Independence History

Independence Chamber of Commerce

To the north and east of the exact geographical center of Montgomery County, on the west bank of the Verdigris River, and along the line of the Kansas City, Lawrence, & Southern Kansas Railroad, is the city of Independence. In the month of August, 1869, a band of men, headed by R.W. Wright, left the city of Oswego, Kansas. They hoped that somewhere in the newer regions of the state, they might find a favorable spot, and become the founders of a city. Steering their course to the west and south, they reached the banks of the Verdigris River.

As they explored along the banks of the stream, through the magnificent valley which skirts it on either side, they realized that here was the foundation for a rich and prosperous agricultural country, the basis and support for a thriving city. The first attempt to settle was made in Montgomery City, in Drum Creek Township. They failed to obtain satisfactory arrangements with the town that was already formed there. They decided, at that time, to depend upon their own unaided powers, and to found a city of opposition, that should bear its name and the spirit that prompted its establishment, namely: Independence. Accordingly, the present site was chosen, comprising an even section of land. A part of the grounds selected was already occupied as claims by Frank Bunker and O.W. Sylvester, but these parties were induced to make a change and give the town company the entire section. The land was then surveyed and laid off into town lots by Capt. Hamer and G.A. Brown. Everything was made ready to begin the sale of lots and the work of building. The first building erected upon the site was a log cabin, which Frank Bunker built for his claim house. On the 11th of September, the founders of the town and their friends thought to initiate the place, marking the event as historic by a season of rejoicing. The feast consisted of roast ox, a whole barrel of bread, and four kegs of beer. The party brought these items from Oswego by wagon and ox-team, with J.N. Debrule as teamster.

Within a week after the town was founded, a paper called the Independence Pioneer was published. It was printed at Oswego, under the management of E.R. Trask. Through the paper, the town became widely advertised, and in this regard, enjoyed a decided advantage over competing points. In October, a party of eighteen families of emigrants from Indiana, headed by Samuel Parkhurst, took up quarters in the town. They constructed hay sheds and lived in them during the winter. The next summer, the town company erected a double log hotel, called the Judson House, for accommodation of travelers. The first business house was established in October, 1869, by E.E. Wilson and F.D. Irwin. Business was not very pressing at this time and it said that those men made hay on the town site while they watched for customers to enter their store. Early settlers will remember with a smile, perhaps, the establishment that was kept on the west bank of the river. It was just over the bank from the town, bearing the bold and unique inscription at its front: "Bred and Pize for Asile Huar". In May, 1870, by the action of the Board of Commissioners, the place became the county seat. The following November, it became fixed as the official county town by a vote of the people.

By the first of January, 1872, the branch of the railway, known as "Bunker's Plug", was completed to the town. Independence suffered disappointment in the first instance of railroad building, but was not to be left without the advantages of an institution of this kind, cost what it should.

A. Waldschmidt, A.L. Ross and E. B. Carpenter, each located a sawmill in the vicinity about the month of December, 1869, and Waldschmidt also built the first grist mill in the county in 1870. The Government Land Office was located here in March, 1872. All these institutions resulted in making Independence the chief point of attraction in the county, and her progress became marvelous. From the spring of 1871 to the same time in 1872, over 200 houses were built and the population swelled from 1000 to about 2300. Following this, however, its growth was slower, a healthy rate. By 1882, Independence had a population of 3000, and became a fine commercial town.

The post office was established in Independence July 1, 1870, the mail route by which the mail was brought was also established at this time. Prior to these, people had their mail brought from Oswego by private individuals, who received ten cents per letter for their trouble. The first postmaster was F.D. Irwin, whose appointment bears date with the first establishment of the office, and who received for his services a salary of $12 per year. The Government Land Office was located in Independence in March, 1872. Previously, efforts were made for this purpose, committee after committee having been sent to Washington, without effect. Finally, arrangements were perfected with the location land officials, by means of which its location was secured, but not without some expense to the city, which paid about $1900 for the privilege.

Pursuant to a proclamation issued by the Probate Judge, Independence became incorporated as a village on the 23rd of July, 1870. In a short time, the place had outgrown village proportions. At a meeting of trustees, on the 16th of November, 1871, steps were taken toward its incorporation as a third class city. Notice was given that an election would be held at the office of Squire Bunker, on the 29th of November, to choose a mayor and five councilmen to serve until the election of their successors, in the following April. The day arrived and the election was held with A.G. Savage, Lewis Conner and Samuel Van Gundy as judges. Two candidates were voted on for mayor. They were E.E. Wilson and J.B. Craig, the later being elected by a majority of four votes out of a total of 182 votes cast.

As early as March 20,1872, Independence had grown to a population of 2382, and accordingly, was authoritatively and officially declared a city of the second class. At the first election held under the advanced organization, James DeLong was chosen Mayor; Osburn Shannon, Police Judge; J.I. Crouse, Treasurer; T.P. Tonvelle, Marshall; J.M. Nevins, W. Dawson, S.A. Weir, J. Beard, J. Morland, J. Kerr, J. Bloxom and E.T. Mears, Councilmen.

The first school in Independence was taught by Miss Mary Walker in 1870. It was held in the building now used by the United Brethren's Congregational Church. In this building, and also in a private hall, school was held for about three years. In 1873, a commodious school building was erected for the cost of $23,000. It is a two-story brick structure, very artistically constructed with appropriate projections, and containing eight spacious rooms. This was sufficient for some time, but even this became cramped for room after a period of time, and in 1880 another building was erected. This was also a two-story brick house, contained four classrooms, and was erected at a cost of $8,500.

The first religious services in Independence were held in Mrs. McClug's hayshed residence, in December, 1869. They were conducted by the Rev. Thomas Canfield. The first Sunday School was organized about the same time, at the same place, with John McDill as Superintendent. From 1870 to 1873, nine churches were established. These included the First Methodist Church, The Presbyterian Church, Catholic Church, Episcopal Church, The United Brethren Church, and the First Christian Church.

By 1880, social and mutual benefit fraternities were represented in eight different lodges or societies. Two monetary institutions had been established by 1871. The first was Hull's Banking Company, by C.A. and Edgar Hull. A similar institution was started in 1871, by J.Q. Page.

The first industry founded in Montgomery County, was the water-powered flour mill in 1871, by Alexander Waldschmidt, on the Verdigris River. The mill had a capacity of grinding 250 bushels of wheat and 150 bushels of corn a day. The Independence City Mills, Independence Woolen Mills, Caldeonia Flour Mill, Eagle Flouring Mill, and the Independence Canning Company had been established by 1882.

For additional information on the history of Independence, Kansas, read:

"History of Montgomery County" by L.W. Duncan, 1903, at the Public Library in Independence.

"Who's Who" by Charles C. Drake, a history of Kansas and Montgomery County, published by the Coffeyville Journal Press, 1943.