Hey there,
Tonight, or I should say this morning, since it is after midnight, will be my final blog for my English Comp 2 assignment. I've had a lot of fun blogging even though I probably didn't get enough of them written in order to receive any extra credit, it was still worth the experience. The written research paper if typed and edited, retyped and ready for delivery tomorrow. In the end I chose four men as Wichita's founding fathers. They are: James R. Mead, Jesse Chischolm, William Greiffenstein and William Mathewson. Each contributed a lot to bring Wichita into being. There was text for four plaques as well, one for the Wichita Indians, one for James Mead, one for the Delano District and one for the founding fathers. I made little "prototypes" of the plaques, however I ran out of time to really do them justice. But it's getting late and I'm pretty well done for today and for the semester. I'm so glad that I chose the option that I did for this assignment though, because I've learned so much about Wichita, the Wichita Indians, James Mead and the other men who founded this city. Those things I will remember for a long time to come.
I would like to thank Professor Bauus for all of his help and instruction this year. He's such a good teacher and I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to be in his class.
Thank you bloggers for letting me ramble on and on. Actually, I don't think anyone actually read any of these blogs, but like I said before, the pleasure has been mine and it was time well spent.
Cheri
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Hello Blogger Buddies, it's been a while since I've been on. So much to do, so little time.... The end of the semester is so quickly approaching and it's past time for me to get my research paper going. I finished my last regular essay today and thought I would sit right down and start working on this most major piece of work. Alas, I can't seem to make any head way. Some of my notes that I wrote months age must be looked for. Thought I had it all together, both figuratively and vocationally. Well, I suppose it will get done one way or another.
My first job is to set the stage for my paper, where I will introduce myself as an appointed member of a committee that is going to create new plaques and signs to be placed in various places around the city. This is being done to commemorate the city of Wichita,s sesquicentennial in 2020. It is my responsibility to write the text for several of the plaques and I have chosen a few names of people who were instrumental in bring Wichita from the prairie to a growing, industrious city.
I know I need to write much more about my plans for this paper, but quite frankly, I'm to tired right now to type another word, and I love to write. So I bid you all a wonderful evening.
My first job is to set the stage for my paper, where I will introduce myself as an appointed member of a committee that is going to create new plaques and signs to be placed in various places around the city. This is being done to commemorate the city of Wichita,s sesquicentennial in 2020. It is my responsibility to write the text for several of the plaques and I have chosen a few names of people who were instrumental in bring Wichita from the prairie to a growing, industrious city.
I know I need to write much more about my plans for this paper, but quite frankly, I'm to tired right now to type another word, and I love to write. So I bid you all a wonderful evening.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Hello Blogging Friends,
What I want to share with you today is related to my English Comp 2 finial essay, but not about the research. The Search, would be good words to describe it because I couldn't fine the notebook that I had taken with me to the Library the day I spent a couple of hours, if not longer, writing down things from the Kansas Collection section,research books. You can't check them out, you know, so I sat there scribbling down information, reading and looking for things that would be useful in writing my big essay. Well, yesterday I wanted that notebook so I can begin working on my #3 essay. I will be using my research material in that assignment, but I couldn't find that notebook anywhere. I looked downstairs and everywhere I could think of, picking up stacks of papers, notebooks and books, then going back through the same process again. I did this about three times. Finally, I decided to stop the searching for that notebook and work on my Spanish work. I had been practicing verbs and direct object pronouns and para & por, at the kitchen table. When I realized that the notebook I was using for writing these things over and over again was red, like the one I had taken to the library. Picking it up and flipping the pages, there it was; every beautiful page of the notes that I'd been looking so hard for. I was so thrilled, you would have thought it was Christmas. What a relief!! I was beginning to think that I was going to have to do that work all over again. I'm a happy student!
There was something that I meant to tell you about on my last blog, but I forgot. How I could have forgotten this information, I don't know, but it's very interesting and how I came to know about it was most unexpected. Twice a month I go for therapy for some unfortunate baggage from years gone by. Nothing terribly bad, just need to get a new perspective on some things, which I have and all is good, or at least getting better. Well, the place where I go is in this big old house in Wichita. It's a beautiful house and I haven't taken a tour through the whole thing, but I am going to as soon as possible. I knew from the style that it had probably been built in the very late 1800's. I've always loved old houses and antiques, etc. I just found out last week that this very house was the last house that William Mathewson, the real, the authentic, the one and only, Buffalo Bill, himself, built in Wichita. He built about five houses, but this one was the last one.After all of the research that I have done on the early days of Wichita, I was amazed that I was standing in one of the houses that this famous person, one of Wichita's founding fathers built. I am still giddy over that knowledge, and can't wait until I go there next time. Oh my, my, my...
Well that's my news good BFs (blogger friends).
Until next time, happy researching,
Cheri
What I want to share with you today is related to my English Comp 2 finial essay, but not about the research. The Search, would be good words to describe it because I couldn't fine the notebook that I had taken with me to the Library the day I spent a couple of hours, if not longer, writing down things from the Kansas Collection section,research books. You can't check them out, you know, so I sat there scribbling down information, reading and looking for things that would be useful in writing my big essay. Well, yesterday I wanted that notebook so I can begin working on my #3 essay. I will be using my research material in that assignment, but I couldn't find that notebook anywhere. I looked downstairs and everywhere I could think of, picking up stacks of papers, notebooks and books, then going back through the same process again. I did this about three times. Finally, I decided to stop the searching for that notebook and work on my Spanish work. I had been practicing verbs and direct object pronouns and para & por, at the kitchen table. When I realized that the notebook I was using for writing these things over and over again was red, like the one I had taken to the library. Picking it up and flipping the pages, there it was; every beautiful page of the notes that I'd been looking so hard for. I was so thrilled, you would have thought it was Christmas. What a relief!! I was beginning to think that I was going to have to do that work all over again. I'm a happy student!
There was something that I meant to tell you about on my last blog, but I forgot. How I could have forgotten this information, I don't know, but it's very interesting and how I came to know about it was most unexpected. Twice a month I go for therapy for some unfortunate baggage from years gone by. Nothing terribly bad, just need to get a new perspective on some things, which I have and all is good, or at least getting better. Well, the place where I go is in this big old house in Wichita. It's a beautiful house and I haven't taken a tour through the whole thing, but I am going to as soon as possible. I knew from the style that it had probably been built in the very late 1800's. I've always loved old houses and antiques, etc. I just found out last week that this very house was the last house that William Mathewson, the real, the authentic, the one and only, Buffalo Bill, himself, built in Wichita. He built about five houses, but this one was the last one.After all of the research that I have done on the early days of Wichita, I was amazed that I was standing in one of the houses that this famous person, one of Wichita's founding fathers built. I am still giddy over that knowledge, and can't wait until I go there next time. Oh my, my, my...
Well that's my news good BFs (blogger friends).
Until next time, happy researching,
Cheri
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Good Morning,
Today is April 2,2014 and it's been awhile since I've been on my blog. Because of other homework assignments both for this class and for my Spanish class, time has been at a premium. I wish I were a faster thinker and worker. In English Comp 2; the class that I'm writing this blog for, we've been reading about Artificial Intelligence. It's a very interesting subject, although I think some of the writers of the articles that we were required to read are just goofy, wondering is a robot can have a soul or could be classified as a human.
As I said; in my opinion they are wasting time. When I was a kid in grade school, I remember thinking how cool it would be to have a machine that we could put out text books into and it would pop out our homework, all finished and totally correct. I imagined in my mind this big box like those that washing machines might come in. I couldn't have believed back then that today we'd have computers in every home and are able to access so much information. My desk top doesn't do my homework for me, but it sure makes some of it easier. Life is so funny sometimes.
Well, that was a little rabbit trail; what I really want to write about today is the assigned #3 essay on Persuasion. Two things I'm not good at is arguments and persuasion. I absolutely hate and avoid arguments, however, I understand that this is slightly different in that these arguments are of a friendly sort, used in order to prove a point of view. In essay #3 I am to write a persuasive paper with at least 3 arguments that are from the research work that I've done for my research paper; about the early days of Wichita. I have thought and thought about what arguments I have encountered during my searching out information for this paper.
I believe one that I might use is a disagreement between James Mead and another man; who I will have to look up in my blog; who disagreed about the treatment of the Native American Indians, particularly the Wichita Indians. The other argument is one between James Mead and some of the other founding fathers of Wichita, concerning the naming of Wichita. What the third argument will be, I don't know yet, but I'm sure there's one in there somewhere. Then to take these arguments and put them into a persuasive form. It's going to be interesting to see how this comes out. I believe this paper is due next Wednesday, which means I have a week to get it ready...Oh, my little brain!!!!
Well, stay tuned and I will try to fill you in on my progress as I work through this assignment. By the way, thanks for listening to my ramblings.
Cheri
Today is April 2,2014 and it's been awhile since I've been on my blog. Because of other homework assignments both for this class and for my Spanish class, time has been at a premium. I wish I were a faster thinker and worker. In English Comp 2; the class that I'm writing this blog for, we've been reading about Artificial Intelligence. It's a very interesting subject, although I think some of the writers of the articles that we were required to read are just goofy, wondering is a robot can have a soul or could be classified as a human.
As I said; in my opinion they are wasting time. When I was a kid in grade school, I remember thinking how cool it would be to have a machine that we could put out text books into and it would pop out our homework, all finished and totally correct. I imagined in my mind this big box like those that washing machines might come in. I couldn't have believed back then that today we'd have computers in every home and are able to access so much information. My desk top doesn't do my homework for me, but it sure makes some of it easier. Life is so funny sometimes.
Well, that was a little rabbit trail; what I really want to write about today is the assigned #3 essay on Persuasion. Two things I'm not good at is arguments and persuasion. I absolutely hate and avoid arguments, however, I understand that this is slightly different in that these arguments are of a friendly sort, used in order to prove a point of view. In essay #3 I am to write a persuasive paper with at least 3 arguments that are from the research work that I've done for my research paper; about the early days of Wichita. I have thought and thought about what arguments I have encountered during my searching out information for this paper.
I believe one that I might use is a disagreement between James Mead and another man; who I will have to look up in my blog; who disagreed about the treatment of the Native American Indians, particularly the Wichita Indians. The other argument is one between James Mead and some of the other founding fathers of Wichita, concerning the naming of Wichita. What the third argument will be, I don't know yet, but I'm sure there's one in there somewhere. Then to take these arguments and put them into a persuasive form. It's going to be interesting to see how this comes out. I believe this paper is due next Wednesday, which means I have a week to get it ready...Oh, my little brain!!!!
Well, stay tuned and I will try to fill you in on my progress as I work through this assignment. By the way, thanks for listening to my ramblings.
Cheri
Monday, March 24, 2014
Hi there,
Today is the 24th of March and this month is almost gone. Time is zooming by as the months and years rotate in their appointed paths. Sooner than we can imagine, we will be the people being researched for school essays. Maybe not you nor I personally, but our time and place in history.
Spring break is over and classes resume today. I worked very hard all last week on the # 2 essay for English class. I do believe it is ready for Wednesdays class. The work I did last week was getting the reference material in order for an annotated biographical page. The whole process of learning about writing is very interesting and I know it will be a valuable tool that I will use through out the rest of my life.
The next thing is an essay on persuasion. We have to introduce a clear thesis that can support three arguments. and come up with an effective conclusion. It also needs to incorporate the subject of our fourth and finial essay; the reason for all of the research and writing and worrying that I've done this semester. Each paper we do is getting us closer to the finished product for this class. It's really kind of neat to see things working themselves together into one cohesive work. I've begun to think about the plaques that I need to write text for, which is what I am working towards for the completion of my essay. I think I have plenty of research material now, I just have to figure out the best way to take what I have and what I've learned about the time period, the people and the city of Wichita to write a good paper and complete the assignment.
It's almost time for me got get to my Spanish class, and I still have to get my shoes and socks on. Isn't it funny, as in "hum," that we always say shoes first and then socks, when we have to put on the socks before the shoes? Is there a lessen in that phrase somewhere?
Hope all of you had a wonderful Spring break and are ready, maybe even excited about getting back to class. That's all I have for this time,
Cheri
Today is the 24th of March and this month is almost gone. Time is zooming by as the months and years rotate in their appointed paths. Sooner than we can imagine, we will be the people being researched for school essays. Maybe not you nor I personally, but our time and place in history.
Spring break is over and classes resume today. I worked very hard all last week on the # 2 essay for English class. I do believe it is ready for Wednesdays class. The work I did last week was getting the reference material in order for an annotated biographical page. The whole process of learning about writing is very interesting and I know it will be a valuable tool that I will use through out the rest of my life.
