This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Terry from Kansas Classification: Lookup Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/Cm.2ADI/144 Message Board Post: Looking for Terry familys of Meriden Ks. Thomas h. Terry born in Ill. about 1876 Minnie May (Shults) Terry born in Ks. Thomas died 1945 Ks. Minnie around 1935 Ks. I think they are buried Grantville cem. he might have married again. They had a daughter Minnie Ida (humes) Terry that was in World War 2 a nurse. And was a Pow for a while There is a grandaughter in Arkansas that has never seen are talked to any of her mom side of family .Her name is Jeanie McReyonlds from Sedgwick Ar. Kansas Terrys out there Please help me find some family for her email me dgreene150@yahoo.com are dgreene38@junio.com Thanks

SECTION IV EARLY HISTORY >From reliable sources, both of old settlers and from records, it can be positively stated that Rev. Louis M. Mollier of St. Joseph, Kansas, was the first priest to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in and around the territory which is now known as the Tipton Parish. The old men and women of Tipton, who were then (1873) the boys and girls in their teens, vividly recount the charming characteristics of Father Mollier. Although he was French by birth and origin, Father Mollier could speak the German tongue with considerable facility. These people laud the great kindness, cheerfulness, and compassion of Father Mollier. He made all his journeys from St. Joseph, a distance of some seventy miles, on horseback. He came every two or three months to the Catholics of Pittsburg Territory to celebrate for them the Eucharistic Sacrifice, to hear their confessions, baptize their children, and break for them the '1 Bread of Life". He cheered them in trials and difficulties, fortified their sometime faltering spirits3 promising them speedy rewards for their industry and hard work. Father Mollier said Mass for these Pittsburg settlers in a "dugout" from 1873 to 1875. This place of worship was the home of Nick Arnoldy, Sr., located one and one-half miles west of present-day Tipton. This spot of ground now belongs to George Streit. Not only are the old settlers witnesses of this fact, but also the "Baptismal Book" of St. Joseph, Kansas, St. Joseph Parish possesses to this day a baptismal book with this inscription on its first page, "Book of Baptisma for the Counties of: Clay-Cloud-Washington-Republic-Jewell-Mitchell-Ottawa- Smith--Osborne--Philips and Rooks." Mitchell is the county in which Tipton is located, and in this "Baptism Book" is recorded by Father Mollier the baptism of MARGARETH Arnoldy, born July 2, l874, daughter of Nicholas and Angela Arnoldy." This Nicholas Arnoldy was the same man who owned the dugout wherein Father Mollier celebrated Mass at the time. Also a Father Perrier, according to the first settlers, came in occasionally at this time and said Mass. After a few years, some of the settlers began to erect houses or places of business on the present site of Tipton. A photograph showing buildings erected at the site is still in existence. The buildings on the west side of Main Street. The first of these was a stone structure built of native rock, two stories, built and owned by Nicholas Arnoldy, Sr. The upper story of this building was the place where the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated after the dugout on the farm had been abandoned. It was here that Father Timphaus gathered together the faithful once a month, broke to them the "Bread of Life," admini­stered the Sacrament of Regeneration, pronounced the divine word of absolution, and preached to them the saving Word of God. This good Christian home of Nicholas Arnoldy served as the place of worship for the next year and a half; that is, from l875 to 1877. The other private structure that invites our attention and interest is a frame building which was used as a store by the Arnoldy Bros. This building had a spacious basement and here at times divine services were held by Father Timphaus. Neither of the buildings is now standing. The lots upon which they were built are in Block Forty three, lots one to six, of the present town site. It was here that Father Timphaus organized the Catholic settlers of this Pittsburgh Territory into a unit, known thenceforward, as the Account Book states, as the " Pittsburgh Catholic Congregation." It was here, too, that he appointed his first church trustees, "Franz Mergen, Nico1aus Reinert, and M. J. Arnoldy." And here it was that pastor and parishioners decided in assembly on the building of a frame church. From all indications of the minutes of the church trustees' meetings and the daily accounts recorded, M.J. Arnoldy must have been the motive power of the congregation. He seems to have been the great factor in creating the enthusiasm in the faithful for the construction of the church. Also, his donation to the first church structure was larger than that of anyone. Furthermore, it was he who recorded accurately all the minutes of the meetings and kept a neat, orderly, and exact account of receipts and expenses of the Pittsburg Congregation from 1877 to 1884. It seems that Father Timphaus and Father Clemens Nieman entrusted to him the bookkeeping of the parish. Mr. Arnoldy might be justly called the second founder of Pittsburg. Already in 1878, he was appointed, by request of W.A. Pitt, the second postmaster of the borough. He was a patriotic citizen and a loyal son of Mother Church. He became the trusted friend of the priests, the counselor of the town people, and their advocate when trials came upon them. He died in 19l4 at the age of sixty-three and now rests in St. Boniface Cemetery among his departed contemporaries for whom he labored so loyally. >From its very origin the boundaries of St. Boniface parish were always confined within the limits' of southwest Mitchell County. Its limits are now the same as they were in 1875. More specifically, the parish is coterminous with Pittsburg Township. The parish was never a unit of another parish. In other words, from its beginning it always has been an independent mission or parish. It was a mission attached from 1873 to l875 to St. Joseph, Kansas; from 1875 to 1879 to Beloit, Kansas; from 1879 to 1884 to Cawker City, Kansas. The parish boundaries, now as in 1872, are: north, six miles; east, about fifteen to twenty miles; south, to the county line; west, about ten miles. The parishes and missions that border this parish are: Cawker City Parish on the north; Glasco and Beloit, east; Lincoln, south; and Osborne on the west. The approximate area of the parish is six hundred twenty-five square miles. In the full sense of the term there never was another parish or mission connected with this parish. St. John, seven miles southwest, is a part of the whole and was only a quasi-mission. The parish priest was accustomed to go to this place weekly, on a weekday, to celebrate Mass there and to give instructions to the children after the Mass. The school there was looked upon as a branch of the parochial school of the parish. Otherwise, in all respects, it was always an integral part of St. Boniface Parish. It goes by the name of St. John's Church and the place is referred to as "Holy Corner". It was so named, presumable, in honor of Rev. John E. Walleser, who built there a combination church-school in 1902. It received the name of "Holy Corner" from the fact that the people living in its proximity were so loyally devoted to attendance at the weed day Mass, and were most punctual in sending their children to religious instruction. The people say that Father Walleser originated the name, "Holy Corner". Before Father Walleser's time, Fathers Abel, Wenzel, Epp, and Loehrer, of whom we shall learn more later, were accustomed to say Mass and give instruction there at certain times of the year. Apparently, after the completion of the new parochial school at Tipton the custom ceased. SECTION IV THE PASTORS As has already been mentioned, the first priest to celebrate Holy Mass in and around the territory which is now known as the Tipton Parish, was Rev. Louis Mollier. Mention also has already been made of some of the characteristics of this zealous pioneer missionary. The old settlers describe him as an angel of peace, of consolation, of cheerfulness, and of compassion. He served the settlers as priest from the time of the first Mass celebrated here in 1873, until 1875. The next priest that ministered to the newly settled community was Rev. Anton Timphaus (February, 1875, to January, 1879). As stated, Father Timphaus had his residence at Beloit, Kansas. He came once a month to the Pittsburg Catholic Community and held services for them. It was he who began holding the ser vices in the stone house belonging to Nick Arnoldy, Sr. This stone house stood where Fischer's Restaurant now (1938) stands. Father Timphaus was a keen, shrewd, business-like man. He was well versed in the ways of secular affairs. He seemed to have been profusely gifted with administra­tive abilities and had a special knack for organization. He is described as a stately and a sedate gentleman, as an individual who was very sympathetic and kind-hearted toward the settlers. His ambition and high aim was to settle the virgin plains with sturdy, industrious, and thrifty farmers of the Catholic faith--men who had the will to work, the ambition and the courage to endure the hardships of pioneer life. His ardent desire was to see the plains of Kansas dotted with many Catholic churches and schools, with vigorous and healthy Catholic Communities. He was most zealous and energetic in the instruction of the children in Christian Doctrine. He established the first parochial school in the parish in 1878, placing it under the care of a lay teacher, Mr. Gabriel Kirsch. It was during his incumbency that the first church structure was built and later on enlarged. He gave form and life to this Pittsburg Mission. There is no question that he left "his foot-prints on the sands of time". The next priest to minister to the spiritual needs of the new community was Father Clemens Nieman. His place of residence at the time was Cawker City. He attended once a month, later, twice a month. According to Adreas' History of Kansas, Father Clemens was supposed to have organized the Pittsburg Parish in 1879. This statement is not correct, as shall be seen from the minutes of meetings to be quoted below. The church record book contains the following notice of a meeting of the Congregation: " Pittsburgh, February 18, 1877. Today, after Holy Mass, Rev. Timphaus had appointed Franz