Archibald was the first son of eleven children born to parents Albert Gallatin and Jane (Rhea) Lea. When he was eight years old the family moved from Wilson Co., Tenn. to Warren Co., Ill. Two years later, the family moved to Knox County, Ill. In 1857 the family moved to Macomb, Illinois. Three months after the move, his father died.
Archibald began working in the newspaper business shortly after moving to Macomb. He married Margaret Newton 13 Apr 1864 in Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois. They had one child, son Asa.
Archibald enlisted as a Private in the Union Army, Co A, 16th Illinois Infantry on April 13, 1861. He was discharged in August 1862 for reason of illness. One newspaper account (Empire City Echo, Empire City, Kansas 15 Sep 1877, Sat Page 3) says his job during the Civil War was as an orderly in an Army hospital, in charge of carrying the chamber pots from bed to bed and emptying them. I guess someone had to do it.......
Archibald worked as a journalist, newspaper owner/editor/publisher, a Columbus, Kansas Postmaster from 1879 to 1882 when he was terminated part way through his term for political reasons (see article in the Columbus Courier (Columbus, Kansas)16 Feb 1882, Thu Page 2) , and, in his later years, as both a real estate and insurance agent. He would start a newspaper, then a few years later sell it. He did this repeatedly over the years in various places in Kansas. He also had his hand in lead and coal mining, the grocery business, the drug business, farming, and other things. He was a staunch Republican and used his newspapers to make political commentary. He had his land foreclosed on twice (1888 & 1893), which didn't seem to faze him. He was also an Indian Agent for the Federal Government from 1889 to 1893, working in South Dakota as a census taker for the Lakota Sioux Indians. One newspaper account reports he was an "Indian hater" who purposely riled up the government against the Indians. He was involved with the Wounded Knee massacre in some fashion.
His wife Margaret passed away in 1910. Archibald married Anna Blackburn Lowman, widow of John Lowman, on October 22, 1911 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Though Archibald didn't live in Missouri, for some reason he had purchased 40 acres of land there. In 1918 a lien was placed on this land for owing back taxes. It seems all of Archibald's wheeling and dealing over the years wasn't as profitable as he had hoped.
Archibald and first wife Margaret lived in Baxter Springs, Kansas from 1872 to 1875. I mention this because the home they built there is still standing and has been turned into a Bed & Breakfast called the Lea Manor. I have posted a photo of it.
I have quite a bit of detailed info on the Lea line, Archibald, his parents and siblings, if anyone is interested - Michelle Shreve
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are a great many newspaper articles to be found on newspapers.com about Archibald and his various dealings. Here are some of them:
-------------------------------------
Columbus Courier (Columbus, Kansas)13 Sep 1888, Thu Page 8
**very long article which says his real estate in Columbus, KS has been foreclosed by order of the Cherokee County 11th Judicial Court, the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company is the Plaintiff, Archibald and wife Margaret are the defendants
Weir Journal (Weir, Kansas)31 Mar 1893, Fri Page 8
*very long article which says his real estate in Columbus, KS has been foreclosed by order of the Cherokee County 11th Judicial Court, the Traveler's Insurance Company is the Plaintiff, Archibald and wife Margaret are the defendants
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The Topeka State Journal (Topeka, Kansas)23 Oct 1911, Mon Page 6
AFTER 50 YEARS THEY WED
Kansan Brings Home Bride he Knew As A Girl
Kansas City, Oct 23 - A. T. Lea of Columbus, Kan. and Mrs. Anna E. Lowman of Macomb, ILL were unified in marriage at the residence of E. M. Bell, son-in-law of the bride. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. S. T. Davis in the presence of only members of the families of the contracting parties. The happy couple took the 5 o'clock Frisco "Hustler" for Columbus, Kan., where they will make their future home.
Mr. and Mrs. Lea have known each other for over half a century, the groom having spent his boyhood days in Macomb (wrong!!). He has been a resident of Cherokee County, Kansas for over 40 years and is engaged in the real estate business.
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Fort Scott Daily Tribune and Fort Scott Daily Monitor (Fort Scott, Kansas) 24 Oct 1911, Tue Page 4
SWEETHEARTS 55 YEARS AGO
Asa T. Lea, Former Editor of Monitor, Marries
Belonged to Same Set in 1956
Former Fort Scott Man, Now of Columbus, KS, Married In Kansas City Late Sunday
The following from the Columbus Advocate will be interesting to the Fort Scott acquaintances of Asa T. Lea, who was editor and one of the owners of the Fort Scott Monitor in the 90's and later moved back to his old home in Columbus, Kan., where he has since lived.
The marriage of A. T. Lea and Mrs. Anna E. Lowman, which occurred in Kansas City yesterday is the culmination of an acquaintanceship which began over 55 years ago. The bride's home was in Macomb, Ill and the ceremony occurred at the home of her daughter, Mrs. F. M. Bell, 3240 Roberts Street, Kansas City at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon.
Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Lea left Kansas City for Columbus immediately after the ceremony and will make their home at 304 Maple Street.
Mr. Lea and Mrs. Lowman have been acquaintances since 1956. In the 50's they were members of the same set of young people in Macomb, Ill. For two years they "kept company" as village parlance has it. Then some one of a thousand and one causes which prevent youthful romance resulting in wedding bells occurred and they drifted apart.
Both married and during a long interval of years they did not see each other, but neither forgot the other. The wife of the one and husband of the other died. This summer Mr. Lea went back to Illinois to attend the reunion of his regiment on the fiftieth anniversary of it's being mustered in. But that visit to Illinois proved to Mr. Lea to be a sentimental reunion, as well as a meeting with old comrades. he met the woman who had been the old sweetheart of his youth.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
There is a very interesting article found at newspapers.com, The Columbus Weekly Advocate (Columbus, Kansas)22 May 1913, Thu Page 20, written by Archibald, telling about how he began the "Columbus Advocate' newspaper
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another article from newspapers.com, Galena Weekly Republican (Galena, Kansas)15 Aug 1913, Fri Page 8, where Archibald and wife Ann are interviewed about the history of the town of Galena and the big discovery of lead
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas
published 1883 by A. T. Andreas, Chicago, IL
ARCHIBALD T. LEA, druggist, drugs, and editor and proprietor of Lea's Columbus Advocate, was born in Nashville, Tenn., February 14, 1840. In 1847, he went to Illinois, where he was raised and educated. In 1861, he entered and enlisted in the United States Army, and served two years, when he was discharged for disability, and in 1868, he moved to Kansas City, Mo., and remained there until 1870, at which time he came to Columbus, and started the publication of the Columbus Independent. He went to Baxter Springs in 1872, where he published the Baxter Springs Republican, and remained until 1877, when he returned to Columbus and engaged in the newspaper business with S. O. McDowell, publishing the Republican Courier. In April, 1877, he went to Short Creek and started the Galena Miner, in company with Mr. McDowell, and became a stockholder in the East Galena Lead Mining Company, whose property proved to be the best piece of mining land ever developed in Kansas or Missouri. He remained eighteen months when he sold out and January 21, 1879, was appointed Postmaster at Columbus. He then sold out his interest in both papers and confined himself to business of the post office until April 1, 1882, when he went into the grocery business and commenced the publication of the Columbus Advocate, which made its first appearance May 5, 1882. In December, 1882, sold out grocery business, and January 6th embarked in the drug business in Columbus. He owns a considerable amount of coal and farm lands besides property in Baxter Springs and Columbus. He is also interested in mining property in Colorado near Leadville. He is a member of I. O. O. F., A. O. U. W. and K. of P. He was married to Miss Margaret Newton, of Macomb, Ill., April 13, 1864, and has one child--Asa.
