A History of Thomas County, Kansas

This study of Thomas County is a general history of the county from 1885-1964 with stress on the social, political, and economic aspects of its development. Agricultural conditions are particularly significant throughout the history of the area, and the outstanding events of each period are recorded. The history is divided into five eras following a brief introduction. These include the early settlement and rapid growth, 1885-1888; hard times and recovery, 1889-1916; World War I and the 1920s; the drought and depression years of the 1930s; and World War II and the postwar years. The final chapter is one of summarization and conclusions reached by the author in this study. In addition, six figures and five tables are included to help portray the story of Thomas County. Primary sources utilized consist of various county newspapers from March, 1885, to January, 1964, the many volumes of the Biennial Reports of the State Board of Agriculture from 1886 to 1960, and records and laws of the county and state. Secondary sources include the publications of the Kansas Historical Society, various newspaper and magazine articles, books, booklets of the Prairie Printers, pamphlets, and a few personal interviews and tape recordings