Action of Other Cities on the 'Exodus' Question
Creator: Wyandotte Gazette
Date: April 25, 1879
This article includes information about Exoduster relief efforts in both Topeka and Lawrence. In Topeka, the Kansas Freedmen's Aid Association had appealed to other counties, asking them to form local aid societies to assist refugees in their respective areas. Lawrence citizens held a meeting in Fraser Hall to discuss the Exodus; the attendees recognized the legitimacy of the Exodus and were willing to provide aid and support for the emigrants.

Act of Incorporation, Wyandotte City
Creator: Fields, Henry C.
Date: June 8, 1858
This act of incorporation for Wyandotte City declared that the town would be incorporated into Leavenworth County, Kansas Territory. Incorporation was decided in court after several taxpayers presented a petition for Wyandotte City's incorporation into the territory and for permission to establish a local government. The document was recorded by Henry C. Fields, clerk of the court at Leavenworth.

Address to the Voters of Kansas
Creator: Pomeroy, S. C. (Samuel Clarke), 1816-1891
Date: September 25, 1867
The numerous authors of this pamphlet (Republicans) support the constitutional amendments to approve voting rights for blacks, for women, and to restrict voting rights to "loyal persons." They offer arguments for their position as well as criticizing the Democratic Party in Kansas for their opposition to these amendments. Forty five men signed the document, which was the result of a meeting in Lawrence. The following signed the document S. C. Pomeroy, Atchison; E. G. Ross, Lawrence; S. J. Crawford, Topeka; N. Green, Manhattan; Chas. Robinson, Lawrence; Geo T. Anthony, Leavenworth; Lewis Bodwell, Topeka; R. B. Taylor, editor Wyandotte Gazette; J. P. Root, Whandotte; James Rogers, Burlingame; S. Weaver, Editor Lecompton New Era; L. R. Elliott, Editor Atchison Daily Free Press; W. A. Starrett, Lawrence; Wm. Larimer, Jr., Leavenworth; John Ritchie, Topeka; John Ekin, Topeka; Sol. Miller, Editor White Cloud Chief; A. H. Foote, Lawrence; C. B. Lines, Wabaunsee; R. G. Elliott, Jefferson county; G. A. Crawford, Bourbon county; John Speer, Kansas Tribune; A. Low, Doniphan; R. W. Jenkins, Pottawatomie county; Ed. Russell, Leavenworth; J. H. Pillsbury, Editor Manhattan Independent; S. D. Houston, Manhattan; W. K. Marshall, Atchison; F. G. Adams, Kennekuk; P. L. Hubbard, Atchison; A. Hunting, Manhattan; J. B. Abbott, De Soto; Joseph Denison, Manhattan; T. H. Baker, Manhattan, H. W. Farnsworth, Topeka; I. H. Smith, Topeka; D. R. Anthony, Leavenworth; G. W. Higginbotham, Manhattan; John Pipher, Manhattan, R. L. Harford, Manhattan; Jas. Humphrey, Manhattan; Wm McKay, Manhattan; R. P. Duvall, Manhattan; Pardee Butler, Pardee; and L. F. Green, Baldwin City. Only the language restricting voting to "loyal" persons was passed in the election on November 5, 1867. Blacks and women were not given voting rights as a result of the 1867 election.

Alson C. Davis to John A. Halderman
Creator: Davis, Alson C.
Date: June 19, 1857
Alson C. Davis, a Democrat legislator and party leader from Leavenworth (later Wyandotte) County, writes from Wyandotte that he strongly favors "the establishment of a first class democratic paper" in Leavenworth, Kansas Territory. Davis believes this was vital "to the Cincinnati Platform Democracy," and is willing to pledge an additional $400 to the cause. A Mr. Beach had previously offered to give John Halderman "a bonus of two thousand dollars" with which to start such a newspaper.

Atlas of Kansas City, Kansas, formerly Wyandotte, Kansas City, Kansas and Armourdale, including Argentine, and Rosedale
Creator: Rascher Insurance Map Publishing Co.
Date: 1893
This fire insurance atlas shows blocks, lots, buildings and property ownership for Kansas City, Kansas (formerly Wyandotte, Kansas City, and Armourdale), Argentine and Rosedale. An index to specials (businesses and public services) and a street index precede the plat maps at the beginning of the volume. The color assigned to a structure indicates its building material. A key to colors and other symbols is available on the title page. Summaries of the operations and facilities of major industries and businesses are included with some plats. Businesses showcased include packing houses, stockyards, grain elevators, and metal smelters and refiners.

B.F. Johnson to General James William Denver
Creator: Johnson, Benjamin F.
Date: January 23, 1858
In this letter to General James W. Denver, B.F. Johnson asks Denver if the New York Indians had made a treaty with the United States Government. Johnson also asks Denver if the land set aside for the New York Indians near Fort Scott, Kansas, was open "for settlement either by Preemption or in any other way." Johnson is writing from Wyandotte City, Kansas Territory.

