the extracts from microfilm and in providing the extracts to this site. There may be more entries in the near future. We are striving to place some of the personalities of interest to us in their family contexts and have made an index to some of those names. Time permitting, those from 1888 will be added.

PARTIAL INDEX OF NAMES

Adams, Deacon/Rev. William The father of Richard C. Adams , Delaware advocate and author of The Delaware Indians: A Brief History (19067), which see in the History File.

Allen, Mrs. - She may be Martha Vashtie Grinter Allen Kirby,  the daughter of Moses Grinter and Anna Marshall.

Bartles, Jacob "Jake - Married to Kansas Delaware Nannie/Nanny Journeycake Pratt, the daughter of Rev. Charles Journeycake. She was the former daughter-in-law of John Gill Pratt. The town of Bartlesville, Oklahoma was named for Jacob Bartles. Joe Bartles, the son of Jake and Nannie Bartles, was the head of the Business Committee of the Eastern Oklahoma Delaware Tribe from about from about 1925 to the 1950's.

Defries/Defriese, Bailey B.+ - He lived at Stony Point in 1889.

Defries, Henrietta+ - She married J. A. Reams. She lived at White Church.

Defries, Edward+ -

Defries/Defriese, James+ -

Defries, J. L.+-

Defries, [Martha] Mattie Defries - Married Christian F. Hahn, of Butler County, Pennsylvania. Mattie was the daughter of Audley Paul Defries, of Kentucky, and Mary Jane Grinter, the daughter of Moses Reed Grinter and Anna Marshall.]

Defries, Mose - The son of of Mary Jane Grinter and Audley Paul Defries and the brother of Mattie Defries.

Defries, Nathan T.+ - [Is Nathan "T" Defries possibly Nathan F. Defries, son of William T. Defries and brother of Audley Paul Defries, ] born in Barren County, Kentucky, in October 1829,  died in 1900 in Wyandotte County, Kansas?

Defries, Mrs. Polly+ - Daughter Lulu.

Defries, William Asher - The son of Audley P. Defries and Mary Jane Grinter, daughter of Anna Marshall and Moses Grinter. William A. Defries, known as "Ashe,"  later lost a leg, perhaps as a result of the above  mentioned affliction. In 1888, he lived in Osborne County, Kansas.

Defries, William Archibald (1861-1920) -

Garret, Susie+ - Married to Eli/Ely M. Honeywell.

Grinter, Baxter - Of Kansas City, Missouri in 1890. County. He was the son of Thomas A. Grinter.

Grinter, Belle - My be Mary Belle Grinter (1857-1954), daughter of James C. Grinter. She was the wife of James Colley.

Grinter, C. R. - Of Perry, Kansas.

Grinter, Betty/Bettie - She lived in Kentucky and was a sister of John Grinter. John was the son of Francis Grinter and the brother of Moses Grinter.

Grinter, Cunningham "Cam" (1864-1924) - Youngest son of Moses Read Grinter and Anna Marshall. He was married to Elizabeth "Lizzie"  Shirley.

Grinter, Daniel W.* -  He is probably Daniel W. Grinter, the son of Samuel Grinter, the son of John Grinter. Dan Grinter would cousin of Moses Read Grinter and James C. Grinter].

Grinter, Frances Catherine (1839-1908) - The oldest daughter of Moses and Annie Grinter, married John C. Grinter.

Grinter, George+ - Lived at Stony Point. in 1888.

Grinter, Ida+ - Spouse of John W. Grinter. Is she the same person as Ada Shepherd, spouse of John Grinter, Jr.?

Grinter, James F "Shanghai" -

Grinter, James C.* - The son of Francis Grinter, and the brother of Moses Read Grinter]

Grinter, James+ - Married Libby Timmons.

Grinter, J. M. - In 1888, lived near Perry, Kansas.

Grinter, James "Jimmy"? F. + -  Married Sarah Stevens of Johnson County.

Grinter, John C. Justice of the Peace+ -

Grinter, John, Jr. - Spouse of Ada Shepherd.

Grinter, John. W.+ - Spouse of Ida Grinter. Is he the same person as John Grinter, Jr., married to Ada Shepherd? There is a J. W. Grinter "of Perry."

Grinter, Linton E.+ - A teacher in School District No. 4 of Wyandotte County.
 
Grinter, Laura, daughter of Thomas Grinter and sister of Linton Grinter,  married Norris..

Grinter, Maria Jane - Daughter of James C. Grinter and wife of James F. Timmons. They lived in Edwardsville in 1888.

Grinter, Mary E.+ -

Grinter, Mary Jane Grinter 1843-1908) -  The daughter of Moses Grinter and Annie Marshall.

Grinter,  Martha Vashtie Allen Kirby 1857-1930 - The daughter of Moses and Annie Marshall Grinter. She was married to the Rev. Henry Clay Kirby.

Grinter, Maude+ - Daughter of

Grinter, Moses - The first white settler of present Wyandotte County. Moses married Anna Marshall, a Delaware woman. Their final home, the Grinter Place, is now a Kansas State Museum.

Grinter, Nannie+ - She married Henry A. Stephens. Henry Stephens and Nannie Grinter were the parents of Annie Stephens, an early Grinter family researcher.]

Grinter, Newton - Of Lee's Summit, Missouri, a brother of Thomas A. and James F. Grinter.

Grinter, Miss S.+ -

Grinter, Robert+ - There is a Robert Grinter,  born 1877, died 1879,  buried near Dan W. Grinter in the Grinter Chapel Cemetery.

Grinter, Sue + - May b e the same person as Miss S. Grinter, above.

Grinter, Captain Thomas A.* -  Capt. Grinter is probably Thomas A. Grinter, the son of John Hill Grinter, the son of the immigrant John Grinter. Thomas A. Grinter married second Emily Stevens/Stephens.]+

Grinter, William "Will?" + - He was probably a brother of Moses Read Grinter.

Grinter, William Henry Harrison+ - Unmarried son of Moses Read Grinter and Anna Marshall Grinter.

Hahn, C.[hristan] ["Chris"] F.[rederick] Hahn + - " Chris" Hahn of Butler County, Pennsylvania, along with his brothers Paul and Augustus "Gus" Hahn, emigrated to Wyandotte County in the mid-1880s Chris married Martha Mattie" Francis Defries, the daughter of Mary Jane Grinter, of Wyandotte County, and Audley Paul Defries, of Kentucky and Tennessee. They lived on Grinter Road, on a portion of the Delaware allotment that Mary Jane Grinter gave to Mattie. Chris was a farmer and owned a general store at the intersection of __________ [to be added) and Grinter Road. They moved to a farm near Thayer, Neosho County, Kansas, and 1812 and then to White City, Morris County, about 1915, where he ran a general store and was a carpenter. In 1920, they moved to Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas, where he died in 1934. Mattie died in  Topeka at Topeka in 1972.

Hahn, John - Chris Hahn's father, John Hahn, died in Bay City, Michigan, in 1887.Hahn, John - Who is this? He is not a brother of Chris Hahn. Chris Hahn;

Honeywell. Ely (Eli) M. - The son of William Honeywell and Sally Owl. His wife was Nora Myers. He may have also been married to Susie Garrett.

Hovey, Mr. G. U. S. -

Journeycake/Johnnycake, Isaac - Brother of Rev. Charles Journeycake. married to Nancy Ketchum whose Lenape name Aupahmundaqua or Aquamdageockwe.

Ketchum, Cy+ -

Ketchum, Rev. James  -

Ketchum, Lewis (1808-1904) - Kansas Delaware, brother of Rev. James Ketchum, married to Elizabeth Zeigler.

Ketchum, Simon W. - Son of Lewis Ketchum.

Ketchum, Solomon - Born 22 January 1861, son of Lewis Ketchum.

Kirby, Rev. Henry Clay Kirby - Minister of the Methodist Church South in 1888. He was married to Martha Vashtie Grinter Allen. Of Nebraska City in 1889.He died in 1939.

Kirby, C. A. - Elected a deacon of the Methodist Church South on 7 September 1888. What is his relationship to Henry lay Kirby?

Marshall, Anne - "Annie" Marshall Grinter was the daughter of the Indian Trader William Marshall and his Delaware wife, Elizabeth "Betsy" Willaquenaho. Annie was the wife of Moses Grinter, listed in this index.+

Mooney, Robert T. - Married Mary E. Grinter, daughter of John C. Grinter and Francis Catherine Grinter. Francis C. Grinter was a daughter of Moses Grinter and Annie Marshall. In 1889 he was a contractor who lived near Muncie..

McCamish, Charles+ -

McCamish, William H.+ - Of Muncie, from Coffey County.

Myers, Miss Nora+ - She was the wife of E. M. Honeywell.

Newman, Oscar+ -  He married Jennie Newman, a daughter of Annie Defries Newman. The latter was a daughter of Mary Jane Grinter and Audley Paul Defries.]

Norris, Laura nee Grinter, sister of Linton Grinter. She moved from Atchison back to Wyandotte County near her father, Thomas Grinter, in 1889.

Pratt, John Gill+ - Head of the Delaware Baptist Mission, married Kate Woodfill.

Reams, J. A.+ - His spouse was Henrietta Defries.

Secondine, James "Jim" - A noted Delaware scout who served under Fremont.

Shepherd, Ida - Wife of John Grinter, Jr.

Sherley, Mr. Father of Mrs. Grinter. Same as Shirley below?

Shirley, Elizabeth "Lizzie" - Of Edwardsville, she was the wife of Cunningham "Cam" Grinter.

Stephens, Emily H.+ - Sometimes spelled Stevens, daughter of Sylvanus Stephens, second wife of Captain Thomas A. Grinter.

Stephens, S.+ -

Stephens, Henry A. - He married Nannie Grinter. Henry Stephens and Nannie Grinter were the parents of Annie Stephens, an early Grinter family researcher.]

Stevens, Charles "Charley"+ - Chicago, Ill. He was the nephew of James and Thomas Grinter.

Stevens, Mary+ - She was an attendant at the wedding of Mr. J. A. Reams and Miss Henrietta Defries of White Church.

Stevens, Sarah A.+ - Of Johnson County, wife of James F. Grinter.

Timmons, James F. - He was married to Maria Grinter (1853-1892). She was the daughter of James C. Grinter. James Timmons was a state representative in the Kansas legislature and was from Ohio. He and Maria lived in Edwardsville.

Timmons. Libbie+ -

Thomas, Maria+ - Maria Thomas, born 23 November 1863, died 1944, was later the wife of William Asher Defries, born 30 June 1861, Wyandotte County and died in March 1920 in Wyandotte County, the son of Audley Paul Defries and Mary Jane Grinter.

Wilcoxen, Melinda - She was the daughter of Aquamdegaockwe, grand-daughter of Echelangonaockwe (the sister of Captain Ketchum), cousin of Annie Grinter.

Wilcoxen, Nody - Daughter of Rezin and Kansas Delaware Melinda Wilcoxen.

Wilcoxen, Rezin+ - Sometimes appears as "Reason" and "Wilcoxin."

Woodfill, Kate+ - Of Wyandotte, wife of Rev. John  Gill Pratt.

Zeigler, Logan - Son of Philip Zeigler and Delaware Indian Betsy Taylor.

[Edited through 1888]

                                                                                      1860                                                                                     
13 October.  Railroad Meeting - At a meeting of the citizens of Wyandotte County, held at the Post Office in Wyandotte City, on Monday evening, October 8th, pursuant to a call signed by "many citizens," James R. Parr was called to the Chair and Thomas J. Barker and R. B. Taylor were chosen Secretaries. The following named gentlemen were unanimously elected to the Territorial Railroad Convention, to assemble at the city of Topeka, on the 17th instant. The following named gentlemen were unanimously elected said delegates [among other]: Gov. Wm. Walker, Silas Armstrong, A. Guthrie, Moses Grinter*.

                                                                                      1863                                                                              
21 February.  Successful Expedition by Loyal Indians - The following letter, with the treaties mentioned it it, and papers were received at the Indian Bureau recently: Delaware Agency, Jan. 29th, 1863 Sir: On or about the 1st of September last, a company of Delaware and Shawnee Indians, numbering 96 - 70 Delawares and 26 Shawnees - left Kansas on an expedition south-west from Kansas, under the leadership of Ben. Simon, a Delaware Indian.
11 April . Thomas A. Grinter vs. Martha A. Grinter.  Divorce granted.
2 May.  Fielding Johnson, Esq., of Quindaro, agent of the Delaware Indians, made us a call yesterday. From him we learn that a gang of thieves, some thirty in number, crossed the Kaw river at Delaware crossing in Wyandott County, on Saturday evening last, and proceeded to rob inhabitants of that section of their horses. They took some nine that he had already heard of. At one place, a man refused to unlock the stable door, and they knocked him down with a fence rail, when his terrified wife, unable to find the key, brought them a wrench, with which they pried open the door and took off his horses. The thieves, he says, are inaugurating a reign of terror. Such facts as these call loudly upon our military authorities to follow up their orders with severest penalties known to military law. If not, the whole country will have to be given up to the outlaws. Journal Commerce, May 2nd.
29 August . Kansas Invaded by Gambleites - Lawrence Burned! - 134 Citizens Murdered - Two Millions of Property Destroyed (From: Leavenworth Conservative) At five o'clock yesterday morning, Quantrile entered Lawrence with a band of bushwhackers, variously estimated at from two to five hundred in number.
5 September.  Recruiting. Wm. H. Grinter* of Munsie Town has been appointed Lt. in the 5th Regt. Indian Brigade to assist in recruiting a company of Delawares for that command. Lt. E. T. Vedder is also engaged in the same regiment. Capt. Converse has established his headquarters in this place. This will afford the Delawares an opportunity to enlist and form a company of their own men, belonging to the regular and legitimate organization - the Indian Brigade are now in active force. [Note: William Henry Harrison Grinter is the son of Moses Read Grinter and Annie (Marshall) Grinter.]
12 September.
 At the Delaware Baptist Mission Chapel, September 6th, by Rev. J.[ohn] G.[ill] Pratt, assisted by Rev. J. Ketchum, Deacon William Adams, of Delaware Reservation, to Kate Woodfill of Wyandotte.
17 October.  Jennison's Regiment - Authority has been granted to me to recruit a regiment of Cavalry - the Fifteenth! It will be raised for the protection of Kansas, and destruction of Bushwhackers and Rebels. This regiment will be armed with Sharpe's rifles, revolvers, and sabres. Persons recruiting for this regiment will report to me by letter or at my headquarters on this city, the number of men recruited, that subsistence and transportation may be furnished them. C. B. Jennison  Office Shawnee Street, corner of Main, Leavenworth.
24 October. 
Secondine. Comparatively few of our readers, we presume, are aware that there is a place within fifteen miles or less of this City, which has been and probably may again be known by the euphonious name of Secondine. We confess that we had, during the six years of our acquaintance in the country, remained in blissful ignorance of this interesting fact. We were only enlightened in regard to the matter during our visit to the railroad on Wednesday. On our return we made a brief call at "Delaware Crossing," as we have been accustomed to hear it called, and in the course of a conversation with Moses Grinter, were informed by that gentleman, that they formerly had a Post Office there, the regular mail from Independence to Fort Leavenworth, taking that route, and that the office was named after a Chief of the Delaware Indians, the bravest and noblest of his tribe, whose name heads this article.

Mr. Grinter also gave us some interesting facts relative to the career of Jim Secondine, a son of the old chief, after whom the Post Office was named, and a worthy son of a worthy sire. He was with Fremont in one of his expeditions across the Rocky Mountains, and at one time saved the gallant Pathfinder's life, when he must have otherwise have fallen by the hand of a savage for. Fremont had fired his last shot, and was in a defenseless condition, as a burly savage sprang upon him like a tiger from his lair, and would inevitably have thrust him through with his spear, had not the noble Delaware seen the peril of his pale-faced leader at a glance, and come promptly to his rescue. He knocked the weapon from the hand of the savage, and slew the would-be murderer of his friend on the spot. Lieut. Fremont secured the spear which had been wielded against his life, took it east with him on his return, and had it manufactured into rings, jewelry, and keepsakes of various kinds, by which to remember his faithful companion and friend, the sharer of his hardships and privations, and the savior of his life.