Mergen, Nicolaus Reinert, and M .J. Arnoldy as church trustees of this Congregation." Again, on March 3, 1877, there was a meeting of the congregation, the result of which is recorded in the following words: "In assembly of the congre­gation and church trustees, it was decided to make an effort, whether sufficient money and subscription could be raised in order to build a church." From these two authentic quotations from the minutes of the said meetings, it is clearly evident that, as early as February 18, 1877, a well-organized congregation existed at Pittsburg. If additional evidence is desired it can be found in the same source. Thus, the minutes of another meeting held March 28, 1877, read: " N. Reinert and M.J. Arnoldy were commissioned to go to Russe1l to make arrangements for the lumber, i.e., for the building material of a church." These minutes also show conclusively that Father Timphaus had already at that time a fully organized congregation ready to begin the construction of a church building. Consequently, according to the above-mentioned facts, the Pittsburg Catholic Congregation was fully organized by Father Timphaus. Father Clemens Niemann may have given greater impetus to the life of the congregation or mission, but he cannot correctly be termed the founder or organizer. According to the old settlers, Father Niemann had been a member of the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood. He was most beloved by the people. Father Clemens, as he was solely known by them, was their ideal of a priestly character. He associated himself intimately with them and made his own all the trials, sufferings, sorrow, hardships, joys and rejoicings of the first settlers. In his way he won their affection and their confidence which have so much influence over the hearts of men. He was a very spiritual man, prompt and exact in his spiritual duties. The fourth priest to be associated with the Pittsburg Mission was the congenial and pleasant Rev. Frederick J. Schalk, C.PP.S. He was in charge from May, l884 to August, 1886. Father Frederick Schalk was the first resident pastor. Rt. Rev. Louis M. Fink, Bishop of Leavenworth, appointed him pastor early in the year 1884. Father Frederick was not in good health. Nevertheless, he was most active and unsparing of himself in the performance of his duties. He was most conscientious and assiduous in the instruction of the children. According to the "Church Account Book" , he collected, in 1885 and 1886 all the money necessary to build the parish house. In the spring of 1886 he began the construction of the same. The structure was a frame building and its shape was that of a capital letter (T). The total cost was $l,304.04. Father Frederick did not live long in the new rectory; for in August of the same year (1886) he was changed and his brother, Father Frank Schalk was appointed as his successor. One thing that deserves special mention before we leave Father Frederick is that he organized a first rate church choir. Father Frank Schalk, C.PP.S. served the parish from August, 1886 to May, 1888. In the temporal affairs of the church, Father Frank seemed to have added little. He beautified the interior of the church, acquired all accessories such as vestments, stations, confessional, and sacred vessels. This priest was a noted preacher and brought to the congregation a deep religious spirit and devotion. Father Frank Schalk was succeeded by his confrere, Andreas Kunkler, C.PP.S. May 1888, who remained in charge to November, 1889. This man had been a noted missionary in the earlier days of his priesthood. His short pastorate of one year and a half was full of apostolic zeal and activity. The old settlers speak of him as a living saint. He was a great apostle of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On the seventeenth of January, 1889, he petitioned the Bishop of Concordia, Rt. Rev. Richard Scannell, for the faculties to erect a Sodality of "SS. Cordis Jesu," as the following will show: "Ego infrascriptus desiderio motus promovendi ac dilatandi devotionem erga SS. Cor Jesu humiliter ab Ill. ac Rev. Amplitudine Vestra, ut benigne precibus annuens Sodalitatem SS. Cordis Jesu erigere ac erectam declarare in Tipton, Kansas et praecise in Ecclesia St. Bonifacii ad altare St. Josephi statuta approbare et parochum (rectorem) dictae Ecclesiae eiusque successores it provisores designare in confraternitatis directores cum facultate subdelegandi, itemque litteras testimonia-exhibere dignetur, ut aggregori posit Archiconfraternitati Romi existendi, ad effectum participandi bonis spiritualibus, ac 1uxxxndi indulgentias, quibus ditata est Archiconfraternitatis. mae Summa, qua par est, reverentia permaneo, Ill mai Dominationis Vestrae Va1de Submissus Andreas Kunkler, C.PP.S. in Ecclesia Bonifacii die 17th mensis Januray 1889." On the twenty-first of January, 1889, His Lordship, Richard Scannell, granted the required faculties. "Visis precibus Nobis Oblatis, auctoritate Nostra ordinaria erigimus Sodalitatem, de qua et sicuti in precibus, eius statuta a Nobis revisa approbamus, eam Nobis ac Successoribus Nostris subjicientis ac subjectam declarantes iuxta Constitutiones fel. rec. Clementis VIII. diei 7, Dec. 1604 re incipit Quaecumque, Volumus autem, ut quam primum ab Archiconfraternitate, aggregatio obtineatur proprivilegiorum, indulgentiarum, ac spiritualium bonorum participatione. Ricardus Scannell Ep us Concordiensi Datum Concordia die 21 mensis Jan. 1889." (Seal) The existence of this activity in the parish accounts for the fact that St. Boniface Church is in possession of a large and beautiful statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Father Andreas was truly a spiritual man. He was a priest who threw all his energies and talents into the work of the sanctification and salvation of souls. He loved human souls as Christ, his Master, had loved them. His motto seems to have been, "Greater love than his no man hath than to give his life for his friends." He was the Good Shepherd that ever protected his sheep. He was removed from Tipton parish in 1889 and died some time afterward while conducting a mission in the Leaven­worth Diocese. The seventh pastor of St. Boniface Parish was Rev. Anton Abel, who had formerly belonged to the Jesuit order. He served the parish from November 1889 to October 1893. Father Abel was already an elderly man when he came to Tipton. He was tall and slender and had pleasant, gentle features. His long white beard gave him a venerable appearance. During his incumbency the parish made great strides. To him goes the credit of putting the parochial school in charge of religious teachers, namely, the Sisters of St. Joseph, from Concordia. Mother Antoinette was the superior and first teacher on this mission. Father Abel's enthusiasm for a Catholic School was so great that, in order to accommodate the Sisters, he gave up the rectory for their use and he himself lived in a small sacristy. This parochial school continued throughout his pastorate. Father Abel also made an addition to the church costing $667.00. It was he who had suggested that a brick factory be started at Tipton for the purpose of making bricks for a new church structure. The venture, as already noted, proved a sad failure Father Abel was thee first priest to introduce Corpus Christi processions at Tipton. This feast and the procession became a solemn annual event. The entire village was decorated -in a most elaborate manner. The procession made the circuit of the entire village. People, both Catholics and non-Catholics, came from great distances to participate in or to witness the beautiful service. For the occasion, all the girls were dressed in white, the banners of various societies were carried, and the Tipton Band marched in procession and played sacred hymns. Father Abel showed great earnestness in religious instruction. During weekdays in wintertime he made his way to the different public schools in the vicinity and held an hour or more of catechetical instructions. The years 1889-91 were years of crop failure and Father Abel lived in great poverty and want. Yet, it is said of him that if he had one dollar he gave it to the poor and needy. After leaving Tipton, he went to Schoenchen, Kansas, and later retired to Witchita, Kansas, where he spent his remaining days. Father Abel's successor was Rev. William Wenzel. His pastorate extended from October 1893 to January 1896. Father Wenzel came here as a young priest, at the age of twenty-eight, and was full of apostolic zeal and earnestness. He was one of the first priests to be ordained for the Concordia Diocese and was a very unique character--unique physically, psychologically, and logically. Physically, he was of gigantic proportions. He balanced the scale at three hundred pounds and his waistline measured five feet. His features were coarse, his look piercing, his voice clamorous, his laugh so boisterous that it almost rocked the house. Though his physical features were anything but attractive and charming, this outer casement housed a noble soul--a soul full of candor and sincerity, of affability and cheerfulness, of sympathy and kindliness. Father Wenzel followed and practiced a singular psychology. He was trained in the old German school in which physical force rather than gentle persuasion was the predominant factor. The rod and the strap were most in evidence. The pupils conned their lessons by rote, not because they were interested in them, but because they feared the rod. It was even used profusely in the teaching of religious theory and practice. Father Wenzel was also a singular logician. He misconceived the principle of authority, and this led to not a little failure in the instruction of the young and management of the parish. Perhaps it is more correct to say that he mistook autocracy for authority. The independent or self-derived power--"sic volo; sic jubeo"--"the master's will is the law of the school," was his guide. He substituted himself for the objective principles of law and duty and adopted autocracy in place of authority. Though gone many years he is still dreaded by some of his earlier disciples to this day. During Father Wenzel's pastorate, the parochial school was discontinued. The reason for the cessation of the school cannot be definitely accounted for. Some serious misunderstanding seemed to have taken place between the pastor and teachers. Whether this occurred during Father Abel's time or Father Wenzel's is not quite clear. The fact remains that Father Wenzel had the Catholic School under the tutelage of lay teachers. Mr. Gottschalk, Margareth Mergen, and P. J. Arnoldy