The Frankfort Index
6 Mar 1907
Page 4
"Mrs. Johanna Costello, aged 98 years, died at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Jas. Kennedy, last Monday evening. The funeral will be held on Irish Creek tomorrow. Her sons were expected her today but have not arrived."
Frankfort Review
Frankfort, Kansas
March 8, 1907
"Mrs. Costello died at the home of her grand-daughter Mrs. J. Kennedy, at Wheaton, Monday evening at ten o'clock. Mrs. Costello was in her 96th year. She had been an invalid for a great many years and was bedfast for several years past. She was the mother of Mrs. Connors, who resides on Irish Creek at J.E. Kennedy's home, and a son in Oklahoma. Funeral services were held yesterday."
Johannah (O'Keeffe) Costello is a sister to Arthur O'Keeffe and Arthur is buried at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Lillis, Kansas. Their parents were John O'Keeffe and Kate (Marcell) O'Keeffe, buried in Ireland. Edmond and Johannah O'Keeffe Costello immigrated to America in 1862 from County Clare, Ireland. They brought with them John Arthur O'Keeffe and his brother, Arthur O'Keeffe, (not Johannah's brother Arthur, just the same name) who they were raising in Ireland. John Arthur and Arthur's parents died in the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840's and their names are unknown. (Note: Johannah's brother, Arthur O'Keeffe, immigrated to America with his wife and 10 children in 1869).
News articles about Johannah:
Frankfort Weekly Review
March 23, 1900
"Here is a strange case of returning eyesight and failing vitality. For the past five years Mrs. Castelo, aged 86 years, has been confined to her bed at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James B. Kennedy, in Cleveland town-ship, with complete paralysis of the lower limbs. But, notwithstanding her extreme age and great affliction, she has regained her eyesight and can read as easily as when she was a young woman, the finest print being easily read by her."
Frankfort Weekly Review
April 6, 1900
"Correction from last week: Mrs. Costolo is 86 years old. She never lost her sight, she wore glasses until 8 years ago when she had no more use of them. She can read the finest print. Her lower limbs were totally useless the past three years. J. E. Kennedy is not her son-in-law, he married Miss Nellie O'Connor, her granddaughter. Mrs. Costolo has always lived on her own place 31/2 miles north of Wheaton. This year she has rented it and her daughter, Mrs. O'Connor, who has always taken care of her removed to her son-in-law's in order to be company for her daughter. J.D.G."
Newspaper column about Johannah (O'Keeffe) Costello written by S.A. Bennett aka Sinon Albert "Sam" Bennett:
"S.A. Bennett Thinks of the Past
April 12, 1962
Manhattan Mercury"
"Reminiscence of former days in Lone Tree Township by S.A. Bennett, 1021 West 10th Street, Topeka, KS"
"My father and mother, Michael and Catherine Bennett, with three small children came to Kansas from Illinois in 1871 in a covered wagon. They settled in Lone Tree Township, Pottawatomie County, a little over a mile from the Lone Tree: a huge cottonwood tree the township was named after. It stood alone on the prairie miles from any other trees. It had been a meeting place for tribal Indians and a guide to early settlers as they trekked across the bleak prairie on their westward journey. About this historic tree and the community around it hinges the gist of my story. Among the early settlers I had a grand aunt, Johannah Costello, who acted as doctor, nurse and midwife in the community as there was no doctor or hospital for many miles at that time. The babies were all born in the homes. When the blessed event occurred she would show the baby to the older children of the family and tell them she had brought it from the Lone Tree. The kids in those days were not familiar with the story of "the Birds and Bees", and were not as sophisticated as they are nowadays; and most of them believed her story until they were pretty good-sized kids. Aunt Johannah was a robust, kindly person. She wore men's high top boots to protect her from the snakes as she walked in tall grass sometimes five or six miles across the prairie on her errands of mercy. I can never forget that kindly dedicated woman. An Angel of Mercy to the early settlers in the Lone Tree community.
