Prairie Fires
Prairie fires are getting numerous in this vicinity.
There was one originating eight miles south of here Sunday, April 5, burning a strip over eight miles long and
three wide. Messrs. Byars, Reed, Jennings and Miller worked hard for about twelve hours to put it out, and last
Sunday there was another fire started, burning off most of the range. (Letetia) (The Thomas County Cat, April 16,
1885)
Thomas County Trivia
Thomas county is over three thousand feet above
sea level, hence pure air and cool nights. (The Thomas County Cat, Thursday, April 16, 1885, transcribed by Jim
Laird)
Mule Thieves
Frank McGrath, Sheriff of Mitchell county, was
in town Monday looking for two mule thieves. He and the Deputy Sheriff of Sheridan county went northwest to Quickvill
and found their birds and mules taking dinner, and took them in. They returned this way in the afternoon and went
on east. The mules were stolen from a boy by the name of Cook in the northern part of Riley county, and are not
worth stealing. The thieves names are Charley Pemberton and Cyrus Taylor. Mcgrath left Beloit last Saturday and
caught his men on Monday which is quick work and Frank is entitled to all due credit. (The Thomas County Cat, Thursday,
May 21, 1885, transcribed by Jim Laird)
Wild Horses
Wild hores are being caught int he county and sell
for $20. (The Thomas County Cat, Thursday, May 21, 1885, transcribed by Jim Laird)
First Dog Fight & Rattlesnakes
The first dog fight in town took place Tuesday
afternoon.
A horse was bitten on the nose Saturday by a rattlesnake,
and the horse's head swelled up to an enormous size, but he is all right now, and no rattlesnake medicine was used
either. (The Thomas County Cat, Thursday, May 21, 1885, transcribed by Jim Laird)
First Litter of Pigs
John A. Walker is the owner of the first littler
of young pigs in Colby. (The Thomas County Cat, Thursday, June 25, 1885, transcribed by Jim Laird)
Thomas County & Colby Population
One year ago Thomas County had 161 inhabitants;
now she has 1950 habitants. Six months ago Colby town was a rumor; now Colby is the metropolitan town of the prairie,
boasting of all branches of business and of over three hundred good people who are here to stay. (The Thomas County
Cat, Thursday, October 1, 1885, transcribed by Jim Laird)
Blanchard Draws on Strattan and courtney Assaults
Miller
Quite a stir was caused last Thursday by G. W.
Blanchard drawing a revolver on W. D. Strattan. The revolver was immediately knocked from his hand preventing him
from shooting. He was arrested and having his trial when he escaped from town. John Courtney was also arrested
and fined two dollars and costs for assaulting Mrs. H. W. Miller. He also escaped with Blanchard, not being able
to pay his fine. Blanchard is a black-leg and gambler from the first water. (The Thomas County Cat, Thursday, October
1, 1885, transcribed by Jim Laird)
The Remarkable Mr. Wollen
James Wollen has our thanks for two fine Hubbard
squashes that he raised on sod last year. James took the claim last April, turned over nearly one hundred acres
of sod, built his house and stable, raised forty acres of fair sod corn, besides an abundance of garden vegetables.
Such men as James will make the "wilderness rejoice and blossom as the rose" in a very few years. (The
Thomas County Cat, Thursday, January 7, 1886, transcribed by Jim Laird)
A Blizzard
As we go to press a blizzard is upon us from the
north; the thermometer indicates several degress below zero, and business is entirely suspended, most of our citizens
enjoying a warm place near the fire in the home circle. The country people, some of them wholly unprepared for
such a storm, must suffer. The roads are impassible the drifts in some places being twelve feet deep. (The Thomas
County Cat, Thursday, January 7, 1886, transcribed by Jim Laird)
Colby
The Boss New Town in the Boss County of the Boss
State
Laid out in April - $65,000 in buildings, 400 population.
The town of Colby was laid out in April, 1885 on
section 31, town 7 south, range 33 west, being two miles and a half hour from center of Thomas county. The town
is one-half mile from the Prairie Dog.
The first building put up in the town was the Cat
printing office, and now the town is represented by business of all kinds.
Lumber Yards: The Chicago Lumber Co. - Geo. Hyatt,
Manager
The Michigan Lumber Company - A. Devoe, Manager
The Howell Lumber Company - J. B. Wheeler, Manager.