Championship of Woman
Creator: Train, George Francis, 1829-1904
Date: 1867
This pamphlet contains excerpts from and/or newspaper accounts of thirty speeches that George Francis Train, a supporter of women's rights, gave in Kansas over a two week period in October and November of 1867. Train came to Kansas after participating in an excursion to the Rocky Mountains with approximately 200 newspapermen to hunt buffalo. Numerous Kansas women's suffrage supporters are mentioned in the booklet. Train gave speeches in Leavenworth, Lawrence, Olathe, Paola, Ottawa, Mound City, Fort Scott, LeRoy, Humboldt, Burlington, Emporia, Junction City, Topeka, Atchison, Wyandotte, and possibly other communities. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were also campaigning in Kansas and shared the podium and/or communicated with Train. Train was an author, speaker, and a celebrity for his eccentricity.

Charles Chadwick to Hiram Hill
Creator: Chadwick, Charles
Date: September 19, 1857
Charles Chadwick wrote from Quindaro, Kansas Territory, to Hiram Hill in Massachusetts. Chadwick told him of Samuel Simpson's return, and the business dealings that resulted from it. It appeared that all investors would get their land as promised. He expressed excitement about the construction of a new bridge, which would "secure [Quindaro's] Supremacy over Wyandotte and Kansas City" for easing trade in the area. Chadwick also mentioned an upcoming election, and asked Hill if he expected many from Massachusetts to emigrate to K.T. this season.

Cyrus Kurtz Holliday to Mary Dillon Holliday
Creator: Holliday, Cyrus Kurtz, 1826-1900
Date: March 31, 1859
Cyrus K. Holliday wrote from Topeka, Kansas Territory to his wife, Mary Holliday, who had returned to Meadville, Pennsylvania to give birth to their second child, Charles. Cyrus had been joined in Kansas Territory by his mother and two brothers, James T. and George K. Holliday. Cyrus sadly told of his mother's death at George's home in Wakarusa, Kansas Territory. He suggested that Mary wait to return to Topeka until May 1st, when Alfred Huidekoper of Meadville would issue him a loan. Cyrus also mentioned his political aspirations and two upcoming elections, the first at the Osawatomie Republican Convention, the second for delegates to the Wyandotte Constitutional Convention.

Cyrus Kurtz Holliday to Mary Dillon Holliday
Creator: Holliday, Cyrus Kurtz, 1826-1900
Date: July 14, 1859
Cyrus K. Holliday wrote from the Wyandotte Convention to his wife, Mary Holliday, in Meadville, Pennsylvania. His efforts to ensure that Topeka would be the capital of Kansas Territory had set back his personal political career (territorially and nationally, that is; he had recently been elected mayor of Topeka). Cyrus anxiously awaited the return of Mary and their children, Lillie and newborn Charles.

Daniel L. Chandler to John Stillman Brown
Creator: Chandler, Daniel L.
Date: April 22, 1862
This letter was written by Daniel L. Chandler from Paola, Kansas, to John Stillman Brown, a Unitarian minister who lived west of Lawrence. The first portion of Chandler's letter describes a young soldier named James, apparently recuperating from illness and under Brown's care and supervision in Lawrence. Chandler speaks of promotions and new officers in the army and his contentment with his "humble position" as hospital steward. He also writes of his popularity with the troops and his efforts to obtain "comforts" for them.

Edward Ferdinand Arn
Creator: Kansas Division of Economic Development
Date: Between 1951 and 1955
This is a black and white photograph of Edward Ferdinand Arn (1906-1998). A lawyer and World War II veteran, Arn began his career in politics when he was elected Attorney General of Kansas from 1947 to 1949. The following year he was appointed justice of the Kansas State Supreme Court from 1949 to 1950. In November of 1950, Arn was elected the thirty-second Governor of Kansas and served two terms from 1951to 1955. During his administration several government agencies were established including the Kansas Turnpike Authority, the State Grain Commission, and the Kansas Veteran's Commission.

F.A. Hunt to William Barnes
Date: April 18, 1857
F. A. Hunt, owner of a steamboat and land agent company, wrote from Wyandotte to William Barnes, secretary of the New York State Kansas Committee. Hunt promoted Wyandotte as a destination for potential emigrants to Kansas Territory.

General Order No. 10
Creator: Kansas. Militia
Date: August 29, 1861
General Order No. 10, dated August 29, 1861, addresses the formation and organization of the Kansas Home Guard regiment created after the issuance of Major General John C. Fremont's General Order No. 9. It also lists the superintendents who will oversee the organization of the companies from Leavenworth, Atchison, White Cloud, Hiawatha, Grasshopper Falls, Junction City, Topeka, Emporia, Lawrence, and Wyandotte. In addition, General Order No. 10 mentions that Colonel W.R. Judon, of Fort Scott, is raising another regiment of Home Guards in which loyal Kansans may serve.