These trinkets, or some of them, he gave to his wife, and at a subsequent period, when Fremont and Jessie [Fremont] together passed through this country, on their way to California, they took especial care to pay a visit to Secondine, when a most affecting meeting took place between Fremont and his friend, and Mrs. Fremont exhibited to the noble Delaware these mementos of his fidelity and courage, and asked him if he knew of what they were made. Secondine's reply showed that he at least suspected that they were made from the shaft he had turned aside when aimed at the life of her husband.

We cannot give these incidents in the exact language in which Mr. Grinter related them, or clothe them with a tithe of of the interest with which his account surrounded them. But we give some of the main facts in uncomely drapery, but still with so near an approach to accuracy as to justify, as we opine, the conclusion that the name Secondine, euphonious and of easy pronunciation as all must admit it to be, is peculiarly appropriate to the locality where lived the great Chief of the Delawares, and his brave and gallant son, the savior of the life of the greatest and best of Chiefs of the Pale-faces, and who is now at the head of an enterprise which is calculated to again bring into notice and render of no little importance; the place where repose the bones of the honored red men, whose virtues we have here briefly alluded to, and whose name we would fain see re-inscribed on our country's records as designating the first important station, Post Office and town, on the Union Pacific Railway, Eastern Division, west of beautiful Wyandotte.

Will not the people of the locality referred to, when a new Post Office shall be established in their midst, ask of the powers that be, that its name be Secondine? Will not the Postmaster General grant such reasonable request? And will not Gen. Fremont, Sam Hallett & Co. and all others interested, unite with us in giving to the railroad station, and the delightful town which must grow up around it, the euphonious, the romantic and talismanic name of SECONDINE?

                                                                                 1864                                                                                        
26 March. That frightful disease, the small-pox, has broken out in Eudora, Douglas county. It was taken there by a company of Delaware Indians. -
Times.
3 September.  Company G, 15th Kansas volunteers are stationed at Mound City.
24 September.  Excitement Along the Border - Jennison Takes the Field
To the Editor of the Times:
Entire train from the South captured and the escort killed. No prisoners taken. The enemy are principally Cherokee Indians, known to number two regiments of infantry and one battery of artillery, cavalry unknown, but considerable. Capt. Ledger, of the Sixth Kansas, was killed in charging the rebel battery, with twelve men. He fell within fifteen feet of the guns. Stragglers are arriving at the Mission constantly. - Bourbon county is now included in Col. Jennison's district. He takes the field today in person. Trouble certainly ahead.

                                                                                   1865                                                                                            
7 January. One of the rumors we have had on the street this past week , was that Capt. [probably Thomas A.]  Grinter* had been killed. Another that a man had been found lying dead in the road near Splitlog's mill. A third was that Col. Gilliford had shot a black man who was trying to steal his horses in the night and that the darke had lain there dead between his barn and the road in sight of passers-by, for nearly two days. We have made inquiries, and are satisfied that there is not a word of truth in either of the stories. [Note: Capt. Grinter is probably Thomas A. Grinter, the son of John Hill Grinter, the son of the immigrant John Grinter. Thomas A. Grinter married second Emily Stevens.+]
25 February. Married. In Wyandotte County, on the 23d inst., by Rev. Mr. Bowles, Captain T. A. Grinter, to Miss Emily H.+, eldest daughter of Sylvanus Stephens. The printer was generously remembered, for which the parties will accept our thanks.

                                                                                  1866
3 February. While canvassing for fruit trees in this county, in a conversation with Mr. J. C. Grinter on the depredations of the borer, he stated that when he planted trees he marked his ground off with white hickory stakes, and after the trees were planted the stakes remained. So long as they were in the ground not a borer was to be seen in one of his trees, but since they have rotted they are troublesome. Mr. Grinter is going to try the experiment again. It is a well known fact that the borer will attack a hickory and eat it up as soon as it dies, no matter whether it is standing or laying on the ground. It will cost nothing to try the experiment, and if successful it is worth remembering. It is also said to be a fact, that the finer the fruit the more troublesome are the pests, for instance, they will eat up a Yellow Bellflower, while a Jenneting by the side of it will not be touched. J. W. Blachly [Note: J. C., that is, James C. Grinter, the son of Francis Grinter, and the brother of Moses Read Grinter of Wyandotte county.]*
31 March. Delaware Lands -  We commend the following letter to the serious consideration of the citizens of Wyandotte County:
Editor Gazette. - A movement in high official quarters, is said to be in progress, to have the treaty made with the Delaware Indians two years ago, ratified, or another one negotiated, whereby the diminished reservation of that tribe will go into the hands of the company who are constructing the railroad from Kansas City to Fort Leavenworth. This would be a clear speculation for that company, the subscriptions to and endowments of that enterprise being already sufficient to build and equip the road. The whole profits of the speculation would therefore go into the private pockets of a few individuals and out of the pockets of the farmers who will become the purchasers of this land. Never was there a more wicked scheme for "fertilizing the rich man's field with the sweat of the poor man's brow" than this monopoly of the public lands by railroad corporations.
     Wyandotte county has done more for the State of Kansas than any other county within her boundaries, and has been treated with less liberality. She is the garden of the State, as beautiful as Heaven and as fertile as Eden. But she needs artificial facilities for communication with the rest of the State. Two, if not three bridges are essential to her prosperity. The Delawares are willing to sell their lands for two dollars and fifty cents per acre. Through the exertions of your Senators and Representative in Congress a treaty could be negotiated with this tribe by which the county of Wyandotte might be enabled to purchase a sufficient quantity of these lands, or all of them, the profits arising from the sale of which would build the three necessary bridges and grade the roads to the bridges. The county should be authorized to issue bonds bearing at least six per cent per annum, in favor of the Indians, and any surplus arising out of the sale of their lands after making the improvements indicated should be used for the redemption of the bonds Let me suggest that your people meet in county convention, say Saturday the seventh of April, and express their views on the subject and apprise their Senators and Representative in Congress of their wishes. Very respectfully your friend, ABELARD GUTHRIE
21 April. 
New Settlers - The land office of the Union Pacific road in this city is doing a land office business in settling up the state. They are locating on their choice lands in small communities a great many settlers. Their policy is to sell small tracts to actual settlers, and are finding this spring an unprecedented demand from heads of families for small parcels of lands. The Delaware Reserve lands comprise some of the best lands in the State. Mr. Bartholomew, Land Commissioner, is an agreeable and pleasant gentleman, and is always willing to give all the information possible, to settlers and others desiring land.
1 September.  The Neutral Lands - From Mr. Ross, one of the head men of the Cherokee nation, we, for the first time, gather some reliable information, which we have been unable to secure from any other source, relative to the treaty with the Cherokee Indians. The treaty was ratified by the Senate on the last day of the session. Under its provisions, the Cherokees relinquish their right to the neutral strip, twenty-five miles wide and fifty miles long, or eight hundred thousand acres. The land is to be surveyed and thrown into the market the same as other Government land, and settlers thereon are to be protected in their homesteads. The Secretary of the Interior may, however, if he sees fit, sell those lands in a bulk, for a sum not less than $800,000; but in that event, those who actually settled there previous to the 4th of July, 1869, shall have the privilege of buying their land, not exceeding one hundred and sixty acres, for 1.25 per acre. Under the railroad grant, our company is to have each alternate section of the land for ten miles on each side of the road, with the privilege of supplying the deficiency, if any exist - on account of more than each alternate section being taken up by settlers. -
Fort Scott Monitor.
22 September.  Delaware Reserve Lands -  The Lawrence Journal says that at a late meeting of the Directors of the Union Pacific Railroad E D, it was determined to immediately re-appraise these lands, and that then they are to pass into the hands of R. M. Shoemaker & Co. in settlement for the building of the main line to Fort Riley and the Leavenworth branch. It may be to the interest of persons residing or desiring to locate on the reserve, to purchase while the land office of the company is yet open and which is not to be closed, as we are informed, until the new appraisement is made, and division had among the parties respectfully interested in them. After that time purchases will have to be made from individuals who may decline to consider parties who have settled upon the lands and made improvements without having purchased.
15 November. Advertisement for Tyrrell's Picture Gallery - Photograph, Ambrotype, Ferrotype.         [Listed because this may be source of early Grinter photos.]

                                                                                          1867                                                                                     
2 March. Delaware Reserve Lands - We learn through several sources that it is the intention of the railway company to sell the Delaware Reserve Lands at auction to the highest bidder, commencing on the first and second day of April Next and giving settlers the preference, so far as to allow them to take their claims at the appraised value; and such as are not prepared to pay down for the same, can purchase the scrip of the Company, and thereby have time to make payments; the scrip being good with the Company in payment for the land. We shall be please to see some such arrangement whereby all parties can justly receive that which is right and proper, and harmony and union of action bro't about in such a manner as will develop  the resources of our country. We advise all the settlers to remain on their claims, and purchase of the Company, if they are prepared to make payments, or can do so by having time. These lands are valuable, and have a wide reputation all over the country; and being on or near the great through line of Railway, and always convenient to the best markets, they will ever remain valuable. There is no risk in investing in them when title is secured. - (Oskaloosa Independent.)
9 March.  We learn, says the Bulletin, that treaties have been completed with all the Kansas tribe of Indians for their removal to the Indian country. A treaty has also been concluded with the Cherokee Indians of this State, modifying the treaty of July 6th, so as to allow the tribe to sell what is known as the Neutral lands - comprising about 800,000 acres, to the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad Company.
4 May.  Dead Body Found - On the 28th day of April, near Mr. Grinter's, at the mouth of Turkey creek, near this city, the dead body of a man was found. On his person was a white linen handkerchief marked B. Burns; also a medal marked "Magnus Dei." Of Irish descent, five feet seven inches in height - weight about one hundred and twenty pounds, twenty-five or thirty years old, black curly hair, and was dressed in a half-sack coat, red and white shirt, and striped brown pants.
18 May.  Immigrants - A large number of immigrants passed through this city this week who intend settling in this and adjoining counties of Kansas. Soon the Indians will be removed, then look out for an unparalled immigration to Wyandotte County. Where in the State, is there a county more inviting to immigrants than Wyandotte?
15 June.  Married - By Rev. D. Dickinson of Wyandotte, on the 12th of June, 1867, at the residence of the bride's father, in Johnson county, Kansas, Mr. James F. Grinter+ of Wyandotte county, and Miss Sarah A. Stevens+ of Johnson county.

                                                                                            1868
25 April.
 From the Indian Country. - Advices from the Indian Territory at the south of Kansas, state that the Delawares have arrived at their new homes and are much pleased with them. They are busy in building their cabins, plowing, fencing, &c. The Cherokees received them cordially into their country, and their prospects for the future seem very encouraging. They are located on the Verdi Gris and the Little Verdi Gris, and have bought out the improvements of a number of Cherokees who mostly are located below the Delaware.
12 September.  Big Potato - James Grinter left a sweet potato at Buesche's store one day this week, which weighed four pounds and three quarters.
24 October.  White Church Meeting. We mentioned in the Gazette last week, that a Republican meeting would be held at the White Church, in the Delaware Reserve, near the Ketchum Farms, on Monday evening the 12th inst. Luckily we had come prepared for all emergencies, with our lamps trimmed and burning, two pounds of candles, and a splendid cold-chicken supper. So we made tables of some smoothly-cut stumps, wagon seats &c., looked after the wants of the inner man, and Capt. Thomas Grinter for Chairman and Dr. Lucas for Secretary, Mr. Newman for the first speaker and an audience of about seventy-five or a hundred people we opened our meeting.

                                                                                        1869
24 October. Republican County Convention - The Republican County Convention met in accordance with the Call of the Central Committee, at Dunning's Hall, in this city, on Monday, October 19th, at 2 p.m. H. W. Cook, Dr. E. Fitzgerald and Thomas A. Grinter were appointed a committee on permanent organization. The committee on permanent organization reported the names of Alfred Gray for President, and W. H. Grinter for Secretary, and they were unanimously elected as such. After the nomination of candidate [sic] for Representative in the two districts, the county convention again came to order, and after listening to speeches from Messrs. Cook, Cobb, and Dutton, proceeded to elect a County Central Committee, consisting of two members from each voting precinct, as follows: Washington's, Dr. D. P. Lucas, Thomas A. Grinter. Muncie, H.F. Reid, W.[illiam] H.[enry] Grinter.

                                                                                       1870
                                                                                      
20 January. Death of Tau-ro-mee, Chief of the Wyandottes
10 February.  
 Legal Notice. Attachment and garnishee process before John C. Grinter, J[ustice of the P.eace], Wyandotte County, State of Kansas.
30 June. We had the pleasure of a call from Isaac Johnnycake,+ one of the head chiefs of the Delaware Nation, who is at present on a business visit among us.  He reports the tribe well satisfied with their new location.
27 October.  Church. Dedication - We learn that the new Methodist church, at Secondine, in this county, known as "Grinter's Chapel," will be dedicated Sunday, Nov. 13th.  Rev. Wm. M. Rust, of St. Louis will officiate on the occasion.  The church is a large frame, substantially built, situated about a quarter mile from the station. The membership at this time is about 40, Rev. Thos. C. Downs, pastor.  A large attendance is expected from all parts of the county, and ample arrangements have been made for the comfort of those attending. Mr. M.[oses] R.[ead] Grinter, a resident of this section for about 40 years, has been one of the prime movers in this worthy enterprise, and its successful accomplishment is due in great measure to his efforts.
1 December. Supper and Concert at Secondine - Mr. Editor - Happening to be in the Secondine neighborhood on Friday evening the 25th - a friend invited me to go with him to Grinter Chapel where Prof. Moss was to meet his singing class, that evening.  Accepting the invitation, we went, and found the Professor and his class of young ladies and gentlemen already engaged in singing.  After listening a while to their performance, we felt ourselves amply repaid for our walk, and concluded that the Professor was master of his business, and that he had his class pretty well drilled, considering that they had only one quarter's tuition.

                                                                                      1871
21 September. From the Prairie  - Mr. Jacob Bartles+ has rented his farm to Mr. Swift, of Quindaro, and proposes to move down into the Indian Country. He was down there recently putting up a new saw mill and on his return brought back a young deer.