General Merchandise:
M. Donelan; J. W. Allen & Sons, A. J. Allen
Drug Stores:
Smith & Walker; M. T. Rowland, managed by A.
W. Patchin; C. H. Martin
Banks:
Thomas County Bank, E. A. Hall, cashier; J. H.
Huff, not yet opened for business.
Hardware:
Bean Bros.; I. H. Bullers
Hotels:
Windsor Hotel, H. W. Miller, proprietor; Colby
House, J. C. Stowell, proprietor; Commerical House, S. M. High, proprietor; City Restaurant, W. H. Lent, proprietor.
Stationery:
A. J. Senter, at Postoffice
Livery Stables:
John A. Walker; R. Masters
Real Estate Men:
W. H. Copeland; H. E. Weld, Geo. W. Goodsoe, Pingee
& Cox; Lessenger & Jaggar; Wilcoxon & Hovey; W. G. Porter
Harness Business:
Bean Bros.
Shoe Shop:
W. H. Moyer
Billiard Halls:
Chris Shirey, Hines & Little
Blacksmith Shoes:
H. B. Vance; J. Macy
Wagon Shop:
W. R. Smith
Coal Dealers:
W. Smith; Chicago Lumber Company; Howell Lumber
Company
Barber:
Joseph Lamont
Physicians:
W. M. Edwards; C. E. Corporan; C. I. Douglas
Furniture:
N. J. Adams
Meat Market:
T. P. Feehan
The total value of buildings erected since last
May is over $65,000. There are buildings contemplated for next spring that will nearly aggregate that sum already.
(The Thomas County Cat, Thursday, January 28, 1886, transcribed by Jim Laird)
Woman Wanted
Wanted - A woman, a widow, old maid, or anything
wearing a dress. Wanted on the south west quarter of section 21, town 7, range 33. None need apply only those that
are matrimonially inclined and mean business. (The Thomas County Cat, Thursday, February 11, 1886, transcribed
by Jim Laird)
Dentist in Town
The dentist is now at Colby, he is first-class
in his profession, having had 10 years' experience in England. Office at Pingree & Cox's Land Office. He will
remain a week or ten days this trip. (The Thomas County Cat, Thursday, March 11, 1886, transcribed by Jim Laird)
Warrant Sworn Out for Sawdust Charley, Art McKinzie,
Kid Wright & Kit Mudgett
A warrant was sworn out last Friday for the arrest
of four persons known as Sawdust Charley, Art. McKinzie, Kid Wright and Kit Mudgett, charged with the murder of
Chas. Cross. Sheriff Kinery and Deputy Harvey made the arrests at Voltaire and Gandy in Sherman county, and at
Wallace, and the parties were brought to Colby last Saturday. The preliminary was set for Tuesday, March 17th,
before Judge Budlong. The trial was called and Judge Budlong called in Justice Feehan as associate. After examining
all the witnesses for the State it was found that there was not the slightest evidence against the parties arrested
and they were dismissed. County Attorney Porter wa assisted by M.A. Duff for the State, and Messrs Wellcoxon, Lessenger
and Goodsoe appeared for the defense. The examination at times became spirited and all through there was no lack
interest.
There does not seem to be the slightest clue as
to who shot Charley Cross.
Some are inclined to believe that it was suicide,
while the doctors say that such a thing would have been impossible from the character of the wounds. (The Thomas
County Cat, Thursday, March 18, 1886, Transcribed by Jim Laird)
Dr. Martin, Mr. Baker Looking for Land
Dr. C. H. Martin and our friend Mr. Baker are looking
after land in St. John's county this week. They laid in a stock of cracker and cheese, commissary and a Winchester.
We have no fears for their safety. (The Thomas County Democrat, Thursday, August 12, 1886, transcribed by Jim Laird)
Trapping Badgers
Trapping badgers is all the go in this neighborhood
at present. (Wendell) (The Thomas County Cat, Thursday, July 29, 1886, transcribed by Jim Laird)
Census of Township 7, Range 37, Taken by Geo.
