https://s3.amazonaws.com/omeka-lplks/original/4de75ef5ec2db4a40769101bbd92ea34.pdf a8ff6d290ef0daf32d16b8274b468efc PDF Text Text /'- KRAUS~ \ ._ _ -.t. _= -2'_"" .1M" 29' tlo-t 3'-1, I ¥rii MJ . d¥" 3 -1 ffi&··-,f$f"'" \ Jell/) -, "i \\ ~ .. \ . o ,\ ~ ~,. II ., : . "t: I .. . ' .-'\ '/ �THE PIONEER Published by the Douglas County, Kansas, Genealogical Society, Inc. 1329 Kasold Gl Lawrence, Kansas 66049-3426 Volume 34, no. 3-4 July & October, 2011 Douglas County, Kansas, Genealogical Society 1329 Kasold G 1 Lawrence, Kansas 66049-3426 Mary Burchill burchill@ku.edu President & Pioneer Vice-President & Programs Treasurer Shari Mohr Smohr@kuendowment.org Genealogist Paul Jordan jordpc@brownchair Assis. Gen Richard Wellman rwwellman@Embarqmail.com Don Vaughn donwil468@earthlink.net Web Master The Douglas County Genealogical Society is a non-profit organization. Meetings are held at intervals and announced in the Lawrence Journal World and by email. Membership fees are $15. Checks should be . made payable to the Douglas County, Kansas, Genealogical Society (DCGS) and sent to the address above. The fiscal and membership year is from January 1 to December 31. Visitors are always welcome at meetings. The Douglas County Genealogical Society supports the Helen OSIDa Room on the lower level of the Lawrence Public Library, 707 �Vermont, Lawrence. Hours are Monday tbrougb Friday, 9:30 - 6pm; Saturday 9:30am-6pm; and Sunday 12-6pm. Anyone may use tbe Library, but items may not be cbecked out of tbe Osma Room. Microfilm readers are available in tbe Osma Room. WEBPAGE http://skyways.lib.ks/genweb/douglas/dckgs.btml This is our fifth issue to be sent out by email. We are very interested in hearing any comments preferably favorable ones. We are learning how to do tbis so bear witb us. Tbanks SAMUEL FITCH The Baldwin Ledger, 9 March 1900 "HE WENT ABOUT DOING GOOD" Samuel Fitch was born in Delaware county, New York, June 16, 1826, and died in Baldwin, Kansas, March 5, 1900. Almost seventy-four years, and in the estimation of many they were years idly spent and without good results. But he lived for others and in so living forgot himself - yes more he neglected himself and yet in that neglect he was able to do menial service for mankind without being accused of having any selfish motives. We know little of Samuel Fitch's early life. It is said that from childhood he was considered peculiar and that peculiarity grew to eccentricity. He became a school teacher and developed splendid gifts in the direction of history, geography and certain lines of classical literature .. he had a prodigious memory which ifit had been in the possession of other men would have brought them great renown as scholars. His taste for geography led him to travel and no part ofEurope or South America was unknown to him. Few pretentious scholars have ever returned from those historic countries with as deep an historical instinct as he possessed. Sometimes in the 50's he settled in TIlinois where he taught school again. We draw the curtain here over the romance of his life. Without any fault of his he went out to pass the rest of his days in the world alone it was now 1860 and he sought to hide his past in the excitement of those days in Kansas. He settled in Abilene, afterward went to Garnett and eventually came to Baldwin which place he called his residence until his death, Had he so desired he might have been a wealthy man for at one time he owned many acres ofland in lllinois, Iowa and Kansas. His wants were few and his business acumen keen. He could easily have been a miser as well as a hermit. He was a hermit, but he was also a philanthropist. Before he came to Kansas several ofhis immediate family had died of consumption and he decided that when he came out west he would lead a more out of door life and from that time Nature was �his daily companion. As a further protection he allowed his hair and beard to grow unkept but even this could not hide his clear cut features and the kindly look of his countenance. As he grew older he became more careless in his personal appearance and grew very sensitive about it when the people of the town offered to clothe him better. He would accept gifts from no one and yet his whole life was spent in giving good gifts to others. Not long since he told the writer of this article that he had not missed a single opening address of Baker University since 1868 and very few commencement exercises found him absent. If he had a hobby it was education and his inclination in this direction did not stop with simply attending the opening exercises of Baker University. At one time when this college was seeing its darkest days without any ostentation and without pulling any string for official recognition he quietly gave to the college a deed for 160 acres ofland. Did some children in the town lack the means securing their school books; Mr. Fitch would be seen at their doors with the necessary books. Was cold weather approaching and some children ill prepared to go to school in the stormy weather, he could be seen walking up the streets ofBaldwin with a number ofdifferent sizes of children's shoes across his arm and he himself so poorly clad that passers by would stop and wonder as he passed. While in Abilene he found a little girl whose parents were too poor to send her to school and yet she was ambitious to go. He quietly furnished her with the means and kept her in college until she was able to earn a good livelyhood teaching. Twenty years passed away and that same girl was in Baldwin. Mr. Fitch was pointed out to her as he was pulling weeds along the street. That he was in the garb of a vagrant and was pulling weeds for people who hadn't pride enough in their own surroundings to do it themselves, was not attracting any special attention. But this young lady was surprised beyond measure; nevertheless she rushed over to him, introduced herselfand told her benefactor how much she appreciated what he had done for her A short time before his death, Mr. Fitch inquired of one who knew this young lady ifhe ever heard from her any more and then with a far-offlook he "wondered ifshe still remembered what he had done for her." Poor man, he had given his whole life in ministerings to others without questioning and without hoping for thanks but when the end drew near out of the lonesomeness of his soul came this feeble yearning for human sympathy and love. In the early days of Kansas, when everything was a struggle, the Bible Society of the state was without funds to carry on their work. The frontiersmen had all they could do to supply the necessities of life and it seemed that the Society was going to be compelled to give up its work. Here again Mr. Fitch quietly came to the rescue and deeded 40 acres ofland to the Society and it was thus enabled to continue. But after Mr. Fitch had given away all his property he did not stop his works of charity but working here and there, he would earn some money all of which went to help somebody else. After he was dead only two pennies were found upon his person. But those two pennies speak more eloquently of the deeds of the departed than the full coffers of the rich man. The miser's coffers are full but his soul is empty. This man's soul is full although his pockets held but two copper pennies. The funeral services were held in the M. E. Church, the sermon being delivered by Rev. John Moorhead. The city authorities purchased a lot in Oakwood cemetery and the remains were laid �to rest in a manner well worthy of one of our best citizens. Years ago men dressed in homely garb, denied themselves of many things that we call necessities oflife and punished themselves in a bodily way in every conceivable manner. But they separated themselves from the world and thought they were holy because they kept from the world. This man also dressed in homely garb. He denied himself many necessities. he allowed himself no self indulgence. But he was no coward. He faced the world. It had given him disappointment, it had given him deep sorrow but he went among men doing food. Who shall limit his influence? Who shall say his learning was all for naught. Who shall say he was not a hero when he always was the servant of others and his lips were never open to complaint? Who shall say what his life in the next world shall be for "they serve God well who serve his creatures." ERECT A MONUMENT The least thing that Baldwin people can do in return for the many things that Samuel Fitch has done for this town wold be to erect a modest granite marker over his grave. Almost one half of this life was spent here. He has done favors unasked for, all of us if it was no more tan to clean the street crossings that we might go over with ease. We surely will not let the coming generation find an un-marked grave which would eventually become an unknown grave. The Baldwin Ledger, 23 March 1900 ERECT A MONUMENT The Ledger $2.00 Additional Subscriptions A. A. B. Cavaness .50 Jack Gossage .50 R. C. Carter 1.00 M. J. Stickel 1. 