                                                                                     1872                                                                                        
4 January. Pocketbook Lost - Between my residence in Wyandotte Township and that of J. F. Timmons, on the night of January 1st, 1872, containing one note against W. H. H. Grinter, for two hundred and fifty dollars, payable to J. L. Conklin, three notes against Stephen Briggs, payable to W.[illiam] H.[enry] H.[arrison] and John C. Grinter, school orders of District No. 13, numbers 6 and 7, payable to James C. Grinter, school order number 5, same district, payable to Will S. Jones, one note against John Lynch, payable to John C. Grinter, one joint note against W. R. Latta and F. S. Bigham, payable to James C. Grinter, and various other valuable paper, and about one hundred seventy five dollars in greenbacks. A liberal reward will be paid for the recovery of the said pocketbook and its contents. N. B. All persons are hereby cautioned against purchasing any of the above named notes or papers, as I shall take measures to stop the payment of them John C. Grinter, Wyandotte Township, January 31, 1872.
25 January.  White Church Festival - At last came a dispatch "supper," is ready. Se we moved out in "solid column" and carried everything before us, arriving at the door, we presented our tickets to Mr. John C. Grinter, who very politely invited us to "pitch in  - western. for eat, drink, and be merry. Well, he was obeyed to the letter. Mr. Editor, you should have seen John C. as he attended to his duties at the door. He smiled and talked (John can talk some, you know) and bowed showing the ladies where to find good places, and pushing the boys out of the way, and doing the very best he could to make every one feel good. The festival would have been minus considerable of John C. had been kicked over by an unruly cow before starting for White Church.
21 March.  Isaac Journeycake the well known chief of the Delawares, is about to return to his farm near Wyandotte. It is likely that many of the Delawares will follow him out of the [Indian] Territory [in present  Oklahoma].
28 March.
Township Nominations - The following are the nominations on the People's Ticket for Wyandotte Township: Trustee, W.[illiam] H.[enry] H.[arrison] Grinter.
27 June.
Fourth of July, '72 for Wyandotte County, on the Broad Gauge Plan! - Go ring the Bells and Fire the Guns, and Fling the Starry Banner Out! - Speeches, Music, Bells, Cannon, Fun, Dinner &c. - Enough for All Who Come! - Programme, Committees, &c ... That Mayor J. S. Stockton be President and the following persons for Vice Presidents. [The list includes J.[ohn] G.[ill] Pratt+, Moses Grinter, J. C. Grinter.
12 June. 
Wheat - W. H. H. Grinter, of Secondine, commenced cutting his wheat on Wednesday. The prospect is that the crop will be above average.
22 August.  Election - Capt. Thomas A. Grinter followed Mr. Betts, speaking about 20 minutes in favor of the election of Mr. Greeley. Capt. Grinter admitted that President Grant was an able General and entitled to great credit for what he had one in them field. But he claimed that as the war was over it was statesmanship rather than generalship that we now need at the head of affairs, and insisted that Greeley was far ahead of Grant in statesmanship

                                                                                1873                                                                               
18 July. Farmers in Council. The Meeting at White Church - Capt. T[homas] A. Grinter was the next speaker called for. He said that it had not been his intention to speak. but thought that there was abundant reason why the farmers should come together and take counsel together in regard to their interests. He said that they did not wish to take ground in opposition to other trades and professions, but it was certainly their duty to look after their own interests.
We had several invitations to dinner, but accepted only two of them. We divided our time between Mrs. Betton's spread and that of Mrs. John C. Grinter, they being located near together, and if the occasion had been a State Fair. and a large premium had been offered for the best dinner, we would be willing to risk something that one of these ladies would have taken the prize.
8 August.   Second Meeting of Farmers - Capt. T.[homas] A. Grinter was called for, but excused himself.
10 October.  Farmer's Public Meeting - A meeting of the farmers of Wyandotte County. Kansas and those directly interested in farming pursuits on October 14 at White Church was called by R. P. Clark, Chairman Thomas A. Grinter, Secretary.
17 October.  
Farmers' Meeting at White Church - Committee of Nominations: Delaware Township - T.[homas] A. Grinter. Wyandotte Township J. C. Grinter

                                                                               1874                                                                            
29 May. 
Arrangements for the Fourth - On arrangement included J. C. Grinter.
12 June.
 Wheat - W.[illiam] H.[enry] H.[arrison] Grinter, of Secondine, commenced cutting his wheat on Wednesday. The prospect is that the crop will be above the average.
4 December. Wyandotte County Sunday School Association - Suggestions upon the plan of organization were then made by Thos. Grinter. Thomas Grinter elected President.
The Festival - The festival given by the people of [School] District No. 37, on the occasion of the dedication of their new school house, near the residence of James F. Simmons, about a mile and a half from Edwardsville, on Saturday night last, was, as we learn from several persons who were present, a very pleasant and enjoyable affair. [Did the school have a name?] The Edwardsville Glee Club sang a number of excellent pieces, in their usual fine style, Miss Flora Cook, of this city, playing the accompaniments on the organ. Miss Cook also played and sang several beautiful songs, as also did Miss Belle Grinter+, the entire portion of the entertainment being such as to win the hearty applause of the audience.

                                                                                    1875                                                                                
28 May. Married - Mooney - Grinter  At the residence of the bride's parents, in Wyandotte county, May 20th, 1875, by Rev. Wm. Smith, Mr. Robert T. Mooney+ and Mary E. Grinter+.
11 June.  Meeting at White Church - A mass meeting was held at White Church, on Saturday last, to consider the destitution in the county, and the best method of relief. Judge R. P. Clark was chosen chairman and D. W. Grinter, secretary.  [Note: D. W. Grinter is probably Daniel W. Grinter, son of Samuel Grinter, son of John Grinter. Dan Grinter would be the nephew of Moses Read Grinter and James C. Grinter].
25 June.   Isaac Journeycake
- We learn from the Coffeyville Courier. that the murderer of Mr. Journeycake is a half-breed Cherokee, by name of Calvin Coker. Coker and some friends had been drinking it seems, and seeing Journeycake accompanied by Daniel Anderson, a colored man, going by got on their horses and met them. Coker told Mr. J. to ride outside of the road as he wished to talk with him. Journeycake replied that if he had anything to say he could ride along the road and say it. Coker then struck at him with a revolver and at the same time caught hold of him and fired one shot but missed his aim. Both men fell from their horses and as Journeycake attempted to raise up Coker fired again, striking the victim in the breast and killing him instantly.  The funeral took place on the following Tuesday, and was conducted by the Masonic fraternity, of which the deceased was an honored member, and was largely attended. Mr. Journeycake was born i n the year 1809 and was consequently 56 years old. He has by his honorable conduct endeared himself to every member of the tribe, and at the time of his death enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. He was a member of the Delaware Council and has been for many years the official tribal Interpreter.
9 July. Married - Honeywell-Myers. In Prairie township, Wyandotte county, Kansas, July 3d, 1875, Mr. E. M. Honeywell+ to Miss Nora Myers, both of Wyandotte County.
10 September.   Farmer's Picnic - The farmer's picnic held in James C. Grinter's grove, near Secondine, last Saturday, was a very pleasant affair. Thos. A Grinter was President and J. F. Timmons Secretary. Speeches were made by J. Stockton, D. B. Hiatt, M. L. Thompson, Dr. M. B. Lyons, and Capt. T. A. Grinter. A bountiful dinner, fine vocal and instrumental music, and a sociable time generally, were among the  [text to be entered. Editor]
17 September.  We had the pleasure on last Sunday of visiting, in company with Capt. Wilcox, the Secondine Sunday School, held in Grinter's Chapel, on the bluff, about a mile north of Moses Grinter's house on the K [and P?] railroad.  The chapel is a neatly-built little church situated in a pleasant grove on the hill, and the school is composed of the children and adults of the neighborhood, some of them coming from adjoining school districts, and belonging to different religious denominations. There were present, we should judge, about fifty teachers and scholars. Mr. Akin is superintendent and Mr. Hilliard, secretary. The venerable Moses Grinter was present, also his son W[illiam] H.[enry]  H.[arrison], James Grinter, a brother of Capt. Thomas [Grinter], and several others of the name, among the younger members of the school ... The exercises of the Sunday school, and the organization of the Township  association having been got along with invitations to dinner seemed in order, and they were numerous and pressing. It was decided, however, to go with Mr. Stevens, and draw upon his son-in-law Capt. T.[homas] A. Grinter for entertainment, it being desirable to consult him, as President of the County Association, in regard to the arrangements for the annual meeting in October. We found the Captain pleasantly situated in an ancient log house, but with a handsome new frame building early ready to move into. Capt. Grinter has an excellent farm, with several hundred choice apple trees, just coming into bearing, a large number of grape vines, blackberry and raspberry bushes, &c. and soil that produces corn, wheat, buckwheat, the various grasses, and musk melons, Irish and sweet potatoes &c. in the greatest profusion so that, as may be supposed, we fared well when we reached his domicile, although it was hard work to get there, on account of the roughness of the road. And that leads us to say, in closing, although it is not strictly connected with Sunday schools or County S. S. associations that Wyandotte, has the roughest and impracticable roads of any, and this so to be. [?] The county authorities ought to see that at least two good roads are built through the county, running east and west and then the people of the different road districts should see that their local roads are kept in better order.
1 October.   S. S. Picnic - We learn that the Sunday School which meets in Grinter's Chapel, in Delaware township, will have a picnic party in the grove near the chapel on Saturday night of next week. A pleasant time is anticipated, and the friends of Sunday Schools in the vicinity are cordially invited.
8 October.  Republican County Convention ... The following committees were appointed, viz: On credentials - W.[illiam] H.[enry] H.[arrison] Grinter.
31 December. 
A Reunion of Brothers Editor Gazette: - Some fifty years ago there was seen a tall, athletic man wending his way to the then wilderness of what is now Wyandotte County. He shouldered his pack away back in Logan County Kentucky, to make himself a home, and on the banks of the Kaw he pitched his tent, drove his stakes, and reared a numerous and respectable family, that has been instrumental in giving tone and stability to society in the community in which they reside. As the traveler passes up the Kaw valley, behind the iron horse, he is early reminded where our venerable friend drove his stakes, by the view of a large brick dwelling looming up (at the old Delaware Ford) in all its pristine glory. The occupant, our friend, Moses Grinter, was agreeably surprised by the arrival of his brother  . The brothers had not met until now for over a quarter of a century. The 22d inst. witnessed the reunion of all four brothers, with members of their families as far as possible, and a more pleasant day and agreeable assembling of kinfolk is seldom met with in a life time. There was the aged with silver locks, middle-aged and the young, and one could no help being impressed with the truth of John Quincy Adams' remark while minister of England just before our second war with that country, that the young men should get married and raise up sons to fight our battles, it being beautifully illustrated in the Grinter family; for there were at least forty-five present, young and old, and not half told at that. The day passed off very agreeably. In the evening the young people had a pleasant party, and since, festival has followed festival. The last reunion will take place tomorrow, the 28th, with James C. Grinter, and will close with festivity and the departure of the visiting brother to his home in Atlanta Ill. In all human probability this will be the last time they will meet on earth. May God in His infinite mercy, bring them all to re-unite around the Great White Throne above, where parting is no more.
 
                                                                                  1876                                                                            
14 January.
The Country Ahead - Mr. English and the Rev. Mr. Warren conducted Capt. Grinter to the chair, who, after a few appropriate and well-timed remarks, awaited the pleasure of the meeting.
11 February.  From Secondine - School District No. 13 Wyandotte Co., Kan., January 31st. 1876 - [To the]  Editor Gazette - On order to prohibit whispering in my school I propose to have published the name of each student who would not whisper during the month of January, 1876. I found it to be very nearly a success. Some of the students kept the "faith," and most of them kept it for three weeks, some indeed up to the 27th inst. Please insert the following names in your paper: James R. Ford, Bailey B. Defries+, Robert Eakins. [I would never have made it. Editor]
5 May. 
Proceedings of the Republican County Central Committee  - Committee met pursuant to roll call, April 29th, 1876, at 1 o'clock p.m. At roll call, the following members were present: C. E. Wilcox, W. J. Buchanan, R. E., B. Grafton, D. Abbott, R. M. Gray, L. C., A. W. Kelly, Wm. Grinter.+ [William
Grinter
is probably the brother of Moses Read Grinter.]

                                                                                    1877
10 August.
Commissioners ... John C. Grinter was appointed Treasurer of Wyandotte township to fill vacancy caused by the death of Henry Burgard, and the appointment previously made, of Larkin Washer, for that position was rescinded.
26 October. Edwardsville - J. C. Grinter is having a good comfortable tenant house built on his farm now occupied by Jno. Benedick. H. C. Wilson has the contract for building it.
2 November. Wyandotte Township - The mass meeting called at Kerr's precinct, for Saturday, Oct. 27, at 2 p.m., organized by electing Thos. Grinter as chairman, and John Purtee as secretary. After reading of the financial report of C. H. Carpenter, township Trustee, the following nominations for township officers were made: Trustee, C. H. Carpenter, Treasurer, John C. Grinter.
16 November. Township Officers - Wyandotte Township - Treasurer, John C. Grinter

                                                                                   1878                                                                
4 January.
Proceedings of the Greenback County Committee - On motion, the following persons were chosen to act as full committee for 1878. Delaware, James C. Grinter
25 January
. William Burgess was arrested last Saturday morning on charge of taking a revolver of John Grinter's and Monday, on confession, was sentenced by Judge Hovey to confinement in the County jail for twenty days.
22 February. White Church Items - Asa Ford has rented Cy Ketchum's+ farm. Milton Thorpe has sold his farm for $2,000 and has purchased 80 acres on the prairie, of Lewis Ketchum+, for $2,000 and 20 acres from John Silar.
8 March. Edwardsville Items. Mr. J. C. Grinter shipped one hundred and fifty barrels of apples to Messrs. Clemens, Cloon & Co., Kansas City, on Tuesday
29 March. As previously announced, the White Church Lyceum met the Grinter Debating Club in joint discussion last Thursday night.  Question, Resolved, That conscience is a true guide to duty.  Speakers on the affirmative were D.[aniel] W. Grinter, S. Stevens, T. H. Grinter, John Grinter and - Murphy.  Negative, R[ezin?] Wilcoxin, Worth English, A. W. Lamingham, and L. D. Crotchett.  Judges Messrs. Wm. Grinter, Akin and Murphy.  The rule reads as follows:  "The judges shall give reasons for their decision."  The judges decided in favor of the affirmative, but when requested to give reasons, they failed to do so; so the W. C. [White Church] boys claim the discussion, and we think the large audience present will bear them out in their rights.
5 April.  The Grinter-White Church joint debate took place Thursday evening.  Judge English was chosen chairman and Messrs. Frank Bigham, David Taylor and Asa Ford were selected as judges.  The question debated was "Resolved, That capital punishment should be abolished."  The affirmative was defended by D. Abbott, W. English, L. D. Crotchett, John Hacker and John Kelly; the negative by D. W. Grinter, T.[homas] A. Grinter, J. F. Grinter, J. W. Murphy and S. Stephens+.  The judges gave a decision in favor of the affirmative.  The third and final joint discussion will be held at White Church on the evening of the eleventh of April, in the church building.  Question for debate, "Resolved, That the right of suffrage be extended to all female persons over twenty-one years of age."  Affirmative, White Church Lyceum, Negative, Grinter Lyceum.
19 April.  The White Church-Grinter joint debate took place last Thursday evening at W.[yandotte] C.[ity], pursuant to adjournment.  Robert T. Mooney was called at the chair, and Messrs. W. M. English, John Humphreys and I. Drake were appointed as judges.  The question debated was so amended as to read: "Resolved, That there should be no discrimination on account of sex, in the exercise of the elective franchise in the U. S. of America."  Affirmative - R.[ezin?] Wilcoxen, L. D. Crotchett, W. English, John Hacker, and D. Abbott.  Negative - D.[aniel] W. Grinter, J. F. Grinter, J. W. Murphy, S. Stephens, and T.[homas] A. Grinter.  Decision in favor of the negative.
26 April. Statement of Claims and Accounts - Allowed by the Board of County Commissioners of Wyandott County, Kansas at the regular April session, A.D. 1878. . .  N. T. Defries for repairing approaches to Elkins and McGraw bridges - 11.00. [Is Nathan "T" Defries possibly Nathan F. Defries, son of William T. Defries and brother of Audley Paul Defries?]
31 May.  White Church Items. There will be a Fourth of July celebration, this year, at Grinter's Chapel. Mr. R. Wilcoxen has four acres of wheat that averages over five feet in height.
14 June. Death of an Old Citizen - Moses R.[ead] Grinter died at his residence at Secondine in this county, on Wednesday, June 12th, aged 69 years and 3 months. He was apparently in good health up to Monday afternoon, when he was found, lying prostrate in his dooryard, stricken with an attack of paralysis of the brain. He was brought in the house and placed in bed, where everything possible was done for him, but he gradually sank, remaining speechless from the time he was brought into the house, and passed away about ten o'clock Wednesday morning. Mr. Grinter was the oldest settler in Wyandotte county, having come here in 1829. He was known all over the county, was universally respected as an upright citizen and an honest man. His death will be mourned by a large circle of friends. The funeral took place Thursday afternoon and was very largely attended.
The Fourth at Grinter's -  Our national anniversary will be celebrated in the handsome grove near Grinter's school house, by a basket picnic, under the auspices of the Grinter Debating Club.  The programme will include an address by Hon. S. A. Cobb.  All are cordially invited.  The following is the order of exercises:
Assembly called to order at 10:30 a.m. by chairman.
Music- National Anthem. Prayer.  Address of welcome by D.[aniel] W. Grinter+. Reading of the Declaration of Independence. R. Eakins.
Music - Star Spangled Banner. Dinner. Oration, by Hon. S. A. Cobb. Five minute speeches. Music. The committee of arrangements consists of S. Stephens, W.[illiam] H.[enry] H.[arrison] Grinter, D.[aniel] W. Grinter and T[homas] A. Grinter. The chairman of the day is R. T. Mooney and the Marshals are S. Stephens and T. A. Grinter.

