Chritian and Nancy Leigher and Lighter Harmon feud 1885
Christian (Christopher) Leighter was born July 8, 1800-1801 Pennsylvania. Died February 21, 1868 Warren county, Illinois. Christopher married Nancy (last name unknown) Nancy was born 1797 Pennsylvania. They were married about 1824 Pennsylvania. and Nancy Children of Christopher Leiter or Leighter:
(1) Jacob Leighter was born in Pennsylvania 25 Sep 1825. Jacob married Mary Buskirk 28 February 1850 Richland County, Ohio. Jacob leighter had 80 acres, valued at $2,000 in the 1880 in Section 13, Post Office Lenox Station, Warren County, Illinois Jacob Leighter leiter farmer . Section 13 P.O. Lenox station. 80 acres, value $2,700. Jacob died 14 October 1896 and is buried at Center Grove Cemetery, Kirkwood, Warren county Illinois.
(2) Catherine Leighter was born 1826 Pennsylvania.Catharine Leiter married Henry Wise Jan 10 1856 in Warren co Illinois. Children:
(A) Christopher Wise born 1856 in Kirkwood, Warren County, Illinois.
Lincoln Henry Wise Oct., 1857 born in Kirkwood, Warren County, Illinois.
(B) Nancy Wise 1862 born Kirkwood, Warren County, Illinois.
(C) Samuel Wise born 1864 Kirkwood, Warren County, Illinois.
(D) Fannie Wise born Kirkwood, Warren County, Illinois.
(E) Edward Franklin Wise (Obituary below)
Edward Wise, lifelong resident of Kirkwood, passed away at Monmouth Hospital at May 19, 1945 at 9:30 Saturday night, his death following a period of suffering from a complication of ailments. He was admitted to the hospital on Friday but failed to respond to treatment.
` Edward Wise was the son of Henry and Catherine (Lighter) Wise and was born in Kirkwood July 20, 1871. He was married to Miss Adeline Rusk and she preceded him in death on August 21, 1935. He is survived by four children, Charles A. Wise of Kokomo, IN; W.J. Wise of Kirkwood; Mrs. Edward Willhouser of New Windsor; and Mrs. Carl Larson of Princeton, IA. There are four grandchildren. For several years Edward Wise had not been in good health, but it was not until a comparatively short time ago and his actual confinement to bed did not extend over a week.
During the greater part of his active he followed the trade of a tinner and because of his business contacts and the fact that all of his life had been spent there, he was well known to everyone in the Kirkwood community.
Many years ago he became identified with the Kirkwood Baptist Church, a congregation which passed out of existence several years ago. He had been for a short period affiliated with the Modern Woodman organization. born in Kirkwood July 20, 1871. He was married to Miss Adeline Rusk and she preceded him in death on August 21, 1935. He is survived by four children, Charles A. Wise of Kokomo, IN; W.J. Wise of Kirkwood; Mrs. Edward Willhouser of New Windsor; and Mrs. Carl Larson of Princeton, IA. There are four grandchildren.
For several years Mr. Wise had not been in good health, but it was not until a comparatively short time ago and his actual confinement to bed did not extend over a week. He had been for a short period affiliated with the Modern Woodman organization.
(3) Nancy Jane Leighter born (1900 Census) May 1827 Pennsylvania. Daughter of Christopher Leighter and Nancy Unknown. Nancy Jane Leighter was widowed twice.
From the Shenandoah Sentinel Post dated 14 October 1913.
Nancy Jane Deater was born 7th May 1826 in Pittsbury, Nancy died October 1913 in Port Byron, Illinois. Father Christopher Leighter Christopher is buried in Monmouth, Illinois. The Shenandoah Sentinel Post was her son Newpaper.
Nancy Jane Lieghter Deater’s child form her first marriage to John Deater:
(A) Mary Deater born about 1853 Ohio.