This is a true story I can vouch for as I was one of her Lone Tree babies and I married a lovely girl who was a real Lone Tree baby. The daughter of John R. and Mary (Keating) Smith who owned the farm on which the Lone Tree stood. Aunt Johannah and most of her Lone Tree babies have passed on. To the best of my knowledge there are but two or three left and I am one of them. I am 85 years old. Likewise that historic marvelous fruitful tree of my childhood days is gone from the prairie. Its body and limbs torn by wind and lightening and buffeted from many years by the cruel elements of nature. It toppled to the earth a few years ago to decay and mingle with the soil that had nursed it for so many years."
I was born in Lone Tree Township
Near lovely Wheaton town
Where friends are glad to meet you
And never turn you down.
They meet you with a pleasant smile
And no one wears a frown
Folks nice as you'll ever meet
In my old friendly town.
I love to wind my way back there
They're common folks like you and I
They care not for renown
Ever true to God and country
In my old friendly town.
And visit all around
Meet the dear folks I know
In my old friendly town.
by S.A. Bennett (died 1971)
Topeka, Kans.
The following information is from genealogy about John and Mary Smith:
"The Lone Tree stood on John Raymond Smith's farm. John and Mary Smith homesteaded an 80 that had a large cottonwood tree on it. This tree was called the lone tree as it was the only one for miles around. The Indians were said to use this tree as a guideline while traveling in the area. Their first house, a shack, was built under the tree. Breaking the prairie and getting crops to grow was difficult. John made several trips back to St. Louis to earn money, while Mary took care of the farming and livestock. She often put son Joe in a box at the end of the field while she shucked corn.
Later, a second house was built about 1/2 mile west of the lone tree. They dug a well which was said to have the best water for miles around and it would never go dry. The other ten children were born in this house. Other farmers would get discouraged and sell their land to John, he finally had 320 acres. Three of the children died while very young.
In 1898, a third house, barn and other buildings was built by John and his sons with the help of a carpenter from St. Louis.
John died July 7, 1900 leaving the farm to Mary, as long as she lived, then to the 4 youngest children, Jim, Frank, Harry, and Josie. Jim got the 80 where the lone tree stood and one day while burning brush, the bark got afire and killed the tree."
6 Mar 1907
Page 4
"Mrs. Johanna Costello, aged 98 years, died at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Jas. Kennedy, last Monday evening. The funeral will be held on Irish Creek tomorrow. Her sons were expected her today but have not arrived."
Frankfort Review
Frankfort, Kansas
March 8, 1907
"Mrs. Costello died at the home of her grand-daughter Mrs. J. Kennedy, at Wheaton, Monday evening at ten o'clock. Mrs. Costello was in her 96th year. She had been an invalid for a great many years and was bedfast for several years past. She was the mother of Mrs. Connors, who resides on Irish Creek at J.E. Kennedy's home, and a son in Oklahoma. Funeral services were held yesterday."
Johannah (O'Keeffe) Costello is a sister to Arthur O'Keeffe and Arthur is buried at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Lillis, Kansas. Their parents were John O'Keeffe and Kate (Marcell) O'Keeffe, buried in Ireland. Edmond and Johannah O'Keeffe Costello immigrated to America in 1862 from County Clare, Ireland. They brought with them John Arthur O'Keeffe and his brother, Arthur O'Keeffe, (not Johannah's brother Arthur, just the same name) who they were raising in Ireland. John Arthur and Arthur's parents died in the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840's and their names are unknown. (Note: Johannah's brother, Arthur O'Keeffe, immigrated to America with his wife and 10 children in 1869).
News articles about Johannah:
Frankfort Weekly Review
March 23, 1900
"Here is a strange case of returning eyesight and failing vitality. For the past five years Mrs. Castelo, aged 86 years, has been confined to her bed at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James B. Kennedy, in Cleveland town-ship, with complete paralysis of the lower limbs. But, notwithstanding her extreme age and great affliction, she has regained her eyesight and can read as easily as when she was a young woman, the finest print being easily read by her."