21 June 21.  
J. C. Grinter has received three carloads of lumber for the mammoth barn he is building
12 July.   That substantial and prosperous granger, John C. Grinter, Esq., of White Church occupied a chair in the GAZETTE sanctum  early Tuesday morning. The Fourth of July celebration at Grinter's was an eminent success in every respect.  The oration was delivered by Judge Carroll, instead of Col. Cobb, as was previously announced.  Other gentlemen spoke, and a good time was had.  The committees deserve great praise for the perfect manner in which all details were attended to.
26 July. Maywood Items. A daughter was born a few days ago to Mr. John Ginter (?) and John is happy as the seven other boys.                
9 August.  Rev. Mr. Warren, of Mo., will preach the funeral sermon of Moses Grinter, deceased a short time ago, at Grinter's Chapel, at 11 o'clock a.m. on next Sunday.
20 September.  Republican County Convention. Afternoon Session. The committee on credentials reported the following gentlemen entitled to seats as delegates or alternates: Delaware - J. M. Shore, W.[illiam] H.[enry] H.[arrison] Grinter.
27 September.
 School began a week ago last Monday in the Timmons school District, and Mr. Frank Grinter is the teacher. 
11 October.  Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Grinter went to Atchison to attend the Synod last Thursday.
25 October. Mr. Ed. Defries+ has just finished raising a fine large corn crib. Mr. John Grinter has purchased a handsome parlor ornament in the way of an organ. 
1 November.  Mr. John Grinter, after two trials has succeeded in completing a well, by curbing as he proceeded downward.  Mr. James Defries is planting his engine opposite the store.  He proposes to attach a pair of corn burs to the      power and to put up two sheds or houses of some sort.  This will give Stony Point a corn mill.
15 November. The New Township Officers. Wyandotte Township Clerk - D[aniel] W. Grinter.
22 November.
 Mr. Defries's corn mill is now in operation and its busy hum gives Stony Point quite a business air. 
W. D. Allen
died on Sunday night at the residence of his late father-in-law Moses Grinter. Mr. Allen was a highly respected citizen, and much esteemed by all who knew him.  He was in the 34th year of his age, and had, for three consecutive years, served as teacher. On Tuesday a meeting was held at the school house to organize a Literary Society.  R.[obert] T. Mooney was elected President, T. Jacks, Vice President; W.[illiam] H.[enry] H.[arrison] Grinter, Secretary; J. F. Grinter Treasurer; D.[aniel] W. Grinter, J. Mitchum, and C. J. Smith were appointed on the executive committee. 
29 November. James Defries+ wishes to notify the citizens of Stony Point and vicinity, that the regular grinding days will be Fridays and Saturdays. Quite a pleasant social gathering was held at Mr. J. F. Grinter's on Sunday last, to keep fresh in their memories the birthday of Miss Mary and Mr. Frank Stephens.
6 December. Mr. James Defries wishes all to know that he can make as good a meal, and as much of it, as any one in the county.

                                                                                      1879                                                               
3 January.
 Mr. James F. Grinter made us a short but pleasant call Thursday.  He allowed us to ornament our subscription book with his name. Mr. R.[obert] T. Mooney came in with a drove of sixty-four splendid porkers one day last week.  He disposed of them to Plankinton & Armour. Mr. R.[obert] T. Mooney, Esq., is engaged in remodeling the machinery of the mill.  Mr. Mooney is a resident of our County, and ranks among the leading mill-wrights of the west.
17 January.  John C. Grinter "bounced" the train here on Tuesday, and made a flying trip to Leavenworth. 
7 February.  Mr. Mooney has been, and is still engaged in fitting up the Pomeroy mill
A child of Mr. Mooney swallowed two needles last Wednesday.  His mother removed one with her finger but the other stuck crosswise in its throat, causing such pain as not to allow it to close its mouth for about eight hours.  It is thought the needle passed out towards the outside of the neck.  The child plays around now as usual.
28 February. White Church. Solomon Ketchum+ has bought a wild and beautiful pony of Mr. Cook.  Sol. is breaking him in to ride.
28 March.  R. T. Mooney, who has the contract for building the lodge room for the Masons, and has been handling lumber from Wyandotte this week
4 April.   Mr. Frank Eakin has taken Mr. James Grinter into his store as a partner
18 April. Edwardsville Items. Eakin & Grinter have lately brought on a $2,500 stock of goods .
25 April. White Church Items. Reason [Rezin] Wilcoxen lost his fine mare last Monday night, which makes nine horses Mr. Wilcoxen has lost in five years. Died.  Last Saturday morning after an illness of two weeks, Elizabeth, wife of Ambrose Grinter, aged 46 years.  A large concourse of mourning friends and relatives followed the remains to the Grinter Cemetery on Sunday
2 May. Real Estate Transfers - R.[ezin] Wilcoxen and wife to G. U. S. Hovey, one-fourth acre in 31, 10 24, warranty, $110.  J F Timmons and wife to James C. Grinter, 80 acres in 29, 11, 24, warranty, $1,600. J. C. Grinter and wife to J. C .Moore and wife, 58.80 acres in 10, 11, 24, warranty, $2,000. J. C. Grinter and wife and Wm. Jacks and wife to J. C. Moore 48 acres in 10, 11, 24, warranty, $1,840. R.ezin] Wilcoxen, 80 acres in 31, 11, 24, warranty. J. Ketcham [Ketchum] to Wilcoxen, 80 acres in 31, 11, 14, $2,000. 
9 May.  Mr. Dan Grinter lost an infant child last Sunday morning.  Rev. O. D. Allen preached the funeral discourse at the Grinter Cemetery Sunday evening. [NOTE: There is a Robert Grinter,  born 1877, died 1879,  buried near Dan W. Grinter.
30 May. Braman Hill
Items. Jacob Bartles, postmaster at Bartlesville, Indian Ter., wife and son, were calling on old friends at this place on the 24th. 
4 July. The Supreme Court met Tuesday for the July term.  The suits of J. C. and J. N. Grinter vs. the K.[ansas] P.[acific] R[ail] W.[ay]  Co., were passed.
16 July
. Edwardsville Items . Mr. John Grinter, of Grinter's Chapel, was in our town last Sunday evening.  Your correspondent knows what brought him here, but will not say.
18 July. Come to Eakin & Grinter's for No. 1 shoes and boots at bedrock prices. A team belonging to Jas. C. Grinter ran away last week.  Damage was slight.
26 September.
  County Personals - John G.[ill] Pratt, of Maywood, Wyandotte county, was born in Mass., in 1814 and moved to Wyandotte county April 2, 1837.  Soon after this he established a Baptist mission among the Delaware Indians and at a later period he was appointed agent for this tribe.  It has been stated that Mrs. Pratt has never visited either Wyandotte or Leavenworth, while living in the vicinity of their present residence (15 miles from those cities) in the past 42 years.  Mr. Pratt informed me that this was a mistake, as Mrs. Pratt makes frequent visits to both of those cities.  Mr. Pratt is a very quiet, modest unassuming gentleman, one of the kind of men who wear well and yet, I am sure, one with whom it would be dangerous to meddle.  He wears no whiskers and looks at least fifteen years younger than he really is.  Mr. Pratt is about five feet seven inches tall and weighs about 150 pounds.  He is at present engaged in farming.
Logan Zeigler+, settled at Wyandotte, Kansas, 1829 .
17 October.  Republican Convention. Delaware - W.[illiam] H.[Henry] H.[arrison] Grinter.
24 October Edwardsville Items. The following is the programme of the Lyceum in district no. 37 for Saturday evening,     November 1st. Select Reading by Miss S. Grinter.  2 - an address by Mr. J. F. Timmons 3 - Song by
Miss Belle  Grinter.
31 October.  
On the prairie, last week, Robinson's steam thresher threshed for John Deister 600 bushels of wheat, for Frank Deister 695 and for Wm. Honeywell .
21 November.  Stony Point Items. Mr. Baxter Grinter came down from Perryville and spent the Sunday at his father's Thos. A. Grinter.
5 December.  John Grinter has bought a farm in Jefferson County, Kansas from Clay Siler, formerly of this place.  In him  this community lose a good citizen. 
12 December. Edwardsville. Messrs. Eakin & Grinter are closing out their Store and will go out of business in this place.  Now is the time to get bargains in dry goods.  Mr. Eakins will go west and go into business in some western city
26 December. Edwardsville. Messrs. Eakin & Grinter will not close out their business as stated before, but will hereafter run a larger stock than before.  They intend, in the Spring, to build a large addition to their already large store room. Married, last Thursday evening, at the residence of the bridegroom's father, Mr. John Grinter jr. and Miss Ida Shepherd.

                                                                                        1880
16 January
. Those having "drive wells" on their premises met at Eakin & Grinter's store, last Friday, at ten o'clock p.m. and organized themselves into a club to fight the royalty of $10 on each pump or well claimed by certain persons upon the process of getting water.  They have determined to carry the question into the Courts if need be.
30 January.  Claims against Wyandotte County - D[aniel] W. Grinter, same - 8.0
6 February. Township Elections. Justices - Wyandotte Township - J. D.  Husted, J. F. Grinter.  Quindaro Township - Constables - Rezin Wilcoxen+
13 February. Edwardsville Items. Mr. H. B. Hunt has purchased the brick store of Mr. Jas Grinter and has moved his family from Kansas City.
5 March.
 Pomeroy. Jimmy Grinter was in town on Wednesday.  He reports everything serene in the vicinity of Timmon's school house
19 March. Pomeroy. Lewis Ketchum, and wife, took the train here last Tuesday, bound for the Indian Territory on a visit.
7 May. Immigration Society. The Wyandotte County Immigration Society met at Voss's Hall on Saturday at 2 o'clock p.m., and formed a permanent organization by the election of James T. Johnson as President, Hon. Sanford Haff ....  The following Township Committees were also elected: Wyandotte - Thomas A. Grinter. Mr. Jas. Grinter is indisposed, and attended by Dr. Murphy.
23 July. Edwardsville. Frank Eakin and J. C. Grinter will go into business at Perryville, Kansas.
6 August. There was a Sunday school picnic at Grinter's School house, Stony Point, on Saturday, July 31.  Speaking by the local talent.  A good time generally. We put in a day visiting John C. Grinter and vicinity this week.  And if our readers want to see the finest country in Kansas, they would do well to take the same trip.  They will find J. C.'s latch string out and he will show them sights in farming that will do them good.  Mr. Grinter is a god honest democrat, but from the way he pointed out the farms belonging to his republican neighbors, and the need of praise he gave them for their thriftiness, we judge him to be either very liberal toward his political opponents or unusually well pleased with their early education and their manner of farming.
August 27.  James Grinter, of Perryville came down last Saturday to visit his parents. Republican Primaries. The returns of the election of Thursday evening, as far as heard from are as follows: Delegates - Delaware  - J. M. Shores, McDowell, W.[illiam] H.[enry]  Grinter.
September.
Republican Nominations. The Republican County Convention assembled in Dunning Hall on Saturday  August 28th and was called to order by H. L. Alden, chairman of the central committee.  Mr. Eli Teed was chosen temporary chairman who appointed the committees as follows: On credentials - R. D. Speck, T. C. Foster, Wm. H.[enry]  H.[arrison] Grinter, W. L. McKenzie.
8 October. Edwardsville. J. C. Grinter has been shipping some apples to Burrton, Harvey Co., Kansas and    realized a  good price for them.

                                                                                       1881
4 March.  Pomeroy - Uncle Lewis Ketchum and wife left Monday evening for the "Nation" to visit friends.
1 April.  Wyandotte County Delinquent Tax List Delaware Township - S. [Solomon?] Ketchum W/2 of SW/4 of Sec. 3, T. 11, R 23 Amt - 80 acres -$25.40.  R D McCamish E/2 of E/2 of SE fractional quarter of Sec. 36, T 11, R 23 - 38.8 acres -Amt - $79.90
7 May. Edwardsville - H. C. Wilson has employed S. Etter as sawyer for his mill. He will move the mill to J. C. Grinter's farm for a few days. and will saw a large amount of lumber for hi during the summer.
15 July. Louis Ketchum brought to the mill his half of forty acres of wheat one day this week. It brought him the munificent sum of three dollars.
16 September. Hon. W. R. Wagstaff - [Names supporting Wagstaff for judge includes J. C. Grinter.]
25 November. Pomeroy - Sylvania Lodge No. 9 Knights of Pythias elected officers on Saturday night. J. D. Mudeater, C. C.,  S. W. Ketchum, V. C.
2 December.
 James C. Grinter, Esq., says that in some parts of Wyandotte county the grub has destroyed many acres of wheat. The sudden and severe frosts of the past few weeks have not injured the wheat as much as we feared. It contained so much sap that a sudden check was liable to injure the tender plant.
16 December. Sol Ketchum, son of Lewis Ketchum, of Wyandotte county, was robbed of $140 in gold while traveling on the Fort Scott road. Sol says that he would know the fellow if he should ever meet him again. He would like to meet him too. Sol will sleep with one eye open next time.
23 December.  White Church - Mr. Sol Ketchum is up from the Indian Tr. visiting friends. He reports everything in a flourishing condition.
30 December. Suc-Quindaro - Historical and Descriptive Sketches of Quindaro Township, White Church, Six Mile, Pomeroy, and Quindaro as a City, a Racy Sketch by Our Pomeroy Correspondent. White Church so named for the old Delaware church which still survives, was first [the township, not the church] started in 1869 by the late W. English, who had invested largely in real estate in the vicinity and Mr. Samuel McMillen . . . Among the oldest citizens of the burg . . . Dan Grinter. Quindaro Township - . . .  The line between the old Wyandotte and Delaware reservations crosses the township, passing near the residence of W. R. Malott known as the old Isaac Journeycake place.

                                                                                     1882                                               
6 January. A colored man by the name of Israel Johnson stole a horse from Joseph Thatcher near White Church last week. Judge Hovey commissioned Thacher as a special constable and put him on track. The thief and horse were both overhauled in Leavenworth County and the boy, who is only sixteen years of age, now lies in our county jail. His age is all that saved him from summary trial by the vigilantes. Mr. John C. Grinter interceded for him.
27 January. Armstrong - The following officers were nominated at the township convention held at Armourdale Jan. 21st: . . . justice of the peace ... John C. Grinter
10 February.
White Church - Mr. Daniel Grinter is very low with pneumonia. Dr. Newton is attending him. Solomon Ketchum leaves for Vinita. I. T., on Friday, Feb. 10.
17 February.  Mr. S. C. Ketchum return to the [Indian] Territory last week, and just before leaving subscribed for the GAZETTE in order to keep posted in regard to Wyandotte county. Township Officers - Quindaro Constable. R.[ezin] Wilcoxen ... Wyandotte Justices of the Peace, John C. Grinter.
31 March.
[Listing of Court Cases] John C. Grinter vs. Wm. Fletcher et al.
2 June.
Delaware Indians trading extensively at Independence, and are said to be good cash customers.
23 June. The Delawares - Rev. William Adams+ formerly of Wyandotte County, a Delaware Indian, and now living in the Cherokee Nation, called at our office yesterday. From him we learn that the Delawares have secured comfortable houses and in comfortable circumstances. The Baptist church has a membership of 230, having two hours of worship. Their schools are well intended. Herding stock and farming are about equally divided. Mr. Adams says herding and raising stock is on the increase even the boys are not satisfied without a whip and a pony. A considerable majority of the Cherokees are opposed to dividing the lands they think it too soon to agitate the question. Mr. Adams would not commit himself on the question of United States Courts in the territory. "Oklahoma Payne"  they have no use for - he knows better that to come into their territory. Crop prospects are good and fruit will be plentiful. [NOTE: "Oklahoma Payne" was David Payne, an early promoter of white settlement in Oklahoma. He  led a group known as the "Boomers" which promoted white settlement. Payne County, Oklahoma, where Stillwater is located, is named after David Payne. There are several articles in the Gazette opposed white squatters in the Indian Territory and the editors generally took a position opposing that white settlement.]