The next thing is an essay on persuasion. We have to introduce a clear thesis that can support three arguments. and come up with an effective conclusion. It also needs to incorporate the subject of our fourth and finial essay; the reason for all of the research and writing and worrying that I've done this semester. Each paper we do is getting us closer to the finished product for this class. It's really kind of neat to see things working themselves together into one cohesive work. I've begun to think about the plaques that I need to write text for, which is what I am working towards for the completion of my essay. I think I have plenty of research material now, I just have to figure out the best way to take what I have and what I've learned about the time period, the people and the city of Wichita to write a good paper and complete the assignment.
It's almost time for me got get to my Spanish class, and I still have to get my shoes and socks on. Isn't it funny, as in "hum," that we always say shoes first and then socks, when we have to put on the socks before the shoes? Is there a lessen in that phrase somewhere?
Hope all of you had a wonderful Spring break and are ready, maybe even excited about getting back to class. That's all I have for this time,
Cheri
Monday, March 17, 2014
Hey There Bloggers,
It's been a while since I added to my blog. Seems as though there are so many things to do, and I have real trouble getting the things done that I have to do; and never seem to find time to do the things I want to do. I'd bet I'm not alone in this view of life! There were a few days that I wanted to blog, but didn't have any good material to blog about then; Oh happy day, I checked out a book from the base library titled: KANSAS The History of The Sunflower State, 1854-2000. p.114,115,116. I haven't read it from cover to cover of course, but in browsing through it's pages I spotted an important name from Wichita's history. It was James Mead. In the couple of pages that I've inspected thus far it gives me some information that I need for my essay. The question is: How did James Mead treat the Indians, especially the Wichita's? What kind of relationship did they have? Had found some info. on that already from other resources. What I found in this book was that a man named General Winfield Scott Hancock of Gettysburg fame was given orders by William Sherman to go and and threaten the Indians that if they wanted war, they could have it. If they didn't want war they had better stops their "threats and insolence." The Indians had smoked the peace pipe with some military officers and other government men, saying that they hadn't harmed the white settlers and didn't want to harm anyone, but the buffalo were being killed out at an alarming rate and if that continued they would soon go hungry. They asked that the solders not fire on their young men. Hancock burned a Cheyenne-sioux camp and a confrontation took place with Hancock, Custer, and James Hickok, " Wild Bill Hickok,"along with other men ensued with the Indians on the other side, each group in a single row one facing the other. On the other side; Chief Roman Nose, ( he was known as the Pawnee Killer), leaders of the Sioux and Cheyenne who were dressed in all of their headdresses, feathers, paint etc. I'm not quite clear on what happened, but the Indians eventually just walked off. I found that rather interesting. People like Samuel Crawford, the Governor of Kansas from 1865-1868, didn't like the Indians at all and wanted to see them moved off their land by force.
Here comes the James Mead part; the book states and I quote; "A contrasting view was held by James Mead. Mr. Mead came to Kansas from Iowa to start up a trading business with the Indians," which we know from reading not only his personal letters but also from other sources of history, that he had a very successful trading and hunting business with the Indians. Mead and Mr Crawford and some other folk thought that those who disliked the Indians exaggerated the danger that the Indians posed. Mead recorded 1867 that "when the Indians were said to be on the warpath, he traveled over the Plains as usual, unmolested. Mead also wrote in 1910 during the Civil War that; "in the first five or six years after the Indians had left, and the country was open for settlement, I have a record of some twenty men who came to a sudden and violent death. Most of these were no special loss to the country." I believe he was saying that more white people killed other white people than had the Indians when they were there."
Mr. Mead studied the Indians and their way of life. He collected articles of clothing and their "jewelry/ adornments" and keep notebooks full of pictographs of things he saw on his travels. Wonder if Mr. Mead's notebooks have survived the years and are out there somewhere. hum... There is one unrelated thing that I want to tell you about. In one of the paragraphs above I mentioned Chief Roman Nose. That caught my attention because of a State Park In Oklahoma not farm from my dad's farm that is named Roman Nose State Park and has a big stone image of an Indian's head which I figure is to represent Chief Roman Nose. We went swimming there in a swimming pool that was filled with water from an underground spring, and it was COLD! There wasn't a diving board, but you could dive off of a cliff of natural rock, if you were brave. We had picnics there under the trees and rode paddle boats on the lake. It's a beautiful place, but this is the first time that I've read the name of this chief other than in reference to the park; pretty cool stuff!
That's my story for tonight, so let's call it a wrap.
Cheri
It's been a while since I added to my blog. Seems as though there are so many things to do, and I have real trouble getting the things done that I have to do; and never seem to find time to do the things I want to do. I'd bet I'm not alone in this view of life! There were a few days that I wanted to blog, but didn't have any good material to blog about then; Oh happy day, I checked out a book from the base library titled: KANSAS The History of The Sunflower State, 1854-2000. p.114,115,116. I haven't read it from cover to cover of course, but in browsing through it's pages I spotted an important name from Wichita's history. It was James Mead. In the couple of pages that I've inspected thus far it gives me some information that I need for my essay. The question is: How did James Mead treat the Indians, especially the Wichita's? What kind of relationship did they have? Had found some info. on that already from other resources. What I found in this book was that a man named General Winfield Scott Hancock of Gettysburg fame was given orders by William Sherman to go and and threaten the Indians that if they wanted war, they could have it. If they didn't want war they had better stops their "threats and insolence." The Indians had smoked the peace pipe with some military officers and other government men, saying that they hadn't harmed the white settlers and didn't want to harm anyone, but the buffalo were being killed out at an alarming rate and if that continued they would soon go hungry. They asked that the solders not fire on their young men. Hancock burned a Cheyenne-sioux camp and a confrontation took place with Hancock, Custer, and James Hickok, " Wild Bill Hickok,"along with other men ensued with the Indians on the other side, each group in a single row one facing the other. On the other side; Chief Roman Nose, ( he was known as the Pawnee Killer), leaders of the Sioux and Cheyenne who were dressed in all of their headdresses, feathers, paint etc. I'm not quite clear on what happened, but the Indians eventually just walked off. I found that rather interesting. People like Samuel Crawford, the Governor of Kansas from 1865-1868, didn't like the Indians at all and wanted to see them moved off their land by force.
Here comes the James Mead part; the book states and I quote; "A contrasting view was held by James Mead. Mr. Mead came to Kansas from Iowa to start up a trading business with the Indians," which we know from reading not only his personal letters but also from other sources of history, that he had a very successful trading and hunting business with the Indians. Mead and Mr Crawford and some other folk thought that those who disliked the Indians exaggerated the danger that the Indians posed. Mead recorded 1867 that "when the Indians were said to be on the warpath, he traveled over the Plains as usual, unmolested. Mead also wrote in 1910 during the Civil War that; "in the first five or six years after the Indians had left, and the country was open for settlement, I have a record of some twenty men who came to a sudden and violent death. Most of these were no special loss to the country." I believe he was saying that more white people killed other white people than had the Indians when they were there."
Mr. Mead studied the Indians and their way of life. He collected articles of clothing and their "jewelry/ adornments" and keep notebooks full of pictographs of things he saw on his travels. Wonder if Mr. Mead's notebooks have survived the years and are out there somewhere. hum... There is one unrelated thing that I want to tell you about. In one of the paragraphs above I mentioned Chief Roman Nose. That caught my attention because of a State Park In Oklahoma not farm from my dad's farm that is named Roman Nose State Park and has a big stone image of an Indian's head which I figure is to represent Chief Roman Nose. We went swimming there in a swimming pool that was filled with water from an underground spring, and it was COLD! There wasn't a diving board, but you could dive off of a cliff of natural rock, if you were brave. We had picnics there under the trees and rode paddle boats on the lake. It's a beautiful place, but this is the first time that I've read the name of this chief other than in reference to the park; pretty cool stuff!
That's my story for tonight, so let's call it a wrap.
Cheri
Monday, March 10, 2014
Good Evening Blogging Friends,
It was such a beautiful day in Kansas today. The thermometer display in my car read 81dgs. this afternoon, and I believe it. Tomorrow isn't going to be as nice, but still in the fifties. That will be okay, at least it isn't freezing. I checked out a book from the library at McConnell today that has an article about the Wichita Indians. It isn't very long, but it has some info that I haven't ran across until now. Before I get to the new stuff, I can't help but be amazed at all of the different ways given to identify the Wichita Indians and what the names mean. I don't have them all before me right this minute, but I will get them together and make a list of the variety. In this article which is from a book titled: The Encyclopedia of North American Indians, Published in 1997 by Marshall Cavendish Corporation. Summary: A comprehensive reference work on the culture and history of Native Americans ISBN 0-7614-0237-3 (vol. 10), this article says that the name Wichita is a Muskogean word spelled wia-shitch, and is said to mean thatched houses or arbors. That's close to one or two of the other articles that I've read. It also says that the Wichita called themselves Kitkit'sh. I've seen that name before too. It is thought to have to do with the tattooing around the eyes and bodies of the Indians.
The Wichita's were thought to have moved to the areas of Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas from the South. Perhaps from Missouri because they were pressured by the Osage and Kaw tribes to get of their reservation. The Wichita's were very good hunters and farmers and when they killed a buffalo, nothing went to waste. In their fields they grew corn, pumpkins, beans and tobacco. After finely chopping up the tobacco leaves, the Wichita's would put into little leather bags and trade it to the Comanche's. The Wichita's were very good at trading goods for other things that they needed.
One of the more interesting things was about a Spanish conquistador named Diego Dionsio de Penalosa who fought the Wichita's in 1662 and won. After this battle is when the Indians left the Little Arkansas and moved to Oklahoma. Later on, the French and Wichita Indians had a pretty good trading business going on. The French wanted buffalo robes and other furs and the Wichita's received tools and crops.When the Wichita's were pushed into Oklahoma territory, the French and Indians continued to trade, but eventually the French lost most of the land they had owned and were defeated in the French and Indian Wars. The Wichita's became friendly with the Comanches and they began trading with each other. The Wichita's traded what they had left of their crops to the Comanches for horses, mules and buffalo robs.
Guess what? I think this blog will be my first cliff hanger blog. I'm getting to tired to continue for tonight and I don't want to totally mess up history, so lets all get some sleep. I'll try to finish up about this book and the article tomorrow.
Cheri
It was such a beautiful day in Kansas today. The thermometer display in my car read 81dgs. this afternoon, and I believe it. Tomorrow isn't going to be as nice, but still in the fifties. That will be okay, at least it isn't freezing. I checked out a book from the library at McConnell today that has an article about the Wichita Indians. It isn't very long, but it has some info that I haven't ran across until now. Before I get to the new stuff, I can't help but be amazed at all of the different ways given to identify the Wichita Indians and what the names mean. I don't have them all before me right this minute, but I will get them together and make a list of the variety. In this article which is from a book titled: The Encyclopedia of North American Indians, Published in 1997 by Marshall Cavendish Corporation. Summary: A comprehensive reference work on the culture and history of Native Americans ISBN 0-7614-0237-3 (vol. 10), this article says that the name Wichita is a Muskogean word spelled wia-shitch, and is said to mean thatched houses or arbors. That's close to one or two of the other articles that I've read. It also says that the Wichita called themselves Kitkit'sh. I've seen that name before too. It is thought to have to do with the tattooing around the eyes and bodies of the Indians.
The Wichita's were thought to have moved to the areas of Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas from the South. Perhaps from Missouri because they were pressured by the Osage and Kaw tribes to get of their reservation. The Wichita's were very good hunters and farmers and when they killed a buffalo, nothing went to waste. In their fields they grew corn, pumpkins, beans and tobacco. After finely chopping up the tobacco leaves, the Wichita's would put into little leather bags and trade it to the Comanche's. The Wichita's were very good at trading goods for other things that they needed.
One of the more interesting things was about a Spanish conquistador named Diego Dionsio de Penalosa who fought the Wichita's in 1662 and won. After this battle is when the Indians left the Little Arkansas and moved to Oklahoma. Later on, the French and Wichita Indians had a pretty good trading business going on. The French wanted buffalo robes and other furs and the Wichita's received tools and crops.When the Wichita's were pushed into Oklahoma territory, the French and Indians continued to trade, but eventually the French lost most of the land they had owned and were defeated in the French and Indian Wars. The Wichita's became friendly with the Comanches and they began trading with each other. The Wichita's traded what they had left of their crops to the Comanches for horses, mules and buffalo robs.
Guess what? I think this blog will be my first cliff hanger blog. I'm getting to tired to continue for tonight and I don't want to totally mess up history, so lets all get some sleep. I'll try to finish up about this book and the article tomorrow.
Cheri
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Hello,
It's time for another "blogging." Sorry, that one was to hard to resist. Today is March 9, 2014, and I am so looking forward to Spring and warmer temperatures coming to this lovely sunflower state of Kansas.
Tonight's blog will be short; due to the fact that I haven't anything concrete to write about on the subject of my essay. That being said, however, I have located some wonderful resource books at my local public library, The Derby Library. I paid said library a visit on Saturday afternoon, actually it was late afternoon and just about the time I located the books that will be useful in my essay, the voice on the intercom announced that the library was closing. I have plans to go back and feast on a couple of neat old books. One is of old newspaper articles and the other one is about Kansas history. As I quickly looked them over on Saturday, I found a biography on James R. Mead. I am so excited and can hardly wait to get back to the library and read it from the beginning to the last period.
