Butler County, Kansas

THE BURNS CITIZEN

Newspaper Tidbits

1918-1920

January 3, 1918 – Grandma Dean is hurt – An automobile accident happened at the W. T. Davis home, Tuesday evening, as a result of which Grandma Dean lies unconscious and her injuries may be fatal. A crowd of folks had come out of the house to enter their auto’s and the young man driving one of the cars lost control and rammed into the bunch. Several people were knocked down, but Mrs. Dean was the only one injured seriously.

A thank you note in the paper was signed by: W. T. Davis and family, John Dean and family, and Carl Dean.

January 31, 1918 – Mr. and Mrs. N. E. Sidener celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary Monday. They were married in Illinois in 1868. Mr. Sidener is a native of Michigan, and is 72 years old. Mrs. Sidener was born in Illinois and is in her 69th year. They came to Kansas in 1876 and settled in Butler Co., but moved to Chase Co., a few years later where they reared a large family. They have lived in Burns for several years.

February 21, 1918 – A. F. Draper purchased the Brown Café.

March 14, 1918 – Paul Heyman purchased a Ford Sedan, Wednesday, the first of this type in the community.

March 21, 1918 – The Motor Car of 1951 is described – There will be no abrupt ugly angles on the 1951 auto, curve will melt into curve. No wall-like windshield, no obtruding fenders, push button control, no shift levers and no pedals to clutch and brake. Just one controlling lever. As the lever is pulled or pushed the power is turned on or off and the brakes are automatically applied as the speed slackens. No pedals to operate, there will be no steering wheel, just a little handle to guide the car right or left. The motor will not be in the rear, it should pull not push. Gasoline will cease to be the motor car fuel by 1930. There will not be enough oil in the world from which enough gasoline can be distilled. The alcohol and electric motor will replace the gasoline engine.

April 11, 1918 – Several new residences are being contemplated – E. M. Strong, C. W. Strong – B. W. Murphy is remodeling and modernizing – H. J. Davis and 2 or 3 others have the building bug. New homes already occupied are the I. N. Smith home and the new Lister home just west of C. L. Bruner.

April 25, 1918 – Mrs. F. H. Brown bought back the restaurant from A. F. Draper. Plans are to move it into the Lyons Bldg., formerly occupied by the Brown Variety Store.

May 2, 1918 – Lawrence Coffelt, little son of Henry Coffelt, of near Cassoday, was kicked on the side of the head, Sunday, and the right side of his face was paralyzed by the blow.

May 16, 1918 – The laying of the corner stone of their new church will be the big event at Whitewater Center Church this coming Sunday at 3 o’clock.

May 16, 1918 – Ground was broken Wednesday morning for the power house of the new city electric light plant.

May 23, 1918 – A great tabernacle is to be built in one day to house the big Rayburn revival meetings coming soon. It will require 40 thousand feet of lumber. All the churches in the country adjacent to Burns are planning to attend. Scores of men have volunteered their services and the women will feed the workers.

May 23, 1918 – An airplane passed over Burns Friday evening between sundown and dark. Although it was too high to be plainly visible, a light on the machine was to be seen and the droning of the motor could be heard for some time. It was traveling very rapidly in a north easterly direction. Several persons report taking note of the transient visitor.

June 6, 1918 – The revival will begin Sunday. The tabernacle will be built on the school grounds. The erection to take place, Tuesday, June 11.

June 27, 1918 – The tabernacle meetings outgrew its quarters last week, till one side had to be pushed out to enlarge the seating capacity. 1300 were in attendance Sunday evening. This is the third week of the meetings.

July 18, 1918 – Dr. L. A. Wise is moving to Oil Hill this week.

William Oakley sold his interest in the Leonard & Oakley Dray Line, Friday, to A. R. Clark of El Dorado.

August 1, 1918 – The school has purchased the Caleb Macklin property from the estate. It consists of 7 lots. On Wednesday of this week they closed a deal for the 10 lots on the south end of the same block.

August 1, 1918 – Miss Emila Koebele has been put in charge of the Roll of Honor of men serving in the World War.

