This is an except of a chapter from "Story of The Old Home Town" Jewell City, Kansas by my grandfather, Everett Palmer. As published in the Jewell County Republican in 28 weekly installments beginning April 28, 1933

Items of interest from the "Jewell County Diamond" the local newspaper from June 4, 1874 to Jan, 20, 1876

On May 5, 1877, the "Diamond" in the following item told of the coming to Jewell City of a young man who was destined to take a leading part in the business life of the town; "Mr. W.H. Cheney, of St George, Pottawatomie County, came up last week to sling goods behind John Roberson's counters. Mr. Cheney was with Roberson during the time he was in business in Burlington. He comes well recommended and we hope he finds this a pleasant place in which to live."

Mr. Cheney found it a "pleasant pace to live" for more than 50 years, active and successful in business, leaving an impress for square dealing and a name always honored by the thousands who knew him.

Jewell City had two baseball teams in 1876. On one team was Ike Pence, captain; John McIntosh, Isom McIntosh, D. Shearer, Thayer Maughs, A. McMicken, J.Stidham, Scott George, Sol Moshier, Clarence Hann and Joe Vest. On the other team was S.S. Betts, G.G. Hill, Clarence Hann, M.A. Ianson, Al King, R.B. Gray, Joseph Vest and William Lawrence.

The saloon which had been in business in Jewell City since the settlement of the town, was closed in February 1876.

"Hillsdale School-Report of written review held Jan 28, 1876-Arithmetic, first class. Orman Scott, 80; Burt Compton, 68 1/2; Maggie Scott, 85; William McKee, 65. Second class, Jay Freeman, 55; Ernest Coffman, 60; Fanny McKee, 60; Lucy Jones, 65; Charles Field, 58; Jacob Miller, 68 1/2. Grammar, Maggie Scott, 55; Lucy Jones, 58 1/2; Jay Freeman, 80; Ernest Coffman, 781/2; Fannie KcKee, 55." J.R. Barnhard, Teacher.

"Mrs. G.B. Crandall has made final proof of her homestead." Aug. 5, 1876"

Churches: The Methodists have a neat little house, also the Evangelical brethren. The Christian or Disciple Church expect to build this fall, 1876. The Baptists are strong about four miles northeast of Jewell City, where they meet in a school house at present."

"Societies: The Free Masons have a strong lodge and the I.O.O.F. Lodge is also quite strong. The Grange will be in working order soon."

Shows and entertainers sought out the new western settlements. In October 1877, Sells Bros. Circus had a page ad in the "Diamond."

Other items from the "Diamond" in 1877:

"Mr John S Henninger, father of Pete Henninger, from Clinton County, Pa., have us a call last Wednesday. He has moved out with his family and has come here to stay. We welcome him to our new country, Mr Henninger is a practical gunsmith and talks of opening a shop here." Dec. 22, 1877.

"We visited Hannah Breed's school today and were favorably impressed with the conduct of the scholars and their progress in studies. Miss Breed is a competent teacher and very thorough in drill: firm in maintaining discipline and order, impartial in administering justice, yet kind to all and highly esteemed. She is ably assisted by Miss Belle Fox, whose kindness, impartiality and quiet ladylike demeanor at all times endear her to all those under her charge. We regard the recent term of school as the best ever held in this district." Dec. 22, 1877

"A new era has begun in Jewell City. Hitherto nothing but wood has been used for fuel except what corn has been burned, but now, Angel & Fay, M.F. Knappenberger, and Capt. Jennings have each put up coal stoves. and now get their fuel from the coal backs of Republic County at a cost of $6 per ton, delivered." Jan. 20, 1877

"The McClung's are among the most rested citizens of this county. They were among the first who took homes in the county, securing a fine track of land in a splendid location just north of town. The family consists of R.R. McClung, the father, and Orville and Charlie, his sons. The old gentlemen has 160 acres each. They all live together and have everything in common but the land. Calvin Poslethwaite married Miss McClung and has a splendid farm adjoining as does also Mr. Green of Manhattan, another son-in-law and brother of ex-Governor Green."

"The stone drug store is enclosed, and Marks is to build a public hall."

"Mr. James Kelsey has sold the Jewell house to Mr. P. Meadows of Holt County, Mo., who takes possession October 1. Mr Meadows will add another wing to the house and raise the whole to full two stories, put a new roof on and make other improvements. The price paid was $1,500."

"A good bridge has been constructed across the Middle Buffalo one mile north of Jewell."

"Mr. John S. Henninger has moved here from Pennsylvania with his family."

"D.L. Palmer (one of Rottlady's relatives) has had his house taken down and remover to Jewell city, It is being put up on Gray Ave."

"H.D. Shackelford comes down in the start with $100 towards building the propose meeting house for the Christian Church." Jan. 19, 1877

"J.A. Dawdy, two and one-half miles northeast of Jewell, ha s 1,000 bushels of old corn, more than 1,000 bushels of new corn, and 800 bushels of wheat on hand, and still he is determined to remain in this country." Jan. 20, 1877

""I will make good strong boots for $5 per pair. George James."

Rottlady's Note:This is the included in a series I'm posting. You can find the rest by clicking on the link "the story of the old home town".