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SCOTT COUNTY, KANSAS NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
SCOTT CITY, SCOTT COUNTY, KANSAS The Youngest and Fastest Growing City in the State The writer arrived in this little gem of a city Monday evening on the Cannon Ball line of stages run by one of Wichita's most enterprising stock dealers, Mr. Harry Hill, who has a number of lines and well as large landed and property interests in this city. Indeed, it appears that Wichita enterprise and capital is as plentiful here as blackbirds, and that a general desire exists to have closer commercial relations with the boss city of the state. The writer, after passing over a splendid stretch of prairie lands from Garden City and passing through the sink of the Whitewoman and its extensive bottom lands, found as a delight and a joy for ever, perched on an eminence and commanding a view in every direction, the young, thrifty and booming Scott City. The surprise was gratifying in the extreme to note that the entire town was brand new and that it seemed that as many buildings were being buitl as were completed. Having had only two houses in October as a basis, she now numbers about one hundred among which may be mentioned hotels, commodious store houses, representing all branches of commerce as well as two bank buildings, offices, livery stables, lumber yards, blacksmith shops and many dwellings. Scott City seems to have the most flattering prospects. Situated about midway between the K. P. and A. T. & S. F. roads in the geographical center of Scott county, and without a rival as a county town are favorable auspices for any city. But she has the great advantages of a situation in the most favorable section of the west in relation to soil and water, and situated on her southeast is large area of bottom lands known as the Whitewoman Basin. The county in a few months has rapidly filled up with home seekers who have taken claims, many of whom are already commencing active operations of farming and improving them. The few months respite between filing and improving them is fast expiring and the return of the locators has set in and we see them along with a host of others crowding every stage, hotel and boarding house from Garden City to Scott Center, and the spring boom has just about set in. Scott City is pushing ahead rapidly in everything and the writer found among her business men the most wide awake and active push that can be met with in the most favored towns. The subject of this sketch was laid out last September by the Scott City Town company with Dr. F. Hall, president, S. W. Case, treasurer, F. A. Parsons, Secretary, with the following directors: S. W. Case, F. A. Parsons, L. L. Eastman, Dr. F. Hall, C. R. Swan, M. E. Degeer, J. A. Hall, M. S. Parsons, J. G. Sangster and W. E. McLain. It may be seen that the town company means business when we consider that so early in the spring the town can number as active businesses within its limits, two banks, the Scott County bank, incorporated and the Scott County bank, Johnson Brothers & Co., the former backed by such capitalists as C. G. Larned & Co., with large capital. The latter by the Johnson Brothers, who are well and favorably known in Wichita and also backed with large capital and a very fine banking house with absolute safety for depositors. Also two newspapers, the Herald and Times; four stables, eight real estate offices; two hotels, three restaurants, one butcher shop, one drug store, one furniture store, two hardware establishments, three blacksmith shops, two bakeries, one shoe shop, five carpenter shops, two billiard halls, two lumber yards, four general mercantile establishments one millinery store, barber shop and other industries. The writer noticed a number of Wichita acquaintenances among the old settlers here, all of whom are bustling business men in this city: The Johnson Bro's., J. B. and J. W., real estate dealers and bankers; S. Jones & Co., dry good and groceries; Bloonen Bro's., druggists; Al. Knaddler, proprietor city market; J. C. milican, a retired druggist, but now a landed proprietor. It seems quite the proper thing to hear the Wichita fellows offer to bet big odds on Wichita vs. Kansas City and fall into the Eagle prucession. The city is laid out with the most thorough regard for city purposes on a tract of 204 acres of as pretty land as ever existed, having parks, public squares, and church reservations which are offered to the first denominations which shall erect places of worship. A large lot of public buildings have been projected among which may be mentioned a hall for civic origanizations the new town and in which will be held the fast growing Sunday school and religious services until a place is provided. The city claims to have between 150 and 200 inhabitants, which from the densely packed hotels, the writer would consider not overdrawn when the whole number of inhabitants are counted. Scott county appears to be like other western counties, attracting universal attention and growing as fast as any county among them all with perhaps a good score in her favor above the most favored. The county will be organized in June and of course Scott City will provide all the requisites of a county seat in location and conveniences, had she a rival of any pretensions. But she has none, and though of course the county will have other towns Scott City will command that pre-eminence that her concentrated energies have created, and the large number of business investments already made here and put out has insured her failure standing in this county. Scott City's railraod prospects are extra good, and a number of roads have lines in