HONORABLE JOHN B. RUPE
One of the highest tributes that could be paid
Mr. Rupe, and one in which the writer feels assured all his friends and fellow citizens would acquiesce, is that
no one would associate with him a thought unworthy of a true Christian gentleman. He is the very soul of honor,
unselfish generosity and integrity.
John B. Rupe is a son of the Reverend Samuel Rupe,
who was a resident of Sumptions Prairie, St. Joseph county, Indiana, for over forty years, and was one of St. Joseph
county's sturdy pioneers. He died in June, 1885, in the seventy-eighth year of his age. He had been a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church since his boyhood and was a preacher of local note. He was an honest, upright, Christian
man, greatly esteemed by his fellow citizens. Samuel Rupe was born in Ashe county, North Carolina, April 4, 1808.
He emigrated with his parents to the state of Indiana and settled in Wayne county in 1812. When he had attained
his majority he located in St. Joseph county, where he lived and labored all the eventful years of his life. Reverend
Rupe was converted at the age of eighteen years and received his first license to preach from the distinguished
preacher. Reverend James Armstrong, at a quarterly meeting held in a barn near the town of Goshen, Indiana.
Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Rupe have been interested witnesses
to the development of Cloud county since its early settlement, and are a part of its history, both pioneer and
modern. They are editors and proprietors of the Clyde Herald, which entered upon its first volume in the city of
Clyde, Thursday, May 9, 1879, and, since the consolidation of the Empire and Blade, is the oldest newspaper in
Cloud county. J. B. Rupe & Company assumed the proprietorship of the Herald in November, 1883, and under their
management it has developed into one of the best and most reliable papers issued in Cloud county. It advocates
the politics of the Republican party and the principles of prohibition. It makes a bold and fearless stand for
the principles of right and vigorously defends them. It is a clean paper and receives as it so justly deserves
a large share of the public patronage.
The American Economist, a paper devoted to the
protection of American labor and industries, often publishes clippings from the Clyde Herald. In its issue of May
3, 1901, the following is noted; "Since the Dingley tariff has been built, our exports have so enormously
increased as to become alarming to foreign nations." And again, "Europe had the new scare about getting
its share of trade under Cleveland, but it is McKinley that is playing hob with her." "Oh, some say hogs
were seven cents once under Cleveland, but will you please remember that this was under his first administration.
See?"
Mrs. Rupe is a woman of fine business qualifications
and one of the main spokes in the wheel that runs the Herald office, and the paper owes much of its success to
her energy and ability. Mr. and Mrs. Rupe are among the earliest and most historical characters of the county.
The author uses the word character, for that suits the action to the word and Dickens would have reveled in some
of their distinguished qualities as material for one of his famous novels. He would have immortalized them.
The following biographical sketch accompanied with
the pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Rupe appeared in an issue of The Kansan September 28, 1899 and is well worthy of space
in these columns:
TWO MIGHTY NICE PEOPLE
Two of the quaintest characters in the newspaper
work of Kansas are the subjects of this sketch. They are Mr. and Mrs. John B. Rupe, editors and proprietors of
the Clyde Herald. Why do we say quaint? Because there is no other paper in the state like the Clyde Herald. So
we are going to say something about them in connection with the splendid pictures of them which we print. They
will be surprised, we are sure, to see this, and it will take them some time to guess where we got their excellent
photographs.
John B. Rupe was born April 27, 1834, in St. Joseph
county, Indiana, near South Bend. In his youth he taught school a spell and studied law at odd times and was admitted
to the bar of that state sometime in the early 'fifties. The Pike's Peak fever got a good grip on him and took
him across the plains, and he was mining in a Colorado gold camp when the war of the Rebellion broke out. He enlisted
in Company L, Second Colorado. He was first sergeant of his company. At the close of the war Mr. Rupe came to
Kansas with his brother, Frank, and settled on a claim on Elk creek, and has lived on the farm and at Clyde ever
since. In the fall of 1866 he was chosen to represent the county (then Shirley) in the - state legislature.
During this session it was Mr. Rupe who had the name of the county changed to Cloud, in honor of Colonel W. F.
Cloud, of the Second Kansas Regiment. Mr. Rupe contended then, and always has since, that the county was first
named after a woman of unsavory character-Jane Shirley. Mr. Rupe was the first representative the county had in
the legislature.
He was married to Mrs. Mary L. Smith, May 27, 1867.