Another new development is that my Prof. mentioned to me that it might be helpful to create a timeline of the people and places that I've been researching. I think that was a capital idea and will be starting on that right away. I know I've said it before, but I do enjoy researching history about the frontier days and the pioneers. I've always had a fascination about who these people were and what their lives were like. I know they were hard times; very hard times, but it was also a less cluttered time. A time when people had time to talk to each other without a cell phone going off. It's so irritating to have dinner with someone who is more interested in what's being posted on Facebook than what the person right next to them is saying. The children, for the most part, obeyed their parents and Biblical morality was the code that was excepted as proper. Nothing was wasted and all that one had came from working hard and saving the money to buy it. Not to much credit went on then, although having a tab at the local mercantile wasn't unheard of, not to mention the local saloon.
Horses got pretty good M.P.G., until they decided to put them under the hood of a motorized buggy and then the M.P.G. took a dive. People weren't obese and you probably didn't have to worry much about what you were going to have for supper, because you had the same thing every night, if you had anything for supper that is.
I think about my grandparents on my mom's side, they had a bowl of oatmeal and pancakes for breakfast every single day, year after year. No sausage or ham, no bacon and no eggs, just oatmeal and pancakes and easy on the syrup. I can remember my mom's uncle say that if you had butter on your bread, you didn't need jelly; and if you had jelly, you didn't need butter. To put both on the same piece of bread was considered wasteful.
Well, so much for my recollections for one night, I think I will consider this post finished. Today was the first day of daylight savings time and everyone is tired, of course we're always tired, but even more so today when we've had to move one whole hour of beautiful sleep to the end of the "time-line" until we grab it back next fall. Good night; Good night, until it be marrow, or something like that!
Cheri
It's time for another "blogging." Sorry, that one was to hard to resist. Today is March 9, 2014, and I am so looking forward to Spring and warmer temperatures coming to this lovely sunflower state of Kansas.
Tonight's blog will be short; due to the fact that I haven't anything concrete to write about on the subject of my essay. That being said, however, I have located some wonderful resource books at my local public library, The Derby Library. I paid said library a visit on Saturday afternoon, actually it was late afternoon and just about the time I located the books that will be useful in my essay, the voice on the intercom announced that the library was closing. I have plans to go back and feast on a couple of neat old books. One is of old newspaper articles and the other one is about Kansas history. As I quickly looked them over on Saturday, I found a biography on James R. Mead. I am so excited and can hardly wait to get back to the library and read it from the beginning to the last period.
Another new development is that my Prof. mentioned to me that it might be helpful to create a timeline of the people and places that I've been researching. I think that was a capital idea and will be starting on that right away. I know I've said it before, but I do enjoy researching history about the frontier days and the pioneers. I've always had a fascination about who these people were and what their lives were like. I know they were hard times; very hard times, but it was also a less cluttered time. A time when people had time to talk to each other without a cell phone going off. It's so irritating to have dinner with someone who is more interested in what's being posted on Facebook than what the person right next to them is saying. The children, for the most part, obeyed their parents and Biblical morality was the code that was excepted as proper. Nothing was wasted and all that one had came from working hard and saving the money to buy it. Not to much credit went on then, although having a tab at the local mercantile wasn't unheard of, not to mention the local saloon.
Horses got pretty good M.P.G., until they decided to put them under the hood of a motorized buggy and then the M.P.G. took a dive. People weren't obese and you probably didn't have to worry much about what you were going to have for supper, because you had the same thing every night, if you had anything for supper that is.
I think about my grandparents on my mom's side, they had a bowl of oatmeal and pancakes for breakfast every single day, year after year. No sausage or ham, no bacon and no eggs, just oatmeal and pancakes and easy on the syrup. I can remember my mom's uncle say that if you had butter on your bread, you didn't need jelly; and if you had jelly, you didn't need butter. To put both on the same piece of bread was considered wasteful.
Well, so much for my recollections for one night, I think I will consider this post finished. Today was the first day of daylight savings time and everyone is tired, of course we're always tired, but even more so today when we've had to move one whole hour of beautiful sleep to the end of the "time-line" until we grab it back next fall. Good night; Good night, until it be marrow, or something like that!
Cheri
Monday, March 3, 2014
Hey there bloggers,
It's been a while since I've posted on my blog. So much happened in February; first I fell and hit the right side of my face on a very hard floor and was bruised, swelled up and had my back all out of wack. It's always out of wack, but the fall made it worse than usual. Then I had a car wreck on the 15th. and my sweet car that I really liked a lot was totaled. My brother who lives in Oklahoma came up to save the day, and helped me get a new car. It's a pretty pearl white 2012 Ford Focus. Never in a million years would I have thought I'd have a white car. It's so white, pearly white; (which means it has a luster to it rather than a dull, flat white), that I'm tickled pink!. Then the granddaughter on one of my best friends took her own life. Only 33 years old and had just graduated from nursing school last Spring. My friend is so broken hearted, it just breaks my heart too; I feel so bad for her. Then with all of the stress and turmoil going on, I started having second thoughts about doing this blog, even though I have loved digging for information and writing to you about the things I've seen and read. I questioned if I should be doing this assignment option at all, but with a few words of encouragement from my professor, I'm back on track, at least I think I am.
Well, that's my story, and not having blogged for several day's may have messed up the requirements for the extra credit that I was hoping to get just in case I really bomb the essay. So regardless of what happens at the end of the semester, I want to continue blogging and probably boring you with my findings.
Speaking of findings, I found something that I can't wait to share tonight. It's a poem titled,"The Kansas Emigrants," written by John Greenleaf Whittier. It was turned into a song by singing it to the lyrics of, "Auld Lang Syne." This is so neat, love it when I find music from the 1800's! Give it a try, I did!!
We cross the prairie as of old
The Pilgrims crossed the sea,
To make the West, as they the East,
The homestead of the free!
We go to rear a wall of men
On Freedom's Southern line,
And plant beside the cotton-tree
The rugged Northern Pine!
Upbearing, like the Ark of old,
The Bible in our van,
We go to test the truth of God
Against the fraud of man.
We'll tread the prairie as of old
Our Fathers sailed the sea,
And make the West, as they the East,
The homestead of the free!
This little tune was sang in the days preceding the Civil war, around the time that the Kansas-Nebraska Act was made law. Nebraska was supposed to be a free-state where slavery was not allowed and Kansas was to be a slave state. Someone in the legislature got a bill passed that would allow the settlers to decide if their state would be free or slave; I will go back tomorrow and get the names and dates that I have left out tonight, I get so excited reading, I forget to take notes. Well anyway, It came down to the fact that who ever could populate the state of Kansas with the most people would win in the election that was to be held. Well...the folks from Missouri felt that because they planned on moving into Kansas, and because they were so close to the Missouri-Kansas line, that they could cross over and vote. So the first election in Kansas was held in 1855, but the number of actual settlers living in Kansas and the number of ballots cast was vastly different, the election was considered a fraud and the name "Bogus Legislature," was coined.
The first big influx of settlers into Kansas wasn't so much because of the rich farm land, as it was political.
I read some about John Brown; of course I'd heard about him, but I needed to have my memory refreshed a bit. He was more than a little overboard in his anti-slavery stance. I can understand why they called it "Bleeding Kansas," it was hemorrhaging with the blood of pioneers. I read a piece that said the Civil War actually started in Kansas. I will go back and get the name of the town that was mentioned, I've never heard of it and the article said than not many have heard of it. What an awful time in our state and in our country. Well guess that's a wrap for tonight, I'm glad to be back.
Cheri
PS: I was reading this information on the Kansas Library web sight under the heading of Kansas History, Territory.
It's been a while since I've posted on my blog. So much happened in February; first I fell and hit the right side of my face on a very hard floor and was bruised, swelled up and had my back all out of wack. It's always out of wack, but the fall made it worse than usual. Then I had a car wreck on the 15th. and my sweet car that I really liked a lot was totaled. My brother who lives in Oklahoma came up to save the day, and helped me get a new car. It's a pretty pearl white 2012 Ford Focus. Never in a million years would I have thought I'd have a white car. It's so white, pearly white; (which means it has a luster to it rather than a dull, flat white), that I'm tickled pink!. Then the granddaughter on one of my best friends took her own life. Only 33 years old and had just graduated from nursing school last Spring. My friend is so broken hearted, it just breaks my heart too; I feel so bad for her. Then with all of the stress and turmoil going on, I started having second thoughts about doing this blog, even though I have loved digging for information and writing to you about the things I've seen and read. I questioned if I should be doing this assignment option at all, but with a few words of encouragement from my professor, I'm back on track, at least I think I am.
Well, that's my story, and not having blogged for several day's may have messed up the requirements for the extra credit that I was hoping to get just in case I really bomb the essay. So regardless of what happens at the end of the semester, I want to continue blogging and probably boring you with my findings.
Speaking of findings, I found something that I can't wait to share tonight. It's a poem titled,"The Kansas Emigrants," written by John Greenleaf Whittier. It was turned into a song by singing it to the lyrics of, "Auld Lang Syne." This is so neat, love it when I find music from the 1800's! Give it a try, I did!!
We cross the prairie as of old
The Pilgrims crossed the sea,
To make the West, as they the East,
The homestead of the free!
We go to rear a wall of men
On Freedom's Southern line,
And plant beside the cotton-tree
The rugged Northern Pine!
Upbearing, like the Ark of old,
The Bible in our van,
We go to test the truth of God
Against the fraud of man.
We'll tread the prairie as of old
Our Fathers sailed the sea,
And make the West, as they the East,
The homestead of the free!
This little tune was sang in the days preceding the Civil war, around the time that the Kansas-Nebraska Act was made law. Nebraska was supposed to be a free-state where slavery was not allowed and Kansas was to be a slave state. Someone in the legislature got a bill passed that would allow the settlers to decide if their state would be free or slave; I will go back tomorrow and get the names and dates that I have left out tonight, I get so excited reading, I forget to take notes. Well anyway, It came down to the fact that who ever could populate the state of Kansas with the most people would win in the election that was to be held. Well...the folks from Missouri felt that because they planned on moving into Kansas, and because they were so close to the Missouri-Kansas line, that they could cross over and vote. So the first election in Kansas was held in 1855, but the number of actual settlers living in Kansas and the number of ballots cast was vastly different, the election was considered a fraud and the name "Bogus Legislature," was coined.
The first big influx of settlers into Kansas wasn't so much because of the rich farm land, as it was political.
I read some about John Brown; of course I'd heard about him, but I needed to have my memory refreshed a bit. He was more than a little overboard in his anti-slavery stance. I can understand why they called it "Bleeding Kansas," it was hemorrhaging with the blood of pioneers. I read a piece that said the Civil War actually started in Kansas. I will go back and get the name of the town that was mentioned, I've never heard of it and the article said than not many have heard of it. What an awful time in our state and in our country. Well guess that's a wrap for tonight, I'm glad to be back.
Cheri
PS: I was reading this information on the Kansas Library web sight under the heading of Kansas History, Territory.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Hi there; Blogger Friends,
It's a cold and windy night on the plains of Kansas, and I complain with a warm house and everything a body needs for comfort. It's hard for us to imagine what the pioneers went through when they first came here and tried to survive on almost nothing. We are so blessed.
I've been doing a lot of thinking about my research paper lately. I think I need to narrow my quest down to some main issues. I have an idea about what my topics main question should be, roughly speaking, something like," Did the Wichita Indians Really Give Wichita It's Name, Or Was It Simply Named Wichita Because The Wichita Indians Once Lived Here"? Something like that maybe, or what about, " Marker Commemorating The Wichita Indians Is Incorrect." Well whatever the thesis statement turns out to be, I still have a long way to go before I'm anywhere ready to start writing my essay.
One thing that I think I need to change is the scope of my searching. I really like to dig up old stories about the people and places of the old west and the pioneer days. I've been fascinated with that subject since I was in grade school. Having had the opportunity to have lived for weeks at a time on a farm without any modern conveniences such as electricity, running water, indoor and sometimes outdoor facilities, cooking on a coal-oil stove and doing homework by oil lamp light has given me a small taste of the of early life on the open prairie, but I knew I'd be coming back to home; to this home, when the work at the farm was done for a while.
I've been focusing my research on the men who came to Kansas and started trading with the Indians and opening trading posts. Some of the men who had a vision of a town at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers. For a while I think I will begin to look at that marker; the one that is about the Wichita Indians that is in Wichita, somewhere around Riverside Park; I think that's where it is. Guess I just might need to learn some things about it; like when was it erected and who wrote the words that were placed on it. You know, little things like that.
History is a big place to visit, you can get lost in it if you're not careful. But it's always a fun and interesting place to hang-out.
