Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1892-12-17
ROLL OF HONOR.
Embracing Those Who have Lived
In Trego County for More Than
IL Years.-Reminis

In Trego County for More Than
IL Observation-Disclosures.
By way of introduction we have
thought it best to give brief sketch of
Trego county, its organization, etc. This
is intended to be merely supplementary
and after few issues We will place this
column entirely at the disposal of our
contributors.
In 1866 work was commenced on the
railroad in this county and large gang
of graders and track layers were en-
ployed. The track was laid as far as
Coyote in December, and work was sus-
pended for the winter. Coyote was the
terminus for few months and quite a
little town sprung up numbering more
inhabitants than Wa-Keeney has to-day.
It was the starting point of daily stages
to Denver, and vast quantities of freight
were hauled by wagons to the mining
towns in Colorado and New Mexico.
Coyote it will be remembered was in
Trego county and only about one mile
west of where Collyer now stands. It was
torn down when the road was extended
and not vestige of it now remains ex-
cept some excavations for foundations
and cellars.
We find upon the best authority that
immense quantities of wood were cut in
this county for the use of the railroad
hands while the road was being built and
for several years afterward. In fact the
streams were entirely denuded.
While the road was being built through
the county Captain King, q. s. A., threw
up an extensive fortifcation at what was
then called Ogallah, for protection from
the Indians who we're numerous and hos.
tile. The remains of the fortifcation can
be plainly seen to-day some two miles
east Of Wa-Keeney and very close to the
farm residence of D. II. Henkel. This is
popularity supposed to be Parks fort,
which was moved west of Wa-Keeney
where the water tank now is, and it re-
tanned its name until 1876 when it was
called Trego and the company erected a
station there and there was little town
which remained until Wa-Keeney was
plated at which time the depot building,
NOW occupied for church purposes, was
removed to about the site of our present
fine depot. The siding which was at the
Notification built by Captain King was
removed to the present location of Ogal-
lab.
THEo. COURTNEY.
One of the Oldest settlers in Trego
county is Theo. Courtney, who came
here March 9, 1879, and settled in what
is now known as the Banner neighbor-
hood. He first located on the southeast
quarter of section &c, township ID, rangers
and, after making final proof, resided on
another tract, in the same neighborhoed,
until he moved to Wa-keeney about
three years ago. OF those who now re-
side in the county, A. Spens and Daniel
McManus were his nearest neighbors at
the time he first made settlement.
Thomas and Pat. O'Toole lived on Big
creek and shortly afterward moved In the
neighborhood of Mr.. Courtneys claim.
Samuel Bipsaman moved on his claim
south of Banner in the fall Of 1873, but
LETT the county about four years ago; A..
w. Purinton, of Salina, settled in the
community about the time that Mr..
Courtney did, and his son l.. w. Purin-
ton. who was boy at that time, COW re-
sides in the Banner neighborhood.
The first school house was constructed
of cod and was located just east OF where
the Banner postoffice is now situated. A
gentleman by the name OF Blddiecome
was the first teacher and received the
prince.y sum of $40 per month. A post
Office was established in 1880 and Il. L.
Drake was the first postmaster. be was
succeeded by Miss Carrie Hsnssl and she
by A. W. Purinton. When Mr.. Purinton
moved to Salina, Mr.. Riggs was APP
peintsd and continued the once IN the