Of the Delawares the great part of the old settlers are dead.  Mr. Charles Journeycake is still living with his family on Lightning Creek.  The Connors are all dead.  One of the Sarcoxie family is left.  "Delaware Charley" is still living and sticks to the customs of his forefathers.  He dresses in Indian style but is shrewd enough to possess a good form.  He and Captain Jackson live on the extreme northwest corner of the Cherokee Nation.  There the "wild ones" have their temple and worship the Great Spirit in truly ancient style.  There are forty or fifty of that class.  They exert considerable influence upon the younger members of the tribe who often go there out of curiosity. When the Delawares left Wyandotte county they numbered 900, now, at roll call only 750 are reported.
 4 August.  Republican Convention  . . . The County Central Committee was chosen by precincts and wards as follows: Delaware - W.[illiam] H.[enry] H.[arrison] Grinter
25 August.
Democratic Convention - The following were elected delegates to the Emporia Convention: Alternates - D.[aniel] W. Grinter. The committee on credentials reported the following as having been elected members of the County Central Committee: Newton - D. W. Grinter.

                                                                                        1883  
5 January. Mr. J. A. Reams and Miss Henrietta Defries of White Church were married on December 30 1882 by J. Grinter esq. The attendants were Phil Lemmon and Miss Mary Stevens+, also D.[aniel] B. Defries and Miss Nannie Grinter.
19 January. 
Edwardsville - Hon. J. F. Timmons came down from Topeka on Friday of last week. [The term "down" from Topeka is interesting. Kansas City is downstream from Topeka on the Kansas River.] F. Eakin and family of Perry are visiting J. C. Grinter's.
16  February. Our friend the Honorable James Findley Timmons, Democratic member of the [Kansas] Legislature, is in a state of bewilderment. [Whatever that means!]
2 March. Married - At the residence of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Grinter of White Church, Mr. H. A. Stephens and Miss Nannie Grinter were united in marriage on Tuesday evening, February 27, at 7:30 o'clock. Rev. O. D. Allen, of Parkville, pronouncing the ceremony. After receiving congratulations the guests numbering over one hundred sat down to a bountiful supper. The bride was attended during the service by Miss Stephens and Miss Doyle English, of White Church; the groom's best men were J. C. Grinter. of Edwardsville, and C. J. Smith, of Wyandotte. [NOTE: Henry Stephens and Nannie Grinter were the parents of Annie Stephens, an early Grinter family researcher.]
11 May. Pomeroy Items - Simon W. Ketchum+ and wife came in from Indian Territory on Tuesday. Simon passed the winter in Florida searching for the fountain of youth.  His many friends in this section fully hope that he may soon fully regain it. [NOTE: He may have been one of the original "Snow Birds" I hope that he found the Fountain of Youth there. I did! Editor]
8 June.
Jurors for July Term - A double panel of twenty-four jurors was drawn for the July term of the district court as follows: James F. Grinter, Thomas A. Grinter of Wyandotte Township.
22 June.  On Tuesday, June 19, Wm. McCamish, of Muncie, commenced cutting wheat.
5 October. A pleasant party was attended at Mr. Grinter's, on Tuesday evening, in honor of Lincoln [?] who commences teaching at No. 43, next Monday. [NOTE: Probably a misprint. The name should be Linton rather than Lincoln.]                      
19 October. 
Bright Little Tiblow - Tiblow, a bright little village fifteen miles west of Wyandotte, on the Union Pacific R. R., is attracting the attention of passers by as a suburban town for residences, on account of its commanding appearance and beautiful building sites. It was named after Henry Tiblow, a Delaware Indian, who was well know to the early settlers of Wyandotte county as an intelligent and affable man, with a pleasant word for all. Situated on the banks of the Kansas River, Tiblow became first known as a exchange station for the Southern Overland Stage Co., on the military road from Ft. Leavenworth to Fort Scott, and also as a camping ground for U. S. troops and freight trains en route to and from Ft. Scott and the south. A store and tavern were established at Tiblow's Ferry during the [Civil] war, which afterward burned to the ground, and no efforts were made to rebuild, them until about 1869, when the demand for a store again arose, to supply wood choppers and railroad tie makers with the necessities of life.
16 November. County Correspondence, Maywood - Mrs. J. H. Bartles+ is up from Indian Territory, visiting at Mr. J.[ohn] G.[ill] Pratt's, and is also receiving medical attention from Dr. Brock of Leavenworth, for some throat trouble from which she  is suffering. [She was a daughter of Charles Journeycake and a former daughter-in-law of John Gill Pratt.]
23 November. County Correspondence, Stony Pointers - Perkinsville (formerly Stony Point) - The most noted personage is Squire Grinter, who deals out justice with an impartial hand. Thomas Grinter, the fruit man, picked over 300 bushels of apples from his orchard this fall. Mr. R.[obert] T. Mooney is building a large two-story residence for James Grinter, Jr., and James Defries and Mr. Johnson are erecting one for Mrs. Allen. Linton Grinter, teacher at District No. 34, was at home over Sunday. William A.[sher]Defries+, who has been attending the medical institute for a lame limb, returned home Saturday, gently improved. [NOTE: He was a son of Audley P. Defries and Mary Jane Grinter, daughter of Anna Marshall and Moses Grinter. William A. Defries later lost a leg, perhaps as a result of the above  mentioned affliction.]
14 December.   Stony Pointers - James Grinter and James David, two of our expert Nimrods, left for an extended hunt in Indian Territory.  R. T. Mooney, the noted hunter and trapper, succeeded in catching three fat beavers recently. Mrs. James Cooley of Glenwood, Johnson county is visiting her father James Grinter, Sr. Mrs. R.[obert] T. Mooney pleasantly entertained a large number of friends and family  at a turkey roast on Thanksgiving. Rev. Lewis of White Church, who has been holding a protracted meeting at Grinter's Chapel this past week, will be assisted by Rev. . . . of Wyandotte, during continuance of the same. Will Grinter, our veteran hunter, after faithfully pursuing a duck several days succeeded in capturing it on last Thursday in time for supper. [NOTE: James David was the spouse of Harriett/Henrietta Grinter, a daughter of James C. Grinter and a nice of Moses Read Grinter.]
Maywood Chips - Mr. Ely Honeywell+, one of our oldest citizens, has gone to see if there is any wealth stored up in the mountains of Oregon for him. Mr. John Deister has so remodeled and worked over his residence that we can scarcely believe our eyes when we pass that way.       
21
December.  From Muncie Town - D. G. Grinter's health is rapidly improving under treatment of a Kansas City physician. Stony Point - A valuable mule belonging to R. T. Mooney was badly lacerated on the forelegs and shoulders last Sunday while attempting to jump a barb wire fence and getting entangled in the same.
28 December. Stony Point - Master Charley Stevens of Chicago, Ill., is visiting his uncles, Messrs. James and Thos. Grinter. Linton Grinter, and James Moore Sr., and wife, started last Sunday for an extended visit to Russellville, Logan Co., Ky.  [The names Stevens and Stephens seem to represent the same families with different spellings. It was common for newspaper items of the day to spell the names incorrectly. Based on other data, it appears that "Stephens" was the more commonly used. James Grinter and Thomas A. Grinter were sons of John Hill Grinter, the son of John Grinter, and the brother of Moses Read Grinter. It appears that James Grinter's wife, Sarah Stephens, and Thomas A. Grinter's wife, Emily Stephens, were sisters, probably making Charley the son of a brother of Sara or Emily. According to the 25 February 1865 extract, Emily was the daughter of Sylvanus Stephens, so, Charley Stephens might have been his son, or, the son of his yet unknown brother. Linton Grinter was the son of Thomas A. Grinter and Emily H. Stephens.]  Linton Grinter closed his school at Pleasant Grove, until after  New Year's, and is spending his vacation at home. Mr. Sidney Smith, Mrs. Sue Grinter+, and James Moore, and wife, started last Sunday for an extended visit in Russellville, Logan Co., Ky.
 

                                                                                        1884      
11 January.  Mrs. Honeywell and Judge Hollingsworth went down to Wyandotte on business for the former. Quite a serious accident occurred to Mr. Honeywell the other morning which resulted in a very fine sleigh; while driving to the depot at this point his sleigh upset and threw him out. His horse taking fright ran off, and before she could be caught, had completed the destruction of the sleigh.
18 January. Stony Point. James Defries visited his daughter in Allen county this week.   R[obert] T. Mooney spent week before last in Indiana on a business visit.
8 February. Stony Point. Mr. Daniel Grinter has purchased a team and will engage in tilling the soil the coming spring. Mssrs. W.[illiam] H.[enry] Grinter and James Defries were delegates to the congressional convention at Wyandotte. A boarder registered at the house of Mr. Oscar Newman+ last Wednesday who will now and forever wear petticoats, also one at Mr. Merna Stevens, last week, who will vote in twenty-one years. [This is a birth announcement for Jennie Newman, a daughter of Annie Defries Newman, who was a daughter of Mary Jane Grinter and Audley Paul Defries.]
15 February. Township Elections. Wyandotte Township - Justice of the Peace - John C. Grinter. Quindaro Township - Justice of the Peace - R.[ezin] Wilcoxen.
7 March. Mr. Oscar Newman moved on his farm, situated on the Reidy Road, last Thursday which was recently vacated by Mr. Wm. Mounger. The newly organized literary society at Muncie schoolhouse discussed the question. - Resolved, that the morals of the present generation are degenerating" last Friday night. Mr. R. T. Mooney went to Humboldt, Allen County, last week on a business trip. Mr. Porter into the house on Mrs. Defries farm, vacated by Oscar Newman. [Mrs. Defries, that is Mary Jane Grinter, was the widow of Audley Paul Defries, who died 27 July 1882. Oscar Newman is her son-in-law, the spouse of her daughter, Anna Elizabeth Defries.]
     Stony Point . Mr. James Defries is erecting a dwelling for Postmaster Woods of Muncie Town. Mrs. James Grinter and Mrs. Oliver have been on the sick list but are convalescing. Mssrs. Wm. and Charles McCamish+ of Burlington, Coffey County, are
circulating among friends this week. Mr. Sidney Smith and Mrs. Sue Grinter returned home last Thursday from an extended visit in Kentucky. Messrs. John C. Grinter, Thos. Noland, Wm. Mounger and R. T. Mooney, were in attendance at the Grand Lodge, at Lawrence. Mr. Thos. Grinter is preparing to ship his apples to Kansas City.
4 April. Stony Point and White Church. John Grinter, Jr., has rented his farm for five years to R.[obert] T. Mooney. R. T. Mooney is having "Crystal Palace" plastered, preparatory for occupancy by the general benedict [?] L. W. Whitson.
9 May.  Stony Point. Mr. Linton Grinter closed his school at Hazel Grove last Tuesday. Rev. O. D. Allen of Platte county, Mo., preached at the Maywood church last Sunday, and visited Mr. John C. Grinter's. Mrs. Jams and Thomas Grinter last Wednesday, on an extended visit with relatives in Gaylord, Smith county.
20 June. 
Delegates to the Republican County Convention. Township - Delaware W. Grinter, Jas. Defries.
15 August.  
Stony Point. Mr. Jas Defries is preparing for another big wheat crop, but not as large as last year. Mr. R.[obert] T. Mooney is building a wheat granary for Mrs. Defries. Esq. Grinter is as usual at his post, but needs a white plug to complete the faith canvass. [What does this mean?] There is to be a Sunday school picnic at Grinter's chapel on the 22nd inst., all schools are invited. Refreshments are to be on the grounds, no intoxicating liquors are allowed. Come with a song and joyous heart. Mr. Will Grinter has captured his stolen boat, "Old Black Bob," and is boat riding half the time.
22 August.  We had the pleasure of dining a few days ago with our good democratic friend, John C. Grinter, who resides in the western part of Wyandotte township. Mr. Grinter  lives in the garden spot of Wyandotte Co., as all must admit who will go with home over his productive fields, and will stand in his front yard and beautiful country which surrounds his farm. Mr. Grinter, besides having the fine farm, has the name of unbounded hospitality, which his wife does her full share to sustain.
29 August. Mr. T.[homas] A. Grinter says that we may expect a hard winter and he advises farmers to lay up for their own use one or two hundred pounds of corn extra. It may be needed and is the safest kind of insurance in the world.
17 October. John Grinter, J., expects to start for California soon. Mr. Thomas Grinter celebrated his 57th birthday and Mr. David Taylor his   48th birthday last Saturday, at the Grinter residence. Several friends and relatives were present. The table was a fairly creaking under the weight of god things which Mrs. G. had prepared for the occasion. Everyone present expressed the wish that Mssrs. Grinter and Taylor might love to be a hundred years old and have a birthday inner every year.
28 November. Married. In a copy of the Ventura (California) Signal we notice the following: "On 18th June at the residence of the bride's parents on Ventura avenue, by Justice Hammer, Mr. E. M. Honeywell+ to Miss Susie Garret+."
19 December. Stony Point . B. B. Defries says he is lie [sic] unto the old woman, with flaxseed, he has help at hand. It's a boy. John W. Grinter, who was intending to emigrate to California, had to abandon the journey, in account of the health of his wife, but still intends going in the spring. Prospects  of Stony Point future's prosperity are as follows: ... Hogs, there has been considerable taken off to market. Mr. Mooney has a lot of nice ones. W.[illiam] H.[enry] Grinter has some he intends to put in at Philadelphia. James F. Grinter also has a good drove. John H. Grinter, Esq., has a nice lot. Jas Defries has one he thinks will tip the beam at four fifty. Cattle, there are some being fatted. Sheep, James C. Grinter has the only drove. Fowls, Mrs. Martha Allen has a drove of one hundred and forty-five, holding for the spring markets. Stony Point is a country village of a store and a school house and one or two residence. Like all other cities it was once it its infancy ... Court convenes whenever called by Justice of the Peace John C. Grinter, Esq.

                                                                                    1885   
9 January. Death of Nody Wilcoxen+. It is  not often that the sympathies of an entire community go out towards a sufferer and later to the bereaved family, as in the case of which we take liberty to say a few words. Miss Nody, daughter of Rezin and Melinda Wilcoxen of White Church, had, during her short life, continuously been an invalid. She was the youngest of the household, was petted and caressed by the family and by neighbors but not spoiled. She acquired, at home, an education, was a great reader, skilful in mathematics and other branches; she acquired a vast fund of useful information withal gave evidence of great piety. But the stern reaper could not be stayed. At a few months less than sixteen years, on December 20th, she closed her eyes forever, and tenderly the frail body was prepared for burial. On the 22nd, Rev. Sherman of Wyandotte, conducted the funeral services and the loved one of the community was laid to rest in the Grinter cemetery. But her memory and her beautiful life remain.
23 January.  Mr. Robert T. Mooney met with quite a serious accident, while assisting in digging a grave; one of the workmen in  the act of pitching a shovel of earth came very near severing the thumb of his left hand.  Little Maud, the daughter of John W. and Ida Grinter, is lying very low with diphtheria.  James C. Grinter has been very low in the last month with inflammatory rheumatism.  W. A. Defries has his wonderful four-horse sleigh very near completion.  Oscar Newman was visiting his mother-in-law last Sunday. [She was Mary Jane Grinter Defries, daughter of Anna Marshall Grinter and Moses Grinter, and the spouse of Audley Paul Defries. Oscar Newman was married to her daughter,  Anna Elizabeth Defries.] Bailey Defries is going to move near Edwardsville.  Mr. Thomas Grinter has sold six hundred bushels of apples at seventy-five cents per bushel.  Mr. W. H. McCamish+ has moved back to his farm. He hails from Coffey CountyH. S. Hilbert has been circulating with friends during the holidays. He looked as of yore behind his cob pipe. He gave Mr. Will Grinter a call, and said the turkey was just splendid.  Mrs. Polly Defries and daughter, Miss Lulu, are visiting among relatives
13 March. We understand that W.[illiam] H.[enry] H.[arrison] Grinter argues that as under democratic domination [a] p. m. [postmaster] was appointed, so now, as an act of comity, a republican should be selected. This, however, would be a great strain on the party which has watched and waited for a quarter of a century for an easy way to make a living.
8 May.  Stony Point. Mr. Galloway, of Illinois, has rented Mrs. Allen's farm. [Mrs. Allen may be Martha Vashtie Grinter Allen Kirby the daughter of Moses Grinter and Anna Marshall.]  Mr. James Defries, Jr., of Cameron, Mo., has been visiting relatives here for some time.  John Grinter, Jr., has moved to Vinita, Indian Territory. "Cam" Grinter has purchased a team and started to farming.  W. A. Defries is canvassing for books in Coffey county.  [He is probably William Asher Defries, son of Audley Paul Defries and Mary Jane Grinter. Does anyone know what this entry means?]  Wm. McCamish, a former resident of the county, but recently of Coffey County, has moved back to his farm.  John C. Grinter, R. T. Mooney, and L.[inton] E. Grinter are improving their farms by setting out large orchards.  Mr. Stephens, formerly of White Church, has moved to Stony Point, and is erecting a wagon shop nearly opposite the school house. [This may be Henry A. Stephens, the husband of Nannie Hill Grinter, daughter of Frances Catherine Grinter"Doc" Young and family of Russellville, Ky., visited Mrs. Young's uncle, John C. Grinter, and other relatives in these parts, a short time ago and have gone to Barbour county to relocate.  John C. Grinter and R. T. Moony, each have fine fields of wheat, the best we have seen in this county, although as a general rule, wheat is almost a total failure in this part as in other parts of the county.  Quite a number of real estate transfers have been made this spring, among which are the following: Mr. Fowler to James F. Grinter, 80 acres; John Gable to L. E. Grinter, 40 acre
24 April. L.[inton] E. Grinter and Misses Annie and Ida Grinter, of Muncie, made our school and the scribe a pleasant visit last.
14 August. Republican Central Committee. On Friday, August 7th, the following were elected ad the central committee: Delaware - W. H. Grinter.
25 September. Stony Point. Mr. Linton Grinter's wheat crop made twenty-two and one-third bu. Per acre.  Mr. John W. Grinter was up from Indian Ter. He reports fin e crops.  W. A. Defries and family are visiting relatives of Stony Point and vicinity. He hails from Kentucky.  J. L. Defries is preparing for a trip to Mrs. Norris, his daughter's, in southern Missouri.
23 October.  Muncie. Mr. W. H. McCamish has returned from El Dorado, Mo., where he was engaged in merchandising.