August 29, 1918 – W. E. Harader moved Monday from Cassoday to Burns. He and F. I. Bell are going to open a store in the old Brown Variety Store location.

August 29, 1918 – The city’s new flag pole was set Tuesday at the intersection of Washington and Broadway.

September 12, 1918 – H. E. McCarley has opened a new Barber Shop in Burns.

September 19, 1918 – The work of remodeling the Methodist Episcopal Church was started the first of the week.

September 19, 1918 – Roy Allen has purchased the Smith Garage.

September 26, 1918 – The Burns Municipal Electric Light & Power plant was put into regular operation last Saturday night. The brilliantly lighted streets and stores were alive with crowds of admiring folk who acted as if they just hated to think of going home. Mr. I. H. Rowe is in charge of the plant.

September 26, 1918 – T. O. Draper is quitting Burns and the Barber business. He and Gail Smith will operate a grocery store in Wichita.

October 3, 1918 – The Catholic people of this community have recently installed a main altar and 2 side altars in the Immaculate Conception Church at a cost of between 12 and 13 hundred dollars. The young ladies Sodality is responsible for initiating the effort to secure these improvements.

October 10, 1918 – On account of the epidemic of Spanish Influezna the schools of Burns will be closed during the coming week and all public meetings are forbidden.

October 17, 1918 – Dr. L. A. Wise is moving back to Burns from Oil Hill this week.

October 24, 1918 – Joe Eggen, who lives south east of Burns had his car treated to a dopping with yellow paint, Saturday evening, because he chose to be a slacker in the Fourth Liberty loan. He is a man of means, well able to subscribe for several hundred dollars worth of bonds. He had been solicited by the bond committee and turned a deaf ear. At last, as he was about to start home, a can of yellow paint was procured by some who were tired of his slacker excuse and his car was given the benefit of it.

October 31, 1918 – Walter Manning, son of Thomas and Mary Manning, was born in Martin Co., in., March 30, 1849, and died at his home in Peabody, Ks., Oct. 18, 1918. He spent his early life in Indiana up to the time he came to Kansas. He was a volunteer and enlisted in Co. K 91st Indiana Inf. In 1863 at the age of 14 years and 6 months. He was probably the only soldier in this country during the Civil War who enlisted so young. He served 3 years and was discharged July 8, 1866. He married Clorinda Abels of Martin Co., Inc., Dec. 24, 1876. They lived in that state until 1881 when they came to this vicinity and settled on a farm 4 miles west of Burns.

November 14, 1918 – Burns celebrated the ending of the war Monday night the 11th with a large bonfire and hanging the Kaiser in effigy. The bells were also rung.

November 28, 1918 – The laying of the cornerstone for the new M. E. church took place Sunday afternoon. While this is practically a new church, it is the 3rd church building this society has erected. Some who aided in the construction of the first church are still members. The first church was erected in 1885 with 15 members. P. D. Lahr was the pastor and lived at Potwin. The 1st church cost $1700.00. The 1st trustees were: A. T. Riley, G. W. Waggy, J. T. Smith, J. H. Eakin and J. J. Heath. The 2nd church was built by Rev. Geo Parkinson in 1906. The plans were prepared by Rev. George W. Durham. Trustees were: J. W. Barker, F. L. Giddings, W. S. Smallridge and S. E. Cobb. Membership numbered 172. The cost was $643.00. Present membership is 442. Trustees are: J. W. Barker, Dr. E. S. McIntosh, F. L. Giddings and I. N. Smith. The new building will be ready for dedication inside 60 days.

January 16, 1919 – (parts of a letter from J. E. Smith, Sylvia, KS., Dec. 28, 1918.) He had the flu and was in bed covered by a quilt made about 14 yrs. earlier.

“On Jan. 22, 1895, my folks presented me this quilt pieced by girls of our community, some young and some older, but I love them all still. The names on the quilt are: Ida Smith, Cora Smith, Mary Hinkle, Eva Bell, Virginia Parker, May Word, Stella Word, Nettie Swengel, Anna Balls, Emma Smith, Icy Smith, Ethel Myers, Icy Mcgahan, Fannie Bell, Reitha Hanson, Hattie Smallridge, Cora Myers, May Godding, Clara Godding, Melissa VanDuren, Susan VanDuren, Melinda Parker, Alice Bell, Lizzie Waggy, Ella Smith, Zena Smith, Rebecca Smith, Sarah Smith, Maude Scott and Jennie Bell.”