(B) William J. Deater was born Sep. 12, 1854 in the state of Indiana. William died Sep. 7, 1919 El Dorado Springs Cedar County Missouri. From his death Certificate: Cause of Death a General weakened condition of digestive organs, resulting form Influenza, resulting in Paralysis. William contracted disease four months earlier living in Lincoln, Nebraka. His Occupaton Editor. Name of Father, John Deater born Baltimore, Maryland. Mother name: Nancy Lightmer born Pittsburg, Pennslyvania. Infromant name was his doctor Mr. B. H. Cubbage O.D. William was the son of John and Nancy J. (Leighter) Deater. He first married Mary E. Brown, daughter of Addison and Rebecca (King) Brown. Known children were Mabel, Willie, and Gertrude. Mary died in 1896 in Madera, California. William then married Tille Jane Page, daughter of Jeremiah and Loretta (Alden) Page. They had no children.
From "The Shenandoah (Iowa) Word," 12 September 1919 Brother of Editor Deater Buried Here. Funeral Held Yesterday Afternoon from H. E. Deater Home on Sixth Avenue. The body of W. J. Deater, who died at Eldorado Springs, Mo., arrived here yesterday and the funeral was held from the home of his brother, H. E. Deater, of this city. Before his death, Mr. Deater requested that his body be buried in Shenandoah, and his daughters carried out their father's wish. The funeral was in charge of Rev. Woodard of the Methodist Church and the interment was in Rose Hill cemetery.
Spouses: Mary Ellen Brown Deater (1858 - 1896)
Tillie Jane Page Deater (1870 - 1948)
Note: Per Cemetery Records William has no stone. William was buried at the Rose Hill Cemetery Shenandoah Page County Iowa This information come form Kay Fordham Record added: May 23, 2010
Find A Grave Memorial# 52734657
William’s first wife was Mary Ellen Brown Deater was born Nov. 7, 1858 Illinois. Mary died Jul. 29, 1896 Madera Madera County California. Mary married William Jay Deater on 22 August 1880 in Warren County, Illinois. There were three known children:
(A) Mabel
(B) Willie C.
(C) Gertrude.
Mary Ellen died of consumption at age 37. is buried at the Arbor Vitae Cemetery Madera Madera County California
The source of this information come from Kay Fordham at Find A Grave Memorial. Record added: Dec 30, 2011 # 82701018
William Deater second wife was Tillie Jane Page Deater was born Jan. 23, 1870 Palmer Hampden County Massachusetts. Tillie died on Feb. 10, 1948 in Council Bluffs Pottawattamie County Iowa. Her stone shows 1869 as her birth date; however, her birth record shows 1870. Tillie was the daughter of Jeremiah and Loretta (Alden) Page, early settlers in nearby Weston. She married William J. Deater who died in 1919. They had no children. Tillie was a country school teacher and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Parents:Jeremiah Page (1825 - 1879) Loretta R. Alden Page (1833 - 1913)
Tillie is buried at Walnut Hill Cemetery Council Bluffs Pottawattamie County Iowa. Plot: Section 5, Lot E 1/2 19
The source of this information come from Kay Fordham at Find A Grave Memorial Record added: Mar 30, 2009 # 35344854
(C) Henry Deater born April 18,1861
Two Biography about Nancy’s son Henry E. Deater from Page County, Iowa.
Biographical History of Page County, Iowa, Lewis & Dunbar Publishers, 113 Adams Street, Chicago, Illinois, 1890 transcribed by Pat O'Dell: [email protected]
Deater, H.E., parents John Deater & Nancy J. Leighter; step-father Thomas Bean
WIFE: Lizzie Spencer daughter of Richard Spencer [page 649]
H. E. DEATER, formerly editor and proprietor of the Blanchard Sentinel took charge of the paper March 1, 1889, coming from Shenandoah, Iowa, where he had been engaged in printing. He owned a half interest in the Sentinel until October 1, 1889, when he bought the remaining half, This paper is the leading journal of southwestern Page County, and has a circulation of seven hundred. It is a neat, newsy sheet, and has ever been managed in the best interests of the village of Blanchard. Mr. Deater severed his connection with the Sentinel in March, 1890, when he sold his entire interest and accepted a position on the Shenandoah Sentinel as assistant editor.