                                                                                   1886

1 January.  Stony Point. Miss Maria Thomas , who is visiting her sisters, will soon leave for Nemaha co.
29 January.  Stony Point.  Miss Maria Thomas, who is visiting her sisters, will soon leave for Nemaha co.  [NOTE: Maria Thomas was later the wife of William A.[sher] Defries].    W. H. McCamish has bought the Houts farm, north of White Church, and will move about March 1st.
12 February. L.[inton] E. Grinter has returned from St. Joe. W.[illiam] A.[sher] Defries got back from his trip north. He reports brisk business and plenty of snow drifts.
12 March.  Stony Point. Nathan Defries+ has rented widow Ingram's farm for the present year. [He is probably Nathan F. Defries, born in Barren County, Kentucky, in October 1829,  died in 1900 in Wyandotte County, Kansas.]
9 April.  Mr. John  W. Grinter+, son of John C. Grinter, has returned from the Nation to make Kansas his future home.
23 April.  Stony Point. Mr. A. Grinter was absent from Sabbath school last Sunday, being called to Atchison, Ks. [So far, I can't place this Grinter. Editor] Mr. Cam Grinter, the biggest young man that was in our neighborhood, got tired of leading a singe life, and was married on the 14th inst. to Miss Lizzie Shirley of Edwardsville. He will commence housekeeping near Grinter's Chapel.
11 June  The President has ... approved special bills granting pensions to ... Henry Shirley of Rantoul [Which is where?] [It is not clear whether or not this Henry Shirley is the same Henry Shirley who was Cam Grinter's father-in-law.]
25 June.  Stony Point. Mr. William Grinter has been catching some nice fish, having caught one the other day that weighed eighty pounds.  Mr. William Herdman will soon go to housekeeping in the Linter Grinter house on the old Cree farm.  Mr. Robert Mooney lost a fine colt a few days ago by his mules killing it.
2 July. Republican Convention. The delegates met in Dunning's Hall on Saturday, June 26th ... Committees, etc. W[illiam] H.[enry] H.[arrison] Grinter.
27 August. The following is a list of those who attended the Normal Institute just closed: W. H. McCamish, Geo. Grinter ... Ida Grinter.
3 September. Stony Point. Mr. R.[obert] T. Mooney is erecting a large barn for John C. Grinter in place of the old one which was blown down last spring.  Mr. James Walker, of Cass County, Mo., stopped on his return from western Kansas to visit his uncle, Mr. James Defries. He reports crops in western Kansas looking well.  The last term of the district court was adjourned over Thursday of last week ... The names of the jurors are as follows: W.[illiam] H.[enry] H.[enry] Grinter.
24 September. Stony Point. Mr. Baxter Grinter of Leavenworth is visiting his parents Mr. Thomas Grinter.
1 October.  Edwardsville. Cam Grinter has moved on his father-in-law's farm north of town. [That is, the farm of Henry Shirley.]
29 October.  Stony Point. Mr. Thomas Grinter is on the sick list.  Miss  Ida Grinter who has been lying low for five weeks, is at this writing not expected to live.  Mr. John C. Grinter is able to be around again.
12 November.  Stony Point. Miss Ida Grinter who has been so low for seven weeks is slowly recovering.  Mr. John C. Grinter is confined to his room again with a carbuncle.
Mr. C.[hristian] F.[rederick] Hahn
and Miss Mattie [Martha Frances]  Defries were married at the residence of the bride's mother. Nov. 3rd, Elder W. F. Wait officiating. [Mattie was the daughter of Audley Paul Defries, of Kentucky, and Mary Jane Grinter, the daughter of Moses Reed Grinter and Anna Marshall. Mattie's father, Audley Paul Defries, had died two years previously, on 27 July 1882. Chris Hahn was born in Butler County, Pennsylvania. Chris and Mattie applied for a wedding license at the Office of Probate Judge of Wyandotte County on 3 November 1886 and a wedding license was issued a Marriage License to Christian F. Hahn, age  23 and Mattie Defries, age  18, but it was not returned to be recorded.]
Mr. G. R. Purtee and Mr. W. H. and J. M. Grinter will leaver for southern Missouri on a big hunting expedition.  Mr. Thomas Grinter has about finished gathering his fine crop of apples, which will make him near a thousand bushels
 
                                                                                       1887                                                                   
7  January.
Stony Point. Mr. Nathan Defries has moved on the old Searcy place.  There is some sickness in our neighborhood . . . Mr. James F. Grinter and wife are on the sick list.
18 February.  Edwardsville. Miss Libbie Timmons was married a few nights ago to Mr. Jas. Grinter.
25 February. 
Muncie. Mr. Cash Miller has rented Cam Grinter's farm and will move on it in the spring.
4 March. Edwardsville. Cam Grinter moved to his farm last week.
15 April.  White Church. Judge R. Wilcoxen sold his farm Saturday to Mr. Kerr, of Wyandotte, for $125 per acre.
17 June.  Stony Point. Mr. R. T. Mooney of this place shipped a car load of wheat a few days ago to the Kansas City Milling Company.
15 July.  W.[illiam] H.[enry] H.[arrison] Grinter,
of Muncie, was in the city yesterday. He is for Blaine for president and a little more rain to keep the corn moving and to settle the chinch bugs.
10 August.  Important Sale. The final transactions in the sale of 617 4-10 acres of land by W.[illiam] H.[enry] H.[arrison] Grinter et al. to the Riverside Investment and Improvement company were completed Monday. This tract of land lies a short distance west of Muncie station on the hills and consisted largely of wood land. This added to the property already owned by the Riverside company makes in all some 800 acres, which they intend to beautify and improve. Lying as it does on a fine plateau overlooking the Kaw Valley and being abundantly supplied with springs and streams, it can be made into one of the finest parks in the west. It lies nearly opposite the town of Quivira on the south side of the river and it may be expected that the important developments in this part of the country will take place in a very short time. The price paid for the Grinter tract was $100 per acres. List of Real Estate Transactions included: W. H. H. Grinter to H. F. Robinson, land in 29, 11, 24 . . . 36,000.
23 September.  Stony Point.  Mr. W. A. Defries of Downs, Kansas, paid his old home a visit a few days ago.
14 October.  Stony Point. Bailey Defries is selling out and will quit farming. We understand that he is going into the mercantile business.
18 November.  Wyandotte Township - treasurer R. T. Mooney.
16 December.
Distressing Accident  W. H. H. Grinter Shot  through a Mistake - He Shoots Slayer and Then Drops Dead. The people of this city were shocked to learn Monday that W. H. H. Grinter, one of the best and favorably known citizens of the county had been accidentally killed while on on a hunting expedition in Southwest Missouri. The deceased, his brother C. R. Grinter, and James Grinter, a cousin, were hunting in Ozark County, Mo., near Rockbridge, having been in that neighborhood for something over three weeks. Another party of hunters from the vicinity of Ft. Scott were hunting in the same locality.
      Saturday morning between 8 and 9 o'clock both parties were out hunting. The deceased was on a hillside in a crouching position imitating the call of a turkey. It is supposed that W. H. Racqua, the man who shot him hearing the noise, and seeing a dark object in the brush fired three buckshot from his gun taking effect on Mr. Grinter's head, neck, and shoulder.  Mr. Grinter immediately sprang to his feet and fired both barrels of his gun at Racqua, who was approaching, killing him instantly. His brother, who ran towards him on hearing the shots, heard Mr. Grinter say, "You shot me and I'll kill you." These were his last words; he died a few moments after his brother reached him. A coroner's jury rendered a verdict that each man came to his death by the other's hand, through mistaking each other for game. The remains were brought to Swigley's undertaking rooms Monday where they were prepared for burial on the following day.
In Memoriam. The friends and relatives paid the last tribute to all that was earthly of W. H. H. Grinter Tuesday afternoon, and all that is left them now is the recollection of the fine character and noble example of the citizen, neighbor and kinsman, who came to his untimely end in such a tragic manner.   W. H. H. Grinter was the son of Moses R. and Anne Grinter, who came to tine territory in 1832. He was born on November 1st, 1841 and is said to have been the first white child born in the county. At the time of his death, he was entering his 47th year. His early life, and in fact all of it, except the period spent in the army, was passed in this county.
     On September 1st, 1863, he enlisted in Company E, 15th Kansas cavalry for three years, or during the war. He held the rank of orderly sergeant until peace was declared. On July 1st, 1865, he was discharged by special order No. 176 to accept the commission of First Lieutenant of his company. as a reward fore meritorious conduct. He was commissioned by Sam'l. J. Crawford, who was the governor of Kansas at that time. Since that to me he has been engaged in farming, and by industry and frugality had a amassed a very smug fortune, having been one of the owners of the Riverside tract near Muncie until recently, when it was purchased by a wealthy syndicate of which he was a member at the time of his death. Since the death of his father, in 1878, he and his widowed mother [Anne Marshall Grinter] and sister have been living together, he never have been married.
     Mr. Grinter was quiet and unostentatious in his manners, and although very popular with all classes of people he never sought his own personal advancement. He was well informed on all topics of general interest and was public spirited to ah high degree. He was an earnest advocate of all that was been in all matters pertaining to the general welfare, and it went without saying that W. H. H. Grinter's moral support was always on the the side of the best men and measures. No higher tribute can be paid to any citizen. He was a man of fie physique, very fond of hunting, and one of the surest and quickest marksmen in the country.
     He was interred at the cemetery near his old home. Rev. G. J. Warren of Gallatin, Mo., Rev. Mr. White of White Church and Rev. J. McCormer of this city officiated at the obsequies. The funeral arrangements were under the direction of H. S. Swingley, were very complete in every detail. The pall bearers were John Caskey, J. H. Coleman, C. F. Gilford, John Barger, Henry  Sheley and M. R. Conlier. In the death of W. H. H. Grinter his family and the community have suffered an irreparable loss, and worse of regret for his tragic fate and sympathy for his family are on every lip.

                                                                                      1888
6 January. 
Edwardsville. At a shooting match held Saturday last in Williamson's grove, Jim Grinter, Jim Malone, Henry Wilson, and Jack Brown, were the lucky shots.
13 January.  Edwardsville. Jim Grinter is now papa and the way in which he "set 'em up" to the boys plainly told that he was highly honored with his new position. It is a bouncing boy.  Letters of Administration granted to John Caskey on December 31, 1887, W. H. H. Grinter Estate.

27 January.
Stony Point. J. F. Grinter has been on the sick list for some time, but is recovering now.  L. E. Grinter is serving on the jury at the district court.  We understand that J. H. Grinter will leave in a short time for his old home in Kentucky.  Mrs. Hahn who has been lying sick  for some time is recovering.
2 March.  Stony Point. R.[obert] T. Mooney is building a new house on his north eighty, which will be occupied by James Wetzel, and Marshall Malone occupy the one formerly occupied by Mr. Wetzel.  Elder Michaels will, on the second Sunday in March, preach a sermon at this place, in memory of Mr. Bailey Mann (formerly called Grandpa Mann) who died on the 9th of January, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. James Defries.
16 March.  Mr. Will McCamish has been appointed to the position of postal clerk on the Southern Kansas railway. Mr. McCamish is one of Wyandotte county's brightest teachers, and will make a first-class s.[data missing]  Stony Point. Mr. T. A. Grinter is back on the sick list.  E. N. Brown has moved from the W. H. Grinter place to Pat Cahill's place.
13 April. Revival at White Church. Rev. H. C. Kirby. pastor in charge of the Wyandotte county circuit, has just closed a series of meetings which have resulted in great good to the entire community.
11 May.  Stony Point. Mr. R. [obert]T. Mooney is shipping walnut logs to Kansas City over the Northwestern, which he will have sawed into lumber.
25 May. Hon. J. F. Timmons, democratic representative of the Thirteenth district, Hon. J. L. Buckland, and Hon. John Doe, true name R. B. McNatt  were brought before Justice Auld by Constable Parker on charges of assaulting, beating, bruising and striking with a hatchet with intent to do great bodily harm, S. M. Humphrey and S. R. Taylor conductor and porter on the Union Pacific Railway.
2 June. The Timmons Trial. The case of the state vs. J. F. Timmons for assaulting Lindsey Taylor, a porter on the Union Pacific railway on May 15th was called for hearing in Justice Auld's court Monday.
8 June. 
Wellborn. Rev. Kirby will conduct religious services here next Sunday evening at 7:30 o'clock.
29 June. 
There will be a fine crop of apples this year. Mr. T. A. Grinter has the finest crop we have ever seen.  The Stony Point singing society was organized at the church last Friday night. Mr. R. T. Mooney was elected president and Marshall Malone as leader in the singing. The society will meet every Friday night. Edwardsville. Rev. Kirby preached here Sunday last.
The name of the newspaper changed from the Wyandotte Gazette  to the Kansas City Gazette on 13 July 1888.