George H. Miller to Governor John St. John
Creator: Miller, George H.
Date: April 05, 1880
A letter from Temperance committee worker, George Miller, inviting Kansas Governor St. John to speak in Wyandott on April 13th.

Governor Clyde M. Reed correspondence, School for the Blind
Creator: Kansas. Governor (1929-1931 : Reed)
Date: 1929-1931
This file includes subject correspondence relating to the School for the Blind for the appointment of Reverand Thomas E. Chandler as superintendent of the School. This file is part of a bigger collection of Governor Clyde M. Reed correspondence.

Grand Complimentary Ball
Date: July 29, 1859
This ball was being held in honor of the Democratic members of the constitutional convention that was being held in Wyandotte at Overton's Hall. Music was provided by the Wyandott Cotillion Band. Numerous people were listed as managers, floor managers, etc.

Grand Opening Ball at the Eldridge House, New Year's Eve
Date: December 31, 1858
This announcement advertises a Grand Opening Ball to be held at the Eldridge House in Lawrence, Kansas Territory, on December 31, 1858. Music was to be performed by the Lawrence Brass Band. Members of the Committee of Arrangements, organized by town name, and the two floor managers are identified.

G. W. Paddock diary
Creator: Paddock, G. W.
Date: April 12, 1857 - July 28, 1860
G. W. Paddock was a minister and free-state supporter who came to Kansas Territory in 1857. He describes his daily activities and his religious work, as well as his impressions of the city of Wyandotte while the constitutional convention was meeting there. His entries for this time period indicate he visited the convention, although he does not discuss the substance of the proceedings. The 1857 portion describes some of the free state controversies. He also mentions working with American Indians; however, his descriptions are often stereotypical and uncomplimentary. A number of entries from this diary were selected, but the entire diary is not included.

Hiram Hill to O.G. Hill
Creator: Hill, Hiram, 1804-
Date: May 7, 1857
Hiram Hill wrote from his visit in Lawrence, Kansas Territory, to his brother, O. G. Hill, in Boston. Hill told his brother that he hoped to be back home in Massachusetts by June, but that he was unsure how long his business would take in Quindaro. He reported that the Territory was quiet, the border ruffians were "as tame as a pack of spaniels", and were more interested in having free state men invest in their towns than in large-scale fighting.

Isaac T. Goodnow to Rev. C. E. Blood
Creator: Goodnow, Isaac T. (Isaac Tichenor), 1814-1894
Date: May 5, 1859
Isaac Goodnow, writing from Leavenworth, Kansas Territory, on his way to New England, related his experiences with a Mr. Vivaldi, a newspaper editor in Wyandotte, to C. E. Blood in Manhattan. Goodnow told Blood that Vivaldi would run a series of articles and advertisements about Manhattan in short order, and that promotional articles needed to be submitted as soon as possible. Goodnow also emphasized that, upon his arrival to Manhattan, Vivaldi should have his "expectations" met, and that all efforts should be taken to impress him.

James P. Root to S. Y. Lum
Creator: Adair, Samuel Lyle, 1811-1898
Date: March 19, 1858
Mr. James Root writes from Wyandotte, Kansas Territory, about the possibility of providing support to organize a Congregational Church in that city. He explains that a number of denominations had organized, but they have a small number of members and no buildings. A Congregational ministernamed Mr. Storrs has been dividing his time between Quindaro and Wyandotte but is going to focus on Quindaro in the future. He asks for whatever support was possible.

John James Ingalls to Elias T. Ingalls
Creator: Ingalls, John James, 1833-1900
Date: July 5, 1859
On the first day of the Wyandotte Constitutional Convention, Ingalls wrote from Wyandotte, Kansas, with observation on the city and the nature of the convention, which he considered "not a very superior one." Nevertheless, the Republicans had a big majority, and Ingalls was "on some of the most important committees in the convention and shall be obliged to do some hard work."

John W. Greyeyes to Anna Boucher Bassett
Creator: Greyeyes, John W.
Date: 1860 - 1861
The collection contains two letters, an envelope and transcripts of the letters written by John W. and Katherine Greyeyes, members of the Wyandot tribe, to Mrs. Anna Boucher Bassett, a family friend. The letters provide news about friends, family, and businesses in Wyandotte, Kansas. Anna Boucher married Michael Bassett and they became friends with the Greyeyes when they all lived in Amherstberg, Canada. The Greyeyes came to Kansas City around 1854 and in 1860, Michael Bassett lived with them for awhile.

Joseph Pomeroy Root
Creator: Langhorne, photographer
Joseph Pomeroy Root was a resident of Wyandotte, Kansas Territory. He was involved in the free state cause, including recruiting members of the Kansas Volunteers for the Protection of the Ballot Box and working for the National Kansas Committee. He served as the first Lieutenant Governor of the state of Kansas.