Frankfort Weekly Review
April 6, 1900
"Correction from last week: Mrs. Costolo is 86 years old. She never lost her sight, she wore glasses until 8 years ago when she had no more use of them. She can read the finest print. Her lower limbs were totally useless the past three years. J. E. Kennedy is not her son-in-law, he married Miss Nellie O'Connor, her granddaughter. Mrs. Costolo has always lived on her own place 31/2 miles north of Wheaton. This year she has rented it and her daughter, Mrs. O'Connor, who has always taken care of her removed to her son-in-law's in order to be company for her daughter. J.D.G."
Newspaper column about Johannah (O'Keeffe) Costello written by S.A. Bennett aka Sinon Albert "Sam" Bennett:
"S.A. Bennett Thinks of the Past
April 12, 1962
Manhattan Mercury"
"Reminiscence of former days in Lone Tree Township by S.A. Bennett, 1021 West 10th Street, Topeka, KS"
"My father and mother, Michael and Catherine Bennett, with three small children came to Kansas from Illinois in 1871 in a covered wagon. They settled in Lone Tree Township, Pottawatomie County, a little over a mile from the Lone Tree: a huge cottonwood tree the township was named after. It stood alone on the prairie miles from any other trees. It had been a meeting place for tribal Indians and a guide to early settlers as they trekked across the bleak prairie on their westward journey. About this historic tree and the community around it hinges the gist of my story. Among the early settlers I had a grand aunt, Johannah Costello, who acted as doctor, nurse and midwife in the community as there was no doctor or hospital for many miles at that time. The babies were all born in the homes. When the blessed event occurred she would show the baby to the older children of the family and tell them she had brought it from the Lone Tree. The kids in those days were not familiar with the story of "the Birds and Bees", and were not as sophisticated as they are nowadays; and most of them believed her story until they were pretty good-sized kids. Aunt Johannah was a robust, kindly person. She wore men's high top boots to protect her from the snakes as she walked in tall grass sometimes five or six miles across the prairie on her errands of mercy. I can never forget that kindly dedicated woman. An Angel of Mercy to the early settlers in the Lone Tree community.
This is a true story I can vouch for as I was one of her Lone Tree babies and I married a lovely girl who was a real Lone Tree baby. The daughter of John R. and Mary (Keating) Smith who owned the farm on which the Lone Tree stood. Aunt Johannah and most of her Lone Tree babies have passed on. To the best of my knowledge there are but two or three left and I am one of them. I am 85 years old. Likewise that historic marvelous fruitful tree of my childhood days is gone from the prairie. Its body and limbs torn by wind and lightening and buffeted from many years by the cruel elements of nature. It toppled to the earth a few years ago to decay and mingle with the soil that had nursed it for so many years."
I was born in Lone Tree Township
Near lovely Wheaton town
Where friends are glad to meet you
And never turn you down.
They meet you with a pleasant smile
And no one wears a frown
Folks nice as you'll ever meet
In my old friendly town.
I love to wind my way back there
They're common folks like you and I
They care not for renown
Ever true to God and country
In my old friendly town.
And visit all around
Meet the dear folks I know
In my old friendly town.
by S.A. Bennett (died 1971)
Topeka, Kans.
The following information is from genealogy about John and Mary Smith:
"The Lone Tree stood on John Raymond Smith's farm. John and Mary Smith homesteaded an 80 that had a large cottonwood tree on it. This tree was called the lone tree as it was the only one for miles around. The Indians were said to use this tree as a guideline while traveling in the area. Their first house, a shack, was built under the tree. Breaking the prairie and getting crops to grow was difficult. John made several trips back to St. Louis to earn money, while Mary took care of the farming and livestock. She often put son Joe in a box at the end of the field while she shucked corn.
Later, a second house was built about 1/2 mile west of the lone tree. They dug a well which was said to have the best water for miles around and it would never go dry. The other ten children were born in this house. Other farmers would get discouraged and sell their land to John, he finally had 320 acres. Three of the children died while very young.
In 1898, a third house, barn and other buildings was built by John and his sons with the help of a carpenter from St. Louis.
John died July 7, 1900 leaving the farm to Mary, as long as she lived, then to the 4 youngest children, Jim, Frank, Harry, and Josie. Jim got the 80 where the lone tree stood and one day while burning brush, the bark got afire and killed the tree."
