GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD NORTH-EASTERN KANSAS ILlvUSTRAXED THK LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY CHICAGO 1900 PRKKACB. HL'T of the depths of liis mature wisdom Carlyle wrote, "Historv is the essence of inmimerable biographies." Believing this to be the fact. ■ 1 tliere is no necessity of advancing any furtiier reason for the compila- tion of such a w(jrk as this, if reliable history is to be the ultimate object. The section of Kansas oimprised within the limits of this volume has sus- tained within its confines men wlio have been prominent in the history of the State, and exx-n tb.e nation for half a century. Tlie annals teem with the rec- ords of strong and noble manhood, and, as Sumner has said :"Tbe true grand- eur of nation? is mjliose (qualities which constitute the greatness of the individ- __ua[." The final causes which shape the fortunes of individuals and tlic destinies of States are often the same. They are usually remote and obscure, and their in- fluence scarcely percei\-ed until manifestly declared In- results. That nation is the greatest which produces the greatest and most manly men and faithful women ; and the intrinsic safety of a community depends not so much upon methods as upon that true and normal de\-elo])ment fri)m the deep resources of which proceeds all that is precious and permanent in life. But such a result may not consciously be contemplated by the actors in the great social drama. Pur- suing each his personal good l)y exalted means, they work out as a l<-.gical result. Tiie elements of success in life consist in both innate capacity and deter- mination to e.xcel. Where either is wanting, failure is almost certain in the outcome. The study of a successful life, therefore, serves both as a source of information and as a stimulus and encouragement to those who have the capacity. As an important lesson in this connection we may appropriately quote _^X-&iig-fellow, who said : "W'e judge oursehes liy what we feel capable of doing, while we judge others by what they have already done." A faithful personal history is an illustration of the truth of this observation. In this biographical history the editorial staff, as well as the publishers, have fully realized the magnitude of the task. In the collection of the material there has been a constant aim to discriminate carefully in regard to the selec- 4 PREFACE. tion of subjects. Tliose ^vllo have been prominent factors in the puI)Hc, social and industrial development of the counties have been given due recognition as far as it has been possil:)le to secure the requisite data. Names worthy of perpetuation liere. it is true, have in several instances been omitted, either on account of tlie apathy of those concerned or the inability of the compilers to secure tlie information necessary for a symmetrical sketch; but even more pains lia\e Ijeen taken to secure accuracy than were promised in the prospectus. Works of this nature, therefore, are more relia1)le and complete than are tlic "standard" iiistories of a conntrv. THE PUBLISHERS. iinide:x. Abell, Peter T., 45. Adams, Henry S., 256. Adains, James H.. 374. Adams, Walter.!., 101. Alber..;, Charles M., 474. Albers, Herman G., 550. Albers, John, 435. Alexander. Wallace C. 333. Alkire, William W., 71. Allaman,Georg-e W., 88. Allison, J. B.. 523. Anderson, Nels, 628. Anderson, Oliver M., 612. Andrews, Rollin T., 144. Armstrong-, James D., 118. Armstrongs, Thomas, 495. Arthur, Samuel, 302. Ashcraft, John J., 86. Avery, Edwin, 198. Bailey, Monroe, 189. Baker, David, 211. Baldwin, James W., 459. Barrows, William F., 406. Barry, John H., 695. Bartlow, Oliver M., 320. Batsell, John C, 390. Baxter. John, 540. Baxter, Thomas T.,660. Bauer. V'., 741. Beathard, Thomas M., 271. Bell, William H., 677. Belts, James W., 72'i. Benjamin, Miller J., 396. Berkley, Elias. 514. Berlin, Joseph H.,399. Berry, Alexander, 444. Bertwell. William H.,261. Bierer, Everhard, 160. Bird, George, 554. Bishop, Lucius H., 299. Bliss, Joseph L., 344. Blocker, Clemens, 252. Blodget, Georg-eM., S77. Boder, Henry. Jr., 325. Bohannon, Thomas J., 291. Bond, James, 216. Bouton, Eli F., 89. Brant, Walter R., 312. Braun, Anton, 470. Brenner, N. G., 414. Brigg-s. Isaac, 496. Brigham, James H., 720. Brittain, Joseph, 415. Brown, Eugene C. 83. Brown, John P., 46. Brown, William S., 625. Brown, Zachariah, 135. Browning, Alonzo P., 542. Brownlee, John W., 405. Buck, Robert B., 673. Bunker, George M., 667. Burger, Harry D., 226. Butler, Charles P., 307. Buttron, Henry, 637. Byrne, Patrick, 250. Calioon, J. A.. 343. Cahoon, W. W., 343. Cain, Alfred D.. 53. Cain, John M.. 60. Cain, William S.. 64. Campbell, Alexander X., 376. Campbell, Amos, 358. Campbell, James A.. 304. Campbell, Lucius W., 493. Canter, W. J., 664. Carolan, Thomas, 247, Castle, Elizur S.,449. Cawley, B. M.,676. Chamberlin, John C.,94. Chappie, William, 460. Chase, Lewis K., 529. Chill, Alfred, 657. Cirtwell, A. D., 105. Clark, William L., 712. Cloyes, Marshall J., 6.56. Cochrane, W. W., 48. Coleman, Chester, 729. Coleman, Nathan, 180. Colley, William H. H., 473. Collins, D. W., 675. Collin.«, John, 243. Compton. C. M., 671. Cook, Charles E., 507. Cornelison, Edward R., 112. Cortelyou, Luther, 96. Cox, j". N., 133. Crandall, J. F.,208. Craven, Peter, 104. Crockett, A. B., 242. Cronin, Jeremiah J., 490. Crouch, William H., 143. Culver. Joseph W., 87. Curtis, William H. H., '152. Dailey, William M.. 289. Davis. George M., 284. Davis, Thomas, 259. Deaver, Henry J., 338. Deckard, Joseph H., 747. Delaney, Andrew O., 454. Delaney. Dennis P., 589. Denton, George, 441. Denton, John H., 484. Denton, Joseph, 462. Denton, William, 487. Dickens, Albert B., 482. Dickersofi, F. W., 132. Dickinson, Luther, 693. INDEX. Diesbacri, Henry, 608. Uixoii, David, 623. Driiry, Arthur S., 572. Eckel, John, 255. Kgre, Edward A.. 553. E^-lin, Thomas, 519. Elliott. John, 263. Ellis, G. H , 387. Ennelken, John, 531. Erick!-on, Edward N., 662. Erwin, F. H., 505. EvaiKN Franklin, 254. Eylar, Aroti R., 475. Eylur, James M., 708. Farnsworth. Dallas E., 566. Feriru-,o", Thoina< J., 592. Fi-her, .loUn K.. 217. FitziK.trick, Dav:d T., 6!1. FUtclKr, Jes c, 176. Flickinf:. r, a. C, .58. F..I.-rh ;i. Williat.', ^-31. Ford, Frai klir, 26H. For cro.ik, w . H., 'Oi. Foster, Cas^iu~ G., 206. Fowler. Darius E., 103, Fox. Jared C, SO. Fn.ble, Thoniav.2'15. Fre. Ian '. Jam s H., 293. Freelaiid, Ja.i.e- P., >.8. Fni.k.Dav.d M., 134. Funk, Jolm N., ISl. G.,r-ide, JamesH.,2 8. Gil.M., , J. c..b, 169 'i' 1 ' I'ir. Alex.iiKl r,740. : i-M rir<' \V., 5'. '•:■■:. A.'e: ;:er-, 6-3. t; r.l..ii .1. A. , ('.. Mr. Gr al.l., J,-e,, ill II , 4-l.>. Gr p, 742. Gr al.a".n7\\M'ii ilini. 61'. <;r n y. Jume M ,403. Gr ave-.Juhn ,80. Gr ■ern, Charles E.. 397. Gretrg-, J.inie- ..6S8. Gr VL'^r, John, 276. Gr iffiM, Erne- t C, \S<^. Gr illin. Rich:, rd G., 3J2. II; irgolin, Jo.. epli, 2:0. H: iffaman. G. •orfre v., 42.= Hale, John R ..215. H. .11, Dnr;,nd C, 432. H; .llintr. Au- u-t, 472. H. .lli.^t.'. Fra. n<. .-7(1. Ham, M;nor( li'le-pie. 77. H; nnnor, J .11 A n . 31^. 11: in-2, Michji K-t. 2x0. II .n z,J..h.i. 174. H, .rdintr. C. J ■., .^50. Harper, Jame •SP..59. H; irper, John T., 565. H: irper, Thoti na- M.,4SS. Harpster.J. F.,5S7. Harrinfrton, Eldred, 546. Harring-ton, Grant W., 85. Hart, Nancy J., 511. Hart, H. W., 497. Hartman, Frederick, 172. Hartman, Robert D., 171. H irtnian, William M.. 419. Hdtch, James H., 504. Hauber, William, 380. Hawk, Andrew, 293. ' Hawk, Daniel W., 292. Huzlett, J. B.. 501. Ht-astan. Benjamin F., 750. Heeney, Ed., 560. Heiniann, Timotheus, 458. Heinekeu, William L., 124. Henderson, George M., 296. Herold, A. P., 13 . Herrick, Samuel J., 237. Hess, William, 634. Hetherington, Webster W., 21. Hotheriny^ton, William, 19. Hu:kiiiai), Thomas 15., 669. llildebrand, Jo.scph, 374. Hill, Daniel, 377. IliUyer, David, 521. Hiskey, Solomon, 610. Hissong-, M., 678. Holcomb, Stephen A., 362. HMli^tor, Samuel, 569. H Mint-ll. Honrv W., 156. Ho.niell, TlioniasC, 330. Howard, Joseph W., 485, Howe. Edg-ar W., 739. Howell, Amos A., i:0. Howell, Nathaniel E., 722. Hoyt, Fred, 489. Hudg-ens, J.\W.,224. Hulintrs, Cincinnatus B., 579. Hunter, John, 576. Hunter, James W., 476. Hiilchins, Charle.= D., 56. Ido, Judson W., 602, In-alls. John J., 11. Irwin, A. B., 599. Jenning-s, Enos S., 609. Jenson, James, 456. Johns n, George H. T., 640. J hn 01, John A.. 327. J h son, John P., 647. J luison, Richard, 222. J.nes, James R., 436. Jones, Owen, 70S. Joyce, Martin, 685. Keckler, Peter, 466. Kelley, E.G., 551. Kenyon, Clark M., 715. Kenyon, Frank W., 717. Kessler, Georgfe E., 703. Killey, Philip, 285. Kimberlin, Nathaniel, 148. Kinder, Alex, 384. King-, Samuel E,, 713. King, Samuel S., 659. "kid^b^OT BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. ii a delegate from Kansas to the national Republican conventions of i860, 1868, 1872 and 1880, a member of the national Republican committee from 1868 to 1884 and secretary of that body from 1880 to 1884. He was one of the vice- l)residents of the United States centennial commission and took an active interest in that great exposition in 1876. Colonel Martin was one of the incorporators of the Kansas Magazine Company, a member of the State Historical Society, of which he was president one term, and was president of the State Editorial & Publishers Association in 1878. In the last mentioned year he was elected by both houses of congress on the board of managers of the National Soldiers' Home, was re-elected in 1882 and in 1886 and at the time of his death was the second vice-president of that association. He was elected mayor of the city of Atchison in 1865 and was the third postmaster of that place, an office which he held for twelve years. Colonel Martin was elected governor of Kansas in 1884 and re-elected in 1886. At the close of his second gubernatorial term he resumed control of the Champion, of which he was sole proprietor, and up to a few weeks previous to his death was at his desk daily, writing and supervising the affairs of his business. He was a man of strong character, brimful of energy, forceful in his writing and public-spirited in every way. He was very popular and made friends without any effort, his death being felt as a personal bereavement as well as a severe loss to the public at large. On June 15, 1871, Colonel Martin was married to Miss Ida Challiss, daughter of Dr. W. L. Challiss, of Atchison, who. with six children, Ruth, Grace, Ethel, Faith. Paul and Harres, survive him. Evan C. Martin, one of the children, died September 4, 1892. No name has figured more con- spicuously or honorably in connection with the history of Kansas than that of John A. Martin. He was connected with the public progress along business and political lines, his efforts were potent in advancing charitable and benev- olent work, and upon the battle-fields of the south he displayed personal bravery and heroism that inspired the men whom he commanded to deeds of valor. Certainly the life of no citizen of this commonwealth has been more varied in service, more firm in principle, more blameless in conduct and more stainless in reputation. JOHN J. INGALLS. John J. Ingalls is without doubt the most distinguished statesman, the most brilliant orator and the most fluent and versatile writer that the state of Kansas has ever produced. No citizen of Kansas has ever represented this commonwealth so ably in the deliberative councils and in the legislative forum 12 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. of the repul)lic, or received such lionoral)le recognition from his fellow citizens in the state and in the nation as has the man whose eventful life, distinguished public services and peculiar personal characteristics it is the purpose of this essay briefly to trace and portray. The professional and political career of John J. Ingalls is contemporaneous with the entire history of the state of Kansas and is closely identified with the industrial development and the political vicissitudes of the same, while for over two decades he has been one of the ablest, most jx^pular, most unique and most influential figures identified with the political affairs, the economic ques- tions and the social problems of the entire American nation. Ex-Senator Ingalls is the direct descendant of two noted Puritan families, coming on both his father's side and his mother's "from an unbroken strain of Puritan blood without any intermixture." His original ancestor on his father's side was Edmund Ingalls, who with his brother Francis came over from Yorkshire, England, in 1628, and founded the city of Lynn, Massachu- setts. His father was Elias T. Ingalls, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, who was characterized as "a typical New Englander. — aristocratic, aus- tere, devout, scholarly — successful in business and respected by all." Mehit- abel Ingalls, a first cousin of Elias T. Ingalls, was President Garfield's grandmother. On his mother's side Mr. Ingalls is related to the noted Chase family, of which the late Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase was a prominent member. The original member of this family was Aquila Chase, who came to America in 1630 and settled in New Hampshire. His mother, whose maiden name was Eliza Chase, is still living, at Haverhill, Massachusetts, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. John James Ingalls was born at Middleton, Essex county, Massachu- setts, December 29, 1833. He was the oldest of nine children and was educated in the public schools until he was sixteen, after which time he continued his studies preparatory for college under a private tutor. His literary genius had begun to manifest itself before he left the public schools and his "earliest intellectual activity found expression in verse." He entered Williams College, at Williamstown, Massachusetts, in September, 1851, of which institution Dr. Mark Hopkins, at this time in the prime of his remarkable intellectual activity, was then president. After his graduation at college, in 1855. Mr. Ingalls entered upon the study of law and was admitted to the bar in his native county of Essex in 1857. The bold and fearless character of the statesman and the politician had begun to be foreshadowed in the college student, especially toward the close of his academic career. Into his graduating oration he incor- porated views that were objectionable to the faculty and which were cut out when the authorities revised his commencement production. When he came to deliver it, however, he spoke it as originally written, for which offense his BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 13 diploma was withheld until 1864, after he had begun to make a name for him- self in the west. Twenty years after granting him his first diploma his aluia mater honored him and itself by conferring upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws. Mr. Ingalls emigrated to Kansas in the fall of 1858 and took up his abode r.t Sumner, where he began the practice of law, but moved to Atchison and opened his law office in that town. Meanwhile the future statesman had entered upon his political career and was winning rapid promotion. In 1859 he served as a delegate to the Wyandotte constitutional convention. In i860 he was the secretary of the territorial council. In 1861 he was the secretary of the state senate. In 1862 he was elected a member of the state senate from Atchison county. Changing his activities from the political to the military field, he served as major, lieutenant-colonel and judge advocate of Kansas vol- unteers from 1863 to 1S65. In 1862 and again in 1864 he also ran as candidate for lieutenant-governor on what was then known as the Union State ticket in revolt against the arrogant assumptions of such tyrannical political dema- gogues as "Jim" Lane and his followers, whose overthrow was not accom- plished until 1866. For this course Mr. Ingalls was accused of being disloyal to his party, but the circumstances seem to have made his attitude not only justifiable but praiseworthy as well. "For eight years after the war," writes J. \Y. D. Anderson, "Mr. Ingalls devoted himself to newspaper and general literary work:. indeed, it was as a literary man that he first made a state reputation. \\q learned to know and admire the classical style, the incisive method, the wealth of words and the full- ness of information which have since made him so noted as an orator. Much of this literary work was in praise in Kansas, and, as a genuine affection is nearly always returned in kind, Kansas soon came to love and to delight to do him honor." For three years he was the editor of the Atchison Champion and sub- sequently won national reputation by a series of brilliant magazine articles upon themes of western life and ad\'enture, the most noted of which were entitled "Catfish Aristocracy," "Bluegrass," "Regis Loisel and Cleveland, the Last of the Jayhawkers." It is also of interest to note in this connection that Mr. Ingalls suggested the original design for the great seal of Kansas upon the admission of the state into the Union, together with the motto, "Ad astra per aspcra" (To the stars through difficulties). Unfortunately, however, the simplicity and beauty of his original design were marred by the committee to whom it was submitted for adoption. The history of this emblematic device can best be given in ex-Senator Ingalls" own characteristic words : "I was secretary of the Kansas state senate at its first session after our admission in 186 1. A joint committee was appointed to present a design for 14 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. the great seal of the state and I suggested a sketch embracing a single star rising from the clouds at the base of a field, with the constellation (representing the number of states then in the Union) above, accompanied by the motto, "Ad astra per aspcra." If you will examine the seal as it now exists you will see that my idea was adopted, but in addition thereto* the committee incor- porated a mountain scene, a river view, a herd of buffalo chased by Indians on horseback, a log cabin with a settler plowing in the foreground, together with a number of other incongruous, allegorical and metaphorical augmentations which destroyed the beauty and simplicity of my design. "The clouds at the base were intended to represent the perils and troubles of our territorial history; the star emerging therefrom, the new state; the constellation, like that on the flag, the Union, to which, after a stormy struggle, it had been admitted." The first election of Mr. Ingalls to the national senate in 1873 came almost as a surprise to himself and his friends. Senator S. C. Pomeroy was a candi- date for re-election, but he was suspected of dishonesty by some of the members of the state legislature. His support, however, was so strong that there was no hope of defeating him and the opposition in his party had not even united on a candidate. On the day that the houses met in joint session State Senator York secured the floor, accused Senator Pomeroy of bribery, exposed the fact that he had offered to himself (State Senator York) seven thousand dollars for his vote and carried the money to the presiding officer's desk, requesting that it be used in prosecuting the offender. This sensation at once turned the tide away from Pomeroy, and Mr. Ingalls, who was in Tojieka to argue a case be- fore the supreme court and who had received but one vote in caucus the day before at once became a favorite candidate and was elected upon the first ballot. Ex-Senator Ingalls" career in the upper chamber of congress is so well known that it may be readily passed in review in this sketch. His record was so satisfactory to his constituents that he was returned to his seat in 1870 and again in 1885. In 1887, after the death of Vice President Hendricks, he was unanimously elected president pro tempore of the senate, and this election was later, by a special rule which has since been followed, made permanent until the inauguration of a new vice-president, or until, in case the vice-president is liv- ing, the senate should have changed its political complexion. While Senator Irigalls, therefore, was the president of the senate he enjoyed all the honor, dignity and distinction pertaining to the oflice of vice-president of the United States, and his family was accorded all the precedence and recognition belong- ing to this position. His public utterances upon the floor of the senate were invariably marked by strong partisan bias, and his political opponents were frequently made to wince under his caustic and penetrating criticism and his flood of withering BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 15 sarcasm ; but yet his speeches were, at the same time, always characterized by a certain distinct individuahty and independence that marked the quality of their style and thought as being peculiarly his own. When, however, he 'was elevated to the office of acting vice-president he at once rose to the full measure and dignity of the high position to which his fellow senators had chosen him, and as the president of the senate he performed the functions of that office with unusual grace and with absolute impartiality. The defeat of the famous "force bill." which Speaker Reed had pushed with characteristic dispatch through the house, was attributed by many of his party colleagues to Senator Ingalls. When he was requested to lend his aid as presiding officer to force the bill through the senate, he peremptorily refused to play this role, and sharply rebuked those who w^ere attempting to resort to tactics not in keeping with the dignity of the senate. As a mark of their high respect and of their appreciation of his uniformly calm, impartial and judicial attitude as their presiding officer, the senators, upon his retirement as the president of the senate, presented him with the clock that had counted time for the senate from 1852 to 1890, which memento now adorns the wall above the landing of the stairway in the spacious hall of the ex-Senator's residence, while upon the wall of his library, artistically engrossed and appropriately framed, is found the original copy of the following resolu- tion, upon which comment would be superfluous: '•Resolved, That the thanks of the senate are due, and are hereby tendered, to Hon. John J. Ingalls, a senator from the state of Kansas, for the eminently courteous, dignified, able and absolutely impartial manner in which he has pre- sided over the deliberations and performed the duties of president /to tempore of the senate. "Attest : Anson G. McCook, "Secretary." Mr. Ingalls first won national fame as an orator while serving in the senate and many of his forensic efforts upon the floor of that body will never be for- gotten. Whenever it was announced that the eloquent senator from Kansas was to make a speech the galleries and corridors of the senate chamber were always crowded, and those who were so fortunate as to hear him ne\'er came in vain. His speeches on "The Race Problem" and "The Financial Question," his eulogies on Senator Hill, of Georgia, and on Congressman Burnes, of Mis- souri, and his debates with Senators Voorhees and Blackburn are among his best known oratorical efforts in the senate. Concerning his well known reply to Senator Voorhees it is worthy of men- tion that ex-Senator Ingalls regards it as the least creditable of all his per- formances, though it is undoubtedly the best remembered of all his public utter- ances, and he regrets that the occasion made such a speech in the senate neces- i6 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. sary. He also claims that his criticisms of McClellan and Hancock had refer- ence not to their military records hnt to their political attitudes, and that his remarks were perverted by his political opponents for the purpose of placing him in a very disagreeable position. His command of language is remarkable and his sparkling wealth of words seems to come to him as easily and as naturally as the poverty of lan- guage is a prevailing characteristic of most of his fellow beings. He is equally fluent in conversation, upon the platform or with his pen. As a public speaker, however, Mr. Ingalls' powers of expression seem to have attained their highest range and their highest development. He is, moreover, a scholar, a philo- sophical thinker and a close student of our social and political problems, as well as an orator and rhetorician. Many of his oratorical productions, viewed in the light of their magnificent and forcible style, as also with reference to their thought content, may indeed be termed "classical." A characteristic passage, taken from the introduction to his eulogy on Congressman Burnes-, is here in.serted for the sake of illustration : "In the democracy of the dead all men at last are equal. There is neither rank, station nor prerogative in the republic of the grave. At this fatal thresh- old the philosopher ceases to be wise and the song of the poet is silent. Di\-es relinquishes his millions and Lazarus his rags. The poor man is as rich as the richest and the rich man is as poor as the pauper. The creditor loses his usury and the debtor is acquitted of his obligation. There the proud man surrenders his dignities, the politician his honors, the worldling his pleasures, the invalid needs no physician, and the laborer rests from unrequited toil. Here at last is Nature's final decree in equity. The wrongs of time are redressed, injustice is expiated, the irony of fate is refuted, the unequal distribution of wealth, honor, capacity, pleasure and opportunity, which makes life so cruel and inexplicable a tragedy, ceases in the realm of death. The strongest there has no supremacy, and the weakest needs no defense. The mightiest captain succumbs to the invincible ad\ersary who disarms alike the \ictor and the vanquished." In a similar compact, epigrammatic style, is his oft quoted estimate of Lincoln : "Abraham Lincoln, the greatest leader of all, had the humblest origin and scantiest scholarship. Yet he surpassed all orators in eloquence, all diplomat- ists in wisdom, all statesmen in foresight, and the most ambitious in fame." When Senator Ingalls fell a victim to the Populist upheaval in Kansas, in 1 89 1, and was obliged, much to the regret of the country at large, to yield his seat in the senate to Mr. Peffer. his political adversaries took delight to refer to him by his self-api)lied title of "a statesman without a job." In this respect, however, their expectations were not realized, for the man of genius and intlus- try is never out of employment. They failed to recognize that a statesman BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 17 must not necessarily hold public office in order to be either successfully or advantageously employed, and that if his services as a public man have been of consequence, men will not likely let his talent remain unemployed as a private citizen. Upon his retirement from public life Mr. Ingalls had a number of exceedingly tempting offers — both in the east and in the west — to accept the editorship of prominent newspapers, all of which he declined, mainly because their acceptance would require him to transfer his family and his citizenship out of his adopted state. After his return from his trip to Europe, his library, his pen and the lec- ture platform have profitably occupied his time and talents, and a number of timely articles upon the principal economic, political and social questions of the period ha\-e appeared from his pen in the leading periodicals of the country, ilis essays are always in great demand, are said to command higher prices than those of any other man in America, with the exception of Oliver Wendell Holmes and James Russell Lowell, and are not only intensely interesting but highly instructive as well. They do not express ideas merely struck off at ran- dom, but embody the valuable results and conclusions of years of faithful study and ripe experience. Mr. Ingalls has also been in great demand as a popular platform lecturer since retiring from the senate, his services in this capacity commanding the very highest prices, and as a lecturer and orator he has probably only two peers on the American platform — Depew and Watterson. This field of activity opened to him spontaneously, unsought by himself, and contrary to the usual experi- ence of the successful orator, it is, strange to say, absolutely distasteful to him. "Oak Ridge," located on a slightly wooded elevation overlooking the city of Atchison from the southwest, is the name given to Mr. Ingalls' beautiful and cultured home. He is the father of eleven children, seven of whom— three sons and four daughters — are still living. Mrs. Ingalls, to whom the Senator has always been a hero, has been to him a most loyal wife and helpful com- panion, and is, moreover, a most faithful and devoted mother to her family and an ideal housekeeper in the management of her home and in the education and control of her children. By the salutary power and influence that Mrs. Ingalls is so constantly exerting over her family, the domestic side of Senator Ingalls' home, in spite of his long career in public life, has not suffered in the least. His home is a cheerful and happy one, in which the higher literary and artistic tastes and the nobler ideas of life are assiduously cultivated, and in which the bond of affection is sincere and strong. The final history of the latter half of the nineteenth century, and the final estimate of the character and achievements of the leadfng public men of this period, will not be written during the life-time of the present generation, and they may not be written until a number of generations shall have passed away; 18 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. but whenever the final account shAll liave been formulated, and whenever the final estimate of the most distinguished statesmen and foremost leaders of this epoch shall have been made, the name and fame of John J. Ingalls will occupy a unique and conspicuous place among the list of illustrious Americans of this eventful age who loved their country most and served her interests best. [The above sketch was largely copied from a biographical record prepared LyG. H. Meixell.] DAVID MARTIN. High on the roll of Kansas' eminent jurists appears the name of David Martin, who has occupied the position of chief justice of the state. He was recognized as one of the ablest lawyers of the commonwealth, and was one of the best judges who ever occupied a seat upon the bench. The legal profession demands a high order of ability, and the judiciary, it is unnecessary to say. requires not only ability but the rare combination of talent, learning, tact and industry. The successful lawyer and the competent judge must be a man of well balanced intellect and comprehensive general information, thoroughly frmiliar with the law and practice, possessed of an analytical mind, and a self- control that will enable him to lose his individuality, his personal feelings, his prejudices and the peculiarities of disposition in the dignity, impartiality and equity of the ofiice to which life, property, right and liberty must look for pro- tection. In all of these particulars Judge Martin was well qualified, and in his official career he honored the state which honored him by elevation to its highest tribunal. The Judge was born in Clark county, Ohio. October i6. 1839, and is a son of John and Eliza (Halliday) ]Martin. The father was a native of London, Fngland, and when very young came to the United States. He was married and located in New York city, and subsequently moved from that place to Clark ciiunty, where he made his home from 1S37 until his death. Eliza Halli- day, whom he married, was btirn at Lisburn. near Belfast, Ireland. His son David spent his boyhood days in the county of his nativity, where he acquired a good education which served as a foundation upon which he reared the super- structure of professional knowledge. Determined to enter the legal profes- sion, he became a student in the law office of Honorable J. Warren Keifer at Si)ringfield, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar before the supreme court at Columbus in 1866. In May of the following year he came to Atchison, where he opened a law office and engaged in general practice. Gradually his business grew in volume and importance as he demonstrated his ability to successfully handle the important litigated interests entrusted to his care. It was not long BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 19 before he had taken rank among the leading lawyers of his adopted city, and he was elected as judge of the second judicial district in 1880 and again in 1884, without opposition; but he resigned in April, 1887, and resumed the practice of the law and continued in the practice until April, 1895. when he was appointed to the office of chief justice to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Chief Justice Horton. In the following fall he was elected on the Republican ticket by the handsome majority of over eighty-two thousand, and served until January, 1897. He took to the bench a mind well stored with legal lore, a large experience gathered from years of extensive and important practice, a character that was an assurance that the duties of the high office would be faith- fully administered, and a general natural fitness for the position that few men possess. On the expiration of his term Judge Martin removed his law office to Topeka, Kansas, but retained his home in Atchison, where he has a comfortable residence, modern in all its appointments. On the 5th of January, 1882, he was married to Miss Lissa Kibby, the second daughter of William B. and Anna L. Kibby, and a representative of a prominent old family of Atchison. It was in 1858 that her father came to this county from Pennsylvania, and here his death occurred on the 14th of May, 1869. Her mother, however, long sur- vived, passing away March 11, 1899. The Judge and his wife have a large circle of friends in the city which has so long been their home, and their high position in social circles is an indication of their intellectual and many genial qualities. As a lawyer and judge, the subject of this review ranks among the foremost, and no history of Atchison would be complete without the record of his life. WILLIAM HETHERIXGTON. As a representative of the class of substantial builders of a great common- wealth who served faithfully and long in the enterprising west, we present the subject of this sketch, who was a pioneer of the Sunflower state and nobly did his duty in establishing and promoting the material interests, legal status and moral welfare of his community, and exerted a great influence throughout his community in financial circles. His prominence was the result of his upright life and fitness for leadership, and through his well directed and honorable cft'orts he gained most gratifying success. Mr. Hetherington was a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in the town of Milton, on the loth of May, 1821. There he spent the days of his boyhood and youth, acquiring his education in the public schools. Having arrived at the years of maturity, he was united in marriage, in Pine Grove, 20 PIOGRAPHICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. rcnnsvlvaiiia. to Miss Annie M. Strimphfler, who was born in W'omelsdorf, I;erks count V. Pennsylvania, September 24, 1S27. Their marriage occurred oil the oth of May. 1S48, and they became residents of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Hetherington engaged in the operation of a flouring-mill. They l;ad three children, namely: Mrs. B. P. Waggener, Webster Wirt and C. S. Hetherington. In 1859 they removed to Atchison, where occurred the birth of the youngest child, Mrs. William A. Otis. On coming to the west, Mr. Hetherington first located in St. Louis, subse- quently went to Kansas City and later to Leavenworth, where he purchased a bankrupt stock of gootls and hauled them by wagon to Atchison, arriving in that city in 1S59. The same year he established the Exchange Bank, absorbing the Kansas \"alley Bank, wliich had Ijeen organized se\eral years and was owiied by Robert L. Pease. When Mr. Hetherington came into possession of the latter it was located in a basement at the comer of Third and Commercial streets. In a few months he removed to the building now occupied by the ofiSce of the water works, and while there engaged in business an attempt was made to rob tlie bank by Cleveland, the notorious outlaw, who, however, was fright- ened away by some freighters who were working around the stable near by. At a later date Mr. Hetherington erected a fine bank building at the northwest comer of Fourth and Commercial streets. That was then considered "away out on the prairie." but tlie present home of the Exchange National Bank, erected in 1S85. is situated still two blocks further west and is yet in the heart C'f the business center of the town. From the organization of the bank until h.is death. Mr. Hetherington was its president and made it one of the most sub- stantial financial institutions of the state. In its management he was conserva- tive, and in the control of its business was at all times so reliable and honorable that he won the unqualifieti confidence of the public and secured a large share of the public's business. The institution \\-as merged into a national bank in iS8j, anil with the }%assing years its success was augmented, the last annual statement l^ing the Ix-st ever made, Mr. Hetherington was a man of resourceful business ability and did not confine his eflforts alone to linking, Througli the investments he made in builings he Ix^ame a leading factor in the material advancement of the city, and Bt all times was a lil^ral supjv>rter of the moA-ements and measures which he believed would prove a public Ivnefit. He Ix^re a marked influence on public thought and movement, for his judgnueni was largely unbiased and his opinions were given only after due ci^nsideratiitn of the subject under discussion. He was a Democrat at a time when sectional bitterness was at its height, yet he did much to maintain jieace ainong the ci->nttnding factions, for he always ad\-ocated a nxMlerate c<.nir,se anvl laK^reil tor jieace. He \\-as never a bitter I^artisan, and his conserv-ative course w\-vn him the respect of the public in an BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. 21 unusual degree. His oratorical abilitj- made him a popular public speaker and his addresses are still quoted as fine examples of eloquence and good sense. In an early day he served as mayor of the cit}% and labored for reform and progress along many lines. None questioned his deep interest in the citj-'s good nor his unselfish efforts in behalf of his fellow men. .\n innate sense of high culture was one of his marked attributes and he possessed a refined nature that tolerated nothing coarse or low. He was a gentleman of the old school, always courteous and kindly, and the circle of his friends was almost co-exten- sive with his acquaintances. His home life was especially pleasant and har- monious. His death occurred in 1890, three years after the death of his wife, to whom he was most fondly attached. Mrs. Hetherington was a lady of a beau- tiful character and endeared herself to many friends. One who knew her well said of her that she was "a woman of superior intelligence, of intense affection, of great kindness and of unwear\-ing devotion to her family." Her charming simplicity of manner: her amiable, charitable disposition, which was never at any time during her long life betrayed into an imkind word toward any human being; her patience and tenderness, manifested in a thousand ways towards those she so dearly loved, and to whom she was so ardently attached, and for \\hose comfort and welfare she counted no sacrifice too great, no labor too irk- some : her sweetness and buoyancy of spirit ; her radiant face : her wifeh". moth- erly, womanly worth, expressed in one continuous series of self-denials, her v.holesome devoutness. existing now only in memory, and embalmed in the tenderest recollections, — are the priceless legacy left to her husband and children. WEBSTER WIRT HETHERIXGTOX. From the beginning of his active career almost, until the time of his death, ^Ir. Hetherington was one of the most distinguished, capable and honored business men of Atchison, and his name figures conspicuously in connection with the banking interests of the cit}-. All who knew him esteemed him highly for his sterling worth, for at all times he was true to manly principles and to straightforward business methods. His career was a busy and useful one, in which he not only achieved success for himself but also promoted the prosperity of the cit\- with which he was identified. It is the enterprise and character of the citizen that enrich and ennoble the commonwealth. From individual enter- terprise have sprung all the splendor and importance of this great west, and Mr. Hetherington was one of those who contributed to the material progress and substantial improvement of Atchison. 22 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Pottsville, December 19. iS^o, and was tiie eldest son of William and Annie M. (Strimphler) Hetherington. He acquired his education in Gambier College, in Ohio, and left that institution in order to enter the Exchange National Bank at Atchison, of which his father was the founder and for many years the president. He was only eight years of age when he arrived in this city, and when his literary education was com- j'leted he was made cashier, and for many years was an active factor in main- taining the high reputation which the bank always enjoyed. Upon his father's death, in 1890, he was elected to the presidency, and occupied that position until his own death, on the 28th of January. 1892. He formed his plans read- ily, was determined in their execution and made but few mistakes. He pos- sessed keen discernment and sound judgment, and had much of that dignified bearing which marked his father. His gentlemanly manner and uniform courtesy attracted attention everywhere and won him respect in all classes of society. He was widely known in financial circles, and enjoyed an esi)ecially valuable acquaintance among the financiers of New York, with whom he had many transactions in western securities. When the Rock Island road built its Kansas and Nebraska extension. Mr. Hetherington made arrangements to purchase all the municipal bonds it received from the counties and townships through which it passed. The deal was successful, and won him the confidence of the New York brokers through whom he sold the bonds. In 1889 lie received from W. P. Rice, of New York, ten thousand dollars in cash and also traveling expenses for himself and wife on a tour in Europe, in payment of his services in going to London and assisting ]\Ir. Rice in interesting English capitalists in American enterprises. Through the judicious management of his extensive business interests he won a handsome fortune. On the 1 8th of November, 1875, ^^r. Hetherington was united in mar- riage to Miss Lillie Miller, the eldest daughter of Dr. John G. and Anna B. (Bennett) Miller, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The Doctor was a prominent physician and for many years followed his profession in Atchison, where he was well known. Mrs. Hetherington is a lady of culture and refinement and with her family she occupies one of the most elegant homes in this locality. By her marriage she became the mother of five children, two sons and three daughters, namely : Ruthanna. at home ; Mary Louise, who is a student in a private school in New York city : ^^■ebster Wirt, who is a stu- dent in a military college in :\Iichigan ; Gail and Harry Hale. Mr. Hetherington always displayed a genuine public spirit in all measures and movements for the public good. He was firm in his convictions, yet had due consideration for the rights and opinions of others. He bore an unassail- able reputation and inspired personal friendship of great strength, and had the happy faculty of drawing his friends closer to him as the years passed by. BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GEXEALOCICAL RECORD. 23 BALIE PEYTON WAGGEXER. Hon. Balie Peyton Waggener lias been called the "favorite son" of Atchi- son, Kansas, and certainly no one of the citizens is more widely known or more popular. His prominent position as general attorney of the Missouri Pacific Railway Company brings him in contact with all sorts and conditions of men, while his own extensive law practice has made him acquainted with people all over the state. Mr. Waggener was born near Platte City, Platte county. Missouri, July 18, 1847, ^"=^^y (^a^n^ u.' U J^. c^ O^rvi U/k ^. U^dZ^ BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. 27 steadily worked his way upward, gaining a capital that numbers him among the wealthy men of the state, and at the same time winning the high regard of all by his straightforward dealing and his irreproachable methods. ALFRED G. OTIS. Alfred G. Otis was born in Cortland county, New York, December 13, 1827, being the son of Isaac and Caroline A. Otis. \\'hile a mere boy his father removed to Barry county, in the then new state of Michigan, and engaged extensively in farming. His son Alfred, with other members of the family, was thus reared upon a farm and shared all the labors and hardships of pioneer life. At the age of twenty Mr. Otis resolved to enter upon a pro- fessional career and determined, as the first step, to obtain a thorough classical education. As the father was burdened with the care of a large famil}', the son set about the task of acquiring his education unaided. His first studies in Latin and Greek were commenced in the e\-ening upon the farm after the day's work w^as done. Afterward, by teaching, he acquired means to prosecute his studies at the Kalamazoo branch of the State University. Entering the university at Ann Arbor, as a sophomore, in 1849, ^^^ ^^'^^ graduated in regular course in 1852. He then went south to Mississippi, where he taught school and studied law at the same time. From there he entered the Louisville Law School, where he was graduated in 1854, after which he began practice in that city. In October, 1855, he removed to Atchison, Kansas, where he has resided continuously since. He engaged at once in the active practice of his profession and for several years was extensively connected with the land litigation which about that time sprang up in the new territory, and in which he took a leading and important part. In 1 860 Judge Otis, then in full practice, formed a part- nership with Hon. George W. Glick, a lawyer of about his own age, who had recently arrived in Atchison from Ohio. This partnership continued until 1873 and the firm did their share of the legal business of the state, both in srate and federal courts and before the United States land office. They were the regularly employed attorneys of the Central Branch, Union Pacific Rail- road, from 1865 during the whole of this period, and after the dissolution of the firm, in 1873, J"dge Otis retained the same position until he was elected to the bench in 1876. During this period, though in the full tide of actual business and professional labor, he yet found time to actively aid the Episcopal church, of which denomination he was a member, being the warm personal friend of Bishop Vail, the Episcopal bishop of the diocese of Kansas. Judge Otis was also prominently identified with the business and railroad enterprise of northern Kansas, Atchison being then as now the commercial 28 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. center for that section of tlie state. In 1876 Jndge Otis, tliough a prominent Democrat, was elected district judge of the second judicial district, then largely Republican, his majority over his opponent being several hundred. He ser\ed his term of four years to the general satisfaction of the people and the bar, but declined a renomination. At the close of his term resolutions of esteem and respect were adopted by the bar of each county of the district and were at their request spread upon the records of the court. At Atchison, the home of Judge Otis, the closing of his term was made an occasion of especial interest by the lawyers generally of the district. Among others. Judge Nathan Price, one of his predecessors upon the bench, Hon. G. W. Glick, his former law partner and subsequently the governor of the state, Colonel A. S. Everest, a well known and noted attorney, Hon. R. P. Waggener, his former law student, and Judge David Martin, who succeeded him upon the bench, took prominent part. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted by the bar : "W'here.as, the Hon. Alfred G. Otis, of the second judicial district of Kansas, who has so faithfully and ably served as judge of said court for the past four years, is now about to retire from the bench, and is about to adjourn this court for the last time, and "Whereas, It is in accordance with the sentiment of the bar here assembled, appreciating the high character and integrity which has marked his judicial labors, to give expression in an appropriate manner of the regard in which he is held by the members of the bar, therefore be it "Resolved. That it is with sincere regret that we are called upon to sever our official relations with one who has so justly and so ably performed all the duties of the high and honorable office of judge of this district, and who, in the administration of the judicial powers and duties imposed upon him, has, without exception, exhibited that thorough learning, careful research, clear and vigorous reasoning and integrity of purpose that always command the respect and admiration of the bar. "Resolved. That in the performance of the manifold and arduous duties which necessarily attach to a judicial office, his whole object and aim has seemed to be to administer the law as he found it, without fear, favor or partiality, seeking only to reach the ends of justice by a strict adherence to those fundamental principlesof the law that govern and control all civil coiiduct. "Resolved, That during the four years of our official intercourse with Judge Otis, he has at all times shown a just appreciation of the proper rela- tions between bench and bar, and we do hereby tender him our kindest and! best wishes for his future welfare and prosperity. "Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of this court, and that copies be sent to each of the city papers for publication." BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 29 These were followed b}- various addresses from the members of the bar, and among tiiem the Hon. B. P. Weggener made the following very happy address : "May it please your Honor : It affords great pleasure for me to publicly express my unqualified concurrence in the sentiments of the resolutions that have been presented to you by the members of the bar. "The circumstances surrounding your elevation from that bar, which you had so long honored, to the liench of this district, were such as to impress upon your mind that you carried with you the respect and confidence of your fellow citizens, with whom and among whom for so long a time you had lived and mingled, and as you are now about to close your judicial career, I think I express the sentiments of not only each member of the bar, but of the citizens of the district, that you have in no manner betrayed the trust reposed in you by them, and that you will transfer the judicial ermine unstained and untainted to your successor in office. "You, sir, can retire to the shades of private life with the satisfaction of knowing that your judicial integrity has never been questioned, or your hon- esty of purpose ever made an issue between parties litigant. "In our zeal for the cause of our clients w^e may have differed from you upon the interpretations of those rules of action so often invoked in further- ance of justice, yet we have uniformly accepted the result as the opinion of an unbiased, intelligent and impartial judge. "In thus giving expression to my sentiments upon this occasion I am actu- ated by a feeling to me more sacred than that feeling of respect which the law- yer has for the court. Whatever, sir, I am to-day, whatever success I have attained at the bar and in the practice of my profession, I attribute to an attempt to follow your precepts and emulate your example, and to the helping hand that you extended to me in my youth in the hour of adversity and misfortune. Without friends, without money, without education, you took me from the cold charities of the world and by kindness and the exhibition of the impulses of a generous heart you planted in my vefy existence an ambition to achieve suc- cess, and by words of encouragement inspired me with hope that although not reared in the lap of luxury I might overcome the obstacles of life and gather richer sheaves in the great field of human actions before me than had blessed my labors in early life; and when promoted to the bench I felt that those c,ualities of heart and mind that adorned your private life and commanded for you the admiration of your neighbors and fellow citizens would pre-eminently characterize your administration of justice in the courts of the several counties of this judicial district ; and while we regret your retirement from the bench we congratulate ourselves upon the fact that your successor in oflice is a gentleman of great moral worth and intellectual culture, and one whom we all 30 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. know possesses in an eminent degree that enlarged experience and those quali- fications so necessary and requisite to the purity and dignity of the judiciary." This was followed by many other addresses and then by a response from Judge Otis, in which, after thanking the bar for their kind words, he discussed at some length and very frankly the defects in the legal procedure of the state which had come under his notice during his term of office, and suggested \ arious remedies therefor, many of which were adopted by the legislature at its next session shortly thereafter. Judge David Martin, his successor, then took the oath of office, admin- istered by Judge Otis, and, on being formally introduced to the bar, made the following response: "May it please the court and the gentlemen of the bar : It is not meet that he who girdeth on the harness of a public servant should himself boast of what lie expects to accomplish. But he that putteth of¥ may well speak of A\ hat he has actually done, and his words of advice and counsel to his associates will be treasured up and pondered well by the wise and thoughtful. "Our learned and honored friend and brother has crowned a long, active and highly successful professional career with four years of hard judicial labor to the general acceptance and satisfaction of the bar and the people of the second judicial district. His extensive research, profound learning and great experience as a lawyer eminently fitted him for the arduous and respon- sible duties of the judgeship. We have had the benefit of his judicial labors and have now listened to his parting words of advice and counsel from the bench, in which I, for one. have been greatly interested, for they have been v.i 'apples of gold in pictures of silver.' There may well be general regret of his parting, for he who is to come in the room of Judge Otis cannot reasonably hope for the same measure of success. I trust, however, that he may not prove unworthy of the confidence and respect of the people of the district who have called him to the place by a imanimous vote, and that when his career as a judge is ended he may also merit the commendation which we now so fittingly bestow upon Judge Otis: 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant.' " The following were the comments of the leading city papers. In the /ttchison Daily Champion, of January 7, 1881, was this article: "The respect and confidence in which Judge Otis is held by the members of the profession is testified to by the complimentary resolutions adopted by the bar of this county yesterday and by the legal fraternities -of other counties in the district during the past few weeks. He has made an able, impartial judge and his thorough integrity has never been questioned. "The Judge made the bar meeting yesterday the occasion for some very plain talk on the methods of our jurisprudence and the defects of our laws. The criticisms he makes and the reforms he urges have been suggested by a BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 31 long and valuable experience as a practicing attorney and a judicial officer and will commend themselves to the approval of all intelligent people. We are glad Judge Otis has embraced this opportunity to give the public the benefit of his observation and experience in the practical workings of our judicial system. If any one, not of the legal guild, had said what he does, his opinions would have been pooh-poohed by the legal fraternity as the thoughtless vapor- ings of a busybody who did not know anything whatever about that great science, the law. Coming from a lawyer of high repute, and a judge of con- ceded honesty and ability, these criticisms cannot be ignored by the profession and will be o"ladly appr(_i\-ed jjy the people. "There is no question of the fact that there is growing up in the public mind a profound distrust of our judicial system as a means of righting wrongs and dispensing equal and exact justice. The laws of Kansas appear to have been especially devised, in some parts, to protect criminals, to prevent the administration of justice, to promote vexatious and expensive delays and to furnish stead}' business for the lawyers. Rich and poor sufifer alike from these intolerable methods and only criminals and those notoriously in the wrong are benefited by them, A premium is put upon ignorance and general depravity in the jury box, civil causes drag their slow length along through weary and anxious years, while the costs increase and multiply until a final decision is inevitable ruin to both parties litigant; unscrupulous lawyers learn to depend for success upon artifice and fraud and chicanery, rather than upon legal learn- ing and ability: the vilest criminals go unwhipped of justice through the inter- vention of cobweb technicalities that should never be permitted to deface and disgrace the operation of a judicial system, and, as the natural sequence of such resulting evils, the public mind, which ought to be inspired with a high respect for courts, regards them with almost universal distrust, if not with absolute abhorrence, "Judge Otis frankly acknowledges all this, cites special causes why the public ought to regard our system of jurisprudence with suspicion and points out changes and reforms, by means of which the law can be restored to the high place it ought to occupy in a civilized and intelligent commonwealth. His suggestions are not only wise, but timely. The legislature is soon to assemble and it ought to be able to correct some of the evils complained of by intelligent legislation. The others must be corrected by the firm action of our judicial officers, who ought to be assisted in any efforts they may make to this •end by all the reputable and honorable members of the legal fraternity." The Athcison Patriot, of January 7, 1881, after sketching the proceedings at length, closed as follows : "In conclusion, the Patriot would add its mite to the kindly words that were addressed to Judge Otis this morning, A grave and dignified judge and 32 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. able and skillful jurist, well versed in the law, familiar with the practice, scrutinizingly just in all things, he has been a judge whose record will long be pointed to as the bright example of an honest, upright judge, against whose untarnished name there stands not one breath of suspicion, save that of an hon- ored and trusted official." Among others, the following letters were received, cummenting upon the address : "State of Kansas, Senate Chamber. "ToPEKA, January 17, 1881. "Judge Otis. "Dear Sir : I have read with great pleasure your address delivered to the bar in Atchison. I am satisfied that most of your suggestions will become established law. I thank you for the pleasure the perusal of your address has given me. Respectfullv, "E. A. Ware." Hon. T. ]\I. Cooley, judge of the supreme court of the state of Michigan and professor of law at the Michigan University, wrote the following letter : "Ann Arbor. Februarv 2, 1881. "IIoji. A. G. Otis. "My Dear Sir: I have read with much pleasure your address on legal reform, made on laying down your robes of judicial office. In the main I con- cur in what you say and regret that your views do not generally prevail. The time has come. I think, when unanimity should not be demanded in the verdict of juries. There has never been much good reason for requiring it; jurors have been suffered to act freely, and it is now counted upon as likely to afford immunity to wrong doing in such cases as public opinion naturally divides upon. There is less reason for requiring jurors to agree than for making the same demand upon judges, for judges are presumably more fitted by their training to draw the proper conclusions from the evidence, and they have better opportunities for examining it with deliberation and care. "I also agree that your statutes of 1859, respecting the dis(|ualifications of jurors, is a great improvement on the common law, as it is g-enerally admin- istered. We have a similar statute in this state, but we have held independent of the statutes that the rule would be substantially the same. "Many other things in your address give me pleasure, but I have not time to notice them. \\'ishing you every happiness in your retirement, I am "Very truly yours, "T. M. COOLEY." Hon. John F. Dillon, formerly United States circuit judge for the seventh judicial distric' which included Kansas, made the following response: "716 Madi.son Avenue, New York, February 4, 1881. "My Dear Judge : I must give you my thanks for a printed copy of the proceedings of the bar on your retirement. It gave me sincere pleasure to read it. I personally knew almost every person who spoke and it brought 'the light of other days an mud me.' It must have been a great satisfaction to you and BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 33 your family and friends to have had sucli an impressive testimonial to the worth of your services and the high esteem in which you are held hy those who have known you longest and best. I was especially interested in your practical suggestions for improving and amending the law and its administration. Some of your views ought to be adopted by the legislature and I hope they will be. It too often happens that matters that most need attention fail to get it. T have not time now to enter into the subject further than to say that no one more fully appreciates the value of your observations than I do, and I agree in almost all j'ou say in your address and in your letter. I trust ynu will enjoy your well-earned leisure. For myself I do not regret my own retirement from the bench ; but leisure still eludes me, for I find myself about the busiest man I have met with in this busy city, ^^'ith my best wishes for your future, I am as ever. Very truly yours, "John F. Dillon. "Hon A. G. Otis." The following comment was made by the New York Churchman : " 'Legal Reform' is the title of the address delivered by Judge A. G. Otis, of Atchison, Kansas, on the occasion of his retirement from the bench. It is largely devoted to reforms which have only a local interest, but parts of it are of general concern to all litigants and to their counsel as well. It is plain and practical and is elocjuent with the logic of facts. The Judge did not think it necessary to put on his gloves in handling many of the evils that have grown up around the courts of law in Kansas and elsewhere, and we are sure his words will have weight in bringing about their removal. He discusses the jury system with great i>ower and sets forth its folly in requiring the absolute unanimity of twelve men, and seems to think, if it is to be continued, we shall have to go back to the time of Blackstone, when juries were compelled to agree, and who says, if they do not, 'the judges are not bound to wait for them, but may carry them around the circuit, from town to town, in a cart.' Judge Otis would have the infallibility of the twelfth man entirely removed. The selection of jurors, too, he thinks, may be modified greatly to the jidvantage of all parties, and that impressions, opinions and belief about cur- rent e\ents should no longer disc|ualify a juryman. We need in our juries intelligence and not ignorance. We were especially interested in that part of the Judge's address which speaks of the law's interminable delays. He tells of one case, in\-olving the title tn) some land, which was continued in the courts until it outlived all the parties in interest and the professional life of all who were engaged in it, and was finally ended by an almost arbitrary act of judicial power ! The title to a p'g was contested until the costs run up to seven hundred dullars, and a similar case of a calf went from court to court until, after multiplying costs it was finally settled by the attorneys themselves! These delays, the Judge well says, make inequality in the laws, and the right of appeal needs to be further restricted and the bill of costs limited by positive 34 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. enactment. We are glad to liear sucli sentiments accompanied by practical suggestions from tlie bench. Law is itself an evil and should be freed, as much as may be, from the evils that have grown up around it." The following communication was also written by one of the sovereigns of Kansas to the Topeka Commonwealth : "l.\w and jl"ijici.\rv reform. '■AIcPiiER.sox, Kaxs.\.s, January 25. "To the Editor of the Coiniiioiiiccaltli : "I am so forcibly impressed with the addresses of Colonel .A. S. E\erest and Judge A. G. Otis, which were recently published in your paper, that I can scarcely forbear saying something about them. Indeed, they are such remark- able illustrations of the progressive genius of man as to deserve more than a passing glance. They do not call for a sudden and startling revolution in moral and legal ethics, but they certainly do suggest some very wholesome and wise reformatory changes in our laws in the civil code and in the judiciary of the state. It is needless for me to review their addresses in detail or at length, but I must commend them to the careful and considerate attention of the legislature, particularly to the younger and less experienced members, to the 'conservatives' and to that class of men whose fervent zeal for 'retrenchment and reform' lead them into the ridiculous pastime of pursuing shadows and leaving the substance to decay. Perhaps Colonel Everest and Judge Otis did not intentionally deliver and publish their significant speeches for the edifica- tion of the legislature ; undoubtedly they did not, for their speeches are as well calculated for the enlightenment of the common people as for those 'old Romans' who wrap their togas about them and wax warm in parliamentary conflicts ! But there is a happy coincidence in the delivery of these addresses and the session of that august assembly. Certainly the people should not have cause for reproving their representatives, lest they reprove themselves. But I do not intend any reflection upon that body, for, as a whole, it is good ; it has some bright and able minds, and yet all of them will do well to listen to the words of men whose experience and training renders them capable of speaking as with authority in the important concerns of civil society — the laws and the courts and the machinery of justice. Indeed, upon reading the able addresses referred to, one wonders if the scenes and influences of that high court of chancery of our old mother country, and of which Dickens wrote in such splendid strains of honest indignation, will be repeated on American soil — in Kan.sas and over Kansas homes ! Look upon your little ones at home ; think of Jarndyce and Jarndyce ; reflect upon the suggestions of Judge Otis and nerve yourself for the change that must come! If the present legislature will commence the inauguration of a new era of jurisprudence, posterity will applaud their acts. Of course, these things require time and calm deliberation rnd wise counsel, rather than excited and hostile debate. But they must be debated and the time must not flag too much. I commend those acldresses to the press of the state and hope that every newspaper will publish them, and that they will reach and be read in every office and at every fireside, for by those BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 35 signs the people shall go peacefully over the ruffled seas of life, finding plenty of quiet harbors wherein they can moor their ships for rest and enjoy the blessings they have heaped upon themselves." After his retirement from the bench Judge Otis took an active part in the management of the Atchison Savings Bank, then one of the leading banks of the city, and of which he had long been president. This, with the care of his own private business, engrossed for some years his time and attention. He was. however, for six years a regent of the University of Kansas and took an active part in its control. At the dedication of Snow Hall. November iC, 1887, the following is an outline of his address: SXOW HALL DEDICATEt). Interesting exercises at the Kansas State University. Judge Otis, chair- man of the l)uilding committee of the board of regents, delivers an exhaustive review of the institution's past. Remarks by Chancellor Lippincott and Pro- fessor Snow and ( Governor Martin — History of the new structure. Lawrence, Kansas, Xcixenilier iTi. This lias l_ieen a red-letter day in the history of the State Unixersity. the hall of natural history, recently completed, being formally turned over to the university and dedicated to the purposes for which it was constructed. At ten o'clock this morning a large audience, composing state officials and members of the legislature, the board of regents and the university faculty, invited guests from dift'erent parts of the state and from Lawrence, students and citizens, gathered in the spacious hall of the main university build- ing and the meeting was called to order by Chancellor Lippincott, who pre- sided. The exercises were opened by prayer by the Rev. Dr. Post, of Leaven- worth, in which the university, its oflicers and students and the purpose for- which the assembly had gathered were suitably commemorated. The chancellor, in a few well-chosen words, introduced the Hon. A. G. Otis, of Atchison, tiie chainuan of the building committee of the board: of regents. In a very graceful speech he re\iewed the advances which had been made in the work in the past four years, during which the present board had been in office. The services of the day had a peculiar value to the board of regents. The building they were about to dedicate was the evidence of the con- tinued confidence of the people in the administration of the university and in the work which it had undertaken to accomplish. MAKING A UNIVERSITY. "Four years ago." the Judge continued, "the bi:>ard, in reviewing the history of the institution, had determined that if the state meant to endow a mere preparatnr}- scln"}] or college in the ordinary sense it had expended' far too much : if a uni\ersity in the fullest and best sense of the term, far too little. But it was clearly manifested that nothing less than a university in the fullest sense of the term had been intended, and they had resolutely set themselves to the work which the founders had planned, to make the L'niversity of Kansas an 36 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. educational center ni tlie west, like those of Ann Arbor and Wisconsin for the north and northwest. The people of the state have, through their legislatures, cheerfully responiled to the call. In 1883 the chemistry building had been pro- vided and fully equipped for the pursuit of that important branch of science. Next the law department had been endowed and under the charge of an able jurist gave opportunities for young men preparing for the bar quite equal to those they could find even at long distances from their homes. Then the department of pharmacy had been established under the care of an eminent and distinguished professor and cordially adopted and provided for by the state. And now the department of natural history, which has been from the beginning the special care of the eminent professor whose honored name it was to bear, was to receive the beautiful and spacious structure which has been prepared for displaying its cabinets and the carrying out of its works." COXTIXl'IXG THE GOOD WORK. "The future of the institution was." the speaker said, "assured, yet there would be no relaxation in their efforts to carry on and complete the work." He referred to the plans for the future and made special allusion to the addi- tional facilities for the comfort and convenience of the ladv students. The university had always recognized their right to an equal share with their brothers to all the privileges of a state education, and was now considering plans by which they could more readily and widely avail themselves of its ad\-antages. A residence for the chancellor on the university grounds was also needed, in order that he might give his personal and constant supervision to the work and property under his charge. The speech of the Judge was frequently interrupted by applause, and he was roundly cheered as he closed with an elo(|uent reference to the cause in which they were engaged. On the 22d of April. 1887. was the "silver wedding" day of Alfred G. Otis and Amelia J. Otis, and was thus described by the local papers : "Twenty- five years of married life — moving along happily, with children growing up, an honor to their parents and friends^is what is not accorded to every one in this whirling, changeable world. Yet that has been the experience of Judge and Mrs. A. G. Otis. Twenty-five years ago yesterday they were united in marriage in the city of Philadelphia and soon thereafter came to Atchison, where they ha\e since resided and their career has been one of uninterrupted prosperity. As a lawyer, as a judge, as a banker, Judge Otis is known and respected, not only throughout the state, but the west, and his high reputation has been the work of his own hands. He has been honored with official posi- tions by the people and has fulfilled them faithfully. He has had the perfect confidence of all, because he has shown himself worthy of it. Mrs. Ot's has grown up with the society of Atchison and has recognized in the fullest sense, her obligations to it. As a friend, a neighbor, a true Christ'an lady, she has won the love and regard. of a very large circle of friends and actiua nt- BIOGRAPHICAL A^^D GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 37 ances. It must, indeed, have been a source of pleasure to the two, wiiose lives had been passed together so happily, to see around them not only the children who had so faithfully obeyed the command 'Honor thy father and thy mother,' but hundreds of friends with whom the best years of their life had been passed. "The occasion was not one of ostentatious display; no presents were expected ; it was a sincere tribute to Judge and Mrs. Otis by friends who had known them long and welj. To say that the spacious rooms of the family mansion were crowded would but feebly express the idea. And yet all received that kindly, cordial welcome and kind attention that ever distinguishes genuine h.dspitality, and the hours passed most happily with social converse and pleas- ant reminiscences of the old times in Atchison. It was a real reunion of friends and neighbors who had lived together for a quarter of a century. Among those present was ex-Go\ernor Glick, Judge Otis" former law partner, and his estimable lady, "In bidding goodnight to the host and hostess and the children who had been born and reared under their roof, each guest expressed the wish tliat Judge and Mrs. Otis might live to celebrate their golden wedding as happily and that no shadow might fall across their household in the intervening years." The following old settlers' day address calls to mind many of the old times in the early history of Atchison. Judge Otis spoke substantially as follows : "In looking over the past, the history of Kansas would seem to divide itself naturally into three divisions — before the war, during the war and since the war, — infancy, youth and manhood. This refers not merely to its people f.nd population, but also to its diversified interests, its commercial develop-- ment and the political and moral progress of the state. Under the act of 1854 Kansas became a territory and treaties then and soon afterward made opened it up for settlement. The appearance of the country at that time, in its unde- veloped and primitive state, before civilization and settlement had changed its general features, presents a marked contrast to the subsequent development of the state. Like the photographs of a man taken at different periods of his life, the changes that took place as it passed from one condition to another were marked and interesting. "Its first appearance was primitive and rude. Its second period began to show signs of wonderful progress in every particular. Its third period, since the war, showed still greater progress — the most wonderful in its entire his- tory—changes almost magical, railroads, towns and cities springing into being, cattle on a thousand hills took the place of deer and bufifalo. The plow and the scythe, the school and the church began to assert themselves and demon- strate their beneficent power. "It seems to me proper and in accordance with the spirit of this occasion to 38 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. fieal in reminiscences and tlie expression of personal observation, and this is what I propose to do." At this point Judge Otis described liis arrival in Kansas, at Leaven- worth, in October, 1855, and the appearance of the city at the time. Con- tinuing, he six)ke at length of a number of the early settlers, John Bennett, George T. Challis, Samuel Dixon. Henry Adams, L. Yocum, Heber Taylor, P. B. Wilcox, P. T. Abell, Mayhew, Haskell, Newman, Jackson, Wade, Eli C. Mason, Senator Pomeroy, Dr. Alderson, John A. ]Martin, Dr. Stringfellow, John M. Crowell, John M. Price, George W. Glick, I. S. Parker, Major Grimes, Dr. Grimes, Thomas Wise, Cheesborough Kelly, Benton, William Hethering- ton and others, a long list and many of them now dead. Then he added: "In conclusion, old settlers, let me say, Kansas is our future home. It is a matter of congratulation that we have lived here, had such joyous friendships. Here with our families gathered around us we shall spend the balance of our days, and departing do so without regrets, grateful that we have been permitted to live and die here." Judge Otis spoke extemporaneously and to the delight of his auditors. The following sketch discloses something of the early pioneer days of Judge Otis' life:- "Hon. Alfred G. Otis is another man who came to Atchison unheralded and poor, and who has earned both fame and fortune and one of whom Atchi- son and her people are i^roud. Judge Otis is a native of Michigan, but came to this section from Louisville, Kentucky. His capital stock was a copy of Blackstone, a genial temperament and abundance of brain. His devotion to the interest of his clients was proverbial and herein was the foundation of his future eminence. He was a, great student and many were the times that the writer found him in the small hours of the morning endeavoring to unravel intricacies of law prol)lems. No hour was too early or none too late, nor no journey too arduous when the interests of his patrons were involved; his time was their own, and right well did he champion their fortunes. "We remember, with great pleasure, many instances of unselfish devoT tion. When the alarm was sounded on a memorable occasion in 1856 that the interests of the Atchison steam ferry were in jeopardy, how quickly he mounted his horse and sped to Louis Burns, at Weston, and how successfully he man- aged the complications. This and many other instances of like character are to his credit, but none stand out in such bold relief and none more pronounced than his efforts on behalf of the pre-emptors of this section. The land ofifice opened at Doniphan, but after a brief career was moved to Topeka. His fre- quent trips to Doniphan and his journeys to Topeka, on a horse, and his camp- ing on the ground with a blanket before a log, on the north side of the river, in the interest of a pre-emption right to a valuable tract adjoining the city, will BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 39 never be forgotten, and are called up afresh as we wander back to those early days and think of the struggles and privations of this young attorney in the battle for future greatness. "Judge Otis' studious and painstaking disposition, his struggles and devo- tion, had their reward. He was successful in the practice of law, far beyond the average, and as the most capable man of the time was elected, some twelve years since, as judge of the district court, which position he held with great distinction for several years. The old Otis house was named in his honor, and many other marks of appreciation of the man are recorded. In late years he became wearied of the law and having earned large wealth has devoted his time to the care of his estate and the management of the Atchison Savings Bank, of which he is and has been president many years. Such, in brief, is Judge Alfred G. Otis, and it is the wish of the Champion that he may live long to enjoy his well earned reputation and wealth and the respect of his. fellow citizens." In 1 89 1, when about sixty-four years of age, Judge Otis' health became very much impaired, not so much from any acute disease as from a general breaking down of the system, and it seemed for a time that he had reached the period of life when the grasshopper becomes a burden, but eminent physicians who were consulted, notably those of the Johns Hopkins University, assured the family that such incidents were common to men of about that age, between sixty and seventy, that nature was tired and must have rest, and prescribed absolute freedom from all care and all responsibility as an absolute essential to recovery. This course was follovved and for over two years the charge of all business affairs and family interests wholly devolved upon Mrs. Otis and their son, William A., who managed everything with singular prudence and care. At the end of that time Judge Otis recovered his health and strength, both of body and mind, fully and perfectly, and resumed the care of his own aflfairs with vigor and strength apparently as complete as in his younger days. But he realizes fully, to use his own language, that he has passed the three- score and ten and that the autumn leaves are thick about him. His old com- rades have nearly all gone over the range and he is now the oldest settler of the city. In 1862 Judge Otis was married to Miss Amelia Harres, of Philadelphia, and they have a family of five children, still living: Amy, Mark E., Pearl, Theodore and Carl. The family were in all eight children, two — Grace and Harrison G. — having died in infancy. The eldest, William A. Otis, was for a long time an active member and officer of the Syms Grocery Company, of Atchison, but his health failing him he found it necessary to seek the climate of Colorado, where he died August 8, 1899. Amy Otis was married, in 1895, to Edwin S. Earhart, an active lawyer of Kansas City, Kansas, where they are 40 BIOGRAPHICAL ASD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. living. Mark E. Otis is engaged in active Inisiness in New York City. The remaining three are still a part of the home circle, where all reside in a beaiiti'- ful residence overlooking the Missouri river and surrounded by a grove of trees of Judge Otis' own planting and where he brought his wife in 1862. Of tile same family Judge Otis has one brother, Charles E., who for the past nine years has been the district judge at St. Paul, Minnesota, and another lirother. George L. Otis, now deceased, was for a long time one of the leading pioneer lawyers of Minnesota, and at one time the mayor of St. Paul. Ephraim A., another brother, is a well known lawyer of Chicago, Illinois, and another, Isaac N., now deceased, was formerly a devoted minister of the Presbyterian church at Boulder, Colorado. The father of this family, Isaac Otis, died in 1S54. The mother, Caroline A. Otis, who often visited Atchison, died in 1SS3. The following testimonial of this estimable lady was published by the local press at Kalamazoo, Michigan, at the time of her demise : "The death of Mrs. Otis, in the seventy-fifth year of her age, deserves more than the passing notice usually given to those who for years ha\-e been ab.sent from our circle of social or business activity. I am sure the Telegraph will permit a friend and neighbor of this early pioneer and most estimable lady to recount for the gratification of her few remaining old friends and her many liewer ones, the salient points of her history and to feebly portray her admiralilc qualities of mind and heart. "Caroline Curtiss was born August 20. 180S. In 1826, when she was eighteen years of age, she married Isaac Otis, at Homer, Cortland county, New York, where they lived six years. In the spring of 1834 they came to Michigan and for two years lived in Calhoun county, but made permanent settlement, in 1836, near Prairieville, Barry county. Here her husband died of an accidental injury March 12, 1853, leaving to his widow the care of eleven children. "Except, as one by one the older sons pushed out into the world fur fame and fortune, she, with her family, continued to reside on the homestead until J 87 1, when, with three daughters and two sons, she removed to Kalamazoo. For nearly twelve years this has been her home. Like the Roman Cornelia, her chief pride was in her motherhood and in her children. She was the mother of thirteen, two of whom died in infancy and eleven, eight sons and three daughters, lived to maturity. Within the last three years two of these eight sons have died — Curtiss, well known here a few years ago in business circles, and Newton, a rising minister of the Presbyterian church, near Denver, Col- orado. Her oldest son. Judge Alfred G. Otis, is a prominent citizen of Atchi- son, Kansas. Judge Ephraim Otis and her youngest son, Arthur, are well known residents and lawyers of Chicago. George and Charles Otis are old BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. 41 and wealthy residents and lawyers of St. Paul, Minnesota. Stephen Otis, for a while a resident here, now li\es, a farmer, near Battle Creek, Michigan. The three daughters, Mary, Louise and Lilly, well known in r)ur social, educa- tional and literary circles, have remained with their mother. For the past seventeen years this venerable lady has been an invalid, most of the time unable to leave her home, much of the time dependent on her daughters for the simplest offices, and all the time a great but patient sufferer. She died at her home in this village March 12, the day before the thirtieth anniversary of her hus- band's death. "I\Irs. Otis was a woman ui marked characteristics. Superior in intellect and moral attributes, devoted to her family and scrupuously observant of every duty, she had. also, an energy and persistency of purpose which impressed her qualities on her children, made her services invaluable to her neighbors in the straits and emergencies of pioneer life and her friendship a pleasure and a blessing to all on whom she bestowed it. Over these solid and fundamental elements of character was thrown a charm and dignity of manner, warmed by an unaffected kindness of heart that made all feel in her presence that she was, in the best sense, a noble woman and a true lady. All who, during her years of illness, have been admitted to her chamber of suffering will bear witness to the sweet patience and resignation with which she bore her afflictions. "Burns' epitaph on iiis father declares, 'His failing leaned to virtue's side,' and so her greatest trouble in life came from her strongest and truest traits, — her mother love and her conscientiousness. Her physical infirmities antl her real troubles she patiently bore, l)ut the excess of these two noble traits caused her a constant fear lest harm happen her children or she do something wrong, "Those of her old neighbors of the pioneer days who are yet alive will tenderly remember her neighborly sympathy and her practical kindness: the older members of the Presljyterian church at Gull Corners, of which she and her husband were early members, will bear testimony to her purity of life, kind- ness of heart and helpfulness of spirit, and all who knew her well, especially her children, who 'rise up to call her blessed,' find in her life and character a striking exemplification of Solomon's picture of the 'virtuous woman,' 'Her own works praise her in the gates.' " This sketch would be wholly incomplete without mention of Mrs. Maria Harres, the mother of Mrs. A. G. Otis, who resided in Atchison with her daughter and was a member of the household from 1865 until 1896, the time cf her death. She was then in her one hundredth year. She was a lady of sterling qualities of mind and heart, but of singular sweetness of disposition. Judge Otis always claimed that she reversed completely the traditions about mothers-in-law, for he has no recollection of an unkind word between him and his mother-in-law during the entire period of over thirty years. In 42 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. her ninety-ninth year she attended at Trinity churcli, in Atchison, llie wedding of her granddaughter, Amy Otis. Tlie following tribute to her memory \\as paid liy tlie local press at the time of her death : "Mrs. ISIaria G. Harres, who was in the one hundredth year of her age, died at twelve o'clock last night, at the home of her daughter, ;\Irs. A. G. Otis. Mrs. Harres was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania, ^Vugust 2, 1797. She was married early in life to Gephard Harres, residing afterward in Philadelphia. In 1863 Mr. and Mrs. Harres came to Atchison on a visit, and Mr. Harres died while here. His remains were taken to Philadelphia for Ijurial in Laurel Hill cemetery. Mrs. Harres never ceased to grieve for her husband, and at her often expressed desire, her remains will be laid to rest beside those of ]\Ir. Harres at Laurel Hill. Li 1865 Mrs. Harres came to Atchison to live with her daughters, Mrs. W. L. Challis and Mrs. Otis, and has since resided here, hon- ored and beloN-ed by all. Of eight children, only the two mentioned have sur- vived her. i\Irs. Harres represented iive generations, Mrs. John A. IMartin being her granddaughter. Mrs. Harres not only enjoyed an unusually long life, but it was particularly free from care. Her health was always good until the beginning of her fatal illness eight weeks ago, and her faculties were clear until the end. The burial services will be held at Trinity church at 4 p. m., Friday, September i8th, to which all friends are invited without further notice. After the ser\'ices the remains will be conveyed to Philadelphia at once. Friends are asked not to send llowers." HON. JOHN SEATON. One of the most popular, as well as one of the most useful, citizens of Atchison is the man whose name heads this sketch and who is the proprietor of the largest foundry in the state of Kansas. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 1 1, 1834, but when he was three weeks old the family removed to Louis- ville, Kentucky, and there his boyhood days were spent. His parents were John M. and Elizabeth (Jones) Seaton. the former born in \"irginia and the latter in X'ermont. The father was a soldier in the Mexican war and was killed at the storming of the heights of Cerro Gordo. At the time of his father's death Mr. Seaton was about ele\en years old. He was fifteen years old when he began learning the trade of a machinist, and a few years later was working as a journeyman in St. Louis. Missouri. At the age of twenty-two, although his entire capital ciMisisted of two dollars and fifty cents, he started a foundry at Alton. Illinois. Pluck and perseverance won success, the enterprise prospered, and when he removed to Atchison in BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 43 1872 he had fifty men in his employ. When the Ci\-il war broke out ]\Ir. Sea- ton enlisted and was made captain of Company B, in tlie Twenty-second lUi- nois Vokmteers, and was under General Grant when he fought his first battle at Belmont. Captain Seaton was in command of the skirmish line that opened that engagement, and one of the most precious of his possessions to-day is the letter recei\'ed from the famous commander, commending him for the efficient manner in which he performed the task. Six months before Mr. Seaton came to Atchison the city had voted ten thousand dollars in bonds to any man who would establish a foundry. He accepted the offer and the result has been of the greatest benefit to the com- munity. He has a large and finely equipped plant and does work all over the west. He gives employment to over two hundred men and works for their interest as w'ell as his own, retaining the full force even through dull seasons and periods of financial depression. He understands his business thoroughly, and no slighted or imperfect work is ever allowed to go out of the establishment. This has given him a prestige, and no foundry stands higher with architects and builders. He does general architectural work, and in addition makes locomotive wheels, smoke-stacks, steam cylinders, car stoves, etc., for the Santa Fe, Mis- souri Pacific and Fort Scott & Gulf roads. His works cover an area of seven hundred by four hundred feet, and his business amounts to a quarter of a million annually. In 1857 Mr. Seaton was married to Miss Charlotte E. Tuthill, of Alton, and five children have been born to them. Of these, Lillie M., is the wife of George Hendrickson and lives in Muscotah, Kansas; Mary E. married Dr. William H. Condit, of Kansas City, Missouri ; John C. is now manager of his father's business; Nellie T. married Theodore Byram, a farmer of Atchison county, Kansas; and George L. is assistant manager of his father's theater. John C. Seaton was born in Alton, Illinois, in 1861. He is a man of first- class business ability, and has been of the greatest assistance to his father in his work. He was married, in 1889, to Miss Lillie Burtis, of Independence, Missouri. Mr. Seaton is a stanch Republican, and is so popular with all classes that he has been elected five times to the state legislature, and is holding that posi- tion at present. He is a member of John A. Martin Post, No. 93, G. A. R., the Loyal Legion and of the Knights of Pythias. Socially, Mr. Seaton is a genial, unassuming gentleman, who is proud of his war record, of the fact that he has secured wealth and honor by his own unaided efiforts and by a life of undoubted integrity, and who is not ashamed of the time when he worked at his trade as do the men now under him. Although having reached an age when he might well retire and enjoy the fruits of his industry, his activity is still unlimited, and he takes pleasure in seeing that everything is conducted 44 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. properly thrnugliutit his wrirks. As a citizen Mr. Seaton has done much for Atchison, and it was through liis enterprise and liberality that his handsome theater was built. lie has a very pleasant and commodious residence. HON. GEORGE STORCH. For more than three decades the subject of this sketch, Hon. George Storch. has lieen identified with Atchison. Kansas, figuring in its business and political circles, and occupying a high place in the esteem of his fellow citizens. ^Ir. Storch is a native of Bavaria. Germany, and was born February 22, 1835. and is a son of Thomas and Margaret Storch, who lived and died in Ger- many. His father being a farmer. George was reared to farm life, and received the usual educational advantages extended by the common schools of his native land, attentling the same until his sixteenth year. In 1853 he emigrated to the United States, making the voyage in a sailing vessel from Bremen to New Orleans, at uhich port he landed after ten weeks on the ocean. From New Orleans he went by steamboat to St. Louis, Missouri, and thence to Casco, in that state, where he engaged in farming. In the spring of 1859 he came to Atchison, Kansas. At that time, however, he remained only a brief period. Going to Kennekuk. Kansas, he opened a general store and was engaged in merchandising at that place until 1867, when he disposed of his stock and store. Since that year he has been a resident of Atchison. Here he embarked in the real-estate and banking business. He was one of the leading organizers of and chief stockholders in the German Savings Bank, of which he was elected president. He ser\-ed as president of this bank until its stock was purchased by the L'uiteil States National Bank, and of this bank also he was made president, and filled the oftice until the concern went voluntarily into liquiilation. Since then he has devoted his time chiefly to the real-estate business, dealing in both city and farm property, and handling annually a large amount of business. Mr. Storch's i)olitical career has covered a number of years and includes valued service in various ofticial capacities. He is a stanch Republican, and it is at the hands of this jiarty that he has received his official honors. He was couiUy commissioner two terms; four years was a member of the school board, one term of which he was president; and was a member of the Atchison city council, being president of the council one year. Three terms he served as city treasurer. In 1864 he was elected to the state legislature as a repre- ientative from his district, and again, in 1875. he was honored with the same office. During his last term in the legislature he was a member of the ways and means committee. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 45 Mr. Storcli was married, in 1859. to Miss Elizabeth Fox, a native of E\an>\'ille, Imliana, and a daughter of Jolm Fox and his wife EHzabeth. The chil(hcn of this union are two, a daughter and son, Louisa J. and George H., tlie latter being now associated in the real-estate business with his father. The (laughter is the wife of Oscar Lips, of Atchison, and they have one child, Charles Lips. COLONEL PETER T. ABELL. As the founder of the city of Atchison, and the most faithful promoter of her interests. Colonel Abell will always be a conspicuous figure in the history of Kansas. He was born in Bardstown, Kentucky, July 29, 1813. His father died when he was an infant, leaving him to the care of his mother, who was a woman of fine character and vigorous intellect. He was early placed under the tutelage of Rev. Father Robert Abell, long and favorably known as a pio- neer of the Catholic faith in Kentucky, and who at a ripe old age survives his former pupil. When only twenty years old young Abell went to Missouri and engaged in merchandizing in the old town of Keytesville, Chariton county. His capital was limited, but he was industrious and full of energy and soon built up a good trade, which afforded him a comfortable income. Li 1835 he was married to Miss E. M. Cabell, who, with six children, is still living and makes her home in Atchison. In 1836 Colonel Abell united with the Methodist church South, and dur- ing the remainder of his life was a consistent and active member of that organ- ization. About that time he began the study of law, and after a careful course of reading was admitted to the bar. He soon won distinction in the profes- sion, and for many years ranked among the leading attorneys of Missouri, being employed on some of the most important cases ever tried in the courts of that state. Colonel Abell was one of the party that selected the site of Atchison, in 1854, and shortly afterward removed to the little village, which has since grown into a beautiful and prosperous city. From the first he was at the head of all efforts for the promotion of the interests of the town, and his steadfast devotion to those movements was recognized by its inhabitants. He was a man of strong convictions, and his judgment was remarkably correct. His resources in the prosecution of any object he had in view were as fruitful as his energy was intense, and his eft'orts therefore were rarely unsuccessful. He won the hearty respect of all classes of the people, because they knew that his devotion to the city and his intelligent comprehension of the best means of 46 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. promoting its cle\'eiopment were alii-ce to he (Icpciulecl on under all circum- stances. His sincerity and honesty were never doubted, and the people trusted him as they did few other men, for their confidence was never abused. At home or abroad he was always at work for Atchison, and the services that he rendered were as valuable as they were constant. His fidelity to the town was something that neither position, money, nor anything else could affect. He would not even accept a lucrative position in the employment of Mr. Joy with- out stipulating that if ever the interest of that gentleman and Atchison con- flicted he was to be counted for Atchison. Colonel Abell was a strong and convincing speaker and a very pleasant converser. His fund of information was large and varied, and while his educa- tion w-as far from being a thorough one, his studious habits, close observation and clear, comprehensive mind made up for all deficiencies in his early instruc- tion. He was a thoroughly western man in all his sympathies, and took a pride in assisting in the growth and development of this favored section of the Union. Colonel Abell was the president of the original town company and of the first railroad company that extended a line to Atchison, and was also the presi- dent of several other large and important organizations. He died January 1 6, 1874, while still in the height of his usefulness, and was sincerely mourned by the communitv for whom he had done so much. JOHX P. BROWN. 'Tis an age of progress, when vast commercial transactions involving millions of dollars depend upon rapid transportation. The revolution in busi- ness that the past half a century, or even less, has witnessed, has been brought about by the means of the railroads, and one of the prominent representatives of railroad building in the west was John P. Brown. As a railroad contractor, Mr. Brown has gained a position among the most prominent business men of the west and to-day he is numbered among the retired capitalists of Atchison. His history has been so closely identified with the upbuilding of this section of the Union that no history of northeastern Kansas would be com])lete without the record of his life. His native country is Ireland, being born in county W'estmeath in 1829, a son of John and Mary (Daulton) Brown. Pie obtained but a meager educa- tion, but has improved his opportunities and made a success in whatever he has undertaken. At the age of eighteen years he came to the United States. After the death of his father, his mother emigrated to the United States, about 1890, BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 47 and died in Troy, Xev\- York, in 1898. Mr. Brown spent a short time in Xew York, then went to New Orleans, where he remained a year or so, and from there remoA-ed north, to Pittsbtirg, Pennsylvania. There he was employed by two civil engineers, W. W. Wright and C. P. B. Jeffries, who were engaged in surveying the line for the Pennsylvania Railroad between Philadelphia and Pittsburg, with headquarters at Greensburg. He continued in that work until 1853, when he returned to Pittsburg and went into business for himself, taking contracts on the Connersville Railroad, and subsequently on the Baltimore & Ohio, with headquarters at West Newton. In 1856 i\Ir. Brown went to St. Louis, Missouri, and took a contract on the Iron Mountain road, running from St. Louis to Pilot Knob. This work lasted until 1858, and the following year he came to Atchison, where he has since made his home. His first contract here was on the "central branch" of the L'nion Pacific, and subsecjuently he was engaged on the Missouri Pacific, from Atchison to Leavenworth, Kansas, and the Atchison & Nebraska road, from Atchison to the Nebraska state line, a distance of forty miles. On the completion of the last mentioned contract, Mr. Brown retired from the rail- road business and has since devoted his time to looking after his property inter- ests, he being the owner of a dozen or more fine farms, business houses and residences. ]\Ir. Brown is a public-spirited man and has done much toward the devel- opment of the city, where he has so long resided. He is interested in both the electric and gaslight plants, and, since the consolidation, is one of the stock- holders in the Atchison Street Railway Company. He is liberal and always ready to contribute to any enterprise which is calculated to benefit the com- munity. In 1854 yir. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Wagner, who was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Of this union seven chil- dren were born, as follows: Alexander M., deceased; John H.. a pharma- cist; Charles A., employed in the freight department of the Burlington & Mis- souri Railroad; Nellie, the wife of W. F. Donald, a prominent dry-goods mer- chant of Atchison; W. Frank, of St. Louis, Missouri; Sarah, the wife of Samuel F. StoII, one of the leading druggists of Atchison ; and Alice, who is .'•till at home. Politically. ]\Ir. Brown is a stanch Republican and works in a quiet way for the success of his party, but has never sought ofiice. His undoubted integ- rity, high sense of honor and his superior judgment and foresight have all contributed to the accumulation of a large fortune, and his career furnishes an excellent example to young men who, like him, must start at the bottom of the ladder and make their way step by step to the top round of success. Although he has reached the age of seventy years, he is stalwart, vigor- 48 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. ous, well preserved physically, mentally and innrally. He has so deported himself that he not only has the good will hnt the respect and love of the entire community in which he dwells. He is an honorable man whose reputation is above reproach, and his word is as good as his bond. He is a progressive man who has always sought to enlighten and elevate the people among whom he has lived ; he is a liberal and generous man. to which fact the community at large will testify; he is a philosophic man, for he has succeeded in getting the best out of life that was in it. His contact with his fellow men has broad- ened his nature and his views, if such were possible; and hale, hearty, erect and -.'igorous at three-score years and ten, his faculties undimmed, his phys- ique lint little impaired by age, many years of usefulness yet seem before him. Such men are rare, and the world is not slow to appreciate them. It is safe to say that no man in .Vtchison has more or warmer friends than J(jhn P. Brown. W. W. COCHR.\XE. Ur. Cochrane, for many years a well-known and influential citizen of Atchison, was born in Owen county. Kentucky, in 1820, and was of Scotch and English parentage. His father was a physician and practiced from 181 2 until 1850 in Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky. Familiar with the science of medicine from boyhood, it is not strange that W. \\. Cochrane became interested in the subject and determined to make it his life work. He prepared for his chosen calling in the Louisville Medical College, in which he was grad- uated in 1848. He afterward practiced in Louisville and in Mississippi until 1859. when he came to Atchison, and for many years was a leading physician of this city. He spent his last years in retirement, gradually putting aside his active cares on account of his advanced age. He was one of the first members of the Kansas Medical Society, joining that body in 1862, and from 1868 until 1872 he was its honored president. From that date until 1890 he was annu- ally elected treasurer, a fact which indicates his high standing in the ranks of his profession. His skill and ability as a medical practitioner was marked and gained him high prestige. He had deep human sympathy, and would never refuse to make a call e\-cn thnugh he knew he would receive no compen- sation for his services. In 1862 the Doctor wedded Miss Mary D. Stuart, at Palmyra, Missouri, and to them were born three children, who are now living. The Doctor was a high-minded, honorable gentleman of the old school ; at all times courteous and affable, yet firm and steadfast in his convictions. Those who knew him best loved him most and understood and appreciated his splendid traits of char- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 49 acter. No history of the medical fraternity of this city would be complete without a record of his life, for through long years he was one of its leading and most honored representatives. WILLIAM C. McPIKE. The senior member of McPike & Fox, wholesale druggists of x\tchison, was born in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, March 7, 1836. He is a son of John and Lydia J. (Guest) McPike, the former born in 1795, not far from Wheeling, Virginia. His paternal grandfather, James McPike, was a native of Scot- land who emigrated to this country and took part in the Revolutionary war. On his mother's side Mr. McPike's grandfather was Captain Moses Guest, who was of English descent and was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The subject of this sketch passed his youth and early school days in Alton, Illinois, where his father's family were well and favorably known. While living in Alton he was for a short time a clerk in a drug store, then entered the employ of W. A. Horton & Company, wholesale druggists, re- maining with them until 1863. when he went to Philadelphia and became a student in the College of Pharmacy, from which he was graduated in 1866. In the same year Mr. McPike came to Atchison and established the firm of McPike & Allen, carrying on a retail drug store. This partnership con- tinued for ten years, when the business was changed to wholesale and the new firm of McPike & Fox was formed. This firm does a very large business not only in .Vtchison and the sur- rounding country, but through the state and also in Nebraska, ^Missouri, Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and as far west as California. They keep from twelve to fifteen traveling men on the road and are the largest wholesale druggists next to St. Louis. They occupy their own buildings in Atchison, having one four stories high, 45x100 feet, and an adjoining one of the same height, 22^4x150 feet. Besides these they have a warehouse 45x100 feet, where oils, paints and chemicals are stored. They have fifty employees, most of whom have been with them over ten years, and among their patrons are many who ha\-e done business with them ever since they began. Their continued and rapid growth, and consequent financial success, is the result of imtiring energy and perseverance, coupled with an observance of the Golden Rule and the admirable system which pervades the entire establishment. In 1863 Mr. ilcPike was married to Miss Kate Avis, of Alton, a daughter of Captain Samuel Avis, of that city. Five children have been born to them : 50 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Mary; Bertha AL, the wife of Judge W. T. Bland, of Atchison; Blanche and Genevieve, both of whoni v.ere educated at Monticello Seminary, Godfrey, Illinois: and A\-is. at home. TARED C. FOX. That the plenitude of satiety is seldom attained in the affairs of life is to be considered as a most grateful and beneficial deprivation, for ^vhere ambition is satisfied and every ultimate aim realized — if such is possible — there must follow individual apathy. Effort will cease, accomplishment be prostrate and creative talent waste its energies in supine activity. The men who have pushed forward the wheels of progress have been those to whom satiety lay ever in the future, and they have labored continuously and have not failed to find in each transition stage an incentive for further effort. As a result of ambition to make the most of opportunities and gain a prominent place in business circles, Jared C. Fox is steadily working his way upward, and is now a member of the firm of McPike & Fox, wholesale druggists of Atchison, Kansas. They are at the head of one of the leading stores in their line west of the Missouri river, and their trade is steadily increasing. ]\Ir. Fox is a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in Monroe county, New York, October 30, 1841 ; and his parents were Jared W'. and Mary (Copeland) Fox. The family is of English lineage, and the grandfather of our subject was Jacob Fox. The maternal grandfather. Jona- than Copeland, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and held a colonel's com- mission. Jared Fox, Sr., was born in Connecticut, and devoted his life to the ministry. He died in Kansas in 1896 and his wife passed away several years previously. In presenting to our readers the life record of him whose name heads this sketch, we know that his history cannot fail to prove of interest, for it demonstrates and illustrates the possibilities that lie before young men of energy and determination. He spent his boyhood days in New York, attend- ing the district schools near his home, and afterward continued his studies in ^^'al worth Academy, in Wayne county. In i860 he determined to try his fortune in the West, and came to Kansas. For a time he occupied a position as a clerk in Valley Falls, at a salary of one hundred and fifty dollars a year. He remained there until 1862, and in the spring of that year came to Atchi- son, where he accepted the position of salesman in the dry-goods store of W. C. Smith & Son, where he continued for several months. On the expiration of that period he moved to Rolla, Missouri, where he acted as quarter- master's clerk under E. B. Grimes, who was filling the position of quarter- master in the regular army. 1 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 51 In the fall of 1868 our subject became a member of the firm of McPike & Allen, wholesale druggists of Atchison, and when yir. Allen retired the firm name was changed to McPike & Fox. They carry a very large line of goods, their house being one of the most extensive of the kind west of the Missouri ri\er. Their patronage comes from many western cities and they are well represented on the road by a large and efficient corps of traveling salesmen. The quality of goods which they carry, together with their well- known reliability in trade circles, insures to them a continuation of profitable business. In December, 1868, ^Ir. Fox was united in marriage to !Miss X'irginia A. Tortat, of Atchison, and to them have been born five children, namely: Tared C. Jr., who is the manager of the Frank Howard ^Manufacturing Com- pany, of Atchison; Edith, the wife of W". A. Jackson, a prominent attorney of Atchison ; Henry Irving, who is a traveling salesman for the firm of ]\Ic- Pike & Fox, with headquarters at Hutchinson, Kansas ; William Tortat, also employed by McPike & Fox; and Florence, at home. In his political views Mr. Fox is a gold Democrat and served for several years as a member of the board of education, during which time the school interests of the city were greatly advanced. He is also the president of the Western Wholesale Drug- gists' Association, and the honor conferred upon him by his election is well merited. A prominent member of the ]\Iasonic fraternity, he belongs to Wash- ington Lodge, Xo. I, F. & A. ]M. ; to the chapter, to Atchison Commandery, K. T., and to the Mystic Shrine. His attention has been given very closely to business, however, and he has met with most creditable success. He is recognized as one of the most able merchants of Atchison, and his diligence, indomitable energy and perseverance have won him the prosperity that num- bers him among the most substantial citizens of his adopted state, nor has he advanced his individual interests alone, for he has done much toward promot- ing the general welfare by encouraging trade and commerce and by support- ing all measures and movements which are calculated to prove a public benefit. In manner he is cordial and genial, and has won a host of warm friends in the state where he now makes his home. D. C. XEWCO:\IB. Among the prominent merchants of Atchison none hold a higher place in the esteem of its citizens than ^Ir. Newcomb. He is the proprietor' of one of the largest and best stocked stores in the state, and carries on an importing, jobbing and retail business in dry goods, carpets, furnishings, boots and shoes. 52 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. He occupies ;i tine brick Imildiiii;- wliicli lie erected in 1888. It is 45x135 feet, three stories and Ijasenicnt, and is litted with passenger elevators, electric light, steam heat and every other modern convenience. The trade of this house is very extensive, and its patrons always feel assured that they are being fairly dealt with and getting the best goods for the least money. Mr. Newcomb was born on a farm in Fayston. Washington county, \^er- mont, July 13, 1836. Hosea Newcomb, his father, was born in Swansea, New Hampshire, in 1803. and was a farmer by occupation, as was his father, William Newcomb. The mother, whose fnaiden name was Harriet Bixby, was of German descent, born in Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1805. The Newcombs are descendants of Francis Newcomb and his two brothers, who emigrated from England to America in 1635. at the age of thirty, with wife Rachel, in ship Planter. He was one of three brothers who came o\er to- gether and of whom Francis Newcomb settled in Massachusetts. Hosea Newcomb located in Sumner, Kansas, in 1859, and was post- master there twelve or fourteen years. The town is out of existence now. He returned to Vermont in 1873 and died there in 1889, in his eighty-seventh year. His widow still lives in that state and is now in her ninety-fifth year, and is in full possession of all her faculties. She is the mother of five chil- dren, three of whom are living: Dan, who is a physician and resides in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, on the (nilf of Mexicn. He came to Atchison some time before his brother, D. C. and was the first free-state registrar of deeds of Atchison county. Lydia is the wife of Nathaniel Shephard and lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. D. C, the subject of this sketch. The first eighteen years of his life D. C. Newcomb spent in his native place, where he attended the public schools. Later he was a student in Newbury Seminary, and when eighteen years of age began clerking in Johnson. Vermont, after- ward in Montpelier. In the winter of 1857 he came \\'est spending some months in Wisconsin, and on ]\Iarch 8. 1858. came to Sumner, Kansas, and from there to Atchison. The latter place was in its infancy at that time and gave no promise of becoming the prosperous and important city that it now is. Sumner seemed to be the better place of the two, but Mr. Newcomb decided that the location of Atchison as a business point was far superior and con- cluded to try his fortune here. The following year he became deputy for his brother Dan in the register-of-deeds office, where he remained for some three years. He then took a clerkshii) in one of the stores in Atchison. One of his fellow clerks was Samuel Card, and in 1864 these two formed a part- nership under the firm name of Card & Newcomb. which continued until 1869. when Mr. Card died. Since that time Mr. Newcomb has carried on merchan- dising alone, enlarging his quarters as his business has increased, and now being finely establislied as has been mentioned. BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 53 In 1866 j\Ir. Xewcomb was married to x\nna E. Bowman, a daughter of Captain George W. Bowman, at one time a steamboat captain and afterward a merchant of Atchison. He was formerly from Brownsville, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs Newcomb have two children : Hattie INIay, who married Lieu- tenant Harry A. Smith. U. S. A., a graduate of West Point, and a son of Henry T. Smith, one of the early merchants of Atchison. At the present time Lieutenant Smith is at Santiago, Cuba ; he held the rank of major of the Twenty-first Kansas Volunteers in the Spanish war; George Edgar, the only son of Mr. Newcomb, is in business with his father. He was born at Atchi- son, March 19, 1869. and was educated in the Northwestern L'niversity, at Evanston, Illinois. He is progressive in his ideas and, like his father, full of enterprise and awake to every opportunity for increasing their business. He was married in October, 1895, to Miss Dorothy Jones, of Waupun, Wisconsin. Mr. Newcomb is a stanch Republican and is always ready to use his influence in forwarding the interests of his party, but has never been a poli- tician in the ordinary acceptation of the term. Both he and his wife are consistent and useful meml)ers of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has filled the ofifices of trustee, steward and class-leader, in which work he has ever taken a deep interest. He was a delegate to the general conference of the Methodist Episcopal church which met in Omaha. Nebraska, in 1892, and at Chicago in 1900. and was president of the Young Men's Christian Association of Atchison for three years. For the past fifteen years Air. Newcomb has been vice-president of the First National Bank of Atchison, of which he was one of the founders, and ever since a director. He occupies a large and very handsome residence at 704 North Fourth street, and his home is a most delightful one, where hos- pitality and good will abound. His success in life has been won by hard work and strict business integrity, and is well deserved. GEORGE W. CLICK. Whate\'er else may be said of the legal fraternity, it cannot be denied that members of the bar have been more prominent actors in public affairs than any other class. This is but the natural result of causes which are manifest and reciuire no explanation. The ability and training which qualify one to practice law\ also qualifies him in many respects for duties which lie outside the strict path of his profession and which touch the general interests of society. Holding marked precedence among the meml>ers of the bar of Atchison county Mr. Click practiced law for many years and later was called 54 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. to pul)lic life by the vote of the people. As the ninth governor of the state his name is inseparably connected with the history of the commonwealth and at the present time lie is serving as United States pension agent of the district comprising Kansas. Missoin-i, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Indian Territ.M-y.' ]Mr. Click was born in r'airlield comity, Ohio, July 4- ^^^7- 'ii«l \vhen he was four years old his father's family removed to a farm near Fremont in the same state. There he attended a country school held in what is known as '•Click's schoolhouse." and wlien nineteen years of age taught in the same place. He subsequently l)ecame a student in the Dioclesian Institute in Fremont, which was founded liy Dr. Dio Lewis who afterwards became famous for his \ icws in regard to health reform. Later he attended the Central College of Ohio, but did not finish the course. Air. Click. Sr., was a thoroughly well-informed and practical agricul- turist and acquired a competence as a result of his labors. His son was equally fond of the calling and would doubtless have been as successful in that line as his father, had not an accident by which his feet were severely injured in a threshing machine apparently put an end to all active work. Fortunately liis fears were not realized and he entirely recovered his original strength and use of his limbs: To this day, however, his love for country life continues, and as long as his father lived on the farm he spent his summers there, assisting in the haying and harvesting. W'hile under the apprehension that he would be a cripple for life, Mr. Click determined to take up law as a profession and began his studies, in 1849, in the oftice of Buckland & Hayes, of Fremont, the latter member of the firm lieing Rutherford B. Hayes, who afterward became president of the United States. Two years later he was admitted to the bar in Cincinnati, passing an examination with the graduating class of the Cincinnati Law School. After eight years of successful practice in Fremont, I\Ir. Click came to AtchiscHvilL- June, 1859, and the following January formed a partnership with Hon. A. G. Otis, \vhich continued as long as he practiced law. At the bar he w^on marked prestige by reason of his thorough understanding of law in its various departments and his devotion to his clients' interests. He prepared his cases with precision and exactness, studied the question at issue from every possible standpoint, and was thus ready to meet not only the expected but also the unexpected, which happens quite as frequently in the courts as out of them. In 187 J he tm-neil his attention to the less arduous duties of the farm, but maintained his residence in Atchison. He was the owner of a valuable tract of land of six hundretl and forty acres, four miles west of the city, and there lie successfully carried on stock raising, making a specialty of the breeding of Bates short-horneil cattle. A number of times he has paid as high as one BIOGRAPHICAL AND GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. 