Benson
Married, 37; Widows, 2; Widowers, 4: Maids, 5;
Bachelors, 21; Over 18 and under 25, 11; Females under 18, 17; Males under 18, 15; Total, 112. The oldest person,
80 years. Youngest 6 months. The oldest settler is John A Kerman, May 14, 1885, Sherman County. (The Thomas County
Cat, August 26, 1886, transcribed by Jim Laird)
Mrs. Thresher's 7 Year Old Son Fell From a Horse
A seven year old son of Mrs. Thresher fell from
a horse and fractured the left elbow. It is a very serious fracture, and it is feared that the result will be a
stiff arm. Drs. J. W. and C. H. Martin are doing all that can be done for it. (The Thomas County Cat, Thursday,
August 26, 1886, transcribed by Jim Laird)
Georgia Williams Fined
Georgia Williams was up before Police Judge Adams
this week on a charge of keeping a house of ill-repute and replenished the treasury to the amount of $13 and costs.
(The Thomas County Democrat, Thursday, February 3, 1887, transcribed by Jim Laird)
Buckwheat cakes Contest, Allen, Douglass
A sprited contest took place last Sunday between
Capt. Allen and J. L. Douglass, two old veterans, on the question of who could dispose of the greatest number of
buckwheat cakes at one sitting. Mrs. Douglass supplied the cakes, hot and crispy, and for the first half hour the
bets were about evenly divided on the final result. But when the Capt. was seen to take off his boots and remove
his garters, Douglass weakened and was carried to his corner. - Dark Horse. (The Thomas County Democrat, Thursday,
February 10, 1887, transcribed by Jim Laird)
Serious Accident Befalls J. O. Jones
A serious accident befell Mr. J. O. Jones, a young
man in the eastern part of the county, one day last week which may cost him his sight. While trying to force a
shell in a breach loading shot gun the cartridge exploded, filling his eyes and face with powder. It is hoped under
the careful treatment of Dr. Poff one eye if not both may be saved. Sherman Co., Dark Horse. (The Thomas County
Democrat, Thursday, April 28, 1887, transcribed by Jim Laird)
For County Clerk - W. W. Smith
In presenting Mr. Smith for the suffrage of the
people, we are confident that he posesses the qualifications that win. He is a homesteader, possessing an education
above the average; has a clean record as a soldier in the union army, is a firm supporter of the democratic cause
and ticket, and possesses the confidence of those who know him best, and we know of no better test for true manhood
and honest dealing. Our acquaintance with Mr. Smith does not extend over any great period of time, but our relations
have been hearty and cordial, and we are proud to place his name and record in the field as a democratic color
bearer. (The Thomas County Democrat, Thursday, October 6, 1887, transcribed by Jim Laird)
Democrat Ticket, Thomas County
Democratic Ticket
For County Treasurer, W. H. Marble
For County Clerk, W. W. Smith
For County Recorder, Jas. E. Spellman
For County Sheriff, Frank M. Taylor
For County Surveyor, None listed
For County Coroner, Dr. Beaver
Commission 1st Dist., Marshall Leach
Township of Morgan
For Trustee, J. H. McLean
For Treasurer, Frank H. Smith
For Clerk, H. B. Stout
For Justices, Mr. Crachear and James Shields
For Constables, James Cornelius, and J. M. Wallen
(The Thomas County Democrat, Thursday, October
20, 1887, transcribed by Jim Laird)
The Place to Buy Cheap Goods
Eleven lb. of granulated sugar for $1.
Coffee, 20 cts. per lb.
20 bars of soap for $1.00
Bacon, 12-1/2 cts. per lb.
J. T. Tobacco, 40 cts. per lb.
At V. F. Warren's.
(The Brewster Gazette, Saturday, December 14, 1888,
Transcribed by Jim Laird)
Zeigler in Town
Noah Zeigler of Oakley, was in the city Thursday
last. (The Thomas County Democrat, Thursday, January 17, 1889, transcribed by Jim Laird)
County Officers:
Clerk, James Summers; Treasurer, C. M. Hovey; Register
of Deeds, James C. Passel; Sheriff, M. W. Witham; Supt. of Public Instruction, W. P. Sullivan; Co. Attorney, J.