The Frankfort Index
6 Mar 1907
Page 4
"Mrs. Johanna Costello, aged 98 years, died at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Jas. Kennedy, last Monday evening. The funeral will be held on Irish Creek tomorrow. Her sons were expected her today but have not arrived."
Frankfort Review
Frankfort, Kansas
March 8, 1907
"Mrs. Costello died at the home of her grand-daughter Mrs. J. Kennedy, at Wheaton, Monday evening at ten o'clock. Mrs. Costello was in her 96th year. She had been an invalid for a great many years and was bedfast for several years past. She was the mother of Mrs. Connors, who resides on Irish Creek at J.E. Kennedy's home, and a son in Oklahoma. Funeral services were held yesterday."
Johannah (O'Keeffe) Costello is a sister to Arthur O'Keeffe and Arthur is buried at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Lillis, Kansas. Their parents were John O'Keeffe and Kate (Marcell) O'Keeffe, buried in Ireland. Edmond and Johannah O'Keeffe Costello immigrated to America in 1862 from County Clare, Ireland. They brought with them John Arthur O'Keeffe and his brother, Arthur O'Keeffe, (not Johannah's brother Arthur, just the same name) who they were raising in Ireland. John Arthur and Arthur's parents died in the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840's and their names are unknown. (Note: Johannah's brother, Arthur O'Keeffe, immigrated to America with his wife and 10 children in 1869).
News articles about Johannah:
Frankfort Weekly Review
March 23, 1900
"Here is a strange case of returning eyesight and failing vitality. For the past five years Mrs. Castelo, aged 86 years, has been confined to her bed at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James B. Kennedy, in Cleveland town-ship, with complete paralysis of the lower limbs. But, notwithstanding her extreme age and great affliction, she has regained her eyesight and can read as easily as when she was a young woman, the finest print being easily read by her."
Frankfort Weekly Review
April 6, 1900
"Correction from last week: Mrs. Costolo is 86 years old. She never lost her sight, she wore glasses until 8 years ago when she had no more use of them. She can read the finest print. Her lower limbs were totally useless the past three years. J. E. Kennedy is not her son-in-law, he married Miss Nellie O'Connor, her granddaughter. Mrs. Costolo has always lived on her own place 31/2 miles north of Wheaton. This year she has rented it and her daughter, Mrs. O'Connor, who has always taken care of her removed to her son-in-law's in order to be company for her daughter. J.D.G."
Newspaper column about Johannah (O'Keeffe) Costello written by S.A. Bennett aka Sinon Albert "Sam" Bennett:
"S.A. Bennett Thinks of the Past
April 12, 1962
Manhattan Mercury"
"Reminiscence of former days in Lone Tree Township by S.A. Bennett, 1021 West 10th Street, Topeka, KS"
"My father and mother, Michael and Catherine Bennett, with three small children came to Kansas from Illinois in 1871 in a covered wagon. They settled in Lone Tree Township, Pottawatomie County, a little over a mile from the Lone Tree: a huge cottonwood tree the township was named after. It stood alone on the prairie miles from any other trees. It had been a meeting place for tribal Indians and a guide to early settlers as they trekked across the bleak prairie on their westward journey. About this historic tree and the community around it hinges the gist of my story. Among the early settlers I had a grand aunt, Johannah Costello, who acted as doctor, nurse and midwife in the community as there was no doctor or hospital for many miles at that time. The babies were all born in the homes. When the blessed event occurred she would show the baby to the older children of the family and tell them she had brought it from the Lone Tree. The kids in those days were not familiar with the story of "the Birds and Bees", and were not as sophisticated as they are nowadays; and most of them believed her story until they were pretty good-sized kids. Aunt Johannah was a robust, kindly person. She wore men's high top boots to protect her from the snakes as she walked in tall grass sometimes five or six miles across the prairie on her errands of mercy. I can never forget that kindly dedicated woman. An Angel of Mercy to the early settlers in the Lone Tree community.