Our subject is a native of the " Hoosier " State, born April 18,1861, his parents being John and Nancy J. (Lighter) Deater natives of Pennsylvania. When he was an infant six months old his father died, and soon thereafter his mother with seven young children removed to Warren County, Illinois. She married for her second husband Thomas Bean. When nine years of age young Deater set out in the world to seek his fortune. He worked by the month on a farm, and lived for some time in Appanoose County, Iowa; he received $13 per month for his services, In 1874 he returned to Warren County, Illinois, and engaged at farm work with an uncle for $16 [page 650] per month. From this place he went to Republic County, Kansas, where he bought some wild land, which he broke out and then sold to his brother. He again returned to Warren County, Illinois, and remained there until 1881, when he came to Page County and engaged in agricultural pursuits. After some time he went to Shenandoah, and entered the Western Normal College, from which he graduated after four years' study. He then taught school in Fremont County, Iowa, from 1884 to 1888, during which time he was principal at Imogene. He was then employed in the printing office of Mr. Marvin at Shenandoah, continuing there from November, 1888 to March, 1889, at which time he took charge of the Sentinel, as before stated.
Henry Deater was united in marriage at Creston, Iowa, October 25, 1887, to Miss Lizzie Spencer, a daughter of Richard Spencer. By this union two children were born: Earl J. and Pearl O.
Mr. Deater is a young man of more than ordinary intelligence, and of industrious habits; he will be heard from in the future, as good character and education are sure to win in the end.
Page County, Iowa History 1909 Biographical
http://iagenweb.org/page/histories/1909/pp500.htmhttp://iagenweb.org/page/histories/1909/pp500.htm
(transcribed by Pat O'Dell: [email protected])
[page 558] Henry E. Deater, who since January, 1906, has capably served as the postmaster of Shenandoah, is the secretary, assistant editor and assistant manager of the Sentinel Post Company. His birth occurred in Lagrange, Indiana, on the 18th of April, 1862, his parents being John and Nancy J. (Leighter) Deater, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They were married in Indiana, to which state they had removed in early manhood and womanhood. The father, who established his home in Lagrange, was an agriculturist by occupation and filled the office of county judge for some years. He passed away at the comparatively early age of forty years, his demise occurring in 1862. The mother of our subject afterward married again, her second union being with Thomas Bean, who died in the year 1870. Mrs Bean still survives, however, and is a resident of Abingdon, Illinois.
Henry E. Deater was but eleven years of age at the time his stepfather died, leaving a widow and four children in straitened circumstances, and it became necessary for him to aid in the support of the family as best he could. He manfully shouldered the responsibility and assisted in the maintenance of his widowed mother and her children until he had attained his twentieth year. His stepfather had establised the family home in Appanoose county, Iowa, but subsequently Henry E. Deater removed to Warren county, Illinois (1880 census) with the mother and her four children, there continuing to reside until 1882. In that year he started westward with the intention of reading law under the direction of Judge E.G. Godfrey, of Minden, Nebraska, who had been his last school teacher. He had a sister living at Shenandoah, Iowa, and, stopping here on a visit, determined to remain for a time in order to attend college during a term of ten weeks. He had thirty dollars on his arrival, which he gave for tuition and worked in the dining room to pay for his board. On the expiration of his term the president of the college, William M. Crone, insisted that he continue his studies there and when Mr Deater told him that he had no money the president said he would personally furnish the necessary funds to complete the four years' course even if it required a thousand dollars. Through his influence Mr Deater obtained a position in the college which enabled him [page 559] to pay for his board during his student days and he remained at the institution until the time of his graduation with the class of 1886, while subsequently he continued his studies there for two more years. Following his graduation he procured a position as a school teacher and in this manner finally discharged an indebtedness of between six and seven hundred dollars, which he had incurred in order that he might have a college education.