--------------------------------------
Lost Bird of Wounded Knee: Spirit of the Lakota By Reneé Sansom Flood
page 79
Colby asked government census-taker Archibald T. Lea to check Indian Agency lists. The general wanted tangible proof that Lost Bird was not related to ...
page 81
Lea was known for questionable reporting of the 1890 Lakota census and for warmongering among government officials regarding the Ghost Dance. Rosebud trader Charles P. Jordan described Lea as "manifestly an Indian hater."
--------------------------------------------------------------
1904 History of Cherokee County Kansas
Allison, Nathaniel Thompson; Chicago, IL: Biographical Publishing Co.
CHAPTER VIII THE NEWSPAPERS OF CHEROKEE COUNTY
A. T. Lea who now lives in Columbus started the publication of the Republican, at Baxter Springs, October 1, 1872. He continued the publication until February, 1877, when he sold the paper to A. J. R. Smith. Mr. Smith continued the publication until February, 1888, when it ceased.
The Columbus Independent was started at Columbus, September 1, 1870, by A. T. and W. J. Lea. After continuing the paper for two years, the Lea brothers sold it to A. W. McGill, who moved the paper to Oswego, Labette County, in September, 1872. It is now one of the leading papers of Labette County.
The Galena Miner was established at Galena by A. T. Lea and S. O. McDowell, in April, 1877. In 1880 they sold it to a Mr. Stebbins, who discontinued it after one year.
The Columbus Advocate was established by A. T. Lea and E. A. Crewson, May 5, 1882. On the first of August of the same year, Mr. Crewson sold his interest to J. M. Roach; and on January 1, 1883, Mr. Roach sold his interest to Mr. Lea. In July, 1889, Mr. Lea made his son, Asa Lea, a partner with himself in the business. This partnership continued until 1894, when Mr. Lea, the elder, sold his interest to J. M. McNay, who came to Columbus from Phillipsburg, Kansas. In 1896 Mr. McNay bought out Asa Lea's interest in the paper, and for five years he conducted the business with such care and under such methods as made it very profitable. He then sold the paper. and in selling it he secured a price which justified the disposal of the property.
The Columbus Courier was started September 29, 1874, by J. F. McDowell. The paper was independent in politics and devoted to reform. In March, 1876, the paper was sold to S. O. McDowell. and in February, 1877, it was consolidated with the Republican, and under the ownership and management of McDowell & Lea it continued until February, 1879, as the Republican-Courier. Mr. McDowell then bought out his partner's interest, and changed the name back to the Columbus Courier.
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"The Modern Light" Thursday 1 May 1924 page 1
Death of a Pioneer Citizen
A.T. Lea Passes Away At His Home Saturday Night
Was Well-Known Resident of Cherokee County for Past Fifty-four Years - A Former Newspaper Man
A. T. Lea, a pioneer citizen and well-known resident of the county, died at his home in Columbus at 11:55 o'clock Saturday night.
Funeral services were held from the Presbyterian Church at 2:30 o'clock Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. H. J. Withington. Burial was in the City Cemetery.
The members of the G. A. R. post, of which Mr. Lea was a member, attended the funeral in a body, and the local lodge of Knights of Pythias had charge of the services at the grave. A quartet, composed of Prof. M. L. Long, Miss Belle Cooter, Miss Ella Shepard and Len C. Wilson, sang "Rock of Ages", "Crossing the Bar" and "Abide With Me" with Mrs. H. J. Withington as accompanist. The pallbearers were selected from the members of the Knights of Pythias, of which order Mr. Lea was a charter member.
There were many beautiful floral offerings, and large crowd of friends and neighbors attended the funeral to pay a last tribute to one who was known and most highly esteemed by the entire community.
Mr. Lea is survived by one son, Asa Lea, a newspaper man of Joplin, Mo.; two grandsons, Sherry Lea and Master John Lea, and a little great-granddaughter, Jacqueline Louise Lea, baby daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sherry Lea, all of Joplin.
"Uncle Tom" Lea was one of the early settlers of Cherokee County and was perhaps more familiar with the history of Southeastern Kansas than any other man in this vicinity. His memory was always good, and it was interesting to his many friends to hear him relate incidents connected with the early days of our city and county. Mr. Lea was always very fond of curios, and had quite a collection in his home, in addition to assortments that he had given to the high school and to friends and neighbors. Many of these articles were gathered while he was in government service among the Indians of the west.
Mr. Lea had been in poor health for the past several years, but continued to conduct his real estate and insurance business at his home on West Maple Street. However, he was stricken with paralysis several days ago, which hastened his death.
Mr. Lea was born in the city of Lebanon, Tenn., February 14, 1840. His parents moved to Knox County, Illinois when he was 8 years old. He was educated there and entered the newspaper business in 1857 at Macomb, Ill.
He enlisted in the Union army when President Abraham Lincoln called for 75,000 soldiers and served three years. Upon his return home he engaged in merchandising until 1868, when he moved to Columbus, Neb., to homestead a claim.
On November 1, 1868, he went to Kansas City, where he worked on the Kansas City Daily Journal until June 15, 1870, when he came to Columbus.
Mr. Lea engaged in the newspaper business with his brother, W. J. Lea, upon his arrival in Columbus, starting the Columbus Independent, the first issue of which was published September 5, 1870.
In 1872 he sold his interest in the Independent and started the Baxter Springs Republican, which he published until March, 1877, when he decided to try farming. He bought a farm two and a half miles southeast of Columbus, upon which he lived for two years.
When lead was discovered at Galena in 1876, Mr. Lea went there and engaged in the mining business. He eventually started a newspaper there, which he named the Galena Miner. During this time he had an interest in the Courier at Columbus. He sold his interest to Mr. McDowell in 1880.
He accepted the appointment of postmaster at Columbus in 1879, and continued in that capacity until succeeded by M. W. Coulter.
In 1882, after a vacation of several months, he launched the Columbus Advocate, and continued the publications of this paper until 1893, at which time he turned it over to his son, Asa Lea.
In the year 1889 he was appointed special Indian inspector of the Great Sioux reservation, which position he filled for four years. Upon returning home he went to Fort Scott and bought a half interest in the Fort Scott Monitor, which paper he published for one year.
