Old Prairie Town and Humble Beginnings

Beloved, So glad you've stopped by for a visit with me.

Showing some pics of the Ward's humble Kansas beginnings.

240 acres of PRIME River Land was purchased for $100 from Joseph James, a Kaw Indian back in 1854 by Mary Jane and Anthony Ward. They are the ones that built the Ward-Meade Mansion that I've been visiting on Wednesdays.

Selling sand from the river to help support their family of 6 children, Anthony was a carpenter, wheelwright and teacher.

They combined 3 cabins for their first home and offered lodging to trail travelers. Mary Jane called herself the Mother of Topeka while she would keep a candle flickering in the window.

They lived in the cabin until the 1870s when they built the 2 story limestone and brick Prairie house that they called the Mansion.

In 1879 their daughter Jennie married John Mackey Meade and inherited the Mansion in 1897 at 124 NW Fillmore Street in Topeka.

Primitive homes make a strong statement about Pioneer life on the Kansas wilderness. Getting to the bare bones of what it took to function day to day and staying alive on the Prairie spurs my interest right along with living in a more refined establishment.

The humble beginnings of the Ward family was a pleasant place to visit. Enjoyed.

So glad you stopped by.

Have you ever wondered if you had the opportunity to build a small log cabin and live off the land if you'd go for it? I have. If we were in good health...I'd be very tempted to give it a whirl.

May you have a sweet life and God bless,

~Deanna~