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From: "Barbara Jean Green" <>
Subject: :) Re: [KSCloud] History Sources for Cloud Co.
Date: Sun, 14 Apr 2002 09:26:56 -0400
References: <001d01c1e285$01bd5e80$82dbfea9@vaio>


http://www.skyways.org/genweb/archives/cloud/1903/index.html
BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF CLOUD COUNTY, KANSAS
BIOGRAPHIES OF REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
Teasley, - *
Teasley, A.D. *, *
Teasley, Allan *, *, *, *
Teasley, Allie *
Teasley, Amanda *
Teasley, Augustus *
Teasley, Charles Calvin *
Teasley, Cora Adell *
Teasley, D.W. *, *
Teasley, Dan *, *
Teasley, David Allan *
Teasley, David Henry *
Teasley, Earl *
Teasley, Elizabeth E. *
Teasley, George Monroe *
Teasley, George W. *, B
Teasley, Gertrude *
Teasley, Gerty *
Teasley, Ida *
Teasley, Ida May *
Teasley, James *
Teasley, James M. *
Teasley, James S. *
Teasley, John *
Teasley, Loyd *
Teasley, M.D. *, *
Teasley, Martha *
Teasley, Mary Jane *
Teasley, Minnie Jane *
Teasley, Pearl *
Teasley, Rhoda *
Teasley, Rhoda E. *
Teasley, Rhoda Milligan *
Teasley, Susan Alena *
Teasley, Susan W. *
Teasley, Thomas Wesley *
Teasley, U.D. *
Teasley, W.W. *
Teasley, William Washington B
-------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.skyways.org/genweb/archives/cloud/1903/kansas10.shtml#09503
BUFFALO HUNTING EXPEDITION AS RELATED BY GEORGE W. TEASLEY, OF THE SOLOMON.
The new arrivals to the frontier were always eager to witness the vast herds
of bison that ranged over the prairies by the hundreds of thousands aND if
He were in the least degree a sportsman He could not rest until fresh
laurels were added to his prowess by terminating the career of one or more
of these majestic beasts.

In the latter part of July, 1866, a HUNT was inaugurated by George W.
Teasley, D.W. Teasley, A.D. Teasley, A.C. Bagwell, H.H. Spaulding, John
Howard, John Higgins and Captain John A. Potts. There were about a half
dozen wagons to be loaded with buffalo meat, and a week was the time set
apart for the consummation of their plans. The buffalo had been driven west,
and the main herd were wandering about the forks of the Solomon river. The
first night the hunters camped on Limestone creek and after supper, those
who had not removed the cartridges from their guns during the day proceeded
to discharge the loads, clean their weapons, re-charge and render them in a
state of prime working order, that an unfailing fire might be depended upon
in case of an emergency or while in quest for game. While putting his rifle
in condition A D. Teasley miraculously escaped serious injury; the
breech-pin blew out, splitting about six inches of the gun-barrel wide open,
but aside from the terrorized shock he received and a slight powder burn,
Mr. Teasley was unharmed. The party had not proceeded far on their way next
morning ere they could see a straggler now and again, and occassionally[sic]
a small herd of buffalo. When one of their number becomes antiquated and
infirm He drops out from the mad rush of the throng and trails along on the
outer edge, oftentimes drifts entirely away, seemingly prefering a life of
seclusion in his old age and forsakes the herd altogether.

The huntsmen did not tarry to capture the remnants that quietly grazed
along, but hastened on, crossed the north fork of the Solomon river about
where Downs is now situated and on the south fork where they camped for the
night. It was late in the afternoon when they pitched their tent, the
buffalo were traveling in a southwesterly direction and by the time the sun
was sinking in the west there were myriads of the mighty monsters in sight.
All through the long hours of the night the continued roar of their tramping
hoofs was heard by the sportsmen who eagerly but tremblingly awaited the
dawn of day. Had the party of settlers known the herd of bison were being
driven westward from the settlements by the Indians they would have breathed
less freely. However, they did not come in contact with the savages and
their scalps were retained.

Breakfast over the next morning, the marksmen for the day's hunt were
appointed, while some of their number were to guard the camp, and others
designated to follow the huntsmen and pick up the game. It was necessary to
dress the animals within a comparatively few hours or they were otherwise
rendered unfit for use.

The selection fell on George W. and D.W. Teasley, who were mere boys and had
never been near a live buffalo. It was suggested an experienced hunter
accompany them, but their self-esteem would not admit of an attendant upon
such a valorous occasion and promptly rejected the proposition. The favored
knights proudly trimmed their weapons exactly to their conception of
excellence, swung the shot-pouches over their shoulders, buckled on their
belts, which contained cartridges, six-shooters and butcher knives. Though
they assumed a bold front Mr. Teasley says there was a combination of fear
and anxiety he cannot explain. None of the party suspected their real
emotion, however, neither did the young hunters intend to show the white
feather.

