Luther GH Greene 1917 Blazing the Trail The youngest son in a family of 8 sons and one daughter, I was born in Newport Ohio on the 12th day of March 1831. My parents were John and Mary Greene. My father came in Grandfather Greene's family from Warwick, R. I. in 1796. He was then 17 years old. My mother, Mary Hill, came in her father's family from Penn., I think, in 1800. They were married in 1808. Before my recollection they had built a two story hewed log house 36 X 40. There were 12 rooms. The early settlers were largely from Eastern states and somewhat of the puritan order. Before my recollection they had erected a brick school house. The schools were of an exceptionally high order embracing nearly everything  in English. The teachers -several of them graduates. Since my recollection there were three churches, Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian. My parents were Presbyterian. Father was an Elder in Presbyterian Church. Politically father was a Whig. He held the office of Township Treasurer more that 40 years in succession and then declined to serve longer. I have a distinct recollection of the William Harrison campaign of 1840 - was 9 years old. It was the most exciting one [that] I have ever known. In the Presbyterian Church they got their ministers mostly from the Professors of Marietta College. For a good while President Henry B. Smith preached once in 2 weeks. About 1850, a Union meeting by Baptist and Presbyterians was held. About 20 professed conversion among them myself. The Ohio River was our means of transportation by flat boat to New Orleans. The cargo [was] mostly apples and potatoes. Two of my brothers made frequent trips as owners or pilots. One, brother, William, made 53 trips many of them from Cincinnati. I made 2 trips and later went down to Louisiana West of Bayo Plackamine at Chico Pass in lumber region. Stayed from March till last of June. Left New Orleans on June 28th. On trip home Cholera broke out. Two [men] were buried at one wood yard. My father died in Feb 15, 1855 age 75. Mother died Oct 23rd, 1853 of Typhoid Fever age 66. Up to this time I had taught three terms in common schools. I married Beulah Huggins, and in May [we] moved to Iowa - settled at Saylorsville -nine miles from DesMoines There were then only two brick houses in DesMoines. I taught two terms of school in Iowa and worked at carpenter trade. March 14th, 1860, my wife died. Just then there was a great excitement about Gold in Pikes Peak - My home was broken up, and I concluded to go there as much as anything to see the country, but not very sanguine about the gold. A yoke of oxen and two cows, a wagon loaded with provisions for one year was the outfit. Two Brother-in-laws, David and George Huggins, James Lackey and myself made the crowd. We took the south route from Platsmouth. About every 40 miles a sod house had been built [with] a store of the standard articles supposed to be most needed -Bacon, cornmeal, Tobackin Powder, and whiskey. At Ft. Kearney it was a grateful sight to see the American flag and wooden houses. Here too was a Government Post Office. At Cotton Wood, Jack Morrow had 2 cedar houses [that were a] story and a half. He evidently had a big trade with the Indians as he had a large quantity of Buffalo robes. On a little hill a short distance south, the Indians had erected a scaffold, maybe 10 feet high. On this wrapped in skins and blankets they had placed their dead and every few moons [they] gathered there with their incantations and passed soup to feed the souls of the departed. General Fremont who passed on this road in his exploring tour had several monuments; Fremont Slough, Fremont Butes, and Fremont's Orchard. Travelers must register and so the Buffalo skulls along the road told in penciled lines that on certain day John Doe had passed. At our camps the Indians came an want[ed] to trade for sugar. At North Platte Bearway a Frenchman had a big store and large lot of furs. We saw many antelopes and wolves and one herd of Buffaloes. [We] saw [an] Indian child wrapped in skins fastened up in a tree along the Platte.  