Story of Perry,kansas
By Mr. Elmer Eugene bates
Section 1 - Early Days of Kansas Territory
Topics: Kansas-Nebraska Bill; Civil War; Trappers; Daniel Morgan Boone; Native American Relations
Section 2 - First Territorial Governor
Topics: Kansas vs Missouri; 4 State Constitutions; Townships; County Commission Advise: Mention of death
Section 3 - River Transportation
Topics: Steamboats; Rivers; Thompsonville
Advise: Mentions of death
Section 4 - First Permanent Settlers
Topics: Rising Sun; Medina; 1871 Statistics; Newman; Williamstown; Thompsonville
Section 5 - Early Troubles in Perry
Topics: Grasshoppers; Prohibition; Carry A. Nation; Oil Lamps; Thomas Lee; Newspaper; Telephones
Section 6 - Growth of Business Section
Topics: Hoffmans Store; Street Improvements; Power Plant
Section 7 - Churches
Section 8 - Rural Development
Topics: Good Roads Bill; Golden Belt Road; Gas Pipeline Implementation
Section 9 - Modern Improvements
Topics: Local Schools; American Legion; 1951 Flood; Knowledge Tree; Water Pump; Advise: Mention of Death
Section 10 - Acknowledgement and References
Elmer Eugene Bates
1890 - 1955
Note from Perry Pride's History Committee:
As an organization, Perry Pride appreciates the work of Elmer Eugene Bates in creating this "Story of Perry Kansas".
From The Perry Mirror, Thursday, March 10, 1955
Elmer Eugene Bates
Elmer E. Bates, farmer and community leader, died Sunday evening at the home of friend, Willard Good. Death was due to a Myocardial Infraction. According to his doctor, he had a history of substantial pain prior to his death.
He was a member of the Methodist Church, the Masons, Scottish Rite, Eastern Star, Lions Club and American Legion. He was secretary of the Stonehouse Drainage District and a past secretary of the Perry School Board. He was a veteran of WWI.
Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Mabel Bates (remarried, Mrs. Mabel Drake) and a daughter, Mrs. Marion Klinestiver of the home, one grandson, Garth Klinestiver of the home, and a son, Eugene, a Kansas State College student.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday from the Methodist Church with the Rev. Harold Wolfe in charge. Burial was in the Underwood Cemetery at Williamstown.
Photos provided by Ralph Klinestiver (Descendant of Elmer)
Acknowledgement
Much of this would not be possible without the support of people in Perry Pride and people who have taken the time to write down Perry's History along with their personal stories that help shape the story of Perry. Much of what is shared here is all thanks to Mr. Elmer E. Bates, who prepared a wonderful document for the Kansas Territory Centennial in 1954, entitled "The Story of Perry". Additionally, Perry Pride would like to formally thank those who have shared their stories and love of Perry with the community, and if it were not for you, Perry would not be as great of a place as it is today.
Thank You!