55 tlioiisand dollars for a single animal, and among stock dealers he obtained a wide reputation, shipping cattle to ^Michigan, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, New Mexico, Colorado and other western points. j\lr. Click has also been connected with the railroad interests of the state and was the first president of the Atchi- son & Nebraska roadj which, under his direction, was constructed to the jtate line. For many years he has been a prominent factor in the public life of the state and his course, which has ever been marked by a patriotic spirit, is one over which there falls no shadow of wrong. Mr. Click has serxed nine terms in the Kansas legislature — a longer recofdThan any other citizen nf tlic state — - and was once county commissioner and once county auditor. While holding tlie latter office in 1882, he was elected governor by nine thousand plurality over John P._St_JxJiivwho had been elected two years before by about fifty-five thousand. In 1884 he was renominated for governor by the Democrats, but was defeated by John A. Martin, although he ran sijileea_thausautl ahead of lils_licket. He was npminated-fef— gOYeainr nine years after coming to Kansas, but the Republicans were in full command of the situation at that time and he was defeated. In 1885 he was appointed pension agent, serving four years, and again in_iSc)3, both times without solicitation on his part. Mr. Click has been a Mason thirty-six years, being one of the original organizers of the Kniglits Templar Commandery and Royal Arch Chapter in Atchison. He has always taken an active interest in everything calculated to develop the resources of the county and state and is one of the most valuable citizens in Kansas. THOMAS M. WALKER. There is in the anxious and laborious struggle for an honorable competence and the solid career of the business or the professional man fighting the every- day battle of life, but little to attract the idle reader in search of a sensa- tional chapter; but for a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence, there are noble and immortal lessons in the life of the man who, without other means than a clear head, a strong arm and a true heart, conquers adversity, and toiling on through the work-a-day years of a long career, finds that he has won not only wealth, but also something far greater and higher — the deserved respect and esteem of those with whom his years of active life placed him in contact. Such a man, and one of the leading citizens of Atchison, is Thomas M. Walker, banker, capitalist and owner of extensive landed interests. Mr. Walker was born in Owen county, Kentucky, in 1848, and is a son 56 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. of Delville and Lucinda Walker. He spent his bciyliood da\s under the parental roof and was educated by a private teacher. Entering upon his Inisi- ness career, he devoted his energies to various pursuits until 1879, when he located in Alton, Osborne county. Kansas, where he engaged in general merchandising, in which he continued until 1884. doing a very large and profitable business. In that year he embarked in the banking business, by founding the Alton Bank, of Alton. Kansas. Subsequently he purchased the First National Bank at Osborne, Kansas, where he is still engaged in busi- ness. He was made president of the institution, and under his direction it has become one of the leading financial concerns in that part of the state. Conservative, yet progressive, business methods are followed, and the relia- bility of the president and stockholders insures a liberal patronage. As his financial resources have increased, Mr. Walker has placed his money in the safest of all investments — real estate — and has extensive property interests in Osborne county. He is the owner of a very large cattle ranch there and also has one in Graham county, Kansas. The latter is supplied with water by six small and deep lakes, while Eagle creek flows through his Osborne county ranch. The large herds of cattle which he raises place him among the leading stock dealers of the state. He is also interested in other Graham county lands, and so manages his extensive business interests that his capital is annually augmented. In 1882 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Walker and I\Iiss Carrie Nixon, of Chicago, a daughter of John and Matilda (McCunnell) Nixon. Mrs. Walker was born, reared and educated in Chicago, and is a lady of cul- ture and refinement and also possesses good business qualifications. Two children grace their union — Thomas Delville. who is a student in a pri\-atc school in St. Louis, Missouri; and Henrie O., who is a student at a private school of Atchison. Mrs. Walker takes a lively interest in public affairs and is a lady of strong intellectual and scholarly attainments. That Mr. Walker has attained to prominent jjosition in financial circles is due to his keen dis- cernment and his sound judgment, which is rarely, if ever, at fault. His laudable ambition has prumjjted him to put forth earnest effort in his busi- ness career, and he has w m a well-deserved success. CHARLES D. HUTCHINS. No city, no matter how great her natural resources, ever arose to any degree of prosperity that did not owe the credit of her position to the men within her limits, their ability to develop these resources and create new enter- prises. To those who have faith in her future, whr. rontrilnite substantiallv BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. 57 toward lier prosperity by investing capital and identifying tliemselves in every possiljle manner with her interests, tlie (|uestion of faikire is not only improbable but even impossible. For many years Mr. Hutchins has been numbered among the most prominent real estate dealers in Atchison. He was one of the first agents to locate in the city, and has carried on extensive operations. His business interests are, therefore, very closely interwoven with the history of Atchison, while his knowledge of locations and valu- ations is of vast benefit to purchasers. He is also a well-known insurance agent, and finds in this line of his business a profitable source of income. Mr. Hutchins is a son of Timothy B. and Sarah F. (Mellen) Hutchins, and was born at Xorthampton, Hampshire county, Massachusetts. His father was of Scotch-Irish descent, and for a number of years engaged in merchan- dising in Xorthampton. A man of superior intelligence and strong will power, his influence was felt in the public life of his town. He was a strong abolitionist and was very loyal to the faith of that party. His wife was a native of Prescott, Massachusetts, and a representative of one of the old Puritan families. She possessed many excellent traits of character, was a faithful and active Christian, a devoted mother and a most estimable lady. Charles D. Hutchins acquired his education in the conmion and high schools of his native place, and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his nineteenth year, when his father gave him his time and allowed him to start out in business for himself. He had but limited means, but possessed a vast amount of courage, pei'severance and a strong determination to succeed. His first venture was in the oil fields in Pennsylvania, where he remained for four years. His health then failing, he was obliged to put aside his business cares during the succeeding three years. In 1882 he came to Atchison, and, being pleased with the city, he decided to make it his perma- nent home. Renting an office, he began dealing in real estate, handling city property principalh% He purchased land and erected thereon good dwellings, after which he offered them for sale. Thus he has been prominently con- nected with the upbuilding of Atchison, and many of the pleasant honiis of the town stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. He has also become a representative of several safe and reliable insurance companies, and so much confidence have they in his judgment that he is often called on to pass upon the losses of fires. On the I2th of November, i860, Mr. Hutchins was united in marriage to Miss Anna S. Fordham, of Sag Harbor, New York, in whose place she was born and reared. Her father, James Fordham, a man of sterling qual- ities, was an old and well-known sea captain, and teloved by a wide acquaint- ance. He lived to an advanced age, dying at the age of eighty-nine years. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Hutchins. A. Edna, who is the wife 58 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. of O. C. Morgan, of Atcliison, and lias two cliildren. Hazel and Roscoe Conkling. Mr. Hutchins is a strong adherent of the Republican party, and keeps well informed on the issues of the day. He had never sought office for him- self, but takes an active interest in securing the election of his friends who are candidates on the l\e])ublican ticket. A man of strong convictions, he is always positive in his views and always found on the side of law and order. He holds membership in no religious denomination, but is a liberal contributor to the church and is charitable to the poor. As a citizen he is ever ready to aid the projects which are conducive to the growth and development of the community, and is justly proud of the marked advancement which has been made in Atchison in the past few years, and to which he has contributed in no small measure. At all times Mr. Hutchins carries about with him one hundred dollars in gold for the purpose of defraying his funeral expenses — a custom he has followed since 1847. He has made perhaps the only complete collection of historical envelopes in this country, most of these being gathered during the Civil war and bearing all kinds of emblems and inscrijjtions. They have been securely placed in a scrap-book, and he has refused the offer of a handsome sum of money for them. In 1893 ^^^ erected the fine residence which he now occupies and which is complete in every respect. He is a man of domestic tastes, finding his greatest delight in entertaining his friends at his own fireside. . A gentleman of scholarly attainments, of marked courtesy and of genial disposition, he is very companionable, antl has gained many friends throughout the community. S. C. FLICKINGER. The tilling of the soil has occupied the attention of man since the crea- tion of the world, although great changes have occurred in the methods of this work. Mr. Flickinger is accounted one of the most prominent and pro- gressive agriculturists of Brown county, and is to-day the uwner of one of the best farms of Morrill township. He was born September 13, 1866, in Ohio, his parents being William M. and Catherine (Peck) Flickinger, both of whom were natives of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in which locality they were married. The paternal grandfather, Samuel Flickinger, was a native of the Keystone state, was of German lineage, and was a Dunkard in religious faith. His children were: Catherine, married C. (I. Lint; William: Sally married U. Arnold: Sanuicl II., of Nebraska; Eliza married D. 'M. I-'ike; Susan, deceased, married D. Foss, and Elizabeth married J. ^^^ Peck. William M. Flickinger, the father of our subject, was burn ]\Iarch 6. 1835. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 59 removed to- Ohio in 1865, purchased a farm, and there remained until 1868. when he became a resident and the owner of a farm in Carroll county, Illinois. There he resided until 1881, when he came to Brown county, Kansas. He pur- chased two farms in Morrill township and also a half-section of prairie land, taking up his abode upon the farm which is now the home of our subject. He made good improvements there, erected a large residence and substantial barns and outbuildings, and added all the accessories and conveniences known to farm life at the present day. In connection with the cultivation of the fields he also handled short-horn cattle. In 1890, however, he sold his farms to two of his sons, but he still owns the tract of prairie land. In 1890 he re- moved to McPherson, Kansas, where he has since lived retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He has been twice mar- ried. His first wife was Catherine Peck, whom, he married March, 1859. Her parents were Jonas and Fannie Saylor Peck, and the father of Jonas was Jacob Peck, also natives of Pennsylvania and were members of the Dunkard church. Their children were : Barbara, who became Mrs. Hinebaw ; Cather- ine, the mother of our subject; Jeremiah, of Waterloo, Iowa; Mrs. Sally Hershberger; Mrs. Mary Hershberger; Mrs. Matilda Forney, who after her first husband's death became the wife of Daniel Kingery ; Mrs. Hattie Kimmell ; Mrs. Eliza Miller; Susan, who became the second wife of Mr. Flickinger; and Mrs, Caroline Kline. By his first marriage William ]\I. Flickinger had five children: Lavina, born June 22, i860, died January 9, 1863; Calvin W.. born July 18, 1862, a merchant of Morrill; Anna, born March 5, 1864, who died at the age of twenty-two years ; S. C, of this review, and Mrs. Harriet Potter, of Wilsey, Kansas, born January 17, 1871. The mother died July 13, 1872. She was a faithful member of the Dunkard church and her many excel- lent qualities endeared her to a large circle of friends. The following year Mr. Flickinger married Susan Peck, a sister of his first wife, and they had three children: Joseph J., born October 21, 1874, a farmer; Ada, born July 9, 1878, who died January i, 1894; and Delta A., born July 12, 1889. S. C. Flickinger, whose name from the caption of this review, accom- panied his parents on their various removals, eventually becoming a resident of Kansas. He was reared to farm pursuits and educated in the common schools, remaining under the parental roof until his marriage, when he pur- chased the old homestead, upon which he resided for five years. He then removed to Illinois, but after two years returned and has since maintained his residence upon the old home farm. He is now engaged in general farming and also raises some stock. His place is neat and thrifty in appearance and indi- cates his careful supervision. In 1890 Mr. Flickinger wedded Ella Livingood, a cultured lady who was born in Carroll county, Illinois, July 31. 1S68, her parents being Abraham 6o BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. and Fanny (Myers) Livingood, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Tliey removed to Illinois, where the father carried on farming for some years but afterward engaged in merchandising at Millersville, where he died in February, 1890. His wife yet survives him and makes her home in Millers- ville. Her father was Henry ;Myers. a farmer and a Dunkard preacher, but spent his last days in the home of his daughter in Falls City, Nebraska. His children were: Sally Livingood, Mrs. Mary Lichty, Mrs. Elizabeth Har- ringtiin. Hannah, wife of U. Miller: Mrs. Lydia S. Saylor; Mrs. Kate Nedro, Philip, who died in Falls City, leaving a wife and children: Henry, of Millers- \\\\t. Illinois : and Joseph, who with his family made a tour of the Holy Land and died at Jerusalem in 1898. The Livingood children by the father's first marriage were : Zachariah, a minister of the Progressive Dunkard church and a merchant of Lanark, Illinois ; Joseph, a grain dealer of Seattle, Wash- ington : Mary, wife of H. \\'alker; David, who died at the age of seventeen years: Lincoln, a farmer of Illinois: Anna, wife of W. ^filler, of Milledge- \-iIle. IlHnois: Ella, now Airs. Flickinger: Samuel, a merchant of ]\Iilledge\-ille, Illinois: and Edward, of Colfax, Washington. The family are members of the Progressive Brethren church. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Flickinger has been blessed with one inter- esting little son, Edgar, who was born April 24, 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Flick- inger are members of the Progressive Dunkard church and he is connected with the Jklodern Woodmen of America. Reared in the political faith of the Re- publican party, he was identified therewith for some years, Ijut is now giving his support to the People's party. He filled the ofifice of township trustee for two terms, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. He is known as one of the public-spirited and progressive citizens of the community and withholds his support from no measure which he believes will prove of public benefit. JOHN M. CAIN. The gentleman here named figured conspicuously for many 3^ears in con- nection with the material interests of Atchison that contributed to the upbuild- ing and prosperity of the city. He was a man of marked force of character, determined, purposeful and energetic, and at all times his honorable dealings commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he came in con- tact. He came to the -west wlien a young man, and as opportunity offered he steadily enlarged his field of labor until his name became known throughout tlic country in connection with extensive milling interests in this city. His reputation in industrial circles was above (luestion, and to his family he left [ 1. ^It'^ 1 ^^^^^ ^^ ii'!n(ii^MM?:^r f i. WW if^ . '^ e school board and trustee of the town- ship. Socially he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is highly esteemed by all who know him and is a most interesting conversationalist, his reminiscences of the early times being a source of great pleasure to those who are fortunate enough to obtain opportunity to hear them related. He can also tell stories of long ago in the eastern states and of his grandfather, Philip Howell, who was among the first to run a ferry across the Delaware river at Trenton, New Jersey, which became a famous crossing for travelers on their way to Philadelphia. ^ The Atchison Globe's account of the early experiences of Captain Howell, already referred to, is here appended : "Amos A. Howell, who is now in the ice business in Atchison, was one of the plains freighters who distinguished Atchison in the early days. He ran twenty-seven wagons, with six yoke of oxen to each wagon. An extra herd of oxen was taken along, known as a 'cavvy,' to 'spell' the others and take the places of those that gave out. Altogether he owned four hundred head of work oxen. The oxen were expected to pick up their living on the way, but when mules were used in winter it was necessary to carry grain for them. Thirty men were necessary in a train of twenty-seven wagons pulled by oxen. Mr. Howell was his own wagon boss, assisted by his son, Nat. "In those days there was a government regulation that all trains should be held at Fort Kearney until a hundred armed men had collected. Then a captain was elected, who was commissioned by the government and had absolute charge of the train while it was passing through the Indian country. Mr. Howell frequently occupied the position of captain, being well known on the plains. 122 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. "On one occasion, while he was captain, he halted at Cottonwood, on the Platte, as the Indians were ver}- bad and soldiers were expected to go through with the train. But none came, and finally Mr. Howell unloaded five wagons, filled them with armed men and started out. Almost in sight of Cottonwood a gang of gaily painted Indians attacked the train, supposing it was a little outfit; but when the Indians came within range the 'Whisky Bills' and 'Poker Petes' in the covered wagons began dropping the Indians off their ponies and there was a very pretty fight, in which the Indians were badly worsted. "Mr. Howell says the Indians ne^'er attacked wagon trains except very early in the morning or late in the evening. The favorite sport of the Indians, however, was to run off the stock after the train had gone into camp at night, and they always had one way of doing it, which Mr. Howell finally learned. The Indians are no wiser than white men, for they say that white men always fail in business the same way and act the same way when they have a fire. An Indian would ride up on a high point and look around a while. This would always be in the evening, when the train was near a camping place. Then the Indian would disappear and come back presently with another Indian wrapped in his blanket and riding the same pony. One Indian then would drop off into the grass and the rider would go back after another one; the Indians were collecting an ambush, thinking the freighters would never think of it. "Mr. Howell had in his employ as driver an Atchison man named 'Whisky Bill,' who was particularly clever at hating Indians, and whenever an ambush was preparing 'Whisky Bill" would select four or five other men equally clever and go after the Indians. He often killed and scalped as many as four in one ambush and sold the scalps in Denver to the Jews for a suit of clothes each. The Jews bought them as relics and disposed of them in the east. The killing of Indians in this manner was according to government orders and strictly legitimate. Another driver in Howell's train was an Atchi- son man named Rube Dugan. He was a great roper and used to take a horse when in sight of a buffalo herd and go out after calves, which made tender meat. Riding into the herd he would lasso a calf, fasten the rope to the ground with a stake and then go on after another one before the herd got away. He caught several calves in this way for Ben Holladay, who took them east. Mr. Howell remembers once that this side of Fort Kearney it was necessary to stop the train to let a herd of buffalo pass. The men always had fresh buffald meat in addition to their bacon, beans, dried apples, rice and fried bread. "There was a cook with the train who drove the mess wagon, but he did not do any other work. Every driver had to take his turn getting wood and water for the cook and in herding the cattie at noon, but the night herder did nothing else and slept in the mess wagon during the day. Occasionally he BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 123 would waken about noon and hunt along the road. The cattle fed at nio'ht until ten or eleven o'clock, when they would lie down until two in the morn- ing. The night herder would lie down by the side of a reliable old ox and sleep, too, being awakened when the ox got up to feed. The oxen were driven into the wagon corral about daylight and yoked. Every wagon had its specified place in the train and kept it during an entire trip. The wagons were always left in a circle at night, forming a corral. Into this corral the cattle were driven while being yoked. In case of an attack the cattle were inside the corral and the men fought under the wagons. The teams started at daylight and stopped at ten or eleven o'clock until after two or three, then they would start out and travel until dark. Mr. Howell always rested on Sunday, making an average of a hundred miles a week with his ox teams. When the train started out each man was given ten pounds of sugar, which was to last him to Denver. On the first Sunday the men would make lemonade of sugar and vinegar and do without sugar the rest of the trip. "Mr. Howell saw the attack on George W. Howe's train on the Little Blue, when George Constable, the wagon boss, was killed, and the entire train burned. Constable was an Atchison man. Howell's train was corraled and he could not go to Howe's assistance. "Mr. Howell came to Atchison county in 1856, by wagon, from Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where he was born December 26, 1824. Althouo-h seventy years old, he is stout and vigorous, getting up every mornino- at four o'clock to go to work. His plains experience did him good. He still owns the claim he took up in Grasshopper township and has since acquired three ether quarter-sections beside it." HENRY MYERS. The fitting reward of a well-spent life is an honored retirement from labor, such as Mr. Myers is now enjoying. One of the fine farms of Shannon township, Atchison county, is an indication of his labors in former years, for the valuable property on which he now resides was secured entirely through his earnest, consecutive and honorable efforts. Mr. Myers is a native of the Fatherland, his birth ha\ing occurred in Hanover, Germany, on June 25, 1829. His parents were also natives of the same country. The mother was a Miss Myers before her marriage, a daughter of Henry Myers. In 1835 the family emigrated to the United States, landing at New York city after a voyage of eight weeks. They went direct to Colum- bus, Ohio, and after spending the succeeding winter there, removed to Jackson 124 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. county, Indiana, wliere they remained until 1849. Tlie mother's death occurred in that county in 1840. In 1841 Henry Myers, of this review, became a student in one of the primitive schools of Indiana, — a log building, supplied with crude furniture. There he became familiar with the elementary branches of the English lan- guage, pursuing his studies through the winter months, while in the summer season he followed the plow, planted the crops and then assisted in gathering the harvests 'in the autumn. In 1850 he started westward, taking up his abode in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he was engaged in teaming for a time. He did much hauling for millers in that locality, and E^lso transported supplies for farmers to the Arkansas river. In 1852 Mr. Myers was united in marriage to Miss Lititia Hardsick, of Missouri, after which he engaged in the manufacture of cottonwood shingles. In 1867 he removed to Kansas and purchased a farm of A. J. Gore, in Shan- non township, then consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, and to it he added from time to time until within its boundaries were comprised seven hundred and twenty acres. He erected upon the farm a good dwelling, sub- stantial barns, sheds and out-buildings, and became one of the prosperous agriculturists of the community. He was very successful as a wheat raiser and also in raising cattle and hogs, frequently feeding and fattening cattle for the market. He was very industrious and energetic, and these qualities brought him a handsome competence. He continued the operation of his farm until 1897, since which time it has been controlled by his sons. On November 5, 1896, Mr. Myers was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who was a most estimable lady, greatly devoted to the interests of her family. Mr. Myers has served as a member of the school board for a num- ber of years. He is now in possession of a competence, which, in the later vears of his life, supplies him with comforts and luxuries. Mr. Myers has the satisfaction of knowing that his career has been an honorable and upright one, and that it has not been without the financial reward which should ever attend well-directed labor. WILLIAM L. HEINEKEN. William L. Heineken, a prosperous and influential farmer of Atchison county, resides upon a well improved homestead situated on section 22, Benton township. He is a native of Louisiana, his birth having occurred October 10, 1847. His family name was originally spelled Langeheineken, but on account of the difficulty of writing and pronouncing such a long name the first syllable was dropped. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 125 Tlie family of which he is a sterhng representative is an old and honored one in Germany, his grandfather, a native of Hamburg, being reared and educated in that country. For a wife he cl>3se a lady of Portuguese birth, whose family were wealthy and influential, but whose estates were confiscated by the crown because of their too openly sympathizing with the revolutionary party during the Carlos war. Our subject's father, Augustus Heineken, was born in Hamburg, and when he arrived at the proper age entered the military serv- ice of his fatherland, serving for three years. Later he embarked in merchan- dising, in which pursuit he met with success. He married Carolina Schrader, of a prominent Brunswick (Germany) family. In 1846 the young couple came to America, locating at first in Baltimore, and subsequently settling in New Orleans. Of their three children Theodore, deceased, left a widow and two daughters, and Helena, deceased, became the wife of William Sherrill. The father died when in his sixty-fifth year and the mother, who was a mem- ber of the Catholic church, died when in her sixty-fourth year. William L. Heineken came to Kansas in 1857, when he was a lad of ten years, and for one year worked on a farm in Atchison county and for four years worked on a farm in Doniphan county, working for his father. He attended district schools during this time and then took a course in Bush's Commercial College at Leavenworth, Kansas. He was engaged in farming in A\'yandotte county, Kansas, up to 1872, when he went to Cowley county, Kan- sas, and engaged in the hotel business at Winfield for one year. Relinquish- ing the hotel he then farmed in Cowley county till the spring of 1884. when he purchased his present homestead. There are one hundred and sixty acres in the place and the improvements include a commodious house, barns, fences, windmill and other necessary attributes of a desirable modern country home. The farm is near Nortonville and only five miles from Effingham. In 1872 Mr. Heineken married Mary Helm, in Wyandotte county, Kan- sas. She is a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Helm, and was born in Pennsyl- vania. Ten children, seven of the number sons, have blessed the union of our subject and wife, namely: Edward, a student at the Effingham high school; Carrie, wife of A. Matthews; Nora, Chester, Elsie, Theodore, Arthur, Walter, Harry and Ernest. Mr. Heineken is a self-made man, owing to his own indefatigable efforts the competence which he now enjoys. He is a man of upright principles and one of his highest ambitions is to provide all of his children with a good, practi- cal education. For twenty-two years he has officiated as a school director, mani- festing the great interest which he takes in the matter of proper educational facilities for the young. Socially he is identified with the Knights and Ladies of Security. In politics he is a Populist, loyally upholding the policy of the party which he believes to be the best for the common good. :26 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. CHARLES EDWIN KNUDSON. Necessity is said to be the mother of about every useful invention. To recognize the necessity for a machine or process for a given scientific or mechanical purpose, one must be intimately acquainted with the present methods for the work involved and their shortcomings. Edison, the great wizard in the realm of electricity, gained his first experience of that mysterious force as a telegrapher; railroad men have been the most prolific originators of railroad inventions and farmers have produced many inventions adapted to their own uses. One of the most remarkable of the latter class of inventions in recent years is that of Charles Edwin Knudson, of Washington township, Brown countv, Kansas, for taking the corn crop off the ground ; an in\ention which has been developed to the verge of absolute success and which will doubtless soon meet the expectations of Mr. Knudson and his friends. Charles Edwin Knudson is a representative of one of the progressive, prosperous and favorably knOwn families of Brown county, and was born where he now lives, in Washington township, December 29, 1873, ^ son of Ulrick Knudson, one of the most substantial and independent farmers and strong unswerving Republicans in that part of the county. Ulrick Knudson was born in Valders, Norway, February 14, 1837, one of the ten children of Knud Knudson, six of whom are living : Ole, in Manitowoc county, Wiscon- sin ; Annie, widow of Gulick Gigstad, Atchison county: Mary, wife of Ole Dovre, of Valders, Norway; Ulrick; Benedick, one of the wealthy farmers of Brown county: and Julia, wife of Nels Nelson, of Lyon county, Minnesota. Ulrick Knudson left Norway in April, 1857, sailing on the Gaugerolf from Bergen to Quebec. He reached Manitowoc, Wisconsin, July 4, following, and came to Kansas soon afterward. In 1861 he drove across the plains to Colorado, thus employed en route for bis board and transportation, and v.virked in the mines about Gregory for nearly four years. He returned to Kansas with six hundred dollars and with this began his career in Brown county. His progress has been constant and his accumulations steady. He has improved his present home farm, one of the finest in the state, most substantially and elegantly. He married Bertha Strand in 1870. Their children are: Charles E., Rosa E., Annie M., Edward O., Benhard, Julius A., Clara A. and Henry Adolph. Charles E. Knudson was reared upon his father's farm and was educated in the district school. He decided to engage in railroading when well tuward his twentieth year, and went to Sedalia, Missouri, where he learned telegraphy. After completing his course he became operator at Rennick. Missouri, and was there when the order of railway telegraphers called a strike on the system on which he was employed. Not being a member of the union and not having the BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 127 experience required to join it, he though it expedient to quit the service. He returned to Kansas, expecting to get a position with the Rock Island Railway Company, but liis father made him a good proposition to engage in farming, whicli lie accepted. Mr. Knudson's reputation as an inventor extends throughout Brown and adjoining counties, and the people generally, who recognize the utility of his machine, believe he will speedily make it completely successful. For a number of years he revolved in his mind an idea that a machine could be made that would take the corn crop off the ground more cheaply than it can be harvested by the present method : and then, with characteristic energy, he imposed upon himself and undertook the task of planning such a machine and bringing it into existence. His first device consisted of a binder-wheel with its canvas and rollers in such a position that they could be attached to the rear of a wagon. The process was to snap the corn and load it into a hopper of the machine above the husking rolls. As the wagon and machine were drawn over the field the latter did its work fairly well and elevated the corn into the wagon. It was found, however, to require too much work to keep the hopper filled to admit of the profitable operation of the machine. The original idea was therefore abandoned. In 1897 Mr. Knudson called many farmers of his own nationality together and explained to them what he proposed to do and what he had accomplished. His process, as then planned for taking corn off the stalk, seemed so plausible that a company, called the "Farmer's Aid Association," was formed, which raised enough money to enable Mr. Knudson to go to Washington in person and patent his invention. The conditions of the public donations, which constituted the fund, were that if the machine should prove a success the subscribers were to be reimbursed in double the amount of their subscription : but if the invention turned out impracticable tb: money given was to be considered an absolute donation. The ofticers of the association were Rev. B. .A. Sand, president. John Thorson, secretary, and H. C. Olson, treas- urer. Besides these gentlemen, the other members of the association were B. and U. Knudson, H. J. Peterson, L. Severtson, K. G. Gigstad, Eli Turkel- son and Jacob Knudson. In 1898 Mr. Knudson raised more money with which to build an experimental machine, by agreeing to a division of the proceeds of the sale of the first one hundred machines in case it should prove a success, pro rata, as per each subscription ; but if the machine should not prove a success the amounts contributed were not to be returned to the subscribers. He took his drawings and went to St. Joseph. Missouri, where for four months he was engaged in the construction of the machine. It was tested in the fall of 1899 and was found to be nearer the thing desired than the first invention, one of its principal deficiencies being the skipping of the"down 128 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. ears." Mr. Knudson is now planning to apply new principles to the construc- tion of some of the working parts of the machine and confidently expects, ere long, to overcome all obstacles to its perfect operation. Mr. Knudson was married, in December, 1896, to Ella M. Anderson, daughter of Gilbert Anderson, of Scandia, Kansas. Their children are : Charles U. Gilmore, born in 1897: Esther Olivia Beatrice, born in 1899, and Luther Arlington, born in 1899. Mr. Knudson is, like his father, a stanch Republican, and has served on the county central committee. He resembles his father also in his public-spirited encouragement of all measures having for their object the advancement of the general good. Though not caring for office for himself, he is an active and intelligent party worker and wields con- siderable political influence in a local way. PETER McOUAID. Peter McOuaid, now deceased, was for a number of years a prominent pioneer settler of Nemaha county and in his death the community lost one of its valuable citizens. He was a native of the Emerald Isle and in his life man- ifested many of the sterling characteristics of his race. His birth occurred April 8, 1830. In the public schools of his native land he pursued his educa- tion until eighteen years of age, acquiring an excellent knowledge that well fitted him for the practical and responsible duties of life. He was only ele\en years of age at the time of his father's death. In 1848 he came to America, locating in New York where he was first employed in a drug store. Later he learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked for some time. He traveled to a considerable extent iti Canada, also visited the Mississippi valley and went as far west as the Black Hills, stopping at many intermediate points on his journey. In 1858 he arrived in Nemaha county, locating at Farmington, where he established a blacksmith shop. It was after that that he visited the Black Hills, remaining for about a year and then returning to Nemaha county, where he resumed work at his trade, conducting his smithy at Seneca through- out a long period. His working ability ultimately led to his election to public ofifice and in 1869 he was chosen on an independent ticket to the position of register of deeds. He was also one of the county trustees before the county was divided into townships. In 1871 he located upon a farm, where his widow now resides, — then a tract of raw land with no improvements. He carried on general farming and stock raising until his death and was very successful in his operations, making a comfortable competence. In 1865 Mr. McQuaid was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Draney, .^ BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 129 who was born in Canada May 8, 1842. and now resides on section 28, Nemaha township. Her father. Hugh Draney. was a native of Ireland, who, when a young man, crossed the Atlantic to Canada, where he followed the occupa- tion of farming. In 1856 he removed to Iowa, where his last days were spent. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Conley, was born and reared in Ireland, going to Canada while in lier maidenhood, where she was married. The year following her husband's death she came to Nemaha county, where she remained until called, at the age of eighty-three years, to the home beyond. She was the mother of seven children. Mrs. McQuaid, the only daughter, was about fifteen years of age when she came to Nemaha county, in 1857. The greater part of her education was obtained in Canada, but here she pur- sued her studies for a time in a sod school house, having one door and one window. She is to-day one of the oldest settlers in the county and one of its most highly esteemed ladies. Her home farm comprises three hundred and twenty acres and in addition she owns one hundred and twenty acres located in other sections of the country. By her marriage Mrs. McOuaid became the mother of ten children, all born in Nemaha county, namely : Anna, wife of Max Novak, of Nemaha county ; Lizzie, deceased ; Hugh, who has also passed away ; Peter and James, who carry on the home farm ; Jerome, who wedded Ida Hang, of Nemaha county; Mary, wife of John M. Smith, of Clear Creek township, Nemaha county ; an infant, deceased ; Alice, who is attending school in Atchison. Kansas : and Katie, at home. All are members of St. Mary's Catholic church at St. Benedict. After his removal to the farm Mr. McQuaid served as trustee of his township and in public afifairs affecting the progress and prosperity of the community he took an active and helpful interest. He, too, was one of the prominent members of St. Mary's Catholic church and assisted greatly in its work. His kindly manner and genial disposition made him very popular and he was widely and favorably known in his adopted county. He died August 2/, 1894, and his memory is cherished by his many friends as well as by his immediate family. Mrs. McOuaid still occupies the old homestead farm and enjoys the respect of all who know her. NOBLE F. LESLIE. Capably administering the business of the postoffice. Noble Festus Leslie holds high rank among the leading citizens of Robinson, being also identified with the business interests of the town in connection with the publishing of tlie Robinson Index. He was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, February 26, 1842, the fifth in a family of nine children. His father was James Leslie, who 130 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. located in tliat county in 1828, and there died in 1873, ^t the age of sixty-nine years. He was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and was the youngest of the family of eleven sons born of Scotch-Irish parentage. James Leslie mar- ried Julia A. Giddings, whose father was an own cousin of the famous Joshua Giddings. of northern Ohio. Mrs. Leslie died in 1882, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. Their children were Parthenia. James G., Mary J., Clarissa, Noble F., Adaline O., John, Newton and Milton B. Of these are now living: James G., Ogle county, Illinois; Mary J. Marvin, Youngstown, O. ; Milton B. and Adaline O., Hubbard. Ohio, and the subject of tb!s sketch. Mr. Leslie, whose name introduces the initial paragraph of this review, remained on his father's farm until eighteen years of age, when he responded to his country's call for troops to aid in crushing out the rebellion in its incip- iency. It was on April 26, 1861, that he joined the boys in blue in Company C, Tenth Pennsylvania Reserves, under Colonel McClintock. He was mus- tered into the state service at Pittsburg, and into the federal service at Har- risburg. Pennsylvania, on July 20. Under this enlistment he was with General McClellan's army on the Peninsular campaign, in the second battle of Bull Run under General Pope, in the battle of Antietam with General McClellan, with General Burnside at Fredericksburg and the battle of the Wilderness, and in the siege of Petersburg under Generals Grant and Meade, where on August 19, 1864, he was taken prisoner. Just prior to this event he re-enlisted as a member of Company D, One Hundred and Ninetieth Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was on the Weldon railroad, three and a half miles from Petersburg, when captured by the rebels, and from that point was taken first to Libby prison, at Richmond, and afterward to Belle Isle, where he remained forty-five days. On October 10, 1864, he was placed with others in a stockade prison at Salisbury, North Carolina, and on February 22, 1865, was paroled, reaching the Federal lines at Wilmington March 22. He suffered all the hardships and trials incident to life in those loathsome prison pens of the south. Stories of their experiences have not been exaggerated, as Mr. Leslie knows from personal participation therein. On being released from prison he was sent to the parole camp at Annap- olis, Maryland, and was granted a furlough. Immediately afterward he started home, but owing to ill health and the closing of the war, he never re-entered the service. He was a valiant soldier, fearless and brave, and it is to the lo3'alty of such men that the nation owes her preservation. After the close of hostilities Mr. Leslie went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he pursued a course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College, defraying the expenses with funds which he had saved from his pay as a soldier. His first position was as bookkeeper and weigher of a coal concern at Hubbard, Ohio, where he remained for three years, after which he went to Ogle county, Illi- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 131 nois, and liaving successfully passed the teacher's examination, engaged in teaching school. Later he was employed as one of the instructors in the Rock River Seminary, and at the same time he further prosecuted his own studies, thus preparing himself for more advanced work in the profession. He remained with that institution for three years, and then came to Kansas in response to the solicitation of a friend who was engaged in the drug business in Seneca. Here he became connected with the educational work in Nemaha county, and was later principal of the Hiawatha schools. Subsequently Mr. Leslie turned his attention to the railroad business, representing the Grand Island road as their third agent at Robinson, but he abandoned that work in 1879 and began dealing in lumber, hardware and grain. For a number of years he met with satisfactory prosperity, doing the greater part of the business in that line in the town, but in 1881 he lost heavily through fire. This, however, was partly cov- ered bv insurance, and in time he recuperated his losses and was again doing profitable business when a second fire destroyed all that he had, forcing him to retire from business. It is test periods in the lives of men that indicate their true characters. At this crisis Mr. Leslie did not fail ; when many a man of less resolute spirit would have been discouraged, he made the best of the advantages still left to him, and thus gained the admiration and respect of all who knew him. Having some knowledge of the carpenter's trade, he secured a few tools and went to work, spending three years in the employ of the Rock Island Railroad Company building bridges. He also did much contract work around Robinson. On May 4, 1898, he was appointed postmaster, taking pos- session on June 8 following. He is now administering the affairs of the office in the best manner that could be wished : prompt, thoroughly reliable, energetic and true to the trust reposed in him. In company with his son he is also the publisher of the Robinson Index, which they purchased February i, 1899, it being the first permanent paper in the town. The Robinson Record was the first journal issued in the village, and with that Mr. Leslie was also connected. At an early day the members of the Leslie family were all identified with the Democratic party, and even the brother of our subject espoused the cause of that political organization, but when in the army Mr. Leslie, of this review, became imbued with Republican principles and cast his first vote for Rutherford B. Hayes for governor of Ohio. He has always been prominent in the councils of the Republican party in Brown county, and his fellow-townsmen, recogniz- ing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office. He was elected county commissioner, being a member of the board just after the defal- cation of the county treasurer, and as the other two members were on the bond of the defaulter, it fell to Mr. Leslie to manage the settlement of the affair for the county. In the fall of 1879 he was elected to the legislature, rep- 132 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. resenting the seventy-first district. He served on tlie committees on education, enrolled bills, assessment and taxation, and during the session supported the first prohibition law ever enacted in the state. On April 9. 1873, Mr. Leslie was united in marriage to Miss Delphina P. Nichols, whose father. Andrew Nichols, was a minister of the gospel and a soldier in the Civil war. Their two children are Harry M.. editor of the Robinson Index, born January i, 1874, and Britomarte, born February 4. 1878. In all life's relations Mr. Leslie has commanded the respect of his fellow-men. In business he is upright, reliable, honorable and in all places and under all circumstances is loyal to truth, honor and right, justly regarding his self-respect and the deserved esteem of his fel- low-men infinitely more valuable than wealth, fame or position. F. W. DICKERSON. A well known principal of the public schools of Efifingham is Professor F. W". Dickerson. who has occupied his present position since September, 1898. He is yet a young man, but has won marked prestige amon Sonoca. accciiting a clerkship in the hardware store of Robert Nel- son. On April 3. 1804, '1*^ ^^•^^ appointed postniaster by President Cleveland, holding that office for four years. He purchased the Seneca Courier Demo- crat, in 1S85, one of the old journals of the county. The paper had been establisheil in 1S69. and throughout the intervening years had been an imiwrt- ant factor in uphokling the interests of the county and promoting its welfare. Under the guidance of Mr. Herokl. who is assisted by his son. it has become a wide-awake journal, entertaining and instructive, and has secured a large cir- culation. Its editorials are fluent and forceful, and while setting forth the writer's views are not unpleasantly aggressive. Mr. and Mrs. Herold have a family of five children : Charles H.. who is engaged in the insurance business : Edward, foreman of the Courier Democrat office: Philip M. ; Otto H.. who is employed as a bookkeeper in Kansas City, ^lissouri : and George J., who is engaged in the Democrat office. The family have a wide acquaintance m Seneca, and the members of the household occupy leading jxisitions in social circles. Mr. Herold takes an active interest in local, county and state jx^litics. ami does all in his power to promote the growtli and insure the success of Deniocracv. WILLIAM F. TROUGHTOX. William F. Troughton, a physician and surgeon successfully engaged in practice in Seneca, was lx>rn in England, in the northern lake district. May 5, 1837. His father. Robert Troughton, was also a native of the same country and in early life followed the builder's trade. He married Hannah Thorn- burrow, also a native of England, and in that country their son, ^^'iIliam F., was reared. He obtained his preliminary education in the schools near his home, later pursued his studies in Lonilon and was graduatetl from St. Thomas College in the spring of 1865. In the same year he came to the United States, landing at Xew York, whence he made his way direct to Cincinnati, Ohio. In the spring of 1866 he went south, opening an office in Memphis. Tennessee, where he engaged in practice for two years and on the expiration of that period he removed to Houston, Texas, where he had charge of a hospital dur- ing the epidemic of yellow fever in that city. He then returned to Memphis, Tennessee, and in 1S69 lie went to southern Illinois, locating in Carbondale, where he conducted a successful practice until 1872, when he took up his abode in Wetmore. Xemaha county, Kansas. In 1878 he came to Seneca, where he has since made his home. Although conducting a general practice, he has made a specialty of the treatment of cancerous diseases and has been partic- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. 139 ularly successful in this line. He does not use the knife in his practice, and has treated cases of cancer over twenty years ago and since that time there has been no indication of a return of the disease. The Doctor is well versed in the science of medicine and keeps well abreast with the progress which is con- tinually being made by the medical fraternity. In 1863 occurred the marriage of Mr. Troughton and Miss Anne Davyes. of Westmoreland, England, a daughter of Parker Davyes. The\" now have five children, namely : Davyes ; Hannah, wife of Horace Freger, of Gainesville, Texas ; Thomas D. ; Helen M. and Eden Kent. , The Doctor is a member of Wetmore Lodge, F. & A. M., and also of the American Order of United Workmen. In politics he is a stalwart Democrat, and by President Cleveland was appointed postmaster of Seneca in 1887, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, preferring that his time shall be given more closely to his business interests. His large practice makes heavy demands upon his time and is an indication of the confidence which the public have in his skill and ability. CHARLES OSTRAXDER. Charles Ostrander, one of the extensive cattle feeders and dealers of north- eastern Kansas, residing in Seneca, was born on the bank of the Hudson river in Albany county. New York, December 25, 1845. His parents were Peter and Margaret (Strafford) Ostrander. representatives of old families of the Empire state. The paternal grandfather was born in New York and there married a Miss Westfall. The maternal grandfather, Charles, was a native of New York and a son of George Straflford, who was born on the river Rhine in Germany. The Ostranders, however, were of Dutch lineage and the great- great-grandfather was Peter Ostrander. The great-grandfather also bore the name of Peter Ostrander and was a native of Albany county. New York. Charles Ostrander, of this review, is the second in order of birth of a family of six brothers, the others being Samuel, John, Peter, Martin and Ira. He spent his boyhood days on the home farm and pursued his education in the district schools near his home. In the ninth year of his age he accompanied his parents on their removal to Kankakee, Illinois, where he entered the com- mon schools and through the summer months he assisted his father in the work of the home farm. There the latter died in 1868. while the mother's death occurred in Shawnee county, Kansas, in 1885. she having removed to that place after the death of her husband. Three years before his father's death Charles Ostrander began to earn his own living, entering upon an inde- pendent business career as a dealer in live stock. In 1866 he came to Kansas, 140 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. after disposing of his interests in Illinois. In the spring of that year he made his way to Nebraska, where he began work on the Union Pacific Railroad as a contractor and subsequently became interested with J. H. Wilson, one of the prominent and active business men of Nemaha county, Kansas, in farming and cattle raising. The firm met with quite a high degree of success, but after a time the partnership was dissolved and I\Ir. Ostrander began dealing in stock on his own account. His present farm comprises five hundred and sixty acres of choice land and is improved with a substantial residence, good barns, gran- aries and other necessary outbuildings, together with cattle pens and feeding lots. He is now considered one of the most successful as well as extensive cattle dealers in this township, feeding from three hundred and fifty to five hundred head of cattle annually. He makes his shipments to Kansas City and Chicago markets, and his extensive dealings bring to him an excellent income. In 1872 occurred the marriage of Mr. Ostrander and Miss Carrie Edwards, of Pawnee City, Nebraska. She was bom in McLean county, Illi- nois, and is a daughter of William Edwards. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children, Gertrude, and Jessie, deceased. Mr. Ostrander is a Populist in his political affiliations, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business interests. His career has not been one of unbroken success, for he has met difficulties and obstacles, but his resolute purpose has enabled him to overcome these and he has steadily worked his way upward to a position of affluence. To-day he is one of the most prosperous cattle dealers in his section of the state and his competence is certainly well merited. MICHAEL SCHMITT. Michael Schmitt is one of the veterans of the Civil war who, upon southern battlefields, loyally defended the old flag and the cause it represented, and to-day he is a loyal citizen who does what he can to promote the welfare of the community and aid in its substantial progress and improvement. A native of Illinois, he was born in Madison county April 9, 1845, his parents being John and Margaret Schmitt. They were natives of Bavaria, born on the Rhine in Germany. The father was a member of a very prominent and influential family of that country and received exceptional educational privileges. Emigratin-terian church and Mr. Honnell is serving as one of its elders. During his long residence in the county he has witnessed many changes and iimprovements and at all times has borne his part in the work of progress and advancement. He well deserves mention among the honorable business men, loyal citizens and leading pioneers of this section of the state and with pleas- ure we present the record of his life to our readers. E. S. UHL, D. D. S. Among the capable and successful practicing dentists of northeastern Kansas is Dr. Uhl, who located in Horton in 1888 and has steadily ad\anced to a foremost place in the ranks of the profession. A native of Millersburg, Ohio, he was born June 28, 1863, and is a son of I. B. Uhl, who is now resid- ing in Johnson county, Kansas. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Maggie Moore, died at the age of thirty-one j^ears, leaving two children, W. A., a physician and surgeon residing in Johnson county, Kansas, and E. S., of this review. The father was an educator and farmer, supporting his family by following the dual occupation. Dr. Uhl acquired his education in the public and high schools of John- son county, Kansas, and at the age of eighteen began teaching. He began the study of dentistry in Olathe, Kansas, and completed his course in the dental department of the Northwestern University at Chicago, taking the post-graduate course in that institution with the class of 1895. In 1888 he 158 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. came to Horton and has enjoyed a steadily increasing patronage. He keeps well abreast with the most improved methods of dentistry and is a constant student, and his knowledge is indeed comprehensive and accurate. He is enabled to do the most expert work and his capability insures him creditable success. In 1886, in Lawrence, Kansas, Dr. Uhl was united in marriage to j\Iiss Frances Osborne, a daughter of W. J. Osborne, who is now pastor of the Methodist church at Rosedale, Kansas. She is a lady of innate culture and refinement and of superior education, having been a student in Baldwin University. The Doctor is a member of several fraternal societies, and is an officer in Horton Lodge, No. 326, A. F. & A. M., while his wife belongs to the Eastern Star of the same society. Both the Doctor and Mrs. Uhl are un- tiring workers in the Methodist church, in which he has served as trustee and choir leader, while his wife acts as organist. He has also been a'leader of the Horton band for eight years and is a member of the C. R. L & P. Band, h's musical talent well fitting him for his prominent connection with such inter- ests. His unfailing courtesy, genial manner and affable disposition have gained him the regard and friendship of those with whom he has met in busi- ness, church and social life, and as one of the leading and influential citizens of Horton he well deserves mention in this volume. JULIUS KUHN. Fortunate is the man who has back of him an ancestry honorable and distinguished, and happy is he whose lines of life are cast in harmony there- with. In character and in talents Mr. Kuhn is a worthy scion of his race. The family of which he is a descendant had many distinguished members in Germany and in his life he has shown the same ability which has character- ized many of them. The sturdy German element in our great common- wealth has been one of the most important factors in furthering the com- mercial and material advancement of the country, for this is an element signally appreciative of practical values and also of that higher intellectuality which transcends all provincial confines. Well may any person take pride in tracing his lineage to such a source and this Mr. Kuhn can do. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 10, 1831, his parents being G. J. and Julia (Gulden) Kuhn, who were also natives of that country. Our subject acquired a good education in the schools of the Fatherland and on leaving school obtained a clerkship in a store, receiving forty dollars a year in compensation for his services. He was thus employed till he attained his BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 159 majority, when he determined to try his fortune in America, crossing the At- lantic in a saiHng vessel in 1854, landing in New York, and here was em- ployed in architectural work three years, after which he went to Connecticut, where he engaged in farming as a hired hand for two and one-half years, doing this that he might learn English. In 1859 he came west, locating first in St. Louis, where he was variously employed. On the 28th of February, i860, he arrived in Atchison, Kansas, where he opened a retail grocery store and soon built up a prosperous business. In 1878 he began selling to the whole- sale trade and success attended the new enterprise so that he was soon in con- trol of one of the most extensive patronages in his line. The volume of his business constantly increasing he furnished employment to a large force of men and made extensive shipments of his goods. At length he determined to retire from business and sold his stock to local parties for one hundretl thou- sand dollars. He was for a number of years one of the directors of the Atchison Savings Bank, but is not now actively connected with any business interests, his time being given only to the management of his various prop- erty interests in Atchison. Mr. Kuhn has been twice married. His second wife was in her maiden- hood Miss Ann Gladfelder, of Atchison, Kansas, and to them were born two sons, Julius O.. who is a graduate of the public schools of Atchison, and Gus- tave A., who is still a student. Mr. Kuhn certainly deserves great credit for his success in life. His hope of benefitting his financial condition in this country was certainlynot disappointed, for here he has madecontinued advance- ment on the road to success and today is numbered among the capitalists of his adopted city. All that he has has been acquired through his own energy and resolute purpose, and his life stands in exemplification of the opportunities that are offered young men in this republic where energy and ambition are not hampered by caste or class. ERNEST C. GRIFFIN. One of the younger members of the Atchison bar is Ernest C. Gritifin, who is numbered among the native sons of Atchison county, his birth having occurred upon a farm in Walnut township July 9, 1873. His father, Charles T. Griffin, a prominent lawyer of Atclxson, was born in Kentucky, December 18, 1848. and came to Kansas with his parents, Samuel P. and Eliza (Saun- ders) Griffin, who now reside in Center township, Atchison county, upon a farm, and are numbered among the prosperous agriculturists of the commun- ity. Charles T. Griffin was reared to manhood on the family homestead in i6o BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. that township, and, having acquired his prehminary education in the pubhc schools, entered Alfred University, in New York, where he Completed his literary course. Determining to engage in the practice of law as a life work he began preparation for the bar, and after a thorough and compre- hensive study was admitted, in 1872. Opening an office in Atchison, he soon secured a large and distinctly representative clientage and in 1875 he was elected county attorney. In 1878 he formed a partnership with John C. Tomlinson and the firm took rank among the leading lawyers of this section of the state. In 1884 Mr. Griffin was elected city attorney and has ably con- ducted all the litigated interests that come to him through his office, winning the commendation of the general public as well as of the bar. His knowledge of law is accurate and profound and embraces an intimate acquaintance with almost every department of jurisprudence. This enables him to base his argu- ments upon sound judicial principles and before court and jury he is both logical and convincing in his presentation of the cause. In 1872 he was nom- inated by the Democrats as a candidate for state senator and the same fall his father was elected on the Republican ticket to the house, so that they served in the same sessions. In 1870 Charles Griffin was united in marriage to Miss Addie Elder, a daughter of Daniel Eliler, a farmer of Virginia, and to them were born the following children: Edward C, Grace and Ernest C. The last named obtained his education in the city schools of Atchison and in Nortonville, Kansas. Determining to follow in the professional foot- steps of his father, he read law with John C. Tomlinson and W. T. Bland, the latter since district judge. In 1895 he was admitted to the bar and began practice in Atchison. He served as police judge of the city and is one of the rising young attorneys of this section of the state, deserving of high recogni- tion as an able member of the profession which he has chosen. He is a young man of strong mentality, of marked force of character and of laudable ambi- tion, whose friends predict for him a successful future. EVERHARD BIERER. The profession of the law, when clothed with its true dignity, purity and strength, must rank first among the callings of man, for law rules the universe. The work of the legal profession is to formulate, to harmonize, to adjust and to administer those rules and principles that underlie and perme- ate the government and society and control the varied relations of man. As thus viewed there attaches to the legal profession a nobleness that cannot but be reflected in the life of the true lawyer, who, conscious of the greatness of ro iC> drcjwLj^cL iii CA.(Z^ BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. i6i the profession, and honest in the pursuit of his purpose, embraces the rich- ness of learning, the profoundness of wisdom, the firmness of integrity and the purity of morals, together with the graces of modesty, courtesy and the general amenities of life. Colonel Bierer is a most worthy representative of the legal profession, and has attained a distinguished position in connec- tion with the bar of Kansas. Descended from pure German lineage, the orthography of the name in tire Fatherland being Behrers. but has been changed to the present form in America. The Bierers were a worthy and influential family in Wurtem- berg, Germany, where they held various honorable positions in connection with the civil and military service of the state. George Bierer, a grand uncle of the Colonel, commanded a regiment in the Austrian army during the middle of the eighteenth century, and was created a baron for distinguished mili- tary service, particularly at the siege of Belgrade, Servia, in 1788-9. The parents of our subject. Everhard and Catherine Margaretta (Ruckenbrodt) Bierer, were both natives of Wurtemberg, the former born at \Vindsheim, January 6, 1795, and the latter at Malmsheim, October 28, 1798. Emigrat- ing with their respective parents to America in 1804, the families located in Pennsylvania, where the parents of our subject were reared and married. They resided at Uniontown. Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where the mother died July 15, 1858, while the father passed away August 2, 1876. They were both members of the Lutheran church. Everhard Bierer was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, January 9, 1827. He acquired a liberal education in private schools and in Madison College of his native town, where he was graduated with the class of 1845, having completed a special course embracing the higher mathematics, nat- ural and mental science. Latin and English literature. On leaving college he became a student in the law office of Joshua B. Howell, who was after- ward colonel of the Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was killed before Richmond in 1864. Mr. Bierer was admitted to the bar in March, 1848. After two years spent in traveling through the west and in some desultory literary and educational work, he returned to his native town and entered upon the practice of his profession, which he successfully followed until April 23, 1861. A few days previously the Civil war had been inaug- urated by the southern troops who fired upon Fort Sumter, and, prompted by the spirit of patriotism, he offered his service to the government, raised a company of volunteers, and became captain of Company F, Eleventh Penn- sylvania Reserve Corps. He ser\ed with the Army of the Potomac and par- ticipated in the battles of Dranes\ille, :Mechanicsville and Gaines' Hill, being captured with his command at the last named place on the 27th of June, 1862, and taken to Libby prison, where he remained until the 14th of the following 1 62 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Aii^iift. wlien he was exclianged. Six days afterward he was granted a twentv-davs leave of absence, on account of sickness, and went home; but learning by telegram of the impending battle of Bull Run, he returned to the army and joined his command on the day of the engagement, on the 30th of August. He led his company a few days afterward in the battle of South ^Mountain, Maryland, where he was severely wounded in the left arm, the ball passing through the elbow joint and lodging in the forearm, from which it was not extracted until the 25th of the following November. Having become convalescent, on the 24th of October he was appointed commandant of Camp Curtin, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with tb2 rank of colonel, and while there stationed organized the One Hundred and Seventy-first, One Hundred and Seventy-second, One Hundred and Seventy-third, One Hun- dred and Seventy-sixth, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh and the One Hun- dred and Seventy-eighth Regiments of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and on the iSth of November he was commissioned colonel of the One Hundred an Seventy-first. He ser\ed in various sections of southeastern Virginia and in North Carolina, where he was placed in temporary command of the military district of the Pamlico, and was also on several different occasions in command of General Price's division, Eighteenth Army Corps, Major-General J. G. Foster commanding. He participated in the engagement at Blounts Creek, near Washington. North Carolina, April 7, 1863, commanding a brigade under General F. B. Spinola. Spinola's forces were obliged to retire before supe- rior numbers under the rebel General Hill. To Colonel Bierer was assigned the command of the rear guard; the duty was critical, the enemy crowding upon him in heavy force. Nearly the entire night, in the midst of intense darkness, through pine forests and cypress swamps, the march was continued, until he finally succeeded in bringing off the column, with the trains and all the wounded. On the ist of July, 1863, Colonel Bierer returned with his reg- iment to \'irgina and went with General Dix on his expedition to Richmond. The expedition marched from White House Landing to within eight or ten miles of Richmond, and, after some skirmishing with the rebels. General Dix ordered its return to Fortress Monroe. With his regiment Colonel Bierer went on to Washington and thence to Harper's Ferry, where he joined Gen- eral Meade, and on the 7th of that month was given a permanent brigade com- mand and assigned to duty as military commandant of the district of the Monocacy, with headquarters at Frederick City, Maryland. On the 26th of September, 1863, he was mustered out of service, the regiment's term of enlistment having expired on the 8th of the previous August. During Jan- uary, February and March of 1864, Colonel Bierer served in the Veteran Reserve Corps, but not liking that service he resigned his command and per- manently retired from the army. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 163 In October, 1865, the Colonel removed from Pennsylvania to Kansas, locating on a beautiful farm a mile east of Hiawatha, in Brown county. He then resumed the practice of his profession, and for a number of years was rec- ognized as one of the leaders of the Brown county bar. Much of the important litigation tried in the courts of this district was intrusted to his care, and his arguments before court and jury were forceful, logical and convincing. He excited the surprise and admiration of his contemporaries by the thoroughness with which he prepared his cases and by his ability to meet the acquirements of the opposing counsel. The field of his business labors also embraces con- nection with the banking interests of the city, and his counsel and judgment in financial affairs proved a marked element in the success of the institution which he represents. He was president of the First National Bank of Hia- watha for two years and is now one of the stockholders in that institution. In his political views the Colonel was originally a Democrat and for many years was a prominent factor in political circles. As the nominee of his party, in 1850, he was elected the first district attorney of Fayette county, Pennsyl- vania, and held that office three years. Believing, however, that the Demo- cratic party had become the mere propagandist of slavery, he became a Repub- lican in 1856, and led the forlorn hope for Fremont, in Fayette county, which was the very Gibraltar of Democracy, and four years later he had the satis- faction of seeing the county carried for Lincoln by a majority vote of one in a poll of about ten thousand. He was one of the electors of the Lincoln college, in 1864, to represent Pennsylvania. After coming to Kansas his fit- ness for leadership also led to his selection for political service and in 1868 he was chosen to represent Brown county in the state legislature, as a nominee of the Republican party. In 1868 he voted for General Grant, but with con- siderable reluctance, as he could not endorse the reconstruction and financial policy of the party, and in 1869 he renounced all connection with that political organization. His vote in 1872 was cast for Greeley, and in 1876 for Tilden, whom he considered honestly elected and favored putting him in the presi- dential chair by force of arms, if necessary, until the electoral commission scheme prevented any such measure. In 1891 he was appointed by President Harrison a member of the annual board of visitors to the United States National Naval Academy, at Annapolis. Colonel Bierer has long been connected with the Odd Fellows' society, having become a member of Fort Necessity Lodge, No. 254. I. O. O. F., in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in February, 1852. He subsequently joined the encampment and served as district deputy grand patriarch of the order ni Pennsylvania, where he is still a member, both of the grand lodge and of the grand encampment. He was also made a Mason, in Uniontown, in 1864, and is at present affiliated with Hiawatha Lodge, No. 35, A. F. & A. M. The i64 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Colonel is quite liberal in his religious opinions and beliefs, which are peculiarly his own. He accepts the inspiration of the moral and religious teachings of scripture and divine sonship, the pre-existence of Jesus Christ, the efficacy of His example for purposes of redemption, and a condition of future rewards and punishments ; denies the inspiration of the historical records and the cere- monial and civil laws of the Jews, the doctrine of the Trinity, vicarious sacri- fice and eternal punishment : accepts a salvation by conduct, not belief, and in the family of the Great Father includes all who act according to their highest conceptions of right. Colonel Bierer has been a very careful student of both Old and New Testament writings, and his present views are the result of a thorough acquaintance with scripture and an extensi\e knowledge of ecclesi- astical history and polemics. On the 8th of April, 1852. in Brownville. Fayette county, Pennsylvania. Colonel Bierer was united in marriage to Ellen Smouse, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Troutman) Smouse. She is a lady of extensive family con- nections in Allegany county, Maryland, and in Bradford and Somerset coun- ties, Pennsylvania. Her maternal great-grandfather and paternal great- grandfather were both Revolutionary soldiers. Eight children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Bierer, six sons and two daughters. The eldest son is Everhard, a graduate of the Kansas University, and now chief clerk in the law department in the office of the assistant attorney-general, in Washington, District of Columbia : Samuel E. is a member of the firm of Bierer & Shadel, merchants of Hiawatha ; Daniel is a stock dealer of southern Kansas : Andrew Gregg Curtin is a member of the firm of Bierer & Dale, of Guthrie, Oklahoma; John W. is living in Barber county. Kansas, on a ranch : Bion is a lieutenant in the United States navy and served on the monitor Puritan in the late Spanish-American war, and is now at Manila ; Margaret is the wife of James L. Shadel, who is engaged in merchandising with her brother in Hiawatha ; and Anna C. is the wife of John Bokaye, of Horton, Kansas. Colonel Bierer is a man of fine personal appearance, about five feet ten inches in height. His manly characteristics are strongly marked. He has always been an extensive reader and close observer, and, being of social dis- position, is a most instructive as well as entertaining companion. As a youth he was ambitious of public distinction and fond of oratory, and his choice of the legal profession was largely determined by the opportunity it afforded for the gratification for such tastes. He is a man of incorruptible integrity, strong practical judgment, with a good knowledge of men and events and thoroughly acquainted with the live issues of state and national politics. At the bar and in business life he has manifested excellent ability. His home is a beautiful residence, situated in the city of Hiawatha, in Brown county, Kansas. He has passed the seventy-third milestone on the journey of life, and in the evening BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 165 of his career he is surrounded by many comforts that he has gained through his own efforts. At all times he has been loyal to truth and right, faithful to the interests which he believes will prove a public good, and loyal to every measure to which he gives his support. In matters of great public moment he has a mind above all personal considerations. JAMES J. KXEPP. James J. Knepp is interested both in farming and banking in Nemaha county and is one of the reliable business men whose consecutive efforts and honorable dealmg have secured to him the public confidence. His labors have also been crowned with a high degree of prosperity and he is.' therefore, num- bered among the substantial residents of the community. The history of every locality is formed largely of the records of its leading business men, their connection with the industrial and commercial interests being the chief element in the progress and upbuilding of the localities' with which they are connected. It is thus that "history has become the essence of the innumerable biog- raphies," as Carlyle has said, and that "tl:«a history of a nation is best told in the lives of its representative citizens." Mr. Knepp is a native of the Keystone state, his birth having occurred in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, on Alarch 19, 1846. On both the paternal and maternal sides he is of German lineage. His father, William Knepp, was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, in 1823, and was a son of Henry Knepp. Having arrived at years of maturity he married Miss Sophia Peters, whose birth occurred in Union county, Pennsylvania. In 1870 they removed to Miami county, Kansas, where the father died in 1890, the mother passing away in 1889, in her sixty-third year. James J. Knepp, of this review, spent his boyhood days in Pennsylvania and in Michigan, having accompanied his parents to the latter state in 1863. The family took up their abode in White Pigeon and Mr. Knepp remained a resident of that town until 1869, when he came to Kansas. Locating in Doni- phan county, near Highland, he secured a farm west of the village and there carried on agricultural pursuits and stock raising, meeting with good success as a dealer in stock. In 1881 he removed to Richmond township, Nemaha county, where he purchased a farm, continuing its cultivation for several years, at the same time feeding and shipping cattle. On leaving that place he removed to his present farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres of land in Mitchell township. Here he erected one of the finest dwellings in the locality and has built good barns and outbuildings to shelter the grain i66 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. and stock. He is a very practical, yet progressive, farmer and a sagacious stock dealer, being an excellent judge of the cattle which he buys. His methods of feeding and shipping made the stock valuable upon the market and he thus commands good prices in Kansas City, which is the principal ship- ping point. His labors, however have not been confined to this line. In 1892 he was one of the organizers of the Citizens' State Bank, of Seneca, and since that time has served as its vice-president. In 1867 occurred the marriage of Mr. Knepp and Miss Amelia L. Benfer, a sister of Hugh H. Benfer, a prominent retired farmer of Hiawatha, Kansas. The lady is a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Elias and Sarah (Young) Benfer. Unto our subject and his wife were born five children: Cora wife of B. F. Stickney; Ida M., wife of Theador Diffenderfer; \\'illiam H. ; Jay B. ; and Charles E., who is cashier of the Linscat Bank, in old INIexico. Socially Mr. Knepp is connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Work- men and enjoys the high regard of the brethren of those organizations. GEORGE SCHMITT. George Schmitt, an industrious and enterprising farmer of Brown county, living in Hamlin township, was born in Madison county, Illinois, January 2, 1847, ^^'s parents being John and Margaret Schmitt, who were married in that state. Both were natives of Germany. The father was reared in Bavaria, on the Rhine, and belonged to one of the prominent and influential families of the locality. He received excellent educational privileges and in his native land was married, his wife being a native of Hessen, Germany. Crossing the Atlantic to America they took up their residence in Madison county, Illi- nois, where the father had a small farm. His first wife died, leaving four children, who were born in the fatherland, namely: Mary, the wife of J. Guider ; John, Adam and Mike. After the death of his first wife Mr. Schmitt wedded Margaret Smith, who also was born in Germany, and they had four children, — George, Fred, Jacob and Lewis. The second wife died in Brown county, Kansas, in 1861, and Mr. Schmitt afterward wedded Miss Ordway, by whom he had one child, Charles. After she was called to her final rest Mr. Schmitt was a fourth tmie married and by that union he had two children, — Joseph and Anna. He was a public-spirited and progressive citizen, withhold- ing his support from no measure which he believed would prove a public good. He engaged in teaching school in Kansas, followed farming to some extent and also conducted a mercantile establishment. He was widely and favorably BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 167 known and by his sterlinsr worth he commanded the confidence and respect of all with whom he was brought in contact. His standard of integrity and morahty was higli and he lost no opportunity of doing good. Heliad been educated for the priesthood, but never entered the church, although he always adhered to its faith and died a firm believer in the Christian religion. His death occurred in 1874, on what is known as the Snow farm in Brown county. George Schmitt, whose name introduces this review, was born in Madison county, Illinois, and was eight years of age when he came with his parents to Kansas. The family settled on Walnut creek, in Brown county, where he aided his father in clearing and improving a farm. He attended the common schools until fifteen years of age and then, putting aside his text books, he left home and was employed as a farm hand for about fifteen years. In 1871 he went to Colorado and upon his return to the Mississippi valley spent some time in southern Kansas. On leaving that section of the state he went to Missouri,where he was employed in making railroad lies for about nine months. Later he made a visit to his old home in Illinois and then removed to Nebraska, where he was employed upon a farm until his return to Brown county. Here he secured employment on a railroad, but about 1882 went to Colorado, where he engaged in prospecting for mining property. He also engaged in chopping cord wood and later turned his attention to mining, discovering some gold and silver bearing quartz. From this he secured a good return of the metal and met with a fair degree of prosperity. He continued his residence in Colorado for about eleven years, when, in 1897, he returned to Brown county, where he has since remained. He has resolved to devote his energies to the farm. He has ever lived a pure and upright life, following as closely as possible in the footsteps of his honored father, whose example was certainly well worthy of emulation. CYRUS SHINN. In the death of the honored subject of this memoir there passed away another member of that little group of distinctively representative business men who were the pioneers in the inauguration and building up of the chief indus- tries of this section of the country. His name is familiar to the residents of the city of Oneida to whose development he contributed so conspicuously. He was identified with the town from the beginning, in fact was its founder. He early had the sagacity and prescience to discern the eminence which the future had in store for this great and growing country, and acting in accordance with the dictates of his faith and judgment he garnered in the fullness of time the generous harvest which is the just recompense of indomitable industry. i68 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. spotless integrity and marvelous enterprise. Few lives furnish so striking an example of the wise application of sound principles and safe conservatism as does his. The story of his success is short and simple, containing no exciting chapters, but in it lies one of the most valuable secrets of the great prosperity which it records and his private and business life are pregnant with interest and incentive no matter how lacking in dramatic action, — the record of a noble life, consistent with itself and its possibilities in every particular. Colonel Shinn was born in Harrison county. West Virginia, on the 7th of March, 1825. His father, Samson Shinn, was the first justice of the peace in Knox county, Illinois, to which county he removed in 1835. His wife, Mrs. Edith, was also a native of West \'irginia and the Colonel was the sec- ond in a family of six children. He was ten years of age when his parents removed to Knox county, Illinois, where he spent his youth pursuing his edu- cation in Knox College. He began farming in that locality, but for many years was engaged in the real estate business at Oilman, Illinois, being largely instru- mental in the upbuilding of the town. He also became the first real estate agent of Kansas and had charge of various land excursions throughout Kansas and Nebraska, which resulted in bringing many settlers to this section of the country. In 1876 he came to Kansas, locating on the site of the present town of Oneida. In 1878 he laid out the city and from that time until his death was an active factor in its upbuilding and progress. He was elected its second mayor and did all in his power to promote the welfare of the place along social, material and moral lines. Mr. Shinn was twice married. On the 7th of January, 1856, he wedded Miss Martha J. Reeder, and to them was born one child. The mother died in 1872, and on the 22d of June, 1882, Mr. Shinn was again married, his second union being with Rachel Schureman, who was born October 8, 1839, in Somer- set county. New Jersey. Her father, Jonathan Schureman, was a native of the same state and was a mason by trade. In 1850 he emigrated westward, locating in Jacksonville, Illinois, wdiere he made his home for three years. Subsequently he removed to Tazewell county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming. Ultimately he sold his first purchase there and took up his abode at another point in the same county, Green Valley, where he lived retired until his death, which occurred when he was seventy-two years of age. He was of German descent. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Keziah Lawler, was also a native of New Jersey and lived to be about seventy-two years of age. In their family were five children, of whom ^Mrs. Shinn was the eldest. She became a resident of Illinois when about ten years of age and was educated in the common schools there. During the Civil war Mr. Shinn acted as recruiting agent at Peoria, Illi- nois, and thus won the title of colonel, by which he was generally known. After BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 169 his arrival in Nemaha county he was extensively engaged in the real estate business and in this way contributed in a large measure to the substantial improvement of Oneida and the surrounding country. For a number of years he was an intiexible ad\ocate of the temperance cause and did much to pro- mote its interests here. He was also a friend of the public-school system and of good government, and withheld his support from no movement or measure which he believed would promote the general welfare or the public prosperity. His business dealings were so ably managed that he won a comfortable com- petence and the most envious could not grudge him his success so honorably was it gained. He died October 4, 1898, at his home in Oneida. His death was mourned throughout the community, for his circle of friends and acquaint- ances was very extensive and all who knew him esteemed him for his sterling worth. JACOB GIBSON. The life of Jacob Gibson flowed along quietly and without many great events, but he nobly performed his part toward his family and the several communities in which he dwelt, and his place could only with dilificulty be filled by any one else. He reached his seventy-seventh year, 1900, when he could look back along the pathway he had traveled with few regrets, and justly feel that the world was the better for his sojourn here. A son of Thomas and Sarah (Wiley) Gibson, our subject was born June 6, 1823, in York county, Pennsylvania. His father, of Scotch-Irish descent, also was a native of the Keystone state and a farmer by occupation. His mother was of a Scotch family. The only sister of our subject, Mary, is deceased. The boyhood and early manhood of Jacob Gibson was spent in his native state, where he learned the trades of blacksmithing and wheelwright. In these Imes of business he was actively employed for many years, accumulating suf- ficient means to purchase a fine, homestead when he came to the west. It was in 1865 that he moved to Peoria county, Illinois, where he continued to dwell tor some six years, at the end of which period he located in Kapioma town- ship, Atchison county. The farm contained one hundred and forty acres of arable land, most of which was under high cultivation, yielding abundant harvests. On the place stood a comfortable residence and barns. The marriage of Mr. Gibson and Leah High was celebrated in August, 185 1, in Clearfield county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Gibson's parents, John and Sarah High, were of German extraction. Eleven children were born to our subject and wife, namely: Alary Johnstone. John, George W., Susan Hunn, 170 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. A. Lincoln. Philip, Emma Huston. Lizzie Cathcart. Lillie Brooks. D. William and one who died in infancy. Six of the number have been engaged in teach- ing, but at the present time onlv D. W. is so employed. A. Lincoln died when twenty-nine vears of age. All of the children received as good educational advantages as it was in their parents' power to afiford them. The father had been for years a member of the local school board. In his political belief he was a Republican. He was, as are his wife and children, connected with the Methodist Episcopal church of Arrington, in which he was a trustee and a zealous worker in the Sunday school. His death took place March i6. 1900, and was the occasion of sincere mourning among many friends. AUGUSTUS W. MYERS. It has assuredly l)een not uninteresting to observe in the series of bio- graphical sketches appearing in this volume the varying nationality, origin and early environment of men who have made their way to positions of prominence and success. Mr. Myers is one of the worthy citizens that Germany has fur- nished to Kansas, and belongs to that class of self-made men who have reached the plane of affluence through well directed effort, unflagging industry and unabating perseverance. He was born in Lintze, Germany, October 28, 1824. his parents being Frederick and Louisa Myers, both of whom were also natives of Germany. In 1837 they came to the L'nited States, crossing the Atantic to New York city and thus making their way direct to Columbus, Ohio, where they spent the succeeding winter. In the spring of 1838 they removed to Jackson county, Indiana, where the father engaged in farming and stock raising. In 1850 they took up their residence in St. Joseph, Missouri. Augustus W. Myers accompanied his parents on their various removals up to that time. In the year 1850 he married Miss Huldah Snyder, of Buchanan county, Missouri, a daughter of Edward Snyder, and they began their domestic life upon a farm in that state, which continued to be their home until 1877, In that year Mr. Myers went with his family to Stockton, Cali- fornia, but after a short time he returned eastward locating in Atchison county, where he purchased two hundred acres of rich land in Shannon town- ship. He is interested with his brother, Fred, in the cattle business in Cali- fornia and also has property interests in Los Angeles. After residing for some time in Shannon township he came to Atchison, where he now makes his home, his time and energies being devoted to the management and carrying on of his extensive property interests. He still owns the old homestead and has BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 171 made judicious investments in other realty, from which he derives a handsome income. Air. and Mrs. Myers have ten children, seven sons and three daughters, namely : Herman K. ; Edward S. ; Laura E., wife of William Clem, a farmer; John; William H. ; Winslow; Charles W. ; Dora S., wife of William Segner; Frederick, at home; and Ray H., who is still at his parental home. Mr. Myers started out in life for himself empty-handed, nor Ixid he the influence of wealthy friends to aid him. He placed his dependence on the more substantial qualities of industry and enterprise, and his sound judgment in business mat- ters has always been a potent element in his prosperity. To-day he is numbered among the capitalists of Atchison, his earnest labors having been crowned with a high degree of success. Such a life indicates the glory of the American republic, for it is only in this land that caste and class do not hamper genius, labor and native talent. ROBERT DAVIS HARTMAN. The subject of this sketch is the son of a pioneer and has himself lived for years the wild life of the plains which will have an interest more and more romantic as it recedes into the past and the impossibility of its repetition any- where in America becomes more and more apparent. H'e has been a soldier also, and as such had a taste of Indian warfare. If his experience has been a remarkably fortunate one in some respects that fact should not detract from the credit due one who shrank from no responsibility and always faced the future with a bold front, willing to take his full share of any ills it might hold. Robert Davis Hartman is one of the six children of Jonathan Hartman, some account of whose life is included in a biographical sketch of William Morris Hartman, a son of Jonathan and brother of Robert Davis Hartman, which has a place in this work. These children were named thus in the order of their birth: Frederick, Robert Davis, W'illiam Morris. Richard M., Alice and Mary. The two daughters are dead. Richard M. married Maud Brannan and lives on his father's old homestead. Robert Davis Hartman was born at Platte City, Missouri, November 26, 1848, and grew up and was educated in the public schools near Parnell, Atch- ison county, Kansas. He remained in that neighborhood until he was six- teen years old and then went to Atchison and entered the employment of John Bradford, a well known freighter, as a "bull-whacker," as drivers of ox teams were called in the vernacular of the west in those days. Later he was a driver for William McPherson, of Atchison, and for Gray & Faulkner, of Leaven- worth. In 1865 he went in the same service for Lord Brothers, of Denver, Colorado. 172 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. Mr. Hartman made fi\-e trips across the plains and did much arduous work and experienced some memorable hardships, but his experience was pe- culiar in one way. He states that his career was perhaps less exciting and noteworthy than that of any other plainsman of his time. His wagon train never encountered a live Indian during his several years of "whacking," while trains in front of him and trains behind him were completely wiped out, the men being killed and scalped, the wagons burned and the cattle and portable valuables run off. After leaving the service of Lord Brothers, Mr. Hart- man came home and remained for a time on the farm. In 1867 he enlisted in the United States Army for service against the In- dians and was a member of Company D, Eighteenth Regiment Kansas Vol- unteers, and was in Major Moore's battalion. The historic fight at Prairie Dog creek, with the Cheyennes and Arapahoes, put an end to hostilities and the Eighteenth Regiment returned to Fort Harker and Mr. Hartman was there mustered out, after four months" service. In 1868 his desire for the excitement of frontier life reasserted itself and he went to Colorado and re- entered the service of Lord Brothers. He remained in Colorado for se\'en years as a cowboy and ranchman, and then, having accumulated an amount sufficient to establish himself as a farmer at home, he returned to Atchison county, Kansas, and bought a farm in Mount Pleasant t-ownship. He has met with satisfactory success and has become known as one of the leading farmers of his vicinity. He was married, in 1870, to Mattie A., a daughter of M. L. Williams, who came to Kansas from Canton, Missouri, and they have children named Adda, Robert, Henry, Peter, James, William, Edna, Davis, Belle, Christine and Sam. James and Peter are twins. FREDERICK HARTMAN. On the roster of the county officials of Atchison county appears the name of Frederick Hartman, who is faithfully discharging the duties of sheriff in a most capable manner. Upon the battle-fields of the south through the Civil war he manifested his loyalty to the government, and at all times he is a pub- lic-spirited and progressive man, advocating whatever tends to promote law, order, reform and progress in the material development and commercial wel- fare of the community. Mr. Hartman was born on a farm in Franklin county, Indiana, December 7, 1844, his parents being Jonathan and Christina (Wolking) Hartman. His paternal grandfather, Henry Hartman, was a native of Pennsylvania and of German lineage. Having arrived at years of maturity he married Miss Alice BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 173 Case and tliey were living in Indiana at the time of the birth of Jonathan Hartman. on the 22(1 of January. 1822. The latter became a carpenter and builder and in 1846 removed to Missouri, locating in Platte county. In 1857 he removed with his family to Atchison and afterward went to Fort Williams, but soon took up his abode in Mount Pleasant township, Atchison county, where he pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land, transforming it into a richly cultivated farm, upon which he still makes his home. He married Miss Wolking. a daughter of Frederick Wolking and a native of Holland. When a little maiden of seven summers she came with her parents to America, the family locating near Cincinnati, Ohio. Her death occurred on the old home- stead in Mount Pleasant township, Atchison county, in 1878. Eight children were born to the parents of our subject, six sons and two daughters, namely: Henry, who was a soldier in the Civil war; Frederick: Robert D., a farmer on the old homestead ; Wiliam Morris ; James S., who follows agricultural pur- suits in Atchison county; Alice, the wife of Elija Esham, is now deceased; Mary : and Richard M., who is living on the old homestead with his father. Frederick Hartman, of this review, accompanied his parents on their remo\al to Platte county and with them came to Atchison county, Kansas, where he completed his education in the public schools. He was early trained to habits of industry on the home farm, where he continued until eighteen years of age. when he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in 1862 as a member of Company F, Thirteenth Kansas Infantry, Captain Hays commanding the company and Colonel Bowman the regiment. He took part in a number of important engagements, including the battles of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, and Kane's Hill, and faithfully followed the old flag until mustered out on the 25th of July, 1865. With an honorable war record Mr. Hartman returned to the farm in Atchison county and soon after was married to Miss Cynthia Parnell, of Mount Pleasant township. She was born near De Kalb. Missouri, and is the daughter of Andrew and Mariah Parnell. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman have eight children, namely : Henrietta, deceased ; Hannah, the wife of James Iddings, of Atchi- son : Dora, deceased ; Jonathan ; Jessie ; and May Florence, Bertie B. and Frederick, at home. Mr. Hartman is the owner of a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Mount Pleasant township and the rental therefrom materially increases his income. In politics he is a stalwart Republican and does all in his power to promote the growth and secure the success of his party. He has served as a trustee of Mount Pleasant tow-nship and was justice of the peace there for one term. In 1880 he was elected county commissioner and re-elected in 1883, serving for six consecutive years. He has been twice elected sheriff, first in 1895 ^"ree children, — Pitt Pierre, Ella F. and Ima. Mr. Pinckney has served fifteen years as a trustee of his township, a fact which well indicates his faithfulness in the discharge of duty. Socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is a past master of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and a member of the Knights and Ladies of Security. Mrs. Pinckney is a member of the Congregational church. Both are widely and favorably known in Seneca. They enjoy the hospitality of the best homes and ha\-e a \cry extensive circle of acquaintances in the community. TESSE FLETCHER. The president of the Powhattan Bank, Mr. Fletcher is now prominently identified with financial interests in his section of Brown county, and for many years has been an active factor in agricultural circles. Faithfulness to duty and strict adherence to a fixed purpose in life will do more to advance a man's interests than wealth or adventitious circumstances. The successful men of the day are they who have planned their own ad\-ancement and have accom- JC^^ ^/^ £^^i^ ^A^^^Le^ BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 177 plished it in spite of many obstacles and with a certainty that could have been attained only through their own efforts. This class of men has a worthy rep- resentative in Mr. Fletcher, who began life amid unfavoring circumstances on a Virginia farm but has attained a position of distinction in connection with the business affairs of northeastern Kansas. He was born in Lee county, \'ir- ginia, December 28, 1835, '"^^^ parents being John G. and Mary (Randolph) Fletcher, both of whom were also natives of the Old Dominion, in which state they were married. At an early day. about 1830. the Fletcher and Randolph families removed to Illinois, locating near Springfield, where the Randolphs remained, but the Fletchers afterward returned to Virginia. But little is known concerning the history of the Randolph family, other than the Illinois branch. Mrs. Fletcher had two sisters who remained in Virginia, Mrs. Lovey Muncey and Mrs. Sarah Fitts. The Fletchers were of Scotch-Irish descent. John G. Fletcher was a carpenter and stone mason and possessed much natural mechanical ability, but chose to make farming his life work. He did not favor slavery, but through kindness he purchased and cared for one slave. He carried on general farming and stock raising and also did some work along mechanical lines. In politics he was a stanch Democrat and his religious connection was with the Missionary Baptist church, of which he was a leading member and deacon. He enjoyed the unqualified confidence and respect of his fellow men, his life being ever upright and honorable. He died about 1878, at the age of eighty- four years, and his wife, after remaining upon the old homestead for several years thereafter, went to make her home with a daughter. There she died about 1891. at a very advanced age. The children of John G. and Mary (Randolph) Fletcher are: Mrs. Betsey W'olfenbarger : David, a resident of Kentucky; George, of Texas; Patsey, wife of J. Welch; Mrs. Lovey Herald; Frankie, wife of S. \\'elch; John, of Virginia: Susie, wife of D. King: Jane, wife of J. Bartley: Will- oughby, of Texas; Jesse: Van Buren, deceased: Sally; Ellen; James B., of Texas ; and Valentine, who died at the age of eight years. Jesse, Willoughby, Bishop and John all served for over three years in the Confederate army. John was the only one who sustained an injury, being slightly wounded in one engagement. The parents were both members of the Baptist church and reared a numerous family, of which they have every reason to be proud. Mr. Fletcher, whose name forms the caption of this article, remained under the parental roof until nineteen years of age, when he started out in life for himself, following farming — the occupation to which he had been reared. Later he bought a farm and when twenty-one years of age was married. He then carried on agricultural pursuits until April, 1862, when, true to his loved Southland, he entered the Confederate service as a member of the Fiftieth 1/8 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Virginia Volunteer Infantry, which joined the Army of the Poto'mac. He served on detached and guard duty for some time and the first regular battle in which he participated was at Chancellorsville, where the Confederate troops were victorious. His brigade remained there to bury the dead and attend to other such duties as follow a battle. There Mr. Fletcher was taken ill and sent to the hospital, where he remained for about three months. When again able for duty he joined the First Tennessee Cavalry, did some service between the armies and from there went to North Carolina on recruiting service. After returning to the Shenandoah valley he participated in the battle of Piedmont, and then remained in the valley until October, 1864, when he went to east Tennessee, where he found his original company and colonel. Permission was given him to join that command, with which he remained until the close of hostilities. He participated in many skirmishes, but no pitched battles. He was in southwestern Virginia at the time of Lee's surrender, and went with his regiment to Cumberland Gap, where they surrendered, giving up all their equipments and horses. Mr. Fletcher was then only twenty miles from home. He at once returned to his family and resumed the work of the farm. His wife had one horse, and his farm implements were few. Soon he sold his little farm in eastern Tennessee and returned to Virginia, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until the spring of 1868, when he emigrated westward, traveling by team to Louisville and then by boat to St. Joseph, Missouri, whence he made his way to Doniphan county, Kansas. When he reached St. Joseph he had one hundred and forty dollars in money and his team and wagon, together with some household goods. He rented a house and land near Troy and that year raised some produce. The following year he operated a rented farm and then purchased eighty acres of railroad land, on which he had to pay twelve per cent, interest, one year's interest in advance. The condition of the pur- chase was that he should pay for the property in ten years. In 1870 he took up his abode thereon. Soon a year's interest — sixty-four dollars — was due, but he only had thirty-five dollars. However, he borrowed the remainder, and built a small house. 14x16 feet. He broke sixteen acres of the land, and also engaged in raising cattle and hogs. With determined purpose he began the work of improving his property and his indomitable industry has enabled him to overcome all obstacles. He was successful in his stock-raising ventures, as well as in farming, and after a time he added to his farm another eighty- acre tract. He has also aided his sons in securing homes. His own farm he has placed under a very high state of cultivation, making very superior improvements upon it. For some years he has loaned money and in 1897 he aided in organizing the bank in Powhattan, in which he has since held stock. The bank was first capitalized for six thousand dollars, but in January, 1899, BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 179 this amount was increased to ten thousand. On the organization of the bank Mr. Fletcher was chosen its president and has since held that position, S. M. Adams being vice-president and Fred E. Graham, cashier. Under the capable management of the president and the other officers this has become one of the solid financial institutions of the county. Mr. Fletcher is a very capable financier, of keen discernment and sound judgment, and in financial circles he sustains an unassailable reputation. Mr. Fletcher was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Bartly. a lady of intel- ligence, who had gained many friends in the community. She was born in Lee county. Virginia, June 18, 1833, and to her husband she has proven a faithful wife and helpmeet. Her parents were James and Sarah (Speak) Bartly, the former a native of Greene county,Tennessee,and the latter of Wash- ington county, Virginia. Their respective parents were early settlers of Lee county. James Bartly was a farmer by occupation and though a resident of the south never owned slaves. In politics he was a Whig until the dissolution of that party, when he joined the ranks of the Republican party. During the war he was a strong advocate of the Union cause. He sufifered heavy losses from the bushwhackers and the foraging parties of the armies, who carried ofif his farm produce and his stock. He resided upon the old Virginia home- stead for fifty-one years, and after his children were grown and married he came to Kansas, arriving in 1883. He built a house on his son's land and there resided until the death of his wife, and then resided with his children until his death, in 1893. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist church. This worthy couple reared a family of ten children : Eliza, who became the wife of Jonathan Haines, who died in Virginia; Nicholas S., a farmer of Kansas; Ellen, wife of our subject; John, now of Tennessee; Francis and William R., who are living in this state; Nancy, wife of J. C. Thomas; Emeline, wife of A. H. Thomas; Fanny, wife of George Bales; and S. P., a resident farmer of Brown county. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher was blessed with nine children, but six died in early childhood. Those still living are: Gelanah, wife of E. A. Bender, a farmer of Jackson county, Kansas ; Thomas J., who follows farm- ing near the old homestead; and Willoughby R., also an agriculturist of the same township. The Fletcher family is one of prominence in the community. Its members are widely and favorably known and enjoy the friendship and regard of all with whom they come in contact. Li his fraternal relations Mr. Fletcher is a Mason and in politics a Democrat, having supported the prin- ciples of that party since attaining his majority. A life characterized by indomitable energy and industry and by unswerving fidelity to honor in busi- ness affairs as well as in private life, he certainly deserves mention among the leading residents of Brown county. i8o BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. NATHAN COLEMAN. Nathan Coleman was one of the early settlers of Nemaha county and prior to his death resided on section 22. Oilman township. He was loyal to truth and right in all life's relations and in his death the community lost one of its best citizens. His birth occurred in Orange county. New York, on the 1st of May, 1827, and there his boyhood days were passed, the common schools affording him his educational privileges. He worked on the farm owned by his father, Abner Coleman, who also was a native of Orange county, New York, in which locality he died when his son, Nathan, was about ten years of age. In early manhood he had married Orpha Goldsmith, who was also born in Orange county, and at her husband's death she was left with five young chil- dren, two sons and three daughters, Nathan Coleman, of this review, being the third in order of birth. He remained in the Empire state throughout his minority and in Orange county, in 1851. was united in marriage to Miss Jane S. Hulse. They located in New York, whence they removed to Knox county, Illinois, in 1855. taking up their residence in Galesburg, where Mr. Coleman engaged in dairying for six years. They then removed to a farm and in 1871 they came to Nemaha county, Kansas, establishing their horne upon a tract of unimproved land in Oilman township. With characteristic energy he began the development of the place and as the years passed added all the improve- ments and accessories of the model farm, so that his property became one of the most attractive and desirable in the neighborhood. He continued his active connection with farming interests until his death, which occurred October 29, 1896. when he was sixty-eight years of age. His widow, Mrs. Jane Serget (Hulse) Coleman, was born in Orange county, New York, November 21, 1825. and was of English lineage. The ancestry of the family can be traced -back to three brothers who came from England to America and established a home in the Empire state. One of these was the great-grandfather of Mrs. Coleman. Her father, M. T. Hulse. was bom and reared in Orange county, New' York, and married Dolly Stewart, who spent her entire life in that state, dying at the age of forty-three years. Mr. Hulse lived for eighty-two years upon one farm and passed the ninetieth milestone on life's journev. In the family of this worthy couple were five children, three daughters and two sons, all of whom reached years of maturity. They were : Jane : Chauncey, now deceased ; Dolly, Lewis and Emma, who have also passed away. By her mar- riage Mrs. Coleman became the mother of four children : Stewart, who mar- ried Loura Reeder and resides on section 21, Oilman township, Nemaha county ; Thomas, who married Frances \Yeir and is running a farm in Oilman township ; Orpha, at home ; and Jennie, who died at the age of four years. Mrs. Coleman and her daughter, Orpha, occupy the eld homestead on section 22, BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. i8i Gilman township, and the well developed farm of one hundred and sixty acres yields to them a good income. In his political views Mr. Coleman was a Republican and to the ques- tions of the day he gave earnest and careful consideration. The cause of tem- perance found in him a warnl friend and he further promoted its interest through his membership with the Good Templars Society when in Illinois. His life was ever honorable and upright and he did all in his power to secure the advancement of his county along material, social and moral lines. He was numbered among its early settlers and was a prominent representative of its agricultural interests. He aided in locating the town of Oneida and gave to it its name. Its growth was largely due to his efforts and he made it a stock- shipping center, erecting the first shipping yards at that place. He was exten- sively engaged in stock dealing for a number of years and found that branch of business a profitable source of income. He did the grading for the first rail- road switch in Oneida and left the impress of his strong individuality upon its public life. He was very progressive and public-spirited and continual advancement characterized his work along all lines. He organized the Farm- ers' Institute, was president of the same for five years and did all in his power to promote the welfare of the farmers in this section of the state. The cause of education found in him a warm friend and as a member of the school board for many years he was enabled to greatly promote its interests in Nemaha county. His life was indeed a busy, useful and honorable one, and as one of the early settlers of northeastern Kansas he aided in laying the foundation for the present prosperity of Nemaha county. JOHN N. FUNK. Among the worthy citizens that Ohio has furnished to Nemaha county is John N. Funk, whose birth occurred in Fairfield county, of the Buckeye state. November 6, 1840. His father, Henry Funk, was a native of Rocking- ham county, Virginia, and when a young man removed to Fairfield county, Ohio, where he owned and cultivated a farm. He married Elizabeth Hamp- shire, a native of Perry county, Ohio, and of English descent. In 1841 he removed to Putnam county, where lie spent his remaining days, his death occurring when he had attained the age of seventy-five years. His wife sur- vives him and is in her eighty-third year; two of their seven children are deceased. In his political views Mr. Funk was a stalwart Republican, unswerv- ing in his allegiance to the principles of the party. He belonged to the New Light church and his honesty and integrity in all the affairs of life commended 1 82 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. him to the confidence of a large circle of acquaintances. The Funk family- is of German lineage and was founded in Pennsylvania by five brothers of the name. Christ Funk, one of the number and the grandfather of our subject, removed to Virginia, where he carried on agricultural pursuits. In taking up the personal history of John N. Funk we present to our readers tlie record of one who is widely and favorably known in Nemaha county. He was the second child and son in his parents' family and was only about three months old when taken to Putnam county, Ohio. There he was reared, spending his boyhood days in a manner not unlike that of most farmers' lads of the period. Through the summer months he worked in the fields and during the winter season pursued his education in the public schools for three months. His father was given the benefit of his services until his marriage, which occurred in October, i860, Miss Magdalene Brenemen becoming his wife. She, too, was of Geruian lineage and was born and reared in Fair- field county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Funk began their domestic life on the farm in Putnam county, where they remained until 1869. when they came direct to Nemaha county, Kansas. The following year they located upon the farm which is still their home. There were no improvements upon the place and in order to provide shelter for his family Mr. Funk erected a little cabin, 14x20 feet. From morning until evening he worked in the fields, placing the wild land under the plow, planting crops and in the autumn garnering the harvests. He built fences, erected substantial buildings and secured all other modern accessories and improvements. He also extended the boundaries of his farm until his landed possessions now aggregate three hundred and thirty-two acres. In connection with general farming he has also engaged in feeding and selling stock. Seven chiklren — four daughters and three sons — have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Funk: Abraham L., who is engaged in the real estate business in Chi- cago; Elizabeth A., the wife of O. L. Schmidt, of Seneca, Kansas; Lydia M., the wife of Ed Sohn, a farmer of Oilman township; and Sarah C, James E., Eva O. and Frederick W., all at home. The first three children were born in the Buckeye state, but the others are all natives of Nemaha county. In ante helium days Mr. Funk gave close attention to the political situation of the country and the attitude of the south in regard to slavery and secession, and when the Republican party was formed he became one of its stalwart advocates. After the inauguration of the Civil war he manifested his loyalty to the Union by enlisting in Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-first Ohio Infantry, with which he served for one hundred days. He had four brothers who also '"wore the blue" in defense of the stars and stripes. He has ever exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party and on that ticket he has been elected to several local offices, BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 183 including that of road supervisor and school director. In his business under- takings he has prospered and has acquired his property as the result of care- fully executed labor along well defined lines of business principle. A. F. MOORE. A. F. Moore occupies an enviable position in the financial circles of north- eastern Kansas, being the vice-president of the Horton Bank, one of the reliable financial institutions in this section of the state. He is also a prominent stock man in Mission township, Brown county. He was born in Carroll county, Ohio, near Carrollton, on the 13th of February, 1839, and is a representative of a highly respected family. His father, William Moore, was born in Dublin, Ireland, was of ScOtch-Irish lineage and represented a family of Protestant faith. Having come to the new world he was married, in Carroll county, Ohio, to Mrs. Jane Stewart, who was born in Washington county. Pennsylvania, a daughter of John and Levina Danley. Mr. and Mrs. Moore became the parents of four children: W. J., who was for many years a prominent citizen of Brown count}- and at one time the owner of the Lodianna farm near Horton, now owned by John Brownlee. is a resident of Houston, Texas; A. F. is the next of the family; Jonathan died in 1869, leaving a widow, who has since died, and one child, Lilian, who is now in Colorado; and David died in Mission township. Brown county, leaving a widow, who resides in Kansas City, and five children. One of his sons, John, is the superintendent of the county poor farm. The father, William Moore, died at the age of sixty-one years. His political support was given the ^\'hig party until its dissolution, when he joined the Republican party. He was a member of the Methodist church and his wife belonged to the Presbyterian church. Long surviving her husband, she reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years. A. F. Moore, whose name introduces this review, was but a small lad when, in 1850, he accompanied his parents on their removal westward, the family locating in Fulton county, Illinois. The country was then new and sparsely settled. He secured a good education and afterward spent some years as a traveling salesman, representing a general hardware and implement firm in Illinois, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. He was married, October 16, 1866, in Monmouth, Illinois, to Miss Martha J. Brownlee, who was born, reared and educated in Marion county, Ohio, and became a successful and popular teacher. Unto our subject and his wife have been born three children : Frances E., the wife of Philip Ozman, of Straight creek. Jackson county; W. A., who is now in Wyoming: and Maud M., at home. 1 84 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. For some years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Moore resided in Ful- ton county, Illinois, and in 1867 came to Kansas. Mr. Moore now owns a valuable farm of four hundred acres in Mission township, Brown county, and raises a high grade of cattle and horses. He has one hundred and forty head of cattle and twenty horses, and in the careful and honorable conduct of his business affairs he has won creditable success. In politics he is a Republican, supporting the party since casting his first vote for Lincoln in i860. On that ticket he was elected county commissioner for a three years' term and served as chairman of the board, winning high commendation by the able manner in which he discharged his duties. He was also township road overseer for fifteen years. Honored and respected throughout the community, he is popular among its citizens and in this volume he well deserves mention. ABRAHAM LEIGH. M. D. Professional advancement is proverbially slow ; it results from the acquire- ment of knowledge and the application of scientific principles to the affairs of life. Great thoroughness and accuracy are elements in the acquisition of pro- fessional wisdom, and these cannot be gained in a moment, but must be dili- gently sought after. Earnest study and close api:>lication, combined with strong mentality, have secured Dr. Leigh a prominent place among the repre- sentatives of the medical fraternity in northeastern Kansas. He is now located in Hiawatha, where he is making a specialty of the treatment of dis- eases of the eye, ear, throat and nose, and in this branch he has gained marked prestige. The Doctor is a native of the west, and the western spirit of enterprise and progress has found exemplification in his business life. He was born in Holt county, Missouri, January 12, 1849. ^""^ '* the eldest son of Dr. Jona- than Leigh, a prominent retired physician of this state, who was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on the 24th of September, 181 7, and was a son of George W. Leigh, who married a Miss Wilmouth. They removed with their family to Illinois in 1825, and in the Prairie state Dr. Jonathan Leigh was reared to manhood and acquired a good English education in the public schools. Sulisequently he became a student in the literary department of St. Joseph Uni\ersity and later took up the study of medicine, and was graduated in the medical department of the same institution with the class of 1845. H!e began practice in Oregon, Missouri, and in 1856 came to Kansas, locating in High- land. Doniphan county, where he conducted a successful practice for nineteen years. In the spring of 1873 'i^ removed with his family to Hiawatha, and J.