On taking up his duties as an instructor Henry Deater first had charge of the "Sunny Slope School," which, though so unruly that two former teachers had been compelled to abandon their work, he succeeded in subduing. Having proven that he was a man of firm purpose, who knew how to enforce discipline and obedience, his services were sought as teacher in another school of this character, the Imogene, the principal of which had resigned. Subsequently he was employed by the college for a year, traveling through Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri and giving lectures on the work being done by the institution. During the fall of 1888 he taught in the Mount Hope school and in December of that year secured a position on a newspaper--the Shenandoah Sentinel, with which he remained until March, 1889. He then bought a half interest in the Blanchard Sentinel and on his return to Shenandoah in 1890 sold out the publication, of which he had become sole proprietor by the purchase of his partner's interest.
On his return to Shenandoah, through the solicitation of Mr Marvin, he was made assistant editor of the Sentinel, acting in that capacity until the fall of 1895, when he was elected county superintendent of schools. He remained the incumbent in that position of six years or through three successive terms and on severing his connection with educational interests was made assistant editor and assistant manager of the Sentinel Publishing Company, which had just been organized and of which firm he became a member. About a year later, however, he withdrew from the concern, selling his stock to Mr Marvin in November, 1902. He then bought the old Shenandoah Post and organized the Post Publishing Company, with a capital stock of ten thousand dollars. This paper, though the oldest in the town had been allowed to run down and Mr Deater determined to devote his efforts and energies to its upbuilding. a new printing plant was bought and the paper was soon established on a paying basis, the first issue being sent forth on the 11th of December, 1902. Mr Deater was made president, editor and manager of the company, thus serving until the 1st of April, 1905, when the Sentinel and Post were consolidated under the name of the Sentinel Post. He has since been the secretary, assistant editor and assistant manager of this paper and is widely recognized as a most prominent and successful representative of journalistic interest in the county. On the 16th of December, 1905, he was appointed postmaster of Shenandoah and entered upon the duties of that office on the 5th of January, 1905, having filled the position to the present time in a highly satisfactory and efficient manner.
On the 25th of November, 1886, Henry Deater was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie B. Spencer, of Creston, Iowa, by whom he has three children: [page 560] Earl J., a resident of New York city; Pearl O., who is employed as bookkeeper in the office of the Sentinel Post; and Eton R., who is attending the Shenandoah schools. Henry Deater is a stalwart advocate of republican principles and is a prominent and influential factor in the local ranks of the party. He served as republican committeeman from 1903 until 1905, when he resigned to accept the postmastership and was secretary of the county committee for a number of years. Fraternally he is identified with Tricentum Lodge, No 300, F. & A.M.; Sheshbazzar Chapter, No 82, R.A.M.; Shenandoah Lodge, No 1122, B.P.O.E.; the Modern Woodmen of America; the Ancient Order of United Workman; and the Degree of Honor. He also belongs to the Easter Star, his wife acting as worthy matron of the lodge. Socially he is connected with the Shenandoah Commercial Club and the Boosters Club, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as a steward. He has the largest private library in the county and is a member of a law class in Shenandoah. Handicapped in youth by difficulties and obstacles which would have disheartened many a man of less resolute spirit, Mr Deater deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. By sheer force of character, strong purpose and laudable amibiton he has forged ahead and commands the respect and admiration which is ever accorded those whose success has been honorably won.
Henry E. Deater Died in 1920? Henry is buried at the Rose Hill Cemetery, Shenandoah, Grant Twp. Page County, Iowa.