After disposing of his newspaper interest, Mr. Lea made a three months' tour of the west, after which he returned home and severed his newspaper connections and went into the real estate business.
Archibald began working in the newspaper business shortly after moving to Macomb. He married Margaret Newton 13 Apr 1864 in Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois. They had one child, son Asa.
Archibald enlisted as a Private in the Union Army, Co A, 16th Illinois Infantry on April 13, 1861. He was discharged in August 1862 for reason of illness. One newspaper account (Empire City Echo, Empire City, Kansas 15 Sep 1877, Sat Page 3) says his job during the Civil War was as an orderly in an Army hospital, in charge of carrying the chamber pots from bed to bed and emptying them. I guess someone had to do it.......
Archibald worked as a journalist, newspaper owner/editor/publisher, a Columbus, Kansas Postmaster from 1879 to 1882 when he was terminated part way through his term for political reasons (see article in the Columbus Courier (Columbus, Kansas)16 Feb 1882, Thu Page 2) , and, in his later years, as both a real estate and insurance agent. He would start a newspaper, then a few years later sell it. He did this repeatedly over the years in various places in Kansas. He also had his hand in lead and coal mining, the grocery business, the drug business, farming, and other things. He was a staunch Republican and used his newspapers to make political commentary. He had his land foreclosed on twice (1888 & 1893), which didn't seem to faze him. He was also an Indian Agent for the Federal Government from 1889 to 1893, working in South Dakota as a census taker for the Lakota Sioux Indians. One newspaper account reports he was an "Indian hater" who purposely riled up the government against the Indians. He was involved with the Wounded Knee massacre in some fashion.
His wife Margaret passed away in 1910. Archibald married Anna Blackburn Lowman, widow of John Lowman, on October 22, 1911 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Though Archibald didn't live in Missouri, for some reason he had purchased 40 acres of land there. In 1918 a lien was placed on this land for owing back taxes. It seems all of Archibald's wheeling and dealing over the years wasn't as profitable as he had hoped.
Archibald and first wife Margaret lived in Baxter Springs, Kansas from 1872 to 1875. I mention this because the home they built there is still standing and has been turned into a Bed & Breakfast called the Lea Manor. I have posted a photo of it.
I have quite a bit of detailed info on the Lea line, Archibald, his parents and siblings, if anyone is interested - Michelle Shreve
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are a great many newspaper articles to be found on newspapers.com about Archibald and his various dealings. Here are some of them:
-------------------------------------
Columbus Courier (Columbus, Kansas)13 Sep 1888, Thu Page 8
**very long article which says his real estate in Columbus, KS has been foreclosed by order of the Cherokee County 11th Judicial Court, the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company is the Plaintiff, Archibald and wife Margaret are the defendants
Weir Journal (Weir, Kansas)31 Mar 1893, Fri Page 8
*very long article which says his real estate in Columbus, KS has been foreclosed by order of the Cherokee County 11th Judicial Court, the Traveler's Insurance Company is the Plaintiff, Archibald and wife Margaret are the defendants
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Topeka State Journal (Topeka, Kansas)23 Oct 1911, Mon Page 6
AFTER 50 YEARS THEY WED
Kansan Brings Home Bride he Knew As A Girl
Kansas City, Oct 23 - A. T. Lea of Columbus, Kan. and Mrs. Anna E. Lowman of Macomb, ILL were unified in marriage at the residence of E. M. Bell, son-in-law of the bride. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. S. T. Davis in the presence of only members of the families of the contracting parties. The happy couple took the 5 o'clock Frisco "Hustler" for Columbus, Kan., where they will make their future home.
Mr. and Mrs. Lea have known each other for over half a century, the groom having spent his boyhood days in Macomb (wrong!!). He has been a resident of Cherokee County, Kansas for over 40 years and is engaged in the real estate business.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fort Scott Daily Tribune and Fort Scott Daily Monitor (Fort Scott, Kansas) 24 Oct 1911, Tue Page 4
SWEETHEARTS 55 YEARS AGO
Asa T. Lea, Former Editor of Monitor, Marries
Belonged to Same Set in 1956
Former Fort Scott Man, Now of Columbus, KS, Married In Kansas City Late Sunday
The following from the Columbus Advocate will be interesting to the Fort Scott acquaintances of Asa T. Lea, who was editor and one of the owners of the Fort Scott Monitor in the 90's and later moved back to his old home in Columbus, Kan., where he has since lived.
The marriage of A. T. Lea and Mrs. Anna E. Lowman, which occurred in Kansas City yesterday is the culmination of an acquaintanceship which began over 55 years ago. The bride's home was in Macomb, Ill and the ceremony occurred at the home of her daughter, Mrs. F. M. Bell, 3240 Roberts Street, Kansas City at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon.
Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Lea left Kansas City for Columbus immediately after the ceremony and will make their home at 304 Maple Street.
Mr. Lea and Mrs. Lowman have been acquaintances since 1956. In the 50's they were members of the same set of young people in Macomb, Ill. For two years they "kept company" as village parlance has it. Then some one of a thousand and one causes which prevent youthful romance resulting in wedding bells occurred and they drifted apart.
Both married and during a long interval of years they did not see each other, but neither forgot the other. The wife of the one and husband of the other died. This summer Mr. Lea went back to Illinois to attend the reunion of his regiment on the fiftieth anniversary of it's being mustered in. But that visit to Illinois proved to Mr. Lea to be a sentimental reunion, as well as a meeting with old comrades. he met the woman who had been the old sweetheart of his youth.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
There is a very interesting article found at newspapers.com, The Columbus Weekly Advocate (Columbus, Kansas)22 May 1913, Thu Page 20, written by Archibald, telling about how he began the "Columbus Advocate' newspaper
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another article from newspapers.com, Galena Weekly Republican (Galena, Kansas)15 Aug 1913, Fri Page 8, where Archibald and wife Ann are interviewed about the history of the town of Galena and the big discovery of lead
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas
published 1883 by A. T. Andreas, Chicago, IL
ARCHIBALD T. LEA, druggist, drugs, and editor and proprietor of Lea's Columbus Advocate, was born in Nashville, Tenn., February 14, 1840. In 1847, he went to Illinois, where he was raised and educated. In 1861, he entered and enlisted in the United States Army, and served two years, when he was discharged for disability, and in 1868, he moved to Kansas City, Mo., and remained there until 1870, at which time he came to Columbus, and started the publication of the Columbus Independent. He went to Baxter Springs in 1872, where he published the Baxter Springs Republican, and remained until 1877, when he returned to Columbus and engaged in the newspaper business with S. O. McDowell, publishing the Republican Courier. In April, 1877, he went to Short Creek and started the Galena Miner, in company with Mr. McDowell, and became a stockholder in the East Galena Lead Mining Company, whose property proved to be the best piece of mining land ever developed in Kansas or Missouri. He remained eighteen months when he sold out and January 21, 1879, was appointed Postmaster at Columbus. He then sold out his interest in both papers and confined himself to business of the post office until April 1, 1882, when he went into the grocery business and commenced the publication of the Columbus Advocate, which made its first appearance May 5, 1882. In December, 1882, sold out grocery business, and January 6th embarked in the drug business in Columbus. He owns a considerable amount of coal and farm lands besides property in Baxter Springs and Columbus. He is also interested in mining property in Colorado near Leadville. He is a member of I. O. O. F., A. O. U. W. and K. of P. He was married to Miss Margaret Newton, of Macomb, Ill., April 13, 1864, and has one child--Asa.