^MA^/^^^ BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 185 was an active member of the medical profession of that place until 1890, when he retired to private life, turning over his business to his two sons. In 1845 Dr. Jonathan Leigh was united in marriage to Miss Salina E. Brown, of Mis- souri, and to them were born four children, namely: Lucinda, widow of D. D. L. Gebhart: Abraham: E. J., who is engaged in the practice of medi- cine; Ollie, wife of C. W. Connor, of ^Metropolis, Illinois; and Adelia, wife of J. J. Baird. The mother of this family was called to the home beyond, and in 1866 the Doctor was again married, his second union being with Mary R. (Baird) Irvin, of Highland, Kansas, widow of Samuel Irvm. Dr. Leigh was for many years a prominent representative of the medical profession in this state, and for a long period occupied the position of physician to the old Indian mission in Doniphan county, near Highland. He was also a physician to the Kickapoo mission in Brown county. He has a very wide acquaintance in this section of the state and is esteemed by all who know him, for his life has been very honorable and upright, commanding the confidence and good will of those with whom he has been brought in contact. His son, E. J. Leigh, is a graduate of Rush Metlical College, of Chicago, of the class of 1883, and is now engaged in active practice in Hiawatha. Abraham Leigh, whose name introduces this review, accompanied his parents on their removal to Kansas and was educated in Highland University, in Doniphan county, where he pursued his studies for six years and won the degree of master of arts. On leaving school he engaged in clerking in his father's store, a general mercantile establishment, and there remained for seven years. Subsequently he accepted a position as foreman in a jobbing house in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he continued for two and a half years with the firm of Penneck & Loving, wholesale druggists. On the expiration of that period he returned to Highland and began reading medicine under the direction of his father. He attended his first course of lectures in the Physi- cians & Surgeons' College, of Keokuk, Iowa, and later took a course of lec- tures in Rush Medical College, of Chicago, in which institution he was grad- uated with the class of 1874. He opened an office in Highland, where he practiced for eight years, after which he removed to Chicago, continuing in that city for three years. In December, 1885, however, he returned to Kansas and has since conducted a successful practice in Hiawatha, making a specialty of the treatment of the diseases of the eye and ear and surgical diseases. He is particularly well informed in this department of the medical sciences and keeps abreast of the times along the lines of progress in surgical and medical' practice. His thorough understanding of pathological anatomy, combined with his accurate knowledge of the use of medical properties and his skill in handling the delicate instruments used in operative surgery of this class, have won him a high reputation and gained for him a very liberal patronage. 1 86 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. In 1876 was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Leigh and Miss Nancy G. Bailey, of Highland, a daughter of Philip and Nancy (Gardner) Bailey. They now have two children, a daughter and a son : Bessie is professor of elocu- tion and modern history in Troy, Missouri, and Warren is a student in the Hiawatha Academy. Theirs is one of the most pleasant and attractive homes in Hiawatha and its hospitality is extended to many friends. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge, chapter and commandery, and has been a delegate to the grand lodge. He also belongs to the State Medical Society and the Doniphan and Brown Counties Medical Societies, and is a member of the Royal Microscopical Society, of London, England. He has inscribed his name high on the roll of medical specialists in Kansas and his career has been at once brillant and honorable. WILLL\M H. RYHERD. \\'illiam H. Ryherd, one of the prominent and well-known citizens of Atchison county, claims Missouri as the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Buchanan county on the ist of January, 1852. His father, San- ford Ryherd, was a native of Kentucky, and his parents w-ere born in Penn- sylvania and belonged to old and representative families of that state. Remov- ing to Kentucky, the father of our subject was reared and educated in the Blue Grass state. He was one of ten children, but of this once numerous family Ellis is the only one now living, his home being on a farm near Leaven- worth, Kansas. Having arrived at years of maturity Sanford Ryherd was married to Miss Anna Davison, whose birth occurred in Tennessee. Three children blessed their union : Mrs. Mary E. Gray, who is now living near St. Joseph, Mrs. Frank Smith and William. The parents died during the boyhood of our subject, he being left an orphan at the age of three years. He spent a part of his youth in the family of Rev. Joel Moore, a Christian min- ister, who made a good home for the orphan lad and sent him to school. He pursued his education in the district schools of Kennekuk, Atchison county, and his friend and benefactor, Rev. Moore, died when our subject was only eleven years of age. He then made his home with his uncle on a farm near Leavenworth. His time was then largely devoted to the work of field and meadow and his school privileges were necessarily limited. He was married, March 10, 1878, by the Rev. Mr. Todd, in the Presbyterian church at Kenne- kuk, to Miss Catherine A. Jones. The wedding attendance was one of the largest ever held in the town. Mrs. Ryherd was one of the popular young ladies of Kennekuk. was born in Madison county, Iowa, near Winterset, June BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 187 13. 1855. and her father, Owen Jones, became one of the prominent residents of Brown county, Kansas. During her girlhood she was a student in the schools of Atchison and at one time was a very capable and popular teacher of the county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ryherd removed to Butler county, Kansas, where they lived for four years and on the expiration of that period returned to Atchison county, in 1882. They settled upon their present farm, which comprises four hundred acres of rich and valuable land, constituting one of the best farms in Grasshopper township. In 1897 Mr. Rvherd erected a modern residence, at a cost of one thousand dollars. There is a large and substantial barn upon the place and comfortable sheds for the stock. He raises and feeds a large amount of stock and that branch of his business adds materially to his income. His business affairs have been attended with success and he is now one of the substantial farmers of the neighborhood. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ryherd have been born seven children, six of whom are now living, namely : Mabel, the wife of Raleigh Bartlow, who belongs to one of the old families of Brown county ; Roland, a student in the high school at Everest, Kansas; Bessie M., Birdie E. and Linwood, who are all attendino- school; and Dorothy, who is the "baby" of the household and completes the family. One child, Anna Maud, who was the sixth in order of birth, died at the age of six months. In politics Mr. Ryherd is a Republican and takes an active interest in the growth and success of his party, yet has never sought or desired office. He attends the service of the Methodist church, of which his wife is a member. A typical self-made man, he was left an orphan at an early age and by honest industry has worked his way steadily upward to a plane of affluence, his labors being ablv supplemented by the encouragement and assistance of his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Ryherd are very popular and their many friends delight to enjoy the hospitality of the pleasant home. WILLIAM KOELZER. William Koelzer is the '"village blacksmith" of St. Benedict. Excellent ■workmanship has secured to him a liberal patronage and he is now enjoying a g-ood trade. Numbered among the native sons of Nemaha county, he was born in Richmond township February 5, 1872, and is a son of J. P. and Margaret Koelzer. In the schools of the neighborhood he pursued his education until seventeen years of age, when he put aside his text books and began learning the blacksmith's trade at Seneca, serving a three-years apprenticeship. On the 1 88 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. expiration of that period lie went to Kansas City, where he also worked as an apprentice for a year, returning then to his home. He continued his residence upon the farm for about six years, but in 1898 estabhshed a smithy at St. Bene- dict. He has recently built a good residence and shop in that village, where he intends to make his permanent home. He has a thorough understanding of the business and his diligence and enterprise, combined with his superior work- manship, have secured to him a liberal patronage. He also carries on general farming, superintending his mother's farm of one hundred and sixty acres. On the 1st of September, 1897, Mr. Koelzer was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Novak, a native of Nemaha county, Kansas, and a daughter of Joseph and Agnes Novak, early settlers of the county and well-known residents of Richmond township. Mrs. Koelzer is the eldest of their eight children and was reared and educated in this county, attending the Seneca schools. By her marriage she has one daughter, Anastasia, who was born in Richmond town- ship. They are highly esteemed people of the community and have a large circle of warm friends. JOSEPH KOCH. Numbered among the native sons of Nemaha county, Joseph Koch was born in Richmond township on the 29th of November, 1859, and like many of the residents of this locality is of German lineage. His father, John Koch, was a native of Prussia, Germany, in which land he remained until forty-five years of age, when he sold his farm there and came to the new world, estab- lishing a home in Wisconsin, where he remained until 1857. He then came to what is now Nemaha county, Kansas, locating on Wildcat creek, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land for one hundred and fifty dol- lars. The entire tract was in its primitive condition and not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made upon the quarter-section of prairie which came into possession of Mr. Koch. However, he devoted his energies untir-> ingly to the work of cultivation and became the owner of valuable property, upon which he resided until his death, which occurred when he was about eighty years of age. Being one of the first settlers in the county he witnessed much of its growth. He also aided in building four churches in St. Benedict and was actively connected with other measures which led to the substantial improvement of this section of the state, so that in his death the community lost one of its valued citizens, as well as one of its honored pioneers. His wife bore the maiden name of Anna Maria Wilbert and is also a native of Prussia, Germany, whence she came to America with her husband. She is still residing on the old homestead, one of the honored early pioneer women left to tell the BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 189 tale of life when Nemaha county was situated on the wild western frontier. In the family were ten children. Mr. Koch being the ninth in order of birth and the youngest now living. He was reared in his native township on the old homestead farm, attended the schools of St. Benedict for about two months during the winter season and throughout the remainder of the year assisted in the work of the farm, early becoming familiar with all the duties connected with the development of the fields. On the 6th of June, 1882, he married Miss Sophia Novak, who was born in Ostrer. Germany, and was ten years of age when she came to America with her parents, Joseph and Sophia Novak. They were early settlers in Nemaha county and still reside on section 8. Richmond township. Mr. and Mrs. Koch began their domestic life on section 7, Riciimond township, where they lived until 1894, when he erected their present residence on section 19. They have a very comfortable eight-room house standing in the midst of a fine farm of one hundred and six acres, which is under a high state of culti- vation. Mr. Koch carries on general farming and his indefatigable labors have been crowned with a well merited degree of success. His marriage has been blessed with five children, — Lucy, Anna, Eddie, May and Minnie. All are natives of Richmond township, Nemaha county. In his political views Mr. Koch is a Republican and keeps well informed on the issues of the day. He has held a number of minor offices in his town- ship, discharging his duties in a prompt and faithful manner. He and his family are communicants of St. Mary's Catholic church and he assisted liber- ally in the erection of the house of worship at St. Benedict. He has always resided in the county of his nativity and the fact that many of his friends are numbered among those who have known him from boyhood is an indication of his sterling worth and his well spent life. MONROE BAILEY. The ancestral history of Mr. Bailey is one of which he may well be proud, for he is descended from good old Revolutionary stock. His paternal grand- father, Elijah Bailey, won the title of captain in the Revolutionary war, in which he served for seven years, loyally aiding in the struggle which gave birth to the nation. He participated in many important engagements and was present at the execution of Major Andre, the noted English spy to whom Benedict Arnold deli\-ered the papers which were to betray his country. Elijah Bailey was a wheelwright by trade and erected the first mill at Ticonderoga igo BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Falls. Subsequently he built five other mills and was thus actively identified with the industrial interests of the community in which he made his home. He had three sons and five daughters. One of this number, Justice, was a wheel- wright and lived to be about eighty-eight years of age. Elijah was a farmer and reached the age of seventy-seven years. The other son was Joshua Bailey, the father of our subject. All were reared in Essex county, New York. The daughters were Sophronia, Miranda, Betsy, Susan and Susie. All lived to advanced age, the youngest being seventy years old at the time of death. They were married and reared families of their own and are buried with their hus- bands in the old cemetery in Carroll county, Illinois. Joshua Bailey was born in Vermont and learned the blacksmith's trade. When young he removed with his parents to Essex county, New York, where he spent his youth. In connection with blacksmithing he carried on farming and his life was a long, active and useful one, his death occurring at the advanced age of eighty-six years. He married Lydia Kenyon, a native of Cambridge, Washington county. New York, who died at the age of thirty- seven years. Her father, Davis Kenyon, was also for seven years a member of the colonial army in the war of the Revolution. He aided in capturing General Cornwallis and was on duty in many of the important battles which established the independence of the nation. The Kenyon family were of Eng- lish descent and at an early day was founded in Rhode Island. To Joshua and Lydia (Kenyon) Bailey were born five children, four sons and a daughter, of whom Monroe is the eldest; the others are Ansel, and Elijah, who resides in Mount Carroll, Illinois; Ira L., in Everett, Washington, and Ddany, who died at the age of three years. After the death of the first wife the father was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Electa Brown, a widow. Monroe Bailey was born in Warren county. New York, March 24. 1818, and spent his boyhood days in that locality, living there until eighteen years of age. He pursued his education in the common schools and gained a fair knowledge of the English branches of learning, so that he was fitted for life's practical duties. He worked at farming, blacksmithing and teaming and was thus early trained to habits of industry and economy. At the age of nineteen he removed with his father to Yates county. New York. In the year 1838 he went to Illinois, locating in what was then Jo Daviess county, but is now Carroll county. He secured a farm from the government and made the first furrow upon that rich tract of wild prairie which he transformed into fertile fields. Mr. Bailey was married on the 30th of August, 1848, to Miss Nancy Jane Melendy, who was born in Jefifersonville, Vermont, July 11, 1825. Her father, Josiah Newell Melendy, was a native of New Hampshire and a farmer and shoemaker by trade. He lived to be seventy years of age and at his death BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 191 his community mourned the loss of one of its valued citizens. His father, Nathanael F. Melendy, was of Englisli descent. Mrs. Bailey's mother, who bore the maiden name of Lucy Arbuckle, was born in Amherst. New Hampshire. Her father, John Arbuckle, who was of English lineage, was numbered among the soldiers of the Revolution. Mrs. Bailey was the eldest daughter and third child of the father's family and was reared in the county of her nativity. By her marriage she has become the mother of six children. The eldest. Oscar, is an invalid. Willis J., a very prominent citizen, is now a member (at large) of congress and was born in Carroll county, Illinois, in 1854. He was reared upon the home farm there and after acquiring his preliminary education in the common schools pursued his studies in the high school of Mount Carroll and in the Champaign University, of Illinois. Early taking a decided interest in political affairs, his ability for leadership made hm prominent in Republican circles and in 1894 he was elected to the legislature and in 1898 chosen to represent his state in congress. Ernest, the next son, is a farmer and stock and grain dealer at Baileyville; Marion is the wife of Dr. Charles M. Cafferty, who is engaged in the livery business in Baileyville. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey also have an adopted daughter, a niece of Mr. Bailey, Hortense Kennedy, whom they made a member of their family when she was was only three weeks old. She is now the wife of C. E. Lennon, of Bowdle, South Dakota. In Carroll county, Illinois. Mr. Bailey secured a tract of land of the gov- ernment and developed an excellent farm, which he successfully cultivated until 1879, when he came to Nemaha county, Kansas. Since that time he has resided upon his present farm in Marion township. His first home was a small cabin, 12x16 feet, and was situated on a frontier region, his nearest neighbor being a mile away. He now has a well-improved stock farm of six hundred and fifty acres. His highly cultivated fields and improved property in- dicate his practical and progressive spirit. The town of Baileyville was named in his honor, and this fact indicates that he is regarded as one of the leading and progressive residents of the community. While in Carroll county, Illinois, in 1840, Mr. Bailey cast his first presi- dential vote for General Harrison, and continued to supijort the principles of the Whig party until its dissolution. He aided in the organization of the Republican party in that county and has, since that time, been earnest and untiring in his advocacy of the party principles and platform. He was very prominent in public affairs in Illinois, and superintendent of the first fairs held in the county and president of the Fair Association and aided in laying out many of the roads in the county. He has also been instrumental in building goods roads in Nemaha county and at all times is active in his support of all measures which he believes will prove a public benefit. (92 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. HON. EDMUND N. MORRILL. More than forty-three years have passed since the Hon. Edmund N. Morrill came to Kansas, and through the intervening period his name has figured conspicuously in connection with the annals of the commonwealth. He has been prominent in the business aiYairs of the state, his name being widely known in banking circles, while in public life he has ])een an important element in moulding the policy of Kansas. It is a well attested fact that the greatness of the state lies not in its machinery of gcnernment nor even in its institutions, but in the sterling cjualities of its individual citizens and their capacity for high and unselfish effort and their devotion to the public good. The goal toward which Major Morrill aimed during his many years of toil and endeavor is that which is attained only by such as have by patriotism and wise counsel given to the world the impetus toward the good ; such having the right and title to have their names enduringly inscribed on the bright pages of history. The highest honors within the gift of the people have been con- ferred upon him, and in all public relations he has commanded universal respect ever placing the state and national welfare before partisanship and the best interests of his fellow men before self-aggrandizement. Major Morrill was born in W'estbrook, Cumberland county, Maine, on the 1 2th of February, 1834, which was the birthday of President Lincoln. He is of English lineage, the Morrill family having been founded in America by three brothers of that name who emigrated from England in 1620 and thereby became pioneer settlers of the new world. His father, Rufus Morrill, was born in Maine, in 1796, and was a tanner and currier by trade, which business he followed for many years. He was chosen as one of the selectmen of the town and was an influential citizen. He married Miss Mary Webb, a native of Maine, and also of English descent. Her father was Edward Webb, one of the valiant soldiers of the Revolutionary war. Edmund N. Morrill spent his boyhood days in his native town and acquired his education there, pursuing his studies in \^'estbrook Seminary. He afterward learned the tanner's trade and subsequently became identified with educational interests, serving as supervisor of the schools of Westbrook for one year. In 1856 he was elected a member of the school board of the town for a term of three years, but at the end of one year resigned to go to Kansas, and while serving in that capacity he examined and granted a teach- er's certificate to a young and healthy looking man, named Thomas B. Reed, who was for many years a member of congress and the honorable speaker of the house of representatives. Early in 1857, when twenty-three years of age, Mr. Morrill came to Kansas, locating in Brown county, a few miles west of Hiawatha, where, in connection with other parties from Maine, he founded ^ c^ ,^z^^^-2'2-<^-d.<:_. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 193 the town wliich they called Hamlin, in honor of one of Maine's United States senators, subsequently vice-president of the United States. Mr. Morrill secured a claim of one hundred and sixty acres and when the land came into market purchased the tract from the government at the usual price of one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre, and there purchased a saw mill and engaged in the manufacture of natixe lumber, successfully operating the mill for four months, at the end of which time it was destroyed by fire. He rebuilt and operated it for three years. At the outbreak of iht Civil war Mr. Morrill became a pronounced Union man and October 5, 1861. believing that his duty was at the front, he enlisted as a private in Company C. Seventh Kansas Cavalry, under command of Colonel Jenneson. On the loth of October, of the same year, he was pro- moted to the rank of sergeant and on the 9th of August following he was com- missioned commissary of subsistence at Rienzi. Mississippi, by President Lin- coln. He was with General Grant at Corinth and at the expiration of his serv- ice he held the rank of major by brevet. He was mustered out on general order October 26. 1865. and returned home with an honorable military record, for he had ever been faithful to the duties imposed upon him and lov'al to the old flag. Returning to Hiawatha, Kansas, Major RIorrill was appointed to fill a vacancy in the position of clerk of Brown county and in the fall of that year was elected to the ofiice, in which he ser\-ed for three terms. This, however, was not the beginning of his public service, for in October, 1857, he had been chosen a member of the territorial legislature, the first free state legislature of Kansas. While a member of that body he submitted the able report in favor of forming a state comprising a great portion of the present state of Kansas and that portion of Nebraska south of the Platte river, but the scheme failed because there were too many ambitious politicians and towns in both terri- tories. In 1858 he was elected a member of the legislature under the Lecomp- ton constitution. Again in the fall of 1872 he was chosen to represent his dis- trict in the senate chamber of the state, being elected a member of the upper house, where he served until 1874. In 1876 he was re-elected and served until 1881. He was chosen speaker, pro tern., of the senate and served on the ways and means committee, the most important committee in that body. In 1882 he was nominated on the Republican ticket and elected to congress as one of the four members from the state at large, and in 1884, 1886 and 1888 he was re-elected as a member of the first district. In 1890 he declined re-election, preferring to devote his energies to his business interests. As a member of congress he was industrious and laborious, and for several terms was a lead- ing workmg member of the pensions committee, and during his last term was 194 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. chairman of the committee on invahd pensions. In that capacity he intro- duced what is known as the dependent pension and disabihty act, which has proven a great blessing to many old soldiers. In 1891 he was selected by con- gress as a member of the board of managers of the National Home for Dis- abled Volunteer Soldiers. His party nominated him for governor and he was elected in November, 1894, receiving the unanimous support of his party. His administration was progressive and under his leadership many needed reforms were secured. Again in 1896 he received the unanimous support of the Republicans of Kansas, but was defeated by the Populist party. During all these years j\Ir. Morrill was prominently connected with the business interests of Hiawatha and also extended the field of his labors in the other districts. In 1871, in company with W. B. Barnett and C. H. Janes, he organized a bank in Hiawatha, the firm conducting business under the name of the Barnett-Morrill Company. In 1886 the business was incorporated as the State Bank and Mr. Morrill was made president, which position he has since filled with marked ability. The high reputation which the bank enjoys is largely due to his efforts, his conservative and honorable methods com- mending the institution to the confidence and regard of all. He was also presi- dent of the First National Bank of Leavenworth. Kansas, and a member of its directorate, and is likewise a member of the board of directors of the Inter- national Bank of Kansas City. On the 27th of November, 1862, Mr. Morrill was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth A. Brettun, of Leavenworth, daughter of William H. Brettun. She died in September, 1868, and on Christmas day of 1869 the Major was again married, his second union being with Miss Caroline J. Nash, of Boston, Massachusetts, in which place she was born and educated. By this marriage there are three children, namely: Susan B., wife of Cornelius Baker, of Rochester, New York, by whom she has two children, Dorothy and Helen. Grace W'., wife of Charles Dixon, of Junction City, Kansas, president of the Dixon Livestock Commission Company, of Kansas City, by whom she has two children, Edmund M. and Carolyn; and Frank N., who was graduated in Harvard College with the class of 1898, and will complete the law course in that institution with the class of 1900. Major ^Morrill is president of the board of trustees of Hiawatha Academy and the cause of education finds in him a friend. He is prominent in Masonic circles, has attained the Knight Templar degree and has been connected with the fraternity for thirty-six years. His honorable, straightforward conduct and his incorruptible integrity in all the walks of life has commanded universal respect and confidence. He has gained an eminent position in business and political circles by reason of his fitness for leadership, his fidelity to trusts BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 195 reposed in him, and his record is one over which there falls no shadow of wTong. A mind carefully disciplined, analytical and of broad ken, his deep perception, sound judgment make him a power in any field of labor where he is found. JOHN P. KOELZER. John P. Koelzer, deceased, was for many years an enterprising farmer of Xemaha county and in his death the community lost one of its best citizens. He was born in Prussia, Germany, spent his boyhood days in that land and for three and a half years served as a soldier in the Prussian army. On emi- grating to the United States he took up his residence in Wisconsin and in 1854 came to Kansas, locating in Nemaha county. There he secured government land and developed a farm, upon which his widow is now residing. He erected substantial buildings, including a good residence and barns, divided his fields into convenient size by well kept fences, planted orchards and made all the other improvements found on a model farm, his energies being devoted to its further development and cultivation until his death, which occurred October 18, 1886. He married Mary Margaret Wink, who was born in Prussia, Ger- many, June 9, 1837. Her father, George Wink, was a native of the same locality and by occupation was a farmer. In 1847 h^ came to the United States, taking up his abode on a farm in Wisconsin, where he died at the age of seventy-four years. He was also a soldier in the Prussian army about three years. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Becker and was a native of Germany, but her death occurred in Wisconsin, at the age of seventy years. This worthy couple were the parents of seven children, three of whom are now living. Mrs. Koelzer was the third in order of birth in the family and was a maiden of nine summers when she came with her parents to the new w'orld. Her childhood days were passed in the Badger state and there she was married, in 1850. Four years later she accompanied her husband to Nemaha county, Kansas, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of the community. Thirteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Koelzer : Joseph, who is now living in Richmond township, Nemaha county; Peter, deceased; Mary, the wife of Alexander Tiehen, of Nebraska ; Sophronia. the wife of Pierce Haug, of Rich- mond township ; George, who is living in Oklahoma territory ; Eliza, the wife of Cornelius Hugo, of Nebraska ; Henry, also of Oklahoma territory ; Andrew, of Lindsay, Texas ; Lena, the wife of John Broxterman, of Richmond town- ship; William, of St. Benedict; Philena the wife of John Haug; Ann Cath- erine; and Lawrence, who is now deceased. The two eldest. John and Peter, were born in Wisconsin, but the others are natives of Nemaha county, Kansas. 196 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Coming to Nemaha county in pioneer clays. Mr. Koelzer took an active part in the work of development and improvement in his locality and was a public- spirited and progressive citizen. In politics he was a Democrat and in religious belief was a Catholic. He aided in building the first church in St. Benedict, as well as the second and third churches. Through his well directed efforts he accumulated a comfortable competence, becoming the owner of three hun- dred and twenty acres of land. One-half of this was divided among his chil- dren, the other half going to his widow. INIrs. Koelzer still resides upon her farm and is one of the highly esteemed pioneer ladies of the county, whose growth and upbuilding she has witnessed. JAMES \\'EEKS. James Weeks, one of the practical and enterprising farmers of Nemaha county, makes his home on section 36, in Clear Creek township. A native of England, his birth occurred in Kent, in 1822, his father being Thomas Weeks. At the age of twelve years he started out in life for himself, and since that time has been dependent upon his own labors and resources. He worked at any employment which he could secure for a period of ten years and then resolved to seek a home beyond the Atlantic, having received favor- able reports concerning the privileges and advantages afforded to young men in the new world. Accordingly he bade adieu to home and friends and crossed the briny deep to Canada, where he continued to reside for five years, his time and energy being devoted to work in a saw-mill. On the expiration of that period he removed to Wisconsin, wliere he was employed in the lead mines for sixteen years. He then came to Nemaha county, where he secured a tract of eighty acres of land and began farming. During his first two years' residence here his crops were destroyed by grasshoppers, and it was with great difficulty that he made his expenses,: but his resolute spirit enabled him to persevere in his work and fate was more favorable in the third year, good crops resulting from his planting. As time has passed his accumulations have been augmented and he is to-day the owner of a valuable farm of three hundred and twenty acres, which is well improved. His residence, erected in 1889. stands as a monument to his thrift and enterprise. This is supple- mented by substantial barns and outlniiklings. and in appearance the farm is neat and thrifty, indicating the careful supervision and progressive spirit of the owner. Mr. Weeks was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Pekin. a native of Canton. England. The wedding was celebrated in that country, and Mrs. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 197 Weeks was about twenty-one years of age when they came to the new world. Their union has been blessed with ten children : William, Emily, deceased, Charity, James, Leonard, George, Albert, Julia, deceased, Lettie and Alice. Two of the daughters are now married, and George, James and William are married and livmg in homes of their own. Mr. Weeks exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and -measures of the Democratic party. He keeps well informed on the issues of the day, but has never been an aspirant for public office. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church and enjoy the warm regard of a large circle of friends. Mr. Weeks has never yet had to regret his determination to seek a home in America. He has enjoyed the privileges of the republic, has profited by the opportunities it has afforded and is to-day the possessor of one of the fine farms of Nemaha county where he lives in the midst of many warm friends. J. P. H. KOCH. J. P. H. Koch is the owner of one of the fine farms of Nemaha county, his property comprising five hundred and sixty acres of highly improved land on section 13, Marion township. He was born in Prussia, Germany, Decem- ber 21, 1843, aiT^ li's father, John Koch, was also a native of the same locality. Having arrived at the age of maturity he married Anna Mary Wilberg, and in 1854 he brought his family to the new world, establishing his home in Wisconsin. Three years later he emigrated to Kansas, becoming one of the first settlers in Nemaha county. Here he took up government land and es- tablished a fine farm, being identified with the agricultural interests of the community until his death, which occurred when he was seventy-nine years of age. He was a prominent member of St. Mary's Catholic church and aided in building three houses of worship at St. Benedict. His widow still sur- vives him and now resides in Richmond township. In their family were ten children, nine of whom are yet living. Mr. Koch, the third child, was about ten years of age when he came with his father to America and was a lad of twelve summers when he arrived in Nemaha county. At the age of five years he began his education in the Fatherland and further continued his studies in Wisconsin and in Kansas, but the schools of that period in Nemaha county were not equal to those of the present time and his advantages were therefore somewhat limited. He remained with his father until thirty years of age. assisting in the operations Di the home farm. In 1875 ^^ ^^'^s wedded to Miss Mary E. Harpau, a native of Germany. After their marriage they located in Richmond township. 198 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Nemaha county, where Mr. Koch engaged in general farming until 1S97. Their home was blessed with eight children who are yet li\ing, namely: John, Frank, Peter, Mary Irena. Joseph, Clements, Eddie and Lizzie. The eldest child died when about five months old. All were born in Nemaha county and the family are well and favorably known in the community. Mr. Koch is to-day the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of land, all of which has been placed under a high state of cultivation through his own efforts. His home is a large and commodious modern residence and in keep- ing with this are the fine outbuildings. The barn is 50x36 feet, with a six- teen-foot shed on each side, and other substantial improvements indicate the progressive spirit and enterprise of the owner who is regarded as one of the leading agriculturists in the community. He and his family are members of St. Mary's Catholic church of St. Benedict and he has contributed to the building fund of four churches there. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never sought or desired public office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business interests. EDWIN AVERY. Few indeed were the white settlers in Nemaha county when Edwin Avery arrived within its borders, and he is numbered among the honored pio- neers who laid the foundation for the business prosperity and progress of the community. He lived here when the greater part of the land was still in its primitive condition, the prairies not having been cultivated or utilized for purposes of civilization, and many hardships and trials incident to establishing a home on the frontier were experienced by him, and he also was a witness and participant in the troublous events which preceded the civil war, when party feeling ran very high and it was often unsafe to give candid or unmis- takable expressions to any political opinions. At all times Mr. Avery has manifested a deep interest in the welfare and development of the county, and well does he deserve mention among its representative citizens. A native of Ohio his birth occurred in Summit county, on the 6th of April. 1836. His father, James C. Avery, was a native of New York, and a son of James Avery, Sr., whose birth occurred in Leyden, New York. He was of Scotch descent and died in New Orleans, in 1844. James C. Avery, having arrived at years of maturity, married Ruth C. Coleman, a native of Connecticut, who removed to the Buckeye state when eleven years of age. Four children were born of their union, all of whom reached adult age. Her father was a farmer by occupation, and by means of the tilling of the soil sup- ported his family. He died in New Orleans, in 1844. but his widow is still BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 199 living, and now makes her home in Baileyville, Kansas, at tlie age of eighty- two years. Edwin Avery, of this review, and the eldest child, was reared in the county of his nativity until fifteen years of age. and during that period devoted his time to the duties of the school-room and the work of the home farm. He then accompanied his mother on her removal to Vermilion county, Illinois, and in that county he was married, on the 14th of October, 1858, to Julia A. Stark, a native of Vermilion county. Her parents were natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Avery died in April, 1878, leaving three children, — Stanton, !Myron and Millie. Mr. Avery afterward wedded Emily \\'illiams, and for his third wife he chose Susan M. Osb.ton, their wedding being celebrated in 1895. In 1858, on leaving Illinois, Mr. Avery came direct to Nemaha county, and the following year secured the tract of land which constitutes his present farm. However, he resided for five years in Nemaha township, and on the expiration of that period came to Rock Creek township, where he has since remained. At one time his farm comprised one hundred and sixty acres of rich land, but at a later date he sold one-half of it to his son. Throughout his business career he has carried on agricultural pursuits, and by close appli- cation and unremitting industry he has accumulated a comfortable compe- tence. He is a member of the United Brethren church and his life has ever been honorable and upright. In ante helium days he gave close attention to the slavery question and became a pronounced abolitionist, fearlessly sup- porting his views at a time when it required great personal courage to advo- cate the abolishment of that evil. In i860 he supported Abraham Lincoln, and has never failed to vote for the Republican candidates since that time. He has held a number of local offices, having served as township treasurer, road overseer and a member of the school board, and in all these has discharged his duties in a prompt and creditable manner. His life has been quietly yet honorably passed, and no one is more worthy of representation in this volume than this honored pioneer, Edwin .Avery. JOSEPH RETTELE. Through long years Joseph Rettele has been a resident of Nemaha county, and has not only witnessed its development and improvement but has aided in the work of progress, at all times manifesting a public-spirited interest in everything pertaining to the general welfare. He was born in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, March 22, 1856. and is of German lineage. His father, Louis Rettele, was a native of Baden, Germanv. and came to America when 200 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. only eight years of age, in company with his parents, the family first locating in New York, near Rochester. Subsequently they removed to Wisconsin, taking up their abode near Milwaukee, where the father secured land and engaged in farming. There Louis Rettele was reared, and having attained his majority he secured a claim, upon which he lived until 1867, when he came to Nemaha county, Kansas. In this locality he carried on agricultural pur- suits until his death, which occurred April 12, 1899. He was one of the well- known settlers of the county and was a consistent member of the Catholic church. He wedded Mary Magdalene Koelzer, a native of Germany, who came to America in early life and died in May, 1881. In the family of this worthy couple were four children, three of whom are now living, — Joseph; Mary M., widow of Michael Kongs, and a resident of Richmond township; Peter J., of St. Benedict; and William, who was an ordained priest and died in New Mexico, October 3, 1885. Joseph Rettele, the subject of this review, the second child of the family, when eleven years of age. accompanied his parents on their removal to Nemaha county, and in the schools of this locality and of Wisconsin pursued his educa- tion. The old log schoolhouse in which he conned his lessons in St. Benedict is yet standing. To the work of the farm he largely devoted his energies through his boyhood and youth, and to his father he g-ave the benefit of hi§ services until the latter's death. In Richmond township, on the i8th of November, 1879, occurred the marriage of Mr. Rettele and Miss Mary A. Stein, who was born in Richmond township, Nemaha county, January 8, 1862. Her father, Mathias Stein, was born in Germany, but during his boy- hood came to the new world, making his way first to Iowa, whence he came to Kansas about i860. He married Elizabeth Daltrub, a native of Germany, and during her girlhood she crossed the briny deep. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stein died in Kansas, the mother on the 24th of May, 1883, the father on the 24th of May, 1 89 1. They had ten children, of whom Mrs. Rettele is the eld- est. She was born and reared in Richmond township, and by her marriage she has become the mother of eight children, all born on the farm which is now their home, namely : Louis, AVilliam, Peter, Lizzie, Annie, Frank, Benedict and Catherine. Mr. Rettele is the owner of two hundred acres of rich and arable land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. He carries on general farm- ing and also makes a specialty of raising hogs. When he came to his present home there was not an improvement upon the place, but as the years passed he added buildings, fences and all modern accessories and conveniences, and he is now the owner of a very attractive and valuable property. His political support is given the Democracy, and he has. held the offices of township clerk and constable. He has also served as a member of the school board, and the BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 20 1 cause of education has found in him a warm friend. He withholds his aid and co-operation from no movement calculated to prove a public benefit, yet withal he is practical, believing in the judicious expenditure of money for improve- ment. He well may be call.ed a self-made man, his efforts having resulted in the acquirement of a comfortable competence. MICHAEL ROGERS. The late Michael Rogers, who resided on section 21, in Xemaha town- ship. Nemaha county, was a representative of the Irish element in our national civilization, — an element which is signally appreciative of the enterprise of the new world and which has contributed in no small degree to the work of public improvement and progress. He was born in County Meath, Leinster, Ireland, in September, 1823, and spent the first twenty years of his life in that locality. Bidding adieu to home and friends he sailed for America, in 1846, landing at New York city, whence he made his way to North Carolina and from there to Maryland, remaining in the latter state for three years. Subse- quently he spent a year in Virginia and in 1852 he went to California, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific slope. The journey was made by water and across the isthmus of Panama where he boarded a steamer for San Fran- cisco. Making his way to the mines he continued his search for the precious metal for six years, working a part of the time for himself and also a part of the time in the employ of others. He met with good success in his under- takings and on leaving California he returned by way of the Panama route to New York city and thence came across the country to Kansas, arriving in Nemaha county in 1858. He was one of the first residents in this locality and purchased a quit-claim deed, thus becoming the owner of the farm upon which he now resides. Erecting a log cabin he began life in Kansas in true pioneer style and experienced many of the hardships and difficulties incident to the settlement of the frontier. His wild land he transformed into richly culti- vated fields and as his financial resources increased he added to the property until his landed possessions aggregate fifteen hundred acres, much of which he finally divided among his children. He made a specialty of stock-raising and feeding, having finally one hundred and fifty head of cattle and two hundred and eighty head of hogs upon his farm. In California, in 1858, Mr. Rogers was united in marriage to Miss Mary- Curry, a native of Ireland, born in the northern portion of the Emerald Isle. She died in April, 1887, leaving four children: Thomas, a leading agricult- urist of Nemaha township; Michael, who was born November 18, 1861, iii 202 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Neniaha township, and is now cultivating tlie homestead farm where he now resides with his wife, wlio bore the maitlen name of Ahce Flaherty, and by whom he liad one ciiild, Mary; Edward, who was born in Nemaha townshiij and is now residing on a farm there; and Mary, wife of John Madden, of Nemaha townsliip. Mr. Rogers was a member of St. Mary's Cathohc church at St. Benedict and aided in erecting all of the four churches of that place. He served as a member of the church committee and took a very prominent part in its work. He came to America a poor boy, having neither wealth nor influential friends to aid him in his new home, but steadily he worked his way upward, depending upon the reliable qualities of industry, enterprise and busi- ness sagacity. His business interests were always honorably conducted, and his efforts resulted in the acquirement of a handsome competence. He died January 19, 1900, leaving a vacancy difficult to fill. CHARLES H. STALLBAUMER. Charles H. Stallbaumer, who carries on general farming on sec- tion 16, Richmond township, Nemaha county, was born on the 3d of Jan- uary, 1862, in the township which is still his home. His father, John Martin Stallbaumer. was born in \\'urtemberg. Germany, and when a young man crossed the Atlantic to America, making his way direct to Missouri. From that state he removed to Richmond township, Nemaha county, and after his marriage he locatetl on a farm, where he continued until his death, which occurred August 24. 1881. A communicant of the Catholic church, he aide i in organizing the congregation of St. Benedict. In politics he was a liberal Democrat, who served as a member of the school board, yet was never an aspir- ant for political honors. His wife was, in her maidenhood. Miss Mary H. Van Brook, a native of Holland. She came to Kansas when a maiden of fourteen summers, and is still living in this state. Her eight children were all born in Richmond township, and with one exception all are yet residents of Nemaha county, and six of the number are living near the old home : Rosa, the eldest daughter, is now deceased ; John is living on section 32, Richmond township; Albertina M. is the wife of Henry A. Welp, who cultivates land on section 17, Richmond township; Ida M. is the wife of James Carlin, who is living on section 27. Nemaha township ; Anna S. is the wife of Peter J. Ret- tele, whose home is on section 8, Richmond township; and W. E. and J. G. reside with their mother on section 19, of the same township. Charles Henry Stallbaumer obtained his preliminary education in a little log schoolhouse on section 8, Richmond township, but his school privileges BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 203 were quite limited, as at the early age of fourteen years he was obliged to put aside his text-books and assume the management of the home farm, his father having died. As soon as old enough to handle a plow he began work in the fields, and the various duties connected with the raising of grain were familiar to him. In his youth he worked as a farm hand and to his mother he gave his wages until twenty-one years of age. He was married in Richmond town- ship to Anna M. Schneider, who was born in Waukesha county, Wisconsin. At the age of two she was taken to Nebraska, and when twelve years of age she came to Nemaha county with her parents, Matthew and Elizabeth (Birk- hauser) Schneider, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father, however, came to this country when only five years of age. Mrs. Stallbaumer is the second in their family of eight children, and by her marriage she has five living children, Claude. Veronica, Lawrence, Aloysius and Rudolph. One child. Eugene, died in early life. Mr. Stallbaumer is the owner of seventy-nine acres of rich land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, and the many improvements on his farm indicate his care and attention. For three terms he served as trus- tee of Richmond township, and in 1898 he was elected the county commis- sioner for the third district, which position he is now filling, his incumbency coxering a period of three years. A prominent member of the Catholic church, he is now serving as the president of the St. Joseph society. He rep- resents one of the oldest families of Nemaha county, the name having long been interwoven with the history of agricultural interests in this locality. He has a wide acquaintance in northeastern Kansas, and as a result of his genial manner and sterling worth his friends are legion. CHRISTIAN H. STEINMEIR. Christian H. Steinmeir is one of the valued citizens of Richmond township, Nemaha county, who at all times is loyal to duty and to right. During the civil war he manifested his fidelity to his country by entering the Union army and protecting the starry banner upon the battle-fields of the south. In days of peace he quietly performs his business labors and is accounted one of the substantial farmers of Richmond township, his home being on sec- tion 14. Mr. Steinmeir was born in Hancock county, Indiana, June 21, 1841. In that county his grandfather, Christian Steinmeir, took up his abode in pioneer days, entering land from the government, for which he paid a dollar and a quarter per acre. The wild tract he transformed into an excellent farm, and 204 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. in Hancock county he made his home until his death. Christian Steinmeir, the father of our subject, was a native of Prussia, Germany, and when thir- teen years of age came with his parents to the United States, location being made in Indiana, where he was reared. In his youth he worked on the old national road, at fifty cents per day, and was also engaged in the construction of the canal. In 1864 he left the Hoosier state, coming to Kansas, where he took up his abode on Nemaha creek, buying a partially improved farm. With a team of horses he started for Mexico in 1874, and after reaching his desti- nation sold his team and was murdered there for his money, when about fifty years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Christena Shildmier, was a native of Prussia and was also about thirteen years of age when she came with her parents to America. The family located in Hancock county, where she was married. She died in the Hoosier state at the age of twenty-seven years, leaving four children, namely: Christian H., of this review; Mary, the wife of Charles Hartener, of Seneca; William, who is living in the state of Washington; and Benjamin, of Colorado. Mr. Steinmeir, whose name introduces this record, was reared in the county of his nativity and to its public-school system is indebted for the edu- cational privileges which he received. He assisted in the work of the farm until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he responded to his country's call for troops, enlisting in Company F, Eleventh Indiana Infantry, known as the Indiana Zouaves and commanded by Colonel Lew Wallace. It was on the 20th of July, 1861, that he joined the service and on the 31st of August, 1864, he received an honorable discharge, having for three years loyally aided in the defense of the Union cause. He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Port Gibson, Champion Hills and the entire Vicksburg campaign. The day before the surrender of the city he was taken ill and sent to the regimental hospital. At Fort Donelson he was struck by a piece of shell and was forced to remain in the hospital for ten days, while at Port Gibson he was struck by a piece of rail, which knocked him down. The last battle in which he participated was at Hulltown, Vir- ginia, and he was mustered out at Harper's Ferry, receiving his pay at Indian- apolis, Indiana. With an honorable war record Mr. Steinmeir returned to his home in Han- cock county, where he remained for about a month, when he came to Nemaha county, Kansas. During the first year of his residence here he operated a threshing machine and since that time he has been connected with agricultural pursuits. He lived with his father and sister until his marriage, which occurred on the 19th of December, 1867, Miss Christena Koch becoming his wife. She was born in Prussia, Germany, August 17, 1848, and is a daughter of John Koch, a native of Prussia, who came to Nemaha county in 1857. After their BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 205 marriage Mr. and Mrs. Steinmeir located on a farm on Harris creek, two miles east of their present home, and after living there for a year our subject erected his present residence on section 14. Richmond township. Here he has a farm of two hundred and thirty-nine and a half acres, all of wjhich is under a high state of cultivation. The first few years after his arrival in Nemaha county he engaged in threshing and freighting, but more recently he has given his energies entirely to general farming, and the neat and attractive appearance of his place indicates that he is one of the most progressive agri- culturists of his community. Mr. Steinmeir has had eleven children, eight of whom are now living, namely : Anna, the wife of Harry D. Burger, of Richmond township, Nemaha countv. Benjamin, who assists in the operation of his father's farm; William, Chris. Louis, George, Mary and Esther. The deceased are Johnie, Eddie and Walter. All were born in Nemaha county. IMr. Steinmeir gives his political support to the Republican party, and is a progressive citizen who withholds his support from no measure calculated to prove of benefit to the community along political, social, material and moral lines. He is numbered among the early settlers of this community and has, therefore, watched the greater part of northeastern Kansas in its rapid progress, in which he feels a just pride. In all possible ways he has contributed toward its advancement and is to-day as true to his duties of citizenship as when he aided in establishing the supremacy of the Union by active service upon southern battlefields. HENRY SCHAFER. The German element in our national civilization has been a very important factor, the sterling qualities of the Teutonic race making its representatives in America valued citizens of the republic. Henry Schafer in his business career manifests the reliability and perseverance which are numbered among the sterling traits of his people and to-day he is accounted one of the success- ful farmers of Gilman township, Nemaha county, where he resides upon a val- uable farm located on section 31. Born in Prussia, Germany, on the 14th of January, 1840, he was reared in the place of his nativity, and on attaining his majority enlisted in the Prus- sian army and served for three years. For six months he participated in the war of 1866 and took part in a number of engagements, including the battles which occurred on the 28th of June and on the 3d of July of that year. In 1867 he came to America, making his way to St. Louis, Missouri, where he remained for three years, working by the month during much of the time. 2o6 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. During the last year of his residence in that locality, however, he operated a rented farm. In 1870 he came to Nemaha county, where he purchased a farm in Richmond township, now Oilman township. In 1872, however, he sold that property and bought the farm upon which he now resides. All the improve- ments upon the place stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. He has erected a substantial residence, good barns and outbuildings, and fences, which divide his land into fields of convenient size. To the original purchase of eighty acres he added a quarter-section of land in 1880 and now has a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres, all. under a high state of culti- vation. The rich pasture land of this section of the state affords excellent opportunity to the stock raiser and Mr. Schafer keeps a number of head of cattle for sale. In 1872, in Nemaha county, occurred his marriage to Miss Nellie Hem- merbach, a native of Prussia, who came to America when four years of age, the family locating in Wisconsin. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schafer have been born seven daughters, namely: Anna, the wife of Frank Pflance; Mary, the wife of Henry Seimer; Lizzie, the wife of Clements Wichman; Katie, Barbara, Phemie and Teressa. The family is one of prominence in the community and its members occupy a leading position in social circles. They are com- municants of the Catholic church at Seneca and in his political views Mr. Schafer is a Democrat and has held a number of local offices. He is a public- spirited and progressive man, who gives an active support to all measures cal- culated to advance the general welfare, and in his business career he has met with a well merited success, so that he has never had occasion to regret his determination to try his fortune in the new world. HON. CASSIUS G. FOSTER. Judge Foster was a conspicuous figure in the legal circles of Kansas, being for twenty-five years United States judge for the district of Kansas. He was perhaps the youngest man ever appointed to the federal bench, having attained only his thirty-seventh year when he received his commission from President Grant. Judge Foster was born in 1837, in Webster, IMonroe county. New York, and in May, 1859, was admitted to the bar at Batavia, New York, whence he moved soon afterward to Atchison, Kansas. There he was first associated with the firm of Foster Glenn, but in a short time this partnership was dissolved and he started out by himself. He built up a lucrative practice and by 1873 was recognized as one of the leaders of the bar of Kansas. The people of BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 207 Atchison appreciated his ability and elected him a member of the state senate and afterward the mayor of the city. In March, 1874, he was named for the Kansas federal judgship by President U. S. Grant, who was then serving his second term. In 187S he was married to Miss .Vngie V. Ludington, of Lawrence, Kansas, who was born in Massachusetts. Of this union two daughters were born. In March, 1879. the family removed to Topeka, where the death of Judge Foster took place June 21, 1899, after several j'ears of failing health. Although almost continually an invalid for some time previous to his death, he persisted in attending to his official duties until a special act of congress was passed, in January, 1898, retiring him on full pay. In February, of that year, he resigned and was succeeded by Judge Hoch. Judge Foster had an eventful career in Kansas, a prominent episode in which was the contest between himself and Joseph K. Hudson, the editor of the Topeka Capital, which covered a period of several years and involved many stanch friends of both combatants. The cause of the trouble was the difference of views on the liquor question. Judge Foster being an anti-Pro- hibitionist and Mr. Hudson a champion of the liquor law\ Both the men wielded pens that were masterly and personalities and invectives were not spared. In political and legal lines the controversy was carried on until after 1895, when it came to an end by Mr. Hudson retiring from the control of the Capital and Judge Foster going abroad for his health. The independence of thought and action which was a striking character- istic of Judge Foster was shown in an impressive manner when he stumped the state against the Republican party in 1890-91. Although always affiliating with that party he opposed the mixing of prohibition and politics, and when this question was made a state issue by insetting it as a plank in the platform he took the stump against the ticket. Judge Foster was known as a fair and upright judge and a lawyer of rare attainments. As the interpreter of the complex law^s of this country involved m the tedious litigations which appear in the federal court, he attained an enviable reputation in the United States. His decisions were seldom reversed by the United States courts superior to the one over wdiich he presided. He was the judge of the trial of some of the most famous cases in the history of American jurisprudence and at all times was noted for his fairness and integ- rity. He was conscientious and honorable and a sympathizer with the unfor- tunate. Of all things he most despised the tricks of the profession and merci- lessly scored the lawyer who departed from the prescribetl rules of practice and decorum. He was firm in his convictions and undaunted in their defense. An ardent student and a hard worker, he took the utmost pains in every case before hnn, to ransack the authorities, to weigh the evidence and to rise above 2o8 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. prejudices and environments in his decisions. No man in his position ever was more respected and honored than he. Judge Foster left a fortune of a quarter of a milhon dollars to his wife and daughters, who occupy a handsome home in Topeka. T. F. CRANDALL. J. F. Crandall, a prominent and influential farmer of Brown county and who has lived in this section of the state since an early period of its develop- ment, was born in Floyd county. Indiana, October ii. 1846. His parents, Joseph and Eliza J. (Jones) Crandall, were both natives of Indiana, but the Crandalls originally lived in New York and were of Scotch descent. The father was a millwright by trade and followed that pursuit in early life, but afterward engaged in farming. He was a plain, unpretentious man, yet his sterling worth won him the respect of all. Of the Methodist Episcopal church he was a consistent member and served as class leader. His father had been twice married and by the first union had nine children : Ira, Daniel, Obediah and Rachel ; names of the rest forgotten. Joseph was the seventh child of the second marriage, the others being William, James, Floyd, z\ndrew, Nancy J., Elizabeth, Rachel and one who died in infancy. Joseph Crandall married Miss Eliza J. Jones, a daughter of Rev. James Jones, of England, a consistent member of the Methodist church, whose fam- ily numbered eight children, namely : Asa ; Benjamin, who served as a captain in the Mexican war and a colonel in the Civil war; John; Joseph; Mrs. Sally Filler ; Mrs. Sophia McGee ; Eliza J. and Elizabeth. Unto Joseph and Eliza J. (Jones) Crandall were born five children: John W., a resident of Jeffer- sonville, Indiana ; James F. ; Benjamin A., deceased ; Mrs. Mary S. Dewees, and Joseph A., a resident of New Albany. After the death of his first wife Mr. Crandall married Elizabeth Jones, her sister. There were three children by that union : Eva, Cordia and Julia. The parents are deceased. The father was a leading member of the Methodist church and died in May, 1897. J. F. Crandall, whose name introduces this review, was reared under the parental roof until seventeen years of age, when, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he enlisted in Company H, Thirty-eighth Indiana Infantry, in February, 1864. His command was attached to the Fourteenth Army Corps or the Army of the Cumberland and saw very hard service. Mr. Crandall participated in nine hotly contested engagements and at the battle of Jonesville his company was reduced to nine men. He was very fortunate in that he was never wounded or captured. At the time of Lee's surrender he was with his BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 209 regiment in North Carolina and participated in the last battle of the war. in Bentonville, that state. He was also with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea and participated in the grand review at Washington, — the greatest military pageant ever seen on the western hemisphere. From the capital city the regiment was sent to Indianapolis, where the members were mustered out, receiving an honorable discharge. At that time he held the rank of corporal. Returning to his home Mr. Crandall was engaged in farming until 1867, when he was married to Miss Priscilla Strother, who was born in Clark county, Indi- ana, April 12, 1847, «! daughter of \Mlliam and Hannah (Hale) Strother. The mother was a native of Ireland and the father ws born in Indiana and was of German descent. He made farming his life work and died in early man- hood. His brothers and sisters were John, Olmstead, Elias, Jacob and Mrs. Matilda Romley. All were members of the Methodist church. Mrs. Strother was the daughter of Dr. Hale, of Dayton, Ohio, who removed to New Orleans, where his last days were spent. His children were Samuel, Isaac, William F., Mrs. Sarah Barnett, Mrs. Delia A. Maholland and Mrs. Hannah Strother. The members of this family were Methodists and Presbyterians in religious faith. After his marriage Mr. Crandall, of this review, began farming in Indi- ana, \vhere he lived until 1870, when he came to Brown county, Kansas, and purchased a tract of raw prairie land. The same year he shipped his goods to this place and early the following year removed his family, arriving in Janu- ary. 1 87 1. He has made permanent and good improvements upon his place and has added to his land until the old homestead comprises two hundred and forty acres, while in Washington county, Kansas, he also owns two hun- dred and forty acres and has property in the town of Santa Cruz. He has carried on general farming and has raised, fed and purchased stock. His dual occupation has engaged his entire time and attention and by his careful management and keen discernment in business affairs he has acquired a \ery desirable competence. Mr. and Mrs. Crandall have five children : Leona M., who was born November 19, 1868, the wife of F. Hamilton, a carpenter; Joseph F., born September 13, 1870, engaged in merchandising in Missouri; Florence H., born February 18, 1873, the wife of Rev. H. Bassett; Leonard G., born December 4, 1877, now engaged as a salesman in a store; and Mabel G., who was born April 27, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Crandall are leading members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served as class leader, as chairman of the board of trustees and of the board of stewards. He keeps well informed on the issues of the day, is deeply interested in public questions and is a stanch Republican in his political views. He has filled a number of township ofiices. including that of treasurer. Mr. Crandall was among the first settlers on the 2IO BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. high prairies in his neighhorhood and can relate many interesting instances in pioneer hfe, when the greater part of the country was in its priniiti\'e con- dition. He has witnessed its wonderful progress and development and at all times has contributed toward its upbuilding as far as lay in his power. His own record is a creditable one, showmg that rest rewards indefatigable labor when directed by sound judgment. Not afraid of work he has, by his energy and honorable dealing, accumulated a comfortable competence and is held in uniform respect for his sterling worth. MICHAEL HANSZ. Michael Hansz resides on section 35, Nemaha township, Nemaha county, where he owns and operates two hundred and eighty acres of land. He is one of the worthy citizens that France has furnished to the new world, his birth having occurred in Alsace on the 24th of January, 1835. In the land of his birth he remained until eighteen years of age, spending his boyhood days upon a farm and in attendance at the schools near his home. Determining to try his fortune in the United States he made arrangements for the voyage and landed in New York on Christmas night of 1852. For three years he remained in the Empire state, where he was engaged in the lumber business, and in 1852 he went to Kane county, Illinois, where he was employed as a farm hand by the month, continuing in the Prairie state until 1858. That year witnessed his arrival in Nemaha county, where he secured a claim of government land (his present farm), but the highly cultivated tract now bears little resemblance to the property when it first came into his possession. He was sixty dollars in debt \vhen he landed in the eastern metropolis and had to borrow money in order to get to Buffalo, New York. There he worked three months for his board and for the year he received only six dollars in compensation for his services. It, therefore, required his first year's earnings to repay the money which he had borrowed in order to meet the expense of the voyage to this country. The next year he received seventy-two dollars, with which he paid off his indebtedness and purchased some clothes. He then emigrated west- ward and during his residence in Illinois he saved two hundred dollars from his salary as a farm hand. This he invested in land in Kansas and upon his farm he erected a little board cabin, 14x16 feet, making it his home during the early years in which he placed his land under cultivation and made the begin- ning of a good farm. He has divided the place into fields of convenient size by well kept fences, and as the result of his excellent methods of cultivation he has secured good profits, which has brought to him an excellent financial BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 2 1 1 return. He now owns two hundred and eighty acres altogether, his property interests causing him to be numbered among the substantial citizens of the community. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey Mr. Hansz chose Alar- garet Sturmer, a native of Germany. Their wedding w-as celebrated on the 2ist of December, 1861. and their union has been blessed with six children, — Louisa, George. Mary, Alvina, Rosa and Eddie. Mr. Hansz exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party, but has never sought office, preferring to give his attention to his business interests. The only sure road to success is that of labor and when guided by sound judg- ment it a-lways leads to the goal of prosperity. It has been in this manner tJiat Mr. Hansz has overcome difficulties and obstacles, steadily advancing to a place among the substantial and representative citizens of Nemaha county. LIEUTENANT DAVID BAKER. One of the men who have figured conspicuously in the de\'elopment of the western country is Lieutenant David Baker. He is a native of Indiana, born in Tippecanoe county July 7, 1833, near the town of Dayton. He is the son of William and Hannah Baker, the former being of English extraction. The first of the family to make their home in America was Thomas Baker, a colonel in the English army, who resigned that position to come to the colonies, settling on Long Island, while it was yet in the possession of the Dutch. William Baker was born in New Jersey and emigrated to Ohio, set- tling in Butler county in 1800; he was a soldier in the war of 1812. In 1827 he moved to Indiana, being among the pioneers of Tippecanoe county. There he opened a farm in the timber and endured the hardships and privations attaching to the settlement of a new country. He was a man closely associated with religion and a class-leader in the L'nited Brethren church, and his house for a number of years was used to hold service in. His death occurred Feb- ruary 19, 1844. He was married twice. By his first wife he had six children. One son, Robert (deceased), lived in Dayton, Indiana, and the other. Thomas (also deceased), was the proprietor of the Grand Hotel in Indianapolis. Mary Ann was married to Moses Graft, a prosperous farmer who had a large family. Rachel married a well-known physician — Dr. D. H. Grouse, of Dayton — and is now deceased. Two of her children are living, one of whom is Rev. M. V. Grouse, an able clergyman of the Presbyterian church, but now superintendent of the Childrens' Home at Cincinnati. The other two children of William Baker died when young. 2 12 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. His second marriage was to Hannah Moore, a native of this country, but of Irish parentage. William Moore, her father, was in the war of 1812 and in General Hull's surrender, was paroled, but in a short time returned to the army and fought until the close of the war. Hannah Moore Baker was the mother of six children, three of her sons being farmers. — Abner is near Rush- ville, Missouri, Josiah, in Chicago, Illinois, and Samuel, in Kansas. The youngest, George W.. died in infancy. Her only daughter, Martha Jane, mar- ried Dr. J. A. Wood, who for a number of years was a resident of Atchison county, Kansas, but after the war located at Monticello, Indiana, at which place she died in 1878. leaving five children. After the death of her husband Mrs. Baker married Henry Goble and removed to Clinton county,, Indiana. She was a pious woman and a faithful adherent of the United Brethren church. Her death occurred in 1851, in the full triumph of her faith, her last words being "Glory! Glory!" She opened her eyes once more to behold her son. David, for whom she had seemed to be waiting for hours just at the door of death, then she sank peacefully away. The education of David Baker and his brothers was limited, owing to the poor school facilities in Indiana at that early day. His chief amusements while pursuing the routine of the farmer boy were those of hunting and fish- ing. When fourteen years of age he went to Dayton to learn the carpenter's trade of his brother, Robert, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He afterward followed the trade the same length of time in Lafayette, Indiana. On the 4th of June, 1855, he married Margaret J. Alexander, who lived only until the following year, June 20, when she left an infant daughter, Alfaretta Jane, who died a few months later. She was a religious and edu- cated lady, fond of literature and especially of poetry. A few months after this Mr. Baker came to Kansas, arriving in Atchison county September 19, 1857. He purchased a share in the Summertown Com- pany and pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land near Lancaster, ten miles west of Atchison. He left Kansas December 5, in company with thir- teen others, in a skiff and rowed to Jefferson City, Missouri, where they took the cars, he returning to Indiana. On March 9, 1858. Mr. Baker was married to Rebecca Foresman, a daughter of John Foresman, who was a pioneer of Indiana. Returning to Kan- sas with his wife, he arrived at Sumner April 29, and there worked at his trade two years. In 1858-9 he served as a township collector and treasurer and in 1859-60 was the marshal of the town of Sumner, an unenviable position at that day owing to the border element, and in many instances he had some of the most noted outlaws to deal with. Being a free-state man he took an active part in the affairs of the time and was a delegate to the first Republican county convention. His life is replete with incidents too numerous to mention, but BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 213 A. D. Richardson, the author of "Beyond the Mississippi," who was a per- sonal friend of his, has pictured the scenes of those times to perfection. In 1 86 1 Mr. Baker began to open his farm, but as tlie war of the Rebel- lion was fully under way he entered the military service, being mustered in as a volunteer private soldier in Company G, Eighth Kansas Infantry, November II, 1861, and on the 14th was ordered to Lawrence, Kansas, to drill. While there, November 21, 1 861, he was promoted to the rank of first sergeant of the company. From December 20, 1861, until January 16, 1862, the regiment was guarding the border. Three companies, A, D and G, were ordered to Fort Kearney, where they arrived on March 12 and remained until April 15, when Company G was detached and sent to Scott's Bluffs on the overland route to quell the Indian troubles. On May 28 the company was ordered to Fort Laramie, where they remained on garrison duty until January 15. 1863, when they were ordered to join the regiment at Nashville, Tennessee, marching from Fort Laramie to Fort Leavenworth and going thence by rail and water to Nashville. In that city they assisted the regiment on provost duty in the city until June 7, 1863, when all the companies wei-e ordered to Murfreesboro, that state, where the regiment was assigned to the Third Brigade of the First Division of the Twentieth Army Corps, and on June 24 marched under General Rosecrans to Tullahoma, then to Winchester and Stephenson, Alabama, and across the river to skirmish with the enemy. While at Winchester, July 25, 1863, Mr. Baker was commissioned second lieutenant of Company G, but as it was then below the minimum number he was not mustered on his commission. On September 9 he received a commission as first lieutenant, but was again not mustered, as the army was on the move, but acted as first lieutenant in his com- pany. September 19, 1863, he was engaged in the battle of Chickamauga, where he was severely wounded in the left leg and taken jirisoner, and he lay four days on the field without any attention. His leg was amputated by a sur- geon of the United States army, who also was a prisoner. After twelve days he was paroled and sent through the lines and was taken to the officers' hos- pital at Chattanooga, where he remained until sent to Nashville, Tennessee, November 10, 1863. November 30, 1863. he received a leave of absence for thirty days to visit his wife and friends at Lafayette, Indiana, after which he returned and made application to be mustered in on his commission, which was granted by the war department, and he was accordingly mustered November 21, 1864, to date from September 9, 1863. He was then ordered to report to Major A. W. Gazzona, commanding the Veteran Reserve Corps at Nashville. He was detailed for duty with a detachment of the One Hundred and Forty-eighth and One Hundred and Fifty-first Companies of the Second Battalion of the Vet- 214 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. eran Reserve Corps at General Hospital No. 19, on tlie 12th of January, 1865. He was relieved and ordered to report to Captain J. H. Meyer at the Cum- berland hospital January 18, 1865. He assumed command of the One Hun- dred and Fiftv-fourth Company of the Second Battalion of the Veteran Reserve Corps and in addition had command of the One Hundred and Fifty- second Company of the same battalion. May 31, 1865, he was relieved from duty at the hospital and assigned to duty as acting assistant quartermaster and acting commissary of subsistence of the Veteran Reserve Corps. June 27. 1865, he also assumed the duties of acting assistant adjutant of the corps. He served on general court-martial duty for some time and continued in his duties for the Veteran Reserve Corps until the close of the war. December 11, 1865, he left Nashville and returned to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he was mustered out January 10, 1866. He is deserving of special mention and the commendation of all true patriots for the active part he took in quelling the rebellion, and Mrs. Baker also is to be complimented as a woman who shared the hardships of camp life with her husband. With two children she accom- panied him to Fort Laramie. At this place was born their third child Novem- ber 24. 1862, a son whom they named Robert Laramie, in honor of his birth- place. ^^^^en her husband was sent to Nashville she accompanied him as far as St. Louis and from there went to her parents in Indiana, where she remained about one year. W'hile there Robert Laramie died, his sickness beginning on the evening of his father's return on leave of absence after being wounded, and his death occurred six weeks later, February 12, 1864. Mrs. Baker then went south with her husband and was an eye witness of the battle of Nashville and remained with Mr. Baker to the close of the war. Her two eldest children were born in Sumner, Kansas. — Addie L., March 12, 1859, and Solon Byrd, September 8, i860. The others were all born in Atchison: Mary Eldora, April 4, 1867; Edwin M.. February 5, 1869; Eva Hortense, January 24, 1870; David H., January 30, 1873; Estella, July 13. 1876; Ruth, March 30, 1878; and Blanche. January 28, 1881. Addie L. was married, December 15, 1880, to William Carlyle, one of Atchison's well-known business men. At the close of the war Lieutenant Baker returned to Kansas, locating in Atchison and entering the drug business in company with Dr. Horn, but lost his whole stock by fire in 1868. At present he is living retired. In religion Mr. Baker is a member of the Methodist church. Politically he is a strong Republican and in 1871 was elected by that party to the office of county treasurer, and he discharges the duties of that position with great credit to hmiself and satisfaction to his constituents. He was a prominent candidate for the following term, but was defeated by a small majority. In 1874 he was also a candidate for the office of state treasurer, but finally with- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 215 drew in favor of one of his opponents. Since that time he has been leading a quiet Hfe, tiie surroundings of his home and happy family indicating com- fort and ])rosperity. JOHN R. HALE. Among the successful and enterprising farmers of Doniphan county is tliis gentleman, who owns and cultivates two hundred and forty acres of good land in Wolf River township. He is a native of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred in Sandusky county. Ohio, March 29, 1841. His father, William Hale, was born in Devonshire, England, in 1805, and on coming to the United States took up his abode in Ohio. He had no capital, but was industrious and energetic and as the result of his well directed efforts he acquired a good farm. As a companion in life's journey he chose Miss Sarah Chalise, who was born in Devonshire, and they became the parents of the fol- lowing named children : John R. ; Mary ; ^^■ illiam. deceased ; Erastus, who is living on the old homestead in Ohio; Adelia, who has passed away; and Mariah, wife of Thomas Potter. The father was called to his final rest in Ohio in 1882. The duties and pleasures which usually occupy the time of most farmers' sons engrossed the attention of John R. Hale during the days of his youth. He attended the schools of the neighborhood and followed the plow through the summer months and in the winter seasons he pursued his studies, acquiring a fair English education. In July, 1863, when twenty-two years of age, he responded to his country's call for troops, enlisting in the First Ohio Heavy Artillery, under the command of Colonel C. G. Hawley. The command was assigned to General Thomas" army and did garrison duty most of the time. After two years' service Mr. Hale was mustered out at Knoxville, Tennessee, and honorably discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio. In 1868 he came to Kan- sas, purchasing a farm in Brown county, but as his capital was limited he did not operate his land the first year, but remained in the employ of Mr. Snyder, a nurseryman. The next year he began to plow and plant his own tract and for a time he kept house alone. His home was furnished with chairs, tables and other furniture of his own manufacture, but in time this was replaced by the more modern articles secured from the extensive factories which now send their productions to all sections of the country. In 1880 Mr. Hale took up his alx)de in Doniphan county, v here he now owns two hundred and forty acres of land under a high state of cultivation and well improved with all the modern accessories and conveniences. In December, 1874, was celebrated his marriage to Miss Sarah Benfer, 2i6 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. daughter of Elias Benfer, and they now have a daugliter, Maude, born in December, 1879. In politics Mr. Hale is a Republican and gives his hearty support to the men and measures of his party, but has never sought or desired office. JAMES BOND. James Bond, who is engaged in general farming in Mission township, is the owner of two hundred and twenty-six acres of valuable land. He pur- chased a part of this property in 1876 and has since resided upon the farm, his labors having transformed it into a very valuable tract. A very energetic and industrious man, he owes his prosperity entirely to his own labor and his suc- cess is certainly well deserved. His residence in Brown county dates from 1867. He was born in Somersetshire, England, about sixty-four years ago and is a son of Joseph Bond. His father was a native of Wiltshire, England, and was a shoemaker by trade. He married Miss Ruth Banks, also a native of Wiltshire and a daughter of John Banks, a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Bond became the parents of five children, namely : Elizabeth ; James ; Mary, now deceased ; John and Anne. The father died in England and, when iourteen years of age, Mr. Bond, of this review, was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade, and just before completing his time he shipped in the English navy as a carpenter and in this capacity he followed the sea for nine years, visiting all ports of the world. About 1863 he came to this country and found employ- ment at his trade in the oil fields of Pennsylvania, being among the first at Pithole, and later was located in Cleveland, Ohio. Subsequently he came to Kansas and located in Brown county and settled upon his present farm in 1 876. He here purchased one hundred and forty-six acres of land, known as the William Hite farm, and as his financial resources increased he added to his property by the purchase of an eighty-acre tract, one-half mile south of that farm, so that his landed possessions now aggregate two hundred and twenty- six acres. His fields are under a very high state of cultivation and he is the owner of one of the best farms in his township; all the modern accessories and improvements are there to be found, together with high grades of stock, excellent farm machinery and good buildings. His labors have been attended with success and well does he merit his prosperity, for it has been honestly won and is the crown of continuous and well directed labor. In April, 1879, occurred the marriage of Mr. Bond and Miss Eleanor Cowley, the wedding taking place in Hiawatha, Kansas. The lady is of good family, her parents being Hugh and Jane (Kelley) Crowley, who had a family of seven children, namely : William, now deceased ; Anne, Jane, Tom, Mrs. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 217 Eleanor Bond, Catherine and Mary. The father died in Robinson township, Brown county, at the age of sixty-eight years, and Mrs. Cowley died in 1899, at the age of eighty-nine years. In his political views Mr. Bond is a Democrat, but seeks not the honors or emoluments of public office, although he keeps well informed on the issues of the day. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist church and are deeply interested in its growth and progress. Mr. Bond deserves to rank high among the county's influential self-made men, for he is a worthy and enterprising citizen, frauk and genial in manner, honorable and upright in all his business dealings. JOHN K. FISHER. This gentleman's history is one replete with interest, including as it does a war record, life on the frontier and identity in various ways with a prosperous western town, and were it written in detail would make a volume of interesting reading. In this connection, however, only a succinct review can be pre- sented. John K. Fisher was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, near the city of Harrisburg, December 26, 1824, of German descent. His people for several generations lived and died in the Keystone state. Henry Fisher, his father, was born in Lancaster county, that state, August 12, 1793, son of George Fisher, whose birth occurred there in 1752. The mother of our subject was before marriage Miss Lydia Keller. Her birth occurred in Lancaster county October i, 1800, and she was a daughter of Joel Keller. Both the Fishers and the Kellers were well-to-do farmers. John K. Fisher passed his boyhood days in his native county, receiving his early education there. Later he attended school in Lancaster county and completed his studies with a course in the Harrisburg Academy. After leav- ing the academy he secured a position as clerk and subsequently engaged in mercantile business for himself at a place called Uniontown, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1864. In 1862 he recruited a company of cavalry, known as the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and on the organi- zation of the same was commissioned first lieutenant. When the regiment was organized he was elected captain, under Colonel J. I. Gregg, who was the commander of the regiment. They were ordered to Antietam, Maryland, where the regiment was held as a reserve. Later it was ordered to different points in Virginia and finally to Gettysburg, in which memorable battle it took part. It was also a participant in the action at Fredericksburg and in other smaller engagements, some thirty in all. Twice he was wounded, in the battle of Shepherdstown, Virginia. The first wound was through the right 218 BIOGRAPHICAL AXP GENEALOGICAL RECORD. liip. 'rwentv inimites later lie was shot tlirouoh the chest, the bullet passing through his left lung, ami he was then carried to the field hospital. Later he was sent to Harrisburg. Pennsylvania, and as soon as he was able to travel went home, having received an honorable discharge in December, 1863. At that time a major's commission awaited him. as a rewartl for valiant and dar- ing service, but he was imt physically able to continue in the service longer and accordingly returned to his home in Fayette county. In 18(14 Mr. Fisher came to Atchison county. Kansas, and took a claim to one hundred and sixty acres of land in what was then called Grasshopper lownshij) (now Delaware township), which he improved and where he resided for three years. It was during that time that his political career began. In 1866 he was elected to the state senate on the Republican ticket and served acceptably as a member of that honored body. In 1867 he was appointed internal revenue inspector for the state of Kansas and while acting in that capacity was occasionally sent to Nebraska. From 1867 to 1873 he served as a United States assessor, under the administrations of Johnson and Grant. In 1869 he moved from his farm above referred to and took up his abode in Atchison, where he purchased a home and has since resided. In 1S70 he estab- lished an insurance agency, which he has continued to the present. In addition to extensive operations in real estate and insurance he also does a large amount of pension business, and he has for his patrons in all his lines of busi- ness many of the leading people of the county. From 1872 to 1874 he had as an associate L. F. Cochran, who is now a member of congress, representing the fourth district of Missouri. Mr. Fisher was married. August 25. 1846. to Miss Elizabeth A. Shepler, of Cumberland county. Pennsylvania, a daughter of Jacob and Julia (McCaus- land) Shepler. Mr. Shepler was of a Pennsylvania family and by trade a millwright. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have had seven children, namely: Harvey, deceased; Emma, the wife of A. H. Decker, of Chicago; Lydia, the wife of Thomas M. Gray, of Atchison, Kansas; Mary, the wife of John A. Rossi, of Atchison; Alice C. wife of John B. Elwood, of New York city: John H.. a conductor on the Santa Fe Railroad ; and Julia, the wife of Frank Rice and residing in New Orleans. In his early life Mr. Fisher gave his political support to the Whig party and since the organization of the Republican party, he has afifiliated with it. For several years he was a member of the school board, a portion of the time serving as its president, and two years was a member of the Atchison city coun- cil, of which body also he served as president. He was one of the charter members of John A. Martin Post. No. 93. G. A. R., of which he has the honor to be a past commander, and he also maintains a membership in the Loyal Lesfion. a military association of officers of the Civil war. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. 219 JOSEPH C. McCULLY. This gentleman is a member of that Httle group of distinctively repre- sentative business men who were the pioneers in incorporating and building up the chief industries of the western states. His name is familiar not alone to the residents of the city to whose development he has contributed so conspic- uously but also to all who have been in the least intimately informed as to the history- of northeastern Kansas. He has contributed to its material progress and prosperity to a great degree. He early had the sagacity and prescience to discern the eminence which the future had in store for this great and grow- ing country, and, acting in accordance with the dictates of his faith and judg- ment, he has gathered, in the fullness of time, the generous harvest which is the just recompense of indomitable industry, spotless integrity and marvelous enterprise. Few lives furnish so striking an example of the wise application of sound principles and safe conservatism as does his. The story of his success is short and simple, containing no exciting chapters, but in it lies one of the most \aluable secrets of the great prosperity which it records, and his private and business life are pregnant with interest and incentive no matter how lack- ing in dramatic action, — the record of a noble life, consistent with itself and its possibilities in every particular. Joseph C. McCully was born in Burlington county, Xew Jersey, near the village of Westfield, September i, 1827. His father, Samuel McCully, was also a native of that state and married Sarah Loveland, who was born near Little Lake Harbor, Xew Jersey, a daughter of Charles Loveland. The McCully family is of Scotch origin, the ancestors having lived in the western section of that country of hills and heather. The father of our subject was a wheelwright by trade and also engaged in the manufacture of carriages. He died in the village of Hartford, Xew Jersey, in 1853. and his wife passed away in 1856, in her fifty-third year. Joseph C. McCully spent his boyhood days in Hartford, where he attended school until seventeen years of age, completing his education in a select Quaker school. He then learned the trade of carriagemaking under his father, and when he had mastered the business he came to the west in order to tn,' his fortune on the frontier hoping thereby to benefit his financial condition. Arriving in Atchison in 3ilay. 1857, Mr. McCully secured a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, but after two years disposed of his land and returned to the citv. Here, in 1859, he opened a carriage shop and is now extensively engaged in the manufacture of carriages, buggies and other light vehicles. In the early days he also manufactured heavy wagons used by freighters in crossing the plains. He now employs a large force of workmen and occupies a factory 45x80 feet, two stories in height. There are different departments 220 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. for the iiaintins;. wchkI wovk .'iiul iron work, and a force of from seven to ten workmen are employed. He turns out an excellent grade of carriages and the output of the factory is very large. Since 1881 business has been carried under the firm name of McCuUy Brothers and the enterprise is accounted one of the leading business interests of the city. In 1S62 Mr. McCully was united in marriage to Miss Rose Griffey, then a resident of Atchison, but formerly of Kentucky. Their marriage occurred during the troublous times of the Civil war. Mr. McCully was then an advo- cate "of Republican principles and believed in a free-soil state. He became a member of the Eighteenth Kansas ]Militia and during the war went with it to pursue the rebel general. Price. Mr. McCully has taken an active part in public affairs and for two years was a member of the city council. In 1862 he was elected the treasurer of Atchison county and served for four years, discharging his duties with marked fidelity and ability. Socially he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His efforts in business have been crowned with a desirable suc- cess and in addition to his carriage factory he owns considerable property in Atchison. His efforts have been directed along well-defined lines of labor and his investments have been so judiciously made that he has derived there- from a handsome competence. In all life's relations he has been honorable and upright, and he stands to-day one of the most highly respected citizens of Atchison, esteemed in social, political and business circles. JOSEPH HAEGELIN. Joseph Haegelin, deceased, was a member of the well-known brewing firm of Ziebold & Haegelin at Atchison, Kansas. He died at his residence in that city January 25, 1893, ^^ the age of forty-six years, ten months and twelve days, after an illness of only ten days. Mr. Haegelin was born in Gurner. amt Staufen. Baden, Germany, in the year 1846, March 14. He learned the brewer's trade at Ettenheim, Baden, beginning an apprenticeship at the age of fourteen. In May, 1867, he emi- grated to America, coming immediately west, and for two years was employed by H. Nunning, now deceased, at St. Joseph, Missouri. He left that city in 1869 to accept a position as foreman for Frank Young, who was at that time a leading brewer of Atchison and with wdiom he continued until 1871, when with Herman Ziebold, he bought the brewery of A. Stern". This partnership continued until the death of Mr. Ziebold and ever since that time the business has been conducted under the firm name of Ziebold & Haegelin. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 221 Tlie youngr firm immediately improved the old brewery plant and erected a new brewery, with every modern improvement then known to the trade. They were very successful and later, when Kansas adopted prohibition, the firm became famous throughout the country by the persistence with which they fought that law through every stage and phase of litigation up to and through the United States supreme court, where the case was finally decided against them. Mr. Ziebold, an active and energetic man, died at Atchison July 20, 1891. Mr. Haegelin attended the conventions of the National Brewers' Asso- ciation, of which he was a member, to the last time it was held at Washington, after which he took a pleasure trip to his old home in Germany, — one of the very few recreations in which he indulged during his busy career. At his death he left a widow and eight children, the eldest being twenty-one years of age, the youngest si.x years old. His estate is valued at twenty thousand dollars. Mr. Haegelin was a man of great energy and business abilitw and his course since Kansas adopted prohibition shows his steadfastness of purpose and strength of will. All his business transactions were characterized by straight- forwardness and the strictest honesty while his free-handed benevolence and his pre-eminent social instincts brought to him the regard and esteem of all classes of society. He was easily in the front rank of the most prominent Ger- man-.\merican citizens of Kansas. A. W. PRETZEL. A. W. Pretzel, wholesale dealer in wines, liquors and beers, at 708 to 716 Kansas avenue, Atchison, Kansas, has been in business at this location since 1875, having begun on a small scale and worked his way along until he has attained to his present financial standing. Mr. Pretzel, as his name indicates, is a German. He was born in Ger- many in 1847, received his education in the common schools of his native land, attending until his thirteenth year, when, in i860, he came to the United States. For five years after his arrival in this country he was variously employed at different places. In 1868 he came to Atchison, Kansas, and secured employment as a section hand on the railroad. His prompt and faith- ful service in this humble place soon gained him promotion and he was placed m charge of track-laying. On leaving the railroad he formed a partnership with a Mr. Berkhardt. under the firm name of Berkhardt & Pretzel, and en- gaged in the manufacture of soda water and carbonated drinks, this business 222 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. association continuing until 1875, when it was dissolved. That year Mr. Pretzel engaged in business by himself, in a small way, as already stated, and as pros- perity came his way he increased the capacity of his plant from time to time, putting in new machinery as needed until his establishment has reached its present size. He erected the brick building he occupies. His trade now extends over the states of Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri and Indian Terri- tory, and he furnishes employment to a large force of men. As compared with other bottling works, his is the most extensive in this part of Kansas. ]\Ir. Pretzel has a wife and two daughters, one of the daughters, Pauline, being now Mrs. W. T. Snider. Mr. Snider is the bookkeeper in the A. W. Pretzel establishment and is a thorough and practical business man. Mrs. Pretzel was formerly Miss Caroline Fess, and she, too, is a native of Germany. RICHARD JOHNSON. Richard Johnson is one of the leading citizens and prominent farmers of Richmond township, Neinaha county, Kansas, and his well directed efforts have brought to him success which is both creditable and enviable. He has been connected with many of the pioneer localities of the west and has seen the wonderful development of this section of the country, which but a few years ago was the haunt of the red race, — the homes of the white settlers being mdeed few and far between. In the county which is now his home Mr. Johnson has taken an active part in promoting the progress and advancement which has led to the prosperity of to-day, and is one of the honored early settlers who certainly is deserving of mention in this volume. A native of Montgomery county, Indiana, he was born on the 29th of April. 1833, and is a son of Ebenezer Johnson, whose birth occurred in Mary- land. When a young man the father removed to Kentucky. He was left an orphan when aliout fourteen years of age and from that time on he depended entirely upon his own resources. In the Blue Grass state he married Lucy Tandy, whose birth occurred in Kentucky. About 1832 they removed to ]\Iontgomery county, Indiana, and thence to Illinois, where they remained until 1840, the year of their emigration to Iowa. Locating in Keokuk county, of the last named state, Mr. Johnson secured a quarter-section of government land, which he transformed into a good farm, continuing its culti\-ation until 1847, when he removed to Missouri. Subsequently, however, he returned to Iowa, establishing a home in Mahaska county, where he remained until his children were grown. They then removed to Colorado, where he died in 1877, at the age of seventy-six 3-ears, his birth having occurred in 1801. His BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 223 wife died in the winter of 1847. They were the parents of eight children, and se\en of the number reached years of maturity, but only three arc now living-. Richartl Johnson, the fourth chikl antl second son. accompanied his parents on their various removals, but spent the greater part of his youth in Mahaska county. Iowa. In early life he attended the subscriptioti schools, but after the family established a home in Iowa he pursued his studies in the public schools. He remained with his father until nineteen years of age and was early trained to habits of industry and economy, which have proved of important use to him in the active affairs of life. On leaving home he mar- ried Eliza Xettler, a native of Vermont, who was reared, however, in Ohio. In 1849 she came with her parents to Iowa, where she formed the acquaint- ance of Mr. Johnson. In 1854 our subject crossed the plains, making his way over the Mis- souri river at- the present site of Omaha, although at that time there was not a single house at the place. The journey was made with ox teams, and after four months and twelve days spent upon the way the party arrived at Grizzly Flats, Eldorado county, California, where Mr. Johnson engaged in mining for three years. He then removed to the seashore, establishing a home in Sonoma county, where he engaged in farming and dairying. He followed that business for two years and on the expiration of that period went to San Francisco, where he boarded a steamer bound for Havana. Cuba. From the latter place he made his way to New Orleans, thence up the ri\cr to Keokuk. Iowa, and on to Mahaska county, where he secured an outtit with which he came to Kansas. His first home was in the southern part of the state, and from that point he returned to Missouri to spend -the winter. In the spring of i860 he went to Colorado, visiting Denver when it contained only about five houses After a short time, however, he returned to Kansas, and on the 19th of July, i860, purchased a farm in Nemaha township. Nemaha county. It was then a tract of unimproved land, but with characteristic energy he began its de\elop- ment and continued its cultivation for eleven years. He then sold that prop- erty and purchased his present farm, which is one of the oldest developed farms in this section of the state. He has made here a very pleasant home and has continuously resided in Nemaha county, with the exception of one year which the family passed in California on account of his health. He is to-day the owner of eight hundred acres of valuable land, and, in connection with the culti\-ation of cereals best adapted to this climate, he feeds from two to three car-loads of cattle annually, which he himself markets in tlie city. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born four children, two sons and two daughters : Pierce, who was born in Iowa and is now living in Nemaha county: Irvin. who was born in California and now assists his father in the 224 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. operation of tlie home farm: Lydia M., the wife of Howard Thomson, of Nemaha ; and Ella, wife of Frank Zimmerman. In the affairs of the county- Mr. Johnson has taken an active interest, and his worth and ability have fre- quently occasioned liis selection for public office. In 1869 he was elected to the state legislature, for two years served as county commissioner, for two years as sheriff and for twenty years as school director. In all these offices he has discharged his duties with marked ability and fidelity, laboring earnestly to promote the welfare of the community. His political support is given the Democracy, and he keeps well informed on the issues of the day. Since 1864 he has been connected with the Masonic fraternity, and became a charter mem- ber of the first lodge in Nemaha county. He was also at one time connected with the Royal Arch chapter. His sterling characteristics have been such as to enable him to make the most of opportunities, to conquer obstacles and to work his way steadily upward to the plane of affluence. He is one of the most substantial citizens of Nemaha county, and his possessions are a monu- ment to his thrift and enterprise. JAMES W. HUDGENS. Among the well-known and respected early settlers of Brown county is the subject of this review, who has been a resident of the community for twenty-two years, during which period he has been actively identified with the agricultural interests and at the same time has given an earnest support to all measures calculated to prove of public lienefit. Daniel Hudgens, the progen- itor of the Hudgens family of America and the great-grandfather of the sub- ject of this memoir, came to America from Ireland prior to the war of the Revolution and ser\ecl in the American army. He settled in Virginia, where, it is presumed, he died. He had seven children. Our subject was born in Andrew county, Missouri, November 5, 1852, and is a representative of a pioneer family of that state. His father, John Hudgens, was born in Kentucky, and, having arrived at years of maturity, married Miss Nancy Duff, who was also a native of the Blue Grass state and belonged to an old Virginia family, celebrated for bravery, industry and honesty. Mr. and Mrs. Hudgens removed to Missouri in the '40s. and there the mother died in Andrew county, at the age of forty years. The father, surviving her, passed away at the age of fifty-two years. He was a man of considerable local prominence and a very successful stock dealer. His politi- cal support was given to the Democracy, and he took an active interest in everything calculated to promote the growth and insure the success of his party. One of his brothers. Prince L. Hudgens, of Savannah, Missouri, a prominent :^ 2^^>X7 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 225 lawyer and a Christian preacher, who had large land interests in Kansas, had an office at Leavenworth, Kansas, and was a very prominent factor in the po- litical life of that city for many years, and his ability made him a recognized leader in moulding public thought and opinion. In his religious belief John Hudgens was a Christian, and his wife belonged to the Baptist church. Their fidelity to duty in all life's relations won them the respect of many friends, and they were widely and favorably known in the community in which they made their home. They had a family of four children, namely : James W. ; Mrs. Nancy J. Hatch, of California; Letitia and Prince L., of Missouri. James W. Hudgens was reared on the old home farm in Andrew county, and, as soon as old enough to handle the plow, began work in the fields. While his father informed him in farm work, his mother instilled into his mind habits of honesty and economy. He acquired his education in the com- mon schools and by study at home, his extensive reading having added ma- terially to his knowledge. During the period of the Civil war no schools were conducted in Missouri, and he was thus thrown upon his own resources for his education. In 1870 he came to Kansas, locating on Wolf creek, and in 1878 he took up his abode upon his present farm in Mission township. Brown county. His land was then wild, but with determined purpose he be- gan its development, and is to-day the owner of one of the best farm proper- ties in the community. Twenty acres of his land has been laid out in town lots, making a valuable addition to the town of Baker. He still has on his farm one hundred and twenty-three acres, which is highly cultivated and im- proved. A comfortable frame residence stands upon the natural building site and is surrounded witli l)eautiful trees, and an orchard yields its fruit in sea- son. Barns and outbuildings furnish shelter for grain and stock, and well- tilled fields and verdant meadows add to the attractive appearance of the liome. Mr. Hudgens was married to Miss Susan Meisenheimer, who was born in Brown county and was a daughter of John and Frances (Wonderly) Meis- enheimer. Nine children were born of this union, namely : John L. ; Lilly, wife of Henry Bartholomew, of Oklahoma; J. W., who is still on the home farm; Daniel, also of Oklahoma; Susie, wife of Edward Landsing. of Baker, Kansas; Polly, Grover, Frances and Mason. Mrs. Hudgens died December 21, 1890, and on October 28. 1894, Mr. Hudgens was married to Mrs. Mary Hopkins, fiee Mary Switzer, daughter of Andrew and Susan (Fry) Switzer, who resided in Virginia and natives of the same state. The great-grandfather of Mrs. Hudgens settled in Virginia at a very early date from Switzerland. Mr. Hudgens gives his political to the Democracy, and keeps well informed on the issues of the day. He is a licensed exhorter and preacher in the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints. He has traveled extensively 226 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. through Kansas, promulgating the doctrines of the church in which he is a very active worker. He was appointed by the general conference of that church to labor in this circuit. His work has been vei'y effective. He is an earnest and eloquent speaker, his arguments in pleading having largely promoted the interest of the cause. The many excellent qualities which he shows forth in his daily life have gained him high regard, and he is well worthy of represent- ation in the history of Brown county. HARRY D. BURGER. Harry D. Burger is a western man by birth, training and preference, and in his career has manifested the true western spirit of progress and enterprise which have contributed in such a large measure to the wonderful development, growth and advancement of this section of the country lying west of the Miss- issippi river. He now resides on section lo, Richmond township, Nemaha county, where he owns and manages a valuable farm. His birth occurred in Allamakee county, Iowa, on the 29th of March. 1864, his parents being M. M. and Mary Emily (Scoville) Burger. The father was a native of New York and was reared in that state and Pennsylvania. About 1853 he emi- grated westward, locating in Allamakee county, Iowa, where in the early pio- neer days he improved a good farm. In 1865 he went to Jefferson county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming and fruit-growing through the succeed- ing six years. On the expiration of that period he came to Nemaha county, Kansas, establishing his home in Richmond township, where he died in 1892, ■in the seventy-sixth year of his age. During the latter part of his life he ga\e his political support to the Republican party. His wife was a native of the Green Mountain state, and during her girlhood accompanied her parents to Pennsylvania, where she was married. She was called to her final rest in 1887, when she had attained the age of fifty-six years. This worthy couple were the parents of seven children, six daughters and a son, namely: Emma, the wife of M. H. Allison, of Nemaha township; Ida, the -wife of Calvin Shepherd, of Oregon ; Clara, the wife of M. N. Taylor, of Frankfort, Kansas; Lissa. the wife of Dr. A. Snyder, of Seneca; Ella, the wife of I. P. Johnson, of Goff, Nemaha county; Minnie, the wife of Henry Zimmerman, of Seneca ; and Harry D. Mr. Burger, of this review, is the only son. He was about six years of age when his parents removed to Nemaha county and in the district schools near his home and the public schools of Seneca he obtained his education, remaining with his parents until their death. On the 27th of June, 1889, BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 227 lie married Anna Steinmeir, a dangliter of C. H. Steinmeir. She was born in Nemaha county and, like her husband, was educated in the public schools of Seneca. Five daughters grace their union, — Gladys, Lola, Leslie, Emily and Christina. After his marriage Mr. Burger located on his present farm, where he has since engaged in feeding and buying cattle. He feeds all the hay which he raises and he ships his cattle to the market, where their excellent condition commands a good price. His farm comprises two hundred acres of rich land, all of which is under cultivation. He now has one hundred and thirty-two head of cattle upon his farm, "Seventy-two of which he is at present preparing for the market. In his business efforts he has been very successful and has prosecuted his labors with such diligence that he is regarded as one of the leading stock dealers of his community. His political support is given the Republican party and he is now serving as justice of the peace. He has also filled the offices of township trustee and is regarded as one of the Republican leaders of the community. In manner he is genial and courteous and thus has gained the warm regard of a large circle of acquaintances, while his business dealings, which at all times would bear the closest investigation, have gained for him the confidence and good will of those with whom he has been brought in contact. HEXRY MONROE. The arcliitect of his own fortunes, Henry Monroe has budded, wisely and well upon the solid foundation of unremitting industry and capable manage- ment. To-day the possessor of a handsome competence, he is living retired in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He was born in county Down, Ireland, July 12, 1823, a son of Robert and Margaret (Grasey) Monroe. The father was a farmer by occupation and both he and his wife spent their entire lives on the Emerald Isle. Their chil- dren were: William, a soldier, who died in China; Henry, of this review; Elizabeth ; and John, who is living in Ireland. The father was a member of the Episcopal church, the mother of the Presbyterian church. Henry Monroe is the only one of the family that sought a home in Amer- ica. He was reared upon the home farm and obtained his education in the schools of Ireland. Believing that he might better his financial conditions in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic in 1848, landing at New York. His capital was very limited and it was necessary that he soon secure employ- ment. He made his way to Cleveland, Ohio, where the first work that he did was whitewashing two barns and digging a ditch for Judge Osmond. Later 228 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. he went to Lorain county, that state, where he was empToyed as a farm hand for four months, when he returned to Cleveland and was again in the service of Judge Osmond for two months. On the expiration of that period he went to Mississippi, where he engaged in chopping wood through the winter, returning to Evansville, Indiana, in the spring. There he was employed by the month for a year and a half, after which he removed to Springfield, Illi- nois. There he engaged in teaming, having two carts and horses, which he used in the work of constructing the Springfield & Alton Railroad. When that work was completed he went to Bloomington, where he was similarly engaged on the Illinois Central Railroad for a time. On selling out he removed to Iowa, locating in Poweshiek county. He had saved his earnings and in the Hawkeye state he entered eighty acres of land, on which he built a cabin. He also fenced twenty acres and placed it under cultivation and in addition was employed on the construction of the Rock Island Railroad. Later he engaged in breaking prairie, but in the spring of 1836 he sold his property, preparatory to coming to Kansas. With an ox team he removed to the Sunflower state and located on Grass- hopper creek, where he pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land with Mexican war land warrants which he had bought. After building a log cabin he began the work of developing the farm. There were few settlers in the county at the time and they were located along the creeks. They had to go to the river to buv all supplies and money was very scarce. . Mr. Monroe broke his land and soon good har\'ests rewarded his labors. He had no trouble with Indians or border rufiians, neighbors were friendly and the pioneer life was not unmixed with many pleasures as well as hardships. Soon after his arrival Mr. Monroe purchased three yoke of oxen, used in breaking prairie, also bought two cows and soon began raising hogs and cattle. He worked hard, expended his money judiciously and each year augmented his capital by his well directed efforts. He added to his landed possessions until he had four- teen hundred acres, but since that time he has sold portions of it and given some of it to his children, but still retains four hundred and eight acres. He erected a comfortable residence and substantial outbuildings, and in addition to the raising of grain was successfully engaged in raising cattle, which he shipped direct to the markets of Chicago and Buffalo, as well as selling to the local trade. Both branches of his business proved profitable and his unre- mitting labor thus brought to him a handsome competence. In addition to his farming operations Mr. Monroe became one of the organizers of the Fairview State Bank, which was capitalized for twenty thousand dollars. He has since been one of its stockholders and directors and he has also loaned money privately for a number of years, taking good mortgage securities. In 1891 he built a pleasant residence in Fairview and BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 229 has since lived retired in tlie town, liis attention being given only to the control of his investments. In 1855 occurred the marriage of Mr. Monroe and Miss Mary Loughlin, who was born in Indiana, in 1837, a daughter of Thomas and Jane (Gordon) Loughlin, the former a native of Ireland, while the latter was born in Ohio, of Irish parentage. Her father was a farmer and removed to Iowa in 1854. Purchasing land in Poweshiek county, he made his home there until 1856, when he came to Kansas, pre-empted land and improved a farm upon which he remained until his death. His wife passed away in 1878 and he died in January, 1894. Both were members of the Catholic church. Their children are: Thomas, uow in Colorado; Mary, the wife of our subject; Mrs. Cath- erine Clark, of California; Matthew, of Colorado; and Mrs. Martha Jonnix. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Monroe seven children have been born, but Robert, the eldest, died, leaving one child ; Emma is the wnfe of S. P. Jones, a farmer of Brown county; William is an agriculturist; Cicely is the wife of Charles O'Rork; Eliza-is the wife of William Skinner; Harley is living on the home- stead; and Josephine is now Mrs. Yearling, of St. Louis. In early life Mr. Monroe voted the Free-soil ticket and afterward sup- ported Lincoln. Later he voted for Cleveland, but of recent years has again given his support to the Republican party. He has never aspired to office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business interests, in which he has met with a high degree of success. He is an excdlent financier and his honorable business methods have contributed in large measure to his success, of which he has every reason to be proud. S. R. WTLLEY. One of the old families of Xew England that through many generations have resided in that portion of our country is the Willey family, to which the subject of this review belongs, and his birth occurred in the Green Moun- tain state. Born at Wheelock, Caledonia county, Vermont, March 9, 1827, he was a son of Stephen W. and Judith (Richardson) Willey, both of whom were natives of Vermont, in which state their marriage was celebrated. The paternal grandfather, Stephen Willey, was born in New Hampshire and was descended from English ancestry. Through the various generations the fam- ily were tillers of the soil. In religious belief the grandparents were Freewill Baptists. They reared six children, namely: Josiah; Micajah; Stephen; Peggy, the wife of J. Engles ; Lucina, who became Mrs. Slifield ; and Mrs. Sally Fairbrother. Stephen Willey, the father of our subject, spent his boyhood days under 2 30 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. the parental roof, assisted in the work of the farm and by the terms of his father's will became the possessor of the old homestead, whereon he reared his family and died. His wife survived him for a few years, but also spent her last days on the old home farm. She was a daughter of Jonathan Richard- son, of New Hampshire, who followed farming throughout his entire life. Mr. Richardson's children were Jonathan, Joseph. Bradbury, Sayrles, Mal- achi, Judith and Mrs. Lucy Nelson. The Richardson family were also con- nected with the Freewill Baptist church. Judith Richardson gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Willey and throughout their remaining days they remained upon the old home farm. As a young man he engaged in teaching music and was the leader of the band. He possessed considerable musical talent and his services in that direction were much in demand. By his marriage he became the father of four children, namely: S. R., of this review; George F. ; Brad- bury; and Luella. who became the wife of R. Walton and after his death married George Harriman. S. R. Willey is the only member of the family living in Kansas. Until eighteen years of age he remained upon the old home farm and followed the plow through the summer months, while in the winter season he pursued his education in the common schools. At the age of eighteen years he began learning the blacksmith's trade and followed that pursuit for fourteen years. In 1852 he was united in marriage, in Lancaster, New Hampshire, to Miss Mary A. Raines, who was born in Jefferson. New Hampshire, August 13, 1832. Her great-grandmother was a noble and brave woman of Scotch-Irish descent, who lived near Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in the vicinity of the fort which she defended against a strong force of Indians when the men of family were at work in the field. She li\ed to the ripe old age of one hundred and one years. Mrs. Willey's parents, Samuel and Louisa (Miller) Raines, were both natives of the "old" Granite state. Her father was a blacksmith by trade, but afterward became a foundryman and lumber manufacturer at Lancaster, New Hampshire. He died in Rochester, that state, and his wife died on board a steamer while returning to her home in North Carolina. Both were mem- bers of the Methodist church. In their family were eight children : \\'ebster M.; John; Joseph; Jonas; Mary A., wife of our subject; Louisa, the wife of C. \Mlley; Emma, the wife of J. Appleby; and Mrs. Clara Sanburn. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Willey was Henry Raines, a New Hampsliire farmer, whose children were Nathaniel, James. Harris, Henry, Abby and Sally. The maternal grandfather's children were Jonathan, a seafaring man; Mark, who operated a factory; ]\Iary, Ruth, Eliza and Louisa. After his marriage Mr. \\'\\\ty, of this re\-iew, took up his abode in Lan- caster. New Hampshire, where he remained for nine years. On the e.xpira- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 231 tion of that period he removed to Wheelock, Vermont, where he followed farming for seven years. He then went to Delaware, where he worked at his trade for two years, after which he came by rail to Kansas and worked a rented farm near Troy for a year. He next purchased a tract of raw land on which he made some improvements, but after six years sold that property and came to Brown county. Here he purchased a quarter-section of land, upon which there were no improvements. He built a barn in which to live until a dwelling house could be erected. At Iowa Point he purchasetl a car- load of lumber, which he had shipped to Falls City, whence he brought it by team to the farm. This was used in the erection of the house and in building fences. Mr. W'illey broke his own prairie and soon made his farm a profitable investment, placing the fields under a high state of cultivation. He also raised and fed stock and for several years after coming to the west he taught band music, but his attention has been given mostly to general farming, and with the skill, enterprise and adaptability of the true New Engander has carried forward his work to successful completion. He is to-day the owner of nearly six hundred acres of very valuable land and is accounted one of the most prosperous and energetic farmers of his neighborhood. In all his work Mr. Willey has been ably assisted by his estimable wife, who has indeed proved a helpmeet to him. They have also reared their chil- dren to habits of industry and economy and to the knowledge of the fact that in union there is strength. To this end they have all worked together and have thereby secured the valuable property which now crowns their efforts and Mr. Willey is recognized as an excellent financier. The children of our subject and his wife are Charles, born August 4, 1853 '> James I., born June 8, 1859: Mary E.. born July 27, 1867, and is the wife of George M. Poperwell ; and George E., born January 17, 1870. Two of the children are married and reside near the old homestead, while the other two are still with their parents. Three of the children are members of the Meth- odist church and Mr. and Mrs. Willey have reared a family of which they may well be proud. In politics he is a Democrat and has filled some local offices, including that of school director. He is recognized as a broad-minded man, intelligent, enterprising and pul.ilic-spirited, and those who know him esteem him highly for his sterling worth. SALATHIEL THOMPSON. An extensive farmer and stock dealer, Mr. Thompson owns and oper- ates a valuable tract of land in Walnut township. Brown county. His farm adjoins the village of Fairview and thus he is afforded excellent shipping 232 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. facilities. The neat and thrifty appearance of his place, with its substantial buildings, well-tilled felds and verdant pastures, indicates to the passer-by his careful supervision and stands in unmistakable evidence of the fact that the owner is at once practical and progressive in his methods of farming. Mr. Thompson was born in Noble county, Ohio, February 2, 1844, his parents being John and Hannah Thompson, also natives of the Buckeye state. The former was a son of Jacob and Susanna (Frame) Thompson, natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch descent. At an early period in the develop- ment of that state they became residents of Ohio and there reared their eleven children, namely: Thomas, Polly, James, Betsy, William, Susanna, Eleazer, Jacob, Robert, Eleanor and John. Of these Robert was a minister of the Congregational church. John Thompson, the father of our subject, was reared to manhood in Noble county, and after his marriage he moved to Greene county, Indiana, in 1854. There he purchased land and improved a farm, conducting the same until 1872, when he sold that property and removed to Nemaha county, Kansas. In that locality he purchased a tract of raw land, which he cultivated and improved, transforming it into a valuable farm, upon which he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1888. In early life he gave his political support to the Whig, Freesoil and Abolition parties, and, as this indicates, was opposed to the institution of slavery. When the Republican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery he joined its ranks and was one of its most inflexible adherents. For many years a member of the Congregational church, he was also one of its ministers, and by precept and example advocated the cause of Christianity. He never aspired to office, preferring to devote his energies to the work of the farm, in which he met with good success. , His wife, surviving him, died in 1893. Their children were Marinda, who died at the age of nine years; Salathiel, of this review; Ruth E., who became the wife of N. Walker, and died leaving two children; Jacob, a farmer of Kansas; Josephus, who is living in Oklahoma; and Dorinda, the wife of Samuel Stall, a farmer. Mr. Thompson, whose name begins this record, removed with his par- ents to Greene county, Indiana, and remained on the home farm until eighteen years of age. After the inauguration of the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company A, Ninety-seventh Indiana Infantry, under Colonel Robert F. Catterson, the regiment being assigned to the Fifteenth Army Corps. He was mustered in at Terre Haute and went into camp at Indian- apolis, after which the regiment was assigned to duty with the Western Department. He was in active service at Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and went with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea. Throughout the term of his enlistment he remained with the BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 233 armv, never receiving a furlough, but always remaining loyally at his post, faithfully performing the work assigned to him. He was detailed as a regu- lar forager, and with six comrades thus engaged he was captured and started oii the way to Richmond, but on the march he succeeded in making his escape after twelve days spent on the way. The date of his enlistment was x\ugustj 1862, and of his discharge, June, 1865, Lee having surrendered in the mean- time and thus virtually ending the war. Returning from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Indianapolis, he there recei\ed an honorable discharge and was paid off. Returning to Greene county, that state, Mr. Thompson was married there, in 1866, and located on a farm, following the plow through the sum- mer months, while in the winter season he engaged in school teaching. In 1 87 1 he came to Kansas, locating on rented land in Nemaha county, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until 1874, when he turned his attention to merchandising in Sabetha. In 1878, however, he exchanged his mercan- tile stock for a farm in Brown county, and he has since made his home in this locality. He has built upon his place a commodious residence and large barns and outbuildings, and has made his present farm his place of abode since 1893, Here, in connection w-ith the cultivation of the fields, he has engaged in raising, buying and shipping stock, making a specialty of cattle. Fairview furnishes him an excellent shipping point and annually many head of cattle are sent from his farm over the road. Mr. Thompson has been twice married. In 1866 he wedded Miss Rebecca Morrison, a native of Ohio, who removed from that state to Indiana with her parents, James and Tabitha Morrison. Her father died during her early girlhood. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were born two children: Cora, the wife of H. Gillilan; and Mary, the wife of J. King. The mother died in 1888. She was a member of the Congregational church and a most estimable lady. In February, 1890, Mr. Thompson was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary E. Black. She was born in Indiana, July II, i860, a daughter of Elza and Anna (Corwin) Black, both natives of Ohio, whence they went to Indiana in 1857. At the outbreak of the Civil war the father entered the army, holding a commission in a cavalry regiment. By trade he was a carpenter. After his death the widow became the wife of a Mr. Carpenter, of Lake county, Illinois, where they now live. The chil- dren of Mr. and Mrs. Black are: Mrs. Emma Coontz; Summerville, wife of John Wooderd, a prominent citizen of Monroe county, Indiana; Mary E., the wife of our subject; Ida, who became the wife of John E. Gaston,, and died leaving four children ; and Ethel, the wife of Mr. Spates, a railroad man of St. Louis. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have been born six children: Leah, who is attending school at Ottawa; Lloyd, who is also in 234 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. school at Ottawa; Ernst, at home; Ralph,, who died at the age of a year and a half; Edith, at home; and Nor\-ille J., who was born November 15, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Baptist church, and are people of the higliest respectability. In 1883 Mr. Brown was elected the sheriff of Brown county and served for one term, after which he returned to the farm. He has filled various township offices, including those of trustee and justice of the peace, and in all these different positions has discharged his duties most promptly and efficiently. The Republican party finds in him a stalwart advocate who takes an active interest in its work and attends the county and state conventions. He was a delegate to the convention which nominated C. Curtis for congress, and at all times labors for the growth and success of the party. Mr. Thompson withholds his support from no movement for the public good and has contributed to the general welfare in no small degree. He was a stockholder in the town company which located Fairview, and in many ways he has promoted public progress, being recognized as one of the leading and influential citizens of the community. EDWARD D. SPANGLER. On the list of the enterprising and prominent farmers of Morrill town- ship, Brown county, appears the name of Edward D. Spangler. He is num- bered among the worthy citizens that Pennsylvania has furnished to tlie Sunflower state, his birth having occurred in Johnstown, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, January 8, 1838. He was reared, however, in Somerset county, in the Keystone state, to which place he went with his parents, Daniel and Charlotte (Mowre) Spangler. The paternal grandfather. Christian Spangler, was a farmer of Somerset county and was of German lineage, his ancestors having come to the new world in colonial days. The first of the name to seek a home in the new world were Abraham and Christian Spangler and others whose names are unknown. Two of the number settled in Maryland and one in Pennsylvania, and from the latter branch is descended Edward D. Spangler. His father was reared in Somerset county and there spent his entire life, his death occurring June 6, 1850. He was one of seven children, the others being Henry, John, Michal, Samuel, Joseph, Susan and Sarah. The last named became the wife of Dan Kesler and died in Wisconsin at the age of eighty-six years. Daniel Spangler learned the tailor's trade and followed that pursuit as a life occupa- tion. He wedded Charlotte Mowre, whose death occurred in 1842. They Avere the parents of but four children : Edward D. ; Sarah, the wife of W. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 235 Wiggins; and two who died in infancy. The sister and her husband came to Kansas, but after the grasshoppers destroyed their crops they returned to Ilhnois, where they are yet living. Mr. Spangler was left an orphan at an early age and when about ten years old was bound out to a farmer of the neighborhood. At the age of fourteen he went to live with an uncle, but soon afterward returned to the man with whom he had formerly resided, there remaining until he had attained his majority. Subsequently he was employed as a farm hand for some time Emigrating westward he located in Illinois, but after two years returned to Pennsylvania and in October. 1862, responded to the country's call for troops becoming a member of the One Hundred and Thirtv-third Pennsylvania Infantry, which was attached to the eastern department of the army He participated in the battles of Antietam, Chancellorsxille and Fredericksbur- and was detailed to go as a guard to an ammunition train. He was nev^r wounded or captured and on the expiration of his nine-months term he was mustered out, receiving an honorable discharge at Harrisburg. Pennsylvania He then returned to Somerset county, where, in the fall of the same vear he was married. In 1864 Mr. Spangler removed to Carroll county, Illinois, where durin- the first year of his residence he was employed as a farm hand by the montlf He then rented land, which he continued to operate until the fall of 1870 when he went to Falls City. Nebraska. Later he came to Brown county and purchased a tract of unimproved land, upon which he located in 1871 Here he erected a residence and fenced his land with wire. He broke his own ground, planted crops and soon good harvests rewarded his labors. His life has been a quiet yet useful and honorable one. in which he has successfully carried on general farming and stock raising. He has worked hard, has dealt honestly with all men and his efforts have been crowned with a merited degree of prosperity. He may well be proud of his success and his life should serv-e to encourage others who are forced to begin their business career empty- and t'o d I "^^^- "P°" ^'' ^'™ ^*^°^ ^"^ P^™^"^"t improvements and o-day he is enjoying the fruits of a well spent life in a pleasant and attractive home, five and a half miles north of Merrill In the autumn of 1862 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Spangler a faithful companion and helpmate on life's journey. She was born April 2 1839. m Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of Jacob and' Sa y (Shrock) Lentz, both of whom were natives of Somerset co mty The tatl^r was a mechanic and died in Pennsylvania. He was one of four ch" t "o'e n" ' ^'S'""' °' ^'"°= '^'■^- ^-'^y Swain; and E^e, i VN.te of E. Clingerman. His brothers were his seniors and his sisters we e 2 36 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. younger than himself. His wife was the second of five children, the others being: Jacob; Polly; Kate, the wife of William Enfield; and Elizabeth I., now Mrs. Brown. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lentz were born ten children : Cyrus; Joseph; Caroline, who married E. Hostetter and after his death became Mrs. Wolford; Mrs. Spangler; John; Sarah, wife of William Brown; Felan ; Mrs. Amanda Forick; Mary, wife of N. Ringler; Edward; Milton and Mrs. Eliza Walls. The parents were members of the Dunkard church. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Spangler has been blessed with eight children : Daniel, now a resident of Houston, Texas ; Albert, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Dallas; Wilson, who is the principal of the high schol at Longmont, Colorado, where he has followed teaching for eleven years; Milton, of Arizona; John, who died at the age of two years; Mary, wife of Harry Barker; Norman, a teacher; and Jesse, at home. The family is one of prominence in the community and the members of the household enjoy the hospitality of many of the best homes in this section of the county. The parents are members of the German Baptist or Dunkard church. In politics Mr. Spangler is independent, preferring to cast his ballot with the men and measures whom he thinks best qualified for office, regardless of party affiliations. He has several times been called to local official positions and his sterling worth and ability have made him acceptable in discharging his duties. D. F. PENDLETON. A member of the dental fraternity of Horton since 1892, Dr. Pendle- ton has attained a high degree of success in the practice of his chosen pro- fession. He was born in Trimble county, Kentucky, on the 22d of August, i860, and is a son of A. J. Pendleton, deceased. The latter was born and educated in Kentucky, and was married there to Miss Taylor, who is now living in Missouri. Dr. Pendleton acquired his preliminary education in the public schools, and with a broad general knowledge to serve as a founda- tion upon which to rear the superstructure of professional learning, he took up the study of dentistry in the Kansas Dental College in Kansas City, Mis- souri, where he was graduated in the class of 1882. Since his arrival in Horton, in 1892, he has followed his profession with exceptional success. He is well-read in the science of dentistry and the leading journals keep him in touch with the advancement which is continually being made in dentistry. His unflagging energy and close application, together with his marked skill in handling the delicate instruments used in the profession, have enabled him to gain a foremost place among its followers in Brown county. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 237 The Doctor was married in Kansas City, in 1891, to Miss Madge Cum- mins, of Jefferson City, Missouri, a young lady of fine culture and good education. Their union has been blessed with two children, Gail Cummins and Juliene Bailey. In his political views the Doctor is a Democrat who keeps well informed on the issues of the day. Socially he is connected with several fraternal orders, including the Masonic and Knights of Pythias lodges, having attained the degree of the Uniform Rank in the latter. His wife is a member of the Christian church and both enjoy the high regard of many friends in Horton, where the hospitality of the best homes is extended to them. SAMUEL JOXES HERRICK, M. D. The physician, if he be able and reliable, is never without honor in his own country. He lives nearer to the people than any one else. The physi- cian whose name is above is not only an able family practitioner and highly esteemed citizen, but he fills the important and responsible office of coroner of his county. Dr. Samuel Jones Herrick, of Everest, Brown county, Kan- sas, whose name and reputation as a physician have within a few years become widely and favorably known, cast his fortunes with this county April 17, 1892. He went to the town soon after leaving college, confident of his strength in his chosen profession and in the full vigor of a man approaching middle life. He met with a ready welcome at the hands of an appreciative people and his professional and social qualities have strengthened the confidence and solidified the friendship extended to him on his arrival. Dr. Herrick is a New Hampshire man. His birth occurred at Lynde- boro, Hillsboro county. May 2, 1862. His lineage extends back into Colonial history so far that it almost seems to have originated in New England. The earliest account of the family would probably reveal its con- nection with one of the Massachusetts colonies. Colonel Edward Herrick, whose commission, bearing the signature of John Hancock, is still in pos- session of a member of the family, went into New Hampshire and built a mill at Barnes' Falls while the Georges were yet exercising "the divine right of kings" over less than two million liberty-loving colonists. Colonel Her- rick was the great-grandfather of Dr. Herrick. One of his several sons was Israel Herrick, Dr. Herrick's grandfather, who grew up near the old mill below whose dam he chiseled his name in stone ninety years ago. The inscription was plainly visible when Dr. Herrick made his first visit to the historic spot in 1899. 238 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Israel Herrick was graduated at Dartmouth College, practiced medicine in and about Barnes' Falls nearly half a century and voted the first Abolition ticket ever cast in his precinct. He was twice married, and his third child, William J. Herrick, Dr. Herrick's father, was born in 1827 and died in 1892. He was a graduate in medicine, but preferred the career of a farmer to the exactions of a physician and practiced only a short time. In 1868 he came as far west as Chicago and two years later removed to Carroll county, Mis- souri, where he purchased a tract of railroad land and undertook the making of a farm. In this he succeeded, for he remained on that spot and was con- nected with that vocation as long as he lived. During the Civil war he was a gun captain in the heavy artillery and was stationed at Fort Constitution, in New Hampshire. In politics he was a Republican until the Greeley movement swept over the country, when he supported the great editor for the presidency. After that he was a Democrat. William J- Herrick married Cliloe Jones, a daughter of Samuel Jones, a New Hampshire farmer, born in that state. Mrs. Jones was a Miss Good- win. The Herrick children were: Charles I., of Carroll county, Missouri; Emma E., the wife of Horace Wrightman, of the same county and state; Dr. Samuel J. ; and Alice, now Mrs. William R. Phillips, of Livingston county, Missouri. Dr. Herrick received the rudiments of a good English education in the country schools. He chose the medical profession early in his youth and only awaited the coming of a favorable opportunity to begin his preparation for it. He went to Braymer, a small place in Caldwell county, Missouri, and entered a drug store as the first step toward the acqui- sition of his medical education. He read medicine under the instruction of Dr. C. C. Leeper, but his preceptor was Dr. Jacob Geiger, of St. Joseph, Missouri. He attended lectures in the Marion Sims College, St. Louis, and also in the Ensworth Medical College, at St. Joseph, graduating at that in- stitution in 1892. He practiced in and around Braymer for a short time and located in Everest, Kansas, where his success has been noteworthy. Dr. Herrick was married, August 7, 1883, in Carroll county, Missouri, to Emma E. Welker. Mrs. Herrick's father was a veritable old Missourian. He used to tell the boys he "killed the first skunk ever killed in Missouri and was there before the moon was completed." He probably never intended that this statement should be taken literally, but he was certainly among the pioneers there, going to the state from Ohio. Dr. Herrick is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of several of the prominent insurance orders, being the medical examiner in some of the latter organizations. He is now completing his fourth year as the coroner of Brown county. A man of much public spirit, he has a prominent part in every movement which his judgment commends as tending to the general good. A genial man of fine social BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 239 qualities, he has many friends, some of them being the most prominent people of Brown and adjoining counties. He is a member of several medi- cal societies and has contributed to the literature of his profession. Dr. and Mrs. Herrick have two children, named Myrta and Leah. A. C. PRICE, M. D. The world instinctively pays deference to the man whose success has been worthily achieved and who has gained a high reputation in his chosen calling by merit. This Dr. Price has done, and, as the result of forty years' connection with the medical profession^ in which period he has displayed marked skill and ability, he is to-day accorded a foremost place in the ranks of the medical fraternity of northeastern Kansas. Greater than in almost any line of work is the responsibility that rests upon the physician. The issues of life and death are in his hands; a false prescription, an unskilled operation, may take from man that which he prizes above all else — life. The physician's power must be his own: not by purchase, by gift or by influence can he gain it. He must commence at the very beginning, learning the very rudiments of medicine and surgery, completing his knowledge by close study, earnest application, and gain a reputation by merit. This Dr. Price has done and therefore has won high standing as a representative of the calling to which he devotes his energies. Dr. Price belongs to one of the old Virginia families that for many generations resided in the Old Dominion. He was born there in 1834, and attended the University of Virginia, completing his course in Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, which is noted for the many prominent and succesful men who claim it as their alma mater. During the Civil war he served as a surgeon in the Confederate army, and his marked skill, care and tenderness won him the love of all the gallant soldiers to whom he ad- ministered. When hostilities had ceased he returned to Kentucky, where for many years he successfully practiced medicine. In 1886 he came to northeastern Kansas, locating in Nehama county, where he spent one year. Smce 1887 lie has made his home in Horton, where he is well known as a successful practitioner. The Doctor was married, in Virginia, to Miss Walker, a lady of culture and refinement, belonging to one of the prominent families of that state. Her father was General Charles Walker, of the United States Army. The Doctor has had nine children, namely: William, an attorney-at-law, now hvnag m Lincoln, Nebraska; Lou, who is employed as clerk in the office of 240 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. the Illinois Central Railroad Company ; Robie Lee, now Mrs. White, of Hiawatha, Kansas; Walker, who was a young man of great prominence in journalistic circles and died in Colorado in 1899; Mildred, who is living in Colorado Springs; Richard, a railroad man residing in Topeka; and Bessie and Robert, who are still with their father, Mrs. Price having died some years ago. The Doctor has a pleasant home in Horton in which he intends to spend his declining years. He has the courteous manner of the old Virginia gentleman, a genial hospitality and frank and cordial disposi- tion, qualities which have endeared him to his many friends in the community in which he has resided. THEODORE THOMAS. Theodore Thomas is a native of Union county. Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred near Lewisburg on the 9th of September, 1841. His father, Archibald Thomas, was born in Pennsylvania and the paternal grandfather. Captain John Thomas, was a native of England. ser>-ing in the war of 1812. Reared in the Keystone state Archibald Thomas there married Miss Elizabeth Benner, who was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, and was a representa- tive of one of the old families of that state. Nine children graced this mar- riage, four sons and five daughters, as follows : Caroline and Charles, who are now deceased; Mrs. Jane Magee, who is living in Highland, Kansas; Eliza- beth, deceased ; Allen, who served as a soldier in the Civil war and is now liv- ing in Troy, Kansas ; John, a resident of Highland, Kansas ; Theodore ; Mrs. Addie Close, and Scott, who, at the age of eighteen years, enlisted in the Union army during the Civil war and is now living at Highland, Kansas. The father of this family was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit in order to provide for the maintenance of himself and children. He voted with the Republican party, of which he was a very zealous advocate, and served as county sheriff, treasurer, register and recorder, discharging his duties with faithful- ness and fairness. His sons have all followed in his political footsteps and are advocates of Republican principles. He died in Sandusky county, Ohio, at the age of sixty-two years, and his wife's death occurred in Iowa township, Doniphan county, Kansas. Both were members of the Reformed church. Theodore Thomas, whose name introduces this re\iew, was reared in Union county, Pennsylvania, and pursued his education in the public schools. Deeply interested in the questions of slavery and of secession, he resolved that if the south attempted to overthrow the Union he would strike a blow for its defense. Accordingly, in 1861. he joined the boys in blue of Company B, Fourth Pennsylvania Infantry, under command of Captain Chamberlain <^^^^^^>^^ CX^^T^^^^Z^ BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 241 During his service he contracted black cHpIitlieria and was very ill for some time, in fact his tliroat was permanently injured, and so greatly was his health afifected that he was discharged after eighteen months' service. When he had somewhat recovered he re-enlisted as a member of the One Hundred and Sixty- ninth Ohio Infantry, with which he served for one hundred days. He belonged to Company B, and with his command was stationed at Fort Ethan Allen in the Shenandoah valley. \'irginia. On the expiration of that period he received an honorable discharge at Cleveland. Ohio, in October, 1864, and returned to his home in Sandusky county. Ohio. Mr. Thomas was a painter by trade and followed that occupation for fif- teen years, during which time, through his industry and economy, he acquired capital sufficient to enable him to purchase a farm of one hundred and sixty acres four miles east of Hiawatha, Kansas. He became the owner of that property in 1888. but sold it in 1894, and purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Mission township. Brown county. This property, known as the old Wright farm, is well located and is all capable of cultivation. There is a substantial residence upon the place, which stands on a fine natural building site. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were born six children, of whom three are yet living: Lydia, wife of William Xeibling. of ^lission township. Brown county; Lillie May and Harland Theodore. They also lost three children, Charles, Addie and Gertrude. Charles was five years of age at the time of his death. The greatest loss of Mr. Thomas' life was occasioned by the demise of his beloved wife on January 28, 1892. She was devoted to the interests of the home and family, was an earnest and trusted friend and a consistent mem- ber of the Christian church. Mr. Thomas gave his political support to the Republican party and is a valued and earnest member of Robinson Post. G. A. R. He also has membership relations with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows and is true and faithful to the benevolent and charitable teachings of that fraternity. Throughout his life he has been ever true to the trusts reposed in him and at all times has commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow men. W. CAMERON SMITH. W. Cameron Smith, who is engaged in the practice of law at Horton, Kan- sas, was born in Canada and is a son of the Rev. Andrew A. Smith, now deceased, who for many years was a prominent minister of a leading denomina- tion. Of Scottish parentage, he was a relative of Sir Adam Smith, who was knighted by Queen Victoria on account of efficient services which he rendered 242 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. to his country. Rev. A. A. Smith married Miss Martha Blackstock, who is now Hving in Ontario. Mr. Smith, of this review, was one of their four sur- viving children, namely : Cameron S. ; Robert Wallace Bruce, who is a physi- cian and is a medical officer at Orchard House, a large insane asylum at Hamil- ton, Ontario ; Flintoft, of Horton ; and a sister. After obtaining his preliminary education in the public schools and Col- legiate Institute, Mr. Smith, of this review, afterward passed from the Uni- versity of Queens College of Kingston, Canada, to the Law Society of Upper Canada and graduated at Osgoode Hall, Toronto, Canada, some time before coming to this country. Since 1895 he has made his home in Horton and has been very successful in his chosen profession. He has been for a time associated with his brother, Flintoft, and has gained considerabe prominence as a lawyer who is well versed in his profession, his knowledge of the science of juris- prudence being comprehensive and accurate. He has been connected with some important litigation heard in the courts of the district, and his devotion to his clients" interests is proverbial. Politically he is a supporter of the Repub- lican party and socially is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows and the Knights of Pythias. Many admirable qualities endear him to his fellow men, for he is affable, courteous and considerate. He has quite a wide acquaintance in Horton and is rapidly working his way upward to a foremost place among the practitioners of the county. A. B. CROCKETT. A practitioner at the bar of Brown county, now living in Horton, Mr. Crockett is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred near Green Springs, Seneca county, August 24, 1864. The Crocketts are of Scotch lineage and Josiah Crockett, the father of our subject, was born in Maine, whence he removed with his family to Ohio when a lad of eleven years. Having arrived at years of maturity he married Miss Harriet Beymer, a daughter of Arthur Beymer. His father was a farmer by occupation and during the Civil war aided in the defense of the Union, but was killed in an accident in Ohio when fifty-eight years of age. He held membership in the Methodist church. His widow still survives him and is a resident of the Buckeye state. In the family of this worthy couple were five children, four sons and a daughter, namely': Stella, Elbert, James, Arthur B. and Walter. Mr. Crockett was early trained to habits of industry and economy and taught to realize the value of a good education. He attended the public schools near his home and at the Clyde high school, and was graduated in the Adel- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 243 bert College in Cleveland, Ohio. He entered upon the practice of law in Toledo, and with a comprehensive knowledge of the science of jurisprudence l>e has won a creditable position in the ranks of the legal fraternitv in north- eastern Kansas. He located in Horton on the 4th of April. 1888. and has since been recognized as a lawyer of ability, whose years of experience and uninterrupted devotion to his profession have won him a place in the front ranks of Brown county's leading attorneys. Mr. Crockett was married, in Toledo, Ohio, on the 25th of September 1889. to Miss Myra Almond, a daughter of Thomas Almond, who died in Tennessee. The lady was reared and educatecf in Clyde, Ohio, and is a woman of culture and education, wtose many excellencies of character have gained her warm regard. They have one daughter, Emily Irene, now a little maiden of three summers. In his political views Mr. Crockett is a Republican and is recognized as a leading and influential representative of the party, whose con- ventions he frequently attends as a delegate. Socially he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he and his wife are consistent mem- bers of the Presbyterian church, in which Mrs. Crockett is an indefatigable worker. As a citizen Mr. Crockett is public-spirited, manifesting a commend- able interest in everything that tends to promote the welfare of the community. His personal characteristics are such as to gain to him the regard of all classes and he is known as a loval citizen and a reliable friend. JOHN COLLINS. John Collins, the accommodating and popular postmaster of Horton, was appointed to his present position February 8, 1898. and has since discharged bis duties in a manner that has awakened high commendation from the depart- ment, owing to his promptness, reliability and unfailing courtesy and energy to increase and build up the office to a higher standard. He is a native of Broome county. New York, his birth having occurred near Binghamton. April 9, 1843. His father, Thomas Collins, is also a native of the Empire state and was a farmer by occupation. He married Miss Rhoda Lewis, and by their union were born nine children, — five sons and four daughters. Three sons were loyal soldiers of tlw Union army during the Civil war, namely : Owen, a member of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry; George W., who was a member of the One Hundred and Fifth Illinois Infantry and is now a resident of Graham county, Kansas; and John, of this review. The father died at Canada Corners, west of Geneva, in Kane county. Illinois, when sixty-eight years of age. He was a Republican in his political views and was a citizen of sterling worth. His wife 244 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. was born in New York, in 1809, and was a daughter of Rev. Lewis, a Meth- odist circuit rider, and is resiiHng with our subject, aged ninety-one years. \\'hen John Colhns was a lad of six years the family left their home in New York and removed to Kane county, Illinois, becoming pioneer settlers of that locality. He acquired his preliminary education in the district schools and later attended school in Elgin, Illinois, and became a student of the Bryant & Stratton's Business College. In 1862, at the president's call for volunteers, he joined the army, enlisting in July as a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry. He was assigned to Company I as a ser- geant, under the command of Captain F. Raymond and Colonel John Van Arnan. He served for three years, took part in a number of important battles and skirmishes, including the engagements at Chickasaw Bluff, Arkansas Post, siege of Vicksburg, Mission Ridge, siege of Atlanta, Sherman's march to the sea. Bentonville, etc. He was wounded in an engagement near Kenesaw moun- tain and after three years' faithful service he was mustered out at Camp Fry, Chicago, returning thence to his home in Kane county, Illinois. Mr. Collins began business in Blackberry, Illinois, as a representative of the McCormick Reaper Company, and in 1873 he went to Council Bluffs, Iowa, as a general agent for that company, remaining in Iowa five years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Illinois and embarked in the grocery and dry-goods business at Batavia, Illinois, whence he came to Brown county, Kansas, in 1889. Mr. Collins was married, in 1870, at Elgin, Illinois, to Miss Mary E. Chapman, a daughter of Samuel Chapman, of Plato, Illinois. She belonged to one of the best families of that locality and was educated in the Elgin Academy. Air. Chapman was a lieutenant in the Thirty-sixth Illinois Infantry in the Civil war and one of the prominent citizens of his county. Two children have been born of their marriage : Samuel C, who is now a machinist in the North- western Railroad shops in Chicago, and Earl N., the manager for his father's furniture store. In his political views Mr. Collins is a Republican and keeps well informed on the issues of the day and is therefore able to give an intelligent support to the party of his choice. He is recognized as a leader in its ranks and during the past three years has served as a delegate to the county, congressional, state, etc., conventions. Socially he is connected with the Masonic fraternity, with which he has afifiliated since 1865, when he joined the craft in Illinois. He was at one time a member of the Grand Army Post at Batavia, Illinois, and is now a member of Black Eagle Post at Horton, Kansas. He is ever faith- ful to the duties of citizenship, whether on the tented field or in the walks of private life, and in Brown county he is highly esteemed as a man of ster- ling worth. : BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 245 B. S. STEWART, M. D. Devoting his time and energies to the most humane profession to whicli man ever gives his attention, Dr. Stewart has gained a Hberal and remunera- tive patronage in Horton. and his skill has won him prominence as a repre- sentative of the medical fraternity. He was born in Boyd countv. Kentucky, .August 18, i860, and is a son of Sanford and Nancy (Harmon) Stewart. Tlie father was born in Kentucky, but the mother was a native of Virginia and a representative of one of the honored families of the Old Dominton Thev became the parents of seven children, four sons and three daughters and on leaving Kentucky they took up their abode in Missouri, both the father and mother spending their last days in Clay county, that state. Their dauohter Mary, is an author of well-known ability and has been a successful and promi- nent teacher for years, having for some time been a member of the faculty of the State Normal School at VVarrensburg, Missouri. Dr. Stewart supplemented his preliminary education acquired in the com- mon schools by an academic course and was graduated in Cedar Falls Iowa m the class of 1880. Determining to become a member of the medical pro- fession, he began familiarizing himself with its standard text books and medi- cal treatises in the office and under the direction of Dr. Barron, a prominent and well-known physician of Vionia, Missouri. Later he entered the St Joseph Medical College and was graduated in the class of 188 - He spent the summer of 1883 in Iowa, but returned to Platte county, Missouri, where he made his home for two years. In 1886 he came to Brown county, Kansas and tor some years occupied the position of principal of the schools of Everest being widely recognized as a competent and successful educator During hii incumbency he raised the standard of the Everest schools and largely pro moted their efficiency. In 1893 he located in Netawaka, Kansas, where he engaged in the practice of medicine until 1899, when he came to Horton. He IS the government physician for the Kickapoo Indians on their reservation adjoining Horton, and is also the attendant of the Indian pupils in the mission school near the city. A well-informed physician, he has kept abreast with the progress of the times and in touch with the latest discoveries and theories con- nected with the science of medicine. The Doctor was married, in Everest, Brown countv, in 1888, the lady of his choice being Miss Cora Denny, a lady of education' and culture, who was graduated in the Normal College in Iowa. The Doctor exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and socially is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Fraternal Aid and the Masonic lodge. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and he advocates reform along intellectual, moral 246 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. and temperance lines, supporting all measures and movements which he believes will promote the welfare of the race. His broad humanitarian views are man- ifested in his will, which is characterized by well bestowed charities. J. N. TRIMBLE. Actively associated with the building interests of Horton, Mr. Trimble is numbered among the leading contractors and builders in this section of the county, and through the exercise of his skill and ability he has contributed in no small degree to the material development and improvement of his adopted city. As he is well known in this locality he has many friends and the history of his life cannot fail to prove of interest to many of our readers. He was born near London, Canada, forty-three years ago, his parents being George and Susan (Westover) Trimble, both of whom were of English lineage. The father was the proprietor of a saw mill and engaged in the manufacture of lumber as a means of livelihood. In the family were five children, three sons and two daughters. During his youth Mr. Trimble accompanied his parents on their removal from Canada to Berrien county. Michigan, where he was reared to manhood. He aided his father in the operation of the saw-mill, mastering the business both in detail and principle, becoming an expert workman and an excellent judge of lumber. This proved an excellent introduction to his present line of business. He followed the carpenter's trade in Michigan and on leaving the Badger state removed to Omaha, Nebraska, where he followed the same pur- suit for some time, being employed in the construction of some very large pri- vate and public buildings of this city. He there remained for seven years, dur- ing which time he aided in building the Paxton Hotel and other leading struc- tures of Omaha. In 1883 he came to Horton, where he has since made his home, and in the interval has succeeded in securing a large patronage. Many of the leading business houses and private residences stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. His thorough understanding of carpentering and knowledge of the value of lumber, as well as his capability in directing the labors of his employes, contributes to his success as a contractor and makes his labor satisfactory to those who engage him for his services. In this way he has secured a very liberal patronage and his business has become \ery profitable. Mr. Trimble was united in marriage, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Miss Sarah Sutton, of that city, who was born, reared and educated in Iowa. Their union has been blessed with four children : Lester, Albert, James and Harry. Mr. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 247 Trimble is a Republican in his political affiliations, and socially he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Horton. His genial manner is an indication of his social and kindly disposition and it has won to him the friendship of many of his acquaintances. THOMAS CAROLAN. From an early period in the development and settlement of Nemaha county Thomas Carolan has been a resident of the community, his home being on section 27, Nemaha township. A native of county Meath, Ireland, his birth occurred on the 15th of December, 1819. His father, James Carolan, also a native of that county, went to sea at an early age and for many years com- manded a ship of his own, which sailed from England to ports on the other side of the water. For a considerable period he was connected with a company engaged in the fishing trade and for twenty years he followed the sea. At length he engaged in merchandising at New Orleans and about 1848 he made his way up the Mississippi river to Iowa, where he engaged in the hotel busi- ness. He served in the Black Hawk war in Iowa and for many years was a well-known resident of that state. His death occurred when he had attained the advanced age of ninety-four years. His wife bore the maiden name of Catherine Murphy and she, too, was a native of county Meath and lived to be about fifty years of age. By her marriage she became the mother of tliree children, who reached mature years. Mr. Carolan, the only son, was eleven years of age when, with his par- ents, he crossed the Atlantic to America. He was reared in Louisiana and obtained his education in the public schools of the Crescent city. In 1840 he engaged in military service with General Houston, of Texas, and in 1846 he participated in the Mexican war. He was wounded while trying to save Gen- eral Hunter, receiving a spear thrust in the wrist. He was also wounded in the shoulder by a bullet, but recovered from his injuries. He entered the service under the name of James Carolan and for two years fought in defense of his adopted country. In 1854 Mr. Carolan removed to Clinton county, Iowa, and three years later came to Nemaha county in company with James Gregg. Here he secured a claim from the government and began the development of the farm upon which he now resides. Not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made, the wild prairie grass covering everything. He soon began the work of following the plow, however, and is to-day the owner of a very valuable farm of two hundred and eighty acres, the greater part of which is under a high 248 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. state of cultivation. His labors have been untiring and the work of cultivat- ing the fields has resulted in bringing to him a comfortable competence. In Louisiana Mr. Carolan was united in marriage to Miss Mary Deigein, also a native of Ireland, who died February 20, 1900, where her girlhood days were passed. Three children grace their marriage: James, who is living in Nemaha township ; Thomas, also a resident of the same township ; and Mary, at home. In early life Mr. Carolan gave his political support to the Whig party and now usually votes for the Republican candidates, but is not strictly partisan and does not consider himself bound by any political ties. For forty-three years he has been a resident of Nemaha county and few are the settlers who antedate his arrival here. He has witnessed the greater part of the develop- ment and growth of this section of the state and can relate many interesting events concerning its pioneer history. At all times he has been true to his duties of citizenship, manifesting a commendable and helpful interest in every- thing pertaining to the general welfare. He is one of the early valued settlers and well deserves representation in this volume and with pleasure we present the history of his life to our readers. We should add with reference to the son, James, that he was born August 8, 1856, in Clinton county, Iowa, educated in the common schools and brought up a farmer. In 1888 he settled upon his present farm of eighty acres adjoin- ing the paternal homestead. He married Ida May, a daughter of John and Mary (Van Brook) Stallbaumer, and his children are Mary Ida, Edward J., Nora Ellen, Tressa Elizabeth, Alvan Matthias and Emmit Thomas. In his political views he is a Democrat and in public station he has filled the offices of township clerk, school director, etc., holding the latter office nt present, and he is a member of St. Mary's church. Catholic, at St. Benedict. FRANKLIN P. LONBERGER. The business interests of Willis are well represented by Mr. Lonberger, who is now extensively and successfully engaged in dealing in grain and stock. He came to this town in 1887, and, beginning operations on a small scale, he has steadily increased his sales until he now handles large quantities of grain an- nually. This is undoubtedly largely due to his honorable business methods, as well as to his untiring industry. He was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, November 21, 1852, and is a member of the family that has long been identified with the Keystone state. His ancestors were Pennsylvania Dutch. The progenitor of the Center county Lonbergers was George Lonberger, who at a BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 249 Aery earl\- date come from York, Pennsylvania, and settled in Center county and died in Bellefonte, the county seat of Center county. Industry and in- tegrity were numbered among the chief characteristics of those who bore the name of Lonberger. His parents were George W. and Elizabeth Lon- berger. The father was born November 4, 18 17, on a small farm, where occurred the birth of our subject, and there he was reared to manhood. His wife died in 1861, leaving ten children, si.x sons and four daughters, as follows : Augustus, a resident of Lincoln Centre, Kansas; George J., of Pennsylvania; John H., who also resides at Lincoln Centre; Frankhn P., of this review; Thomas M. and Hiram B. ; Mary, who married J. D. Miller ; Ella, widow of Rev. J. K. Miller ; Alice, who married Samuel Wait, and Henrietta, who died in infancy. Mr. Lonberger married for his second wife Mary Flory, by whom he has had three children : Oscar, of Pennsylvania ; Elizabeth, widow of Robert Murray, and Fanny, who died in infancy. The father is a suc- cessful farmer and is still living on the old homestead, w^here his birth occurred. Li politics he is a Democrat, and is a worthy and valued citizen, who enjoys the respect of all who know him. Franklin P. Lonberger was reared under the parental roof, and was early trained to habits of industry and economy. He began work in the fields as soon as old enough to handle the plow. Through the winter months he pursued his education in the public schools, and later he attended an academy in Pennsyl- vania. At an early age he began teaching, being thus employed in Pennsylvania until twenty-one years of age. The year 1876 witnessed his arrival in Kansas, at which time he took up his abode in Doniphan county, where he successfully engaged in teaching, becoming one of the most popular educators of this local- ity. For some time he engaged in farming in Wolf River township, Doniphan county, and in 1887 came to Willis and began dealing in grain and stock. Gradually his business has grown, and year by year his capital has been aug- mented. He is the owner of a splendidly equipped elevator plant and handles a large quantity of grain, having sold three hundred thousand bushels in a sea- son. He has applied himself diligently to his business, and his fair and honor- able dealings have secured to him the confidence of his patrons, and thereby he has won their business support. Mr. Lonberger was married in Doniphan county, Kansas, in 1880, to Miss Myra F. Devine, a daughter of Charles N. and A. J. (Davidson) Devine, of Doniphan county, where Mrs. Lonberger was born. By her marriage she has become the mother of five children, namely: Carrie E., George Noble, Kitty A., Frank M. and Winifred. Mr. Lonberger exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party, and does all in his power to promote the interests of his party and secure the election of his friends. He has served as a member of the village council, yet has never been 16 2 50 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. an active politician in the sense of ottice-seeking. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, both politically and otlierwise, and is a valued member of the jSIodern Woodmen of America. He is one of the most genial and companionable of men, and very popular with all classes. His suc- cess is well mcriteil, having been the outcome of earnest and continued endeavor, guided by sound judgment. PATRICK BYRNE. For tliirty years Mr. Byrne has been a resident of Nemaha county and has been identified with its progress, particularly along agricultural and stock raising lines. He now makes his home on section 30. Nemaha township, where he owns a valuable property that has been acquired entirely through his own labors. A native of the Emerald Isle, he was born on the 22d of April, 1841, and was only eleven years of age when he came to America with his parents, Michael and Margaret (Dotherty) Byrne. They, too. were natives of the same locality and on crossing the Atlantic they took up their residence sixty miles southwest of St. Louis in \\'ashington county, Missouri. The father died there at the age of fifty-three years and the mother's death occurred in Nemaha county, Kansas, when she had reached the age of si.xty-seven years. In their family were seven children, five of whom are now living. Patrick Byrne, the eldest son, was reared in Washington county, Mis- souri, between the ages of eleven and twenty years. He then left the parental home and began work in the employ of the government in St. Louis. Sub- sequently he went to New Orleans, where he spent three years as an employe of the gas works of that city, after which he returned to Wyoming, where he made his home until 1870, — the year of his arrival in Nemaha county. Here he purchased his present farm of James Taylor. There were no improvements upon it at the time and the substantial buildings which now adorn the place stand as monuments to the thrift and enterprise of the present owner. The well kept fences divide the farm into fields of convenient size and an orchard of one hundred and seventy trees, all planted by Mr. Byrne, yields its fruits in season, and not only furnish many a delicacy for the table but also add materially to his income. His first house was a small building, but he has added to it until he now has a very comfortable and commodious residence of eight rooms. Good barns and other outbuildings add to the value and attractive appearance of the place and in extent his farm is eight hundred acres, for. as his financial resources increased, he has enlarged its boundaries tmtil it now comprises considerably more than a section of land. He makes a specialty of BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 251 feeding stock, the rich meadows furnishing- excellent pasturage for success- fully conducting such a business. He now has over one hundred head of cattle upon his farm and about one hundred and twenty-five hogs and annually ships three car-loads of cattle. In 1873 Mr. Byrne was joined in wedlock to Miss Annie Glynn, who was born in England and is of Irish lineage. She was not two years of age when she was brought to America. By her marriage she has become the mother of thirteen children: Mary Ellen, the wife of Louis W'enzell, a prominent farmer; Agnes, the wife of Ed Koegan, of Clear Creek township. Nemaha county; Tresse, the wife of Pat Bynam. an employee of the Northwestern Rail- road Company; Michael, deceased; Margaret: Frank: Elizabeth; William; Rosa May, deceased ; Cora and Alice, twins : Thomas, deceased : and Johnnie. All were born on the farm whichi- is now the home of the parents. Mr. and Mrs. Byrne are prominent members of St. Mary's Catholic church at St. Ben- edict and contributed liberally to the building fund at the time of the erection of the large church edifice in which the congregation now worship. Mr. Byrne is a Democrat in his political views, but is not active in the work of the party, preferring to devote his energies to the further development and cultivation of the home farm, wherefrom he secures a good income. JONATHAN MARKLEY. Upon one of the well-improved farms of Oilman township. Nemaha county, Jonathan Markley makes his home. He was born in Ohio April 21, 1847, ^^^ ^t the age of eight years accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa. Two years later the family located in Nemaha county. The father, Thomas Markley, was numbered among the pioneer settlers of this section of the state and was identified with its agricultural pursuits until he had attained a ripe old age, when his life's labors were ended. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Henderson, was born in Ohio and also died in Nemaha county. In their family were four children, namely : Jonathan, James, Lavina and Jacob, but the daughter is now deceased. Amid the wild scenes of the frontier Jonathan Markley was reared, early becoming familiar with the hardships, labors and experiences which fall to the lot of the pioneer settlers. He assisted in the arduous task of developing new land and transforming the uncultivated prairie into fertile fields. With his parents he continued until his marriage, which occurred July 3. 1862, Miss Jane Neil becoming his wife. She was born in Missouri February 2, 1853, and when five years of age was brought to Kansas by her parents, Daniel and 2 52 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Nancy (Edward) Neil. Her father was a native of Kentucky and throughout his business career carried on agricultural pursuits, his death occurring in Nemaha county in 1892. His wife was born in Indiana, where she was reared and married. She became the mother of seven children, namely : William, John, Mary, Lidia, Catherine, Daniel and Jane. Leaving Nemaha county Mr. Markley removed to Graham county, Kan- sas, where he entered a claim and carried on farming for four years, but in 1 88 1 he returned to this county and established his present home on section 27, Oilman township. Here he now has a farm of fifty acres and is accounted one of the substantial residents of the community. He has known what hard- ships and trials mean, however, for in the early days of civilization the family was forced to subsist on corn bread for a year, for the grasshoppers destroyed their crops. He gives his political support to the Democracy. In manner he is quiet and unostentatious, but is genial and companionable, and his life has been so ordered that his influence has told for good in the community where he has long resided. ! CLEMENS BLOCKER. While "the race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the strong," the invariable law of destiny has accorded to tireless energy, industry and ability a successful career. The truth of this assertion is abundantly verified in the life of Mr. Blocker, an enterprising farmer and postmaster at St. Bene- dict. A native of Germany, he was born in Oldenburg on the 14th of Janu- ary, 1852, his parents being Francis Joseph and Mary Agnes (Klosterman) Blocker. They, too, were natives of Germany and the mother died in that country. The father, however, came to America about 1882, making his way direct to Nemaha county, where he died the same year at the age of seventy- six years. Clemens Blocker is the thirteenth in order of birth in his family of four- teen children, but only three are now living. He spent his boyhood and youth in the land of his nativity and in 1870 sailed to the new world, coming at once to Kansas. He began work for his brother in a general store in Seneca, remaining with him for two years, after which he went to Dubuque county, Iowa, where he was employed as a farm hand by the month for a year. Sub- sequently he conducted a saloon in that county for about nine months and then sold out. Wishing to gain a better education than had hitherto been accorded him, he attended school and prepared himself for teaching, which profession he followed for three years in Delaware county, Iowa, and for four years in Dubuque county. In 1884 he returned to Nemaha county and was BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 253 made the first postmaster at St. Benedict. He afterward established a httle store tliere and carried on general merchandising, constantly enlarging his- stock to meet the growing demands of his trade. He carried a stock valued at seven thousand dollars and for a number of years enjoyed a very liberal patron- age. In 1897, however, he sold his store in order to give his attention more exclusively to farming. In 1893 he purchased sixty acres of land and in 1899 bought an additional tract of forty acres. The greater part of this lies within the village limits of St. Benedict: in fact Mr, Blocker owned the town site and still has in his possession most of the property of the village. He has erected a number of residences there and has contributed more largely than any one else to the substantial improvement and upbuilding of the place. In connection with his farming interests he is engaged in the breeding of fine stock, making a specialty of red polled cattle. On the 19th of September, 1883, in Iowa, Mr. Blocker was united in mar- riage to Miss Anna Hoefler, a native of Dubuque county. They now ha\e five children : Clara Dora. Anna Ahnes. Mary Katherina, Clemens John and Veronica Frederick. All were born in St. Benedict and the parents and chil- dren attend St. Mary's Catholic church. In the business affairs of life Mr. Blocker has won creditable success, his energy instead of fortune sustaining him in the commencement of his business career. His well directed efiforts brought to him a handsome pecuniary reward and an upright, honorable life has gained to Ixm the warm regard of an extensive circle of friends. - HERMAN MENGWASSER. Herman Mengwasser, the rector of the Catholic church of St. Benedict. Kansas, was born in Weckhoven on the Rhine, in Germany, November 13. 1855. His father, John Mengwasser, was a native of the same locality and was a farmer and butcher. He died at the age of eighty-two years and his grand- father, Peter Mengwasser, was a native of the same locality, passing away at the age of eighty-four years, while the great-grandfather, Henry Mengwasser, died at the age of eighty-six years. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Adelheid Kueven and was a native of the village of Holzheim. Ger- many. She died at the age of sixty years and her father, John Peter Kueven, passed away when eighty-fi\e years of age. The Rev. Herman Mengwasser is the seventh of the family of tiiirteen children. He pursued his preliminary education in the schools of his native land until fourteen years of age, after which he spent a year at work and then entered the College of Neuss, where he graduated in 1877. Subsequently he 254 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. matriculated in the University of Louvain, in Belgium, where he spent a year, after which he came to America, in February, 1878. He then joined th? order of St. Benedict at Atchison, Kansas, and devoted the next five years of his life to study. On the 31st of July, 1883, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Fink, of Leavenworth, Kansas, and was a professor in Atchison Col- lege until 1888, when he was appointed the pastor of St. Peter's Catholic church, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. There he remained until 1890, when he went to Europe, spending seven months abroad. In 1891 he became the business manager of St. Benedict College, in Atchison, and in July, 1892, was appointed the pastor of St. Mary's church at St. Benedict, where he has now been located for eight years. His labors have been very effective, resulting in the steady growth and improvement of the church, and he has greatly endeared himself to bis people, to whom he is indeed and in truth a father. FRANKLIN EVANS. On the roll of the "boys in blue" who fought for the preservation of the Union and kept the country intact appears the name of Franklin Evans. He is now a well-known resident of Mission township. Brown county, where he has resided since 1878. He was born in Pike county. Indiana, on the 22d of June, 1842, and is a son of Dennis Evans, whose birth occurred in France. The father was reared and educated in the land of his nativity and when a young man crossed the Atlantic to the new world, taking up his abode in the Hoosier state. He was married, in Evansville, Pike county, at the age of nineteen, to Julia Grisson, a native of Gibson county, Indiana, and a daughter of Dr. Thomas and Polly (Vinn) Grisson, both of whom were natives of Indiana and are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Evans began their domestic life in Pike county, where the father died at the early age of twenty-three years, leaving his widow and one son, Franklin, their only child. In politics Mr. Evans was a Whig. The subject of this review was reared and educated in Indiana and Illi- nois. During his youth he worked as a farm hand in those states and was trained to habits of industry, economy and honesty, and these have proved important factors in his successful career in later life. The educational priv- ileges which he received in the common schools were greatly supplemented by lessons learned in the schools of experience. For some years he resided in Sangamon county, Illinois, and when President Lincoln issued his call for three hundred thousand men he offered his services to the Union, enlisting in August, 1862, as a member of Company B, One Hundred and Fourteenth BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 255 Illinois Infantry. He served with that command for eighteen months, during which time he underwent many sufferings. He was ill with fe\er and rheu- matism, hearing and eyesight were greatly affected and indeed so serious was the trouble with his eyes that some years ago he lost his eyesight entirely and has since been totally blind. Such were some of the great sacrifices which the soldier made in order 'to defend the Union, and their names should ever be engraved on the pages of history and the country should ever be mindful of the debt of gratitude which it owes to them. For some years after the war Mr. Evans resided in Logan county. Illi- nois. In 1870 he married Ellen Whittaker, a lady of intelligence and culture, who has been to him a faithful companion and helpmeet through many years. She was born in Ohio, but spent her girlhood in Mason and Tazewell counties in Illinois, there obtaining her education. Her parents were Samuel and Ann (Tettle) Whittaker. both of whom were natives of Ohio. They had a family of four children, of whom two are living : Charles, now a resident of Mason county, Illinois, and Mrs. Evans, of this review. In 1878 Mr. Evans left Illinois and came to Brown county. Kansas, w here he now owns a valuable farm of two hundred acres, which is under a high state of cultivation and is improved with all modern conveniences and accessories. Rich meadow lands and well-tilled fields, a good residence, substantial barns and outbuildinp-s and an orchard add to the value and attractive appearance of the place and stand in exemplification of the fact that the owner is a proeressive and enterprising agriculturist. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Evans had been blessed w^th twelve children, nine of whom are now living, namely : Hattie, Leatha, Jackson, Bessie, Sherman, Alta. Nettie, Gladys and Elmer. Those deceased are Julia A., who died in 1871 ; Maud, who died at the age of sixteen years ; and Beulah, who died when seven weeks old. In his political views Mr. Evans is a Republican, having been a stanch advocate of the principles of that partv since attaining his majority. He has, however, never sought or desired public preferment. Socially he is con- nected with the Grand Army post, of Hiawatha, and his wife is a member of the Evangelical church. Frank and genial in manner, he is a progressive citi- zen and an honest man whom to know is to respect and honor. JOHN ECKEL. Among the farmers of Nemaha county whose enterprising efforts have enabled them to reach the goal of prosperity is John Eckel, who resides on section 6, Richmond township, and who has been a resident of this locality 256 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. for thirty years. He was born in Vejvanov, Germany, October 5. 1845, ^""^^ there spent his boyhood days, devoting his energies to mining and the study of music. In 1869 he determined to try his fortune in America, liaving received very favorable reports of the privileges and advantages there afforded young men. Accordingly he crossed the Atlantic and after three months passed in St. Joseph, Missouri, he came to Nemaha county, where he has since made his home. His capital was very limited at the time and that his career has been one of industry and enterprise is indicated by the fact that he is tn-day the possessor of a farm of two hundred and seventeen acres, which is under a high state of cultivation and yields to him rich returns for his labor. On the 1 2th of June, 1871, Mr. Eckel was united in marriage, in Seneca, Kansas, to Miss Josephine Hangel, a native of Germany, who came to America in 1869. They have four children: Mary, the wife of Henry Fangman, of Nemaha township, Sophia. Frank and Joe, — all natives of this locality. Mr. Eckel and his family attend St. Mary's Catholic church at St. Benedict and he has aided in building the house of worship and other church institutions at that place. His life has been quietly passed, yet he manifests in his career those sterling qualities which everywhere command the respect of all. HENRY S. ADAMS. Henry S. Adams is one of our well known, intelligent and enterprising citizens of Mission township. Brown county, who during the civil war loyally aided in defense of the Union, and since that time, through days of peace, he has been most earnest in his advocacy of all measures that he believes calcu- lated to promote the welfare of the county, state and nation. He was born in Parke county, Indiana, May 2. 1836. and is a son of Daniel Adams, whose birth occurred in Pulaski county. Kentucky, on the 14th of February, 1809, and was raised in Rockcastle county. Kentucky. The Adams family is of English lineage and was foimded in America in early colonial clays by ances- tors who settled at or near Jamestown. Virginia. The members of the family were Whigs and loyal patriots who suffered much at the hands of the Tories during the time of the Revolution. The grandfather, William Adams, was a native of Tennessee. Daniel Adams, the father of our subject, was reared in Rockcastle county, Ken- tucky, where he remained until he had attained his majority, at which time he removed to Parke county, Indiana, to work on the National pike which was lacing built from Washington. D. C., to St. Louis, Missouri. He was married, in July, 1835, i" Parke county, to Miss Mary Beauchamp, whose birth oc- lX.c^^Lattle of the Wilderness he acted in that capacity and continued to serve in tliat way until the fall of 1864, thus participating in the engagements at Poe river, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Reams Station and Gravel Run. In the fall of 1864 he was returned to his company and made quartermaster, with which rank he served until the close of the war, when he received an honorable discharge. \\'hile sleeping under a tree shortly after the battle of Chancellors- ville he suffered an attack of apoplexy from the effect of his wound and was carried to the hospital, but remained only a short time. When Lee surrendered he was at Appomattox and held some conversation with the rebel troops. A few days later, with his command, he started on the march for Washington, there remaining until the grand review in that city. His regiment, however, was stationed on the Virginia side of the river and at Alexandria was mus- tered out and transported to Camp Curtin, Pennsylvania, where he recei\ed an honorable discharge and was paid off. Mr. Moyer then visited in Center, Dauphin, Clearfield and Lebanon coun- ties and afterward took his wife to Illinois, where he joined his father and the family. He was again employed by his father by the month and remained in the Prairie state until 1871, when he came to Kansas, locating in Brown BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 275 county. Here lie purchased one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie land and began tlie development of his farm. He was the fourth of the family to locate in this state. He brought with him three horses, one cow, two pigs, a wagon, some farming implements and household goods and a small amount of money. The last he invested in land, going in debt for the remainder, which was to be paid in eight years. After hastily erecting a small frame residence he installed his family therein and began breaking prairie. He did some farm- ing for others in order to pay for his building material and he hauled his lum- ber from the Missouri river. Energetically he carried on his work and as the years passed his capital was steadily increased until at the present time he is recognized as one of the substantial agriculturists of the community. He has raised enough stock to support his farm, but has given his attention largely to the cultivating of grain and fruit. In 1876 his table, sheds, two horses and farm machinery were destroyed by fire, and as he had no insurance this was a total loss. With renewed energy, however, he set to work to retrieve his pos- sessions and altogether his career has been a prosperous one. He raises some garden vegetables for the market and has a very extensive orchard, but makes a specialty of the growing of small fruits. His principal crop is blackberries, and in one season on a third of an acre he picked seventy-one bushels of berries. He has a plum orchard of four hundred trees and his sale of fruit materially increases his income. He has made a close study of the best methods of fruit culture and his opinions on horticultural subjects are largely received as authority in the community. He now has one of the best improved farms in Walnut township. His home is a large and commodious two-story residence, built in an attractive style of architecture and supplied with all modern con- veniences. In the rear stands large and substantial outbuildings, and these in turn are surrounded by well tilled fields and gardens, four of the fields being divided by well kept hedge fences, with lanes running to the center of the farm. In addition to his farming interests Mr. Moyer is also a stockholder in the National Bank of Hiawatha. In 1862 Mr. Moyer was united in marriage to Miss Louisa A. Siechrist, who was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, November 4, 1837. She was a lady of intelligence and culture, and to her husband proved a faithful companion and helpmate. Her parents were farming people of Pennsylvania and were of German descent. In religious belief they were Lutherans, and they spent their last days in Lebanon county of the Keystone state. Their children were: Daniel E., a farmer of that county; Elizabeth, wife of James M. Ross, of Pennsylvania; and Mrs. Moyer, who was the eldest child. Unto our subject and his wife have been born the following children: Samuel B., a minister of the Presbyterian church now located in Edgar, Nebraska, married Miss Jean Thompson, of Irving, Marshall county, Kansas, and they have two sons, 276 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Samuel P. and Francis H. : John E., an electrician of Philadelphia, was mar- ried in that state to Ellen Mulrenen. and they ha\'e four children John H., Mariem, Louisa and Francis William: James R.. a successful teacher, was married in Brown county to Miss Susie Rubert and they ha\-e one child. James H. ; Ida M. is her father's housekeeper and her devotion to him and his wel- fare has made her greatly beloved ; Franklin VV. is how pursuing a theological course in preparation for the work of the ministry of the Evangelical church ; Daniel G. is operating the homestead ; Louisa E. is a student of Washburn College, of Topeka. Kansas ; Martha M. is a student in the Pennsylvania hos- pital of Philadelphia ; Henry H. is serving as a member of Company H in the Thirty-second United States Lifantry Regiment in the Philippine islands; and Ella K. is a student in Washburn College, of Topeka. Kansas, and pos- sesses superior musical ability, which ranks her among the most talented musi- cians of the state. The mother of this family was a lady of more than ordinary ability and her Christian character endeared her to all who knew her. In early life she was a Lutheran, but afterward became a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and in that faith she and her husband reared their children. Together they labored for many years to make a home and ultimately they became the possessors of the finest country seat in the county. The large and commodious residence and its furnishings gave evidence of the refined tastes of the owners. One large room was especially devoted to art and was adorned with beautiful potted plants and flowers, in which Mrs. Moyer took great pride and pleasure, spending many hours in caring for them. On the 29th of October, 1895, she stepi^ed into this beautiful room and when among her plants death claimed her. her demise being occasioned by heart failure. Her six sons acted as pall bearers and in the cemetery she was laid to rest. She was known as a loving and indulgent mother, a tender, and faithful wife and a loyal friend. Her daughter. Ida, now cares for the flowers and in as far as possible takes her mother's place in the household, carefully superintending its varied interests. The children were all afiforded good educational advantages, all have become church memlaers and are now useful citizens. Mr. Moyer is one of the hon- ored and esteemed residents of Brown county, and no history of this section of the state would be complete without the record of his life. JOHN GREGG Among the well known citizens of Mission township. Brown county, is John Gregg, who is regarded as a public-spirited and progressive citizen, giving a loyal support to every measure which he believes will prove of general good. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 277 The same loyal spirit was manifested by him when the country was engaged in civil war, for at the call for troops he "donned the blue" and is now numbered among the valued heroes who aided in the preservation of the Union. Mr. Gregg is a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred in Washing- ton county, on the loth of October, 1830. His father, John Gregg, Sr., was a native of Sullivan county, Tennessee, and served "as a soldier in the Indian war under Colonel ]\Iarsten Clark. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, frequently called him to public office, and he served in many minor township offices, and as one of the justices of the peace. He was called upon to administer several estates, a fact which indicated that he was regarded as a reliable business man. He married Miss Julia King, also a native of Tennessee, and they removed to Washington county, Indiana, where for many years they made their home. By occupation the father was a farmer and followed that pursuit throughout his active business life. His political support was given the Whig party. His death occurred in Indiana when he was sixty-three years of age, about 1848, after which his widow went to Illinois, where she died in the spring of 1865. In their family were nine children, namely: Harvey, who had a son John, a member of the One Hundred and Second Illinois, was taken prisoner, confined in Libby prison, and died shortly after his discharge; James, Mrs. John Adams, Nathan, William, Mrs. Eliza Sicloff, Rachel and Amanda, both dying in infancy, and Samuel, who died in the service at Duvall's Bluff, Arkansas, in 1864, a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Illi- nois Infantry. His nephew, John O. Adams, was also a member of the same regiment, and died in the service at Duvall's Bluff. Nathan Gregg had two sons in the army who laid down their lives on the altar of their country, James being a member of the Thirty-seventh Illinois Volunteers, and W^illiam, who belonged to the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment. John Gregg, whose name introduces this review, was reared in Washing- ton county, Indiana, and aided his father in the work of the farm, following the plow and harvesting the crops through the spring and summer months, while in the winter season he attended the public schools. He first visited Kansas in 1858, coming to Brown county, but later he returned to Illinois, where he has lived at the time when hostilities were inaugurated between the north and the south. His patriotic spirit prompted his enlistment, and in August, 1861, he joined the Thirty-seventh Illinois Infantry, under Colonel White, of Chicago, and Captain J. A. Jordan. He was first under fire at the battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, where he received three distinct wounds, and was in hospital at Caseville, Missouri, two months. Later he participated in a number of important engagements and skirmishes. He took part in the cap- ture of Fort Blakely, and was with General Banks at Yellow Bayou. His 2/8 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. company remained in the south, doing service in Alabama and Texas most of the time. It was not until some months after the close of the war that he was di:5chargc(l, receiving his pai)ers at Springfield, Illinois, in May. 1866. Mr. Gregg then returned to his home in that state, where he remained until 1868. when he came to Kansas, locating near Kennekuk. In 1870 he took up his abode in Mission township, settling upon his present farm, two miles from Willis. He has here a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land, which is carefully cultivated, and the farm is well stocked with a high grade of horses, cattle and hogs. The residence is a modern one, and near by stands large barns and other good farm buildings. He also owns an arable tract of land in Nemaha county, near Centralia. His methods of farming are progressive, and understanding fully the science of rotating crops he is enabled always to secure good returns for his labor. In January, 1867, at Aledo, Mercer county, Illinois, was celebrated the. marriage of Mr. Gregg and Miss Lucinda C. Sterns, who has proved to her husband an excellent companion and helpmate. She was born near Spring- field, Clark county, Ohio, October 30, 1842, and is a daughter of C. B. Sterns, a native of Pennsjlvania, Her father was reared in the Keystone state, and having arrived at years of maturity he wedded Miss Sophronia Kimbal, a native of Vermont. He was a W hig in his political affiliations, and he died at the age of sixty-two years. In his family were four children : Jasper, of Muscatine county, Iowa; Lucinda, the wife of our subject; Mrs. Cynthia Beed- ing, of Rock Island county, Illinois; and Mrs. Helen Venable, of La Junta, Colorado. The mother is still living, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Gregg. Our subject and his wife now have two children, Frank B. and Charles L. The elder son is living in Olathe, Johnson county, Kansas. He married Miss Olive Harpster, a daughter of J. D. Harpster, and they have three children — Nellie May, Albert B. and Charles Wesley. The younger son, Charles L. Gregg, is living on the home farm. He wedded Miss Millie Elliott, a daughter of John Elliott, of Browij county, and they have three little daughters, Geneva, Edna and Ruth. In his political affiliations our subject is a stanch Republican, and has filled the office of township treasurer. His word is as good as any bond that ever was solemnized by signature and seal, and those who know him esteem him highly for his sterling worth. ROBERT WAUGH. Among the more recent arrivals in Brown county who have taken a prom- inent place in the ranks of the leading farmers and representative citizens of the community is Robert Waugh, who came to Mission township in 1888 and BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 279 pucl s d the Judge Clayton farm, a fine old country seat. Previous to his arrual here he was m the employ of the Union Pacific Railroad twenty-one IZl' u' ''; V''"\^ °^-^'"''''' '"' ^''■"^ '^^^-'"^ "^^"'■'■^'J "^^'- Toronto, in 1823. H>s father. \V,lham Waugh. was a native of Scotland, and after arruang at years of maturity he married Miss Pevy McDale. also born in the land of h.lls and heather. Having become residents of Canada they reared the.r son Robert in Toronto, where he learned the machinist's 'trade Later he found employment in the McQueen Locomotive \Vorks at Schenec- ady, New York. While employed there he was selected to deliver the fir t two locomot,ves placed on the Great Western Railroad. Subsequentlv he was made the ch.ef engineer of the steamer Chief Justice Waite, runnm-. between Toronto Canada, and Lewiston. New York. This position he filled &BZn\ 7 '" ""•''"' ' P°"''°" •" '''' ^''°P^ °f *'- Niagara Falls & Bufifalo Radroad, now a part of the New York Central Li 1854 he removed to Chicago and entered the employ of the Rock Isla.id Railroad Company as engineer, his run being from Chicago to Rock Island and th.s pos,t.on he filled for fifteen years, when he accepted the position of foreman m the Rock Island shops in Chicago. In 1885 he was deprived of his position on account of his acti^•ity in the Society of Locomotive Engineers and h.s behet m unions. He then entered the employ of the Chicago & Milwauk e Railroad Company, and in 1867 he removed to Grand Island, Nebraska w ere he secured a situation with the Union Pacific Railroad Company, whose lines were extended to Ogden. Utah. For twenty-one 3-ears he was the foreman of he shops ot that road at Grand Island and for two years was employed at Rollms,\\yommg, in the same capacity. His long service indicates that he ^v'as capable, aithful and trustworthy employee. He is a charter member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and has been verv acti^■e in pro- moting Its works and welfare through nearly four decades. He also joined the Trades Association. He owned a fine farm near Grand Island, Nebraska which IS now included within the city limits. As before stated. Mr. Wnugh arrived in Kansas in 1888 and purchased the Judge Clayton farm, which consisted of eighty acres, to which he has added until he owns three hundred and twenty acres in one section, besides a va uable tract of timber, consisting of twenty-fise acres, which is located in another section. His residence was erected at a cost of twenty-five hundred dollars and the barn was built at a cost of thirteen hundred dollars E^•er^- thmg about the place is kept in excellent condition. There is a modern wind- mill, good farm buildings and all the accessories and improvements that indi- cate progress and enterprise. In addition to the cultixation of his fields Mr Waugh raises a high grade of Short-horn cattle and is one of the most success- tul breeders of cattle in his township. 28o BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. In 1S63, in Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Waugh was married to Miss Mary A. Clark, a native of New York. Their union has been blessed with the following children: Willie, an engineer and machinist who was foreman of the shops at Salt Lake City for a number of years, but is now in Kansas City ; Mamie, at home ; Sadie, the wife of William Hampton, of Atchison, Kansas ; and Oda, a teacher in the Willis school. Mrs. Waugh, the mother of these children, died at Grand Island in 1880, and Mr. Waugh has since married Miss Anna James, who was born and reared in Canada. In his political views he is a Democrat and keeps well informed on the issues of the day. His seventy- six years rest lightly upon him ancj^he displays the vigor and activity of a man yet in his prime. He is six feet high, well proportioned and in his younger days he excelled in athletic feats. His systematic physical exercise doubtless led to the excellent preservation of his health to the present time. Financially and socially he is regarded as one of the leading and popular men of the town- ship, and he and his family have hosts of warm friends here. JACOB REASOXER. Jacob Reasoner, deceased, was for some years connected with the agri- cultural interests of Brown county and was known as an enterprising, ener- getic business man, whose success resulted from his own efforts. His birth occurred in Muskingum county, Ohio, on the 15th of January, 1839. His father. Dr. Jacob S. Reasoner, was a very prominent physician, who practiced for some time in Muskingum county, but afterward removed to Jackson county, Ohio. There he remained for a number of years, subsequently going to Osborne county, Kansas. This was in 1882. He there located on a farm and in November, 1884, while visiting in Brown county, his death occurred. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Nancy Hill, remained with her son, Jacob, until her death in 1885. Both were consistent members of the Baptist church. Their children were Sarah and Rebecca, twins, the former now Mrs. Trussell. and the latter the wife of T. B. Dickason ; Mary L., who died in child- hood; Mrs. Henrietta Cunningham; Stephen, who died leaving a family; Calvin, a prominent lecturer of Georgia, whose daughter, Elsie, has been appointed a commissioner to the Paris exposition, representing the associated press; Jacob; Milton, who engaged in merchandising in Reserve until his death ; Mrs. Adrianna Miller, of Ohio ; Mrs. Candace L. French ; Noah, who was a soldier with General Custer's force and has not been heard from since the massacre. Jacob Reasoner was reared in Adamsville, Muskingum county. Ohio, pursued his education in the public schools and in early life engaged in teaching. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 281 He accompanied his fatlier on the removal to Jackson county and was a student in the State University at Athens, Ohio, when, at the age of twenty years, he enlisted in the Civil war, becoming a member of what was afterward called the famous Thirty-sixth Ohio Infantry. He enlisted as a private, but meritor- ious conduct won him promotion from time to time and he thus became first lieutenant, captain ami adjutant, serving in the latter capacity at the ending of the war. He was in all the hotly contested battles in which the famous Thirty-sixth was engaged. At length the companies of that regiment became so decimated that the command was consolidated with the Thirty-fourth Ohio, the regiment number — the Thirty-sixth — being still retained. Mr. Reasoner never misseil a battle in which his regiment participated and was always found with his command in the thickest of the fight, loyally defending the old flag and the cause it represented. He participated in the battles of Lewisburg, South Mountam, Antietam, Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Cloyd Mountain, Kernstown, Berryville, Opequan, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, and was never taken prisoner. He served for four years, or until the close of the war, when he was mustered out at Wheeling, West Virginia. At that time he received an honorable discharge, and, with a military record of which he could justly be proud, he returned to his home in Jackson county, Ohio. In 1866 Mr. Reasoner was united in marriage with Miss Sarah M. Staley, who was born in Botetourt, Virginia,- January 2, 1846, and is a lady of intel- ligence and culture. She is a daughter of John and Ada Liza (Tolley) Staley. Her parents were natives of Virginia, in which state they were married and were of German descent. The father was a millwright by trade and followed that occupation in the Old Dominion until his death in 1853. In 1856 the family moved to Ohio. On the maternal side of the familv Mrs. Reasoner was descended from prominent people from Virginia. C. V. Tolley, of Virginia, was a farmer and slave owner, who served in the war of 18 12, holding the rank of lieutenant, and in recognition of his service he was granted a land warrant. He had a brother, Joseph, who served in the Mexican war. C. V. Tolley married Miss Mary B. Hensley, also a native of Virginia, whose mother belonged to the prominent Hancock family, of Richmond, that state. Mr. Tolley was a tobacco planter and owned a number of slaves. The children born of this union were James M., who served in the Confederate army during the Civil war and married Harriet Openchain ; Ada Liza, the mother of Mrs. Reasoner; Sarah A., who became the wife of Joseph Bierly; Samuel D., who wedded Elsie Graddy and was a strong Union man during the Civil war, serv- ing in the Twenty-seventh Ohio Infantry; Amanda J., who became -the wife of Samuel Bierly; William H., who wedded Eunice M. Grover; Margaret; and Whitfield A., who wedded Sarah C. Badgley. 282 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Unto John and Ada Liza Staley were born four cliildren : Mary A. E., who became the wife of David Gall : Sarah M., tlie wife of Mr. Reasoner ; Mar- cus L., a resident of Hiawatha. Kansas, who wedded Lotta Stiles; and John W., who died in California. Mrs. Ada Liza Staley was next married to Riply McCarley, of Ohio. One daughter was born of this union, Joan, who is married to Perry Stiles. The latter are residents of Fernwood. Mississippi. Mrs. Staley made her home with her daughter. Sarah, for twenty-five years and died January lo, 1900, at the age of seventy-eight years. She was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, and during the greater part of her life was a faithful and consistent member of the Christian church. After his marriage Mr. Reasoner engaged in the operation of a sawmill and carried on the lumber business. He also followed school teaching to some extent, but subsequently he turned his attention to farming and in 1869 came to Kansas, locating in Brown county upon a tract of wild land on section 22, Hamlin township. There he established a farm, which he operated until 1883, when he sold that property and engaged in general merchandising and in the lumber business in Reserve. Mr. Reasoner lost very heavily in a cyclone that destroyed Reserve on May 17, 1896, crippling him financially. He was con- nected with commercial interests until a short time prior to his death, when he closed out his business afTairs. While upon the farm he devoted his ener- gies to the cultivation of grain and the raising of stock, and in both lines of his business was successful. He prospered in all his \'entures, made judicious investments in property and left to his family a good estate. Mr. and Mrs. Reasoner became the parents of six children : Frederick K., an agent of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company, who married Miss Cora M. Carr, and they have two children. Helen and Margaret ; Bertha, the wife of Arthur H. Beamguard, who have one child, Ralph R. ; Charles H., who served with Company A, Twentieth Kansas Infantry, in the Philippines, and is now engaged in merchandising in Highland as a member of the firm of Beamguard, Reasoner & Company : Alden E., John Chandos and Alice M., wlio are at home with their mother in Reserve, Kansas. The father of these children died June 2, 1899, and his death was widely and deeply mourned. He was a leading and influential supporter of the Repub- lican party, attended its conventions, kept well informed on the issues of the day and did all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success, yet never sought office. He held a few minor township offices, but preferred to give his time and energies to his business interests. In the Masonic fraternity he attained the Knight Templar degree, was a prominent member of the Christian church and by his well spent life and many virtues commanded the respect and regard of all who knew him. He was always strictly honorable and just in his business dealings and in his home and among his friends was BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 283 genial and kindly. Mrs. Reasoner is also a faithful member of the Christian church and has taught her children habits of industry and honesty so that they have become leading and responsible members of society. The family occupy a leading place in public affairs and well deserve mention in this volume. BENJAMIN F. SNYDER. Among the honored citizens of Effingham, Kansas, is the well-known gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, Benjamin F. Snyder, ex-probate judge of Atchison county, Kansas. Judge Snyder is a native of Ohio, born near Canal Dover in Tuscarawas county, December 31, 1843. ^ son of Rezin A. and Susan (Helwig) Snyder, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Pennsylvania. Rezin A. Snyder and his wife went to Ohio in early life, settling among the pioneers of Tuscarawas county, and on a farm in that county they spent many years, she dying there. He afterward married and moved to Holmes county, but some t\\enty years later remo\-ed to W'ayne county and died there. In his boyhood Benjamin F. attended the district schools and assisted his father in the farm work. He was seventeen when the civil war came on. Patriotism, which has always been a strong element in his make-up. showed itself at that early age, and when the call was made for volunteers to put down the rebellion he was among the first to enlist. As a member of Company E, Sixteenth Ohio \'olunteer Infantry, he went to the front, his command being assigned to the Department of the Gulf. General Sherman commanding the forces. Young Snyder was a participant in the siege of Vicksburg in 1863, the capture of Mobile and the engagement at Jackson, Mississippi, besides other smaller actions. He remained in the ser- vice until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged, being mus- tered out of the service in September 1865. On his return home from the army Mr. Snyder engaged in farming at his old home in Ohio, and for two years devoted his energies to farming and stock-raising there. That year he came west and settled in Center township, Atchison county, Kansas, where he has had farming interests ever since. He is now the owner of eighty acres of fine land just outside the corporate limits of Eftingham. the buildings on which were erected by him. and on this place he carries on general farming and stock-raising. Judge Snyder has always been a Republican and has a political career that covers a number of years. He was three times elected and served as trustee of Center township. Under President Harrison's administration he was appointed postmaster of Effingham, which ofiice he filled acceptably until he 284 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. resigned in order to accept the office of probate judge. This latter office he tilled three terms, serving in all six years and retiring in January, 1899. Since then he has devoted his time and attention to his farm and other private affairs. Like most veterans of the Civil war, Judge Snyder maintains membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, being identified with Effingham Post, No. 276. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of United W'orkmen, and both he and his wife belong to the Lutheran church. He was married, in 1871, to Miss Mary E. Wallick, a daughter of Benja- min and Mary Wallick, her family having come to Atchison county, Kansas, in pioneer days. Her father is now well advanced in years and is still a resi- dent of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have five children, namely: Effie May, wife of Charles Ellis, of Atchison county; Mabel, Homer R. and Mearl J. and Earl G., twins. GEORGE M. DAVIS. George M. Davis is a wide-awake, progressive citizen of Hiawatha, who is now holding the office of registrar of deeds. A native of the Green Mountain state, he was born in Windsor county, on the nth of March, 1867, and is the second son of Milton and Lucy (Lawlor) Davis, both natives of Vermont. Li 1868 the family removed to Kansas, and after a short residence in Jackson county took up their abode in Mission township. Brown county, upon a farm three miles west of Horton, where the parents still reside. George M. Davis was a mere lad when brought to Kansas. He attended the district schools and later pursued his education in the Lawrence Business College and in Campbell University at Holton. On putting aside his text books he returned home to assist his father in the work of the farm, and was connected with agricultural pursuits until the fall of 1897, when he was elected registrar of deeds of Brown county on the Republican ticket, assuming the du- duties of the office on the loth of January, 1898. The following year he was re-elected by a very large majority, a fact which indicated that his service in his first term was efficient and reliable. In 1890 occurred the marriage of Mr. Davis and Miss Maggie Spencer, of Brown county, a daughter of John W. and Nancy J. (Wolf) Spencer. Three children grace this union, a son and two daughters, namely : Melvina, Sherman and Irene. Mr. Davis is a member of the Indepehdent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He is an active and enterprising business man, and his fellow townsmen recognizing his worth, called him to office. In the discharge of his duties he has shown that the trust reposed in him has never been betrayed, and those with whom he has been brought in contact entertain for him the highest regard. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 285 PHILIP KILLEY. One of the ablest and best known business men of Atchison county, is Philip Killey, a lumber dealer of Effigham. To a student of biography there is nothing more interesting than to examine the life history of self-made men and to detect the elements of character which have enabled them to pass on the highway of life many of the companions of their youth who in the out- set of their career were more advantageously equi])ped and endowed. The subject of this review has through his own efforts obtained an honorable posi- tion and marked prestige among the men of his adopted county, and it must be said that with signal conspicuousness he is the architect of his own fortunes, and his success amply justifies the application of the somewhat hackneyed but most expressive title, "a self-made man." Mr. Killey was born August i, 1845, on the Isle of Man, where his par- ents, Philip and Catherine (Quirk) Killey. were also natives, married and spent their lives. He obtained a good common school education in his native land and then worked for several years as clerk in a general store in Ramsey, on that island. At the end of that time he went to Australia, and spent four years in gold mining in Ballarat. In 1871 he returned home, where he spent a year. During that time be was married to Miss Jane C. Lace, a daughter of Enos and Catherine (Clucas) Lace. In 1872 Mr. Killey came to the United States with his wife, locating at Atchison, Kansas, where he engaged in the grain business, in which he re- mained six years. He was very successful in his enterprise and continued in this line until 1879, when he was appointed grain inspector for Atchison county by the board of trade, and subsequenty grain inspector for the state. He held these two offices for nineteen years, fulfilling his duties to the satis- faction of all concerned. In 1897, after retiring from official business, Mr. Killey bought the interest of Gilbert Campbell in the lumber firm of Campbell & Walker at Effingham, the name being then changed to Walker & Killey, and in October, 1899, ^^ purchased the interest of Mr. Walker and became the sole proprietor. He deals extensively in lumber and building materials and has large yards and does a large volume of business, having j-ards at Netawaka, where the business is done under the name of Netawaka Lumber Company, and managed by Percy L. Killey, a son of Mr. Killey.. Their business methods are reliable and their earnest desire to please their patrons has secured to them gratifying success. In 1879 Mrs. Killey died, leaving two children, Florence and Percy Lace, the latter engaged in the lumber business at Netawaka, Kansas, as mentioned above. Mr. Killey was again married in 1884, his second wife being Catha- rine Lace, a sister of his first wife. He owns a fine farm of two hundred acres. 286 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. seven miles west of Atcliison, which is under good cultivation. Personally Mr. Killey is a man of fine, pleasant manners and highly esteemed by his fellow citizens. He has proved himself in all the relations of life an earnest, honest, upright man and a citizen of whom any community might justly be proud. JOHN W. WILSON. John W. Wilson, the principal of the Atchison County High School at Effingham, Kansas, is a native of Illinois, and dates his birth in Bureau county, July 22, 1864. He traces his ancestry on both his paternal side and his mater- nal to Scotland. His parents were David Gorsich Wilson and Lona ncc Max- well. The latter was a native of Indiana and a daughter of William Maxwell, whose first American ancestors came to this country from Scotland at an early day, their descendants being now scattered throughout the states. John Wil- son, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, His remote ancestor was a Scotch-Irishman who came to this country and set- tled in Maryland, and it was in that state that the great-grandfather of John W. was born, and wdience he removed when a young man to Pennsylvania. John Wilson, the grandfather, was a soldier in the Revolutionary army, and fought bravely for independence. In 1869 the Wilson family removed from Illinois to Kansas, and settled in Benton county, John W. at that time being a child of five years. He is the eldest child in a family of eight children — six sons and two daughters, namely : John W., Olive, Frank, Emmet, Carrie, Edward, Bert A. and Fred. In the dis- tricts schools our subject received his early education. Then he took a course in Drake University at Des Moines, Iowa, where he graduated in 1890, after which he entered the State Normal School in order to take a special training for educational work. While obtaining his education he taught school at inter- vals, and in 1893 '^^ accepted a position as assistant principal in the Atchison County High School, which place he filled vmtil 1896, when he was ])romoted to his present position, that of principal, which he has since filled most accept- ably. He has a corps of competent, well selected teachers as assistants who co-operate with him in doing faithful, efficient work. Pupils graduating at this school are admitted to the regular collegiate course in other institutions on diploma. Professor Wilson was married , in 1892. to Miss Katie Coe. of Iowa, daughter of Josiah and Jessie (Kinnis) Coe. They have two children, Mildred C. and Donald M. Both Mr. Wilson and his wife are members of the Christian church. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 287 He also is identified with the F. & A. M. and the M. W. of A., and is a member of the Kansas Academy of Science. As a teacher, a citizen and a Christian gentleman he stands high in the estimation of the people of Effingham, among whom he has spent some of the best years of his life. WILSON M. WALKER. Wilson M. \\'alker. the cashier of the State Bank of Effingham, was born in the village of Shelocta, Indiana comity, Pennsylvania. January 31, 1849, ^ son of Alexander and Martha (Speedy) Walker, both natives of the Keystone state. Alexander Walker was a carpenter and builder, which trade he fol- lowed for a period of thirty years. His father was Robert Walker, who also was a native of Pennsylvania. Of the maternal grandfather of our subject we record that his name was Hugh M. Speedy, and that he was of Scotch descent, the family having been transplanted in this country several generations ago. Wilson M. Walker spent the first eighteen years of his life in his native state and received his education in the district schools. At the age of fifteen he commenced clerking in a general store, an occupation in which he was en- gaged two years. In 1868 he came west to the state of Kansas, stopping first in the village of Effingham, and soon afterward locating upon a farm a mile and a half southwest of the town. He improved and placed under cultivation one hundred and sixty acres of land, and carried on general farming and stock- raising successfully until 1892, when he left the farm and came to town. Here he engaged in the lumber business, in partnership with Gilbert Campbell, under the firm name of Campbell & Walker, an association which continued until 1897. Air. Campbell was succeeded by P. Killey, and the firm became Walker & Killey. With extensive yards and sheds and carrying a large stock of lumber and all kinds of builders' material, they did a large and constantly increasing business, but in the fall of 1899 Mr. Walker sold his interest to Mr. Killey, and became cashier of the State Bank. Mr. Walker has accumulated considerable property, and has various interests. He first served as the vice-president of the State Bank of Effingham for several years, and was then made its cashier. He owns and occupies one of the finest residences in the city. Air. Walker has always taken an interest in public affairs. In 1888, while living on his farm, he was elected as a Republican to represent his county in the state legislature, and served through the session of 1889, being a member of several important committees, including that on ways and means. He is prominent in Alasonic circles, being a member of both Washington Chapter and Washington Commandery at Atchison. 288 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. He was married, in 1875, to Miss Lavina Green, of Atchison county, Kan- sas, who had come here from her native state, Ohio. She is a daugliter of Mark and Lucy J. (Richards) Green. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have two chil- dren, a daughter and son. Martha and Mark A,, both at liome. JAMES H. GARSIDE. Mr. Garside is the local freight agent for the Santa Fe and the Rock Island Railroads at Atchison, and is perhaps the best known business man in the city, his duties in connection with the above mentioned position bringing him into contact with merchants, farmers, grain dealers and shippers of all classes of freight during the eight years in which he has held the post. His uniform courtesy and obliging manner have won him high regard, and his hfe record W'ell deserves a place in this volume. Mr. Garside was born in Canton, Fulton county. Illinois. January 26, 1848. His parents were Joshua and Anna (Cox) Garside. and his father, a native of England, emigrated to the United States in 1836. He became a member of the banking firm of Maple, Stipp & Garside, at Canton, and sub- sequently went to Nebraska City to open a bank for S. F. Nuckolls. In 1864 the family removed to Atchison and the father became a member of the firm of A. S. Parker & Company, forwarding agents and also agents for the Star Line of steamers plying between St. Louis and St. Joseph. Later the firm became Garside tSc Son, and did an extensive business in forwarding freight to Denver, Salt Lake and Montana. There was at time a large number of boats plying the river and a vast amount of grain was shipped by them ; a single boat sometimes took on from three to ten thousand bushels of grain in sacks and lay at the levee two or three days in loading. James H. Garside is the eldest of nine children, two sons and seven daugh- ters. He was educated at the public schools of Nebraska City, Nebraska, and in the high school in Atchison. He was for many years in business with his father as mentioned above. Prior to the completion of the bridge at Atchison a transfer boat named "Wm.Osborn" was used in transferring cars for the Cen- tral Branch and Santa Fe lines, and Mr. Garside had charge of that business. At the completion of the bridge he was with the Hamilton & Flint Transfer Com- pany, which transferred freight with teams from one side of the river to the other. He entered the service of the Santa Fe road in 1881, which position he now occupies. Prior to his engagement with the Santa Fe, he was an agent for the Continental Fast Freight line, the Commercial Express line and the Star Union line. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 289 In 1872 Mr. Garside was married, to Miss Mattie H. Preston, of Canton, Illinois. They have one son, named for his grandfather, William Preston. Mr. Garside is a member of Washington Lodge, No. 5, A. F. & A. M., of Washington Commandery and of the Mystic Shrine. He has been a mem- ber of the board of education for the past twelve years. He is one of the char- ter members of the Atchison Flambeau Club and also of the Atchison Gun Club. He belongs to the Congregational church, of which he is one of the trustees. He is a very busy man but is genial in his disposition, accommo- dating and courteous in his dealings with the public, and is much esteemed by all who know him. WILLIAM M. DAILEY. William M. Dailey, head miller for the Blair iMilling Company, Atchison. Kansas, is — to use a well worn but expressive phrase — the right man in the right place. A brief sketch of his life with reference to his ancestry is as follows : William M. Dailey was born in Joliet, Illinois, June 5, 1858. a son of John and Ellen (Griffin) Dailey, and the oldest of their family of seven children. — four sons and three daughters, — all of whom are living except one daughter. The living daughters are married, Jennie being now the wife of John Walsh, of Atchison, Kansas, and Mattie wife of William Sutton, of Michigan. The parents, both natives of Ireland, were brought to the United States in child- hood and were reared in Illinois. John Dailey was for a number of years a locomotive engineer on the Rock Island Railroad and later spent some years in freighting on the plains. He and his wife are still living and he is now retired, their home being in .\tchison, Kansas, to which place they moved in 1859, when the subject of our sketch was in his infancy. At Atchison. William M. was reared and educated, in his youth attending the common schools. Leaving school at the age of fourteen years, he entered the employ of the Blair Milling Company, beginning work at the very bottom of the ladder and working his way up, step by step, until he reached his present position, that of head miller. He has been identified with this company ever since with the exception of three years, 1890 to 1893, when he was in North Dakota, Wisconsin and Colorado. It was in 1883 that he became the head miller, and that he has held this position for so long a time in this, the largest, milling establishment in Atchison, is ample evidence of his faithfulness and efficiency. Mr. Dailey was married, in 1891, to Miss Agnes Thomas, of Leavenworth, Kansas, a daughter of Jacob Thomas. They have two sons, — William F. and Walter Milton. 