February 6, 1919 – Burns has:

3 Churchers – Methodist, Catholic and United Brethren

A graded school system on the consolidated plan

A high school with University credits

A Catholic School

3 large General Stores

3 large Hardware Stores

An opera house

2 banks

3 auto garages

1 telephone exchange

1 Harness and Saddlery House

1 Drug Store

2 Millinery Stores

1 meat market

1 Hotel

2 restaurants

2 Lumber Yards

1 elevator

2 Blacksmith Shops

1 Livery Barn

1 Barber Shop

1 Squab Plant

2 Exclusive Drays

1 Tailor Shop

1 newspaper and job office

1 Produce House

A shoe shop

2 Physicians

4 Lodge Organizations

1 Furniture and Undertaking Establishment

1 railroad

A municipal Electric light & Power plant

50 blocks of brick and cement sidewalks

And about 500 of as good people as will be found living in like community anywhere under the sun.

March 13, 1919 – Placed on sale – 10 acres – 48 lots – to be surveyed and platted. A sidewalk will be constructed along the south side of the tract. Good sized lots, suitable for a building site and not priced on an oil boom basis. The prices will range from $150 to $500 per lot. C. A. Godding

March 20, 1919 – The historic Burns Hotel was sold the first of the week to L. A. Fair. F. U. Stroup has been the owner of the hotel for well onto 30 years, although he did not operate it the entire period.

March 27, 1919 – J. S. Helton of El Dorado has leased the Burns Hotel.

March 27, 1919 – Edwin Dale purchased the restaurant of Mrs. C. Brown.

April 3, 1919 – Burns lies on the main north-south line of the Santa Fe road. The town was laid out in 1879 and became the trading and shipping center for a large scope of country in Marion, Butler and Chase counties. The first resident as can be ascertained was A. Funke, who came here from Cincinnati, Ohio in 1880. He and J. A. Beuke, who came a little later the same year, started a store in a small building on the site of the Burns State Bank Bldg. From that small beginning the town grew as the country settled and in 1905 was incorporated. S. E. Cobb was the first mayor.

April 3, 1919 – The Burns State bank was organized in 1900. C. G. Hammann, tailor – started business in Burns in Dec. 1913. The Exchange State Bank was organized in 1907. Shoe Repair Shop – in the spring of 1912. H. Hamman, Harness Shop – began in 1914. J. C. Lilley & Co. – the oldest firm in Burns – was organized in 1887 by J. C. and John Lilley and C. I. White. Three people now here when this business began are: J. L. Koebele, C. M. Lyons, and A. Funke. Smith & Crawford Hardware – established in 1901 C. M. Lyons Hardware and Imp. – established 1882 – There was only 1 residence here when he came. J. E. Neiswender, cement contractor. A resident of Burns since 1883.

April 17, 1919 – Dr. L. A. Wise left town Sunday night in disgrace. He was successful professionally, but was a moral leper. Unless he is brought to justice, his freedom is only to blast and damn elsewhere.

April 17, 1919 – Rev. James W. Pruen was born in Peneng, India. His father’s health failed when James was 2 years old, and they started for England, but he died on the ocean. Their mother finished the journey and James spent the early part of his life in England. He entered the sailor’s life at an early age. He came to Kansas and was ordained a minister in Southwest Kansas Conf. He served these charges in Kansas: Potwin, Burns, Pontiac, Stafford, Conway Spring, Dodge Ave., Wichita, and Kingman. On account of his wife’s health he was transferred to Illinois, where he continued preaching until his death. He was married to Celia B. Graham, Feb. 9, 1887. They had 4 children, 2 sons who have preceeded him and 2 daughters, Eleanor and Margaret. His wife and 2 brothers, William and Seth, who still live in England, survive also. Rev. Pruen preached at the Brown School House in the early 80’s and before the Methodist Class was organized in Burns.

