History of Mt. Vernon
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Evan Township was named in honor of Mr. Evan
Humphrey, a skilled farmer and community leader.
He and his family lived one-fourth mile south of the
Mt. Vernon Store and Blacksmith Shop. An avenue
of trees marked the drive leading to the Humphrey
farmstead. The Mt. Vernon Church was located
across the road from the Mt. Vernon Store and on
the Humphrey land. The Mt. Vernon Church congregation
consisted mostly of Baptists and Methodists. The
minister, who served the Mt. Vernon
Church on alternate Sundays, lived in Murdock, Ks.
He traveled via horse and buggy. A grove of trees on
the church plot afforded ample shade for outdoor
services, picnics, ice cream socials, and other
community events.
The Mt. Vernon Blacksmith Shop stood south of the store, and was manned by skilled local blacksmiths. It served the community well. The Township Hall was located across the road north of the church plot. Here, the Anti-Horse Thief Association held its meetings and its annul oyster supper for the community. The township trustees met there as well as other organizations. Mr. and Mrs. Burch donated a cemetery plot, hence, the name Burch Cemetery which is located one mile west and one and one-half mile north of Mt. Vernon. Memorial Services were held there annually for many years under the direction of the Mt. Vernon Church and the late Captain Baughman, one of several Civil War Veterans in the community Christian Faith, Community pride, patriotism, interest in education, and foresight were factors the structure of a strong commumty. ___Submitted by
Gladys Lansdown
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Adapted from:
Kingman County, Kansas, And Its People.
(Kingman: Kingman County Historical Society. 1984)
Used by permission
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