--------------------------------------
Lost Bird of Wounded Knee: Spirit of the Lakota By Reneé Sansom Flood
page 79
Colby asked government census-taker Archibald T. Lea to check Indian Agency lists. The general wanted tangible proof that Lost Bird was not related to ...
page 81
Lea was known for questionable reporting of the 1890 Lakota census and for warmongering among government officials regarding the Ghost Dance. Rosebud trader Charles P. Jordan described Lea as "manifestly an Indian hater."
--------------------------------------------------------------
1904 History of Cherokee County Kansas
Allison, Nathaniel Thompson; Chicago, IL: Biographical Publishing Co.
CHAPTER VIII THE NEWSPAPERS OF CHEROKEE COUNTY
A. T. Lea who now lives in Columbus started the publication of the Republican, at Baxter Springs, October 1, 1872. He continued the publication until February, 1877, when he sold the paper to A. J. R. Smith. Mr. Smith continued the publication until February, 1888, when it ceased.
The Columbus Independent was started at Columbus, September 1, 1870, by A. T. and W. J. Lea. After continuing the paper for two years, the Lea brothers sold it to A. W. McGill, who moved the paper to Oswego, Labette County, in September, 1872. It is now one of the leading papers of Labette County.
The Galena Miner was established at Galena by A. T. Lea and S. O. McDowell, in April, 1877. In 1880 they sold it to a Mr. Stebbins, who discontinued it after one year.
The Columbus Advocate was established by A. T. Lea and E. A. Crewson, May 5, 1882. On the first of August of the same year, Mr. Crewson sold his interest to J. M. Roach; and on January 1, 1883, Mr. Roach sold his interest to Mr. Lea. In July, 1889, Mr. Lea made his son, Asa Lea, a partner with himself in the business. This partnership continued until 1894, when Mr. Lea, the elder, sold his interest to J. M. McNay, who came to Columbus from Phillipsburg, Kansas. In 1896 Mr. McNay bought out Asa Lea's interest in the paper, and for five years he conducted the business with such care and under such methods as made it very profitable. He then sold the paper. and in selling it he secured a price which justified the disposal of the property.
The Columbus Courier was started September 29, 1874, by J. F. McDowell. The paper was independent in politics and devoted to reform. In March, 1876, the paper was sold to S. O. McDowell. and in February, 1877, it was consolidated with the Republican, and under the ownership and management of McDowell & Lea it continued until February, 1879, as the Republican-Courier. Mr. McDowell then bought out his partner's interest, and changed the name back to the Columbus Courier.
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"The Modern Light" Thursday 1 May 1924 page 1
Death of a Pioneer Citizen
A.T. Lea Passes Away At His Home Saturday Night
Was Well-Known Resident of Cherokee County for Past Fifty-four Years - A Former Newspaper Man
A. T. Lea, a pioneer citizen and well-known resident of the county, died at his home in Columbus at 11:55 o'clock Saturday night.
Funeral services were held from the Presbyterian Church at 2:30 o'clock Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. H. J. Withington. Burial was in the City Cemetery.
The members of the G. A. R. post, of which Mr. Lea was a member, attended the funeral in a body, and the local lodge of Knights of Pythias had charge of the services at the grave. A quartet, composed of Prof. M. L. Long, Miss Belle Cooter, Miss Ella Shepard and Len C. Wilson, sang "Rock of Ages", "Crossing the Bar" and "Abide With Me" with Mrs. H. J. Withington as accompanist. The pallbearers were selected from the members of the Knights of Pythias, of which order Mr. Lea was a charter member.
There were many beautiful floral offerings, and large crowd of friends and neighbors attended the funeral to pay a last tribute to one who was known and most highly esteemed by the entire community.
Mr. Lea is survived by one son, Asa Lea, a newspaper man of Joplin, Mo.; two grandsons, Sherry Lea and Master John Lea, and a little great-granddaughter, Jacqueline Louise Lea, baby daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sherry Lea, all of Joplin.
"Uncle Tom" Lea was one of the early settlers of Cherokee County and was perhaps more familiar with the history of Southeastern Kansas than any other man in this vicinity. His memory was always good, and it was interesting to his many friends to hear him relate incidents connected with the early days of our city and county. Mr. Lea was always very fond of curios, and had quite a collection in his home, in addition to assortments that he had given to the high school and to friends and neighbors. Many of these articles were gathered while he was in government service among the Indians of the west.
Mr. Lea had been in poor health for the past several years, but continued to conduct his real estate and insurance business at his home on West Maple Street. However, he was stricken with paralysis several days ago, which hastened his death.
Mr. Lea was born in the city of Lebanon, Tenn., February 14, 1840. His parents moved to Knox County, Illinois when he was 8 years old. He was educated there and entered the newspaper business in 1857 at Macomb, Ill.
He enlisted in the Union army when President Abraham Lincoln called for 75,000 soldiers and served three years. Upon his return home he engaged in merchandising until 1868, when he moved to Columbus, Neb., to homestead a claim.
On November 1, 1868, he went to Kansas City, where he worked on the Kansas City Daily Journal until June 15, 1870, when he came to Columbus.
Mr. Lea engaged in the newspaper business with his brother, W. J. Lea, upon his arrival in Columbus, starting the Columbus Independent, the first issue of which was published September 5, 1870.
In 1872 he sold his interest in the Independent and started the Baxter Springs Republican, which he published until March, 1877, when he decided to try farming. He bought a farm two and a half miles southeast of Columbus, upon which he lived for two years.
When lead was discovered at Galena in 1876, Mr. Lea went there and engaged in the mining business. He eventually started a newspaper there, which he named the Galena Miner. During this time he had an interest in the Courier at Columbus. He sold his interest to Mr. McDowell in 1880.
He accepted the appointment of postmaster at Columbus in 1879, and continued in that capacity until succeeded by M. W. Coulter.
In 1882, after a vacation of several months, he launched the Columbus Advocate, and continued the publications of this paper until 1893, at which time he turned it over to his son, Asa Lea.
In the year 1889 he was appointed special Indian inspector of the Great Sioux reservation, which position he filled for four years. Upon returning home he went to Fort Scott and bought a half interest in the Fort Scott Monitor, which paper he published for one year.
After disposing of his newspaper interest, Mr. Lea made a three months' tour of the west, after which he returned home and severed his newspaper connections and went into the real estate business.