were among the teachers of the school from l893 to 1900. Father Wenzel looked askance at the idea of constructing a new church. Apparently he preferred to follow the line of least resistance. The next priest to follow was Rev. Leonard Epp. His pastorate extended from January 1896 to June 1898. There was a great and marked contrast between the characters of the new pastor and his predecessor. Father Epp was a congenial and sociable priest, winning the hearts of the parishioners with his great affability, gentleness, and tact. The sterling virtues of this kind and sympathetic priest overflowed in his countenance, in his words, and in his actions. He was described to me by some of the old parishioners as "mitis et jumilis". Father Epp began anew to create interest and enthusiasm in the people for the building of a new church. Yet, the actual work of constructing one was destined to fall to the lot of his successor, Father Robert Loehrer. Rev. Robert Loehrer who succeeded Father Epp held the pastorate of St. Boniface from June 1898 to September 1901. It was during this period that the present church was constructed. The building was dedicated in 1899. Father Loehrer not only built the church but he also collected all of the funds used. He was systematic and orderly and coupled with these qualities, had a happy faculty of persuasion. He was a priest of deep spirituality and devotion. Rev. John E. Walleser was next appointed pastor of St. Boniface Church by Bishop Cunningham and had charge of it from September 1901 to June 1907. He was unquestionably one of the most energetic and active priests that ever graced Tipton parish. He used to refer to himself as a "Swobe", and was a product of the famous University of Freiburg. It seems that as a student at the University he did not profit much from the lectures given there. He always remained a "Swobe". Father Walleser was of a happy and friendly disposition and very sociable. His features showed signs of hard labor and hard knocks. He was a plain but blunt character a genial companion to his brother priests. The record books of the St. Boniface Parish show plainly his energetic activity and accomplishments. Among these accomplishments might first be mentioned the fact that he reopened the parochial school in 1901 with Sister Boniface in charge as superior. A note in the record book reads: "St. Boniface School, Tipton, Kansas, 1901-1902. John Walleser; Sisters of St. Joseph, Concordia; Sister Boniface, Sr. Loyola, Sr. Alberta." The enrollment at the opening was eighty. In 1902-1903 Sister Boniface again taught and the enrollment was seventy-nine. Father Walleser's heart and soul were in the up-keep and development of the school. He also managed to have the school at St. John's and the "east school" in full swing. He visited these two country schools regularly and held an hour of Christian instruction each time. Bishop Cunningham used to say of Father Walleser: "Father John is the best instructor for the children in Christian Doctrine that I have in the whole diocese. The children in his parish always know their catechism." Father Walleser was also most active in the spiritual upbuilding of the parish. He endeavored to achieve his aims by establishing different sodalities and societies, in the parish, according to the record book, entitled "Book of Sodalities" we find that the following organizations were established. The Sodality of Mary for the young ladies; the St. Aloysius Sodality for the young men; the Society of St. Anna for the Christian Mothers; and the St. Boniface Society for the men of the parish. Each of the Societies enumerated above, had its respective banner which was carried in procession on solemn occasions by one of its members. Again, it was Father Walleser who furnished the interior of the church. He collected all the money for the three altars, pews, organ, etc., and purchased the same. As already indicated, he took a keen interest in the St. John's Mission, i.e., the quasi-mission to Tipton. He built there a church structure which was used both for school. Last, but not least, it may be stated to the great credit of Father Walleser that during his pastorate there were more religious vocations among the girls of the parish than during any other period before or since his time. In June, 1907, Father Walleser was replaced by Rev. Herman Regensburger. The latter's stay was short, lasting only till December, 1907. During this time the Sisters' house was built Rev. John Walleser had collected much of the money necessary for the undertaking and had already made plans for the commencement of the work in the fall. When Father Regensburger was placed in charge he pressed matters and the building was completed during his stay. Rev. Raymond Dress, a former Franciscan, was the next pastor. He guided the parish from December, 1907 to March, 1910. Father Dress might be said to have been of the ordinary run-of-the-mine type of pastor. He did nothing out of the ordinary. He collected money, paid off the debts on the Sisters' Convent, and performed most conscientiously his priestly duties. Rev. Charles Menig was the next priest appointed to the St. Boniface Parish. He assumed charge on March 10,1910. Of all the priests that ever had charge of the parish, this shrewd little man ranks first in many ways. He was first in number of years as pastor, his pastorate having extended from March 1910 to August 1935, slightly more than a quarter of a century. He ranks first also, in the efficient yet mild manner in which he administered the parish. Again, he ranks first as a builder of the parish. Father Menig is of slender build, small of stature, and barely balances the scale at one hundred fifty pounds. The features of his face are gentle and delicate. His head is round and bald. The eyes are rather large and almost prominent, but mild. There is nothing secretive in their gaze. His carriage is erect and his gait is quick. His whole deportment and external behavior is that of a scholar. He is very courteous but keeps himself somewhat apart from the "profanum vulgus". His personal characteristics are an indomitable will power and a keen and penetrating mind. He is a man of high aim and of a daring courage and pluck. As stated above, Father Menig holds first rank in length of time of service in the Tipton parish. This fact speaks of the high accomplishment of the man. To govern a parish successfully for a quarter of a century and at the same time to accomplish great things, is more than a little unusual. It shows a thorough grasp of the art of government. To be sure, these years were not all spent in unperturbed quiet bliss, as some extant correspondence indicates. But no matter what the difficulty that showed itself at times his keen and balanced judgment always enabled him to resolve it to the general satisfaction of all. There is another important factor that enters into the picture and which aided Dr. Menig's success. During his pastorate at Tipton, the country was generally prosperous and knew nothing of the lean and bleak years. As a result, financial matters were not a particular bother. And after all, it is these that frequently render the government of a parish exceedingly difficult. Father Menig used these prosperous years of plenty for the upbuilding of the parish. The words of Brutus in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar may be true here: "There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries." This brings us to the second fact wherein Father Menig ranks first. He was barely acquainted with the spirit of the parish when he began at once to repair and to decorate the interior of the church. During the first year of his pastorate, 1910, he collected $2,087.25 for this purpose, and, with the written permission of the Ordinary, secured J.V. Mueller, artist, for the work. The pulpit of the church was also purchased the same year. In 1912, he made an addition to the old school bui1ding, at a cost of $720.85. He added, for the devotion of the faithful, an artistic Nativity Crib at the cost of $l0l.85. In 1913, he collected money and purchased church bells. The cost of these was $526.38. In this same year, he erected the present rectory, one of the finest and most modern, at the time, in the diocese. The contract for this structure called for an expenditure of $6,425.00. $3,850.00 was paid that year. In the year l9l5, he enhanced the interior of the church by adding costly and artistic Stations of the Cross and several stained glass windows. In the two following years, 1916 and 1917, he paid off the entire indebtedness of the parish, the greater part of which was due to the erection of the parish house. In 1919, 1920 and 1921, Dr. Menig concentrated all his energies on the erection of a new grade and high school. The project was completed in the early part of 1921 and is the "Monumentum perenne" to the zeal, devotion and genius of Father Menig. The structure is easily one of the largest, most modern, and best equipped in the Concordia Diocese. The cost thereof, i.e., of the building with complete equipment and furniture was $93,000.00, as indicated by the church ledger. The remainder of the years of Father Menig's stay at Tipton were dedicated to the up-keep and progress of this institution and to the work of fixing up and of beautifying the cemetery. The cemetery up to that time had been a neglected spot. Dr. Menig put order, shape, and beauty into it. He began by raising sufficient money to put a cement curbing around the entire north and east side. An iron fence with an iron arching and four gates to match it was erected on the north side. In the arching is the inscription in large letters, "ST. BONIFACE CEMETERY." A majestic and artistic Crucifixion Group is set in the center of the cemetery with an appropriate inscription at the base, "REDIMISTI NOS, DOMINE, IN SANGUINE TUO". This cemetery is now the pride of the faithful. To one who knows Rome it recalls the "Campo Santo" there. Dr. Menig's last crowning work was the erection of a large and beautiful Grotto of Lourdes which now graces the Church's grounds. There is no question that Father Menig was an ingenious administrator. And it was this prerogative that distinguished him more than all else from his predecessors. Somehow, all the priests before him never fully succeeded in uniting the parish into an organic whole. The relation between parishioner and parishioner and between parishioner and pastor was always in some measure a strained one. Discontent, unfriendliness, and petty rivalries repeatedly cropped out and even the whole-hearted cooperation of