PORT LANDIS

Taken from “Seventy Years In Norton County Kansas” by D. N. Bowers.  Transcribed by Walta Russ.

Port Landis town site marks a historic spot in Norton County History. It was on the Solomon River at this point that John Landis was murdered September 2, 1878.  He was fired upon while talking to a man whom he was assisting to locate on a claim about two miles south of the Landis home.

Port Landis town site was platted by O. M. Dannevik and Fred A. Barlow who organized a Town Company. The new town was located on the Township line about one and one-half miles west of Edmond, it had three blocks east and west and four north and south. The plat was filed at the Norton County Clerks office September 13,1879.

The editor of Norton County Advance in his paper of Nov. 20, 1879, wrote this about Port Landis: We were surprised on seeing so much business displayed in the place. James Lobsitz has an excellent store here and one that is complete in all its details, Mr. L. is doing a good trade, which his enterprise certainly deserves. Col. Barlow keeps the hotel. The Colonel knows well how it is done and makes a popular landlord. He is spreading his house out largely to meet the increasing trade. Joseph Rimmer is the blacksmith here, and is an experienced workman and is liberally patronized. A town hall is among the new projects for this place, and we are pleased to know it is meeting with encouragement. Port Landis has just begun to “bloom” and when the railroad reaches her, some great things may be expected.

©2005 by Sharleen Wurm
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