History of East Lynne

by Virginia Lee King

Given and Daniel K. Hall at the time of the projection of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas railroad (known as the Katy) and the Frisco railway.

The town of East Lynne was founded in 1871 by Noah initially from East Lynne to Osceola and was built about 1885. The primary traffic at the time was in coal cars destined for KCP&L. From East Lynne the cars were pulled to Harrisonville by the Katy. From Harrisonville the "leaky Roof" line took them to Kansas City.

There were two section crews in East Lynne-one for the Katy and the other for the Frisco. Because this was the end of the line for the Frisco, for a time there was a turn-around on the south side of town and stock pens.

East Lynne was first called "Buttermilk Station". It derived this name from the trainmen that stayed at one of the hotels (there were two). The hotel served fresh cold buttermilk that they purchased from the local creamery. The creamery was located just off Main Street.

The exact date the name was changed is not known. Bill Stone says his father (Arwood Stone) told him that when the play, "East Lynne", was presented in Harrisonville, a number of the town residents saw it and voted to name the town after the play. Some if the people put the play on themselves. They took it as far as Louisburg, Kansas, where they were asked to wear their costumes into town and parade down the street.

The East Lynne School operated both a high school and grade school until 1940 when the state declared the upper floor of the school house was unsafe. Sam Boydston offered to donate land for a new building, but they couldn't pass the $8500 bond. Since that time high school students have gone to Garden City, Pleasant Hill or Harrisonville.

Many students whose families lived in the district stayed in town with friends or relatives during the winter because the roads were practically impassable. It wasn't until the '30's and WPA that the roads were graveled.

East Lynne now maintains a very aggressive school for students up to and including the eighth grade. It was built about 1954 and has had three additions. There are about 175 students now.

The County History says the Baptist Church was the first church built in East Lynne. The corner stone of the Methodist Church says it was started in 1874 and finished in 1883.

In the 1891 Times-Courier, there is a full account of the trial of John Dougherty, on the charge of murder. His wife was found murdered in the home. Everyone in town, or so it seemed, was questioned and cross-examined. Two doctors ( Dr. Farrow and Dr. Jerard) both examined the corpse and testified. Evidently they then called the other doctors in the county to testify also. By the testimony, it was apparently the husband of murdered his wife.

 Planning & Zoning Meetings are held the 1st Monday of each Month at 7:00pm in City Hall
 City Council Meetings are held the 2nd Monday of each Month at 7:00pm in City Hall

Modified: 04/17/06