pastor and people was not always to be found. Discontent and estrangement periodically cropped out and a change of pastor was necessitated. But, as stated, Dr. Menig succeeded admirably in this parish. His personal virtue, his benevolent character, his calm reasoning and judicious utterances account much for his success. His modesty and amiability always tended to keep him in the background, and yet he was the dynamic force that set the souls of his parishioners into motion for united and concerted action. He ruled the parish without ruling. This may seem a paradox, still it is an undeniable fact. He is like the great English Dramatist, Shakespeare, who always hides behind the actors and lets them play their parts; he himself never intrudes. There is another fact that should not be overlooked in this regard. Father Menig was always a model priest in his spiritual duties and intercourse with his people. His priestly virtues attracted and captivated them. In a word, in all his sacerdotal duties, he was to the people an exemplar and an inspiration. He was always sociable, cheerful, kind, friendly, but he never became familiar and intimate with them. He was kindly and sympathetic. He knew the parishioners' weaknesses and met them with tenderness and compassion. He was most patient. Indeed, it seemed that his patience was inexhaustible. His countenance never changed. He bore with their contentions and petty rivalries, ambitions, and slowness of cooperation. He never lost his temper or his perfect equilibrium. The words of Isaias seem to be applicable here: " He will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax." There are some persons that always do the right thing at the right time and in the right manner. Father Menig was one of these. That he could do so much is not surprising to us. It was the logical result of the virtues of regularity, punctuality, and exactness that characterized him. Father Menig left his personal impress on the St. Boniface Parish of Tipton. The list and time of tenure of office of the pastors of the Tipton parish is the following: Rev. Louis Marie Mollier-1873-l875; Rev. Anton Timphaus--l875-l879; Rev. Clemens Niemann-1879-1884; Rev. Franciscus Schalk, C.PP.S.--l886-l888; Rev. Andreas Kunkler, C.PP.S.-1888-1889; Rev. J.A. Abel--1889-l893; Rev. William Wenzel-l893-1896; Rev. Leonard Epp--1896-1898; Rev. Robert Loehrer--1898-1901; Rev. John E. Walleser--1901-1907; Rev. Herman Regensburger--June-Dec. 1907; Rev. Raymond Drees-1907-1910; Rev. Char1es Menig--Ph.D.- 1910-1935; Rev. Michael P. Dreiling--l935-l939; [added later, perhaps by Jim Heinrich, JimHeinrich_AT_direcway_DOT_com : Rev. Charles Menig, Ph.D.-1939-1947; Rt. Rev. Edgar D. Weigel--1947-June 1968; Rt. Rev. Francis J. Senecal V.F.--June 12, 1968-June 1970; Rev. Emmett Coler--June 1970- ]

SECTION II CHURCH SITES The exact date when the first real estate was acquired for a church site was, according to official documents, March 26, 1877. The real estate acquired at that time was a full block (No. 44) in the town of Pittsburg. According to the Mitchell County records, this real estate acquired for a church site was an outright donation or grant by the United States Government. The sole cost of said real estate was one dollar. This was necessary to make the transaction legal. This grant of real estate was directly made over in warranty deed to Rt. Rev. Louis M. Fink, O.S.B., Bishop of the Leavenworth Diocese, of which the present Concordia Diocese was at that time a part. The reference to Bishop Fink induces me today at least parenthetically that he was a grand old man. He gave me his special blessing at Atchison in 1903 and said to me, "Young boy, I hope that you become a priest of God. Pray constantly for this intention and study hard and diligently and all will go well." He sent me away with a slap on the cheek. I have often wondered whether or not his blessing was not the first seed of my priestly vocation. The priest who was in charge of the Catholics of this territory was, as already indicated, Rev. Anton (John H.) Timphaus, who, at that time, had Tipton (Pittsburg) as one of his missions. He no doubt negotiated the deal which resulted in the acquisition of said real estate for the Church site for this Catholic Community. He was in a convenient position to negotiate it, living as he did at the time in the county seat and being conversant with such transactions and acquainted with the government's agencies. The following is a true and correct copy of the Trustees Deed of said real estate: TRUSTEES DEED "Know all men by these presents that Whereas in accordance with the provisions of the Act of Congress approved March 2, 1867, the undersigned Mark J. Kelly, Probate Judge of the County of Mitchell, State of Kansas, March, A.D., 1877, enter in the United States' Land Office at Kirwin, Kansas the East (1/2) of the South East Quarter Section of (19) and West (1/2) of the SW (1/4) of Section (20) in Township No. (8) of Range (10) West for the several use and benefit of the occupants and inhabitants of the town site of Pittsburg, Mitchell County, Kansas. Located on said lands and whereas in conformity with the Act of the legislature of the State of Kansas approved March 2nd, 1868, being chapter 1o97 of the general statues of Kansas, the aforesaid probate judge appointed Henry Houghton, G. W. Lemons and W. W. Wescott commissioners to cause an actual survey of said town site to be made and whereas the aforesaid commissioners performed all and sinular the duties required by the provision of said Act of the legislature of the State of Kansas and did set apart on the 17th day of September, A.D.1877, to Louis M. Fink of Leavenworth the following described lots or grounds in said town to wit: All of Block Forty-Four (44) in said town of Pittsburg, Mitchell County, Kansas and whereas the aforesaid commissioners did lay a tax of one dollar upon the aforesaid lots, grounds, and improvements thereon. Now this deed witnesseth--that said probate judge for and in consideration of the said sum of one dollar to him in hand paid by the said Louis M. Fink, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged does by there presents grant, bargain, sell, remise, release, alien, convey and conform unto the said Louis M. Fink and to his heirs and assigns forever all the above together with all the rights, privileges and immunities and appurtenances of whatsoever nature thereunto belonging unto the said Louis M. Fink and to his heirs and assigns forever. In testimony whereof I, Mark J. Kelley, Probate Judge in and for said county have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of the Probate Court of said County at my office in the city of Beloit, Kansas, this Eighth Day of October, A.D., 1877. (Seal) Mark J. Kelley, Probate Judge" The foregoing description of the real estate of the site of the church is exactly identical with that included in the present church real estate site, except that two lots have been added on the south side where the Sisters' Convent is now located, and one west of block 44. The two on the south were obtained in 1902 from Franz Mergen for a consideration of $250.00; the one on the west was purchased from Rev. Dr. Menig in 1935 for $400.00. The priest in charge of the parish at the time of the first of these purchases was Rev. John B.xxxxxxxxxxxxx deal. The county records: given below, show that the transfer was made to Rt. Rev. Francis J. Cunningham, at that time actual incumbent of the See of Concordia. "Warranty Deed dated Feb. l, 1902, filed for record, March 3, 1902, given by Frank Mergen and Anna N. Mergen to John F. Cunningham of Concordia, consideration $250.00 on lots 11 and 122, Blk. 49, town of Pittsburg." SECTION III CHURCH STRUCTURES The parish has had only two church structures during the span of its life. The present one was erected in the year 1899, the first one in 1877. Both the earlier and the present church structures have occupied the same block--44; yet the present church building was not erected on the identical spot of ground on which the old one had stood. The old structure occupied the southwest part of the block; the present building occupies the northwest part of said block. The present church structure was never moved from its original foundation. The first church structure, after the completion of the present one, was used for school purposes; that is, from 1900 to 1921 it was used as the parochial school of the Tipton parish. In 1921, with the completion of the present school building, it was sold in three different sections to persons for private use. The south wing of the building was sold to Mr. Ed. Sinner for $290.00. It is still in use on his place today. Mr. Frank Krier bought the west room for $210.00 and moved it to his farm. The remaining part was bought by P. A. Reinert for $167.50. The income from the sale was applied to the new school building. The first church structure was made possible through the voluntary contributions of the faithful of the parish. There is no evidence whatever that any outside contribution was made toward it. On the contrary, the "Account Book of the Pittsburg Catholics" shows conclusively on page fifty that all the money was collected from the parishioners. This first church structure was newly erected for the specific purpose of a church or "Domus Dei". There were no buildings in the vicinity at that time that could have been purchased or rented for church purposes. This region of Kansas at the coming of the first Catholics was still undeveloped and quite uninhabited. The first church erected was a frame structure. The material for the building was bought and hauled from Russell, Kansas. This town was some sixty miles southwest of Tipton and was the nearest market at that time. The record book referred to preserves for us on page one the minutes of a meeting of the community held specifically for the purpose of considering the building of a church. Regarding the discussion about obtaining the necessary lumber it has the following to say: 1'Pittsburg, Kansas3 March 28, 1877, N. Reinert and M.J. Arnoldy were commissioned to go to Russell to make arrangements for the lumber for a church. All the material should be paid--all but fifty dollars, and for this sum of $50.00 (not paid) a note should be given bearing interest until fall." The minutes of this meeting also show where and how the means for erecting the building were obtained. The method used was that of voluntary contributions from the faithful. All gave of the little they possessed. None had much to give. What they had in abundance was good will, a spirit of