Archibald was the first son of eleven children born to parents Albert Gallatin and Jane (Rhea) Lea. When he was eight years old the family moved from Wilson Co., Tenn. to Warren Co., Ill. Two years later, the family moved to Knox County, Ill. In 1857 the family moved to Macomb, Illinois. Three months after the move, his father died.
Archibald began working in the newspaper business shortly after moving to Macomb. He married Margaret Newton 13 Apr 1864 in Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois. They had one child, son Asa.
Archibald enlisted as a Private in the Union Army, Co A, 16th Illinois Infantry on April 13, 1861. He was discharged in August 1862 for reason of illness. One newspaper account (Empire City Echo, Empire City, Kansas 15 Sep 1877, Sat Page 3) says his job during the Civil War was as an orderly in an Army hospital, in charge of carrying the chamber pots from bed to bed and emptying them. I guess someone had to do it.......
Archibald worked as a journalist, newspaper owner/editor/publisher, a Columbus, Kansas Postmaster from 1879 to 1882 when he was terminated part way through his term for political reasons (see article in the Columbus Courier (Columbus, Kansas)16 Feb 1882, Thu Page 2) , and, in his later years, as both a real estate and insurance agent. He would start a newspaper, then a few years later sell it. He did this repeatedly over the years in various places in Kansas. He also had his hand in lead and coal mining, the grocery business, the drug business, farming, and other things. He was a staunch Republican and used his newspapers to make political commentary. He had his land foreclosed on twice (1888 & 1893), which didn't seem to faze him. He was also an Indian Agent for the Federal Government from 1889 to 1893, working in South Dakota as a census taker for the Lakota Sioux Indians. One newspaper account reports he was an "Indian hater" who purposely riled up the government against the Indians. He was involved with the Wounded Knee massacre in some fashion.
His wife Margaret passed away in 1910. Archibald married Anna Blackburn Lowman, widow of John Lowman, on October 22, 1911 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Though Archibald didn't live in Missouri, for some reason he had purchased 40 acres of land there. In 1918 a lien was placed on this land for owing back taxes. It seems all of Archibald's wheeling and dealing over the years wasn't as profitable as he had hoped.
Archibald and first wife Margaret lived in Baxter Springs, Kansas from 1872 to 1875. I mention this because the home they built there is still standing and has been turned into a Bed & Breakfast called the Lea Manor. I have posted a photo of it.
I have quite a bit of detailed info on the Lea line, Archibald, his parents and siblings, if anyone is interested - Michelle Shreve
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are a great many newspaper articles to be found on newspapers.com about Archibald and his various dealings. Here are some of them:
-------------------------------------
Columbus Courier (Columbus, Kansas)13 Sep 1888, Thu Page 8
**very long article which says his real estate in Columbus, KS has been foreclosed by order of the Cherokee County 11th Judicial Court, the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company is the Plaintiff, Archibald and wife Margaret are the defendants
Weir Journal (Weir, Kansas)31 Mar 1893, Fri Page 8
*very long article which says his real estate in Columbus, KS has been foreclosed by order of the Cherokee County 11th Judicial Court, the Traveler's Insurance Company is the Plaintiff, Archibald and wife Margaret are the defendants
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The Topeka State Journal (Topeka, Kansas)23 Oct 1911, Mon Page 6
AFTER 50 YEARS THEY WED
Kansan Brings Home Bride he Knew As A Girl
Kansas City, Oct 23 - A. T. Lea of Columbus, Kan. and Mrs. Anna E. Lowman of Macomb, ILL were unified in marriage at the residence of E. M. Bell, son-in-law of the bride. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. S. T. Davis in the presence of only members of the families of the contracting parties. The happy couple took the 5 o'clock Frisco "Hustler" for Columbus, Kan., where they will make their future home.
Mr. and Mrs. Lea have known each other for over half a century, the groom having spent his boyhood days in Macomb (wrong!!). He has been a resident of Cherokee County, Kansas for over 40 years and is engaged in the real estate business.
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Fort Scott Daily Tribune and Fort Scott Daily Monitor (Fort Scott, Kansas) 24 Oct 1911, Tue Page 4
SWEETHEARTS 55 YEARS AGO
Asa T. Lea, Former Editor of Monitor, Marries
Belonged to Same Set in 1956
Former Fort Scott Man, Now of Columbus, KS, Married In Kansas City Late Sunday
The following from the Columbus Advocate will be interesting to the Fort Scott acquaintances of Asa T. Lea, who was editor and one of the owners of the Fort Scott Monitor in the 90's and later moved back to his old home in Columbus, Kan., where he has since lived.
The marriage of A. T. Lea and Mrs. Anna E. Lowman, which occurred in Kansas City yesterday is the culmination of an acquaintanceship which began over 55 years ago. The bride's home was in Macomb, Ill and the ceremony occurred at the home of her daughter, Mrs. F. M. Bell, 3240 Roberts Street, Kansas City at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon.
Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Lea left Kansas City for Columbus immediately after the ceremony and will make their home at 304 Maple Street.
Mr. Lea and Mrs. Lowman have been acquaintances since 1956. In the 50's they were members of the same set of young people in Macomb, Ill. For two years they "kept company" as village parlance has it. Then some one of a thousand and one causes which prevent youthful romance resulting in wedding bells occurred and they drifted apart.
Both married and during a long interval of years they did not see each other, but neither forgot the other. The wife of the one and husband of the other died. This summer Mr. Lea went back to Illinois to attend the reunion of his regiment on the fiftieth anniversary of it's being mustered in. But that visit to Illinois proved to Mr. Lea to be a sentimental reunion, as well as a meeting with old comrades. he met the woman who had been the old sweetheart of his youth.
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There is a very interesting article found at newspapers.com, The Columbus Weekly Advocate (Columbus, Kansas)22 May 1913, Thu Page 20, written by Archibald, telling about how he began the "Columbus Advocate' newspaper
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Another article from newspapers.com, Galena Weekly Republican (Galena, Kansas)15 Aug 1913, Fri Page 8, where Archibald and wife Ann are interviewed about the history of the town of Galena and the big discovery of lead
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William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas
published 1883 by A. T. Andreas, Chicago, IL
ARCHIBALD T. LEA, druggist, drugs, and editor and proprietor of Lea's Columbus Advocate, was born in Nashville, Tenn., February 14, 1840. In 1847, he went to Illinois, where he was raised and educated. In 1861, he entered and enlisted in the United States Army, and served two years, when he was discharged for disability, and in 1868, he moved to Kansas City, Mo., and remained there until 1870, at which time he came to Columbus, and started the publication of the Columbus Independent. He went to Baxter Springs in 1872, where he published the Baxter Springs Republican, and remained until 1877, when he returned to Columbus and engaged in the newspaper business with S. O. McDowell, publishing the Republican Courier. In April, 1877, he went to Short Creek and started the Galena Miner, in company with Mr. McDowell, and became a stockholder in the East Galena Lead Mining Company, whose property proved to be the best piece of mining land ever developed in Kansas or Missouri. He remained eighteen months when he sold out and January 21, 1879, was appointed Postmaster at Columbus. He then sold out his interest in both papers and confined himself to business of the post office until April 1, 1882, when he went into the grocery business and commenced the publication of the Columbus Advocate, which made its first appearance May 5, 1882. In December, 1882, sold out grocery business, and January 6th embarked in the drug business in Columbus. He owns a considerable amount of coal and farm lands besides property in Baxter Springs and Columbus. He is also interested in mining property in Colorado near Leadville. He is a member of I. O. O. F., A. O. U. W. and K. of P. He was married to Miss Margaret Newton, of Macomb, Ill., April 13, 1864, and has one child--Asa.