Mrs. Rupes name was Mary L. Morley. She was born at Bristolville, Ashtabula county, Ohio, September 8, 1844. She
came to Kansas with her parents in the spring of 1864. The family settled on a claim about three miles east of
the present site of Clyde. She married Andrew W. Smith, December 4, 1864. Mr. Smith was killed by Indians, on White
Rock creek, near the Jewell county line, in the fall of 1866. Only one child came to bless this union-Owen
C. Smith, who is in the employ of C. F. Armstrong, the creamery man. As before stated, she was married to Mr.
Rupe, May 27, 1867, and it seems to us a more happily wedded pair never lived to bless each other. To Mr. and
Mrs. Rupe four children have been born, three of whom are living: Louella V., wife of William McCarty, a farmer
of Elk township; they are the parents of seven children, viz: Winnie, Dessie, Leo, Auberon, Ivan, Lauren and Gerald.
The second daughter, Aldaretta A., is the wife of William Wellman, a rural route mail carrier of Gallatin, Missouri;
they are the parents of four daughters: Zella, Opal, Crystal and India. Frank, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Rupe,
is a rural mail carrier and assists in the office very materially. He is married to Norva, a daughter of Marion
Winter, of Clyde. Isetta died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Rupe lived on a farm, within a half
mile of Clyde until 1884, when the Herald was bought from J. S. Paradis, who had established it in 1878. Since
the Rupes have owned it, it has never missed an issue or been a day late-it is as sure to come out on Wednesday
as the sun to rise that day, so long as they are responsible for its publication and physically able to get it
out. For be it known that no outsiders are permitted to touch their vile hands to such a sacred family affair as
the Herald. Mrs. Rupe, diminutive little body that she is, does all the type-setting, making up and locking the
forms ready for press. She is a rapid type-setter and accurate.
Of course she learned the trade in the Herald office.
The office is located in the rear rooms of their cozy but unpretentious residence, some little distance from the
rush and bustle of the business houses, so that the Herald is a part and parcel of the Rupe household and home.
Mrs. Rupe is so small of stature that she must needs stand on a box or sit on a high stool to put the types to
clicking in her printer's stick; but she is a nervous, energetic little woman and seems never to be tired, and
we have never yet seen her cross. The editor, our friend, John B., is of phlegmatic mould. He takes life easy and
philosophically. He has one corner devoted to the sanctum, and in that corner, or, in summer time, out in front
of the office door in the shade of a friendly box-elder, you'll surely find him, reading, writing or perhaps dozing
a bit.
Both are earnest and enthusiastic members of the
State Editorial Association and the North-Central Kansas Editorial Association, and Mrs. Rupe is the treasurer
of the Woman's Press Association of Kansas. None are more welcome at the association meetings, none would be more
missed were they to stay away. The Herald, it is true, is not what one might term a great newspaper. It has a monotonous,
uneventful, placid existence, providing a sustenance to its owners that might be better, yet they are content with
what they have and thankful it is no worse. The editorial tone can not well be charged with being sensational-yet
fireworks can be easily set in motion thereabouts if anything should be said to John B. in derogation of McKinley,
the Republican party, or the Methodist Episcopal church. If McKinley should take a fit to set a match to the White
House, or plow up the lawn in front of it, Rupe would weave a story in praise of his foresight in forestalling
some evil design of the Populist party. Floods, cyclones, or earthquakes have no terrors for John Rupe, so long
as the Republican party doesn't burst up and the conference sends a good Methodist preacher to the church at Clyde.
Drouths do not derange Rupe's happiness near so much as the defeat of a Republican candidate on the day of election.
It makes no difference what the planks in the platform say, nor whom the convention designates to stand on the
platform, they can bank for a certainty on one vote in Elk township for the Republican ticket. Aside from the extreme
radicalism of our friend on these few points, the Herald is a strong supporter of good morals, adopts no subterfuge
for policy sake and is outspoken at all times. Their printing office is a bit out of date, as good country printing
offices go these days, but they do not whine because it is no better. The financial returns from their investment
and their labor is not what one would desire, but they do not complain. Keeping well abreast of the times by much
reading, enjoying fairly good health because of plenty of work to do, and blessed with contentment as a crowning
glory for all, they are enjoying life's sunset midst the scenes that bring memories of sanguinary hopes and more
youthful days. May they live long to bless mankind with their living lesson of contentment and loving devotion
as husband and wife, is the wish of the Kansan."(Biographical History of Cloud County, Kansas, Mrs. E. F.
