32 BUFFALO LAND. 



rode over the beautiful prairies, some east, some 

 west — one band to transj^lant slavery from the tainted 

 soil of Missouri, another to pluck it up. 



A small party of Free State men settled upon this 

 beautiful prairie. South flowed the Waukarusa, 

 south and east the Shunganunga, and west and north 

 the Kaw or Kansas. Here thrived a bulbous root, 

 much loved by the red man, and here lazy Potta- 

 watomies gathered in the fall to dig it. In size and 

 somewhat in shape, it resembled a goose egg, and had 

 a hard, reddish brown shell, and an interior like 

 damaged dough. The Indian gourmands ate it 

 greedily and called it "Topeka." From the two or 

 three families of refugee Free State men the town 

 grew up, and from the Indian root it took its 

 name. Its christening took place in the first cabin 

 erected, and it is reported that a now prominent 

 banker of the town stood sponsor, with his back 

 against the door, refusing any egress until the name 

 of his choice was accepted. It is even affirmed that 

 one opposing city founder was pulled back by his 

 coat-tail from an attempted escape up the wide 

 chimney. 



The old Indian love of commemorating events by 

 significant names is well illustrated in Kansas. One 

 example may be given here. Waukarusa once op- 

 posed its swollen tide to an exploring band of red 

 men. Now, from time beyond ken, the noble savage 

 has been illustrious for the ingenuity with which he 

 lays all disagreeable duties upon the shoulders of the 

 patient squaw. He may ride to their death, in free 

 wild sport, the bison multitudes ; but their skins 



