A vital link that ties centuries and generations together are the stories of our heritage and the documents and monuments that recapture them.
As a tribute to our rich history and as a lasting landmark of our pride, Harold T. Holden, a nationally-renowned artist and historian sculpted a bronze monument in memory of Corporal Noah Van Buren Ness, for whom Ness County is named. This incredible life-sized statue, a tribute to Ness County's rich history, was unveiled on June 1, 2000 at the Old Settlers' Reunion in Ness City. It is the first Civil War statue to be erected in Kansas in over 60 years. It is one of only six life-size statues sculptured by Holden. The statue is located on the Ness County Courthouse lawn.
About the Artist
Painter and sculptor of the contemporary cowboy, Harold "H" Holden, has numerous outstanding achievements in Western art. His work has been featured on the cover of Western Horseman, the Quarter Horse Journal, in "The Texas Cowboy" and "Contemporary Western Artists." He was commissioned by the United States Postal Service to do the artwork for the 1993 Cherokee Strip Commemorative Stamp. Representative collectors include The National Cowboy Hall of Fame, Henry Kissinger, T. Boone Pickens and the Archer Daniels Midland Company.
Own a Historical Treasure
A rare opportunity to personally share in this momentous and historic occasion and at the same time acquire an exquisite and rare work of art, the Ness County Old Settlers' Association and H.T. Holden are offering a very limited edition of original Corporal Ness Statues. Measuring 17 1/2" x 5" and currently priced at $1,750, these bronze statues are exact replicas of the life-sized monument that will forever stand in the Ness County Courtyard.
There were only 40 of these signed and numbered statues available for purchase. There are only 11 left at this time.
If you are interested in purchasing a brick or acquiring an original H.T. Holden sculpture of Corporal Ness, please contact Ray Witthuhn at Farmers Bank.