The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-08-03
NEFF As A BOOMER
How He Made the Run Into
the Strip.
HIS PARTNER TELLS IT
Mr. Miller of Wichita on the
Rise of Bob.

Bob" Neff Of Newkirk, who was given
the fusion nomination for delegate to
congress, Is fuIl-fedged Wichita boy
He is a brother of S. G. and c. H. Nef
of Neff Bros wholesale shoe house in
this city and resided here up TO the
opening of the Strip in 1898, when he
made the run for a claim with A. A
Miller, now employed by the Nefr Bros
firm.
Bob Neff was hustling young man
and his friends who watched him in this
city predicted he would some day get
stage. but not anticipating for him politi-
cal renown. While he did not mingle in
matters politically while here, he always
had a laundering for excitement, and the
warmer matter were, the better Bob
liked it. He is a great, big, distinguish
ed-lookng fellow, has curly hair and a
fine military bearing. After several years
travel as an actor of varying fortunes, he
came back to Wichita and studied law
a few years before leaving and was adj
mitted to the bar of this county. The
only office he ever held was clerk of the
police court. When there was talk Of
opening the Strip Bob caught the fever,
and Calling gun loaded to the muzzle
would have been a very small barrier to
prevent him from making the run.
Bob influenced A. A. Miller to make
the run with him, assuring him that
there was something big" It in. Mr.
Miller took his pony and Bob bought a
bucking broncho and they lined up on
the southern border, forming part Of the
thousands that were there to make the
race. At the first crack of the gun off
they went, Bobs broncho keeping good
them about four miles east of Blackwell
where they staked out a claim, consist
ing of dry sand and thcket There was
no water in sight, but Mr.. Neff's father
was trailing with provisions, and when
he arrived they felt pretty good. The
people there were without provisions and
water and big-hearted Bob seen to 1t
that they were provided. Night found
Messrs Miller and Neff without anything
to quench their thirst, as they had dis
pensed with their stock of cold tea to
the suffering, and Mr.. Miller says he
knows that they saved one old mans
life. as he was nearly starved to death.
Bob lariated his broncho about twenty
PAGES from the camp. There was no
water for the horses and Bobs pony got
away. 1t was essential to have a horse
at this stage of the game. and about 8
O'Clock in the evening Bob started in
pursuit. He searched and searched for
about two hours and finally found the
animal down on it's knees before a brook
enjoying the draughts of cool water.
The water had a soothing effect on the
animal, as it was captured without
trouble. Mr.. Neff and Mr.. Miller believe
until this day that the horse saved the
lives Of several of the old men whom
they had sheltered under their starry
camp that night, as water was nowhere
to be found in that locality and many
were perishing.
The next day Bob and his companion
gave up their claim to the old gentlemen
and started to Blackwell. where they
succeeded in getting five lots in the heart
of Blackwell. Upon one Of these Mr.
Neff afterwards built a residence He
made his home there until going to New
kirk, and was for four years city attor-
ney. He broke into politics in earnest
and had quite large following Every
body liked his congeniality and about
three years ago he was nominated by
the fusionists and elected to the position
of probate judge. He was given re-
nomination and reelected, and when
nominated for congressional delegate was
serving out his second term. His career
as lawyer and politician, with the aid
of his Democratic and Populist friends,
has been quite successful.
During his seven years residence in
Oklahoma Mr.. Neff has made consider
able money, he having property interests
both in Nevkirk and Blackwell Mr.
Neffs success Is attributed to his quail
ties as mixer. But few ever dreamed
that Bob Neff Of ten years ago would
now be the choice OF a big Oklahoma
convention to run against Dennis Flynn.
the free homes champion