Soldier, a village of Jackson county, is located on the Union Pacific R. R. in Soldier township, 12 miles northwest of Holton, the county seat. It has all the main lines of business represented, banking facilities, a newspaper (the Clipper), telegraph and express offices, and an international money order postoffice with three rural routes. In 1910 the population was 500. The town was laid out in 1877 by Paul Havens, president of the Kansas Central Town company. The original survey contained 16 acres. Three additions by Logan & Friend laid out in 1895, 1897 and 1900 respectively comprise the north part of town. The residence section has recently been enlarged by Johnson's addition. The first settler on the town site was F. M. Wilson in July, 1877. The postoffice was moved from the ranch of William Cline, the name changed from Smithland to Soldier, and Mr. Wilson was the first postmaster. L. H. Thompson was the first station agent. On July 10, 1883, a cyclone struck soldier about 10 p. m., instantly laying waste the whole town east of Main street. Some sixteen or eighteen buildings were destroyed and four lives lost. The people began to rebuild immediately. The town was incorporated in 1896 and an election held on May 4 of that year. The first officials were: J. T. Holston, mayor; J. W. Fleming, police judge; F. M. Denny, C. E. Friend, George Smith, Dr. S. S. Reed and A. L. Fryberger, councilmen, and F. M. Wilson, clerk.