Olathe in Johnson County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Not So Little A Farm On the Prairie...
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 12, 2010
1. Not So Little A Farm On the Prairie... Marker
The agricultural censuses for 1860, 1865, and 1870 make it clear that J.B. Mahaffie had one of the most valuable farming operations in the township.
In 1865, J.B. owned 570 acres of land, with 240 of them enclosed by fence. The total cash value of the farm is given as $6000, and the value of farm machinery at $435. Only one other farm in Olathe Township lists the same total cash value, and only one other farm has a slightly higher value for farm machinery at $500. Most of the more affluent farms list a total cash value of $2000 to $3000.
In 1865, the Mahaffie farm was home to:
10 horses
4 mules
20 milk cows
8 working cattle (oxen)
40 other cattle (beef cattle and/or breeding stock)
30 sheep (for wool more than meat)
14 hogs
The farm produced in the year ending May 1, 1865:
300 bushels wheat
2000 bushels corn
300 bushels oats
50 tons hay
100 bushels potatoes
600 pounds butter
Erected by City of Olathe.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is May 1, 1861.
Location. 38° 53.523′ N, 94°
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Workin' For a Living (here, next to this marker); A Survivor (a few steps from this marker); Pit Stop (within shouting distance of this marker); Stagecoach Drivers (within shouting distance of this marker); State Your Business... (within shouting distance of this marker); Fast Food (within shouting distance of this marker); Up In Smoke (within shouting distance of this marker); Home Sweet Home (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Olathe.
Also see . . . Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm. (Submitted on August 17, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 12, 2010
2. Not So Little A Farm On the Prairie... Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr.
3. Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 886 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 17, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on August 15, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