April 24, 1919 – An airdome is to be started in Burns in the near future. Ground has been leased of Vincent and Bruner for the site.

May 1, 1919 – The Spencer Restaurant closed. Another party will re-open it soon, it is reported.

May 1, 1919 – Raymond Binford of El Dorado, has purchased the Eakin and Lathrop moving picture outfit and is erecting the airdome east of Vincent and Bruner’s Garage.

May 1, 1919 – Dr. Noble of Denver, has located in Burns.

May 27, 1919 – L. H. Powell & Co. assumed charge of the Lilley Elevator & Coal Yard the first of the week. Ray Green will be in charge.

May 22, 1919 – The dedication Day is set for May 25 at the Whitewater Center (Stone) Church.

May 29, 1919 – New Methodist Episcopal Church Dedicated Sunday. It was a great day for the Burns Methodist congregation Sunday. The new church was dedicated. After the revival held by Rev. Jas. Rayburn last June, the church just about doubled its membership and it was felt the old one was not large enough to meet the needs. Under the Leadership of Pastor J. A Holmes and a bldg. Comm.. of: C. L. Bruner, C. H. Gidding, A. A. Lister, E. M. Strong, and H. E. Wright the work of enlarging and modernizing was begun. All moneys were raised before the day of dedication - $23,000.00 of it. One of the specially beautiful features is the art glass window in the west end of the auditorium which symbolizes our boys who went to war and is dedicated to their memory.

June 5, 1919 – Saturday, the Eyestone #2 of the National Refining Co., was drilled in about noon and proved to be the biggest producer brought in, in a year in the whole country. A 5000 barrel gusher only 7 miles west of Burns.

June 12, 1919 – F. E. Bishop of Whitewater purchased the Hawk Funiture Co., last week and Mr. Frank Crabtree will be manager.

June 12, 1919 – The Ideal Restaurant opened last Sat., Mr. Kirch of St. Joseph, Mo., is the new proprietor.

June 19, 1919 – Wanted – Rooms for 100 people within the next 30 days.

June 19, 1919 – An ice house is to be built on Mrs. Rebecca Smith’s ground near the Main Street railroad crossing.

August 7, 1919 – Burns will vote on Water Works proposal.

September 11, 1919 – Lathrop gets a gusher!

September 18, 1919 – F. B. Sprague has purchased the Burns Garage. (Deal feel through the next week.)

September 18, 1919 – The waterworks committee of the City Council has decided to locate the water tower in the north end of town on the lots near the railroad.

September 25, 1919 – Mr. Bruner sold his interest in the Bruner – Vincent Garage to Mr. Vincent.

October 9, 1919 – Obit: - Howard Lathrop was born near Stafford, Genesie Co., N.Y., July 27, 1843, and died at his home in Clifford Twp., Butler Co., Ks., Oct. 3, 1919. He married March 22, 1870, Jane A. Young of Morganville, N.Y. They had 6 children – Frank, Ida, Charles, Clifford, and William who with his wife, 3 brothers – Jay of Morganville, N.Y., Abial of Eutawville, S. C., Walter of Portland, Mich., 1 sister Helen Lathrop of Pasadena, Calif., survive. 1 son, John died in infancy. Howard was the second son of a large family. His parents came from Vermont to western New York when that country was a wilderness and as a boy he helped to retain a home from the dense wood, which is still a prized landmark in that section of the state. He was born on this farm. He came to Kansas in 1872, bought 440 acres, going into debt for the whole amount. In 1881 he came with his family and settled on this land.

November 6, 1919 – Over 50 buildings have been erected in Burns the past few months.

November 6, 1919 – The Burns Hotel again changed hands. John Warren of El Dorado is the new manager.

November 20, 1919 – J. W. Forney opened a lunch room in the former barber shop location, Tuesday. This gives Burns 6 public eating places.

January 15, 1920 – A set of boxing gloves broke loose the other night and carried on something awful. That’s why some of the boys wore such funny feeling faces the next day.

January 22, 1920 – A big picture theatre is coming to Burns!