00 Geo. Hass .50 1. W. Sleeper 1.00 W. C. Denning 1. 00 W. E. Cary 1.00 Chas. P. Ives 2.00 R. C. Wear 2.00 C. Reynolds .50 Preston Flora 1.00 1. G. Brockway .50 Chas. E. Beeks 2.00 S. Lampman 1. 00 [NO~E: ~hey obvi~usly succeeded in raising sufficient money as there is (in 2011) a nice stone marking his grave In Oakwood Cemetery, Main Section, Row 8, Lot 25, space W-7. The tombstone reads - "Samuel Fitch, lune 16, 1826, March 5, 1900, He lived for others".] Copied by Richard Wellman, 2011. �The Baldwin Bee, 8 October 1896 At the residence of Mr. Levi Bodwell was held, Wednesday night, a most pleasant reception in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Edd Bodwell who start for Portland Oregon today. At this reception were gathered the oldest settlers in Palmyra township. Old and gray, many of them, but upon this pleasant occasion, filled again with the fire and jubilance of youth. Little companies gathered here and there and told with renewed interest the long forgotten tales of the good old days when Kansas was in her infancy, tales of hardships, of sorrows, of adventure and of jolly good times. Indeed their good old hearts seemed overflowing with the stirring old tales of long ago, so interesting and so little known by the younger generation. Indeed there seems to be a secret bond of happy unison and heart-felt relish in the fellowship of these old co-laborers in the building of a state, a kind of harmony, of binding together of old relationships and friendly ties moulded and strengthened through long years ofhardships and toil, which fills the young and giddy generation with envy. A multifarious collection of eatables was on hand, brought by each guest, pies, cakes, bread rolls, enough for a princely repast. In the list below of the old settlers present their ages are given in the first column and the date of their settlement here in the second. Messrs.-Dr. Martin 73 56 R. H. Pearson 68 54 Lee Bodwell 57 57 EddBodwell 64 56 D. F. Fry 62 57 Ed Gaddis 46 69 J. W. Scott 64 65 S. C. Barricklow 52 56 H. B. Barricklow 46 56 S. N. Walker 80 59 C. Reynolds 68 57 MesdamesC. Reynolds 64 57 J. W. Scott 64 65 Rachel Smith 68 57 S. Stevens 71 57 Ed Gaddis 49 56 Oliver Johnson 69 56 George Nott 54 74 D. W. Fry 57 56 Lee Bodwell 60 59 Edd Bodwell 63 56 E. Cradit 65 57 G. W. Ballard 63 84 R. H. Pearson 61 80 H. J. Beeks 64 59 J. W. Scott 60 65 �S. N. Walker S. C. Barricklow A. H. Barricklow 74 46 43 60 70 69 from The Baldwin Republican, 7 Aug. 1903 SOLDIER'S COLUMN This post is called E. D. Baker Post No. 40, Department of Kansas. It received its name from Gen. Baker, who was killed at Balls Bluff, Va., in 1862. Gen. Edward D. Baker, was a native of Illinois, and when the war broke out was United States senator from Oregon. Baker Post was organized during General Logan's administration. It now has forth-four members in good standing. There are many more old soldiers in Baldwin and vicinity who ought to join the Post. Post Commander of Baker Post is very solicitous and anxious that all soldiers of the rebellion come and be members ofthe Post. Comrades in the vicinity of Baldwin come in. Send your name to Post Commander Counts or the Adjutant Com. Kirby. Old Soldiers in the vicinity of Vrnland can join Vinland Post, No. 410, Peter Weeks, Post Commander. Come in, Come in and enlist for life in the Grand Army of the Republic. We know no north, no south, no east or west. We are united now.We are union. Let us be united in Post, one flag, one country. REUNIONS In regard to reunions this year, comrades are informed that the National Encampment meets att San Francisco, California, Monday, August 17 and continues five days; round trip ticket from Baldwin will be $45; sale oftickets to begin about August I st. Tickets are good on return trip until October 15. A grand opportunity to see the west and be provided for at an nominal expense - 75 cents per day and 50 cents for lodging is given as the lowest, and from that up to any amount to suit the fancy and wishes of anyone. State Reunion at Lawrence, Kansas on September 15, 16, and 17. Every soldier of any war or in any department of the service will be provided for at that reunion. Dewey is invited. Reunion at lola, Allen county, called the Gas Belt Reunion, will be held August 25 to 28 to which every body is invited to attend. Gov. Bailey, Gen. Funston, Chester I.. Long are to be there and address the meetings. Campfire and reunion to be held in Baldwin, Aug. 8, afternoon and evening. Supper by Relief Corps participated in by old soldiers and their wives and invited guests. As an amusing incident of the way Rev. Murray, S. T. Counts, Israel Price and W. A. Harbeston did their last service at about the same place and same time - Davis Bluff, Arkansas. They did not know it until lately, while talking together they were surprised to learn that they were mustered out at the same place. The Baldwin Ledger, 11 Jan. 1929 �G. A. R. POST DISBANDS AFTER FORTY-FIVE YEARS CHARTER WAS GRANTED LOCAL BODY IN 1883 Rev. C. W. Bailey Is Only Living Member of Parent Organization Which Has Made Much Local History. The Rev. C. W. Bailey is the only living charter member of the Baker post of the G. A. R. to witness its dissolution. To him it must be a source of pride and thankfulness but there is a tone of sympathy and patriotism which covers the heartbeat ofa Civil War soldier, when he knows that his comrades have fallen and he must stand alone. With the death of Samuel Gardner the five living G. A. R. members of the local post saw fit to disband because of the small membership and the incapacity of those to carry on with regular routine business. These members include: W. J. Russell, N. F. Payne, S. Bruner, S. S. Shumaker and C. W. Bailey. ASK PERMISSION TO DISBAND Papers have been sent to the state G. A. R. headquarters in Topeka informing officials of the abandonment of the post. The charter will be returned but the archives, the post flag and a copy of the charter will be retained for posterity's use. It was in January 1883 that a meeting was called to discuss the formation of a G. A. R. post here. Lawrence members came to assist in organization plans. Two months later on the 16th of March a charter was granted. The formation ofthe post occurred in the hall now occupied by the Masonic lodge. The purpose of the organization like similar posts was to function primarily as a social and patriotic organization. But its capacity also included the functions of a Chamber of Commerce. And in those capacities the G. A. R.' s have made history for Baldwin. FIFTY IN CHARTER GROUP There were about fifty charter members. This group soon had grown to 200 and was one of the most active small posts in the state. Ed Gaddis was elected the first commander. There was some discussion as to whether the post should be called the Baker or the Davis post. Colonel Davis, in war time, was President Davis in peace times at Baker. Patriotism stood out among all members. To the victors belong the spoils but the comrades of the Grand Army of the Rebellion were desirous of dividing up, and rather than ask for money, office, land options or pensions, the soldiers retired to private life without seeking recompense. It was this attitude of the soldiers which brought to them a well-earned honor and distinction as being fair, honorable and sincere with the enemy in peace. FIRST PENSIONS IN 1887 Deaths in the ranks brought on families who needed help and the post did its utmost to retrieve for the loss of comrades by personal attentions to those grieved and dependent ones. Not until 1887 did the government consider seriously the payment of pensions to wounded soldiers of (or?) their dependents. Eight dollars a month was considered sufficient to care for a total incapacitated soldier and his family. And not until 1890 did aid of any sort come from the government. The pride of the posts were the programs on Decoration Day and Memorial Sunday. Armed with rifles and carrying flags, the soldiers would march in company formation to the hall. Graves at the cemetery were always marked. Now a head stone furnished by the government marks the burial places. Saddened hearts receive the news of the post's retirement from active life. But the marks of �citizenship and patriotism will never erase as the last ofthe war heroes pass on to a home not made by hands eternal in the heavens. 