Page County, Iowa divorces 1900 - 1921 [part 2]
transcribed by: Pat O'Dell - [email protected]
Henry’s Daughter Pearl’s divorce:
1918/09/12 - 1918/08/22 Pearl D. Deater divorce Carroll G. Schneider
Schneider, Pearl D. vs Carroll G. Schneider. Minor child Marjorie to wife’s custody. The child will reside at the home of her grandparents Mr and Mrs H.E. Deater in Shenandoah where the father has the privilege to visit. Both residents of Shenandoah where Mr Schneider is a watchmaker and Mrs Schneider a stenographer and bookkeeper residing with her parents, Mr and Mrs H.E. Deater.
Mary L. Deater
John Deater married Lizzie Spencer on October 25th 1887 in the incorporated town of Creston, Union county, Iowa. On the marriage license Nancy J. Lighter is the named as mother of H. E. Deater and father of Henry Deater is named John Deater. Lizzie is 18 years of age. Lizzie parents were Richard Spencer and Margery Leighty
CoraJ. Bean married Harry T. Russell on the 6th of October, 1891 in Fall Creek, Henderson county, Illinois. On the Marriage license Thomas Bean and Nancy J. Leighter. William H. Russell and Ann R. Hartley were the parents of Harry.
Nancy moved in with her daughter Cora and her husband Harry Russell after there married in 1891. In the 1900 census Harry was the Census Taker in Ball Bluff Precinct, Henderson Co. Illinois. Harry’s name appears at the top of the sheet. He had a very attractive handwriting.
1900 Census Ball Bluff Precinct, Henderson Co. Illinois.
Harry T Russell a Farmer and head of house. Born February 1872 Illinois father William H. Russell Ohio mother PA.
Wife Cora I. Bean Born March 1872 Married 8 Years had 2 child one still living. Cora’s father Thomas Bean was born New Jersey Mother (Nancy Leighter ) born in Pennslyvania.
Harry Taylor Russell’s parents: William H. Russell and Ann Rebecca Hartley
marriage date 15 Sep 1864 marriage place, Henderson, Illinois
(4) (This is my Line) John Leighter son of Christopher and Nancy (unknown) Leighter was born 1827 Pennsylvania John married Priscilla Ann Keys in 1850 Ohio. At the time of his sisters wedding in 1856 John and Priscilla were living in Iowa.
The story of John Leighter death given to me by my distance cousin Rocky Dawe. Paul E. Dawe the father of Rocky Dawe, Paul gathered this information from his family back in the 1970’s.
John Leighter was a contractor building railroad grades and was building such for the Union Pacific running from Salina, Kansas to either the Rooks County line, or to Codell, Kansas at the time of his death.
The camp headquarters were set up East of Natoma, Kansas in the area of the Worley Ranch. All supplies for personnel, livestock, ect. was being purchased and transported from Russell, Kansas. John Leighter was hauling supplies from Russell, it was winter time, cold, snow and ice, when to Buzzard Roost on the Canyon Road between Fairport, Kansas and Russell an accident occurred in which Control of the wagon was lost. John Leighter ended up in a ravine or draw at the bottom of the hill under the entire load of supplies. Reportedly the team of horses turned up at camp, and a party went out after Mr. Leighter. John lived two or three days after the accident.
Mrs. Leighter (Priscilla Ann Keys Leighter) was left with children and no husband. She liquidated most of the livestock and equipment involved in the railroad construction business her husband had been in and took up a homestead northeast of Natoma, September 4, 1888.
The homestead was : W1/2 - NW1/4 and W1/2 -- SW1/2, sect. 26, Twp 9, south of range 15W, 160 Acres, filed 8/19/1889, 10:00 AM. Final record returned from U. S. 8/19/1889. Homestead granted March 4, 1890 and was signed by Benjamin J, Harrison. Received March 26, 1900. Mrs. Leighter resided here until her death in 1915.
More About PRISCILLA ANN KEYS:
Property: September 04, 1888, Homestead: Upon John Leighter's or sometime after his death, Priscilla Homesteaded Northeast of Natoma Ks. , final record returned from U.S. 8/19/1889. Granted 3/4/1890--received 4/26/1900, signed by Benjamin J. Harrison. W1/2--NW1/4--W1/2--SW1/4--sect26,
Priscilla Ann Keys Leighter Born: The 4th of November 1828 in Highland county, Ohio Married: John leighter on the 3rd of March, Ohio.
