CHAPTER II. 
THE FIRST ELECTION — FIRST INVASION. 
While these things were being done in Missouri, the press of 
the North was publishing accounts of the new country opened to 
settlement, and directing the attention of emigrants, seeking a 
western home, to this Eden of America. It was evident that a 
large emigration would naturally flow into Kansas from the North 
and East; and, to enable the emigrant to reach his destination 
easily and cheaply, an association was formed, which completed its 
organization in July. The purpose of this association, as declared 
by themselves, was to “ assist emigrants to settle in the West.” 
Their objects were to induce emigrants to move westward in such 
large bodies, that arrangements might be made with boat lines and 
railroads for tickets at reduced rates; to erect saw-mills and board¬ 
ing-houses, and establish schools in different localities, that the 
people might gather around them, and not be obliged to wait 
years for the blessings and privileges of social life, as most early ^ 
settlers in the West have done. Transplanted into the wilder¬ 
ness, they hoped to bring to them the civilization and the comforts 
of their old homes. 
Mr. Eli Thayer, of Worcester, Mass., was one of the first 
movers in the scheme. To some suggestions of his the associa¬ 
tion owed its birth. He, with A. A. Lawrence of Boston, Mass., 
and J. M. F. Williams, of Cambridge, Mass., acted as trustees 
of the Stock Company formed July 24, 1854. They are all 
gentlemen of sterling integrity and noble purpose, and with un¬ 
tiring energy have devoted their labors and money to the cause 
of freedom. Dr. T. H. Webb has from the first acted as secre¬ 
tary of this association, and by day and night has given himself 