290 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Mr. Dailey has always shown an interest in public affairs, especially those of a local nature, and while he has never asked for official favors he was in 1896 elected a member of the Atchison city council to represent the first ward. This position he filled until 1899. He is a member in good standing of Golden Cross Lodge, No. 7, Knights of Pythias. WILLIAM S. WALLACE, M. D. The flourishing town of Effingham, Atchison county, has attracted to its hospitable borders many a young man of ambition and enterprise, as well as numerous wealthy and retired business men and capitalists. The reason for this is obvious : it is because of the manifest destiny of the place one day to rank among the most populous and progressive cities of the great state of Kansas. Believing thoroughly in its future of promise, these citizens neglect no opportunity to advance the new era, and their patriotism should find a responsive echo in every heart. Among those who have cast in their fortunes with us during the past decade is the gentleman whose name appears at the commencement of this sketch of his life. Dr. W. S. Wallace is a native of Washington county, Iowa, his birth hav- ing occurred near the town of Washington, August 21, 1869. His father, W^illiam A. Wallace, was born in Pennsylvania, whence he removed, in his early manhood, to Iowa, and there met and married Maggie A. White, a popu- lar and successful teacher of Washington county. They became the parents of three sons and four (laughters, and to each they gave excellent educational advantages and home training. The father was one of the brave soldier boys of the Federal army during the civil war, and for four years faithfully fought and suffered in the defense of the Union. He first enlisted as a private of the Seventh Iowa Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, and later was a sergeant in the Nineteenth Iowa Infantry. In his boyhood and youth, Dr. Wallace was a pupil in the public schools of his native state, and there laid the foundations of his future knowledge. Deciding that the healing art should be his life's work, he commenced the study of medicine under the tutelage of Dr. C. D. Werley, of Pennsylvania, and later entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia. In that celebrated institu- tion he was graduated as a member of the class of 1893, ^"^^ ^^ once entered upon his labors as a physician and surgeon. But little more than seven years have passed since he opened an office in Effingham, but success has attended him from the first, and to-day he possesses the respect and confidence of the public. Extremely conscientious and painstaking in the treatment of each case com- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 291 mitted to his skill, he never fails to win the esteem of the patient nor to clieer and encourage each member of the afflicted familj' whom he is called to visit. In 1893, the year in which the Doctor embarked upon his professional career, another event, none the less important, transpired, at Reading, Penn- sylvania, as his marriage to Miss Dora Gouker was solemnized. The young couple's attractive home is brightened now by the presence of their two little sons, who are named respectively William Earl and Paul G. The Doctor is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. THOMAS J. BOHANNON. America, above all countries, is to be congratulated upon her aggressive, wide-awake bu-siness men, — men who have made their way through all kinds of reverses and difficulties to positions of honor and influence, in the meantime being developed and strengthened by the very obstacles which they ha\'e had to overcome. Thus it has been in the case of Thomas J. Bohannon, one of the best known citizens of Atchison county, and his numerous friends will take pleasure in perusing the following record of his life. He comes of good old southern stock, his father, John Bohannon, being a native of eastern Tennessee, in which state he married Telitha Foust. Subse- quently to that event he removed to Indiana, where he remained four years, and then continued his journeyings to Illinois, and finally reached Buchanan county, Missouri, where he resided until his death at the age of seventy-five years. Politically he was a Democrat, and religiously both he and his beloved wife were members of the Christian church. She was called to her reward when in her seventy-eighth year. Of their eleven children eight now survive, five of the number being residents of Kansas, one of Iowa, and one of Missouri. Thomas J. Bohannon was born on the parental homestead in Buchanan county, Missouri, May 29, 1846. In his boyhood his educational advantages were limited to such as the district schools afforded, but in later years he increased his knowledge by reading and observation. In 1871 he came to this county and located upon a farm of eighty acres, situated in Benton town- ship. He is yet living on that place, but. as the years have rolled away, he has invested in more land from time to time until he now owns four hundred and eighty-seven acres. His home place is a model one. being supplied with good buildings, a windmill, a grove, and other accessories of a desirable country home of the period. In political matters Mr. Bohannon is independent, reserving to himsel: the right of absolute freedom from party ties, and voting as he deems best at 292 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. any given election. He is a member of the local school board, and takes a commendable interest in the promotion of educational affairs. Both he and his estimable wife are members of the Christian church, being workers in the Sun- day-school, and at present he is serving in the capacity of an elder. In per- sonal appearance he is tall and commanding, being six feet in height and weighing twf) hundred and thirty-five pounds. When he was twenty-four years of age, Mr. Bohannon married Alice E. Dittemore.adaughterof Michael and Grizzillar Dittemore. Six children blessed the union of our subject and wife, namely : Abbie Ivy, who died in her fif- teenth year; Fannie, who married F. R. Schurman, of Lancaster township: Robert Gaines, who wedded Kate Mummert, and also resides in Lancaster township ; Telitha Cuma ; Anna Ethel ; and Roy, who died at the age of fifteen months. DANIEL W. HAWK. Fully a quarter of a century ago Daniel W. Hawk came to Atchison county, and during this period, which has been so important in the history of this progressive state, he has been active in the promotion of all enterprises calculated to prove of permanent benefit to his fellow citizens. He is a worthy representative of the agricultural class, to whose labors, more than all others, should be attributed the wealth and importance of this state, now one of the foremost in the Union. Daniel W. Hawk is one of ten children whose parents were Leonard and Margaret (Ridenouer) Hawk. Both of his grandfathers were valiant soldiers in the war of 1812, and one of our subject's brothers, William Hawk, fought and suffered in our late civil war and is now living in Ohio. He enlisted in Company K, Twenty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, participated in some of the most important campaigns of the war, and at the battle of Mur- freesboro, Tennessee, January i, 1863, was severely wounded. Of the children of Leonard Hawk and wife, John, David, Jonathan and Abraham are deceased, as also is the youngest of the family. Mrs. Sarah DeCamp. Mrs. Barbara Need and Samuel Hawk live in Ohio, the state of their nativity. Andrew, of Atchison county, is represented upon another page of this volume. Leonard Hawk, the father of these children, was honored by all who knew him as an upright citizen, a kind neighbor and a devoted husband and father. Both he and his wife were members of the German Reformed church. Death claimed him when he was in his seventy-sixth year, while the wife lived to attain her eighty-sixth year. The birth of Daniel \\'. Hawk took place June 15, 1834, in Coshocton BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 293 county. Ohio. Reared on a farm, he became proficient in all branches of agri- culture, and in 1869 removed to Grinnell, Iowa. After spending five years in that place he came to Kansas, and has since been actively engaged in farming in Atchison county. Success crowned his energetic labors to make a liveli- hood and to lay aside a competence for advancing years, and to-day he is one of the wealthy farmers of his locality. His property comprises five hundred and ten acres of well cultivated land, three hundred and twenty acres being- situated in Benton township, while the remainder is across the line in Grass- hopper township. A flourishing grove and orchard add to the desirability of the homestead, which is otherwise improved with a modern house and com- modious barns and other buildings. Soon after reaching his majority, Mr. Hawk married Sarah DeCamp, a daughter of John and Mary (Hewitt) DeCamp, both of whom departed this life at their homes in Ohio. Mrs. Hawk's brother, Samuel, who died in Oregon, was a soldier of the Union army during the civil war. Of the eight children born to our subject and wife, one son, Leonard, nineteen years of age, and a daughter, Edith, aged twenty-one years, died the same night. Francis, the eldest son, is a successful farmer of Grasshopper township ; Noble is engaged in farming in Benton township; Harvey is a farmer of Center township, and Royal Grant carries on a farm in Mitchell county, Kansas; Emma, the eldest daughter, is the widow of Robert McPhilimy, of Effingham, and Mary Maud is the wife of Carl Stever, of this township. In 1884 the mother of these chil- dren was called to the better land. In his political attitude Mr. Hawk is a stalwart Republican, devoted to the interests of his party. Religiously he is a Lutheran, and contributes liberally toward the support of that denomination. Though now approaching the evening of life, lie enjoys excellent health and bids fair to witness many another year of happiness and prosperity. ANDREW HAWK. The history of the prominent citizens and influential residents of Atchison county would be incomplete should the Hawk family be omitted. They have borne an important part in the development of this now flourishing county and at all times and under all circumstances have stood for good government, Schools and churches, improvements of various kinds and everything consti- tuting modern civilization. Andrew Hawk, of Benton township, is one of the sons of the good old Buckeye state, his birth having taken place February 4, 1825, in Carroll county. 294 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Ohio. His parents, Leonard and Margaret (Ridenower) Hawk, were life-long agriculturists, upright and respected by all of their acquaintances. They were members of the German Reformed church and lived in perfect harmony witli their professions. The father gave his support to the old Whig party, and fa\'- ored all measures which he believed were calculated to benefit the majority of our people. His long and useful life came to an end when he was in his seven- ty-sixth year ; and his wife, who survived him, was eighty-six years old when she received the summons to lay aside her earthly burdens. Of their ten chil- dren three — -John David, Jonathan and Abraham — are deceased : Abraham died when fourteen years of age. Mrs. Barbara Need and Samuel are residents of Ohio, Daniel W., of this township, is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Will- iam, now of Ohio, was a brave soldier who wore the blue durring the war of the Rebellion. He served as a private of Company K, Twenty-fourth Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, and was severely wounded at the battle of Murfreesboro, Tennes- see, January i, 1863. Mrs. Sarah DeCamp was the wife of Samuel DeCamp, a soldier of the civil war, and their deaths took place in Oregon. In his boyhood Andrew Hawk attended tiie common schools, in company with his brothers and sisters, and early learned lessons of industry and perse- verance which proved the basis of his later success. Some twelve years ago he came to Atchison county and took up his residence in Benton township. Briefly summing up the results of the years of persistent effort and labor on his part since that time, it may be said that he now owns about five hundred acres of valuable farm land, most of which is under constant cultivation, producing abundant harvests. His home is a beautiful one. surrounded with modern con- veniences and many of the so-called luxuries of life. Large barns and farm buildings stand on the homestead and everything about the place is kept in a thrifty, painstaking style. As a husband and father Mr. Hawk's record is above reproach, and his children cannot but feel that he has ever been to them a kind, considerate parent. He was first married, in Ohio, soon after attaining his majority, to Mary J. Walters, who was a native of Guernsey county and daughter of George N. and Mary (Thompson) Walters. She died in 1863, leaving four children, namely: Mrs. Mary Mizer and Mrs. Margaret Zinchorn. of Ohio; Mrs. Rachel McFarland, of this county; and Mrs. Talitha Draper, also of Ohio. In 1865 Mr. Hawk married Lavina Landers, also of Ohio, and eight children blessed their union. William S., the eldest, and Charles, the fifth of the family, are residents of Effingham, the latter being the deputy postmaster there. Howard Allen and Edward live in this township. Arvilla is the wife of Her- bert Harris, of Horton, Kansas. Rutherford Hayes, Celina and JJm are at home. All have received, or are receiving, a good education and proper train- ing for the serious duties and responsibilities of life. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 295 THOMAS FRABLE. One of the honored pioneers of Atchison county is Thomas Frable. whose history has been closely associated with that of this portion of Kansas for the past forty years. During^ this time he has been a witness of remarkable changes for the better and has been an interested and active worker for the causes of education, good government and progress along all lines. The birth of Thomas Frable took place in Westmoreland county. Penn- sylvania, March 22, 1832. His father, who was a shoemaker by trade, died when our subject was a child of but four years. The mother survived him many years and married a second time. Thomas Frable was one of two chil- dren, and his brother, Solomon, is at present a resident of Sumner county, Kansas. As his mother was left without much means, Thomas Frable became a member of the family of James Ouinn, who, on the whole, was kind to the lad, though he was not "generous to a fault" and did not spoil the child with over- much attention and affection. However, he was allowed to attend school a few months each winter and managed to obtain a fair education. Upon reach- ing his majority, according to agreement, Mr. Frable was given a horse, saddle and bridle. At the age of thirty years Thomas Frable married Rebecca Graham, a daughter of Richard and Nancy Graham, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Frable has two brothers living, namely: Robert, who still makes his home in the Keystone state ; and William, a well-known citizen of this town- ship. Five children were born to our subject and wife, but four of the num- ber have been summoned to the silent land. Harry M., a thrifty young farmer of Benton township, owns a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, situated on section 10. Clara became the wife of John Blankenship and died at the ao-e of twenty-seven years. The other children died in infancy. Mr. Frable came to Atchison county, Kansas, in 1859, then a single man. Here he met and married Rebecca Graham, who had came to the county in the same year with her parents. For one year after his marriage he freighted across the great plains and for the next two years broke prairie lands. Back in the east, as a farm hand at ten dollars per month, he had saved enough money to buy a tract of land and with this he purchased a tract, selecting what he deemed to be an excellent piece of proi)erty. He located upon an eighty-acre tract in Benton township and the house which he erected was one of the first built in the township. As the years passed he made substantial improvements and gradually added to his original farm, his present place comprising three hundred and twenty acres. Besides the large barns, windmill, fences and other necessary features of a modern, well equipped homestead, he built a beautiful 296 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. residence in 1893, at a cost of over two thousand dollars. It is situated on an attractive spot and is surrounded by a beautiful grove of trees, which are noted far and near. Thus, as has been seen, Mr. Frable has literally been the archi- tect of his own fortunes, for, commencing with almost nothing in the way of capital, he has perseveringly labored toward the goal of success and now, as the shadows of his life lengthen, he is in possession of an assured competence. In his political belief he is a Republican, but he has led a quiet life and has had no desire to occupy public positions. The sincere respect and confidence of all with whom he has been associated are bestowed upon him. GEORGE M. HENDERSON. Among the well-known and representative citizens of Benton township, Atchison county, is George M. Henderson, whose residence in this county covers a period of thirty-two years. He is a descendant of an old Scotch fam- ily who originally spelled their name Hendson, and for a number of genera- tions his ancestors have been numbered among the inhabitants of this country. His paternal grandfather, John Henderson, was a native of Virginia, whose wife came of an old Pennsylvania German family. He removed from Virginia to east Tennessee and resided there several years, rearing his children there, and his wife died there. When the father of our subject came to Missouri the grandfather came with him and his death occurred in Platte county, that state. At an early day our subject's parents removed to Jackson county, Missouri, and later to Platte county, and in 1855 the family came to Leavenworth county, Kansas, and in 1867 to Atchison county, locating upon a farm in what is now Benton township, and here they continued to dwell, respected and loved until claimed by death. Both attained a ripe age. the father dying in October, 1888, when in his eighty-sixth year, and the mother in August, 1892, when eighty- two years old. She was a consistent member of the Christian church and the influence of her life, not only upon her children and immediate friends but also upon all others who knew her, was ennobling and incalculable. Mr. Hender- son was a member of the Baptist church. Their names were Joseph and Han- nah (McCoy) Henderson. He was born and reared in Tennessee, in which state his marriage was celebrated. She was a daughter of John McCoy, a native of North Carolina. Six sons and three daughters blessed the union of Joseph Henderson and wife. Their eldest born, James, now a resident of Cali- fornia, served as a captain of Kansas state militiamen durine -the Civil war. The other children were: Mary Ann, whose first husband w^s a Mr. Cook; BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 297 he was a pro-slavery man and was killed during the troubles of 1856; she after- ward married a Mr. Edwards, but is now a widow, residing near Effingham ; Sarah J., the next in order of birth, married Milton Freeland and is now a widow residing in Topeka, Kansas ; William, deceased ; John, who is a resident of California ; Gilbert, deceased ; Joseph, of Effingham ; George M. ; and Nancy M., the wife of John Ryan, of Benton township. The birth of George M. Henderson took place in Platte county, Missouri, June 5, 1844, and since he was a lad of eleven years he has lived in northeastern Kansas. In commencing the battle of life he had no capital save a strong con- stitution and a brave spirit, but not many years of his independent career had been passed ere he had amassed a snug little property and was on the high road to success. In 1878 he purchased eighty acres of land in Benton township and to this tract he subsequently added another eighty acres, placing the whole under a high state of cultivation and making substantial improvements. A windmill assures an abundance of water for the household and live stock on the farm, a modern house, good barns and other improvements adding to the value and desirability of the homestead. Mr. Henderson is a practical, thor- ough farmer and business man and enjoys the respect of a large circle of friends and neighbors. On the anniversary of Washington's birth, in 1872, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Henderson and Amelia J., a daughter of Parson and Ruth Ellen (Shrites) Stockwell, natives of Indiana and Kentucky, respectively. The Stockwell family removed to Ray county, Missouri, and there the father died. His widow afterward removed to Platte county, Missouri, afterward married •and now resides in Nortonville, Kansas. Mrs. Henderson, who was born in Indiana, has two brothers,— John W. and James— now living in Jefferson county, Kansas. The latter married Miss Anna Graves, of Atchison county. Irene, the only sister of Mrs. Henderson, married J. Davis, died in Jefferson county and was placed at rest in Pleasant Grove cemetery. Parson Stockwell departed this life several years ago and his widow afterward became the wife of J. Walace and mother of Anna, Mrs. Ed Sharp, Lulu Kelley and Thomas Wallace. Two sons and four daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hender- son, namely : William, James A., Josie May, Luella, Etta Belle and Ivy Anna. James A. was married a few years ago to Estella Hurshman and is a promising young farmer of Benton township. Like his father before him, Mr. Henderson has been in favor of the Dem- ocratic party platform until within the past few years, when he has given his support to the People's party. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order. Both he and his estimable wife are members of the Christian church and are noted for their liberality and generosity. 298 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. JAMES H. FREELAND. One of the native-born sons of Kansas, James H. Freeland, of Benton township, Atchison county, has always taken special interest and pride in the state which was passing through such a fiery ordeal during his early years, and which, as the years have rolled by, has steadily advanced in wealth and pros- perity until it now ranks with the leading trans-Mississippi states. His birth took place on Christmas day, 1856, in Leavenworth county, Kansas. His father, James Milton Freeland, was a native of Indiana, whence he removed to Kansas at an early day, casting in his lot with the state which was destined to become a battle ground for" contending factions during the terrible years leading up to the war of the Rebellion. His wife was Miss Sallie Henderson prior to their marriage, her parents being Joseph and Hannah (McCoy) Henderson. Eight children were born to James M. Freeland and wife, namely: William R.. who lives in Benton township; James H., of this sketch; John F., also of this township; Ida Marlatte, of Topeka; Joseph L., the circuit clerk of Platte county, Missouri ; Jesse L., of Atchison county; Anna, deceased, the wife of William A. Landrum ; and Mrs. Hannah Thomas, of Topeka. The father, who was a Democrat in his political convictions, died when only fifty-two years of age. Both he and his wife were members of the Christian church and possessed the love and friendship of all who knew them. Mrs. Freeland is now making her home with her daughter. Mrs. Thomas, of Topeka. When he was ten years of age James H. Freeland came to this county with his parents and in the public schools he obtained a liberal education. He early learned agriculture and gradually has forged to the front until, at this writing, he is the owner of a homestead comprising a quarter-section of well- cultivated land, which is rendered especially valuable by reason of a small creek which flows through it and because of the fine orchard on the place. Sub- stantial farm buildings stand upon a good site, the barn being 32x48 feet in dimensions. The residence of the family is comfortable and furnished in a manner plainly bespeaking the excellent tastes of the inmates. In all of his undertakings Mr. Freeland has been upright and just and success has come to him as the result of long continued, painstaking industry. In 1880 the marriage of our subject and Mary Ettie Bonnel, a native of Missouri, was celebrated. She is a daughter of Charles Bonnel, a prominent old settler of this county, his homestead of eighty acres having been situated in the western part of this township. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Freeland five children, three sons and two daughters, were born, namely : James Fred- erick, William Henry, Mary Ettie. Sidney Everett and Edna Pearl. In political matters Mr. Freeland takes the interest which everv American BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 299 citizen should and reserves to himself the right of voting as he deems best without regard to party ties. Both lie and his wife are members of the Chris- tian church. All worthy religious enterprises and benevolent organizations receive his sympathy and financial support as far as he has the ability, and the respect and high esteem of his neighbors and acquaintances are accorded him in an enviable degree. LUCIUS H. BISHOP. Success comes as the legitimate result of well applied energy, unflagging determination and perseverance in a course of action when once decided upon. She smiles not upon the idler or dreamer and only the man who has hardly and justly won her favor does she deign to crown. In tracing the history of Lucius H. Bishop it is plainly seen that the prosperity which he enjoys has been won by the commendable qualities above mentioned, together with many others, which have won him the high esteem of all who know him. The Bishops were prominent early settlers of Vermont and were noted for patriotism and devotion to duty. The paternal grandfather of our subject served in the colonial army during the war of the Revolution and Levi Bishop fought in the second war with Great Britain. The latter, who was the father of our subject, was born in the Green Mountain state and in his youth learned the trade of blacksmith, following that calling for many years. For a wife he chose Sarah Higgins, a daughter of William Higgins, and seven children blessed their marriage, namely: Helen E., who for many years was success- fully engaged in teaching and now makes her home with our subject ; Lucius H. ; Sarah, deceased ; Levi, Jr., who served in the Mexican war and now resides at Fort Worth, Texas; Edward D., of Charles City, Iowa; R. Waite, of Hud- son, Wisconsin ; and Jasen Steele, who is a leading real estate man of Olean, New York. The parents both died in the east and were buried at Fillmore, New York. The father was sixty-five years of age at the time of his death, Avhile the mother was in her eighty-eighth year when called to the better land. Politically he was affiliated with the Whig party and religiously both he and his wife were L'niversalists. The birth of Lucius H. Bishop occurred January 6, 1824, at East Ran- dolph. X'ermont. He received a good education in the public schools and with his father mastered the blacksmith's trade. It was not until he was twenty- seven years of age that he concluded to try his fortunes in the west and with his young wife came'to Kansas. Settling in Leavenworth at first he remained Ihere for some time and at last came to his present home in Center township. He has been a witness of great changes in this state and section of the Union 300 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. and has performed his full share toward the advancement of civiHzatioii and prosperity. His farm comprises one hundred and seventy acres of well-watered land, suitable for the raising of all kinds of crops common to this region. The improvements upon the place, including a modern house and large barns, render this one of the most desirable homesteads in the county. Educational matters receive his earnest attention and as fully as his time and means would permit he has given evidence of his interest in this important feature of modern civilization. He has served as a school director, as county supervisor and as justice of the peace. Politically he is a Democrat and aims to keep thoroughly abreast of the times in his knowledge of the great issues. The marriage of Mr. Bishop, in 1851, was one of the most important steps of his life. The lady of his choice was Betsy M. Wilson, a native of Chautaucjua county, New York, and daughter of Alexander Wilson. She has proved a loyal counselor and companion, sharing his joys and sorrows and cheering him at all times with her broad, helpful views of life. Frank Wilson, their eldest son, resides upon an eighty-acre farm, situated on section 7, this township. He married for his first wife Olie Harton, who bore him two sons,. Earnest and Carl, and then passed away in death. For his second wife Mr. Bishop married May Scott, of Thayer, Iowa. Willis Bishop, the younger son of our subject, is an enterprising young farmer, owning a homestead of eighty acres on section 7, not far from that of his elder brother. His wife formerly was Anna Donovan, of this township, and they have two daughters. Amelia and Sada, twins, are the only daughters born to L. H. Bishop and wife. Amelia is the wife of Charles Taliaferro, of Benton township, and the mother of three sons and two daughters. Sada became the wife of Hugh Gillen, of Benton township. Both Mrs. Taliaferro and Mrs. Gillen were successful teachers in the local schools prior to their marriages. CHARLES G. WHEELER. . From his earliest recollections Charles G. Wheeler, a popular and widely k-nown citizen of Center township, Atchison county, has been identified with this section of the state, its development and increasing prosperity. At various times he has been honored with local positions of trust and responsibility and, as is well known, he has always discharged the duties devolving upon him with fidelity and excellent judgment. His father, Joshua Wheeler, was born in the town of OIney, Buchingham- shire, England, February 22, 1827, a son of George R. Wheeler, who was a watchmaker by trade. At the age of seventeen years Joshua WMieeler bade BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 301 adieu to the land of his birth and sailed for the United States, where he believed that better opportunities awaited him, and so it proved. Arriving here he spent several years in New Jersey, after which he went to Illinois, where he married Maria Reynolds, who also was born in Olney, England, and v.honi he had known from childhood.. She came to this country to marry him. In 1857 the young couple came to Kansas, purchasing a claim in this town- ship, and there they erected a log cabin and proceeded to improve their prop- erty. They suffered numerous privations and the hardships incident to pioneer life and in addition thereto the struggle between the slavery and anti-slavery factions on this border rendered the lives of the settlers insecure. Feeling waxing more intense men arrayed themselves upon one side or the other, and Mr. \Vheeler took a prominent part for the Union. For many years he was an important figure in local politics, being a stalwart Republican after that party's organization, and being chosen by his neighbors and friends as their representative in the state senate. His useful life, spanning nearly the allotted three-score and ten years of the Psalmist, came to a peaceful close in 1896. Possessing a fine physique and weighing about one hundred and eighty pounds, he commanded the respect of all who knew him and by his frank, genial man- ner readily won friends. His widow, who was a true helpmate throughout his early struggles and later perplexities, survives him and still remains on the old homestead, now being in her seventy-eighth year. Two of her children died in infancy and were buried in Illinois, and Addie. now Mrs. L. F. Ran- dolph, resides in Xortonville, Kansas. Charles G. Wheeler was born at Farmington, Illinois, March 18, 1854, raid ever since he was three years of age he has lived in Kansas. His educa- tion was obtained in the public schools here and on the old homestead he early learned to make himself generally useful. After attaining his majority he commenced the struggle for an independent livelihood and has succeeded so well that he now owns three hundred acres in Center township. This prop- erty is kept under fine cultivation and yields abundant crops in return for the judiciously expended labors of the owner. He has made substantial improve- ments, including a pleasant modern residence and other commodious farm buildings. In 1881 Mr. Wheeler married Augusta Stillman. who was born in Albion, Wisconsin. She was educated and reared in Illinois and her parents. Nelson and Rose (Burdick) Stillman, now live in Nortonville, Kansas. Five chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. AVheeler, namely: Mabel E.. who is attending the high school at Nortonville; Vernette A., Edwin L., Helen B. and Ernest R. The family attend the Seventh Day Baptist church near their home. In his political opinions Mr. Wheeler is a Republican. For five years he served as the township treasurer and at present he is acting in the capacity of 302 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. trustee of the county high scliool. He belongs to several fraternal organiza- tions, including the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Neighbors. He is well posted on all of the leading topics of the day. SAMUEL ARTHUR. Samuel Arthur, an influential citizen of Center township, Atchison county, is a native of Blair county, Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred August 22, 1826. He comes of hardy stock, several of his ancestors having been noted for longevity. His paternal grandfather, Thomas Arthur, was a native of England, but was a mere child when he came to America. Enlisting with the colonial patriots, he fought for some time with the brave little army commanded by Washington, and during his service received wounds in the shoulder and thigh. He lived to the age of one hundred and four years, pass- ing away in his sleep, without previous illness, and was buried in Bedford county, Penns3'lvania. The father of our subject was Joseph Arthur, a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania. There he grew to maturity, when he married Elizabeth Zim- merman, daughter of Abraham Zimmerman, of Dutch ancestry. Eight chil- dren were born to Joseph Arthur and wife, namely: Abraham, who died at Bushnell, Illinois, in 1898; Samuel; Daniel, of this township; John, of Smith county, Kansas ; Mrs. Elizabeth Lawrence, of Linn county, Kansas ; George, of Champaign county, Illinois ; Mrs. Barbara Snapp; and Elaah, deceased. The father learned the blacksmith's trade and was employed at that calling to some extent, but farming was his chief occupation in life. Politically he was a Dem- ocrat. Both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. The mother died in Illinois when seventy-five years of age and the father was nearly ninety at death, his exact age being eighty-nine years, eleven months and thirteen days. Samuel Arthur received a public-school education in his native state and before reaching his majority he had served an apprenticeship to the black- smith's trade of some five years and has been employed also in a woolen fac- tory. Desiring to see something of the west, then opening to civilization, he went to Illinois, and in 1858 he made the hazardous journey across the plains by ox team to Pike's Peak. In 1871 he settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, located in this township, only five acres of which property was improved. To the cultivation of his new farm Mr. Arthur gave his earnest attention for years, with the result that to-day his homestead, comprising two hundred and forty acres, is considered one of the best in the county. Beautiful- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 303 shade trees and a fine orciiard, a windmill, substantial barns and other build- ings make the farm a model one in every respect. A high grade of live stock is keipt, the owner deriving a good income from this source alone. The marriage of Mr. Arthur and Sarah Hageman was celebrated in Quay. Illinois, in 1851. Mrs. Arthur was born in Holmes county, Ohio, and reared and educated in Wayne county, that state. Her parents were Adam- and Barbara Hageman, the former born in 1802 and died near Monrovia, Kan- sas, in 1887. All of the fourteen children of our subject and wife have reached their majority and possess, in addition to that priceless boon, good health and strong constitutions, excellent education and thorough preparation for the active duties of life. They are named as follows: Elizabeth Hostler; Mrs. Amanda Hollen, of Kansas City, Missouri; William A., of Center township;. Mrs. Flora Isham, of Nemaha county. Kansas ; Mrs. Ida Dochow, of Decatur county. Kansas; Chester, a blacksmith, of Pardee; Daniel, of Arrington; :Mrs. Belle Elliott, of Atchison ; Mrs. Cyntha Fletcher and Mrs. Susie Metz, also of Atchison; Walter and Joseph E., of Pardee; and Hattie and Herbert, who are at home. Our subject has thirty-seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, of whom he is naturally very proud. Though now in his seventy-fourth year he is strong and active, possessing good health of mind and body. With the other members of his family he attends and is a member of the Methodist church. Politically he uses his franchise in behalf of the Democratic party. To his posterity he will leave the heritage of a blameless record — of a life replete with deeds of kindness and sympathy. JAMES C. LOWER. Success comes not to the man who idly waits with folded arms and rarely to one who does not put forth his most earnest efforts, and thus, in a measure at least, success must always be an indication of merit, of persistent, able, effort. Thus we find it in the case of J. C. Lower, one of the representative farmers of Atchison county, which boasts a host of the most progressive agri- culturists in the Union. He is a son of Henry and Sarah Ann (Sandy) Lower, natives of Ten- nessee and Indiana, respectively. They removed to Buchanan county, Mis- souri, at an early day and were identified with the farmers of that locality until death claimed them. The father, who died in 1895, was seventy-six years of age, and the mother, who died in 1890, was sixty-eight years of age. They were members of the Christian church, the father holding the office of an elder for years. They were the parents of six daughters and four sons, namely: 304 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Louisa. Sarah. Mary Ellen. Martha Eveline. Anna. Lilly, John W'.. James C. Isaac N. and Henry M. James C. Lower was born in Buchanan county. Missouri, September i, 1853. In his boyhood he early learned to be of great service to his father in the management of the farm, and during a portion of each year attended the district schools. Being industrious and ambitious to make a name and place for himself, he soon accumulated a little capital and as the years passed it became evident that he would not be left behind in the race which he was mak- ing with other young men of his age. In 1878 he came to Lancaster township and purchased some wild land, which he proceeded to reduce to a state of culti- vation. To-day he is the owner of two hundred and thirty-eight acres, two acres having been contributed by him to the public schools. Large barns and farm buildings, shade trees and a well-kept barn-yard and lawn speak louder than words of the care exercised by the enterprising proprietor. A few years ago he went to Oklahoma, where he remained for some time, and as a result he now owns three hundred and twenty acres of splendid farm land there, it being located in Kingfisher county. For a score of years Mr. Lower has found an alile and de\-oted helpmate in the person of his estimable wife, whose maiden name was Talitha J. Potter. Their marriage was solemnized March 17, 1880, at the home of her father, Tinsley Potter, a pioneer of this county now residing in Effingham. Mrs. Lower was reared to womanhood in Benton township and by her marriage lias become the mother of five children. Claude Curtis, aged seventeen years, is a student at the county high school at Effingham, as is his sister. Erna Adeline. Ada F.. Lillie and Ray are at home. For many years Mr. Lower was an efficient member of the school board, manifesting the deep interest which he takes in the important subject of educa- tion for the young. Politically he follows in his father's footsteps, being identified with the Democratic party. His means and influence are used for the good of his fellow men and the local Christian church has no more loyal, generous member. JAMES A. CAMPBELL. Brown county is one of the most attractive, progressive and prosperous divisions of the, state of Kansas, justly claiming a high order of citizenship and a spirit of enterprise which tends to conserve continuous development and marked advancement in the material upbuilding of this section. The county has been and is signally favored in the class of men who have controlled its business affairs and in this connection the subject of this review demands rep- JAMES A. CAMPBELL BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 305 resentation as one who has been prominent in commercial circles. He is now a well-known druggist of Hiawatha and for many years has been engaged in this line of business in northeastern Kansas. James A. Campbell was born on a farm in Lee county, Iowa, on tiie ist of October, 1842, and is of Scotch lineage, as the family name well indicates. His more immediate ancestors, however, resided in the mountainous regions of North Carolina and Tennessee and were related to Colonel Campbell, one of the important leaders of the patriot mountaineers who swooped down upon the British and Tories and inflicted upon them the crushing defeat at King's mountain during the Revolutionary war. \\'illiam A. Campbell, the father of our subject, was born in the eastern part of Tennessee, where he married Mary P. Mason, and early in the '40s they removed to the west, becoming pioneer settlers of Lee county, Iowa, but soon afterward taking up their abode in Henry county, that state, where their last days were spent. They had five chil- dren, all boys, namely: Joseph P., who was born in Tennessee, becoming a physician and druggist of Oskaloosa, Iowa, where he died in the fall of 1867; James A. is the next younger; Archibald S., born in 'Henry county, Iowa, and died in Highland, Kansas, in April, 1886; Jasper, born in Henry county, Iowa, and died in the fall of 1864 of wounds received in the United States service; and William A., also born in Henry county and died in December, 1890. James A. Campbell, of this review, was left an orphan at the early age of thirteen years, at which time his mother died. Five years previously his father had passed away and when thus left alone the children found homes wherever they could, — generally with farmers. In his youth he attended school as opportunities offered during the three months of winter, and on evenings, mornings and Sundays he would feed and attend to stock, chop wood and perform such other labors as his strength enabled him to execute. During the summer months he assisted in the work of the fields and was thus employed until eighteen years of age, when, desirous of securing a better edu- cation he entered Mount Pleasant (Iowa) Academy in the fall of i860. That winter the slavery agitation was at its highest and in the spring of 1861 the Civil war was inaugurated by the attack on Fort Sumter. Mr. Campbell then put astde his text books to enlist in Company E, of the First Regiment of Iowa Cavalry, and was mustered into the service June 13, 1861. After his term had expired he re-enlisted and continued at the front until honorably discliarged March 16, 1866. He participated in most of the battles west of the Mississippi and in many of those east of the river, besides engaging in numerous raids and scouts. He served under such distinguished leaders as Generals Grant, Steele, Davidson, Sheridan, Custer and Pleasanton and was several times promoted for meritorious conduct. He was never wounded, although he had three horses shot under him. 3o6 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. In 1867. liis oldest brother having died, James A. Campbell sncceeded him in the drug- business at Oskaloosa, Iowa, but the following fall sold his interest in the store to his partner and became a traveling representative for a wholesale drug house in Chicagb. with which he continued until the fall of 1871, when he came to Severance. Kansas, and established a drug store in connection with his brother, Archibald, whose interest he afterward pur- chased. He then conducted the enterprise alone, with one brief interruption, until June, 1891, when he took in Dr. C. F. McCormick as a partner and afterward sold out to him. on July i, 1899, and purchased the interest of Grant Cullimore in the drug business of Pyle & Cullimore, of Hiawatha, Kansas. They have a well-appointed store, completely stocked with everything found in a first-class establishment of the kind, and their patronage is large and well deserved. Mr. Campbell has not only enlisted in the drug business in Hiawatha, but he has purchased a fine residence, moved his family into it and became a bona fide resident of the city. He still owns his Severance prop- erty and owns a thousand good acres of Kansas land. Mr. Campbell has been twice married. On the 24th of June, 1868, he married Miss Belle J. Fletcher, who died April 3, 1869, and on the 24th of December, 1874, he married Miss MaryE. Scott, a native of Pennsylvania, who had been engaged in teaching in Kansas. Four children have been born to them: William T., Blanche M., James A., Jr., and Mary Belle. In his political affiliations Mr. Campbell is a Republican and while resid- ing in Severance held a number of public offices. He was elected the mayor of the town and for many years was a justice of the peace of Wolf River township. He was also the postmaster at Severance from June, 1889, until November, 1892, when he resigned, having been elected to represent his dis- trict in the legislature. For that office he received a majority of ten hundred and fifty, running far ahead of his ticket, and was a member of what will henceforth be known as the memorable legislature of 1893, he having, not- withstanding his immense majority, been one of those whose seats were dis- puted. He was again nominated and elected in 1894 and served during the session of 1895. He has always taken an active interest in political affairs and labors earnestly to secure the adoption of the principles in which he so firmly believes. Mr. Campbell is recognized as one of the most prominent secret society men in the state. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows and of the Encampment; not only has he filled all the chairs in the subordinate and grand lodges, but he is also a past grand master and a past grand representative. As a Freemason he is a member of Severance Lodge, No. 313 ; Troy Chapter, No. 16, R. A. Mi, and of Hiawatha Commandery, No. 13, K. T., and is a past chancellor of Severance Lodge, No. 21 1, K. of P., and past post commander of Severance Post, No. 191, G. A. R. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 307 As a public officer lie has been encouraging, obliging and thoroughly capable, and these facts have not lacked recognition on the part of the people who have accorded them due consideration. His popularity in the community is unmistakable and he is clearly entitled to consideration in this work as one of the representative citizens of northeastern Kansas. CHARLES P. BUTLER. Charles Pardee Butler, the proprietor of Cedar Hill farm, in Center town- ship, Atchison county, is acknowledged by all to be one of the progressive agriculturists of this locality. His extensive business transactions have made his name a familiar one to people throughout this section of the west. Lideed the Butlers have borne a representative part in the history of Kansas and always have been noted for the active interest which they have taken in all movements for the uplifting of humanity. The father of our subject, Rev. Pardee Butler, came here in pioneer days and, being a strong abolitionist, the influence which he exerted on behalf of the slave cannot justly be estimated. Suffice it to say that on that subject as in all others his opinions carried great weight with the public, and his noble, self-sacrificing Christian life commanded the respect of all who knew him, even of those who were bitterly opposed to him politically. For many years he carried on a farm in this county and there he reared three of his children to maturity, training them in upright principles and in loyalty toward God and their fellow men. Four of his children have been called to the better land and those who survive are: Charles P. ; George C, a resident of Pardee, Atchison county; and Rosetta B.. the wife of the Rev. Z. S. Hastings, of Effingham, Kansas. The birth of Charles Pardee Butler occurred upon the parental home- stead in this county April 10, 1858. His boyhood passed uneventfully, his time being occupied in the work and plaj' and study common to country lads. After completing his district-school education he had the privilege of attending Drake University, where he pursued the higher branches of learning. Return- ing then to his old home he resumed the calling for \\\nc\\ he has always had a special aptitude, farming and stock raising. Cedar Hill farm, the fine property now owned b)' j\Ir. Butler, comprises four hundred and twenty-five acres of land, all in one body. A specialty is made of high grade coach horses and red polled cattle, a fine variety being kept for sale at all times. Large, well-built barns afiford ample accommodation for the stock and crops and other improvements add to the \alue of the place. 3o8 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. The marriage of Charles P. Butler and Miss Mary M. Wright, daughter of the Rev. S. F. Wright, a minister of the Christian church, was solemnized in the village of Pardee, Kansas, on the 4th of January, 1893. Mrs. Butler, who possesses qualities which endear her to every one, was reared to woman- hood in an ideal home, her parents, Rev. S. F. and Charlotte (Rule) Wright, natives of Illinois and Scotland, respectively, having been noble Christian people, whose lofty principles were inherited bv their children. In the prime of life Mr. Butler carries into all of his undertakings an enthusiasm and strength of purpose which rarely fails to bring success. Broad and liberal in his views and frank and genial in manner, he is one of the most popular citizens of his community. His ballot is deposited in favor of the men and measures of the Republican party and for three terms he acted in the capacity of township treasurer. The Christian church of Farmington has no more earnest worker and member and for years he has been specially interested in the Sunday school department, and his wife and family are communicants of the church. They have four children, viz. : Sumner F., Sybil, Maud and Oliver, and they have an adopted daughter, Matie. HENRY McLENON. Doubly entitled to representation in the roll of honor of his state and country is Henry McLenon, a venerable citizen of Benton township, for he not only made a brave fight as a pioneer but, moreover, for three years gallantly served in the defense of the Union during the C'wW war. He has had the pleasure of beholding the transformation of these wild, uncultivated wastes into beautiful farms, of seeing flourishing villages, schools and churches dot the landscape and well-kept, convenient public highways replace the irregular trails and unbroken prairie of less than half a century ago. In all of these greats works of civilization he has nobly done his part and no one in his com- munity is more highly regarded. A son of William and Margaret (Cunningham) McLenon, our subject was born in the neighborhood of Belfast, Ireland, in 182 1. He had but one brother. Daniel, and his only sister, Jane, has passed to her reward. In his youth Henry McLenon learned the weaver's trade and for several years he worked at the loom. At length he decided to come to the United States and, in 1851, he bade adieu to the land of his birth. At Manchester, England, he and his family took passage for the United States, where they arrived after a tedious voyage of nearly four weeks. At first they located in Ohio, there mak- ing their home until 1857, when they came to Kansas. Mrs. McLenon, whose BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 309 maiden name was Mary Ann Dillon, departed this life when sixty-four years of age. Their four children are George O., William H.. Mrs. Ellen Graham, and Mrs. Jennie Faukhaull. After the death of his first w-ife Mr. McLenon married Belle Boatwright, and three children have blessed their union, namely : Henry L., Charles Stewart Parnell and lunnia. As just stated, Mr. McLenon and family cast in their lot with the pioners of northeastern Kansas forty-three years ago. He now owns a fine farm of two hundred and sixty acres, improved with substantial house and buildings and other accessories of a model modern country home. One of the most attractive' features of the place is the splendid orchard and a fine grove of black walnut and maple trees. Mr. McLenon possesses good taste, and has indulged his inborn love of trees and shrubbery to the great improvement of his farm. In all of his business relations his course has been marked by justice and sterling integrity, and all of his neighbors and acquaintances speak of him in high terms of praise. Although nearing four-score years, he is strong and vigorous, giving promise of many years of usefulness and happiness. When the land of his love and adoption was passing through the fiery ordeal of the war of the Rebellion, Mr. McLenon volunteered his services, and enlisted in Company D, Thirteenth Kansas Infantry. From September, 1862, until the close of the war, he was ever at his post of duty, watchful and faith- ful to the least of his tasks as well as to the greatest. At one time, while engaged in a skirmish with some of General Price's troopers, he fell into the hands of the enemy, and very nearly lost his life. He is a loyal member of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to Lancaster Post. Politically he is affiliated with the Republican party. JOHN MURRAY. For nearly thirty years John Murray has been a resident of Lancaster township, Atchison county, and during this period no one here has been moro thoroughly interested in the development of northeastern Kansas. First of al.1 he is a patriot and comes from a family of patriots. Among his near relatives the records show at least five of his name who have offered their lives to this, their beloved, country. His father's brother was a hero of the war of 1812 and our subject and three of his brothers fought for the preservation of .the Union in the war of the Rebellion, one of the brothers giving his life to the cause. The same public spirit and loyalty to state and native land which characterized them has ever been manifested, both in peace and in war, by the subject of this article. 3IO BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Robert Murray, the father of our subject, was born in Washington county. Pennsylvania, his parents being Neal and Mary Ann (Brown) Murray. In his youth Robert Murray learned the trade of stone mason, which calHng he pursued during his active life. He chose for a wife Miss Jane Anderson, a native of the same state and a daughter of Francis Anderson. Politically Mr. Murray was affiliated with the Whig party, and both he and his wife were members of the United Presbyterian church. He was summoned to his reward at his old home in the Keystone state when he was seventy-six years of age, and his wife was seventy years old at the time of her death. They were the parents of six sons and six daughters. Four of the sons, as stated above, were soldiers in the Union army. Robert, who enlisted as a member of the Si.xty- third Pennsylvania Infantry, was killed while on duty at a fort in Petersburg, Virginia. Neal, who was a lieutenant in the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, later, on account of sickness, resigned, returned home , raised another company and as first lieutenant went out again in the Twenty-second Iowa Infantry. He is now living in Jasper, Iowa. Joseph E.. who served with the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, resides in Varona, Pennsylvania. Francis has been in the employ of the United States government on a boat running on the Ohio river. Mrs. Margaret Glenn, the only surviving daughter of Robert Murray, lives at Holton, Kansas. The birth of John Murray took place in .Mlegheny county, Pennsylvania, October i, 1831. In his native state he learned the millwright's trade and in 1854 came to the west, settling in Jasper county. Iowa. In i860 he crossed the plains to Pike's Peak. Colorado, and was there engaged in the lumber business for about two years. Returning to Iowa he enlisted in the Ninth Iowa Cavalry, luider the command of Captain O. C. Howe. After serving with fidelity and marked bravery at iiis post of duty for three years he was hon- orably discharged at Little Rock, Arkansas, in February, 1866. Subsequently he returned to the Keystone state, where he continued to make his home for nine years. In 1875 he came to Kansas and located upon his present home- stead in Lancaster township. He has made good improvements upon the farm and has placed it under a high state of cultivation. The marriage of Mr. Murray and Letitia Callender was solemnized in Jasper county, Iowa, in 1861. She was a native of Pennsylvania and a daugh- ter of James and Sarah Callender. Of the eigiit chiKlren liorn to our sul)ject and wife four are living. James Grant is a niemiier of tlie firm of Murray Brothers, dealers in wood and coal. He was first married to Lou Da\id, who died, leaving two children, John and Bertha, and later he wedded Fannie Stoner; Frank G., who was also connected with the firm of Murray Brothers, married Ida Haney, and their children are named, respectively, John, Minnie and Paul, and he died March 24, 1900; Ora Jane, who became the wife of BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 311 John Cormode; Ellen M., wife of H. M. Hawk, of Center township, was engaged in teaching before her marriage ; and Maggie May. the yonngest of the family, lives at home. Four of our subject's children have passed to the better land, namely: Frank G., R. Simpson. Thomas Edgar and Joseph B. In his political faith Mr. Murray is a stanch Republican. He has served his community as township trustee for some time and was the township assessor for a period of three years. One of the charter members of Jack Judy Post, No. 275, G. A. R.. he has acted in the capacity of adjutant and post com- mander. With his wife and two of his children he belongs to the United Presbvterian church. GEORGE McLENOX. The beautiful Emerald Isle has furnished to the United States thousands of her best Protestant sons and daughters and among these is numbered the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. His birth occurred in the vicinity of the city of Belfast, Ireland, July 3, 1850, and he was a small boy when he was brought to this country. He is a son of Henry McLenon, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume. In his boyhood he attended the public schools and at an early age his judicious father began training him in the duties of the agriculturist, and ere he had reached maturity he was fully competent to manage a farm. After his marriage he settled upon a tract of eighty acres of wild land and, aided by his wife, he has prospered in his undertakings. When he had reduced his land to the proper condition for cultivation he proceeded to improve the place, and in the course of time was enabled to add to his original purchase other property adjoining it. At this writing he owns four hundred acres, on which abundant crops are raised each season. The commodious house and barns, the fine orchard and groves all add materially to the beauty and desirability of the homestead, which is considered to be one of the most valuable in the neighborhood, — in the county, in fact. Keeping a large num- ber of horses and other live stock. Mr. McLenon feeds all of the grain and hay raised on his farm and deri\es a good income from the cattle and hogs which he sells annually. The marriage of Mr. McLenon and Jennie M. Glenn, of this township, took place in 1881. She was born in Pennsylvania and is the only daughter of A. \\'. Glenn, one of the respected early settlers in Atchison county. He and his estimable wife, who was Miss Maggie Murray in her girlhood, reside in Holton, Jackson county, Kansas. They ha\'e four sons, all of whom are successful young men with bright prospects before them. The two sons of Mr. McLenon, Henry Alexander and William Xeal, aged 312 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. eighteen and fifteen years, respectively, are of much assistance to liiin in the general work of his large farm. In accordance with their parents' earnest wishes they are paying strict attention to the task of gaining a liberal educa- tion and this, together with their systematic home training, will render them competent to enter upon the battle of life and to win the same measure of success which has crowned their father's efforts. For twenty-two years the senior McLenon has served as a member of the local school board, a fact which eloquently tells of the deep interest he feels in the education of the young. Politically he is a Republican and socially he belongs to the Modern Wood- men of America. With his wife and sons he attends the Presbyterian church at Lancaster. He is an elder and is an active and valued worker in the Sun- day school. Briefly, it may be said, and truly, that he occupies a position in the community that could not easily be filled, for his influence and means are ever on the side of morality and everything which is of permanent benefit to his fellow men. WALTER R. BRAXT. Walter Robert Brant, deceased, was an enterprising and successful farmer of Robinson township. Brown county. By his death, which occurred in 1896, the community lost one of its valued and representative citizens. His father, William Brant, was born in Nassau, Germany, in 1823. Having arrived at years of maturity he wedded Sarah Schoen, whose birth occurred in Alsace-Lorraine. Their marriage, however, took place in Huron county, Ohio, where the father carried on agricultural pursuits for many years. On leaving the Buckeye state he came to Kansas, locating in Brown county, where he and his wife are still living. This worthy couple became the parents of three children: Walter R. ; Mary, the wife of George Morley, of Highland, Kansas; and Addie, the wife of Fred Pierce, of Missouri. Walter R. Brant was born in Huron county, Ohio, February 3, 1859, and pursued his education in the country schools of that locality. He then began work as a farm hand in Ohio and was thus employed until his removal to Kansas, about the time when he attained his majority. He also worked as a farm hand in this state for a time, until he was enabled to begin farming for himself. When he had acquired some capital he purchased a quarter-section of land in Brown county and successfully carried on farming until the time of his death. He was industrious and energetic and his business ability enabled him to acquire a handsome competence. In 1895 he erected in Robinson a modern and commodious residence, which is now occupied by his parents and his widow. ^htiy ^^ '^!^^t^,q^^iZc«..>^.^^^^^*p^ BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 313 On the 9th of March, 1886, Mr. Brant was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Streib, a daughter of George Streib, who was one of the leading farm- ers of Wolf River township, Doniphan county. Four children blessed their union, but George, the eldest, is now deceased. The others are Myrtie, who was born in 1888; John, born in 1891 ; and Mary, born in 1895. Mr. Brant was a man of strong purpose and of great activity in business.. Indolence and idleness were utterly foreign to his nature and it seemed that he could not do too much to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of his family. For several months prior to his death he suffered from stomach trouble and on the 6th of April, 1896, his life's labors were ended. He had the respect of all who knew him and his death was therefore deeply mourned. Mrs. Brant with her children and her parents occupy their pleasant home in Robinson, highly esteemed by her many friends there. WILLIAM H. McLENON. William H. McLenon, one of the prominent agriculturists of Lancaster township, Atchison county, has risen to this distinction within the past few years and deserves great credit for his enterprise and general good citizenship. His neighbors and friends, many of whom have known him since he was a child, repose high confidence in him, knowing that he never betrays a trust and always strives to do the right. He may justly be termed a self-made man, for his possessions, all of which have been acquired within the past score of years, have come to him by his own industry and correct business methods and his example is well worthy of emulation. Our subject is a son of Henry McLenon, of whom a biography is given in this volume. The birth of William H. McLenon occurred in Ohio in 1854. He was less than three years old when he was brought to this county and in his boyhood he attended the district schools of this locality. In his studies he made commendable progress and for several terms he was successfully engaged in teaching in this county. At the age of twenty-six years he was married and brought his bride to his humble, though comfortable home. The previous year he had purchased a tract of wild land, some one hundred and twenty acres, and vi'ithin a few years he instituted numerous important changes upon the place. Later he bought more land and now his homestead comprises two hundred and eighty acres, all under good cultivation. A beautiful grove and orchard, well-kept house and barn and other improvements render this one of the most attractive country homes in the county. In 1880 occurred the marriage of Mr. McLenon and Mary E. Potter, a 314 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. daughter of Tinsley Potter, wliose biography appears elsewhere in this work. Mrs. McLenon was born and grew to womanliood in this county, receiving a liberal education. Two children bless the union of our subject and wife, namely : Elsie M. and Edna R. The parents are members and active workers in the Christian church, Mr. McLenon being an elder and teacher in the Sunday school. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern NV'oodmen of America and politically he is a stalwart Republican. HENRY L. WHITAKER. Henry L. Whitaker, respected and honored as one of the sterling early settlers of Atchison county, now makes his home in the thriving town of Lan- caster, wdiere he has identified himself with all of its enterprises. Great changes have taken place in this section of the west since he first beheld it and as the years have rolled aw^ay he has energetically sought to perform his duty as a citizen and patriot. The birth of H. L. Whitaker took place in ALissachusetts July 24. 1838. His grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812 and his father. Lyman Whitaker, a successful merchant, died in 1852, aged forty years. He left Mrs. Emeline Whitaker and three children, — Henry L., B. F. and Fred. Subse- quently the mother went to Illinois with her sons, whom she reared with loving care and wisdom. For a number of years she taught school and, being a woman of good education and genuine business ability, made a success of the undertaking. Being the eldest son much of the responsibility of the family fell to our subject in his youth. His brothers both enlisted as orderly sergeants in the Union army during the Civil war, — B. F. in the Tenth Kansas Infantry, who was subsequently promoted to a captaincy, and is a resident of Washington at the present time ; and Fred also lives in the west. After completing his education in the common schools Henry L. Whitaker obtained a position in a machine shop with Foster & Merriam. The western fever, which had such a strong hold over the public during the '50s, took posses- sion of the young, ambitious man, and when an opportunity presented itself whereby he might remove with his own team with Rev. Pardee Butler to this state he gladly accepted it. Accordingly he made the long, tedious journey from Mount Sterling, Illinois, across the state of Missouri, arriving here in Decem- ber, 1856. Later he returned to Illinois and in 1857 again came to Kansas, in order to secure a claim of land for his widowed mother. .He had some trouble in doing this, as "claim-jumpers" were numerous and everything here was in an extremely unsettled condition. The so-called "border ruffians" BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 315 were rampant, and for several years the feeling between the slavery supporters and the abolitionists was intense. Locating in Atchison county as a permanent resident, Mr. Whitaker began the improvement of his land and for about a quarter of a century gave his exclusive attention to agriculture. As the result of his labors he now owns four hundred acres of valuable land, improved Avith well-built house and barns and other needful accessories of a model coun- try place of the period. In 1881 Mr. Whitaker resolved to enter the mercantile field of enterprise and for the ensuing nine years he was successfully engaged in running a hardware store in Atchison. In 1890 he removed his stock to Lancaster and, in partnership with his son, Harry, opened a hardware store there, where he is yet a resident and business man. In his political views he is a Republican, actively interested and fully posted, in the great issues of the day. He has served as a justice of the peace for twelve years and for a number of terms held the office of township trustee. Socially he belongs to Lancaster Lodge. ^^o- 355- I- O. O. F. Denver and Laramie City were small mining camps when he first visited them and the progress which the entire west has made within a few decades appears marvelous to him, as to every one who has so closely watched its development. The marriage of Mr. Whitaker and Harriet Merriam, a daughter of Salmon Merriam, occurred in Warren county, Illinois, in 1857. She was born in Meriden, Connecticut, and is the mother of nine children, namely: Lyman, of Grand Junction, Colorado; Frank, of Nortonville, Kansas; Emma, the wife of Charles Tate, of Pardee, Kansas; May, the wife of H. Berry, of Lancaster, Kansas ; Joseph, who is managing the homestead ; Harry, a partner in the hardware business; Hattie, the wife of Frank Hursh. of Blackwell, Oklahoma ; John Todd, who carries on a farm in Center township ; and Salmon Arthur, also a member of the hardware firm. Mrs. Whitaker, like her husband, is highly esteemed by all who know her and is a member of the Methodist church. PETER N. MULLER. Peter N. Muller, as his name implies, is of German extraction and pos- sesses the fine, stable qualities of his sterling Teutonic ancestors. In the prime of manhood he brings to bear upon all of his undertakings a strong purpose to succeed and that genuine ability that rarely fails of attaining its goal. Loyal to the land of his birth and active in the support of its government and insti- tutions, he is a model of American patriotism and is well deserving of a place in the annals of Atchison, his native county. 3i6 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. His father, Peter Muller, was born in Germany and came to tlie United States when a yoiuig man, beHeving that lie might have better opportnnities for making a liveHhood and position here than in the more crowded centers of European civilization. Fortune brought him to Kansas and in Atchison county he was employed by the government as a teamster on the plains. He married Lizzie Xewton. a native of Iowa, and four children were born to them : One who died in infancy ; Jane, now living in \\'inchester, Kansas ; ^Irs. Dora Brosig, of Holton, Kansas; and Peter N., of this sketch. He was born January 4, 1871, and was a small child when death deprived him of his mother's loving care. Consequently he was reared in the household of John Wagner, the administrator of the Muller estate. \\'hen he had reached a suitable age he commenced attending the district schools and managed to gain a liberal business education. For some time after leaving school he was employed as a farm hand. By diligence and economy he laid aside a portion of his earnings and at length invested the amount in a farm. He now owns a quarter-section of land in Benton township and is constantly making improve- ments upon the place, which has many natural advantages. Ever since he attained his majority ]Mr. Muller has given liis ballot to the nominees of the Republican party, as he firmly believes in its policy. In all of his labors and trials and joys he finds an earnest helpmate and friend in the person of his wife, whose destinies were united with his own on the 8th of ^larcli, 1899. Her maiden name was Tillie M. Stewart and her former home was Effingham, where she was reared, receiving good educational advantages. MARK D. SXYDER. This gentleman is a well-known agriculturist of Atchison county, living in Benton township, where he owns a fine farm of two hundred acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. Its well tilled fields, excel- lent improvements and substantial buildings all indicate the careful super- vision of the owner and class him among the practical and progressive farmers of this section of the state. Mr. Snyder is one of the native sons of the county, born November 2, 1858. His father was Hon. S. J. H. Snyder, who through the early period of Kansas' development was a leading actor in the events which form the history of the commonwealth. He was born in Washington county, Maryland. Feb- ruary 7, 181 2, and died in Monrovia, Atchison county, November 28, 1873, at the age of sixty-one years and nine months. In 1820 he accompanied his father on the removal to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he pursued his edu- BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. 317 cation. He spent three montlis during tliree winters in the district scliools and about two weeks in a graded school in Canton. Ohio, making nine months and a half in all; but broad experiences in the affairs of life, an observing eye and a retentive memory- made him a well informed man. Between 1830 and 1833, almost entirely unaided he cleared a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of heavily timbered land. In 1838 he married Susan Winkelpleck, purchased a tract of timber land and continued its cultivation until 1848. On the morning of the thirty-sixth anniversary of his birth his wife died, leaving him with three small children. To escape from his crushing grief he sold all he had, placed his children with families in the neighborhood and traveled four thou- sand miles, mostly on foot. Later he secured a helpmeet for himself and a mother for his children through his marriage to Eliza Fisher. He followed nine of his children to the grave, while seven survived him, and thus his lot was one intermingled with sadness. In 1852 he removed to Indiana and in 1854 took up his abode at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. From that time until his death Mr. Snyder was a resident of the Sun- flower state and experienced all the trials, hardships and dangers shared by those who opposed the introduction of slavery into the territor}'. On the morning of the 4th of May, 1854. he made the first legal claim ever entered in Kansas, comprising the land upon which the southern part of the city of Leavenworth now stands, and then returned to Indiana for his family. When he again arrived in this state he found his claim gone and the border ruffians in possession of the entire country! He was driven from the polls at the first election held in the territory on account of his free-soil principles. Two other claims which he bought were wrested from him by a pro-slavery squatter court, his life was threatened and he sought refuge in an unsettled part of the state, where the towai of Monrovia is now located. He was elected to the first "free-state" legislature, but was indicted for treason and taken captive by the South Carolinians. It was a time when no man with free-state views could secure justice, but as the years passed law and order resumed their reign and justice was once more enthroned. In 1862 Mr. Snyder was elected to the legislature and subsequently served for two terms in the house and one in the senate, filline the positions with distinction and leaving the impress of his strong character and love of right upon the legislation of the state. Mr. Snyder was a devoted Christian and was one of the organizers of the first Lutheran church organization in the state. — at Monrovia. — of which he remained a faithful member until his death. He was enthusiastic in the Sun- day school cause and his love for children caused him to have great influence over them in leading them to a knowledge of truth and of Christianity. He wrote two very interesting Sunday school books. — "The Lost Children" and "Scenes in the Far A\'est." and at the time of his death \\as engaged in the 3iS BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. preparation of a work entitled "The Evidences of Cliristianity." His influence was ever in behalf of the betterment of mankind and liis Cliristianity was of that practical kind which introdnces lielpfnlness, kindness and forbearance into our daily lives. To his family he left the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. The chiklren who survived him were: ^^Irs. Anna Berntlt, now of Mexico : John H.. who is engaged in the real estate business in San Diego. Cali- fornia ; Sarah, the wife of D. H. Dunn, of Atchison county : Marcus D. ; Cora E. Shiflet. of Atchison county; Susan, deceased wife of A. Keck, licr deatli having occurred in Trinidad. Colorado; and Mrs. Angie Conley. who died in Leavenworth. Kansas. Mrs. Snyder died August 30, 1895. ^^ '''^^ ''^t> of sixty-seven years. She was a member of the Lutheran church and a most estimable ladv. M. D. Snyder, whose name introduces this review, was liorn. reared and educated in Atchison county. He was only fifteen years of age at the time of his father's death, after which he remained with his mother, assisting in the work of the farm. He was married November 30. 1881. to Miss Helen M. Maxfield. of Atchison, who was born in Henry county. Illinois, a daughter of David and Anna (Freeze) Maxfield. Her mother died when Mrs. Snyder was only nine years of age. leaving seven children. Her father now resides in Kansas City, Kansas. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have been born four chil- dren, namely: Elsie Ann, who is now a student in the higli school; John H.. Mark B. and Mildred Auburn, who are also in school. The family resides upon one of the fine farms of Atchison countv and the property has been acquired entirely through the efforts of Mr. Snyder, whose life has been a busy and useful one and whose success in business is the merited reward of his own labors. He gi\es his }X)litical support to the Repub- lican party, but has never been an aspirant for office. He and his family attend the services of the Lutheran church and lie is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. HON. JOHN B. HAMXER. The Hon, John Benton Hamner is one of the best known citizens of Atchison county, where he has resided almost forty-five years. In his early manhood he passed through the hardships and untold privations of the fron- tiersman and fully realizes what it means to locate in a wild, undevelopetl region, to contend with the obstacles placed in the way of success by nature, who yields her untlisputed sway most grudgingly and smiles only upon those of the utmost hardihood and bravery of spirit. Mr. Hamner was fortunately endowed with a liberal supply of pluck and enterprise, as well as with a strong, rugged constitution, well calculated to BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 319 withstand trials which fall to the pioneer's lot. His grandfather, James Ham- ner, who was a native of Kentucky, was one of the early settlers of that state, and his father, John Hamner, was one of the forerunners of civilization in Missouri. The grandfather served as a soldier in the war of 1812. The father of our subject was born and reared in Kentucky, there marrying Matilda Sprowl. a native of Tennessee. They moved to Indiana, where they lived for some time, and in 1845 located in Buchanan county, Missouri. Five years later they purchased a farm in the same county, the site of the now thriv- ing city of St. Joseph. Subsequently they crossed the Missouri river and thenceforward were identified with the development of Atchison county. The father died in 1861 at Mann's Grove, Kansas, and Is survived by his wife, who is seventy-eifrht years of age. Politically he was a Democrat and religiously both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South. The brothers and sisters of our subject were named as follows : Mrs. Margaret Jane Howard ; Thomas Franklin ; Mrs. Sarah E. White, whose home is near Fort Scott. Indian territory; William B.. of California; Mrs. Julia Ann Peebles, of Jefferson county, Kansas ; Mrs. Nancy Catherine Wal- ters, of Kansas City ; and A. Lincoln, who was born on the day that President Lincoln first took the oath as chief executive of the United States. The birth of John Benton Hamner took place near Columbus, Bartholo- mew county. Indiana, July 5, 1842, and was reared as a farmer's boy, early learning the lessons of industry which have been of paramount imi»rtance in his mature years. He was thirteen years old when, on the 5th of June, 1855, he came to Atchison countN-, which he has since looked upon as his home. As may be expected, his educational opportunities at that day were extremely meager, though for some time he attended a district school in Missouri and also for a few months after coming to Kansas. As every student of history knows, eastern Kansas was a battle-field of contending factions prior to and during the Civil war, and Mr. Hamner distinctly remembers numerous occur- rences fraught with intense danger and interest to friends or acquaintances of his in that stormy period. He was a witness of the placing of the Rev. Parde;i Butler, a noted anti-slavery agitator, upon a frail raft which was launched upon the torrents of the Missouri river by a mob of people at Atchison. In his young manhood Mr. Hamner traveled extensively throughout the west and made three trips across the plains. He visited Salt Lake City, Vir- ginia City. Denver and other points when they were tiny mining camps, and on one occasion. June 10, 1863. he was with a train which was intercepted by a band of Indians near Denver. After a brave resistance on the part of the white men the latter made their escape, glad to save their lives, and the red- skins were the richer by some twenty head of horses, eighteen mules and property valued at about five thousand dollars. 320 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. More than a score of years ago Mr. Hamner purchased his present home- stead, the land then being wild. He has since reduced it to cultivation, plant- ing twenty acres of it with orchards, while the remainder, one hundred and forty acres, is kept for the raising of crops and for pasture land. Good improvements and farm buildings make this one of the best farms in Kapioma township. Industry and well-applied business principles have wrought out success for the proprietor, who is deservedly popular with all who know him. His marriage took place in the Centennial year, his bride being Sarah Ann Hale, a native of Louisiana, Lawrence county, Kentucky. Her parents, Ira and Rebecca (Goodwin) Hale, were both also of the Blue Grass state. They came to Atchison county in 1854, took up a claim here and were among the first settlers of this county. He built a saw-mill, where was cut the lumber used in the construction of the first house erected on the site of Atchison. Mr. Hale died in El Dorado, Butler county, Kansas, in 1886, having survived his wife about twenty years, as her death took place September 3, 1866. She left six children to mourn her loss and three of the number have joined her in the better land. James E. Hale now resides in Neosho, Wilson county, Kan- sas, and Londilla is the wife of J. A. Hubbard, of Arrington, Kansas. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hamner, one died in infancy. Walter, now living in Pueblo, Colorado, lost his wife, and their two children, Arthur and Mildred, are with their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Hamner. The younger children of this worthy couple are named Wayne, Florence, Wallace, Mark, Belle and George. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist church and are sincere friends to the causes of religion and education. In 1889 Mr. Hamner was chosen by his fellow citizens to represent Kapioma township as a trustee, and also in 1890, and well did he meet the obligation thus imposed. He has ever been faithful to the interests of the majority, as he believes, and possesses the respect of even his political opponents. OLIVER M. BARTLO\\\ For the past seventeen years Oliver M. Bartlow engaged in the livery business at Everest, in 1882 and in 1895 came to Horton, as the proprietor of a livery and feed stable, and his' close application, energy and straightforward dealing has secured to him a liberal patronage and made him one of the pros- perous men of the town. He was born in Campbell county, Kentucky, in 1855, a son of Raleigh D. Bartlow, whose birth occurred in Campbell county, Ken- tucky. Having arrived at years of maturity, the father married Miss Eliza- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 321 beth Carmack. and afterward removed to Brown county, Kansas. His wife died in 1861, but he long survived her. passing away in March, 1897, at the age of seventy-seven years. PoHtically he was a Repubhcan and in his rehgious behef was a Methodist, long connected with a church of that denomi- nation. In his family were six children, namely: Granville M., Minerva, Mildred, Eliza, Oliver M. and Sarah. Upon the old home farm the subject of this review was reared, and through the summer months he assisted in the work of the fields, while after the crops were harvested in the autumn he pursued his education in the district schools of the neighborhood. At the age of twenty-two years he married, at Pierce Junction, Brown county, Kansas, Miss Anna Fowler, a native of Ohio and a daughter of J. Fowler, who died in the Buckeye state. Three children have graced their union, namely : Oliver Tabner, George C. and Goldie M. Since 1886 Mr. Bartlow has engaged in the livery business in Horton. He keeps a large line of stylish turnouts and a stable of good horses. His wide experience in business, together with his energy, courteous manner and Avell known reliability have made his livery stable popular with many and he is justly recognized as one of the most enterprising business men of the city. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, keeps well informed on the issues of the day and is very earnest in his advocacy of the principles of his party. He is also a valued mem- ber of the Modern Woodmen's society. CHARLES M. RATHBURN. One of the best known and most popular railroad men in Kansas is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch and who is the superintendent of all the Missouri Pacific lines north of Kansas City, and formerly the general superintendent of the Kansas City, Wyandotte & Northern, with headquarters in Atchison. Charles M. Rathburn was born August 24, 1846, in Lower Horton, Nova Scotia, where his mother, who was a Boston woman, was visiting her husband's relatives. His parents w-ere William and Margaret Fuller Rath- burn, the former of whom was born in Nova Scotia, of English descent. He was brought up on a farm, working in summer and attending school in the winter until he was fourteen years old, when he went to Woburn, Massachu- setts, a suburb of Boston, and began work in his stepfather's carriage factory as a blacksmith's helper. He remained there until the commencement of the Civil war, when, although only a mere lad of sixteen, he enlisted in the Twelfth 322 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Massachusetts Infantry, of which regiment a son of Daniel Webster was tlie colonel. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and he' served for nearly three years as a private, at the end of that time becoming a hospital steward of the regular army, a position for which he had fitted him- self by special study. He did service in this capacity in Virginia, in Chicago and in Columbus. Ohio. When his duties as a soldier were ended lie went into the employ of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, at Aurora, Illinois, acting at various times as timekeeper in the shops, clerk in the store and car depart- ments, car repairer and car builder and chief clerk of the track department. From 1874 to 1878 he was the auditor of the National Life Insurance Com- pany, with headquarters at Chicago. In 1878 he removed to Topeka and was the chief clerk of the transportation department of the Santa Fe for three years. He was then appointed assistant superintendent and later superin- tendent, with headquarters at La Junta, Colorado. He came to Atchison in 1888 from Santa Fe and has since occupied his present position. He is also the president of the Atchison Union Depot & Railroad Company. He has about nine hundred miles of road to look after and performs his onerous duties with accuracy and dispatch. To fill acceptably such a responsible office as that which Mr. Rathburn holds requires keen perception, ripe judgment, a cool head, strong will and untiring energy. It is to the possession of these qualities that his steady advancement is due, while his genial manner and considerate treatment of others has made him a host of warm friends. RICHARD G. GRIFFIN. Forty-one years have passed since Mr. Griffin came to Kansas and mar- velous have been the changes which have occurred in the commonwealth since that time. Kansas had not then taken on statehood and was still under terri- torial rule. With the growth and development of the northeastern portion of the state Mr. Griffin has been actively identified and at all times has been found a loyal and progressive citizen, true to the interests of the community with which he is connected. He was born sixty-seven years ago in Franklin county, Vermont, a son of William Griffin, whose birth occurred in the same county. The grandfather was David Griffin, of Irish lineage. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Jane Miller. She, too, was born in the Green Mountain state and was of French lineage. She died in her native state in 1847, after which the father removed to Scranton, Greene county, Iowa, where he died at the age of seventy-five years. He served as a soldier BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 323 in the Civil war, being a member of the Twelfth Illinois Infantry. By occupa- tion he was a farmer, following that pursuit in order to support his family, which included his wife and five children, namely: Richard, of this review; Levi, now deceased ; Charles, William and Louise. There was also one other child, who died in early life. After the death of his first wife the father was a second time married and had one child by that union. Richard G. Griffin, whose name introduces this review, was reared in the Green Mountain state and in early life learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for a number of years in the east. In 1857 he emigrated westward, hoping to benefit his financial condition in a region less thickly settled, believ- ing that the opportunities there afforded would be superior to those in the east. For two years he resided in Illinois and in 1859 he came to Kansas, locating in Brown county. During the Civil war he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting, in 1861, as a member of Company D, Eighth Kansas Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war in 1865. He was at Nashville, Tennessee, much of the time and on the expiration of the three- year term he veteranized and served for a time with the First Veteran Regi- ment of the United States Engineers. He was also on detached duty for a time and did valuable work for his country by building pontoon bridges, over w^hich the army was transported. With an honorable record for loyalty and faithfulness he returned to his home when the war was over and the country no longer needed his services. Mr. Griffin has since resided in Brown county and has been actively interested in its upbuilding and development. He married Mrs. Loey Rounds, who was born in Indiana and bore the maiden name of Terrill. She had nine children by her first marriage and by her second union had one son. Charles Griffin, who lives on a farm in Atchison county, Kansas, near Muscotah. The mother, who was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, died in May, 1896. On the loth of June, 1897, Mr. Griffin was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Molly Seymour, a widow of Rev. R. H. Sey- mour, who was a gallant officer in the civil war and a well known pioneer preacher in Kansas. Mrs. Griffin was born in New Albany, Indiana, a daugh- ter of S. C. Ramsey, also one of the loyal defenders of the Union during the civil war. He now lives in DesMoines, Iowa, but the mother has passed away, having died in Fremont county, Iowa, in November, 1880. Mrs. Griffin was reared in the Hawkeye state and acquired her education in its public schools. When she had attained to womanhood she gave her hand in marriage to Thomas Simpson, by whom she had two children : Mrs. Lotta McGinnis, of Powhattan, Kansas; and George, of Joplin, Missouri. At Alma, Kansas, Mrs. Simpson became the wife of Rev. R. H. Seymour, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, and to them were born two children, — Bessie May and 324 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Horatio; but the latter is now deceased. The father died April 27, 1885, i^i Sumner county, Kansas, since which time Mrs. Seymour has become the wife of Mr. Griffin. They own and occupy a good farm of forty acres in Hiawatha township, Brown county. The place is improved with a good residence, an orchard, substantial outliuildings and all the accessories of a model farm. Both Mr. and Mrs. Griffin are members of the Methodist church, and the former is a Republican in politics. They enjoy the high regard of many friends, being both widely and favorably known in the community. JOHN P. TROM PETER. Among the worthy citizens of Brown county of German birth is John P. Trompeter, and he possesses many of those characteristics which have made his countrymen a valuable addition to our nationality. He was born in Mach, b. Coeln, CJermany, on the 21st of July. 1842, and is a son of Henry and Mary Trompeter. nati\es of the same village. On leaving the Fatherland they crossed the .\tlantic to the new world and took up their abode in LaSalle county, Illinois, where they made a good home. They became residents of Peru and there it was that John P. Trompeter grew to manhood. The mother died in LaSalle county, in the faith of the Catholic church, in which she had been reared and of which she was a consistent communicant. Her death occurred at the age of fifty-four, and the father passed away in Kansas, when eighty- four years of age. He, too, was a member of the Catholic church and in politics was a Democrat. He made farming his life occupation and his well known industry and honest success placed him among the reliable citizens of the community in which he resided. John P. Trompeter was one of a family of ten children, nine sons and one daughter, and two of the sons were soldiers of the Union during the civil war, namely : John and Frank, the latter having been a member of the One Hun- dred and Fourth Regiment of Illinois \'olunteers. He is now living in Illinois. Mr. Trompeter, whose name introduces this record, was a lad of ten years when his parents left Germany and made the voyage across the Atlantic to the new world. He was reared in La Salle county. Illinois, and for some years worked in a flouring mill. He had begun his education in the schools of Germany and afterward attended night school in Peru. In his home he was taught lessons of honesty and industry and these have been salient features in his career in later life. In touch with libert}' and with a spirit of patriotism he responded to the country's call for troops in 1862, enlisting at the time President Lincoln asked for three hundred thousand men to aid in crushinc: BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 325 the rebellion of the south. He joined the "boys in blue"- of the One Hunilred and Fourth Illinois Infantry under the command of Captain Palmer and Col- onel Moore, and participated in a number of very important engagements, including the battles of Murfreesboro, Hartsville and others. He was taken prisoner, but was afterward paroled and exchanged, being stationed at Camp Douglas, Chicago, for some time prior to his exchange. When he agaiii enlisted he became a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Illinois Infantry, under the command of Captain Lyon, and was stationed for some time at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. At the close of the war he received an honorable :discharge and returned to La Salle county, Illinois, where he lived until 1878, the year of his arrival in Brown county, Kansas. Here he has since made his home and throughout the greater part of this time has been num- bered among the successful agriculturists of the community. Mr. Trompeter was married in LaSalle county, Illinois, in 1865. to Miss Mary Klein, a native of Germany and a daughter of Sebastian and Eva Klein, also natives of Germany. Her parents died in LaSalle county, however, and there Mrs. Trompeter spent much of her early life. By her marriage she has become the mother of fourteen children: Frances, now Mrs. Winters- deidt; George; Lizzie; Katie; Willie; Rose; Minnie; Oscar; Louisa; Ernest; Peter, who died at the age of nineteen years; Robert, who died at the age of seventeen years; Eva, who died at the age of eight years; and Otis, who died at the age of one year. The family reside upon a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres. It has all of the characteristics of a model farm of the twentieth century, being improved with a good residence, sub- stantial barn, a large orchard and well-tilled fields. To its cultivation Air. Trompeter devotes his time and energies and the fields yield to him good crops, whereby his income is largely augumented. He and his wife are mem- bers of the Catholic church and are representative people of the community. Air. Trompeter is a progressive and public-spirited citizen who withholds his support from no measure which he believes will prove of general good. He is a self-made man whose advancements in life has come through his own well-directed efforts, and he certainly deserves great credit from the fact that he has gained a leading jMsition among the farmers of his neigh- borhood. HENRY BODER, Jr. This gentleman is one whose success in life may be ascribed to positive, determined pursuit of business and to the fact that he is a man of honesty and integrity. He is the president of the Bank of Troy. Kansas, one of the most reliable institutions in the state and worthy the entire confidence of the public 326 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. which is so freely accorded to him. It was organized in 1870 by Louis and Henry Boder, Jr., and was conducted under tlie firm name of Boder Brothers until 1 89 1, when it was reorganized as the Bank of Troy, and Henry Boder, Jr., was made its president, which office he still holds. The capital stock is thirty thousand dollars and a large general banking business is carried on. Henry Boder, Jr., was born in Wayne county, Ohio, near Mount Eaton, January 28, 1837, a son of Henry and Annie (Perne) Boder, the former a native of Switzerland and the latter of France. His parents removed to New Orleans in 1840, to St. Louis in 1842, and to St. Joseph in 1844. At the latter place the father died February 18, 1888, and the mother July 3, 1854. His brother, Louis Boder, is now the president of the Merchants' Bank at St. Joseph. Missouri, and is a prosperous and esteemed citizen. The subject of this review obtained his education in the public schools of St. Joseph, and at a select school, and was si.xteen years of age when, in 1853, he was appointed assistant to the postmaster, Charles Dutzschky, of St. Joseph, where he remained for two years. He was next employed in the county clerk's office under Milton H. Wash, and in May, 1857, came to Troy to work in the office of James R. Whitehead, then county clerk, expecting to remain only a few weeks, Mr. Whitehead, however, having been appointed clerk of the United States district court by Judge Lecompte, and not wishing to give up the county clerk's office, appointed Mr. Boder his deputy to serve out his term. The latter was afterwards elected to the office in 1859, and in accordance with the territorial laws he also discharged the duties of registrar of deeds and clerk of the probate court. Subsequently Mr. Boder was elected clerk of the district court, under the state constitution, which position he held until 1865. In the latter year Mr. Boder engagal in the mercantile business in Troy, which he continued until 1870, when he organized the bank in connection with his brother Louis, as has been stated. Mr. Boder is known as one of the most careful and prudent business men in the state, never speculating or indulging in doubtful enterprises. There has never been a run on the bank, for depositors are confident that their money is safe and ready for them when they need it. Mr. Boder was married, in 1863, to Miss Anna E. Zimmerman, of Doni- phan county, a daughter of George T. Zimmerman, one of the pioneers of Kansas. Two children have been born of this union, Anna L., the wife of L. L. Strong, of St, Joseph, Missouri, and Henry L. The saddest event in the life of Mr. and Mrs. Boder was the death of their only son, Henry L., Janu- ary 16, 1899. He was a young man of unusual ability and great promise, and his loss was a severe blow to all who knew him. He was born in Troy, October 29, 1865, and his early education was obtained in the Troy schools. He subsequently spent two years in the State University, at Lawrence, and after- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 327 ward attended Ritner's Commercial College at St. Joseph. At the age of eighteen years he was made the cashier of the Bank of Troy, which responsible position lie held until his death. On the ist of November, 1891, he and others organized the Wathena State Bank, of which he was made the vice-president, and on the ist of November, 1892, he and others organized the Everest State Bank, of which also he was the vice-president until May 2^,, 1893, when he retired from the concern. He was a most etificient officer, an active, capable business man, well and favorably known and had a wide circle of friends. He was married, October 10, 1889, to Miss Etta V. Hutchinson, a lady of most estimable character and a daughter of Captain Perry Hutchinson, one of the oldest settlers and leading business men of Marysville, Kansas. Henry L. Boder was a member of Troy Lodge, F. & A. M., Troy City Lodge, L O. O. F., also the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Maccabees. Mr. Boder is a stanch Republican and is always ready to work in the interest of the party. For a number of years he served as mayor of the city, and his administration was highly commendatory. He is a member of Troy Lodge, No, 55, F. & A. M., and has passed all the chairs in the blue lodge. Personally Mr. Boder is one of the most genial of men, and although his time is fully occupied by the details of his large business interests he always finds time and opportunity to devote to those of his friends whose calls are of a purely social character. He is a thorough exemplification of the typical American business man and gentleman. JOHN A. JOHNSON. Besides the experiences of the pioneer, John Adams Johnson, an early set- tler, worthy citizen and retired farmer of Brown county. Kansas, living quietly at Everest, Washington township, in the closing years of his life, has had the exciting and various experiences of the California gold-seeker and those of a prospector for a home in Texas \\'hen Texas was popularly supposed to be just a little beyond the limits of civilization. Following is a brief account of his career, which has been both busy and useful, and has not been without material rewards of honesty and persistent endeavor. John Adams Johnson was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, February 19, 1825. a son of Henry Johnson, who was born at Baltimore, Maryland, in 1777, and died in Daviess county, Kentucky, in 1840. aged sixty-three years, and his wife, Elizabeth White, who died in Kentucky in 1872, aged seventy- seven. Besides the subject of this sketch, who was the youngest child, their children were William, who is dead; Elizabeth, who was the wife of Nathaniel 328 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Kimberlin and died in 1865 ; and Joel and Thomas, both of whom also are dead.- Henry Johnson was a shoemaker and had a brother who was a sea captain. In 1827, when he was two years old, John Adams Johnson was taken to Daviess cotinty, Kentucky, where he grew up and received a limited school- book education. At that time Daviess county was about as wild as Brown county, Kansas, was thirty-three years later, and Mr. Johnson was conse- quently experienced somewhat in frontier life before he reached Kansas. He left Kentucky in 1843, "^ company with Rev. George Pickel, a Baptist preacher, and went to Texas. They traveled over that state, stopped at Dallas, con- taining then only one house, tried farming and remained in that state two ' years. He returned to his native state and remained until 1849, when he went to Buchanan county, Missouri. Mr. Johnson volunteered his service in the Mexican war, but his com- pany was not accepted by the government and he spent the year 1849 farming in Missouri. In the spring of 1850 he joined an overland expedition for California. His party of twenty-three men left the Missouri river at Atchi- son and after traveling with a train a few days found it too slow and struck out boldly for the land of the setting sun alone. Ninety-seven days after leaving Atchison, without interruption from any source, their little train of five wagons reached Placerville, California, then known by the somewhat ominous name of "Hangtown." Their first winter was spent in the mines at Dry Creek, but the following spring they went to the Merced river country and there Mr. Johnson remained until the fall of 185 1. He then went north to Downieville on the Yuba river and spent the winter in the mines, and in the spring flumed the river at Wambold's Bar. He next went into Santa Rosa valley and farmed there two years. He raised small grain and was fairly rewarded for his labors. The attraction of the mines was too strong for him, however, and so he went into the placer diggings at Evansville and washed out a good profit. His his gold-digging career ended. To return to the east Mr. Johnson embarked at San Francisco for the isthmus of Panama; and he crossed the isthmus, embarked again and was in New Orleans three weeks after he left California. He then came to Kansas and then went to his old home in Daviess county, Kentucky, and after remain- ing some time with his relatives returned to Kansas. He bought a pre-emption in Washington township. Brown county, in 1858, and was identified with the agricultural interests of this section until his retirement to Everest in 1891. He passed through the bushwhacking and jayhawking days without serious loss and with only one encounter with the marauders. Upon one occasion he and his neighbor, "Nat." Kimberlin, his brother-in-law, the only one of the old-timers left, were notified that they were to be investigated to deter- mine whether or not they had property on their premises with which they BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 329 could part for the benefit of the visitors. The two pioneers knew well what this meant and got their fuses in order for the meeting. The robbers came, the fuses barked and the meeting was over. The next morning there were strange horses tied to the fence and there was gore on the ground, but nobody cared to claim either the horses or the blood. Mr. Johnson was married in Atchison county, Kansas, in 1S68, to Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas, the widow of John Thomas. Mrs. Johnson was a daughter of William Ruddick, a farmer, and was the mother of three children by her first husband, a New York gentleman : Delia, the wife of Thomas Blackety, of Brown county, Kansas; Maggie, the w'ife of W. W. Price, of Huron, Kansas; and Georgie, who married Robert Bastian. There are two surviving Bastian children: Charles Bastian, of Everest, Brown county, Kansas; and John Bastian, of Arkansas. Mrs. Johnson was born in Sullivan county, New York, in June, 1S26. O. L. VINYARD. O. L. Vinyard is the manager for A. C. Davis & Company, grain dealers at Horton, and is a representative business man whose executive ability and keen discernment have contributed in a large measure to the success of the firm which he represents. He is a native of Linn county, Iowa, where his birth occurred some fifty years ago. His parents were W'illiam and Sarah (Car- roll) Vinyard. The parents were natives of Virginia and became early set- tlers of the territory of Iowa, his people having established a home in Linn county in pioneer days. In 1856 he arrived in Marion county, Iowa, and served as one of the trustees of the Baptist University at Pella, that state. His political support was given the Republican party and he was a wide-awake and influential citizen. His death occurred at the age sixty-four years, and his wife passed away when seventy-four years of age. They had eight children, — four sons and four daughters. Two of the sons were soldiers in the civil war, Thomas J. having been a member of the Eighth low^a Infantry in the early part of the struggle, and on receiving an honorable discharge from that regiment he re-enlisted in 'the Thirty-third Iowa Infantry and remained at the front for three years. He now resides at Cripple Creek, Colorado. Lamech C. was a member of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry and is now deceased- O. L. Vinyard, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the public schools and the Pella University, and, with a comprehensive knowl- edge to aid him in meeting life's practical and responsible duties, he entered upon his business career. For fifteen or twenty years he has been engaged in the grain business and is now the manager for A. C. Davis «& Company, of 330 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Horton. Tlie firm is well known in this section of the state, and has a very large plant in Topeka and smaller ones in other towns. The elevator was built in Horton during the winter of 1888-9 '^"d '^ situated by the Rock Island Railroad tracks. It is about forty-five feet in height and has a capacity of fifteen tliousand bushels of grain. It is situated in the midst of a rich farming section of Brown county and Mr. Vinyard has shipped as high as one hundred thousand bushels of grain in a season. He has had charge of the elevator in that place since its completion in 1889 and has carried on a large and success- ful business which has added considerably to the income of the firm which he represents. It has also proved a benefit to the community, furnishing an excellent market to the grain producers in that section of Brown county. In 1874, in Otley, Iowa. Mr. Vinyard was married to Miss Anna R. Keeler, a daughter of \V. B. Keeler, of that town. By their union have been born two children, Cora and Gertrude, — the latter now the wife of Mr. Hare, of Salida, Colorado. The mother died November 3, 1886, in Pueblo, Colo- rado, and two years later, on the 20th of November. 1888, Mr. Vinyard married Miss Mary Sneck, of South Bend, Indiana. Their union has been blessed with five children, namely: Leola, Clyde. \'erna, Dorothy and Frances Elizabeth. Mr. Vinyard exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and although he has never aspired to public office he takes an active interest in the questions of the day and in the success of the political organization with which he affiliates. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having joined the order in Monroe, Iowa, in 1879. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of United \\'orkmen. His home -is a pleasant residence on East Front street, erected in the summer of 1879, and the Vinyard household is noted for its hospitality. Mr. Vinyard is frank and genial in manner and is recognized as one of the enterprising and substan- tial business men of Horton. THOMAS C. HONNELL. Thomas Corwin Honnell, a retired grain jnerchant and farmer, Everest, Kansas, has acquitted himself well as a citizen, a man of affairs and a soldier. He is not on the pension roll at Washington, for the reason that he considers that the United States government, having given him the best country on earth to live in and having in other ways shown its appreciation of his service, is under no further obligation to him. His attitude in this respect is referred to at the outset for the reason that it affords more than a suggestion of his independent and ])atriotic character. He has faith in the humanity of his BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 331 country, the security of its flag and the invincibihty of its defenders, and beHeves the work which America is destined to accompHsh is nothing less than the Hberation of the oppressed, the civilization of the world and the establish- ment and maintenance of universal peace. Mr. Honnell is a native of Shelby county, Ohio, and was born July 6, 1 340, and was named in honor of Hon. Thomas Corwin, the great lawyer and political orator of whom William Honnell, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a great admirer. William Honnell was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, in 1797, an only son of William Honnell, a German emigrant, and in 1835 located in Shelby county, Ohio, where he died in 1853. He mar- ried, about 1824, Ellen ^\'ilson, whose father came over from England to make a home in the United States. Ellen (Wilson) Honnell was born in 1802 and died in 1869. She was the mother of eight sons and two daughters, of whom the following survive : Morris, of Sidney, Ohio ; Eli, of Port Jeffer- son, Ohio; Henry, of Horton, Kansas; Thomas C. ; and Martha, the wife of George A. McNeil, of Centralia. Kansas. Thomas C. Honnell's early years were passed at his country home with such surroundings as the moderate farmer of that time provided for his off'- spring and with the common school as his source of education. His final instruction was obtained within the walls of a town school and in his seven- teenth year he terminated his career as a pupil, but not as a student. School - teaching offered some inducement to Mr. Honnell, as the means of providing him with an income fairly commensurate with his abilities, and he adopted this as his calling. He worked in the ranks of the profession for eighteen years and was one of' the successful and capable teachers of his county. He qualified himself for better and higher work as the exigencies of the times demanded, and was anything but a plodder in the early days of teaching as a profession. Mr. Honnell's career as a teacher was interrupted by the outbreak of the Rebellion. His intense loyalty and enthusiasm for the preservation of the Union led to him to enlist at the first call for troops in 1861. He was mustered into Company C, Fifteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at Columbus, and went into Virginia, now West Virginia, under General Rosecrans, where the battles of Philippi, Rich Mountain and Cheat Mountain were fought before the expiration of his hundred-day enlistment. He re-enlisted in the Ninety- ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three years and veteranized for the remainder of the war at the expiration of that term of service. He was discharged July 17, 1865. The Ninety-ninth Regiment served with General Sherman in the Army of the Tennessee, and took part in the battles of Stone River and Chickamauga, the siege of Atlanta and the fighting at Franklin and 332 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Nashville, and then, at Wilmington, North Carolina, joined Sherman's com- mand on his return north from Savannah, Georgia. The regiment was at Goldsboro, North Carolina, when Johnston surrendered, and did garrison duty from that event until it was discharged. Mr. Honnell enlisted in three-months service as a private. Under this and later enlistments he was promoted through the various grades to a captaincy and was mustered out with the rank i.if cap- lain on the staff of General Schofield. He receixeil a wc;)und in the battle of Chickamauga, September 19, 1863, the day that General Garfield made his famous ride, but was not long absent from duty. Mr. Honnell returned to Ohio and lived in his native county until he emi- grated to Kansas. He arrived in Atchison, February 17, 1870, en route for Brown county, to which he had been recommended to come by his brother Henry. He bought a quarter-section of land in Grasshopper township, Atchi- son county, and undertook its slow but substantial improvement. His success as a farmer has been one of constant progression. His industry has been amply rewarded. As fast as he found himself able to do so he bought adjoin- ing quarter-sections until his farm now contains six hundred and forty acres. For nearly a quarter of a century be cultivated a Kansas farm. Upon the con- struction of the Missouri Pacific Railway and the location of a station ac Everest, he decided to cast his lot with the grain trade of that section. He built one of the first houses in the village and engaged in the grain and stock Inisiness, buying and shipping both extensively. He has been asso- ciated in business there with Henry Fluke, of Horton, W. ^V. Price, of Huron, and with S. Peterson, of Everest. His career has been marked by, perhaps, even greater success than he anticipated, and although he has faced an occa- sional disaster he left the grain office in October, 1899, and retired to the privacy of domestic life, satisfied and with ample provisions for his future needs. He has been prominently connected with e\ery enterprise proposed for the good of Everest, has been useful in its public councils and wielded a pronounced influence for its moral and material welfare. November 15, 1865. Mr. Honnell married Sarah E. Tuley, a daughter of Charles B. Tuley. who was a prominent farmer of Shelby county, Ohio, and from New Jersey. Mrs. Honnell was born in 1843. Her two children are : Frank, who is married to Belle Robins and is running the Honnell farm in Atchison county, and Maud, the wife of Hiram M. Means, who is the principal of the Everest schools. Mr. and Mrs. Honnell's two grandchildren are Kenneth Honnell and Earl Means. Wanting no ofiice, Mr. Honnell is a working poli- tician who believes that the prevalence of the principles of his party will benefit the public more than any other policy, and he exerts an influence wliich is recognized and appreciated. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 333 WALLACE C. ALEXANDER. The phenomenal development of Kansas in all lines of industry brought within its borders a class of shrewd and substantial business men who have well upheld its honor and advanced its material interests. Of this class the gentleman whose name is above is a prominent and favorably known reprent- ative. Wallace C. Alexander, of Everest, Washington township. Brown county. Kansas, has been more or less intimately identified with the counties of Atchison and Brown for the past twenty-nine years. For a diizen years or more he has been connected with the lumber trade of Brown and Doniphan counties and he has thus been brought into personal contact with the leaders in business and politics and public men generally. Born at Waukesha, Wisconsin, August 30, 1851. Wallace C. Alexander secured the public-school training there and remained at his parental home until he was nineteen years old. He attended Carroll College two years, and upon leaving school came to Kansas. He stopped a short time at Topeka and Washington and finally located at Muscotah, and at all the places named he worked at the carpenter's trade. He later found employment in the express business as a messenger for the Adams Express Company in Missouri, Kan- sas, Colorado and New Mexico, and later was agent for the Pacific Express Company in Texas. Retiring from the express service he went to Scandia, Kansas, and entered the lumber trade as an employee of Howell Brothers and was later at Blue Hill, Nebraska, in the same business for Howell Brothers. From Blue Hill Mr. Alexander went to Everest. Kansas, reaching that place July 21, 1886. In 1888 he acquired an interest in the lumber yard at Everest with Mr. Noll, the firm of Alexander & Noll doing Inisiness until 1891, when Mr. Alexander became the sole proprietor. He has established branch yards at Leonardville and Purcell and' his commercial influence extends over a large section of the "garden spot" of Kansas. Mr. Alexander is a son of Charles Alexander, who was born in Ram- burg, Wiltshire, England, November 4, 1824, and came to Waukesha, Wis- consin, in 1845. He came to the United States fully equipped to make a living as a saddler of the old school. He married Mary A. Harrison, whose father, Abram Harrison, came to the United States from Liverpool, England. Charles Alexander died in 1865. His children were Priscilla, of Milwaukee, Wiscon- sin, the wife of F. C. Maynard ; Wallace C. ; Melissa, who married Martin Winsor and is dead ; Chalnissa, widow of Benjamin Bonnell, who resides in Frankfort, Kansas : Irene, Mrs. W. C. Allison, of Muscotah, Kansas ; Luella, the wife of Orlo Olden, of Muscotah; Julia, who married the late Rev. L. N. Rogers and lives in Muscotah. The widow of Charles Alexander married H. B. Dana and is a second time a widow. A son, Giles C. Dana, of Frisco, 334 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. New Mexico, was born of this union. Mrs. Dana lives at Muscotah, Kansas. Wallace C. Alexander was married, in Everest, in 1888. to Mrs. Ellen L. Way. Mrs. Alexander's father was a Mr. Dewey, of Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania, whose ancestors were from Massachusetts. They are of the same stock and possess the same ancestral history as the family recently made famous by the achievements of the great admiral. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are the par- ents of a son. George W. Alexander, born in 1890. Since identifying himself with Everest Mr. Alexander has rendered him- self one of its useful men. His whole make-up forbids his following in the wake of any movement of progress and he fights in the lead either for or against. He is a man of marked intelligence, good judgment and far-sighted- ness and this combination has for a basis the strictest honesty. He has served five terms on the township board as treasurer, and though a partisan Republican in politics he is for the best interests of his town and his township, regard- less of political consequences. He is a Christian gentleman, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and one of its strongest supporters and main- tainers. His work as the superintendent of the Sabbath school is well known and is not less enthusiastic than his church work. ISAAC F. MARTINDALE. Among the pioneer settlers of Brown county is numbered Mr. Martindale, of this review, who arrived in this locality early in the year 1857. He was born in Hancock county, Indiana, December 6, 1832, and is the son of Will- iam Martindale, who was born in Tennessee in 1805, but reared in Kentucky, near Maysville. In the latter state he married Mary Bridges, who was born in 1806, a daughter of Joseph Bridges. By occupation William Martindale was a farmer and to some extent he dealt in live stock, which he drove into the Cincinnati markets. From Kentucky he removed to Hancock county. Indiana, and during the old training days of the militia in that state he served as the captain of a company. He was reared in the Democratic faith. belie\ing firmly in the principles of the party, and by the Democracy he was frequentlv elected a justice of the peace. His children were Angeline, the wife of John Barrett, of Hancock county, Indiana; Calvin F., also a resident of that county; Isaac Fairchild ; Caroline, who married William Taylor, of Hancock county, Indiana ; and James K. P. After \\'illiam Martindale had removed to Hancock county, Indiana, he was there joined by his father, Thomas Martindale, and his wife. The latter BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 335 died in Hancock county, but the grandfather of our subject spent his last days in North Carohna. Their children were WiHiam; Isaac; Alston; Mary, the wife of James Tague; Nellie, the wife of George Reeves; Annie, the wife of Richard Guynan ; and Sarah, the wife of William Wynn. Isaac F. I\lartindale, of this review, received but limited educational priv- ileges, for during his boyhood his time was largely occupied with the work of the farm. He remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority. His father gave him a horse, saddle and bridle and he began farm- ing on his own account. He also operated a thresher and in both lines of busi- ness made some money. In September, 1856, he left Greenfield, Indiana, on his first trip to the west and spent the succeeding autumn and winter in Iowa with his uncle. Jesse Bridges. He had expected to locate in the Hawkeye state, but the length of the winters and the severity of the climate decided him to seek a location farther south. With a cousin he made the trip by stage to St. Joseph and spent the remainder of the winter at Iowa Point, Kansas. In March he came to Brown county and noted the prairies covered with a thin growth of grass. He was told that nothing would grow in this locality and he would have to go farther west, but he believed that luxuriant crops of grass indicated that other things could be cultivated and accordingly located one hundred and sixty acres of land. There he built a cabin, making it his home until the following year, when he sold the claim to a party from Park- ville, Missouri, who was in search of a location for a town and upon the place built the village of Robinson. Mr. Martindale then pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 20, township 3, range 18, and still owns the tract. When he left Indiana he had a capital of about three or four hundred dollars, — not a very large amount with which to purchase land and establish a home in a new country, but with characteristic energy he began the work that lay before him, and as the result of his enterprise, economy and ability he became the owner of the most valuable farm property in this section of the state. During the Civil war he served with the militia in Captain Swazey's company, but with the exception of that period he has always devoted his energies exclusively to the cultivation and improvement of the land and to the raising, feeding and shipping of stock. As his financial resources have increased he has extended the boundaries of the farm until it now comprises three hundred and eighty-five acres and he also owns property in Robinson. On the 24th of March, 1859, Mr. Martindale was married to Lucinda Abshire, the wedding being celebrated at the home of the bride, who is a daughter of Abraham Abshire, a representative of one of the old families of Lee county, Virginia. He became one of the pioneers of Brown county, Kan- sas, and for many years was identified with agricultural interests. He wedded Rebecca Hughes, who died in September, 1857, and his death occurred in 336 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 1875. Their children were John, now of Sumner county, Kansas; Isaac, deceased ; Mrs. Mary Sykes, also deceased ; Elizabeth, the widow of Robert Lewis; Amelia, the wife of John H. Maxwell, deceased; Mrs. Martindale; and Alexander, who is living in Oklahoma. Unto our subject and his wife have been born seven children : Alice, the wife of Thomas Glover, of Garfield county, Colorado ; James A. ; Calvin, who married Myrtle Nellins and resides in Robinson; Cora, the wife of John Proctor, of Willis, Kansas; Amelia, the wife of William Snyder, of Robinson; Isaac F., who wedded Ida Conkle: and William, who is also a resident of Robinson. Mr. Martindale was reared as a Democrat, but soon after coming to Kansas he joined the ranks of the new Republican party and has since been one of the zealous advocates of its principles. He has served as constalMe, justice of the peace and committeman of the township, discharging his various duties witl: promptness and faithfulness and deserves great credit for his suc- cess in life, which has been achieved through determined and honorable effort. As one of the pioneers of Brown county he has witnessed much of its growth and development, has seen the wild lands transformed into beautiful homes and farms and its villages grow into thriving towns. He has watched with interest the changes that have occurred and has ever borne his part in promot- ing all measures for the public good. WILLIAM H. WRIGHT. The long period of thirty-one years has passed since William H. W^right came to northeastern Kansas and in the marvelous progress which has been made in this section of the state he takes just pride. His progressive spirit has prompted him to aid in the promotion of many enterprises for the public good, thus largely contributing to the present prosperity and high standing of Nemaha county. He owns to-day and operates a valuable farm of six hundred and five acres, his residence being situated on section 26, Gilman township. Mr. Wright is a native of England, his birth having occurred in Shrop- shire on the 23d of August, 1844. His father. Charles Wright, was born in the same county in April, 1809. at the foot of Snead's Hill, where the family lived for more than two centuries. In 1846 he came to America for the pur- pose of ascertaining whether the laws and conditions of this country were better adapted for the amelioration of the condition of his family than those of the mother country. That he was not disappointed in this beautiful land is shown by the fact that in 1854 he returned to England and in March, 1835, again arri\-ed in the United States, taking up his residence upon a farm in ^ Cj; ^ffM^'r^^t^ BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 337 Trimble township, Athens county, Ohio. There he carried on agricultural pursuits until 1864, after which he traveled lor a number of years, having- in the meantime sokl his farm. He finally located at Chester, Meigs county. Ohio, where he died January i, 1892. He was married, in England, to Sarah Davis, whose birth occurred in Shropshire July 3, 1812, and who is still living, at the venerable age of eighty-eight years. They were the parents of eight chil- dren, — two sons and six daughters, — four of whom died in childhood, but the others are all yet living. Mr. \\'right, of this review, the eldest son of six children, was about ten years of age when he came with his parents to America, at the age of eighteen entering upon an independent business career. Five times he attempted to enlist in the Union army before his father would consent to his going to the front ; ultimately, however, he became a member of the One Hun- dred and Forty-first Ohio National Guard, which went to the front for one hun- dred days. On the expiration of that period he received an honorable dis- charge and was mustered out at Gallipolis, Ohio. He then returned to his home. Ha\-ing but thirty-fi\-e cents he made the entire distance on foot. Immediately, howe\-er, he began work upon a tract of land which he had pur- chased before entering the army and was connected with the agricultural interests of Athens county. Ohio, until 1869, when he sold his property there and came to Nemaha county. Since that time he has carried on farming operations at the place where he now lives and has improved the entire farm of six hundred acres, which was a tract of original prairie when he took up his abode thereon. His nearest neighbor on the east was six and a half miles distant and the greater part of the land in this section of the county was still in its primitive condition. He now owns and cultivates over eleven hundred acres. In 1869, in Nemaha county, Mr. \\'right was united in marriage to Miss Louisa J, Taylor, who was born in McDonough county, Illinois, a daughter of John and Everline Taylor, To them have been born eight children, seven of whom are now living: Sarah, the wife of Wilbur Baker, of Oilman town- ship, Nemaha county; Alice, the wife of Reuben Guild, a prosperous farmer of Washington county. Kansas: Laura, the wife of Frank Bird, of Gilman township, Nemaha county; John Charles, who is assisting in the cultivation of the home farm; William A., deceased; and Grace Ollie and Edith, who are still with their parents. The children were all born in Nemaha county. In his politics Mr. Wright is a Democrat and for some years he held the position of postmaster at Oneida, but resigned that office in order to give a more undivided attention to his farming interests. Socially he is connected with the Modern Woodmen and has filled all the ofiices in the camp. He maintains pleasant relationship with his old army comrades through his mem- 338 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. bership in the Grand Army Post at Oneida, Kansas. While a resident of that place he was further connected with its interests through his relationship with the bank, serving on its board of directors. His business career has been crowned with a high degree of success and his prosperity is the result of his own efforts. Industry and perseverance are numbered among his chief char- acteristics and it is these qualities that have enabled him to wrest fortune from the hands of an adverse fate. His career has at all times and under all cir- cumstances been honorable and straightforward, gaining him the unqualified regard of his fellow men. In this history he well deserves mention among the representative residents of Nemaha county. HENRY J. DEAVER, M. D. Prior to the Revolutionary war two brothers left their home in Wales, preferring to take chances in America than to give the best years of their lives to the military service in their native country. Their names were John and Abraham De Vere. One located in Maryland and the other in Virginia. For some reason an "a" was added to the name, but the name was Devere. Whether divided or not the present generation cannot tell. John De Vere, who spelt his name "Dever," settled in Virginia and his descendants are now found on the Ohio river in Scioto county, one of them being Judge Dever, of Portsmouth, Ohio, and many representatives of the two brothers are now located in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Abraham De Vere and his descendants, with whom this memoir tleals, settled on the Potomac river at or near Middletown valley, Maryland. His two sons, Levi and Ruben, were the pioneers and founders of the Deaver fam- ily of Ohio. .They, descending from Revolutionary stock, were entitled to the land bounties given to the soldiers of the Revolution. These two sons located land, in 1808, in the Muskingum valley. The next spri^ig they returned to the valley and on reaching there they found the Indians were making such incur- sions they turned aside and went over into what is now the neighborhood of Deavertown and remained. In 1825, having purchased the section where Deavertown is now situated, they laid out the town of Deavertown, calling it New Market. Four years later Abraham Deaver followed his two sons to Ohio and located New Zanesville. The children of Abraham were Levi, Ruben, Sarah, Walter, Susan, Henry, Eli, James, Nancy, Abraham, Bazil and Benjamin. The remains of Abraham Deaver and his wife, Nancy, iicc Lincoln, supposed to be a sister of the father of Abraham Lincoln, were buried in the little burying ground of the Christian church at Deavertown, Ohio. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 339 Dr. Henry J. Deaver, the subject of tliis biography, is a direct descendant of Abraham De Vere (Deaver), who was his great-great-grandfather, his great-grandfather being Ruben and his grandfather Henry Tihnan Deaver. The last mentioned married a Miss Pearl, who died in 1857. leaving the follow- ing children: Frank F. ; Martha, the wife of William Appleman; Minerva, who married John Weiner; and Mollie, the wife of John Potts. The father of these children was again married and had the following children: Emma, the wife of Perley Wilson, of Columbus, Ohio; Sadie, the wife of Philip Ben- nett, of Perry county, Ohio; Mrs. Louisa Thompson, of Deavertown, Ohio; and Tillie, deceased. During the Civil war Henry T. Deaver joined the Union army and was killed at the battle of Chattanooga. He had six brothers who also fought in defense of the Union. Frank F. Deaver, the Doctor's father, learned, during his youth, the blacksmith's trade in Perry county, Ohio, where he was born June 6, 1846, and after arriving at years of maturity was married to Matilda E. Brown, a daughter of Barney Brown, who removed from New Jersey to the Buckeye state. Mrs. Deaver died October 5, 1876, and was buried in Deavertown. The father afterward married Clara Wheeler, of Muskingum county, Ohio, and in 1886 he came to Kansas, his home being now in Sabetha. Kansas. His children are : Henry J., of this review ; William B., who married Annie Lichty and is working with his father in the blacksmith shop; Mary E., the wife of Professor St. Clair, of Sabetha; Rilla, the wife of Edward ^^'arfel, of Morrill, Kansas; Annie L., the deceased wife of Dwight Geer; Jesse, a farmer of Brown county; Frances T., who is engaged in teaching in Brown county; Ora, who married Miss Conrad, of Sabetha ; and Harvey, attending school. The last two are children of the second marriage. The Doctor claims the state of Ohio as the place of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Chapel Hill. Perry county, on the 15th of April. 1866, and was a resident of Deavertown, Ohio, at the time he obtained his majority. In his early life he attended the common schools near his home and learned the blacksmith's trade of his father, but as he neared man's estate he became pos- sessed with the desire to enter professional life, and as a step to this end he entered the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, and prepared himself for teaching and taught his first school in his native state. For four years he was also connected with the educational interests of Brown county and for one term engaged in teaching near Reynolds, Nebraska. With the view of making the practice of medicine his life work he began the study in the office of Dr. Ames, of Reynolds, Nebraska, and later continued his reading with Dr. W. A. Haynes, of Sabetha, Kansas, matriculating in the Starling Medical College, of Columbus, Ohio, an institution of the regular school, and was graduated in 1892, having the honor of being secretary of his class, which 340 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. numbered fifty-eight members. Returning to Sabetha he opened an office, but ere two years had passed he located in Robinson, on the ist of July, 1893, '1"^ has since been a valued and successful representative of the medical fraternity in this place. He belongs to the Doniphan County Medical Society, to the Doniphan aiid Brown Counties Aledical Society, to the Northeastern Kansas Medical Association and the Kansas State Medical Association, and by the last named was sent as a delegate to the American Medical Association at Columbus. Ohio, in June, 1899. He is also a member of the National Asso- ciation and his connection with those different societies has kept him in touch with the marked progress made by the profession. He is well vei-sed in the science of medicine, is very careful in the diagnosis of a case and in the prose- cution of his professional labors he has met with excellent success as the result of his ability, which is acknowledged by the profession as well as by the gen- eral public. On the 17th of March, 1892, occurred the marriage of Dr. Deaver and Miss Dora E. Dilts, a daughter of James Dilts, a farmer of Muskingum county, Ohio. Their children are Carol F. and Ray E. The Doctor belongs to the Masonic fraternity, to the Modern Woodmen and to the Knights and Ladies of Security, and of the last two he is physician. He is also the medical exam- iner for the Mutual Life Insurance Company, for the New York and North- western Life Lisurance Companies, the Masonic Mutual Benefit Association and the Kansas Mutual Life Insurance Company. He was reared in the political faith of the Republican party, has always believed in its tenets and has given his ballot in support of its men and measures. He has frequently been a delegate to the local conventions and in 1899 was elected county coroner, a position he is now filling. He has a commendable regard for the ethics of professional life and his standing in the profession and his large practice are an unmistakable evidence of his ability. ADAM SCHMITT. Adam Schmitt, who is carrying on agricultural pursuits in Walnut town- ship. Brown county, was born in St. Clair county, Illinois. March 19, 1843. He is a son of John and Margaret Schmitt. the former a native of Germany, who came to America with a mute brother and settled in Illinois. With the capital which he brought he purchased forty acres of land and devoted his energies to its cultivation until the spring of 1855, when he removed to Kan- sas with an ox team. Locating in Brown county, he purchased a squatter's claim and when the land came into market he entered it from the government. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 341 He also took another quarter-section, in his brother's name, and thus had tln-ee hundred and twenty acres, wiiich he impro\-ed, de\eloping it into a fine farm. Throughout his remaining daj's he continued its cnlti\ation and tlie well-tilled fields yielded to him a golden reward for the care and labor he had bestowed upon them. His land bordered on \\'alnut creek and it has some good timber along its banks. His first little cabin home stood by the side of the creek ; later he moved that and constructed another cabin, in which he made his home until he was able to replace it Avith a commodious and substantial residence. He was recognized as one of the most extensive and successful farmers of the community, and in addition to the cultivation (if his land he raised stock, feeding the products of his farm to his horses, cattle and hogs. He was a large corn raiser and when the drouth and famine came in i860 he was better prepared to meet it than most of his neighbors. In the early days Indians were numerous, but were friendly, occasioning no trouble to the settlers, although they often begged. The pioneers had to go long distances to mill, securing their breadstuffs and other food supplies at Iowa Point. Game was plentiful and ]\Ir. Schmitt killed wild turkeys and deer, thus supplying the table with meat on many an occasion. He was a highly educated man, of broad and liberal views, was educated for the priest- hood, but never entered the ministry, although he reared his family in the faith of the church. He first exercised his right of franchise in support of the Democratic party, but later became a Whig and afterward a Republican. About 1867 he sold his farm and engaged in merchandising at Padonia, carrrying a large stock of dry goods, groceries and medicines. After a few years he removed his stock to N^ebraska, where he conducted his store for a number of years, when he sold out and again became a merchant in Padonia. Some years later he disposed of his stock at auction and retired to the farm upon which he spent his last days. He was a very charitable man, giving liberally of his means to the poor and needy and making generous contribu- tions to the church. He gave five hundred dollars toward building the church at Rulo and was numbered among the prominent and representative men of his county, having a high standard of integrity and honor. His wife died during the early boyhood of our subject. In their family were the following children : \'alentine. who went to California in 1849, after which all traces of him were lost; Jolin. who went to 'California and after making considerable money returned to Illinois, where he is now a wealthy citizen : Henry, who served in the Second Nebraska Cavalry during the Civil war and after his return died on the old home farm in Kansas; Mary, the wife of J. Grider; and Adam and Michael, of Fredonia. After the death of the mother the father married Margaret Okeson. who had three chil- dren by her first marriage; William, who served in the Union army during 342 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. the Civil war, dying soon after his return ; Isaac, who served in the army and died after receiving liis discharge ; and Margaret, the wife of J. Smith. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt were born four cliildren : George; Fred, of Salem, Nebraska; Jacob, a farmer of this county; and Lewis, also of Salem. After the death of his second wife Mr. Schmitt married Mrs. Ordway, who had children by her first marriage. They became the parents of a son. Charles, who became a stenographer and while in charge of the office in which he was employed he was killed by burglars. Mr. Schmitt's next wife was Fanny Williams, by whom he had three children, one of whom died in childhood. The others are Joseph, of Nebraska, and Mrs. Anna Nicodemus. Adam Schmitt, whose name introduces this review, was reared to habits of industry and honesty upon the home farm and pursued his education in the sub- scription schools of this state. He remained under the parental roof until the fall of 1861, when he enlisted in Company A, Seventh Kansas Cavalry, at Highlands. He was mustered in at Lea\'enworth, the regiment being assigned to the western department, and participated in many hotly contested engage- ments under various generals, including the battle of Lexington, Missouri, under Colonel Mulligan. He also took part in many skirmishes, went on several reconnoitering expeditions and experienced all the hardships of war. ' He was in the battle of Corinth and other engagements and served as bugler in his company, but was never wounded or captured. After two and a half years of service he re-enlisted and obtained a thirty-days furlough, which he spent at home visiting his people. On the expiration of that period he rejoined liis command and served until the close of the war. At the time of General Lee's surrender he was at Cape Girardeau and was sent by boat to Omaha and from there to Fort Kearney, but after a short time his command was relieved by another regiment and Mr. Schmitt and his comrades were sent back to Fort Leavenworth, where they received an honorable discharge and were mus- tered out. For some years after his return home our subject worked at whatever he could get to do that would yield him an honest living. After some years he purchased and improved a farm and later traded that property for the farm on which he now resides. In December, 1878, he married Miss Polly Hamp- ton, who was born in Virginia and with her parents removed to Illinois, thence to Missouri and later to Kansas. Her father was Elisha T. Hampton, of Vir- ginia, who served for three years in the Federal army during the civil war. In politics he was a Republican and his death occurred in Brown county. where he had engaged in farming for some years. His wife still survives him. In their family were seven children : Joseph ; Mrs. Nancy Tate ; Adam ; Eliz- abeth, the wife of J. Schmitt: Elsia. the wife of J. Frymire; Emma, the wife of C. Nicols; and Julia, the wife of R. Huttleson. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 343 Unto Mr. and Mrs'. Schmitt have been born nine children : Thomas, Laura B., Jessie, Richard, Minnie, EUa. Lena. Walter and Clarence. The family circle yet remains unbroken and the children are all yet under the parental roof. The family are members of the Evangelical church and in politics Mr. Schmitt is a Republican, earnestly advocating the principles of the party, yet never seeking office. His life has been one of industrious and honest toil and his position stands as a monument to his well-directed efforts. J. A. CAHOON. For forty-fi\-e years J. A. Cahoon has been a resident of Atchison county and is therefore numbered among its pioneer settlers. He was born in Ashe county. North Carolina, on the 9th of April, 1842. and with his father removed to Missouri in 1844. For eleven years he was a resident of that state and thence came to Kansas, locating in Atchison county, where he has since resided. He arrived here when the greater part of the land was still in its primitive condition, when the work of improvement and progress was yet in the fut-ure. He has always taken an active interest in the material advancement of the county and in many ways has aided in its growth and upbuilding. He was married, August 19, 1864, to Mrs. Rachel Eskridge, but prior to that time he enlisted in the Union army, in 1861, at Fort Leavenworth, for three years. On the 22d of February, 1865, he re-enlisted as a member of Company D, Tenth Kansas Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out September 15, 1865, at Montgomery, Alabama. He was in the militia for two years and was on the famous Price raid. In 1885 he was the postmaster of Effingham and filled that position until 1890. He makes his home in that city, where he is esteemed for his genuine worth. W. W. CAHOON. Among the native sons of northeastern Kansas is W. \\\ Cahoon. who was born in Atchison county on the 13th of April, 1869. His early child- hood days were spent upon a farm fi\e miles north of Effingham, but in 1874 he accompanied his parents on their removal to the city and in the public schools he obtained his education. In 1889, when twenty years of age, he purchased the Effingham Times and was its publisher and editor until 1891, when he sold that journal. The following year he estalilished the Oneida World, which he edited for nine montlis. In 1893 ^^^ began the publication of the 344 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Effingham World, but sold that three months afterward, and in 1S94 he began uork as foreman on the Effingham New Leaf, in which capacity he has since served. He also holds the position of business manager in connection with that journal and the success which has attended the enterprise is due in large measure to his enterprising efforts. He thoroughly understands the news- paper business in all its departments and is very competent and reliable in the conduct of the paper with wdiich he is associated. Mr. Gaboon was married, December 7, 1898, to Miss Clara C. Snyder, of Effingham. They have a large circle of acquaintances in this city and enjoy the hospitality of its best homes. JOSEPH LYMAN BLISS. It has been left to modern civilization to perpetuate by written recortl the lives of those who have been prominent factors in the upbuilding of towns, cities and countries. Deeds of battle have been the theme of song and poetry from the earliest ages, but the man who quietly remained in the ranks of busi- ness, performing each day's duties as they came to him. promoting the general prosperity through his individual efforts was unnoticed by the singer, the poet and the historian. Yet the growth of the community is due to its repre- sentative, energetic business men. It was to this latter class that Mr. Bliss belonged and at his death, which occurred in Atchison April 4, 1895. the city lost one of its most valued residents. Mr. Bliss was born in Royalston, Massachusetts. October 16. 1835, and was a son of Joseph and Sarah (Lyman) Bliss, who were natives of Massachu- setts. Our subject spent the days of his youth in the old Bay state, where he acquired the greater part of his education, first attending the public schools and later pursuing his studies in Worcester. I^Iassachusetts. The rapidly developing west, with its limitless opportunities, attracted him. Leaving the Atlantic coast he made his way to Wisconsin, where he learned the jewelry business. L'pon the outbreak of the Civil war he tendered his service to the government and w-as enlisted in the Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry and remaineil in the service three years. For considerable time he was steward of the hospital at New- Orleans, under General Butler. Upon the close of the war he returned to Massachusetts. In 1865 he came to Kansas, locating at Atchison. where he soon after formed a partnership with George Willis, under the firm name of Willis & Bliss, jewelers. From the beginning the enterprise prospered and their trade steadily increased. This partnership was maintained until 1872, when Mr. Bliss purchased the interest of Mr. Willis and continued in business alone up to the time of his death in 1895. He had a large, well-ap- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 345 pointed store, stocked with everything found in a first-class jeweh-y store, and enjoyed the leading trade in this line in the city. In 1873 Mr. Bliss and Miss Carrie Pierce, of Chesterfield, New Hamp- shire, in which state she was born, reared and educated, were joined in wed- lock. One daughter graced their union, Caroline Gale, a student in Salem Academy, Massachusetts. Mr. Bliss was a man of domestic tastes and found his greatest pleasure at his own fireside. In politics he was a stanch Repub- lican, a member of the Masonic lodge of Atchison, also of the subordinate lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also the G. A. R. In his public and private life he was actuated by high principles, was ever faithful to the trusts reposed in him and with him friendship was inviolable. Since her husband's death Mrs. Bliss has conducted the store, employing efticient help to aid in the conduct of the business. She jxjssesses excellent business qualifications, is a lady of culture and refinement, who pre- sides with gracious hospitality in her home and occupies a very prominent position in social circles. JOHN I. SMITH. John I. Smith, one of the prominent and representative farmers of Brown county, is numbered among the worthy citizens that Pennsylvania has fur- nished to the Sunflower state. He was born in Somerset county April 14, 1844, and is a son of Jacob and Polly (Knepper) Smith, who also are natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married. Her parents were John and Eliza- beth Knepper, residents of the Keystone state, where they spent their entire lives. Their children were: Louis, Solomon, David, John, Parenia, Sally, Elizabeth, Susan, Polly and Rebecca. The family were Dunkards in religious faith. Jacob Smith, the paternal grandfather of our subject, removed from Pennsylvania to Wayne county, Ohio, where he spent his remaining days. His children were : Simon ; Joseph, a soldier of the Mexican war, who after- ward went to Canada ; George, who was a member of the army and died in the Soldiers' Home in Dayton, Ohio ; Elizabeth, Susan and Jacob J. The last named was reared in Pennsylvania and there wedded Polly Knepper. He owned and operated a woolen mill in the Keystone state, but It was burned down prior to his emigration westward. In 1856 he removed with his family to Illinois, locating in Carroll county. There he purchased land and carried on farming until 1874, when he sold the property and came to Brown county, Kansas. Here he purchased and improved a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, making his home thereon for many j^ears, but for a 346 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. few years prior to his death he Hved in Morrill. In his agricultural pursuits he was quite successful. He was a man of bright mind, of sterling integrity and honor and through his belief in the goodness of others he frequently suffered losses. In politics he was a Republican. He died in 1891. but his wife yet resides in Morrill. They were members of the German Baptist church and reared six children : John I. ; James, who served in the Civil war ; Ellen, the wife of B. Haldeman; Sarah, the wife of J. Burnworth; Elizabeth, the wife of J. Mickey ; and Alvaro, a farmer. J. I. Smith, whose name introduces this review, accompanied his parents to Illinois and was there reared to manhood. He remained upon the home farm until his marriage, in 1864, after which he settled on rented land until he purchased a farm of his own. Not being able to meet the payments on this he afterward again rented land and in 1876 came to Kansas. He was accom- panied by his wife and children and they brought with them some of their household goods. After renting a farm here for three years Mr. Smith pur- chased eighty acres of wild land of Major Morrill. He built a small frame house and bought material for building fences. He paid for this by labor. His capable management and excellent executive ability have enabled him to work his way steadily upward and he is now the owner of a valuable quarter- section of land. He has remodeled his home, which is now a commodious, two- story frame residence. Near by is a good barn and outbuildings and a well- kept orchard yields its fruit in season. He has also been enabled to aid his children in securing homes and his success has come through well-directed efforts at farming and stock raising. On the 3d of July, 1864. Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Adeline Meyers, who was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, April 24. 1843. a daughter of Elder Martin and Sally (Witt) Meyers, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Her father was a minister and farmer and served his county as surveyor. In 1863 he removed to Illinois, locating in Carroll county, where he purchased a farm upon which he made his home unt'l 1882, when he came to Kansas. He died in 1895, respected by all who knew him. After coming to this state a cataract on the left eye destroyed his sight and for seven years he was blind, but an operation removed the cataract and his sight was thereby restored. He engaged both in preaching and farming and his influence for good in the community was most marked. While in Pennsylvania he had ;ils<) taught school in both the German and English tongues. A well-in formed man, his education was largely acquired through his own efforts outside of the school room. His honesty was proverbial and at all times he was loyal to truth and right. His political support was given the Republican party, but he was never an aspirant for office. His wife survived him until August, 1898. His brothers and sisters were Henry, Michael. John, BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 347 Benjamin, Samuel, Jacob, Nancy, Susan, Elizabeth and Sarah. He was the youngest. By his marriage he became the father of fifteen children, namely : Mary, the wife of P. Blough; William, a resident of Morrill; Elizabeth, the wife of S. Flickinger ; Adeline, the wife of John I. Smith; Elias, of Falls City, Nebraska; Lydia. the wife of M. Whipkey; Harriet, the wife of J. E. Springer; Sarah, the wife of George W. Springer; Martin, a farmer; Rebecca, now Mrs. Fisher; George, who followed farming, but is now deceased; Michael, a twin brother of George, now engaged in merchandising in Morrill ; David, also a merchant of Morrill ; Anna, the wife of H. Beard ; and Susan, the wife of William Sliffer. All of the children reached mature years and George and Anna are the only ones now deceased. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Smith are eight in number: John J. A., born September 23. 1866: Samuel J. B., born January 29, 1870. of Oklahoma; Martin A. B., born September 7, 1872; William H. L., born March 28, 1875, of South Dakota; Benjamin A. C., born February 2, 1882; Elizabeth S. E., July 16. 1885; Chester A. A., March 4, 1888; and Edward E. E., July 14, 1890. The first four named are married. John resided upon a farm and was killed May 17, 1896, in the memorable cyclone that swept over this section of Kansas. Their house and barn were destroyed and the wife afterward for- sook her three children, two daughters and a son, namely : Letta V., June and Ervin. She put them in an orphans' home in Omaha, but since that time homes have been found for them in private families. Mr. Smith gives his political support to the men and measures of the Republican party and has filled various positions of honor and trust. He was the township treasurer for three terms, has been a trustee, also the clerk for many years and has filled other local positions in a most creditable and acceptable manner. He was reared in the Dunkard church, but is not connected with any religious organi- zation at the present time. His standard of morality, however, is high and his honesty is above question. All who know him esteem him for his sterling worth and his circle of friends is extensive, including many of the best people of Brown countv. JOSEPH KIRK With the development of the farming interests of Brown county. Joseph Kirk has been actively identified, and that he is to-day numbered among the most substantial citizens of the community is a fact that is attributable to his own enterprising efforts and capable management. He was born in Giles county, \'irginia, November 21, 1824, and his boyhood days were spent upon the home farm, while in the subscription schools he obtained his education. 348 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. His parents, Lewis and Margaret (Holstetter) Kirk, were both natives of the Old Dominion, in which state they were married. The father was of Scotch descent, the mother of German hneage. They made their home upon a farm in Virginia until 1829, when they removed to Ross county, Ohio, the father being employed in the iron works there. In 1859 they came to Kansas, making their home with their son, Joseph. The mother died in 1865 and the father passed away in 1879, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. Both were members of the Christian church and were people of charitable and benevolent purpose and gave freely of their means to the poor and needy. The father was originally a Whig, but afterward became a Republican. He took an active interest in the educational affairs and did all in his power to advance the wel- fare of the schools. In his family w^ere three sons : Joseph ; Absalom, who died in Montgomery county, Ohio; and David, who remained in Virginia. Joseph Kirk was a child of only four summers when the family left Vir- ginia and removed to Ohio. During his boyhood he aided his father in chop- ping wood about the iron works and his youth was one of toil. On attaining his majority he began business for himself and, removing to Illinois, was employed as a farm hand for two years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Ohio, where he acted as an engineer. The following year he emi- grated to Iowa and was employed as an engineer in a woolen mill and saw- mill at Oskaloosa for a year. Later he operated an engine in another county for two years and in 1856 came to Kansas on a prospecting tour. After spend- ing some time in this state he returned to Iowa and in 1858 started to Salt Lake. Going to Nebraska City, however, he proceeded thence to St. Joseph, Missouri, and near there secured a position as engineer in a saw-mill. The same year he came to Brown county and filed a claim of land, upon which he now resides. In 1859 he entered it from the government and began improving it. He has lived here since and is now the owner of a valuable tract of two hundred and forty-two acres, peasantly located near the town of Morrill. His nearest neighljor was three miles distant at the time of his arrival. Little farming was being done in the county at that time, few roads had been laid out and the settlers could ride across the prairie in any direction without trespassing upon another's property. Hiawatha, the county seat, had been located, but contained only two houses and the nearest market was Iowa Point. Like all early settlers Mr. Kirk had no money, having everything to make and nothing to lose. Soon, however, he had some of his land broken and he increased his capital by working for the Morrill saw-mill. In this way he earned enough lumber to build a shanty and also to buy some posts and Cottonwood lumber for fencing. After a year he began farming in earnest and prosperity has come to him as time has passed. He has met with many BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 349 hardships and difficulties and passed through the year of great drought, when general distress prevailed. This was in i860 and his crop was only four bushels of potatoes. Major Morrill was chosen as the proper man to receive the sup- plies sent from other states and he detailed Mr. Kirk to distribute the same for his township. Mr. Kirk found distress everywhere. The people were too poor to go away and had to make the best of their hard conditions. For some years afterward crops were excellent until 1875, when the grasshoppers destroyed everything that had been raised. Many of the settlers, however, who at that time were almost destitute, have become prosperous citizens of the community. Mr. Kirk has, by indomitable perseverance and energy, acquired a handsome competence and is to-day one of the most prosperous farmers in the community. He has witnessed the entire development of the county, has seen the introduction of railroads, telegraph and telephone, while thriving towns and villages have been established and the work of progress has been steadily continued. It was through his efforts that the petition was circulated resulting in the establishment of the postoffice at Morrill. He gave the name to the town and aided in building a platform on which the mail could be thrown from the train. ' He organized the county, borrowed money and built the first house and store in the town. He was connected with the store for a few years, until Morrill had become a prosperous and thriving village and other stores and business enterprises were established. He was also a mem- ber of the Farmers' Alliance and the Grange, and became one of the organi- zers and stockholders of the bank. He was also instrumental in placing the mill in operation at Morrill and has aided in establishing all enterprises in that country. As the years have passed he was actively concerned with the enterprise and progress of this locality. He has also successfully conducted his private business interests and is recognized as one of the leading farmers of this com- munity. He bought land from time to time until his homestead now com- prises two hundred and forty-two acres. This is improved with a commodious two-story residence, a large barn and other necessary outbuildings, none of the accessories and conveniences of the model farm being lacking. In connection with the cultivation of the fields he has successfully carried on stock raising and has found it a profitable source of income. His home is pleasantly located two and a half miles southeast of Morrill. In 1878 Mr. Kirk was united in marriage to Mrs. Louisa Stofer, the widow of Oliver Stofer. She was born in Portage county, Ohio, in 1844, and by her first marriage had one child. Halden L., who is now married. Mrs. Kirk is a daughter of M. and Mary (Kenyon) Glimps, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of New York. The father was of German descent. made farming his life work and died in Iowa. The mother was a member of 350 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. the Society of Friends or Quakers. This worthy couple had nine children: Nathaniel, Sallie A., Benjamin F., David, Louisa, Elizabeth A., M. C, Mary and Harriet. Elizabeth A. is the wife of L. Snell, of Kansas, and, with the exception of Mrs. Kirk, is the only member of the family living in this state. Unto our subject and his wife have been born two daughters: Maude E., the wife of H. Scott, and Josephine, at home. The mother and daughters are members of the Christian church. In his political views Mr. Kirk was for- merly a stanch Republican, but strongly favors free silver and will vote for the party that advocates that monetary system. After long and active years of a honorable business career Mr. Kirk is accounted to-day one of the sub- stantial citizens of northeastern Kansas, and his example in many respects is well worthy of emulation, showing what can be accomplished through resolute purpose and keen discrimination in business affairs. C. J. HARDING. C. J. Harding is a native of the Lone Star state, his birth having occurred in Williamson county, Texas, December 25, 1853. His parents were Thomas and Margaret (Robinson) Harding, the forner of Lancashire, England, and the latter of Butler county, Ohio. The paternal grandfather was James Hard- ing, a native of England and a cabinetmaker and carpenter by trade. In fact he possessed excellent mechanical ability and could do any kind of wood work. His last days were spent in Peoria, Illinois, where he died when well advanced in years. In religious faith he was an Episcopalian. In his family were six children: Mary E., the wife of Dr. Powell; Ann, the wife of James Ramsey; Mrs. Elizabeth Waldron ; Mrs. Ellen Powell ; Thomas ; and William, a farmer. Having come to America with his parents, Thomas Harding was married, in Tazewell county, Illinois, to Margaret Robinson, daughter of James Robin- son, a native of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish descent. He was a cooper by trade and also followed farming. In 1835 he cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Tazewell county, Illinois, where he took up land and improved a farm and there lived for many years. He died while visiting in Missouri. His children were: Margaret, the mother of our subject; Mary, the wife of George Anderson: and M. G., a farmer living near Carthage, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Harding began their domestic life in Illinois, remaining' upon a farm in Tazewell county until 1848, when they removed to Arkansas and four years later to Texas. They lived in Hays and Williamson counties, where the father engaged in farming and stock raising until 1857, when antici- pating the war, he returned by team to Tazewell county, Illinois. While there BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 351 he engag-ed in agricultural pursuits and in the manufacture of sorghum molasses. In 1866 he removed with his family to Kansas, locating in Hamhn town- ship. Brown count3^ where he purchased a tract of land, on which was a log cabin and a few trees. The tract comprised eiglity acres, of which about forty acres had been broken. Later he added to this and at the time of his death the homestead comprised two hundred and forty acres, and in addition he had two hundred and eighty acres elsewhere in the township. All was under a high state of cultivation and as a result of his well-directed efforts at general farming and stock raising he acquired a handsome competence. Honesty characterized all his business dealings and his reputation in trade circles was above question. Although he came to the county in limited circumstances he left to his children a good estate. His political support was given the Repub- lican party. He died September i, 1897, at the ripe old age of seventy-six years and nine months. His wife still survives him and is living on the old homestead in Hamlin township. She is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In their family were five children, as follows: Mrs. Nancy Cruse; C. J. ; Lawrence, who died in childhood; R. J., who is living on the old homestead ; and Mary, the wife of T. Reed. Mr. Harding, of this review, accompanied his parents on their various removals until they ultimately arrived in Brown county, where he was reared to manhood, remaining under the parental roof until twenty-five years of age. He was then married, in 1878, to Miss Anna Tilley, a lady of intelligence, who was born in Atchison county, Kansas, April 17, 1861, a daughter of Thomas and Chloe ( Larkin) Tilley, the former a native of Rhode Island and the latter of New York, the marriage being celebrated in the first named state. The father was a cabinetmaker by trade and on leaving the east removed with his family to Iowa. In 1857 he went to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and after- ward to Monrovia. Atchison county, Kansas, where he engaged in farming and worked at his trade. In 1865 he removed to Brown county, where he followed farming until 1880, when he began bridge building in the employ of a railroad company. During the war he joined a regiment of Kansas cavalry, raised to intercept the progress of Price. While engaged in bridge building he fell from a bridge and was injured. He was sent to a hospital in Sedalia, Missouri, and there died September 18, 1882. His wife survived him until January 28, 1891. when she. too, was called to her final rest. She had been left an orphan at a very early age. her parents having died of consumption. She had but one brother and no sisters, her brother, Samuel, having been a resident of Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he died. He was a patentee of improved attachments of the Wheeler & Wilson sewing machine and acted as the overseer of their factory for many years. Later he went to South Amer- 352 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. ica in the interest of a plow factory, spending two years on that continent. He then returned to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where his death occurred. He reared an interesting family of six children, all of whom are in New York, their busi- ness interests being along mechanical lines. Mrs. Tilley was a member of the Baptist church and by her marriage she became the mother of four children : . Anna, now Mrs. Harding: George, of Oklahoma; Emma, now Mrs. Storn- braker; and Mrs. Mary Banister, who by a first marriage had one child and by her second marriage four children. After his marriage Mr. Harding purchased land in Nebraska and improved a farm, which he sold in 1879. He then came to Brown county, where he purchased unimproved land, from which he developed a farm. He is now the owner of a valuable property of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he has built a commodious two-story frame residence, a large barn and sub- stantial outbuildings. He has also planted a good orchard and grove and has made permanent improvements upon his place, so that it is now one of the most desirable farms in this section of the county, his home being conveniently located about two miles southwest of Morrill. He has given to his business his strict attention, carrying on stock raising in connection with general farming. The stock he feeds and sells to the home market and his income therefrom is materially increased. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Bank, of Morrill. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Harding have been born five children: Roy C, born February 25. 1880; Clara, born December 2, 1881 : Lulu, born December 17, 1884; Edgar T., born October 20, 1892: and Emma J., born June 29. 1895. Mr. Harding is a member of the Masonic fraternity and both he and his wife belong to the Knights and Ladies of Security. Mrs. Harding is also a mem- ber of the Missionary Baptist church. In politics he is a Democrat and keeps well informed on the issues of the day. but has never sought office. During the years of his residence here his career has been attended with prosperity and, though many obstacles and difficulties have been in his path, he has steadily worked his way upward, reaching a position of affluence. Industry has been the keynote to his success and his life history should serve to encourage others who are forced to start out in life for themselves empty-handed. ALLEN W. LICHTY. The Lichty family of which our subject is a representative had its origin in Switzerland, the original American ancestors being John Lichty, who came from the land of the Alps and took up his abode in the new world in colonial BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 353 clays. He settled north of Baltimore, IMar_ylancI, and reared the following cliildren: Jacoh, born in 1791 : Snsanna, in 1794; Hannah, in 1796; John, in 1798; Samuel, in 1800; Daniel, in 1802; David, in 1804; Magdalena, in 1807; Elizabeth, in 1809; Joseph, in 1813; Christian, in 1815; and Daniel, in 1818. Christian Lichty, the great-grandfather of our subject, became one of the first settlers in Somerset county, Pennsyh-ania, and there established a farm which is yet in possession of his descendants. This land was crossed by the famous Pennsylvania coal belt. That fact was not known when it came into the possession of Christian Lichty, but a rich sixteen-foot vein was afterward discovered and the operation of the mines proved a great source of income to the owners. Christian Lichty became widely and favorably known in his adopted county. The family has always been one of prominence in that locality. Representatives of the name have since emigrated westward to Ohio, Illinois, Iowa and Kansas, but Jacob Lichty, a son of Christian and the grandfather of our subject, spent his entire life in the Keystone state, where he was known as an honest, industrious and unpretentious farmer whose sterling worth commanded the respect of his friends and neighbors. His children were John C. : Jacob ; Daniel ; Emmanuel ; Lena, the wife of Jacob Myers ; and Joseph C. For n:any generations the family ha\e been connected with the Dunk- ard church. Joseph C. Lichty, the father of our subject, was born, reared and mar- ried in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, Miss Anna Miller becoming his wife. She was a daughter of Abram Miller, a farmer of Somerset county who was of German lineage and spent his entire life in Pennsylvania. His children were John ; Jonas ; Jacob ; Daniel ; Peter ; Catherine, the wife of John Myers ; ]\Irs. J, Fike and Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Lichty began their domestic life upon a farm in Somerset county and there they spent their remaining days, his attention being devoted entirely to agricultural pursuits. In politics he was a Democrat, and he held the office of jury commissioner, but never aspired to political preferment. His children were John M. and Hiram J., who became pioneers of Iowa ; Mary, the wife of D. S. Miller ; William H., of Iowa ; Louisa, the wife of E. Berkley; Sevilla, who died in childhood; Allen W.; Samuel J., of Iowa; and Joseph and Ella, who died in childhood. Allen W. Lichty, whose name heads this record, was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, April 3, 1850, and upon the home farm spent the days of his boyhood and youth, enjoying such educational privileges as were afforded by the common schools of the neighborhood. In the summer months he aided in the work of the fields and meadows, remaining with his parents until eighteen years of age, when he emigrated westward to Iowa and there began the battle of life for himself. After four years spent in the Hawkeye state, 354 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD.- he removed to Carroll county, Illinois, where, in November, 1870, he was married to Miss Evaline Saylor, who was born in Somerset county, Pennsyl- vania, December 9, 1851. She is a lady of intelligence and culture, a daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Whipkey) Saylor, natives of Somerset county, Penn- sylvania, the former born July 13, 1820, and the latter in January, 1831. The paternal grandfather. Christian Lichty, was born in Somerset county, Penn- sylvania, in 1793, and died in 1870. His children were Abraham : Emmanuel ; Mrs. Eliza Musselman; and Mrs. Lydia Shock. Jonathan Saylor, the father of Mrs. Lichty, made farming his life work. He married Mary Whipkey, a daughter of John Whipkey, who was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in 1804, and died in 1870. Mr. Saylor had been married previously, his first union having been with Miss Catherine Miller, by whom he had four children, — Simon, William, Ephraim and Sarah ; but Simon is the only one who reached mature years. He is a retired farmer liv- ing in Falls City, Nebraska. By his second marriage, Mr. Saylor had four children : Evaline, the wife of our subject ; Milton, of Carroll county, Illinois : Allen W., of Nemaha county, Kansas; and Harvey, a practicing physician of Fairview, Kansas. The family were Dunkards and in later life joined the Progressive branch of that organization. The father died on September 4. 1893, 'i"tl the mother December 9, 1898. After their marriage Mr. and ]\Irs. Lichty returned to his Pennsylvania home, where they remained for one year and then removed to Illinois. In 1872 they went to Falls City, Nebraska, and Mr. Lichty rented a farm, which he operated for one year, thence coming to Brown county, Kansas, in the fall of 1873. He purchased eighty acres of land upon which he resides. It was then a tract of unimproved prairie, upon which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made. He immediately built a stable, in which he lived until the completion of a small residence. The first year he succeeded in hav- ing some of his land broken and fenced and soon his farm became a paying property. He has since engaged in the cultivation of his fields and in feeding and selling stock, making a specialty of the raising of hogs, and his efforts have been very successful, and he has added to his farm an eighty-acre tract, so that he is now the possessor of a valuable property, comprising a quarter- section of land. His home is a large two-story frame residence, and this is supplemented by a large barn and outbuildings for the shelter of the stock, and a good lawn and a beautiful grove add" to the attractiveness to the place. The farm is pleasantly located six miles northwest of Alorrill, thus enabling him to obtain the comforts of town life. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lichty has been blessed with eleven chil- dren : Anna M., born October 14, 1871, in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, is the wife of W. D. Deaver, of Sabetha, Kansas; Sarah J., born November BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 355 13, 1873, is the wife of Daniel Sargent, a jeweler of Falls City, Nebraska; John C, born June 8. 1875 ; Joseph C, born April 6, 1877, is employed in the bank of Sabetha; Cordia M., born May i, 1879, is the wife of E. Lanning, a farmer; Edward, who was born June 28, 1881, and is a student in Falls City, Nebraska ; Lulu Lodella and Lela Luella, twins, who were born Decem- ber 16, 1886, but the latter died on July 11, 1887; Homer, born February 14. 1888; and Nora L., March i, 1892. Mr. Lichty and his family are members of the Progressive Dunkard church, and socially he is connected with the Modern Woodmen, and was reared in the political faith of the Democratic party, but since the organization of the People's party he has been one of its advocates. Although his party is in the minority in his township his sterling wortli and ability have occasioned his election for the ofifice of township trus- tee, in which he served for three terms. He is now filling his second term of county commissioner and has creditably served in various township offices, in which his fidelity to duty has won him high commendation. Indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature and his resolute purpose and unflag- ging industry have been the means of winning him a place among the substan- tial farmers of the neighborhood. As such he well deserves mention in this volume, and it is with pleasure that we present this sketch for the perusal of the readers of northeastern Kansas. JACOB LICHTY. Jacob Lichty is extensively engaged in feeding and shipping cattle and his large business interests have brought to him a comfortable competence. He resides in Morrill township, where he owns a valuable tract of land, having been a resident of this county for thirty years. He was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, December 6, 1848, his parents being Jonathan and Susan (Miller) Lichty, of Pennsylvania, His paternal grandparents were Jacob and Barbara (Myers) Lichtv and the former was a son of Christian Lichty and a grandson of John Lichty, The last named was a native of Switzerland and became the founder of the family in America, establishing his home near Balti- more, Maryland, in colonial days. His son. Christian, was one of the first settlers in Somerset county, Penn- sylvania, and there located, establishing a farm, which lies in the center of the great coal region of Pennsylvania, The coal vein on the place was fifteen feet deep and the yield added greatly to the prosperity of the owners. The farm has always been retained in the possession of the descendants of Chris- tian Lichty, who died upon that place, leaving the property to his children. 356 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. In his family were the following: Jacob, born in 1791 ; Susanna, in 1794; Anna, in 1796; John, in 1798; Samuel, in 1800; Daniel, in 1802; David, in 1804; Magdalena, in 1807; Elizabeth, in 1809; Joseph, in 1813; and Daniel, in 1818. Of this family, Jacob, the first named and the grandfather of our subject, was born and reared in Pennsylvania and wedded Barbara Myers, by whom he had eight children: Jonathan, born February 17, 1818; Mrs. Mary Oben, in January, 1821 ; Mrs. Susan Kelso, in 1826; Abraham, in 1829; Anna, who was born May 10, 1831, and died in childhood; Mrs. Lidia Livingood, born in 1834, Samuel, in 1836, and John, in 1842. The two last named died in childhood. Jonathan Lichty, the father of our subject, was also a native of Pennsyl- vania and was reared to farm pursuits in Somerset county, that state. His educational privileges were somewhat limited, but by industry and perseverance he acquired a good education and for a number of years engaged in mercantile pursuits. He also became a Dunkard preacher, in which faith he has been reared, all of the original members of the family being representatives of that faith. In 1863 Jonathan Lichty removed to Lee county, Illinois, where he engaged in the operation of a woolen factory and in merchandising until 1870. In that year he removed to Kansas, locating upon a farm which is now the home of our subject. Here he improved a quarter-section of land, giving his attention to the cultivation of grain and to stock dealing, meeting with creditable success in his business. He was one of the first Dunkard preachers in this part of Kansas and lived to see the church flourish. His death occurred March 7. 1881, and his wife, who survived him eighteen years, passed away July 18, 1899. They had but two children : Anna, who was born in October, 1845, ^"er of Company D, Twenty-second Kansas Volunteer Infantry, tluring the Spanish-American 362 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. war and served until honorably discharged, being stationed at Camp Alger and Camp Meade. Pennsylvania : Mrs. Addie Woodward ; Mrs. Ella Myers ; Harry Jay; and Albert, who died at the age of two years. Mr. Myers holds membership with the Grantl Army of the Republic and takes great delight in the re-unions of his old army comrades, in which stories of the camp fire and of field are related. He is known as a worthy citizen of the community and an enterprising agriculturist, and he and his family are respected by all who know them. STEPHEN A. HOLCOMB, Stephen A. Holcomb has been a very active factor in the upbuilding of Powhattan and his labors have been very efifective in promoting its interests along social, material, educational and moral lines. He was at one lime exten- sively engaged in dealing in grain, lumber and coal, is the owner of consider- able real estate and is carrying on his business interests with signal success. A native of the Hawkeye state, he was born near Ottumwa, Wapello county. July 24, 1847, 'i"fl '^ a son of Zephaniah Holcomb. The grandfather of our subject was Stephen Holcomb. who was a native of New England and of English descent. The family was representative in the early wars of the country and its members have always been noted for loyalty to the government. The father of our subject was reared upon a farm in the county of his nativity and acquired his education in the public schools. Emigrating westward he took up his abode in Wapello county, becoming one of the pioneer settlers. He there secured a government claim and began the development of a farm. He was married, in Van Buren county, Iowa, to Miss Rebecca Blackford, a native of Indiana and a daughter of John Blackford, whose birth occurred in Maryland. The parents of our subject resided in Iowa until 1864, when they came to Brown county, Kansas, establishing a home on the present site of Robinson; in fact the town was laid out on their farm. The father has fol- lowed agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life and is still living at the old homestead in Brown county. In politics he has been a stanch Republican ever since the organization of the party and in religious faith is a United Brethren. In his family were seven children, two sons and five daughters, namely: Stephen A., of this review; Mrs. Anna Roup, of Robinson, Kan- sas; Mrs. Mary Wade, of Robinson; T. W., also living in Robinson; Mrs. Jane Parsons, of Lawrence, Kansas; Mrs. Laura Harnorse, of St. Joseph, Missouri ; and Mrs. Maggie Wallace, of Robinson, Kansas. Mr. Holcomb, of this review, was reared on the old home farm in Iowa BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 363 and was early trained to habits of industry and economy, wliich have proved to him of great vakie in his business career. Lessons "of honesty and relia- bihty were also early instilled into his mind and have largely colored his later life. His intellectual development was directed in the public schools, where he acquired a fair English education. He is numbered among the soldier boys of the Civil war, for, when only sixteen years of age, he responded to his coun- try's call for troops, enlisting in February, 1863, as a member of Company E. Seventh Iowa Cavalry, under the command of Captain J. B. Davids ; later he was under the command of Captain J. P. Norris. The regiment made an excellent record for gallant service on the field and on scouting expeditions. Their work lay west of the Missouri river. For a time they were stationed on the wild plains of western Kansas, in order to suppress any uprising of hostile Indians, and later they were located at Fort Ellsworth, at Fort Laramie, Cot- tonwood Springs and Fort Riley. Mr. Holcomb was faithful to the post of duty, discharging every task allotted to him, and at the close of the war he was honorably discharged. He then returned to his father's home in Robinson, Brown county, and has since been acti\ely identified with the business interests of this locality. On the 29th of March, 1871. Mr. Holcomb was united in marriage to Miss Annie Richardson, a lady of intelligence and of good family, who is well- known as a most estimable woman. She was born in England, her parents being Joseph and Mary Richardson. Her father is now deceased, but her mother is still living. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Holcomb were eight children, six of whom survive: Samuel, a leading and prominent merchant of Powhattan, who is now numbered among the prominent business men of Brown county; George, of Sheridan county, Kansas; Daisy, William, Florence and Frank. They also lost two children : John, who died at the age of six years, and Cora, at the age of two. Mrs. Holcomb was called to her final rest December 7, 1898. She was to htr husband a faithful companion and helpmeet, to her children a loving mother and to her neighbors a true friend. Thus her death occasioned sincere grief to those in their community. l\Ir. Holcomb is now the owner of a valuable farm of one hundred and twenty acres adjacent to the town of Powhattan. Of this, forty acres ha\e been laid out in town lots and thus its value increased. He has very extensive realty interests, including the ownership of a brick store 30x70 feet. This is one of the best buildings in the town. .Mr. Holcomb also owns the hotel and SIX or eight other leading buildings, which have contributed to the material miprcyement of the place. He erected the elevator here and carried on an extensive trade as a dealer in grain, lumber and coal for nine years. Through- out his life Mr. Holcomb has been a Republican and has served as a justice of the peace. He is likewise a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 364 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. lows and a member of the Congregational church, taking an active interest in all those measures pertaining to the improvement and welfare of the com- munity, and his efforts have been very effective in securing public progress along material, intellectual, social and moral lines. JOSEPH N. WYATT. Among those who have been active in promoting the substantial improve- ment of northeastern Kansas is Joseph N. Wyatt, who came to the state in i860, taking up his abode in Brown county. He is now living in Powhattan township, devoting his attention to agricultural pursuits. He was born in Cass county, Illinois, near Jacksonville, on the 22d of November, 1842. His father, George Wyatt, was born in Kentucky and belonged to one of the old families of that state. Removing northward, he took up his residence in Cass county, Illinois, among its pioneer settlers, and served as a soldier in the Black Hawk war, in 1832. He married Harriet Compton, who was born in New Jersey, a representative of an old New England family. The Wyatts came to Kansas in i860 and cast in their lot among the early pioneers of Brown county. They had ten children, namely: Frances, now deceased; Mrs. Sarah Crews ; Joseph N. ; Walter, who was a soldier in the Eighth Kan- sas Infantry during the civil war and died in Chautauqua county, Kansas, in 1895 ; ^^■'S- Maggie Ordway; John, who was a member of the Sixteenth Kan- sas Infantry and died in Brown county, in 1866; Mary and Julia, who are also deceased; and Albert and George, who have passed away. The parents lived in Nemaha county, Kansas, for three years, and in 1863 came to Brown county, where the mother died at the age of fifty years. The father afterward returned to Cass county, Illinois, where he spent his last days, passing away at the age of sixty-three. He was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit throughout his entire business career. He and his sons were support- ers of the Republican party, and he and his wife were members of the Metli- odist Episcopal church. They were honest, industrious people of the h.ighest respectability, and wherever they went won many warm friends. Joseph N. Wyatt spent the days of his boyhood and youth in the state of his nativity, coming to Kansas with his parents in i860. He was reared to the labors of the farm and early trained to habits of industry, economy and honesty, which have proved important factors in his later life. During the civil war, while yet in his 'teens, he responded to the country's call, enlisting in September, 1863, when President Lincoln asked for three hundred thousand men to aid in suppressing the rebellion in the South. He joined the boys in blue of Company G, Thirteenth Kansas Infantry, under tlie command of Cap- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 365 tain Blackburn and Colonel Bowen. He remained at the front until the close of the war and participated in many notable engagements and skirmishes, in- cluding the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas. He was in the engagements with General Price and General Marmaduke's troops and was in much of the active service in Missouri and Kansas. With an excellent war record for loyalty, fearlessness and capability, Mr. Wyatt returned to his home at the close of the war and has since engaged in farming here. He rented farms until 1882, when he came to his present home. He has a good property here, his residence occupying a natural building site, while near by are good barns, yards and pastures, furnishing shelter and feed for stock. An excellent orchard yields its fruit in season and the fields are under a high state of cultivation. The place is neat and thrifty in appearance, in- dicating the careful supervision of the owner, who is justly accounted one of the enterprising farmers of his community. In 1867 Mr. Wyatt was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Burg, who has been to her husband a faithful companion and helpmeet. She was born in Michigan and is a daughter of Henry and Maria (Thortonburg) Burg, the former a native of Germany and the latter born on Grand Island, in the St. Lawrence river. Her father died in Michigan, leaving two children, one of whom is now deceased. The mother is still living and is the wife of Har- vey Nichols, one of the veterans of the civil war, now living in Brown county, Kansas. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt have been born six children, namely: Charles H., of Colorado; Arloa, the wife of S. Thornton, of Powhattan town- ship, Brown county; Nelson N. ; Mary J., who died at the age of eleven years; Elmer, who died at the age of seven years ; and Elsie, who died when three years old. Mr. W'yatt is a Republican in his political affiliations and keeps well in- formed on the issues of the day, but has never aspired to public office, his atten- tion being fully occupied by his farming interests. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and he and his wife hold membership in the Christian church. He is an honorable and upright business man, frank and jovial in manner and possesses those sterling qualities of character which everywhere command respect. A. J. MAYER. A. J. Mayer, one of the well-known citizens of Brown county, Kansas, was born near Lexington, Kentucky. July i, 1848. His father, John Mayer, also a native of that state, was of French descent. The mother bore the maiden name of Martha Chambers. About 1853 the family moved to Jo Daviess county, Illinois, and were among the early settlers of that section 366 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. of the state. There tlie father of our subject died, but the mother is still living, her home now being in Leon, Decatur county, Iowa. In their family were five sons and five daughters. A. J. Mayer, whose name introduces this review, was a youth of only five years when he went to Jo Daviess county, and there he was reared upon a farm, receiving his education in the public schools. He worked in the fields through the summer months and familiarized himself with the elementary branches of English learning during the winter. During the Civil war he loy- ally responded to the call for aid, joining the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, in which he served until hostilities had ended and peace was declared. After the war he came to Kansas and for some time located in the western portion of this state, also in the Indian Territory, and in Texas, where he was employed as a cowboy for some years. Ultimately he located in Brown county, Kansas, in 1874, and was married in Hiawatha the same year to Miss Matilda La Croix, who was born at Havre, France, but was reared and educated in Illinois and Missouri. Priort o her marriage she was accounted one of the most capable teachers of Brown county, Kansas. Her parents were John and Jane La Croix, also natives of France. By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mayer five children have been born : ThadJ who is living in Grand Junction, Colo- rado ; Carrie, a resident of Powhattan ; and Nellie, Tony and Daisy, at home. After reading law in the office "and under the direction of Ryan & Stew- art, in Hiawatha, Kansas, Mr. Mayer was admitted to the bar in Jefferson county in 1897. He had previously practiced law in the justice courts for many years. He is now engaged in the practice of his profession and in the real estate business at Valley Falls, where he is the senior member of the firm of Mayer & Fulton. He is a close student of the principles of jurisprudence and prepares his cases with great thoroughness and precision, qualities which have enabled him to gain success at the bar. He is also one of the leading real estate dealers of the county and has for sale a number of excellent farms in northeastern Kansas. He is one of the best informed men on land values in the county, for his long term of residence in Kansas and his extended ex- perience as a farmer in Brown county has made him an excellent judge of land. He prosecutes his business affairs with diligence and enterprise and his labors have brought to him creditable financial returns. WILLIAM J. WILSON. William J. Wilson resides upon a well-developed farm in Powhattan township. Brown county, and is numbered among the honored veterans of the late war, who at the call for troops joined the boys in blue and with undaunted BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 367 bravery fought for the preservation of the Union until supremacy was estab- lished and the Hag was planted in the capital of the Southern confederacy. Mr. Wilson was born in Lawrence county, Ohio, June 27, 1846, on a farm which his grandfather secured as a claim from the government. It was located on Syms Run, in Union township, that county. His father, Samuel S. Wilson, was born on the same farm and was a son of William Wilson, a native of Virginia, who served as a soldier in the war of 181 2. In recognition of his services he received a land warrant, which he located in Ohio, thus be- coming the owner of the farm upon which our subject was born. Samuel S. Wilson, having arrived at years of maturity, married Malinda Hefner, who was born in Virginia and was reared in Ohio, her father, Jacob Hefner, being a resident of the former state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were born nine children, namely: William J., Catherine, Sarah F., Samuel L., Ira (de- ceased), Isaac, a minister of the Christian church and a well-known lecturer; and the rest died in infancy. The mother of these children died at the age of forty-seven years, and their father passed away when fifty-three years of age. He made farming his life work, following that pursuit throughout his entire career. In politics he was first a Whig and afterward a Republican, and in religious belief both he and his wife were Methodists. Mr. Wilson, of this review, was reared upon the old home farm in Ohio, aiding in the labors of the field and meadow through the summer months, while in the winter season he pursued his education in the public schools. He was married in Lawrence county, Ohio, on the 8th of April, 1867, to Miss ijarah C. Chapin, a capable teacher and a representative of a good family. Her parents were Nathan and Zela (Booth) Chapin, the former a native of Ken- tucky and the latter of Ohio. They had five children, namely : Mrs. Sarah Wilson; John, of Muncie, Indiana; David and James, now deceased; and Oliver, who is living in Cincinnati, Ohio. Their father carried on agricult- ural pursuits and was an enterprising business man. He voted with the Re- publican party and his religious views were in harmony with the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal church. William J. Wilson, the subject of this review, resided in Ohio until 1869, when he removed to Delaware county, Indiana, locating near Muncie. There he lived for seven years, when he went to Champaign county, Illinois, and in 1882 came to Kansas, locating in Brown county. In 1886 he took up his abode in Nemaha county, where he continued for nine years, when he located in Powhattan township, this county. Here he has since engaged in general farming and his well-improved fields have brought to him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he has bestowed upon them. He has made a good home for himself and family and now has one of the desirable properties of the neighborhood. 368 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been- born five children, namely: Samuel Nathan, who is married and lives near his father; Ed K. : jMattie, of Horton, Kansas, who is a graduate of the Wetmore high school and a success- ful teacher; Chester and Sarah C. The family is one of prominence in the community, the members of the household occupying a high position in social circles. During the civil war Mr. Wilson enlisted twice and served in three dif- ferent companies. He joined the army in May, 1862, as a member of Com- pany D, Ninety-first Ohio Infantry, with wdiich he served until the 3d of July following, when he suffered an attack of typhoid fever and was sent home, being afterward discharged from the service. On the 14th of July, 1863, however, he enlisted in the Forty-fifth Mounted Infantry, from which he was discharged on the 24th of November, 1864. He then joined the Sharpshooters and did duty in Kentucky. He served as guard at General Thomas' head- quarters and at one time also acted as an escort guard for General Thomas at Nashville, Tennessee. He was finally discharged from the service on the 19th of July, 1 865, with a most honorable military record. He is now a member Sif Goff Post, No. 411, G. A. R. He also belongs to the Methodist church and is a man of ste^-ling purpose whose life has been honorable, upright and commendable. WILLIAM D. RIFE. William D. Rife is one of the well-known early settlers of Brown county and is an enterprising and successful man whose residence here dates from 1869. He was born near Gettysburg, in Adams county, Pennsylvania, on the 26th of January. 1841, and belongs to one of the old families of that state, of German descent. His grandfather, David Rife, was born in Pennsylvania, and the father, Andrew Rife, was a native of Adams county, in which place he was reared to manhood. After arriving at years of maturity he married Miss Sarah Stewart, also a native of Adams county and of Scotch-Irish descent. They had six children, namely : Lavina, now deceased ; William D. ; Jane, who also has passed away ; Rebecca, Alexander and John. Their father died in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, at the age of sixty-nine years. He was a stone-mason by trade and in connection with that business followed the occupation of farming in order to support his family. In poli- tics he was a Whig until the dissolution of the party, wdien he joined the ranks of the Republican party and continued to follow its banners until his con- nection with the affairs of life was terminated. In religious belief he was a Lutheran. His widow still survives him and is now living in Latrobe. Pennsyl- vania, at the age of eighty-one years. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 369 William D. Rife spent the first se\en years of his life in the county of his nativity, and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he was reared upon a farm. His time was largely occupied with the duties of field and meadow, for he was early trained in the habits of industry and economy — a training which ably fitted him for life's practical duties in later years. The public-school system of the state afforded him his educational privileges. He remained at home until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he responded to his country's call for troops, enlisting in Company I of the Eleventh Regiment of Pennsylvania Reserves. He was in the seven-days fight at Gaines' Hill and was there taken prisoner, but was afterward ex- changed. Later he returned to Pennsylvania and engaged in farming until 1869. when he determined to seek a home in the Sunflower state. Making his way westward, he took up his abode a mile and a half north of Hiawatha, where he lived for six years. He then exchanged his property there for one hundred and sixty acres of land in Powhattan township. Brown county, and for a quarter of a century has lived upon his present farm, which is now one of the best improved in the township. His home is situated upon a natural building site and near by is a beautiful grove. An orchard also adds to the value and attractive appearance of the place, and among the other improve- ments are large barns and other necessary outbuildings. The straight fur- rows across the fields are an indication of coming harvests, and everything about the place is neat and thrifty in appearance and kept in first-class con- dition. A barn recently erected is 38x40 feet, with eighteen-foot posts. On the 23d of March, 1865, Mr. Rife was united in marriage to Miss Kate Wilt, a lady from a good family, who has been to her husband a faithful companion and helpmeet on life's journey. She was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, on the 28th of Feburary, 1846, and is a daughter of Michael and Susan (Barret) Wilt, the former of German descent. They had a family of twelve children, five sons and seven daughters, and four of their sons were loyal defenders of the Union during the Civil war. Noah died in the war, Michael is now living in Pennsylvania, Reuben was killed at An- tietam and Cyrus is living in the Keystone state. The other son was David, and the daughters were Caroline, now deceased ; Margaret, Rachel, Isabelle' Elizabeth, Mary, Kate and May. The mother of this family died at the age of forty-four years and the father when se\-enty-two years of age. He was a farmer and blacksmith, was a Republican in political afliliations and a Meth- odist in his religious faith. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Rife has been blessed with ten children, namely : Mrs. Carrie Stratton ; Stewart, a blacksmith of Powhattan, Kansas ; 370 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Mrs. Nettie Fry; Mrs. Emma Hogan; George, also of Powliattan; Harry, of Fairview ; Jesse, Myrtle, Cordie and Lloyd. Mr. Rife exercises his right of franchise in suppqrt of the men and meas- ures of the Republican party but has never sought or desired office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business affairs, and in the public station has served only on the school board. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and he and his wife are members of the Methodist church. He is a man of sterling worth and strictest integrity whose word is as good as his bond. His life has been upright and honorable and his unflagging industry has brought to him the success which he now enjoys. He well deserves men- tion among the honored pioneers of Brown county, for few have longer re- sided within its borders than William D. Rife. SAMUEL V. POSTON. Samuel V. Poston is one of the prominent pioneer settlers of Brown county, his residence here covering a period of almost a third of a century, during which time he has ever borne his part in the work of public develop- ment, progress and improvement. He was born in Athens county, Ohio, near the city of Athens, on the 24th of December, 1847. His father, Elias Poston, was a well-known citizen of Brown county for many years. He was a native of Virginia and the son of James Poston, who also was born in the Old Domin- ion and is of Irish lineage. The father served as a soldier in the war of 181 2. The father of our subject was reared in his native state and in Ohio. In the latter he married Miss Amanda Harrold, who was born in Athens county, Ohio, and was a daughter of Asbury Harrold, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in the Buckeye state. He was a coal operator and farmer and became a very prominent and influential citizen of the community in which he lived. Mr. and Mrs. Poston became the parents of eight children: John W., who is now living in Powhattan township. Brown county, Kansas ; Mary, the wife of Ed McKellup, of Seneca, Kansas; William, of Jackson county; Henry, who served four years in the Eighty-seventh Indiana Infantry during the civil war and is now living in Netawaka township, Jackson county, Kansas ; Samuel V. ; Elizabeth, the widow of C. Osborn ; Mrs. Emma Baker, a widow, living in St. Joseph, Missouri; and Josephine, the wife of William Morford, of Jackson county, Kansas. The Poston family removed from Ohio to Laporte county, Indiana, where they lived until 1869. when they came to Brown county. Kansas, settling upon a farm in Powhattan township, where they lived until called to their final BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 37 x rest. The father ,he,l at tl:e age of seventy-seven years and the mother passed M^Ldi t f'^"' °\^'f ^>r'^- >--■ She was a consistent men., "r o t e Me hodust Ep,scopal church, but the father was liberal in his religious view Bo h were honorable and respected people and reared a family of whonrthev had every reason to be proud. ^ "^- Samuel V. Poston of this review, was a lad of nine years when he went o Laporte county, Ind.ana. He was reared upon the old Hoosier lorn stead, where he was taught to chop wood and clear land, to be honest and .ndustno He acquired a good education in the public 'schools Z^ tmie of the cvd war he made se^•eral attempts to enlist, but was refused on E,ghty-seyenth Indiana Infantry, serving under command of Captain Vern He parfopated m the battles of Chickamauga. Buzzards' Roost. New HoTe Church, Burnt H,ckory. the sieges of Atlanta and Savannah. Jonesboro and I patant^- ' '"''T'' '" '" '''''' ''''''''' ^'^^ ^^^ -'^"rated mi i a y pageant ever seen on the western hemisphere. He was wounded in the ri^h^ e. by a gunshot, but otherwise escaped injury and was honorably dis har^ blelirbllrhr ""^■' ''-' ''' — ^ '' '- •— -•-- ^ad iSfi/^'; ^°f " "''" ''i"™'^ '° ^"' '^°"^" '" ^"^'^"^' ^^•h^'-^ '^^ remained until 1868, when he came to Powhattan township. Brown county. Kansas. He wa marned. on the 31st of December, of that year, to Miss Nancy Gubb. a lal hepmeet. She was born near Greencastle, Putnam county, Indiana, a daugh- of G rL Charlotte (Webb) Gubb. Her father was born in Delaware, of German parentage, and was married, in Putnam county. Indiana, to Miss r hh ' " ^^",^^"^^■- °f I-"^-'l^ on the:r way to freedom. Mr. and Mrs. Gubb were members of I Chr.t,an church and the latter died at the age of sixty-seven years, the former Brown ct ' °"^>\°* -^^-^ -""ty' Kansas; Mrs. Rachel N wton. of the wife o"fT^ '; V t' "'^^ °' ^^"'■^- P°^^°"' '' J-"^-" -""tv; Nancv. Powh ttan t "7 '7°^^°"^ J---' -J- is living on the old homestead m The f nilv :7 T " '"'" ^'^^^'" "^' ' "^'^^"^ °^ ^^^^^--'^-- Kansas, ine tamil> uas one of prommence in the community L nto Mr. and Airs. Poston. of this review, have bee.i born three children • Jan.es, who marr.ed Mary Peterson and resides in Jackson county; C C, X 372 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. married Marie Anderson and is living in Jackson county ; and Edna, who is the wife of George Hoenshell, of Brown county. Mr. and Mrs. Poston reside upon an excellent farm of two hundred acres, which is under a high state of cultivation, is kept in first-class condition and improved with all modern acces- sories. He raises corn on a very extensive scale, producing from thirty to fifty thousand bushels annually. He also keeps on hand a high grade of horses, cattle, mules and hogs, and runs his farm by progressive methods. He is both systematic and energetic and his labors have brought to him a most desirable competence. He and his wife are genial and hospitable people and have a very large circle of warm friends and enjoy the high regard of all with whom they are brought in contact. MARION WALTERS. Marion Walters was one of the well-known and honored citizens of Mis- sion township. Brown county, and was a veteran of the Ci\il war, who for three years loyally aided in defending the Union. He came to Brown county in 1872 and has since made his home here, so that in the passing years his townsmen have had ample opportunity to judge of his work, and that they accorded him their respect is an indication of his well-spent life. Mr. Walters was born in Fulton county, Illinois, June 21, 1842, and is a son of Peter Walters, a native of Tennessee. His paternal grandfather also was born and reared in Tennessee. The former, when a young man, removed to Illinois, which was then a wild, unimproved region. He was married, in Fulton county, that state, to Miss Tina Roberts, a native of Kentucky, and they became the parents of the following children, namely : William ; Eliza- betli ; Marion; Adaline; Joseph, who served as a soldier in the Civil war and is now living in Table Grove, Illinois: Nancy, Robert, Martha, John, Mary, George and Lucy. The father of our subject died at the age of se\enty-three years. He had made farming his life work and was an industrious citizen, whose success was the reward of his labor. Both he and his wife were mem- bers of the Baptist church and they died in Illinois when about seventy years of age, honored and respected by all who knew then:. Amid the refining influences of a good home, where Christian principles were exemplified in daily conduct, Marion Walters was reared. He spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and through the winter months pursued his education in the public schools. He watched with interest the progress of events in the south prior to the civil war and resolved that if an attempt was made to overthrow the Union he would strike a blow in its defense. Accord- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 373 ingiy. wlien President Lincoln issued his call for three hundred thousand men in iS6_', he enlisted as a member of Company F, One Hundred and Third Illi- nois Infantry, under the command of Captain Van Devender and Colonel F. Babcock. He participated in a number of most important engagements of the long conflict, including the battle of Black River and Jackson, Mississippi, and the siege of Vicksburg. In the last named the regiment was actively engaged against General Joe Johnston and his Confederate troops. Later the One Hundred and Third Illinois was under fire at Mission Ridge, at Knox- ville, through the Atlanta campaign, at New Hope Church and at Burnt Hickory. Mr. Walters also jjarticipated in the battle in which General McPherson was killed, took part in the siege of Atlanta, afterward marched against Savannah and through the Carolinas, participating in the engage- ment at Raleigh and Bentonville. With his regiment he then went to Rich- mond and on to Washington, D. C, where he participated in the grand review, the most celebrated military pageant ever seen in the western hemisphere. He was in twenty-seven battles, besides numerous skirmishes. At Mission Ridge he was wounded, being shot in the left leg. From November until the follow- inPf February he remained in the hospital and then rejoined his regiment. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged, having made a good record as a brave and gallant soldier. Upon his return to Illinois Mr. Walters engaged in farming in Fulton county and has since devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. He was married, in 1866, to Miss Theresa Harwidel, who was born in Germany and when a maiden of twelve summers accompanied her parents on their emigra- tion to Pennsylvania, where she was reared and educated. She is a daugh- ter of John and Savilla Harwidel, both natives of the fatherland. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Walters have been born seven children, six of whom are living, namely: Christina, the wife of George W. Trum, a well-known citizen of Horton, Kansas; Alice, the wife of George Renaker, of Brown county; John Elmer, also of Brown county; Ernest, who died at the age of three years; Joseph, Robert and Linneus. Mr. Walters came to Brown county in 1872. locating upon his present farm of eighty acres. He has a very large and comfortable residence here, together with good barns, orchards, verdant meadows and well-tilled fields.' The property is one of the most valuable farms in the community and the owner is recognized as an enterprising and progressive agriculturist. What- ever success he has achieved is due entirely to his own efiforts, for he had no influential friends or wealth to aid him on starting out in life. In politics he IS a Democrat and has served as a road supervisor and justice of the peace. His life has been quietly passed, yet his career has been a useful and honorable one, commanding the respect and confidence of all who knew him. 374 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. ] REV. J. HILDEBRAND. Rev. J. Hildebrand is the able and honored priest in charge of St. Leo's church in Horton, Kansas, and his labors have been effective in promoting the welfare of that religious organization. He is a native of Germany, his birth having occurred on the i8th of January, 1870. in the fatherland. His parents were devoted members of the Catholic church and early dedicated their son to its work. Father Hildebrand, of this review, supplemented his preliminary education by study in an American college at Louvain, Belgium. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1894 and his first parochial charge was at Neodesha, Wilson county, Kansas, where he remained for two years. He was then given charge of St. Dominick's church at Holton. Kansas, and in 1898 took charge of St. Leo's church in Horton. The house of worship is a large three-story edifice, erected at a cost of twelve thousand dollars, upon which three thousand dollars have already been expended. The church was organized under the direction of Father A. W. Jennings, who had charge of the parish for three years and was succeeded by the Rev. T. H. Kinsella, who was its pastor from 1892 until 1895. Father Meehan remained in charge from 1895 until 1898, when he was succeeded by Father Hildebrand. The building contains, in addition to the large chapel, two large and comfortable school rooms, in which the sessions of the parochial school are held, being conducted in connection with the church work and under the guidance of the St. Joseph Sisters. The school now has an enrollment of forty pupils. The membership of the church represents seventy families and in its various departments the society is in good working order. Father Hildebrand is untiring in his efforts to promote the cause of Catholicism and as a financier his ability is unques- tioned. He enjoys the high regard of his parishioners and is favorably known throughout the community. JAMES H. ADAMS. James H. Adams dates his residence in Brown county from 1881 and his connection with the public affairs of Powhattan and of Mission townships has made him one of the valued and representative citizens of the community. A native of Lidiana, Mr. Adams was born in Parke county on the i8th of March, 1842. His father, Daniel Adams, was a native of Kentucky, born February 14, 1809. The grandfather, William Adams, claimed Tennessee as the state of his nativity and was a representative of an old Virginia family, whose ancestors came from England, locating in Jamestown, Virginia, prior to the Revolutionary war. Representatives of the name were Whigs in their BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 375 political views and during the Revolution they bore many hardships inflicted by the Tories. Patriotic and earnest, they defended the cause of independence and hesitated not in upholding their lionest convictions. Daniel .\dams was reared in Kentucky and when a young man of twenty- one years removed to Parke county. Indiana, where he worked on the national pike road, then being built from Washington, D. C. to St. Louis, Missouri. In July, 1835, he was married, in Parke county, to Miss Mary Beauchamp, whose birth occurred September 8. 181 7, in Richmond, Wayne county, Indi- ana. She died September 2, 1847. leaving a family who greatly mourned her loss. Her father. Henry Beauchamp, was born in Maryland September 6. 1776. and is descended from French ancestry who crossed the Atlantic to America in colonial days, taking up their abode at Guilford, North Carolina. He married Miss Catherine McLain. who was of Scotch descent. Her birth occurred September 16, 1784, and her death in 1866. Daniel and Mary Adams had four children, namely: Henry S. : Phoebe E., the wife of G. W. Davis, of Baker, Kansas; James H. ; and John Z., now deceased, who served as a member of the Fourth Indiana Cavalry during the civil war. He died at Antioch (now Andrews), Huntington county, Indiana, leaving a widow and two children. After the death of his first wife the father of this family married Mrs. Indiann Hart, and to them were born five children, two sons and three daughters, namely : Mrs. Elizabeth House, deceased ; Thomas, of Levi, Polk county, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Vernon, of Cass county, Indiana; Mrs. Orinda Grifiith, of Kappa, Howard county, Indiana; and Wesley, deceased. The father was a farmer by occupation and following that pursuit was enabled to support his family. He lived an honorable and upright life and was a consistent member of the Baptist church. In politics he was a Whig until the dissolution of that party, when he became a supporter of the Democracy. He died in Kappa, Howard county, Indiana, July 19. 1898, at the age of ninety years. James H. Adams, the subject of this review, was reared in the countie? of Howard and Cass in Indiana, obtaining his education in the district schools there. He conned his lessons while sitting on a slab seat, and a heavy slab, mounted upon pins in the wall, served for a desk. All of the furnishings and everything connected with the school were- of the most primitive type, but the scholars were required to thoroughly master the "three R's." Mr. Adams assisted in the cultivation and development of the home farm during his youth and after the inauguration of the civil war he responded to the country's call for troops and, with patriotic ardor, enlisted at Andrews, Indiana, on the 24th of October, 1861, under Captain Wintrode, for three years' service. He became a member of the Forty-seventh Regiment of Indiana Volunteers and with his command went to the south, where he participated in several import- 3/6 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. ant engagements. He took part in the siege of V^icksburg, under General Grant, and was present at the time of its surrender, on the 4th of July, 1863, when the stars and stripes were planted over that city. He was also in the battle of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was very fortunate in that he was never wounded or ill, and with the rank of sergeant of his company he was honorably discharged at Baton Rouge on the 23d of October. 1S65, after which he returned to his home in Indiana. For about eighteen months Mr. Adams was employed in the lumber camps at Osceola, Michigan. He was married, October i, 1867, in Hunting- ton county, Indiana, to Miss M. E. Randolph, who was reared and educated in the Hoosier state and is a daughter of Rhodes and M. E. (Fish) Randolph, both of whom were natives of Indiana. Their union has been blessed with fi\e cliildren, namely: Schuyler, now of Bloomington, Illinois; Ina May, the wife of C. Zimmerman, of Powhattan, Kansas; Ora R., a railroad man now in the employ of the Santa Fe Company and residing at Wellington, Kansas; Charles H., a clerk in L. B. Perkheiser's general mercantile store; and Mary Emma, who died at the age of ten months. Upon his removal to Brown county, in 1881. Mr. Adams took up his abode upon a farm in Mission township, eight miles southwest of Hiawatha, and since 1889 he has been a resident of Powhattan, where he is now accept- ably serving as the police judge. In his political views he is a stalwart Repub- lican and on the 29th of October, 1890, was appointed postmaster of Powhat- tan. in which position he served until February, 1894, proving a genial and accommodating public officer. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and in its welfare and progress take considerable interest. In civil and military life he has demonstrated his loyalty to duty, and at all times his career has been that of a man who holds that the deserved respect of his fellow men is preferable to wealth. ALEX X. CAMPBELL. M. D. Dr. Campbell is now successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Horton, Kansas. He has for nearly thirty years resided west of the Mississippi river, his birth having occurred in Strathroy, Canada, on the 17th of April, 1847. His father, Alexander Campbell, was a native of Scot- land and a farmer by occupation. He married Miss Jennet McArthur, whose birth occurred in Inverness, Scotland, and to them were born seven children, namely : John, Dougald, Archie, Alex, Margaret, Nancy and Jessie. All of the children are still living. The father died at the age of eighty years and the mother died in her eighty-first year. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 377 Dr. Campl)ell, of tliis review, acquired a good education in his youth, his preliminary privileges being supplemented by study in a college in Macon City, Missouri, and in the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He took up the study of medicine in the office and under the direction of Dr. W. B. Lensey, a practicing physician and surgeon of his native town, who had obtained his professional training in the universities of Edinburg and London. After his graduation in the Michigan University, in the class of 1876, Dr. Campbell located at Jamesport, Missouri, where he remained until 1887, when he came to Horton. He has been particularly successful in the practice of medicine, in which his efforts have been attended with excellent results. He has built up a very large practice and has not only gained therefrom a com- fortable competence, but has won the confidence of the general public, while the profession accords him a leading place in its ranks. Ambitious of attain- ing a high degree of excellence, he has always been a close reader of the medi- cal literature of the day and is well informed concerning the discoveries of the science and the improved methods of leading practitioners throughout the world. His practice extends to adjacent towns and villages and is now very large. The Doctor was married, in Gallatin, Missouri, to Miss Fanny Nichols, who was born, reared and educated in Missouri, and is a daughter of B. F. and Elizabeth Nichols. She is a lady of culture and refinement, who presides with gracious hospitality over her pleasant home. To the Doctor and his wife has been born a daughter. Bessie. Although the demands of his profession are such as to largely occupy his time he yet finds opportunity to discharge his social obligations and is an honored and valued member of the Knights of Pythias and Masonic fraternities. In politics he is a stanch Democrat and an advocate of the Bryan policy. His wife is a member of the Christian church. In manner the Doctor is pleasant and unassuming and is regarded as a popular and highly respected citizen. DANIEL HILL. Daniel Hill, one of the old and trusted engineers on the Rock Island Rail- road, with which he has been connected for twenty-six and a half years, was born in Hornellsville, New York, in 1851. His father. John Hill, was for more than forty years a railroad engineer and was employed on the old Erie Railroad until 1856. when he removed to Chicago and entered the employ of the Rock Island Railroad Company. He married Miss Elizabeth Donohue and four children were born of their union, namely: John; Agnes; Mary A., 378 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. who died in Chicago; and Daniel, who makes his home in that city. The mother of these children still survives, at the age of sixty-eight years, and resides in Horton, and the father passed away in Englewood, Illinois, on the 9th of September, 1898. Daniel Hill, whose name introduces this review, obtained his education in the common schools and when sixteen years of age entered upon his busi- ness career as an employee of the railroad company. When twenty years of age he was promoted to the position of engineer and has since served in that capacity. On his first run he was in charge of a switch engine on the C. R. I. & P. Railroad. For thirty-two years he has been following the respectable call- ing of the railroad engineer and for twenty-six and a half years has been connected in that capacity with the Rock Island Railroad. He is most capable, careful and competent, discharging his duties in a manner that is highly com- mendable and trustworthy. His long service has been particularly free from accident, and the reputation which he has made is one of which he may be justly proud. Mr. Hill was married, in Newton, Jasper county, Iowa, in 1872. to Miss Emma K. Stone, a native of Hollidaysburg, Blair county, Pennsyh-ania, and a daughter of Washington and Nancy Jane Stone. Her father is now deceased. Mrs. Hill was reared and educated in her native town and by her marriage she has been the mother of seven children: William J., a mechanic: Nellie B., Ethel, June, Harry O., Charles D. and Helen M, The Democratic party finds in Mr. Hill a stanch and earnest advocate. but he has never had time nor inclination to seek public office. For over twenty-six years he has been a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and is also a member of the Engineers' Mutual Benefit Association. In manner he is frank and jo\-ial and has the happy faculty of makin"- and retaining friends. JACOB MEISENHEIMER. Since an early period of the development of Brown county Mr. Meisen- heimer has been identified with its agricultural interests and is now one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Hiawatha township. Great changes have occurred during his residence here, for at the time of his arrival the greater part of the land was still in its primitive condition and the sites of now thriving towns and villages were unmarked by a single residence. The work of progress and improvement has been energetically prosecuted by the worthy pioneers who thus laid the foundation of the present prosperity of the coimty. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 379 Mr. Meisenheimer, as one of the early settlers, well deserves mention in this volume. He was born in Germany in January, 1827, his parents being Martin and Mary (Hewalt) Meisenheimer. In 1835 they left the Father- land and crossed the Atlantic to the United States, landing in New York, whence they made their way to Richland county, Ohio, settling upon a farm near Mansfield. In 1842 the family moved to Andrew county, Missouri, where the father carried on farming and where the mother's death occurred. Jacob Meisenheimer accompanied his parents on their voyage across the Atlantic and remained with them until 1850, when, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he joined a party and crossed the plains to that coast. They had some thrilling experiences on the journey, but at length reached the Golden state in safety and Mr. Meisenheimer made his way to the mines, where he met with a fair degree of success, continuing his search for gold on the American river for six years. In 1856 he returned to Kansas and located in Brown county, pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land in Hia- watha township. He bulit thereon a log cabin and in the spring of 1857 he -was united in marriage to Miss Susan Moser, a daughter of Peter Moser. They began their domestic life in the little log house, where they met with the usual experiences of those who settle on the frontier. Their nearest neigh- bors were long distances away, but there was a friendly spirit that existed in the pioneer settlements that is unknown to-day. The latch-string always hung out and sociability and helpfulness were most marked. Mr. Meisenheimer continued his labors and in the early days worked from dawn until dark, plac- ing his land under cultivation. Success attended his efforts and as his finan- cial resources increased he extended the boundaries of his farm by the addi- tional purchase of land until he became the owner of eight hundred acres. He has made a specialty of raising corn and wheat and also raised cattle and hogs. His practical and progressive methods of farming resulted most satisfactorily and he thus acquired a handsome competence. As the years passed he made constant improvements upon his place, including the planting of an excellent orchard. In 1870 he erected a commodious brick residence and at other times built good barns, outbuildings, sheds and windmill — in fact, added all the accessories and conveniences of the model farm. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Meisenheimer were born twehe children, six sons and six daughters, nine of whom reached the age of maturity, namely: Sarah, the wife of Benjamin Diesbach; Martin, a farmer; Frank T., who resides in Brown county, this state; Jacob C.. who is carrying on agricultural pursuits; Lizzie, the wife of John Babb; Mary, the wife of Joseph Goodrich; Ora. the wife of Herbert Jenkins, of Severance; Aaron, at home; and Roilyn. Mrs. Meisenheimer, who was a devoted member of the Evangelical 38o BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. church and a faithful and loving wife and mother, died on the 12th of No- vember, 1898. In politics jMr. Meishenheimer is a Republican and is a model citizen who supports all measures for the public good, but does not concern himself un- necessarily with public affairs. His ballot indicates his preference for certain men and measures, but he has never sought political preferment for himself, desiring rather to give his time and attention to business in which he has met Avith most creditable success. Great changes have come since the days when he lived in the little log cabin and was surrounded by pioneer people and cus- toms. Among the sports enjoyed by the early settlers at that time was hunt- ing, for deer and wolves" were still seen along Wolf creek, and Mr. Meisen- heimer kept five or six good hounds for the hunt. To-day he has valuable farming property, situated in one of the richest agricultural districts of the Union and his labors are crowned with the financial return w'hich should ever attend earnest and continuous effort. W'lLLIAAI HAUBER. William Hauber is a native of Indiana, his birth having occurred in Clark county on the 31st of October, 1838. His parents, Frederick and Bar- bara (Fiechterj Hauber, were both natives of Baden, Germany, w^here they spent their youth and were married. In 1835 they crossed the Atlantic to the new world, landing at New Orleans, after a voyage of forty days. Thence they proceeded up the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, taking up their abode in Jeffersonville, Indiana, but in 1840 removed to Andrew county, Missouri, and in 1857 became residents of Brown county, Kansas. The father pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land in Hiawatha township and continued its cultivation until his death, which occurred in 1887, when he was seventy- seven years of age. His birth occurred in 1810. His first wife died in Mis- souri in 1848, and he afterward married Catherine Hoffman. William Hauber, of this review, was only two years of age when taken by his parents to Andrew county, Missouri, and since his nineteenth year he has resided in Kansas. He has therefore been a witness of much of the won- derful progress that has been characteristic in the development of this section of the commonwealth and has given an active support to the many measures, which he believed to be for the public good. When the country became in- volved in civil war he joined the Union army in August, 1862, and was assigned to Company E, Thirty-fifth Missouri Infantry, under Colonel Samuel A. Foster. The regiment was ordered to Arkansas and participated in the BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 381 battle of Arkansas Post and Duvall's Bluff. Later he took part in the sieges of Fort Pemberton and Vicksburg and the battle of Helena, Arkansas, after which it was ordered to Little Rock, Arkansas, where Mr. Hauber remained until June, 1865, when, the war having ended, he received an honorable dis- charge. His two brothers. John and Charles, who were members of the Thir- teenth Kansas Infantry, died while in the service. After being mustered out, Mr. Hauber, of this review, returned to Brown county, Kansas, and began farming. In 1868 he purchased railroad lands to the amount of one hundred acres and began to improve the property, transforming the wild tract into rich and fertile fields. He added to his farms in Hiawatha and Mission townships from time to time until his landed possessions aggregated three hundred and eight acres, which constitutes one of the valuable farming properties of the locality. He has made excellent un- provements upon the place, including the erection of a beautiful residence and splendid barns and outbuildings. He is also engaged in the raising of hogs and cattle, and in both branches of his business has met with good success, for he conducts his business with energy and in a most capable manner. In 1870 occurred the marriage of Mr. Hauber and Miss Lizzie Maylott, a daughter of John and Catherine (Meishenheimer) Maylott, of a prominent old family of Brown county. They now have seven children, all sons, namely: John F., George E., Martin H., Daniel C, Oscar. Walter B. and Charles L. Mr. Hauber is a member of Hiawatha Post, Xo. 130, G. A. R., and his faithful service when he "wore the blue" was but an indication of the fidelity which has characterized his discharge of all the duties of citizenship that devolved upon him. He is known as an industrious, honorable repre- sentative of the agricultural interests of Brown county, and one of the most respected adopted sons of the United States. JOHN OUIXCY PAGE. In Everest, Brown county, Kansas, the name of Page is synonymous with good citizenship and with fealty to the Republican party. The pioneer of this name in the county was John Page, who brought his son, John Q. Page, an infant, to this part of the state in June, 1856. John Page first saw the light of day in Virginia in 1813. and it is pre- sumed that Alexander Page, his father and the grandfather of John Quincy Page, was born in the Old Dominion also. Alexander Page, who died in Brown county, Kansas, in 1859. aged eighty-three years, emigrated from Virginia when his children were young and passed the active years of his life 382 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. on a farm in Illinois. John Page, the third of his four children, in the order of birth, who married Martha Gullet, who bore him children as follows: jane, now dead, who married B. A. Williams ; William, a resident of Brown county, Kansas; Delilah, who died young; J. E., of Everest; Alexander, of Horton, Kansas; Mary, who is dead; E. S., who lives in Eldorado, Kansas; and John Ouincy. The mother of these children died in i860, and Mr. Page took for his second wife Phebe Carter, and they had a daughter, Matilda, who is now the wife of Thomas Roberts, of Chicago, Illinois. John Page located on a farm in Washington township immediately after his arrival in Brown county, and for thirty-five years successfully performed the duties of a farmer, which were interrupted somewhat during the last few years of that period by that fatal illness, consumption. In company with his son, John Q. Page, he went to the Rocky mountains in 1881, in the hope of improving his health ; but death overtook him at Santa Fe, New Mexico, be- fore he reached home again. He was elected the tax collector of Brown county in 1858 and served in that ofiice four years. He was a well-to-do farmer and a man of high character who had a firm place in the respect of his fellow citizens. John O. Page was born at Maquon, Illinois, February 14, 1856, and ac- quired a common-school education in the district school. His absence of two years following the death of his father has been his only absence from the county that in any way resembled permanency. Upon his return, in 1883, he married and engaged in farming. He saw an opportunity to change his business without loss to himself some ten years ago and has followed his in- clinations and engaged in the harness business in Everett. He has always done a local worker's and humble voter's part in advancing the cause of the Republican party and has been content to accept such reward for party faithfulness as came to him through the agency of friends. Mr. Page was elected the treasurer of Washington township and served in that office six years, and April 15, 1897, was commissioned the postmaster of Everest, suc- ceeding the late John Lyons. Mr. Page was married to Carrie Adams, a daughter of A. C. Adams, a citizen of Brown county, who was born in Germany. The children of this union were: Henry (dead), Josephine, Irena (dead), Delia, John Boyd, Archie and Claudia C. Mr. Page is past consul of Everest Camp, No. 1409, Modern Woodmen of America. He was brought to the vicinity at so tender an age that he has no recollection of any previous place of residence, and con- sequently he feels the same local interest as an actual son of the soil. He pos- sesses a degree of public spirit that has made him a very helpful and useful citizen, and his solicitude for the advancement of all important public interests of Brown county is well known. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 383 XERXES K. STOUT. For almost fortv years Mr. Stout has been a resident of Troy. Kansas, prominently identified with both its professional and horticultural interests. During the first half of his residence here he was connected with the bar and on his retirement turned his attention to the growing of fruit. Mr. Stout was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, near Big Springs, De- cember 10, 1824, and is a son of Walter J. and Elizabeth (Perdy) Stout, both natives of Kentucky. The grandfather, Aaron Stout, was born in New Jer- sey and removed to Kentucky when a lad. In April, 1844, Mr. Stout's parents went to Andrew county, :Missouri, and settled on a farm, the father dying in 1885, at Downs, Kansas. Xerxes K. Stout was educated in a private school at Big Springs, Ken- tucky, and was twenty years old when he accompanied his parents to Mis- souri. He worked on the farm and taught school for one year in Andrew county, then began the study of law, with Samuel Jones, a prominent attor- ney, as his preceptor, of Savannah, Missouri. In 1854 he came to Doniphan county, Kansas, and was for a time engaged in the mercantile business at Iowa Point, from which place he removed to Troy in 1862, and opened a law office, devoting his time to general law practice until 1885. Before court and jury he was a logical debater, a forceful reasoner and his arguments never failed to qarry weight and seldom failed to convince. He was well versed in the various branches of jurisprudence and his comprehensive knowledge led to success in many an important trial. Since retiring from the law Mr. Stout has turned his attention to his farm of one hundred acres, a part of which is in the corporate limits of Troy, and upon which he has a fine bearing orchard, principally of apple trees. These have produced some of the best apple crops ever raised in Doniphan county. He takes great pride in his fruit growing, finding in it a happy diversion from the cares of business life. In 1850 Mr. Stout was married to J^Iiss Martha Cobb, of Platte county, ilissouri, a daughter of Pharoe and Martha (Todd) Cobb, formerly of Knox county. Tennessee. Her death occurred in March, 1900. Mr. Stout i£ a stanch Republican in politics and has held some important offices. In 1857 he was a member of the territorial legislature and in the same year .vas the postmaster of Iowa Point. In 1865 he was elected the county attorney of Doniphan county and was re-elected at the close of his term, serving in all four years. He was also a member of the state legislature in 1874, an extra session of which was held for the relief of settlers whose crops had been destroyed by grasshoppers. Mr. Stout is a member of Troy Lodge, Xo. 55. F. & A. M., and of Troy 384 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Lodge, No. 38, I. O. O. F. Both he and his wife for thirty years were vahied members of the Presbyterian cliurch of Troy, and for a number of years he served as trustee of that 1:)ody. In all good works this estimable couple gave substantial aid and sympathy antl ha\e e\-er used their influence in behalf of religion and morality. They ha\e a pleasant home, to which their friends are alwavs wecome. ALEX KINDER. Alex Kinder, deceased, was one of the brave men who, at the call for aid offered their services to the government and upon the altar of their country laid down their lives in defense of the Union. He was born in Ireland, in the land which has furnished so many valiant soldiers and intrepid heroes to the Union cause. His birth occurred about 1820, and he was of Scotch-Irish lineage. During his boyhood he crossed the Atlantic to America with his father, Samuel Kinder, who became a farmer of Illinois, and during his youth the subject of this review assisted in the work of the home farm in the Prairie state. Through the summer months he followed the plow and aided in har,-r vesting the crops, while in the winter season he pursued his education in the public schools of the neighborhood. In 1851 he was united in marriage to Miss Millie White, a native of Fleming county, Kentucky, a daughter of Isleof and Sarah White, who had a family of six children. Her mother died when she was quite young. Mr. and Mrs. Kinder began their domestic life upon a farm in Illinois, and to them were born five children, namely: John, who is now li\ing in ^Mission township, Brown county. : K. C, who is a resident of Fort W'ortli, Texas; Mary, wife of John Lorimer, a merchant of Willis, Kansas; and ]\Iartha. wife of Frederick Hoyt, of Mission tiiwnship. Brown county. During the epoch which followed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Kinder the question of the extension of slavery into the territories was of the greatest possible moment and led to the creation of a new party, formed to prevent its further extension. Mr. Kinder watched with interest the progress of events in the South, noted the threats which were made to secede in the event of the election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency, and after the inaugura- tion of the war he responded to the call for three hundred thousand troops in 1862, which patriotic spirit prompted his enlisting as one of the defenders of the Union, and he became a member of Company E, Se\'entv-seventh Illi- nois Infantry. Donning the blue he marched to the front with the members of his regiment and was always found at his post of duty until he laid down his life on the altar of his countrv, his death occurring at Milliken's Bend, ALEX KINDER BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 385 Mississippi, on the loth of March, 1863, when he was forty-three years of age. Such men deserve ever to be held in grateful remembrance for wliat they have done, and as long as this country continues people will be thrilled by the story of the bravery and sacrifice of the noble sons of the Union who went to the South and gave up their lives in order that the national govern- ment might be upheld. Left with the care of five little children, ]Mrs. Kinder deserves great credit for the excellent work which she accomplished in rearing her family. Pier daughters are now married and her sons are successful business men. In 1S77 she moved from Peoria county, Illinois, to Kansas, taking up her abode in Brown county. Here she owns a farm of one hundred and thirty-eight acres, which is under a high state of cultivation and well improved, being supplied with excellent modern buildings, including a good residence and substantial outbuildings. Everything about the place is neat and thrifty in appearance and forms a good home for the mother who so bravely and ably cared for her family when deprived of her husband's protection and guidance. Mrs. Kin- der is a member of the United Presbyterian church and is a lad}- whose many excellent qualities have won her the esteem of all with whom she has been brought in contact. J. A. Kinder, her son, who has charge of the old homestead, was born in Illinois, in 1856. He was educated in the public schools, and in 1887 he married Miss Rosa Smith, daughter of Robert Smith, deceased, who was one of the pioneer settlers of Brown county. She is also a sister of Hon. Henry A. Smith, of this county, and is a lady of refinement and culture who pre- sides with gracious hospitality over her pleasant home. Mr. and Mrs. Kinder have one child, Vernon Ray, who is now ele\en years of age. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church and take an active interest in its wel- fare and growth. In politics Mr. Kinder is a Republican. He is regarded as one of the progressive and enterprising citizens of his township, and mani- fests a deep interest in everything pertaining to its welfare and progress along social, educational, material and moral lines. MATTHIAS NOLL. This well-known and popular pharmacist of Atchison, Kansas, was born in Weston, Missouri. July 23, 1858, a son of German parents. His father and mother, Matthias and Grace (Kurtz) Noll, were natives of Germany, the father of Horb and the mother of Herlingen, both in the province of Wurtemberg. The father, then a single man, came to America in 1848. land- 386 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. ing at Xew Orleans, where he took a boat for St. Louis, but in the same year went to Weston, Missouri, where he found employment, and later engaged in wagon and carriage making for himself. Here he became acquainted with and married Grace Kurtz, the wedding taking place in 1850, and they now reside in Weston, Missouri, he being seventy-four years of age and she seventy- six. They are the parents of four children — three daughters and one son — all married and settled in life, viz. : Victoria. Augusta, Matthias and Mary. The younger Matthias Noll was reared and received his early training in his native town, attending both its common and high schools. Later he took a course in the Christian Brothers College at St. Joseph, Missouri, after which he commenced his business career as a clerk. He served three and a half years as an apprentice to the drug business under Fred Scheibe, one of the most competent druggists of St. Joseph, and was one year in the employ of the Samuel O. Smith Drug Company of that place. Then, in order to still further prepare himself for his chosen work, he went to Ann Arbor and entered the University of Michigan, where he took a course in pharmacy and graduated in 1 88 1. Immediately after his graduation he took charge of a store in St. Joseph, but a few months later came to Atchison, Kansas, and from 1881 to 1884 clerked for Augustus Lang. On Mr. Lang's going to California in 1884, Mr. Noll became a partner in the business, under the firm name of Lang & Noll, and was thus associated one year. At the end of that time Mr. Noll purchased his partner's interest and became the sole proprietor of the estab- lishment which he has since successfully conducted. Mr. Noll was married, in 1885, to Miss Bertha Forbriger, a daughter of Robert Forbriger, and they have one son, Robert M. Mr. Noll has always manifested a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his city and stands high as a public-spirited, enterprising citizen. He is a director in the Mount Vernon Cemetery Association and a stockholder also in the Oak Hill Cemetery Association. In 1884 he was the secretary of tlie Atchison board of education. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen, the Knights of Pythias, A. O. U. W. and the Sons of Herman. Also he is a member of numerous organizations which are con- nected with his profession, and in them centers his chief interest. He has been the president of the Kansas State Pharmaceutical Association, and was at one time a member of the state examining board, is the secretary of the Atchison Home Retail Druggists' Association and is a member of the Amer- ican Pharmaceutical Association. In politics he is a Republican and is at present a member of the Atchison city council. In 1899 Noll postoffice was established on the Missouri Pacific Railroad six miles south of Atchison, the office being named in honor of Mr. Noll. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 387 G. H. ELLIS. A native of England, G. H. Ellis was born in Lincolnshire on the 13th of IMarch, 1840, and is a son of Dr. Matthew J. Ellis, who was born in the same shire and for over forty years was a snccessful practicing physician and surgeon. He married Frances Groves, also a native of Lincolnshire. The Doctor was a typical English gentleman of means, fond of out-door sports and always kept his horses and hounds ready for the hunt. In 1853, however, he determined to seek a home in America and with his family crossed the Atlantic, arriving in the new world after a perilous voyage of six weeks on the vessel Golconda. Several severe storms were encountered, the mast of the ship was lost and the vessel sprang a leak which necessitated the working of the pumps night and day. The passengers were thus pressed into service, but ultimately all danger was averted and they reached the harbor of New Orleans in safety, being tugged in by two steamers, one being on either side of the Golconda. Dr. Ellis went by boat up. river as far as Keokuk, Iowa, and then he and his fam- ily secured teams and an outfit to take them on their westward journev across the plains, but before leaving the Hawkeye state the mother died. The father and children, however, continued on their way to Utah, where they remained for some time, after which they went to Idaho and finally to California. There the father's death occurred, in 1861, when he had arrived at the age of fifty- one years. In the family were eleven children, but six daughters died in Eng- land during their early girlhood. William died in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of nineteen years: Joseph died in Doniphan county, Kansas, at the age of twenty-one years. He was \ery successful financially and left to his widow and daughter. Miss Anna Ellis, a very comfortable competence. G. H. Ellis, of this review, was only fourteen years of age when the fam- ily crossed the briny deep to the new world. He acquired in the schools of England a limited education. For some years he was located in Idaho, where he engaged in trading. He spent five years on a cattle ranch in California and one year in Utah, after which he started eastward across the plains, mak- ing the journey on horseback and leading a pack horse. Subsequently he made two other trips across the plains, once with a six-yoke ox team to Denver and later with a six-mule team. In 1867 he took up his abode in Doniphan county, Kansas, locating on a farm near Syracuse, now called Denton. There he remained for six years. At the expiration of that period he purchased a farm in Lancaster township, near Huron. For a number of years he devoted his time to the cultivation and development of that property and in 1892 came to Efiingham in order to secure better educational advantages for his children. He there owns a valuable farm property, however ; his place near Huron con- tains one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land under a high state of culti- 388 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. vation and improved with a substantial modern residence and other excellent farm buildings. He also owns a farm of eighty acres in Grasshopper town- ship, near Muscotah, Atchison county. On the i.^th of March. 1870. was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ellis and Miss Rosline M. Hopkins, a representative of a good family and a lady of culture and education. She was born in Clinton township, Elkhart county, Indiana, about eight miles from Goshen, and is a daughter of James M. and Sally (Chivington) Hopkins. In their family were five children, of whom three are now living, namely: Mrs. Rippey, of Severance, Kansas: A. H.. who is living in Indiana, and Mrs. Ellis, who for a number of years was a successful and proficient teacher of music. The father died in Indiana in 1861. He was a stanch Republican in his political views and a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln. During the election of i860 it was greatly due to his efforts that his township gave a majority to Lincoln, for he secured a spring wagon and traveled all day long, bringing Lincoln voters to the polls. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist church and lived to be well along in years, she dying several years after him. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis has been blest with eight children and the two oldest are twins, namely : Charles Henry and James IMadison, the former, who is now a stockman of Effingham, married a daughter of Judge B. F. Snyder, of that place, while the latter, who is in the employ of D. C. New- comb at Atchison, married Miss Eva Preston, a daughter of Dr. Preston, also of Efiingham. and they have two children, — Lawrence Preston and Clarence; Carrie, the wife of James Dare, of Severance, and they have two children; George \V. is unmarried ; Frances is the wife of Charles Hettic, who resides on the old homestead in Lancaster township, Atchison county, and has two children: Emma J. graduated in the class of 1900 at the county high school, completing a general course and a course in music ; Cora is a student in the high school ; and Sallie, who completes the family, is pursuing her education in the common schools. Mr. Ellis has made two trips to England and has therefore five times crossed the ocean and he has also spent considerable time in Texas. He has thereby gained a knowledge and experience which only travel can bring. He votes with the Republican party and while residing in Doniphan county held z. number of public offices. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal and Christian churches of Effingham, and for the latter Miss Emma J. Ellis is organist. They are all earnest Christian people, taking an active part in the work of the church, the Sunday school, the Christian Endeavor Society and the Epworth League. Mr. Ellis led an active and useful life during his residence upon the farm and his capable management accumulated a hand- some competence which, together with his income which he receives for his BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 3S9 property, enables him to live retired. He has watched with interest the develop- ment and upbuilding of this section of the state and has ever borne his part in the work of advancement, so that he well deserves mention among the hon- ored pioneers. TINSLEY POTTER. During a residence of more than two-score years in Atchison county, Kan- sas, Tinsley Potter has not only witnessed, but has also been a material factor in the great and important changes which have taken place here. He comes of a fine old Virginia family and his father, Thomas Potter, who was born and reared in that state, was a hero of the war of 1812. Once, when fighting some of Tecumseh"s forces, he narrowly escaped death, his horse being shot under him. Following the stream of emigration toward Kentucky, he there met and married a lady of that state. Miss Seliah Jackson. Their union was solemnized in Lincoln county and eleven children came to bless their home, namely : Xancy, William, Frances, Joseph, Ephraim, Moses, Tinsley. Marion, George, Andrew and James Henry. The father lived to be seventy-seven years of age, his death occurring in Kansas, and the mother departed this life when in her sixty-eighth year. The birth of Tinsley Potter took place in the old homestead in Lincoln county, Kentucky, December 15, 1826. He was reared on farms in Missouri, chiefly, and attended the district schools. In 1854 he came to Kansas and located upon a quarter-section of land on section 2, Benton township, being the first settler of that township. As an agriculturist he has made a success and, besides providing well for his family and meeting all of the duties of citizenship, he has accumulated a competence for his declining days. Li addi- tion to his valuable homestead, on which stands a commodious modern resi- dence, he owns a fine tract of some three hundred and twenty acres of land in Oklahoma. In his political convictions he is a Populist, as are so many of the residents of Kansas and other western states. A sincere friend to education, he formerly acted in the capacity of school treasurer for ten years and did much for the cause in this locality. For forty-four years Mr. Potter has had a faithful helpmate with whom to share his joys and sorrows. April 24, 1856, his marriage to Susan Anne Bohannon was celebrated, in Buchanan county, Missouri. She is one of the eleven children of John and Talitha (Foust) Bohannon, both of whom died in Buchanan county, the former at the age of seventy-three and the latter at the age of seventy-eight years. The father was a native of Tennessee, whence he remo\-ed to Indiana and later to the vicinity of Chicago, Illinois, and 390 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. finally to Missouri. Mrs. Potter was born in Fountain, Indiana. Feliruary ii, 1S33. and passed her girlhood in Missouri. She had four brothers and five sis- ters, namely: Margaret, Elizabeth, Martha, Gaines, Talitha, Thomas, Mary, William and John. Mrs. Potter was the third one of the family of children. Mr. and Mrs. Tinsley Potter have four surviving children. Talitha, who before her marriage was a successful teacher, is now the wife of James Lower, of Lancaster township, and their children are named respectively: Claude, Erna, Ada, Lillie and Ray. Mary Elizabeth, the wife of William McLenon, of Lancaster township, and the mother of two little girls, Elsie and Edna, also taught school successfully prior to her marriage. Ella Florence is the wife of John Searles, of Lancaster township, and John B. Potter, a prosperous farmer of Benton township, wedded Delia Killingsworth, of Jackson county, Kansas, and has one child. Lelia. Two of the children of our subject and wife died in infancy. Two others are Alice, who died when in her seventh year, and Madora was blossoming into noble womanhood when death called her to the better land, at the age of twenty-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Potter are earnest members of the Effingham Christian church and are beloved and looked up to by the entire community. JOHN C. BATSELL, M. D. No one is more genuinely deserving of credit than is the pioneer physi^ cian, and none of the inhabitants of Atchison county more thoroughly know, from actual experience, what it meant to cast in one's fortunes with this sec- tion of Kansas two-score or more years ago. In ante helium days, when Kan- sas was the great bone of contention between the north and south, this north- eastern county was a favorite battle ground for the contending factions, and besides many outrages were committed by border ruffians in the name of the abolitionists or by the slavery element. Dr. Batsell, whose services were in demand far and near, risked his life upon many an occasion, but "fortune favors the brave" and he passed through those stormy years unharmed. Well do the pioneers remember the innumerable kindnesses and cordial hospitality which they enjoyed under the shelter of his roof, and all agree that the annals of Atchison county could not be accurately written if his history and connec- tion with its development should be omitted. The paternal grandfather of the Doctor, John Batsell, was a native of Nelson county, Kentucky, though the greater part of his life was spent in Vir- ginia. He had a daughter and four sons, one of the latter being Thomas, the father of our subject. His birthplace was in the neighborhood of the famous BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 391 Culpeper Court House, Virginia. For a wife he cliose Keziah Noll, a lady of German extraction, and together they resided in Marion county, Kentucky, until death separated them. The father departed this life when he was sixty years of age and the mother reached three-score and ten years. They were highly respected citizens and de\xnit members of the Baptist church. They were the parents of ten children, namely : Eliza, Nancy, Susan, Catherine, Keziah, Matilda, Felix, James, of Grayson county, Texas, Thomas, deceased, and John Cotton. The birth of the last mentioned took place on the old homestead in Marion county, Kentucky, March 16, 1818. As a child he had but limited educa- tional advantages, but he was naturally studious and many a night, after the hard work of the day was completed, he spent hours by the dim candle light endeavoring to fathom the mysteries of knowledge. Talent asserting itself he left home at fifteen years of age to make his own way in the world, and at- last he reached the goal of his youthful ambition, — an opportunity to study medicine. His preceptor was Dr. John L. Fleece, of Bradfordville, Kentucky, a physician of high standing and a graduate of Lexington College, Ken- tucky. In 1848 he went to Valeene. Indiana, where he practiced until the fall of 1855. In 1855 Dr. Batsell set out for the west, where he believed that he might find his medical services in requisition. For a few months he remained in DeKalb, Missouri, whence, by crossing the river, he came to Atchison county and located a claim, on which he built a log house and made other improve- ments. The date of his settlement in Benton township is April, 1856, and for some time afterward his house was the only onein this township on the line of the old Atchison road. Years elapsed ere good road's were instituted and his long rides throughout this region, to the distant homes of suffering and in the most inclement weather, were borne with heroic patience. Not the least of his troubles, at intervals, was the difficulty in procuring the drugs and medicines which he required in his practice. The nearest point at which these supplies could be procured was St. Joseph, Missouri, — a long distance, over rough and sometimes almost impassable trails. He had many strange and unpleasant experiences with the border rufiians and outlaws during the several years immediately preceding and including the war and reconstruction, but his sin- cerity and the nobleness of his vocation made even the most degraded respect him. The manly dignity which he always manifested and the real interest which he felt toward every one in sickness won for him the love and admira- tion of the entire community. Leaving his home, family and practice Dr. Batsell enlisted to fight for the stars and stripes during the war and served as a member of Company D, Thirteenth Regiment of Kansas Volunteers. He was sworn in as first lieu- 392 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. tenant of his company and four months later was reHeved on account of bad lieahh and was honorably discharged on account of physical disability. He is a charter member of Effingham Post, G. A. R., and always has been an acti\e worker in that organization. Since the founding of the Republican party he has been one of its most enthusiastic advocates and in the winter of 1863-4 he had the honor of being a delegate of this district to the "war" legis- lature of the state. Thus, in numerous ways, the Doctor has come before the public and few residents of this county are more generally known or honored. In his noble pioneer work and efforts to alleviate the sufferings of human- ity the Doctor found an able and loving assistant in his wife, who cheered and inspired him. It was on the 22d of October, 1840, that the marriage of our subject and Ann Hazlewood was solemnized in Campbellsville, Kentucky. Her father, Reuben Hazlewood, was of English descent and was a soldier in the war of 181 2. He wedded Miss Jane Ray, a native of Virginia, and of their six children five lived to maturity^ namely : Gates and Lee, both now deceased ; John R., a physician at Grayson, Texas; Mrs. Jeter and Mrs. Batsell. Dr. and Mrs. Batsell have had nine children, four of the number surviv- ing at the present time, and besides they are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Missouri is the wife of T. C. Bennie, of Lancaster township, Atchison county; Josephine is the wife of William Taylor, who is engaged in the cattle business in Wyoming; Cora is Mrs. John Pratley, of Wyoming; Lee is employed by the wholesale house of Tootle, Wheeler & Matter, of St. Joseph, Missouri; Thomas; Ann, the wife of A. Meidler, died in Butler county, Kansas ; Mrs. Kate Taylor died in Wyoming ; and three children died in infancy. Great changes have taken place here within the recollection of Dr. Bat- sell and as he has transformed his tract of prairie into the fertile homestead of to-day, with its one hundred and eighty acres, so others have reclaimed the country, developing it even beyond their sanguine expectations. In January, 1900, the residence on his farm burned and since then he has resided in the town of Effingham. JOSEPH G.,WOLVERTON. Joseph G. Wolverton, the pioneer merchant of the thriving town of Effingham, Atchison county, Kansas, possesses the enterprise and business energy of his industrious ancestors, and much of the progress of this place may be justlv attributed to the patriotic spirit he maintains toward the spot with which his fortunes are identified. In war and peace alike he has proved him- "~ BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 393 self wortliy of liis birthright as a citizen of this grand repubHc and in all life's varied relations he has been faithful to the high principles which were incul- cated in him in childhood. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Job Wolverton, a native of England, came to the United States at an early day and located in Pennsyl- vania, where he dwelt until his death. His son, Thomas, the father of Joseph G. Wolverton, was born in the Keystone state and married a Philadelphia lady, Catherine Scout. Subsequently the young couple resided in the Quaker city for some years and in 1836 they became farmers of Crawford county, Ohio. Later they removed to Lee county. Illinois, where the devoted wife and mother was summoned to her reward. She was sixty-four years of age at the time of her death and was survived by her husband and father, who lived to attain the three-quarter-century mark. His demise occurred in Washington county, Kansas. In his early manhood he was engaged in teaching for some years, and throughout life he kept abreast of the times by reading and study. For years he held the office of justice of the peace and in politics he favored the Democratic party. Religiously he was a member of the Society of Friends, but his wife was connected with the Methodist church. Nine children blessed their union, those besides our subject being Lovinah and Mary Ann, deceased; Jesse, who was a private in Company C, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, during the civil war and now resides in AVashington county, Kansas; Crispin, who died in infancy; E. K., who, like his elder brother, Jesse, was a hero of Company C, Seventh Illinois Cavalry, during the war of the Rebellion and now owns a fine fruit farm of two hundred acres in Washington county; Hiram, of Mitchell county, this state; Thomas J., of Marshall county, this state; and William S., a farmer of South Dakota. Joseph G. Wolverton was born in Hunterdon county, New Jersey, Sep- tember 14, 1826. He was about ten years of age when the family removed to the west, where, surrounded by the somewhat primitive conditions of frontier life, he grew to hardy manhood. The deficiencies of his education were more than compensated by the splendid home influences which he enjoyed and the experience of later years has given him more than an ordinary fund of useful knowledge. Li November, 1851, Mr. Wolverton was married, in Wyandot county, Ohio, to Sarah AI. Leslie, a native of that state and a daughter of Alexander and Sarah (Zarn) Leslie. The father was of Scotch-Irish descent, while the mother was of German extraction. Six children were born to our subject and wife, but four of the number are deceased. Lillie May died at the age of two years and J. E. D. in infancy. Celia R. first married Joseph Mesigh and had two sons — Francis L. and George W.; and later she became the wife of W. D, Whetsell and afterward died. Emma Alwilda, who was the wife of S. H. 394 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Stoner, died and left one child, Claude. Orilla first married D. R. Jewel and by him had a dauj^hter, Edna May: she afterward became the wife of T. H. Johns, of Effingham. Myron T., the only surviving son of our subject, is a farmer in South Dakota and has seven children, namely: James 15., Liliie May, Sarah M., Joseph G.. Eva, Lotta and Walter Leslie. During the progress of the civil war Mr. Wolverton enlisted in the defense of his country, becoming a member of Company C, Seventh Illinois Cavalry. He served from March, 1865, until November 4, of the same year, under tiie command of Captain D. S. Porter and Colonel Graham. Most of this period was spent in Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. After being honorably discharged at Camp Butler he returned to his home in Lee county and was there engaged in farming for several years. In 1881 he came to Effingham, arriving here on the 2d of November, since which time he has been actively occupied in all kinds of local enterprises. He erected the sub- stantial store building which he uses now for his stock of merchandise, and year by year has increased the volume of his business by fair treatment of his cu.stomers and strict attention to their needs and wishes. Politically he is a Republican and neglects no opportunity of advancing the interests of that party, to whose guidance of the ship of state he believes the prosperity of this country may be justly attributed. Socially he is a mem- ber of Effingham Post, No. 276, (i. A. R. Both he and his estimable wife are devoted members of the Christian church, giving liberally of their means to the spread of the gospel. HENRY CLAY SNYDER. For almost a third of a century H. C. Snyder has been a resident i)f Atchison county and is therefore one of the leading pioneers of the locality. He resides in Effingham, where he has a wide acquaintance, and throughout the community he is well known, enj~7---"Tnents promptly, thus keeping his credit frood. Among his chief interests are his stock. For years he has been an extensive feeder of cattle and hogs, keeping only the best grades and making money at the business. In his native land, in 1854. Mr. Folschea married Miss Fredericka Holl- marm. also a native of Germany, and they are the parents of four children, as follows: Harr\- F.. William. Louisa and Sophrona. all at home and giving harmonious assistance to their parents. In national politics Mr. Folschea has always supported the Republican party since he has had a vote in this countn,-. but in local elections liis vote is cast independently. He has ever so conducted himself and his affairs that he has won and maintained the high esteem of all with whom he has in any way been associated. DUR.AXD C. H.\LL. A wealthy and representative citizen of Atchison county was Durand C. Hall, deceased, who was the proprietor of Orchard Hill farm, which beyond question is one of tlie most attractive and valuable homesteads in the coui ly or state. Mr. Hall made his home in this locality for over thirtv" years, was active and zealous in its upbuilding and advancement and was looked up t j and consulted in all important affairs pertaining to the welfare of the com- munity. He located on his farm in Center township in the spring of i86q. At a verj- early day in the histors- of Ohio, seven brothers by the name of Hall became permanent residents of Portage countv-. going there from their former home in A'ermont. One of the number was Benjamin, the grand- father of Durand C. HalL In the Buckeye state occurred the birth of \\'illiam Hall, the father of our subject. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits until late in life, and attained the ripe old age of eighty-seven years. During the stormy years prior to and including the civil war period, he was a strong aboli- tionist. Religiously he was a Congregationalist. Four children were bom to himself and his first wife, whose naiden name was Maria Law. James P., the eldest, now resides in San Diego county. California: Eliza, who received an excellent education at Oberliri College, and for some time was successfully engaged in teaching in the Chicago public schools, is deceased: and Lucy, who is the wife of I. P. Griswold. of Lexington. Nebraska, a soldier of the late D. C. HALL BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 433 civil wor. After the deatli of his first wife. W'ilham Hah married Betliia Pahiier, of Catskill, New York, and their only son, Newton H., now hving in Ohio, was in the Union service during the war of the Rebellion. Helen M., the eldest daugliter. became the wife of Henry Wilcox, now of Saratoga, New- York ; and Anna, the younger, is the wife of Benjamin Shurart, of Oberlin. Ohio. Durand C. Hall was born in Portage county, Ohio, June 17, 1834, and early learned the lessons of industry and thrift, which are the essentials to suc- cess in any vocation. Reverses, came to him. as to everyone, but he never faltered in his course and at length his persistence and well applied business methods brought to him the prosperity which he had justly earned. He be- came the owner of one of the largest and best equipped farms in Atchison county, comprising six hundred and sevent3--five acres, all in one tract, and situated near the town of Farmington. On the place stands a substantial barn which is reputed to be the largest one in the county, as it is 80x64 feet in dimensions, has a basement affording accommodations for one hundred and fifty head of live stock, and a capacity of two hundred tons of hay and grain. For several years Mr. Hall was especially successful as a stock-raiser, keeping a high grade of Hereford cattle, among other varieties. Mr. Hall was twice married. March 11. 1858, he married Ellen M. Underwood, who was born in Portage county, Ohio, April 21, 1835, and she died September 9, 1871. in Atchison county. She was the daughter of Albert, who was a personal and warm friend of James A. Garfield and aided in nomi- nating and electing him to the legislature, and her mother came from the well- known Moulton family, of Ohio. Mr. Hall's first wife was a lady of good education, educated at Hiram College, Hiram. Ohio, and had an acquaintance with Garfield, who attended with her this college. "Sir. Hall's first wife bore him the following children : Inez M., who married B. C. Achenbach, of Clinton county, Pennsylvania; Albert S., single; John H.. deceased; Herbert D., of Atchison county; and Mary E., who married Edward R. Stacey. of Atchison county. The son, Albert S., is now at the old homestead. On the 29th of May, 1873, the marriage of D. C. Hall and Susan, a daughter of Salmon and Manerva (Rice) Merriam, was solemnized. Mrs. Hall, who was born at Meriden. Connecticut, had seven brothers and sisters, namely: Sylvia M.. of Durham. Connecticut; Ezekiel. who served in the Union army during the civil war and now resides at Hartford. Connecticut ; Lydia, the wife of Ira Doolittle. of Harper county, Kansas ; Sarah, the deceased Avife of W. Pritchard ; Harriet, the wife of H. L. Whitaker. of Lancaster town- ship, Atchison county; Mary, the wife of R. Higley of Pardee; and Asaph, of South Acton, Massachusetts. Salmon Merriam departed this life wdien in his fifty-eighth year, and his wife died at the age of sixty-two. They were 434 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. members of the Congregational church. By Mr. Hall's second marriage but one child was born, namely, Susa E., the wife of Frank M. Linscott, of Hol- ton, Kansas. In 1877 Air. Hall constructed a comfortable residence, provided with the comforts and accessories of a model home. Fraternally he was a Mason, having joined that order in Ohio when a young man. Courteous and kindly to every one, he readily made friends and his honorable course m life com- mends itself to the emulation of the young. His death occurred Mav 27, 1900. WILLIAM F. MYERS. William F. Myers, whose name appears on the roll of Doniphan county farmers, was born in Buchanan county. Missouri, April 17, 1853. His father, Henry Ah'ers, was born in Hanover, Germany, and in 1834, when a little lad of five summers, was brought to America by his father, Frederick Myers, who made his first location in Indiana. Not long afterward, however, he took his family to Buchanan county, Missouri, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring at his home near St. Joseph. Henry Myers was reared and educated in Buchanan county and after arriving at years of maturity he mar- ried Litha Hartsock. At an early period in the development of Atchison county they came to this locality, Mr. Myers making a settlement in Shannon town- ship. His wife died in September, 1895. Their children are: William T. ; Mary, deceased, the wife of Herman Clye; John, of Atchison county; and Henry B., now deceased. Upon the parental homestead in Atchison county William F. Myers spent his youth. He has been a resident of Kansas since 1867 and is indebted to the common "district" school for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. Through the summer months he aided in the labors of the home farm and remained with his father until twenty-eight years of age. About that time he purchased his present farm in Doniphan county and has since been a repre- sentative of the agricultural interests here. He now operates a half-section of land and the fields are under a high state of cultivation, yielding to him good harvest as a reward for his labor. He is very practical in his methods of farming and is never slow to adopt improved methods. At the age of twenty-eight Mr. Myers was united in marriage to Miss Mary Grace, who died leaving a son, Frederick. His present wife bore the maiden name of Dora Cotter and was a daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Cotter, of Bendena. Six children grace the union of Mr. Myers and his wife, namely : Henry, Nellie, William, John, Irene and lone, the last two being twins. The BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 435 family has a wide acquaintance in this locality and tlieir circle of friends is extensive. In his poHtical atifiliations Mr. Myers is a Democrat, but has neither time nor inclination for pubhc office, preferring to devote his energies to his farming interests, which are characterized by unremitting industry. JOHN ALBERS. John Albers is one of tlie extensive farmers of Doniphan county, liis home being near Bendena. He was born in Oldenburg, Jever, Germany, August 21, 1833, and is a son of Adde Meenen Albers, a well-to-do farmer, who was born in the same locality and married Maria Hendrichs ; she died before the emigration of the family to America. In 1850 the father brought his children to the United States, locating in Doddridge county, Virginia, now West Vir- ginia. He there purchased land and engaged in farming, becoming a pros- perous and influential citizen. His death occurred some years ago. His chil- dren by his first marriage were: John; Albert, a resident of Rush county, Kansas; Gerhardt, who is the owner of a sheep ranch near Dillon, Kansas; Margaret, the wife of John Gabel, of Washington, D. C. ; Mary, the wife of John Finster, of West Virginia; and Anne Lucenia. the wife of M. E. Rick- lifs, of Doniphan county. After the death of his first wife Mr. Albers was again married, and the children of the second union were Christopher, George, Catherine, Sophia, Caroline. Ellen, Julia and Emma. Julia resides with her husband in Iowa and the other children are living in West Virginia. In the schools of the fatherland John Albers obtained his education and at the age of sixteen years he came to the United States. At that time there was a rumor of foreign war in Germany and that fact hastened his departure. He sailed from Bremen on a vessel bound for New York and after a long voyage of forty-nine days anchor was dropped in the American harbor. Mr. Albers made his way to Cumberland, Maryland, where he spent the succeeding winter. When his father and the others of the family came to the new world he accompanied them to Doddridge county, Virginia, remaining under the parental roof until twenty years of age, when he began work in the neighbor- hood as a farm hand. In 1857 he started westward, in company with his brother, Albert, taking passage on a vessel at St. Mary's on the Ohio river and following- the water route to Kansas City. From that point he directed his steps intd the farming districts and secured work in Cass county. Missouri, in a sawmill. While employed there he suffered an attack of fever and ague and believing the climate unhealthful he made his way to Elwood, Kansas, where he spent a winter in chopping wood. In the spring he and his brother went to 436 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. the Republican river country, but soon afterward returned to Doniplian county, and in the year 1861 engaged in farming in the Elwood valley. The following spring John Albers returned to his old home in Virginia and was married, and then brought his bride to the Sunflower state, locating near Brenner, where he rented a farm for a year. The following spring he purchased forty acres of land on the southeast quarter of section t,t,. Wolf River township, paying therefor one hundred and fifty dollars. He also bought a house that stood near the bank of the Missouri river, whose destruction was eminent. This he moved to his farm and for the first time in his life began keeping house in his own home. With characteristic energy he began the development of his land and soon discovering what products were best adapted to this latitude he secured from his fields abundant harvests. Year by vear his success has been augmented and in addition to the cultivation of grain he has secured a desirable profit from stock raising and feeding, which business he has followed for the past thirty-five years. From time to time he has added to his property by the additional purchase of adjoining lands and althoueh he has given to five of his children a tract of two hundred and fortv acres he still has three quarter-sections of land, together with an eighty-acre farm. He is accounted one of the most prosperous agriculturists of the community and yet his success has been won along legitimate lines, being the outcome of inde- fatigable industry and unfaltering purpose. Mr. Albers has been twice married. He first wedded Caroline, a daugh- ter of Charles Ladwig, who was a school teacher in Germany and came to the United States in 1852, locating in Doddridge county, Virginia. Ten years later he took up his abode in Kansas. Five children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Albers : Charles M. ; Florence, the wife of J, M. Fisher: Herman, Albert and John. The mother of these children departed this life in 1873 and the following year Mr. Albers wedded Rosa Holzhey and their children are Will- iam, Eddie, Bertha, Ernest, George and Ruth. During the civil war Mr. Albers was a member of the state militia and was with Colonel Tracy's command at Kansas City on the expedition against Price. In politics he is a stalwart Republican and frequently was seen at county conventions at an earlier day, but now takes no active part in political work. In religious belief he is a Lutheran. His life at all times has been hon- orable and upriglit, faithful to his duties of citizenship and loyal in friendship. JAMES ROLAND JONES. When the pioneer settlers were performing the arduous task of reclaim- ing the wild lands of Doniphan county the Jones family, of which our subject is a representative, came to northeastern Kansas, and he whose name intro- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 437 duces this brief sketch has spent ahnost his entire hfe upon the farm wliich is now his home. He is regarded as one of the most progressive agricuUurists of Wayne township and tlie lea(Hng breeder of and dealer in Aberdeen and Angus cattle. He has a wide acquaintance in the community and it is there- fore with pleasure that we present to our readers the record of his career. His father. Charles Jones, who is now living retired in Atchison, was born in Cheshire, England, belonging to an old family of that country. His birth occurred in 181 6 and his wife was born there ten years later. At the age of twenty he left his native land for the United States and located in Madison county, Ohio, where he engaged in carpentering, which trade he had learned before his departure for the new world. He had heard of the op])ortunities offered young men in America and wished to secure a comfortable home and competence here. He was successful almost from the beginning and as the years passed extended the field of his labors to include contracting and build- ing. He also conducted a furniture and undertaking business in Ohio, where he resided until after the close of the civil war, when he brought his family to Doniphan county, Kansas. The second year after his arrival he purchased the northwest quarter of section 17, Wayne township, then a wild and unim- proved tract of land, upon which he at once began the work of cultivation. Here prosperity also attended his well-directed efforts and as a result of his farming ventures he acquired a handsome competence which now enables him to live retired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. His home is in Atchison, where he has many friends, and throughout northeastern Kansas he is widely and favorably known. It was on the 3d of August, 1845, that J\Ir. Jones was united in marriage to Eliza Meadowcroft, who was born in Lancashire, England. Their chil- dren are: Mary, who was born May 5, 1846, and is the wife of John Hagg, of Wayne township, by whom she has two children, — Charles and Edith; George, who was born June 29, 1849, married Annie Stanles and resides in Sumner county, Kansas; Charles W., born May 7, 1851, married Agnes Wat- terson and is the city ticket agent for the Rock Island Railroad Company at Kansas City, Missouri; Salem, born May 12, 1854, married Annie Lloyd and resides in Doniphan county; Libbie, born October 2^, 1859, is the wife of Alexander Henderson and resides in Leavenworth, Kansas; Edward, born July 23, 1 86 1, married Agnes Steele and is a farmer of Wayne township, Doniphan county; Rev. Henry, born January 28, 1863, married Irene M. Moore and is the pastor of the Baptist church at Lena, Illinois ; James R., born October 13, 1865, is the next in order of birth ; and Rev. John M., born Novem- ber 12, 1867, is connected with the ministry in Atchison. He married Frances Harding. James R. Jones has spent nearly his entire life upon the farm he now 438 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. owns. Before he was a year old he was brought by his parents from Madison county, Ohio, to Doniphan county and in the pubhc schools acquired his pre- liminary education, which was supplemented by a course in the university at Ottawa, Kansas. Upon the old homestead he early became familiar with the duties of farmer and stock raiser and it was those pursuits which claimed his attention after attaining his majority. One by one his older brothers and sis- ters left the farm, but he remained at home and is now the owner of the old place. He is very practical and successful in the operation of his land and is also prosperous as a breeder of Aberdeen and Angus cattle, to which enter- prise he has recently given much of his time and attention. In October, 1893, Mr. Jones married Margaret Steele, who died in March, 1898, leaving a little daughter, Alice E. May 30, 1900, he married Hattie May Archer, a daughter of William J. Archer. As a family and as individuals the Jones representatives have been prominent in church work. The father was one of the founders and prominent supporters of the little church near his farm and for many years served as deacon. James R. Jones is likewise active in advancing the work and interests of the church and is now serving as the superintendent of the Sabbath school. His life has in a manner been quiet and uneventful, but it is a record of one who has ever been true to his church, to himself, to his family, to his friends and his country, and such a history always contains lessons that may be profitably followed by a younger genera- tion. KLAUS HEREFORD CATTLE COMPANY. This company consists of Fred, Joseph and John Klaus. Fred Klaus is one of the young and enterprising farmers and stock dealers of AVayne town- ship. Doniphan county, and throughout his life he has been identified with agricultural pursuits. His father, Jacob Klaus, was born in Germany, in 1829, and came to the United States when still single. He located first in New York, where he worked at manual labor for a year and then again started westward, going to Tazewell county, Illinois. For a few 3'ears he remained in that local- ity and finally became a permanent settler of McLean county, same state, where he carried on farming for some time. He was married there to Miss Mary Widman. and met with creditable success as an agriculturist in Illinois, but owing to the rapid advancement in land values there he decided to take up his abode in Kansas, where the population was not so congested and prices were accordingly lower. He therefore traded his McLean county farm for land in Doniphan county and took up his abode in Wayne township in 1875. continuing the active management of his farm until his eldest son arrived at BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 439 an age that made him capable of assuming the management. Jacob Klaus was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife on the ist of January. 1889. She died leaving the following named children : Kate, the wife of Joseph Greg- ory, of Wayne township: Fred, of this review; Mary, the wife of Fred Car- penter, of Denver. Colorado; Joseph and John. Fred Klaus was born in McLean county. Illinois. November 8, 1866. and received such educational advantages as are usually afforded farmers' sons. He was reared amidst rural scenes and has always been identified with the interests and work of the farm. After attaining his majoritv he assumed the management of his father's property and to stock raising he has given consid- erable attention. He makes a specialty of the breeding of Hereford cattle, owning the registered bull Columbus 23d. registered number 91.370, a half brother of Dale, from the Benton Goffart herd. Columbus is from the Funk- houser herd at Plattsburg, Missouri. Mr. Klaus has also four registered cows from the Scott, March and Funkhouser herds, and is meeting with good success as a dealer in cattle. He also feeds and ships beef cattle, and the animals from his pastures command a good market price. Joseph Klaus was born in 1874, and John in 1877, both in Illinois. Tlie Klaus family have been prominent in Doniphan county in connection with the cultivation of land and the raising of stock. When the subject of this sketch came to Kansas, about twenty years ago, the property of the family consisted of only eighty acres, but through the combined efforts of father and sons their real estate holdings now aggregate five hundred and sixty acres. Fred Klaus, of this review, is a very industrious and energetic young man, thoroughly trustworthy in all his business dealings and commanding univer- sal respect for his well-spent life. WILLIAM \\'. \^■OOD^^'ORTH. William W. Woodworth. deceased, was born in Essex. England, in 1S19, and died in Doniphan county. Kansas, July 20, 1899. In his native land ^Ir. Woodworth spent the first seventeen years of his life, receiving there a com- mon-school education. At seventeen, thinking to better his condition in life and find broader opportunities for advancement, he emigrated to the United States landing at New York city after an ocean voyage of eight weeks. From there he went direct to Syracuse and thence to Utica. New York, at the latter place finding employment, on a farm, where he worked by the month. While there he formed the acquaintance of and subsequently married Miss Lucy Stephens, their marriage occurring in 1850. JNIrs. Woodworth is a daughter 440 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. of Warren and Lucy (Bump) Stephens, was born in New York state in 1836, and was at the age of ten years left an orphan by the deatli of her motlier. She was educated at Utica. After their marriage ]\Ir. and Mrs. Woodworth moved to Delaware county. Iowa, where they remained until the spring of 1862 and whence at that time they moved to Doniphan county, Kansas. Here Mr. Woodworth pur- chased forty acres of land located one mile east of the village of Troy, and engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He erected a comfortable dwelling, good barns and other farm buildings, planted a small orchard, and here spent the rest of his days. He was a well posted man, broad and liberal in his views ; politically, was a Republican and religiously an Episcopalian, being a member of the church of England. For years he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was buried with all the honors of that order. Mrs. Woodworth is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Troy. She still resides at the farm above referred to and with hired help carries on its operations. She has two daughters and four grandchildren. One of the daughters, ^Martha, is the wife of John Maquilan and resides in Colorado; the other, Emma, married Benjamin Tool and is a resident of Bill- ings, Montana, GEORGE T. WOOD. George T. Wood, a fruit-grower residing near Troy, Kansas, was born in sunny California, January i, 1853, and is a son of N. B. and Evalyn W. (Riddle) Wood. N. B. Wood was born in Boone county, Missouri, Febru- ary 17, 1829, and died in Troy, Kansas, July 29, 1885. He was a son of Jesse and Sarah (Murphy) Wood, the former a native of Kentucky, where he lived and died ; his wife a native of Tennessee. At an early age N. B. W^ood lost both parents, being four years old when his mother died, and eight at the time of his father's death. He was then taken to the home of his uncle, Louis Wood, of Clay county, Missouri, where his school days were spent. At the age of fifteen years he started out in life dependent upon his own resources. He was married, in 1849, to Miss Evalyn W'. Riddle, a native of Kentucky and at the time of her marriage was a resident of Andrew county, Missouri, to which place she had removed with her parents when a young girl. She is a daughter of Benjamin N. and Gilly Riddle. After their marriage N. B. Wood and wife settled at Savannah, Missouri, where they remained until 1852, when they joined the throng of emigration to California, but shortly afterward returned to Missouri. Again, in 1857, they went to California, this time spending eleven years in the Golden state, and in 1869 again return- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 441 ing to Missouri. The same year they moved to Kansas and bought seventy- five acres of land adjoining the corporate limits of Troy. This tract of land Mr. Wood planted to apple trees. He was among the first to set out an orchard in this vicinity, and in his pioneer efforts his neighbors tried to discourage him, telling him he would never li\e to realize anything from his planting. They, however, were mistaken, for he lived to sell thousands of dollars' worth of fruit from his orchard. He and his wife became the parents of the following named children: Eva, the wife of Walter Johnson; George T.,. whose name introduces this sketch ; Gilly, the wife of Edward F. Hanna ; Anna, the wife of Ross Sturgis ; and Miss Dixie Wood, who resides with her mother. About five years ago the old homestead burned down, but was immediately rebuilt by Mrs. Evalyn Wood, the mother, who still occupies it. George T. \Vood accompanied his parents in the various moves made by them as stated above, and was in his 'teens at the time they located in Doni- phan county, Kansas. Here he attended the district school anl lent efficient assistance in the work on the new orchard farm. When a young man he read law in the oftice of his father, N. B. Wood, and was duly admitted to the bar, after which a partnership was formed under the firm name of Ryan & Wood, wliich continued until 1893. That year Mr. Wood turned his attention to farming and fruit-growing, making a specialty of apples, and in this business he is very successful. Mr. Wood was married in December, 1895, to Miss Georgia Gates, a resi- dent of St. Joseph, Missouri, and a daughter of Colonel Elijah Gates, a man prominent in state affairs. Fraternally, Mr. Wood is identified with Troy Lodge, No. 55, A. F, & A. M., and also the Commandery of Knight Templars, of which his father also was a member. GEORGE DENTON. The ability which raises men from the ranks of the poor and toiling to the position of landed proprietors and enables them to take leading places in the financial world, is such as is possessed by the subject of this notice. A for- eigner by birth, an American to his heart's core, George Denton, president of the bank of Denton, a prominent and successful farmer and one of the central figures in the business of the country surrounding Denton, is the eldest repres- sentative of a large, popular and influential family who have identified them- selves with the growth and development of Doniphan county at different dates since the civil war period. Mr. Denton, who is by training and education first of all a farmer, was 442 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. born at Welton, Lincolnshire. England, Febrnary 2. 1828. In the early ages history reveals the Franks as the rnling and prevailing race in the north of England, while the Danes predominated in the southern portion. The ances- tors of William Denton, Mr. Denton's father, came out of the former country, and the ancestors of Mary Welboume, his mother, seem to have emanated from the latter. No accurate and positive record of the lineage and history of these early heads of families having been made, the reader must be content with the history of the Dentons with William and his wife as a beginning. It may be stated, however, on good authority that William Denton's father, also named William, was a shepherd and farm laborer. It is said that this first William Denton had three sons, — William, already mentioned, and John and Jonathan. Of these William, born about 1809, married Mary Welbourne and had thirteen children, named as follows: George; Annie, who married George Hinch- cliffand is now dead, leaving eight children; John, of Goff, Kansas; William; Mary, who married Samuel Chaney and is now dead; Benjamin, who died in military service during the civil war; Jonathan, dead; Michael, who served through the civil war ; Moses, dead ; James, Solomon, Isaac and Jacob. These children were born and received their early education near Welton. in Lincoln- shire, England. The schools there at the time were inadequate, but they were better than none, and William Denton and his good wife impressed upon their children such principles as promote integrity, industry and good citizenship. The father is buried in England and the mother sleeps in Ridge Prairie ceme- tary at Denton. Doniphan county, Kansas. George Denton undertook the battle of life at an early age, pressed by the need that he should aid to supply the needs of a large family of younger chil- dren. His environments had been entirely rural and the duties of the farm were all that demanded his attention. At the age of fourteen he hired to a neighbor for six months at a salary of one pound and ten shillings and board. Afterward he was employed by the year by different persons, with some of whom he remained two and three years with wages increasing gradually to twelve pounds a year, finishing his series of years of wage-working as a farm foreman at twenty pounds a year. In March, 1855, Mr. Denton gathered together his resources with the determination of coming to the United States, where opportunities for individ- ual advancement were as open to the poor as to the rich. He embarked his family aboard the sailer Progress, at Liverpool, and. after some very slight delay occasioned by the breaking of a mast, reached New York, after a voyage ■of thirty-four days. He went at once to Morrow county. Ohio, where he had relatives. To- gether, he and his wife had about two hundred and fifty dollars in money, not a sufficient sum to justify them in engaging in any business, and they laid BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 443 it aside and he hired to a farmer for sixteen dollars a month for the summer and thirteen dollars a month for the winter. The next year, in company with a friend, with the aid of some borrowed money, he bought forty-four acres of land, at twenty-five dollars an acre, which Mr. Denton began to cultivate. He became the sole owner of the property in a few years, by purchase, and in 1 86 1 bought forty-one acres more, at thirty dollars an acre. Just after the war he bought twenty-three acres more, at thirty-five dollars an acre. He paid for and improved all his land, and in 1873. the year he came to Kansas, he had advanced from the position of hired man, in 1855, to the ownership of a well- improved one-hundred-and-eight-acre farm. Mr. Denton had friends in Kansas, who liad sougiit the west at an early day and who induced him to join them by sending him encouraging reports as to the climate, the soil and the crops. Soon after arriving in Doniphan county, he bought the Underwood farm, once the site of the Underwood postoffice. He resumed there the business of farming and combined with it, as oppor- tunity arose and his property permitted, the feeding and shipping of stock. Upon the organization of the bank of Denton in 1894, Mr. Denton was chosen its president and has since been identified with the active management of its affairs. He is universally regarded as one of the most successful of men. His ready grasp of situations and conditions and his guarded manner and con- servative methods in transacting business bring to him and his institution the confidence of financiers and the unreserved patronage of the community. Mr. Denton came to the United States about the time of the organization of the Republican party and his political affiliations are all in that direction. Political conditions may be said to have had something to do with his coming to America. There was something about the spirit of a monarchy, limited tiiough it was, that did not fit his nature ; hence his expatriation. He has never acted in a manner that would brand him as a politician, and he claims to be nothing more than a plain citizen with the welfare of his country and his com- munity at heart. He has served Union township as its treasurer and has amply demonstrated his peculiar fitness for the office. Mr. Denton was mar- ried in 1854, at the age of twenty-six years, to Eliza, a daughter of George Topliss. Their children are: Louisa, the wife of James Miller; Ellen, the wife of Aaron Long; Sarah, the wife of Miller White;. Martha, who married H. C. Miller; Elizabeth, the wife of Edward F. Heeney; and William G. Den- ton, whose wife was Maud Miller. Never, throughout his long and active life, has Mr. Denton been a *.nan of impulses. His success has always been won by methods entirely legitimate. He has always acted on the principle that the future was before him and that in that future he had ample time to consider all things. His habits have been temperate and his morals unimpeached. Although not holding a membership 444 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. in any religions both-, his leanings are toward old-fashioned Methodism and he has given liberally of his means to the support of different churches. His life for the past quarter of a century has been one of even tenor, without excit- ing events except the mild and healthful excitement incident to achieving gratifying success and winning the plaudits of the business world and the con- fidence and good will of his fellow citizens. For some time he has shown an inclination toward retirement from active affairs, but an estate of four hun- dred acres, with other interests requiring personal oversight, make his serv- ices yet indispensable, and it will never be said that he has retired. ALEXANDER BERRY. The name which heads this sketch belonged to one of Doniphan county's early pioneers whose death was the result of exjxisure in the army during the civil war. Alexander Berry was born in Tennessee, in 1820, and died in Doniphan county, Kansas, April 13, 1865. Francis P. Berry, his father, was a native of Ireland, born March 5, 1788, who settled in Tennessee in which state he was married. He served in the war of 181 2. From Ten- nessee he moved to Illinois and finally died in that state, near Alton. After his death his widow moved to Missouri, where she passed the remainder of her life. Alexander Berry accompanied his parents to Illinois and to Missouri, and remained in Missouri until 1857, when he came to Kansas and located in Doniphan county. Here Mr. Berry pre-empted a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land upon which he and his family settled and went earnestly to work to make a home and improve a farm, and were progressing in the work when the great civil war came on, and he and his two sons left the farm to join the Union ranks and fight for the protection of the national honor. Mrs. Berry, like many another brave woman, remained on their claim, and with the aid of the other children, carried on the farming as well as she could ; and after the war and the death of her husband she continued on the farm and remained on it until her death. It is now well improved and highly cul- tivated, among the improvements being an apple orchard of forty acres contain- ing no less than two thousand trees. The youngest son, John, resided with his mother and had charge of the operations. It was in 1861, at the very beginning of the war, that Alexander Berry enrolled his name among the Kansas volunteers. He was a member of Com- pany A, Thirteenth Kansas Volunteer Infantry, of which regiment Colonel Bowen was in command. After a faithful service of two and a half years BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 445 Mr. Berry received a surgeon's certificate of disability, and was honorably discharged and mustered out of the service. During his service he has been commissioned second lieutenant and has participated in the battle of Prairie Grove and several smaller engagements. His two sons who were in the army were Francis and William. Each served three years and at the end of that time were honorably discharged. Mr. Berry was married, in 1841, in Missouri, to Miss Phoebe Birchfield who was born in Taney county, Missouri, February 8, 1835, ^"^ ^'^d January 6, 1900. She was a daughter of John and Rebecca (Hamilton) Birchfield. After their marriage they settled on a farm not far from Springfield, Missouri, where they resided until 1857, when, as already stated, they came to Doniphan county, Kansas, and established the present home in Center township. Mrs. Berry's grandchildren now number forty. She died January 6, 1900. One son, William, is deceased. The living members of her family are as follows : Margaret, now Mrs. William Privett; Delia M., who became the wife of E. Monroe; Hester, the wife of Myron Steele; Anna B., the wife of Eugene Brown, son of Justice Brown of Troy ; Francis, a farmer ; Chesley H. and John. John Berry, who as above stated conducts the home farm, is an enterpris- ing, up-to-date young farmer, and a member of the Masonic order. He is identified with Troy Lodge, No. 55. F. & A. M., and Troy Chapter, No. 16, R. A. M. JOSEPH H. GRABLE. Engaged in the practice of medicine in Wathena, Dr. Grable has been numbered among the most successful representatives of the profession in Doniphan county since 1895. He was born near Dearborn, Missouri, on the 25th of January, 1869, and is a son of Enoch Grable, who devoted his energies to farming near Dearborn, but was a native of Platte county, Missouri. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary E. Stanley, and was born and reared near Dearborn. They became the parents of seven children, three sons and four daughters, and in that household, carefully reared by his parents, Dr. Grable spent his boyhood days, the public schools affording him his opportunities for acquiring a literary education. Determining to make the practice of medi- cine his life work, he began preparation for that calling under the direction of Dr. Heddeus, and subsequently matriculated in Ensworth College, at St. Joseph, Missouri, where he pursued a thorough course of study and was grad- uated in the class of 1895. He then located in ^Vathena, where he has since remained with the exception of a few months spent in ^\'iIlow Brook, Buchanan comitv, Missouri. 446 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. The Doctor gives his political support to the Republican party, and is a firm advocate of its principles. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, and of the latter is medical examiner. He possesses great energy and this is directed along the lines of professional advancement. He has been a close student of his profession since determining to make the practice of medicine his chosen calling, and his capability and skill have gained him a liberal patronage, while his successes in practice have won him a leading position among the representatives of the profession through this section of the state. He is yet a young man, and those who know him feel no hesitation in predicting that his future will be one of continued progress and success. JOHN OTTEN.. For over thirty years the subject of this sketch, John Often, has been identified with Doniphan county, Kansas, and as a retired farmer is now occupying one of the attractive homes of Troy, to which place he moved a few years ago. Mr. Otten is a native of Holland. He was born April 19, 1829, a son of John B., and Alida Otten; and in his native land spent the first fifteen years of his life, receiving there a common school education. At the age of fifteen he embarked in a sailing vessel for New Orleans, had a stormy voyage of eighty- two days, and finally landed in safety at his destination. From New Orleans he came up the Mississippi river by boat to St. Louis, Missouri, and from that place made his way to Galena, Illinois, where he was employed in the lead mines. Three years of his stay in Galena he was in charge of the mines. In 1869, with two of his brothers. Christian and Benjamin, he came to Kansas and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, to which they subsequently added by purchase until their farm comprised three hundred and twenty acres, which they have since owned and operated jointly, carrying on general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of breeding fine horses, heavy draft, French coach and Norman, in which enterprise they have been quite successful. Their farm is nicely located, well improved and under excellent cultivation, and is ranked with the model farms of the neighborhood. It is under the management o Mr. Otten's son-in-law, A. R. Spencer. Mr. Otten is the owner of a handsome residence close to Troy. The grounds surrounding it comprise four acres, beautified by shade trees, shrubbery, and so forth, the whole making a most complete and delightful home. John Otten has been twice married. July 4, 1859, he wedded Rachel BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 447 Morgan, of Wisconsin, a daughter of Enos Morgan. She died in 1865, leaving five children, namely: Lida A., the wife of Charles Parker; Cassie K., deceased, who married and died leaving six children; John E., a resident of Colorado; William D., also of Colorado, is in railroad employ; and Oscar A., in the employ of the Rock Island Railroad Company. The present Mrs. Otten was before marriage Miss Mary E. Rea and was formery a resident of New Jersey. Mr. Otten has always affiliated with the Republican party, and while re- siding on his farm he was for many years a member of the school board. WILLIAM H. LEONARD. Troy, Kansas, includes among its respected citizens William H. Leonard, who has spent his active life in railroading and contracting as a house and sign paniter. Mr. Leonard is a "Hoosier" by birth. He was born in Vienna, Scott county, Indiana, January 8, 1841, second in the family of five children of William G. and Elizabeth Ann (Howard) Leonard, the former a native of Louisville, Kentucky, and the latter of Vermont. Mrs. Leonard when quite small removed with her parents from the Green Mountain state to southern Indiana, and it was there that she made the acquaintance of and mar- ried William G. Leonard. He died in Indiana, in 1851, and in 1871 his widow moved with her family to Doniphan county, Kansas, where her death occurred in 1877. Her surviving children are Silas W. and Robert P., of St. Joseph, Missouri; Dorothy Ann, who married and removed to Denver, Col- orado, where she still resides ; and William H. William H. Leonard passed his boyhood days in his native state, receiving his early education in the public schools, and later for two terms being a pupil in a private school. In 1861 he enlisted in Company. K, Fifth United States regulars, and served all through the war until the surrender of General Lee. Among the numerous engagements in which he was a participant were those of the siege of Yorktown, Antietam, Gettysburg and all the engagements of the Army of the Potomac. October 27, 1865, he was honorably discharged and immediately afterward returned to his home at Jeffersonville, Indiana. He had learned the trade of painter before the war, and after his return from the army he secured employment in the railroad shops at Jeffersonville. In 1869 he came west to Kansas, and located at Troy, where he soon found employ- ment at his trade. Afterward he became clerk at a water station on the railroad, and he continued in railroad emplo}^ at Troy until the spring of 1899, when he retired from active life. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 449 was to build a log house, 14x16 feet, covered with clapboards, its location being on Mosquito creek. Here he kept "bachelor's hall" for a number of years, doing his own cooking and house work and entertaining in as gracious a man- ner as possible the friends and strangers who came to his cabin. As the years passed by and prosperity attended his efforts his farm assumed a dift'erent aspect. The cabin gave place to a better home and a fine orchard of his own planting came into bearing. To-day his farm is one of the most desirable ones in this locality. Among its attractions is a fine walnut grove on the creek bottom. His fields are well cultivated, and among his stock is a fine herd of Jersey cattle. Mr. McHamner was married, in 1872, to Miss Lurinda Stone, of Doni- phan county, Kansas. She is a daughter of Jesse and Polly (Parker) Cox. pio- neers of this county, who came here from Missouri in 1854. Mrs. McHammer was born in Indiana in 1833. By her first husband she has one son, Frank E. Stone. She has no children by her second marriage. When Troy was platted she did the cooking for the men who did the work. In forty-seven years she has changed residence but once, and that was from an adjoining farm to her present place. Politically, Mr. McHamner has always given his support to the Demo- cratic party. He is a member of Troy Lodge, No. 55. F. & A. M. Both he and his wife have many pleasant reminiscences connected with their early life here and are familiar with every phase of pioneering in this county. ELIZUR S. CA.5TLE. Elizur Spelmon Castle, deceased, was for many years one of the best known men of Doniphan county, Kansas. He was born at Clinton Furnace, Greenup county, Kentucky, March 27, 1839. and in the fall of that year was taken by his parents to Andrew county, Missouri, where the family home was established and where they lived until he was sixteen years of age. He then went to Leavenworth, Kansas, where he was engaged in various occupations until the breaking out of the war. With love of country uppermost in his nature, young Castle asserted his patriotism by offering his services to the L'nion and fighting bravely for the protection of the national honor. He recruited the Fifth Missouri Ca\-alry and was commissioned a first lieutenant. This position he resigned and was transferred to the Eighty-eighth IMissouri Cavalry, in which he was commissioned captain of a company. In 1864 he was promoted as major of that regiment, in which rank he served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged,, and returned home with a record in which his descendants have just reason to take pride. 450 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. After the war Mr. Castle engaged in farming in northern Missouri, for a few years, until 1869, when he moved to Vernou county, that state, and made It his home until 1874. In 1875 he came to Doniphan county, Kansas, and lo- cated on a farm northwest of Troy. On this farm he planted fifty-five acres to apple orchard, remodeled the residence and made other improvements, and here he passed the rest of his life and died, his death occurring March 9, 1898. He was a pronounced Republican, as was his father before him, and was always interested in public affairs, casting his influence with whatever move- ment or measure he believed to be for the general welfare of his locality Three times he was elected and served as the county surveyor of Doniphan county. The duties of the office took him into all parts of the county and brought him in contact with many of its people, and throughout the county he was as highly esteemed as he was well known. Mr. Castle was married and had six children. Mrs. Castle, who sur- vives him, was formerly Miss Breckenridge, of Andrew county, Missouri. She was born in St. Clair county, that state, April 13, 1841, a daughter of John and Eliza (Post) Breckenridge, who had moved from Kentucky to Mis- souri. Her grandfather Post was a native of Vermont. His paternal great- grandfather, George Castle, was a soldier in the war of 181 2. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Castle are as follows : Hattie E., a teacher in the public schools of Troy; Robert B., a member of the firm of Hagenbach & Castle, gen- eral merchants of Troy; Bessie J., a teacher in the Highland public schools; Frank B., engaged in business at Robinson, Kansas; and Eva E. and Mer- nie L. CHRISTIAN O. TURKLESON. Kansas is pre-eminently an agricultural state and its rich products furnish an important part of the food supply of the country. Agriculture is the most ancient as well as one of the most honorable vocations to which man can direct his energies, and in the majority of cases where men have become prominent in other walks of life, it is found that their early years were spent upon the farm. Mr. Turkleson, of this review, is one who is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, in Wolf River township, Doniphan county, and by his well-directed efforts he has become the possessor of a very valuable property. He pre-empted a claim here in 1857, on section 21, township 3, range 20, and since that time he has devoted his energies to the tilling of the soil, meeting with a very creditable success. As his name indicates, Mr. Turkleson is a native of Norway, his birth having occurred near Christiansand in the southern section of the Scandinav- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 451 ian peninsula, November 18, 1832. His father, Osul Turkleson, came with his family to the United States in 1850, locating in Buchanan county, Missouri, but in 1852 went to Wisconsin, his death occurring in Manitowoc, that state, in 1874, at the age of seventy years. His wife was Isgar Christiansen, and her death occ-urred in Norway. Their children were as follows : Turkic, deceased; Christian O. ; Syvert, deceased; and Martha, who became the wife of S. Halverson, but both she and her husband died in Wisconsin. Mr. Turkleson, of this review, came to Kansas from Buchanan county, Missouri. His residence in that state did not identify him with, or awaken his sympathies for, the evils of the time leading up to the civil war; and when the strife between the North and the South was inaugurated he chose the side of the Union and enlisted in the Federal army, becoming a member of the Thir- teenth Kansas Infantry, under the command of Colonel Tom Bowen. He was mustered in at Atchison and mustered out at Leavenworth. His ser\ice was on the border and he was engaged in only two battles that are mentioned in history — Cain Hill and Prairie Grove ; but was in many smaller conflicts with bands of the enemy, and these frequently required as great bravery and daring as was demanded from those who took part in the larger engagements of the war. He was at the front for almost three years and then received an honorable discharge. Mr. Turkleson was reared on a farm and throughout his entire life has been connected with agricultural pursuits. He has devoted his energies so untiringly to the work of the field that he has gained the confidence and respect of his fellow men, and at the same time has won a high degree of prosperity. As his financial resources increased he has added to his property from time to time until he now has four hundred and twenty-six acres of valuable land under a high state of cultivation and supplied with all the modern improvements and accessories of the model farm. His life has been characterized by unremitting industry and in that respect his example is certainly well worthy of emulation. Mr. Turkleson was united in marriage to Miss Rachel D. Speak, and their children are Lea, the wife of John Hobbs, of Doniphan county; Mary C, Oscar; Elizabeth, a graduate of the Kansas State Normal, and now one of the successful teachers in Doniphan county; Esther; Clarence R..who is now in the senior year in the Kansas State Normal ; and John. Mr. Turkleson is recognized as one of the Republican leaders in this township and has been honored with a number of local offices. He served one term as county commissioner, retiring from office in 1888. He was asso- ciated on the board with Cyrus Leland and Peter Manville, and during their incumbency they procured a successful settlement of the memorable county- bond compromise proposition. Mr. Turkleson has been three times elected township treasurer, and his services as a member of the school board covers a 452 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. period of twenty years. His fidelity to duty is most marked, and in tliese offices he has been ever faithful to the trust and confidence reposed in him. His residence in Doniphan county covers a period of more than forty-two years, during which time he has witnessed almost its entire development and has seen its wild lands transformed into beautiful homes and farms, and in com- mercial, industrial, educational and material lines the work of progress which has been carried forward. All measures for the advancement and good of the community have received his endorsement, and among the honored benefactors of the countv he well deserves mention. WILLIAM H. H. CURTIS. Among the representatives of the bar at Severance is this well-known attorney, whose position as one of the leading lawyers is due to indefatigable effort and close application to his business. Advancement in no profession depends so largely upon individual merit as it does in the law. Wealth or influential friends avail not, for progress at the bar is made by earnest pur- pose, accurate knowledge and the correct application of legal principles to the points in litigation. Mr. Curtis is accorded an enviable position among the members of the legal fraternity and is regarded as one of the leading citi- zens of his adopted county. Often the name of a man indicates the time of his birth, and such is the case with our subject, who was born in 1840. at the time the old hero of Tippe- canoe was a presidential candidate, and thus he came by his name of William Henry Harrison Curtis. He was born in Adams county, near Quincy. and came to Doniphan county, in 1854. . When the war broke out he was a law student in Atchison and with patriotic ardor he responded to the call for troops, enlisting in Company K, First Kansas Regiment, May 30, 1861. For three years he faithfully followed the old flag and aided in the defense of the Union, until June. 1864. when he received an honorable discharge. On leavinp the army Mr. Curtis could not at once resume his studies, for his eyesight had been impaired by a wound he had received in the head. It was necessary that he should provide for his own support and at once he engaged in any honorable work which offered. His path was not then strewn with roses exclusively : indeed the thorns were more numerous than the roses. A resolute will, however, enabled him to overcome these, and by industry and economy he was at length enabled to purchase an interest in a mill in Doniphan county. This was later swept away by the washing out of the river bank. Subsequently Mr. Curtis devoted his energies to various business interests, but BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 453 is now engaged in the practice of law in Severance and has a distincti\ely representative cHentage. He has been connected with much of the important litigation tried in the courts of the district and has won some notaljJe victories. He throws himself easily and naturally into the argument and has an excellent reputation among lawyers for his wide research and provident care with which he prepares his cases. In October, 1872, Mr. Curtis \'\as united in marriage to Miss Fanny Leon- hard, of Harrisburg. Pennsylvania. His political support is given to the Republican party and he has taken quite an active interest in its work. He was a member of the Republican convention in 1882 and opposed the nomination of St. John for a third term. He has been twice elected the mayor of Sever- ance and twice the treasurer of Wolf River township, and his faithfulness to duty in those positions has won him high commendation. JOHN M. ^lORLEY. In modern ages, and to a large extent in the past, banks have constituted a vital part of organized society, and governments, both monarchical and republican, have depended upon them for material aid in times of depression and trouble. Their influence has extended over the entire world, and their pros- perity has been the barometer which has unfalteringly indicated the financial status of all nations. Of this important branch of business Mr. Morley is a worthy representative. He is now carrying on business in that line in Sever- ance, and has made his institution one of the most reliable financial concerns in this section of the state. Mr. Morley was born in Butler county, Ohio, November 23, 1852, and is a son of Roger and Margaret (Kilkenny) Morley, both of whom were natives of Ireland. In 1857 the family removed to Doniphan county, Kansas, set- tling upon a farm in Wolf River township, where they experienced all the hard- ships and trials incident to life on the frontier. The father is still living upon that farm, which he has transformed into a valuable and productive tract of .land. His wife died June 22,, 1896, but he is still a well preserved old gentleman. John M. Morley spent his youth upon the farm in Doniphan county, for he was only five years of age at the time of his parents' removal to this state. He attended the district schools, and having acquired a good preliminary edu- cation there he supplemented it by a course in St. Benedict College, in Atchison, Kansas, where he pursued his studies two years. On leaving that institution he accepted a position as a clerk in a general store in Severance, Kansas, owned 454 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. by John T. Kirwan. This was in 1872. The period of his clerkship covered seven years. He then became the assistant cashier in the bank, and in 1890 started in business on his own account, forming a partnership with J. A. Dillon, under the firm name of Dillon & Morley, proprietors of a general store at Severance. This connection \vas continued until March, 1891, when Mr. Morley sold his interest to his partner, and in August, 1892, he founded the Bank of Severance. Since that time he has engaged in a general banking business, and is now at the head of one of the solid financial institutions of Doniphan county. The capital stock is fifteen thousand dollars and there is a surplus of twelve hundred. He conducts business along progressive but safe lines, and his honorable methods insure the confidence and support of the public, while his keen discrimination and enterprise are the qualities that have brought to him a well merited success. ANDREW O. DELANEY. A representative of one of the early families of Doniphan county, Mr. Delaney is now prominently connected with the business interests of Leona as the cashier of the Farmers' Bank. His father, John Delaney, spent his early life in New Jersey, where he was engaged in business as a stock broker. He afterward emigrated to Kansas, taking up his residence in Burr Oak township, Doniphan county, as early as 1853. There he engaged in farming until 1870, when he moved to Wolf River township and spent there the remaining years of his active life. A marked degree of prosperity attended his efforts and his activity in business and capable management brought to him a creditable and gratifying success. He was a worthy and esteemed citizen of Doniphan county, where he died in 1891, at the age of sixty-nine years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Catharine Redmond, also passed away in 1891. Their children are Edward, who is living in Burchard, Nebraska ; Mary, now Mrs. J. A. Hamilton, of Bendena, Kansas; Kate, who is a widow of John Lyons and resides at Everest, Kansas ; D. P. ; Annie, who married William B. Deveroux; Andrew O., and John, deceased. In the usual manner of farm lads Andrew O. spent the days of his boy- hood and youth, remaining with his father until attaining his majority. He assisted in the labors of the field and meadow and in the harvesting of the crops when the summer months had ripened the grain that was planted in the early spring. His education was obtained in the Christian Brothers' College in St. Joseph, Missouri, and when he left the old homestead it was to accept a posi- tion with the firm of Delaney & Lyons in their general store at Severance, the senior partner being his brother. There he gained some practical business BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 455 experience tliat prepared liim for an independent career, and in April, 1895, he aided in organizing tlie Farmers' Bank of Leona, of which he has since been the cashier. On its organization the institution was capitahzed for five thousand dollars, and now has a surplus of two thousand dollars. From its inception a successful business has been carried on and the list of its stockhold- ers is a guarantee of the trustworthiness of the institution. The officers are J. D. Hazen, president; George Kimmel, vice-president: and A. O. Delaney. cashier. These gentleman, together with Ole Larson and P. M. Leonard. constifute the board of directors. On the 19th of November, 1894, occurred the marriage of Mr. Delaney and Miss Elizabeth Fenton, a daughter of Samuel Fenton, one of the early settlers of Doniphan county. Mr. and Mrs. Delaney now have two children, Elizabeth and Andrew. The former is a well-known Republican and his family have been identified with the political interests of Doniphan county for some years, and its members have merited the stamp of approval in their several political acts. Our subject has never sought or desired office, however, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business interests, in which he has met with good success. The present creditable standing of the bank is largely due to his efforts, and naught can be said against his business meth- ods, and none is so honorable, prompt and reliable as he in all financial transactions. THOMAS M. HARPER. The Harper family were among the earliest settlers in Wolf River town- ship, Doniphan county, in the days when this was a frontier locality. Repre- sentatives of the name came to the west and have aided in the development which has brought about the present progress. The experiences and hard- ships of pioneer life were endured by them, as also the difficulties brought about by the troublous times which preceded the civil war. It was near the close of the sectional strife between the north and the south that Thomas ^L Harper was born, his natal day being January 12, 1865. His parents are J. P. and Jane (Cowger) Harper. The mother, at her death, left the fol- lowing children : Thomas M. ; James, of Brown county, Kansas ; Rufus ; John; Susan, the wife of J. K. Craig, of Oklahoma; ]\linnie, the wife of J. O. Brownell, of Doniphan county, and Chester. The family homestead was located near Leona, and there the subject of this review remained through his minority. He assisted in the work of the home farm, following the plow through the spring months and later aided in harvesting the crops in the autumn. He obtained a good education in 456 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. the schools of Leona, and then continued his connection with the agricultural purusuits until his attention was directed into the channel of business w'here he is now found. In 1895 the firm of J. P. Harper & Son succeeded the Henry Goatsworth Company in the lumber and coal business in Leona, and are now at the head of a paying enterprise. They have a liberal patronage, which has been secured through their honorable dealing, their resolute purpose and un- flagging energy. On the 13th of October, 1887, Mr. Harper was united in marriage to Mollie L. Rake, a daughter of Fred Rake, a resident farmer of Brown county. Their union has been blessed with one daughter, Jessie, who was born No- vember 25, 1889. Mr. Harper is one of the stanch Republicans of Wolf River township, and his fellow citizens, recognizing his ability, have called him to public office, wherein he has served in a most capable manner. He was twice eected town- ship clerk, his second term expiring in 1895. He has frequently been chosen as a delegate to the county conventions of his party and is regarded as one of the enthusiastic Republicans of the precinct. A leading member of the Odd Fellows societ}', he has filled all the chairs in the local lodge and is now past consul in Camp No. 3033, Modern Woodmen of America. His busi- ness methods won him the confidence, goodwill and patronage of the public and he has a large circle of friends in the community where he has made his home throughout his entire life. JAMES JENSON. Mr. Jenson is a leading citizen and business roan of Leona, Doniphan county, who for more than a quarter of a century has been an integral factor in the promotion of the agricultural and commercial interests of northeastern Kansas, where he owns four hundred and forty acres of valuable land. He was born in Falster, Denmark, July 15, 1848, and is a son of the venerable Lars Jenson, yet a resident of Doniphan county. The father was born in Denmark, January 27, 1821, and married Bodel Christina, who died in 1891, at the age of seventy years. In their family were three children : James, Mrs. Maggie Hanson and Andrew. During the greater part of his youth James Jenson attended school, ac- quiring a good practical education to fit him for the duties of life. On the 2d of May, 1866, when eighteen years of age, he took passage for New York on the ill-fated cholera steamer, Peruvian, an English vessel which carried a large number of Scandinavian emigrants. The cholera broke out among BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 457 the passengers and one hundred and thirty-three of them died at sea. A few of those who made that voyage and were victims of the dread disease are now residents of Brown and Doniphan counties. Mr. Jenson and a friend of his suffered an attack of cholera and at a certain stage of their sickness the physician denied them water and it seemed as if they would die of thirst. In some of the worst cases artificial warmth had been supplied by bottles of hot water and one of these bottles lay within a few feet of Mr. Jenson, having been used to supply warmth to a man who was then lying dead. When the watch was absent Mr. Jenson rose from his bed, slipped the bottle of water from the corpse and he and his friend drank the contents. Mr. Jen- son feels that his life was saved thereby; at least he recovered from his ill- ness, and when the Peruvian reached New York he landed in the eastern metropolis. The vessel, however, was forced to lay at anchor there until the 17th of Juy before her passengers were allowed to disembark. He con- tinued his way westward to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he secured employ- ment on a farm owned by Peter Nelson. For several years he was employed as a fann hand in that locality and it was not until his removal to Brown county that he became the owner of a farm of his own. In 1880 he made his first purchase of land, comprising a quarter-section. As his financial resources increased he added to the property until he is to-day the owner of four hun- dred and forty acres, a very valuable and highly cultivated tract. He has not only carried on farming extensively, but has also engaged in stock ship- ping, having for sixteen years been the largest stock shipper in Leona. Since March, 1894, he has engaged in buying and shipping grain at Leona, as the successor of T. P. Gordon. On the 8th of November, 1883, Mr. Jenson was united in marriage, in Doniphan county, to Miss Annie Saxton, a daughter of Hiram P. Saxton, of that county. She was born in 1858 and by her marriage has five children, namely: Lloyd, Mary, Hiram, Ida and Esther. 1 At one time Mr. Jenson was an active worker in the Republican ranks of Brown county, but since his connection with the business affairs in Doni- phan county he has devoted his energies more exclusively to the manage- ment of his commercial interests. Socially, he is an Odd Fellow and a Mason, being a past master in Robinson Lodge, No. 159, A. F. & A. M. In tlie latter fraternity he belongs to the blue lodge, Hiawatha Chapter and Hiawatha Commandery. Man's success is not measured by the heights at which he is found, but by the distance he has climbed. Mr. Jenson started in life amid very humble surroundings, but possessing the strong determination which enabled him to overcome difficulties and obstacles; therefore he has steadily worked his way upward and is now numbered among the most substantial citizens of his 458 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. adopted country. His life exemplifies the American spirit of progress and should serve as a source of inspiration to young men whose early oppor- tunities are limited and whose advancement must depend upon their own efforts. TIMOTHEUS HEIMANN. One of the most extensive land-owners of Nemaha county. j\lr. Heimann, resides on section 4, Richmond township, where he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. In the legitimate channels of trade he has won a handsome success and is to-day one of the wealthy residents of his neighbor- hood. His prosperity has resulted entirely from his own well-directed and honorable efforts, his perse\'erance and capable management bringing to him that prosperity wliich is the coveted goal of every one who enters upon a busi- ness career. Mr. Heimann was born in Clinton county, Illinois, on the 24th of Decem- ber, 1847, and is of German lineage. The father, B. H. Heimann, was born in Germany and came to America about 1832, locating on a farm in Clinton county, where he spent his remaining days, dying during the early boyhood of his son Timotheus. The mother bore the maiden name of Catherine Menke and was also a native of Germany. She died in Illinois, of cholera, about a week before the father died. They were the parents of six sons who grew to manhood. Mr. Heimann, of this review, the fifth in order of birth, was left an orphan when two years of age. He resided with his brother until about seventeen years of age, when he started out in life for himself, working by the month in a general store. Subsequently he engaged in business with his brother, their partnership continuing for four years. On the -expiration of that period he sold his interest and came to Nemaha county, Kansas, bringing with him capital sufficient to purchase eighty acres of land. The tract which he bought was improved with a little house, in which he took up his abode and for two or three years thereafter he devoted his energies to the cultivation of his land. He also added to it a forty-acre tract and in 1880 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 4, Richmond township, where he now resides. He paid eighty dollars down upon the property and arranged to make yearly pay- ments until the indebtedness should be discharged. About 1881 he sold his farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 16 and built a small house tipon his land on section 4, and as his financial resources have increased he has extended the boundaries of the farm and is to-day the owner of sixteen hun- dred and forty acres of valuable land. In 1896 he erected his present resi- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 459 dence, at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars, and about 1885 he built a good barn, 30x60 feet, with a west L 50x60 feet. He has also made substantial improve- ments upon his other farms and therefrom derives a good income, his land being divided into six farms, five of which he rents. He has engaged extensively in raising stock and now has upon his place three hundred head of cattle, twenty head of horses and about one hundred and fifty hogs. In Clinton county, Illinois, Mr. Heimann was married to Miss Ellen Otke. a native of that county and a daughter of Henry and Bernadina (We- berg) Otke. who were natives of Germany and early settled in Clinton county. Both are now deceased. They are the parents of eight children, who grew to manhood and womanhood. Mrs. Heinmann, the fifth in order of birth, was reared and educated in her native county. By her marriage she has been the mother of seven children : Henry, Kate, George, Nora, John B., Joseph and Timotheus. In his political views Mr. Heimann is an independent Democrat, but has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to give his time and attention to his business affairs. He is very practical in his management of business and at the same time follows progressive methods. Everything about his place is neat and thrifty in appearance, his buildings and fences are kept in good repair, the latest improved machinery aids him in cultivating the fields and a glance indicates to the passerby that the owner must be one of the leading and repre- sentative farmers of the community, a position which is accorded him bv all who know him. JAMES W. BALDWIN. The subject of this sketch, James W. Baldwin, is one of the pioneer set- tlers of Doniphan county, Kansas, and is now a retired farmer living in Troy. By birth he is an Englishman, commencing his life in the village of Lutch- moreth, Hartfordshire. fifteen miles from the streets of London, April 25, 1828, l;is parents being James and Martha Baldwin, both natives of that country. His father's death occurred also in that country. James W. spent his early boyhood days at his native place until he was nine years old and at that early age went to sea. He spent twelve years at sea, a part of the time on merchant vessels and a part of the time on a man- of-war, the United States brig Perry. During this period he visited various places and was in numerous ports of the United States. On leaving the water he took up his abode in \\'est Virginia, where he entered the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company as a watchman at the tunnel known as Glover Gap, and was thus occupied for five years. In 1856 he moved to Doni- 460 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. phan county, Kansas, and selected a location in Center township, northeast of Troy, where he pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land, to the improve- ment and cultivation of which he devoted his energies. Subsequently he sold eighty acres of this tract, but he still owns the other eighty and besides has a comfortable home in Troy. He conducted his farming operations successfully until 1898, when he retired from active life and moved to Troy. In the dark days of the civil war Mr. Baldwin proved his devotion to the country of his adoption by enlisting his services in defense of the "stars and stripes" and fighting to maintain their honor. It was in 1861, as a member of Company F. Tenth Kansas Volunteer Infantry, that he entered the army, under the command of Colonel Weir, and ser\ed faithfully for three years, taking part in nearly all the actions in which his regiment was engaged. He was prostrated at the battle of Dry wood, September, 1861, and was sent to the hospital, whence he was given a thirty-days furlough, at the end of which time he rejoined his regiment. After three years' service he was honorably dis- charged. ^M^ile he escaped wounds and prison, the exposure and hardship of army life wrecked his health and it was some time after his return home before he recovered. Mr. Baldwin has been twice married. His first wife, whose maiden name was Malissa Ann Brookover, died in 1862. By her he had one son, James Bald- win, who is now engaged in farming in Doniphan county. In 1863 Mr. Bald- win married Miss Matilda Field, a daughter of William and Sarah (Tucker) Field. Mrs. Baldwin was born in Scioto county, Ohio. December 17, 1824, removed with her parents to Iowa in 1854 and to Kansas in 1859, their settle- ment being in Doniphan county, where her father died in 1861, at the age of sixty years. He was a native of Virginia and his wife of Pennsylvania. By his present wife Mr. Baldwin has two sons : William, a carpenter living in Troy, and Artie S., who has charge of the farming operations at the home place. Mr. Baldwin is a member of Kennedy Post, No. 292, G. A. R., and politically is a Republican. WILLIAM CHAPPLE. Although of foreign birth, the subject of this sketch has long been a resi- dent of America and for over forty years has been identified with Doniphan county, Kansas, where he is well-known as a breeder of short-horn cattle. He was born in Devonshire, England, June 13, 1824, of English parents,, John and Anna (Atwill) Chappie, both of whom died in their native land. His father a farmer, William spent his boyhood days on the farm and had the advantages of a common-school education, attending school up to the time BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 461 he was sixteen. From that time until lie was twenty-one he assisted his father in the farm work and then learned the trade of stone cutter, which he followed until he was thirty. In 1849, thinking to improve his condition in life by emigration to Amer- ica, he took passage in a sailing vessel for New York, and after a vpyage of twenty-eight days landed at that port. Soon after his arrival he secured employ- ment in the navy yard, cutting stone on the dry dock. From there he went to Virginia and for eighteen months was employed on the canal locks. Novem- ber, 1856, found him in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he worked at his trade two years. At the same time he located a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in Doniphan county, two miles west of Troy, where he settled his family in 1857 and in 1859 he commenced farming. He was fairly successful in his operations from the first and as he was prospered bought more land and drifted into the breeding of fine short-horn cattle. In the stock business he has mafte a decided success. Cattle and hogs, however, have been his specialty. For years he has handled a large number of fine cattle, registered stock of the best families, selling and shipping to various points in this and adjoining states for breeding purposes. In 1898 he turned his farm and stock business over to his son and is now practically retired from active life. His farm comprises three hundred and sixty acres of fine land, well improved and under a high state of cultivation, and in its broad pastures are to-day some of the finest stock in the country. Mr. Chappie's married life covers a period of nearly fifty years. He was married, December 19. 1850, to Miss Elizabeth Croft, a native of Virginia and second daughter of William and Emily Croft. Mr. and Mrs. Chappie have the following named children: Emily, the wife of John Williams; Mary W., the Avife of Albert Gillman ; John W. ; William H. ; George W. : Richard T. ; Ellen N., the wife of Richard Mears; Anna L., the wife of Charles Penn ; and Edwin A., who married Sarah B. Taylor. Mr. and Mrs. Chappie have twenty-three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Essentially loyal and patriotic, Mr. Chappie was not one to refuse to answer to the call of his adopted country for volunteers to defend the national honor. He enlisted in 1862 as a member of Company A, Thirteenth Kansas Volun- teer Infantry, and went to the front under the commands of Captain Samuel Flickinger and Colonel Thomas Bowen. He was with the forces that operated in the southwest and among the engagements in which he participated were those at Camden and Marks' Mills. At the later place he was captured, was taken to Texas and held prisoner for thirteen months, after which he was exchanged. Receiving an honorable discharge in 1865. he returned to his home and family in Kansas. Mr. Chappie has never sought official honors, but was elected and serxed as 462 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. assessor of Center township. He has long been identified with the Masonic order and maintains membership in both the lodge and chapter at Troy. He and his wife are consistent members of the Christian church. JOSEPH DEXTON. English blood has in all periods of our national histor_v tended to good citizenship. An example of this fact would not be sought for in vain in Union township, Doniphan county, Kansas, where men of the family of Denton are among the leaders in business and in politics and in all public affairs. The early history of this family, so far as it is obtainable, will be found in the bio- graphical sketch of George Denton in this work. Joseph Denton has been identified with the history of Doniphan county since 1877. His father, John Denton, one of three brothers, — William, John and Jonathan, — was born at Bardney, Lincolnshire, England, in 1809, and died there in 1897, aged eighty-eight. He married Mary A. Pickwell, and Joseph Denton, their eldest child, was born at Bardney January 29, 1838. Mrs. Denton also died in England. The youthful associations and environments of Joseph Denton were entirely rural and he naturally fell into the ways of the workingman while lie was still little more than a boy. He learned to follow the plow, to tend the sheep and to keep the birds from the wheat fields. He was a wage-earner by the year for ten years, his wages ranging from four to sixteen pounds and board per annum. When he left England in 1865 he had saved up about sev- enty pounds. This amount he brought to the United States with him and 't formed the nucleus around which he has gathered other sums annually for the past thirty-four years. Sailing from Liverpool with his wife and two children, aboard the City of Manchester, an Inman line steamer, Mr. Denton landed at Castle Garden after eighteen days. Going direct to Chicago he secured employment there at the Lill brewery. He remained with that concern until its plant was destroyed by the great Chicago fire of 1871. He continued in the service of the same people until his departure for Kansas, July 5, 1880, when he purchased his pi-esent farm, upon which he has since lived and achieved a business success and reared his family. His premises show plainly his handiwork. The well- kept appearance of his farm, the arrangement and character of its improve- ments and the productiveness of its soil all testify to the industry, the system and the taste of its owner. Mr. Denton is a Republican and has served as the overseer of the roads in BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 463 his district. Tliough not an office seeker he is active in poHtical work, for he believes that the triumph of his party will serve the interests of the whole peo- ple more completely and beneficently than the prevalence of any other political principles. In local politics his influence is recognized and appreciated by his fellow citizens. He has demonstrated that he possesses a good degree of pub- lic spirit and is considered an enterprising and useful citizen who has the welfare of the community at heart and is always ready to advance it by any means at his command. As a neighbor he has always tried to emulate the good Samaritan so far as has been consistent with a proper care for his own interests, and those who have sought and deserved his friendly offices have not been turned away. Mr. Denton was married, in England, to Mary Bailey, who died in Chi- cago in the fall of 1866, leaving two children : William, a barber of Chicago, and Emily, wife of William Bowlby, of Allen county, Kansas. Mr. Denton's second wife was Lucy Markham.whom he married in May, 1868. She was born in Lincolnshire, England. The only child of this union is Mary H., the wife of A. B. Swartz. EDWARD T. REESE. There is no story more edifying than the story of a successful man who has gained places of responsibility by persevering labor and strict fidelity to every duty that has devolved upon him. Such a man is Edward T. Reese, the mayor of the village of Denton, Doniphan county, Kansas, merchant and section foreman for the Rock Island & Pacific Railway Company. Born October 8. 1853, at Caseyville, Illinois, Mr. Reese is a son of Evan and Christiana (Spicer) Reese. His father was a native of Monmouthshire, Wales, born in 1822, and came to America at the age of seventeen years. His mother was born in \\'ales also, in 1827. They have another son, William E. Reese, of St. Joseph, Missouri. Evan Reese brought his family to Kansas in i860 and settled on a farm a mile south of Troy, where he lived until his retire- ment from active life and removal to the town mentioned. Edward T. Reese gained a limited education in the public schools and at the age of eighteen years married and engaged in railroading. He began his railroad career in the service of the St. Joseph & Grand Island Railroad Com- pany at Troy as section man under foreman Tom Casey, and remained with that company fifteen years, twelve years of the time as foreman. He was first placed in charge of the Severance section, but was later transferred and had the Troy section in charge for ten years. In the summer of 1887 he entered the service of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company and has 464 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. been foreman at \\'athena. Pawnee, Powhattan and at Bellville, in charge of an extra gang and in the Horton yards. He was for a short time a foreman in tlie employ of the Union Pacific Railway Company at Rogers and Papillion and in the Omaha yards. In the fall of 1899 he returned to the service of the Chi- cago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway Company as foreman of the Denton sec- tion. Recently Mr. Reese bought the stock of general merchandise of L. D. Priester, of Denton, and with the assistance of Mrs. Reese is conducting a successful and increasing trade. Edward T. Reese was married. December 10. 1871. to Mattie Kretzer. who died without issue, and afterward he married Mrs. Mollie Hinchslifif. a daughter of Thomas Adams, of Jefferson county, Kansas. ]\Irs. Reese's chil- dren are Mabel and Harry Hinchslift'. One of the prominent Republicans of his township, Mr. Reese has served Denton two years as a member of the vil- lage council, and in the spring of 1898 was elected the mayor and was re-elected in the following spring. DELOS E. MILLER. Delos E. Miller, the proprietor of the Miller Hotel. Atchison. Kansas, is a native of Portage county, Ohio, born March 9, 1843. on the same farm on which his father was born, his parents being A. D. and ^lalissa J. (George) Miller. Both the paternal and maternal grandfather of our subject were pio- neer settlers of the same neighborhood in Portage county, and it was there that the mother of Delos E. was born. Her father was William George. A. D. IMiller was by trade a shoemaker, which he followed for a number of years. Both he and his wife passed their lives and died in Portage county. Delos E. Miller spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, attending the common schools in winter, and in early manhood came west to Kansas. In Shawnee county, this state, September 4, 1862. he enlisted, and was mus- tered into the United States service at Leavenworth, Kansas, September 18, 1862, as a private of Company H. Eleventh Regiment Kansas Volunteers, under Captain Joel Huntoon and Colonel Thomas Ewing, Jr., to serve three years or during the war. The regiment having been armed, he moved with it October 4. 1862. from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Scott, arrived there October 9, and waited for sup- plies until the 15th; from there moved to Pea Ridge, as guard to an ammuni- tion and supply train: reaching there October 19, he was assigned by General Schofield to the Third Brigade, First Division, Army of the Frontier, moving on the night of the 20th. under comtnand of General Blunt, to Bentonville, Arkansas; on the night of the 21st to old Fort Wayne, attacking at daylight BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 465 on October 22. and routing, tliree tliousand reljels under tlie command of Gen- eral Cooper. Mr. Miller took part in the battle of Cane Hill, where his regiment led charge, routing the enemy and pursuing them six miles to where the battle of Boston Mountain was fought, followed by the battle of Prairie Grove, Ar- kansas, where he was slightly wounded in the left hip by a gunshot. A few days after the battle of Prairie Grove, the Eleventh Kansas marched south, down the Cove creek road, in pursuit of Hindman's rebel forces toward Fort Smith. The first twentv miles of this road led through a gorge of the Boston moun- tains anil crossed Cove creek road forty times in this gorge, it being a very swift mountain stream, through which the men had to wade, often waist deep, in the cold winter weather of the last days of December, finally reaching the Arkansas river at Van Buren in. time to attack and capture a portion of the rear guard of the rebel army. After the fall of Fort Smith, the regiment returned to Fort Scott, Kansas, where, as a reward for its gallantry and bravery, on the order of General Schofield it was changed to a regiment of cavalry, and spent the summer of 1863 in almost daily skirmishes with bushwhackers and guerrillas who were under Ouantrell, until he was driven from the sand hills of Missouri to Texas. In the spring of 1864 it headed ofif the rebel cavalry raid on the Kansas border, which was under the command of General Joseph Shelby. He took part in all the seventeen engagements fought during Price's invasion of Mis- souri. After the Price raid he was sent with his regiment to guard the over- land stage route through western Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming, during which time he took part in the two battles of Platte Bridge, June 3 and July 26, and of the Sand Hills July 29, 30, 1865. Company H, to which he be- longed, was detached from the regiment in the early spring of 1865, and with other troops, under the command of General Thomas Moonlight, formed the central division of General Sully's expedition against hostile Indians to the Big Horn and Wind River mountains, on which the train of supplies was cap- tured by the Indians and the soldiers fed on rose-buds and roots to keep from starving on their return to Fort Laramie. Mr. Miller was discharged with his regiment September 13, 1865, at Fort Leavenworth, on a special order of the war department, on account of the expiration of the term of enlistment. He is a member of John A. Martin Post, No. 93, G. A. R., of Atchison, Department of Kansas. At the close of his army service, in 1865, Mr. Miller engaged in the hotel business as the proprietor of the old Seneca Hotel at Leavenworth, Kansas. Afterward he conducted the Holden, at Holden, Missouri, for a time and went thence to Lawrence, this state, where he also engaged in the hotel business. His next move was to Atchison and he has ever since been in the same line of 466 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. business. For a short time he kept a restaurant, then he bought the Byrani hotel, which he conducted five years, and after tliat estabhshed himself in what has since been known as the Miller hotel, which he has since owned. Mr. Miller was married, December 21, 1868, to Miss Mary Johnson of Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Mrs. Miller was born in Liverpool, England, was brought to this country in infancy, and was reared chiefly in St. Louis, Mis- souri, moving from there to Pleasant Hill, Missouri, with her parents, and at that place was married. They have two children, Katherine and Louise, the former the wife of H. H. Summers, of Lincoln, Nebraska; the latter the wife of Henry Bush, the manager of the Byram hotel, at Atchison. Mr. Miller is a Republican, and has several times served as a member of the city council of Atchison. He is identified with numerous fraternal organ- izations. He is a member of Atchison Lodge, No. 158, F. & A. M. ; Washing- ton Chapter. No. i, R. A. M. ; Washington Commandery, No. 2, Knight Temp- lars ; Mystic Shrine : Friendship Lodge, No. 5. L O. O. F. ; Hesperian Encamp- ment ; Knights of the Maccabees ; Golden Cross, K. of P. ; and Improved Order of Red Men. PETER KECKLER. Peter Keckler, a farmer residing near Troy, Kansas, furnishes one of the many illustrations in America of the poor boy starting out in life without financial aid and through his own industry and good management providing himself and family with a home and comfortable competency. Mr. Keckler is a native of Pennsvlvania. He was born September 15, 1848, in Adams county, two miles from where was afterward fought the noted battle of Gettysburg. His parents, Chester and Martha ( McDaniel ) Keckler, were both natives of Pennsylvania. His father, a farmer, died in Dickinson county, Kansas, in 1881. His wife had died in 1868 in Pennsylvania. It was on a Pennsylvania farm that Peter Keckler passed his bovhood days, rendering such assistance as he could in the farm work during the sum- mer months and in winter attending the district schools. He was engaged in farming until he was twenty-three years of age, when he turned his attention to railroading and for three years was in the employ of the Pennsylvania Rail- road Company. At the end of that time he came west to Illinois and worked on a farm for seventeen years. He then came to Doniphan county, Kansas, and bought the Jacob Zimmerman farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he has since been engaged in general farming, making a specialty of fruit raising and dairying. He has sixty-two acres of his farm devoted to orchard, including a variety of choice fruits, from which he realizes handsomely. His BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 467 dairy comprises a number of fine cows, the milk product being taken to the Troy creamery, in wliich enterprise j\Ir. Keckler is a stockholder. In Mr. Keckler"s make-up are found that push and energy, coupled with intelligent management, which are so necessary to the successful farmer of to-day, and his farm is regarded as one of the model ones of the neighborhood. In 1 88 1 Mr. Keckler married Miss Matilda Miner, of Illinois, and a daughter of Addison Miner, Esq. Two sons and one daughter are the fruits of their union, namely: Susan, Frank and Walter. Mr. Keckler has been identified with Oddfellowship for a period of twenty-six years, and is now :i member in good standing of Troy Lodge, No. t,8, I. O. O. F. JOHN MOREHEAD. Ohio lias furnished to the western states many of their most substantial citizens — men who have in the various walks of life contributed their part toward the development of the localities in which they have settled. Among the citizens of Doniphan county. Kansas, who look back to the Buckeye state as the place of their birth is John Morehead, a farmer and fruit grower located near Troy. He was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, near Baltimore. January 21, 1824, a son of Calvin and Susanna (Good) Morehead. both natives of Ohio. His paternal grandparents were John and Susan (Porter) Morehead, who moved from Maryland to Ohio at an early day, settling first in Fairfield county and changing their residence to Putnam county. Calvin Morehead and family also moved to Putnam county, where they lived for some years and whence they went over into Indiana and located in Grant county. There he and his wife died. John Morehead. the direct subject of this sketch, spent his boyhootl in Putnam county. Ohio, working on the farm in summer and in winter attend- ing the public schools. He was seventeen at the time the family moved to Grant county. Indiana, and for a short time he attended school there. He remained on the home farm until he reached his majority, started out in life for himself, and, as did his forefathers in their youth, turned his face west- ward. Spending four years in Champaign county, Illinois, he came, in August. 1857, to Doniphan county, Kansas, and here bought a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land, settled on it and at once devoted his energies to its culti- vation and improvement, in time building a good house, barn. etc. On this place he lived for forty years. In 1897 he turned it over to his sons, at the same time buying the Frank Page farm near the corporate limits of Troy and moving to it. This place comprises eighty-nine acres, has a fine apple orchard 468 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. of one tlioiisaiul trees and is one of tlie most desirable fruit farms in tlie locality. Mr. Morehcad's married life covers half a century. His ten children, married and scattered, are occupying useful positions in life and his grandchil- dren at this writing number thirty. In ^Vabash county. Indiana, in 1849, lie wedded Miss Mary Ann Slover. a native of Butler county, Ohio, who had moved with her parents to Wabash county, where she resided at the time of her marriage. Their children in order of marriage are as follows: Calvin A., William S., John E., George O., Joseph C, Debby A., Sarah E., Herman L.. Mary E. and Charles M. Mr. Morehead is a stockholder in the Troy creamery and he was for a number of years a member of the school board and the treasurer of the saine. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbvterian church. MARTIN L. ZIMMERMAN, M. D. Martin L. Zimmerman, a farmer and practicing physician, occupies a pleasant rural home on section 26, Center township, Doniphan county, Kansas, his postoffice address being Troy, and claims Maryland as his native state. He was bom in Frederick county, near Creagerstown, April 29, 184 1. a son of John P, and Sophia (Eichbelberger) Zimmerman, both natives of that county. In 1855 the family came west to St. Joseph, Missouri, and the same year removed to Doniphan county, Kansas, where ^Ir. Zimmerman pre-empted a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, for which he paid one dollar and twenty- five cents per acre. This was the family home while the parents lived and here the mother died, in 1869, at the age of seventy years, and the father the follow- ing year, at the same age. He was a strong Republican and anti-sla\ery man and was well known and much respected in the community in which he li\ed. They had four sons, namely : James L., John C, Jacob N. and IMartin L. Martin L. Zimmerman spent his youth in Maryland, receiving his early education in the public schools. Some time after coming to Kansas he began reading medicine and subsequently he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he pursued the regular course and in 1880 received the degree of M. D., his system of medicine being the eclectic. He has since been engaged in the practice of his profession and at the same time has carried on general farming and stock raising, maintaining his home upon his farm. August 17, 1869, Dr. Zimmerman was united in marriage to Miss ^lary E. \\'hite, the Rev. Mr. Chase officiating. Mrs. Zimmerman was born in BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 469 Jimtown. Andrew county, Missouri, in 1850, a daughter of Thomas and Matilda (Ethrington) White, and at the time of her marriage was a resident of Monroe county, Kansas, where her father was tlie president of a bank. She was educated in the common scliools and at St. Mary's Convent at Louisville, Kentucky. To Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman have been born four children, of whom two died in infancy, and one, Helen White Zimmerman. August 22, 1897. The only one living is John Patterson Zimmerman, a promising young- man who was educated at Onaga and at the State Normal School of Kansas. NICHOLAS L. NELSON. Nicholas L. Nelson, one of the most extensi\-e farmers and stock raisers of Wolf River township, attained his majority in Doniphan county and is widely known as a leading representative of its agricultural interests. He was born in Buchanan county, Missouri, November 13. 