Died: The 28th of 1915 in Natoma, Osborne county, Kansas.
Priscilla’s father: Allison G. Keys born 1790 Died about 1842 in Ohio.
Priscilla’s mother: Darus or Dorus Chaney born 1791 Maryland. Darus was alive and living with her son Milton Key on the 26th of July, 1870 English Twp. Lucas County, Ohio according to he census Dorus was 79 years old. Good for her.
Children of John Leighter and Priscilla Ann Keys:
(A) Oscar A. Leighter was born 1852 in Iowa. Married Mary Eaton on October, 1896 in Payne county, Oklahoma. Lived in Oklahoma until his death sometime after the 1920 was taken with his wife Mary Ann Heaton.
(B) Homer Leighter (The Gambler) was born of 23rd of September, 1853 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois.. Married three time: Homer first marriage was to Clara O. Clouse on the 28th of March 1878. Homer and Clara’s family Moved to Round Mound Twp, Osborne County, Kansas. (1880 census) then back to Iowa where Clara dies on the 24 of March 1905. Homer moved to Payne County, Oklahoma and Married Nellie Warren.
(C) Oliver Leighter was born March 1856 in Iowa. John, Priscilla and her mother Dorcas Keys arrived in Monroe Co that year. Oliver Married Sarah E. Clark about 1878. I’m guessing Wright, Wayne, Iowa because that’s where they were living in 1880. On the 8th July, 1880 Oliver Leighter is living in Wright, Wayne county, Iowa Oliver is 24 born in Iowa. 1880 census: Series T9 Roll 369 Page 258
(D) Jacob Leighter was born on the 31st of October 1858 Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. Jacob married Hanna Shoemaker born May 24, 1868. Hanna died in Ingalls, Payne county, Oklahoma Feb 28, 1900. Hanna is buried with her Daughter Hazel born Jan 19, 1900diedFeb 23, 1900 both our buried together at Ingalls cemetery.
(E) Mary Ellen Leighter was born 27th of April, 1861 Monmouth, Warren county, Illinois. Wyatt Earp was born here in 1848. Mary Ellen Died 26 Jul 1943 Phoenix, Maricopa, AzMary Ellen married George Edward Knapp 4 January 1882 Leavenworth, Leavenworth county Kansas. George Edward Knapp was born 20 June 1852 La Salle, La Salle county Illinois. He died 4 November 1940 Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona
(F) John Wesley Leighter ( The Man with the Knife and Winchester rifle) was born either in Warren, Jo Daviess County, Illinois the 13th of May, 1863. John is buried in the Fairview Cemetery, Iowa. Married Mary Elizabeth Elliott on the 10th of August 1885. John Wesley Leighter died on the 29th July, 1935 Dickens, Clay Co. Iowa.
(G) Frank Marion Leighter was born Francis Marion October, 1866 in Roseville, Warren Co. Illinois. Married Anna Marie Ingalls on the 20th of May, 1891 in Ingalls, Payne Co. Oklahoma. Frank was kicked in the head by a horse between 1900 and 1907. His death came on the 11th of March, 1917 buried in the Western State Mental Hospital Cemetery at Fort Supply, Oklahoma. Frank is buried in lot number 167. Frank kept brass knuckles with him
(H) Ida Mae Leighter born 14th of February, 1869 Roseville, Warren Co. Illinois. Married on the 22nd of April, 1885 to William Dawe. Ida died on the 29th of August, 1949.
(4) Mary Jane Leighter daughter of Christopher and Nancy (unknown) Leighter born 1830 Pennsylvania married Elisha McCormick on 4 Dec 1851, Ashland County, Ohio. Mary and Elisha McCormick moved to Hale Twp, that would be east of Mammoth, Warren County, Illinois. In 1860 Mary and Elisha have a Mary A. Leighter living with them.