munificence, a deep-rooted love of God and Church, and burning zeal for the "Domus Dei". Coupled with these traits were diligence and a determination to carry forward to completion their undertaking. People often desire to know the "heavy donors". Heavy donors! That term does not exactly apply here. But, considering the financial status of the parishioners all of these pioneer Catholics can be said to have contributed large sums of money to the erection of the modest house of God. The donors' names and the amounts donated toward the construction of the building are recorded by M.J. Arnoldy in the account book on pages 54, 56, 58, and 60. They are the following: H. Konzem $10.00 P. Arnoldy $5.00 P. Krier $5.00 M.J. Arnoldy 15.00 F. Mergen 10.00 N. Reinert 8.50 N. Arnoldy 15.00 F. Cordel 8.00 J. Doyle 5.00 N. Gasper 2.50 C. Arnoldy 5.00 A. Gasper 2.50 J.P. Cordel 10.00 Ph. Schroeder 5.00 P. Jacobs 10.00 Arens, Sr. .50 J. Schmidt 1.60 Wm. Peder 5.00 J. M. Kohn 2.00 M. Ellenz 4.00 V. Angerhoffer 2.00 F. Boden 5.00 John Back 2.00 John Mueck 2.00 John Elser 3.00 Arnoldy Bros. 63.37 Total $204.37 The dimensions of the first church structure was twenty by thirty feet. The total cost of the building, according to church records, was $213.07. However, all the stones for the foundation were donated and all the hauling of the same and all the labor in the erection of the building were done gratis. Already during the next year this structure proved too small for the parish. Many newcomers arrived in the summer and fall of 1878, and in order to accommodate these faithful it was decided in the fall of that year to enlarge the structure. According to the church record (pages 68 and 69) this enlargement actually took place yet that fall. The addition was of the same size and dimensions as the original--twenty by thirty feet. A small sacristy, twelve by fourteen feet, was added on the southeast side, thus giving the church structure the shape of the letter (L) reversed. The total cost of this addition, i.e., of the material --lumber, nails, windows, etc.--was $260.45. The labor was again donated. In regard to the quarrying and the hauling of stone for the foundation, it must be said that the indomitable will and ardent zeal of the men were a far greater factor in the accomplishment of these tasks than were the tools they had to work with, or the vehicles they had in which to transport the stone. Primitive spades, picks, and sledges, had to serve for quarrying the stones and teams of oxen for transporting them to the church site. It called for the patience of Job. Moreover, the lumber had to be hauled for more than sixty miles from Russell, Kansas, by oxen at that, over hills and dales that showed no signs of a trail, much less of a road. Two days or more were required to make the trip to Russell and three or more to return. Such was the undaunted spirit of the pioneer Catholics! They were made of stern stuff, indeed. But to continue our narrative. The structure we have been describing received another major addition in the year 1893--this time on the northeast side. The dimensions of this addition were also twenty by thirty, thus giving the structure the form of the letter (T). The cost of this addition was $669.00. >From this time on, the structure remained without any change or alteration so long as it was used for divine service, that is, up to 1899. Joyful and proud--and justly so--were the sturdy pioneers when, in l884, came Rev. Frederick J. Schalk, C.PP.S., appointed by Rt. Rev. Louis M. Fink, O.S.B., and took up his residence permanently amongst them. Their dream was fulfilled, their work crowned! A church, an altar, a priest, and the daily Eucharistic Sacrifice in their midst: Rev. Anton Timphaus had celebrated the first Mass in the building in about mid-summer of 1877 and Rev. Robert Loehrer celebrated the last Mass in it in 1899. From that year on, up to 1921, it was used as a parochial school. In 1912, Rev. Chas. Menig, pastor at the time, added another classroom on the southeast side. When the new parochial school was completed in 1921, the old structure was sold. Its life span had covered a period of forty-five years. Many of its builders had gone on before, leaving their workmanship to their children as testimonial of their strong faith and heroic deeds. The second and present church structure of the Tipton Parish was built in l899 under the rectorship of Rev. Robert Loehrer. The building is a frame structure. Its size is one hundred eighteen by forty-eight by twenty-two feet. The total cost, according to church records, was $9,468.39. The parishioners were long undecided whether to build of brick or stone. Plans were discussed for two years before they reached a decision. The priest in charge and the greater part of the parish seem to have favored a substantial building of native stone, and the work of quarrying and hauling rock was eventually begun. After a great quantity of rocks had been quarried and hauled to the site, an abrupt halt was ordered. Many again began to argue that a brick edifice would be more beautiful as well as cheaper. After much argumentation it was definitely decided to construct a brick building instead of a stone structure. But where were the bricks to come from? "We will make our own bricks," was the answer. Plans and arrangements were speedily made to start a brick factory. The mach­inery was ordered and the work commenced. Kilns were built, machinery set up, and bricks baked. The work was going at top speed when, to the great surprise and dismay of the parishioners, they discovered that the bricks were not compact enough. The clay at the place proved unfit for good substantial bricks. A second trial was made, clay being taken from a field that looked more promising. But again the newly manufactured bricks proved a dismal failure. The clay lacked internal cohesion. A frame church. Such was the decision. The native rocks that were on the place were sold with the exception of those necessary for the foundation of the proposed new structure. It would be possible to present here the approximate list of the names of the contributors and the amounts donated by each, but in order to avoid unnecessary cataloguing of specific names and amounts, let it simply be stated that according to the records the contributions ranged from $10.00 up to $225.00. As might be expected, those who gave most generously toward the building of the first church structure also are found at the head of the list of contributors toward the second. The money was collected by Rev. John E. Loehrer. This is evident from the pages of the annual Account Book of the parish from 1901 to 1906. As already intimated, the dedication of the new church building took place in the fall of 1899. The Rt. Rev. John F. Cunningham, Bishop of the Concordia Diocese, was present for the occasion and delivered the panegyric. The parishioners say that the day was celebrated with great solemnity. Many of the clergy of the diocese were present and a great concourse of people from far and near participated in the festivities of the day. The architect, and at the same time the contractor for the building, was Mont Green. He had been recommended by the Bishop. The priest in charge of the parish during the construction of the building was the Rev. Robert Loehrer. The only additions the church has received since its erection are two enlargements of its choir loft, one during the pastorate of Rev. Raymond Drees and one during that of Rev. Chas. Menig. The latter is responsible for the beautiful interior decoration and frescoing. To him also goes the credit of beautifying the church with artistic and devotional "Stations of the Cross." Father Menig also enriched the church with costly vessels, such as a chalice, ciborium, monstrance, and also with complete and exquisite sets of sacred vestments.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SAINT BONIFACE PARISH Requested by His Excellency Most Reverend Francis Joseph Tief Bishop of the Diocese of Concordia, Kansas By REV. MICHAEL P. DREILING, S. T. B., PASTOR Saint Boniface Church Tipton, Kansas January 27, 1937 SECTION I INTRODUCTION The full and official name of the Parish of Tipton, Kansas, is: St. Boniface Church, Tipton, Kansas. Rev. Anton (John H.) Timphaus and the parishioners, i.e., the first settler of the Catholic faith around Tipton Territory, apparently selected as the patron saint for their church St. Boniface, the great Apostle of the German people, for Father Timphaus and these first settlers were almost all of German stock; either coming here directly from Germany or, having been born in Germany and having at first settled in other parts of the United States for a short while, later came to this section of the country. Consequently, the great Apostle, St. Boniface, who brought the good tidings of Christ to their forefathers and who watched and protected them in their faith, should likewise be their protector, intercessor, and guardian in their new home and in their new land. The exact date of this eventful happening cannot be determined, but it seems most probable that it occurred in the spring of 1877 when the deed of the church property was acquired. To be sure, it might also have occurred in the year 1875, with the first coming of Rev. Timphaus who that year gave to the faithful of this surrounding region the organization of a Catholic Community. Indeed, some of the earliest Catholic settlers believe this to have been the case. Incidentally, Father Timphaus still resided at Beloit, Kansas, in 1875. There is no extant episcopal document suggesting the name, St. Boniface, for the community, nor is there to be found the least evidence in any of the church's records that would imply an episcopal designation. Hence, it is not at all unlikely that Father Timphaus having been himself a German, both by birth and sentiments, and all the parishioners being of German birth and origin, naturally chose St. Boniface as patron. He was a saint whose life, deeds, and virtues were well known to all. The parish still bears this original name, and St. Boniface has been a true patron. He saw to it that the mustard seed not only sprouted but also grew into a large tree. The town in which the St. Boniface Church is located is Tipton, Pittsburg Township, Mitchell County. Tipton is located in the middle of the Western extremity of Mitchell County. The town itself lies ten miles south of the south fork of the Solomon River at the fork of Carr Creek. The lay of the land is like a basin. The fork of Carr Creek comes in from the northeast, mostly north, and makes a slight turn