1940 CENSUS DUE IN 2012 (This is part of an article on Ancestry.com). Was your ancestor among the 14.6% of Americans whe were unemployed in 1940? Did family member work on"New Deal" programs like the Works Progress Administration (WP A), the Civilian Conservation Corps (CC), or the National Youth Administration (NYA) in March of 1940? What was his or her income for the year ending December 31, 1939, as the United States was emerging from the Great Depression? Where did the family live in 1940? In 1935? These are just a few ofthe questions that may be answered when the 1940 census is released in just under seven months. Let's look at some the in formation you will find. Who was enumerated? Everyone "whose usual place of residence on April 1, 1940 was in this household" was named, along with the relationship to the head of the household. Persons absent at the time of the census were noted with the abbreviation "Ab" following the name. We'll learn the usual details about each individual-name, gender, age and place ofbirth, and marital status. For the first time, the 1940 enumeration also asked for the highest grade of schol completed, as well as whether that individual had attended a school or collage that year. One neat thing about this census is that it noted who supplied the information to the census taker. In column seven, the informant was indicated by an x with a circle around it. If the census taker had to turn to a neighbor for information, the name of the neighbor was to be noted in the left margin. This will be helpful when it comes to weighing conflicting pieces of information. There are some disappointments. This enumeration didn't ask for immigration dates (as the previous four censuses did), it did ask for citizenship of the foreign born. The usual "Na" abbreviation indicated the person had been naturalized. ''Pa'' meant they had begun the naturalization process by filling their "first papers" but had not completed the process. "AI" was the annotation or aliens not naturalized and this census added "Am Cit" for American citizens who were born at sea or abroad. Since, with the exception of the American citizen denotation, these abbreviations were used in previous censuses going ack to 1900, locating your ancestor in earlier enumerations may help you zero in on when and where your ancestor was naturalized. There is more to be learned from the 1940 census and we will all look forward to it being released �LAWRENCE GETS A POST OFFICE. (This is from an account in the Centennial History and Roster of the Lawrence Lodge No.6, A.F and A.M. As this account is being written (January 13, 1955), the Lawrence Post Office is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. For it was on January 13, 1855, that a federal post was established here. There had been a temporary arrangement for the distribution of mail, with E.D. Ladd as the "pro tern" postmaster. Of this arrangement the "Herald of Freedom" said on January 6, 1855: "Here in Lawrence we have a post office kept by Mr Ladd, who was appointed by the citizens to discharge that duty. The mail matter directed to individuals residing here is stopped at Kansas City or Westport, Mo., from which point it is brought almost daily by private individuals who chance to be traveling between the several points." Just one week later the regular post office was established. On March 3 of that same year the Lawrence paper reported: "The Post Office for the present will be at the house ofMr (William H.R.) Lykins on the levee." the successor of that paper, "The Lawrence Daily Journal-World (Volume 97,no. 9), gives this information: Carmi W. Babcock, a lawyer and real estate dealer, was named thefirst postmaster for Lawrence and his office was placed in the store of Paul RBrooks on the west side of Massachusetts Street. Babcock also was the second mayor of Lawrence, and later was a member of the Free State Legislature." Members of the Craft will be interested to know that these men, Ladd, Lykins, Babcock and Brooks, were all early members ofLawrence Lodge NO.6. The Seventieth Anniversary Roster and History of this Lodge states: "The first meeting place (of the lodge) was in the little white frame office of William H.R Lykins, that stood where his brick residence was afterwards built on (721) Indiana Street," E.D. Ladd was the first treasurer of Lodge and William H.R, Lykins its first Secretary. Lykins was succeeded in the latter ofice by Paul R Brooks, the first merchant to set up business here. Brooks served later (1864-65-66-67-69) as Worshipful Master. From the editor: Thanks to everyone who sent me articles, especially Richard Wellman. I have received some but my machine seems to not like everything that I try to make it do. I would be very pleased maybe even oveIjoyed if someone else with better technology would take over the Pioneer. Ifthere is any interest out there please let me know. Thanks, Mary Burchill �Dues for the Douglas County, Kansas, Genealogical Society are due January 1 and are good through December 31 of that year. 2010 dues can be paid now. Name-----------------~Maiden Name- - - - - - - Street_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Apt. #_---...;HomePhone_ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ City_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _State__Zip_ _ _ _ _ _e-mail_ _ _ _ _ _ __ Renewal_New_Sumames you are searching'--_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _---'-_ __ Amount enclosed_ _ _ _ _($15.00 per year) Mail to: DCGS 1329 Kasold, G1 Lawrence, KS 66049-3426 Make checks payable to DCGS �The Pioneer Douglas County Genealogical Society, Inc. 1329 Kasold, G1 Lawrence, KS 66049 FORWARDED AND RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED �Volume 34, no.3-4 July-October, 2011 . Pub Ii shed t¥1.J4,rter,ly By.: 1:>oUglas Counts Genealogical $:ocQie:t9 P.O.80X3S<64 LAWREN eE j KANSAS 66046-0664 �THE PIONEER ,', Published by the Douglas County, Kansas, Genealogical Society, 1329 Kasold Gl Lawrence, Kansas 66049-3426 Volume 34, no. 3-4 Inc~ July & October, 2011 Douglas County, Kansas, Genealogical Society 1329 Kasold G 1 Lawrence, Kansas 66049-3426 Mary Burchill burchill@ku.edu President & Pioneer' Vice-President & Programs Treasurer Shari Mohr Smohr@kuendowment.org Genealogist Paul Jordan jordpc@brownchair Assis. Gen Richard Wellman rwwellman@Embarqmail.com Don Vaughn donwil468@earthlink.net Web Master " The Douglas County Genealogical Society is a non-profit organization. Meetings are held at intervals and announced in the Lawrence Journal World and by email. Membership fees are $15. Checks should be made payable to the Douglas County, Kansas, Genealogical Society (DCGS) and sent to the address above. The fiscal and membership year is from January 1 to December 31. Visitors are always welcome at meetings. The Douglas County Genealogical Society supports the Helen Osma Room on the lower level of the Lawrence Public Library, 707 �Vermont, Lawrence. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 - 6pm; Saturday 9:30am-6pm; and Sunday 12-6pm. Anyone may use the Library, but items may not be checked out of the Osma Room. Microfilm readers are available in the Osma Room. WEBPAGE http://skyways.lib.ks/genweb/douglas/dckgs.html This is our fifth issue to be sent out by email. We are very interested in hearing any comments preferably favorable ones. We are learning how to do this so bear with us. Thanks SAMUEL FITCH The Baldwin Ledger, 9 March 1900 "HE WENT ABOUT DOING GOOD" Samuel Fitch was born in Delaware county, New York, June 16, 1826, and died in Baldwin, Kansas, March 5, 1900. Almost seventy-four years, and in the estimation of many they were years idly spent and without good results. But he lived for others and in so living forgot himself - yes more he neglected himself and yet in that neglect he was able to do menial service for mankind without being accused of having any selfish motives. We know little of Samuel Fitch's early life. It is said that from childhood he was considered peculiar and that peculiarity grew to eccentricity. He became a school teacher and developed splendid gifts in the direction of history, geography and certain lines of classical literature. he had a prodigious memory which ifit had been in the possession of other men would have brought them great renown as scholars. His taste for geography led him to travel and no part ofEurope or South America was unknown to him. Few pretentious scholars have ever returned from those historic countries with as deep an historical instinct as he possessed. Sometimes in the 50's he settled in lllinois where he taught school again. We draw the curtain here over the romance of his life. Without any fault of his he went out to pass the rest of his days in the world alone it was now 1860 and he sought to hide his past in the excitement of those days in Kansas. He settled in Abilene, afterward went to Garnett and eventually came to Baldwin which place he called his residence until his death, Had he so desired he might have been a wealthy man for at one time he owned many acres ofland in lliinois, Iowa and Kansas. His wants were few and his business acumen keen. He could easily have been a miser as well as a hermit. He was a hermit, but he was also a philanthropist. Before he came to Kansas several ofhis