L. Loar; Clerk of District Court, C. W. Robbins; Probate Judge, J. E. Lesh; Representative, J. M. Stewardson.
Hale Township Officers:
Trustee, G. M. Strain; Clerk, A. Hawk; Treasurer,
Rollen Hockett; Justices of the Peace, E. L. Temple, S. D. Miller. Constables, C. B. Drummond, M. S. Guy. (The
Brewster Gazette, Saturday, February 1, 1889, transcribed by Jim Laird)
Advertised Prices at A. V. Warrens
Warren has 19 kinds of tobbaco
Men's duck coats $1.85 at V. F. Warren's
The people all say the best flour is at Warren's
See the grand 10c counter at V. F. Warren's
A man that will not be under sold is V. F Warren
Two lbs of coffee for 45c at V. F. Warren's
(The Brewster Gazette, Friday, February 15, 1889,
transcribed by Jim Laird)
BULK OIL STATION BURNS
Fire which started shortly after six o'clock last
Monday morning practically destroyed the bulk stations of the Standard Oil Company and the White Eagle Company,
located east of the stock yards in the local Rock Island freight yards. The fire was caused by a spark from an
electric power switch thrown off by Jim Curtis, manager of the Standard plant, when he finished filling a truck
tank for rural deliveries. Curtis had a rather narrow escape, but managed to drive the truck out of the fire circle.
The flames soon spread to the White Eagle holdings and both plants became a mass of flames in an amazingly short
time, the large stocks of lubricating oil and greases causing volumes of dense, black smoke which made a very imposing
spectacle. Exploding oil barrels made it too dangerous for fire fighters to do any effective work, but the fire
apparatus was held near the scene in readiness to protect neighboring property. The safety valves on the large
gasoline tanks functioned perfectly and there were no major explosions, although half the content of the tanks
was consumed as it escaped through the valves. We have been unable to secure estimates of the financial loss caused
by the fire.
A car and a half of cresoted fence posts, recently
unloaded on the right-of-way by the Dewey ranch, constituted the only private loss.
Work toward reconstruction of the burned plants was gotten under way immediately. (The Brewster Herald, July 31,
1930, vol. 15, No. 15, front page, transcribed by Peggy Thompson)
A SUITATORIUM FIRE
The interior of the Beeby Suitatorium was badly
damaged last Tuesday while Ed Beeby was filling the tank on the pressing machine. The explosion blew out all the
windows in the room and hurled small articles such as buttons and spools of thread to the middle of the street.
Ed's first thought was for the clothing belonging to his customers and he managed to save it all. His own stock
of haberdashery and other goods was destroyed and his machinery will have to be rebuilt. All the interior woodwork
of the building, which is the property of C. E. Mallory, and a number of windows will have to be replaced and the
main room replastered.
Mr. Beeby had extinguished all flames about the
equipment and is at a loss to account for the explosion. He was painfully burned about the hands. There was some
insurance, but not enough to cover the loss of property and custom lost during the time required to get things
into shape again. (The Brewster Herald, October 23, 1930, Vol. 15, No. 27, front page, transcribed by Peggy Thompson)
The body of an unidentified man was found Wednesday
morning in an old straw stack on a farm four miles northeast of Gem under conditions that indicate the officers
of Thomas county have a murder mystery to solve. The body which had been reduced practically to a skeleton probably
had been in the straw stack since last fall or longer. There were no marks of identification, the clothing containing
only a husking pipe and a can of Union leader tobacco. There was a hole in the skull over the right eye, giving
rise to the theory that the man was a victim of foul play and the body buried in the straw stack. Wind and decaying
straw exposed a part of the body, causing its discovery by a young man operating a combine in the field where the
stack stands. A coroner's jury is investigating the mystery. (The Brewster Herald, July 23, 1931, Vol. 16, No.
14, transcribed by Peggy Thompson)
MAKE IMPORTANT CAPTURE
Officers Unearth Big cache of Liquor and Mash
County Attorney Guido Smith, Sheiff Ed McGinley,
Under Sheriff Don McGinley and Deputies Miller and Epard, of Colby, raided the place occupied by E. J. Clifford,
eight miles south of Brewster, last Monday at noon and seized six gallons of liquor and three barrels of mash.
Cliff was brought into the Justice court of J. E. Duvall at Brewster, where he entered peas of guilty to two counts-
possession of liquor and maintaining a nuisance. He was assessed a fine of one hundred dollars and sentenced to
thirty days in the county jail on each count or a total with costs of $270 and 60 days. He was taken to the jail
at Colby to serve his sentence.