The buffalo were on the hills all around their camp in every direction, and
as the young men sauntered forth the continuous deep gutteral roar of the
bellowing beasts that was wafted to their ears grew ominous with redoubled
force, but with determination the heroes marched on. It was necessary to
take advantage by approaching them from the windward side, as buffalo will
stampede much more readily from scent, than sight.

They selected a herd about two miles to the south, where the ravines would
afford an opportunity of approaching quite near. The hunters cautiously and
eagerly wended their way across the bottom land to the hills beyond the
south fork of the Solomon, where three or four hundred magnificent specimens
of animal life were grazing southward. When within a half mile of the herd
the sportsmen tediously crawled along the ground and with this precaution
taken attracted the attention of an animal now and again, that would gaze
suspiciously a moment, and as the hunters hugged the earth more closely, the
king of the plain would conclude it was a false alarm and resume his
feeding.

The boys finally reached a ravine, where they were much relieved by walking
erect, under the protection of the high banks.

The buffalo were now on either side of them, and when they supposed they
were about opposite the drove, the excited hunters left the narrow hollow,
crawled to the top of the ridge and carefully raised their heads to take a
survey of the situation, when they beheld with horror the herd not more that
fifty yards away. As they noted the formidable and gigantic proportions of
that vast assembly of shaggy beasts their hearts began to throb and their
breaths came and went like the exhaust of a steam engine, then hesitated,
pondered over the matter and wondered if it were advisable to make an
assault against such tremendous odds, but after several moments spent in
misgivings they decided to "attack their lines." As a means of precaution
the precocious youths divested themselves of everything that was in the
least cumbersome, then each were to select his victim and when the signal,
Ready! Aim; Fire! was given the deadly missiles were to be sent out
simultaneously. Prior to giving the command the trembling youths made an
estimate of the distance to the nearest timber, which was about two miles,
and felt confident that no buffalo ever made could catch them ere the fleet
footed knights could gain a friendly tree.

As the critical moment drew nigh they were seized with the chill that
precedes a fever, but there was no time to lose, as the buffalo were
constantly feeding away from their station. With supreme efforts they
leveled their rifles, the word was given and both guns responded as they
touched the triggers. George Teasley was like the little boy who blew out
the light and tried to tumble into bed before the darkness would follow. Mr.
Teasley was on his feet apparently before the bullet left the muzzle of his
gun, and if the missile took effect, the victim did not exhibit any sign of
being injured. To the surprise and inward delight of the hunters, the moment
they fired, the whole herd, with the exception of one that had fallen under
D.W. Teasley's aim, scampered away at full speed over the hills. This gave
the excited frontiersmen courage - an article they were sadly in need of
just at that time, for the hills were covered with buffalo, all grazing
slowly southward. They reloaded their guns as quickly as possible, and
carrying their previously discarded shoes in their hands, the young knights
carefully drew near the wounded buffalo. When the animal (which was almost
dead) would move, they would hesitate, then move a little nearer, while
their hair was standing on end, and the shivers racing up and down the
marrow in their bones. Their rifles were cocked, ready to shoot or run, they
scarcely knew which, but as the huge beast had seemingly ceased motion, they
concluded it had succumbed to fate and ventured nearer. Sure enough he had
been dead several moments. It was about four years old and a fine specimen
of its race.

This episode gave the huntsmen courage and valor, and they were more eager
than ever to pursue the herds that ranged upon every hill and selected for
their second attack a drove about two miles to the eastward that were
grazing along a small creek. This point was accessible with less arduous
maneuvering, for they could follow the devious windings of the little stream
under the cover of bushes that skirted its banks.

The creek forked and the west branch led close to the buffalo. There was no
timber on that prong, but an occasional plum thicket which served their
purpose well, and allowed them to get within very close range.

