How Rossville Came To Be

From the Rossville Centennial Book, 1971 

The early village was known as “Cross Creek,” taking its name from the nearby creek. In January,
1862, James Dahoney applied for a post office in the name of “Rossville,” honoring Wm. W. Ross,
Indian Agent. When the request was granted by the United States Government he received the
appointment as the first postmaster. James Dahoney lived in a log cabin on Walnut Street (where
Mrs. Ora Pelfrey now lives) and this was Rossville’s first post office.

From Kansas Daily Commonwealth, 19 May, 1870, Topeka, Kansas.
A New Town
Edna is a new town recently laid out on the K.P.R.R., 18 miles west of Topeka. This
town has a most beautiful and attractive site on Cross Creek, near its junction with the
Kaw River.
No part of the Kaw Valley presents a finer location for an active business place. The
surrounding country for miles is of the most fertile character, and is being rapidly settled
by an industrious and intelligent class of citizens. We are informed by one of the
proprietors, Mr. Harvey H. Wilcox, that the town is now platted and everything ready for
business. Messrs. James and Line of Topeka have established themselves here and
are doing a thriving trade in dry goods, groceries, tinware, etc.
There are several other business houses in the course of erection, and many live men
are procuring locations for trade and residences. The liberality of the citizens has
already erected a comfortable school house in which the day school is maintained; also
Sabbath school and regular preaching.
A generous policy has been adopted by the proprietors toward settlers. To those who
will erect substantial buildings and engage in any legitimate business, lots will be given
them sufficient to place their buildings on; but lots will neither be given nor sold to those
contemplating a traffic in whiskey.
It is the design of the proprietors to render Edna, in all respects, an attractive and
profitable point to engage in any respectable business, but they will spare no pains to
prevent the sale of intoxicating liquors, believing that to be suicidal to the interests of
any town.
All those desiring to avail themselves of the opportunity there presented, will do well to
call on Wilcox, Adams & Co., opposite court house, Topeka.

From the above article in the Kansas Daily Commonwealth we learn that the city now known as
Rossville was originally called Edna. The village of Edna was conceived by a group of four men, A.C. Sherman,
Colonel George W. Veale, H.H. Wilcox and Fielding Johnson. These four original
proprietors purchased in 1870 100 acres of land on the east side of Cross Creek, from Anthony
Navarre and So-na-ne-que, his wife. The townsite was surveyed and platted by J.B. Whittaker,
County Surveyor, Topeka.
Of course there was already a rather haphazard village on the west side of Cross Creek, dating back
to the first settlements made in 1848 when the Pottawatomi Indians were moved to this area. In 1862
this village was granted a United States Post Office in the name of Rossville. There was no formal
city government in Rossville and things were probably rather wild and woolly, judging from
 Dr. Robert Gabbey’s account of the early days.

The founders of the new village of Edna saw an opportunity to purchase some land, promote a new
town and in turn benefit financially. This entire area was opening up to settlers and was bound to
grow. It is difficult to promote a new town in an entire new region, but they tried to make Edna spring
up like a mushroom beside a village with another name already established. The settlers already here
simply would not accept the town of Edna. With all the grandiose plans of the promoters, Edna was
not a success. The railroad stopped on the west side of the creek at the village of Rossville. There
was a small water tank filled by a pump, operated by one horse, pumping water from the creek to
service the engines. There was not a depot building as we think of depots today but there was a rude
shelter for the use of the passengers.
Colonel Veale and A.C. Sherman realized that where the depot was located would determine the
success of their town, so after much haggling and some pretty hot arguments a compromise was
reached; they would abandon the name of Edna and accept the name of Rossville; and they paid
$1,000 to build a depot in their town. This first depot stood in the area where Mrs. Andricks now lives.
Early in 1871 the town of Rossville became a reality and a success for the townsite promoters.

Christian Church Resumes Services

From the Capital-Journal:

The Rev. Caleb Falk said Rossville Christian Church was able to quickly mount an online presentation that included live music and preaching. The church, which has a normal attendance of about 100, has resumed meeting, with slightly fewer than normal attending.

“It was great to finally be back in person,” Falk said. “It was good to see everybody and to be back together, and not just preaching to and singing to a camera.”

Falk said the Rossville church will continue streaming its services for the next several weeks, but that isn’t something it plans to carry on long term. He said the building has ample space for social distancing but the church hasn’t resumed a lot of the programs it normally offers.

“We’re kind of having to play it by ear,” Falk said about getting back to normal. “It’s hard to say how things are going to progress. This situation is constantly changing and adapting.”

Indian Taco Dinner June 14

Delia Community PRIDE

 

Make a trip to Delia Sunday, June 14th from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. to enjoy a delicious Indian Taco and homemade dessert. All for $7!!! You can'teat the price....