Fremont's Orchard (Some low spreading elm trees), O'fallons Bluffs, Ft. Lupton, and on cut off road Living Springs are well remembered landmarks. Arriving at Denver one of the first sights was a gallows. A. Eisman had killed a man with an ax and had been hanged a few hours before. There was only one brick house in town. Two towns were then on paper, Denver and Husaria. The later died in shell. Colorado Territory was not yet organized, and the country was known as Pikes Peak. There were no courts only the miners who dispensed justice without delay and waved all technicalities. We could see Pikes Peak from Beaver Creek 80 miles away on our route so pure and clean is the air. Central City is 40 miles up in [the] mountains. We arrived there Saturday - 47 days out. The next Sunday Elder Chivington of the Local Church held a quarterly meeting on the mountain side. A large and orderly crowd attended. We built a Pine log house [with] dirt floor and dirt roof on Missouri Flats took  claim which we worked at some time but did not pan out anything. In [the] spring David and George Huggins returned to [the] States. I prospected [a] good deal [and] had lots of claims on paper. [I] worked in lode mines and in Quartz Mills. When [the] Territory made an attempt to form State organization with no solicitation on my part my name was placed on ticket for State Senator. I was elected but the State organization did not carry. I attended the first Territorial Convention in Denver. We nominated Hen Teller for US Senator. He was appointed Commander of Territorial Militia. A company was formed in Black Hawk where I then lived. I joined it, but we were never called into service. In 1863, J. E. Plummer and I returned to [the] states, he to Polk County Iowa and I to Hannibal Missouri. He married Miss Lavenia Garret near Rising Sun, Iowa, and I married Miss Adelaide Miller of Hannibal, Missouri on March 30th, 1863. We went up to Des Moines, Iowa. My wife stayed with Mr Plummer's folks, and he and I got 3 new wagons and 6 yoke of cattle and loaded the wagons with shelled corn. We made a safe trip and did fairly well with our corn. A little later I returned to Iowa, signed up wagons with horse teams and brought Mr Plummer's wife and mine to Colorado. We did not camp but twice in company of any after we left Platsmouth. In 2 weeks after we got through, the Indian war broke out on [the] Plains. They burned and destroyed nearly every ranch down to Kernily. When we crossed they had moved their squaws and papooses off the road to get ready for war. We built a house at Black Hawk -story and a half. Mr Plummer's had 2 rooms  [and] we the other 2 rooms. I got employed in a Quartz Mill and later worked for a Mrs. McCelland building a Quartz Mill at $6.00 per day. I was also in a prospecting company, HM Teller, Johnson, his law partner, and 4 others of us. We who did the work were to have $8.00 per day [and] we bearing our share of expenses. We prospected over the range staked claims in Breckenridge district. One thing I mentioned in all my trips across the Plains, I never traveled on Sunday. I was intimately acquainted with BT Vincent, brother of Bishop, and was for a time enlisted in his congregation. My partner, Mr. Plummer, got an appointment as Superintendent of mining company in Clear Creek Colorado and moved. Later we moved there and started a grocery. On March 5th, 1865, our oldest boy, Frank was born in Georgetown Colorado. In the fall Mr and Mrs. Plummer, my wife and baby Frank came back to the states. The boys used to call it coming back to earth. It was a very hard trip for my wife as it was night and day on the coach. A squad of soldiers guarded the coach as the Indians were not yet friendly. My wife remained with Mr. Plummer's folks until I came later in the winter. I built house for Mr Plummer, then we moved to DesMoines. I worked at carpenter trade. Early in March 1867, Elbert Haskins and I started to walk to Kansas City. [There was then] no connection by Rail Road. Then the snow was 4 inches deep and melting. I carried a grip and heavy overcoat. Times then very dull in DesMoines. -no work for carpenters. I worked for a short time in Kansas City, then went to Wyandotle [and] worked[at the] Blind Asylum and later in UP RR shops. In fall of 1867, my wife and Frank and Alice came down from DesMoines with a Mr. Garrot in [a] wagon. In May I think it was 1868, in company with Mr. I E Smith and Mr. J B Larnt, I came down to the Heosho Valley to hunt a home. We went clear down to Chetofra, the state line, and finally located in Centerville Tp., Neosha Co. On the 4th of July, 1868, we arrived in the neighborhood of the Hargroves and pitched our tent. It was then very dry [and] water was scarce on [the] Prairie.  