Butler County Genealogy Trails Kansas Susan B. Allen Bio

Butler County’s Eighty Years ~ 1855-1935

by Jessie Perry Stratford

A History of Butler County Biographical Sketches and Portraits with Foreword by Rolla A. Clymer

Page 156

next forty years and was located in Hamilton Block in 1919, during the postmastership of T. P. Mannion, when the new building was constructed on the site occupied by Dr. Allen White’s historic “foundry” in an early day. When the site was chosen in 1919 for the postoffice building, it was the home of Mrs. Vincent Brown.

CITY HALL

El Dorado was laid out in the form of a city and platted by B. Frank Gordy and his associates in March 1868, but the community continued merely a settlement until 1870. In 1871, D. M. Bronson headed and presented a petition for incorporation and on September 12, 1871, El Dorado became a city of the third class. J. C. Lambdin, who had been chairman of the board of trustees (township) became mayor protem until the election of Henry Falls. D. M. Bronson became the first city clerk. The city had a population of nearly 500. It became a city of the second class in 1885. The population at this time was between 2200 and 2500. On June 16, 1886, the city council issued a call for a special election to vote on a $12,000 bond issue for the purchase of a lot, not to exceed $2,000 and the erection of a building thereon not to exceed $10,000 and all payable, at six per cent, within a period of fifteen years. The call was issued during the administration of E. N. Smith (D. K. Kelsey, clerk) and the building, which the three-story rock structure now used as the city hall, Vine and East Central Avenue was begun, the voters having approved the proposal. The building was completed the following year during the administration of J. A. McGinnis. The original call specifically stated the building was to be used for the offices of the city clerk and other departments, including council headquarters, police and fire stations. That is the only time the city ever voted bonds for a city building for the same building is in use today. It is of interest that the records of the early meetings of the council, then as now, largely discussed streets and sidewalks, although there in one ordinance which specifically prohibits “the lariating of cattle in the streets” and another seeks the adequate control of chickens. At one time, in 1892, the council formally gave permission to convert a portion of the building into a school during the period of Central School building was being rebuilt following a fire and also in the 1900’s the upper floor was leased for school purposes, Brumback Academy being conducted there several years. In 1917, the city changed from the aldermanic to the commissioner-manager form of government.

MAYORS OF EL DORADO

Henry Falls, Dr. J. A. McKenzie, Dr. J. A. McGinnis and John Betts were among the early day mayors of El Dorado. W. J. Gault was mayor in 1885; A. M. Houchin was clerk; E. E. Carr city attorney and H. T. Brown treasurer. L. J. Burt was marshal and Dan Boyden, M. Bradley, W. H. Baxter, W. L. Gibson and H. dalhoff were city councilmen. El Dorado Township officers that year were J. C. McCarty and Vincent Brown, justices of the peace; W. H. Thomas, trustee; M. J. Gordon, treasurer; F. I. Clark, clerk; and J. F. Cory and J. S. Dutton, constables.

Files at the city building record only the mayors who have served since 1899.

The list includes:

