Let me preface this post by saying that it is so interesting to do the research for these articles. In posting the newspaper clippings about the Tod and Adams families for 1916-1920, it provides a look into the lives of two of Maple Hill’s most prominent families. It also provides a glimpse into what was important in the day-to-day lives of those who were living in Maple HIll. I will also attach some photographs of the people mentioned in the articles. I do not have pictures of all people, I wish I did, but I’ll use what I have. If readers have photographs they’d like to share, you may do so by posting them in the comment section of this article.
News Items About the Tod and Adams Families from the pages of The Alma Enterprise and The Topeka Daily Capitol 1916 – 1920
January 23, 1916 Topeka Capital Society Page There are 6000 stockmen and wives gathered from across the state in Wichita, Kansas for the annual convention of the Kansas Livestock Association. Mr. W. J. Tod of Maple Hill is president of the organization. Mr. and Mrs. Tod and Mrs. and Mrs. James Tod are among those spending the week.
February 4, 1916 Enterprise James Tod, wife and child left for San Antonio, Texas. Jim will stay for a few days but his wife and daughter will remain for the winter.
June 9, 1916 Enterprise Mr. and Mrs. John E. Robert of the XI Ranch in Plains, Kansas have arrived for a visit with the H. G Adams family, the James Tods and others.
July 28, 1916 Topeka Capital Tods in An Auto Accident An auto driven by Mrs. James Tod was involved in a serious accident on West Sixth Road, just west of the big hill in Topeka. Her husband, James Tod, son of prominent Maple Hill rancher W. J. Tod, was a passenger in the car when the car careened into a deep ditch. Mrs. Tod swerved to avoid a collision with a horse-drawn farm wagon that she thought was going to wait until they had crossed the new concrete bridge. Mr. Tod was thrown through the windshield and badly cut. Mrs. Tod was badly bruised and had a cut on her leg.
They were taken to Stormont Hospital by a passing motorist, and Dr. C. R. Silverthorne, family physician from Maple Hill, was called to administer aid.
After they were patched up, someone from the ranch drove another car into the hospital and took them home to Maple Hill. The auto they were driving, a Cadillac roadster, was damaged beyond repair but was insured.
August 4, 1916 Enterprise James Tod is overseeing the installation of a new steam boiler at the Tod Ranch. It will be used for grinding corn and lifting grain to storage bins.”
January 11, 1917 Enterprise Mrs. W. J. Tod, Mrs. James Tod and daughter will leave for San Antonio, Texas by train on Saturday, where they will spend the worst of the winter.”
February 2, 1917 Topeka Capital Society Page Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Adams entertained several family and friends on Sunday to celebrate their 32nd Wedding Anniversary. In addition to their children, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Tod, Mr. and Mrs. James Tod, Mr. and Mrs. David Stewart were welcome guests. The next morning, Mr. and Mrs. Adams left for the big National Livestock Show in Cheyene, Wyoming. Mr. W. J. Tod and James Tod will also attend the show.”
February 2, 1917 Enterprise Mrs. J. D. Weaver and Mrs. James Tod took the train to Topeka, Monday, for a day of shopping.”
February 9, 1917 Topeka Daily Capital Society Page Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Adams will leave for California and will stop at the XI Ranch in Plains, Kansas for a visit with family. They will be residing at the Raymond Hotel during their California stay.”
March 2, 1917 Enterprise Mrs. James Tod returned from San Antonio, Texas where she has been enjoying warmer climes.”
May 26, 1917 Enterprise Those attending the Maple Hill High School graduation at the Maple Hill Congregational Church, were treated to an exceptional musical presentation by Mrs. Emerald Winkler, voice, Mrs. Rae Tod, piano, and Dr. Lee Demeron, McFarland on violin.
March 1, 1918 Enterprise There are so many suffering from Spanish Influenza and German measles right now. Doctors have been seriously concerned about Mrs. James Tod, who has the measles. She has been quarantined and is said to be improving.