While timorously making their way along, George Teasley, through a clump of
bushes to the left spied a lone buffalo leisurely lying on the ground not
more than forty yards distant. Mr. Teasley said to his companion, "Hold on,
Dan; I'll shoot that buffalo if it stampedes the whole herd." He fired, and
the vociferous report that followed resounded from hillside to hillside,
with seemingly enough clamor to arouse and stampede all the buffalo on the
plains, and almost regretted his hasty resolve to shoot. But no serious
detriment was incurred; the herd made a few jumps, wildly looked about them,
but as they could neither see nor hear anything further, the quiet grazing
was resumed. With great circumspection the hunters then moved on until they
came to a big plum thicket, which was about opposite the herd, and crawled
up the high band with even greater caution for they knew the buffalo were
but a few rods distant. As they looked back from this point they could see
the wounded animal struggling in the last throes of death, never having
risen from the earth after he was shot. Each fresh victory incited new
courage. They now slipped their rifles up over the ridge and sighted along
the barrel, ready to touch the trigger when a buffalo covered the bead. To
gaze at those enormous monsters in such nearness as to see their eye-winkers
and almost feel the warmth of their bodies was enough to unnerve experienced
huntsmen, but in the exciting sport the young heroes quickly became inured
to the dangers. At the usual signal each gun was discharged and two of the
monarchs fell victim to their well directed bullets. A weird and strange
scene followed. The herd jumped and ran a few paces, then returned, gathered
around the fallen beasts and fought and gored each other in a vicious
manner. They attacked the dead animals and with their short but tapering
horns, tore their hides asunder. The hunters watched this fierce battle for
a few moments and then withdrew to the base of the bank, reloaded their
guns, and again stationed themselves at the top of the ridge, where the
affray was still raging. Occasionally one of the huge and powerful animals
would make a vigorous charge on the dead bodies of their fellows, and the
hidden sportsmen could hear the sound of their horns violently ripping
through their hides.

As they watched this grewsome but strangely fascinating spectacle "the plot
thickened." One of their number circled around the crew of fifteen or
twenty, and finally swung off in the exact direction of the two youths, who
had caused all the commotion. The inquisitive animal had caught a glimpse of
the hunters' heads sticking up above the bank, and naturally enough was
seized with a desire to the objects. Each second his majesty stood there,
riveted to the spot not more than ten paces away, looking them square in the
face, seemed minutes long drawn out to the boys in hiding, whose courage was
again in the balance. They were seized with a desire to run for their lives,
but stood their ground, although the hair was again standing straight up on
their heads, the proverbial cold chills playing up and down their spines,
and longed to draw their heads out of sight, but dare not move. They were
fearful of his lordship pouncing down upon them and goring or grinding them
into the earth, when in reality he would have stampeded the herd, and the
hunters would have had two less slain buffalo in the material for these
reminiscences.

After satisfying himself the objects were of no importance, the buffalo
joined his fellows and a moment later the report of two rifle shots rang out
upon the quiet atmosphere of the western prairie, and two more heroes of the
plain were felled dead.

The sun never set on two more exuberant lads than these young Teasleys, as
they returned to report the successes of the day and met some of their
comrades, who, having heard the shooting, were following up with the wagon
to haul the game, if any there should chance to be. When the trophies had
been gathered in, congratulations were unstinted and all conceded there was
good reason for their feeling of manifested pride.

The pleasures and excitement of that day was followed by others until they
were surfeited with game, wagons well loaded and with well established
reputations as buffalo hunters.

http://www.skyways.org/genweb/archives/cloud/1903/teasleygw.shtml#69602
GEORGE W. TEASLEY.
George W. Teasley, a stockman and farmer of Summit township, is the subject
of this sketch. Mr. Teasley, is a native of Georgia, born in Murray county,
December 5, 1847. He is a son of James S. and Susan W. (Reed) Teasley. His
parents were both natives of Elbert county, Georgia. His father was born
November 15, 1801; his mother September 8, 1805. The Teasleys were of
English origin, - our subject's grandfather being the emigrant. The Reeds
were of Scotch origin. James S. Teasley died April 12, 1963. In 1884 George
W. Teasley visited Georgia and returning brought his mother to live in his
home where she died March 5, 1892. Mr. Teasley received a limited education
in his youth for when he should have been in school the civil war was at its
height, and what he gained was for the greater part acquired at home, but
the roaring of shot and shell from cannon and musketry, detracted the
scholars' attention, and not knowing what moment they might be "picked off"
by some daring sharpshooter, was not conducive to study.

March 23, 1866, Mr. Teasley left his southern home, traveled by rail to
Nashville, Tennessee, thence by steamboat to Kansas City, consuming about
five days enroute from St. Louis to Wyandotte, now Kansas City, Kansas,
where they boarded the Union Pacific train for Topeka, the terminus of the
railroad at that date. Mr. Teasley, with his brother and family who
accompanied him, procured an outfit, and via the "prairie schooner" line
turned their faces toward the Solomon valley. A.C. Bagwell, one of their
neighbors in the South, had traveled over the beautiful valley during his
army life, and when he returned to Georgia reported its great possibilities
to Allan Teasley and a Mr. Hayes. After listening to his description of its
grandeur they concluded it was an opportunity to gain lands - the
"opportunity that knocks but once at every man's door," and they hastened to
avail themselves of the occasion. A sale was cried and without delay
preparations were facilitated to start them on their journey to the chosen
spot of the vast wilderness, where they must combat with frontier
discomforts, prowling savages, and hungry coyotes. When they reached the
terminus of the railroad their real experience began, but with that
tenacity, energy and courage that marked the emigrant to the frontier, they
pressed on, never losing the point of compass that directed them to the
fertile valley of the Solomon.