projection which will strike the center of the county and of course, Scott city. A line of the Santa Fe, the Missouri Pacific, from Saslina; the Wichita and Colorado and the Denver, Memphis and Atlantic, all turn to the unoccupied ground between the Santa Fe and the Kansas Pacific between which roads Scott City is about centrally located. Hill's Cannon Ball line carries in three directions three daily mails and will soon be extended to WaKeeney and Oakley and the unprecedented travel assisted to pass to their destination. F. A. Parsons, secretary of the company informs the writer that the great demand made upon the company for lots is beyond the expectation of the most sanguine friends of the city, and that from all sections comes a continual stream of settlers. The agricultural outlook for this section is very flattering. This of course will be its first year's test but already is the rich soil being broken and the county will soon enter upon its first crop year with a trial of its sod planting. That the utmost confidence of the outcome exists there is every evidence from the vim displayed in restling the ploy teams of the new settlers. It is astonishing to see how quickly a man can become an old settler. We scarely miss an acquaintance in Wichita until we hear of him or see him here as an old citizen and a boasted pioneer, possessed of more realty and corner lots than he ever dreamed of. The opportunity of tide and fortune taken at its flood is here in profusion and those who do not take time by the forelock will awaken and find the great Kansas domain in the possession of other proprietors than our Uncle Samuel and learn, also that it takes money to buy land and corner lots. At this time Kansas is overrun with live investors and settlers looking for locations and Scott City offers the great inducements and with the county filling the most critical requirements of them all. Garden City is daily sending out hundreds of enterprising pioneers to its adjacent country, and to no better country than Scott can she send them. A word about the inhabitants of this wonderful little country town. The writer found them wide awake, polite, accommodating and frank in their dealing, and the most pleasant congenial and jolly fellows to live among, whom would be a pleasure, and to deal with on real estate, profitable in the end. Lots are offered, both resident and business are given by the company to actual settlers on a stated amount of improvements, offers that are great inducements to new comers. The incorporated Scott City bank with R. R. Conklin, of Kansas City, president; C. G. Larned, vice president, F. A. Prasons, formerly of Wellington, cashier; directors, S. M., Jarvis, F. A. Parsons, R. R. Conklin, C. G. Larned, J. D. Jarvis, H. J. Hunt, Capital stock $50,000. (Wichita Daily Eagle, March 6, 1886) A. L. SHARROCK ARRESTED A. L. Sharrock of Scott City we see by the News, has been arrested by the sheriff of Finney county and taken to Garden City on the charge of sending obscene literature through the mail. It seems Mr. Sharrock had been informed that a certain person who lives in Illinois had been slandering and blackmailing his father, and Sharrock wrote a letter to the party expressing his contempt for his actions in very warm terms and ther recipient of the letter in order to get revenge turned the letter over to the post office department. Sharrock was released on bond and it is hoped by his many friends at Scott City that no serious trouble will come of the affair, as he is one of the leading young men of the town. (Western Kansas World, November 20, 1886) THE GOVERNMENT LAND OUT WEST Scott City, July 9 The government land office pot is boiling more vigorously than ever. The intense interest in the matter has created a great relish for news on the subject, and the daily investigations of the subject is rewarded with new developments. The true inwardness of the movement is beginning in some instances, to stick above the covering and each fact is greeted by a round of cheers. The noise is most noticeable in the quarters less favored by the information. The cheers sometimes are mingled with hisses but as a rule everything is taken in a matter of fact sort of way. Obstensibly the movement is supposed to originate from the people who were compelled to business at long range. That has been the popular theory but it seems that in this as in many other things the dear people are somewhat mistaken as to the primal cause of the disturbance. The veil was partially removed yesterday by a gentleman who has from the beginning been on the inside of things. As given by that gentleman it explains the agitation from a date prior to the time it was agitated by the peers in this section. The first shot was fired from a Leoti gun according to an agreement. The agreement was made between Leoti and the land office authorities. It seems that Mr. Beard, the register of deeds, is interested in Scott City in a financial way, and from some cause an agreement was effected between some Leoti parties to open up the discussion of moving the office to a more central point. The movenment was on the plan of "you tickle me and I will tickle you," at the first opportunity, provided the movement is a success. Leoti then called in a way for the office, dealing with WaKeeney in such terms as to ward off all suspiciions of a coalition. The shot fired, Scott City and Dighton responded with full charge each in its own interest. When the time for sending petitions came, Leoti bowed sucess to Scott City, gracefully, admitting that was the point that should have the office. WaKeeney men also thought "if a change must be made give it to Scott City" also. The