In the vibrant tapestry of America’s frontier history, few towns encapsulate the dramatic shifts and pioneering spirit quite like Hunnewell, Kansas. Situated in Sumner County, this once-bustling settlement flourished in the 1880s as a pivotal shipping point for Texas cattle, quickly earning a reputation as a bawdy cowtown. The narrative of Hunnewell, Kansas, extends beyond its wild west beginnings, however, revealing a unique political chapter when it elected one of the nation’s first female mayors, highlighting its fascinating evolution from a rowdy frontier outpost to a community marked by civic progress.
The Birth of a Kansas Cowtown: Hunnewell’s Railway Boom
The strategic development of Hunnewell, Kansas, began in earnest in 1880 with the chartering of the Sumner County Railway Company. This vital rail line was constructed southward from Wellington, passing through Rome and South Haven before reaching Hunnewell on June 16, 1880. Its eventual extension into Indian Territory (modern-day Oklahoma) further solidified its importance as a regional transportation hub. The town itself was christened in honor of H.H. Hunnewell, a prominent financier and railway owner from Boston, Massachusetts, whose influence underscored the critical role of railroad investment in frontier expansion. The Sumner County Railway Company was later integrated into the larger Leavenworth, Lawrence & Galveston Railroad system, providing efficient and rapid access for cattle to the lucrative stockyards of Kansas City, Missouri.
The foundation of the town company was a collaborative effort, with the railroad company purchasing 400 acres of land from initial owners Robeson, Stewart, and Hale. This initiative quickly drew various cattlemen and railway investors, who took stock in the burgeoning enterprise and meticulously laid out the town plan. The very first business to open its doors was Ford & Leonard, an outfitting store, on June 16, 1880, coinciding precisely with the railway’s arrival. A railroad station, serving as the town’s lifeblood, was also completed within the same month, signaling rapid infrastructure development.
Hunnewell’s growth trajectory in those early months was nothing short of remarkable. Within days, several new buildings sprang up, alongside the construction of essential stockyards to accommodate the vast cattle trade. The town soon welcomed a diverse array of businesses and professionals: Hooker & Phelps established the first drug store, Roland & O’Neil opened the first hardware store, and J.S. Danford founded a bank. Dr. Dobbins arrived as the first physician, and P.M. Judd became the first attorney, illustrating the rapid establishment of a fully functional community. The most prominent early establishment was the Hunnewell House Hotel, an impressive, 33-room structure completed on August 20, 1880, at a cost of $5,000. It was considered one of the finest hotels in Sumner County, later known successively as the Sante Fe Hotel and the Hale Hotel.
Initially, mail service to Hunnewell, Kansas, was rudimentary, involving a boy transporting letters from South Haven and later simply leaving them on a depot desk for residents to collect. This informal system was replaced on August 12, 1880, with the establishment of an official post office, with Frank Schiffdaner appointed as the first Postmaster. Over the years, the post office relocated to various store and bank buildings within the town.
Educational and spiritual infrastructure also began to take shape. School District No. 156 was organized in September 1880, and a substantial 26×40 foot school building was erected in 1881-82, demonstrating the community’s commitment to education. While two church organizations, Presbyterian and Methodist, were founded, interestingly, no physical church buildings were ever constructed in those early years.
Lawlessness and Livelihoods: Life in Early Hunnewell
Before its formal incorporation, the nascent town of Hunnewell took proactive steps to maintain order. The railway company and its citizens jointly hired a policeman, a judge, and two marshals to oversee the growing settlement. However, the town officially organized in April 1881, leading to the election of formal city officers, a move that brought more structured governance to the bustling cowtown.