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Lost Bird of Wounded Knee: Spirit of the Lakota By Reneé Sansom Flood
page 79
Colby asked government census-taker Archibald T. Lea to check Indian Agency lists. The general wanted tangible proof that Lost Bird was not related to ...
page 81
Lea was known for questionable reporting of the 1890 Lakota census and for warmongering among government officials regarding the Ghost Dance. Rosebud trader Charles P. Jordan described Lea as "manifestly an Indian hater."
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1904 History of Cherokee County Kansas
Allison, Nathaniel Thompson; Chicago, IL: Biographical Publishing Co.
CHAPTER VIII THE NEWSPAPERS OF CHEROKEE COUNTY
A. T. Lea who now lives in Columbus started the publication of the Republican, at Baxter Springs, October 1, 1872. He continued the publication until February, 1877, when he sold the paper to A. J. R. Smith. Mr. Smith continued the publication until February, 1888, when it ceased.
The Columbus Independent was started at Columbus, September 1, 1870, by A. T. and W. J. Lea. After continuing the paper for two years, the Lea brothers sold it to A. W. McGill, who moved the paper to Oswego, Labette County, in September, 1872. It is now one of the leading papers of Labette County.
The Galena Miner was established at Galena by A. T. Lea and S. O. McDowell, in April, 1877. In 1880 they sold it to a Mr. Stebbins, who discontinued it after one year.
The Columbus Advocate was established by A. T. Lea and E. A. Crewson, May 5, 1882. On the first of August of the same year, Mr. Crewson sold his interest to J. M. Roach; and on January 1, 1883, Mr. Roach sold his interest to Mr. Lea. In July, 1889, Mr. Lea made his son, Asa Lea, a partner with himself in the business. This partnership continued until 1894, when Mr. Lea, the elder, sold his interest to J. M. McNay, who came to Columbus from Phillipsburg, Kansas. In 1896 Mr. McNay bought out Asa Lea's interest in the paper, and for five years he conducted the business with such care and under such methods as made it very profitable. He then sold the paper. and in selling it he secured a price which justified the disposal of the property.
The Columbus Courier was started September 29, 1874, by J. F. McDowell. The paper was independent in politics and devoted to reform. In March, 1876, the paper was sold to S. O. McDowell. and in February, 1877, it was consolidated with the Republican, and under the ownership and management of McDowell & Lea it continued until February, 1879, as the Republican-Courier. Mr. McDowell then bought out his partner's interest, and changed the name back to the Columbus Courier.
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"The Modern Light" Thursday 1 May 1924 page 1
Death of a Pioneer Citizen
A.T. Lea Passes Away At His Home Saturday Night
Was Well-Known Resident of Cherokee County for Past Fifty-four Years - A Former Newspaper Man
A. T. Lea, a pioneer citizen and well-known resident of the county, died at his home in Columbus at 11:55 o'clock Saturday night.
Funeral services were held from the Presbyterian Church at 2:30 o'clock Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. H. J. Withington. Burial was in the City Cemetery.
The members of the G. A. R. post, of which Mr. Lea was a member, attended the funeral in a body, and the local lodge of Knights of Pythias had charge of the services at the grave. A quartet, composed of Prof. M. L. Long, Miss Belle Cooter, Miss Ella Shepard and Len C. Wilson, sang "Rock of Ages", "Crossing the Bar" and "Abide With Me" with Mrs. H. J. Withington as accompanist. The pallbearers were selected from the members of the Knights of Pythias, of which order Mr. Lea was a charter member.
There were many beautiful floral offerings, and large crowd of friends and neighbors attended the funeral to pay a last tribute to one who was known and most highly esteemed by the entire community.
Mr. Lea is survived by one son, Asa Lea, a newspaper man of Joplin, Mo.; two grandsons, Sherry Lea and Master John Lea, and a little great-granddaughter, Jacqueline Louise Lea, baby daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sherry Lea, all of Joplin.
"Uncle Tom" Lea was one of the early settlers of Cherokee County and was perhaps more familiar with the history of Southeastern Kansas than any other man in this vicinity. His memory was always good, and it was interesting to his many friends to hear him relate incidents connected with the early days of our city and county. Mr. Lea was always very fond of curios, and had quite a collection in his home, in addition to assortments that he had given to the high school and to friends and neighbors. Many of these articles were gathered while he was in government service among the Indians of the west.
Mr. Lea had been in poor health for the past several years, but continued to conduct his real estate and insurance business at his home on West Maple Street. However, he was stricken with paralysis several days ago, which hastened his death.
Mr. Lea was born in the city of Lebanon, Tenn., February 14, 1840. His parents moved to Knox County, Illinois when he was 8 years old. He was educated there and entered the newspaper business in 1857 at Macomb, Ill.
He enlisted in the Union army when President Abraham Lincoln called for 75,000 soldiers and served three years. Upon his return home he engaged in merchandising until 1868, when he moved to Columbus, Neb., to homestead a claim.
On November 1, 1868, he went to Kansas City, where he worked on the Kansas City Daily Journal until June 15, 1870, when he came to Columbus.
Mr. Lea engaged in the newspaper business with his brother, W. J. Lea, upon his arrival in Columbus, starting the Columbus Independent, the first issue of which was published September 5, 1870.
In 1872 he sold his interest in the Independent and started the Baxter Springs Republican, which he published until March, 1877, when he decided to try farming. He bought a farm two and a half miles southeast of Columbus, upon which he lived for two years.
When lead was discovered at Galena in 1876, Mr. Lea went there and engaged in the mining business. He eventually started a newspaper there, which he named the Galena Miner. During this time he had an interest in the Courier at Columbus. He sold his interest to Mr. McDowell in 1880.
He accepted the appointment of postmaster at Columbus in 1879, and continued in that capacity until succeeded by M. W. Coulter.
In 1882, after a vacation of several months, he launched the Columbus Advocate, and continued the publications of this paper until 1893, at which time he turned it over to his son, Asa Lea.
In the year 1889 he was appointed special Indian inspector of the Great Sioux reservation, which position he filled for four years. Upon returning home he went to Fort Scott and bought a half interest in the Fort Scott Monitor, which paper he published for one year.