Hollibaugh, 1903, Pages 421-424)
FRANK B.
RUPE
The subject of this sketch belongs to that band
of noble men and women called pioneers; who left their eastern homes to brave the dangers and hardships of the
frontier. Mr. Rupe was born in St. Joseph county, Indiana, and emigrated to Cloud county March 26, 1866. He is
a brother of John B. Rupe, the veteran editor of the "Clyde Herald."
Frank B. Rupe is justly proud of the distinction
that he was the promoter of the first movement towards the organization of the present town-site of Clyde, the
oldest town in Cloud county; and was an important factor in the financial engineering of the enterprise. In the
annals of the Elk creek settlement Mr. Rupe's name will always occupy a place of prominence for he has been conspicuous
in every worthy cause and one of the leaders in Christian and church work.
Mr. Rupe has attained a fair success in life; owns
two hundred and forty acres of land that is par-excellent in quality. The dugout and log cabin of early days have
been supplanted by a commodious and handsome residence which stands near the center of his estate and is charmingly
located on the banks of Elk creek. The east and west branches of the Elk find their confluence on his farm. Mr.
Rupe is known and appreciated as a gentleman of high integrity and public spirit. He is entitled to these eulogiums
because of his upright character and sincerity of purpose. (Biographical History of Cloud County, Kansas, Mrs.
E. F. Hollibaugh, 1903, Page 425 )
DAVID TURNER, SR.
In March, 1866, David Turner, Sr., the subject
of this memoir, with his son James, while on a prospecting tour visited Kansas. After retracing their journey and
making the necessary preparations at their home in Nebraska, they returned to the new country in the month of May,
joined the Elk creek settlement and secured government claims. During their early residence in Kansas they endured
many of the incidents of frontier life- and endured them bravely as one who dips into the future and is rewarded
by visions of victory and prosperity. The beautiful suburban home they now occupy is the original homestead and
proves the rare good judgment David Turner, Sr., possessed.
The Irishman said: "Taking up land in Kansas
is like betting $14.50 with 'Uncle Sam* against one hundred and sixty acres of land, that they could not live on
it five years." But the Turners won out on this proposition. From the date of their arrival on Elk creek they
have been prominent factors of Clyde and vicinity, figuring largely in every good enterprise. David Turner, Sr.,
was one of the original town company and helped lay out the city of Clyde. He was the first township trustee of
Elk township, one of the early county assessors and once elected county xommissioner; though a staunch Democrat
politically he received his first nomination through the Republican party. He was conceded to be one of the best
commissioners Cloud county ever had. He maintained a potent interest in all enterprises originated in behalf of
the people; especially was his influence given to the promotion of the public schools. For years he was a leading
man in all matters pertaining to the schools of Clyde, serving several years as member of the school board.
David Turner, Sr., descended from an ancient and
honored Scottish family. He left Edinburg in 1849 to make a home in America. He first settled in Dodge county,
Wisconsin, where he farmed with the zeal and energy of true Scotch yeomanry for fifteen years. Next they located
in Minnesota, but twelve months later we find him with his son forging their way to the new west where as a result
of earnest effort he accumulated a modest fortune and power for good, having left an influence with the locality
where he was identified for so many years-a name above reproach. David Turner, Sr., was deceased August 19, 1897.
Mrs. Turner, who survives him was Jean Law before her marriage and is also of Scotch birth.
To Mr. and Mrs. Turner eight children were born
and all arrived at manhood and womanhood and were useful men and women. James Turner, the eldest son, is Clyde's
enterprising furniture dealer, conducting the only business in that line in the city. He established this enterprise
in 1883 and in the meantime purchased the stock of three different stores. James Turner is one of Clyde's most
representative citizens and like his father is active in educational interests. He served thirteen years by election
and an unexpired term by appointment as a member of the school board. No man is more interested in the development
and progress of Clyde or more loyal to the general welfare of the community. John, who was a prosperous farmer,
died in 1882. David, Jr., a furniture dealer of Anadarko, Oklahoma, was for many years a farmer and esteemed business
man of Clyde. William and Alexander are farmers, living on the old homestead. Jean Margaret, is the widow of William
E. Reid and the mother of Albert T. Reid, the distinguished artist, (see sketch elsewhere,) George S., Frank A.,
Llewellyn Arthur and Jean Lucile. Mary E., who died in 1882, taught in the public schools. Elizabeth, the youngest
daughter, also taught school at Clyde, before her marriage to Thos. Owen. Her death occurred in 1891.
