The Other Koshkonong

The First 100 Years
By Clara Williams

Mr. Hardy Shurron was the first settler in what is now known as Koshkonong. In 1880, he homesteaded land which is now owned by Shell Oil Company and Wesson Charolais Ranch.

Mr. Shurron built the first home in the vicinity. In 1882, he traded his homestead for $10 cash, a ham, and a side of bacon. The buyer was Serano Standley, a construction employee of the Kansas City, Ft. Scott, and Memphis Railroad (now known as the Frisco). At this time , the right of way for the railroad was being prepared for the laying of track.

The superintendent of the railroad, Mr. R.R. Hammond, named the town Koshkonong. It was named after Lake Koshkonong, Wisconsin, which was Mr. Hammond's favorite duck hunting place.

At this time there was a large pond just east of the townsite. This pond had tall grass growing around it. The word "Koshkonong" is an Indian word meaning "wild rice". Mr. Hammond named the streets after some of railroad officials. Among these names are Bingham, Lyster and Castor.

Serano Standley built a double log house which served as his home and also a boarding house, store and post office. Mr Standley became the first postmaster in 1882.