Conditions at the Clifford place indicated that
he had been making the liquor for others to sell and that a quantity had been run off the night before the raid.
The still could not be found but the ashes of the fire in the last operations were still fresh. The officers declared
that the conditions under which the liquor was manufactured were the filthiest and most poisonous of any in their
experience. The barrels of mash were hidden in a hold back of the barn. The hold was covered over with manure,
through which rain and livestock urine filtered into the mash in the open barrels. Numbers maggots from the manure
had also dropped into the mash, and the whole mess was covered with a slimy green mould. (The Brewster Herald,
August 6, 1931, Vol. 14, No. 16, transcribed by Peggy Thompson)
YOUNG FARMER MEETS HORRIBLE FATE, SLOWLY BURING
TO DEATH IN WRECKED AUTOMOBILE
Fred Sellers, 28, of Goodland, was burned to death
Wednesday evening when he was trapped in a wrecked car about a mile east of Brewster. The young man's arm was caught
in the door with the whole weight of the car upon it and his companions were unable to raise the car sufficiently
to release him before the flames, which stated at the motor reached the rear seat in which he was riding. The victim
had not been injured and was literally burned alive, remaining conscious for several minutes after the fire reached
his legs. Word of the burning auto reached town too late for material assistance to be given and when the chemical
engine reached the scene only the tires and gasoline seeping from the tank were burning. Officer Al Winchip was
on the scene early and took charge. Coroner Ed Glenn, Sheriffs Ed and Don McGinley and County Attorney Guido E.
Smith arrived later and deciding that an inquest was not necessary, phoned to a Goodland undertaker to come and
take charge of what remained of the poor charred body.
Just behind the body a small foot tub containing
a number of bottles added a silent chapter to the tragic story.
The car, a new Dodge sedan, was completely ruined.
Ed McLean, owner and driver of the car had a knee cap dislocated. Dolph McCall, a brother-in-law of the dead man
was so badly burned about the head that blood flowed freely from the injury. The other occupant of the car, O.
L. Stunkard sustained only minor cuts and bruises. All the men lived in Sherman county. Stunkard informed the editor
of the Brewster Herald that the front wheels of their car which was traveling at a high speed began to "whip"
after it had turned out to pass another car about a hundred yards from where it changed ends as it went into the
ditch and crashed over on its side with Sellers' arm caught in the door of the car. Flames burst immediately from
under the hood. The three men strove frantically to lift the weight of the car from Sellers' arm, but were unable
to do so. Another car arrived on the scene and it was used in an effort to raise the burning car with wire cut
from a fence, but the wire broke and by that time the interior of the car was a mass of flames. Sellers attempted
to say something to them but they could not understand his words.
Sellers was not married. (The Brewster Herald, August 13, 1931, Vol. 16, No. 18, transcribed by Peggy Thompson)
Ed McLay, driver of the death car in which Fred
Sellers was burned to death Wednesday of last week, was arrested by Sheriff McGinley on a charge of driving an
automobile while intoxicated and fined $400 and costs in the county court of Thomas County yesterday. It was also
recommended that his driver's license be revoked. (The Brewster Herald, Vol. 16. No. 19, transcribed by Peggy Thompson)
BREWSTER'S FAMOUS FLYING
DUTCHMAN ENDS TEN-YEAR AIR CAREER IN FATAL CRASH TODAY
Joe Shalz and Two Youths Instantly Killed When
Monoplane Falls From Altitude of 600 Feet
Falling from an altitude of approximately six hundred
feet, Joe Shalz, veteran pilot and two seventeen year old boys crashed to their death at the fair grounds at Quinter,
Kansas, this Thursday evening at about five o'clock. The other victims were Leo Fahey of Quinter and his cousin,
Floyd Norton of Spruce Missouri. All three were killed instantly. The Quinter telephone exchange was unable to
get Brewster and the first news of the tragedy to reach here was a telephone message to Arch Koppel from his cousin
at Oakley. Mr. and Mrs. Keppel and Mrs. Shalz left immediately for the scene of the accident.
