CHAPTER IV. 
KANSAS GYPSUM MINES AND MILLS. 
Blue Rapids Deposits. 
The first gypsum deposits worked within the state of Kansas 
were in the northern or Blue Rapids area. In November, 1869, 
the commissioners laid out the site for the town of Blue Rapids. 
‘They carefully investigated the natural resources of the region 
and recognized the value of the water-power of the Blue, and 
also the value of the gypsum deposits which had been known 
for some time to exist on the Big Blue, about two miles north- 
west of the town.. On selling their various properties they 
made a reservation along the Blue of 100 rods, including the 
known outcrop of the beds and extending back from the river 
for a distance 320 feet. | 
About the year 1871 Mr. J. V. Coon, of Elyria, Ohio, came to 
the new town, and, as the story goes, he burned some of the 
gypsum and carried it back to Cleveland, where it was pro- 
nounced to be of good quality, and two car-loads were ordered 
at a good price. He and a brother returned to Blue Rapids in 
1872 and built a frame shed on the east bank of the river, below 
the town. In an iron kettle, which held about five barrels and 
which was heated by a stove, they commenced the manufacture 
of plaster of Paris. Prosperity seems to have attended their 
work, for in 1875 a stone mill was built by Coon & Son on the 
west side of the river, and the water power of the river was now 
used for grinding. This mill is still standing, a monument to 
the commencement of a great Kansas industry. ‘The town, for 
purpose of encouragement of the new departure, granted them 
the north half of their reservation, described as extending from 
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