This is a true story I can vouch for as I was one of her Lone Tree babies and I married a lovely girl who was a real Lone Tree baby. The daughter of John R. and Mary (Keating) Smith who owned the farm on which the Lone Tree stood. Aunt Johannah and most of her Lone Tree babies have passed on. To the best of my knowledge there are but two or three left and I am one of them. I am 85 years old. Likewise that historic marvelous fruitful tree of my childhood days is gone from the prairie. Its body and limbs torn by wind and lightening and buffeted from many years by the cruel elements of nature. It toppled to the earth a few years ago to decay and mingle with the soil that had nursed it for so many years."
I was born in Lone Tree Township
Near lovely Wheaton town
Where friends are glad to meet you
And never turn you down.
They meet you with a pleasant smile
And no one wears a frown
Folks nice as you'll ever meet
In my old friendly town.
I love to wind my way back there
They're common folks like you and I
They care not for renown
Ever true to God and country
In my old friendly town.
And visit all around
Meet the dear folks I know
In my old friendly town.
by S.A. Bennett (died 1971)
Topeka, Kans.
The following information is from genealogy about John and Mary Smith:
"The Lone Tree stood on John Raymond Smith's farm. John and Mary Smith homesteaded an 80 that had a large cottonwood tree on it. This tree was called the lone tree as it was the only one for miles around. The Indians were said to use this tree as a guideline while traveling in the area. Their first house, a shack, was built under the tree. Breaking the prairie and getting crops to grow was difficult. John made several trips back to St. Louis to earn money, while Mary took care of the farming and livestock. She often put son Joe in a box at the end of the field while she shucked corn.
Later, a second house was built about 1/2 mile west of the lone tree. They dug a well which was said to have the best water for miles around and it would never go dry. The other ten children were born in this house. Other farmers would get discouraged and sell their land to John, he finally had 320 acres. Three of the children died while very young.
In 1898, a third house, barn and other buildings was built by John and his sons with the help of a carpenter from St. Louis.
John died July 7, 1900 leaving the farm to Mary, as long as she lived, then to the 4 youngest children, Jim, Frank, Harry, and Josie. Jim got the 80 where the lone tree stood and one day while burning brush, the bark got afire and killed the tree."
6 Mar 1907
Page 4
"Mrs. Johanna Costello, aged 98 years, died at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Jas. Kennedy, last Monday evening. The funeral will be held on Irish Creek tomorrow. Her sons were expected her today but have not arrived."
Frankfort Review
Frankfort, Kansas
March 8, 1907
"Mrs. Costello died at the home of her grand-daughter Mrs. J. Kennedy, at Wheaton, Monday evening at ten o'clock. Mrs. Costello was in her 96th year. She had been an invalid for a great many years and was bedfast for several years past. She was the mother of Mrs. Connors, who resides on Irish Creek at J.E. Kennedy's home, and a son in Oklahoma. Funeral services were held yesterday."
Johannah (O'Keeffe) Costello is a sister to Arthur O'Keeffe and Arthur is buried at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Lillis, Kansas. Their parents were John O'Keeffe and Kate (Marcell) O'Keeffe, buried in Ireland. Edmond and Johannah O'Keeffe Costello immigrated to America in 1862 from County Clare, Ireland. They brought with them John Arthur O'Keeffe and his brother, Arthur O'Keeffe, (not Johannah's brother Arthur, just the same name) who they were raising in Ireland. John Arthur and Arthur's parents died in the Irish Potato Famine in the 1840's and their names are unknown. (Note: Johannah's brother, Arthur O'Keeffe, immigrated to America with his wife and 10 children in 1869).
News articles about Johannah:
Frankfort Weekly Review
March 23, 1900
"Here is a strange case of returning eyesight and failing vitality. For the past five years Mrs. Castelo, aged 86 years, has been confined to her bed at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James B. Kennedy, in Cleveland town-ship, with complete paralysis of the lower limbs. But, notwithstanding her extreme age and great affliction, she has regained her eyesight and can read as easily as when she was a young woman, the finest print being easily read by her."