I know this post is somewhat short, but it was either short, or not at all, so I chose short.
Have a pleasant evening,
Cheri
It's a cold and windy night on the plains of Kansas, and I complain with a warm house and everything a body needs for comfort. It's hard for us to imagine what the pioneers went through when they first came here and tried to survive on almost nothing. We are so blessed.
I've been doing a lot of thinking about my research paper lately. I think I need to narrow my quest down to some main issues. I have an idea about what my topics main question should be, roughly speaking, something like," Did the Wichita Indians Really Give Wichita It's Name, Or Was It Simply Named Wichita Because The Wichita Indians Once Lived Here"? Something like that maybe, or what about, " Marker Commemorating The Wichita Indians Is Incorrect." Well whatever the thesis statement turns out to be, I still have a long way to go before I'm anywhere ready to start writing my essay.
One thing that I think I need to change is the scope of my searching. I really like to dig up old stories about the people and places of the old west and the pioneer days. I've been fascinated with that subject since I was in grade school. Having had the opportunity to have lived for weeks at a time on a farm without any modern conveniences such as electricity, running water, indoor and sometimes outdoor facilities, cooking on a coal-oil stove and doing homework by oil lamp light has given me a small taste of the of early life on the open prairie, but I knew I'd be coming back to home; to this home, when the work at the farm was done for a while.
I've been focusing my research on the men who came to Kansas and started trading with the Indians and opening trading posts. Some of the men who had a vision of a town at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers. For a while I think I will begin to look at that marker; the one that is about the Wichita Indians that is in Wichita, somewhere around Riverside Park; I think that's where it is. Guess I just might need to learn some things about it; like when was it erected and who wrote the words that were placed on it. You know, little things like that.
History is a big place to visit, you can get lost in it if you're not careful. But it's always a fun and interesting place to hang-out.
I know this post is somewhat short, but it was either short, or not at all, so I chose short.
Have a pleasant evening,
Cheri
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Good Evening Fellow Bloggers Everywhere'
Today is the 22 day of February, 2014. Today has been a long day and if you have been car shopping before you totally understand. I got a beautiful 2012 Ford Focus, pearl white and I love it. I will certainly try to take very good care of it and drive it with my full attention on my driving.
For my blog tonight I want to share a few facts about William Greiffenstein. I'm so glad that's not my name!
He's an interesting person and one of the founding fathers of Wichita, Ks.
Mr. Greiffenstein was born in Germany in 1829 where he lived with his family who were prominent members of the Lutheran Church, and very well educated and refined. He lived with his family in the suburbs of Frankfort-on-the-Main. When William was 14 years of age, he was sent to a Darmstadt College for three years, where he received his education. After school, he worked in a commission house, but when the Revolution broke out in Germany, William moved to the Western World, he was only 19 years old at the time. He located in Hermann, Mo. and worked as a clerk for a while until he moved to St. Louis, Mo. and worked in a store as a clerk. William wasn't content working for other men and wanted very much to open his own store. In 1850 he left Missouri for the Shawnee Reservation, close to Lawrence Ks.. Here he partnered with a "halfbreed" and opened a mercantile and traded with the Indians.
To transport his wares around the country, he had to use pack animals, because there were no roads to use.
After a while he left his trading business and went to New Mexico and on the way back, bought some land near Topeka, Ks.. Col. Levenworth had heard about some white children that were being held by the Indians. Mr. Greiffenstein was able to get them released and returned them to their families. On another occasion there was word of a white women and her child who were being held captive by Indians and again Mr. Greiffenstein went to rescue them from the Cheyenne. During the battle with General Custer on the Washita river, the women and her child were killed by an Indian women as revenge for a her family member that was killed. So Mr. Greiffenstein went back to his home.
At one point Mr. G. went to Texas to buy breaking plows, twenty of them, so he could break-up the ground at the Kiowa reservation. He was on his way home when he happened to camp for the night at White Beat Hill. General Sheridan was also camping there and the General has been told some bad things about Mr. Greiffenstein and a ruckus broke out between General Sheridan and Mr. Greiffenstein. General Sheridan ordered Greiffenstein out of the country. Mr Greiffenstein went to Washington to try to get some help, but none was forthcoming. A few years later General Sheridan found out that the things he'd been told about Mr. Greiffenstein were untrue and he made amends with Mr. Greiffenstein and they became good friends.
In 1869, William moved back to Topeka where he had done a trading business, and married Miss Catherine Burnett. The were blessed with three children.
In 1870 the first land that was platted in the Wichita area by Mr. Greiffenstein. It was eighty acres of land and some of the plats he gave to people who would improve them. Mr. G. had a large ranch with a lot of horses, cattle and pigs. This ranch was near or perhaps on the Pottawatomie Reservation. He acquired 680 acres of land in what is now Wichita, and build a huge, beautiful house on part of the land.
It is reported that "the costing with improvements cost a cool $75,000." Mr. G. was a stockholder in the street railway, (I wonder if that was Wichita's trolley system) and a watch factory. He also did a lot of
work on Douglas street.
Mr. Greiffenstein was the mayor of Wichita for eight years and in 1877-1878 he represented his district in the State Legislature. That's a wrap for tonight's news, my friends,
Until next we meet,
Cheri
The KSGenWeb Project and Home Page for the Kansas State Library.
Today is the 22 day of February, 2014. Today has been a long day and if you have been car shopping before you totally understand. I got a beautiful 2012 Ford Focus, pearl white and I love it. I will certainly try to take very good care of it and drive it with my full attention on my driving.
For my blog tonight I want to share a few facts about William Greiffenstein. I'm so glad that's not my name!
He's an interesting person and one of the founding fathers of Wichita, Ks.
Mr. Greiffenstein was born in Germany in 1829 where he lived with his family who were prominent members of the Lutheran Church, and very well educated and refined. He lived with his family in the suburbs of Frankfort-on-the-Main. When William was 14 years of age, he was sent to a Darmstadt College for three years, where he received his education. After school, he worked in a commission house, but when the Revolution broke out in Germany, William moved to the Western World, he was only 19 years old at the time. He located in Hermann, Mo. and worked as a clerk for a while until he moved to St. Louis, Mo. and worked in a store as a clerk. William wasn't content working for other men and wanted very much to open his own store. In 1850 he left Missouri for the Shawnee Reservation, close to Lawrence Ks.. Here he partnered with a "halfbreed" and opened a mercantile and traded with the Indians.
To transport his wares around the country, he had to use pack animals, because there were no roads to use.
After a while he left his trading business and went to New Mexico and on the way back, bought some land near Topeka, Ks.. Col. Levenworth had heard about some white children that were being held by the Indians. Mr. Greiffenstein was able to get them released and returned them to their families. On another occasion there was word of a white women and her child who were being held captive by Indians and again Mr. Greiffenstein went to rescue them from the Cheyenne. During the battle with General Custer on the Washita river, the women and her child were killed by an Indian women as revenge for a her family member that was killed. So Mr. Greiffenstein went back to his home.
At one point Mr. G. went to Texas to buy breaking plows, twenty of them, so he could break-up the ground at the Kiowa reservation. He was on his way home when he happened to camp for the night at White Beat Hill. General Sheridan was also camping there and the General has been told some bad things about Mr. Greiffenstein and a ruckus broke out between General Sheridan and Mr. Greiffenstein. General Sheridan ordered Greiffenstein out of the country. Mr Greiffenstein went to Washington to try to get some help, but none was forthcoming. A few years later General Sheridan found out that the things he'd been told about Mr. Greiffenstein were untrue and he made amends with Mr. Greiffenstein and they became good friends.
In 1869, William moved back to Topeka where he had done a trading business, and married Miss Catherine Burnett. The were blessed with three children.
In 1870 the first land that was platted in the Wichita area by Mr. Greiffenstein. It was eighty acres of land and some of the plats he gave to people who would improve them. Mr. G. had a large ranch with a lot of horses, cattle and pigs. This ranch was near or perhaps on the Pottawatomie Reservation. He acquired 680 acres of land in what is now Wichita, and build a huge, beautiful house on part of the land.
It is reported that "the costing with improvements cost a cool $75,000." Mr. G. was a stockholder in the street railway, (I wonder if that was Wichita's trolley system) and a watch factory. He also did a lot of
work on Douglas street.
Mr. Greiffenstein was the mayor of Wichita for eight years and in 1877-1878 he represented his district in the State Legislature. That's a wrap for tonight's news, my friends,
Until next we meet,
Cheri
The KSGenWeb Project and Home Page for the Kansas State Library.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Hi there,
Today is February 19, 2014. It's been an adventure maneuvering through the hoops after being in a car accident. No fun my friends, but at least I'm only hurt a little and will mend with time. I got some news last night about a dear friend of mine who's 34 year old granddaughter killed herself. She just graduated from nursing school last Spring. I'm heart sick for my friend and her family. Makes my problems come into perspective and I'm so blessed to only have a car wreck to deal with.
On with my blog for today, and there's not much time to get-er-done before leaving for English class.
I reread Prof. Buua's syllabus again; I've read it several times before, but it never hurts to read it again from time to time. I had printed off the explanation for the writing option that I've chosen and reread it as well.
Then I had an epiphany, It became clear to me what I'm supposed to do with all the information that I've been gathering. I found the argument, the rhetoric, the ethos, logos and pathos. What a relief, before I was asking myself how was I to turn the research work into what the actual assignment is.
After this epiphany, I looked on-line of course, for the plaque commemorating the Wichita Indians that is in Riverside park. Also looked at some of the other historical markers in Wichita. I'm liking this assignment more and more, as I plan and do detective work about the Wichita Indians and the founding fathers of Wichita.
I don't know yet who made the plaque in Riverside park, but I think I can do better, making it a more historically accurate plaque.
I'm actually excited about the prospect. I still have much research to do and several people to learn about. What fun; I'm so blessed. I know that this blog is a bit short today, but I wanted to get in my third one for this week and with my accident and all, it's been hard to find the time to write three times this week.
Look for some more reports as I dig deeper into Wichita's very interesting past.
Cheri
Today is February 19, 2014. It's been an adventure maneuvering through the hoops after being in a car accident. No fun my friends, but at least I'm only hurt a little and will mend with time. I got some news last night about a dear friend of mine who's 34 year old granddaughter killed herself. She just graduated from nursing school last Spring. I'm heart sick for my friend and her family. Makes my problems come into perspective and I'm so blessed to only have a car wreck to deal with.
On with my blog for today, and there's not much time to get-er-done before leaving for English class.
I reread Prof. Buua's syllabus again; I've read it several times before, but it never hurts to read it again from time to time. I had printed off the explanation for the writing option that I've chosen and reread it as well.
Then I had an epiphany, It became clear to me what I'm supposed to do with all the information that I've been gathering. I found the argument, the rhetoric, the ethos, logos and pathos. What a relief, before I was asking myself how was I to turn the research work into what the actual assignment is.
After this epiphany, I looked on-line of course, for the plaque commemorating the Wichita Indians that is in Riverside park. Also looked at some of the other historical markers in Wichita. I'm liking this assignment more and more, as I plan and do detective work about the Wichita Indians and the founding fathers of Wichita.
I don't know yet who made the plaque in Riverside park, but I think I can do better, making it a more historically accurate plaque.
I'm actually excited about the prospect. I still have much research to do and several people to learn about. What fun; I'm so blessed. I know that this blog is a bit short today, but I wanted to get in my third one for this week and with my accident and all, it's been hard to find the time to write three times this week.
Look for some more reports as I dig deeper into Wichita's very interesting past.
Cheri
Monday, February 17, 2014
Good Evening Blogger Friends,
There are two more letters that James R. Mead wrote that were in trusted to the Kansas Historical Society, they are the subject of tonight's blog. This is the third of four letters that I found at Kansas Memory, a branch of the Kansas Historical Society. It's a wonderful web site if you like history; there's so much to tantalize your imagination. OOP'S, got side tracked there, so back to the letters. This one is titled First Trading Post In Kansas, and is dated December 25, 1859, as were the first two letters. It is signed "Your son, James R. Mead", so it must have been written to his parents, one would think. He begins by telling his readers that he is prepared to spend the winter on the prairie and that that probably doesn't set to well with the folks, but never-the-less, that's the plan. He says that he has plenty of food and grocery's on hand and thinks "it will be a pleasant and profitable time." He plans on trading with the Indians and assures his family that he is in a safe location, away from "the wild Indians." There was a Kaw tribe camped not far away and he says that "they are friendly and fond of trading". He has two companions and a hired man. The companions whom he doesn't name are fellow hunters, while the hired man is the one in charge of processing the buffalo.
In the second paragraph Mr. Mead is commenting on what they get from the buffalo beyond their hides. He says, and I quote, " I have on hand about 100 tongues which are worth $1 apiece in market. We also have a barrel of tallow and next summer can get it by the thousand weight. It is worth .10 each or .121/2 per pound. It makes beautiful candles."
