John Heath Family Newspaper Articles
This page is devoted to all of the newspaper articles (or book excerpts) collected for the John Heath family. Many of them in the bottom group are from the Towanda Herald which was a weekly which ran from 1885 - 1894. The editor of the paper took a real shine to John as you can tell from some of the blurbs. Most of the images that we posted first were taken with a digital camera shooting a picture of the microfilm image so the quality is legible but not pristine. The newer articles are much clearer as they are from pdfs of scanned images. These come from the Walnut Valley Times and the El Dorado Republican among others.
Articles posted on Feb 25, 2019
1874-04-24 - John Heath elected Road Overseer
1874-10-02 - Notice that John is no longer responsible for son Parley's debts
1875-02-05 - Typical small town notice that John has mail at the Post Office
1875-03-12 - Letter following the devastating tornado. John's brother William is organizing relief supplies in Illinois
1875-06-04 - John Heath's crop status and a subtle dig
1877-07-11 - Letter on farmers near Towanda
1877-12-19 - John has purchased a "sand seive" for his business of selling sand for plaster
1878-05-22 - John's son got into a "friendly tussle"
1878-06-21 - John sends some wheat samples to the newspaper editor
1878-08-02 - One of John's sons found am umbrella
1881-08-26 - Death of John's son 16 year old Charley
1881-09-01 - Obit for Charley Heath
1881-11-25 - John is a true Greenbacker (look it up:))
1881-12-19 - John has new sand sifter
1882-04-14 - Discuss John and his neightbor's corn
1882-04-28 - Discussion of a bridge across the Whitewater River at John's farm
1882-10-06 - John's comment on stock at the County Fair
1884-03-21 - John send the paper to his brother-in-law in Illinois
1884-12-26 - Heath's relatives return home
1886-05-14 - Petition from John and Esther for a road from their farm
1886-05-15 - Early settlers who take the newspaper
1886-07-16 - Payment to John for doing a check on a new road
1886-09-03 - Doctor arraigned for selling booze as medicine with one of his customers being John Heath
1887-02-10 - John feeling poorly and taking a break from farming
1887-12-22 - John send the Times to his brother William in Illinois
1888-01-03 - Marriage license for John's son George and Emma Atkinson
1888-01-24 - Sandy John visiting
1890-03-31 - John's accident
1890-05-16 - John on crutches
1891-01-16 - John's son William tries out his new sleigh
1892-02-09 - Early settlers and the newspaper
1892-04-06 - John's daughter Maud is married
1894-11-08 - Ester Heath Obit
1895-03-01 - Early settlers
1912-11-15 - Story about old Towanda and mentions John
Rest of articles refer to John and Ester's children and their families
1898-08-12 - Jeff Heath and family return to Towanda from Missouri
1898-08-31 - Will Heath visits with Jeff and family
1898-09-21 - Jeff Heath and family move into a house
1898-10-22 - George's wife dies in Illinois
1899-01-04 - One of Jeff Heath's twin newborn children dies
1899-03-31 - George Heath, who was recently widowed, returns to Towanda
1899-04-14 - Maud (daughter of George) visits her aunt Maud Heath Hayman
1899-05-06 - George Heath's brother-in-law comes to visit
1899-05-11 - Maud Heath Hayman helps
1899-07-28 - George and Frank are furnishing milk to the creamery
1899-08-17 - Parley is hauling rock
1900-03-12 - George Heath's kids at a party
1902-03-22 - George Heath going to Oklahoma
1902-12-29 - George Heath returning to Oklahoma
1903-04-03 - Elmer Heath (son of Parley) is married
1903-04-20 - George shows the paper some rattlesnakes from Oklahoma
1903-04-23 - Blanche Heath (daughter of George) visits Maud
1903-05-04 - George Heath returns to Oklahoma to be married
1903-06-12 - Parley Heath assaulted
1903-08-26 - George Heath back in Towanda to open a restaurant
1903-10-14 - George says he is retiring
1903-10-23 - George says he is going to Missouri
1904-09-12 - Parley is now a butcher
1905-03-31 - George Heath opens a new restaurant
1905-04-14 - Ad for George's restaurant
1905-06-05 - Blurb on George and his business
1906-05-18 - George has joined the army and is stationed in the Phillipines
1908-02-20 - George is back in the US and stationed in Salt Lake City
1908-07-10 - Florence Ella Heath Byers (daughter of John& Ester) dies
1908-08-04 - George is discharged from the U.S. Army
1908-08-21 - George buys a new restaurant
1908-09-17 - Susie Heath visiting George who is actually her father. She was adopted by George's sister Maud Heath Hayman
1909-01-08 - Ad for George's new restaurant
1909-05-19 - Georrge sells his restaurant and is moving to Oklahoma (again)
1909-07-30 - George buys a restaurant in Oklahoma
1909-11-10 - George returns briefly to testify
1910-01-21 - George is back and buys a restaurant
1910-05-03 - George and son taking a trip
1911-04-11 - Maud visiting Uncle William Heath's wife and Will Heath family moves
1911-09-01 - George's wife Ludia on a buying trip
1911-12-01 - Will's son Roy is in the car business. Eventually he will own a car dealership
1912-05-11 - George's wife Lydia files for divorce
John Heath listed on El Dorado hotel arrivals - March 3, 1870 in the Walnut Valley Times
John Heath shows off large stalks of wheat - June 24, 1870 Walnut Valley Times
A foreign reporter mentions John Heath - July 15, 1870 Walnut Valley Times
List of Farmers in Towanda - An 1878 Kansas Farmer Almanac
John Heath questioned about whiskey in Butler County - Sept 07, 1882 El Dorado Republican
Death of Johnie Heath - March, 14, 1884 Son of John & Ester who died after a short illness. Spelling of first name is intentional. Death of older brother Charles is mentioned as being 2 years earlier.