Frankfort Weekly Review
April 6, 1900
"Correction from last week: Mrs. Costolo is 86 years old. She never lost her sight, she wore glasses until 8 years ago when she had no more use of them. She can read the finest print. Her lower limbs were totally useless the past three years. J. E. Kennedy is not her son-in-law, he married Miss Nellie O'Connor, her granddaughter. Mrs. Costolo has always lived on her own place 31/2 miles north of Wheaton. This year she has rented it and her daughter, Mrs. O'Connor, who has always taken care of her removed to her son-in-law's in order to be company for her daughter. J.D.G."
Newspaper column about Johannah (O'Keeffe) Costello written by S.A. Bennett aka Sinon Albert "Sam" Bennett:
"S.A. Bennett Thinks of the Past
April 12, 1962
Manhattan Mercury"
"Reminiscence of former days in Lone Tree Township by S.A. Bennett, 1021 West 10th Street, Topeka, KS"
"My father and mother, Michael and Catherine Bennett, with three small children came to Kansas from Illinois in 1871 in a covered wagon. They settled in Lone Tree Township, Pottawatomie County, a little over a mile from the Lone Tree: a huge cottonwood tree the township was named after. It stood alone on the prairie miles from any other trees. It had been a meeting place for tribal Indians and a guide to early settlers as they trekked across the bleak prairie on their westward journey. About this historic tree and the community around it hinges the gist of my story. Among the early settlers I had a grand aunt, Johannah Costello, who acted as doctor, nurse and midwife in the community as there was no doctor or hospital for many miles at that time. The babies were all born in the homes. When the blessed event occurred she would show the baby to the older children of the family and tell them she had brought it from the Lone Tree. The kids in those days were not familiar with the story of "the Birds and Bees", and were not as sophisticated as they are nowadays; and most of them believed her story until they were pretty good-sized kids. Aunt Johannah was a robust, kindly person. She wore men's high top boots to protect her from the snakes as she walked in tall grass sometimes five or six miles across the prairie on her errands of mercy. I can never forget that kindly dedicated woman. An Angel of Mercy to the early settlers in the Lone Tree community.
This is a true story I can vouch for as I was one of her Lone Tree babies and I married a lovely girl who was a real Lone Tree baby. The daughter of John R. and Mary (Keating) Smith who owned the farm on which the Lone Tree stood. Aunt Johannah and most of her Lone Tree babies have passed on. To the best of my knowledge there are but two or three left and I am one of them. I am 85 years old. Likewise that historic marvelous fruitful tree of my childhood days is gone from the prairie. Its body and limbs torn by wind and lightening and buffeted from many years by the cruel elements of nature. It toppled to the earth a few years ago to decay and mingle with the soil that had nursed it for so many years."
I was born in Lone Tree Township
Near lovely Wheaton town
Where friends are glad to meet you
And never turn you down.
They meet you with a pleasant smile
And no one wears a frown
Folks nice as you'll ever meet
In my old friendly town.
I love to wind my way back there
They're common folks like you and I
They care not for renown
Ever true to God and country
In my old friendly town.
And visit all around
Meet the dear folks I know
In my old friendly town.
by S.A. Bennett (died 1971)
Topeka, Kans.
The following information is from genealogy about John and Mary Smith:
"The Lone Tree stood on John Raymond Smith's farm. John and Mary Smith homesteaded an 80 that had a large cottonwood tree on it. This tree was called the lone tree as it was the only one for miles around. The Indians were said to use this tree as a guideline while traveling in the area. Their first house, a shack, was built under the tree. Breaking the prairie and getting crops to grow was difficult. John made several trips back to St. Louis to earn money, while Mary took care of the farming and livestock. She often put son Joe in a box at the end of the field while she shucked corn.
Later, a second house was built about 1/2 mile west of the lone tree. They dug a well which was said to have the best water for miles around and it would never go dry. The other ten children were born in this house. Other farmers would get discouraged and sell their land to John, he finally had 320 acres. Three of the children died while very young.
In 1898, a third house, barn and other buildings was built by John and his sons with the help of a carpenter from St. Louis.
John died July 7, 1900 leaving the farm to Mary, as long as she lived, then to the 4 youngest children, Jim, Frank, Harry, and Josie. Jim got the 80 where the lone tree stood and one day while burning brush, the bark got afire and killed the tree."
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