immediate family had died of consumption and he decided that when he came out west he would lead a more out of door life and from that time Nature was �his daily companion. As a further protection he allowed his hair and beard to grow unkept but even this could not hide his clear cut features and the kindly look of his countenance. As he grew older he became more careless in his personal appearance and grew very sensitive about it when the people of the town offered to clothe him better. He would accept gifts from no one and yet his whole life was spent in giving good gifts to others. Not long since he told the writer of this article that he had not missed a single opening address of Baker University since 1868 and very few commencement exercises found him absent. Ifhe had a hobby it was education and his inclination in this direction did not stop with simply attending the opening exercises of Baker University. At one time when this college was seeing its darkest days without any ostentation and without pulling any string for official recognition he quietly gave to the college a deed for 160 acres of land. Did some children in the town lack the means securing their school books; Mr. Fitch would be seen at their doors with the necessary books. Was cold weather approaching and some children ill prepared to go to school in the stormy weather, he could be seen walking up the streets ofBaldwin with a number ofdifferent sizes of children's shoes across his arm ' and he himself so poorly clad that passers by would stop and wonder as he passed. While in Abilene he found a little girl whose parents were too poor to send her to ·school and yet she was ambitious to go. He quietly furnished her with the means and kept her in college until she was able to earn a good livelyhood teaching. Twenty years passed away and that same girl was in Baldwin. Mr. Fitch was pointed out to her as he was pulling weeds along the street. That he was in the garb of a vagrant and was pulling weeds for people who hadn't pride enough in their own surroundings to do it themselves, was not attracting any special attention. But this young lady was surprised beyond measure; nevertheless she rushed over to him, introduced herselfand told her benefactor how much she appreciated what he had done for her A short time before his death, Mr. Fitch inquired of one who knew this young lady ifhe ever heard from her any more and then with a far-off look he "wondered if she still remembered what he had done for her." Poor man, he had given his whole life in ministerings to others without questioning and without hoping for thanks but when the end drew near out of the lonesomeness of his soul came this feeble yearning for human sympathy and love. In the early days of Kansas, when everything was a struggle, the Bible Society of the state was without funds to carry on their work. The frontiersmen had all they could do to supply the necessities of life and it seemed that the Society was going to be compelled to give up its work. Here again Mr. Fitch quietly came to the rescue and deeded 40 acres ofland to the Society and it was thus enabled to continue. But after Mr. Fitch had given away all his property he did not stop his works of charity but working here and there, he would earn some money all of which went to help somebody else. After he was dead only two pennies were found upon his person. But those two pennies speak more eloquently of the deeds of the departed than the full coffers of the rich man. The miser's coffers are full but his soul is empty. This man's soul is full although his pockets held but two copper pennies. The funeral services were held in the M. E. Church, the sermon being delivered by Rev. John Moorhead. The city authorities purchased a lot in Oakwood cemetery and the remains were laid �to rest in a manner well worthy of one of our best citizens. Years ago men dressed in homely garb, denied themselves of many things that we call necessities oflife and punished themselves in a bodily way in every conceivable manner. But they separated themselves from the world and thought they were holy because they kept from the world. This man also dressed in homely garb. He denied himself many necessities. he allowed himself no self indulgence. But he was no coward. He faced the world. It had given him disappointment, it had given him deep sorrow but he went among men doing food. Who shall limit his influence? Who shall say his learning was all for naught. Who shall say he was not a hero when he always was the servant of others and his lips were. never open to complaint? Who shall say what his life in the next world shall be for "they serve God well who serve his creatures." ERECT A MONUMENT The least thing that Baldwin people can do in return for the many things that Samuel Fitch has done for this town wold be to erect a modest granite marker over his grave. Almost one half of this life was spent here. He has done favors unasked for, all of us if it was no more tan to clean the street crossings that we might go over with ease. We surely will not let the coming generation find an un-marked grave which would eventually become an unknown grave. The Baldwin Ledger, 23 March 1900 ERECT A MONUMENT The Ledger $2.00 Additional Subscriptions A. A. B. Cavaness .50 Jack Gossage .50 R. C. Carter 1.00 M. 1. Stickel 1. 00 Geo. Hass .50 1. W. Sleeper 1.00 W. C. Denning 1. 00 W. E. Cary l.00 Chas. P. Ives 2.00 R. C. Wear 2.00 C. Reynolds .50 Preston Flora 1.00 1. G. Brockway .50 Chas. E. Beeks 2.00 S. Lampman 1.00 [NOTE: They obviously succeeded in' raising sufficient money as there is (in 2011) a nice stone marking his grave in Oakwood Cemetery, Main Section, Row 8, Lot 25, space W-7. The tombstone reads - "Samuel Fitch, June 16, 1826, March 5, 1900, He lived for others".] Copied by Richard Wellman, 2011. �The Baldwin Bee, 8 October 1896 At the residence of Mr. Levi Bodwell was held, Wednesday night, a most pleasant r~ception in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Edd Bodwell who start for Portland Oregon today. At this reception were gathered the oldest settlers in Palmyra township. Old and gray, many of them, but upon this pleasant occasion, filled again with the fire and jubilance of youth. Little companies gathered here and there and told with renewed interest the long forgotten tales of the good old days when Kansas was in her infancy, tales of hardships, of sorrows, of adventure and of jolly good times. Indeed their good old hearts seemed overflowing with the stirring old tales of long ago, so interesting and so little known by the younger generation. Indeed there seems to be a secret bond of happy unison and heart-felt relish in the fellowship of these old co-laborers in the building of a state, a kind of harmony, of binding together of old relationships and friendly ties moulded and strengthened through long years ofhardships and toil, which fills the young and giddy generation with envy. A multifarious collection of eatables was on hand, brought by each guest, pies, cakes, bread rolls, enough for a princely repast. In the list below of the old settlers present their ages are given in the first column arid the date of their settlement here in the second. Messrs.-Dr. Martin 73 56 R. H. Pearson 68 54 Lee Bodwell 57 57 Edd Bodwell 64 56 62 D. F. Fry 57 Ed Gaddis 46 69 J. W. Scott 64 65 S. C. Barricklow 52 56 H. B. Barricklow 46 56 S. N. Walker 80 59 C. Reynolds 68 57 MesdamesC. Reynolds 64 57 J. W. Scott 64 65 Rachel Smith 68 57 S. Stevens 71 57 Ed Gaddis 49 56 Oliver Johnson 69 56 George Nott 54 74 D. W. Fry 57 56 Lee Bodwell 60 59 Edd Bodwell 63 56 E. Cradit 65 57 G. W. Ballard 63 84 R. H. Pearson 61 80 H. J. Beeks 64 59 J. W. Scott 60 65 �S. N. Walker S. C. Barricklow A. H. Barricklow 74 46 43 60 70 69 from The Baldwin Republican, 7 Aug. 1903 SOLDIER'S COLUMN This post is called E. D. Baker Post No. 40, Department of Kansas. It received its name from Gen. Baker, who was killed at Balls Bluff, Va., in 1862. Gen. Edward D. Baker, was a native oflllinois, and when the war broke out was United States senator from Oregon. Baker Post was organized during General Logan's administration. It now has forth-four members in good standing. There are many more old soldiers in Baldwin and vicinity who ought to join the Post. Post Commander of Baker Post is very solicitous and anxious that all soldiers of the rebellion come and be members of the Post. Comrades in the vicinity of Baldwin come in. Send your name to Post Commander Counts or the Adjutant Com. Kirby. Old Soldiers in the vicinity of Vinland can join VinIand Post, No. 410, Peter Weeks, Post Commander. Come in, Come in and enlist for life in the Grand Army of the Republic. We know no north, no south, no east or west. We are united now.We are union. Let us be united in Post, one flag, one country. REUNIONS In regard to reunions this year, comrades are informed that the