Vallandigham

An Informal History of Osawatomie Kansas

Osage Valley - Osawatomie Centennial, 1854-1954 seal

“A Town Between Two Rivers” by Charles A. Knouse presents an informal history of the city’s founding, development, and significant events. This book, published as part of the Osage Valley Centennial in 1954, provides a comprehensive narrative based on documented history and personal accounts from residents. The narrative focuses solely on factual events, avoiding conclusions or opinions.

Biographical Sketch of R. L. Vallandigham

R. L. Vallandigham was born on January 1, 1837, in Ray County and raised in Daviess County. Initially a farmer, he shifted to operating a grist and saw-mill in 1868 before returning to farming in 1874. A Confederate soldier during the Civil War, he served in Company F and was wounded at Pea Ridge. He married M. A. Parks in 1873, with five children resulting from their union. Vallandigham currently resides on a 164-acre farm in Liberty Township.