Caila Hill On President's Honor Roll

Kansas Wesleyan University announced its spring honor rolls on Tuesday.   A GPA  of 3.75 or better is required for the Presidents Honor Roll.  Caila Hill of Rossville achived that honor.

Senior Awards and Scholarships

Zachary Archer has received the RHS Opportunity Scholarship and the KSHSAA Citizenship Award.  He intends to major in Computer Science at Kansas University.

Kaleb Badura has received the following scholarships:  Washburn Presidential, the Shawnee County Farm Bureau, Rossville High School Alumni, Pete Darting Memorial, RHS Opportunity, and the Dale Dennis Award.  He intends to attend Washburn U. majoring in Radiology Technology.

Danielle Bittner has received the Rudd Foundation Scholarship.   She intends to major in psychology at Witchita State U.

Edward Brockamp plans to attend Emporia State U. majoring in Crime and Delinquency Studies.

Alexandra Broughton has received the RHS Alumni Scholarship and plans to attend Wichita State U.

Gregory Cooney has received the Dana and Louise Hummer scholarship and plans to attend Ft. Hays working on a degree as a wildlife biologist.

Trevor Cunningham plans to attend Kansas State U. Polytech majoring in Computer Systems Technology.

Kody Davoren has received the Limestone Award, the RHS Opportunity Scholarship, KSU Yell Leader, Senior Inspirational Award, Toby McCullough Award and plans to attend Kansas State to major in mechanical engineering.

Liam Ganson plans to attend Washburn Tech working on a welding certification.

Erika Hatina has received the Duane Parr Memorial Scholarship, the Cecile Zlatnik Memorial Scholarship, and the John Johnson Award and plans to attend Emporia State U.

Kennedy Haynes plans to attend Kansas U. to major in engineering.

Leah Hudson has received the 1863 Landmark Award, The Rossville Alumni Scholarship, Rossville Rustlers 4H Scholarship, KSU Yell Leader Award, Bank of the Flint Hills Scholarship, RHS Opportunity Scholarship, and plans to attend Kansas State U. majoring in agronomy.

Meagan Huston has received the Custom Wood Products-Lake Family Scholarship, ESU Band Scholarship, and the KVEA Scholarship and plans to attend Emporia State U. majoring in elementary education.

Kinlyn Lundin has received the Harriet Hayes Austin Memorial Scholarship and plans to attend Kansas U. to major in nursing.

Rayna Miller plans to attend Washburn Tecch majoring in cosmotology.

Taylor Morelli has received the ESU Presidential Scholarship, the Rudd Foundation Scholarship, the Majorie Helen Lanning Memorial Scholarship, the KSHSAA Scholarship Award, and the Michael Keller Award, and plans to attend Emporia State U, majoring in Secondary Math Education. 

Michaela Paulsen has received the Harriet Hayes Austin Memorial Scholarship and will attend Fort Hays State U. majoring in nursing.

Allison Perry plans to attend Fort Scott Community College majoring in nursing.

Jenna Rodehorst has received the WSU Merit Scholarship, the Rudd Foundation Scholarship, and Victor Murdock Scholarship in Journalism and plans to attend Wichita State U. to major in Journalism.

Mary Shults has received the Band Scholarship and will attend Colby Community College majoring in Vet Tech.

Colleen Stalbaumer plans to attend Allen County Comm. College.

Emma Streit has received the Cole Arnold Memorial, Doug Perine Memorial, Les and Dorothy Hallmark memorial, Bryan Lindstrom Inspirational and Ron Monhollon Scholarships and plans to attend  Washburn Tech majoring in Nursing.

Natalie Trice has received the Newspaper scholarship and plans to attend Allen County Community College.

Jordan Whitaker plans to attend Kansas State U. majoring in business and ROTC.

Sydney Wonnell has received the Washburn Presdential, RHS Alumni, Academic, Cheerleading and Rural Water District #2 Scholarships and plans to attend Washburn U. to major in nursing.

James Catt Gets Diploma 78 Years Late

James Catt Sr.  holds his high school diploma that 

he received Monday, 78 years after he was drafted into 

the U.S. Navy before he could finish high school.

    James Catt Sr,  just received his diploma from Rossville High,  though late by 78 years.  A native of Willard,  he attended Rossville schools until he was drafted in 1943.  After 3 years in the Navy,  he returned to civilian life,  but didn't go back to school and spent most of his adult life in Havre NE where he met and married his wife.  You can read about how he got the diploma at:  

https://www.havredailynews.com/story/2020/06/02/local/havreite-receives-diploma-after-78-years/529140.html

    Is he included in the 2020 graduating class?

Graduation July 26, 2020

Rossville and St. Marys  High Schools will hold graduation for the senior class of  2020 on July 26, 2020.

