Chase County Kansas Historical
Sketches
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WONSEVU
The first Wonsevu post office was located
west of Wonsevu on what is now known as the
Marshall Lyons farm. A Mrs. Fink was the first
postmaster.
Wonsevu
was named in 1885 by Mrs. Mariah
Barnes. Wonsevu is an Indian name meaning "Run-
ning Deer."
The records show 1864 as the first school
year with Jane Bird Furgeson as teacher. School
was held each year until 1951 when it united with
Cedar Point. Some of the old time residents were
L. Watson, W.H. Nicholson, Stephen Place, G.W.
Blackburn, S.T. Slabaugh, H.A. Ewing, James D.
McKittrick.
The Wonsevu Christian Church was organized
by Reverend Neal Overman of Potwin, Kansas in
1903. Meetings were held in the school house until
the church was built in 1911.
'The building committee consisted of H.A.
Riggs, N.E. Sidener and John Overstreet. The lady
solicitors for funds were, Mrs. Sarah Riggs, Mrs.
Laura McKittrick, Mrs. Anna Nicholson and Mrs.
John Overstreet. The new church was dedicated
September 11, 1911. Church services are still held
each Sunday. At one time Wonsevu had a produce
house, blacksmith shop, garage and grocery stores.
Now all that is left is the church and Ed. Griffin
has a feed yard where C.J. Shanklin once had a gas
station and garage.
Prepared by:
Doris Griffin, Burns, Kansas 66840
Chase County Centennial, 1872 - 1972