13 July.
 Edwardsville. Rev. Kirby filled his regular appointment at this place Sunday last.
27 July.   That Vicious Cow Again. Mrs. J. F. Timmons [Maria Jane Grinter Timmons, dau. of James Grinter] of Edwardsville, who is visiting friends in this city was attacked by the vicious cow that ranges along Barnett Street from Sixth to Eighth Streets.  Tuesday night Mrs. Timmons had occasion to go with her friend  on an errand to that portion of the city.  Near the corner of Seventh and Barnett streets, they encountered the cow.  The savage brute unexpectedly attacked Mrs. Timmons, knocking her down and bruising her considerably.  Springing to her feet quickly Mrs. Timmons made her escape before the animal could strike her a second time.  The cow attacked Mrs. Lou Barnard a few weeks ago an account of which was published in the Gazette at the time.  The cow has attacked several persons at different times and yet she is allowed to run at large. The people living in the vicinity are anxious to have this dangerous animal off the street.
17 August. Stony Point. Geo. Grinter is putting out strawberries in large quantities.
Edwardsville. Rev. Kirby of the Methodist church, South, delivered his farewell sermon last Sunday evening.  The Rev. leaves a host of friends here, whose best wishes go with him.
24 August.   Central Committee Meeting. V. S. Lucas offered the following resolutions of respect of Mr. W. H. H.   Grinter, who for a long term of years has been a member of the central committee, and a staunch republican, which were adopted. WHEREAS, Since the last annual meeting of the Wyandotte county republican committee, we have lost by death one of our most valued members, who, for many years, assisted us by his counsel and work, W. H. H. Grinter.  Be it  RESOLVED, That in the death of Mr. Grinter the republican party has lost   an able and efficient worker, the county one of its valued citizens, and his family a true son and brother. After the adoption of the resolution, Mr. G .U. S. Hovey, of White Church, made a brief speech eulogistic of Mr. Grinter, calling attention to the fact that he was the first white child born in the county, and at the breaking out of the war he threw aside the traditions of his family and espoused the cause of the republican party and did valiant service for the country and     his party, both on the battlefield and in the walks of a private citizen
7 September.   The M. E. Conference. At the morning session of the annual conference of the M. E. church south this morning, H. C. Kirby and J. D. Austin were admitted to the conference on trial, and A. J. Lawless was readmitted.  F. A. White and C. A. Kirby were elected to deacons’ orders, and will be ordained at the morning services next Sunday.  In the evening the bishop announced that he had decided to divide the conference into two districts for the convenience of the ministers in their work, with a presiding elder for each district, Bishop Hendrix then  announced the following appointments:   Kansas City Circuit – H. C. Kirby.
14 September. Muncie and Stony Point. J. F. Timmons sold two teams belonging to Frank Worthington and Bill Marks Monday to satisfy a chattel mortgage. Thos. Grinter reports about only one-half a crop of apples this year, and  will only have about 3,000 bushels off of 900 trees. Oscar Newman is building a new residence on his farm north of Stony Point. J. F. Grinter’s cellar under his house, which he started seven years ago,  when he built his house, is nearing completion.  If you want to get into trouble just ask “Shanghai” about his cellar.
28 September.  Edwardsville. J. F. Timmons is rusticating at his old home in Ohio.
5 October. After an absence of three weeks visiting friends and relatives in Eastern Arkansas, Rev. Kirby has returned with renewed health to resume his year’s labors on the Kansas City (Wyandotte) circuit.  The circuit will be   held as it was last year until further notice is given. Hon. J. F. Timmons has returned from the reunion at Columbus.  He had a splendid time. And reports the show to have been immense.  He says   is overwhelmingly Republican and that many of the brigade comrades from   Illinois, Indiana and other states report the mechanics in all the railroad and other shops as against the Mills bill, and all for Harrison.
12 October.   J. F. Timmons has returned from his extended trip in Ohio well pleased   with the country and people, and especially with the great boom for  Harrison in that state.  From his remarks, one would infer that he had been    converted from a Democrat to a full fledged Harrison man. J. F. Timmons has built a new tenement house on his farm
2 November.  Miss Bettie Grinter who had been visiting her brother, J. C. Grinter, will  leave in a few days for her home in Kentucky. Stony Point.   Mr. W. A. Defries and family, of Osborne county, Kansas, have come to spend the winter in the old home in Wyandotte county. Baxter Grinter, of Leavenworth county, visited his father, T. A. Grinter, this week.
23 November.  Edwardsville.  H. C. Wilson is building a barn for J. M. Grinter near Perry.  Stony Point. Our farmers are done digging their potatoes and have begun to gather their corn, which proves to be the best crop for several years.  Mr. John C. Grinter will have between two and three thousand bushels with which he is feeding a fine lot of cattle for the market. Mr. J. F. Grinter is about to complete his new cellar.

                                                                                      1889
4 January.  
Stony Point. Mr. W. A. Defries has his new house nearly completed, and will occupy soon. T. A. Grinter returned a few days ago from St. Joseph, Mo., where he had been visiting his daughter. Mr. J. F. Grinter has sold a part of the old Fowler place to George Ottens  and Reuben Oliver.
1 February. Edwardsville. Mr. And Mrs. C. R. Grinter of Perry, Kansas, visited last week with Mr. Sherley, father of Mrs. Grinter.  Henry Wilson has completed J. W. Grinter’s barn at Perry and is at home
8 February.   Stabbed by His Tenant.  Intelligence has been received to the effect that Mr. R. T. Mooney, the  contractor, was assaulted and seriously stabbed by his tenant near Muncie.  The assailant lives on Mr. Mooney’s farm at the last named place.  It appears that some words had passed between the two men in regard to keeping a gate closed, when the tenant attacked Mr. Mooney with a pocket knife, inflicting quite serious wounds.  A physician was called and sewed up the cuts.
15 February
.   Stony Point. The name of our post office will be Grinter, but our items will still be from Stony Point.    Mr. B. B. Defriese has bought a part of Mr. Hammot’s place, will build him a residence on the same
15 March. Stony Point.  Mr. L. E. Grinter will garden pretty extensively this year.
29 March.   Successful Meetings. Rev. H.[enry] C.[Clay] Kirby of White Church has just closed a very successful series  of meetings.  He has been doing revival work incessantly for four months and during that time has received forty persons into the church, while a number of his conversions have gone to other churches.  At Connor these were twelve accessions to the Church
12 April. The County’s Business. R.[ezin] Wilcoxen, J. F. Timmons and J. W. Kindred were appointed viewers on  the John Horan road.  Date of view June 24. J. L. Defries, J. M. Shores and J. F. Grinter were appointed viewers for the Thomas Smith road: date of view June 19.
19 April.   Grinter Gossip. Linton Grinter went to Atchison county this week to assist in moving his sister, Mrs. Laura Norris, back to Wyandotte county.  She will live near her father, Thomas Grinter. The Union Sunday School elected officers last Sabbath, with Mr. Chris  Hahn as superintendent. George Grinter has accepted a position with the corps of engineers, who are locating the new railroad. While John C. Grinter and Roezin Wilcoxen were leading a cow to the  latter’s home a few days ago by means of a rope tied around her horns, she fell to the ground and broke her neck.  It is needless to say she died in five minutes
26 April. Grinter Gossip. John Hahn’s new house presents a fine appearance. R. T. Mooney had a cow badly cut on the wire fence.  There is no doubt but he has sympathy for the cow having suffered a like wound from a knife recently.
10 May.   Grinter Gossip. R. T. Mooney lost four head of good cattle from clover bloat last Friday evening, and many other cases of the same kind have been reported recently.
7 June.  Stony Point. The Sunday school of Wyandotte township met in session at this place on   last Tuesday evening for the purpose of organizing in connection with the  State Sunday school work.  Speeches were made by Rev. Kerby [sic] and others.  The following are the officers: President, R .S. Porter, vice president, James Defriese, secretary, L. E. Grinter.
11 October.
   Stony Point. Mrs. T. A. Grinter who has been sick is recovering slowly.
1 November. Argentine. Mr. H. C. Kirby, of Nebraska, was in the city yesterday looking up the many advantages of the smelting city.  Mr. Kirby thinks of locating here.
Kirby-Allen. At the residence of Moses R. Grinter near Muncie, Rev. H. C. Kirby and Miss Anna J. Allen [Note: should be Martha V. Allen] were married last evening by Rev. Geo. Warren of Chillicothe, Mo.  A large number of   guests from the surrounding country were present. A magnificent supper followed the wedding ceremony.

                                                                                   1890
24 January
.   Stony Point. Mr. Cam Grinter has moved down from Perryville, and lives in the house with his mother on the old homestead.
22 May.  Grinter Items.  Mr. Baxter Grinter and wife, of Kansas City, Mo., has been visiting his  father, Thomas A. Grinter.  Mr. Grinter is master mechanic and returns to his work on Monday. The Wyandotte township S.S. [Sunday School] association convened at Grinter’s Chapel May 18.  Schools were represented as follows: Lake Side, Grinter’s Chapel and Stony Point.  The attendance was large and the dinner was larger in spite of unfavorable weather.  The addresses were to the point and of such a nature as to make all feel that the S.S. work is a grand one and one to be proud of, while the singing was excellent…. The  following officers were elected for the ensuing year, viz: President, R. S. Porter; vice-president, Edward Shores; secretary and treasurer, Edward Defries.
29 May.  Grinter Items. The Farmer’s Alliance No. 2251 meets every Thursday night; John C. Grinter, President.
5 June.   Grinter Items. Miss Ida Grinter is visiting her uncle’s family in Chicago. Mr. James Grinter has a new carriage and George is happy. Misses Kittie Grinter [this may be Catherine Shavan Grinter Mooney, daughter of Frances C. Grinter] and Ora Mooney have been with their grandmother, Mrs. Anna Grinter, visiting their aunt [probably Martha  Kirby] in Nebraska CityMr. S. Stephens [probably Sylvanus Stephens, referred to in previous articles], who recently celebrated his 80th birthday with forty-five of his near relatives  present, is visiting his daughter and family in Macon City, Mo.  This Sunday school and the one at Grinter’s chapel are invited to a Sunday school picnic next Sabbath, June 8, at Lakeside, in honor of “Children’s Day,” which will be observed there at that time.
3 July. Mr. James F. Timmons Loses $3,000 by Fire. On Wednesday evening, Mr. James F. Timmons of Edwardsville lost his barn and contents by fire.
30 October.  Fifty-four and Sixty-four. On Saturday the families and immediate relatives to the number of forty of D. G. Taylor and Thos. Grinter enjoyed the annual birthday dinner at the home of the latter near White Church. The birthday of these two gentlemen falls on the same day, and for a number of years [it] has been their custom to get their families together at the home of one or the other and celebrate the event in feasting and a general good time.  On Saturday Mr. Taylor had completed his fifty-fourth year, while Mr. Grinter was just  ten years his senior.

                                                                                        1891
5 March Muncie. The building boom has struck, Messrs. Grinter, Friedburg, and Herbert are improving their farms and houses. George Miller and family have returned from Southern Kansas and have taken up their abode on Mr. Mooney’s farm.
Ghost Dancers in the Territory. Rev. G. W. Hicks, superintendent of the Baptist Mission about fifteen miles north of Anadarko, writes the Indian missionary, under recent date, that the Indians (Wichitas, Caddos, Delawares, Kechis ) are still dancing.  These dances commenced during the Sioux troubles and have   continued since with only temporary intermission.
19 March.  Stony Point Items. Mr. Newton Grinter of Lee’s Summit, Mo., visited Mr. T .A. Grinter and  Mr. James F. Grinter, his brothers, at this place last week. Mr. Mose Defriese and Charley Mand have gone to Colorado and George Ottens and William Jacks to California. [Moses[s] Reed Defries was said to have been a "breaker of horses.]
16 April.   Stony Point. Mr. George Grinter and James Mooney have returned from Sedalia, Mo.,  where they have been attending school.
23 April
. The Wyandottes. I remember once riding out from Quindaro with Charles Ketchum, prominent Delaware – and it hardly seems possible, but Quindaro was in 1857 a larger and more flourishing place than Wyandotte.  As late as 1858 I   used to ride up there of a Sunday morning to get Uncle Menser to shave me….  But I started to relate my interview with Ketchum.  He told me that in the old days, when the Delawares were driven from their homes by that  fierce Indian confederacy, the Five Nations, the Wyandottes, who had long before felt their vengeance, gave them a piece of their blanket to sit upon, and that in return the Delawares had now given them a piece of their   blanket; but the simple Indians had learned some of the ways of civilization during the lapse of years, and it seems to me that there was a substantial monetary consideration connected with the last transfer.  At any rate I have always understood that the Wyandottes paid the Delawares for the land.  Mr. Ketchum said that that the Delawares called the Wyandottes “Uncle” and in turn addressed by them as “Grandfather.”  I doubt that he had ever read the fascinating “Leatherstocking” tale, but the story, as he told it, sounded familiar.  I only know that when our ways parted we dismounted from our horses and, seated on a moss-grown log, he filled my ears with Indian lore until nearly sundown.
14 May.  Stony Point. Mrs. Baxter Grinter of Kansas City, Mo., spent last week visiting at the home of her father-in-law. Mr. T. A. Grinter of this place. The Sunday schools of Wyandotte township will hold their annual meeting  on the second Sunday in June at Grinter’s chapel, beginning at 10 o’clock a.m.
28 May.  Stony Point Items. Mr. L. E. Grinter is marketing his strawberries, which are  of a very fine  quality. Mr. C. F. Hahn is making some improvements in the way of a stone cellar  and a workshop. Mr. John C. Grinter returned from Perryville last Monday where he has  been to see James C. Grinter, who has been very ill for some time but is better now.
25 June. Stony Point.   Mr. George Grinter left for Tonganoxie a few days ago on business. The township Sunday school convention, which convened on the 14th inst., was well attended with good access.  Our county president, W. H. Young, was present with us.  The following officers were elected for the ensuing  year: President, L. E. [Linton] Grinter; vice-president, R. S. Purtee;   secretary, E. B. Defries. 
23 July. Stony Point. Mrs. Cynthia Yelton and her daughter, Mrs. Richie of Kansas City, Mo., have been visiting her nieces, Mrs. John Purtee, and Mrs. W. A. Defriese, returning home Wednesday.20 August. With Closed Doors The Peoples Party Makes a New Departure. After Rev. Greene had invoked the divine blessing upon the convention and the names of Geo U. S. Hovey, James F. Timmons, J. B. Hipple and three or four other alliance men were put up.

27 August.
 Stony Point. Mr. Baxter Grinter of Kansas City, Mo., paid his father Mr. T, A, [Thomas] Grinter, a visit this week. The recent hail storm did much damage to crops and fruit especially.  Mr. R. T. Mooney losing nearly his entire crop.
17 September. Stony Point. Some of the Stony Point people have the Oklahoma fever.  Mr. Baley Defries and George Munger will start the first of October for the Territory
17 December. The marriage of Mr. L. E. [Linton] Grinter to Miss Mattie Masterson, both of near White Church, this county, will occur on December 23.
24 December. In and Around Stony Point. Mr. L. E. Grinter and Miss Mollie Masterson will be married tomorrow evening at the home of the bride’s mother, Mrs. Masterson. This morning John C. Grinter forgot about the chicken thieves visiting his turkey roost and went out to feed his gobbler that he had been saving for Christmas dinner, but the old gobbler failing to show up, soon reminded him of the fact.  He tried to console himself by holding up his hands and denouncing a chicken  thief anyhow.         

                                                                                      1892

14 January. A Pioneer Dead. Thomas A. Grinter, and old and highly respected citizen of Wyandotte County Thomas A. Grinter, an old and highly respected citizen of Wyandotte County, succumbed after a short illness to that dreaded disease, pneumonia, early Sunday morning.  Mr. Grinter was 57 years of age.  His remains were interred in the Grinter cemetery near Stony Point Monday. 

10 March. Farmer Grinter Robbed. A. G. [Ambrose] Grinter, an old and highly respected farmer living near White Church, reported to Sheriff Peterson last Friday that his house had been burglarized that night. The thieves forced an entrance  digging up the earth found over $500 in gold.  They then made their escape without arousing the family from their peaceful slumbers.  The robbery was not discovered until this morning.  Mr. Grinter lost no time coming to this city to notify the sheriff. The robbery is unquestionably the work of some one who is familiar with the premises and the eccentricities of Mr. Grinter who has but little faith in banks as is shown from the fact that he buried such a large amount in the ground. 

The Grinter Robbery – The Sheriff Finds the Stolen” Money in a Hen’s Nest.

A. G. [Ambrose] Grinter’s gold has been found.  As stated in Saturday’s Gazette, Mr. Grinter reported to the police that his cellar had been entered by thieves on the previous night and over $500 of his gold was stolen.  Sheriff Peterson placed Deputy March on the case and he came back from White Church Saturday night with just $710 more than when he started.  Of this $600 was $20 pieces, $45 in silver, and the balance in $10 and $1 gold pieces. Mr. March and Grinter went to the home of the farmer, where they found a grief-stricken family.  Mr. Grinter stated to the sheriff that it was the savings of his life.  On the train Mr. Grinter gave the sheriff the history of the money,, some of which he claimed had been in his possession for over fifty years.  He was positive that it was all gold that he had hid in his cellar.  But the more he was questioned, the more he became confused, and at last declared that he did not have the least idea how much money he had saved.

 The story of the search and the finding of the money is as follows: 

When they arrived at Grinter’s home the officer made an investigation of the cellar, which had been completely torn up, and found the lock was broken, showing that thieves had been there.  He next surveyed the premises and in the orchard found an old can and shot bag which the old man positively identified as the ones which did services of a savings bank at the Grinter homestead.  The articles, however, had the appearance of  having been in the orchard for some time.  After searching about the farm and every nook in the house, the sheriff almost gave up his task of finding the farmer’s money and had almost  come to the conclusion that the thieves really got it.