According to witnesses Joe was coasting his big
monoplane with idling motor, with practically no power, when a strong gust of wind struck the front of the ship
with more power than the motor was delivering. The ship stalled and the motor died, and the shop fell straight
down, maintaining almost a perfect level and striking the ground flat. Apparently the pilot was unable to get the
motor started to regain flying speed. Although Joe was crushed beyond recognition the position of his hands and
feet on the controls showed that he had fought to gain control until the instant of the ship's contact with the
earth. The big monoplane was totally demolished.
Joe Shalz was 38 years of age, and leaves a wife
a son and three daughters. Always careful in such matters, he had insurance policies totaling $8,000 in a company
represented by C. A. Horney and there is reason to believe he had at least one more policy.
Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon
at two o'clock at the Brewster Methodist Church. (The Brewster Herald, September 17, 1931, Vol. 16, No. 23, transcribed
by Peggy Thompson)
Obituary
Joseph Nicholas Shalz was born April 11, 1894,
in Wathena, Kansas and died at Quinter, Kansas, September 17, 1931, at the age of 37 years, 5 months and 6 days.
He came to Colby, Kansas, with his parents in the
year 1906, where he spent much of his life including a time after he was married to Helen Baird in 1917. He then
moved to Gem, Kansas and from there to Brewster, Kansas in the year 1919, where the remaining years of his life
were spent. A very fine business has been built in Brewster and the recent purchase of a splendid home, surrounded
by a host of friends, pointed to the happy days ahead with his family.
"Joe", as known by children and adults,
was a man of jolly appearance. He greeted you with a smile and chuckle that won his way into the esteem of great
numbers of people. His acquaintance has been widened during the past ten years by his agile interest in aeronautics.
He was considered a very able flyer an experienced mechanic, having in his possession the highest license awarded
by this department, viz: Transport License No. N C 96 W. He as a member of the National Aeronautic Association
of the U.S.A., local chapter at Colby, Kansas; a member of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, License
No. 290. He was also a member of the B. P. O. E., No. 1528, Goodland, Kansas.
An appalling shadow was cast over this and other communities of his intimate acquaintance when the word of his
untimely passing was received. Western Union wires and telephone messages have been pouring in to speak their word
of sympathy and untold scores with his beloved wife and family mourn his departure.
Space will not permit of mentioning the names of
each relative and friend but we pause to mention the very near relatives. The wife, Mrs. Helen Shalz, and four
children, one son, Glenn and three daughters, Esther, Ruth and Ruby. His father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. N. J.
Shalz of Colby, Kansas. Five brothers and six sisters, W. M. Shalz, Cico, California, Nicholas Shalz, Sagle, Idaho,
Mrs. Christina Taylor, Saratoga, Wyoming, John Shalz, Butte, Montana, Mrs. Mary Liles, Colby, Kansas, Mrs. Barbara
Woolman, Monterey, California, Mrs. Katherine Wallas, Kanorado, Kansas; Mrs. Elizabeth Boeh, Colby, Kansas, Mrs.
Arelia Shumaker, Hoxie, Kansas; Louis J. Shalz, Colby, Kansas and Gerald Shalz, Colby, Kansas. Beside these are
the hosts of other relatives and friends.
The funeral services were conducted from the Brewster
church at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19. The music was furnished by a mixed quartette composed of Mr. and Mrs.
Roscoe Scott, Miss Velma Binkley and Mr. R. N. Hunter. The vocal solo was rendered by Miss Binkley and at the piano
were Mrs. J. c. McArthur and Mrs. Roscoe Scott. The sermon was delivered by Rev. Ira J. Bieber of Brewster, broadcast
over a public address system installed by Lee F. Horney of this city and the Caldwell Electric Co. of Goodland.
The number of people in attendance is without count but some conservative estimates place it at from twenty-five
hundred to three thousand. The burial service was conducted at the grave within the Brewster cemetery. The occasion
was very impressive by the aerial formation of planes which dropped floral offerings from mid-air. The Elks attended
in a body.
CARD OF THANKS
Our sorrow is made lighter by the presence and
help of our many friends. Each has contributed to our comfort; the flowers have spoken their intended message,
and to one and all we speak our heartfelt thanks.
Mrs. Joseph N. Shalz and Children, Mr. and Mrs.
N. J. Shalz, and his Brothers and Sisters. (The Brewster Herald, September 24, 1931, Vol. 16, No. 24, transcribed
by Peggy Thompson)