National Encampment meets att San Francisco, California, Monday, August 17 and continues five days; round trip ticket from Baldwin will be $45; sale of tickets to begin about AugUst 1st. Tickets are good on return trip until October 15. A grand opportunity to see the west and be provided for at an nominal expense - 75 cents per day and 50 cents for lodging is given as the lowest, and from that up to any amount to suit the fancy and wishes of anyone. State Reunion at Lawrence, Kansas on September 15, 16, and 17. Every soldier of any war or in any department of the service will be provided for at that reunion. Dewey is invited. Reunion at lola, Allen county, called the Gas Belt Reunion, will be held August 25 to 28 to which every body is invited to attend. Gov. Bailey, Gen. Funston, Chester 1. Long are to be there and address the meetings. Campfire and reunion to be held in Baldwin, Aug. 8, afternoon and evening. Supper by Relief Corps participated in by old soldiers and their wives and invited guests. As an amusing incident of the way Rev. Murray, S. T. Counts, Israel Price and W. A. Harbeston did their last service at about the same place and same time - Davis Bluff, Arkansas. They did not know it until lately, while talking together they were surprised to learn that they were mustered out at the same place. The Baldwin Ledger, 11 Jan. 1929 �G. A. R. POST DISBANDS AFTER FORTY-FIVE YEARS CHARTER WAS GRANTED LOCAL BODY IN 1883 Rev. C. W. Bailey Is Only Living Member of Parent Organization Which Has Made Much Local History. The Rev. C. W. Bailey is the only living charter member of the Baker post of the G. A. R. to witness its dissolution. To him it must be a source of pride and thankfulness but there is a tone of. sympathy and patriotism which covers the heartbeat ofa Civil War soldier, when he knows that his comrades have fallen and he must stand alone. With the death of Samuel Gardner the five living G. A. R. members of the local post saw fit to disband because of the small membership and the incapacity of those to carry on with regular routine business. These members include: W. J. Russell, N. F. Payne, S. Bruner, S. S. Shumaker and C. W. Bailey. ASK PERMISSION TO DISBAND Papers have been sent to the state G. A. R. headquarters in Topeka informing officials of the abandonment of the' post. The charter will be returned but the archives, the post flag and a copy of the charter will be retained for posterity's use. It was in January 1883 that a meeting was called to discuss the formation ofa G. A. R. post here. Lawrence members came to assist in organization plans. Two months later on the 161h bfMarch a charter was granted. The formation ofthe post occurred in the hall now occupied by the Masonic lodge. The purpose of the organization like similar posts was to function primarily as a social and . patriotic organization. But its capacity also included the functions of a Chamber of Commerce. And in those capacities the G. A. R.' s have made history for Baldwin. FIFTY IN CHARTER GROUP There were about fifty charter members. This group soon had grown to 200 and was one of the most active small posts in the state. Ed Gaddis was elected the first commander. There was some discussion as to whether the post should be called the Baker or the Davis post. Colonel Davis, in war time, was President Davis in peace times at Baker. Patriotism stood out among all members. To the victors belong the spoils but the comrades of the Grand Army of the Rebellion were desirous of dividing up, and rather than ask for money, office, land options or pensions, the soldier& retired to private life without seeking recompense. It was this attitude of the soldiers which brought to them a well-earned honor and distinction as being fair, honorable and sincere with the enemy in peace. FIRST PENSIONS IN 1887 Deaths in the ranks broUght on families who needed help and the post did its utmost to retrieve for the loss of comrades by personal attentions to those grieved and dependent ones. Not until 1887 did the government consider seriously the payment of pensions to wounded soldiers of (or?) their dependents. Eight dollars a month was considered sufficient to care for a total incapacitated soldier and his family. And not until 1890 did aid of any sort come from the government .. The pride of the posts were the programs on Decoration Day and Memorial Sunday. Armed with rifles and carrying flags, the soldiers would march in company formation to the hall. Graves at the cemetery were always marked. Now a head stone furnished by the government marks the burial places. Saddened hearts receive the news of the post's retirement from active life. But the marks of �citizenship and patriotism will never erase as the last ofthe war heroes pass on to a home not made . by hands eternal in the heavens. 1940 CENSUS DUE IN 2012 (This is part ofan article on Ancestry.com). Was your ancestor among the 14.6% of Americans whe were unemployed in 1940? Did family member work on"New Deal" programs like the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the Civilian Conservation Corps (CC), or the National Youth Administration (NYA) in March ofl940? What was his or her income for the year ending December 31, 1939, as the United States was emerging from the Great Depression? Where did the family live in 1940? In 1935? . These are just a few of the questions that may be answered when the 1940 census is released in just under seven months. Let's look at some the in formation you will find. Who was enumerated? Everyone "whose usual place of residence on April 1, 1940 was in this household" was named, along with the relationship to the head of the household. Persons absent at the time of the census were noted with the abbreviation "Ab" following the name. We'll learn the usual details about each individual-name, gender, age and place of birth, and marital status. For the first time, the 1940 enumeration also asked for the highest grade of schol completed, as well as whether that individual had attended a school or collage that year. One neat thing about this census is that it noted who supplied the information to the census taker. In column seven, the informant was indicated by an x with a circle around it. If the census taker had to tum to a neighbor for information; the name of the neighbor was to be noted in the left margin. This will be helpful when it comes to weighing conflicting pieces of information. There are some disappointments. This enumeration didn't ask for immigration dates (as the previous four censuses did), it did ask for citizenship of the foreign born. The usual ''Na'' abbreviation indicated the person had been naturalized. "Pa" meant they had begun the naturalization process by filling their "first papers" but had not completed the process. "AI" was the annotation or aliens not naturalized and this census added "Am Cit" for American citizens who were born at sea or abroad. Since, with the exception of the American citizen denotation, these abbreviations were used in previous censuses going ack to 1900, locating your ancestor in earlier enumerations may help you zero in on when and where your ancestor was naturalized. There is more to be learned from the 1940 census and we will all look forward to it being released �LAWRENCE GETS A POST OFFICE. (This is from an account in the Centennial History and Roster of the Lawrence Lodge No.6, A.F and A.M. As this account is being written (January 13, 1955), the Lawrence Post Office is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. For it was on January 13, 1855, that a federal post was established here. There had been a temporary arrangement for the distribution of mail, with E.D. Laqd as the "pro tern" postmaster. Of this arrangement the ''Herald of Freedom" said on January 6, 1855: "Here in Lawrence we have a post office kept by Mr Ladd, who was appointed by the citizens to discharge that duty. The mail matter directed to individuals residing here is stopped at Kansas City or Westport, Mo., from which point it is brought almost daily by private individuals who chance to be traveling between the several points." Just one week later the regular post office was established .. On March 3 of that same year the Lawrence paper reported: "The Post Office for the present will be at the house of Mr (William H.R.) Lykins on the levee." the successor of that paper, "The Lawrence Daily Journal-World (Volume 97,no. 9), gives this information: Carmi W. Babcock, a lawyer and real estate dealer, was named thefirst postmaster for Lawrence and his office was placed in the store of Paul R.Brooks on the west side of Massachusetts Street. Babcock also was the second mayor of Lawrence, and later was a member of the Free State Legislature." Members of the Craft will be interested to know that these men, Ladd, Lykins, Babcock and Brooks, were all early members ofLawrence Lodge NO.6. The Seventieth Anniversary Roster and History of this Lodge states: "The first meeting place (of the lodge) was in the little white frame office of William HR. Lykins, that stood where his brick residence was afterwards built on (721) Indiana Street," E.D. Ladd was the first treasurer of Lodge and William HR, Lykins its first Secretary. Lykins was succeeded in the latter ofice by Paul R. Brooks, the first merchant to set up business here. Brooks served later (1864-65-66-67-69) as Worshipful Master. From the editor: Thanks to everyone who sent me articles, especially Richard Wellman. I have received some but my machine seems to not like everything that I try to make it do. I would be very pleased maybe even oveIjoyed if someone else with better technology would take over the Pioneer. Ifthere is any interest out there please let me know. Thanks, Mary Burchill �Dues for the Douglas County, Kansas, Genealogical Society are due January 1 and are good through December 31 of that year. 2010 dues can be paid now. Name__________________________________~MaidenName_______________ Street.