Thomas Wade Passes Away

Thomas F. Wade, Sr., 93, Silver Lake, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2020.
You can read his obituary at:  https://www.parkerpricefh.com/Obituary/183429/Thomas-Wade%2c-Sr/Topeka-KS

Mary (Cobler) Warner Passes Away

Mary Schiefelbein Warner, 94, of Topeka, died on May 28, 2020.

She was born Mary Ellen Cobler on November 9, 1925, in Rossville, KS, to Barbara and Walter Cobler. She was the sixth of eleven children and grew up in Topeka. In 1942, she married Sylvester Schiefelbein, the fourth of eleven children. Their big, loving families were always important in their lives and shaped the lives of their own six children.

Mary enthusiastically embraced Sylvester's Roman Catholic faith, which she faithfully practiced her whole life. She and Sylvester were active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and their children attended Sacred Heart School. Mary served as a Eucharistic minister at church and for the homebound. She was a member of the Legion of Mary, Daughters of Isabella Little Flower Circle #503, and the Altar Society.

Sylvester died in 1979. Mary married Loren Dale Warner in 1982. Both Mary and Dale retired from Ohse Meat Company. They enjoyed traveling and attending Dale's Air Force reunions. Dale died in 1988.

Mary was blessed with 16 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great grandchildren, and 61 nieces and nephews. Her family and friends will remember her for her delicious apple pie and her homemade noodles, spread across the kitchen counter to dry, and for the Volga German specialties she learned to make from Sylvester's mother, Amelia. They will remember her for her hard work, both at home, and in the jobs she took to help support the family.

They will also remember her devotion to her mother and Sylvester's mother, both of whom died on her birthday. They will remember all the times she cared for her sick and dying siblings. They will remember how well she and Sylvester danced waltzes and polkas, played on the dulcimer by Sylvester's brother Joe at the wedding dances that were an important part of family life. Her children will remember with great love the sacrifices she made for them as they were growing up. They will remember her tremendous will to live, seen in her survival of a major illness when she was 83, and in her determination in the years afterwards to be with her family through the challenges of aging.

Mary is survived by her six children: Lyle (Sharon), Richard (Ann), Linda Burghart (Steve), Michael (Steve Klinkerman), Mark (Heidi), and Craig (Carolyn). She is also survived by her brothers Walter Cobler (Nancy), Robert Cobler (Donna), and Fred Rogers (Norma).

She will lie in state at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. and a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2nd. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 3rd, at 10 a.m, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart/St. Joseph Parish and sent in care of
Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.

Brad Bush Passes Away

It has been reported that Brad Bush has recently passed away.  No details or obituary are available at this time. 

Darrel Heslet Passes Away

It has been reported that Darrel Heslet has passed away.  No details or obituary are available at this time.

Paul Brennan (77) On KSNT

Paul Brennan is interviewed briefly in this video about the Topeka Library.

https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/topeka-and-shawnee-county-public-library-starts-curbside-pick-up-personalized-browsing/

Shirley Voight Passes Away

Judy Lundin reports a death a few weeks back that was never in any paper  that she could find.

It was Shirley Bond Irwin Voight of Tennessee. She grew up in Delia & attended Delia schools. 

She died the first part of May. Her parents were Oren &  Marguerite Bond of Delia. 

Two of her daughters, Kim Dick & Karen Lira attended Rossville schools. 

They survive along with another daughter Tracy. Other survivors include a  brother, 

Robert Bond of Missouri. 

Gale Bennett Passes Away

Gale E. Bennett, 85, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2020. He was born March 1, 1935 in Delia, Kansas, the son of Leo C. and Mary (Morris) Bennett.

Gale attended Rossville Grade School and graduated from St. Mary’s High School. He worked at the Sinclair station while in school and then at Kaw Valley Dehydrating Plant after graduation. He went on to work for Wagner Construction as a carpenter for 30 years and then with Senne Construction for another 5 years. He retired in 1995. He was a member of the Carpenters Union Local #1445, The Knights of Columbus and The Still Waters Evangelical Church.

Gale married Edna M. Bennett on June 4, 1960 in St. Mary’s, Kansas. She survives. Other survivors include their children, Scott Bennett of Topeka, Brian Bennett of Topeka, his grandson, Kurtis and his siblings, Kenneth Bennett of Rossville, Kansas, Mary Homan of St. Mary’s, Kansas and Judy Merriman of Lawrence.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2020 at Still Waters Evangelical Church, 4412 SW 21st St. where the family will receive friends beginning at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Auburn Cemetery.

Dove Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd. is assisting the family.

To leave the family a special message, please select the Share Memories option at   https://www.dovetopeka.com/Obituary/185013/Gale-Bennett/Dove-KS