Dighton boys are still fighting with sleeves up and flints in good repair. The idea was for Leoti to present her claims for a time to offset the efforts of Dighton and with Scott City is the middle it would look fairly reasonable that she should be given the office provided the new deal should be made. Committees from Scott City and Dighton alone are now at Washington. The former committee is now and it seems never has been under the guiding hand of Ex-Governor Glick, who it seems is also interested in real estate that would be enhanced in value by Scott City's success. Mr. Glick is now back stop, according to the informant in Washington for the Scott City committee. He had hoped to play a sub rosa part, at least sub rosa as far as the public is concerned,b ut secrets among comrades, it seems, are not always secrets. The above explanation in a position to know and little did he think that his words were being carbonised as they escaped. It may be an effective pointer to explain many mysterious phenomenas existing on the subject with those who are familiar with the movement from the beginning. The situation at present is that Leoti has gracefully withdrawn for Scott City. The officals at WaKeeney of course, object to the removal, but if it "must go let the plum fall in Scott City's apron." The result seems to be as difficult to predict nowadays as ever. It is believed that the officials at Washington will investigate the matter thoroughly before responding, and their investigation will probably reach the scheme's bottom which may turn the hose on the whole affair. Outside of the land district many ask for the boundary of the same. As a result the territory comprised in the district is given. It takes in the counties of Rush, Lane, Ness, Scott, Wichita, Greeley, Wallace, St. John, Gove, Trego and Ellis. To this add the southern tier of townships of the counties adjoining on the north. The section is near sixty-six miles wide and one hundred and sixty-two miles long. The latest and best news for Scott and Wichita and adjoining counties is a heavy rain. The rain wagon appeared near 5 o'clock in the evening and showers were frequent until midnight. It is thought that the rain is sufficient to mature the corn with a fair yield, provided there is no more rain. This is not the last expected however, as western Kansas expects great things and figures on a fair share of rain to bring about these great things. The district court in Leoti is now in session. There is a creditable amount of unused space on the docket page. Occasionally a fellow has been too busy to pay some "value received." The grand jury is in session and it is rumored that they are winding some joint news. There is a strong suspiciion that "something is up." Two gentlemen, one from Coronado and one from Leoti, were heard to editorialize on the Coronado February shooting affiar. Both were of the opinion that nothing of consequence would be done with the parties now being eyed by the law. Both admitted that some of the parties now being held to answer indictments are of the tough class, but think the "free-for-all fight" phase of the question will be effective in forming a shield against the law. The sad affair seems to be universally regretted by both towns and both reasonably sure that a similar dose will not occur again. The signs of the war yet to be seen in the two towns is rather interesting to the new comer. The bullet holes in buildings and breastworks in the suburbs of each town are suggestive of unpleasant days. The election of bonds for the D., M. & A. road through Wichita county is called for the fifteenth of this month. In that county the bond question stands in the lead. The county is called on for $55,000, and the township containing Leoti and Coronado is asked for $35,000. It will be remembered that on the twenty-eighth of last month the Santa Fe company was voted $80,000 county bonds and the majority was near two hundred. The negative votes came from Coronado and the eastern part of the county. The affirmative votes came from Leoti and the western part of the county. It seems that the two sections will vote similarly at the coming contest. It is stated that the public mind of the county will be rested after the next bond election. That, it is hoped, will help to restore peace between the two towns. Mr. A. J. Johnson, a real estate agent who was shot in the head at the Coronado shooting, yesterday the ball was removed and it is thought he will soon be perfectly well. (Wichita Eagle, July 13, 1887, page 2) SCOTT COUNTY NEWS FEBRUARY 1, 1888 A vein of coal of excellent quality was found last Saturday in Salt Creek canyon in Scott county, just north of Scott City. The find is on the claim of a Mr. Witt, and outcrops in the canyon at a depth of thirty feet below the surface. A stock company will doubtless soon be formed to develop the mine and it will prove of great importance to the agricultural and manufacturing interests of Scott county. The Missouri Pacific Railroad company have within the past two weeks been constructing great numbers of snow fences at Scott City to be put up between here and Chivington. They are now shipping them west and placing them. The Missouri Pacific is also taking steps toward building a fine section house in Scott City. The Scott county farmers are beginning this fine weather to get ready to put in their spring crops. A large acreage of corn, spring wheat, broom corn and sorghum cane will be planted. Much wheat was sown last fall, perpahs more than in any other county in western Kansas, and the snow fall of the winter is bringing it out in fine shape. All the people here are looking forward to a year of bounteous harvest