March 22, 1918 Topeka Capital Society Page – Mr. and Mrs. Horace Adams, Horace, Jr., Alex, Raymond and Miss Mary have returned from an extended stay in California. The Adams boys attend Country Day School in Kansas City and joined their parents for a spring vacation.”
March 22, 1918 Enterprise Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Tod and Mr. and Mrs. James Tod were among those attending the Topeka concert of the famous Scotch singer Harry Lauder on Tuesday night. They stayed over night and attended a reception for him at the Jayhawk Hotel. Mr. Tod said it brought back many pleasant memories of the Auld Country.
April 21, 1918 Enterprise James Tod, a member of the Topeka Arab Shrine Temple, will participate in one of the largest Shrine gatherings in years. A part of the activities will be honoring WWI Veterans. Mrs. James Tod, who is in the Shrine auxiliary, will attend and assist with activities. Mr. Tod was raised to Masonry in Maple Hill Masonic Lodge #307.
April 26, 1918 Enterprise Mr. James Tod is serving as an officer in the U. S. Army and is being trained in field artillery. He is stationed at Camp Funston for training but will likely be sent to France.
April 21, 1918 Enterprise Governor Arthur Capper will be this years Maple Hill High School Commencement speaker. The ceremony will be held at the Maple Hill Congregational Church on Friday, May 3. Mrs. Emerald Winkler and Miss Ava Sells will be presenting vocal selections and Mrs. Rae Tod will be at the piano.
May 19, 1918 Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Tod of Maple Hill attended the State Convention of the Kansas Cattlemen at Kansas State Agricultural College in Manhattan. He presided over the morning sessions and Prof. W. A. Cochel over the afternoon meetings. Over 1,000 cattlemen attended and learned there will be no more Meatless Fridays to help with the war effort.”
April 12, 1918 Enterprise Through the columns of the Enterprise, I wish to thank all who made the patriotic meeting on Friday such a splendid success! Please buy Liberty Bonds to let everyone of us help Wabaunsee County to go over the top in supporting our boys in service.
Mrs. W. J. Tod, Wabaunsee County Chairman, National Womens Liberty Bond Committee.”
Wabaunsee County has been in the throes of a huge Liberty Bond Campaign this week, culminating with Friday celebrations in every town. Mrs. W. J. Tod reports the following bond sales:
Stockgrowers State Bank Maple Hill – $21,000
First State Bank, McFarland $12,500
Farmers National Bank, Alma $14,800
Harveyville State Bank $10,100
Alma National Bank $15,300
Bank of Alma $11,500
Alta Vista State Bank $ 9,000
Peoples State Bank, Alta Vista $ 2,150
State Bank of Paxico $ 2,050
Security State Bank, Eskridge $ 4,000
Eskridge State Bank $ 4,600
Maple Hills quota of $14,600 was surpassed by $7,000.”
June 16, 1918 Topeka Daily Capital New Sense of Pride Has Come to Kansas Women Right of Suffrage Lends Dignity to Work Kansas Equal Suffrage Association meets in Topeka
Executive Committee: Mrs. Arthur Capper, Topeka; Mrs. W. J. Tod, Maple Hill, Mrs. John Mack, Newton, Miss Lizzie Wooster, Salina; Mrs. Dean Van Zile, Manhattan and Mrs. Lillian Mitchner, Beloit, Kansas.
July 26, 1918 Enterprise “Mrs. James Tod has received word that her husband, Sgt. James Tod, has arrived safely in France. He says that the fighting is fierce but progress against the enemy is made every day.”
August 30, 1918 Enterprise “Mrs. H. G. Adams, Miss Mary Adams, Mrs. Rae Tod and daughter Antoinette are visiting Mrs. and Mrs. John E. Robert in Utah. They plan to spend a month.”
September 13, 1918 Enterprise “Mrs. W. J. Tod reports that enough money was raised in Maple Hill to entertain 500 soldiers at Camp Funston. The boys expressed their appreciation for the food and entertainment.”
October 11, 1918 Enterprise “Mrs. W J. Tod, Mrs. James Tod and Antoinette spent last week in Kansas City shopping.”
