McGill - Merle Eugene & Robert Lee

"Here is a picture of Frank McGill dressed as Buffalo Bill. I have no idea when the photo was taken. It is okay with me if you include info in your newsletter. I have some great pictures of grandpa Frank in his Bill Cody outfit. I'll try to scan some of the best and e-mail to you.

I am not sure if all the story about Frank are true. I have his obituary around here someplace. He died in May, 1939 - I was born in August, so I only know the legend and stories. I am 67 and brother Gene is 74.

Edwards County, Lewis, Kansas is about 50 miles east of Dodge City. All of our ancestors are buried in a family plot in the Wayne Township cemetery near Lewis. The graves date back to the early 1800's. There is mention of the McGill's at the Dodge City, Boot Hill museum.

I am the only one living on the Central Coast. I have three daughters and eight grandchildren living in California and Nevada. Gene lives with his oldest daughter and family on a farm near Union.

Our Dad Merle J., passed away in 1980 at age 80. He and our step mom retired in Kinsley (9 miles west of Lewis) in the early 70's. Our Grandfather Frank was a Gentleman Farmer and Showman. He traveled with Bill Cody's Wild West Show. He looked a lot like Bill and would stand in for him when he was too drunk to ride (so the family story goes). Our Grandmother, although little French women, ran the farm.

12 years ago Gene and I visited Edwards County to visit our Dad's sisters the last of that generation (they have since passed away). It was interesting and a little sad. Lewis is down to less then 200 persons. Lewis does have a web site - no mention of McGill's. Thanks for asking about our family." -- Bob McGill - Email: bob.mcgill2@verizon.net
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