toward the west. At this point of the bend, the town is situated. It is surrounded by hills on the south, west, east, and partly on the north. Perhaps, the image of a dipper would more adequately describe its natural lay than that of a basin. The handle of the dipper represents the fork branching off from the South Solomon, the bowl of the dipper the surrounding land of Tipton. The hills that almost encompass it are of a modest height. They are more of a gradual elevation than of an. abrupt rise. The base of the basin is quite level and has a diameter of fifteen miles. The Carr Creek winds itself in a serpentine manner toward the northeast. It is about one-half mile south and east of Tipton. This creek is fairly covered on each bank with trees and shrubs, lending not a little beauty and charm to that countryside. The hills and the rest of this region are void of trees and shrubbery. The region as a whole is typical of the Kansas Plains. The basin of the region is known for its fertility and richness of soil. Under ordinary conditions of favorable weather and seasons, it is very productive of wheat, corn, hay, etc. It is known in Mitchell County as the rich wheat field of the County. Tipton was, up to 1916, a town without a railroad. It was a typical country town or village. Now, the Santa Fe Railroad winds through it. Before this railroad was constructed, the Tipton market place was Cawker City on the north Before Cawker City had a railroad, Wilson and Russell served as market places. Tipton was first called Pittsburg in honor of. William A. Pitt, one of its very first pioneers. The History of Kansas by Prentis tells us that these regions remained almost uninhabited with white men up to 1860 and 1865. Even after the Civil War for a short time they remained the "Great desert plains of Kansas---Mitchell County was only organized in 1870. By the way, it is called Mitchell, says the volume just referred to, "In honor of William D. Mitchell, who entered the Union Army as a private in the Company K, Second Kansas Cavalry; was promoted to Captain in the Second Kentucky Cavalry, and was killed March 10, 1865 at Monroe's Cross Roads, N.C. The first white settlers came to this Pittsburg in 1871. We know from official records that Mr. W. A. Pitt lived here in 1872, one-half mile east of the present town site, on a farm he owned. Mr. Pitt's house served as the local post office. Hence it was hardly surprising that the scattered settlers in and around this territory began to call it Pitt's-burg. Since Mr. Pitt played such a prominent and active part in the founding and in the early growth of the place, it seems appropriate that a short biography of him be inserted at this juncture of our narrative. This can be simply and accurately done by recording here part of his obituary as chronicled in the Cawker Ledger, Vol. XXVI, No. 6, February 5, 19a5. It Reads: "William Augustus Pitt was born at Peoria, Ill, on March 2, 1836, and departed from this life Feb. 1, 1925, at the National Military Home at Leavenworth, Kansas. While young, he moved with his parents to Linn County, Iowa, where he grew to manhood, receiving his education at Western College, Iowa. On Sept. 5th, 1858, he was united in marriage to Miss Susan Sheeley. To this union seven children were born, all of whom are living, as follows: Eugene Pitt of Glen Elder, Mrs. Minnie Tilzey of Lewistown, Mont., Wallace Pitt of Harrison, Neb., Mrs. A.J. Tilzey of Osborne, Kansas, Clarence Pitt of Denton, Mont., and Mrs. C.M. Clausen of Alton. In 1861, when his country called for volunteers, he enlisted in Co. F., 14th Iowa Infantry, and served with honor as corporal of his company until the close of the war, remaining always a faithful member of the G.A.R. In 1871, he, with his family, emigrated to Mitchell County, Kansas, where he homesteaded the quarter section lying just east of Tipton. In 1872, he was appointed postmaster, and served for six years, resigning in favor of M.J. Arnoldy. He was also appointed during the Cleveland Administration, but did not accept. He served as a member of the school board and as justice of the peace for several years, and took an active part in the business and social life of the early days. In 1873, the town of Pittsburg, now Tipton, was founded and named for him, as was also the township of Pittsburg. In 1904, he with his wife retired from the farm and moved to Cawker City, where Mrs. Pitt died in January, 1905. Since that date, Mr. Pitt spent the winters at the Soldier's Home and the summers with his children and other relatives. Besides his children he leaves to mourn his loss thirty-three grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. He was held in high esteem by all who knew him and he was affiliated with the Presbyterian Church." Mr. Pitt, according to the old settlers, was a noble-hearted and generous man. He was a friend to all the newcomers irrespective of race and creed, and all were friends and admirers of him. He saw the burg that he founded fast by Carr Creek; grow from burg to village, from village to town. Should the future citizens of Tipton ever feel the urge to show their gratitude to this high-minded pioneer, they may well do so by marking his memory with an appropriate memorial in the very heart of the community founded by him. It would appear, therefore, from the foregoing that no white person inhabited the territory permanently prior to 1871. On May 3, 1935, The Tipton Times printed a letter, a copy of which it had received from the Beloit Gazette. The letter had originally been published in the Gazette in August, 1872. It reads as follows: "Pittsburg, August 19,1872 Editor Gazette: The new town of Pittsburg is situated ten miles south of the forks of the Solomon at the forks of Carr Creek. Less than a year ago, your correspondent killed a buffalo on or near the present site of the village, and then there was no evidence that the desert would be reclaimed. Now a town is laid out, some four or five residents cluster around, while a large storehouse filled with goods, and a busy line of customers filing in and out betoken the western town. Messers, Sternberg Bros, are busy morning, noon and night. They sell dry goods and groceries, boots and shoes, hardware, queensware, hats and clothing, while farmers can buy all the implements they need, from a wagon or a reaper to a sewing machine. Through the public spirit of Messers. Mackley, Pitt, Mccreery, and others, a neat $1,000 schoolhouse will soon go up in Pittsburg. (Signed) I.D.M." We see from this letter that "there was no evidence that the desert would be reclaimed" in 1871. From 1872 to 1877, this territory went unofficially by the name of Pittsburg. In 1877, May the fifth, the town was platted and the plat was recorded, November 29,1877, at the county seat, Beloit. The following is from the county record: "No. 649 Receivers at U.S. Land Office, Kirwin, Kansas, March 26,1877. Received from Mark J. Kelly, Probate Judge in trust for the Personal use and benefit of the occupants of Pittsburg in Mitchell County, Kansas, the sum of Two Hundred Dollars being in full for the E1/2, SE1/4 Section (19) and W1/2, Sw1/4 quarter Section No. (20) in Township No. (8) of Range No. Ten (10) containing one hundred and sixty acres and --hundredths at $1.25 per acre. J.M. Hodge, Receiver Act of March 2,1876, Intrust for personal use and benefit of the occupants and inhabitants of Pittsburg, Mitchell Co. Kansas. (Seal) The patent for the above was filed July 2l, 1890. Date 11-17,1886." >From the above record it is evident that Pittsburg began to exist officially in 1877. Thus the town of Pittsburg (Tipton) began its infant life and ever since has had a healthy life and development. The town was called Pittsburg until 1880. Then it was changed to Tipton. The change was made upon request of the United States' Postal Department. This government agency stated that there was another Pittsburg in Crawford County, Kansas, and that this led to a great deal of confusion and mix-up in the delivery of mail. The townspeople were therefore asked to find another name for their community. The name "Tipton" was suggested by one of the old settlers, Mr. Chris Reinking. Tipton is the name of the county seat of Cedar County, Iowa, from which Mr. Reinking came. His choice was approved of as a suitable and an honorable name for the town. Still, many of the old settlers resented the change and even up to the present some of them love to call the town Pittsburg. The name has grown into their very lives. When, for instance, these same persons wish to recount their heroic deeds, their great sacrifices, the hardships they have endured, the sorrows and joys of their pioneer days, they automatically use the name "Pittsburg". While the latter name has indeed more basis in the origin and development of the community than the other, the important fact remains that Tipton has inherited all the rich gifts and deeds of old Pittsburg--"Long live Pittsburg in its suit!" The present population of the city of Tipton is about 300. It suffered a decrease in population during the depression. Some few of the beautiful residences were vacated but are now beginning to be reinhabited. At the present time Tipton is full of life and activity. It has quite a territory to draw trade from and has become a center of no mean business activity. Since the time of its incorporation electric power has been brought into it. It has a good water system and good concrete sidewalks. The town can also boast of three grain elevators, a good banking institution, a large hardware and implement store, three grocery stores, two dry goods and mercantile stores, four up-to-date garages, a large and well-equipped limber yard, a hotel, and a large and well-stocked drugstore. It also has a weekly newspaper, The Tipton Times, which chronicles the happenings and the history of the town. Tipton can pride itself in having one of the most modern parochial grade and high school buildings in the Diocese of Concordia. It was erected at a cost $93,000.00. Two beautiful churches, one Catholic and the other Lutheran, beautify the city. A modern public school, built of brick, graces the city. Perhaps the most attractive spot in the community is the artistic and realistic "Grotto of Lourdes" standing at the north corner of the church property. This work of art and devotion was conceived by the fruitful mind of the Rev. Dr. Charles Menig, former pastor to whom we shall again refer later on. The town is preponderantly Catholic and possesses a spirit of friendliness and good-fellowship that it would be difficult to duplicate anywhere.