Going on, Mr. Mead talks about times being hard in Kansas because much of the money was being spent buying land. He says that new comers tell that it's harder in the States than in Kansas. A man by the name of Col. Titus has become a friend of Mr. Mead and is a very influential man in town. The Col. opens his home to Mr. Mead whenever he is in town and Mr. Mead is pleased with this friendship.
In the fourth paragraph he speaks to his father, I believe, do to the tone of the words. It has something to do with Mr. Mead Sr. having some trouble and anxiety over something that we as readers have no point of reference. His advice to his dad is to banish the past from his mind and be happy and content. Mr. Mead Jr. says that he is happy and doesn't envy those who have more than he.
In the fifth and last paragraph of this letter, his dad asks the sons advise about an old mare that I suppose the old man is somewhat fond of for it's having been around for so long. It's time to let the old girl go and the son says to his dad, in all caps; "BY ALL MEANS SHOOT HER! She is an eye sore and disgrace to any man." His finial words of wisdom on the subject is; "A man is always judged by the stock he keeps." Isn't there something like that concerning the company one keeps too? Http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/90618.
The last letter is of a different flavor and is titled; " RAMBLES OF DIS-UNION ADVICE TO FATHER RELIEF, and dated February 14, 1861 from Saline Ranch. It begin with this phrase;" Disunion news is terrible indeed." Mr. Mead is concerned about the influence this news will cause on his business come winter. He says that the price he get for furs has gone down, but he still had plenty to eat.
This part is interesting and I will quote it so you can hear every word. "The awful facts you hear of suffering in Kansas are half of them bare-faced lies. Tell the folks to take care of your own poor and let us alone. The Territory would be vastly better off today if not one dollar of relief had been sent to us." I don't quite understand what he's so upset about. If any of you bloggers know, by all means enlighten me. He also, in the same paragraph tells his dad to keep out of the way of his enemies and avoid publicity. To live within his means and forget about the past. That remark about the past surfaces again here. This letter is more like a note, as it only takes up a half sheet of paper. Another short note is printed at the bottom of this page titled; "War: Fire: Decision to Marry. Written from Leavenworth, Ks. on May 1, 1861. This portion has to do with the effect of war on the economy in Kansas, which was having a rough time in the early days of 1861.
He says that the river towns are doing a good business outfitting people going to Pikes Peak, but other than that, there wasn't much going on there.
He tells about a big fire that was in the town the night before he wrote this note. The losses from the fire were $70,000, but insured. He didn't say what burned or how the fire started, just that there had been a fire. He also mentions that the people were getting ready for the possibility of war should it come that way. He says, "I hope Old Abe gives them fits before long!" This guy, Mr. Mead, sure had a way with words. Here's what he has to say about the women he's planning on marrying. "I am going to get married this Fall to a poor girl and not very good looking but she likes me and I like her and I guess we could make a living." He says he could have anyone he wanted, but he didn't care that much about looks. Poor girl indeed!
These letters are copies of the type written ones by Mr. Mead and were donated to the Kansas State Historical Society by Mr. Mead's family in 1940 when the originals were still owned by the family. The originals are now held by Wichita State University. (Item Number:90618; Call Number: James Mead Coll. #438; Box 1 Volume 1;
KSHS Identifier: DaRT ID: 90618.)
That's a wrap for tonight, sweet dreams,
Cheri
There are two more letters that James R. Mead wrote that were in trusted to the Kansas Historical Society, they are the subject of tonight's blog. This is the third of four letters that I found at Kansas Memory, a branch of the Kansas Historical Society. It's a wonderful web site if you like history; there's so much to tantalize your imagination. OOP'S, got side tracked there, so back to the letters. This one is titled First Trading Post In Kansas, and is dated December 25, 1859, as were the first two letters. It is signed "Your son, James R. Mead", so it must have been written to his parents, one would think. He begins by telling his readers that he is prepared to spend the winter on the prairie and that that probably doesn't set to well with the folks, but never-the-less, that's the plan. He says that he has plenty of food and grocery's on hand and thinks "it will be a pleasant and profitable time." He plans on trading with the Indians and assures his family that he is in a safe location, away from "the wild Indians." There was a Kaw tribe camped not far away and he says that "they are friendly and fond of trading". He has two companions and a hired man. The companions whom he doesn't name are fellow hunters, while the hired man is the one in charge of processing the buffalo.
In the second paragraph Mr. Mead is commenting on what they get from the buffalo beyond their hides. He says, and I quote, " I have on hand about 100 tongues which are worth $1 apiece in market. We also have a barrel of tallow and next summer can get it by the thousand weight. It is worth .10 each or .121/2 per pound. It makes beautiful candles."
Going on, Mr. Mead talks about times being hard in Kansas because much of the money was being spent buying land. He says that new comers tell that it's harder in the States than in Kansas. A man by the name of Col. Titus has become a friend of Mr. Mead and is a very influential man in town. The Col. opens his home to Mr. Mead whenever he is in town and Mr. Mead is pleased with this friendship.
In the fourth paragraph he speaks to his father, I believe, do to the tone of the words. It has something to do with Mr. Mead Sr. having some trouble and anxiety over something that we as readers have no point of reference. His advice to his dad is to banish the past from his mind and be happy and content. Mr. Mead Jr. says that he is happy and doesn't envy those who have more than he.
In the fifth and last paragraph of this letter, his dad asks the sons advise about an old mare that I suppose the old man is somewhat fond of for it's having been around for so long. It's time to let the old girl go and the son says to his dad, in all caps; "BY ALL MEANS SHOOT HER! She is an eye sore and disgrace to any man." His finial words of wisdom on the subject is; "A man is always judged by the stock he keeps." Isn't there something like that concerning the company one keeps too? Http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/90618.
The last letter is of a different flavor and is titled; " RAMBLES OF DIS-UNION ADVICE TO FATHER RELIEF, and dated February 14, 1861 from Saline Ranch. It begin with this phrase;" Disunion news is terrible indeed." Mr. Mead is concerned about the influence this news will cause on his business come winter. He says that the price he get for furs has gone down, but he still had plenty to eat.
This part is interesting and I will quote it so you can hear every word. "The awful facts you hear of suffering in Kansas are half of them bare-faced lies. Tell the folks to take care of your own poor and let us alone. The Territory would be vastly better off today if not one dollar of relief had been sent to us." I don't quite understand what he's so upset about. If any of you bloggers know, by all means enlighten me. He also, in the same paragraph tells his dad to keep out of the way of his enemies and avoid publicity. To live within his means and forget about the past. That remark about the past surfaces again here. This letter is more like a note, as it only takes up a half sheet of paper. Another short note is printed at the bottom of this page titled; "War: Fire: Decision to Marry. Written from Leavenworth, Ks. on May 1, 1861. This portion has to do with the effect of war on the economy in Kansas, which was having a rough time in the early days of 1861.
He says that the river towns are doing a good business outfitting people going to Pikes Peak, but other than that, there wasn't much going on there.
He tells about a big fire that was in the town the night before he wrote this note. The losses from the fire were $70,000, but insured. He didn't say what burned or how the fire started, just that there had been a fire. He also mentions that the people were getting ready for the possibility of war should it come that way. He says, "I hope Old Abe gives them fits before long!" This guy, Mr. Mead, sure had a way with words. Here's what he has to say about the women he's planning on marrying. "I am going to get married this Fall to a poor girl and not very good looking but she likes me and I like her and I guess we could make a living." He says he could have anyone he wanted, but he didn't care that much about looks. Poor girl indeed!
These letters are copies of the type written ones by Mr. Mead and were donated to the Kansas State Historical Society by Mr. Mead's family in 1940 when the originals were still owned by the family. The originals are now held by Wichita State University. (Item Number:90618; Call Number: James Mead Coll. #438; Box 1 Volume 1;
KSHS Identifier: DaRT ID: 90618.)
That's a wrap for tonight, sweet dreams,
Cheri
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Good Sunday Evening Dear Bloggers,
This has been a very unusual weekend for me. One of frustration and upset, to say the least. Yesterday around eleven A.M. I had my first and hopefully last auto accident. My car's front end is in pieces and I don't know yet if it's a total loss or not. I fared better than the car, with a few bruises and a hurting neck and back. I don't want to get into the details of the accident, but the fact that I'm somewhat preoccupied with all the implication of being in an accident may keep this post from being my usual bubbly best.
This evening it is my goal to tell you some of the information that is in the personal letters that James R. Mead written to his father, mother and sister. I love to read other peoples mail, but only when it's over a hundred years old! The first letter of Mr. Mead was written at Burlingame,(Berlingame Ks. is a city in Osage Co. Ks., and is part of present day Topeka, according to Wikipedia). dated Nov.7, 1859. The letter is headed, Dear Father and Folks at home:. In this narrative he says and I quote, "I have been very successful as a hunter, having beaten the rest of the company so bad that they actually got mad at me." He goes on to say that he shot 30 buffalo. In the third paragraph of this letter he tries to describe what a buffalo looked like. He said that they looked much different than what he had imagined. He describes his method of stocking buffalo when out on a hunt. He would hid in the tall grasses and shot them as they came by. He said that the sound of the guns didn't seem to scare or startle the other buffalo which made shooting them easy. Some of the other hunters like to use horses and ride into the herd, but no so for Mr. Mead. He bragged to his family that he could usually kill a buffalo with a single shot. (paragraph 3).
In this letter he has some; not so nice things, to say about the Indians. Mr. Mead says, " You never saw the hide of a full sized buffalo; the Indians are too lazy to tan them. They only save the cows and calves". He later changes his mind about the character of the Native American Indians.(paragraph 3). He speaking about the prairie dogs, telling his family of a village of approximately 300 praire dogs that live close to their camp. He says that the prairie dogs eat the green grass and are as fat as butter, and are pretty good eating. This ends this letter to his family back home in Iowa. (http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/90617 - Copyright 2007-2014- Kansas Historical Society).
The next letter was written to his sister. the date is Dec. 25, 1859, Christmas Eve, Somewhere in the West.
He begin with, "My Dear Sister;. In the first paragraph, he tells his sister; whom he doesn't mention by name, how to locate his location on a map. Quoting his words," Look west of Ft. Riley and you will see the Saline River. Then with the scale of miles, measure off 20 on the north side of the river and you have our place exactly." (paragraph 1.) He tells her about shooting four turkeys, he calls them gobblers and weighed them at 14 pounds each. He talks about some of the other wildlife like rabbits and prairie chickens and squirrels.
He also lists for her the general grocery's he has on hand; flour, meal, tea, coffee, sugar, molasses. (second paragraph). In the third paragraph, he give his reason for being on the Kansas prairie. He says, and I quote; "I hope to make a reasonably sized pile before I return to civilized life. There is a better show for it here than anywhere in the settlements as far as my acquaintance extends. We trade considerably with the Kaw Indians who hunt here in the winters. I could have traded $1000 with them this winter if I had been prepared for it. As it is, we have already got $200 worth of furs from them and may get a good many more before Spring."
He talks about having a lot of buffalo robes that he said," I got a number of them for a peck of corn meal, each." He tells his sister about four copperheads that came down in the summers. At first I thought he was talking about the copperhead snakes, but that didn't make much sense. They were four Indian's who were very fierce, and the hunters were afraid of them, so they built a bullet-proof "shack" to go into so the Copperhead Indians couldn't get to them. They were planning on giving them a "warm reception, should they trouble us."( Paragraph 3).
In paragraph 4, Mr. Mead talks about the Kaw Indians calling them" lazy, lousy, lying set of thieving rascals, without a grain of manliness about them." As I said before, he changes his mind later on and a notation on this page says that Mr. Mead had only been on the prairie one month when he wrote this letter to his sister.
In the last paragraph, he speaks of the Copperhead Indians again saying that he'd had several good offers from them, but declined. I'm assuming he's referring to trading, since that was what he did. No further mention was made of the four unfriendly Copperhead Indians. He tells his sister that his partner had gone into Burlingame to buy a pound of strychine that had been sent to Mr. Mead and he was also picking up a load of meal. He tells his sister how much he would like to be with the family for the holidays and then tells her about the warm weather they were having in Kansas. It was very dry as they hadn't had rain in six months, but that wasn't a problem for Mr. Mead who didn't want mud, as opposed to anyone who might be trying to farm. He closes his letter with the words," I must close my Christmas Eve letter and bid you goodnite and pleasant dreams and excuse my rambling style as I write just as thots happen to come into my mind. Your affectionate Brother, James." Mr. Mead and I have the same sort of writing style!
(http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/90619/page/2, copyright 2007-2014-Kansas Historical Society.
There a a couple more letters to tell you about, but I believe I will save them for tomorrow night.
As I'm righting this blog, I keep wondering how I will pull all of the information that I'm gathering into an essay. An essay that has the components that are required for the intended criteria. Any "thots" on this would be appreciated. Well fellow bloggers, have a good night and sweet dreams.