____-,--___________________Apt. #_---.:.HomePhone_______________ City______________State__Zip_ _ _ _ _ _e-mail.______________ Renewal_New_Sumames you are searching,_____________________ Amount enclosed.________ ($15.00 per year) Mail to: DCGS 1329 Kasold, Gl Lawrence, KS 66049-3426· Make checks payable to DCGS �The Pioneer Douglas County Genealogical Society, Inc. 1329 Kasold, Gl Lawrence, KS 66049 FORWARDED AND RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED �/:. Volume 34, 00.3-4 July-October, 2011 .~ .: .•.. ," ..... :., ..... ...... ,.. :.. Publ i sh edqY(:l.tte r·ly By.: 'l)'otlglas Counts Gen.ea:l"si.cal S:Q~i;~t!:J P.o. BC)xa 664 LAWRENCE, KANSAS 66046-0664 �l . THE PIONEER Published by the Douglas County, Kansas, Genealogical Society, Inc. 1329 Kasold Gl Lawrence, Kansas 66049-3426 Volume 34, no. 3-4 July & October, 2011· Douglas County, Kansas, Genealogical Society 1329 Kasold G 1 Lawrence, Kansas 66049-3426 Mary Burchill burchill@ku.edu President & Pioneer Vice-President & Programs Treasurer Shari Mohr Smohr@kuendowment.org Genealogist Paul Jordan jordpc@brownchair Assis. Gen Richard Wellman rwwellman@Embarqmail.com Don Vaughn donwil468@earthlink.net Web Master The Douglas County Genealogical Society is a non-profit organization. Meetings are held at intervals and announced in the Lawrence Journal World and by email. Membership fees are $15. Checks should be made payable to the Douglas County, Kansas, Genealogical Society (DCGS) and sent to the address above. The fiscal and membership year is from January 1 to December 31. Visitors are always welcome at meetings. The Douglas County Genealogical Society supports the Helen Osma Room on the lower, level of the Lawrence Public Library, 707 �Vermont, Lawrence. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 - 6pm; Saturday 9:30am-6pm; and Sunday 12-6pm. Anyone may use the Library, but items may not be checked out of the Osma Room. Microfilm readers are available in the Osma Room. WEBPAGE http://skyways.lib.ks/genweb/douglas/dckgs.html This is our fifth issue to be sent out by email. We are very interested in hearing any comments preferably favorable ones. We are learning how to do this so bear with us. Thanks SAMUEL FITCH The Baldwin Ledger, 9 March 1900 "HE WENT ABOUT DOING GOOD" Samuel Fitch was born in Delaware county, New York, June 16, 1826, and died in Baldwin, Kansas, March 5, 1900. Almost seventy-four years, and in the estimation of many they were years idly spent and without good results.' But he lived for others and in so living forgot himself - yes more he neglected himself and yet in that neglect he was able to do menial service for mankind without being accused of having any selfish motives. We know little of Samuel Fitch's early life. It is said that from childhood he was considered peculiar and that peculiarity grew to eccentricity. He became a school teacher and developed splendid gifts in the direction of history, geography and certain lines of classical literature. he had a prodigious memory which ifit had been in the possession of other men would have brought them great renown as scholars. His taste for geography led him to travel and no part ofEurope or South America was unknown to him. Few pretentious scholars have ever returned from those historic countries with as deep an historical instinct as he possessed. Sometimes in the 50's he settled in lllinois where he taught school again. We draw the curtain here over the romance of his life. Without any fault of his he went out to pass the rest of his days in the world alone it was now 1860 and he sought to hide his past in the excitement of those days in Kansas. He settled in Abilene, afterward went to Garnett and eventually came to Baldwin which place he called his residence until his death, Had he so desired he might have been a wealthy man for at one time he owned many acres ofland in lllinois, Iowa and Kansas. His wants were few and his business acumen keen. He could easily have been a miser as well as a hermit. He was a hermit, but he was also a philanthropist. Before he came to Kansas several of his immediate family had died of consumption and he decided that when he came out west he would lead a more out of door life and from that time Nature was �his daily companion. As a further protection he allowed his hair and beard to grow unkept but even this could not hide his clear cut features and the kindly look of his countenance. As he grew older he became more careless in his personal appearance and grew very sensitive about it when the people of the town offered to clothe him better. He would accept gifts :from no one and yet his whole life was spent in giving good gifts to others. Not long since he told the writer of this article that he had not missed a single opening address of Baker University since 1868 and very few commencement exercises found him absent. If he had a hobby it was education and his inclination in this direction did not stop with simply attending the opening exercises of Baker University. At one time when this college was seeing its darkest days without any ostentation and without pulling any string for official recognition he quietly gave to the college a deed for 160 acres ofland. Did some children in the town lack the means securing their school books; Mr. Fitch would be seen at their doors with the necessary books. Was cold weather approaching and some children ill prepared to go to school in the stormy weather, he could be seen walking up the streets ofBaldwin with a number ofdifferent sizes of children's shoes across his arm and he himself so poorly clad that passers by would stop and wonder as he passed. While in Abilene he found a little girl whose parents were too poor to send her to school and yet she was ambitious to go. He quietly furnished her with the means and kept her in college until she was able to earn a good livelyhood teaching. Twenty years passed away and that same girl was in Baldwin. Mr. Fitch was pointed out to her as he was pulling weeds along the street. That he was in the garb of a vagrant and was pulling weeds for people who hadn't pride enough in their own surroundings to do it themselves, was not attracting any special attention. But this young lady was surprised beyond measure; nevertheless she rushed over to him, introduced herself and told her benefactor how much she appreciated what he had done for her . A short time before his death, Mr. Fitch inquired of one who knew this young lady ifhe ever heard from her any more and then with a far-off look he "wondered if she still remembered what he had done for her." Poor man, he had given his whole life in ministerings to others without questioning and without hoping for thanks but when the end drew near out of the lonesomeness of his soul came this feeble yearning for human sympathy and love. In the early days of Kansas, when everything was a struggle, the Bible Society of the state was without funds to carry on their work. The frontiersmen had all they could do to supply the necessities of life and it seemed that the Society was going to be compelled to give up its work. Here again Mr. Fitch quietly came to the rescue and deeded 40 acres ofland to the Society and it was thus enabled to continue. But after Mr. Fitch had given away all his property he did not stop his works of charity but working here and there, he would earn some money all of which went to help somebody else. After he was dead only two pennies were found upon his person. But those two pennies speak more eloquently of the deeds of the departed than the full coffers of the rich man. The miser's coffers are full but his soul is empty. This man's soul is full although his pockets . held but two copper pennies. The funeral services were held in the M. E. Church, the sermon being delivered by Rev. John Moorhead. The