It is the unexpected events about our ancestors that puts the zip into our genealogy research.  The following article, did that for me.  I have researched this family through several of their generations and followed them as they migrated from east to west and even when they went their separate ways, several of them reuniting in the cemetery in Wichita, Kansas.

So, it was a happy surprise to find the unusual newspaper articles regarding Edwin R. Appleby and his miniature steamboat  that brought such pleasure to the people, through it's cruises up and down the Walnut River near Winfield, Kansas in 1879-1880.  Research is continuing to locate the fate of the "Neceda", named for Neceda, Wisconsin, the birthplace of Edwin R. Appleby.  

The lineage of this family is not connected directly to mine, but from earlier generations down through the present descendents, I have felt to be a welcome, though uninvited, guest.  I hope you will enjoy your cruise on the "Necedah" through this web page.   All aboard!!   Dee.

December 11, 1879

An item from the Winfield Courier

The Trial Trip of the Miniature Steamboat "Necedah"

  Last Saturday, we took a trial trip on the miniature steamboat, the "Necedah", of which we have spoken before as being built by Mr. E. R. Appleby for the Walnut at this place.  The boat is a perfect little beauty, is 31 feet long, and 7 feet wide, will carry 40 persons, and is propelled by a "Corney" engine, three-horse power, built especially for this boat.  We steamed up the river over five miles, made several stoppages, and returned in less that two hours.  The boat was as smooth as a Mississippi river steamer and can be propelled at the rate of 8 miles an hour.  It is the intention of the builder to run it as a pleasure boat and no person could pass an hour more pleasantly than by taking a ride up the river on the little "Necedah'.

Next: It is apparent, by context, that there was a meeting of the Association of Newspaper Editors, held in Winfield, Kansas in April 1880, most arriving by train, one that had evidently had engine problems, en route.

A portion of the event follows:  

April 29, 1880

Reported in the Kinsley Graphic

The Trip To Winfield For Editors Meeting

In due time an engine arrived, and at half past twelve the train steamed into Winfield, as pretty a little city as lies in Southern Kansas.  The band, military company and citizens, who had awaited our arrival for hours, hearing of the accident to the train, had gone home, but the reception committee were there, with carriages and omnibuses, and in a short time the party were being driven to hotels and private residences., where they had been assigned.  It was our good fortune to be placed under the care of Mr. J.P. Short, city clerk, and to him and his excellent lady we owe much for the enjoyment of the day.

At four o'clock the editors, their ladies, and the invited guests, were taken about the city in carriages, and then to the wharf on the Walnut, where was tied up the steamer Necedah, a small steamboat, 31 feet long, built to run on the Walnut.  For several hours the little craft was kept busy steaming up and down the river, giving the editors and their ladies an opportunity to try a life on the ocean wave.  The Necedah carried twenty passengers and navigates the river fourteen miles above the city.  In the evening a grand ball was given at the opera house, and at 12 o'clock a banquet was tendered the guests at the Central Hotel.

May 6, 1880

from the Winfield Courier

Steamer Neceda

The steamer Necedah will leave her landing at Bliss' mill on Saturdays, at 2 and 4 o'clock p.m. on a trip up the Walnut, five miles and return, to accommodate any and all who may wish to take a boat ride on a live steamer.  On Sundays will go out every 2 hours.  Parties wishing the services of the boat on other days during the week, for picnics, et., should leave orders on slate in cabinet shop in old ten pin alley.  Also all kinds and styles of boats neatly built to order.  By E. R. Appleby

July 28, 1880

Winfield Courier

More Personals:  Travelers

Mr. Appleby left for Salt City with the steamer "Necedah" yesterday, but requests us to state that he will be at Harmon's ford on the Walnut next Sunday, ready to give another one of those delightful excursions.  The Walnut at this place is a most beautiful stream and there is nothing nicer than to be one of a good crowd gliding over its placid waters in the "Necedah".

All Ashore

Credit goes to Bill Bottorff, for bringing the Necedah to our attention and to the Winfield, Kansas 'Courier' archives.  Appleby Heritage has done it's own research, also.   Bill is helping in our search for a picture and further information regarding the fate of the Necedah.   http://ausbcomp.com/~bbott/winrr/bnecedah.htm