November 29, 1918 Topeka Daily Capital “W. J. Tod of Maple Hill, has been appointed by President Woodrow Wilson to be Kansas Chairman of the nationwide celebration on December 7, 1918, which shall be called Britain Day In America. Our country will honor its great ally with many entertainments, parades and celebrations.”
January 24, 1919 – Enterprise “Our city (Maple Hill) gave its first reception for the soldier boys who have returned home. It was held at the Congregational Church on Saturday night. The building was packed to the rafters despite bad weather and roads. The schools gave excellent patriot programs followed by a delicious and abundant dinner. W. J. Tod and H. G. Adams gave excellent short talks. Soldier boys on the platform were: Roy Veal and Edwin Thompson, Navy; Tommy Oliver, Army; Russell Sells, Aviation; and George McClelland of the S. A. T.C. Pride poured out to our service men and Mrs. W. J. Tod reports good sales of Liberty Bonds.”
January 25, 1919 Topeka Daily Capital Stockmen Ask An Early Return to Railroads Majority Vote to endorse Womens Suffrage and Military Training Demand Regulation of Packing Industy.
Denver, Colorado January 24, 1919 American National Livestock Association held its national convention in the mile-high city. W. J. Tod of Maple Hill was elected a vice president and will be on the delegation that will testify before Congress in Washington, DC.
February 7, 1919 “Sgt. James Tod of Maple Hill, who is in Battern E, 341st Field Artillery, 89th Division at Spiecher, Germany sent The Enterprise a copy of the Christmas Toast he offered to the men of the 89th Division. Sgt. Walter E. Wilson of Paxico is also in the group.
A Toast
When Old 89 fell into the line,
The guns began to rattle,
And everyday with ardor they,
Confirmed the order of battle.
Weve givenem Hell at St. Michiel,
And chasedem back at Zammes,
Til Kaiser Bill had a terrible chill,
And the Crown Prince hollered Damn!
So heres to 89 my boys,
Come clink me a glass of vine,We all of us new that right would win,
And they gave up the ghost in Ol Berlin!
When they met with Old 89 my boys,
When they met with Old 89!
From Mont Secs hill, thru Banehevill,
To Stenay on the Mense!
Til the war was won we chased the Hun,
There was never such a word as lose!
Oh theres many a Hung who dropped his gun
And beat it for home like Hell!
When he once ahd met with the boyonette,
Of a Midwest farmers lad,
So lets be gay, this Christmas Day,
Come clink your glass with mine,
Cause its a common decision
Theres no division
Thats better than Old 89!!
Hip Hip Hurrah!!!
March 21, 1919 Enterprise “Mrs. James Tod received a cable from her husband this week saying that he was on a ship sailing to America.”
March 24, 1919 Topeka Daily Capital Society Page “Sgt. James Tod has arrived in New York and is proceeding to Camp Mills, New Jersey. He is expected to return to Maple Hill within the next few days.”
April 10, 1919 Enterprise “Sgt. And Mrs. James Tod and Miss Mary Adams spent the day Tuesday with a host of Topeka friends, all welcoming Sgt. Tod home from the service.”
April 11, 1919 The Topeka Daily Capital Society Pages – “Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Tod gave a grand welcome home reception at their home for Sgt. James Tod, who is returning home from the War. He was met in Kansas City by his wife and was given many accolades by family and friends. Over 200 were present during the afternoon.”
April l8, 1919 The Maple Hill Congregational Church gave a social and dinner honoring Mr. W. J. Tod this past Saturday evening. Since arriving in Maple Hill in 1885, Mr. Tod has sent his teams and men on salt sleds to open the main east, west, north and south roads to the church during snow storms. This has been a great courtesy to those attending services, making it possible for walkers, buggies, and now autos to navigate the snow. Thank you Mr. Tod!
[Salt sleds were very low to the ground wooden boxes that were placed on runners to deliver salt to cattle in the feed lots and pastures. They were so low they would act as snow plows and push the snow off roads to a width of about 6 or 8. This was evidently done in the early morning before worship.]