 

He went back to the  White Church depot, but fortunately missed the 2 o’clock train.  The next was due at 5 o’clock.  He returned to the house and began searching the barn.  Deep under the hay in a manger he pulled out a box which had been used for the purpose of a chicken nest and to his surprise  the dirt was loose.  He dug up the earth about three inches and pulled out a can which contained just $710. When the money was viewed by the old man, he declared it was not his.  He said he never saved silver, and that the officer should keep it.  He was positive that his savings were stolen.  Deputy Sheriff March brought the gold into the city and turned it over to Sheriff Peterson, who placed it in the bank for safekeeping.

21 April.  Grinter Gets His Money.  Sheriff Peterson Tuesday afternoon “shelled out” $710 in gold to John C. [should be Ambrose] Grinter.  The money has been in charge of the officer since last January when it was found by under Sheriff March on Grinter’s farm, and the latter refusing to accept it because it had been moved from the place where he thought he had hid it.  He also claimed some one had stolen his money.  Yesterday he concluded that it was his money and so he called for it.  His memory served him quite well yesterday and he was able to recall the exact amount, how much each sack contained together with the denomination of each piece of coin
23 June.  John Grinter Registers a “Kick”.   John Grinter, the well known farmer living a few miles west of the city, was in town Thursday.  He paid his respects to the board of equalization and “kicked” until perspiration ran in rippling rivulets from his face, because his valuable tract of land had been assessed at $50 more than last year.  County Clerk Bruce stated that Mr. Grinter was the first vigorous “kicker” that had made his appearance.  John says every relative he had in the county was raised this year and for what he did not know.  No change was made in his case.
28 July. The Muncie Dam,  The Awards Made by the Condemnation Commissioners.  The commissioners awarded damages for lands condemned as follows: Martha Kirby, $500 … Thomas Grinter, $1; James Grinter, $1.

22 December. Elected Officers. Delaware Lodge, No. 96, A. F. and A. M., of White Church, held their annual election of officers last Tuesday night.  The following officers were chosen unanimously: … John Grinter, secretary.

29 December. Kansans in Town. W. E. Zeigler of Independence, and a prominent citizen of southern Kansas is in the city today.  Mr. Zeigler is of the opinion that there will be some fun at Topeka during the next two weeks.

 

Indian Folly – The Reservation System’s Entire Failure of Object – Millions of Acres Tied Up for the Misuse of Lazy Savages – The Fertile Valleys of Utah Could Be Settled.  [Excerpt from interview with Ex-Governor Tom Fletcher (of Kansas?)] – Did you ever think about this reservation system?  Well, it is wrong – all wrong.  There are tribes who have had the most careful attention and for whose civilization effort and money have been expended without stint for nearly 100 years, and they are still savages – we have not even got the blanket off them yet.  The reservation system is the cause of the failure….  The squaw men, a kind of white men who cannot live in civilized communities, are the only whites they get acquainted with, and it is no wonder that, judging by they thus come in contact with, they regard the white man as unworthy to be emulated.   [Really!. Editor] 

 

                                                                                      1894  

1 March.  Grinter Citizens Want the Bridge.  They Say the Structure Across the Kaw at Turner Must Be Built.  At a mass meeting at Grinter, the following resolutions were passed unanimously: [Not included herein.] 

10 May. The following citizens have been drawn as jurors for the May term of the court of common pleas:  … Frank Deister, B. W. Defries

21 June. Ratified.  Wyandotte County Republicanism All Right.  The vice presidents were as follows:  … J. C. [John] Grinter. This morning John C. Grinter forgot about the chicken thieves visiting his turkey roost and went out to feed his gobbler that he had been saving for Christmas dinner, but the old gobbler failing to show up, soon reminded him of the fact.  e tried to console himself by holding up his hands and denouncing a chicken thief anyhow.

 

1895


31 October. William Grinter, a driver of a coal wagon belonging to the James Sullivan Coal Company, had his leg broken in a runaway on  Sixth street between Minnesota avenue and State street this morning at 10 o’clock.  He was driving a heavily loaded wagon down the steep declivity when a trace broke frightening the horses. They started to run throwing Grinter out.  He was removed to his home at Ninth and the Patch in the patrol wagon.
28 November.  Carry May Stephens, born January 23, 1889, died November 9, 1895, aged 6 years, 9 months and days.
Our Carry May is gone to live with God and the angels in Heaven.  God, our heavenly Father gave her to us six years, months and sixteen days ago, and now he has taken her back, as she was too pure for earth. [Followed by a flowery poem]
The writer preached her funeral to a large and weeping congregation at the Stony Point Church, where we laid her away to    rest till God shall call the immortalized body to again be the abode of the immortal soul.  May God bless and comfort the hearts of the dear parents is our prayer.  – Rev. J. H. Morgan, Piper, Kansas.

                                                                                        1896
2 January.
  Yesterday the husband of Mary Grinter [apparently William Grinter], aged 25 years, who lives in the “Patch,” was discharged from Bethany hospital where he had been nursing a broken leg.  Last night Mrs. Grinter, for reasons thus far unknown, took a big dose of carbolic acid.  The dose was sufficient to cause her to scream violently with pain, but not to kill.  The neighbors brought Dr. C. M. Stemen to the woman’s assistance and he promptly administered an antidote for the poison.  Mrs. Grinter was then sent to the hospital where her husband had left but a few hours before.
23 July.  The following is the list of central committeeman chosen for the ensuing year:  Delaware [Township], J. P. Grinter.
17 September. To the republican county central committee elected at the primary election held in Wyandotte county, Kansas, Sept. 12, 1896….The committeemen elected and entitled to participate in said meeting are as follows: Delaware – G. P. Grinter.

                                                                                          1897
9 September.
  Rev. John G. Pratt is lying seriously sick at his home near Piper, and owing to his advanced age, his friends feel concerned.
23 September. The Populist county central committee, the county central  committee of the Pop-Democrats and the new central committee of  the Democratic Party held meetings Saturday afternoon and elected officers ….As this has been a full straight Democratic committee in Wyandotte County, we will publish it in full:  Delaware, R T. Mooney…                      White Church, Emmett Wilcoxen.
30 September. A Search for the Resting Place of a Shawnoe [Shawnee] Prophet – A Very Interesting Event. – Chief Charles Blue Jacket Aids the Wyandotte County Historical Society in Locating a Grave of a Brother of Tecumseh’s Near Argentine.
The visit of Charles Blue Jacket, the surviving chief of the Shawnees, by request of and as the guest of the Wyandotte County Historical Society, to locate the grave of a noted Shawnee Prophet, brother of Tecumseh, is an event of more than ordinary historical significance.  His mission to this city is to locate the grave.  The Prophet died and was buried near Shawnee springs south of Argentine many years ago.  The noted Shawnee Chief met with the Historical Society this morning at Argentine and accompanied the members of this organization to the burial grounds, where the remains of the prophet rest.  The exact spot is not known but the chief is positive that he will be able to locate the grave.  Five generations of the Grinter family, descendants of the Delaware Indians, will also be in attendance. [Emphasis added] The passing of a people or a race is an incident in the world’s history that the whites on the frontier have seen much of, and the remnants of tribes once powerful now living in the Indian territory, and from which they are being lowly squeezed, are worthy of the profoundest consideration. Wyandotte County is exceedingly rich in Indian history, three of the most noted tribes in all the records of the continent, the Wyandottes, the Shawnees, and the Delawares, making practically their last stand here.

Chief Charles Blue Jacket, our guest, is the son of George Blue Jacket, who signed the treaty of November 7, 1825, and August 8, 1831, and was interpreter to the Shawnee council in 1855.  He is an educated man and handles the English language so that no one would suspect him of being chief of a tribe of Indians.  He is tall, rather slender and wears short chin whiskers.  He came to this section in 1832 from Ohio, where the main body of Shawnees was located.  The father, George Blue Jacket, was a noted fighter in the war of 1812, and went with the crowd of Shawnees that fought with the British troops.  Chief Blue Jacket was never much of a warrior.  He has participated in nearly every treaty made by the government within the last forty or fifty years. Blue Jacket has been married three times and is the father of twenty-three children.  His three wives were Shawnees.  The first and second are dead, while the third is living a happy life with the chief and their children at Blue Jacket station in the Indian territory.

Part of the Shawnoes, as they were originally called, lived in Missouri and part in Ohio.  The treaty of 1825 moved them all to the west line of the state of Missouri.  Their land extended from the Missouri line west to Fort Riley along the south bank of the Kansas river 120 miles, south to Council Grove, and then back to the place of beginning, making a tract equal to fifty miles square, taking in the counties of Morris, Wabaunsee, Douglas and Johnson.  For this tract of land they ceded to the United States certain lands in Ohio and Missouri.  They also received from the government $829,000. Against this treaty the Wyandottes protested claiming that the land in Wyandotte and Johnson counties had first been ceded to them.  The Shawnees remained, however, in possession of the land, sharing the Wyandotte hunting and fishing grounds, and they always lived in peace.  The Kansas land was conveyed to the Shawnees by deed May 11, 1844.

The Shawnees had their ancient home in the basin of the Cumberland river, and they played such an important part in the treaty of 1682 with William Penn that the Society of Friends took a special interest in them.  Thomas Chalkley, a member of the London society of the denomination, who visited them in 1706, mentions among the peculiarities of the nation its custom of admitting women to its councils.  He says: “In the council was a woman who took part in the deliberations of this council, as well as upon all important occasions.”  The interpreter informed him, as a reason for this, that “some women were wiser than some men, and they had not done anything for years without the council of this ancient, grave woman, who spoke much in this council.” The Shawnees have a tradition that they came across the water, and they are the only tribe who claim they have European blood in their veins. The Iroquois made war on the Shawnoes, and the latter were badly scattered, some going to the Carolinas, and Florida, and others to “New Spain.”  They were reunited in 1786, and by treaty settled on the Ohio river at the mouth of the Little Miami.  They later removed to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, from whence they came to Kansas. They seem never to have inclined much to war, and readily adopted the innovations of the whites. Tecumseh, however, was a Shawnee warrior, one of the few whose name and fame will live through all history.  Another account says that a band of 500 Shawnee warriors gave the government a great deal of trouble in the early history of Indiana. When they were re-united in the valley of the Ohio, Father Marquette says “they were in such numbers that they seem as many as twenty-three villages in one district, and fifteen in another, lying quite near each other.”

The first mission school among them in Kansas was established by the Rev. Thomas Johnson, a few miles south of Rosedale in 1829.  Col. A. S. Johnson, for many years land commissioner of the Santa Fe Railroad Company, and now a retired citizen of Topeka, is a son of Rev. Johnson.  Col. Johnson is supposed to be the first white child born in Kansas, but this is disputed by Mr. McCoy, who says a man named Boone was born at a date sooner at the Delaware agency west of Lawrence. In 1835 the scholars numbered twenty-seven, and the church congregation was composed of seventy-four Shawnees.  In 1854 the school had one hundred pupils.  The Rev. Johnson represented the Methodist conference of Missouri.  In 1831 a Baptist mission was established among them by Rev. Isaac McCoy. The Shawnee Manual Labor School located a few miles south of Rosedale, played an important part in the white history of Kansas.  The first Territorial legislature met at Pawnee near Fort Riley July 1st, 1855, and on the 4th adjourned to meet at Shawnee Mission.  Here the white settlers, or rather the Missourians made our first code of laws, known as the Bogus Statutes.  Their pastor, the Rev. Thomas Johnson was president of their Territorial council. 

The Eastern Band of the Shawnoes, numbering about nine hundred souls, including white men who had intermarried in the nation.  The white men were not more than twenty. The tribe then owned (1854) about 1,600,000 acres of land or about 1,700 acres each.  They had good dwelling houses, well provided with useful and respectable furniture, which was kept in good order by the females, and they lived in the same manner and as well as the whites.  They had an abundance of farm wagons, horses, oxen, carriages and buggies.  They raised a great deal of corn, oats and some wheat.  Their homes were of hewn logs, with shingle roof and stone chimneys, and were kept neat.  There were some good mechanics among the younger ones.  They had large meeting houses, and frequently held camp meetings, and there were some good lecturers in the tribe

 And here we are at the end of a fine tribe of people, whose history beyond William Penn know one knows, but whose history since then has been carefully gathered by the whites who have pushed them out and supplanted them, and with almost the last one to guide a local Historical Society is engaged in the searching for the unmarked grave of a Prophet, famous among the Shawnoes, and whose bones lie with us.  It is an interesting event, and a very clever tribute to those who have gone before, whose life is a mystery to men but not to Him who gave it.

DID NOT FIND THE PROPHET’S GRAVE. Word was received in Kansas City yesterday afternoon that Blue Jacket had located the grave of Shawnee Prophet a little over a mile directly south of Argentine, just at the foot of a hull and about fifty yards from a wagon road, but it was not so.  Blue Jacket said that the ground and everything on it had been changed so much by the whites that no landmarks were left by which he could locate the grave, and the search had to be given up.

14 October. Full List of Nominations Made for Township Officers, November Election. Wyandotte Township.       Republican Ticket:  Trustee, G. P. Grinter. Peoples Party Ticket: Road Overseer, J. O. Mooney [believed to be  James O. Mooney, husband of Catherine Shavan Grinter, who was daughter of Frances Catherine Grinter].
4 November. GRAVE LOST FOREVER.  – Chief Bluejacket Died Saturday Last Aged Eighty Years – Historic Indian Character – Caught Cold While Searching for the Grave of the Prophet in Wyandotte County September 28 – Settled in Wyandotte in 1833. Charles Bluejacket chief of the Shawnees, spent several weeks in Kansas City, Kansas and on September 28, with representatives of the Kansas State Historical Society and the  Wyandotte County Historical Society [went] to the old Prophet Town, which is a mile south of Argentine….
11 November. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS ELECTED. Full list of Trustees, Constables, Justices and Road Overseers. Wyandotte Township – Republican Ticket – Trustee – G. P. Grinter.
13 November. The Grave of James Swanic, a Delaware Indian Representative Uncovered.  Workmen on the Hughes farm, one and three-quarter miles northeast of Edwardsville, unearthed a metallic coffin some time ago.  They were plowing when they struck something that gave forth a metallic sound.  They had heard that the place had been used once as an Indian burial ground and they removed the loose earth.  Digging about one and one-half feet further they uncovered the coffin.  They removed the head piece and through the glass could see the face of the dead man in a good state of preservation.  In one hand a glove was held and a silk handkerchief laid across the coat.  Several old settlers at once pronounced the grave that of James Swanic, a Delaware Indian who had been the tribe’s representative at Washington.  He died in 1849 at the national capital.  He was 49 years old at the time of his death.  His body was embalmed at Washington and placed in a sealed casket.  It was brought to Kansas City by steamboat and buried at this place.  The site of the grave was on a piece of rolling ground and the earth had washed so much that the casket was left only a few feet below the surface. The coffin was not disturbed, but was again covered with earth in its resting place.

                                                                                       1898
24 March
. The Republican county convention assembled at 11 a.m. and was called to order by E .A. English, chairman of the committee. The roll of delegates was called, and the following gentlemen were found to be entitled to seats:  Delaware [Township] – Chris Hahn.

31 March. A PIONEER. Mrs. Phoebe A. Bartles, widow of the late Joseph A. Bartles, died at the home of her daughter-in-law. Mrs. Melissa Bartles, 513 Oakland avenue, at the advanced age of 82 years.  She was buried at the cemetery at Quindaro this afternoon. Mrs. Bartles was one of the pioneers of Wyandotte county, and had lived here for the past forty years.  She came to Kansas with her husband from New Jersey.  They came up the Missouri River and landed at Quindaro in June, 1857.  During the war her husband took an active part in suppressing the border of ruffians that invaded this section of the country at that time.  He died in this city about seventeen years ago.  Her two sons – Theodore and Jacob – enlisted and fought in the Federal army.  Theodore died about nine years ago at the home where his mother died.  Jacob is now located in Bartlesville, I. T.  He arrived in the city from there several days ago.

Times New Roman 14 point. Copy 13 November 2004. Photo check A. TH