The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-09-23
Old Settlers of Rawlins Co.
Meet at Atwood.
Was One Of the Largest Crowds
Ever in the Town.
A. C. BLUME THE FIRST
One Thousand Registered Who
Came Prior to 1895.
A Fine Display of Grain and
Vegetables Was Made.

Atwood Kan, Sept. 23.-The old
settlers picnic of RaWlins county drew
together one of the largest and
best natured crowds ever seen in At
wood. And to hear the old pioneers
repeat the early incidents of the set
Element and development of this west
ern frontier county was intensely in
teresting to the newer generation of
settlers living in Rawlins county.
Upwards of 1000 persons registered
who came to the county previous to
1895. Only four names appeared on
the roster who settled here in 1875;
there was only one present who came
in 1876 and Sc were present who
were several pages of names of those
who registered who came to the coun-
ty in 1895 and few years prior to
that year.
The Oldest settler now living in
Rawlins county is A. c. Blume, who
located in the county as early as May.
1875. The second oldest settler in the
county is Albert Hemming, he locating
here in March, 1879.
The roster was in charge of Mrs.
Julia Hemming, and she faithfully
kept the books. She is an expert in
this line, and although the work was
tedious. she filled the position of
"bookkeeper' to perfection.
tiers of Rawlins county are unusually
interesting. The county was the scene
of Indian raids when several OF her
people were killed by the red men.
Since then, year after year, fmm1gra-
ton has poured in until the confines
of Rawlins county has been made to
blossom like the rose, and thrifty
farmers dot the prairies and valleys,
living in comfortable homes and sur
rounded with many, of the luxuries or
ie 6r,1Ih fI11
find a more genial, good natured peo-
pie than are those of Atwood and
Rawlins county.
1t looked as if her entire population
was present at the old settlers picnic
There was amusement for all, Dal-
loon ascension. two dances running all
the time a merry-go-round in opera
ton which looked TaS il 1t had been
in several cyclones horse racing,
tent show. baseball tennis baby show.
year old competed for the premium
for best looking, and many other
amusements to interest the young as
well as older ones.
The old settlers association offered
premiums for grains and vegetables.
There was no less than fifty samples
of wheat, and onions weighing
pound and one-half. and many varie-
ties of potatoes weighing from three
fourths to a pound each, and turnips
watermelons, all of which would be
credit to the growers of vegetables in
the Kaw river valley. So successful
was the exhibit of vegetables the Com
mercial club of Atwood has inaugu-
rated the idea Of securing a tract of
land adjoining the town and organize
the Rawlins county fair association.
and hold annual fairs. Frank e.
Robinson and Albert Hemm1ng mad
charge of this department at the old
settlers picnic.
If there are those who are looking
for an annual outing of enjoyment at
on old settlers picnic let them remem-
Der this one at Atwood. Her people
nopulation throw cold water on it. and
the reminiscent talks of the pioneers
are full of interest. Nor will the as
ISOLATION tolerate any politics in the
Her people literally subscribed to de-
frov all Of the expenses.