August 1, 1919 Enterprise “The Wabaunsee County Treasurer has released tax evaluations for Maple Hill and the following are reported:
H. G. Adams – $51,960
Franklin Adams – $20,755
W. J. Tod – $44,585″
August 8, 1919 Enterprise “Mr. and Mrs. James Tod are having their home redecorated and are adding many improvements.”
August 22, 1919 “Lt. Franklin Adams, Harvey Harris and Jesse Johnson, accompanied by his lovely new French bride, all returned to Maple Hill this week.”
“Despite all of the sad circumstances surrounding the discovery of three bodies buried in different locations, the victims of murder, we still think Maple Hill is a great community in which to live and raise children. The Wabaunsee County Sherriff is in hot pursuit of Rufe King for questioning in connection with the murders. When apprehended, he will be taken to Topeka Jail for safekeeping. Locals have talked about a lynching and that will be avoided at all costs.”
September 12, 1919 Enterprise “Mr. H. G. Adams is making extensive upgrades at his ranch home north of Maple Hill.”
“H. G. Adams and W. J. Tod both shipped 50 cars of cattle to Kansas City this week. Both men are to be commended because they provide one man for every five cars of stock. The men look after the cattle and make sure they are fed, watered and unloaded quickly. This provides good work for older teenagers who want to see the big city and get a coach ride home.”
“James Tod bought three prize Hereford bulls from A. S. Allendorf, rural Alma, for $3,000.”
October 3, 1919 Enterprise County Club Women Meet The County Federation of Womens Clubs met in Alma for their annual convention on Wednesday. Mrs. B. F. Cress of Council Grove, Fourth District President, presided. Those attending from Maple Hill were: Mrs. J. E. McClelland, Mrs. John Turnbull, Jr., Mrs. W. J. Tod, Mrs. James Tod, Mrs. Franklin Adams, Mrs. H. G. Adams, Mrs. J. D. Weaver, Mrs. R. T. Updegraff, Mrs. David Stewart, Mrs. G. Dawson, Mrs. J. W. Beach, Mrs. William Sells and Miss Ava Sells. The afternoon program included lovely piano selections performed by Mrs. James Tod and vocal solos by Miss Ava Sells. Mrs. W. J. Tod reported on the country-wide scholarship fund established for Wabaunsee girls headed for college. She is pleased with the donations to date.”
December 19, 1919 Enterprise – “Due to the cold weather, H. G. Adams and James Tod have been able to fill their ranch ice houses very early this season.”
January 20, 1920 “The newly formed post of the American Legion met Friday evening and elected officers as follows: Lt. Franklin Adams, Commander; Sgt. James Tod, Vice Commander; Cpl. Edwin Thompson, Adjutant and Finance Officer, Herbert Harris, Historian, Carl Brock Chaplain, Arthur Adams, Sergeant-At-Arms. They also voted to name the post The James Elmer Romick American Legion Post #4 to honor their fallen comrade.”
January 16, 1920 “Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Adams left for California by train Sunday. They will remain there a month or two.”
February 13, 1910 Enterprise “Maple Hill now has four automobile dealers. The most recent purchase was a new Buick touring car purchased by James Tod.”
“Miss Mooney, who has been maid and companion to Mrs. W. J. Tod for many years, has returned to Scotland for several weeks. Her youngest sister died and she is helping her mother find different circumstances. Everyone who has been entertained in the Tod home admires Miss Mooneys charm and ability. We are sorry for her loss and eagerly await her safe return.”
March 19, 1920 Enterprise “The following are Maple Hills Representatives to the Wabaunsee Republican Committee: James W. Thompson, James Tod, Henry S. Romick, James E. Romick, W. F. Johnson, Dr. J. W. Taylor and Frank Adams, Sr. James Tod was appointed to the Resolutions Committee. Mr. Tod is in favor of compulsory military training and believes that all colleges should also have mandatory officer training.”
April 19, 1920 Enterprise “James Tod is looking for a young lady to live in their home, keep house and tend children. He pays good wages.”
April 16, 1920 Topeka Daily Capital Society Pages “Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Tod left for New York on Monday and they will sail for Scotland on Saturday. They will enjoy visits with many relatives and friends and expect to stay two or three months.”