Until next time,
Cheri
This has been a very unusual weekend for me. One of frustration and upset, to say the least. Yesterday around eleven A.M. I had my first and hopefully last auto accident. My car's front end is in pieces and I don't know yet if it's a total loss or not. I fared better than the car, with a few bruises and a hurting neck and back. I don't want to get into the details of the accident, but the fact that I'm somewhat preoccupied with all the implication of being in an accident may keep this post from being my usual bubbly best.
This evening it is my goal to tell you some of the information that is in the personal letters that James R. Mead written to his father, mother and sister. I love to read other peoples mail, but only when it's over a hundred years old! The first letter of Mr. Mead was written at Burlingame,(Berlingame Ks. is a city in Osage Co. Ks., and is part of present day Topeka, according to Wikipedia). dated Nov.7, 1859. The letter is headed, Dear Father and Folks at home:. In this narrative he says and I quote, "I have been very successful as a hunter, having beaten the rest of the company so bad that they actually got mad at me." He goes on to say that he shot 30 buffalo. In the third paragraph of this letter he tries to describe what a buffalo looked like. He said that they looked much different than what he had imagined. He describes his method of stocking buffalo when out on a hunt. He would hid in the tall grasses and shot them as they came by. He said that the sound of the guns didn't seem to scare or startle the other buffalo which made shooting them easy. Some of the other hunters like to use horses and ride into the herd, but no so for Mr. Mead. He bragged to his family that he could usually kill a buffalo with a single shot. (paragraph 3).
In this letter he has some; not so nice things, to say about the Indians. Mr. Mead says, " You never saw the hide of a full sized buffalo; the Indians are too lazy to tan them. They only save the cows and calves". He later changes his mind about the character of the Native American Indians.(paragraph 3). He speaking about the prairie dogs, telling his family of a village of approximately 300 praire dogs that live close to their camp. He says that the prairie dogs eat the green grass and are as fat as butter, and are pretty good eating. This ends this letter to his family back home in Iowa. (http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/90617 - Copyright 2007-2014- Kansas Historical Society).
The next letter was written to his sister. the date is Dec. 25, 1859, Christmas Eve, Somewhere in the West.
He begin with, "My Dear Sister;. In the first paragraph, he tells his sister; whom he doesn't mention by name, how to locate his location on a map. Quoting his words," Look west of Ft. Riley and you will see the Saline River. Then with the scale of miles, measure off 20 on the north side of the river and you have our place exactly." (paragraph 1.) He tells her about shooting four turkeys, he calls them gobblers and weighed them at 14 pounds each. He talks about some of the other wildlife like rabbits and prairie chickens and squirrels.
He also lists for her the general grocery's he has on hand; flour, meal, tea, coffee, sugar, molasses. (second paragraph). In the third paragraph, he give his reason for being on the Kansas prairie. He says, and I quote; "I hope to make a reasonably sized pile before I return to civilized life. There is a better show for it here than anywhere in the settlements as far as my acquaintance extends. We trade considerably with the Kaw Indians who hunt here in the winters. I could have traded $1000 with them this winter if I had been prepared for it. As it is, we have already got $200 worth of furs from them and may get a good many more before Spring."
He talks about having a lot of buffalo robes that he said," I got a number of them for a peck of corn meal, each." He tells his sister about four copperheads that came down in the summers. At first I thought he was talking about the copperhead snakes, but that didn't make much sense. They were four Indian's who were very fierce, and the hunters were afraid of them, so they built a bullet-proof "shack" to go into so the Copperhead Indians couldn't get to them. They were planning on giving them a "warm reception, should they trouble us."( Paragraph 3).
In paragraph 4, Mr. Mead talks about the Kaw Indians calling them" lazy, lousy, lying set of thieving rascals, without a grain of manliness about them." As I said before, he changes his mind later on and a notation on this page says that Mr. Mead had only been on the prairie one month when he wrote this letter to his sister.
In the last paragraph, he speaks of the Copperhead Indians again saying that he'd had several good offers from them, but declined. I'm assuming he's referring to trading, since that was what he did. No further mention was made of the four unfriendly Copperhead Indians. He tells his sister that his partner had gone into Burlingame to buy a pound of strychine that had been sent to Mr. Mead and he was also picking up a load of meal. He tells his sister how much he would like to be with the family for the holidays and then tells her about the warm weather they were having in Kansas. It was very dry as they hadn't had rain in six months, but that wasn't a problem for Mr. Mead who didn't want mud, as opposed to anyone who might be trying to farm. He closes his letter with the words," I must close my Christmas Eve letter and bid you goodnite and pleasant dreams and excuse my rambling style as I write just as thots happen to come into my mind. Your affectionate Brother, James." Mr. Mead and I have the same sort of writing style!
(http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/90619/page/2, copyright 2007-2014-Kansas Historical Society.
There a a couple more letters to tell you about, but I believe I will save them for tomorrow night.
As I'm righting this blog, I keep wondering how I will pull all of the information that I'm gathering into an essay. An essay that has the components that are required for the intended criteria. Any "thots" on this would be appreciated. Well fellow bloggers, have a good night and sweet dreams.
Until next time,
Cheri
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Good Evening Blogging Friends,
It's the 11th. of February and time for another entry in my blog. As I told you in the last blog, I'm going to write a few of my impressions of James Richard Mead. After reading some of his personal letters that he wrote to his dad, mom, and sister from 1859 - 1861; which have been in trusted to the Kansas Historical Society and found on the Kansas Memory web site,(http://www.kansasmemory.org), I have both good and not so good feelings for the man. My first impression was that he was an egotistic, self absorbed man. He seems to be bragging to his dad about killing buffalo's. He had always liked to hunt, so I suppose he was good at it alright. He told his dad about killing 30 buffalo one day, but being an animal lover and thinking it sad that the buffalo was hunted almost to extinction, largely for their hides was a crime and a shame. He did cure the meat though and that's honorable of him.
James Mead was a very busy man and was a man of passion. He quickly had a vision for the frontier and the Southern Plains of Kansas. After he came to Kansas and saw the buffalo, the Indians, other settlers and later on the Union soldiers he quickly knew that they would need places to buy supplies.
He set up several trading posts around the area, and traded with the Indians. One near todays Salina, Towanda, Wichita, and maybe another one of two that I can't think of right now. He was a sheriff, a businessman, hunter and trader, and adventurer, and finally a husband. It was interesting how he told his dad about the woman he was going to marry. He said," she isn't pretty, but she likes me and I like her, so we should be able to work together to build a life." His first two wives died and shortly after the second wife died, their infant son died too. James Mead was grief stricken for quite a while, but eventually married a third wife and he also out lived her. I will give more detail on all of these things soon. I know that all of tonight's blog is short and vague, but I can hardly keep my eyes open tonight, so please forgive me for making this a less than my usual long winded blog.
Thank you for popping in and have a very good night.
Cheri
It's the 11th. of February and time for another entry in my blog. As I told you in the last blog, I'm going to write a few of my impressions of James Richard Mead. After reading some of his personal letters that he wrote to his dad, mom, and sister from 1859 - 1861; which have been in trusted to the Kansas Historical Society and found on the Kansas Memory web site,(http://www.kansasmemory.org), I have both good and not so good feelings for the man. My first impression was that he was an egotistic, self absorbed man. He seems to be bragging to his dad about killing buffalo's. He had always liked to hunt, so I suppose he was good at it alright. He told his dad about killing 30 buffalo one day, but being an animal lover and thinking it sad that the buffalo was hunted almost to extinction, largely for their hides was a crime and a shame. He did cure the meat though and that's honorable of him.
James Mead was a very busy man and was a man of passion. He quickly had a vision for the frontier and the Southern Plains of Kansas. After he came to Kansas and saw the buffalo, the Indians, other settlers and later on the Union soldiers he quickly knew that they would need places to buy supplies.
He set up several trading posts around the area, and traded with the Indians. One near todays Salina, Towanda, Wichita, and maybe another one of two that I can't think of right now. He was a sheriff, a businessman, hunter and trader, and adventurer, and finally a husband. It was interesting how he told his dad about the woman he was going to marry. He said," she isn't pretty, but she likes me and I like her, so we should be able to work together to build a life." His first two wives died and shortly after the second wife died, their infant son died too. James Mead was grief stricken for quite a while, but eventually married a third wife and he also out lived her. I will give more detail on all of these things soon. I know that all of tonight's blog is short and vague, but I can hardly keep my eyes open tonight, so please forgive me for making this a less than my usual long winded blog.
Thank you for popping in and have a very good night.
Cheri
Friday, February 7, 2014
Good Afternoon, Fellow bloggers,
Today is February 7, 2014 and another cold and cloudy day to be sure. A couple of days ago while out driving through Derby; to my surprise and delight, I saw two different yards that had eight or nine robins hoping around, looking for bugs or more likely seeds. When I was a kid and saw my first robin of the new year, I would be so happy because I was sure that it would soon be spring. I've been told by some bird watching friends, that robins don't leave Kansas in the winter, they just hang out in the woods and then come out of hiding in February or March. Spring is still on the way, and I will be so glad when it arrives.
Well, that's my "robin (rabbit) trail" for today. Last night I spent some time reading material that the man who is in charge of the history education department at our Wichita's CowTown Museum gave me . He was very nice and I enjoyed my visit with him. I wish I had written his name down, but I didn't. I will have to call the museum and ask his name. Anyway, he printed off for me several, very good writings about early Wichita. Two are essays that W.S.U. students wrote. One is titled: Indians In Wichita, by David A. Cox. The other one is titled: Wichita Indians, by Elie Tabarani. Both essays were assignments they had to do for a English 102 class. Much of the information in their reports is the same as what I have already discovered, with a few minor differences. One item that I want to have for my own essay are the names of the affiliated Indian bands. According to David Cox, they were the Wacos, Towacanis and Kechais. Information located in Kansas Historical Collections,(Topeka: Kansas State Historical Society, 1923), Vol. 15, p. 501. Subheading 19 Mead, p.172.
In Elie Tabarani's essay, she relates that several names were suggest for the new settlement. Henry Vigur proposed "Wichita, Sedgwick for General John Sedgwick. Governor Crawford wanted it to be called Hamilton for Alexander Hamilton. This is the funny one; Opu Elei (elk tooth), suggested by a man because it was the name of the loveliest Indian woman he had ever seen. The name Wichita was most likely decided on by its main promoters; Greiffenstain, Munger, and Mead. They are reported to have expressed their reasoning because Wichita was already being called Wichita Town, and it should continue to be called Wichita. According to Elie Tabarani's paper, the Indian pronunciation of Wichita was "Wish-i-ta." That's just a little different from the pronunciation I found in my research which was: "Wee-che-taw.) Taw is Osage for North, and Wiche (Weechee) means scattered Villages. I have several references in my notes, but I will have to retrace my tracks to find just where I got this information. I'm reasonably sure it is from the Kansas Memory's web site of the Kansas Historical Society. I must learn to take more care in writing down my references.
I am forming a sketchy picture of the very busy and industrious Mr. James Mead. That will be in part the substance of my next blog.
Search on, dear bloggers,
Cheri
Today is February 7, 2014 and another cold and cloudy day to be sure. A couple of days ago while out driving through Derby; to my surprise and delight, I saw two different yards that had eight or nine robins hoping around, looking for bugs or more likely seeds. When I was a kid and saw my first robin of the new year, I would be so happy because I was sure that it would soon be spring. I've been told by some bird watching friends, that robins don't leave Kansas in the winter, they just hang out in the woods and then come out of hiding in February or March. Spring is still on the way, and I will be so glad when it arrives.
Well, that's my "robin (rabbit) trail" for today. Last night I spent some time reading material that the man who is in charge of the history education department at our Wichita's CowTown Museum gave me . He was very nice and I enjoyed my visit with him. I wish I had written his name down, but I didn't. I will have to call the museum and ask his name. Anyway, he printed off for me several, very good writings about early Wichita. Two are essays that W.S.U. students wrote. One is titled: Indians In Wichita, by David A. Cox. The other one is titled: Wichita Indians, by Elie Tabarani. Both essays were assignments they had to do for a English 102 class. Much of the information in their reports is the same as what I have already discovered, with a few minor differences. One item that I want to have for my own essay are the names of the affiliated Indian bands. According to David Cox, they were the Wacos, Towacanis and Kechais. Information located in Kansas Historical Collections,(Topeka: Kansas State Historical Society, 1923), Vol. 15, p. 501. Subheading 19 Mead, p.172.