city authorities purchased a lot in Oakwood cemetery and the remains were laid �to rest in a manner weIl worthy of one of our best citizens. Years ago men dressed in homely garb, denied themselves of many things that we caH necessities of life and punished themselves in a bodily way in every conceivable manner. But they separated themselves from the world and thought they were holy because they kept from the world. This man also dressed in homely garb. He denied himself many necessities. he aHowed himself no self indulgence. But he was no coward. He faced the world. It had given him disappointment, it had given him deep sorrow but he went among men doing food. Who shaH limit his influence? Who shall say his learning was aH for naught. Who shaH say he was not a hero when he always was the servant of others and his lips were never open to complaint? Who shaH say what his life in the next . world shall be for "they serve God weIl who serve his creatures." ERECT A MONUMENT The least thing that Baldwin people can do in return for the many things that Samuel Fitch has done for this town wold be to erect a modest granite marker over his grave. Almost one half of this life was spent here. He has done favors unasked for, aH of us if it was no more tan to clean the street crossings that we might go over with ease. We surely will not let the coming generation find an un-marked grave which would eventually become an unknown grave. The Baldwin Ledger, 23 March 1900 ERECT A MONUMENT The Ledger Additional Subscriptions A. A. B. Cavaness Jack Gossage R. C. Carter M. J. Stickel Geo. Hass J. W. Sleeper W. C. Denning W. E. Cary Chas. P. Ives R. C. Wear C. Reynolds Preston Flora 1. G. Brockway Chas. E. Beeks S. Lampman $2.00 .50 .50 1.00· l.00 .50 1.00 l.00 l.00 2.00 2.00 .50 l.00 .50 2.00 1.00 [NOTE: They obviously succeeded in raising sufficient money·as there is (in 2011) a nice stone marking his grave in Oakwood Cemetery, Main Section, Row 8, Lot 25, space W-7. The tombstone reads - "Samuel Fitch, June 16, 1826, March 5, 1900, He lived for others".] Copied by Richard Wellman, 2011. �.' The Baldwin Bee, 8 October 1896 At the residence of Mr. Levi Bodwell was held, Wednesday night, a most pleasant reception in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Edd Bodwell who start for Portland Oregon today. At this reception were gathered the oldest settlers in Palmyra township. Old and gray, many of them, but upon this pleasant occasion, filled again with the fire and jubilance of youth. Little companies gathered here and there and told with renewed interest the long forgotten tales of the good old days when Kansas was in her infancy, tales of hardships, of sorrows, of adventure and of jolly good times. Indeed their good old hearts seemed overflowing with the stirring old tales of long ago, so interesting and so little known by the younger generation. Indeed there seems to be a secret bond of happy unison and heart-felt relish in the fellowship of these old co-laborers in the building of a state, a kind of harmony, of binding together of old relationships and friendly ties moulded and strengthened through long years ofhardships and toil, which fills the young and giddy generation with envy. A multifarious collection of eatables was on hand, brought by each guest, pies, cakes, bread rolls, enough for a princely repast. In the list below of the old settlers present their ages are given in the first column and the date of their settlement here in the second. Messrs.-Dr. Martin 73 56 R. H. Pearson 68 54 Lee Bodwell 57 57 Edd Bodwell 64 56 D. F. Fry 62 57 Ed Gaddis 46 69 J. W. Scott 64 65 S. C. Barricklow 52 56 H. B. Barricklow 46 56 S. N. Walker 80 59 C. Reynolds 68 57 MesdamesC. Reynolds 64 57 J. W. Scott 64 65 Rachel Smith 68 57 S. Stevens 71 57 Ed Gaddis 49 56 Oliver Johnson 69 56 George Nott 54 74 D. W. Fry 57 56 Lee Bodwell 60 59 Edd Bodwell 63 56 E. Cradit 65 57 G. W. Ballard 63 84 R. H. Pearson 61 80 H. J. Beeks 64 59 J. W. Scott 60 65 �S. N. Walker S. C. Barricklow A. H. Barricklow 74 46 43 60 70 69 from The Baldwin RepUblican, 7 Aug. 1903 SOLDIER'S COLUMN This post is called E. D. Baker Post No. 40, Department of Kansas. It received its name from Gen. Baker, who was killed at Balls Bluff, Va., in 1862. Gen. Edward D. Baker, was a native of Dlinois, and when the war broke out was United States senator from Oregon. Baker Post was organized during General Logan's administration. It now has forth-four members in good standing. There are many more old soldiers in Baldwin and vicinity who ought to join the Post. Post Commander of Baker Post is very solicitous and anxious that all soldiers of the rebellion come and be members of the Post. Comrades in the vicinity of Baldwin come in. Send your name to Post Commander Counts or the Adjutant Com. Kirby. Old Soldiers in the vicinity of Vinland can join Vinland Post, No. 410, Peter Weeks, Post Commander. Come in, Come in and enlist for life in the Grand Army of the Republic. We know no north, no south, no east or west. We are united now. We are union. Let us be united in Post, one flag, one country. REUNIONS In regard to reunions this year, comrades are informed that the National Encampment meets att San Francisco, California, Monday, August 17 and continues five days; round trip ticket from Baldwin will be $45; sale of tickets to begin about August 1st. Tickets are good on return trip until October 15. A grand opportunity to see the west and be provided for at an nominal expense - 75 cents per day and 50 cents for lodging is given as the lowest, and from that up to any amount to suit the fancy and wishes of anyone. State Reunion at Lawrence, Kansas on September 15, 16, and 17. Every soldier of any war or in any department of the service will be provided for at that reunion. Dewey is invited. Reunion at lola, Allen county, called the Gas Belt Reunion, will be held August 25 to 28 to which every body is invited to attend. Gov. Bailey, Gen. Funston, Chester 1. Long are to be there and address the meetings. Campfire and reunion to be held in Baldwin, Aug. 8, afternoon and evening. Supper by Relief Corps participated in by old soldiers and their wives and invited guests. As an amusing incident of the way Rev. Murray, S. T. Counts, Israel Pri~ and W. A. Harbeston did their last service at about the same place and same time - Davis Bluff, Arkansas. They did not know it until lately, while talking together they were surprised to learn that they were mustered out at the same place. The Baldwin Ledger, 11 Jan. 1929 �G. A. R. POST DISBANDS AFTER FORTY-FIVE YEARS CHARTER 'WAS GRANTED LOCAL BODY IN 1883 Rev. C. W. Bailey Is Only Living Member of Parent Organization Which Has Made Much Local History. The Rev. C. W. Bailey is the only living charter member of the Baker post of the G. A. R. to witness its dissolution. To him it must be a source of pride and thankfulness but there is a tone of sympathy and patriotism which covers the heartbeat ofa Civil War soldier, when he knows that his comrades have fallen and he must stand alone. With the death of Samuel Gardner the five living G. A. R. members of the local post· saw fit to disband because of the small membership and the incapacity of those to carry on with regular routine business. These members include: W. J. Russell, N. F. Payne, S. Bruner, S. S. Shumaker and C. W. Bailey. ASK PERMISSION TO DISBAND . Papers have been sent to the state G. A. R. headquarters in Topeka informing officials of the abandonment of the post. The charter will be returned but the archives, the post flag and a copy of the charter will be retained for posterity's use. It was in January 1883 that a meeting was called to discuss the formation of a G. A. R. post here. Lawrence members came to assist in organization plans. Two months later on the 16th bf March a charter was granted. The formation ofthe post occurred in the hall now occupied by the,Masonic lodge. The purpose of the organization like similar posts was to function primarily as a social and patriotic organization. But its capacity also included the functions of a Chamber of Commerce. And in those capacities the G. A. R.' s have made history for Baldwin. FIFTY IN CHARTER GROUP There were about fifty charter members. This group soon had grown to 200 and was one of the most active small posts in the state. Ed Gaddis was elected the first commander. There was some discussion as to whether the post should be called the Baker or the Davis post. Colonel Davis, in war time, was President Davis in peace times at Baker. Patriotism stood out among all members. To the victors belong the spoils but the com.t::ades of the Grand Army of the Rebellion were desirous of dividing up, and rather than ask for money, office, land options or pensions, the soldiers retired to private life without seeking recompense. It was this attitude of the soldiers which brought to them a well-earned honor and distinction as being fair, honorable and sincere with the enemy in peace. FIRST PENSIONS IN 1887 Deaths in the ranks brought on families who needed help and the post did its utmost to r~trieve for the loss of comrades by personal attentions to those grieved and dependent ones. Not until 1887 did the government consider seriously the payment of pensions to wounded soldiers of (or?) their dependents. Eight dollars a month was considered sufficient to care for a total incapacitated soldier and his family. And not until 1890 did aid of any sort come from the government. The pride of the posts were the programs on Decoration Day and Memorial Sunday. Armed with rifles and carrying flags, the soldiers would march in company formation to the hall. Graves ,at the cemetery were always marked. Now a head stone furnished by the government marks the burial places. . ' Saddened hearts receive the news of the post's retirement from active life. But the marks of �citizenship and patriotism will never erase as the last of the war heroes pass on to a home not made by hands eternal in the heavens. 