(5) Charlotte Leighter daughter of Christopher and Nancy (unknown) Leighter, was born 1835/1836 Pennsylvania married John Curry in June 12, 1856 warren county, Illinois. John born 1828 in Ireland. August 1860 census John and Charlotte have one child his name is John and he’s one year old. John and Charlotte our living Young America, Tomphins Twp. Warren county, Illinois.
John Leighter and Priscilla Ann Keys
The leighter Boys, They were as wild as Indians
Leighter – Harman feud 1885 Natoma, Osborne County, Kansas.
Norm,
Email Sent: Saturday, February 18, 2006 7:45 PM.
It's nice to hear from you!
This article was published in the two book set "Osborne County Kansas 1870 - 1930" its in volume # 2. It doesn't say who submitted it.
The Earny Eddy it refers to was my Great Uncle, so was Frank Totten and Dick Totten. The old man Totten it refers to was my Great Great Grandfather. Earny traveled to Colorado and got married and then went on to California like so many of them did, The Totten's all stayed around Round Mound and are buried there. My Grandfather also stayed there but his son (whose name by the way was Ernest) he was named after my grandfathers brother also went to California. I don't know any more about the story but found it intriguing the first time I read it.
Sure nice hearing from you, if I come across anything about the Lighter's I will send it on to you.
Regards
Jerry K. Vette
Osborne County, Kansas
From Osborne county, Kansas history book.
Anna M. Ingalls Leighter Overton told us the Leighter boys were as wild as Indians. This incident Happened between April 22, 1885. The date of William Dawe and Ida Leighter marriage and the date of John Wesley Leighter’s marriage to Mary Elizabeth Elliott in August 10, 1885.
Early day Dance At Round Mound
Mr. Editor: I saw an account in the Independent of a masked dance in Natoma. A dance now is something unusual in this town but about 30 years ago they were quite numerous.
In those days the cowboys and others used to attend the dances dressed in their outfit with broad rim hats, leggings, and revolvers strapped on.
I remember one dance in particular that was given by Will Dawe as a wedding dance. Will was a prominent young man in those days as he used to play the fiddle for 50 cents and play all night long. Well, Will got married. He married Miss. Ida lighter, a very popular young lady of Round Mound, the daughter of Widow lighter, who hand six or seven boys were railroaders and traveled all through the west.
Now Will, being quite a noted fiddler and his wife having a hosts of friends, it created quite a sensation and a large crowd attended the dance. The widow Lighter lived in a little Stone house just a half-mile north of Where Eb White now lives. Among the number that came to the dance was one of Harmon boys that used to live on Covert. Lem Harmon was his name. Now the Harmon boys were all cowboys, pretty lively fellows. Lem Harmon and John Lighter were both going with the same girl, but john had the start of Lem a little and had brought the girl to the dance that night. So now of course there wasn’t the best of feeling between the two. When Lem came it was plainly seen that he had a little too much tanglefoot and when John went to him and commenced reasoning with him Lem flew mad and knocked him down.
Then the fun commenced. As Lem went to get onto John after knocking him down John drew his knife and cut him across the head and face.
Dick Totten was in the house calling off when he heard the racket and ran out to see what was the matter. Just as he stepped out of the door he saw the flash of John’s knife in the lamplight, as he was about to stab Lem in the side. Dick made a grab for the knife and got it, but just as he got hold of it somebody kicked him head over heels. By the time Dick got up and got the dirt out of his eyes and the grass out of his mother the fight was over and John was in the house calling for his gun and Lem was at the well washing out his cuts. Of course this started a feud between the Harmon’s and Lighter’s.
John Lighter took his girl home (Mary Elizabeth Elliott) about daylight and he had to go over into the Harmon neighborhood. Lem had already gone home, leaving threats of what he was going to do to John. John when he saw the Harmon outfit coming about a mile away.