In Elie Tabarani's essay, she relates that several names were suggest for the new settlement. Henry Vigur proposed "Wichita, Sedgwick for General John Sedgwick. Governor Crawford wanted it to be called Hamilton for Alexander Hamilton. This is the funny one; Opu Elei (elk tooth), suggested by a man because it was the name of the loveliest Indian woman he had ever seen. The name Wichita was most likely decided on by its main promoters; Greiffenstain, Munger, and Mead. They are reported to have expressed their reasoning because Wichita was already being called Wichita Town, and it should continue to be called Wichita. According to Elie Tabarani's paper, the Indian pronunciation of Wichita was "Wish-i-ta." That's just a little different from the pronunciation I found in my research which was: "Wee-che-taw.) Taw is Osage for North, and Wiche (Weechee) means scattered Villages. I have several references in my notes, but I will have to retrace my tracks to find just where I got this information. I'm reasonably sure it is from the Kansas Memory's web site of the Kansas Historical Society. I must learn to take more care in writing down my references.
I am forming a sketchy picture of the very busy and industrious Mr. James Mead. That will be in part the substance of my next blog.
Search on, dear bloggers,
Cheri
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Good Winter's Eve to all my blogging friends,
Today is February 4, 2014 and it has snowed all day. It looked so beautiful coming down and the Cardinals and House Finches were having a ball at the flower pots on my porch that serves as feeders. I can stand inside my nice warm house and snap pictures of them as much as I please; it's so fun.
Well, lets get back to the business of the Wichita Indians. Information about the Wichita's and their decision to back the Union side during the Civil War is still eluding me, but I have a lot of material that I haven't gotten to yet, so we will continue researching for that.
Looking online at the Kansas Memory web site, I came across a cool document that is the minutes of a tribal meeting, The purpose of the meeting was to tell the history of the Wichita Indians. This meeting took place on November 23, 1935 at Anadarko, Oklahoma. I would like to quote the beginning acknowledgement from this document, it is as follows.
Minutes of a tribal Association meeting in Anadorko, Oklahoma to the Wichita City Library; The Kansas Historical Society; The Wichita Indian Historical Society Who Have So Faithfully Devoted The Necessary Time Energy Research as Endeavoring To Uncover Evidence Concerning The Habitat Custom Tradition History Of The Wichita Indians Who Were Our Ancestors And To Exhibit Our Unbounded Affection We Are Pleased To Dedicate This Writing --The Wichita and Affiliated Bands Of Indians Of Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. (The Wichita Indians by Charles H. Pratt, Historian for the Wichita Nation Association and Affiliated Bands of Indians.) ( www.kansasmemory.org/item/219783).
I typed it as it was, with all words capitalized and no punctuation. Above the acknowledgement was written the names of the Officers and stated that Dennis Warden was the Tribal Chief. The objectives: Tribal. There were about a dozen pages with information from as far back as the oldest man could remember, but the part I want to blog about has to do with my research paper. There was a small portion that mentioned James Mead who reported, (I don't know if he was at the meeting or not, but it states that James Mead reported, (so I am relating what he said). that the language of the Wichita Indians was similar to that of Indians in Oregon. A Mrs. Russel who worked at the Kiowa's agency had also reported at some point, that the language of the Wichita's was very much like the languages of Indians she had heard in Oregon. The writer of the document said that he to had heard of this before, many times from a number of different people. (vol.8, Kans. Hist. Coll. P. 171)
The next section of the document was about the origin of the name of the Wichita Indian. I thought this was very interesting, but then I find languages fascinating. I had already read that they were named Wichita's by the Osage. The Osage were living in about the southern third of Kansas when the Wichita came and started camping along the Arkansas River. This made the Osage unhappy, they didn't like the Wichita's encroaching on their land and there eventually was some fighting between the two tribes. The Osage did allow the Wichita's to stay on their land.
The Wichita's called themselves Kiddi-Ki-dish. It means tattooed around the eyes, guess they looked like they had raccoon eyes. The Osage named them Wee-che-taws' which means scattered villages. (p. 140, made April 2, 1928, at "Ashington, D.C.). A Deposition by General H. L. Scott.
In a library book that I'm looking at titled: Cowtown Wichita and the Wild, Wicked West, by Stan Hoig, there is a passage of interest giving the impression that the Wichita's made on Coronado and his band of Spaniards back in the 1500's. The Indians were very tall; over six feet in height. They were tattooed around their eyes and their houses were in no particular formation, but put wherever the builder (the women) decided to put them. It also described the shock of the Wichita's when they laid eyes on the Conquistadors. The Indians had never seen horses before, not to mention these beings in very bright shiny metal riding on these the beasts. They looked and ran, but the Coronado had an Indian guide from New Mexico who assured the Wichita's that the "shiny people" (my words) were friendly. (P. 4) University of New Mexico Press.
Well, it's been fun sharing a few tidbits with you again. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it for you.
Until next post,
Cheri
Today is February 4, 2014 and it has snowed all day. It looked so beautiful coming down and the Cardinals and House Finches were having a ball at the flower pots on my porch that serves as feeders. I can stand inside my nice warm house and snap pictures of them as much as I please; it's so fun.
Well, lets get back to the business of the Wichita Indians. Information about the Wichita's and their decision to back the Union side during the Civil War is still eluding me, but I have a lot of material that I haven't gotten to yet, so we will continue researching for that.
Looking online at the Kansas Memory web site, I came across a cool document that is the minutes of a tribal meeting, The purpose of the meeting was to tell the history of the Wichita Indians. This meeting took place on November 23, 1935 at Anadarko, Oklahoma. I would like to quote the beginning acknowledgement from this document, it is as follows.
Minutes of a tribal Association meeting in Anadorko, Oklahoma to the Wichita City Library; The Kansas Historical Society; The Wichita Indian Historical Society Who Have So Faithfully Devoted The Necessary Time Energy Research as Endeavoring To Uncover Evidence Concerning The Habitat Custom Tradition History Of The Wichita Indians Who Were Our Ancestors And To Exhibit Our Unbounded Affection We Are Pleased To Dedicate This Writing --The Wichita and Affiliated Bands Of Indians Of Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. (The Wichita Indians by Charles H. Pratt, Historian for the Wichita Nation Association and Affiliated Bands of Indians.) ( www.kansasmemory.org/item/219783).
I typed it as it was, with all words capitalized and no punctuation. Above the acknowledgement was written the names of the Officers and stated that Dennis Warden was the Tribal Chief. The objectives: Tribal. There were about a dozen pages with information from as far back as the oldest man could remember, but the part I want to blog about has to do with my research paper. There was a small portion that mentioned James Mead who reported, (I don't know if he was at the meeting or not, but it states that James Mead reported, (so I am relating what he said). that the language of the Wichita Indians was similar to that of Indians in Oregon. A Mrs. Russel who worked at the Kiowa's agency had also reported at some point, that the language of the Wichita's was very much like the languages of Indians she had heard in Oregon. The writer of the document said that he to had heard of this before, many times from a number of different people. (vol.8, Kans. Hist. Coll. P. 171)
The next section of the document was about the origin of the name of the Wichita Indian. I thought this was very interesting, but then I find languages fascinating. I had already read that they were named Wichita's by the Osage. The Osage were living in about the southern third of Kansas when the Wichita came and started camping along the Arkansas River. This made the Osage unhappy, they didn't like the Wichita's encroaching on their land and there eventually was some fighting between the two tribes. The Osage did allow the Wichita's to stay on their land.
The Wichita's called themselves Kiddi-Ki-dish. It means tattooed around the eyes, guess they looked like they had raccoon eyes. The Osage named them Wee-che-taws' which means scattered villages. (p. 140, made April 2, 1928, at "Ashington, D.C.). A Deposition by General H. L. Scott.
In a library book that I'm looking at titled: Cowtown Wichita and the Wild, Wicked West, by Stan Hoig, there is a passage of interest giving the impression that the Wichita's made on Coronado and his band of Spaniards back in the 1500's. The Indians were very tall; over six feet in height. They were tattooed around their eyes and their houses were in no particular formation, but put wherever the builder (the women) decided to put them. It also described the shock of the Wichita's when they laid eyes on the Conquistadors. The Indians had never seen horses before, not to mention these beings in very bright shiny metal riding on these the beasts. They looked and ran, but the Coronado had an Indian guide from New Mexico who assured the Wichita's that the "shiny people" (my words) were friendly. (P. 4) University of New Mexico Press.
Well, it's been fun sharing a few tidbits with you again. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it for you.
Until next post,
Cheri
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Good evening blogger friends, today is February 1, 2014 and it seem like yesterday that the Wichita Indians were camped along the Arkansas river. I want to talk about a book that I checked out at the base, (McConnell AFB). The title of the book is: Images of America Wichita 1860-1930, written by Jay M. Price. The introduction to the book has good information on the early days around the Wichita area. The land was originally owned by the Osage people, and the Osage and Wichita Indians hunted, raided and traded here. In 1803 the Louisiana Purchase was transacted and brought the land that became Kansas into the United States. This encouraged merchants and traders into the area along the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas river. It was a place of opportunity for those who had a vision for the expanding frontier.
At the time of the Civil War, the Wichita Indian's sympathies were with the Union Army. In order to separate the Wichita Indians from those who sympathized with the South; tensions were running high between the tribes, the U.S. government relocated them from the southern Indian lands to the area near where Riverside Park is in Wichita today.
They remained there until end of the war and were then relocated back to Oklahoma, near Anadarko.
Most of the American Indians were gone by the late 1860's so that the white settlers could move west and build farms and business.
This began the time of cowboys and cattle drives; around the 1870's. This was Wichita's first boon, however, it only lasted around four short years. I had thought that the cattle industry lasted much longer than that.
Here is a list of some of the men who were influential in Wichita becoming a community: Jesse Chisholm; James R. Mead; "Buffalo Bill" Mathewson; Darius Munger; and quite a few others that I won't list right now. Lest we forget, I would also like to mention; Agnes Barcome, James Mead's first wife and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Mathewson, wife of Buffalo Bill and Fern Hoover, James Mead's third wife. I didn't see anything about wife number two, and I sure wonder what her story might be. I want you to know there names because as history is related and retold, the women are not always recalled. It's the men who get all of the credit for settling the west, but without their wives working beside them, these men wouldn't have gotten as far as they did, certainly not as quickly. These three wives worked in the trading posts and often managed things alone; when the husbands were away hunting or drumming up trade for their businesses. The reference to drumming up business is not intended to be a pun.
Another new thing I found out is that there was a military base north of the Wichita's camp.
It had several names, but eventually became known as Camp Beecher. The thing that was interesting was that the military camp didn't look anything like the forts depicted in movies and television. It was actually a dugout, dug into the ground with a sod roof. There's a picture of one in the book, and if I can figure out how to attach a picture to my blog, I will show you what an actual military camp looked like.
There is also a picture of "the" Wichita Indian lodge what was built on Mead Island. There is a women standing in front of it and I wonder if she is Sooka.
This cool book is a photo album of early Wichita and the people who gave her birth. It's ideal for anyone who likes early pioneer history.
That it for tonight, but I checked out another book that I haven't had time to look at yet, maybe next time I will be able to share some of it's content with you.
Happy researching,
Cheri
At the time of the Civil War, the Wichita Indian's sympathies were with the Union Army. In order to separate the Wichita Indians from those who sympathized with the South; tensions were running high between the tribes, the U.S. government relocated them from the southern Indian lands to the area near where Riverside Park is in Wichita today.
They remained there until end of the war and were then relocated back to Oklahoma, near Anadarko.
Most of the American Indians were gone by the late 1860's so that the white settlers could move west and build farms and business.
This began the time of cowboys and cattle drives; around the 1870's. This was Wichita's first boon, however, it only lasted around four short years. I had thought that the cattle industry lasted much longer than that.
Here is a list of some of the men who were influential in Wichita becoming a community: Jesse Chisholm; James R. Mead; "Buffalo Bill" Mathewson; Darius Munger; and quite a few others that I won't list right now. Lest we forget, I would also like to mention; Agnes Barcome, James Mead's first wife and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Mathewson, wife of Buffalo Bill and Fern Hoover, James Mead's third wife. I didn't see anything about wife number two, and I sure wonder what her story might be. I want you to know there names because as history is related and retold, the women are not always recalled. It's the men who get all of the credit for settling the west, but without their wives working beside them, these men wouldn't have gotten as far as they did, certainly not as quickly. These three wives worked in the trading posts and often managed things alone; when the husbands were away hunting or drumming up trade for their businesses. The reference to drumming up business is not intended to be a pun.
Another new thing I found out is that there was a military base north of the Wichita's camp.
It had several names, but eventually became known as Camp Beecher. The thing that was interesting was that the military camp didn't look anything like the forts depicted in movies and television. It was actually a dugout, dug into the ground with a sod roof. There's a picture of one in the book, and if I can figure out how to attach a picture to my blog, I will show you what an actual military camp looked like.
There is also a picture of "the" Wichita Indian lodge what was built on Mead Island. There is a women standing in front of it and I wonder if she is Sooka.
This cool book is a photo album of early Wichita and the people who gave her birth. It's ideal for anyone who likes early pioneer history.
That it for tonight, but I checked out another book that I haven't had time to look at yet, maybe next time I will be able to share some of it's content with you.
Happy researching,
Cheri
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Good afternoon Blogger Friends, Today is the 30th of January.