The economic landscape of frontier towns often saw fluctuating fortunes. Hunnewell’s first bank, established earlier, unfortunately failed by November 1881. Resilience, however, was a hallmark of these early settlers. On February 1, 1882, P.B. Bowers opened a new private bank in the former Danford building. Demonstrating his confidence in the town’s future, Bowers quickly moved into a newly erected stone bank building on May 1, which he had constructed at a cost of $1,200. He managed this enterprise until January 15, 1883, when he sold it to John H. Hamilton & Co., whose Hamilton Bank would serve the community for several more years.
The business district of Hunnewell perfectly embodied the stereotypical image of a Kansas cowtown. It was reportedly a lively hub consisting of one hotel, two general stores, a barbershop, a couple of dance halls, and a significant number – eight or nine – of saloons. This concentration of drinking establishments often fueled a certain degree of lawlessness, making violence a not uncommon occurrence. The town gained particular notoriety for the Hunnewell Gunfight of 1884. This violent encounter erupted on October 5, 1884, when two cowboys, Oscar Halsell and Clem Barfoot, caused a disturbance in Hanley’s Saloon. When two lawmen attempted to quell the ruckus, a chaotic gunfight ensued. Shots were fired, resulting in the death of Barfoot and the mortal wounding of Deputy Sheriff Ed Scotten. Despite the tragic outcome and public attention at the time, no one was ever prosecuted for the incident, and the gunfight soon faded from collective memory. Interestingly, Oscar Halsell, one of the involved cowboys, later became a prosperous rancher, even employing notorious outlaws like Bill Doolin and George “Bittercreek” Newcomb. Halsell also maintained a close friendship with the future U.S. Marshal, Evett D. Nix.
Cattle Drives and Frontier Expansion: The 101 Ranch and Cherokee Outlet
The significance of Hunnewell as a cattle hub attracted major players in the livestock industry. In 1885, George W. Miller, owner of the renowned 101 Ranch in Oklahoma, purchased 93 acres from the Hunnewell Town Company. This land was strategically acquired for crucial operations: providing shelter for cattle, storing feed, and setting up extensive cattle pens. Miller utilized Hunnewell as a primary point for shipping “green” (untrained) horses into the area, maintaining a dedicated breaking crew that worked year-round to prepare them for market. The scale of these operations was substantial; by 1889, more than 1,500 loads of cattle were shipped out of Hunnewell, underscoring its role as a vital conduit in the regional cattle trade. By 1890, the burgeoning town had attracted a stable population of 168 residents.
A pivotal moment in frontier history directly impacted Hunnewell: the opening of the Cherokee Outlet in September 1893. Recognizing its strategic location, a registration booth was established in Hunnewell, becoming a focal point for thousands of prospective settlers. Every incoming train brought hundreds more, swelling the ranks of those gathered to make the historic land run. Approximately 15,000 people amassed in and around the town, creating a temporary boom for local businesses. Gambling houses and five or six saloons thrived during this period, catering to the transient population. While most settlers arrived prepared with their own provisions, the demand for basic necessities was so high that a barrel of ice water could fetch an exorbitant $25 to $30. On September 16, as the moment of the land run approached, horses and vehicles lined up three and four deep along the starting line, awaiting the signal that would open new opportunities in the Oklahoma territory.
Decline and a Pioneering Mayor: Ella Wilson’s Standoff
By 1900, Hunnewell had reached its peak population of 233. However, the subsequent years saw a gradual decline as the dynamics of the region changed. The construction of more railroad lines extending directly into Oklahoma and Texas diminished Hunnewell’s strategic advantage as a primary shipping point. Concurrently, the intensive cattle trade in Sumner County began to wane. By 1910, the local railway line, initially chartered by Sumner County, had become an integral part of the vast Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad system, reflecting consolidation within the industry. Despite the population dip, the town still maintained a robust commercial presence, supporting several retail stores, a mill, an elevator, a bank, telegraph and express offices, and a money order post office that facilitated two rural routes.
