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The Story of Perry, Kansas

By Mr. Elmer Eugene bates

Mr. Elmer Bates created the following document for Perry's celebration of the Kansas Territory Centennial in 1954. 

Full Story (PDF Text)

Full Story (Digital Scan)

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 self-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; Circus in Perry

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. 
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Photos provided by Ralph Klinestiver (Descendant of Elmer)
 
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Perry Pride is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization as:

a member of the Greater Perry Area Community Foundation (GPCF) 

an affiliate of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation (GMCF)

and affiliate of the Kansas Community Empowerment program (KCE), 

all of which are also 501(c) (3) organizations. 

Email: info@perrypride.org

Status: Non-profit 501(c)(3) Organization

Registered Charity/EIN: 48-1215574

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Thank you! 

© 2025 by Perry Pride

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