There were hardly any settlers, only along the river. Smith and I went to digging to get water. [I] dug 2 wells and one deep spring. Then [we] went to [the] timber [and] got logs for 2 houses -18X26 foot story and a half. -hauled them to [the] building sites, hewed them and built the houses. [There were]  no bridges then, no mills or stores on South side of river. Finally in December [we] got into the house on [a] cold day - no windows or doors in. We nailed up carpets and tent cloth, kept the stove hot, and then, had it tough. When we settled, the nearest house on [the] southwest [side of us] was 9 miles. We had hot winds, grasshoppers, and 2 RR's to fight. In 1876, [I] got [the] title to [the] land. After 8 year's battle I sold out and went to Oregon and Washington but did not see anything I thought would justify moving there. [I] returned and found that in [my] absence Scarlet Fever had invaded my house. All had it but mother, and little Bessie had died. Drying our tears we began looking for [a ] new home and finally located where we now are. I built the house, and we lived happily. In 1903, March 30th, we celebrated our wedding anniversary of 40 years. In fall I had a very serious attack of carbuncle which lasted until January. Mother had an attack of Neuralgia about middle of November which prostrated her at once. On Sunday morning she said to me, "Next Sunday I am going to get up." The next morning about 8 she got our of bed and said to me, "Shut the door." her last words. [She] fell on her face and had gone home. A noble sweet Christian wife and mother had entered into rest. Just two weeks later our house burned. Emma and I remained with Hattie and Mr Eaton in Erie till January, then [we] went to Vallejo in California and visited Frank in February. [Then we] returned to Erie and remained there until we built first house. Alice died of Typhoid fever September 7th, 1887. When Father Cannbus organized [his] church at Catalpa, he made me Elder, and when Dr. Porter organized Presbyterian church in Erie, they made me Elder then, and I suppose I am nominally Elder there yet. In 1870, we organized our school district and by my suggestion named it Excelsior. The first school board was Ralph Gildine, Caleb Brewster and GH Greene. The district voted bonds and built school house. It so happened, I taught the first school in it. It stood 21 years and Frank taught the last school in it. In 1891, we built the present house. I was still on the school board. In 1908, I attended a Greene Reunion at Newport Ohio. It was held at the large house built 100 years before for my grandparents, John and Mary Greene. The building is 2 stories and a cellar under [the] whole building. 110 Greenes and their descendants met on the 8th of July. There was a general greeting, hand shake and Kissing galore. 2 rows of chairs in circle under[the] large elm trees seated the crowd. James B Greene presided; several short addresses were made. Frank Greene, son of JB, gave a historical sketch. A blessing was asked and then a splendid lap dinner was served. In [the] afternoon a fine group picture was taken. Several who sat at that dinner have set at the marriage supper of the Lamb. The site where the house stands is on a gentle slope that rises maybe 40 feet and is less that 1/4 mile from the Ohio River, and affords a splendid view[of] the river, the RR, VA and the VA Hills. But my visit would not be complete without a visit to the city of the dead more that 40 of my near relatives now asleep there and on their modest slab or massive monument may be written, "Requis col in pace" (Rest in peace). Around one monument lie the ashes of grandfathers family. As I look in the vacant houses and enquire where are the companions of my youth a voice comes from the cemetery, "most of us are here." Times writes many changes. Newport of my youth is not the Newport of today. I never saw whiskey in my father's house only as a medicine. [I] never heard of whiskey in [the] neighborhoods at raising or in harvest. [I] never knew of a dance in neighborhood. I was never at one.[I] never played a game of cards in my life. The discovery of oil had brought a new set of people and I suppose progressive ideas. Since I have been in Kansas, I have taught in 4 schools, built 5 houses and improved 2 farms. Alice was born in DesMoines, Iowa [on] July 26th, 1867. Elbert, Hattie and Bessie were born in the old log house. Emma was born in East Room of our home that burned. Hattie married Mr. J. A. Easton [in] 1895. They have now (in) 1917, 4 bright boys. The names [are] Mark, William, Kelly, and Frank. Also, 2 step daughters, Susie and Hazel. They have a nice house in Erie, Kansas. Frank and [his] wife have been in California 15 years or more. Elbert and wife live on farm adjoining home place. Neither of [my] boys have any children. Emma was married to William Siebert in 1905. They have one daughter and live on the Greene