Im researching any pictures of Margaret Jones (1823-1901) JP genealogy website: http://www.ancestry-web.com/

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: MCDANIEL, GANT Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/Cm.2ADI/143 Message Board Post: Looking for any info on Levi MCDANIEL & Rachel GANT who were married in Beloit, Mitchell County, KS on 03/27/1877. They are living in Ionia, Jewell County, KS in the 1880 Census with 2 sons, John L (age 2), & Lewis (newborn). I can't find this family after 1880. It appears that Levi had children from a previous marriage, Isaac & Irving MCDANIEL.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Cm.2ADI/142 Message Board Post: Looking for any info on Duvall's in Mitchell County. I have hit a brick Wall. Would appreciate any help. Thanks. Cliff

Hello Tom, very interesting post. My father's family settled a couple of miles NE of Tipton. I recognize the names: Hake, Moore and Reinert. Is Reinert pronouned RI nert? I have heard my Grandmother mention an "Aunt Katie Moore" but I don't know where or how she fits into the Seidel/ Brummer/ Runft/ Boehner family line. Of course, when I saw your Moore's I got to wondering... I shall have to dig our my family history. Donna

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Cm.2ADI/141 Message Board Post: I am trying to find some information on Ross & Reno Madison. I am led to believe that their mother's name was Alta Madison. Alta's maiden name is unknown, but she had either siblings, step siblings or half siblings with the surname of HUFF. Any information would be helpful. The onle time frame that I have is a photo of Alta that was taken about 1909, give or take a year or two, in which she appears to be about 2 to 3 years old.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Cm.2ADI/140 Message Board Post: I am in possession of a photograph of some family members that was taken by Graham Studio in Beloit, Kansas. Does anyone have any information on this studio?

Retyped on January 15, 2001 by Thomas G Kohn from a many-times-photocopied original. Note: all non-standard spellings have been retained without comment, except for always capitalizing "Tipton." The original is illegible in a few locations, as indicated by brackets around a word. Also note: Subsequent research has called dates into question. For example, the John Reinert family emigrated in 1867, as documented by official records in Germany. Katherine Reinert and her family of five nearly-grown children were part of the group of 18 families that resettled from Caledonia MN to Tipton KS in 1872. Thomas Kohn About Our Great Grandfather and Great Grandmother in the Kohn Family Katherine Blassius and John Reinert came to the United States in 1864 from Igel Germany. Great grandfather was a linen weaver in Germany. They crossed the ocean and everything was fine until the ship hit an iceberg which put a big hole in one end of the ship. They rearranged the luggage and everything they could to the other end of the ship to tilt it enough to keep the water from getting into the hole in the ship, they were about 7/8 or more of the way across when this happened. Great Grandfather had brought a keg of wine along to bring to America, and the sailars found it in the baggage room and started drinking and neglected their work on the ship, that is why the ship hit an iceberg. It took three weeks to come across from Germany to America. Gertrude (Mrs. Steve Schandler later) was 2 [1/2?] years old when they came to America. Great grandmother's main worry was milk and food for baby Gertrude. They landed at Hoboken, New Jersey; they also mentioned the Lea House in New York. Great grandparents at either New Jersey or New York, made arrangements about where they were going from there. They went to Chicago where Great grandmother had two brothers, one was in the tailoring business. Susana, Nick and Pete Reinert stayed at Chicago and found jobs. Susana had pretty clothes made by her Uncle John Blasius. Our great Aunts, Gertrude and Maria (later Mrs. Gillen) went from Chicago to Calidonia [Caledonia], Minnesota until 1872, when they came to Kansas. When they were in Calidonia they saw the red sky when Chicago had the big fire which lasted three days. They lived in a log house in Calidonia. Great grandfather died of cancer on the side of his neck in Calidonia. When great grandmother and all five of the children came to Kansas, they came to Tipton 1867, which was then called Pittsburg. They came to Cawker City by train. They took homestead land about 5 3/4 miles southwest of Tipton, Northwest of the 2 schoolhouses we had (or what they called the Church on Northside), anyhow they homestead what was later the Ted Hake place (not the Theodore Hake farm farther North). John Reinert farm was near to where the Reinerts homesteaded. When they came to Chicago and Calidonia in 1865 people were still in shock about President Lincoln's assination in 1865 and had pictures in their homes of Lincoln like we have of President Kennedy now. The grasshopper invasion hit them while they lived on the Hake place. The grasshoppers were so thick that they hid the sun and they took everything, their crops, gardens and so forth. People covered their gardens with blanks etc to try and save them, but the hoppers ate up everything and laid eggs and people were expecting another invasion the next year when the eggs hatched, but nothing happened they gone. There were lots of prairie fires, famine, sickness and diseases such as typhoid, scarlet fever, etc. Some families lost all of their children. There were Indian scares and the Indians would kill women and children and burn up the house and buildings and the father of the family could do nothing. The Arnoldy stone house in Tipton was the first building and when they had Indian scares, the families would all try to get to the Arnoldy house, the women and children inside and the men with hatchets etc, later men would walk out to see if Indians were coming but no Indians. The stone house which Grandfather Streit homesteaded (later George Streit lived there), was another house the people used to try to get to when the Indian scares were. Later Mary Reinert and Susanna Reinert worked near Cawker. Susanna Reinert married John Kohn, they were married in a little stone house south of Cawker. After Mike and Pete were born they migrated to LaCrosse Wisconsin. There Aunt Kate Gasper, our mother, Uncle Ben wer born. Grandmother was helping in the field and got overheated and had a heat stroke. Great Grandmother Reinert and Mary Reinert went to Wisconsin by train, as they got there a neighbor and priest met them (they were leaving the house) and the priest asked who is coming and they said mother and sister, then the priest sait that is good (dassess goot) our grandmother recognized them yet before she died. Grandfather sold everything and they all moved to Tipton. Our mother was five years old when she lost her mother. Uncle Ben was two years old, it was 1887 when they came to Tipton. They moved into a house south of Tipton where Great grandmother and Mary Reinert lived. Later when Pat and Mike were big enough their father homesteaded the land where Pete Kohn later farmed. Mary Reinert did washings and worked for people. She also did the priests washings. Our mother and Aunt Kate had to work hard helping with the ironings and always the dishes and cleaning etc. Grandfather Kohn bought a barrel of apples along the train or had it shipped down but the apple spoiled ! by the time the got to Tipton. Pete was 12 years old when Great Grandmother Reinert died in February 8, 1891, there was a bad blizzard, Pete went to get a priest and great grandmother said she was going to die or go with the storm. Our mother said she felt so sick so many mornings when she walked to school and after she got to school. Somebody told Grandpa Kohn he should get married again so the children would have a mother but Grandpa said, I am never going to give my children a stepmother. We think our mother and Aunt Kate were about 12 and 14 when Grandpa took them along to the homestead home. (Uncle Ben too) Grandpa had been baking the bread cooking and keeping house through those years and he taught our mother and Aunt Kate how to bake. There were other Kohn families living at La Crosse Wis. our mother used to write to the Kohn sisters, her cousins in La Crosse (not Nun). Anna Kohn Moore a cousin of our mothers, her mother died and left 5 children, the father had a hard time taking care of his children, they sorta had to shift for themselves. Anna Moore came to Mary Reinerts to be taken care of and thats how our mother knew her so well. She stayed with Mary Reinert until after she (Mary) married Michael Gillen and the Gillen's had 3 children and Anna helped take care of them but then Annie's sister came and got her and also lived with her until she was on her own and