The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1892-04-08
"Reminiscences of An Old Settler.
SAN DIEGO Cal, March %, 1872.

SAN DIEGO Cal, March %, 1872.
Dear REGISTER: The impulse is so
strong that | cannot communication
without first thrusting my pen three
times into the ink-fountain, even to
the hazard of its substructure, to en-
phasize the pleasure with which the
news came through the REGISTER
that friend Funston had consented to
become a candidate for reelection. If
the Second district, and Allen county
especially, ever had a faithful and
valuable representative in any legis-
lstive body, it has it in Congressman
Funston. How can it be thought a
change should be made Except it be
conceived in the mind of some enviOus
or over-ambitiouS character) is past
comprehension. His mental, physical
and moral worth have been tested.
He has not been found wanting. His
experience, and consequent ability to
aid those who need favOrs ut Wash
ington, is so great that men of all par
ties ought to give him support. Those
who know him best can testify that
heis no respectOr of personal or party
predictions when an opportunity Of
fers to help a worthy constituent in
any department. 1 feel safe in pledg-
ing a solid delegation from San Diego
for Funston, and sincerely hope my
friends from Kansas will rally to his
support. Hoping to be excused for re-
ferring to an incident illustrating the
kindness of heart of Mr.. Funston (be-
cause of its personal application to the
writer your correspondent must mar
rate the following: His wife had .
sister residing in Garnett whom she
wished to visit. Nelse Acres and the
undersigned were partners in the law
and newspaper business-the NeOshO
VALLEY Register being our publication.
Our office was in a small brick build
ing at the northwest corner of the
public square, where ''Our Nelse" had
his residence, as also team OF small
ponies with side-spring buggy an
mex. This was in the spring of 1869,
and before lola had a railroad. If
there was any one thing that eXcelled
Nelse's good nature it was his gener-
osity; and, understanding the desire
OF his partners family, he proffered
the use of his ponies and buggy with
which to convey the family composed
in part of two small children) to the
place of the desired visit. The offer
was accepted and the trip made to
Garnett without incident. twas the
return that became the base of this
1ah (.arDaff
been reached than the rains came;-
came in drops, in showers, in pours,
in torrents. 4 return must be made,
and was commenced on the second
day. between torrents, when showers
only were apprehended. Deer Creek
was reached about the middle of the
afternoon. and found impossible. The
monies were too short of limb to wade,
and the family too much disposed to
adhere to the first law of nature" to
compel the ponies TO attempt the
swimming act. We were directed to
i'bead the stream" The heading
was tried. and after several miles
drive we were beyond habitatiOns,
and had found no "head," or a re-
specially appearing place for one.
The only safety was TO return to the
settlements and seek shelter for the
night. The settlements were reached
at quite late hour, and the four wet,
hungry, tired and discouraged people
applied to three quite commOdius and
comfortable farm house occupants for
shelter, but were peremptorily refused.
The Journey was cOntinued-the
driving being towards lola, as direct
" as the surging waters would allow,
until We arrived at a little cottage,
where the situation was explained as
before. The large, rough looking man
spoke kindly, suggested that he had
little room. was not in the habit Of en-
Pertaining strangers, but if we were
willing to take such shelter as he had
we were welcome, especially on ac-
count of the little children. So we
staid. We were utter strangers, but
he took US in; and that too without
money or price-he refusing to accept
apy nav whatever. The man was, as
/ afterwards learned and loved to
know, Z. II. FanstOn, the kind heart
ed Congressman from Allen county.
God bless him.
After the foregoing, and especially
that part of it referring to the weather.
1 am reminded, while writing, of the
early June mornings of Kansas. Fra
grant are the flowers opening every
Where-bracing and exhilarating the
MISUNDERSTANDING the music of
the song birds-and delightfully."- YER
dant the rolling prairies. 1t would
seem to a person, not Over-Orthodox
in his education and belief, that all
the sin of man could not make Kansas
offensive to heaven on those mornings.
The reminder referred to is quickened