This has been both a busy and profitable day so far. First I made a little trip to our very nice; All American Indian Center. Thought that might be a good place to get information about the Wichita Indians, but not so. The Curator of the Museum said they don't have information on the Wichita Indians because they didn't originate in Kansas, but had been moved here by the government in a resettling project. I also found out from this lady, (sorry, I don't remember her name), that the grass lodge that the Wichita Indians built on Mead Island burned down in the late 1920's. I believe she said 1929 and it was in bad shape by then as these lodges were only expected to survive six to eight years.
Leaving the Indian Center, I went a few miles west to the Old Cow Town Museum. I've always been a fan of Cow Town. After speaking to a very nice guy in the gift shop and explaining that I was there doing research for my term paper and what the subject is, he directed me to the man in charge of education at Cow Town. Didn't get his name either, but will probably see him again as I dig deeper into the story of the Wichita Indians that lived for a short time in the Riverside area. I did learn that they were here for a short 31/2 years. Their time here was hard and they were miserably poor, without food, clothes and horses. I will get into all of that later as I progress in my research. This very nice man was very helpful in giving me materials to read, even making copies of some W.S.U. student's essays. He game me a copied off book by H. Craig Miner titled; Wichita: The Early Years 1865-1880. This guy also told me about a book which is called; Hunting and Trading on the Great Plains, by James Mead. I'm really looking forward to reading that. Hopefully I will find it at the Wichita Public Library.
So far I've not found very much about the effect of the Civil War on the Wichita Indians, other than the fact that they sided with the Union. Maybe there will be more information in the essays and other materials which I haven't even come across yet.
Looks like I have a ton of reading to do, but it's going to be very interesting!
That's it for today guys and gals, I have so much going on that I have to move on to the next thing on today's agenda. Cheri
This has been both a busy and profitable day so far. First I made a little trip to our very nice; All American Indian Center. Thought that might be a good place to get information about the Wichita Indians, but not so. The Curator of the Museum said they don't have information on the Wichita Indians because they didn't originate in Kansas, but had been moved here by the government in a resettling project. I also found out from this lady, (sorry, I don't remember her name), that the grass lodge that the Wichita Indians built on Mead Island burned down in the late 1920's. I believe she said 1929 and it was in bad shape by then as these lodges were only expected to survive six to eight years.
Leaving the Indian Center, I went a few miles west to the Old Cow Town Museum. I've always been a fan of Cow Town. After speaking to a very nice guy in the gift shop and explaining that I was there doing research for my term paper and what the subject is, he directed me to the man in charge of education at Cow Town. Didn't get his name either, but will probably see him again as I dig deeper into the story of the Wichita Indians that lived for a short time in the Riverside area. I did learn that they were here for a short 31/2 years. Their time here was hard and they were miserably poor, without food, clothes and horses. I will get into all of that later as I progress in my research. This very nice man was very helpful in giving me materials to read, even making copies of some W.S.U. student's essays. He game me a copied off book by H. Craig Miner titled; Wichita: The Early Years 1865-1880. This guy also told me about a book which is called; Hunting and Trading on the Great Plains, by James Mead. I'm really looking forward to reading that. Hopefully I will find it at the Wichita Public Library.
So far I've not found very much about the effect of the Civil War on the Wichita Indians, other than the fact that they sided with the Union. Maybe there will be more information in the essays and other materials which I haven't even come across yet.
Looks like I have a ton of reading to do, but it's going to be very interesting!
That's it for today guys and gals, I have so much going on that I have to move on to the next thing on today's agenda. Cheri
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Well, well, well, fellow bloggers, I'm still in the learning curve. Yesterday I thought I was writing on my blog, but today I discover that I wrote on the comment page. I hope my English professor will except that as one of my blog pages, as I need to have it for my weekly credit.
Oh well, today I want to tell you how the Wichita Indians built their lodges. It's pretty interesting, at least for people like me who find Indian and early American history fun.
Just a brief statement to bring us up to speed from where I left off yesterday. I told about it being the woman's job to build the lodge; the men were pretty much left out of the process. I also mentioned that if the wife got divorced, she put the husband and his stuff out of the house,but the home was her's.
The construction of the Wichita Indian lodge began with finding just the right cedar trees to make the frame work out of. The Wichita Indians felt that there was something sacred in the building of their home's. There their children would be born and grow up to be adult members of the tribe. It was home, family and community that gave the tribes their strength. When the trees were gathered, they would be turned into piers or rods. These piers were set in a circle with a 20 foot diameter. The rods had notches cut into one end where other rods would transverse the upright rods. Once the frame work was in place, long cedar saplings were placed around the framework. They went from the ground to above the top of the of the beams and tied together; creating a cone shaped structure. Willow branches were then worked over the saplings in a lacing fashion. After this was complete it was covered in long grasses that was laid in tiers like shingles.
There were two doors in the lodge, one on the East to let the morning sun shine in and give His blessing, (The Great Spirit) on the family. The other door was on the West so He could look in at night to check and see if the family was okay. There was also a window for the noon sun to shine in.
Going back inside the lodge, I need to tell you about a device that was placed at the apex of the frame. It looked something like the five fingers of a hand; I think is was also made of cedar. One of the fingers, as we will call them, went straight up into the sky and it was called; Man-Never-Known-On-Earth. The other four fingers pointed toward the four winds of Heaven. This was believed to make a way for the Man-Never-Known-On-Earth and the four winds to send their blessings on the people. A short distance East of the apex was a smoke whole and down on the ground below was a fireplace.
When the Wichita Indians came back to Wichita, Ks. to build the wigwam like Chief Kiowa's on Mead Island, it was a woman named Sooka who was in charge of the project. Because the Indian tribe was very poor, they needed the Wichita city fathers to pay for the lumber and it's transportation along with the transportation and food and lodging of the Indian party who came to construct the wigwam.
It took about two weeks to complete the building. Once done, Sooka lit the first fire for the lodge's fireplace. As this ritual was done, the members of the tribe entered the lodge, but no white men were allowed. James Mead's widow was such a good friend of the Wichita Indians, that they said she was welcome anytime. Sooka, bowed her head and prayed to the four winds to bless this new lodge.
The Indians stayed in the new lodge two day's, and Sooka cooked two meals there. The Indian's stayed two nights in the lodge so that it could be truthfully said that "real" Indians had slept in that lodge.
So there you have it my fellow history sleuths. We have such a long way to go on this journey, so come
back and join me again as I dig up more interesting morsels.
Oh well, today I want to tell you how the Wichita Indians built their lodges. It's pretty interesting, at least for people like me who find Indian and early American history fun.
Just a brief statement to bring us up to speed from where I left off yesterday. I told about it being the woman's job to build the lodge; the men were pretty much left out of the process. I also mentioned that if the wife got divorced, she put the husband and his stuff out of the house,but the home was her's.
The construction of the Wichita Indian lodge began with finding just the right cedar trees to make the frame work out of. The Wichita Indians felt that there was something sacred in the building of their home's. There their children would be born and grow up to be adult members of the tribe. It was home, family and community that gave the tribes their strength. When the trees were gathered, they would be turned into piers or rods. These piers were set in a circle with a 20 foot diameter. The rods had notches cut into one end where other rods would transverse the upright rods. Once the frame work was in place, long cedar saplings were placed around the framework. They went from the ground to above the top of the of the beams and tied together; creating a cone shaped structure. Willow branches were then worked over the saplings in a lacing fashion. After this was complete it was covered in long grasses that was laid in tiers like shingles.
There were two doors in the lodge, one on the East to let the morning sun shine in and give His blessing, (The Great Spirit) on the family. The other door was on the West so He could look in at night to check and see if the family was okay. There was also a window for the noon sun to shine in.
Going back inside the lodge, I need to tell you about a device that was placed at the apex of the frame. It looked something like the five fingers of a hand; I think is was also made of cedar. One of the fingers, as we will call them, went straight up into the sky and it was called; Man-Never-Known-On-Earth. The other four fingers pointed toward the four winds of Heaven. This was believed to make a way for the Man-Never-Known-On-Earth and the four winds to send their blessings on the people. A short distance East of the apex was a smoke whole and down on the ground below was a fireplace.
When the Wichita Indians came back to Wichita, Ks. to build the wigwam like Chief Kiowa's on Mead Island, it was a woman named Sooka who was in charge of the project. Because the Indian tribe was very poor, they needed the Wichita city fathers to pay for the lumber and it's transportation along with the transportation and food and lodging of the Indian party who came to construct the wigwam.
It took about two weeks to complete the building. Once done, Sooka lit the first fire for the lodge's fireplace. As this ritual was done, the members of the tribe entered the lodge, but no white men were allowed. James Mead's widow was such a good friend of the Wichita Indians, that they said she was welcome anytime. Sooka, bowed her head and prayed to the four winds to bless this new lodge.
The Indians stayed in the new lodge two day's, and Sooka cooked two meals there. The Indian's stayed two nights in the lodge so that it could be truthfully said that "real" Indians had slept in that lodge.
So there you have it my fellow history sleuths. We have such a long way to go on this journey, so come
back and join me again as I dig up more interesting morsels.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Hello Blogger Friends,
My name is Cheri and this is my first-ever blog. I am so excited to have a forum to write in and hope many other bloggers find me and leave messages for me. The main reason for this blog is because I am a student at Butler Community College. One of my courses is English Comp. II. When I took English Comp. I. last semester, I realized that I like to write, actually, I love to write. I may not be very good at it, but that's never stopped me for doing things I like or want to do. In any pursuit, you learn by doing, and doing, and doing again. There will be mistakes; but is it not by our mistakes that me truly learn?
From the options that the professor gave the class, I have decided to do my research essay on the topic of Writing History. The idea is to research the early days of Wichita, from it very beginning. I want to learn about the Wichita Indians, that gave Wichita it name. Where did they come from and where did they go. How about the people who settled Wichita and the Cow Town era. What happened in Wichita when the Civil War broke out? There is so much to learn about this City that has had so many ups and downs.
I have only begun to dig into the resources that are out there that tell about Wichita's beginnings. If any of you have books or web sites or just great ideas on this subject, feel free to jump onto my blog and write to your hearts content. One thing I found online is the (Kansas Historical Quarterly), from 1933 -1977. There are a few references to Wichita that I may pursue.There was one listing called "Ghosts Haunt Wichita's First Jail," by Mary Moore. The article was written in the Wichita Beacon on October 9, 1932. Another item that I ran across is called A two-column History of Chisholm Trail, by Sam P Ridings of Medford, Ok., from October 21,1932. Last on my list for today is an article call A Brief History of the Wichita Indians, from whom the city of Wichita derived it's name, by Victor Murdock and was published in the Wichita Evening Eagle on November 11, 1932. The name of Murdock is well known around Wichita. If you have been to Cow Town, you've no doubt gone through the Murdock house. I just may take an outing to Cow Town and do a little snooping around for information!
There are a number of places that I just may have to visit as I research this fun paper.
Come along with me on the dusty trails that will lead us to Wichita, Kansas.
Until next time,
Cheri
My name is Cheri and this is my first-ever blog. I am so excited to have a forum to write in and hope many other bloggers find me and leave messages for me. The main reason for this blog is because I am a student at Butler Community College. One of my courses is English Comp. II. When I took English Comp. I. last semester, I realized that I like to write, actually, I love to write. I may not be very good at it, but that's never stopped me for doing things I like or want to do. In any pursuit, you learn by doing, and doing, and doing again. There will be mistakes; but is it not by our mistakes that me truly learn?
From the options that the professor gave the class, I have decided to do my research essay on the topic of Writing History. The idea is to research the early days of Wichita, from it very beginning. I want to learn about the Wichita Indians, that gave Wichita it name. Where did they come from and where did they go. How about the people who settled Wichita and the Cow Town era. What happened in Wichita when the Civil War broke out? There is so much to learn about this City that has had so many ups and downs.
I have only begun to dig into the resources that are out there that tell about Wichita's beginnings. If any of you have books or web sites or just great ideas on this subject, feel free to jump onto my blog and write to your hearts content. One thing I found online is the (Kansas Historical Quarterly), from 1933 -1977. There are a few references to Wichita that I may pursue.There was one listing called "Ghosts Haunt Wichita's First Jail," by Mary Moore. The article was written in the Wichita Beacon on October 9, 1932. Another item that I ran across is called A two-column History of Chisholm Trail, by Sam P Ridings of Medford, Ok., from October 21,1932. Last on my list for today is an article call A Brief History of the Wichita Indians, from whom the city of Wichita derived it's name, by Victor Murdock and was published in the Wichita Evening Eagle on November 11, 1932. The name of Murdock is well known around Wichita. If you have been to Cow Town, you've no doubt gone through the Murdock house. I just may take an outing to Cow Town and do a little snooping around for information!
There are a number of places that I just may have to visit as I research this fun paper.
Come along with me on the dusty trails that will lead us to Wichita, Kansas.
Until next time,
Cheri
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