house. I am now 86 and for my age fairly well preserved, but very hard of hearing. I am busy with chores and garden, but realize my work is nearly done. As I look [back, I] must say goodness and mercy have followed me all my life. Erie Record, Erie, Kansas, Feb. 15, 1973 - 50 years ago. L. G. H. Greene, pioneer and beloved citizen of this section of Neosho county, died at his home in Centerville Township, Wednesday morning, Feb, 14, 1923. He was 92 years old. For more that a half a century L.G.H. Greene has been one of the outstanding citizens of this community. Coming to this county in 1868, and home steading just south of Excelsior school house, in Centerville township, he at once became one of the leaders in all civic, religious, and political questions, and he retained this leadership for many years. Submitted by Susy Wetz and courtesy of  The Newport Heritage Committee and Eileen Thomas I would like to correct one part that reads "On the 4th of July, 1868, we arrived in the neighborhood of the Hargroves and pitched our tent. It was then very dry [and] water was scarce on [the] Prairie. " The Hargrove family he was talking about was really the Hairgrove family. The head of the family was William Hairgrove, the family at that time lived on Ogeese Creek, five miles west of Osage Mission in Centerville Township, Neosho County, Kansas. William Hairgrove was well known to many people in that area, for he and one of his sons (Asa) were survivors of the Marais des Cygnes Massacre (19th of May, 1858). William is my 3rd great grandfather. The Greene family held church services in their home for a time (before 1870), which the Hairgrove and Carpenter family attended, until the M. E. Church was built, there is a cemetery (called Bond cemetery) next to the church where William Hairgrove is buried. By 1916 Mr. Luther George Hill Greene's home in Centerville Township was occupied by William Carpenter (the Carpenter family had married into the Hairgrove family). Sincerely Tom Ebling Mr. Ebling's correction was added to the web site on August 1, 2007.  We appreciate his comments.  More from Mr. Ebling: Below is info taken from "History of Neosho County" pages 747 to 748. (some first names have been added if known)   On July 16, 1916, L.G.H. Greene, made a talk to the Sunday school class at Excelsior [Methodist Church] in which he said: "In the summer of 1868, several families came to this neighborhood. These were settlers along the river, but southwest of this house the nearest resident dwelling was nine miles. The settlers came not with autos, not in Pullmans, but with ox teams-- horses seldom seen. buggies rarity. The log houses on the Will Carpenter [son of Joseph W. Carpenter] place and the [Dexter] Baldwin place were erected. Plenty of room then ---rattle snakes and coyotes the only occupants. The winter of 1868 was severe. By spring several families were in this vicinity --- from memory --- I mention Mr. [Ralph] Dildine, [Joseph W.] Carpenter, [William] Hairgrove, Remmy, Ira E. Smith, [Samuel] Hood, [Edwin] Culbertson, Greene. The meeting house, school house, the choir and organ had not yet arrived. So far as I know there was no Sunday school on the south side of the river. The only church service in the neighborhood was held in Rev. Bond's round log cabin, dirt floor.   In the early summer of 1869, by agreement, members of the families named met each Sabbath at the home of L. G. H. Greene, now occupied by Wm. Carpenter, for the study of the word which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.   By 1870 the school house was erected. The M. E. church had preaching service alternate Sabbaths as now, the families  Dexter Baldwin, Banks, and Perry brought more children. Mr. Baldwin, a local preacher, frequently held services and Mr. Banks led the singing. Turning from Sunday school of early days, I look on this school. It was a long time known as a uion school, though it always used M. E. literature. But as I look at the school of today; a much larger crowd, four organized classes, an organ and choir --- but not of the old crowd --- nearly all have finished their labors and gone to their reward. To the school of today is given the opportunity to write on monuments more enduring than marble or bronz[e], as you write on minds immortal." On another occasion Mr. Greene said: "My first attendance at church was in a pole shanty with dirt floor. Among my neighbors were two victims of the Marias des Cygnes. They were the elder Hairgrove [William] and his son Asa who has been auditor of the state. They were left for dead, but revived."