W. W. Bugbee – 1899-1900

E. N. Smith – 1901-1902

A. J. Holderman – 1903-1906

C. H. Selig – 1907-1908

R. S. Miller – 1909-1912

C. E. Powell – 1913-1914

G. W. Stinson – 1915-1916

C. L. King – 1917-1918

A. J. Holderman – 1919-1920

M. L. Arnold – 1921-1922

C. C. Zimmerman – 1923-1924

Homer Hall – 1925-1926

T. B. Ellsberry – 1927-1928

S. T. McIntosh – 1929-1930

W. F. Benson – 1931-1932

E. W. Grant – 1933-

Page 157

CARNEGIE LIBRARY

The El Dorado Free Library, now the Carnegie Library, with its 10,200 volumes, was established March 1, 1897, when a mass meeting was held at the old Ellet Opera House to consider a permanent library for the town. The idea originated with Mrs. Alvah Shelden, who has served continuously since that time, either as an officer or director of the library board. It had its inception when a group of women were preparing to present a home talent play, “Six Cups of Chocolate” to raise funds to purchase books for the W. C. T. U. chapter. This organization had a few volumes which were being loaned for a fee of a dollar a year. Mrs. Shelden suggested that the funds derived from the play be used instead as a nucleus for the establishment of a free library. The suggestion was considered favorably and a meeting called at Ellet’s Opera House. A committee was appointed to solicit funds and $100 was secured. T. A. Kramer was chosen president. A social was given with a book fixed as the price of admission and fifty-three books were obtained in this way. Other books and magazines were contributed, some new ones purchased with the funds on hand. And thus the Free Library was launched on its mission of usefulness. The city donated a room on the second floor of the City Hall for library purposes and also appropriated $50 a year for its maintenance. The money for the librarian’s salary, which was $5 a month, and for new books and periodicals and general up keep was obtained by putting on home talent plays and other entertainment. The work of the librarian was principally a labor of love, considering the small remuneration received. The time of service, however, was limited to three hours, three afternoons each week. In 1909 the city of El Dorado assumed charge of the library following an election that resulted from efforts of the Senior W. M. B. membership and other citizens. These conditions existed until 1910 when Andrew Carneige, upon solicitation of the local library committee, gave $10,000 with which to erect a building, with the stipulation that the city raise an amount equal to ten percent of the cost of the building for maintenance purposes. These stipulations were met and an attractive stone building was erected at the northeast corner of Star Street and West Central Avenue. It is difficult to realize the struggles and trials the officers endured to keep the little library afloat through its pioneer years, previous to the Carnegie donation and few can understand the happiness they now feel when they view the handsome structure with its thousands of volumes and under experienced supervision of an all-time librarian.

Librarians who have served El Dorado for the past 37 years are in the order named: C. N. Parsons, teacher, Cecil Leland (Mrs. B. F. MacKinnon) now of Kenilworth, Illinois; Mrs. E. V. Whistler; Mrs. C. N. Parsons; Zola Kilgore (Mrs. Burke Sinclair); Lillian Kilgore (Mrs. Frank Benson); Miss Grace Miller (Mrs. Robert Worline); Mrs. Edgar B. Brumback (Minnie Joseph); now of Santa Fe, (New Mexico, Mrs. Cora Mooney Bullock (Minnie Joseph) now of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Mrs. Cora Mooney Bullock; Miss Mildred Kilgore; Miss Albert Peffley (Mrs. Clyde Baker); Miss Ruth Austin, present librarian.

SOLDIERS AND SAILORS MEMORIAL

The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial, more generally referred to as the Municipal Auditorium was completed in 1921 and built with a bond issue voted by the city. The institution is the direct result of World War. El Dorado, like hundreds of other cities in the United states, feeling grateful for the services of its young manhood who served in the war, erected the building as a tribute to their valor, in commemoration of those who paid the supreme sacrifice and those who are living. The building is of attractive architecture, has a large auditorium and stage and is sub-divided into various departments or rooms for meetings of the local patriotic organizations, conventions, conferences or other purposes.

EL DORADO CHURCHES

There are twelve church congregations in El Dorado, with an approximate membership of 3,000. Two of these congregations are colored. The churches represent most of the principal divisions – Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Christian (Disciples), Lutheran, catholic, Episcopal, evangelical, Adventists, Christian Scientists, Holiness, Nazarene, Disciples of Latter Day Saints (Mormon), and the Salvation Army.