Death of Ester Wilson Heath - November 09, 1894 El Dorado Republican (This is from an addiitional paper)
John Heath Early Settler - A list of early settlers in Butler County
John Heath Migration History - Mentions the migration of (among others) the Heath family from McDonough County, Illinois to Buter County
John Heath on the Whitewater River - Mentions the crossing on John Heath's farm. There was some sort of crude ferry crossing there.
These are the articles that were transcribed. This is a link to a transcribed pdf of the bottom group of articles. Transcription (There are some additional articles not included in the transcription. These are listed at the top of the page. Newest are listed first.)
Sandy John Visits the Newspaper - John Heath was known as Sandy John for the sand he sold to people building houses. May 5, 1885 Towanda Herald.
Bill Heath back from The West - John's son William (aka Bill) was always looking for better opportunities. He eventually made a land claim in Colorado but stayed in Kansas.
September 1, 1885
John Heath Sells 30 Acres - As the years passed, John had some financial problems and had to sell some of his land. October 26, 1885
John Heath Stops a Fire - John and some neighbors put out a potentially serious fire before it could do any real damage. November 12, 1885
John improves his home - John told the editor he was determined to update his home for the long term. November 26, 1885
Wm Heath Returns for Christmas - The microfilm was a bit blurry. December 17, 1885
Jeff Heath to Missouri - Jefferson Heath was a son of John. He went to Missouri looking for land or other opportunities. March 18, 1886
John Heath Visits Illinois - John had not been back to Illinois to see his siblings since he left. February 10, 1887
John Heath Returns - March 3, 1887
Jeff Heath Moves - Jeff and his wife Teressa Safford Heath moved to their own farm. March 16, 1887
John Heath on Sleigh - This is one of those where the editors pokes fun at John. March 24, 1887
Sandy John Horse Trade - March 24, 1887
Martha Heath Moves to Towanda - Martha Heath is the step-sister to John but 30 years younger. She was born to John's father Samuel and his second wife. Image is blurry. August 1, 1887
Maud Heath School Report - Monthly newspaper report of the school. This is Maud, the youngest child of John and Ester. December 1, 1887
Maud Heath Recitation - Towanda School Christmas Program. December 15, 1887
Bill Heath Selling - Bill selling young Bulls and firewood. A bit blurry. December 22, 1887
William Heath to Wichita - This is very typical of local items. January 5, 1888
Ester Heath Visiting - Very few items for Ester. January 5, 1888
George S. Heath Married - George married Emma Atkinson. January 12, 1888
William Heath to Colorado - February 23, 1888
William Heath Sends a Colorado Newspaper - He had staked some land in Chivington, Kiowa, CO. March 1, 1888
William Heath Back from Colorado - April 12, 1888
William Heath Newspaper Request - April 12, 1888
Parley Heath in Towanda - May 3, 1888
Heath Boys Visit Sick Mom - May 3, 1888
William Heath Visits Editor - May 31, 1888
Sandy John Brings Potatoes to the Editor - Quite a description of enjoying the potatoes ! June 14, 1888
John Heath Sends the Herald to his Brothers - John purchased subscriptions for William and Samuel Parley who live in McDonough County, Illinois. June 21, 1888
Wm Heath Spends 4th of July in Towanda - July 5, 1888
John Heath Brings a Large Stalk of Corn - "The corn is as high as an elephant's eye........ " August 9, 1888
Baseball Game at Towanda - The Towanda team was known as the Towanda Reds. Frank Heath played for them. August 9, 1888
Frank Heath Hurt During Game - Frank was hit by a bat during the game mentioned above. August 9, 1888
John Heath Hurt by Rooster - John's hand was cut by the spurs of a rooster and infected by flies. August 9, 1888
Jeff Heath has a new baby son - This is Floyd who died in Missouri at the age of 24. August 16, 1888
Martha Heath Whaley has a Son - The newspaper called John the "Grand pap" but he was actually a great uncle as Martha was a step-sister but 30 years younger. August 30, 1888
William Heath Home Visiting Parents - September 6, 1888
Sandy John Rejoices - Over a new wooden Box on his wagon. September 26, 1888
Sandy John Family Reunion - His brother Samuel Parley was visiting. October 4, 1888
SP Heath and Sandy to Wichita - The editor pokes fun at John by calling him the "well advertised Sandy". October 4, 1888
Jeff Heath Family to Missouri - Jefferson Heath family will move to Missouri. October 4, 1888
Wm Heath Robbed - Of his clothing ! November 15, 1888
Sandy John in a Fight - Sandy declared a "good tussle" knocked the Rheumatism right out of him. November 22, 1888
