Written by Kyla Schauvliege and Alex Peck
Spearville, founded in 1873, has a rich history. This history has been quietly reflected in its street names. Several streets are named after the town's founders and notable figures or areas which helped to shape it over the years. For example, "Main Street" may be a common name in many towns, but in Spearville, it's more than just a name. It's the town's heart; it is where locals gather, parades march, and community events and celebrations are held. The Spearville Blade, an early newspaper, noted in 1885 that Spearville's Main Street and those streets that branch from it were lined with businesses. General stores, banks, markets, jewelers, butchers, and bakers ran down the central streets; everything that a community needs to not only survive but thrive. Beyond the main road, other streets are named to commemorate significant historical events, people, or features of Spearville, Kansas.
Stafford St.
One street is named after the community's first settler, railroad section foreman Jonas Stafford. He and his family arrived in January 1875. Mrs. Stafford and their daughters quickly established an eating house that became known for its delicious food. For a period, this home restaurant was the only sign of life between Offerle and Dodge City, and it became a “must stop” for railroad workers, who made it a point to dine at the Stafford’s. Jonas Stafford dedicated 53 years of his life to the railroad, working from 1849 until 1902.
Leidigh St.
This road was named after one of the first merchants of Spearville, Kansas, a man names Jacob Leidigh. He owned and operated a general store---one of the largest in the area. Farmers from around the area would come and exchange their butter and eggs for groceries. Jacob Mohler Leidigh was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. At the age of 20, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was later injured by a gunshot wound to the hip. To make matters worse, while recovering he came down with typhoid fever, which led him to getting discharged five months later than expected. After that, he re-enlisted as a sergeant, but he ended up suffering a wound to his other hip. Jacob then returned to Pennsylvania where he got married to Katherine Myers and had two of their four children. The other two were born in Kansas after they moved in 1870. They settled in Reno County, with Jacob and his brother becoming ranchers. After seven years, the Leidigh family came to Ford County and became essential members of the community for many years to come.
Vierthaler Ave.
The Vierthaler family is well known in the community as long-time residents and important figures to the community. One of the most notable figures is the late Lawrence Vierthaler, the former owner of the local news outlet. He owned and managed Spearville News for six decades, using it as a publishing agency for local authors and historians such as Elanor Fry, author of Spearville: City of Windmills. He passed away in 2020 at 91, just one year after his wife. He has many descendants living in the area committed to preserving community history and the family legacy.
Davis St.
Davis Street was named after one of the early settling families in the Spearville area. Originally from Illinois, the Davis family moved to Spearville during a difficult period in 1886, with them relaying stories of hand-pumping water to fight prairie fires and burning cow or buffalo chips for heat. However, their luck turned around, and the family established themselves in the community. Ella Davis became well known as a teacher in the Windhurst school, and others married into various other prominent families.
Dorsett Ave.
This residential avenue is named after the notable historical Dorsett family. They have several claims to their fame. H. Wallace Dorsett was the first president of Ford County State Bank, opened in 1902 following the 1892 robbery of its predecessor, Ford County Bank. He remained in the position for three decades, until his death. His wife was also highly important to the history of Spearville, as she served as the first and only female mayor of the town. She was also known for her side-saddle horse-riding prowess.
This list is by no means exhaustive; there are many other streets in town with rich historical backgrounds. Small communities like this one are decorated with significance, with things as basic as street names carrying weight and significance that only a native Spearvillite could extrapolate. Spearville’s background as a frontier town ties into the layout of its roads, and notable figures often find themselves permanently integrated into the architecture, forever posted as a monument to their contributions to a vibrant community. This honor is bestowed on those who left their mark on the community memory; now they leave a similar mark on the signage that people drive, walk, and live by.
Bibliography
Fry, Eleanor. Spearville: City of Windmills. Spearville News, 1975.
Spearville News. Spearville Centennial Build-Up. Spearville News, 1975.
Zeigler Funeral Chapel. “Obituary for Lawrence A. Vierthaler at Ziegler Funeral Chapel - Dodge City.” Zieglerfuneralchapel.com, 2020. https://www.zieglerfuneralchapel.com/obituary/lawrence-vierthaler.