The Turners are all Democrats politically. James
Turner says the first time he voted in Cloud county there were but six Democratic votes in Elk township and three
of those were accredited to the Turner family. In religion they are connected with and regular attendants of the
Presbyterian church. (Biographical History of Cloud County, Kansas, Mrs. E. F. Hollibaugh, 1903, Pages 425-426)
URIAH J. SMITH
To the early settlers of Kansas, all honor is due.
To the pioneer who bore the hardship and overcame the obstacles of frontier life, the present generation should
take off their hats. The subject of this sketch, U. J. Smith came into the country when the territory was designated
as the Great American Desert, when destitute of law and order, and when the settlers were in constant fear and
terror on account of the threatening perils that surrounded them incident to border ruffianism, and Indian depredations.
He is not only one of the pioneers of Cloud county, but among the oldest settlers in the state. He, with his father
Andrew Smith, emigrated west in 1855, and located in the town of Topeka, then a mere trading post. The following
year, 1856 they removed to Cottonwood Falls, where they met with a serious misfortune-the death of our subject's
mother. Mr. Smith had not attained his fifteenth year when he returned to his native state and enlisted in the
One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York Volunteer Infantry and participated in some of the hardest fought battles
in the history of the Civil War. His regiment took part in the battle of Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg, Ream's Station,
Appomattox Court House, Cold Harbor, The Wilderness, Petersburg, and in the pursuit of Lee until the surrender.
When this event took place the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth was a depleted regiment; both officers and privates
came near being annihilated. Though constantly in the midst of shot and shell, Mr. Smith escaped without a wound,
but was made prisoner under the surrender of Colonel Miles. He was immediately paroled but only to be captured
the second time by the celebrated guerilla chieftain, Mosby, and confined in the noted Libby prison. He was subsequently
carried to Belle Isle, where he witnessed many appealing sights that corroborate the fame of this rebel prison;
but owing to his extreme youth Mr. Smith received better treatment than many of his comrades. Immediately after
the close of hostilities Mr. Smith joined his father in Kansas, landing in the vicinity of Clyde on the last day
of the year 1865, where he has been a prominent citizen for thirty-eight years; where he married, built up a home,
and reared a family of useful men and women. Though a tall, slim boy but eighteen years of age, he had served three
years Under Uncle Sam; and this had in all likelihood stimulated his tastes for life on the frontier, for no sooner
had he become one of them, and a scouting party was being selected to reconnoitre over the Indian hunting grounds
than he would be one of the first to respond to the call, Mr. Smith, with Jack Billings, his comrade of pioneer
times, have perhaps killed more buffalo than any two men in the county. In the chapter of buffalo stories some
of their experiences are given.
Our subject's father, Andrew W. Smith, was a frontiersman
for many years. Leaving New York, his native state, he emigrated in an early day to Wisconsin and thence to Kansas
in 1855. Mr. Rupe, in his "Early Recollections," says of him in substance: "To oppose border ruffianism
and mingle with the sense of danger incident to those turbulent times was a source of amusement to Andrew Smith.
He was not created as a leader of men, but a fitting representative of an advanced portion of the masses, consequently
he maintained fixed principles with honest convictions, among them the belief that right should assert itself even
though it be in conflict with the laws of the country, and in accordance with these views would violate the well
known fugitive slave laws with impunity. Many a southern darky has gained his freedom through Andrew Smith's connection
with the underground railroad. He was a conspicious character in the early days of Kansas and came to the state
with General James H. Lane, and Colonel E. G. Ross. He was a brave man, seemingly insensible to fear, even bordering
on to recklessness, a trait that in all probability cost him his life. In October, 1886, Mr. Smith, in company
with James Neely, and his son, the subject of this sketch, left the Elk creek settlement for the purpose of trapping.
When about twenty miles west of where Cawker City now stands they were joined by a band of Otoe Indians. Mr. Smith
was desirous of meeting a financial obligation and allowed the two young men to return home with a load of buffalo
meat while he remained and trapped with the Indians and concluded with the remark, 'I'm going to pay that debt
off or die in the attempt perhaps little thinking that this would be the last known of his earthly career. The
Otoes declared he left them and was murdered by the Cheyennes, but suspicion pointed to them as being the guilty
culprits who committed the dark deed, as the pony Mr. Smith had with him was afterwards seen in the possession
of the Otoes."