1851, and is a son of Lewis Nelson, whose birth occurred at Lillesand, Norway, in 1822. When about twenty years of age the father left "the land of the midnight sun" to seek a home across the broad Atlantic, and almost immediately after landing in Amer- ica he enlisted for service in the Mexican war, becoming a member of an Ore- gon battalion. He was stationed on the frontier to aid in defense against the Indians and when hostilities had ceased he went to Missouri, locating in Buchanan county, near St. Joseph, where he was engaged in farming until the year 1857. He then cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Doniphan county and aided in reclaiming the wild land. He and his family experienced all the hardships and difficulties incident to a life on the frontier, but he pros- ecuted his labors with great energy and soon became the owner of a valuable farm. He died in 1866 and his remains were laid to rest in the Steanson cem- etery. He was married, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Gurine Nelson, who still survives him and makes her home in Troy, Kansas. In order of birth their children are as follows : Amelia, the wife of Guttorm Steanson, a worthy pioneer citizen of Mercy, Kansas; Nicholas L. ; Julia, the wife of E. N. Erick- son ; Oscar ; Maggie, the wife of B. O. Running, the proprietor of the A. B. C. Laundry in Atchison; and Mary, the wife of Milton Zimmerman, of Doni- phan county. Nicholas L. Nelson was reared on his father's farm — the northwest quar- ter of section 28, Wolf River township — and acquired his education in the dis- trict schools of the neighborhood. He left the paternal roof at the age of twenty-two years and began farming a tract of land near Leona, where he resided for six years. About 1879 he purchased his present home and has 470 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. transformed the land into rich and highly culti\ated fields, which yield to him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestows upon them. He successfully carries on general farming and is also prospering in his extensive stock-dealing interests, making a specialty of cattle and hogs. Mr. Nelson was married, in Doniphan county, in November, 1872. Miss Lena Running becoming his wife. Her fatiier was one of the early settlers of Running Valley, Wisconsin, and a representative of an old Norwegian fam- ily. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have been born the following children : Grace, who died in February, 1898, at the age of twenty-one years; Jessie, ivho died in September, 1899, at the age of twenty years: Ella, Ray, Norma, Cyril and Bernice. Mr. Nelson has served as township committeeman for the Republican party a number of years and is a most active advocate of all measures that pro- mote the growth and insure the success of that political organization. He has served as township treasurer, discharging the duties with marked prominence and fidelity. ANTON BRAUN. The genial and accommodating postmaster of Doniphan is Anton Braun, who was appointed to his present position in October, 1897. He has for some years been connected with the mercantile interests of this place and is one of the worthy citizens that Germany has furnished to Kansas. He was born in Bavaria on the 7th of July, 1848, and is a son of John and Apolonia (Bauer) Braun. The parents died in Germany when our subject was about fourteen years of age, and when a young man he came to the new world, making his way to Kansas, where he entered the employ of Adam Brenner, acting as the foreman of his vineyard for some years. Subsequently, with the capital which lie had acquired through his own efforts, he embarked in merchandising and for many years has been a leading representative of commercial interests in Doniphan. He has to-day a well-stocked general store, supplied with every- thing found in his line, and as the result of his straightforward dealing and resolute purpose he has acquired a very liberal patronage. He also owns a well- cultivated farm of one hundred and seventy-fi\e acres located near Doniphan, and his income is materially increased by the returns from that property. In 1876 occurred the marriage of Mr. Braun and Miss Mary Biebel. who was born in Bavaria, Germany, and is a daughter of John and Mary Biebel. Both parents are now deceased, the father having dejiarted this life in Ger- many, while the mother's death occurred in St. Louis, Missouri. Unto ^.Ir. and Mrs. Braun have been born five children : Mrs. Kate McCoy, who is liv- ing in Doniphan county ; John, Andrew, Anna and Mamie. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 471 In his political views Mr. Braun is a Republican and is recognized as one of the active workers in the ranks of the party in this locality. He has served for five years as a member of the central committee from his township and his efforts are directed along lines which contribute to the success and growth of his party. He is also a member of several fraternal societies and is accounted one of the representative men of the community, enjoying the respect of peo- ple of all classes. ISAAC MARTIX. For thirty-five years Mr. Martin has been a resident of Doniphan county, and since 1892 has occupied his present fine farm in Wayne township. His agricultural methods are in accord with the most progressive ideas, and his well-tilled fields indicate to the passerby the careful supervision of the enter- prising owner. He has always resided in the west, being a native of Clay county. Missouri, where his birth occurred September 5, 1832. His paternal grandfather, Isaac Martin, was one of the early settlers of that state. His father, John Martin, was a native of Kentucky and during his boy- hood accompanied his parents to the west.' During the Mexican war he entered the service and loyally aided in defending the rights of the United States. He married Miss Sarah Harrington, also a native of Kentucky, and a daughter of William Harrington, a veteran of the Mexican war. Her father was born in Georgia, but for many years resided in Kentucky and North Carolina, spending his last days, however, in Missouri, where he died at the advanced age of ninety-seven. To John and Sarah Martin were born six children, five sons and a daughter, namely : William H., Isaac, Mary Ann, Miles B., Frank and Richard. All of the sons enlisted in the army during the Civil war, and Richard died of wounds received in battle. The father, who was born in 1807, died in Missouri, in 1865, at the age of fifty- seven years, and the mother died during the early boyhood of her son Isaac. In politics Mr. Martin was a Democrat prior to the civil war, when he became a supporter of the Republican party, casting his ballot for Abraham Lincoln. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the Christian church. Mr. Martin, of this review, was reared amid the wild scenes of pioneer life. In 1836 the family took up their abode about ten miles from St. Joseph, which at that time was a trading post, containing but one dwelling. He had but little opportunity to secure a literary education, but early learned lessons of industry, honesty and perseverance upon the home farm; and the habits thus formed in youth have proved of great benefit to him in his business career. In 1849 lie left Missouri, and with General Fremont's party aided 472 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. in building a fort in Arizona. He visited California, Mexico and Arizona, and during his stay in the wild western districts had many thrilling experi- ences. The plains and forests were the haunts of wild beasts and wilder men, for the Indians were thickly scattered throughout that section of the country. In 1852, however, he returned to his home, and the same year was united in marriage to Miss Mary Agee, a native of Indiana and a daugh- ter of William Agee, who died in Missouri in 1865. Eight children were born to our subject and his wife, namely: James, Martha, Anna, Viola, Belle, Alice, Cora and Percy. After his marriage Mr. Martin engaged in farming, but when the civil war broke out he put aside all personal considerations and joined the Twenty- fifth Missouri Infantry, in which he served four years. He was made a corporal of his company and on the field of battle he displayed great bravery. His family was noted for courage and loyalty and four of his brothers and his father fought to sustain the Union. With an honorable military record Mr. Martin returned to his home and again took up the pursuits of civil life. Since 1892 he has resided upon his present farm and is to-day one of the successful and leading agriculturists of Wayne township, Doniphan county. He votes with the Republican party, which stood by the Union during the civil war, and which has ever advocated progress and reform along all lines. For over thirty years he has been a member of the Baptist church, true to its teachings and faithful to whatever he believes to be right. All who know him esteem him highly for his sterling worth, and he enjoys the warm regard of a large circle of friends. AUGUST HALLING. August Hailing belongs to one of the pioneer families of Wayne town- ship, Doniphan county, his father, Lambert Hailing, having taken up his abode there at an early period in the development of northeastern Kansas. On the family homestead our subject was born. May 2, 1869, and has here spent his entire life. He is one of eight children, and in common with h;s brothers and sisters he attended the district schools of the neighborhood, acquiring there a fair English education that fitted him for the practical duties of life. From an early age he assisted in the work of the home farm, becom- ing familiar with the labors of the field and meadow. Since carrying on business for himself his success has been marked and positive. He owns a half interest in three hundred and twenty acres of land in Wayne township BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 473 and is extensively engaged in stock raising, having a large herd of cattle upon a farm near Leona. Mr. Hailing was married in Doniphan county, May 12, 1896, the lady of his choice being Miss Ellen Gronniger, a daughter of the late Bernard Gronniger, of Union township, Doniphan county, and a representative of one of the pioneer families of the locality. In his political affiliations Mr. Hailing is a Democrat, but seeks not the honors or emoluments of public office. He is noted for his intense industry and honest citizenship and in this volume well deserves mention. WILLIAM H. H. COLLEY. Since 1873 Mr. Colley has been a resident of Kansas. He is, however, a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in West Portsmouth, in the Buck- eye state, on the 15th of October, 1844. He is descended from good old Revolutionary stock, his grandfather, John Colley, having been one of the heroes in the war for independence. Abel Colley, the father of our subject, was a native of Virginia and married Miss Catherine Spencer, a daughter of Thomas Spencer. By this union ten children were born, namely: Allen, Sam, Julia, Sarah, William H. H., Jane, James, George, William M. and Mary. The family has always been noted for its loyalty, and during the civil war three of the sons served in the Union army, Allen being a member of the Thirty-ninth Ohio Infantry, while Sam served for thirteen months in the Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry. The former is still living in the Buckeye state, but the latter died in Doniphan county in 1865, leaving a family. The father, Abel Colley, spent his last days in Ohio, where his death occurred in March, 1894, at the age of eighty- four years. William H. H. Colley obtained his education in the public schools, and was only nineteen years of age when he enlisted in his country's service, becoming a member of Company I, Thirty-ninth Ohio Infantry, under the commands of Captain Pitinger and Colonel Webber. He served until the close of the war and was honorably discharged at Camp Dennison, on the loth of July, 1865. His company was assigned to the First Brigade, First Division, and was for some time stationed at Ringgold, Georgia, under the command of General Stearnes. Mr. Colley was always found at his post of duty, loyally defending the cause represented by the old flag, and when the war was over and he returned to his home in Ohio, with an honorable military record. On the 1 8th of February, 1873, was celebrated the marriage of our 474 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. subject ami Miss Nancy Martin, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Glen and Agatha Martin. Her father died in Missouri and her mother passed away in Indiana. Mr. and "Mrs. Colley now have two children: Julia, the wife of A. D. Miller, of St. Joseph, Missouri, by whom she has three chil- dren, Ethel N., Arthur Lloyd and Alvin Manford; and Harrison, who was born November 6, 1875, and is living with his parents. The children have both been provided with good educational privileges and the daughter was a successful teacher prior to her marriage. In 1873 Mr. Colley came to Kansas and has since been a resident of Doniphan township. He is now cultivating a good farm in Wayne township, and is accounted one of the leading and progressive agriculturists of his com- munity. His political support is given the Republican party, and he keeps well informed on the issues of the day. Socially he is connected with Wa- tiiena Post, G. A. R. As a citizen he is active in the advocacy of all meas- ures for the public good and is to-day as loyal and true as when he followed the stars and stripes upon the battle fields of the south. His manner is pleasant and cordial and this has rendered him a popular citizen, bringing him a wide circle of friends. CHARLES M. ALBERS. Charles M. Albers is one of the progressive and prominent young farmers of Wolf River township, Doniphan county, his home being near Bendena. He was born near Brenner station on the 9th of October, 1863, and is a son of John Albers, whose birth occurred in Oldenburg, Germany. When a youth of fifteen the father came to the United States and spent his minority in \'irginia, where the grandfather of our subject died. In the Old Dominion John Albers was united in marriage to Caroline Ladwig and five children were born of their union, Charles M. being the eldest. The mother died in 1873 and Mr. Albers afterward married Rosa Holzhey, by whom he had six children. Charles M. Albers spent his boyhood on a farm near Bendena and secured his education in the country schools of the neighborhood. At the age of twen- ty-two he started out in life on his own account, renting the Archer farm, which he operated with a span of mules given him by his father and the farm implements absolutely necessary in tilling the land. For three years he rented land and then purchased two hundred and forty acres on section 36. Wolf River township. This was in 1888 and through the intervening years he suc- cessfully carried on agricultural pursuits, making of his place one of the most ervision and progressive spirit of the owner, who is regarded as one of the successful farmers of his community. Mr. Ege is a native of Carroll county, Maryland, where his birth occurred on the 5th of April, 1840. His father. Colonel Andrew G. Ege, was a soldier and officer in the Mexican war, and the grandfather, Michael Ege, was also a soldier in the service of his country. The Colonel was born and reared in Pennsylvania and married Miss Margaret Ann McKaleb, a lady of Scotch- Irish descent and a daughter of Major McKaleb, of Maryland, an officer in the war of 181 2. In 1854 Colonel Ege brought his family to the west, journey- ing by steamboat and stage to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he entered into part- nersliip in the real estate business with General Jefferson Thompson, of Con- federate fame. He became very successful in that line of business and was at one time the owner of over eight thousand acres of land and other valuable property. \\'hen the war came on the land depreciated greatly in value and taxes were very high and this led him to dispose of much of his property. He was a genial and jovial gentleman of the old school, interested in outdoor sports, and he always kept his riding horses and hounds ready for the hunt. The circle of his friends was very extensive and his home was celebrated for its hospitality. His death occurred in Highland, Doniphan county, Kansas, when seventy-seven years of age and his wife passed away when only 554 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. thirty-eight years of age. In politics lie was a supporter of the Democ- racy and both he and iiis wife were consistent members of tlie Presbyterian church. In their family were five children, three of whom are now living: John M., a resident of Oklahoma Territory; Andrew G., who went to Fort Worth, Texas, in 1858, as a printer, and is now residing on a ranch in the Lone Star state; Ed, of this review; Mrs. Mary Jane Rodgers, who died in Maryland; and William, who was killed by accitlent November i, 1884, leaving a widow and three children. E. A. Ege was a lad of fifteen years when his father came to the west. He obtained a good education in the schools of Maryland and in St. Joseph, Missouri, and during his youth assisted his father in business. In 1859 he went west with an ox team, remaining from home two years. During the war he was in the Confederate service, under General Price, for eight months, and was for some time employed as the government teamster at Fort Bridger, on the North Platte river. Since his marriage, however, he has devoted his time and energies to farming and is to-day the owner of one of the most valuable tracts of land in this locality. In 1867 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ege and Miss Mary A. Mul- doon, who was born and reared in New York, a daughter of E. Muldoon, of Atchison, an ex-county commissioner. Mr. and Mrs. Ege became the par- ents of seven children, namely: Charles A., of Chickasha, Indian Terri- tory; Mary A,, the wife of Charles Swinford, of Doniphan county; Etta G., who is in Atchison; John J., at home; and three children who died in infancy. After the death of his brother William, he took his brother's two younger chil- dren — Chloe and Thommy — to raise and educate and they are still in his family. Mrs. Ege was called to her final rest on the iSth of September, 1889, at forty-one years of age. She was a member of the Catholic church and a most estimable lady, whose many excellent qualities gained her the regard of her friends. In business Mr. Ege is noted for his industry and careful management, in social life for his genial and courteous manner and as a citi- zen for his loyalty to and support of all measures which he believes will prove a public benefit. He well deserves mention among the representative men of Doniphan county, where he has resided for almost a half-century. GEORGE BIRD. Among the early settlers of Wolf River township, Doniphan county, was "George Bird, who came to Kansas in the early days of the development of the state. He has since been identified with the farming interests of this localitv and to-day is the owner of a very valuable and productive tract of land. His BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 555 birth occurred in the far-off state of Connecticut. He first opened liis eyes to tlie light of day in Sahsinu-y. Litchfield county, November 6, 1834, and is descended from New England ancestors, who were residents of that part of the country before the war for independence. Representati\'es of the name were participants in the great struggle which gave freedom to the nation. Isaac Bird was the grandfather of our subject and James Bird, the father, rem(5ved from New England — the ancestral home — -to Broome county. New York, where he spent his last days, his death occurring in 1865. During the war of 1812 he served as quartermaster in Colonel Hubbard's regiment. His wife bore the maiden name of Susan Dauchy and by their marriage they became the parents of ten children, three of whom yet survive : Sarah, the widow of Joseph Woodrufif, a resident of Broome county. New York; Marion, the widow of Myron Langdon, a resident of Steuben county. New York; and George. The last named secured a fair education in the country schools and early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agri- culturist, but in early manhood he left the plow and learned the plasterer's and mason's trades in Broome county. At the time when a great tide of human immigration bore many settlers to Kansas, he left the Empire state and mak- ing his way westward to St. Louis came by boat from that city to Doniphan county. It was in the year 1858 that he arrived in the Sunflower state, where he has since made his home. Locating in Highland, he followed the mason's trade for a number of years, but at the time of the civil war he put aside the trowel and shouldered the rifle, becoming a member of Company C (under Captain Jenkins), Seventh Kansas Cavalry, under Colonel Jennison. He enlisted in September, 1861, as a musician, was mustered in at Fort Leaven- worth and served in southwest Missouri during much of his term. The first engagement in which he participated was the battle of Little Blue, near Kansas City, where a company of bushwhackers had gathered in rendezvous. He also took part in the battle of Corinth, Mississippi, and was with his regiment in Alabama. Tennessee and Mississippi, making raids and destroying rebel prop- erty. The Seventh Kansas led the advance toward Vicksburg and operated in their usual manner around the outskirts of that place. Mr. Bird was in the army exactly four years and his loyalty to the cause he espoused made his military record an honorable one. After his return home ]\Ir. Bird resumed work at the mason's trade and followed it to a greater or less extent for a number of years, but for fifteen years past he has devoted his attention exclusively to farming. He pre-empted a quarter-section of land in section i, Robinson township. Brown county, soon after his arrival in the state, but disposed of it many years ago and is to-day the owner of one hundred and sixty acres in section 14. Wolf River township, Doniphan county, which is now a very desirable and attractive farm. 5 56 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. On the 6th of November, 1867, Mr. Bird married Miss Emma Davison, daugliter of Henry and Annie (Young) Davison, who came to Kansas in 1864. Their surviving children are : Mrs. Dehlah Miller, a widow ; Mrs. Amanda Devine, also a widow ; John and Mrs. Bird, all residents of Doniphan county. Unto our subject and his wife have been born five children : Virgil, a musi- cian, who was born September 3, 1869, and resides in Nemaha county; Wil- ber, born July 30, 1872; Effie May, February 15, 1877; Stella Irene, Decem- ber 28, 1881 ; and George E.. February i, 1S85. Mr. Bird is a Republican in his political views and affiliations, frequently serving as a delegate to the conventions of his party, and is a stanch advocate of the policy that President McKinley has followed in dealing with the expan- sion question, for he believes that the republic has the ability to care for and capably govern her newly acquired colonies. In his business he is meeting with creditable success, devoting his energies entirely to farming. He follows progressive methods, is practical and enterprising, and the neatness of his place indicates the careful inspection and supervision of the owner. AUGUST ^tOUIRGUIES. In connection with the public offices in Wathena appears the name of August Mouirguies, who is now serving as the police judge, a position to which he was elected in April, 1899. His service has been creditable to him- self and satisfactory to his constituents, for he is fair and impartial in the discharge of his duty and true to the trust reposed in him. A representative citizen of the community, he well deserves mention in this volume and it is with pleasure that we present his record to our readers, knowing that among them are many who are numbered among his friends. Judge Mouirguies was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1854, and is a son of August Mouirguies, who was born in France and was reared and edu- cated in his native land. When a young man he came to the United States and was married in St. Charles. Missouri, to Miss Mary Polarday, a lady of F"rench lineage. In 1844 they removed from St. Charles to St. Joseph, Mis- souri, but afterward returned to the former place. The mother died during the early boyhood of our .subject, leaving a family of five children, namely: Clementine, who is living in San Francisco, California; Emma, who died in that state; Henry, a resident of Chico, California; May, who makes her home in Oroville, California; and August. The father was one of the early settlers of Doniphan county, Kansas, where he took up his abode in 1854. He died at the age of eighty-one years and the community mourned the loss of one BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 557 of its highly respected citizens. His pohtical support was given to the Repub- lican party and he took a deep interest in its growth and success, yet was never an aspirant for oiifice. August Mouifguies, wliose name introduces tliis review, pursued his edu- cation in the public schools and came with his parents to this county in pioneer days. He acted as a clerk in his father's store, which was one of the first mer- cantile establishments in this locality, and later he engaged in merchandising on his own account, following that pursuit for twelve years with good suc- cess. He now owns the store, fronting on Alain street, in St. Joseph. Missouri, and a good farm near Wathena. comprising eighty acres of highly cultivated land. These properties yield to him a good income and are creditable posses- sions, for they have been acquired through his own well-directed efforts. In 1881 Mr. Mouirguies was united in marriage to Miss Mary Zeiser. of Wathena, who was born in St. Charles, Missouri, and is a daughter of I. Zeiser. of this place. They now have four children : Clara. Emma, Edna and Charles. In his political views the Judge is independent of party ties, preferring to support the men and measures which he thinks best calculated to advance the general good. He has served in several oflRces. including that of a mem- ber of the town council, and in April. 1899. was elected police judge bv a good majority. In the discharge of his duties he has won high commenda- tion and throughout his public service in this and other offices he has been most true and faithful to the trust reposed in him. He possesses more than ordinary business ability, is progressive and enterprising and has the respect of all with whom he has come in contact. T. F. HARPSTER. This gentleman is now serving for the fourth term as the mayor of Wathena and his administration has been at once progressive, reformatory and practical. His name is so closely connected with the social, intellectual, material and moral development of the town that the history of Wathena would be incomplete without the record of his life. He came to this place in 1891 and through the intervening years he has been a potent factor in all measures tending toward the public good. Mr. Harpster is a native of the P'uckeye state. In one of his witty after- dinner speeches Chauncey Depew said : "Some men achieve greatness, some men are born great and some men are born in Ohio." The last statement is applicable to Mr. Harpster. whose birth occurred in Sandusky county on the 558 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. i6th of April, 1S62. He was reared and educated there, his prehminary edu- cational privileges heing supplemented by a course in the State Normal School at Ada, Ohio. In 1S83 he came to Kansas, locating in Doniphan county, where he has since remained. He accepted the position of cashier in the bank at Severance and acceptably discharged the duties of that office until 1891, when he came to W'athena and organized the Wathena State Bank, of which he is the cashier. The president of the institution is John A. C. Jordan and the vice-president is O. C. Jones. The bank is one of the most popular in this sec- tion of the county and the volume of its business has reached extensive pro- portions. Its high standing is largely attributable to the untiring efforts of its cashier, who is thoroughly familiar with the banking business in all its departments and conducts the enterprise in a conservative and reliable manner. While residing in Severance Mr. Harpster was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Robb, a lady of culture and refinement, whose father. Captain George H. Robb, is one of the popular and well-known citizens of Severance. Their union has been blessed with one child, Ruth Marie, a little maiden of six summers. Their home is celebrated for its hospitality and their circle of friends is very extensive. While comparatively a young man Mr. Harpster has gained a most enviable reputation for excellent business and e.xecutive ability, and in this, as in other regards, is accounted one of the leading citizens of Wathena. His efforts ha\'e not been confined to one line but have been extended to various enterprises and industries, and his counsel has proved a potent element in the successful conduct of the concerns with which he is associated. He is now the president and treasurer of the Black Mountain Mining & Investment Com- pany, of Black Mountain, Colorado, a company which was incorporated in 1897 with a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars. He was also an organizer and is vice-president of the bank at Denton Doniphan county. Although activel}- associated with these various interests he yet finds time for social and literary work, and his influence has been most marked in pro- moting the intellectual status of the community. He is an ofiicer in the Wathena Midsummer Society, organized in 1899, and he is a much valued member. Socially he is identified with the Masonic order, belonging to the blue lodge of Wathena. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias and heartily indorses all societies which have for their aim mutual benefit and helpfulness. He is a prominent worker in the orders with which he holds membership and is therefore num- bered among their valued representatives. In his political affiliations he is a Republican and for the fourth term is serving as the mayor of the town. He handles the reins of city government with great care and gives a conscientious and loyal support to all measures which he believes will prove a public benefit BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 559 to tlie community or will advance its welfare along any lines that may con- tribute to its upbuilding and prosperity. He occupies an eminent position in social and business circles and enjoys the high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact. In his business career he has attained more than an ordinary degree of success, but this has been won through the legitimate channels of commercial activity. His keen discernment, sound judgment and ability to form his plans readily and to execute them with determination have brought to him prosperity that he well merits. FRED UKELE. Through thirty years Mr. Ukele has been identified with the agricultural interests of Nemaha county and now resides on section 28, Berwick township, where his fine farm indicates his careful supervision and his progressive spirit. His careful prosecution of his business affairs has brought him creditable suc- cess and he is to-day numbered among the substantial citizens of his com- munity. A native of Michigan, Mr. Ukele was born in Washtenaw county on the I2th of April, 1842. His father, Christian Ukele. was a native of Germany and on crossing the Atlantic to America, in 181 7, took up his abode in Wash- tenaw county, where he made farming his life work. He was, however, a baker by trade, although in this land he devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. His death occurred when he was about fifty-eight years of age. In the '30s he went to Chicago, which was then but little more than a frog pond. It was his intention to engage in the bakery business in the future metropolis, but death ended his labors there before he had actively become connected with business interests. In his family were eight children. Fred Ukele. the subject of this review, is the fourth in order of birth and was reared in the county of his nativity, where he remained until 1861. In that year he went to Henry county, Illinois, where he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Forty-sixth Illinois Infantry, and served in 1864-5, tnitil the war closed, when he received an honorable discharge. He was very loyal to duty and faithfully fought to protect the cause represented by the flag. Returning to Henry county when his services were no longer needed in the field of battle, he began to work at the blacksmith's trade, which he carried on in that locality for three and a half years. Thinking, however, to better his financial condition in the less thickly settled districts in the west, he chose Nemaha county, Kansas, as the scene of his future labors and he made his way to the Sunflower state, purchasing the farm upon which he now resiiles. It 56o BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. was then a tract of wild prairie, on wliicli not a furrow had been turned or any improvement made, but with characteristic energy he began its development. He is one of the oldest settlers in the township and he has made his farm one of the most valuable and attractive properties. He owns two hundred and forty acres of rich and arable land, all of which is under a high state of cul- tivation, and the various improvements on the place indicate the activity and enterprise which have cliaracterized his business career. In connection with general farming he is also engaged in stock raising and now has upon his farm about one hundred and fifty head of cattle which he is preparing for the market. In 1873, while Mr. Ukele was chopping wood, a tree about two feet thick fell across his right side, crippling him for life. Notwithstanding this accident, however, he has continued to superintend his farm and has through his well- directed efiforts became the possessor of a handsome competence. In 1864, in Geneseo, Illinois, Mr. Ukele was united in marriage to Miss Christie Oleson. a native of Sweden, who came to America in early girlhood and was reared in Henry county, Illinois. Two children have been born of their union : Edward, whose birth occurred in Henry county, Illinois, and Sylvan, who was born in Nemaha county, Kansas. The family is well known in the community and its representatives occupy a leading position in social circles. Mr. Ukele is a man of pronounced political opinions, unswerving in his support of the Republican party and on that ticket he has been elected to a number of township offices, wherein he has discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. He holds membership in the Baptist church and is one of its deacons. His life has been well spent and while his business affairs have gained him a handsome property his straightforward dealing has won him the respect and confidence of his fellow men. ED. HEENEY, To this gentleman has been entrusted the management of the municipal afifairs of Severance and he is now capably serving as the mayor of the city. Other official positions have also been accorded him in recognition of his worth and ability and he is now representing his district in the state legisla- ture. Patriotism is one of his marked characteristics and though he is always loyal to the party which he represents he places country above everything else, and exercises his official prerogatives in advancing all measures and move- ments which he believes will prove of the greatest good to the greate.-t num- ber. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 561 Mr. Heeiiey is a native of the Emerald Isle, his birth having occurred in Old Castle. Ireland, in 1852. He was only two years of age, however, when brought by his parents, Edwin and Rosa (Little) Heeney, to America. They crossed the Atlantic to New Orleans and thence proceeded to Cincinnati, Ohio, where they remained for thirteen years. Later they spent a short time in Butler county, Ohio, and in 1870 came to Doniphan county, Kansas, taking up their abode in a town in W^olf River township, where the father carried on agricultural pursuits until his retirement from the active cares and duties of business life. He was born in 1798 and is still living at the very advanced age of one hundred and two years. His wife passed away in Doniphan county in 1873. Ed. Heeney, whose name introduces this review, was educated in the common schools of Ohio and in the Christian Brothers' College, of St. Joseph, Missouri, which institution he entered after the removal of the family to Kan- sas. He there pursued his studies until a short time before graduation, when he put aside the duties of the student for those of the teacher, being for ten years connected with the educational interests of Doniphan county in the capacity of teacher. In 1878 he was elected county superintendent of schools for a term of two years. On the expiration of that period, in 1880, he embarked in business on his own account as a dealer in hardware, stoves, implements and furniture. He carries a large and complete stock and occupies a double store, 60x100 feet. This is well equipped with everything found in the lines designated and the attractive arrangement of the store, his honorable dealing and his desire to please his patrons have secured for him a large and lucrative business. Aside from his business enterprises he is largely interested in farming, investing his surplus money in Doniphan county farms. He now owns and operates three hundred and twenty acres of land half way between Highland and Severance, on the telephone line, and directs its operation every morning by telephone. He also operates in the same manner three hundred acres in a well-stocked ranch south of Severance four miles, all of which is stocked with thorough- bred short-horn cattle. He is not only successful as a merchant, but also directs his farms and ranches in the same successful manner. In 1882 Mr. Heeney was united in marriage to Miss Mary F. Hampson, of Troy, Kansas, a daughter of Joseph F. Hampson, who for many years was a prominent citizen in Doniphan county, Kansas, but is now deceased. This union has been blest with three children, — Edith, Edward and Georgia. — but the mother died in 1893. Theirs is a beautiful home, built in a modern style of architecture, and its neat and tasteful furnishings indicate the cultured tastes of the inmates. It is the center of a leading social circle and the mem- bers of the household enjoy the high regard of many friends. 562 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Mr. Heeney is a stanch advocate of Republican principles and realizes very fully the responsibilities and duties of citizenship and in 1898 was elected to represent his district in the general assembly and is now serving on several important committees, including those on railroads, printing, corporations and labor. To the questions which come up for settlement he gives his earnest con- sideration and his opinions are the result of mature deliberation and indicate the patriotic spirit which ever prompts the discharge of his public duties. His political career and his private life are alike above reproach and in business circles he maintains a most enviable reputation for honorable dealing, and his career illustrates the possibilities that are open in this country to earnest, per- severing young men who have the courage of their convictions and are deter- mined to be the architects of their own future. To judge from what he has accomplished, his right to a first place among the citizens of Severance can not be questioned. JACOB STRIEB. Jacob Strieb, one of the progressive and practical farmers of Wolf River township, Doniphan county, was born in Hamilton, Ohio, August 20, 1854, and soon afterward was taken by his parents to Henry county, Indiana. His father, George Strieb, was born in Baden, Germany, in the year 1829. and died in Doniphan county, Kansas, April 15, 1892. He left the fatherland about the time he obtained his majority and on crossing the ocean to the new world took up his residence in Cincinnati, Ohio. There he found work in a slaughter house, subsequently was employed in a stone quarry and later had the position of pilot on the Cincinnati & Albany canal. About this time his betrothed, Elizabeth Stadler, came from her home in Germany to meet him and they were married. Just prior to the civil war they removed to Indiana, establishing their home near Newcastle. For some years Mr. George Strieb worked as a laborer, securing employment in any way that he could that would yield him an honest living. He managed to save some money, how- ever, and just before the outbreak of the civil war he invested his savings of years in a small farm in Henry county, with the idea that his capital would be safer in real estate than in state bank script. Since that time he has devoted his energies to agricultural interests. Success attended his efforts and with a few thousand dollars which he had accumulated he came to Doniphan county and purchased land. Later he added to his property and when he died he was worth not less than twenty-five thousand dollars. He was the father of two sons and two daughters : Jacob, the subject of this sketch ; Mary, who resides in Reading. Pennsylvania, and is the wife of John Roth; Lizzie, the wife of BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 563 Walter Brant, of Robinson, Kansas: and Jolm G., one of tlie substantial young farmers of Leona. Jacob Strieb was a youth of fifteen years when he came with his parents to Doniphan county. He received only a limited education in the district schools and throughout his business career has carried on agricultural pur- suits. He scorns not that righteous labor which is an indespensable element in success. He is energetic, persevering and reliable, and these cjualities have brought him a handsome competence. As the years have passed he has increased his possessions. He began life with a forty-acre farm and now has two hundred acres in Doniphan county, eighty acres near Hiawatha, a half- section in Rooks county, Kansas, and has just completed a residence in Hia- watha at a cost of five thousand dollars. There he intends to make his future home. On the 23d of February, 1882, was celebrated the marriage of Air. Strieb and Miss Hattie Maurer, a daughter of John Maurer. She was born in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, March 14, 1858, and by her marriage has become the mother of five children, — four daughters and a son, — namely: Cora. Ella, Sadie, Pearl and George. In his jwlitical afiiliations Mr. Strieb is a Republican, but has always been content with casting his ballot for the men and measures of the party, leaving office holding to others. His practical business methods have resulted in bringing to him a comfortable competence and the history of his career proves that a determined purpose and laudable ambition will secure the success for which all men are striving. HARRY REDING. Harry Reding, who is enrolled among the physicians and surgeons engag- ing in practice in Xemaha county, his office being located in Sabetha, was born in Haverhill, Xew Hampshire, on the 14th of May, 1861, his parents being Henry W. and Amelia (Chandler) Reding. The Reding family is of Puritan lineage and on the maternal side the ancestry can be traced back to the colonial settlement in Xew England. The Doctor spent his boyhood days in the old Granite state and obtained his elementary education in the schools of his home neighborhod. He came to Kansas when quite young and here further pursued his education as a student in Washburn College at Topeka. being graduated in that institution in 1885. Determining to enter up<^n a professional career, he took up the study of medicine in the office and under the direction of Dr. A. J. Best, of Centralia, and subsequently pursued a course of lectures in the Missouri IMedical College, of St. Louis. ^Missouri, and graduated in 1888. 564 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. AVith a comprehensive and accurate knowledge of the science of medicine he began practice in CentraHa, where he remained for two years, being associated as a partner with his former preceptor. He also spent two years in Vermillion, Kansas, and in 1892 came to Sabetha, where he has since remained, engaged in the general practice of his chosen profession. He is now well established, doing a large business, and the liberal patronage which is accorded him is an indication of his skill and ability. Here for the past seven years he has been the local surgeon for the St. Joseph & Grand Island Railroad at Sabetha and was for four years a United States examining surgeon for pensions. The Doctor was married, in 1888, to Miss Helen E. Sherrill, of Topeka, Kansas, a daughter of Rev. F. G. Sherrill, a Congregational minister. The Doctor and his wife now have an interesting family of three children, — War- ren, Mary G. and Katherine. The Doctor is a member of the St. Joseph & Grand Island Railroad Medical Society, of the Kansas State Medical Society and others, and puts forth every effort to perfect himself in his chosen calling, realizing its importance and the responsibility that devolves upon him. In 1888 he won the degree of bachelor of arts at Washburn College. In 1899. in order to gain proficiency in the treatment of diseases of the e}e and ear. he took a special course in that line in Chicago. He has been very successful in his chosen work, his labors being attended with excellent results. He is A^ery careful in diagnosing a case and in anticipating any complications tint may arise. His professional brethren accord him a leading place in their ranks and he also has the confidence of the public in an unusual degree. OSCAR NELSON. Oscar Nelson, a well-known representative of the agricultural interests of Wolf River township, claims Missouri as the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Buchanan county on the 9th of February, 1856. He is the fourth in order of birth in a family of seven children. His father, Lewis Nelson, became one of the pioneer farmers of Doniphan county. On leaving Missouri he pre-empted a quarter-section of land in Wolf River township and there devoted his energies to farming until his life's labors were ended in death. Oscar Nelson was reared among the scenes of rural life and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agricult- urist. He worked in the fields through the summer months and in the winter season was accorded the privilege of attending the district schools of the neighborhood, where he acquired a good, practical English education. He has also devoted his energies to farming and is to-day regarded as one of the pros- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 565 perons representatives of that vocation in Wolf River townsiiip. His place is characterized by neatness and thrift and a single glance indicates to the passer by the careful supervision of a practical and progressive owner. On the i6th of December, 1880, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Nelson and Miss Allie S. Noble, daughter of William P. Noble, of Lincoln, Nebraska. Three children grace their union, namely: Guy N., who was born 'December 8, 1881 ; Clare M.. born in 1883 ; and Louise, born in 1897. Like the other men of his family, Mr. Nelson is a stalwart Republican in his politi- cal views and has served as a member of the township committee. He was elected to the office of trustee in the fall of 1898 by a majority of one hundred and twenty-nine votes, and discharged his duties in such a capable and efficient manner that he was re-elected in 1899 without opposition. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church of Moray, in which he is holding the office of deacon. His life is a noble and upright one, characterized by fidelity to duty in every relation and he is a public-spirited citizen, who gives his support to all measures calculated to secure advancement along ix)litical, social, educational and moral lines. JOHN THOMAS HARPER. Throughout his life this gentleman has devoted his energies to agricult- ural pursuits. He was born in East River township, Hendricks county, Indi- ana, December 5, 1838, and is a son of Jesse Harper, a pioneer of that state, whose ancestors were among the early settlers of Kentucky. John T. Harper is the youngest in a small family of children and was reared chiefly in Andrew county, Missouri. The district schools afiforded him his educational privileges, but his opportunities were extremely limited in that direction. In 1855 he came to Doniphan county and at the age of twenty years he started out upon an independent business career, working as a farm hand by the day or month, and in this way gained the nucleus of his present possessions. During the civil war he aided in the defense of the Union, enlisting in Company I, Sev- enth Kansas Cavalry. He was mustered in at Leavenworth, traveled over much of the south and was under fire fifty-four times, the principal engage- ments in which he participated being at Corinth and Tupelo, Mississippi. During the last year of his service the regiment was with General A. J. Smith. In his long, exciting and dangerous service he was never but once wounded and that was a mere flesh wound. Always found at his place of duty, he loyally defended the cause represented by the old flag and his course was marked by a commendable spirit of patriotism. Soon after his return from the war Mr. Harper purchased a small tract 566 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. of land of forty acres and engaged in fanning. As the years l.a\-e gone bv he has added to his proi>erty until he now has one of the most beautiful and fertile quarter-sections of land in his to\uiship. This is divided into fieKls of con- venient size by well-kept fences and good harvests follow the planting of spring, bringing to the owner a profitable income. On the 15th of January, i860, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Har- per and Rachel A. Cowger. In the community they have an extensive circle of friends and are highly esteemed for their sterling worth. In his political belief j\Ir. Harper clings stanchly to Republican principles and at all times he labors earnestly for its success, believing that it contains the best elements of good government. He is ever true to his duties of citizenship and has been loyal to the welfare of his adopted state, displaying the same patriotic spirit which marked his course when he donned the blue and fought with the Union army to preserve the Union intact. DALLAS E. FARXSWORTH. Dallas Elijah Farnsworth, city passenger and ticket agent for the Atchi- son, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad at Atchison, Kansas, and the treasurer of the Home Printing Company of this place, is a gentleman of well known business standing. A native of the Keystone state, he was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, .\pril 13. 1844. a son of David and Philena A. (Haven) Farnsworth, both natives of \'ermont. David Farnsworth was for many years connected with the Pennsylvania state militia and during the war of 1812 held a colonel's commission. In early life the parents of our subject moved from the Green ISIountain state to Pennsylvania and settled in Bradford county, where they remained until 1869, when they went to Monroe, Wisconsin. At the last named place the father died, in 1882. The mother is still living, at this writing, and is a resident of Denver, Colorado. Their family consisted of two sons and three daughters and all are married and settled in life except the youngest son, who died at the age of twenty-one. One daughter, Mrs. 01i\e C. Reineck, is a resident of New Brunswick, Xew Jersey; another. Mrs. Will- iam C. Burrows, lives in Leavenworth. Kansas: and the third. ]\Irs. Ella F. Elliott, is in Denver. Colorado. D. E. Farnsworth was reared and received his early education in his native county. At the age of eighteen he journeyed westward and found employment in the woodenware factory at Menasha. \\'isconsin. .Afterward he entered Ripon College and spent four years in that institution. In 1 870 he came to Atchison. Kansas, and secured the position of cashier in the store of BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 567 D. C. Newcomli. with wlinm he remained one year. At the end of this time he accepted a position as assistant to E. S. Wills, then a ticket agent for the Han- nibal & St. Joseph Railroad. In 1876 he was promoted to the position of ticket agent of that company and served until 1880, when all of the city offices were abolished. He was next made the assistant ticket agent for the Atchison Union Depot Company, which position he filled until his resignation in March, 1893. Then he organized the Home Printing Company, which bought out the Haskell Printing Company, and with this business has since been associated as the treasurer. It has been conducted on a profitable basis; valuable new ma- chinery has been added to the plant, making the etjuipment first-class in every respect, and a force of about twenty-five men and women are employed. The business includes every variety of work, a specialty being made of show print- ing, and the large business which the company has built up is being main- tained by courtesy, promptness and superiority of work. Mr. Farnsworth was married, in 1882, to Miss Emma Richards, a native of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and a daughter of J. M. Richards. They have two children, — David Freeling and Howard Richards. Mr. Farnsworth is a member of the Atchison board of education, to which he was elected in 1898, and is a member and clerk of the Congregational church. FREDERICK S. MOSER. Frederick S. Moser, a prosperous farmer and fruit grower residing near Troy, Kansas, was born on a farm in Knox county, Tennessee, June 13, 1839. Mr. Moser is of German descent, his parents, John and Susannah Stevens, both having been born in Germany. They were brought to the United States in childhood, where they grew up and married. For many years after their marriage they lived in Knox county, Tennessee, and from there they moved, in 1850, to Buchanan county, Missouri, where John Moser was engaged in farming up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1853. In 1856 the widowed mother with her family came to Kansas and settled on a frontier farm in Doniphan county. Afterward they pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 6, Center township, which was the family home until the Rebellion, when he enlisted; that broke up the home. The wife and mother went Iiack to IMissouri and stayed until the war closed and then they returned home. The mother's death occurred in 1869. Frederick S. accompanied the family from Tennessee to Missouri and thence to Kansas, as above stated. His education was received chiefly in the common schools of Buchanan county. He was in the prime of early manhood 568 BIOGRAPHICAL A.\'D GENEALOGICAL RECORD. when the war came on. with a family depencHng upon liim, and at first it seemed almost out of the question for him to leave his new home, but, as the struggle continued and fresh forces were needed at the front, his patriotism asserted itself above everything else and his name was placed on the volunteer list. That was in 1862. He enlisted in Company C, Thirteenth Kansas Vol- unteer Infantry, under Captain Hugh Robinson and Colonel Bowen. He was ordered to the frontier and stationed for a time in Indian Territory, Arkan- sas and the southern part of Missouri. At Van Buren, Arkansas, and also Fort Smith and Little Rock he took part in several minor engagements and in March, 1865, went with his regiment to Little Rock, Arkansas. He was hon- orably discharged in July, 1865, at the latter place and at once returned to his home in Doniphan county, where he resumed farming and stock raising and has since devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Moser purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section 30, Center township, in 1867, and added the rest of his three hundred and thirty acres as he became able, and through his earnest, well-directed efforts it has been brought up to its present high state of cultivation and improve- ment. His fine apple orchard, comprising no less than fifteen hundred trees, is of his own planting and from it he reahzes handsomely. This farm is beautifully situated amid the hills, one mile south of the Missouri river, and at the time Mr. Moser selected it he located near by an extensive range for his stock. The enactment of the herd law, however, which followed several years afterward, materially restricted the stock range. The primitive home which cur subject occupied here was a log house, 12x14 feet in dimensions, covered with clapboards and furnished in pioneer style. This gave place, in 1876, to a two-story frame house, the present residence. Mr. Moser has also built sub- stantial barns and outbuildings and keeps pace with the times in the way of machinery and everything necessary to successfully carry on farming opera- tions. He formerly carried on the stock business extensively, making a spe- cialty of cattle, hogs and horses. October 9, 1859, Mr. Moser married Miss Mary Dittemore, of Buchanan county, Missouri, a daughter of Henry Dittemore, Esq. Her parents had removed from Indiana to Missouri at an early day and settled in Buchanan county, where she was born. She was educated near St. Joseph. This union has been blessed in the birth of twelve children, three of whom died in infancy. Those living are: William H. ; Anna L., the wife of Thomas Smith; Viola Bell ; John Franklin; Alvey Curtis; Josie E., the wife of James Triplett; Lucy C, the wife of Charles Triplett; and Frederick S., Jr., and Susan E., who are still at home. Mr. and Mrs. Moser are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, at Troy, of which he is a liberal supporter and for a number of years BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 569 has been a trustee. He is politically a Democrat of the old Jefferson style and is, fraternally, identified with the G. A. R., Kennedy Post, No. 292, and the Masonic fraternity, Lodge No. 55, at Troy. For the past twenty-five years he has been a member of the school board. SAMUEL HOLLISTER. It is always of interest to note how one may conquer obstacles and diffi- culties and wrest success from the hands of adverse fate. Such a story always claims the attention of the reader, and it demonstrates the possibilities that lie before those who are forced to start out in life dependent entirely upon their own resources. Such has been the life history of Mr. Hollister. He came to Kansas forty-two years ago, and by determined purpose and indefatigable energy has steadily worked his way upward, his efforts being crowned with the desirable success that now enables him to live retired. A native of Greene county. New York. Mr. Hollister was Ixirn in the town of Coxsackie, March 2, 1829, his parents being Luther and Jane (Underdonk) Hollister. Back to England he traces his ancestry, and the line is not lost in conjecture or tradition but can be traced back to John Hollister, who crossed the Atlantic to America in 1642 and purchased the manor of Stenchcomb, at Glencent. He was born April 24, 1608, and was a son of Rodger Hollister. The grandfather of our subject was Timothy Hollister, a native of Connecti- cut, who became an early settler of Greene county, New York. He married Miss Althea Cornell, a native of New York and a near relative of the dis- tinguished Cornell family of Kingston, that state. Luther Hollister, the father of our subject, was born in Greene county, in 1787, and married Miss Underdonk, whose birth occurred in eastern New York, about sixteen miles from Albany. Her father was Abram Underdonk, wiio well remembered the trials that came to the family during the Revolu- tionary war, in which his father aided the Colonial army. During the latter part of his life Mr. Hollister removed to Belvidere, Illinois, where his last days were passed. Two of his sons, Lansing and Abram, were valiant soldiers in the Union army during the civil war and Lansing was killed at the battle of Gettysburg in 1863. His remains were then taken back to New York, but some fifteen years later were removed to Rosehill cemetery, Chicago. Another son of the family. Dr. William L. Hollister, is a prominent surgeon now resid- ing in Austin, Minnesota, wliere also resides Abram. Sarah J., the daughter of the family, married Grove Lane, and resides in Belvidere, Illinois. Samuel Hollister, whose name introduces this review, is the eldest. He 570 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. began his education in the district schools and later attended Ames Academy, completing his course in Cherry Valley, in Cooperstown, New York. He after- ward became a contractor and builder in Greene county, and in May, 1857. he came to Kansas, making his way to Leavenworth, but locating at Sumner, Kan- sas, where he spent twelve years. He engaged in the contracting business and later purchased a saw-mill, manufacturing nati\e lumber. He also ran a grist-mill, and so sparsely settled was the district that his customers came from as far as fifty and seventy-five miles. At length his mill property was des- troyed by fire and he then returned to Atchison, where he purchased a few town lots on which he erected buildings. These he disposed of, and as his financial resources increased he extended the field of his labors, legitimately carrying on a very extensive business as a real-estate dealer. He now owns five hun- dred acres of choice land, which he rents, and is not actively connected with business affairs, living a retired life. His industry and activity in former years enabled him to put aside business cares and to enjoy the fruit of past toil. On the 2d of February, 1859, Mr. Hollister was united in marriage to Miss Harriet L. Carrol, a sister of John M. Carrol, formerly a member of congress from New York. She was born in Otsego county. New York, in 1828, and by her marriage became the mother of one daughter, Mary B., at home. Mrs. Hollister died October 11, 1891. Our subject and his daughter occupy a fine residence on South Third and T streets. In his political views he is a stanch Republican, but has never sought or desired office, beyond serving one term in the Kansas legislature in 1863. FRANK HALLIXG. No more fitting illustration can be given of the appreciation bestowed upon its people by a republic than in the respect and admiration given to its self-made men. The history of such a one is always of interest and the life record usually contains lessons which others may profitably follow. Air. Hailing has sought not the alluring promises of the future, but has striven in the present and utilized the opportunities that have surrounded him and thus he has won a leading position in connection with the great material industries of the state. He is accounted one of the leading stock dealers of Doniphan and has met with marked success in his undertakings in this direction. He was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. October i. 1848. and is a son of the late Lambert Hailing, who was born in Hessen, Germany, in 1816. His father was a carpenter and under his direction he learned that trade in the city of Frankfort. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 571 In 1840 Lambert Hailing left the land of his birth and reached America with a very limited capital, amounting to only a few cents. He followed his trade in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, being employed by Mr. Libert for some time. He was married there, in 1845, and in 1857 started with his family by the river route for St. Joseph, Missouri, but soon afterward located per- manently in Doniphan, Kansas. Here he became well known as an expert mechanic and builder and aided in the erection of the Catholic college and convent in Atchison, the first church of St. Mary's at Purcell. St. Benedict's church near Denton and innumerable farm residences and other buildings in Doniphan and Atchison counties. In 1859 he pre-empted a tract of land near Doniphan and upon that farm, in comfort and ease, he spent the last years of his life. He was successful in his agricultural pursuits and therefore capable of directing the efforts of his sons in early life so that they became prosperous business men. In his religious faith he was a consistent Catholic and gave liberally of his means to church, to benevolent and educational enterprises, and died May 20, 1895. He wedded Alary Gruch and his children were: John, a Union soldier in the civil war who now resides in the Ozark mountain region of Missouri; Frank, of this review; Mary, the wife of John F. Libel, apn.j-;;erous farmer on Wolf river; Minnie, the wife of William Mangelstorf, of I'.ushtun, Kansas; Julia, the wife of Theodore Jockems, of Barton county, Kansas; Annie, the wife of Sebastian Rosenhover; Elizabeth, the wife of Her- mann Gronniger, of Union township, Doniphan county, and August, who is living on the old homestead. Frank Hailing was reared on his father's farm near Doniphan. He attended school in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and was also a student in Atchi- son College for three months. His early efforts at farming were carried on under the guidance of his father. As an experiment and to encourage indus- try and develop independent action in his sons, his father gave him a cow and a horse in 1869 and later he sold these in order to make other investments. He used his capital, together with what he had earned in binding wheat, to piu-chase calves, which he fed for a season or two and then sold at a good profit. As opportunity offered he enlarged his field of operation as a stock dealer and in 1875 purchased his present farm, making the first payment with the proceeds of the cattle that he had sold. This left him with an indebtedness of twenty-two hundred dollars, upon which interest at ten and twelve per cent, was to be paid. His payments were made as agreed upon and from time to time substantial improvements were placed on the property. Later he became the owner of an additional tract of one hundred and twenty acres on section 29, Wolf River township, and in connection with his father he pur- chased a quarter-section of land near the old homestead in 1888, borrowing seventy-five dollars to make the first payment upon the place. Within three 572 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. years he had paid off all the indebtedness and with the passing years success has attended his efforts and a gratifying degree of prosperity has come to him as a stock dealer. He is an excellent judge of stock and his judicious invest- ments have always resulted in securing to him a good profit. He is recognized as one of the leading stock dealers in northeastern Kansas and has carried on business along that line on an extensive scale. On the 1 8th of May, 1880, Mr. Hailing was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Gronniger, whose father was one of the early settlers of Union township, Doniphan county. Their children are: Ella; Lambert, deceased; Bernard and Elizabeth, deceased ; Frank, August, Adelaide, Lydia, Frederick and Olivia. In his political views Mr. Hailing is a Democrat and was once elected treasurer of Wolf River township, but cares not for political honors. His life has been a busy and useful one and his energy and enterprise have been the salient features in his success. ARTHUR S. DRURY. One of the most important lines of business which has sprung into exist- ence within the present century is that of insurance, which provides against losses by fire and other accidents and also is a means of leaving to families a comfortable competence when death has deprived them of one whom they have depended upon for support. A well-known fire and life insurance agent of Atchison, Kansas, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch and who has built up an excellent business by reason of his reliable dealing and indefatigable efforts. He was liorn in Kansas City, Missouri, November 13, 1869, and is a son of R. B. and Ann M. (Selby) Drury. The father was born in Mont- gomery county, Missouri, June 14, 1844. and is a son of Charles J- and Sallie (Weisman) Drury. The latter was a daughter of James Weisman, one of the pioneers of Missouri, to which state he removed from Virginia, in 1818. The late R. B. Drury, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a prominent real-estate dealer of Atchison, and the family is one widely and favorably known. Arthur S. Drury completed his literay education in the high school of Atchison and later pursued a commercial course in the Atchison Business College. From 1887 until 1895 he filled a position in the State Bank. In Feb- ruary, 1896, he bought out the firm of Rogers & Carr in the life and fire insur- ance business and is now representing several of the most reliable New England companies. His success has been quite marked and writing up many policies he has secured therefrom a liberal income. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 573 In September, 1893, Mr. Drury was united in marriage to Miss Agnes N. Davis, of Atchison, a daugliter of William M. Davis, one of the early settlers and leading merchant tailors of the city. They now have an interesting little daughter, Anna, who is the life and light of the parents' home. Mr. and Mrs. Drury are widely known and their friends in the community are many. RICHARD B. MORRIS. With the upbuilding and development of northeastern Kansas Mr. Morris was long prominently identified and is now living retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He was born in Springfield, Massa- chusetts, in 1833, and is a representati\'e of two of the oldest families of Amer- ica. His parents were Richard D. and Sybil (Bontecou) Morris. The father traced his ancestry back to Thomas Morris, of Waltham Abbey, county of Essex, England. He was the father of Edward Morris, the founder of the family in America. It was in 1635 that the last-named crossed the Atlantic and took up his abode in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Edward Morris, the grandfather of our subject, was one of the loyal soldiers of the Revolutionary war and valiantly aided in the struggle for independence. On the maternal side ]\Ir. Morris is descended from the Huguenot refugees who sought fredom of con- science in America. Pierre Bontecou, the progenitor of the family in this country, emigrated from La Rochelle, France, in 1684, and reached New York city in 1689. The grandfather of our subject, named Daniel, was a nati\e of Connecticut. Richard Bontecou Morris, whose name introduces this record, acquired his education in the schools of Springfield, Massachusetts, and in an academy at that place, obtaining a good knowledge of civil engineering. In this capac- ity he became prominently connected with the building of railroads in various states of the Union. In 1859 he was appointed the first freight agent of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Road at St. Joseph. In 1866 he took up his residence in Atchison and did construction work on the central section of the Union Pacific. In 1869 he was made the general agent of the Missouri Pacific at Atch- ison, and subsequently he held a similar position in the service of the Kansas City & St. Joseph Railroad. During the only Democratic administration that Kansas has ever had, Mr. Morris filled the position of superintendent of insurance, being appointed by Governor Click. In 1893 he was appointed internal revenue collector and held that position for a term of four 3-ears, dur- ing President Cleveland's administration. He filled both offices most accept- ably, manifesting marked capability in the discharge of his duties as well as fidelity to the trust reposed in him. 574 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. In his i-)olitical \ie\vs Mr. Morris is a stalwart Democrat, earnest and un- swerving in his supix->rt of the principles of the party, and for man}' years was a memljer of the Democratic state central committee. In 1872, 1876 and 1880 he served as a delegate to tlie Demix:ratic national convention. A Aalued representatixe of the Masonic fraternity, he holds membership in lodge, chapter and commandery, and is -also a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Xobles of the Mystic Shrine. THOMAS L. WHITE. Thomas L. White, a manufacturer of and a wholesale and retail dealer in confectionery at Atchison, Kansas, has been a resident of this city since 1871 and for a numl-)er of years has been engaged in his present line of business. Mr. White is a native of Indiana, bom in Paoli, October 27, 1S33. m in that state in 181 1. Abram \\"hite was a merchant during the greater part of his active life. He died in 1848. when his son, Thomas L., was a boy of fourteen years. After the death of the father the widowed mother moved from Paoli to a fami, where she reared her children and later married a second time. Her death occurred in Indiana, when she was seventy-six years old. Thomas L. White remained on the farm with his mother until he was twenty-one. when he l>egan farming ojierations for himself in Orange county. He remained in Indiana until 1871, when he came to Atchison. Kansas, and here he turned his attention to the nursery business as solicitor, in which pursuit he was engaged until 1879. That year he formed a iiartnership with a Mr. Lin- coln, under tlie fimi name of Lincoln & White, and began manufacturing con- fectionery. This firm afterward liecame White & Son, then White & May, and three years later Mr. White l>ecame sole proprietor of the establishment, which he has since conducted alone, doing a large and prosjierous business, catering to both a local and a large jobbing trade. ]Mr. White was married, in 1854, to Miss Mav A. Maris, a native of Indi- ana and a daughter of Aaron Maris. Mr. and Mrs. White have had fi\-e chil- dren, three sons and two daughters, namely : Charles M., of St. Paul, Minne- sota: George A., deceased; Thomas L., Jr., of Beloit, Kansas; Mary- M., the wife of W. F. Xeitzel. of Concordia, Kansas; and Ora. who died in early child- liood. Mr. \\'hite gives his supjMrt politically to the Republican i>arty. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 575 CHARLES PULLEN. Tlie subject of this sketcli was the fifth in order of birth of his father's family. He was reared on a farm and attended the common schools of his native place. When he first came to Atchison he took contracts for gravel roofing and had quite a large force of men engaged in the work. In 1888 he began dealing in ice in addition to his other work and has made a success in this hne as well as in his first enterprise. He procures his ice from the Missouri river and Doniphan lake, and puts up about two thousand tons annually, which he sells at retail, running several wagons. He has the reputation of an honor- able, reliable business man and his patrons liave every confidence that they will be fairly treated. Mr. Pullen was married, in 1872, to Miss Jemima Grant, a daughter of James Grant and a native of Edinburg, Scotland. They have no children. Mr. Pullen is a member of the ]\[odern \\'^oodmen, of the Knights and Ladies of Security and of the Woodmen of the World. Mr. Pullen is of foreign birth, his native place being Cranleigh, in the county of Surrey, England, where he was born March 25, 1850. His parents were Charles and Anna (Stone) Pul- len, the latter a daughter of James Stone, a shipbuilder. They were married and all their children were born in England, and in 1871 the family came to the United States, landing at New York city. They remained there but a short time, then removed to Atchison, Mr. Pullen homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of land in Jewell county. He did not live long enough to do much farming, his death taking place in 1872, the second year after he settled in Kansas, while his wife died in 1879. They had ten children, of whom eight are living, three residing in England, one in St. Louis, Missouri, and the re- mainder in the west. He is one of the strong and influential men whose lives have become an essential part of the history of Atchison and northeastern Kan- sas. Tireless energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose, guided by great will power and practical common sense, are his chief characteristics and have been the salient features in his success. ANDREW J. WILSON. This gentleman, who occupies the position of registrar of deeds in Atchi- son, was born in Lancaster township, Atchison county, on the 24th of Novem- ber, 1859. and is a son of Charles and Mary K. (Brown) Wilson. His pa- ternal grandfather was Elias Wilson. His father was born in Bartholomew, Indiana, February 7, 1827, and in 1855 came with his family to Atchison 576 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. county, Kansas, locating on a farm in Lancaster township. Here his death occurred February 28, 1897. The mother, who was born in Tennessee, Octo- ber 30, 183 1, is still living on the old homestead. Andrew J. Wilson was reared on his father's farm in Lancaster town- ship, where he early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He attended school at intervals during his minor- ity, and in 1883 he left his native state, making an extended trip through the west and spending some time on the Pacific coast in California in search of health. Upon his return to Kansas he embarked in merchandising in the town of Huron, conducting business with fair success until 1895, when he was elected registrar of deeds of Atchison county for a term of two years. He discharged the duties so acceptably that he was again made the Republican nominee, in 1897, and again in 1899, and was re-elected each time and is therefore the in- cumbent in that position at the present time. He is ever faithful to his duties and reliable and prompt in -discharge of the work that devolves upon him. He has also served as a township trustee for five terms. In 1884 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Wilson and Miss Millie Lewis, a daughter of James Lewis, of Atchison county, Kansas. Their union has been blessed with four children, namely: Jessie L.. Norman L., Charles F. and George Dewey. Mr. Wilson is a member of the order of Knights of Pythias and enjoys the esteem of the members of that fraternity. TOHN HUNTER. For twenty-nine years Mr. Hunter has Ijeen a resident of Doniphan county and his life is a busy and useful one. He belongs to the worthy class of citi- zens that Scotland has furnished to the new world and in his life has displayed the chartcteristics of that brave and enterprising race. His birth occurred in Aberdeenshire August 23. 1833, and he is the second son in a family of six boys, his parents being George and Elspit (Mill) Hunter. The subject of this review is now the only living son. Before he was nine years of age he was forced to earn his own livelihood, for his parents were poor and had a large number of children. His school privileges were very limited, yet he made the most of his opportunities in this direction and by reading and experience in practical affairs of life he has become a well-informed man. The compensa- tion he received for his first six months of labor was only five dollars and board. For some time thereafter he worked in his native land, his wages being increased as he was fitted for more responsible labor, yet the possibility of bettering his financial condition led to his emigration to America. Friends BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. ^77 who had located in Michigan wrote him of the advantages here afforded young men and he was thus induced to become a resident of the American repubhc. On the 6th of March, 1857, Mr. Hunter took passage on the Robert Kelly, which sailed from Liverpool, and after forty-three days spent upon the ocean dropped anchor in the harbor of Xew York. Before leaving England he had bought his ticket direct to Detroit and was soon with his friends in the Woherine state. There he secured employment as a farm hand and devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits in the employ of others until his removal to Kansas. On his arrival in this state he purchased a quarter-section of land, upon which he now resides, the price agreed upon being twenty-one hundred dollars. He made a payment of fifteen hundred dollars upon it, borrowed four hundred dollars with which to obtain tools necessary for the operation of the farm, and thus with an indebtedness of one thousand dollars he started in life in Doniphan county. Obstacles and difficulties, however, impeded his progress toward the '^oal of success, yet by persistent purpose he has continued on his way and is to-day regarded as one of the prosperous as well as one of the most enterprising and industrious agriculturists in the Sunflower state. Ten years ago he doubled the extent of his land by adding to the original purchase another quarter-section and now has three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land. Mr. Hunter votes with the Republican party and is a stanch advocate of its principles, but has never been an aspirant for public office. He enjoys the high regard of his neighbors and friends by reason of his well spent life and deserves mention among those whose efforts have made this one of the rich farming districts of Kansas. GEORGE M. BLODGET. Atchison county. Kansas, has many prominent citizens who were pioneers there and many more who were soldiers in the c\\\\ war and comparatively few who were both pioneers and soldiers. Of this last mentioned class George M. Blodget, of Mount Pleasant township, is a conspicuous member, and it is thought fitting that an account of his busy and eventful career should have a place in this volume devoted to the lives and achievements of leading citizens of the district from which he went forth to do duty as a soldier and which by all the labors of his life since then he has helped to develop. George M. Blodget, born in Livingston county, New York, October 6, 1834, is a son of George W. and Lucinda (Garfield) Blodget and a grandson of Thomas Blodget. Thomas Blodget, who was a soldier under General Washington and fought for the independence of the American colonies, lived in the Green Mountain state many years during his active manhood and was 5/8 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GENEALOGICAL RECORD. ti blacksmith and a farm owner. He went to Micliigan in 1856 and remained there to be near his son, George \\'., who had settled at Kalamazoo ten or eleven years earlier. Mr. Rowel, the father of Thomas Blodget's wife, was a Revolutionary soldier. The children of Thomas Blodeet were named George W.. Riley and Jared. Riley went to Rhode Island and became connected with shipping interests, navigating waters in the vicinity of Newport. Jared lives in Michigan. Of George ^^'. more detailed information will be given further on. Thomas Blodget died at Kalamazoo. Michigan, in 1S59. aged ninety years. George W. Blodget was born in Vermont in 1800 and died in 1880, aged eighty. His wife. Lucinda, iicc Garfield, was a daughter of Solomon Gar- field, of Ontario county. New York, who had two other daughters, that lived and died in \'ermont, and two sons. — Solomon and Ira Garfield. Lucinda (Garfield) Bkxlget died in 1849. leaving the following named children: Orinda, who married Thomas Sanders; George M. ; Emma, who is Mrs. Nathan Allen, of Michigan ; and John, who is dead. The education of George M. Blodget was limited and he became used to hard work at an early age. He was for a time a hired man at different farms, then worked at logging in the pineries of Michigan. He left the parental home permanently at the age of twenty-one years and proceeded to Winnebago county. Illinois, to take possession of a quarter-section of land for which he had traded. All his life he had been in the timber and among the hills. The prairie land around Rockford appeared so cold and so barren that it discouraged him from settling there, for it seemed to him that he would surely freeze on that open prairie land with no sheltering trees and no eleva- tions to ward off the winds and temper their fury. He took ad\antage of an opportunity to trade his holdings there for a small farm, now within the limits of the city of Moline, Illinois. There he located and remained four years, bartering in various commodities and dealing in stock, which he drove to Chicago to market and turned an honest and hard earned penny bv running n threshing machine in season. He traded his Moline farm for one in Iowa and almost immediately sold that. Then, with such means as he possessed, he came to Kansas, arriving at Atchison April :^, 18^5. Kansas was then in turmoil, almost in a state of anarchy, and border rufiianism was rampant. Mr. Blodget knew not a soul in Kansas except a friend who went there with him, but who, faint-hearted, was soon frightened away by prevailing conditions. Left alone. Mr. Blodget took up a part of his present farm antl bought a claim on some Delaware Indian lands. He settled down to stock raising and the production of grain, occupations in which he was not seriously interrupted until the outbreak of the civil war. \\hen volunteers were called for [Mr. Blodget offered himself for the de- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 579 fense of his country's honor and was accepted as a member of Company F, Thir- teenth Kansas Vohmteer Infantry (Colonel Bowen's regiment), of the Seventh Army Corps, which was mustered into service at Leavenworth, Kansas, and was in the military department of the west. Mr. Blodget,who was duty sergeant of his company, participated in much of the fighting- of every kind that took place in southern Missouri and eastern Arkansas and was once wounded by the bursting of a shell. Mr. Blodget was married, in 1857, to Mary E. Cline, a daughter of Henry Cline. one of the early settlers of Atchison county. The children of this union are : Thomas L. ; Frank F. : Frederick ; Luther ; Lavina, now Mrs. Levi Lawler; Jessie, the wife f>f Levi Ellerman ; and Lulu. Mr. Blodget is one of the stalwart Republicans of the county, has filled some of the public trusts of his township and in 1856 was deputy sheriff of the county. As a farmer and business man he is eminently successful. He has accumulated a body of more than five hundred acres of land, always keeps his farm well stocked and his success is regarded by his co-workers in the field as one of the examples of what energy and tenacity of purpose will do in Kansas. CINCINNATUS B. HULINGS. This is an age in which the young man is influential to an extent much greater than ever before and he is particularly prominent in Kansas, a youth- ful state, remarkable for its progress and the intelligent patriotism of its people. Without disparagement to older men it may be said that the young man is a leader in the political, military, business and social circles of the state and among those representing the great agricultural interests of Kansas. Among the noteworthy farmers of Atchison county are Cincinnatus B. Hulings and his broth.^r. Some account will be given of Mr. Hulings' career thus far. Cincinnatus B. Hulings, of Center township. Atchison county. Kansas, w^as born in Hamilton county, Ohio, May 27, 1861, a son of Samuel L. Hu- lings, a native of Ohio also, who was born in 1822. came to Kansas in 1867 and died in Atchison county in 1885, aged sixty-three vears. He was descended from old Virginia stock and married Louise Browne, who is still living. Their children are named as follows in the order of their nativity: Lillie. the widow of C. J. High ; Cincinnatus B.. and Mark and Ruth, twins. The Huhngs brothers, as Cincinnatus B. and Mark Hulings are known in their township, were little boys when their parents brought their family from Ohio and settled on the high knoll which overlooks their farm and the stretch of country round about in all directions, and they have lived there ever since. / 58o BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Upon attaining to their legal age they made such arrangements in a business way as assured to them the old family homestead. \\'ork has been their motto and their daily occupation, and they have made a winner in a financial way and are among the most successful farmers in their part of the county. They are well known as leading Republicans and exercise their electoral rights ai all elections and are factors to be considered and counted on in some conven- tions. Personally they are not aspirants for office nor special preferment of any kind. Cincinnatus B. Hulings was given the advantages of a good common- school training in his home public school and in the old Pardee high school and has de\eloped into one of the most enterprising men of his township. He is regarded as energetic and ambitious, without extravagant notions as to his future greatness, and with a modest, laudable desire to be free from all encum- brance in an attractive modern home and in pos.session of substantial resources, and those who are acquainted with his progressive, enterprising character and good business ability see no reason why he should not pass the declining years of his life in the enjoyment of such a competency as will insure the realization of his reasonable desires. In 1890 Mr. Hulings married Miss Ida Probasco, a daughter of R. L. ^\^ Probasco, of Huron, a well-known pioneer and prominent grain dealer of Huron, Atchison county, Kansas. Originally the Probasco family was from New Jersey, but the Probascos of Kansas went to the Sunflower state from Maryland. Mrs. Hulings' mother was Miss Emma Challiss and she had three daughters, named Ida, Lillie and Sallie, the last mentioned of whonr married Z. F. Taylor, of Richards, Missouri. Mrs. Hulings was educated liberally in her girlhood and equipped herself for a business life by learning telegraphy and held positions with the Missouri Pacific Railway Company at Oak Mills and Farmington, Atchison county, at which last named place she met Mr. Hulings. Mr. and ]\Irs. Hulings ha\e two daughters, named Louise and Emma, who are seven and five years old respectively. Their home is attracti\e and hospitable and their social standing is such that they number among their friends many of the best people of the county. Mr. Hulings has numerous warm friends among the leading business men of his part of the state and with many of the prominent public men as well. As a farmer he has been extraordinarily successful, having given his attention with good results to gen- eral farming and to stock raising, in which he has attained to prominence. He takes an interest in everything that pertains to scientific agriculture and is a diligent and studious reader of the best and most practical literature on the subject. As a citizen he is public spirited to an uncommon degree, alwaj^s alive to the people's interest and liberally helpful to all movements tending to BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 581 general advancement. He is, above all, a true American. Next he is an enthusiastic Kansan. He advocates personal freedom, free schools and a free press, believing that the voice of the people is the voice of God and that no power can long prevail against the people's will. WILLIAM E. LEWIS, M. D. In the subject of this review we have one who has attained to distinction in the line of his profession and has been an earnest and discriminating- student and who holds a position of due relative precedence among the medical practitioners of Highland. He enjoys a liberal patronage, which is accorded him in recognition of his skill and ability, and his standing in professional cir- cles is equally desirable. The Doctor was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, September i, 1850, and is a son of Reuben E. and Elizabeth (Young) Lewis. The Lewis family is of W^elsh origin and tradition says that the American branch was founded by three brothers who crossed the Atlantic in colonial days. Joseph Lewis, the grandfather, settled in Pennsylvania. On the maternal side the Doctor is of English lineage. His grandfather, James Young, who was for some years the chief of police in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, married a Aliss Kerns. Reuben E. Lewis devoted his time and attention to agricultural pur- suits. He was born in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, and his wife was a native of Philadelphia. He was engaged in the mercantile business until 1850, when he became a farmer, and in 1869 he removed with his family to northeastern Missouri, locating in Shelby county, where he resumed farming, which he carried on until his death in 1883. Dr. Lewis, of this review, spent the first eighteen years of his life in Chester county, Pennsylvania, where he pursued his education in the district schools, later taking a course in the high school at Westchester. He accom- panied his parents on their removal to Missouri and then entered Highland University, at which he was graduated in 1875. Determining to devote his life to the practice of medicine he pursued a course of preparatory reading under the direction of Dr. George C. Brown, of Clarence, Missouri, and later matriculated in the Jefferson Medical College, of Pennsylvania, where he was graduated with the class of 1878. He entered upon his professional career in White Cloud, Doniphan county, Kansas, where he continued in practice until 1882. In the succeeiding winter he pursued a course in Rush Medical College at Chicago and then came to Highland, where he remained until 1892, after which he spent four years in the state of Washington and territory of 582 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. Arizona, hoping- thereby to benefit his wife's health. In 1896 he resumed practice in Higliland and now has a very large patronage. He is a close student of the principles which underlie the practice of medicine and keeps thoroughly informed concerning the discoveries which mark the path of progress in the line of his chosen vocation. On the 2d of April. 1879, the Doctor was united in marriage to Maggie J. Adams, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, a daughter of John and Minerva Adams. Three children, a son and two daughters, grace their union, namely : Nettie F.. Elizabeth C. and Joseph J. The Doctor is a member of various social and medical societies. He belongs to the Kansas State Medical Society, the Doni- phan County Medical Society, the Brown and Doniphan Counties Medical Societies, is an esteemed representative of Highland Lodge. No. 67, I. O. O. F., the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Work- men. He has twice been elected the mayor of Highland and was also the mayor of Colfax, Washington, a town of about three thousand inhabitants. In the discharge of his official duties he labored earnestly to promote the wel- fare of the city that had made him its official head and his administration was characterized by practical improvements. For some years he was the secretary of the board of trustees of Highland University and is now the president of that board. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend and he with- holds his support from no enterprise which is calculated to prove a public benefit. Devoted to the noble and humane work which his profession implies. Dr. Lewis has proved himself faithful and has not only earned the due reward of his efiforts in a temporary way but has also pro\-ed himself worthy to exercise the important functions of his calling through his ability, his abiding sym- pathy and his earnest zeal in behalf of his fellow men. JOHN D. SMITH. John D. Smith, a justice of the peace and the police judge of Troy, Kan- sas, has for eight years maintained his residence in this town and for nearly thirty years has been a resident of Doniphan county. A resume of his life is as follows : John D. Smith was born on a farm in Steuben county, New York, May 29, 1832, a son of Samuel and Nancy (Harder) Smith, the former a native of Princeton, New Jersey, the latter of Mohawk Valley. New York. Samuel Smith, the grandfather of John D., was a pensioner of the war of 1812, and for many years after that war was connected with the militia of the state. He was by occupation a weaver and farmer. The maternal grandparents of our BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 583 subject were James and Catharine (Higgins) Harder, the former a nati\e of Germany. In the year 1838 Samuel Smitli and family left Xew York and came west to Illinois, selecting a location in McHenry county, four miles and a half south of Woodstock, the county seat, where the rest of his life was devoted to agri- cultural pursuits. Here his first wife died, in 1847, and here subsequently he married for his second wife Miss Parmelia Spooner. By the first marriage there were eight chilidren. six of whom reached maturity. John D. being fourth in order of birth. John D. Smith was quite small at the time his parents moved to Illinois and in McHenry county, that state, he was reared and received a common- school education. About the time he was eighteen years old the California gold "fever" spread over the country and he was one of its victims. He crossed the plains, by team, to the Pacific coast, where he spent four years, re- turning at the end of that time to Illinois and settling down to farming and stock raising, in which occupation he was engaged at the time the civil war came on. At the first call fov volunteers to suppress the rebellion John D. Smith was ready to respond. He enlisted on May 24, 1861, as a member of Company F, Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, William Henry in command of the company and Thomas J. Turner at the head of the regiment. The command was or- dered from Jefferson City, Missouri, to Fort Donelson, where Mr. Smith took part in the engagement. Subsequently he was a participant in the battle of Shiloh, in which engagement he was severely wounded in the right shoulder, on April 6, 1862, and on account of said wound was discharged upon sur- geon's certificate of disability October 18, 1862. At the close of his army service Mr. Smith resumed farming in McHenry county, where he remained until 1868. That year he removed to Andrew county, Missouri, and two years later to Doniphan county, Kansas, his settle- ment there being in Wolf River township, where he was engaged in farming and stock raising until the spring of 1892. Since 1892 he has been a resident of Troy. In Illinois, in 1855, Mr. Smith married Miss Clarinda R. Church, a na- tive of McHenry county, that state, and a daughter of L. B. Church, whose native place was Livingston county, New York. Her mother, who before marriage was Miss Betty Patterson, was an own cousin of Miss Petty Pat- terson, who married Jerome Bonaparte, a brother of the Emporer Napoleon Bonaparte. By this marriage Mr. Smith had the following named children : Mariette ; Clara Ida, deceased ; Eda Dell, the wife of George T. Bord ; Lily L., John Sherman, James Leroy, Ellis R., Lucius C. and ^^'■illiam A. The mother of these children died August 5, 1891, and Mr. Smith subsequently wedded 5 84 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. IMrs. ]\Iartha A. Reese, of Troy, the widow of Ed Reese and a daughter of Jacob Kitzer. She died November i8, 1898. Mr. Smitli is a Republican. While living on his farm he served the town- ship as assessor, and at this writing is a justice of the peace and the police judge, having been elected to the former office in 1898 and the latter in 1899. He was made a Mason many years ago in St. Mark's Lodge, No. 63, F. & A. M., at Woodstock, Illinois, of which he is still a member in good standing. Also he is identified with the G. A. R., being a member of Kennedy Post, No. 292, in which he has served officially as adjutant and chaplain, and he is a past commander of Severance Post, No. 191, Department of Kansas, G. A. R. GEORGE B. OKESON. George B. Okeson is the owner of one of the fine farms of Walnut town- ship. Brown coimty, Kansas. He was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, April 6, 1835, and is a son of Samuel and Susanna (Black) Okeson, who also were natives of the Keystone state. The father was a son of Nicholas A. Okeson, who came with his family from Norway and settled in Pennsylvania at an early day. When the colonies attempted to throw off the yoke of British op- pression and gain their independence, he joined the American army and with patriotic ardor aided in the prosecution of the Revolution until the desired end was attained. When the war was over he located in Pennsylvania, where he spent his remaining days, devoting his time and attention to agricultural pursuits. He conducted a country tavern for many years and was well known throughout that section of the state. He obtained his supplies from Balti- more, hauling everything by team, as there were no canals or railroads. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church. The lady bore the maiden name of Alberta Zone and was born in Amsterdam, Holland. Crossing the Atlantic to America, she here became acquainted with Nicholas Okeson, who sought her hand in marriage. She belonged to a very promi- nent family in Amsterdam, her people owning valuable real estate, much of which was included within the corporate limits of the city. Nicholas Okeson and his wife became the parents of six children, namely : William ; John ; Mary, the wife of G. Black; Margaret, the wife of S. Black; Mrs. Sarah Ard and Samuel. The last named was the father of our subject. He spent his entire life in the county of his nativity and cared for his parents through their declining years. He was a plain, unassuming farmer of sterling worth and enjoyed the confidence and respect of all who knew him. He married Susanna Black, a BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 585 lady of Scotch descent and a daughter of Anthony Black, who was a very prominent fruit raiser and also cultivated mulberry trees and raised silk worms, which he fed on the leaves of those trees. Mrs. Samuel Okeson was one of five children: George. John, Mrs. Nancy Roddy, Susanna and Samuel. By her marriage she became the mother of three children, — George B., Nicholas A. and Samuel E. : the two last mentioned are deceased. After the death of his first wife the father married Margaret A. Aluccannon, by whom he had three children, — Mary. Elizabeth C. and Alexander C. Mr. Okeson, of this review, spent the first eighteen years of his life in the state of his nativity and then removed to White county, Indiana, where he remained for three years. In 1854 he removed to the Hoosier state and in 1857 he went to Illinois, but afterward returned to Indiana, where he was married and taught school through the winter. In the spring, however, he again went to Illinois and purchased a tract of unimproved prairie land in Livingston county, where he made a farm. In connection with its cultivation he also engaged in teaching through the winter season, but ultimately he sold his farm there and bought and improved another farm. Later he engaged in merchandising in Kansas, and at length he sold out and purchased the farm upon which he has since resided. His fields are now well tilled, and in connec- tion with the raising of grains best suited to this climate he also deals in stock, and in that branch of his business has been quite successful. His farm comprises two hundred and forty acres of fine land, which is not only highly cultivated, but has also been adorned by the erection of a commodious two-story frame residence, which is surrounded by a beautiful grove, and in the rear stands large barns and outbuildings. There is also a comfortable tenement house on the place, and the tenant cultivates the land, while Mr. Okeson is his partner in the stock business, having retired from farm work. The home is pleasantly located two miles and a half east of Fairview, and there Mr. and Mrs. Okeson are enjoying the fruits of their well-spent lives. The lady was in her maidenhood Miss Emma A. Johnson. She was born in West Virginia, February 8, 1837, and is a daughter of Epps and Ann (Durton) Johnson, the former a native of Norfolk city, Virginia, the latter of West Virginia. Her father was left an orphan at an early age and was bound out to learn the carpenter's trade in Norfolk. Removing to West Virginia he was married there and there his children were born. In 1855 he removed to Indiana and located upon land near Wolcott, where he improved an excellent farm, making his home there until his death. He also worked at his trade as long as he was able. His wife was a daughter of Peter Durton. who followed farming near Barboursville, West Virginia. There he died and his wife also spent her last days on the old homestead in that locality. Mr. and Mrs. Durton were the parents of the follow- 586 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. ing children: Philip: William: John: Martha, who became Mrs. Dundas; Betsey, the wife of J. Furgueson. who was a senator of West Virginia for fifteen years; Polly, who became Mrs. Plymonth, and ]\Irs. Ann Johnson. The family was divided in religious faith, some of the members being Methodists and some Baptists. INIrs. Okeson was one of a family of eight children, namely: Amos, Emma V., James. Joseph. Peter. Henry. Mrs. Eliza- beth Goodrich and Charles. Of this number, James and Joseph served in the war of the Rebellion, the latter being superintending bridge builder. Both returned home. The parents were members of the Baptist church and w ere people of the highest respectability. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Okeson have been born four chilidren : Anna E.. wife of James Stewart ; Jennie V., who became the wife of J. H. \'andolson and died leaving four children; Samuel, a farmer and stock raiser, and George, who died at the age of two years. Mr. and Mrs. Okeson were formerly connected with the Presbyterian church, but are now members of the Congregational church. He was reared in the faith of the Whig party and continued one of its supporters until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new Republican party. He has al- ways been earnest in the advocacy of its principles and has done all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. While in Illinois he filled the office of county supervisor, but has been \-ery modest in his demands for political reward, in fact has ever preferred to devote his time and attention to his business interests, in which he has met with signal success. His life has been a very busy and useful one and his labors have been crowned \\-ith prosperity. He is now enjoying the fruits of his former toil, being enabled to put aside many of the more arduous cares of acti\-e business life. TOHX S. TYLER. Among the earliest settlers identified with the development of Brown county and its farming and stock raising interests was John S. Tyler, who is also a representative member of one of the prominent families of the nation. Many of its members have attained eminent positions in connection with poli- tics and other public affairs. He was born in New London county, Con- necticut, November i6, 1825, and is a son of Henry C. and Harriet (Hyde) Tyler, also natives of the Charter Oak state, where they were married and re- mained throughout their lives. The ancestry of the family can be traced back to three brothers of the name of Tyler who emigrated from Shropshire, England, in 1640, to America. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 587 Tliey were Job, Hopestill and Joseph Tyler, and there is a claim of a relation to John Tyler, president of the United States. From the colonial epoch in the history of our country down to the present time their descendants have fig- ured conspicuously in connection with many affairs which have aided in shap- ing the policy of the nation. One of the brothers. Job Tyler, settled in Massa- chusetts. He had a son, Hopestill Tyler, who was married in 1706 to Hannah Safiford. One of their children, James Tyler, was the father of General John Tyler, who married Mary Coit and among their children was John Tyler, the grandfather of our subject. General John Tyler and his wife, Mary Coit, were both natives of Connecticut and were married there December 14, 1742. They had a numerous and prominent family, including Mitchell ; James, who died September 4, 1750; John, who died May 19, 1752; Abigail L. ; Olive, the wife of Daniel Coit; John, who was born July 22, 1755; Lydia, the wife of Colonel Samuel Mott, and Abigail L., who was the wife of Captain Na- thaniel Lord. The father of this family died July 4, 1804. in Connecticut, and his wife passed away in that state on the nth of November, 1801. Brigadier-General John Tyler received his appointment from the gen- eral assembly of the state of Connecticut, by which body he was made lieu- tenant of the Third Company, or training band, of Preston, in the year 1752. In 1755, when the general assembly of Connecticut decided to join with the colonies of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and New York in raising an army of five thousand men to proceed against the French at Crown Point and erect a fortress upon an eminence near the fort built by the French, John Tyler was appointed by the assembly as the second lieutenant of the militia company to be raised in his neighborhood for that expedition. He was assigned to duty in the Third Company, and in 1756, when the assembly or- dered another force of twenty-five hundred men for the expedition, John Tyler was promoted to the rank of captain and marched with the first companies against the French and Indians. In 1755 he rendered faithful and important service in the official positions which he filled and this experience proved to him an excellent training school for service in the Revolution. When the colonies attempted to throw off the yoke of oppression he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, thus serving until May i, 1775, when he was discharged. In 1776 he joined the army as a brigadier-general and was one of the valiant defenders of colonial rights during the war which brought liberty to the nation. John Tyler, a son of Brigadier-General Tyler, married Mary Bordman, and they became the parents of eight children, namely : Joseph C, Mary, Olive, John. Henry C, Dwight R., Thomas S. and Abby. Of this number Henry C. Tyler became the father of our subject. He married Harriet Hyde and they had two children: Lucy, the wife of Joseph Geist, and John S. The mother died November 24. 1827, and the following 588 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 3'ear Mr. Tyler wedded Tirza Moss, by whom he had four children. — Mary B.. Harriet, Olive and Henry, who grew to mature years, — and a son and daughter who died in infancy. The mother of these children died September i8, 1864, and the father's death occurred February 18, 1875. They were con- sistent members of the Congregational church and the father was a leading and influential farmer in Connecticut, where he spent his entire life. John S. Tyler, of this review, was reared and educated in the state of his nativity, remaining at his parental home until he had attained his majority. His educational privileges were those afiforded by the common schools and for one winter he engaged in teaching in Connecticut. On leaving the east he made his way to Dubuque, Iowa, where he worked in the lead mines for a short time and then removed to Calhoun county, Illinois, where he was en- gaged in the lumber business. Later he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he made some improvements, but in April, 1856, he sold that property and with a team of horses came to Kansas. After prospecting for some little time he located on Delaware creek, Brown county, where he yet lives. He at first secured a squatter's claim of one hundred and sixty acres, and when the land came into the market he entered it from the government, thus securing his title to the tract. Upon the place he built a log cabin and at once began the development of the farm. There were few settlers in the locality and these lived along the streams where the timber was growing. Their homes were widely scattered, but a spirit of hospitality existed. Mr. Tyler had no trouble with the Indians and border ruffians, altliough excitement waxed high at that time, when John Brown and "Jim" Lane, the noted abolition leaders, were conspicuous in the county, and the latter owned a cabin and fort in the township where Mr. Tyler still resides. Game of all kinds was plentiful, but money was scarce; great hospitality existed and there was no social distinction in that country; there was everything to be made and nothing to lose, and the pioneers came with the determination of securing homes in this new region. Mr. Tyler secured a tract of land and soon afterward began stock raising. He did his trading at Iowa Point, thirty miles from his home, and there went for his mail, but subsequently he traded at Atchison. During the civil war he was an active member of the militia. In his farming and stock raising ventures he met with success and, judiciously investing his capital in land, he is now the owner of a valuable homestead of over seven hundred acres, in addition to lands in other counties. His possessions altogether aggregate about seventeen hun- dred acres. He has successfully carried on general farming and raises and handles stock, buying cattle which he feeds and fattens for the markets. The products of his farm are used in this way, and he often buys large quantities of grain for stock-feeding purposes. Usually he takes his cattle to market BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 589 himself, formerly selling in Chicago, but of late years in Kansas City. He now keeps on hand a large herd of cattle and personally supervises his busi- ness affairs, although he has reached the advanced age of seventy-five years. In June, 1866, Mr. Tyler was united in marriage with Harriet Chase, who was born in Maine, October 18, 1840. She is a lady of culture and in- telligence and before her marriage was a teacher in the Kansas schools. Her parents were James and Abigail (Trull) Chase, who were connected with prominent families of Boston. Her father was a resident of Maine at the time of his marriage and in 1859 came to Kansas. In the following year, he brought his family, locating near Hiawatha. He became one of the extensive farmers and stock shippers and later in life he engaged in the lumber business in Hiawatha. His honorable business methods commended him to the con- fidence and respect of the entire community, and his death, which occurred April 22, 1878, was mourned by his many friends as well as by his own fam- ily. His wife survived him until December 23, 1896. Both were consistent members of the Baptist church. They had three children : Elbridge. a farmer and stock and grain dealer. Mrs. Tyler, and Lewis E.. who is li\ing on the homestead farm. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tyler have been born four children: Augustus H., who died at the age of twenty years; James C, who completed a course in the Ottawa University and the Johns Hopkins University; Lois, the wife of G. W. Haflich, and John H., at home. He was born January i, 1881, and is now practically the manager of the home farm, being a young man of ex- ceptional business ability. Mr. and Mrs. Tyler hold membership in the Baptist church, in which he takes a deep interest, and is now serving as a deacon. He is an earnest worker in the Sunday school and has a life membership in the American Bap- tist Home Missionary Society. In politics he was formerly a Whig and now a Republican. He served as county commissioner and in an early day listed the property of the county, but has never sought office. In his business ven- tures he has been very successful and has not only become one of the prosper- ous residents of Brown county, but is also a respected citizen worthy of the highest regard. DEXXIS P. DELAXEY. Dennis P. Delaney. the clerk of the district court of Doniphan county and the general agent for the McCormick Manufacturing Company, was born on the 2 1 St of March, 1864, in the county which is still his home. He now maintains his residence in Severance and is recognized as one of the leading 590 BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. business men and representative citizens. His parents, John and Catharine (Redmond) Delaney, were both natives of Queens county, Ireland, and at an early day took up their residence in Doniphan county, Kansas, where they are now among the pioneer settlers. The mother died in 1857, but the father long survived her and passed away in 1891. Both were devout members of the Catholic church. Dennis P. Delaney attended the district schools and later entered St. Benedict's College, in Atchison, Kansas, in which he was graduated in 1885. Thus well equipped for the practical and responsible duties of life he entered upon his business career as a farmer and for two years engaged in tilling the soil and then came to Severance, where he embarked in business as a member of the firm of Severing & Delaney. That relation was maintained for one year, when the firm of Delaney & Lyon was formed, his partner being Thomas Lyon until 1896. In that year Mr. Delaney sold his interest and was soon after appointed clerk of the district court to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of E. R. Westfall. At the regular election he was chosen for that jxisition and was re-elected in 1898, so that he will be the incumljent until January, 1 90 1. For some years he has been the general agent for the McCormick Imple- ment Company, attending to the introduction and sale of their goods through the greater part of the state of Kansas. His energy and keen discrimination in business affairs brought to him success along that line, while his fidelity to duty in positions of public trust has made him one of the most popular officers in Doniphan county. On the 1 8th of June, 1881, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Delaney and Miss Rosa Lyon, the daughter of Thomas and Mary Lyon. She was born in this county, her parents being among the pioneer settlers. Three children grace their union, — Thomas, Vernon and Daniel. In his political views Mr. Delaney is a Republican, takes a deep interest in the success and growth of the party and exerts a wide influence among its followers. Both he and his wife have spent their entire lives in Doniphan county, where they are well and favor- ably known, few having filled public office in this locality as efficiently and acceptably as has the subject of this review. JOHN H. AMLDEY. John H. \Vildey, whose connection with mercantile interests in High- land exceeds that of any other representative of the commerce of the city, was born in Dutchess county, New York, in 1832, and is a son of Alanson and Phcebe (Pettit) Wildey. James Wildey and Henry Pettit were his grand- BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 591 fathers and tlie former was descended from English ancestry, while the latter was of French lineage. The parents of our subject were also natives of Dutchess county, New York, and the father was a farmer and merchant. In their family were nine children, four sons and five daughters. All are living excepting one son, who served in the civil war and was killed in battle in 1863 ; Catherine is the wife of John Sales and resides in Iowa, while the other living members of the family make their home in Binghamton, New York, and vicinity. John H. Wildey spent the first eleven years of his life in the county of his nativity and then removed with his parents to Broome county, New York, where he pursued his education in the common schools. Later he was a student in Binghamton Academy for two and one-half years and then was a clerk in his father's store in Binghamton. Attracted by the opixirtunities of the west he emigrated to Iowa in 1853, spending three years there and in 1857 came to Highland, Kansas, where for forty-two years he has made his home. He is one of the honored pioneers of the state, having witnessed the greater part of its growth and development, and in Highland he is well known as a valued and enterprising citizen whose labors have largely promoted the material development of the town. He began business here as a mason and plasterer, which trades he had learned in Iowa under the direction of John Sale, but in 1 86 1 he put aside all personal considerations and, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, offered his services to his country. He enlisted as a member of Company C, Seventh Kansas Cavalry, under Colonel D. Anthony, and wnth his regiment was ordered to Missouri, where he took part in many raids and skirmishes. He entered the service as a private, but meritorious conduct won him promotion to the rank of sergeant and later to that of first lieutenant, in which capacity he served until mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in July, 1865. Returning to Highland Mr. \\'ildey resumed work as a mason and plas- terer and was thus engaged for se\eral years, after which he opened a general store. His trade steadily and constantly increased until he became a leading merchant of the city. He is also regarded as a most obliging gentleman and is ever willing to accommodate his patrons, who through unfavorable circum- stances find that it was impossible to pay for goods at the time purchased. He carries a large and well-selected stock of general merchandise and his liberal patronage is certainly well merited, for his business methods are ever honor- able. Mr. Wildey is also the proprietor of the Wildey House, which is now and has been for many years the leadinp- hotel of the place. During the early days, when the tide of immigration was bringing many settlers to the west, his house was often so crowded that the guests had to sleep upon the floor and in the halls, but the proprietor was always courteous and accommodating and 592 BIOGRAPHICAL AXD GEXEALOGICAL RECORD. won the respect and friendship of his many patrons. As a citizen he has ever been deeply interested in whatever was calculated to benefit the community, and he belongs to that class of representative Americans who. while promoting hidividual prosperity, also advance the general welfare. THOMAS J. FERGUSOX. Deeds of valor have been the theme of song and story from the earliest ages and the record of the wars that have been waged form the most imixirtant element in history. Xo civil strife has ever awakened as great and widespread an interest as that which occurred in this country between the years of 1861 and 1865. for the monarchical countries of Europe regarded it as a test of the republican form of government. The discontented south attempted to over- tlirow the union of states, but loyal men of the north responded quickly to the call for troops and Mr. Ferguson was among those who "wore the blue" to aid in the preservation of the Union. He was born in Illinois March 20, 1843, '^"^^ '* ^ ^^i" *^* Dr. Philip C. Ferguson, who was born in \'irginia. A. D. 18 14. a representative of one of the old families of the state. He was a physician of considerable renown : was also active in politics and other public affairs and had many tilts with the "Jay- hawkers" and thieving bands which infested Kansas during its early history. At the time of his death he held a commission as a captain in the state military troops of Kansas. In her maidenhood the mother of our subject bore the name of Mary Haines and her father was Ezekiel Haines, also a native of ^"irginia. At a pioneer epoch in the history of Illinois P. C. Ferguson became one of the earliest settlers in Christian county, that state, where he spent twen- ty-five years of his life and moved to Kansas, where he spent his remaining days, dying at the age of fifty-two years. His wife, surviving him for some time, passed away in i8€S2, at the age of sixty-eight years. . They were both members of the MethcKlist church and their lives, in harmony with their pro- fessions, commended them to the confidence and trust of all with whom they came in contact. They had nine children, five of whom reached years of maturity, namely: Hiram E.. who is now in Christian county, Illinois, and who servetl as a member of the Thirteentli Kansas \'olunteers during the civil war ; Christopher Columbus, who was a member of the Second Colorado Cav- alry and who died in Omaha. Xebraska, in 1896; Elizabeth J. Bryan, who also is living in Omaha, Xebraska; Lucy Eleanor Trent, a successful teacher of Wathena, Kansas, died in 1878. leaving a husl>and and three children: and Thomas J. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL RECORD. 593 Tlie subject of tliis review obtained Iiis educatidu in the puljlic schools and in liis youth assisted in tiie work on his fatlier's farm, early becoming familiar with the labors of field and mea(l