and great prosperity. The Scott City public schools gave an entertainment in Case's hall last Friday night to a crowded house. The proceeds go toward purchasing a school library. It is said that the work will be begun ont he new school house soon. Twenty thousand dollars in bonds have already been voted and will Scott City one of the finest public school buildings in western Kansas. The board of trade committee on education report the prospects very favorable for securing the location of the Cumberland Presbyterian college here. The promise of a handsome offer in money and property is already made by the public spirited men of the city. The long winter evenings have been much enjoyed by Scott City people. The Scott City social club meets every Wednesday evening and about thirty couples spend the evening in dancing to merry music and other social enjoyments. A Shakespearian club meets on Thursday evenings, and the Scott City literary and debating society on Tuesday evenings. Case's halli s crowded at the meeting of this society and is pronounced the most flourishing of any in western Kansas. Mr. G. W. Israel of Wichita has been visiting his brother R. C. Israel of this city for the past three weeks. Miss Reno, also of Wichita has been visiting Miss Newsom the past week. Miss Newsom gave a ball in Case's hall last Saturday evening in Miss Reno's honor. The evening was much enjoyed by all the ladies and gentlemen present. Quite a number of new buildings are under contract or are under contemplation for the spring. More than seventy-five were built during last summer and fall, and there is still a call for more. The Santa Fe and Missouri Pacific railroads that center here are expected to bring in a large immigration this spring. Many parties have already come in and bought farm land or town property for homes and inquires are received every day by the board of trade and by citizens asking information concerning Scott county. While we have mentioned the board of trade we will state that the body consists of seventy-five of the representative citizens of Scott City and county. This body is scarcely surpassed by the building and loan association that was recently organized and to which one hundred citizens subscribed stock. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, Wednesday Morning, February 1, 1888) THE ARMY CAPTURED Scott City, Kan., May 11 - Gen. J. S. Saunders and his army of commonwealers are in the hands of the law. The outfit surrendered to the United States Marshal S. F. Neely in the railroad yards in Scott City, which is 409 miles west of Kansas City at 7 o'clock last evening. No resistance was offered. The army will be taken to Topeka for trial for obstructing United States mails. The men are good natured and the government officials do not expect further trouble. When the special train reached Healy, 17 miles east of Scott City a dispatch was handed Superintendent Clark informing him that the commonwealers had pulled into Scott City and upon learning that the track was torn up started back toward the Colorado line. An order was at once issued to ahve the track at Scott City relaid, and General Attorney Waggener instruced his local attorney to institute proceedings in Scott County for the arrest of gen. Saunders and his army for bringing stolen property into the state and have the sheriff and a posse at the depot to meet the special train. The special had been delayed at two or three places, but from Healy to Scott City it ran with the throttle of the locomotive wide open. The special train arrived at Scott City at 5 o'clock and found a gang of men busily engaged in repairing the track. It took about forty minutes to complete the work but before the train was ready to pull out Gen. Saunders' train was seen approaching in the distance. It had gone back to Modoc to pass. Marshall Neely stationed his deputies about the special train and he and General Attorney waggener walked westward to the switch to meet the commwealers. The stolen train stopped at the switch and Gen. Saunders alighted from the engine and walked rapidly toward the depot accompanied by half a dozen of his men. he was intercepted by Marshal Neely and Mr. Waggener, who stated to him their mission. Mr. Waggener, having been swon in as a deputy read the writs to the general who asked for thirty minutes to confer with his officers. the request was granted and both sides drew to their respective trains. At the expiration of thirty minutes Saunders appeared and announced that he and his army would surrender and turn the stolen train over to the officers, which was accordingly done. The people of Scott City made up a purse and furnished them a supper. The principal officers of the army are: Gen. saunders, Adjt.-Gen. Connelly, and Col. Muprhy. Gen. Saunders is a single man 39 years old. He was born in Green County, Mo. The army is farily well drilled and disciplined. In the meantime the commonwealers had gone into camp on some vacant lots near the stockyards. Mr. Waggener, Marshal Neely and Gen. Saunders visited the different companies and the men were formally placed under arrest by the marshal, who made a speech informing them that they would have to accompany their leader to Topeka. Gen. Saunders assured each company that it was all right. The men cheered their commander to the echo. Arrangements were then made to escort the army to Topeka. Three coaches were taken from the regular eastbound passenger train and attached to the Waggener special which had two extra coaches. These afforded accomodation for the entire army which numbered451, actual count. (The Iola Register, May 18, 1894)
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