Buckley

Buckley Bank Started in 1869!

The first bank in Buckley was opened in 1869 by John A. Koplin.  Some years later the bank, a privately-owned business, was operated by his son, Mark Koplin, and Isaac Merritt and Frank Singleton.  These three men continued the banking operations of the community until 1920 when it was reorganized as a state bank on Nov. 19.

Last Indians Seen in 1835

Buckley-Many of the earlier settlers, mostly those who lived settlers, mostly those who lived to the north of Artesia, found places where the Indians had camped before them.  Some Indian families were still in the locality.  Their settlements could be found usually on a sand ridge and near a stream.  Many Indian relics were found in the area---poles for wigwams, quantities of bones of animals and fish, parts of brass kettles, stone spear heads up to seven inches in length.  Some residents told of finding silver bracelets and part of a pistol.  The last band known to have been here was in June 1835 when thirty or forty in number were living on Spring Creek.

St. John's Church Major Influence In Community

Buckley-In 1866 a number of families had settled in Buckley who were of the Lutheran faith.  Services were held in the school house and private homes.  After three years a church was organized and trustees elected were William Aldhen, Henry Wolf and Fred Luhrsen.  

A Church, 24 X 40, was built at a cost of $1600, and a parochial school established which was 20 X 24 and there were 60 pupils.  

There were eight months of school during the year and the teaching was in the German language.  Rev.  Julius Schumm was the first pastor to serve.  He came from Champaign.

His assistant was Prof. Kenchan of Elmhurst.  Rev. S. Suess of Melvin was called.  He moved his family to Buckley in the autumn of 1873.  a second school building was built and was in charge of C. Appel.

A need for a larger church was realized.  The congregation purchased the town hall and rebuilt it into a church.  It was dedicated in 1885.  The other church building was then used for school purposes.  Rev. Geo. Blanken served as pastor.  J.M. Gross came as a teacher in 1855.

A new brick school was dedicated in 1906, remodeled in 1926.

The present St. John's church was built in 1917.

The old church building was sold demolished and a home built.  It is now the home of Mr. And Mrs. Ralph Stroup, Sr.

1928 Dutchmasters

The players of the baseball team in Buckley:

Charles Fallert, Albert Kiener, Charlie Klann, Frank Lietz, Earl Gehle, Mark Kaufmann, Lee Klann, Buster Crane, Walter Fritsch, Werner (Pumper) Janssen, Bill Janssen, Fred Wilkens, And Walt Krumwiede.

Buckley Girls 1908 basketball team

Josephine Watson Crane, Mabel Minger Ernst, Nellie Morgan Singleton, Grace Morgan (deceased), Lela Burr Brook, Grace Luskey Lustfeldt, Theresa Fritsch, Miss Gildersleeve (school teacher playing with the team) and Maude Cleave.

Back to the Main Index Page