The physical value of the various church buildings, most of which are centrally located, will aggregate approximately a half million dollars. The churches are mod-

Page 158

Ern in equipment, with ample rooms for Sunday School, Young People’s meetings and recreation. Pastors of the several Protestant churches maintain an active ministerial association, and are constantly alert for opportunities to promote the moral and spiritual welfare of the community.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH in El Dorado was organized April 30, 1871 by Rev. T. D. Grow, an evangelist supported by the Baptist Home Missionary society of the state and by the Walnut Valley Association. Prior to that, they worshipped in the homes, at the court house and other places where services were conducted by evangelists on occasional visits into the settlement. The original congregation had a membership of eighteen, and Rev. Mr. Grow, in August 1871, was called as a “half time” pastor; that is, for services twice monthly. The congregation pledged $200 toward the payment of his salary – the association paying the remainder. In March 1876, Rev. C. G. Manley was called to the pastorate and continued until November of the following year, services being regularly held in the old stone court house. He was succeeded by Rev. G. W. Melton and the following spring, a revival, which the Baptists conducted in the Presbyterian church, resulted in an acquisition of memberships sufficient to cause the erection of the first church building. Consequently in the spring of 1880 a church building was begun on a $75 lot at Star and First Avenue. The building was not dedicated until the following December. In 1920, the congregation had grown too numerous and its duties too widely diversified for the old church’s accommodations and a movement was begun for the erection of the present splendid building at 123-25 West Central Avenue. This building, attractive of architecture, carefully arranged for church services, Sunday School, young people’s and other work, was completed in 1926. The congregation has a church property valued at $135,000. During the pastorate of Rev. Edwin McFarlane a considerable amount of indebtedness was paid.

THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST – of El Dorado, is located at 123 North Taylor Street. This church is a branch of the Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass.

EVANGELICAL CHURCH – has been operating in Butler County for about fifty years, having several churches in some of the rural parts of the county. In 1917, a class was organized in El Dorado, with twelve charter members. They purchased the Advent Church on East Locust Street, occupying the building for a few years. In 1921 they purchased the First Baptist Church located on First and Star streets. The church now has a membership of over 100 and a Sunday School enrollment of more than 200, also Women’s Missionary Society, a Young People’s Missionary Society, a Young People’s Missionary Circle, a Mission Band, a Senior, Intermediate and Junior Christian Endeavor Society. Rev. S. D. Hower is pastor.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH – Although various meetings were held previously, credit for actual organization of the El Dorado Christian Church belongs to E. E. Harvey, father of Charles W. Harvey. First trace of organization in the community was in 1871, when preaching service was held by Elder John Blevins. The first actual organization began in 1872 in the home of Charles Andrews and was completed in 1873-1874, in a small stone schoolhouse on the east side of the south Washington Street and Olive Avenue. The first elders ere J. B. Mitchell, Robert Edington and John Burner, the first deacons were Theodore Ehlers and Hansford Jones. E. E. Harvey was the first regular pastor. During 1874 he preached every two weeks, driving from his farm home 18 miles south of El Dorado and holding most of his meetings in the courthouse. In 1874, Dr. J. B. Mitchell visited the East and was commissioned by the congregation, numbering about 30, to solicit funds to build a church. A building of native stone was erected in the second block on North Main Street and dedicated in 1875. The charter bears the date March 1, 1875 and was issued to these trustees: J. B. Mitchell, John G. Burner, Robert P. Edington, Vincent Brown and Hansford Jones. The church then was reorganized. E. E. Harvey was pastor and C. N. James (a Baptist and clerk of the district court) was Sunday School superintendent. Of the charter members but two are living – Mrs. Ada Harvey Lambdin of Seattle, Wash., and J. M. Satterhwaite of Douglass. Of a list of members dated 1878, besides the two mentioned, Burford Jeakins, Hattie Riley – Ritcherdson and Cynthia Smith Bechtel of Wichita; Emma Harvey Johnson of Pueblo, Colo., Nellie Martin Payne, of Oklahoma City and Lillie Martin Stryker of Minneapolis

Page 159

are living. The present church, West Central Avenue and North Star Street, was dedicated June, 1904 during the pastorate of Rev. S. W. Brown. During the pastorate of Rev. L. T. Faulders, in 1916, the interior was re-arranged, many improvements added and the building redecorated throughout. To accommodate the needs of the present, extensive plans, amounting practically to a new building, were adopted in 1928. This expansion program cost $42,500. It was finished in 1929 and dedicated March 3, of that year. Rev. Fred W. Condit is pastor.