married later. Steve Chandler married Gertrude Reinert and lived in the Ted Hake stone house. OUR GREAT GRANDPARENTS WERE: Katherina Blasius born March 20, 1824, in Igel Germany and John Reinert born in Igel Germany. Their children were: Nicholis Reinert born Jan 8, 1851 in Igel Germany died May 13, 1933 at Tipton Kansas. Peter Reinert born May 17, 1853 in Igel Germany died May 28, 1934 at Seguin, Kansas. Susanna Reinert born Jan 9, 1848 in Igel Germany died 1887 at La Crosse Wisconsin. Mary Reinert born Jan 8, 1860 in Igel Germany, died July 26, 1939 at Seguin, Kansas. Gertrude Reinert born Dec. 9, 1864 in Igel Germany, died Sept. 17, 1913 at Tipton Kansas. Susana Reinert and John Kohn were married, they are our Grandparents. John Kohn was born Jan. 9, 1839 in Waselich Germany, died March 1, 1919 at Tipton Kansas. THEIR CHILDREN WERE: Mike and Pete Kohn born at Tipton Kansas they moved to La Crosse Wisconsin where Katherine, Anna and Bernard Kohn were born. Our parents were Frank Streit and Anna Kohn. They were married in St Boniface Catholic Church in Tipton Kansas, Oct. 25, 1904 by Father Walliser. THEIR CHILDREN WERE: Susana born- July 18, 1905 Henry Francis - Sept 2, 1906 John Peter - April 27, 1908 Marie Agnes - Dec 20, 1909 Joseph Nickolis - March 10, 1911 Leona Bernadetta - June 20, 1913 Francis Michael - Jan 11, 1916 Loretta Elizabeth - May 18, 1919 Charles Conrad - Jan 4, 1922 Marie Agnes - April 29, 1923 Evelyn Catherine - Oct 24, 1925 This is 1974- there are 8 of us children living and 3 children died, they are: Marie Agnes - died Dec 26, 1909 Charles Conrad - died Sept 16, 1922 Joseph Nicholis - died Sept 6, 1935 Marie Agnes lived 6 days Charles Conrad died at 8 Months of age Joseph Nicholis died at 24 years of age OUR PARENTS WERE BORN: Father, Jan 6, 1881 - Frank Streit, Tipton, died Feb 11 1951 Mother, Nov 4, 1882 - Anna Kohn, La Crosse, Wisconsin, died Dec. 5, 1956 CHILDREN MARRIED: Susanna to John Junk Nov 23, 1927 Henry to Marie Nusse Oct 10, 1928 John to Alice Corbett Nov 24, 1938 Francis to Lola Wiese Feb 3, 1957 Loretta to Leo Wagner Aug 21, 1940 Marie to Harold Bispham June 27, 1948 Evelyn to John Viselli May 16, 1948

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: THOMPSON, LICHTY, YATES, PAGE, DRAPER Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Cm.2ADI/139 Message Board Post: Looking for information on Jess Thompson (listed as J.M. Thompson, 1880 Federal census in Plum Creek, Mitchell, Kansas). Three of his sons, John W., James Calvin, and Moses were all born in the 1860's in Taylor County...New Market, I believe. Jess has proved very illusive over the years, so any information would be enthusiastically appreciated!

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Cm.2ADI/138 Message Board Post: There is an Asherville HS book for sale on eBay. Many signatures of the graduating class. The item number is 3541614022.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Cm.2ADI/51.1 Message Board Post: Winford Newton Mitchell was my gr. grandfather. I have found Wiley Mitchell and Rachel Harman on the 1850 Census for Floyd County, KY. Wiley was 18 and Rachel was 21 and they were residing with the Harman family. Have you had any success in finding out who Wiley's parents were?

Hello, I'm happy to announce a new Special Project, the Kansas Family Group Sheet (FGS) project. It's my privilege to be managing it, and I hope to be very busy adding family group sheets submitted by all of you. The URL for the page is http://www.rootsweb.com/~usfgs/kansas/ . I think you'll find the page easy to read and use, but if you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. The USFGS home page (http://www.rootsweb.com/~usfgs/) links to all the states. I hope you'll take advantage of this new project. Those of us who have been working to bring it to Kansas are very excited about its possibilities. Any family group that lived in Kansas, even for a short time, can be posted. THE ONLY PERSONS WHO CANNOT BE POSTED ARE THOSE WHO ARE LIVING. Each family group sheet provides space for basic information about father, mother, and children; so if you only know about one family unit, you know enough to put the information up. If you know more, you can add more family group sheets: the father's parents and siblings, the mother's parents and siblings, the children's spouses and children, and on and on. If you've traced the family into other states, you can post your group sheet in those states as well as Kansas. But just one family sheet in one state can be enough to make new and exciting connections. We've prepared the pages and forms, added search engines and links, and now it's in your hands. Send in your family group sheets. One a day, one a week, whatever works for you. Tell your fellow researchers about the site. Talk about it at your next genealogical society meeting. Mention it in your emails. The more people hear about the site, the more contributions we're likely to get; and the more contributions we receive, the more valuable the project is going to be. I'll be waiting for your family to turn up in my mailbox! Charles Barnum, KS FGS manager I started my genealogy research in Kansas about 40 years ago.

A country doctor named Brewster Higley homesteaded about twenty miles from Smith Center, on the banks of the Beaver Creek, near Solomon River, in Smith County, Kansas, in 1871. He liked to write poems, and shortly after his arrival in Kansas he wrote one entitled "My Western Home." It was set to music by his friend, a druggist and fiddler named Daniel E. Kelley and performed for the first time in 1872..... "Western Home" by Dr. Brewster Higley VI Oh! give me a home where the Buffalo roam, Where the Deer and the Antelope play; Where never is heard a discoraging word, and the sky is not clouded all day. (chorus) A home! A home! Where the Deer and the Antelope play, Where seldom is heard a discouraging word, And the sky is not clouded all day. Oh! give me land where the bright diamond sand, Throws its light from the glittering streams, Where glideth along the graceful white swan, Like the maid in her heavenly dreams. (chorus) A home! A home! Oh! give me a gale of the Solomon vale, Where the life streamswith buoyancy flow; O the banks of the Beaver, where seldom is ever, Any poisonous herbage doth grow. (chorus) A home! A home! How often at night, when the heavens were bright, With the light of the twinkling stars, Have I stood here amazed, and naked as I gazed, Of their glory exceed that of ours. (chorus) A home! A home! I love the wild flowers in this bright land of ours, I love the wild curlew's shrill scream; The buffs and white rocks, and antelope flocks, That graze on the mountains so green. (chorus) A home! A home! The air is so pure and the breeze so free, The zephyrs so balmy and light, That I would not exchange my home here to range, Forever in azures so bright. (chorus) A home! A home! source: Words as reprinted on February 26, 1876 in the Kirwin Chief Newspaper, Vol. 3, no. 14, Kirwin, Kansas First published in the Kirwin Chief on March 21, 1874.... The earliest publication of the poem which became the official state song of Kansas..... Reprinted from the Kansas Historical Quarterly, November 1949.... ....from the book called "The Story of Home on the Range" written by Kirke Mechem published by the Kansas State Historical Society Topeka, Kansas

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Rozkiewicz Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.families.aol.com/mbexec/msg/4300/Cm.2ADI/85 Message Board Post: I am looking for my DAD aka "ROCKY" last known where abouts in HAWAII. Does anyone know who he is? Please email me with the information. I haven't seen or heard from him in about 5 years. We are worried. He is in his late 50's and has a tatoo that says "Rocky" on his shoulder. he is an ex - HONOLULU, HI POLICE OFFICER OF 20 YEARS and PEARL HARBOR BASE POLICE OFFICER OF 8 + YEARS. We need your help in locating him. He has also spent time in Illinois, missourri, philippines, wisconsin. Do you know him? Vietnam veteran.

On ebay right now - an old real photo postcard of the Tipton Catholic Cemetery. I would guess circa 1910. Search "Tipton Ks" and it will come up. Donna I am not the seller, just ran across it

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: WAGNER Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/Cm.2ADI/84 Message Board Post: I just found out that my great great Uncle moved to Mitchell Co sometime before the 1880 census ( I find him there for that Census) His name was CORNELIUS WAGNER. His wifes name was Joanna(Greene) and children Cornelius (Jr.) , Harry, Trenie, Nellie, James, Henry, Nicholas...Maybe even more Just wondering if there are any Wagner's in the area today, OR anyone looking to share info with me on this family. I have lots more on this family and other branches of the FAMILY TREE........Kristen Hurt