After disposing of his newspaper interest, Mr. Lea made a three months' tour of the west, after which he returned home and severed his newspaper connections and went into the real estate business.
Archibald began working in the newspaper business shortly after moving to Macomb. He married Margaret Newton 13 Apr 1864 in Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois. They had one child, son Asa.
Archibald enlisted as a Private in the Union Army, Co A, 16th Illinois Infantry on April 13, 1861. He was discharged in August 1862 for reason of illness. One newspaper account (Empire City Echo, Empire City, Kansas 15 Sep 1877, Sat Page 3) says his job during the Civil War was as an orderly in an Army hospital, in charge of carrying the chamber pots from bed to bed and emptying them. I guess someone had to do it.......
Archibald worked as a journalist, newspaper owner/editor/publisher, a Columbus, Kansas Postmaster from 1879 to 1882 when he was terminated part way through his term for political reasons (see article in the Columbus Courier (Columbus, Kansas)16 Feb 1882, Thu Page 2) , and, in his later years, as both a real estate and insurance agent. He would start a newspaper, then a few years later sell it. He did this repeatedly over the years in various places in Kansas. He also had his hand in lead and coal mining, the grocery business, the drug business, farming, and other things. He was a staunch Republican and used his newspapers to make political commentary. He had his land foreclosed on twice (1888 & 1893), which didn't seem to faze him. He was also an Indian Agent for the Federal Government from 1889 to 1893, working in South Dakota as a census taker for the Lakota Sioux Indians. One newspaper account reports he was an "Indian hater" who purposely riled up the government against the Indians. He was involved with the Wounded Knee massacre in some fashion.
His wife Margaret passed away in 1910. Archibald married Anna Blackburn Lowman, widow of John Lowman, on October 22, 1911 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Though Archibald didn't live in Missouri, for some reason he had purchased 40 acres of land there. In 1918 a lien was placed on this land for owing back taxes. It seems all of Archibald's wheeling and dealing over the years wasn't as profitable as he had hoped.
Archibald and first wife Margaret lived in Baxter Springs, Kansas from 1872 to 1875. I mention this because the home they built there is still standing and has been turned into a Bed & Breakfast called the Lea Manor. I have posted a photo of it.
I have quite a bit of detailed info on the Lea line, Archibald, his parents and siblings, if anyone is interested - Michelle Shreve
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There are a great many newspaper articles to be found on newspapers.com about Archibald and his various dealings. Here are some of them:
-------------------------------------
Columbus Courier (Columbus, Kansas)13 Sep 1888, Thu Page 8
**very long article which says his real estate in Columbus, KS has been foreclosed by order of the Cherokee County 11th Judicial Court, the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company is the Plaintiff, Archibald and wife Margaret are the defendants
Weir Journal (Weir, Kansas)31 Mar 1893, Fri Page 8
*very long article which says his real estate in Columbus, KS has been foreclosed by order of the Cherokee County 11th Judicial Court, the Traveler's Insurance Company is the Plaintiff, Archibald and wife Margaret are the defendants
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The Topeka State Journal (Topeka, Kansas)23 Oct 1911, Mon Page 6
AFTER 50 YEARS THEY WED
Kansan Brings Home Bride he Knew As A Girl
Kansas City, Oct 23 - A. T. Lea of Columbus, Kan. and Mrs. Anna E. Lowman of Macomb, ILL were unified in marriage at the residence of E. M. Bell, son-in-law of the bride. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. S. T. Davis in the presence of only members of the families of the contracting parties. The happy couple took the 5 o'clock Frisco "Hustler" for Columbus, Kan., where they will make their future home.
Mr. and Mrs. Lea have known each other for over half a century, the groom having spent his boyhood days in Macomb (wrong!!). He has been a resident of Cherokee County, Kansas for over 40 years and is engaged in the real estate business.
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Fort Scott Daily Tribune and Fort Scott Daily Monitor (Fort Scott, Kansas) 24 Oct 1911, Tue Page 4
SWEETHEARTS 55 YEARS AGO
Asa T. Lea, Former Editor of Monitor, Marries
Belonged to Same Set in 1956
Former Fort Scott Man, Now of Columbus, KS, Married In Kansas City Late Sunday
The following from the Columbus Advocate will be interesting to the Fort Scott acquaintances of Asa T. Lea, who was editor and one of the owners of the Fort Scott Monitor in the 90's and later moved back to his old home in Columbus, Kan., where he has since lived.
The marriage of A. T. Lea and Mrs. Anna E. Lowman, which occurred in Kansas City yesterday is the culmination of an acquaintanceship which began over 55 years ago. The bride's home was in Macomb, Ill and the ceremony occurred at the home of her daughter, Mrs. F. M. Bell, 3240 Roberts Street, Kansas City at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon.
Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Lea left Kansas City for Columbus immediately after the ceremony and will make their home at 304 Maple Street.
Mr. Lea and Mrs. Lowman have been acquaintances since 1956. In the 50's they were members of the same set of young people in Macomb, Ill. For two years they "kept company" as village parlance has it. Then some one of a thousand and one causes which prevent youthful romance resulting in wedding bells occurred and they drifted apart.
Both married and during a long interval of years they did not see each other, but neither forgot the other. The wife of the one and husband of the other died. This summer Mr. Lea went back to Illinois to attend the reunion of his regiment on the fiftieth anniversary of it's being mustered in. But that visit to Illinois proved to Mr. Lea to be a sentimental reunion, as well as a meeting with old comrades. he met the woman who had been the old sweetheart of his youth.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
There is a very interesting article found at newspapers.com, The Columbus Weekly Advocate (Columbus, Kansas)22 May 1913, Thu Page 20, written by Archibald, telling about how he began the "Columbus Advocate' newspaper
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another article from newspapers.com, Galena Weekly Republican (Galena, Kansas)15 Aug 1913, Fri Page 8, where Archibald and wife Ann are interviewed about the history of the town of Galena and the big discovery of lead
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas
published 1883 by A. T. Andreas, Chicago, IL
ARCHIBALD T. LEA, druggist, drugs, and editor and proprietor of Lea's Columbus Advocate, was born in Nashville, Tenn., February 14, 1840. In 1847, he went to Illinois, where he was raised and educated. In 1861, he entered and enlisted in the United States Army, and served two years, when he was discharged for disability, and in 1868, he moved to Kansas City, Mo., and remained there until 1870, at which time he came to Columbus, and started the publication of the Columbus Independent. He went to Baxter Springs in 1872, where he published the Baxter Springs Republican, and remained until 1877, when he returned to Columbus and engaged in the newspaper business with S. O. McDowell, publishing the Republican Courier. In April, 1877, he went to Short Creek and started the Galena Miner, in company with Mr. McDowell, and became a stockholder in the East Galena Lead Mining Company, whose property proved to be the best piece of mining land ever developed in Kansas or Missouri. He remained eighteen months when he sold out and January 21, 1879, was appointed Postmaster at Columbus. He then sold out his interest in both papers and confined himself to business of the post office until April 1, 1882, when he went into the grocery business and commenced the publication of the Columbus Advocate, which made its first appearance May 5, 1882. In December, 1882, sold out grocery business, and January 6th embarked in the drug business in Columbus. He owns a considerable amount of coal and farm lands besides property in Baxter Springs and Columbus. He is also interested in mining property in Colorado near Leadville. He is a member of I. O. O. F., A. O. U. W. and K. of P. He was married to Miss Margaret Newton, of Macomb, Ill., April 13, 1864, and has one child--Asa.