THE FIRST SERVICES – of the Catholics to be held in Butler County were on the Mannion farm, eight miles southwest of the city, in 1869, by Father Paul Ponziglioni who came on horseback from St. Paul, Kansas, and the first services in El Dorado, January 12, 1870, by the same priest. For some years services were held in the residence of Mrs. Fred Meyer. This mission, now known as St. John’s was in charge of Rev. N. Fowler, now at St. Mark’s. In 1890, the site occupied by the present building was purchased at a cost of about $300. On this lot was a three room frame residence. This was turned around and converted into the first Catholic Church in El Dorado. This church held the unique distinction of being the smallest Catholic church in the state. The priests who held services in the old church were Rev. N. Fowler, Father Coolin, Father Schmandt, Father Leydecker, Hilderbrandt, Maloney, Keinhoefer, J. A. Kiely, who was the priest from 1903 until the fall of 1906 when rev. James Hayes came here, holding services once a month. He continued as the priest for many years and was here at the time of the building of the new St. John’s Catholic church, and until March, 1917, when regular Sunday services were established. The parish was attended during that summer by Rev. J. A. Klug, Rev. J. L. Kennedy was in charge from October 1917, until March 31, 1919. In April, 1919 Rev. T. J. O’Sullivan was assigned to this mission. The new church was built and equipped at a cost of about $4,000. In January, 1918, the congregation purchased the priest’s residence property. Rev. John Kramer the present clergyman was appointed to the parish in August, 1927.

THE LUTERHAN is the newest church in El Dorado. This is a branch of the Missouri Synod. The first services of a mission of the church were held during January, 1929, with Rev. L. H. Deffner, pastor of Immanual Lutheran Church, Wichita, in charge. Rev. Otto Hussman is the present minister.

FIRST METHODIST CHURCH was organized in 1870 by Rev. S. F. C. Garrison, with twenty-seven members, and Rev. D. L. Knowles as pastor. Meetings were held in the school house on the site of the present W. I. Paulson home, 424 South Washington Street. In 1873, during the pastorate of Rev. John W. Fox, the congregation had grown sufficiently to build its first church, a $1600 building on North Railroad Street, which later was headquarters for the Grand Army of the Republic Post. It was during the pastorate of Rev. Walter Oakley (1874), that the belfry was built and the first church bell installed. In 1886, during the pastorate of Rev. D. W. Phillips, a new and larger church was erected at a cost of $13,000 at West Central Avenue and South Taylor Street. The congregation continued to worship in this location and under the pastorate of Rev. Charles A. Kitch. This building cost approximately $135,000. But $25,000 remains unpaid in December of 1934. The building is adequately equipped for all church services. Ministers since organization of the church include Rev. S. F. C. Garrison, Rev. D. L. Knowles, Rev. A. Hartman, Rev. John W. Fox, Rev. Walter Oakley, Rev. Thomas S. Hunt, Rev. O. A. Palmer, Rev. Paul F. Jones, Rev. A. L. Burris, Rev. D. D. Akin, Dr. D. W. Phillips, Dr. J. C. Hall, Rev. A. B. Bruner, Dr. John Earp, Rev. Charles C. Woods, Rev. Henry Wharton, Rev. Will V. Burns, Rev. Harrison Waitt, Rev. Frank C. Fay, Rev. Byron Wilson, Rev. Claude Gray, Rev. A. M. Wilkinson, Rev. Walter W. Bolinger, Rev. A. O. Eright, Rev. Charles King, Rev. Charles itch, Rev. Charles Whitwam, Rev. Charles Wentworth, Dr. Robert Lee Stuart and Dr. J. W. Abel, the present minister.

