The late Robert H. Vining came to Kansas in March, 1868, and located on Elk creek, in Republic county. On January 1, 1869, he was married to Martha J. Oliver, who survives him and is now living in Clyde. Their wedding was distinguished as the first marriage ceremony performed in Republic county, and by the Reverend R.P. West, the pioneer preacher of both Republic and Cloud counties.
Mr. Vining was born in Henry county, Illinois, in 1846. Though very young, in March, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Infantry. He lost a leg in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain and was discharged at the United States hospital at Camp Douglas, Illinois, in February, 1865. Mr. Vining was patriotic and proud that his lost limb was given to the cause of his country. He was well known throughout the northwest and had served as marshal of both Clyde and Concordia. On October 12, 1888, this old pioneer's sudden death was announced. Mr. Vining was familiarly known as "Peggy," and was buried with patriotic honors, his body wrapped in the emblem of his country. There is a bit of sentiment in connection with this. Some time before his demise Mr. Vining and Jacob Sohlinger entered into an agreement by which the surviving party should prepare a flag to enwrap the body of his dead comrade. True to his obligation, Mr. Sohlinger prepared the stars and stripes used for that purpose.
Mr. Vining was manager of the Western Detective Agency of Clyde, which was established in 1879.
Transcribed from E.F. Hollibaugh's Biographical history of Cloud County, Kansas biographies of representative citizens. Illustrated with portraits of prominent people, cuts of homes, stock, etc. [n.p., 1903] 919p. illus., ports. 28 cm.