As quickly as they saw John they commenced shooting at him with their Winchesters and John returned the fire at them with his Winchester, at the same time putting his on a dead run for home. Now it happened that the passed a corn field where Link Ramey was husking corn. When I heard the shooting and the balls began to whistle through corn stalks around him it scared him so that he jumped in the wagon and started for the house. He went to fast this strung corn all the way from the field to the house.
The Harmon’s, however, did not chase John very far. Each party carried guns and watched each other for a time until along in the winter there was a literary at the schoolhouse. Frank Lighter had sent a challenge to the Harmon outfit to come over there if they dare, so one r------- {not clear}. John Lighter came up to old man Totten’s to get the two boys to go to the literary with him. There were none of them that wanted to go except Dick and Dick said he wouldn’t have gone if he had known there was a racket on hand. But {he} hitched his team and went with John, however, and Earl Eddy went along.
All went well until the literary was about half over, when in came the Harmon outfit. There were six of them {in} Their names were Jim, Lem, and Bob Harman, Amos {McM} and Minford and another fellow. They all had on the cowboy outfits consisting of rim hats, legging, revolvers and kn---{it looks like knives}
When John lighter saw this be began to get uneasy and whispered to Dick, “We had better get home.” Now Frank lighter was there also. He came there on horseback and Dick said, “alright, I will get the team.” It was awful dark and foggy night so Dick lit his lantern and he and Earny Eddy went out and got team, and as they drove up to the door John came out and got in the buggy. John says to Dick “Tell Frank to come too.” So Dick went in with his lantern and whispered to Frank and told him to come on. As Frank got up and started out the whole Harmon outfit rose to their feet and started after him. When they got to the door Lem asked Dick where John was Dick replied that he was in the buggy.
Lem said, “Let him go, the coward.” But he yelled to Frank and said, “Hold on there, Lighter. I have got a little settlement with you.” Then Dick says, “Let him go Lem and took a hold of Lem’s arm.
Bob Harmon was right behind Dick with a heavy six shooter and he struck Dick on top of the head and knocked him senseless. Dick said when he came to Bob was sitting astraddle of and every time would move his head he would hit him with his gun. In the meantime Lem had knocked Frank down and pounded good but Frank slipped out from under him, leaving his coat and hat, a pair of “knucks” and two revolvers laying on the ground. He ran to where Earny Eddy and John lighter were with Dick’s team, jumped in the buggy and they went, leaving Dick alone the Harmon outfit.
About this time old Jimmy Edmondsen came out of the schoolhouse and saw Bob Harmon sitting on Dick. Jim says to Bob. “What are you doing to with that man.” And grabbed Bob by the shoulder and pulled him of Dick. The Harmon’s gave a couple of cowboy yells, got on their horses and away they went. Mr. Edmondsen got the schoolhouse towel and a bucket of water and washed Dick’s head and tied the towel around it, and Dick took Frank’s horse which he had left there, his guns, and other things he had left and went to the Round Mound store where Dr. Hubble of Osborne was staying, and got stitches taken in his scalp. The war was over. This ended the lighter and Harmon feud.
Submitted by one who was there.
A note to reader on the story above:
All this must have taken place before John Wesley Leighter married Mary Elizabeth Elliott on August 10, 1885 in Osborne County, Kansas.
Will Dawe married Ida Leighter on April 22, 1885 in Osborne County, Kansas.
Frank leighter born Oct, 1866 Died 1917 Fort Supply, Oklahoma Wife Anna Ingalls
Anna M. Ingalls Leighter Overton told us, “Those Leighters were as wild as Indians.”
Norman Grant Hilt
2001 S. Harris Ave.
Independence, Missouri 64052
[email protected]
816 886 0768
I’m leaving a trail of bread grumps for my children to follow. For my Kids, Shelly Grant Hilt, David Grant Hilt, and John Grant Hilt.