May 1, 1920 Topeka Daily Capital Society Pages “Mr. and Mrs. James Tod entertained Topeka friends with a barbeque lawn party on Saturday. It was a lovely day and the young couple had quite a spread, musical entertainment and games. “
May 7, 1920 Enterprise “Mr. and Mrs. George A. Fowler of Colorado Springs are making an extended visit with Mr. and Mrs. James Tod. It is very good to see our citys founder out and about on the streets visiting with old acquaintances.”
July 9, 1920 Enterprise “James Tod always does things up right and the black eye he now possesses is one of the most beautiful weve ever seen. The condition of the horse whose hoof caused the injury is unknown.”
“Old #10 west of Maple Hill is being graveled and much thanks is owed to W. J. and James Tod for donating the gravel from Mill Creek. Many hundreds of wagon loads of gravel have passed through town these past weeks.”
“Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Adams, Miss Mary and Raymond have left for California for the rest of the summer and will return home in time for the children to begin school in September.”
August 20, 1920 “Mrs. James Tod and Mrs. Franklin Adams have secured a great Chautauqua Program for the American Legion Auxiliary Box Supper on Saturday night. The Auxiliary ladies are raising money for the new two-story brick Legion Hall to be built on Main Street. Lets get out and support them. The prettiest girl context is sure to draw lots of entries and provided spirited voting at one cent per vote.”
September 10, 1920 Enterprise “Mackie Brothers, our enterprising Ford dealers, sold a Model T to the Tod Ranch this week. It will be used for general purposes.”
“Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Tod have returned home and report a delightful summer in Scotland. Miss Bedford, a niece of Mrs. Tods, returned home with the Tods. She will visit for several months before returning to Edinburgh, Scotland.”
October 1, 1920 Topeka Daily Capital Tod Buys Angus String
An important feature of the cattle market at the end of the dullest week of the year, was the purchase made by W. J. and James Tod of Maple Hill. They bought a string of 326 head of choice Angus steers averaging 904 pounds, at a cost of $30,000.
The steers were bought from D. C. Trigg of Amarillo, Texas, owner of the Bell Ranch in New Mexico. They have been grazed on the Kansas Flint Hills all summer. They carry the XIT brand, are of high grade, and choice quality.
Were going to turn this herd out on our Maple Hill pastures where the grass is waist high, said Tod. Weve never had better grass. When the grass gives out, they plan to put the cattle on feed and forage and let them flesh up. Theyll be marketed as prime beef in the spring.”
October 23, 1920 Enterprise – “H. S. Leuvner of Rotterdam, Holland wrote to W. J. Tod this week after reading an article about his ranch operations from the Chicago Board of Trade. The young man wants to move to Kansas and be a ranch hand. W. J. said it was unusual in that he sent several photos, a bank draft for $5, and signed the letter with love.
December 31, 1920 Enterprise – “We must offer a big thank you to H. G. Adams who sent his men and big teams in to drag the main streets in town. H. G. has done this several years and we are very happy to have it done before the big ruts freeze and cause lots of problems over the winter.”
Photo One – Horace G. Adams, Sr.
Photo Two – William J. Tod
Photo Three – Margaret (Saunders) Tod
Photo Four – Mrs. H. G. Mable (Warren Adams
Photo Five – James W. Thompson
Photo Six – Edwin C. Thompson
Photo Seven – Arthur Adams, Sr.
Photo Eight – Franklin Adams, Sr.
Photo Nine – Mrs. Franklin (Elizabeth Parsons) Adams
Photo Ten – Main Street, Maple Hill, Kansas. The American Legion Hall is the two-story brick building at the center of the photograph. The Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star met in the second story.
Photo Eleven – Rufus King in his military uniform.
Photo Twelve – The Maple Hill Grade School built in 1904 and the scene of many community programs and socials.
Photo Thirteen – The Maple Hill Congregational Church, dedicated in 1905.
Photo Fourteen – George Anderson Fowler, owner of the Fowler Ranch and founder of Maple Hill, Kansas (1887).
