Plainville, Rooks County, Kansas

ROOKS COUNTY, KANSAS

PLAINVILLE

A considerable village, containing several stores and mechanics' shops, was first settled in 1877 by B. L. Sinclair. The second settler was W. I. Griffin. The surrounding country settled rapidly and it is now one of the most desirable sections of Rooks County. The town was named by a Stockton town company, but the old site was "jumped" and a new town laid off, on the claim of William Bradly. As it is the only village between Stockton and Hays City, it enjoys a large trade. The first marriage in the village occurred in 1878 - Ramson Rouse and Miss McCloy. The first death, James Conger, occurred in the same year. F. S. Mickey taught the first school in King's residence in 1878 and two years later a substantial school house built, one mile from the centre of the village. Rev. W. L. Mickey, a Methodist, preached the first sermon in 1878 at G. F. Slosson's residence. In the summer of 1880 a Methodist church was built. A postoffice was established in 1878 and W. S. Grifflin appointed postmaster. Joseph opened the first store in 1878. The town, as its name indicates is located on level ground.

The town is situated in the south part of the county seven miles from the County line. The M. E. Sunday school, of which E. M. Gale is superintendent, was organized in 1878, has 50 scholars and 5 teachers. A social club called the Rough and Readies was organized in 1879 and has a membership of 30. F. S. Mickey is the present presiding officer.

The villages of Webster, Motor, Igo, Cresson, Alcona and Chandler, each contain postoffices, a blacksmith shop and the most of them small stores. Webster enjoys a considerable trade, having two stores. (History of the State of Kansas, Chicago, A. T. Andreas, 1883, Page 1612)

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