In 1911, the story of Hunnewell, Kansas, took an extraordinary turn, captivating national attention when the town elected a woman mayor, Ella Wilson. Remarkably, Mrs. Wilson had not actively campaigned for the office; her victory was the result of a significant write-in vote from residents who clearly held confidence in her abilities. She quickly justified their trust with her assertive vigor and independent spirit. One of her first actions, which significantly “startled the community,” was the appointment of another woman, Mrs. Rosie E. Osbourne, as city marshal. Mrs. Osbourne, a woman of imposing stature (six feet tall and nearly 250 pounds) and reputedly fearless, was given clear instructions: preserve order, “clean house,” and rigorously enforce laws restricting liquor sales. Mayor Wilson further solidified her progressive agenda by appointing Mrs. E.F. Hilton as town clerk. However, this groundbreaking leadership immediately brought Mrs. Wilson into direct conflict with a stubborn, all-male city council that staunchly opposed her every move. The council members frequently refused to attend scheduled meetings, effectively hamstringing her administration. Despite this resistance, Mayor Wilson enjoyed considerable popularity and strong moral and political support from a significant segment of the population.
The ongoing deadlock escalated to such an extent that a formal complaint was lodged with the Kansas Governor. The state’s Attorney General subsequently intervened, issuing a stern notification to the six male members of the city council: they were legally obligated to cooperate with Mrs. Ella Wilson, and further obstruction would not be tolerated. Attorney General John Dawson emphatically stated, “I notified the councilmen that the joke had gone far enough. The councilmen may be compelled to attend the official meetings and transact the city’s business through a writ of mandamus. They may be ousted from office for failure to perform their duties, or they may be tried for dereliction in office, which would subject them to a fine of $1,000 and a year in Jail each.” Faced with severe legal repercussions and the prospect of bearing significant legal costs if they lost, three of the council members immediately resigned. This act of capitulation left the council without enough members to override Mayor Wilson’s vetoes, effectively allowing her to govern the city unimpeded. Despite her undeniable success in overcoming political obstacles and effectively leading the community, Ella Wilson chose not to seek a second term, perhaps having made her point and paved the way for future female leaders. Her personal background further illustrated her capabilities; she owned a home in Hunnewell and several farms in Oklahoma and Kansas, and accustomed to managing her own affairs unassisted due to her husband’s invalidism, while also raising two sons.
Echoes of the Past: Hunnewell Today
The vibrant, often tumultuous past of Hunnewell, Kansas, has left its mark. The Hunnewell House Hotel, a cornerstone of the early town, was eventually razed in 1919. During its demolition, a remarkable discovery was made: over 70 pounds of lead were recovered from its white pine boards. This substantial find served as compelling evidence of the numerous gunfights and shooting sprees that had undoubtedly taken place both inside and outside the establishment, offering a tangible link to its wild cowtown days. The town’s post office, a hub of communication for decades, finally ceased operations on March 31, 1960, marking the end of another era.
Today, Hunnewell, Kansas, presents a much quieter countenance, a stark contrast to its bustling origins. The population has dwindled to approximately 65 residents, scattered among a handful of homes. The two towering grain elevators stand as silent sentinels, remnants of its agricultural heritage. The railroad, the very lifeline that birthed the town, still runs along its southern side, a constant reminder of its historical significance. Located three miles south of South Haven, Kansas, on U.S. Highway 177, Hunnewell remains a quiet testament to the enduring spirit of the American frontier, a place where echoes of cattle drives, gunfights, and pioneering women mayors still resonate.
Conclusion
From its tumultuous beginnings as a thriving railroad town and wild cowtown to its pivotal role in the Cherokee Outlet land run and the groundbreaking tenure of Mayor Ella Wilson, Hunnewell, Kansas, embodies a rich and multifaceted history. Its narrative reflects the broader currents of American expansion, economic development, and social change in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While the bustling streets and boisterous saloons of its heyday have long since faded, the legacy of Hunnewell remains a compelling testament to the resilient communities that shaped the American West, reminding us that even the quietest towns can hold stories of extraordinary courage and transformation.
