Our Past Is Present November 1, 2017

November 1, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Near the turn of the 20^th century, the success of the late John Lundegran furnished a striking illustration of the opportunities in early Kansas.  He came to this part of the country with scarcely a dollar.  He lived in a tiny cabin and paid for his first land purchase with carefully hoarded receipts.  John died in October of 1897 at the age of 65 and was worth about $150,000 with two thirds of his fortune being in Kansas land.  His obituary stated that he succeeded, because he made farming a business.  He was never seen talking politics on the streets through a long summer afternoon.  Indeed, it was said that only those nearest him ever knew his politics.  He apparently earned his fortune out of the Kansas soil and put it back INTO the Kansas land.  It was acknowledged that John Lundegran found success on the farm as a result of the opportunity he had in early Kansas. 

            Speaking of politics – we want to remind you to vote on November 7, next Tuesday.  Candidates for City Commission, the USD 475 School Board and the consideration about a “New JCHS” are on the ballots.  Hopefully, all of our readers are registered and will exercise their right to vote.