Lidakay - George Emanuel
Source: FROM BOOK in Paola, Kansas Library -- HISTORY OF OUR CRADLE LAND
Edgerton (Kansas) George Emmanuel LIDIKAY came from Ladoga, Indiana to Kansas in the spring of 1882 and purchased the 40 acre family homestead from Mr. Edwin Stephens. He returned to Indiana for his family. The move was made in the fall of 1882 and the family belongings were loaded on a train in which was called an "immigrant"car. The livestock consisting of two horses, two mules and two rat terrier dogs were loaded in a freight car. Marcellus, the eldest son, came to Kansas in the freight car to feed and water the stock during the journey. Mr. Lidikay, his wife, the former Mary Graybill of Virginia, and six other children boarded a passenger train. One married daughter remained in Indiana. Around 1890 Mrs. Lidikay and three children returned to Indiana to live. In 1895, George Lidikay married Nannie Muster of Jefferstown, Kentucky and they made their home in Wellsville south of the railroad on main street. On February 2, 1888, Marcellus W. Lidikay married Mary Elizabeth Chambers. They started housekeeping 3 miles south and 1/2 west of Wellsville. Six years later they moved to a 160 acre farm 2-1/2 miles east and 3/4 mile south of Wellsville. Four children were born to this union: Harry E., Frances I., Ralph Y., and Lena E. (Bloss). In 1909, Mary Elizabeth died and Marcellus married Emily Josephine Turner in 1913, and they continued to live on the same farm. In 1943, Marcellus retired to Wellsville and his son, Ralph, bought the farm and lived there until 1965 when he sold it.