NAZARENE CHURCH – The first meetings held under the auspices of the Nazarene church were conducted by Rev. Floyd Putney and Rev. Mr. Uhler in a tent in Gordy Park in September 1918. At the close of this meeting the church was organized with eight members. The first place of worship was the Washington School Building. One year later a small building known as the “Little Brown Church” was built, on the

Page 160

location of the old church West First Street in 1922. Rev. G. W. Branna is the present pastor, succeeding Rev. A. R. Neese.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH was organized January 9,1870, in the home of the first minister, Dr. James Gordon, with eight charter members, four of whom belonged to the family of the pastor. Seated at a dining room table, these people held the church’s first communion service on a cold Sabbath morning sixty-five years ago. The second pastor, Rev. W. M. Stryker, served the church from 1872 until 1876. By 1878, the first building was completed at a cost of $3,000. About this time two persons began attending the church who have continued to do so during the succeeding fifty-five years. They are Mrs. Miles Standish Munson and Miller M. VanDenberg. Rev. William M. Pocock was pastor from 1878 to 1881, when Dr. S. MacAnderson succeeded him. Eight years later Rev. D. H. Stewart was called and a manse was secured for him at a cost of $500. The Presbyterian Church is one of the first in El Dorado to have its indebtedness fully covered. The present fine church building was erected in 1925, at the corner of West Central Avenue and North Washington Street, the site of the first church building. A list of the ministers includes Rev. James Gordon, rev. William Stryker, Rev. William Pocock, Rev. S. McCul Anderson, Rev. David H. Stewart, Rev. William W. Curtis, Rev. Alfred Fowler, Rev. Clarence A. Stewart, Rev. George Harkness, Rev. Ben C. McQuesten, Rev. J. W. Everds, Rev. J. D. Durfey, Rev. D. P. Mitchell, Rev. R. L. King, Rev. B. W. Young, Rev. S. A. Siewart, and the present minister, Rev. R. M. Truesdale.

THE SALVATION ARMY established its first headquarters in El Dorado in a hall on West Second Street, with Capt. Edna Harris in charge. In 1925, the Army bought the property it now occupies as a Citdel, located at 114 South Vine Street. The officers’ quarters are just back of the hall and the building is owned by the Army. L. H. Crowell is the captain in charge.

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST church has been organized locally more than forty years. The present church is located in the fourth block on South Atchison street and is served by pastors from Wichita and Kansas City. There are forty members. Mrs. Gladys Cochran is superintendent of the Sunday School.

TRINITY EPISCOPAL church register dates about 1890, but long before that time a well established church was here. Possibly the first confirmation class was held in the old stone Presbyterian church forty-five years ago. At a later day a Sunday School was held in the afternoon in the old stone school house. This effort was succeeded by a more definite one. A room over a South Main Street grocery store was furnished as a place to worship according to the Episcopal ritual. An organ of the old low top style was bought. In 1895, Rev. Hudson sawyer was sent here in January to erect a church. By Jun that year he had accomplished his mission. During later years almost continuous services have been held. Among rectors were William George Cootes, L. G. Moroney, DeLon Burke, John Milbank, J. M. Miller, W. R. B. Turrell, Alfred W. Pannell, A. G. VanElden, John M. Francis and William Jackson.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

El Dorado Chamber of Commerce had its beginnings in 1912 when a group of progressive-minded citizens established El Dorado Commercial Club, with L. L. Kiser president and Charles W. Harvey, secretary.

This was a group of leaders who, in view of Augusta’s already developed gas field, hoped that the territory adjacent to El Dorado might prove equally productive. As an outgrowth of a citizens’ meeting, called by these men, came the City Council’s call for a bond issue of $20,000, to be used in a drilling campaign. Members of the Commerical Club worked hard for this issue which carried, and although the three tests drilled were dry holes the results so interested private corporations that they came in and thus developed what became one of the world’s great oil fields. This oil boom necessitated a larger organized commercial body. F. A. Pielsticker succeeded Mr. Kiser and H. K.Herbert became secretary.

In 1918, A. L. Oliger, of Emporia, conducted a 60-day whirl-wind campaign out of which grew El Dorado’s present Chamber of Commerce. A. C. Cutler was the first president and was twice re-elected. Mr. Oliger was succeeded as secretary by William Kennedy. During Mr. Kennedy’s administration the Chamber of Commerce successfully furthered various war drives. An outstanding achievement of the