February 5, 1920 – Post Office Bldg. Sold to Ira Barker. It is to be occupied by a bakery. Mr. Koebele, Postmaster, has planned to build a new home for the Post Office.

February 12, 1920 – W. M. Wallace opened a 1st class tailoring and cleaning shop, with a shine parlor in connection.

February 26, 1920 – A. E. Fross sold a team of mules this week and is thinking of buying a tractor to farm with. We understand the difference in price would not be much.

March 4, 1920 – Coming to El Dorado, Dr. Doran, a specialist, does not use a knife. One day only. Free consultation, Friday, March 19. Married ladies must be accompanied by their husbands.

March 25, 1920 – Olberding and Rickers are busy converting their large livery barn into an auto storage garage. All the stalls are being torn out and horses entirely eliminated. Poor dobbin will be up against it to fid shelter in this burg, soon.

March 25, 1920 – Esther Heyman’s tongue became tired of wobbling one time, and that was when she was teaching in the 7th and 8th grades. We were all greatly surprised.

April 8, 1920 – A picture Theatre will open, Saturday, April 17. The owners are Giddings and Schimpff. They will show pictures afternoon and evening.

May 6, 1920 – Mr. and Mrs. Henry Westerhaus, one of Burns oldest and most highly respected couples, celebrated their Golden Fifty Years at their home, Monday, May 3, 1920. The Westerhaus family moved to Kansas from Cincinnati, Ohio, on Nov. 1, 1879, and located in Butler Co. Later they moved to Burns ad were among the earliest inhabitants in town. This was on Jan. 4, 1883. Their oldest son, Henry Jr., was unable to attend. The children and grand-children there were: Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hucht, Mr. and Mrs. James Timmons, Mr. W. F. Walter and fam., J. J. Westerhaus, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Westerhaus and son, George Westerhaus, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Westerhaus and family, and Masters Harry and Richard Westerhaus.

May 6, 1920 – Mark Rose purchased the McCarley Barber Shop

May 27, 1920 – Sat, El Dorado Times contains an account of raiding a moonshine plant as follows:

“The 1st illicit booze plant to be uncovered in Butler Co., by the sheriff’s office in a number of months was found shortly after 10:00 this morning, a mile south and the same distance east of Burns and 4 men were placed under arrest for operating it. C. B. Burchan, a worker in a Burns restaurant, Alford Brooks, a jitney driver, Harry Bearkley, a cook, and Richard Spencer, a caser. All were brought to town as evidence.

June 3, 1920 – Burns High School graduates the largest class in its history and the second largest in the county this year. (18 students)

June 17, 1920 – Just after midnight Sunday a masked bandit poked a wicked looking gun through the ticket window at the Santa Fe Station and told Leo Westerhaus who was on duty to stick em up. They locked him in a box car. The second trick operator, Leo Clark, who had been out to lunch, returned and they kept him under guard as they blew the safe. There were 4 bandits. They got away on a hand car. They got about $160 and some other valuables.

June 17, 1920 – Harve Tuttle sold his farm to Wm. Kehr, Monday, for $21,000. The farm includes 180 acres of the old R. W. Tuttle place.

July 15, 1920 – The School bonds carry 122 to 29 to build a new school building at a cost of $80,000.

July 29, 1920 – Neal Riggs was hurt in a runaway with a hay rake at Earl Green’s, Thursday. He is still unconscious.

October 7, 1920 – Cecil Smith became the Postmaster, Miss Emilia Koebele retired from her job of over 6 years service and also acting postmaster since her father’s death last winter. Guy VanTuyl is new substitute for Rt. 1, Joe Weber for Rt. 2. Miss Maude Riggs continues as assistant postmaster.

October 21, 1920 – An addition is being built to the Summit School House.

October 28, 1920 – Geo. Leonard sold his dray business to Ralph Robinson, last Friday and left to spend the swag in California.

November 18, 1920 – Ten horses burnt to death in the stables of Bob Logan, a hauling contractor for the oil fields.

November 18, 1920 – Ground was broken for the new $80,000 High School Bldg., Wednesday.

November 18, 1920 – P. R. Isley of Kansas City, has leased the Auditorium Theatre from Giddings and Schimpff.

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