George Heath has a New Son - This is Walter Heath. December 16, 1888
John Heath Complains to the Editor - January 31, 1889
Parley Heath Visiting Parents - April 11, 1889
Wm Heath Planting Grapevines - April 18, 1889
Sandy John to El Dorado - Went for supplies. May 2, 1889
John Heath Brings Peaches to the Editor - Editor promote the area. June 27, 1889
Parley Heath Family Moves into House - September 19, 1889
Parley Heath Son Born - This is Arthur. October 20, 1889
William Heath Takes a Drummer to Potwin - A Drummer was a traveling salesman. November 7,1889
John Heath in theological discussion - Editor poking fun again. November 14, 1889
John Heath Helping During a Fire - John's help was dubious. November 28, 1889
George Heath Daughter is Born - This is Ida Heath. December 19, 1889
Wm Heath Sends Potatoes to Editor - January 23, 1890
Parley Heath Moves to Farm - February 27, 1890
John Heath Kicked by a Mule - This story is pretty funny. March 20, 1890
John Heath Critically Injured - John was injured in an accident with his horse and cart. This is the start of a long physical decline. April 3, 1890
John Heath Re-breaks ribs - John took the bandages off too soon. April 10, 1890
Parley Heath in Oklahoma City - Story about a shooting. A bit blurry. April 24, 1890
Barber Gave John a Shave at Home - John cannot yet get out of bed. May 8, 1890
Wm Heath Reports John No Better - May 15, 1890
Maud Heath Says John Crippled - June 5, 1890
John Heath's Leaving Illinois 1869 - This is a lovely story of John and Ester leaving IL. and accidentally leaving George asleep on a bench in the station. June 26, 1890
John Needs Surgery - July 10, 1890
John Receives Visitors - John's brother Samuel Parley came to visit him. August 7, 1890
Traveler Stops at Johns - Odd story of someone walking back East. August 7, 1890
Impending Operation for John - Doctor stopped to offer encouragement. I do not know if the operation was ever done. No mention of it. August 21, 1890
Wm Heath Rents a farm - As was common for young men of limited funds, William rented a farm. Although this was temporary, he became a successful farmer elsewhere. October 16,
1890
John Heath Still Not Well - October 30, 1890
John Heath Called a Correspondent - The Editor giving John encouragement. November 20, 1890
John Writes a Letter of Thanks - November 20, 1890
William Tries Selling Sand - William tries to help his dad by selling sand. John will soon lose most of his land due to being unable to pay the mortgages he had.
Maud Heath Home for Sick Mother - January 8, 1891
John Heath Bad Spells - Very Blurry. January 8, 1891
Wm Heath Starts for the Strip - Cherokee Strip was a small strip of land running across the bottom of Kansas that allowed the Indians passage to the Rockies. January 22, 1891
Wm Heath Brings the Editor Turnips - January 29, 1891
Ester sick - January 29, 1891
John Heath Letter to Newspaper - John wrote about is life and financial reverses as well as his hope for a better day. May 14, 1891
Maud Heath Home to Care for Mother - May 14, 1891
Wm Heath Brings Radishes - May 28, 1891
John Heath Up and About - John made some recovery and could walk a bit. July 23, 1891
John Heath Says Health Very Poor - August 13, 1891
Parley Heath Daughter Born - This is Florence Heath. Grandma Heath (Ester) came to visit. September 3, 1891
Maud Heath Home for a Visit - Maud was working for the wife of a train engineer. Perhaps as a servant? October 15, 1891
John Heath Runs for Road Boss - a bit blurry. John ran for Road Boss which was an elected official. He needed the money and felt well enough to do it. November 5, 1891
John Heath Working the Roads - He obviously won and appeared to be well liked by his neighbors. November 26, 1891
John Heath and Ester Receives Christmas Gifts - There are also blurbs about the Adsits but they will be mentioned on their pages. December 31, 1891
Mrs. Heath Sick but Improving - February 4, 1892
John in El Dorado - John was able to go to El Dorado. February 11, 2013
John Heath Visits the Herald - February 25, 1892
Parley Spent Time with Parents - March 17, 1892
Maud Heath Married to HC Hayman - April 13, 1892
John Heath Dies - This was on the front page of the Herald and in other newspapers as well. John was actually 63 years old. September 9, 1892
Wm Heath and Mules - August 25 1892
Wm Heath Appointed Road Supervisor - To fill his late father's term. September 22, 1892
Ester Moves in with Daughter Maud - Following John's Death, Ester needed the support. She remained with Maud till her death in 1894. September 29, 1892
George Heath Assault Case - February 19, 1893
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Updated on 03 July 2019
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