On the fifteenth of April, 1866, they located the land south of Glasco, now
owned by Charles Horn, where they proceeded to dig a trench over which were
stretched wagon bows covered with canvas. In this improvised abode eleven
people existed until a more commodious house could be built. Mr. Teasley and
his brother at once began operations for farming and broke twenty-five or
thirty acres of sod in which they planted corn, pumpkins and melons. One
peaceful, quiet Sabbath morning our subject took his gun and sauntered forth
to the melon patch - as the Southerners' attachment for the luscious, watery
fruit almost rivals that of the sable children of that clime. Whatever the
day or conditions the pioneer settler usually carried his gun. As Mr.
Teasley surveyed the long stretch of country there was not an obstruction or
object for miles to break the view - but going a few paces further in the
direction of the river he turned and suddenly comfronted two Indians,
whereupon they began patting their breasts and exclaiming, "Good Injuns,"
"Good Injuns." Mr. Teasley was appalled, and raised his rifle to shoot, but
upon their repeated protestations of being "Good Injuns," Iowered his gun
and as if to demonstrate his friendship and good feeling offered his
unwelcomed guests some melons. But the gorgeous yellow coated pumpkins were
more palatable to the depraved tastes of the savages, who ate eagerly of the
golden fruit. After this repast the warriors exhibited their prowess and
skill in archery. They belonged to a friendly tribe of Pawnees, which
numbered from one hundred and fifty to two hundred, who were traveling
through the country, and these two braves were simply foraging for something
to eat.

During the autumn of 1866, the Union Pacific railroad was extended westward
from Topeka, and after having garnered his crops Mr. Teasley worked on the
railroad. Had there been more ground broken they would have raised enormous
crops, for the yield of corn was heavy that year, but failures ensued in
1867-8. But the fruitful Solomon valley was visited by the raid in 1868, and
their home on the frontier shadowed by dangers from Indian warfare. Mr.
Teasley rode over to Asher creek to investigate the rumors, and in the
meantime the Indians came into the settlement on Fisher creek, and with a
field glass were seen skulking all over the prairies. The depredations were
confirmed and our subject, along with his brother Allan Teasley and family,
went to Franklin and Miami counties where they railroaded several months and
made good wages. They employed men and sub-contracted work. They returned to
Cloud county in 1872, where Allan Teasley died (see sketch of George[sic]
Washington Teasley) and where G.W. continues to live on the old homestead.

Mr. Teasley was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth E. Jackson, of
Osawattomie, Kansas, September 10, 1872. Orangeville, Orange county, Indiana
was the birthplace of Mrs. Teasley. Her father was William Elias Jackson, a
farmer and carpenter. The family removed to Missouri in 1867, and the
following spring to Osawattomie. Mr. Jackson lived in the home of Mrs.
Teasley for eight years prior to his death, December 24, 1891. Her mother
was deceased one year later.

Mr. and Mrs. Teasley are the parents of four children, namely: Ida May, wife
of Amos Musser, a farmer of Summit township: they are the parents of four
children. Luella, Stanley, Forest and Tamworth. Susan Alena, wife of Frank
Clark, of Concordia; three children brighten their home, Ruth, Dorothy and
Bernice. Gerty, is the wife of Frank Mooney, a farmer of Solomon township.
James was deceased at the age of eighteen months. Pearl, the youngest
daughter, is the wife of David Beesley, a farmer, of Summit township.

In politics Mr. Teasley is a Populist and was elected by that party to the
office of County Commissioner, and has just retired from serving his second
term. His career as an official was marked for its justness, never swerving
from his ideas of duty and honor, oftentimes bringing censure because no
favors were shown. He was trustee of Summit township during the year 1894.
Socially Mr. Teasley is identified with the Glasco lodge of Ancient, Free
and Accepted Masons, and the Fraternal Aid. The family are members of the
Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Teasley owns a fine farm and raises wheat
and corn. He keeps a herd of fifty native cattle and a few Jerseys. Mr.
Teasley and his estimable family are among the best citizens of the Solomon
valley and have contributed to the promotion of every worthy cause.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kathleen Butler" <>
To: <>
Sent: Friday, April 12, 2002 8:49 PM
Subject: [KSCloud] History Sources for Cloud Co.


> Greetings! I would like to know if anyone can recommend any good history
sources for Cloud Co. from the mid 1800's on. I would like to learn about
the early settlers to the area - what life was like for them, which Indian
tribes lived in the area and how relations were with them etc. My
ggg-grandfather was Allen David Teasley, an early settler in Glasco, Cloud
Co. Thank you! Kathleen


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