--------------------------------------
Lost Bird of Wounded Knee: Spirit of the Lakota By Reneé Sansom Flood
page 79
Colby asked government census-taker Archibald T. Lea to check Indian Agency lists. The general wanted tangible proof that Lost Bird was not related to ...
page 81
Lea was known for questionable reporting of the 1890 Lakota census and for warmongering among government officials regarding the Ghost Dance. Rosebud trader Charles P. Jordan described Lea as "manifestly an Indian hater."
--------------------------------------------------------------
1904 History of Cherokee County Kansas
Allison, Nathaniel Thompson; Chicago, IL: Biographical Publishing Co.
CHAPTER VIII THE NEWSPAPERS OF CHEROKEE COUNTY
A. T. Lea who now lives in Columbus started the publication of the Republican, at Baxter Springs, October 1, 1872. He continued the publication until February, 1877, when he sold the paper to A. J. R. Smith. Mr. Smith continued the publication until February, 1888, when it ceased.
The Columbus Independent was started at Columbus, September 1, 1870, by A. T. and W. J. Lea. After continuing the paper for two years, the Lea brothers sold it to A. W. McGill, who moved the paper to Oswego, Labette County, in September, 1872. It is now one of the leading papers of Labette County.
The Galena Miner was established at Galena by A. T. Lea and S. O. McDowell, in April, 1877. In 1880 they sold it to a Mr. Stebbins, who discontinued it after one year.
The Columbus Advocate was established by A. T. Lea and E. A. Crewson, May 5, 1882. On the first of August of the same year, Mr. Crewson sold his interest to J. M. Roach; and on January 1, 1883, Mr. Roach sold his interest to Mr. Lea. In July, 1889, Mr. Lea made his son, Asa Lea, a partner with himself in the business. This partnership continued until 1894, when Mr. Lea, the elder, sold his interest to J. M. McNay, who came to Columbus from Phillipsburg, Kansas. In 1896 Mr. McNay bought out Asa Lea's interest in the paper, and for five years he conducted the business with such care and under such methods as made it very profitable. He then sold the paper. and in selling it he secured a price which justified the disposal of the property.
The Columbus Courier was started September 29, 1874, by J. F. McDowell. The paper was independent in politics and devoted to reform. In March, 1876, the paper was sold to S. O. McDowell. and in February, 1877, it was consolidated with the Republican, and under the ownership and management of McDowell & Lea it continued until February, 1879, as the Republican-Courier. Mr. McDowell then bought out his partner's interest, and changed the name back to the Columbus Courier.
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"The Modern Light" Thursday 1 May 1924 page 1
Death of a Pioneer Citizen
A.T. Lea Passes Away At His Home Saturday Night
Was Well-Known Resident of Cherokee County for Past Fifty-four Years - A Former Newspaper Man
A. T. Lea, a pioneer citizen and well-known resident of the county, died at his home in Columbus at 11:55 o'clock Saturday night.
Funeral services were held from the Presbyterian Church at 2:30 o'clock Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. H. J. Withington. Burial was in the City Cemetery.
The members of the G. A. R. post, of which Mr. Lea was a member, attended the funeral in a body, and the local lodge of Knights of Pythias had charge of the services at the grave. A quartet, composed of Prof. M. L. Long, Miss Belle Cooter, Miss Ella Shepard and Len C. Wilson, sang "Rock of Ages", "Crossing the Bar" and "Abide With Me" with Mrs. H. J. Withington as accompanist. The pallbearers were selected from the members of the Knights of Pythias, of which order Mr. Lea was a charter member.
There were many beautiful floral offerings, and large crowd of friends and neighbors attended the funeral to pay a last tribute to one who was known and most highly esteemed by the entire community.
Mr. Lea is survived by one son, Asa Lea, a newspaper man of Joplin, Mo.; two grandsons, Sherry Lea and Master John Lea, and a little great-granddaughter, Jacqueline Louise Lea, baby daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sherry Lea, all of Joplin.
"Uncle Tom" Lea was one of the early settlers of Cherokee County and was perhaps more familiar with the history of Southeastern Kansas than any other man in this vicinity. His memory was always good, and it was interesting to his many friends to hear him relate incidents connected with the early days of our city and county. Mr. Lea was always very fond of curios, and had quite a collection in his home, in addition to assortments that he had given to the high school and to friends and neighbors. Many of these articles were gathered while he was in government service among the Indians of the west.
Mr. Lea had been in poor health for the past several years, but continued to conduct his real estate and insurance business at his home on West Maple Street. However, he was stricken with paralysis several days ago, which hastened his death.
Mr. Lea was born in the city of Lebanon, Tenn., February 14, 1840. His parents moved to Knox County, Illinois when he was 8 years old. He was educated there and entered the newspaper business in 1857 at Macomb, Ill.
He enlisted in the Union army when President Abraham Lincoln called for 75,000 soldiers and served three years. Upon his return home he engaged in merchandising until 1868, when he moved to Columbus, Neb., to homestead a claim.
On November 1, 1868, he went to Kansas City, where he worked on the Kansas City Daily Journal until June 15, 1870, when he came to Columbus.
Mr. Lea engaged in the newspaper business with his brother, W. J. Lea, upon his arrival in Columbus, starting the Columbus Independent, the first issue of which was published September 5, 1870.
In 1872 he sold his interest in the Independent and started the Baxter Springs Republican, which he published until March, 1877, when he decided to try farming. He bought a farm two and a half miles southeast of Columbus, upon which he lived for two years.
When lead was discovered at Galena in 1876, Mr. Lea went there and engaged in the mining business. He eventually started a newspaper there, which he named the Galena Miner. During this time he had an interest in the Courier at Columbus. He sold his interest to Mr. McDowell in 1880.
He accepted the appointment of postmaster at Columbus in 1879, and continued in that capacity until succeeded by M. W. Coulter.
In 1882, after a vacation of several months, he launched the Columbus Advocate, and continued the publications of this paper until 1893, at which time he turned it over to his son, Asa Lea.
In the year 1889 he was appointed special Indian inspector of the Great Sioux reservation, which position he filled for four years. Upon returning home he went to Fort Scott and bought a half interest in the Fort Scott Monitor, which paper he published for one year.
After disposing of his newspaper interest, Mr. Lea made a three months' tour of the west, after which he returned home and severed his newspaper connections and went into the real estate business.
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