Andrew Smith was twice married, his second wife
being Miss Mary Morley, now the wife of John B. Rupe. To this union one son was born, Owen Smith, who lives in
Clyde and is an employee in the office of C. H. Armstrong.
Uriah Smith, with Oswin Morley, narrowly escaped
the fate of the Lew Cassel party. Only a few days prior to the time, and a short distance from where their massacre
took place, near the head of Little Cheyenne, they w<ere approached by three savages, followed by two others
a few yards distant and still two more moving in that direction. Their attitude was that of hostile Indians with
bows and arrows ready for action; but true to their Indian nature they determined to know the cost before acting.
That each of the young hunters was well armed made the redskins cautious and it was observed by the boys that the
redskins kept in the rear. Three of them were riding a short distance in advance of the other two and just before
they reached their wagon the trio overtook them and shaking hands said, "Good Injuns."
One of the other two proved to be a chief and he
did not extend a friendly hand but in broken English said, "The buffalo belongs to the Indian." Mr. Smith
told him to "puckachee," which they did not readily proceed to do. They presented a harrowing sight with
their vivid war paint, a fantastic strip of hair through the middle of their heads, bows and arrows ready for use
in one hand and reining their ponies with the other. Mr. Smith inquired, "Are you Otoes?" to which they
replied they were; but our subject was familiar with that tribe and knew that they were not speaking truthfully.
That their intentions were hostile could be discerned in the wicked gleam of their eyes, as they glanced from the
guns in the possession of the two heroes to their own weapons. Anxious to avoid an encounter Mr. Smith said, "Good-bye,"
and started in the direction of their wagon, but the chief said, "No-wait," to which the hunters replied,
"No, were in a hurry." Growing more bold, the chief answered, "No, you can't go." Not heeding
the command of the Indians they bade them good-bye and started. The Indians then formed a line and followed. After
advancing a few paces Mr. Smith decided whoever began first would have the advantage, and suiting the action to
the word suddenly wheeled about, drew his gun, and in tones even a savage could comprehend ordered them to "puckachee."
They were disconcerted by this act of bravery, but the chief however, looked him straight in the eye for a moment
while the others pulled away in a westerly direction. Maintaining his ground Mr. Smith told him in the same imperative
way to go, or he would shoot him. The old chief sullenly obeyed but they dismounted when about a quarter of a mile
distant and held a council. The other Indians who were riding in the distance joined them and they discussed the
situation, doubtless concluded two or more of their number must succumb while securing the booty, and left the
young huntsmen masters of the situation. While this council was taking place Mr. Smith told Mr. Morley to get the
team in readiness and while doing so, our subject stalked over in the direction of the warriors and stood leaning
on the muzzle of his gun until they departed; singly riding away, reminding one of Goldsmith's lines: "He
who fights and runs away, will live to fight another day; but he who is in battle slain, can never rise and fight
again." These courageous youths resolved that they were on dangerous ground and retraced their journey homeward.
They had nerved themselves up to the ordeal but when the danger had passed they were almost ready to collapse.
The Cassel party were massacred a few days later near where this event took place and in all probability this same
band participated in their foul murder, and had it not been for their daring, they too would have met a similar
fate, and had they not returned home via the salt marsh to procure salt for curing their buffalo meat they would
have met the Cassel party of hunters.
Mr. Smith arrived in Clyde on December 1, 1865,
with the teams that brought the Cowell and Davis stock of goods for the first store in Cloud county. There were
but three houses on the town site. They were of log and occupied by Moses and David Heller, Tom Hay, and a Mrs.
Berry. Mrs. Smith, who was Miss Mary Sitton, died several years ago, leaving a family of seven children: Lillian,
Nelson, Daisy, Leroy, Walter, Honor and Leslie. Mr. Smith is a farmer by occupation and owns a valuable estate
just beyond the city confines of Clyde. Besides being a practical farmer, he is a successful horticulturist and
owns one of the finest orchards in the county. He is a member and one of the most active workers in the Methodist
Episcopal church. (Biographical History of Cloud County, Kansas, Mrs. E. F. Hollibaugh, 1903, Pages 426-429)