1940 CENSUS DUE IN 2012 (This is part of an article on Ancestry.com). Was your ancestor among the 14.6% of Americans whe were unemployed in 1940? Did family member work on"New Deal" programs like the Works Progress Administration (Wp A), the Civilian Conservation Corps (CC), or the National Youth Administration (NYA) in March of 1940? What was his or her income for the year ending December 31, 1939, as the United States was emerging from the Great Depression? Where did the family live in 1940? In 1935? These are just a few of the questions that may be answered when the 1940 census is released in just under seven months. Let's look at some the in formation you will find . . Who was enumerated? Everyone ''whose usual place of residence on'April 1, 1940 was in this household" was named, along with the relationship to the head of the household. Persons absent at the time of the census were noted with the abbreviation "Ab" following the name. We'll learn the usual details about each individual-name, gender, age and place of birth, and marital status. For the first time, the 1940 enumeration also asked for the highest grade of schol completed, as well as whether that individual had attended a school or collage that year. One neat thing about this census is that it noted who supplied the information to the census taker. In column seven, the informant was indicated by an x with a circle around it. If the census taker had to tum to a neighbor for information, the name of the neighbor was to be noted in the left margin. This will be helpful when it comes to weighing conflicting pieces of information. There are some disappointments. This enumeration didn't ask for immigration dates (as the previous four censuses did), it did ask for citizenship of the foreign born. The usual ''Na'' abbreviation indicated the person had been naturalized. "Pa" meant they had begun the naturalization process by filling their '~first papers" but had not completed the process. "AI" was the annotation or aliens not naturalized and·this census added "Am Cit" for American citizens who were born at sea or abroad. Since, with the exception of the American citizen denotation, these abbreviations were used in previous censuses going ack to 1900, locating your ancestor in earlier enumerations may help you zero in on when and where your ancestor was naturalized. There is more to be learned from the 1940 census and we will all look forward to it being released �LAWRENCE GETS A POST OFFICE. (This is from an account in the Centennial History and Roster of the Lawrence Lodge No.6, A.F and A.M. As this account is being written (January 13, 1955), the Lawrence Post Office is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. For it was on January 13, 1855, that a federal post was established here. There had been a temporary arrangement for the distribution of mail, with E.D. Ladd as the "pro tern" postmaster. Of this arrangement the ''Herald of Freedom" said on January 6, 1855: "Here in Lawrence we have a post office kept by Mr Ladd, who was appointed by the citizens to discharge that duty. The mail matter directed to individuals residing here is stopped at Kansas City or Westport, Mo., from which point it is brought almost daily by private individuals who chance to be traveling between the several points." Just one week later the regular post office was established. On March 3 of that same year the Lawrence paper reported: "The Post Office for the present will be at the house ofMr (William H.R) Lykins on the levee." the successor of that paper, "The Lawrence Daily Journal-World (Volume 97,no. 9), gives this information: Carmi W. Babcock, a lawyer and real estate dealer, was named thefirst postmaster for Lawrence and his office was placed in the store of Paul RBrooks on the west side of Massachusetts Street. Babcock also was the second mayor of Lawrence, and later was a member of the Free State Legislature." Members of the Craft will be interested to know that these men, Ladd, Lykins, Babcock and Brooks, were all early members ofLawrence Lodge NO.6. The Seventieth Anniversary Roster and History of this Lodge states: "The first meeting place (of the lodge) was in the little white frame office ofWilliam H.R Lykins, that stood where his brick residence was afterwards built on (721) Indiana Street," E.D. Ladd was the first treasurer of Lodge and William H.R, Lykins its first Secretary. Lykins was succeeded in the latter ofice by Paul R Brooks, the first merchant to set up business here. Brooks served later (1864-65-66-67-69) as Worshipful Master. From the editor: Thanks to everyone who sent me articles, especially Richard Wellman. I have received some but my machine seems to not like everything that I try to make it do. I would be very pleased maybe even overjoyed if someone else with better technology would take over the Pioneer. Ifthere is any interest out there please let me know. Thanks, Mary Burchill �Dues for the Douglas County, Kansas, Genealogical Society are due January 1 and are good through December 31 of that year. 2010 dues can be paid now. Name------------------------------------Maiden Name--------------Street._____________________Apt. #_----.:HomePhone_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ City_________________State__Zip_ _ _ _ _ _e-mail._____________ Renewal_New_Sumames you are searching'--____________________________ Amount enclosed________($15 .00 per year) Mail to: DCGS 1329 Kasold, GI Lawrence, KS 66049-3426 Make checks payable to DCGS �The Pioneer Douglas County Genealogical Society, Inc. 1329 Kasold, G1 Lawrence, KS 66049 FORWARDED AND RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Douglas County Genealogical Society Subject The topic of the resource Douglas County (Kan.) -- Genealogy Douglas County (Kan.) -- History Description An account of the resource This collection is comprised of the publications of the Douglas County Genealogical Society, including issues of The Pioneer (the quarterly newsletter of the Society) as well as directories, various indexes compiled by members of the Society, and other resources of interest to genealogists and researchers studying the history of Lawrence and Douglas County, Kansas. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Douglas County Genealogical Society (Lawrence, Kan.) Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Lawrence Public Library (Lawrence, Kan.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1977 - 2013 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource text Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Douglas County (Kan.) Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource The Pioneer, Vol. 34, Nos. 3 and 4: July and October 2011 Subject The topic of the resource Douglas County (Kan.) -- Genealogy Douglas County (Kan.) -- History Douglas County Genealogical Society (Lawrence, Kan.) Description An account of the resource The quarterly newsletter of the Douglas County Genealogical Society in Douglas County, Kansas, containing information regarding the organization, activities, and membership of the Society, and articles of interest to those researching family ties to or the history of Douglas County, Kansas. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Douglas County Genealogical Society Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Douglas County Genealogical Society (Lawrence, Kan.) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2011 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Copyright, Douglas County Genealogical Society Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource eng Type The nature or genre of the resource text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context PIONEER_VOL34_3AND4_JULY-OCT2011 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Douglas County (Kan.)